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Original poster

First time trying IVF... anyone want to keep me company?!

113 replies

loulamay · 11/05/2020 13:40

Hi all,

Few quick facts - partner and I are both just into our 40s, have been TTC for a year with no luck. He has a slightly low sperm count at just under 16 million and I have a past history of PCOS, although according to my Dr, am producing an amazing number of eggs for a woman my age (in fact interestingly he talked to me about recent studies that may show that women with PCOS may have a delayed reduction in fertility in line with age: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4447787/).

We have had one unsuccessful IUI and have decided to move onto IVF to try and take advantage of the fact that my ovarian reserve still looks good. I also froze my eggs when I was 36, before I met DP, so we will probably fertilise them at the same time as only that we collect from this cycle.

Feeling a huge mixture of nervousness and excitement, especially during these crazy COVID times, and wondered if anyone was in the same boat and starting IVF now? I am on day 2 of my cycle and had my first Gonal F 300 injection this morning - 5 more days of that and my Dr wants to see me for my first scan.

L

OP posts:
Original poster
loulamay · 01/06/2020 14:06

So funny how it all seems so random. Some people get symptoms, others not. I think it's incredible that the world of medicine knows as much as it does about fertility and we are where we are with things like ICSI and blastocysts - but there's so much that we just don't have an explanation for yet!

In a way it helps me - I know that we are doing everything that we can with the best knowledge that we have - so I'm stressing less about things like going on a crazy organic diet, have just stopped drinking as much caffeine and stopped the wine. I've got a lunch planned at a girlfriend's house this weekend though so I am going to allow myself a glass.

@Gabbbbbbby was your test a blood test done by the clinic or did you wait and test at home?

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Gabbbbbbby · 01/06/2020 13:33

@loulamay it's hard to know for sure, cos they can't say what causes an early miscarriage, but my feeling is that yes, because you know they've chosen the best quality egg and sperm, and then checked it's developed well to blastocyst stage that the risk of early miscarriage is less. I know a big cause of early miscarriage is chromosomal abnormality with the embryo, so that makes sense. Our consultant explained that due to the high percentage of abnormal sperm, recurrent early miscarriage could potentially be explained by an abnormal sperm fertilising an egg and then the body rejecting it. Plus they've checked your uterine lining is all good, and transferred the embryo to just the right spot.
I'm glad you said that about the FET, DH is making me feel a bit mad for wanting to do that rather than try again naturally, but I feel I put in so much work to get all those embryos it's almost a waste! And as I said, so many of the risks of early pregnancy are lessened in treatment...
I'm feeling positive for you! Also don't worry about symptom spotting (if you were) - I had absolutely no symptoms at all before I got my positive pregnancy test after IVF.

Original poster
loulamay · 01/06/2020 13:22

oooh I love the success stories! Thank you both.

So sorry to hear about your miscarriages @Gabbbbbbby. I have also had two but a few years ago and both very early. I hope this isn't an insensitive thing to say but how interesting that the IVF one stuck. I have been wondering about that myself, and hoping that as they were able to see the healthy blastocyst at 5 days if that might mean it was a 'better' egg than my miscarriages - but I have no idea if it works like that!

You would rather go for FET than try again naturally you mean? I have to say I would be totally in agreement - especially as you don't have to go through the egg retrieval again. Leaving it to chance seems almost hilarious now that we're at this stage Grin

I'm on estrogen and progesterone supplements so no needles post-transfer - didn't feel too bad after the retrieval in terms of pain but the bloating/indigestion/heartburn for 2 days after the transfer was just horrible. I wondered if maybe I had overstimulated slightly but thankfully it's calmed down now and I'm feeling much more normal. Have had a bit of cramping/twinges and my boobs are feeling a bit sore, but trying not to read too much into symptoms because I know that could be caused by the hormones I'm on.

@Gallacia congrats!! Do you mind if I ask what happened on the first round?

