IVF graduates due Summer 2021

[SpyroC]

A place for those of us finally moving on from the infertility boards to share feelings, questions, tmi and to generally support each other.

@tikha it is really exhausting isn't it. I had underestimated it too. How can something so small be causing me so many issues?! 😂 have you spoken to anyone about your anxiety?

@ivfjourney5 mine are in a Tupperware too - they wouldn't last a minute otherwise! Is your scan this weekend? All🤞for you. I am totally with you on the beige food - it's all about bread for me at the moment! @SpyroC hope you're coping okay?

@TheGlitterFairy I haven't had a migraine for a few days. Hoping it's just a blip. Tiredness always used to trigger them so I'm trying to get lots of sleep. So glad you've got your scan dates sorted! That must be a big relief.

Congrats @BonTon !!! 🥳🥳🥳 thrilled for you! Hopefully you'll get a scan date once you've spoken with the clinic on your OTD?

My sickness is now constant and very little seems to satisfy it. I get the odd window of half an hour to an hour when I feel okay but otherwise feel like I want to throw up on people constantly 🤢 working like this is an absolute nightmare! But I have the 23/24/25 off so looking forward to that 🙏. We also heard today that my husband won't be able to come into the scan which is rather disappointing. Just hoping it is good news 🤞🤞🤞

Hi all, just checking in. Had my bonus scan today (9+2), all looking good! The bean is 2.6cm and heartbeat looking good too. Ok continue my meds til they’re finished - so another 2 weeks of needles then no more! 🙌🙌 Onwards to the booking appt and then the next scan which yes, is a relief to have sorted out!!
Hope everyone is doing ok!

Thanks @MGee123 ! Very best of luck for tomorrow. Sorry your husband can’t come in, is it worth pushing that as I’m sure there was something on one of the covid press conferences recently saying that partners should be allowed to attend pregnancy scans...

@TheGlitterFairy great news and must be really reassuring to see it again!

I’ve just had my blood test results from the clinic and hcg levels are very good apparently (3722) but progesterone has dipped to 54 (clinic like it over 100). I’ve been prescribed more meds but it’s a bit odd as it was 132 a week after transfer...has anyone else had that? Xx

@BonTon I didn't have my HCG or progesterone levels checked at any point. My clinic was very "hands off" and I felt on my own pretty much all the way through. They told me to stop progesterone at 8 weeks too.

@TheGlitterFairy great news on today's bonus scan and on getting your nhs one sorted too! 🙌🏻🙌🏻

Lovely to see you over hear @BonTon 🥳 my clinic don't check unfortunately but don't worry 54 isn't too bad. Those that do test seem to vary in what they want too. In my last cycle the epu checked it and it was 44 which they said was fine however my consultant at the clinic said that was ok but not good. It's good they have checked, what have they added in?

@MGee123 @TheGlitterFairy I am feeling a bit better thanks. The nausea is still here but I have got better at managing it I think. Trick is for me not to go too long without eating and to avoid the things that cause me to heave (not always possible) I'd also highly recommend the sickness bands. I'm have felt better since using them.

@MGee123 that sucks about having to do the scan alone 😬 as far as I am aware DH can come in to mine next week but if they change it I Will understand as we are in t3. I hope tomorrow goes well x

@BonTon @MGee123 my midwife said the RCOG have written to hospitals saying they need to allow partner access. (Not sure if this applies to private places though). However the RCOMW have since come out in defence of their staff saying that this isn't ok before they are vaccinated. I can see both sides tbh. Hopefully midwives will be high priority for vaccination.

So I am 9w today 🙌🏻 at my scan they said I can stop progesterone from today 😱 but it won't hurt if I carry on. I'd love to stop the lubion but I'm scared! What has everyone else been told/when did you stop? I was told until 10w initially and then to 9 following the scan

Other thoughts...
Anyone else finding sleeping at night hard despite the exhaustion?

Stilton....I read you could still eat this but when I asked my midwife she said no. I've since did a bit of research and it appears that she is wrong, it is even listed as safe on the nhs site but says all other blues are bad. DH brought me some but I can't get her "no" out of my head 🙈

Thanks for the reply @Mackie2020. It’s so strange how different clinics vary across the board! That’s put my mind at rest that it can’t be a massive problem in that case. How far along are you now?

