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Stress Reduction and Your Fertility Potential

March 4, 2008 - Tuesday
7:49 AM to 7:49 AM (EST)
Guest Speakers: Diane Johnston, APRN-BC, PNP

Categories
Acupuncture • Fertility • Fertility and the Environment • Infertility • Yoga

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[Tue Mar 04 16:54:19 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi Diane!
[Tue Mar 04 16:54:30 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	So glad that this worked out.
[Tue Mar 04 16:54:53 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Hi Corey
[Tue Mar 04 16:55:06 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Me too - not sure how this works but I'm game
[Tue Mar 04 16:55:39 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Folks should start popping on in about five minutes. I am going to type an intro for you now, and when people join us they'll type in their questions and you answer them, that's about it.
[Tue Mar 04 16:55:56 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	You can also volunteer information that you think would be supportive
[Tue Mar 04 16:55:57 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	any idea of how many people may sign on?
[Tue Mar 04 16:56:15 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hard to say. It ranges from 10-30 usually.
[Tue Mar 04 16:57:53 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi and welcome. I'm Corey Whelan, your chat moderator tonight. I am so pleased that Diane Johnston is joining us this evening. Diane will be on hand from 8-9 p.m. to answer your questions on stress and fertility.
[Tue Mar 04 16:58:38 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Diane, while we are waiting, I wonder if you would be willing to let us know a little bit about your background and also your website address?
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[Tue Mar 04 17:00:12 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Certainly. I am a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner/Psychotherapist and Mind Body Practioner with a specialty practice in Fertility issues. I am currently in private practice in NYC and Westport, Ct. and my website address is www.mind-body-fertility.com
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[Tue Mar 04 17:01:01 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Hello to all who just joined!
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[Tue Mar 04 17:01:34 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I am open to questions you might have.
[Tue Mar 04 17:01:47 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi everyone, welcome. We are here with Diane Johnston, please feel free to ask your questions at any time.
[Tue Mar 04 17:02:02 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Corey,
[Tue Mar 04 17:02:35 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I also should mention that I am a Marital and Family Therapist as well
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[Tue Mar 04 17:02:47 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	good to know!
[Tue Mar 04 17:03:16 PST 2008]	mhobbins	Where is the best place to start in reducing the daily stress of infertility? Sometimes I'm okay and sometimes it feels overwhelming. I don't know where to start.
[Tue Mar 04 17:03:33 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Good question mhobbins.
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[Tue Mar 04 17:04:20 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	That is a good question. Well, you started by recognizing that you are under a great deal of stress as a result of the fertility issues. The next step would be to begin a regular practice of relaxation and meditation.
[Tue Mar 04 17:04:20 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi TT, how are you? We are just getting started, please feel free to ask your questions at any time. An hour goes so quickly!
[Tue Mar 04 17:04:26 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	I've been hearing alot about accupucture. Do you think that works?
[Tue Mar 04 17:04:43 PST 2008]	TT	Thanks. Glad to be here
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[Tue Mar 04 17:05:26 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Yes, although I am not an acupuncturist, I refer many of my clients to an acupuncturist. I find that the combination of working with mind body approaches and working with an acupuncturist is very powerful and helpful.
[Tue Mar 04 17:05:36 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi Mica! Welcome. We are chatting on stress and fetility with Diane Johnston
[Tue Mar 04 17:05:44 PST 2008]	mhobbins	Should we being doing relaxation techniques and meditation a certain amount of time each day or just when we feel the stress kicking in?
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[Tue Mar 04 17:07:02 PST 2008]	TT	Is it known exactly what aspects of fertility stress impacts?
[Tue Mar 04 17:07:06 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	The way I teach mind body approaches is that you must be doing this on a regular basis in order to receive the benefits. My clients work with me using my relaxation tape - I ask that they listen to this tape at least 5 times a week and preferably every day.
[Tue Mar 04 17:07:26 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi jeanine.
[Tue Mar 04 17:07:39 PST 2008]	jeaninetoro	hi everyone
[Tue Mar 04 17:07:45 PST 2008]	Milca	Hi from Puerto Rico
[Tue Mar 04 17:07:59 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	Other than yoga and meditation, are there others ways to reduce stress, like driving less?
[Tue Mar 04 17:08:20 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi from Brooklyn!
[Tue Mar 04 17:08:57 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	While the exact mechanism is not known, it is known that stress plays a significant role in fertility issues - for example, we know that stress releases stress hormones in the body and often this can interfere with ovulation as well as fallopian tube stricture. Our task is to reduce the outflow of stress hormones which is achieved by daily practice of relaxation as well as other mind body approaches.