OP posts:
Gallacia · 01/06/2020 11:42

Good luck op, currently cuddling my 8mo old DS following two rounds of icsi

Gabbbbbbby · 01/06/2020 11:37

@loulamay good idea to hide the tests!
I found the IVF process pretty positive overall. I definitely appreciated things being more under control, we tried for a year with two early miscarriages, so once treatment began it was actually a bit of a relief! I was 29 during the process and all my tests were fine, but my partner had very poor morphology so we ended up having to do icsi. I've got polycystic ovaries (but not the syndrome) so they got loads of eggs, I think 33, and then we managed to get 28 embryos to blastocyst which was obviously amazing! Transferred one and now I've got an amazing 7 month old!
We actually just accidentally got pregnant and had another early miscarriage, which is why I'm lurking around on the conception boards... My feeling is that as I liked the IVF process I'd rather just do it again for number 2, seeing as we've got lots of good embryos frozen, DH feels differently...
I hope you're feeling well after your transfer! Are you doing the progesterone injections? I hated them, with the big needles!! But that's another reason I prefer IVF to naturally, you've got people managing the early stage when things can go wrong with meds and scans etc, I really appreciated the reassurance.

Eggling · 01/06/2020 11:03

@loulamay I'm not surprised you're tempted, I already know I'll drive myself mental during the 2WW. Based on what you and @Gabbbbbbby have said I'll try not to buy a test until just before my blood test (sorry I know that's no help to you!). Sending you lots of willpower to resist the cupboard!

How are you feeling generally? Do you have any soreness or anything after transfer?

Original poster
loulamay · 01/06/2020 09:47

@Gabbbbbbby yes you are SO right! I have hidden the tests in a cupboard haha.

How did you find the IVF process? Do you mind telling us a bit about your background?

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Gabbbbbbby · 01/06/2020 09:21

@loulamay had a look on this thread as I went through the IVF process last year and was a complete newbie about it, but looks like you're well on your way!
I would say definitely definitely don't test early. I know it's soooo hard, but you really can't win with it. If you get a negative you'll feel terrible, even if you might actually be pregnant, and if you get an early positive it still may not work out as the embryo may not have implanted properly, so you'll still feel anxious. If you wait till the 2 weeks is up you can feel so much more confident about your (hopeful) positive. I'd tell your partner to take away the tests! Try to plan little things for each day leading up to testing day (I know it's hard with lockdown) to keep your mind off it, and then before you know it it will be the day!

Good luck Smile

Original poster
loulamay · 01/06/2020 08:37

Only 4... hahahaha. I am so impatient.

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Whilstwewait · 01/06/2020 08:09

@loulamay how many days post transfer are you now? I've got everything crossed for you. Im the same im sure a planner. If i knew I'd be pregnant in 6 months id be fine with that its the not knowing. I feel exhausted and drained from mulling things over all weekend and resenting having to pay when some people get it so easy. Terrible i know. I wish we were loaded so the cost didn't matter.

X

Original poster
loulamay · 01/06/2020 07:52

Not daft at all. I'm a planner by nature and have found it so hard to just take it 'step by step' as everyone recommends. I'm already thinking of the next thing that can go wrong. DP much better at being rational and keeps me sane (most of the time!).

I stupidly bought two home pregnancy tests over the weekend even though I'm supposed to wait for the clinic to do a blood test on Friday and the urine test might not even show as positive so early. Have been Googling "how early did you get a positive pregnancy test after embryo transfer" and wondering when I can try. FFS. This stuff turns me into a crazy person Blush

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Whilstwewait · 31/05/2020 14:29

@Eggling really hoping it all does well for you. I definitely think i still need to get my head around potentially putting myself through so much when it may happen naturally. Already panicking that we pay out all that money and don't get any eggs. Daft i know. Just realised ABC have a liverpool clinic but its not back open yet. Friends of ours have recommended hewitt clinic in liverpool so im torn with who to go to.

