IVF/ICSI/FET - any more for any more... MORE!

[jumpingjackhash]

A thread for anyone going through fertility treatment, about to start or with a success story to share. Welcome one and all!

So our last IVF/ICSI/FET support, wallow, celebratory and whatever else thread got full, so let's pick up where we left off!

Carebear, great news on your EC on Sat!

I've got over my strop now and have re-rearranged my work schedule so all set once they confirm the date tomorrow!

[CareBear1]

Hi Jumping, thanks for setting up new thread.

[jumpingjackhash]

Welcome!

I'm now booked in for EC on Thursday, so injecting the Ovitrelle tonight, then tomorrow will be drug-free (for the first time in a month!). Have started to get nervous again about the call on Day 1 after collection - rather than the collection itself. Although I am anxious about DH's contribution - I hope that's OK too! Sheesh, you can drive yourself crazy worrying about all the little parts of the process!

[CareBear1]

Never a truer phrase said Jumping! So easy to keep going over the 'what-ifs'. Great to have a date booked in, not long to go! Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Where do you stand on diet coke? Finding my last vice hard to stop.

[KnackeredCow]

A shiny new thread!

Great news Jumping - hope it goes swimmingly on Thursday. Try not to worry to much about your DH. On our first cycle, my DH's sample didn't prepare as it should and they simply asked him to do another. Mind you because they said it clumped DH got all precious about it. Think it was hurt pride! He insisted on speaking to the embryologist before he could be assured all was OK. He made such a fuss I cringed a lot.

Care. There's 33mg of caffeine in a can of Coke, and you're allowed to have up to 200mg a day (two cups of tea / coffee) so you'll be fine. Tbh I didn't cut down until after I got pg, since then I've gone off coffee so am down to 1 - 2 cups of tea and a can of Diet Coke a day. The Coke, bizarrely, soothes the nausea!

[CookieRookie]

Hi Jumping, CareBear, KC

(Thanks KC for pointing me in this direction) I hope it's okay for me to join in.

As KC already knows from my DET or SET? thread I'm due to start my first cycle of IVF in September so this is all very new to me. Ive lost both tubes following ectopic pgs in the last three years and had one cp also in that time. I'm 34 with secondary infertility and have a dd of 12 (different partner)

Excited and really scared at the same time. We had given up hope of having more children because we just didn't have the money for IVF but a few weeks ago a very kind Aunt offered to pay for us to try and so we've kind of been launched into all this rather hurriedly.

I'm a bit lost with all the abbreviations. So far I know DET, SET, FET, SIS, SA and that's it. If you can think of any more I'll be using regularly it would be a great help and thank you in advance.

[KnackeredCow]

Welcome Cookie!

Great to see you over here. Sorry to hear about your ectopic pregnancies and the loss of your tubes. That must have been devastating. I have tubal infertility too. I had my left removed because it wasn't functional due to a benign tumour / cyst of the fallopian tube. Although my right tube is healthy, my right ovary is adhered to the floor of my pelvis following peritonitis after a perforated appendix. The good news is that IVF is great for tubal infertility so fingers crossed it will work for you.

Other acronyms are:
EC = egg collection
ET = embryo transfer
FC = fertility clinic
AF = Aunt Flo - period

Can't think of any others at the moment so Care and Jumping are going to have to help me out!

[CookieRookie]

Hi KC, thanks for the acronyms.

How are you doing? You're about 8 weeks now?

[KnackeredCow]

Good thanks Cookie. Yes, I'm 8 weeks tomorrow. Nausea subsiding so hoping that's not a bad sign! Next scan a week on Thursday. Time drags so much between each hurdle... Just hoping everything is continuing as it should.

[jumpingjackhash]

Hi Cookie, welcome to the thread! Sorry about your fertility problems, but great that you have such a generous auntie helping you out! Fingers crossed this works for you!

I think Knackered has covered most of the abbreviations! The rest I think we kind of make up/ work out as we go along!

