IVF

I didn't go bungee jumping but did do rather a lot of physical work (sanding floors etc) because I was convinced it wouldn't work and it did. I believe it is very unlikely that there would be any signs in the first week anyway - more likely in the second and certainly no sacs. As to getting through it - plan nice things to do - watching films/going for a meal/manicure/pedicure, just lots of treats really + arranging to see people for lunch, whatever keeps you busy!

The nurse told me that, if the embryo implants, you could go bungee jumping without it making any difference. I didn't test this out, by the way.

Taking it easy may help mentally, but doesn't make any difference. It is all down to womb lining (and there the pessaries help) and chance. I did read that eating well (ie not starving or doing anything odd) was meant to help. Worrying about signs and symptoms at this stage is natural but not helpful - she'll just have to wait it out. If it is any use I think that I laid off the gym/swimming but otherwise life as normal (and second time round had a toddler so had all the carrying etc associated with that).

You're right - it's too early for "sacs" to be discharged. The embryo will have only just implanted today.

As for survival tips - I usually escaped into books for the 2 weeks, but back to back reruns of favourite videos etc may work. It is the longest 2 weeks ever....

I also spent time planning how I would treat myself if it didn't work. This started out with shellfish and champagne meals, but had my third IVF not worked I would have got an Audi TT. Wonder if DS1 will get a complex if I tell him this?

She's now panicking that she hasn't had enough time off work

Egg transfer was Monday afternoon and she went straight back in to work - had Tuesday lying down all day but had to go in again today and was sure she had some discharge and was imagining all sorts, seeing tiny sacs the works. I tried to point out that I don't think gravity has too much to do with it and she certainly wouldn't see anything that looked like anything at this stage - but anyone any tips on coping with this awful waiting stage and anyone know how important bed rest is - if at all?

thank you so much for that - its exactly what she wanted to hear. Hers was a day three transfer I think - egg collection Friday - putting back in at lunchtime today

They'd definitely gone past two I think to four so not great. The doc told her under pressure tho that she only had a 6% of conceiving because of her age which she found disheartening but I keep telling her she's got this far which is further than last time... fingers crossed and thanks for replying

Not sure I quite know what the 2 questions are, but hope this helps:

Ideally the embryos will have cell divisions every 24-36 hours or so, so for a Day 2 transfer you are usually hoping for somewhere between 4 and 8 cells. Just becasue they're still at 2 cell this morning doesn't mean that they won't have divided by afternoon. If they don't divide though then they may not make it. If she had more embryos to choose from then they would usually go for those with the highest number of cells first, and then look at the grades second - ie you replace a Grade 3 6-cell before a Grade 1 4 cell.

It is impossible not to get caught up in looking at all of this - in reality you still can't tell what the outcome will be. If it is any help I went for Day 3 transfers (I had more embryos so we were seeing which were most likely to survive) and there you're looking for 12 cells: Ds1 can't have had more than 5 cells and may have had only 3 at that point and DS2 may have had 7....

As far as the pessaries are concerned you can take them either anally or vaginally, whichever you prefer. I went with the latter, and they were fine.

I've posted before about my friend - 41 single doing IVF on her own. First IVF attempt - only two eggs and neither fertilised - this time around she had four eggs and three have fertilised - grades one two and three - so far so great. She's due to have them put in this afternoon but has just been told that they'd expect them to be six cells by now and they're still only two - though still alive. Anyone else come across this/can shed any light? She's so nervous she's got an upset tummy and is also worried about the suppository thing that's supposed to prepare the womb lining (sorry if that's too graphic). the receptionist at the clinic (they couldn't find her a nurse!)told her to take it vaginally - but I'd have thought that was different...
Sorry two tricky questions - all help gratefully received

So sorry to hear about all this, Nerthus. I know how you feel. Please be kind to yourself over the next few weeks, as, on top of the disappointment, one usually gets quite low because of all the hormones rushing around one's system after a failed round of IVF.
Thinking of you.

Very sorry to hear your news. I was told that conception the first time is always difficult because they need to understand how your body is reponding to the drugs, and adjust accordingly. Not much consolation though. Being Still Not Pregnant is a very pragmatic approach...but our hearts are not so prosaic, are they? Do give yourself time before thinking of your next steps and take care.

So sorry Nerthus. What bad luck. Can you try again soon or do you need to leave a gap?

Nerthus, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Pleas take care of yourself.

Oh Nerthus, I'm so sorry to hear your news. Just give yourself time and space to accept this little setback and you'll soon be feeling positive about the way forward. Big hugs CM

Nerthus

I've only just seen this thread, I'm so very sorry things haven't gone according to plan this cycle. I can only imagine how devastating it must be for you and DH. Be gentle on yourself and don't be afraid to grieve.

Remember, it can and does turn out in the end so try to stay positive.

Lots of hugs and wishful babydust
WSM
xxx

Sorry, Nerthus, so sorry.

Nerthus - Im so so sorry. Just reading your note brought it all back.
I know this is no comfort to you now but there are lots if us IVF mums around who had failed attempts before getting pregnant.
Have you joined the organisation 'CHILD'? - its for people going through IVF. COsts about £15 a yr to join and you get newsletters with loads of info plus a helpline list of people you can ring who have gone through the same thing. I rang a couple of people on the list and it was so nice to chat through it all with someone who understood.
Be really kind to yourself over the next few days.
Thinking of you.
Kizziex

Oh darling. Take care, please. I'm so sorry. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I'm very, very sorry. How sad and awful for you. Please look after yourself now.

I'm so sorry it didn't work out for you Nerthus, thinking of you xxx

Hi Nerthus - thinking of you.
Whatever the outcome dont give up hope. I was a 'second timer' and one of my friends was a 'third timer' plus neither of us had any eggs left over like you have.
I know thats no reassurance at all at the moment - but try and hold onto the hope.
Kizziex

How are you, Nerthus?

Nerthus, my thoughts are with you at this difficult time .... I know exactly what you are going through. I really hope things work out this time, but if they don't you mustn't despair - there is still plenty of hope for you. Waiting to hear what the definite outcome is before offering advice on 'next time' etc. Big hugs from CM xx

I truly hope that it is not what you think it is. I had spotting and was going to give up the medication but was persuaded not to by the unit nurse. It's so hard this part it so truly is in the lap of the gods and there is nothing that you can do, or should have done that will make any difference. I can't offer much encouragement - the first time it didn't work; the third time (with the same symptoms - including the cramps) it did... and the cramps carried on right through the first three months. I so sincerely hope it works for you. Thinking of you.