The Elderberry Pavlovas: Hanging up our fertility crystals, relaying the Yellow Brick Road and chasing that chopper. We want our BFPs and we want them now! (Thread 22)

[happylass]

The smallprint –
Berries have a strict entrance criteria (TTC #1, over 30, TTC for 12+ months, NO instadiffers, must have a special pot and definitely no mention of baby dust or baby dancing).
Those not abiding by the rules may be escorted from the premises.

No problem Wild. These two are my favourite for general motivation:

www.mindbodygreen.com/0-13042/6-tips-to-get-motivated-when-youre-feeling-depressed.html

zenhabits.net/get-off-your-butt-16-ways-to-get-motivated-when-youre-in-a-slump/

Hope they work!

Hi Berries,

I've gone back through a few posts as the last couple have been all about me.. (And I'll add my fertilisation news at the bottom..)

Gill you're not the only non-sniffer for down reg - I was a stabber too. I found those needles quite easy and pain free most of the time. I started around day 23 of my cycle but I reckon you might be on it for longer if your OTD won't be until Christmas. Impressed with your cycling, but then figured if you call it a 'road bike' you may be quite an accomplished cyclist anyway, just normally on non-Tarmac terrain?

Bushy your mum sounds lovely and I suspect will be a great support.

Tiger I've lost track of when your group appt is, but I hope they (or the berries) can give you a refresher before starting in April. It's amazing how quickly I find I forget what they've said, even when I'm sure I got it all at our appts!

Beaky well done on the pay rise!

Seren I echo the other comments - it sounds as if your new plan makes sense.

Happy I like the new name endometrial massage

HB do you have your session today? Good luck for a positive plan.

Pip good luck for EC tomorrow. The ladies here do a mean good luck shimmy!

Pixie how long are you down regging for? Wonder if you'll have the longest AF on it like me.

So I got the call from the nurses about fertilisation - out of our 8 eggs, 6 have fertilised normally. I think I'm quite pleased as had been a bit worried about whether enough were mature - and last time we only got 7 from 10, so 6 from 8 is a slightly better rate. Am hoping the proportion making it to day 3 and 5 (and month 9!) is also much higher.
When I texted OH the news he wrote back saying great, maybe we'll get 2 or 3 to freeze.. His optimism is lovely but I had to warn him that last time with 7 fertilised, only 1 made it to blast, so this time with 6.....
Still, I reckon we have more pom-pom bearing berries this time round so luck must be on our side!

Will get a day 3 update on Saturday.

I meant the 'last couple I wrote' we're all about me, and it was time I commented on other berry news!

Hello pipbin, the very best of luck for Friday. We're all willing you on.

beaky I am always up for reading about motivation.. Mostly as a form of procrastination!! Going to have to get on & do some planning today & tomorrow- let the procrastination begin ( it began yesterday as had the idea I'd do a bit but oh no, cleaning and scone making and then I had stuff out of the house to go to, so fail there!! I can go to yoga class today so will do that and then get some planning done round it... Always better to start than waste time then panic!

Being a bit lame here can someone add me to the list ?( on I pad so not sure how to get all the names to come up in bold again)

bushy 36, ttc since dec 2011, low amh, ovarian reserve, dh sperm had low count & motility but improved to 'normal' standard, IVF/Icsi in May bfp, then later missed miscarriage at 12 week scan. 2nd Ivf imminent but not sure if dates will work over Christmas.

happy know what you mean about having a break. After mmc we've had 2 proper cycles and it's nice to just be. I don't think I'd be upset if we had to wait til after Xmas either. I have to ring with start of my next period and think the dates prob won't work with Xmas closing. Part of me thinks it's great we can try again & that it's the most likely chance we have of getting pregnant and that it's good to get on as I'm only getting older but another part of me is apprehensive about the whole long, drawn out process, basically it's 4 months plus until you really know it's worked. I'm saying 4 mths as that takes you up to 12 week scan and I know I won't be able to relax until I get past that point.

hb my cousin's cycles weren't free!! They've paid for four cycles!! And everything is v expensive in Ireland but it gives us hope! She must have been quite open about it or certainly her mum was as my mum and aunties all know.

smidge sounds like it went well now take it easy & hope you get a nice phone call with great fertilisation news.