You're in the right place for support though, these ladies help me stay sane during this whole experience! Any questions about the process, or worries about anything, just ask!

Well, I've just done my Ovitrelle injection (ouch!) so now no more drugs until Thursday morning when the pessaries start (delightful!). Aside from the latent nerves I'm feeling OK, but boobs are getting sore (good sign, right?!).

Good point on the Coke Care, on our first round I gave up caffeine, felt rotten and it didn't work anyway! This time I'm just keeping to 1 coffee and a couple of cups of tea a day - I need it to function! I have a jar of decaf coffee and box of decaf tea bags in readiness for a bfp though! Diet Coke is what I have when I'm craving something sweet though, a small glass keeps me away from chocolate!

[CookieRookie]

I know what you mean. My friend from work is currently 15 weeks pg after recurrent mcs and investigations. I was talking to her today and she's finding it very hard to keep her spirits up and start to enjoy the pregnancy because she has been so devastated in the past. Today she's waiting for the scan next week, next week she'll worry about something else. It's human nature I think.

It's also one of the reasons DH and I decided we were okay with letting go and not trying anymore because we just didn't think we could face any more heartache but hope is a wonderful thing and the human spirit is stronger than we ever imagine and so here we are, ready to face the gauntlet again knowing if we make it we will have the most wonderful reward.

Easier said than done I know but try not to worry about the nausea lessening, it's so different for everyone isn't it, even different in the same woman but subsequent pregnancies.

Wishing you all the best for Thursday week. I'll have everything crossed for you.

[CookieRookie]

Hi Jumping

I really do feel quite lost. Not here but in general about the whole process. I'm only going for SIS on the 1st August so they haven't gone into great detail about the drugs or injections yet. I feel ignorant reading your post because I want to be able to comment but I don't understand enough about the process to be able to just yet. Hopefully I'll get my head around it soon and be able to make a decent contribution to the thread if only to lend and understanding 'ear' (screen) when it's needed. For now though I know that you're going for EC (egg collection - thanks KC) on Thursday. Hoping all goes great for you.

I'm absolutely shattered after a 36hr shift so I'm off to my bed.

Thanks for making me feel so welcome

[jumpingjackhash]

It can be a very lonely process Cookie, regardless of Your dp, plus any friends and family who know what you're doing, it's hard for them to really understand how you're feeling physically as well as emotionally. Just remember you're not alone!

Where are you having treatment? Chances are someone else on here (when they find the new thread!) will have experience, or know someone who has experience, of the clinic you're with which can help fill any gaps. Once you get going though it all falls into place - it's actually a pretty quick process once it starts.

[CookieRookie]

I'm in Ireland Jumping, have yet to find a good online resource for here so it's great to have MN.

I used to feel so informed when ttc naturally. I had all the information, OVing, CM checking, temping, LP etc. We were so desperate for so long I had researched every possible thing I could to increase our chances of pg but now with the natural route impossible I feel at a complete loss. I have a whole new chapter of learning to do and it's all a little overwhelming.

Today I'm trying to organise time off work in September. Nightmare. I can't give specific dates I'll need off just yet, it's all very complicated. I live three hours from the clinic so I'm going to need to take a few weeks off unpaid and stay somewhere close to the clinic during the first two weeks of the cycle. Any complications will cause havoc. If all goes well and we go ahead with ET I won't be able to work even then because my job is too physical. My female manager is very supportive because she knows our history but ultimately the decision to allow me all the time I'll need will be up to senior management who I know for sure won't be as understanding.

On a lighter note, I had a good laugh last night at dd's expense (shame on me but I couldn't help it) I asked dd to clean out the car yesterday evening. In the middle of doing it she came into the house and went straight to her room telling me she'd get back to the car in a minute she just needed to use the loo. A few minutes later she came down looking really frightened. I asked her what was wrong and she told me she didn't know how but she thought she was pregnant! After a mini heart attack but remaining composed I asked her why she thought that. She told me she had found a 'pregnancy stick' in my car and was curious and decided to pee on it to see what happened. Two lines came up. I stopped her tell her it was actually an OV stick belonging to a friend (that's another story) and assured her that she wasn't pregnant.