[Tue Mar 04 17:09:10 PST 2008]	Our_Twins	hello from Sunny Florida!
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[Tue Mar 04 17:10:46 PST 2008]	TT	Are their environmental factors? Does the stress of city living vs. suburbs have a role? What about the stress of seasonal changes, say less light in the winter months? Also, does stress play a more or less significant role at various phases of a pregnancy?
[Tue Mar 04 17:10:51 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi maxphoto, welcome
[Tue Mar 04 17:10:56 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I believe very strongly, Renamacqueen, in the practice of mindfulness. This is a practice based on centuries-old practices of Buddhism. Mindfulness simply means paying attention to what is happening in one's life in the present moment rather than dwelling on past and future. This is a very real help with women who are struggling with fertiliity issues.
[Tue Mar 04 17:11:06 PST 2008]	maxphoto	Thanks!
[Tue Mar 04 17:12:12 PST 2008]	mhobbins	Can stress affect male issues as well? How? We are male factor.
[Tue Mar 04 17:12:20 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	TT, Hard to say about environmental factors i.e. light - however, I do believe that you must create a peaceful environment for yourself - It is difficult to do all the time given the amount of stress most of us encounter but every day, you must give yourself some peace and stillness. This is why meditation works so well.
[Tue Mar 04 17:12:42 PST 2008]	TT	Thanks
[Tue Mar 04 17:13:31 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	What is known about stress is that it can interfere with sperm production - in the most severe stress, men can completely stop producing sperm. This is not the case, however, mainly in male factor , I don't believe
[Tue Mar 04 17:14:28 PST 2008]	maxphoto	Any stress reduction tips for type A's?
[Tue Mar 04 17:14:37 PST 2008]	Our_Twins	Hi Dianne. What about the effect of foods? Are there certain foods that help to de-stress and others that add to the stresses of life?
[Tue Mar 04 17:16:18 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	As I have said, the most helpful things I can emphasize is a regular practice of relaxation, meditation and mindfulness. It is best to work with a practitioner to keep yourself structured. In my practice, I work with individuals and I also have 10 week groups for women - this helps stay "on track" otherwise, the work can be challenging to keep going by yourself.
[Tue Mar 04 17:16:32 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	I've read a book on mindfulness but I can't make myself do it. What helps you just get started?
[Tue Mar 04 17:17:18 PST 2008]	TT	How do i evaluate a good practitioner without investing several months?
[Tue Mar 04 17:17:31 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I do not claim in any way to be a nutritionist but the obvious things like reducing caffeine and limiting alcohol make sense to me. I believe there are many misleading books about diet - I am not sure I really can advise you in this area.
[Tue Mar 04 17:19:02 PST 2008]	jeaninetoro	Good evening Diane. I am a fulltime working mother of a two yaer old. I find that I have the stress of work and then coming home to be a mom and wife. I rarely have time to myself. In my situation when would be the best time to perform the relaxation techniques?
[Tue Mar 04 17:19:07 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Renam, the best way to get started is to start slowly. Take only 5 minutes and do something that you like to do but do it mindfully - for example, take a piece of fruit and eat it mindfully - no other distractions - or take a shower or bath mindfully. Or take a mindful 5 minute walk - then expand it to a longer time period.
[Tue Mar 04 17:19:09 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	I don't know if it ties into stress, but I do advise everyone who is focused on fertiity issues to reduce sugar and carbs. These really are fertility theives.
[Tue Mar 04 17:19:32 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	I live in the middle of nowhere. Are the relaxational effects of accupuncture erased by a one hour drive through traffic?
[Tue Mar 04 17:19:40 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	thieves
[Tue Mar 04 17:19:49 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	sorry, can't spell.
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[Tue Mar 04 17:20:32 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Jeaninetoro, the best way is to find a time, really - it sounds challenging but if you can carve out a 10-15 minute period of time when you can be totally alone, I would advise that - you can also work with a relaxation tape. If you look at my website, I have one that I use with my clients.
[Tue Mar 04 17:20:44 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi, jojobee. Welcome. Please feel free to jump in at any time; we are talking about stress and fertility.
