Luci - You're right - the stats are grim - I did no research when I was contemplating my 1st IVF cycle. If I had, I probably would've rethought the whole thing but I was 43 at the time - there's a difference between women who are 40 and ones that are 42+ in terms of fertility.
My re gave us no stats, odds, nada. Like I said, chances are we wouldn't have even tried and gone for donor eggs (that's what I ended up doing on the 2nd cycle). But there is a 43 year old woman who was going through IVF during my cycle - she got pregnant w/triplets and delivered healthy twins. She beat the odds so it can be done.
I don't want to sound so negative - it's just what I've found when i too did the research. Good luc w/your cycle - remember, you can beat the odds - it only takes one egg to make a healthy embryo that implants.
About the symptoms - when I did get pregnant w/donor eggs, I didnt' experience any real symptoms untiul the 7-8th week. I was so convinced I wasn't pregnant that when I took a hpt the night before the beta, I was caught completely by surprise.
Probably the biggest thing I noticed during the tww, I had some craps on days 2-3, some bloating later on and then nothing - not even sore bbs.
Hope this helps - good luck!!! - jen
I'm 40 and I just finished my first cycle of ivf. I'm 6 weeks pregnant, so it can definitely work! It all depends on the quality of your eggs (and the sperm).
Jen - it's comforting to read that you had no symptoms. I've been very worried because I don't have any symptoms, not even sore bbs. I have my first u/s tomorrow, and I'm pretty nervous about it. Everything I've been reading talks about sore and growing bbs, food aversions, nausea. The only symptom I suppose I have is peeing a lot, but I've also been drinking a lot more water. I guess I will know more tomorrow.
I have a friend that went through ivf 5 times, she got pregnant twice, the first she miscarried. Now she has a beautiful 1 1/2 year old boy - she's 44. I would think if the RE didn't think you were a good candidate, they would have said as much.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Michelle