IVF / ICSI - everyone welcome for questions, hand holding, and waggle dancing

[Gardenpixie]

Ladies, we ran out of space on the old thread so here is a sparkly new one with dedicated areas for waggle dancing, hormonal outbreaks of bonkersness, sniffing, injecting and progesterone pessary related fartiness.

For anyone thinking about starting IVF / ICSI or going through it at the moment, do come and say hello. These wonderful ladies have kept me sane through the last few months and are a source of all knowledge concerning tests, down-regging, ov stimulating, DIY injections and much more so if you need any info or just some company, do join us.

So here's a welcome for everyone and an enormous waggle dance for many many more BFPs to come

skitoo!!!!! I LOVED how you oh so casually dropped your BFP into the conversation!!! CONGRATULATIONS, I'm so so for you xxxx

skitoo that's wonderful, wonderful news!!! Congratulations. Brilliant news. The image of that line appearing so quickly is just fab :)

gp am waggling furiously for an official BFP for you on Friday

pumpkin if the clinic are happy that's great news, although I know it's hard not to worry about absolutely everything. Re the acupuncture, I just got back from an appt and my view is the acupuncture is to support and enhance the IVF treatment, working with what they have and trying to improve things just that little bit. It sounds very stressful to have an acupuncturist saying different things to your clinic.....not sure if that helps....I can't remember if you are in London, if so I can recommend a practice which operates across multiple locations. Good luck with continued stimming and I really hope we are (almost) EC buddies (((())))

For my part EC is tomorrow morning. On Mon there were 4 follies above 17mm and 2 close behind. Trying not to mental too much about it, and trying not to think ahead to the next stage but it's basically impossible!

skitoo waaaaaahaaaaaaaaaaaay! Such good news hurrah!!! How are you feeling? Has it sunken in yet? So very thrilled for you lovely xxxx

pumpkin I have to say I am a bit concerned about your acupuncturist. First, she is not trained in the medical side of ivf so should not be commenting, just supporting. Second, your follies sound a lot like mine on my second scan this time round so I don't think you need to worry at all and in fact, can I just offer a big hurrah to your ovaries who are clearly shaking off their 'poor responder' history!

I know it's hard the second time round, I kept thinking that my body just wasn't set up for ivf and that we were pretty doomed. But remember that you are in proper non-nhs hands this time round who are experienced at dealing with tricky cases like us! Also, didn't they collect your eggs too early before? Before there were enough at 18mm+?

FYI, by dpo, I meant days past EC ... Sorry! I always knew I was going to be an early tester hence checking just after ET to make sure all the trigger shot was out of my system, but that's just me being neurotic! Isn't it funny what you learn about yourself on this journey? I always thought I was patient and zen like in my ability to chill out waiting for results. Turns out I most certainly am not!

I am sending you a big calming and a waggly hug xxx

Hello everyone else, sorry i have to dash but I think DH is on the verge of throttling his mother who is helpfully giving him some advice on how to clean the kitchen ... Best go and intervene

Xxxx

pumpkin any negativity isn't going to do you any good. I'm all for acupuncture, I had it and so of course would recommend it but I'd have to say, your ivf clinic are the experts on ivf, not the acupuncturist. Mine did ask about stuff like that but never expressed an opinion about it. It might be worth taking the bull by the horns and telling her that she has made you feel negative and that that's not helping right now. I remember asking about acupuncture when I first went to my ivf clinic and they said to only do it if it made you feel good. Negativity is not a good thing to feel so I think it's got to be really worth thinking about whether it's worth carrying on with her. The first acupuncturist I contacted made me feel really negative as she implied that I'd left it too late in the treatment cycle to start effective acupuncture so I didn't go to her. As far as I know, the key acupuncture treatments are the ones immediately Pre and post transfer so it could even be argued that the others aren't strictly necessary anyway. I hope I've not confused you any more, I'd just say, keep what your clinic have said at the forefront of your mind and push the negativity away xx

Skitoo fantastic news CONGRATULATIONs
gp great news and of course will be doing lots of waggle dancing for you re Friday.

Have been away for 3 weeks on hols had hoped to post but Hubbies blackberry did not work and internet cafe we had used before had shut down. Will try and catch up.