[Tue Mar 04 17:20:53 PST 2008]	mhobbins	renamacqueen -- I had a hard time the first time I tried mindfullness but I actually was able to acheive a few minutes of it last weekend. I woke up before my husband and decided to stay for a few minutes and be mindful of just laying there watching him sleep. It was very relaxing for me and I think helped me feel what mindfullness is about (I think)
[Tue Mar 04 17:20:57 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I agree, Corey
[Tue Mar 04 17:21:03 PST 2008]	maxphoto	For those of us who are on tons of drugs, a bit of sugar and carbs is the only thing that keeps us functioning to get through a work day.
[Tue Mar 04 17:21:33 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	good for you ( re: the mindfulness) Keep going with it - take it to different areas
[Tue Mar 04 17:21:56 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Max, I hear you. But deep breathing techniques do more for your body than m&m's!
[Tue Mar 04 17:22:01 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	I promise.
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[Tue Mar 04 17:22:39 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Maxphoto, I would suggest substituting something more beneficial. The sugar is a temporary "fix" and often just leads to more cravings. Try a walk or meditate
[Tue Mar 04 17:22:56 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	I s sugar really that bad?
[Tue Mar 04 17:23:04 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	YES
[Tue Mar 04 17:23:23 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Just in general, from a health perspective, everyone needs to cut way back on refined sugar
[Tue Mar 04 17:23:29 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	wow, that sucks.
[Tue Mar 04 17:24:01 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	What does it do beside give you a yeast infection?
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[Tue Mar 04 17:24:37 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	it likely has to do with many illnesses that can develop - sugar is simply not good for you
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[Tue Mar 04 17:24:50 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	sorry, I got disconnected for a second. Sugar stimulates the pituatary system to produce testosterone
[Tue Mar 04 17:24:58 PST 2008]	Our_Twins	Read the new book, "The Fertility Diet". It is eyeopening and very helpful.
[Tue Mar 04 17:25:21 PST 2008]	TT	For those hating to pull away from sugar, try some of the substitutes, some are even made from sugar, but without the neg impact on the system.
[Tue Mar 04 17:25:23 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	AH, that is important to know.
[Tue Mar 04 17:25:28 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Particularly for women with pcos, or pcos like disorders.
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[Tue Mar 04 17:25:51 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	What is PCOS?
[Tue Mar 04 17:26:03 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
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[Tue Mar 04 17:26:33 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Diane, do you suggest mediatation, or other stress reducers, with a partner, like a husband?
[Tue Mar 04 17:26:59 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	not necessarily - unless both people really want to do this together.
[Tue Mar 04 17:27:25 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	the important thing is to do it - fit it into your life
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[Tue Mar 04 17:27:41 PST 2008]	jeaninetoro	Diane, how beneficial is exercise as a stress reducer?
[Tue Mar 04 17:27:46 PST 2008]	maxphoto	Has anyone heard of an herb called Red Root (I think) ? It is supposed to help with relaxation and has a positive affect on the uterine lining.
[Tue Mar 04 17:28:08 PST 2008]	michal69	Hi Diane this is Michal what is the best stress reducer, and how often should you be doing this?
[Tue Mar 04 17:28:13 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi Teri, welcome to our chat with Diane Johnston on stress and fertility
[Tue Mar 04 17:28:24 PST 2008]	Teri	ty corey and hello
[Tue Mar 04 17:28:31 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I believe it is very beneficial - moderate exercise i.e. walking, elliptical trainer,yoga - all of this is very beneficial in addition to mind body practices
[Tue Mar 04 17:29:02 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Michael, the best stress reducer is a regular, consistent practice of relaxation, meditation and mindfulness
[Tue Mar 04 17:29:05 PST 2008]	jsherm62	I'm planning to do DE should I loose weight before doing it?
[Tue Mar 04 17:29:26 PST 2008]	mhobbins	Is therapy usually more benenficial as a couple or individual? I think we could both use it but I'm not sure about going together.
[Tue Mar 04 17:29:52 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	jsherm, that is a question for your RE. If you are significantly overweight, under a doctor's supervision you should absolutely lose weight.
[Tue Mar 04 17:29:53 PST 2008]	renamacqueen	Exactly what is too much excercise? Does all TV increase stress?
[Tue Mar 04 17:29:55 PST 2008]	michal69	any specific type of yoga. Is visualization considered a type of medtation/relaxation
[Tue Mar 04 17:30:02 PST 2008]	Our_Twins	How do you feel about bicycle riding. We like to bike approx. 20 miles at a time.