@loulamay thanks for sharing. Taking back control definitely resonates with me. I hate leaving it to pretty much chance. Hope the 2WW isnt driving you too insane and you get your positive at the end xx

Original poster
loulamay · 31/05/2020 11:10

Welcome @Whilstwewait!

I'm a little further along than you both, in the IVF process and very much in age! I'm so happy to answer any questions you might have.

Apart from the age factor and slightly low sperm count we have also had no explanation for why timed sex hasn't been working, and I think for me, that gave me a feeling of just not being in control. Stepping up our treatments and going for IVF felt like taking some of that control back, so I am with you on just going for it - COVID has added to that lack of control too so I think you're doing the right thing!

I'm British but we actually live in South Africa and have gone private here although it's quite a lot cheaper I believe. Our Dr and clinic are fab.

Currently in my 2ww and bored of it already! Sending you lots of luck on your journey x

OP posts:
Eggling · 31/05/2020 10:49

We got in touch with them a few weeks ago. I had a really low point after all our nhs appointments were cancelled and a few pregnancy announcements from friends and family. We did the online webinar then had our first consultation via zoom the following week. It's all moved really quickly since then. If all goes well I'll hopefully have egg collection in 2-3 weeks.

I know what you mean about worrying about jumping the gun, it's quite a scary decision. I was quite resistant to ivf tbh. It seemed so "final" somehow. It's different for everyone but I'm really at peace with the idea of it now - obviously I'd have preferred an easy stress-free conception but the element of knowing we're trying this is much better than the uncertainty and stress every month, plus the inevitable heartbreak when AF arrived!

Whilstwewait · 31/05/2020 08:24

@eggling Thanks for your message Smile

We have decided to definitely go private. We dont know how long NHS would take plus looking at a 4 month back log at least after covid so going to go for it. I cant believe we are actually at this stage and with no known issue slightly worried we are jumping the gun a little but TTC is taking over our lives and with no guarantees feel we have to go for it.

Just researching clinics at the moment. Based on where we live options are currently Hewitt fertility in liverpool and care fertility in chester. The Hewitt fertility also do NHS for our area so not sure if they would be best incase we also need to use our NHS cycle or will it make no difference?

When did you first get in touch with ABC? Do you know when egg collection will be?Ive just signed up to their webinar but i think it'll be too far for treatment if we need regular visits xx

Eggling · 31/05/2020 08:01

Hi @Whilstwewait

Sorry to hear you've been having trouble as well. It must be very frustrating if everything seems fine - at least in my case I knew we were likely to have problems so I was kind of prepared (although I'm not sure anything makes infertility easier).

Just from our experience - we were under the nhs (St Mary's in Manchester). I went to the GP in September explaining that I had polycystic ovaries and didn't ovulate, this meant we got referred more quickly (had been trying 6 months at that point). The referral process was relatively quick, I think our first consultation was late October. The consultant we saw was brilliant, the issue we found with the nhs was difficulty getting in touch between appointments plus also I only had one follow up scan when I was on clomid so can't be certain I ovulated every month. We decided to go private when covid put a spanner in the works as the uncertainty as to when nhs treatment will start up again is too great. I'm with ABC and they've been fantastic so far, especially given the circumstances! I had my baseline scan a couple of weeks ago and the nurse explained a lot more to me than the nhs dr had. It's nice to be able to contact someone with any questions and I really feel like they're on our side 😊

It's obviously a tricky decision financially but my experience is that private treatment allows you more control over timings etc, nhs can feel like you're totally at the mercy of the system!

Have you had a look at any clinics?

Whilstwewait · 30/05/2020 23:01

Hi

Just read your stories and praying you all get your positives soon.

Hope you dont mind me joining this thread. We got referred in March to the fertility clinic following the standard tests such as bloods tests and sperm test and all is fine. Im ovulating and DH sperm was above what was considered normal. I also have regular cycles. We have been trying for a year now and have decided we dont want to wait another year for the nhs referral so will go private. Im 34 will be 35 in October and my husband will be 37 so this is our main reason as we would love 2 children.