She knows all about the facts of life and thankfully she's quite comfortable talking about those kind of things to me so I said to her "but dd, why would you think you were pregnant when you know how getting pregnant works?" "yes mum but I saw a program on tv called 'I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant' and I thought if it happened to them it could happen to me. My heart sank when I saw the two lines Mum, I got such a fright" I couldn't help but giggle as I hugged her

[zeebee1]

Hi all
Sorry I lost you guys! I was merrily posting on the old thread and it kept getting rejected - DOh! Here I am noww!!
junping how goes it- a nice drug free Wednesday !! Good luck tomorrow. What time is your EC??
care hi how r u doing? R u still on or EC on sat?
knackered glad u r feeling less sick - so much luck for the next stage...
Welcome cookie I'm on true 2ww = 2 week wait to test after My embryo transfer last Monday! I test in 1 week! It's a mental time - in feeling very up and down and looking fOr signs constantly - not sure if I've had them or not! Very hot in the theatre tonight - about to put my even hotter peasant costume on now...
Waves zb

[zeebee1]

Ps Aside from the 2 embryos we had pit back we only got 1 further embryo to freeze after the EC so we are a bit upset seeing as they'd got 15 eggs from me at EC!

[CareBear1]

ZB I take my hat off to you carrying on with your performances, not sure I would manage that! I wouldn't worry about your frozen ones - its the fresh ones inside that count at the moment. I don't know about you but I find the whole numbers thing just messes with my head if I think about it too much!

Hi Cookie, it can be a bit daunting, and seems much more straightforward when you've already been through it once. I would recommend Zita West's book on Assisted Conception and IVF, I found it to be very helpful.

Jumping, ooh tomorrow, big day for you. Will be thinking of you and looking for your update so let us know how you get on. Fingers crossed they get a good haul.

I've got next scan tomorrow so will find out then if still on for EC this sat.

[CareBear1]

Oops sorry Knackered, press post too quickly. Hope you're ok and the nausea is not getting too bad in this hot weather! Maybe a magnum ice cream would help with the nausea? I've always thought I'd be a 'pile on the pounds' kind of girl during pregnancy, nice excuse to eat lots!

[jumpingjackhash]

Keep reminding yourself about quality not quantity Zeebee! how's the opera going?

That made me laugh Cookie! Your poor daughter! At least you can rest assured she's NOT up for getting pregnant herself!

3 hours is a fair way from your clinic, I can see how it's tricky re dates and can be expensive too with hotels etc. I'm quite lucky in that our clinic is relatively close to home (30 mins by tube or cab) and just 5 mins in a cab from work, so they don't notice me slipping out for scans or quick blood tests at lunchtime!

My EC is booked in for 10.30, so bar getting stuck in the torch relay chaos I should be home early afternoon, I plan on spending the rest of the day sitting in the garden or lying on the sofa watching crap telly.

[jumpingjackhash]

Cross-posts Care. Hope your scan goes well tomorrow! Thanks for the egg wishes!

[KnackeredCow]

Zeebee I take my hat off to you - don't think I'd cope with having to perform in the evening! Me, I'm in bed on Mumsnet by 9pm each evening

Not long till test day - will you cave and test early? And three blasts good enough for transfer / freezing is an excellent result. I only managed two on two cycles and four on my last. You sound completely and utterly normal!

Jumping Hope all goes well tomorrow. Make sure you rest up afterwards! Crap telly sounds bliss.

Cookie your dd's pregnancy scare made me laugh too!

Care hope Saturday goes well for you too! Yes, weather is far too hot for me. I work in a portacabin and I'm not joking it's been about 28 degrees in it all week - and that's not an exaggeration! So unpleasant - although I think it would be for anybody!