[Tue Mar 04 17:30:04 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Mhobbins - therapy is beneficial both in individual as well as couples - it really depends on what the issues are
[Tue Mar 04 17:30:30 PST 2008]	mhobbins	should we look for someone familiar with infertility or does that not matter as much?
[Tue Mar 04 17:30:33 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	visualization is very helpful - best to do after meditation
[Tue Mar 04 17:30:37 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	guys, slow down a smidge, please. I think renamacaqueen is next
[Tue Mar 04 17:30:55 PST 2008]	jsherm62	Corey do you think a person should be at a specific weight before doing a IVF treatment with DE?
[Tue Mar 04 17:31:06 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	i believe it does matter - working wtih someone who is knowledgable about fertility is a real plus
[Tue Mar 04 17:31:28 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	no, there is a range jsherm. You should know your bmi - body mass index - and utilize that as a guide.
[Tue Mar 04 17:31:55 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	doctors say that exercise i.e. running is too much - it is better to do walking or something more moderate
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:04 PST 2008]	jsherm62	What should my BMI be under?
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:09 PST 2008]	Teri	jsherm, my RE gave me a chart
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[Tue Mar 04 17:32:21 PST 2008]	Teri	with their weight guidelines and limits
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:25 PST 2008]	Our_Twins	What is DE?
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:28 PST 2008]	Teri	perhaps yours can do the same
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:35 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	You can look it up online - there are websites -you type in your weight and height and you will get a ball park number.
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:37 PST 2008]	michal69	how much walking is good, how many times a week?what type of meditation, can you do it on your own or should it be guided, What do you think about acupuncture?
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:38 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	this seems to be off the topic , Corey -
[Tue Mar 04 17:32:40 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	DE is donor egg
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[Tue Mar 04 17:33:04 PST 2008]	jsherm62	Teri if I give you my email will you email me it please?
[Tue Mar 04 17:33:20 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	You are right, let's stay focused on stress. I know that weight related issues causes stress!!
[Tue Mar 04 17:34:04 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	walking a few times a week is very beneficial, Michael - you can do guided meditation and it is best to do with someone when you are first beginning - acupuncture is also very beneficial esp. when combined with mind body practices
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[Tue Mar 04 17:34:25 PST 2008]	Our_Twins	And bycycling?
[Tue Mar 04 17:34:41 PST 2008]	TT	Diane, can you give us some ways to evaluate a good stress practitioner?
[Tue Mar 04 17:34:44 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	i think that is fine as long as it is not competitive biking
[Tue Mar 04 17:35:25 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	you must first of all, like the person as well as knowing his/her credentials and experience
[Tue Mar 04 17:35:48 PST 2008]	Teri	Diane, how important is it to do relaxation techniques that are physically based (such as exercise, meditation, acupuncture) vs things that are mentally relaxing like reading
[Tue Mar 04 17:35:49 PST 2008]	TT	Yes, that is true, but can you be more specific?
[Tue Mar 04 17:35:50 PST 2008]	Our_Twins	Thank you. We must run now.
[Tue Mar 04 17:35:52 PST 2008]	michal69	What about meditation with a DVD, are there any that are good or is it better the first time with someone else actually there that is an expert
[Tue Mar 04 17:36:01 PST 2008]	moaicha	I m having accupuncture once a week . do you think that it will help me for my infertility? ( I have been trying for 10 years w/ 2 unsuccsseful IVF)
[Tue Mar 04 17:36:05 PST 2008]	Teri	is it all the same mechanism or do you think it makes a difference?
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[Tue Mar 04 17:36:55 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	teri, i believe that a combination of physical exercise and other things i.e. reading ( as you mentioned) are the best - physical exercise is a great way to increase your serotonin level and to help combat the stress
[Tue Mar 04 17:37:01 PST 2008]	jsherm62	teri you mentioned bmi I know I could look on line but I want to know what the level should be before I do a cycle!
[Tue Mar 04 17:37:50 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	TT, it would be difficult to be more specific - ask a lot of questions and don;t be afraid to ask about the person's experience and how long they have been doing it
[Tue Mar 04 17:38:25 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	michael, i would suggest working with a professional and if you cannot find one, there are some good cds out there
[Tue Mar 04 17:38:56 PST 2008]	Teri	jsherm, I don't really want to get off topic here, or distract from Diane, but I will be happy to email you if you want
[Tue Mar 04 17:39:08 PST 2008]	Teri	I just do not wish to be rude to Diane and Corey
[Tue Mar 04 17:39:09 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	moaicha, is your acupuncturist specialized in fertiltiy?