Ive posted on the infertility board but everyone seems well ahead of me and im a bit overwhelmed to be honest. So any advice you have will be great. Are you all NHS or private?

Wishing you all the best of luck xx

Eggling · 30/05/2020 17:54

That's brilliant! Fingers crossed 🤞 I hope the next couple of weeks go quickly - hopefully you'll have the best news at the end of the wait. 7 more as well is a fantastic result Smile

Original poster
loulamay · 30/05/2020 17:03

Ah that's great to hear. I didn't find them as bad as I was expecting so let us know how you get on!

We ended up with 8 great embryos which we were thrilled about! One of the best ones has been transferred so now just the agonising wait until I can test :-(

I'm sort of preparing myself for it not to work, but happy that we have 7 backups in the freezer!

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Eggling · 30/05/2020 15:25

How are you getting on @loulamay? Sorry I missed your last update! I'm hoping to start injections this week, expecting AF anytime from Wednesday so I'm looking forward to getting started!

Original poster
loulamay · 24/05/2020 08:48

Quick update from me. After successful scans showing the drugs were doing their job and my ovaries were performing very nicely, I had my egg collection two days ago (the only injection out of all of them that hurt a bit was the trigger one that I did on Wednesday night - although my stomach did bruise in a few places so looks like a bit of a pin cushion!). Felt pretty groggy yesterday when I got home, but just took it easy and feeling fine today with a tiny bit of spotting but not much pain. I'm sure I remember being in more pain after the egg retrieval the first time round but there we go!

Just got an email from the clinic to say that they collected 23 (!!) eggs, 22 (seriously?!) were mature and 13 are showing 'signs' of fertilisation. I am a little shocked at the numbers given my age but so grateful to my wonderful Dr who seemed to just time everything perfectly, dosage and collection.

13 does not mean 13 blastocysts of course so we will find out more on Tuesday. Then all being well I will have my transfer on Thursday. Not sure yet how many we will transfer because we don't know how many healthy embryos we will have but hoping that 13 is a really good start and they carry on growing!

Jesus. The suspense!

How are you both doing?

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Original poster
loulamay · 16/05/2020 14:39

Not so far. I think his job will only be on fertilisation day. We've decided to both cut back on alcohol and caffeine during the cycle. Boring!

OP posts:
SunnySideUp2020 · 16/05/2020 13:47

Oh how exciting! Always a good thing to hear when you produce good amount of eggs- definitely increases the chances of success.
Does your husband have to do anything in the process?

Original poster
loulamay · 16/05/2020 12:50

That's great news! If it's just an infection then that can be sorted pretty easily hopefully. At least you know more now - which is always a good thing. Just step by step!

Scan went really well - Dr is 'wowed' by my egg numbers and I had 8 follicles on one side and 7 on the other which is encouraging. Doesn't necessarily mean all of them will get to the right size or actually contain a viable egg, but we'll see. I am now on Pergoveris (injection where you have to mix the powder and the water yourself and then inject it - not super fun as the Gonal-F was in a ready made 'pen' and was much easier) tomorrow and Monday and then back in for another scan.

He thinks egg retrieval on Friday. Will keep you posted!

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SunnySideUp2020 · 16/05/2020 08:52

@loulamay
Good luck with the scan!

Well i wasnt allowed with DP as it was mainly to discuss his sperm and covid i waited outside but the outcome was good.
Ultrasound revealed one testicle has some genetic issue that makes it not as good and the urologist suspects a prostate infection that could be the cause of low morphology and slow sperm.
DP gave more SA urine and blood yesterdah for further testing and i am going for my appointment on tuesday.

Doctor was positive and said if it's only an infection then in 3-4 months we could easily conceive (given i have no issues myself) and otherwise he advised much less frequent sex in the meantime. So only twice a week to give us a better chance.