Anyone else about to start IVF?

[gardenpixie]

DH and I have our first IVF consultation in a couple of weeks and I just wondered if there was anyone out there who was in the same position?

We've had loads of tests done already so the Dr says we may well be able to start the treatment cycle sometime next month or early May.

We've been TTC #1 for 3yrs now and I am on cycle 5 of clomid so will continue with that until I start the IVF drugs. There are no obvious medical reasons why we haven't conceived naturally, just a case of unexplained infertility, I guess.

I know the odds of getting pg still aren't great but I am really excited about the fact that IVF even exists (isn't amazing what they can do?) and, although I am a bit apprehensive of everything it will involve, I am thrilled to be given the chance to see if it might work for us.

I would love to hear from anyone with any advice or who is in the same boat,

thanks for reading

Hi guys
Sorry not to catch up properly-just to say we had 6 eggs at EC but none have fertilised. They don't know why yet but needless to say we are very upset, feel like my heart has been torn really. Will check in in a few days when I know more and feel 'better'.

bella just wanted to say I'm sorry about your mum. I know what you're feeling-Obv everyone has different situations and experiences. Feel free to contact me via message if you feel up to it. lots of Lizzie xxxx

hey teds, can't remember if we already suggested it but could you get your day 2-4 bloods done before your initial consultation? I'm not sure what they test for but I think garden is pretty clued up on it. Your for care made me chuckle....someone on this or another thread said how much they look like boobs, so I always think of that now (childish? Me?!)

Ooh Bondi I'm really close to Blackheath...are you having the hypno for the ivf or something else? I figure now I'm reading the books, listening to the CDs, taking the vitamins, having the acupuncture, wearing the t-shirt (ok I made that bit up....) I might as well get me some hypnotherapy too! . And you may tell me off for getting carried away but I couldn't help a tiny daydream about us and our babies having a picnic in Greenwich park, tee hee! Well they do say we've got to visualise! Anyway, I'd love the details of your hypnotherapist if you'd recommend them.

Great news Bodeccia! That'll come round soon enough. ET may seem like a way off but 6th July isn't far off and you'll be on the home straight to your bfp by then

Oh what an awful time of me to x post, dear bella30 I'm desperately sorry. I do hope that you and your family are really well supported. I know this is unthinkably stressful but I hope more than anything that your little embie will hang on. I second pumpkin, if you need any extra support please pm me. My DH is has is going through chemo at the moment so I do know what a heartbreaking thing this is, big hugs to you x

And pumpkin what can I say? I hop the answers you get will help you with your next stage. For now though, I send lots of love and hope that you too are being well supported x

Bella and pumpkin my heart is going out to you both. Take strength where you can and look after yourselves.

xxx

Bodeccia my first injection day is 6th July too! I found out yesterday I'm on a 4-week protocol so we'll be hormonal wreck buddies!

Am v nervous about the injections - can someone tell me, a. do they hurt much and b. do you get an injecta-pen or is it the full-on needle and syringe business? I don't mind being injected, but am nervous about doing it myself.

xxx

Bella lots of love and strength from me too, look after yourself and hope that your bean is a sticky one.

pumpkin ((hugs)) to you too, please do pop back when you feel a little better and hope that DP/DH is looking after you.

Bondi stay hopeful and listen to your consultant!

Kool I could make a picnic in Greenwich Park - I will be visualising this too I've had my day 2-4 bloods done twice in recent months so Guys are happy that I don't need to do them again. When we went for our first appointment they did everything else so that we would be ready to go at our next appointment. Hope that's the case!

Bodeccia luck we might be cycle buddies!

Bella so sorry to hear about your mum. Am thinking of you and sending you loads of hugs. Really hope your sticky bean stays put. ((((( )))))

Pumpkin so sorry to hear your news that is so pants, sending you lots of hugs too. Were they able to give you any information that might help? ((((( ))))))

Bondi hang on in there, not long to go now.

Womanly i thought of you this morning after hardly sleeping last night and dragged my a** out of bed for a run - got me through the day. Please keep sending your inspirational posts.

Teds thanks for my boobs .

GP thanks for my hug. Good news you have no more hold ups and are off with the stims.

Kool glad you are on your way too. Will they use 1 ampule at a time?

Bodeccia that seems a very precise date, do they not need to flex it depending on how you respond? It will be here before you know it anyhow, can't believe my cycle 1 has been and gone in a flash.

Luck good to have you back.