Hi to all

Thanks girls-no you havn't confused me Kool I value your opinion-I was so up for the accupuncture so it's a shame. Thinking about cancelling but have to give over 24hours notice or will be charged-she couldn't make tomorro so scheduled for friday 0830-think I will say something and also will ask my clinic tomorrow-don't think she should be commenting on follicle size-its really made me feel down.
Thanks Garden yes I found out EC was done last time when folls were 16-18mm-am hoping that was the reason for non fertilisation and nothing else that could sabotage this cycle. You made me laugh re your comment about doing HPT post ET-I did this after trigger shot first cycle just to see a BFP again!!-how saddo is that??!!
Hey Danny-my (almost) EC buddy! Good luck for tomorrow-sending lots of vibes. Yes, I am in south London and would love a recommendation if you have one-kool sounds like she has done her homework and if there is research suggesting most important times are pre and post ET, I'm up for that and could still move to a different accupuncturist.
Love and hugs xx

pumpkin it's the London acupuncture clinic

www.londonacupuncture.co.uk/practices.asp

Chiswick, Ealing, Harley St, Windsor and Epsom...

Good luck xxx

Thanks Danny will be checking that out like NOW! Will be thinking of you tomorrow xxxxxxxxxxx

Pumpkin I didn't realise you were in South London, I am too! I went to www.londonacupuncturespace.com/about-us.htm. It's a really nice lady, Charlotte, who is based near Blackheath. She's a quite expensive but I always found it a positive experience. She's also Zita West trained which I really liked. She was on her hols for my post transfer session so I had that one done at Zita West and they use exactly the same protocol (if that's the right word). Good luck! X

I meant to add that a couple of others from this thread have been to her too x

Afternoon Ladies!

Wowweeeee - Amazing, Skitoo congratulations! - I am convinced this is a lucky thread and will definitely stick on it! Do you feel different? Take very good care of yourself and make sure Mr Skitoo treats you like a princess.

Dannygirl hope EC goes ok today - sounds like you have some biggies which is great.Can't wait to read how you get on and hear about the next stage of the journey... at this point it all starts happening quite quickly I imagine?

Pumpkin Reading what you accupuncturist said made me feel cross - I'm realy sorry it upset you and although this is all new to me, I would say DEFINITELY trust the medical IVF professionals at this stage and if they are happy, be happy!

I am really interested in what you are all saying about accupuncture... I have heard brilliant things and one of my friends was down to start IVF and started accupuncture only to get a BFP on the day the IVF forms arrived... which she really puts down to it. Even though I am not likely to start things till November do you think it is worth me starting now or is it too early? Obviously need to find a good one. Do you need to go to an IVF/ Conception issues specialised one?

Garden I can't log in tomorrow, but will be thinkng of you on official test day!

In other Millymoo news, I had a big chat with my Mum today about the whole IVF option... I hadn't really talked to her yet and thought I should let her know what was going on in my life. It left me feeling rather down as she has never been subtle about the fact that she wants millions of grandkids, and wants them NOW, so couldn't really hide her dissapointment. She is in complete denial and just kept on saying - "yes, well I'm sure it will just happen naturally...". very frustrating. Ahh well...

Waves to everyone and goes to comfort eat some leftover cold pizza...mmmm

hi all
skitoo great news - so happy for you!! Hope you are feeling OK.

Garden thinking of you for tomorrow and sending happy waggles.

Pumpkin boo to the acupuncturist. I must say I used one from Jan - May this year - when TTC naturally, and I got the feeling throughout our sessions that she was a bit of a drepressed person - it used to make me feel guilty for some reason, and i enjoyed the acc less and less, so i stopped going to her, and have now got a new one based in Tooting who deals with IVF - i have had just one session so far - and felt very relaxed afterwards - so I would recommend it - also to start it a month or so before all your IVF treatment is the best thing so your body is used to feeling relaxed through IYKWIM...

I have started the DR dprays - all OK so far - day 2 - it's the hideous amount of water that I have to drink (3litres a day) that is really getting me down ... anyway I am on this until Sept 21st then the stims will start!

Have good afternoons all
zb

Hello all.....I've been on a couple of threads already as me and DH have been trying to conceive naturally for 15 months since he had a vasectomy reversal last year.
His count looks to be average but the motility and morphology isn't great so we're on the route to ICSI. Had an appointment at the fertility clinic at our local hospital earlier this week and they have arranged for me to have my first blood test - it should be early next week as AF is due this Sunday.
We are also booked into a group meeting on the 19th where we are told what to expect (although with all the reading up on here and in various fertility books I already know ) and then we get our appointment to sign consent forms and pay up (our PCT won't fund us as DH had a vasectomy 4 years ago).......and then we're good to go!!!!

It's great to see the support you are all giving each other and it's even better to see the BFP news!! It gives everyone a reason to keep going!