@SpyroC thanks! Over the moon I can join you guys. I’m now on an additional lubion per day and utrogestan 3 times a day. Back in Christmas Eve for them to check the level again...🤞🏻

Can’t believe you are 9 weeks... that has gone so quickly! Does the placenta take over the progesterone at some point then? On the cheese, I also googled this at the weekend in preparation for Christmas and thought Stilton was fine so I’ve got a big old block of it in my fridge 🤤🤤🤤

@BonTon I'm 17 weeks - due in June

@BonTon I have 2x cyclogest and 1xlubion. My 44 last time was from the same dose of cyclogest and the lubion every 3 days. I don't think I absorb the pessaries very well. I'm sure the lubion will do the trick for you. The placenta establishes itself during week 8 & by week 9 is almost 100% up and running. I'm glad I'm not the only one on the cheese 🧀 😂. I'll have to update my midwife, must ruin lots of people's Christmas 😂😂. The last 4 weeks has dragged for me. I do think I'll relax a bit after my 10w scan though. 🤞🏻

Not much to report over here, nausea is pretty bad and I'm still figuring out what I can eat and when. I ordered some anti-sickness wristbands which arrived yesterday afternoon and they offered some light relief straight away. It might be partly psychological but I'll continue with them as long as they work a little bit! @SpyroC I'm glad you're getting a bit of relief from them as well!

@Natalie8984 I'm glad the sickness is starting to subside for you! I can't imagine feeling like this for the next 5 weeks at least 😭 Wooo to you being able to eat Christmas dinner!

@TheGlitterFairy I'm glad you've got the 12 week scan sorted now, that must be a relief despite it taking so long to sort. And great news that the bonus scan went well, countdown to stopping the needles commences!

@BonTon lovely to see you here! The HCG and progesterone sound okay, I've heard others say progesterone over 40 so your clinic are just being overly cautious I think, but that's not a bad thing. I unfortunately didn't have either tested so it's good they are keeping an eye on it

@MGee123 good luck for you scan today, I hope it all goes smoothly. Yes my scan is on Sunday. Despite the nausea the days seem to be going quickly which is good, so it will be here before I know it. Is it bad I'm wishing Christmas to be over with 😂

@SpyroC my clinic say to stop at 12 weeks, I already feel like I want to stop but I know at the time I'll be nervous as well. How many have you got left? Maybe just use up what you've got?

@MGee123 good luck for your scan today - my DH wasn’t able to come in either - not ideal. Make sure they give you a photo or two!! 🙏🤞🙌

@BonTon good they’re checking the progesterone levels! I requested mine to be checked on the day of transfer as was on the ass injections and wanted to be sure they were doing something for the circus that they were. It was really high at 254 and I’ve not had them tested since then. I was on the ass injections for 6 weeks, then switched to 2 x Lubions a day 2 weeks ago when we saw a heartbeat at the 7 week scan.
It’s good to be monitored though and if you’re not sure if you’re getting enough from the pessaries you could ask to take another Lubion instead? I was given the option of the 2 Lubions or 1 Lubion and 4 pessaries a day and even though it’s another needle, just thought that I know what’s going in then and they’re pretty painless now rather than the faff of pessaries. Anyway - something to consider maybe as belt and braces if needed.
@bonton @SpyroC in terms of stopping progesterone, consultant said he’d usually get people to stop at 9 weeks as you have enough pregnancy hormones naturally now to sustain it as the placenta kicks in around now - he’s only keeping me on for an additional 2 weeks (and the estradiol tablets too) as belt and braces. So nearly there!!!

@SpyroC that’s great you’re feeling a bit better and have worked out ways to manage the nausea- hopefully you won’t be feeling like this for too much longer 🙏🤞Good the sickness bands are helping too. Am sure that’s a relief.
I saw the update about partner access to appts and scans too. Seems it’s received a mixed reaction - I fully agree with the concept that a partner should be seen as integral to maternal healthcare and wellbeing.

@SpyroC on your other thoughts - yes! I’m having trouble sleeping despite being shattered. I seem to keep waking up at 4ish to go to the loo then not being able to get back to sleep for ages. This morning it was nearly 6 when I drifted off again. Argh.
And Stilton! I read it’s ok to have too (nhs) and have been indulging already!!

@ivfjourney5 sorry you’re feeling sick - good the bands are helping though!! Not long to go before your scan on Sunday!
Thankyou, it is a relief to have it sorted out - it was stressing me out!! 25 needles to go 😂 - will be a mile marker to get to that point!!