Night all

Bella30 I am so very sorry to hear the news about your mum. I know nothing can make it any better but I am thinking of you and please come on here any time you need some company. This is probably not much comfort but there are loads of studies that say stress doesn't impact on IVF success so there's no reason that this will stop your bean nestling in; although I can't imagine how difficult it must be to be going through all of this at once xxx

Pumpkin your news made me so sad. I don't know what to say. I hope you and Mr Pumpkin are OK and that you get some answers and a way forward soon. Come and rant any time you want as we are all here for you xxx

kool I am injecting in my tummy (fortunately there is ample fat to cushion the needle!); it is quite like a dart motion! I have to say I don't enjoy it but it doesn't hurt. I just take a deep breath and get on with it! NOT looking forward to the big HCG trigger shot which looks like a whale harpoon to me! As part of my hypno course, we all learnt a lot of self-hypnosis so I am trying to do this every day to keep me sane - I struggled when I was in the midst of my horrid allergic reaction as I just couldn't get comfy but it's great to do it now. Stops me obsessing too much anyway!

womanly £85 sounds like quite a lot, however, it could just mean that they are really good! The important thing is to make sure they are accredited by one of the trade bodies as hypnotherapy is still an unregulated industry so anyone can set themselves up as a hypnotherapist whether they've had training or not The accrediting bodies that make sure their members have had proper training and passed academic and practical exams are:

The Hypnotherapy Association:
www.thehypnotherapyassociation.co.uk

The General Hypnotherapy Register:
www.general-hypnotherapy-register.com

The Hypnotherapy Society:
www.hypnotherapysociety.com

The other thing I'd say is it's worth talking to a few potential therapists to make sure you are happy with them as it's important you trust your hypnotherapist otherwise your subconscious won't take on board what they say

Teds how are you? I hope work has calmed down for you? I do not have a date for EC yet - I have a scan / blood test this Saturday to see how I'm doing and then I will have to go back every day / every other day after that until they think I'm ready.

bondi you sound remarkably cool and collected! FWIW, Guys say to test 16 days after EC regardless of when you had ET. I am sure babybondi will make his / her presence known soon!

bodeccia that's great that you have a start date - hurrah! You might find that you need to be flexible with the dates depending on how your body responds to the drugs anyway... great to know when kick off is though!

Luck hello, how are you? I found that the injections don't hurt at all; when I first did one, I was waiting to feel the pain and it never came so hurrah! And the second one was absolutely fine too - the needle is super thin ... phew!

Care how are you doing today lovely? Have you had time to think about whether you are going to do an FET? I hope you are OK and that you and Mr Care are looking after each other xxx

Waves to everyone else! No news from me - I assume my ovaries are doing something but I am quite liking the feeling of having some hormones back in my body after the down-regging!

Right, best scoot as I have to run a 6hr meeting which starts in a bit. 6 hrs. SIX HOURS!!! Argh.

Bella, thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Sending you lots of positive vibes for a sticky bean, take care of yourself xx

Pumpkin, so sorry to hear your news, hope you are getting lots of support in RL and that you join us again when you?re ready ((()))

Kool ? great that you?ve started the sniffing, how you finding it? My Zita West book has finally arrived (grrr to Amazon, every time I place an order something?s wrong and I swear I won?t use them in future?but I do ? rant over), have only had a quick skim through, will try and pick out bits that interest me read thoroughly to absorb all useful info over weekend . Let us know how you get on with the vits as I had to stop taking Pregnacare as (sorry TMI) made me constipated (yuk).

Womanly, sounds like you?ve got yourself focused on a good plan and fab news that you?re going to be cycling again. Understand the wobbly feeling but you sound like you?re getting yourself in a good place for it and hope we can all support you through it . So you?d recommend Pukka Teas, where do you get them from, just the supermarket? I?ve always struggled with herbal teas, the only one I can stomach is peppermint but wouldn?t mind some variety.

I?m also unfamiliar with these Cadbury?s Nibbles??? think I better check them out

Garden ? whoop whoop for starting stimming, hope its going ok. The ivf/icsi combo sounds like a good option for you and DH, as my DH says ?the boffin?s with the big heads know what they are doing?!

Teds, Womanly looks like we might be cycle buddies as I?m hoping to start DR mid July too ? can we all hold hands (())

Bondi sorry a bit of mentalling has started, you have definitely been v.strong so far, hang in there. The cramping is probably just the little bean getting comfy xx

For those who asked about the Mulberry shop, it?s worth a visit if you?re in that neck of the woods (it?s near Bath) as there?s some good deals to be had and we all need to spoil ourselves occasionally

Bodecia, the 6th July will come round real quick and then it?ll be all systems go and the time will fly.

