Ok, this IS personal.....

[littlesista06]

Dh and I have a great dd who's 5 1/2 and had hoped by now, she'd have a brother or sister..... but not luck in the last 2 1/2 years.
I'm at the point now that artificial insemination is the next step.

This may be way too much to ask here, but has anyone done it that would care to share with me your experience, results, etc.

I hope I'm not stepping on anyone's toes by being so personal, but thought I'd throw out the question. I have a couple of friends that I can talk to about it, but I also have friends that are telling me to "just relax, it'll happen when it's time to happen". Well, in my case, all the relaxing in the world isn't gonna make it happen!! :D You're such a supportive and informative group here, I'd like to hear what you have to say.

I alomst have to decide this week (due to the stage I'm at in my cycle) --- dh says go for it, but I feel like I might be making a rush decision. (it was just presented to me today)

I feel like: I did it 'on my own 6 years ago, I want to give every effort to do it on my own again. But, as dh says, we've given it 2 1/2 years on our own.

So, if anyone can share anyting with me, I'd greatly appreciate it.

[AnnW]

I've done it. Medically, it's really not a big deal...more embarrasing for your dh than anything! ;) Your dh gives the sample, you race to the doctor's office with sitting next to you on the seat if he can't get off from work, the doctor will "wash" it to make just a pure sperm mixture and then place it inside your uterus. Feeling wise, it will feel alot like a pelvic exam and pap smear. You will probably have to lie there for about 30 minutes or so. And that's pretty much it. By not having to go into the cervix, and going straight into the uterus the sperm have a better shot at hitting their target.
As far as it being "artificial" or not doing it on your own...it IS your dh's sperm and your egg....all you are doing is helping them get there a little easier.
Good luck.

[Amy2]

I'm assuming you have exhausted all other possibilities. For example, done the blood tests to be sure that you are in fact ovulating, etc.

I haven't done it personally, but have friends who have, and their kid looks just as much like them as it would if he were conceived the old fashioned way.

If you are feeling concerned because the age gap between the kids is getting wider, go for it! There is no shame in it.

Amy

[Diane]

I've had no personal experience with it either but I know of a lot of people who have, and have been very successful... and a few other's who weren't as lucky. I don't know why it works for some and not other's... ?( ?( Anyway... I hope that if this is the way you decide to go... your's too will be successful!!! :)

Diane... :wave:

[Leigh]

I have not had any personal experience with it either, but wanted to wish you the best of luck.

[Amy]

One of my best friends did it. She tried the hormone shots first and didn't take. I believe she had medical problems that made it hard. Then she went through the invitro and it took the second time around. She has a healthy beautiful boy now. Good luck on whatever you decide!

[AnnW]

Amy..why wouldn't the kids look like them? It's their own sperm and egg. ?(


Amy/Co...artificial insemination and invitro aren't the same thing. Invitro is when the egg is taken out of the mom's ovaries and mixed with the sperm in a dish and then put back into the uterus. AI is just giving the sperm a "boost" to the uterus.



btw, littlesista..I hear you about those "just relax" comments..made me crazy too!!!!!!;)

[littlesista06]

Thank you all so much! I KNEW I could count on you!! I appreciate your opinions and experiences (your own, or others).

AnnW --- UGH!! Just relax.... if I EVER hear that again, I will scream!! :)

Amy --- the 'age thing' doesn't bother me too much - this way dd will be 6 and she's already in school, so come fall, I'll have the baby to myself just like I did with dd! :D I'll get to do all the good baby things that I did with dd - minus a restless toddler!! :D
DH's age is the only thing on my mind.... he's 41 and I just don't want to be unfair to him, ya know? I mean, he'll be almost 60 when #2 graduates!! I told him, you know this means you can't retire at 60!! But, sweet man, he's okay with it all - he (and I) want dd to have a sibling.
As far as other tests, yes -- done 'em. The HSG'S, semen analysis, clomid, ultrasounds, etc. I've had 2 ovarian surgeries since dd, so that means some scar tissue on the ovary, plus I'm just not producing enough mucus (I know, I hate that word!!) to move the sperm along... so this is just what Ann said, it's the "boost" we need.

Leigh, Diane, Amy/CO - thanks! :D

Thanks again ya'll!! I tested positive on the ovulation predictor test this a.m. so will be calling the dr. to see what's next..... 8o
(or rather, when....)

[AnnW]

Littlesista, are you taking Robitusson? A tsp a day helps with the mucus.

[RCT]

coming in late her littlesista....but wanted to say good luck in whatever you choose.....

[Diane]

Originally posted by littlesista06
Thanks again ya'll!! I tested positive on the ovulation predictor test this a.m. so will be calling the dr. to see what's next..... 8o
(or rather, when....)


Good luck... I hope everything works out well for you. Please keep us updated!!!

Diane... :wave:

[KarlaB]

Best of luck!! :tinysmile

[littlesista06]

Well, the deed is done!!!

Dh did his part (God love him) and I went in this afternoon and before I knew it started, it was over!!

Now if it takes, I can say it took 3 men to get me pregnant; one to give me the drugs, one to give the sperm and one to get it in!!! LOL (sorry, that was crude, but it tickled me!) :biglaugh:

AnnW ---- haven't heard of the Robitussin... mabye I need to make a trip to the drugstore!

Thanks again you guys for the encouragement - we'll know in about 2 weeks if it worked or not. Keep your fingers crossed.......

[darlene]

I hope it works out and you have the pitter patter of little feet once again!

:)

[AnnW]

Crossing my fingers!!

[Diane]

Good luck... let us know it it takes. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you. :)

Diane... :wave:

[Amy2]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by AnnW
[B]Amy..why wouldn't the kids look like them? It's their own sperm and egg. ?(


Ann, you're absolutely right. I guess I was just thinking about sperm/egg donors. Duh.

Amy

[RCT]

fingers crossed here too....keep us updated on your situation...love the three men to get you pregnant...LOL...thats cute...:tinysmile

[Leigh]

I am coming in late, but I have got my fingers crossed for you too. Let us know how it goes.