Oh - and on other cheese like camenbert and brie, they’re ok if cooked and hot!

Thank you for your good wishes for today 🙏😊 all was good at our scan! Measuring nicely for 7 weeks and heart beating away like the clappers. I feel very relieved and was able to take some video as well as having a few pics, so my husband is happy too.

I contacted the midwife and have my booking appt on the 11th Jan. Exciting! Feeling positive and just continuing to keep fingers crossed 🤞 I can stop the progesterone now but am going to continue for a few days to get past Christmas!

That's interesting about the sickness bands - might give them a go! I've been feeling a little better the last 2 days but imagine it will come and go. Hope you are all okay 😊

@ivfjourney5 I've got over 2 weeks of cyclogest left and about a week of lubion. I think I'll start to ween off.

@TheGlitterFairy the sleep thing is so annoying isn't it. So glad I'm off work right now! Mmm I'm craving Camembert now 😂

Great news @MGee123 😊 I'm glad you're feeling some relief. Definitely try the sickness bands! I'm glad you were told 7 weeks to stop. I was feeling like the odd one out being told 9 weeks. I did a bit of research and for a fresh transfer it does seem to vary wildly, some clinics say to stop after a bfp!

I'm going to be brave and not do my lubion tonight 😱 I figured if I start to freak out or get any worrying signs I can just do it. I did a bit of research and it should be fine. I'll probably do tomorrow's dose though just so it isn't a sudden drop. I've still done the cyclogest too.

Fantastic news @MGee123! Bet that is a real weight off your shoulders. Interesting that you can stop progesterone after 7 weeks too, that means I’m only 2 weeks behind so maybe I shouldn’t be stressing about low progesterone too much! What is the booking appt for?

Thanks @TheGlitterFairy. I’m now on 3 cyclogest, 2 crinone gels, 2 lubion and 3 utrogestan tablets a day so I’m hoping that does the trick 😂 (the additional lubion and utrogestan is since yday) Back tomorrow for the levels to be checked again.

Good luck on Sunday @ivfjourney5... will you be just over 6 weeks then? Have it in my head I’m a week behind you and I’m 5 weeks today.

Nice to be weaning off @SpyroC. The lubion in particular is eye wateringly expensive too. Obviously we’d pay pretty much anything but it’s a fortune!

@Mackie2020 17 weeks! That seems like a lifetime away. Have you started to relax into it now?

@BonTon honestly, the anxiety doesn't really go. I feel I'm just waiting for the next scan, appointment, milestone etc. I just keep telling myself I'll relax after the next milestone, but you just then start fixating on the one after. Right now I'm desperate to start feeling movement (no sign yet) and then the 20 week scan.

I do have moments of calm though, and it's reassuring to be starting to show. But then earlier today I had a panic when I felt strongly that I suddenly didn't feel pregnant anymore. It's totally irrational, and I'm sure I'll get over it, but I've accepted that infertility has robbed me of a "normal", relaxed pregnancy and I'm just trying to go with the flow.

Sorry to be a downer!!

I’m not surprised to hear that at all @Mackie2020 but sorry that you can’t relax. It’s so emotionally draining this process and so much has gone wrong for all of us that it’s impossible to think it will be ok! x

I caved in and phoned the GP this morning for some medication to stop me being so nauseous and sick as it's making me really dizzy from not eating, and they just said to ring the midwife. So I'm now registered fully with the midwife but I feel like I'm jinxing things, but they said leaving registration until after the clinics scan would be really late and I'd struggle to get the booking in appointment sorted at the correct time before 12 week scan! My husband leaves on Saturday as he works away and he's not due home again until April so I need to get a handle on the nausea as I've relied on him too much the last few days

@MGee123 I'm soo happy your scan went well! Such a relief! It's lovely they let you video it as well 😍

@SpyroC that sounds like a good idea to leave alternate days out to ease yourself off the progesterone

@BonTon wow that's a lot of progesterone, it must be a full time job remembering what to do at different times of the day! I hope the checks today go well 🤞🏼 Thank you for the good luck, yes I'll be 6+3 on Sunday. You're not far behind 😍

@Mackie2020 I think we will always be waiting for the next stage, it's so shit that we can't just enjoy being pregnant! Nice to hear that starting to show is helping you a little bit. One day a time. I like the mantra 'Today I am Pregnant'

Merry Christmas to everyone! I hope those that can eat enjoy a nice dinner! I think I'll be on toast and crisps 😂

Thanks @ivfjourney5....Progesterone is at 88 so all good. Good luck with your scan.