Had my first acupuncture session on Monday and was really pleasantly surprised. The woman I saw is associated to Zita West and also works with the clinic I?m being treated at so knows all about their protocols, which I found reassuring. Came out feeling great for having talked about it all with someone and super chilled out after just a short session with the needles, so I ditched the planned gym session and went home to enjoy my zen like state ? great for the head not so much for the waist.

Hope everyone else is doing ok xx

Hello Ladies

This is going to seem like the weirdest thing but I came across your threads while looking for answers.I can't believe how lovely and supportive you have all been to one anouther

I was wondering as I haven't even started my journey yet at(Guy's@St Thomas) if anyone could help me with some questions

(1)To be referred from Northwick park to Guy's my BMI had to be (30) do they check that again as I'm scared if it goes up it could put me back (I'm still working hard to keep it there:)

(2)My last appointment at Northwick was on the 14March to say that I would be reffared to Guy's for treatment.I then couldn't help myself and phoned Guy's on the 19April to see if they had recieved my papers which they had YAY so now I'm wondering how long will the wait be before hearing anything from them, I'm to scared to phone again as I don't won't to upset them

I know that you all have been through so much and I'm only at the very beginning but the light at the end of the tunnel is slowly getting closer and I'm nervously excited It's been a long journey

Me 35 DH34 trying for 3 yrs:((

Thank you xx

Welcome closelight - glad you found us!

I got weighed and had my height checked at my first appointment and the nurse worked out my bmi and filled in a form with this information on - sorry if that's not want you want to hear. Lots of luck staying the right side of 30. I've found keeping weight off tough as the ttc has gone on

In terms of appointment I think I got an appointment about six weeks after the referral letter from my GP but the Easter holidays delayed things a bit. They told me that you should get an get details of your appointment about 2-3 weeks after receipt of referral and then it will probably be at least 2-3 weeks more until your appointment. Given your dates I would have thought you would have heard something by now so I would chase. Hope that helps. There are lots of Guys ladies on here so there might be differing opinions.

GP - 'whale harpoon'!!! (la la la, fingers in my ears, I'm not listening...)

skitoo - yes I'll hold your hand as long as you hold mine!

Hi Closelight, hop aboard!

Sorry can't help with the questions specific to Guys but my clinic didn't actually weigh or measure me, just confirmed the numbers I'd already put on the forms, maybe I was just lucky? Unfortunately the process probably varies by clinic but stick at it and am sure you'll be fine

I was referred by my local hospital too, where I'd been treated by the fertility dept for over a year and think I also lucked out there as got my first appointment within 2 weeks. I'd defineitely give them a chase as you've already a reasonable amount of time.

Ladies - I've been harpooned quite a few times now and it's really not that bad, promise . I was having 2 hcg shots a cycle when on clomid, one at fertility clinic and booster a week later by my DH. Had them in the thigh, is that an option when on ivf protocal or does it have to be in the tummy?

Better get on with the work I'm meant to be doing now as I'd like to get to bed. Night.

Sorry closelight - just to say that I am at Guys but I was referred by my GP. My first appointment was with gynecology. You might skip this step if you are being referred by your hospital. However, I do now have an appointment at the Guys ACU in a couple of weeks time and this would have been sooner (probably mid June) had we not been waiting for some extra tests for DH.

Evening all, welcome closelight. I second what Teds said, I did get weighed for BMI though they didn't say you had to be anything specific.

GP you've got me interested in this hyposis thing. I've found the whole ttc things has knocked my confidence in weird ways - I currently find it hard to hold eye contact with people I don't know very well, never had this problem in the past. I've seen some free quick self hypnosis things on you tube, what do you reckon about those, would they do any good or do you need to go to the real deal? And yes think we will go for FET round, not sure when, not sure how long you need to leave in between. Am going for a review in 2 weeks time now rather than today. Good luck with the stims, you're half way to saturday now.

Skitoo i too agree, mulberry shop sounds ace.

Pumpkin and Bella, been thinking about you both today, sending you lots of love and good wishes, hope you're ok.

Evening care - hope that you are doing okay and glad to hear that you are thinking about FET. Also - you are right are the holding eye contact thing. I'd never thought about it but the moment I read that, it rang true.