So hello all, I'm coming along for the ride!

xx

Hi girls, hope everyones feeling good this (again) cloudy afternoon? Feeling very tired-I might have a snooze-would that be very naughty? Had a 2nd stim scan this morning which confirmed growth-now ranging from 12-14mm each follicle-next/last scan sunday. So looks like we're still set for next tuesday for EC-eek! Do the follicles still grow inbetween trigger shot and EC? Told the nurse re acupuncture and she said 'No she's probably confused what stage you're at'-so thats good-I feel reassured a little. Will go tomorrow and then apparently shes on holiday from next week so would haveto see another practitioner so thats probably a good thing!

Just wanted to say a huge thank you to all of you for your kind and reassuring words and advice-it really is so nice to come on here and chat-esp since me and DH made a decision not to tell the few people we told last time, so hav nt got RL people to talk to, except my sister who is a life saver. Anyway, thanks so much.

Zeebee hope the DR spray is going ok. Its great when a cycle actually starts is nt it? Am also persevering with the water-hard is nt it? The nurse said to me to aim for 1 1/2 to 2 litres-were you told specifically 3? We ll be sprouting leaves next!

Millymoo Sorry you're mum was nt too empathetic-can relate to that as after my MMC and last cycle my dad recounted a couple of stories of couples who TTC and then managed after 10 yrs,oh and 'my GP always said go on holiday', not forgeting the story of a woman with 2 failed IVF cycles and now has 2 children naturally-UUUURRRGGGH!!!! They just don't get it-I don't mention it to him now as it just winds me up. With acupuncture I don't really know anything about it-I was trying to look at a specific website which recommended clinics or had reviews but came up with nothing-most seem to offer it for fertility but would also be interested to see if there are specialists in that specific field.

Kool we might be neighbours??! Thanks for your advice-looks like I'll go to see a colleague of twaty acupuncturist when its more vital (ie pre and post transfer) and then should this cycle fail, I'll start a proper course a good time before starting cycle again. How are you feeling? Hope you're being waited on left right and centre?!

Danny hope EC has gone well and you are now at home with your feet up.

Love to everyone else xxxxxx

Welcome Fishfinger we x post as it was taking me ages to do my mammoth post. You will def find everyone very welcoming here and its a great place to hang out. Have a welcome xxx

Ooh pumpkin I'd be so excited if we were neighbours - i'd have to warn you though as I'll get all carried away and start day dreaming about us having picnics in some of the lovely South London parks with our bubbas in tow . What?! Visualising is the way to go! I meant to say earlier that the acupuncturist I went to is an ivf/fertility specialist. I'm so glad your scan went well today and I do hope it has made you feel more positive. Everything is going according to plan!

Dannygirl I hope all went smoothly for you today and that you're feeling well.

skitoo I hope it's beginning to sink in!

Welcome fishfinger

Millymoo it wouldn't be too early to start acupuncture now but it's probably not strictly necessary. I started as I began down regging. My best friend just went Pre and post transfer (and now has 2 DCs). I think bare minimum would be Pre and post, then one a week or so later for implantation. It's really something you should only do if it relaxes you as that's the whole point. I think I'd favour someone who specifically deals with fertility although as pumpkin has found out, you want someone who understands the process but doesn't make their own diagnoses!

We had our last scan at our clinic today as I'm now signed off into the big, wide world. It showed kitten as measuring spot on for 10 weeks and a day and we got a little wiggle and a wave. Very relieved as this is further than we got after my mmc last year. Phew, I'm off for a kip!

Hi everybody,

Great news about your BFP skitoo - that's fantastic news! Hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy :)

We went and picked up our prescription today and I start taking downregging injections on the 27th of this month. Quite exciting, though I am back at work and feeling knackered this week. Hope my mad timetable running around school all day doesn't affect my chances.

Acupuncture hasn't been mentioned by my consultant/nurses, and they haven't said anything about things I should/shouldn't eat or do. I wasn't planning on having acupuncture, do you think it is necessary? Do you have any tips for things I should be doing to improve our chances of success?