Merry Christmas everyone! ❤️

Hi everyone, been very busy at the work front and now finally enjoying a quiet christmas. My nausea has just kicked in and am not sure I can manage going at work tomorrow.. let's see. Had my scan yesterday and it was fine. I still feel a detached from it and can't quiet believe it. Just have to remind myself one milestone at a time and loads of us are going through the same thing.
Looks like things are progressing for everyone else

@BonTon hello.. dont think we have met before on mumsnet. Congratulations and great that you took steps to sort out your progesterone

@MGee123 glad to hear your scan went well.. feeling exhausted at work as well.. gonna have to disclose soon as this rate.

@TheGlitterFairy good that you sorted out your booking stuff. I have just put in a self referral and will see if they call me but its xmas day so I doubt they will call me before new year.

@ivfjourney5 good luck for the scan tomorrow.. I was bricking it before.. and then my sonographer had technical difficulties with the machine which was almost comical in hindsight.

@SpyroC nice that you stopped taking the injections am looking forward to that as well. Hope the nausea is subsiding for you. I too have insomnia at night which doesnt help with work and fatigue.

@Natalie8984 good to hear that nausea subsides .. can't wait. I dont know why I was complaining about not having symptoms..

@Mackie2020 I agree with you. Its so hard to relax..

My clinic has advised me that I can any remaining supply of progynova and cyclogest required from the GP. Is that correct?
What are your thoughts on getting a reassurance scan between now and the 12 weeks.. feel like that is really far away...

Merry christmas to everyone. Hopefully everyone is managing to rest. My partner has made me a delightful dinner but not sure I will be able to eat it..

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you had a good day yesterday. Did anyone manage a proper dinner? Mine consisted of a few slices of Turkey and stuffing (I later regretted the stuffing)

@BonTon the annoying thing is I will have expensive lubion left over. It's become painful again so I don't want to just use it up. You are on so much progesterone! No stone unturned so that's reassuring. I'm glad your level has shot up.

@ivfjourney5 I don't blame you for asking for asking for some meds. I had it quite bad again yesterday afternoon (was sick eventually 🤢)and if it was like that everyday I'd do the same. I'm hoping it goes away soon! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 being booked in early is also good as I've had friends miss screenings due to covid related delays. My booking in was 17/12 but I still haven't had anything come through. The cards I sent took longer than usual so I guess the Royal Mail can't process stuff as fast as usual at Christmas due to social distancing. Did you manage to get hold of a prescription?

Congratulations on the scan @tikha 🙌🏻. I booked a 10w scan straight after my clinic one and I'm glad I did as I'm starting to feel anxious again but only have a few days to wait now. My clinic has always provided prescriptions and it's never involved the gp.

Has everyone had the flu vaccine. The midwife recommended it to me but the GP surgery said to call back after Christmas 🙄. I'll probably end up paying for that privately now.

Hope everyone else is ok xx

@SpyroC its free if you go to boots or other pharmacy as long as you can prove you are an at risk group i.e. pregnancy

That's good to know @tikha thanks

Hope you've all had a good christmas?

@tikha yes I've mentioned it to my manager - I'm really struggling with work and am going to use annual leave to break my weeks up a bit through January in anticipation of it not improving for a few weeks! She was understanding and is happy for me to flex as needed which is reassuring.

@BonTon yes I would try going to your local pharmacy - most of them have walk in clinics? It is free if you're pregnant. I had mine back in Oct (NHS worker). The booking appt is with the midwife, they just go through medical history and processes etc I think, and do some bloods

@ivfjourney5 I don't blame you for going to your GP. I feel bloody rotten!! Hope the midwife offer some help and tomorrow goes okay 🤞🤞🤞

I've braved it and stopped the progesterone today! All seems well so far and it's nice to not have the added faff. I'm 7+3 at the moment which seems quite soon to stop but the clinic were very reassuring it is okay. I think you have to take it longer for FETs?

I managed very little dinner yesterday 😭 I'm really missing my appetite and enjoying food. The sickness is really quite tedious and I'm very much looking forward to it improving (hopefully)!

Hope everyone else is okay too x