My Guys' 'brochure' is next to me (not that I'm obsessed or anything...) and that says that they will treat people up to bmi35. The problem is that most PCTs will only fund if you are below 30. I think my pct funding application was signed off by Guys but closelight your's might have already been sent off by your current hospital?

Night all x

Hi Ladies,

Pumpkin you poor darling girl. your heart must have broken when they told you your little eggs and DH swimmers hadnt found themselves. I just cant imagine how you must feel after the lead up to all of this. Just to echo all of the above. You know where we are if you need us. Sending all my love. I hope you will find the energy to go again. You know, it WILL happen. It just wasnt this time.

Bella I hope your little bean is settling in. Good luck with the 2ww. Its a drag (trust me). Just stay busy and keep distracting yourself with nice things. I know that will be hard with your news about your mum. Sending you some extra energy to cope with it all. x

kool i think i have confused matters. It was acupuncher that I had in Blackheath not hypno but I do think it helps. do you want her details?

Closelight Welcome.

Hope everyone else is OK and stims, injections, sniffs are happening without too much drama.

No mentalling for me today. I am too busy. Have to go to the Australian High Commission this morning to take my Citizenship Test. I could be an Australian the next time I post! I hope you will address me as Shelia from this point on (if I pass and they let me join)

Have a great day. Ughhhh so grey and miserable out there.

Hello ladies,

closelight welcome ! I am at Guys & St T's (quite a few of us are) and they did measure my height and weight before they started the drugs. I think this is partly to do with checking BMI and partly so they can work out what dose of the various drugs to put you on. TTC does put such a strain on will power doesn't it? I am definitely a stress eater so I've had to work pretty hard on that! You'll find lots of support here if you want to hang around so I hope that makes things easier.

It took 6 weeks to hear back from Guys after our GP referred us but I think that is because the referral went to gynae and then the ACU . We had a to wait a bit for our appt as DH had to have been cigarette free for 3 months before they'd see us so I'm sure yours will come through sooner.

Skitoo great that your accupuncture is inducing a lovely zen-ness! Thank you for your reassurance about the big needle... was yours intramuscular or sub-cutaneous? The one I have for this cycle is sub-cutaneous so just needs to go into fat under the skin - fortunately this means I could stick it pretty much anywhere as I have a goodly supply of under-the-skin chub . I am thinking I might go for the thigh though, rather than the tummy, as, for some reason, I am less squeamish about doing things to my limbs than my torso. Isn't great how this whole IVF thing uncovers layers of bonkersness you never knew you had? Or is it just me .....

Teds sorry about the needle comment! I shall, henceforth, refer to it as the tiny trigger shot ...!

Carebear I am so sorry to hear you are having confidence issues around TTC. I can totally relate it and it's horrid isn't it? In terms of hypnotherapy, as long as the downloadable things are from people who are properly trained and accredited, I'd say anything is better than nothing. Some people are more receptive to self-hypnosis than others, and some need a session or two with a therapist to guide them before they can crack it. There's no harm in trying it out though to see what you think.

Personally, I've found that it takes a little more work when I'm stressed because it takes longer for my brain to calm down... but I do love it.

In terms of self-hypnosis, it works best with people who meditate regularly or are very good at focusing on images / words in their minds (this can be deliberate or just being prone to day-dreaming or getting really caught up in a book / film / TV prog). This means your subconscious can already reach a certain level of receptivity needed for hypnotic suggestion.

Do PM if you'd like me to send you some self-hypnosis exercises I learnt on my course (there's a great one for confidence involving post-it notes!).

Sheila's-on-Bondi-beach-with-a-tinny how did it go today? How exciting!

Womanly how are you doing? Any news on when you might start your next cycle?

Big hugs to Bella30 and pumpkin just in case you are having a lurk

Waves to everyone else! Hope you're all well xxx

Not much news from me. I survived my 6 hr meeting and have been in a state of brain mush ever since. Am feeling relatively normal now which is a real relief after the weekend before last! Oh, apart from the needle in the tummy thing every night, but that's not too bad.

I just watched the Terry Prachett programme on assisted dying and was in floods of tears. So very moving.

Right, off for some hound walking, all round

xxxx

PS Care , could I just ask, what dose of the stim drugs did you take? I remember that you went from one dose to a higher one but couldn't remember the details. I think we are quite similar (I have PCO but nobody's sure if I have PCOS or not) so I was just nosey interested!

