Page 34 | Fertility Appointments and Beyond: Electric Boogaloo

thislittlebird · 2022-08-20T12:54:28+00:00

Hit capacity on the old thread, will tag you in!

99pctpractice · 01/09/2022 15:17

Hi @thislittlebird - yep, the test for the immunes is over £1000 then each treatment can be £2300 (then repeat test and potentially repeat treatment). I can't tell you how happy I was to get a result in the normal range!!

Aspirin is a good idea - it can't hurt, right? And that access package sounds pretty good - esp if it comes with unlimited transfers. Are there age limits on Access? I looked into Gaia but wasn't eligible because I think of my age and their expectation of my probability of success.....

They've upped my meds so I think my progesterone levels must have cratered - I'm now on 4x cyclogest per day and 3x lubion per day. As well as steroids - I am testing tomorrow morning at home so I don't hear the results for the first time in a phone call from the clinic. Also because I don't want to buy more meds (my lubion will run out tomorrow eve) if I don't need it....Oof! The bubble will shortly be popped.

Original poster

thislittlebird · 30/08/2022 16:55

@99pctpractice this immunes thing....I'm not sure about it all. I say just give me the meds for it, skip the tests lol.

I've had those "it hasn't worked" feelings, but who knows how accurate they are, maybe we'll prove ourselves wrong eventually.

@Beyondshit I'm booked in for the morning of the 7th this time. Tempted to take baby aspirin in case that helps.

I got our price list for the Lister. I'll arrange an October consultation with the aim to do another EC in November. Probably going to go with the £10,800 Access package for two full cycles and unlimited transfers.

Whisky and tests, covering all bases! No more spotting sounds like a good sign tbh.

3 hour run in a heatwave is intense@99pctpractice! I can't really be mad about my partner. His lifestyle is quite good, he eats well, doesn't drink a lot, takes his vitamins. I'm just sad that this is our lot. Angry often, but currently sad and wondering why all this had to happen to us.

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99pctpractice · 30/08/2022 10:36

Omg @Beyondshit I totally lost my sh1t with my partner on Sunday. It was the angriest I think I have ever been - i never lose my temper usually. In fairness, he was being pretty annoying, but I did wonder whether the progesterone was having an impact so googled it and the first result was that progesterone is meant to soothe your mood🤣🤣 so I have no excuse....

It must be really tough if it's an issue with your partner - i can understand your resentment given that lifestyle changes can make a real difference to sperm quality. i was really upset with my oh for going for a 3 hr run in a heatwave 4 days before egg retrieval and the issues don't even lie with him for us!!

Beyondshit · 30/08/2022 10:16

@ththislittlebird Poor everything for DP and fragmentation so bad chances of success even with ICSI pretty much impossible. We haven't checked the fragmentation again since his varicocele op though. We might now.

Good luck with your clinic and scans.

@99pe that does sound intense. I don't know where we'll go private. CRGH is good for 40+. My friend eventually had success with Evewell and rates them.

No more spotting at all since I posted.
I've just ordered pregnancy tests and whisky online for Friday so either way I know they'll be something good in the day.

Anyone else occasionally feel really angry about everything? I just feel consumed by rage. And I'm trying really hard not to be resentful towards my partner but I feel he could've done more lifestyle wise and wonder how much difference it could have made.... I can't stop thinking about it actually.

99pctpractice · 30/08/2022 10:08

Hi @Beyondshit it's pretty intense compared to my previous clinic!! It's also a lot more expensive (for me, double the price, but it would have been a lot more if I'd had any immune issues, because the treatment for that is £2200 a pop). But I have found the service excellent, the nurses are all super kind, and I have felt really listened to by the consultants. So overall a positive experience! But I couldn't have done it without taking a lot of time off work if I didn't work super close by and it wasn't relatively quiet because of August and a lot of people being on holiday.

Fingers crossed if it's brown you're still in the running! Could it be delayed implantation bleeding? I had a weird feeling yesterday that my transfer hadn't worked. Can't really put my finger on what it is that makes me think that, but I'm going to try to bury my head in the sand until my test day and try to think some positive thoughts!!

Original poster

thislittlebird · 30/08/2022 09:15

@99pctpractice it’s just so gutting. A cycle or two ago I would have been excited that this a FET cycle for me, but now it feels like ivf won’t work for us either so we’re just going through the motions. Somehow it’s never a good egg, or a good sperm, or a good time :/

It seriously baffles me how it’s so easy for some people but not for us.

Oh yeah, you did mention ARGC, that explains all the tests. It’s more expensive to reflect that I think?

@Beyondshit what’s the latest on your possible AF?

Remind me what your DH’s results were like? Ours is poor motility. We dtd nearly 10 days in a row to cover ovulation, on the basis that eventually enough of them in there will mean at least ONE is good enough to make a baby, right? Wrong. Clearly it doesn’t matter how much we try, natural isn’t going to be something we can hope works. I’m really upset and annoyed tbh, annoyed we were told ICSI is such a marvel, it really isn’t unless you’re the lucky few.

It’s CD2 for me, I’ve emailed the clinic to schedule in my scans. I wish I felt more optimistic.

