Join me if going through ivf now

[Over40ems]

I'm on the roller coaster journey they call ivf for the first time. After reading some threads on here where people at the same time of their journey could reach out to others in the same situation I thought I'd start my own.
I'm currently one week into stim drugs with an estimated EC in one week.
It would be great if ur at the same point to join this thread and share ur trials and tribulations and hopefully we can support each other through it.
X

[Shellster52]

Just replied to you on another thread over40ems, then noticed your new thread here. Hope a few other ladies join you, and if not, I have been through it before and know the trials and tribulations and am very interested to hear how you are going. Have you had any scans yet to get any idea as to what is going on?

[Over40ems]

Hi the buggerlugs great to have someone at a similar time. How are u getting on with the injections so far? Is this ur first ivf?

Shellster hi, again lol, ur a pro in this so appreciate ur support in my journey. Off for scan tomorrow to confirm EC next fri/sat. I'll keep u posted after tomorrow x

[Over40ems]

Yes it's my first too. Very excited about tomorrow to see if all in track. I'm not so fortunate lol so injections have been easy. Being the first time feel a bit daunted with the steps ahead but with nothing to compare it too just going with the flow. Good luck with stim drugs. Let me know how u get on. My first day after taking them was a bit emotional. X

[Eggsiseggs]

Hi all!
First week of IVF here, and have just injected myself for the first time! (Day 5 of stims and DH at work)
Had a scan today, going back on Fri to hopefully start on the cetrotide, so EC next week (fingers crossed)
Nice to see some familiar names to go down the road with.

How is everyone feeling? I have been shocked at how exhausted I am! And the fogginess - urgh. Work has been awful!
Although I feel much better now.

Anyway, it's my first cycle: here goes...

[Over40ems]

Had my final scan today. Have 17 eggs all but 2 made it to 18 and above. EC booked this Saturday. So close now.
Been a nightmare to manage with work. I feel sooooooooooooo bloated and highly uncomfortable. Can't wait for sat to arrive

[Shellster52]

Wow. 17 follicles! But only 2 18mm and above - were many of the other follicles far behind that might grow in time for EC on Sat?

I often hear of women feeling bloated and uncomfortable and I never felt any of this. I wish I did because I am a very poor responder and would actually be grateful to feel bloated and 'full of eggs' next time.

Have they been monitoring your estrogen levels regularly and adjusting your meds or have you stayed on the same dose? Can I ask what medication and what dose you are taking? Sorry for all the questions. Just curious and trying to learn from everyone else doing IVF before I pay more $$$ for my next one.

[Shellster52]

You are probably resting and not looking at mumsnet but I am just sooo curious how you went.

Let us know when you are able!

[Eggsiseggs]

Shellster I have just had scans on day 1, day 5, day 7 and today (10 or 11?!). No bloods at all, or anything else.

Hopping between threads now! Ha ha.

The bloating is quite noticeable with me - it's horrible in work because I actually look pregnant, so am sure I am starting a few people think that. Also look exhausted and not drinking, etc. The irony!

Anyway, hoping everyone is well x

[naty1]

I dont think they routinely do bloods here.
Only if you have lots growing and you are at risk of OHSS. Which i was i was given a sheet saying depending on results we may coast, cancel or continue.
Im glad they dont as it can take an hr to get a vein depending on nurse (drs can be worse).
During pg they nearly had to give up on a downs blood test it took so long. In labour they wanted to give me antibiotics but couldnt luckily they found i was suddenly ready to deliver.
The dedicated nurses at hospital (phlobology) never had any probs so it is an experience thing

[Shellster52]

You must dread getting blood tests Naty - I am actually a phlebotomist myself and have taken my own blood half the time for IVF tests!

I gather you have lots of follicles growing Eggsi to be feeling so bloated. If I recall correctly, you had PCOS which I think means you respond very well. I am kinda jelous as I have the opposite problem of being a poor responder. I never felt bloated during IVF and never produced many eggs which lowers my chances of success so I will be excited next round if I get bloating. So when do you go for egg collection?

Anyone heard from Over40ems on any other threads. She was having EC last Saturday as she wrote above but I haven't heard from her since and hope she is okay.

[Eggsiseggs]

Well, I hope that's what the bloating means, shellster! Will find out today when EC is. Starting to feel a little nervous now. Yes, I have PCOS, so am on the lowest dose of drugs. It has taken longer than they thought on the stims as the actually grow v slowly. When I was on clomid, they had to double my dose for the same reasons - starts off ok, then stops.
We'll see. Trying to remain detached and calm (v hard!). Work is vv busy at the moment, so at least that's a distraction (although am exhausted!).

Hope Ems is ok.

[Eggsiseggs]

And naty, that sounds awful!!! I hate having bloods done at the best of times!!

[naty1]

I'm hoping now on thyroid meds it may be easier. Hope my bmt is higher. But then never worked in pg so ?
Eggs- did you alternate doses?
I'm on 75/150 menopur. Starting in a week.

[Eggsiseggs]

No, just 150 merional every night, then cetrotide for the past few days. Trigger tonight!
So we shall see what happens...

[Shellster52]

Yeah Eggsi, it's a real hard balance between keeping yourself busy to not think about it and then taking time to relax as everyone says is important. Didn't realise that the follicles grow more slowly with PCOS. By the time you read this, you will have had your scan. Sending thoughts your way and looking forward to hearing!

[naty1]

I'd not heard that although would make sense... long cycles

[Eggsiseggs]

Am not sure if it is the same for everyone with PCOS, but I do have long cycles (mind you they are hardly reliable, so I could be talking complete shit!)

Had my scan and am ready to roll tomorrow morning with EC! Although still in work, so haven't thought about it until now.
Hope it goes well. Will let you know.

[Eggsiseggs]

Actually, it is this morning - didn't click post message last night!
Fingers crossed.

[naty1]

Good luck
Fingers crossed

[Turquoisetamborine]

Good luck!

[Eggsiseggs]

Thanks all!
9 eggs - that's good, right? So will hear tomorrow what has happened. They are doing ICSI, so hopefully it ups the chances.
Will keep posting, but am now off for a groggy snooze!

[naty1]

9 sounds great good luck on their reports

[Eggsiseggs]

Thanks guys - clinic called late afternoon to say that 2 had fertilised and so am having one put in on Monday.
Pleased with that! Hope they survive until then.

But so far, so good.

How is everyone else feeling? Any news?