G'day Sheila! Hope all went well today, how exciting . Will catch up properly later but if you could let me know the details of your acupuncturist that'd be great (pm me if you'd prefer). I found a couple in Blackheath which sound good (one has Zita West trained people) so I guess one of them might be the one you go to. I thought I'd found one even closer to where I live but she called me yesterday and kind of made me feel a bit like I'd left it all too late which made me feel all negative, not the best confidence boost!

This sniffing is giving me hot flushes.....

Will catch up with the other posts later xx

G'day, Sheila here bit of light relief for you all.

The test was to take 45mins. By 10mins I'd answered the questions and reread my responses.

Here is an example.

1. What colours are in the Australian national flag

a) Blue, white and red b) Red, yellow and black c) Green, white, red

1. What is a thong

a) An item of intimate atire b) A flip flop c) A musical instrument

OK - so the second question wasnt on the list but trust me, if I dont pass, I dont deserve to live in any commonwealth country never mind one with 9mths of Summer.

Garden 6 hour meeting - jeeeeeeezzz.

Evening ladies

I'm right there with you luck, Teds, Skitoo and whoever else may be jumping aboard this ship around the the beginning of July. We'll do it Thelma and Louise stylie :)

Bit nervous though...

close: I was right on the 29/30 boundary when I was referred to the IVF clinic by the hospital. When they referred me it took about 8 weeks for my appointment to come through. I've been struggling with weight lose forEVER.

Bondi g'day mate! (That's the only Australian I know...). Well done for getting your Australian passport :o

Going to be away for a week with work. See y'all when I get back. Sending positive vibes to you all:

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?==- disco ball vibes for us all -==?
(¸.??´(¸.??´??????.¸<span class="underline">)?? .¸)

GP glad these drugs are making you feel 'normal' but sorry to hear about the hot flushes kool. As I said about the farty pessaries, there is no dignity left when it comes to IVF...

Sheila I was going to express outrage at the second question until I kept reading

Bodeccia hope the week away is okay - I read that as just 'week away' but then saw the work bit. Boo.

I've had lovely blonde highlights done and feel fab. Have been dull mousey brown for the last 12 months... in case I get pregnant... and the horrid chemicals harm the LO etc. etc.... However enough was enough and I need nice hair to draw people's eyes away form the beer triplets I appear to be carrying

Teds LOL at the beer triplets.

GP thanks for the info on self hypnosis. I was on fostimmon and started on alternate days 75/150ml and ended up on 450 I think by the end.

waves everyone else, sorry for short post just bit knackered. x

Hi everyone-just checking in to say hi. Thank you for ALL your kind words and empathy. Its true that you are a really great bunch.

I really feel like CRAP in the highest order. Am feeling VERY deflated as all this only just happened. Mr Pumpkin has been fantastic and has taken the week off with me-I have a sick cert from my G.P. who obv thinks am deranged-I think I am!-fine one minute, psychotic and flooding tears the next. I of course doing my best to push my DH away and make him hate me as much as I do myself at the moment. I just feel like I failed-this happens in 5% of IVF cases according to the clinic, where there is a 'fertilisation' issue. Well I knew it would be me. Its like my DH's and my innards don't like each other (DHs tests are all great and sperm analysis good). We have an appt next wk to discuss how it all went so wrong at such an early stage and it's goodbye to NHS. They said they would suggest icsi next time...maybe august maybe september......AAAAAAGGGHHHH

Bondi or should I say Sheila that is lovely news about Oz. I think Australia is fab and have in fact been researching a trip back to the west coast, well I can dream can't I? I lived in Sydney for 6 months a decade ago-when I had hopes and dreams and actually had FUN before all this fertilty obsession creaped in. Anyway, hope you're having lots of fun. Are you in Sydney, as your name suggests?!

Teds loving the idea of highlights myself. Have had similar dull locks for an eternity. Would be wrong to return to work from sick leave with new hair do?! Did have last week as holiday tho-my boss' and my mutual decision.

Love to Bella and a warm welcome to close. You are right-the people here are great and is so nice and so special to have the support and feeling one can 'off-load' without feeling like a burden to people in RL. Hope thats the right way to put it.

Anyway, should prob think about nodding off-trying to put it off. Just to say I'm sorry to go on abit but I know that we are all on different paths but I know alot of you are having rpt attempts. I just wanted to say I think you're marvellous, and I can only hope to be half as strong in the coming weeks. Will keep lingering and will chat soon.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

(((((((((pumpkin))))))))

I think it takes tremendous courage to even attempt the IVF cycle.
Hope you feel stronger soon