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Beyondshit · 29/08/2022 17:13

@9999pctpractice How have you found ARGH? My friend went there for her first round. I've heard it describes as IVF bootcamp!

@thislittlebird DP and I never really tried naturally. We'd had a few unprotected shags and I didn't fall pregnant when I have sooooo easily in the past with previous partners and one off bad decisions (two miscarriages and a termination as a teen). We wanted to get pregnant so I sent him off for a test and the results were really bad.

8dpt today and a little brown blood when I wipe. Today is day 28 of my (manipulated) cycle and usually when I would get AF today so I'm guessing it's not good and progesterone is just holding my proper period back.... Bah.

99pctpractice · 29/08/2022 16:16

I'm sorry, @thislittlebird, I know that feeling. I was the same before the last ivf round - I think I just think each month well maybe this time it'll be that one good egg that we hear so much about.

Yep, my clinic is private - I went with Argc and it has been very tightly controlled compared to my previous (also private) clinic where I had zero blood tests during my cycles...

Original poster

thislittlebird · 29/08/2022 14:05

@beckyCarlos ah ok, yeah that makes sense

As expected, here comes AF right on schedule, the spotting has begun. I don't really know why we try naturally anymore, does anyone else feel that way? I feel like we've demonstrated that this won't work, we've been trying naturally for three years now. I don't know how to stop trying "just in case". There is no "just in case".

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beckyCarlos · 29/08/2022 10:55

@thislittlebird the tablets are for bleed control (so kind of like the mini pill?) For scheduling 🤣 like taking noristherone when you dont want to have your period on hol x

Original poster

thislittlebird · 28/08/2022 23:47

@99pctpractice i actually got a weird, out of sync, low-level 2 day migraine last Tuesday/Wednesday but I put that down to lack of sleep, which it likely was. Either that or I ovulated super late 🫠. I’m sure this happened early on, when we were ttc: I’d get a symptom and then wonder but it would turn out to just be rogue symptoms. I would bet this is the same as that. Just a rogue uterus.

Is your clinic private or nhs? Sounds like a very good service to be testing and calling that much. Dartboard stomach 😩

@beckyCarlos huh, why such a small dose? I actually have utrogestan here. Someone gave it to me ages ago, so I have seen the applicator! I think it’s the same/similar kind I use for canesten pessaries or vaginal probiotics, you’ll be fine! Problem for me is all the stupid thrush I get. I don’t want anything that’s inserted vaginally. So it’s Cyclogest or if not that I’ll ask for Lubion probably. Can’t be dealing with additional irritation from pessaries, I get enough as it is

Speaking of which, I’m having a swab for that suspected issue done soon. Booked for next week but need to cancel because my period will likely have arrived. Also booked in for an iron, ferritin, b12, vit d test.

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beckyCarlos · 28/08/2022 19:52

@thislittlebird the oral progesterone is only a TINY amount, like 10mg or something. But, re cyclogest shortage, I have Utrogestan this time, its a capsule rather than the weird waxy bullet (may still be weird and waxy but is shaped more like an anadin than a bullet) and I have an applicator to put them in 🤣 the applicator looks far too long for my liking, and I'm scared!

99pctpractice · 28/08/2022 19:07

@thislittlebird they test progesterone for sure and I'm not sure if they test something else to check if the blood thinners are doing whatever they're supposed to. Every day post test they confirm whether to change or stick with the same meds. I'm currently on lubion and blood thinners twice a day - my stomach looks like a mess!

Twinges sound interesting!! Hopefully a positive sign for you. And hopefully no migraine either....

Original poster

thislittlebird · 28/08/2022 18:04

@99pctpractice sorry I completely missed your message on my phone earlier. 15 days is ages, I'm sure my place gets me to tests much earlier, something like 11 days past. How's the nausea that might have been hunger or exhaustion?! What blood tests do they do on you? My NHS clinic hates doing blood tests lol

An acupuncturist that's been through ivf sounds great tbh, and yep, I wouldn't want to entertain either.

I've been having twinges in my womb? stomach? it's unclear. Maybe both? Anyway, it's been going on for days now. I'm annoyed by it because I don't get cramps, and obviously when anything is different I think that's a good sign.😐I hate this nonsense. Inevitably my period will start on Tuesday and I'll be upset because these thoughts even crossed my mind.

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Original poster

thislittlebird · 28/08/2022 11:12

@Beyondshit they said I could have lubion but they tested my progesterone and said an extra Cyclogest per day will be enough. There’s this Cyclogest shortage though, so I might end up on it anyway.

I’m interested in the blood thinners. I worry that’s an issue for me but no one has checked.

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Beyondshit · 27/08/2022 20:09

@ththislittlebird it's not stupid, it can be really tough. I'm on Lubion and cyclogest morning and night, with arovi blood thinner at night too. Plus three progynova tablets. Plus my thyroid tablets. And the multivitamins. I'm pricked and bruised and I rattle!
Have they said you could take Lubion?

99pctpractice · 27/08/2022 20:09

Hello!