Fingers crossed for your official BFP tomorrow GP :)

Thanks for your good wishes everyone. EC this morning was very straightforward - I was totally out of it, don't remember a thing, haven't had any pain and we were home by 11.30. Have had my feet up ever since...result! We got 12 eggs, I have no idea whether that's good or not, despite googling it!!, but somehow it was more than we were expecting. Have to wait for call tomorrow to see how many fertilise overnight. Hopefully my eggs and DH's swimmers are getting it on right now!!

milly sorry to hear about your mum's reaction, I personally have only been chatting to friends and family about IVF who have been supportive and positive. When I told my dad he said he thought we shouldn't do it, and then he sent me articles about all the possible risks and issues, which I thought was most unhelpful so have stopped talking to him about it now :) they are entitled to their own opinion but if it's not helpful I guess it's OK to ignore!!

pumpkin great news about the scan! Fingers crossed for the final growth spurt and your EC on Tues, would love to be cycle buddies with you ((()))

Welcome fish finger and kool fab news about the scan!!!!

Happy evenings everyone, and let's send BFP vibes to GP xxx

Danny that's great news! We only had three viable eggs so I'm sure you're eggies will give you a lovely bfp in 14/16 days. I have biked over the disco ball, champagne and canapés so big fingers crossed that your eggs are getting jiggy with the swimmers as I type! Take care of yourself this evening and keep us posted on what I'm sure will be excellent news tomorrow!

Hello to everyone else, I will let you know as soon as I've done the official test tomorrow, probably around 5am

Xxxx

dannygirl thats excellent news, disco lights, music and bubbly etc on the way to encourage DH little swimmers. Hope you have managed to enjoy a lovely relaxed afternoon and evening
milly so frustrating about your mums reaction hope you find some good support from elsewhere hugs from here. Probably a shock for her and she probably thought she was being positive for you.
pumpkin so pleased about the scan result

BFP vibes on there way to GP.

I have had no symptoms for over 2 weeks but as was on hols could do nothing. Do not know if the progesterone pessaries stop any bleed if it was there to happen or not. Have an appointment with cons tomorrow but am not sure if I will have to wait a few more days for a scan. I was under her with DS and after MC last yr said she would arrange early scan. So will see. Have to race to see her and then be back at work oh the joys of juggling as she is an hr away from work! Hope both GP and I will have good news for you. Sleep has been so disrupted for the last 4 weeks I can only imagine how it must be for those of you on the IVF journey definately need to find a way to relax and get some of all the positive and strength from you all to rub off. Enough moaning from me

Hope everyone has a lovely Friday off to do some housework now

Danny 12 is ace! Good on ya

Garden I did mine at 5am!

Bugsylugs I hope you get good news too!

Cloco as frustrating as it is, I was pretty much told by my clinic that there was very little one can do to influence the outcome either way. I guess on the one hand that takes the pressure off in terms of having to do or not do certain things but I'm the type of person (as I'm sure we all are) who likes to think I'm doing all I can to help. Which is I guess why I did acupuncture. Besides that I generally tried to take it easy, drank water, ate brazil and almonds (random!) and took folic acid vits. I'm not sure if any of these things genuinely contributed to my bfp but I guess they helped me feel as though I was taking some control. There are the obvious things too like no alcohol but I only stopped the occasional glass of wine when I started my down regs. Good luck x

Awww, thanks for all your lovely words ladies, made me go all fuzzy. Have to admit that I am still really shocked as I had genuinley convinced myself that it hadn't worked. I am also very very scared, am dreading 6 week scan after what I went through with my mmc before. So just a day at a time at the moment. When I think about it, I do get a big though.

Danny, great news on your eggies. Huge waggles for the big night of luuurrvvveee xx.

Garden, will be thinking of you in the morning. I have everything crossed that your big fat line pops up as quickly as mine did .

Kool, glad you had a really good scan xx.

Pumpkin, hoorah for your follies, will continue to waggle for them. Yes the HCG shot gets them to their final state of ripeness ready for collection, so looks like you'll have a good bunch. Lots of big fat follie vibes for you .

Sorry for short post tonight, will catch up with everyone else tomorrow.

Thanks again for your support everyone, it really helps .

Ooooh ladies, I did the clinic's hpt and a FRER hpt and they both came up positive! Glad I did the FRER as well though as it was much darker than the official one.

Right, best run as I have to walk the hound before work.

Have lovely Fridays xxxx

Garden fab news

That's exactly what I did but FR first, clinic one is rubbish. Enjoy your day .

Congratulations skitoo and official congratulations gp. Let's hope it's the start of a positive run of results for everyone!
danny 12 sounds like a great number to me. We had 10 and ended up with a positive test and 2 in the freezer which we were really pleased about.

milly sorry for your mum's reaction. We feared a similar response from a few of our relatives so ended up not telling them. Whilst it was more difficult practically (harder to find childcare for dd) it meant that we avoided some of the inevitable insensitive comments. I think some people just don't think before speaking.