Anyway, Here's to a string of BFPs coming this way!

[CookieRookie]

Hi all

I had an unexpected call from the clinic today from a lovely lady who told me she was my nurse and she talked me through a lot of what was to come so I feel much better and more informed about the whole process now. I feel like I've gotten my first IVFer badge I have a provisional date of the 13th September to start the cycle after a few weeks on the pill.

Wishing you lots of luck for tomorrow Jumping. I'll be thinking of you.

ZB how exciting, wishing you so much luck for a lovely bfp and lots to keep you busy in the (realistically) short (but feels like forever) week you have left to test. I'm a former poas addict and hold high hopes of becoming one again soon!

Care I'm heading into town tomorrow and will have a look for that book, thanks for the heads up. Hope all goes well tomorrow and your all set for EC on Saturday.

KC That heat sounds awful especially in such a small space. Not sure what the weather is like there but here it is almost unbearable at the moment. Cloudy days and very light showers but so so bloody warm and not a hint of a breeze. Maybe you could get a fan for work?

[zeebee1]

jumping LOADS of luck for the EC today - will be sending good vibes your way...

[jumpingjackhash]

Hey ladies! So EC went well, they got 12 eggs (2 more than last time), so we're happy! DH's sample was ok too, 3% motility, the same as last time (this sounds low, but when we started on this whole ttc process it was 0%, so we're getting better on that score too!)

However, a day of embarrassments for me - apparently I was talking all kinds of crap when I was coming around, gushing to the staff about how lovely they all were and prattling about all sorts I also apparently gave the doc a wink and thumbs-up when she told us we got 12 eggs .

To add insult to the shame, on the way home I unceremoniously threw-up everywhere and simultaneously did a massive (v loud) fart (blaming the pre-EC pressed) . DH did his best to look sympathetic without looking horrified!

So now I'm plonked on the sofa with the cat, feeling a bit minging but otherwise well.

Glad you've had a call from your clinic Cookie, , is this the first time they've taken you through the process? It can sound a bit daunting but it's far better once you start!

Hope everyone is well?!

[zeebee1]

JUMPING So happy for you! 12 is a great crop - and 2 more than last time - the gonal F must have been working wonders as well - so pleased!
Your story is hilarious! Really made me LOL... Apparently when I came out of EC, as I was being wheeled back to DH waiting in a little cubicle for me, I shot my head up and shouted "Hiyaaaaa" to DH- then put my head back down on the pillow and the nurse looked at DH and just said "she's fine". I have absolutely NO MEMORY of that at all! anyway poor you for puking - (envy face for sickness not envy!)
Also my DH was mortified by the err.... "literature" they'd provided in the "sample" room - but we did laugh over the title of it - Viva Beaver or something gross like that!
Anyhoo - hope you are taking it really easy this afternoon -wonderful that your cat is with you too - ours is constantly sweltering in the heat poor thing - he's got too much fur for his own good.

Cookie thanks for your lovely words of encouragement. So glad you have a start date now.

Knackered & Care I am not sure HOW i'm doing the shows either - at least we don't have another one until Tuesday which is a bit of a relief TBH...

care how r u doing today? Any news following your scan?

AFM - nothing to report - sang with the olympic torch today - so that was exciting. Jsut trying too occupy my mind and relax before going back to the office tomorrow.... at my mums now being suitably looked after!

Waves to everyone

[CareBear1]

Jumping thats great news well done! That is a great haul, fingers crossed your dna is getting busy as we type. Hope you sleep ok waiting fo tomorrow's news. Love the embarrassing stories!

ZB singing with torch sounds v.cool what a great memory to have. When is test day again, next week? Hope good things are happening inside!

Cookie, good to start talking to clinic, makes it seem less scary.

AFM scan went well again, taking trigger injection tonight and EC on sat.