[Tue Mar 04 17:39:13 PST 2008]	michal69	Do you know of any people or place in South FL.
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[Tue Mar 04 17:40:00 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	michael, i do not - but you are welcome to look on my website for the relaxation cd - www. mind-body-fertility.com i work with people who are all over the country
[Tue Mar 04 17:40:13 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Michal, you can call the AFA helpline for a referral to an acupuncturist in Fla. 888-917-3777.
[Tue Mar 04 17:40:22 PST 2008]	michal69	Thank you
[Tue Mar 04 17:40:46 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi Teaser, welcome.
[Tue Mar 04 17:40:46 PST 2008]	jsherm62	jsherm62@hotmail.com
[Tue Mar 04 17:40:54 PST 2008]	TT	Diane, what is your experience and how long have you been practicing?
[Tue Mar 04 17:41:01 PST 2008]	moaicha	yes, most of the time she puts the needle on my legs, once in my stomach , my hands and my head, is it OK?
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[Tue Mar 04 17:41:03 PST 2008]	michal69	Thank you Corey, I do have a couple of acupuncturist here in FL that I know
[Tue Mar 04 17:41:52 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi sb, welcome.
[Tue Mar 04 17:42:04 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I have been a practitioner for about 13 years with a specialty in mind body medicine and fertility. I have trained with many people throughout the U.S. and have run mind body programs in hospitals in nyc as well as private practice
[Tue Mar 04 17:42:26 PST 2008]	jsherm62 To[Private] michal69	hi i'm in s. fl. I have a friend that does it Pembroke pines well known. Daniel Wasserman
[Tue Mar 04 17:42:29 PST 2008]	michal69	Corey I also meant to write that I go to them as well. I just switched only b/c I'm having thyriod issues and a friend recommended someone else so switched also b/c it is easier for me to get to the new one.
[Tue Mar 04 17:42:47 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	moaicha, i do not know enough about acupuncture to answer that question but it sounds right to me
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[Tue Mar 04 17:43:24 PST 2008]	jsherm62 To[Private] Teri	teri thank you for the info
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[Tue Mar 04 17:43:30 PST 2008]	michal69	that is what they did to me for the acupuncture as well for infertility
[Tue Mar 04 17:43:44 PST 2008]	Teri To[Private] jsherm62	oh hi, I didn't realize we could chat through this thing
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[Tue Mar 04 17:44:10 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Michal, I just don't know where the needles should go. I do know that you should be seeing someone that you trust enough not to worry about it.
[Tue Mar 04 17:44:11 PST 2008]	Teri To[Private] jsherm62	I think some REs are different, some of them want you to lose more weight than others
[Tue Mar 04 17:44:17 PST 2008]	jsherm62 To[Private] Teri	i clicked on your name and it popped up a chat window
[Tue Mar 04 17:44:24 PST 2008]	TT	Diane, THanks for your info and is your experience about average for what we should look for, or is it more on the exceptional side? Also, is it fair to ask how many patients have achieved a pregnancy under a given pracitioner's guidance?
[Tue Mar 04 17:44:34 PST 2008]	Teri To[Private] jsherm62	but my RE has a BMI limit of 37 for IVF
[Tue Mar 04 17:44:43 PST 2008]	Teri To[Private] jsherm62	so your weight limit depends on your height
[Tue Mar 04 17:44:44 PST 2008]	jsherm62 To[Private] Teri	my last one didn't say anything 2 failed ivf's
[Tue Mar 04 17:45:11 PST 2008]	jsherm62 To[Private] Teri	ok i'll check mine ty
[Tue Mar 04 17:45:16 PST 2008]	Teri To[Private] jsherm62	you're welcome
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[Tue Mar 04 17:46:54 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	TT, it's fair to say that I have a lot of experience - maybe more than most in this area - it is absolutely okay to ask your practitioner about their experience with achieving pregnancy. In my case, I have had groups where no less than 50 % of the group went on to achieve pregnancy and I have had groups where 100% have gone on to have babies.
[Tue Mar 04 17:47:19 PST 2008]	michal69	I trust the acupuncture, I really do believe that it works too!
[Tue Mar 04 17:47:58 PST 2008]	michal69	Thank you so much Corey and Diane.
[Tue Mar 04 17:48:09 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	you're welcome
[Tue Mar 04 17:48:22 PST 2008]	teaser	Hi everyone, I'm a virgin chatter. So, I'll just sit back for a while and listen to ideas...