@Beyondshit wow, that seems like a long wait to test! I transferred a 3 day embryo and am 5 dpt but my test date is next Saturday (15 days post-ec) so a shorter waiting period. I will test on Friday morning because I don't want to find out from a phone call from the clinic based on my blood test (I have found them really hard to deal with in the past). I don't want to test before then so won't buy any tests until thurs to make sure I don't cave!!

@beckyCarlos sounds like you have a lot going on!! a driving test the same week as transfer - just as well it's not a retrieval because that would be a lot harder to manage!!

@thislittlebird Felt a hint of nausea this morning but I could just have been hungry 🤣 also feeling tired but that could well be the progesterone and the early mornings for blood tests (luckily every other day now not every day but it's still a mission to get up to the clinic for 7.30...).

I have already booked acupuncture for Saturday pm - my husband couldn't understand why but either I'll be excited but incredibly anxious or I'll be heartbroken and either way acupuncture will make me feel better. Plus my acupuncturist went through infertility and ivf so she will totally get it. His brilliant idea was to invite my in laws over for lunch on Saturday. I have had to tell him to cancel because I'm not going to want to entertain them either way....

Original poster

thislittlebird · 27/08/2022 18:20

@Beyondshit for the FET? No, I do natural modified so it’s only progesterone and they want me to take three Cyclogest a day instead of two. When I think about it, I have no idea why I wasn’t on three to begin with, since they should know my progesterone levels are low at times.

Well, fingers crossed it’s worked for you but I know it’s hard. Could be everything and also the drugs. I went to the Gp the other day and was crying as soon as I started speaking. I feel so stupid but as soon as I mentioned the failed ivf it set me off.

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Beyondshit · 27/08/2022 18:12

@ththislittlebird Yes day 7! Was last Saturday. Was just racing between trains and felt faint and dizzy but that could well be because it's warm and I haven't eaten well today... Other than that fine physically but pretty emotional - not sure if the drugs or just everything you know?

I hope your next fet works. Fingers crossed for you. Sounds like they're going to jack you up on more drugs?

Original poster

thislittlebird · 27/08/2022 17:59

@Beyondshit I had 4 on ice, this will be my 3rd FET with my 3rd and 4th embryos. Then we're off to private

I forgot you were in your TWW. How are you feeling? You're about 7dpt?

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Beyondshit · 27/08/2022 17:54

@tthislittlebird Will this be your second or third embryo transfer? I remember you had a fair few on ice?

@99pctpractice How are you doing with your triple transfer? How many days now? Have you managed not to test?

One week since my FET - the last one. Incredibly I haven't tested yet. I'm going to wait until Friday which will be 12/13dp5dt. Hopefully that'll give me an accurate result. If it hasn't worked I want to get off these drugs asap.

Original poster

thislittlebird · 27/08/2022 17:19

@99pctpractice how are you feeling now? How's your DH?

I'm expecting AF on Tuesday/Wednesday, so I'll email them to schedule me in for a scan. We were just sat there all ????? are they going to call? have we been forgotten? We tried asking reception but they were useless.

Job stuff is scaring me tbh. It involves public speaking and I'm so scared of it, even though I can do it when I have to. It's more a fear of failure than the speaking itself I think, but hard to convinced myself I should apply for it because it'll be fine.

@beckyCarlos I didn't know they did those, interesting. Cyclogest is having a shortage, I'm wondering what they might prescribe instead if they can't get it.

Oh no, that is a stressful week! When is this, September some time? I have no idea how you juggle a driving test with an ET lmao. Hopefully not the same day!

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Kay00 · 25/08/2022 23:31

@beckyCarlos eek! That's a lot happening all at once! But you'll ace it I'm sure 😊 good luck with the test and the job xx

beckyCarlos · 25/08/2022 10:19

@99pctpractice how are you feeling (progesterone aside)?

@thislittlebird that is such a long wait! Provera is an oral progesterone to time my bleed. Some people get headaches and other side effects, dont have those (yet!) Which is nice.

I've applied for an internal job, basically what I do now but focusing on one area so theoretically less stress, but... interviews likely to be the weel I'm hopefully having EC. And interviews for another one I could apply for (but I feel is more stress) are on the same day as my driving test 🙈 which coincidentally is likely the same week as an embryo transfer would be.

99pctpractice · 25/08/2022 09:52

@Kay00 those doggies!!! So cute. Definitely have pup envy, must get more on the case to find a dog.

@thislittlebird glad you finally managed to speak with the consultant - sounds like you ended up having a productive chat. When are you expecting to do the fet? that happened to me before as well. winds me up so much that they don't let you know they're running late and you have no way of calling them but they expect you to keep hanging about at the end of the phone for hours in the hope that they will eventually call. Hope the job stuff is going well as well!!

Hello @IWillBeWaxingAnOwl ! 2.5 months is crazy. How is there not another apt before then? Hope the next round of letrozole works for you so you don't need it!!!

I am feeling lots of progesterone symptoms already so in a way relieved that I won't be second guessing pregnancy symptoms (because the sore boobs etc are clearly down to the progesterone...!). My oh keeps asking how I'm feeling - sweet but he's obviously really hopeful so adds a bit of pressure...just trying to stay positive!!