[Tue Mar 04 17:48:37 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	jump in if you like, teaser
[Tue Mar 04 17:48:39 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	whatever works for you is fine for us. and thanks, Michal!
[Tue Mar 04 17:48:56 PST 2008]	jsherm62 To[Private] michal69	who is your dr.?
[Tue Mar 04 17:49:36 PST 2008]	sb10847	Do you recommend any special relaxation techniques the day of embryo transfer?
[Tue Mar 04 17:50:07 PST 2008]	teaser	I've been told that the death of my mother 2 yrs ago has caused my stress, and I thought I was doing ok.
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[Tue Mar 04 17:50:31 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Yes, I always suggest that my clients listen to my relaxation tape on the day of the transfer as well as weeks leading up to it.
[Tue Mar 04 17:51:26 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	teaser, everything affects us - if you feel that this is the case with your mother's death, you might consider talking to a professional about it.
[Tue Mar 04 17:51:34 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	I'm sorry, teaser. I still miss my mom too.
[Tue Mar 04 17:51:38 PST 2008]	teaser	So, it sounds like acupuncture is the way to go?
[Tue Mar 04 17:52:11 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi hils, we only have about ten minutes left. so please don't wait to ask your questions. Also, folks, the transcript of tonight's chat will be up in about one day
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[Tue Mar 04 17:52:32 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	When I do an initial assessment, I ask about everything that impacts that person. Everything is important - your work, your relationships, your finances, everything! It is not only about the fertility
[Tue Mar 04 17:52:37 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Hi mscardwright.
[Tue Mar 04 17:52:55 PST 2008]	mscardwright	Good Evening All
[Tue Mar 04 17:52:56 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I would like to summarize in a few minutes, Corey if that is helpful
[Tue Mar 04 17:53:22 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Great idea, Diane. Please feel free.
[Tue Mar 04 17:55:55 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	It is my strong belief that when going through fertility treatment, the individual needs to be restored - fertility treatment is depleting and exhausting and produces many stresses - My recommendation is to add mind body practices such as relaxation on a daily basis, meditation, mindfulness practice,, imagery if you can as well as regular moderate exercise - - It is critically important to put the fertility issue in perspective -- it must not be able to take over one's life - it is time to do the things you love to do - not allow the fertility issues to control you
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[Tue Mar 04 17:56:27 PST 2008]	TT	Diane, thanks for your insights this evening, and thanks Corey for hosting.
[Tue Mar 04 17:56:37 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	I would also recommend working with a skilled mind body practitioner and/or a good therapist for the best results
[Tue Mar 04 17:56:48 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	you are most welcome, TT
[Tue Mar 04 17:57:14 PST 2008]	Teri	Thank you Diane and Corey
[Tue Mar 04 17:57:22 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	You are welcome, Teri
[Tue Mar 04 17:57:25 PST 2008]	teaser	Thanks Everyone, Good Night and happy practicing... ::rolleyes
[Tue Mar 04 17:58:15 PST 2008]	jsherm62	michal69 where in s. Florida are you?
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[Tue Mar 04 17:58:41 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	Thanks everyone so much for being here. Thanks to Diane Johnston for answering our questions!
[Tue Mar 04 17:59:05 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Thank you for inviting me - I hope it was helpful
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[Tue Mar 04 17:59:48 PST 2008]	jsherm62	MICHAL69 where are you in S. Florida?
[Tue Mar 04 17:59:53 PST 2008]	jsherm62	I'm in Miami
[Tue Mar 04 18:01:06 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	Goodnight to all - I wish you all the best -
[Tue Mar 04 18:02:08 PST 2008]	jsherm62	thank you diane and corey
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[Tue Mar 04 18:02:28 PST 2008]	hils	left it a bit late today! Just wanted to mention that I did some very intensive hypnosis with my last IVF cycle and was amazed at how much better I coped. Still not preg but got a good response to treatment and am feeling more confident for next time
[Tue Mar 04 18:03:03 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	guys I am having computer problems and got bounced off. I just wanted to pop back on and say thanks to all, and thanks especially to Diane Johnston for being here.
[Tue Mar 04 18:03:33 PST 2008]	Corey_Whelan	now I am OFFICIALLY saying good night and sweet dreams.
[Tue Mar 04 18:03:37 PST 2008]	dianejohnston	It was my pleasure, Corey - Good night
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[Tue Mar 04 18:04:26 PST 2008]	jsherm62 To[Private] michal69	hello
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Stress Reduction and Your Fertility Potential

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