Right ladies, better drag myself outta bed and breakfast... I will vow to try & stay off here til evening. Post lots so I can reward myself with a nice read after hopefully doing my school work this evening!!

Ok, this doesn't count as I am eating breakfast!! If you're happy for list to be not in bold here it is:

Gillster 40, TTC Feb 2012, IVF Feb 2014 resulting in 6 frozen one day embies. No transfer due to polyp. Failed FET cycle in September due to polyps. Starting 2nd FET cycle on 4 Nov.
Happylass, 36, TTC since Aug 2012. Antibodies in DH's sperm. 1 unsuccessful cycle of ICSI September '14. Starting cycle 2 in January.
Smidge, 38, TTC since Jan 2013. Unexplained. IVF#1 Short protocol July 2014 yielded 1 blasto, BFN. IVF#2 in process - Long Protocol Oct/Nov 2014
Serenity 34 TTC Jan 2013, unexplained infertility, DH has textbook super sperm, 3 rounds unsuccessful clomid, 1 ICSI June 14 with complete fertilisation failure, next ICSI Nov 14.
Jelliebabe - 40, Threw the pills away 8 years ago. Unexplained but have a very low AMH, 1st IVF with clinic in Prague, 2 embryo's, chemical pregnancy. 2nd IVF in London branch of clinic - 1 embryo, BFN. Hoping to go back to Prague for Donor eggs in January
nolly, 32, TTC since Sep 2012, unexplained. 6 months clomid did sod all, next appointment 29th Oct, hoping to start private round ivd soon.
Pixie, 33, TTC June 12, DH has zero sperm count but managed to extract some under surgery, start downregging in a week, long protocol, ICSI Nov
Tigerdog, 34, ttc 21 months. Unexplained after all tests and currently on waiting list for IVF.
Beaky, 34 ttc since aug 2012. Unexplained with recurring cysts and adenomyosis. 1 failed IUI, IVF appointment in November and hoping to start first cycle in January.
Bushy 36, ttc since dec 2011, low amh, ovarian reserve, dh sperm had low count & motility but improved to 'normal' standard, IVF/Icsi in May bfp, then later missed miscarriage at 12 week scan. 2nd Ivf imminent but not sure if dates will work over Christmas.

Just caught up on the bonus news- great stuff smidge. Wild- do fill us in later.

Hahah! Bushy Post lots so I can reward myself with a nice read after hopefully doing my school work . Your wish is our command, but it will have to be later once I've finished my work.

Just popping on to say congratulations to Smidge on a good crop. 6 out of 8 is good, especially after what you have previously been told about your egg quality being dodgy. Our FC said that we should expect 50 per cent to fail before blasto stage. If you end up with four you will still have some for the freezer.

Hey berries, sorry I haven't been around much, have just had a long read to catch up on all the news but am on phone on train so there will only be a few personals.

smidge glad that EC went ok and great news on fertilisation rate. Will be keeping fx for a blast transfer and some frosties for siblings in the future

Best of luck with EC tomorrow pip. Let us know how you get on.

Where in West Wales did you go happy? That is where I grew up.

AFM, I have been stimming since last weds which thankfully has stopped the hot flushes. Had a scan yesterday which showed 6 follies on left ovary and 10 on the right. All were ranging between 6 and 13mm. More jabbing last night and tonight then back for another scan in the morning. Feeling positive as last cycle we only had 10 follies in total and they upped my meds this time to try and get more. Have been having a protein shake everyday (recipe from acu lady), plus using a hot water bottle every evening and drinking nettle tea once a day (helps build the blood apparently). Am also on omega 3 supplements and coq10 to go with the pg one. Very much hoping for a Monday EC.

Will try to be better about posting on here, have been feeling a bit down an very tired which is why I went AWOL but reading all your posts made me remember why I love being part of the berries xxx

Ah lumen I didn't know you were a fellow Welshie. I thought I was the only one! We stayed just outside Fishguard and had a lovely, bracing walk around Strumbe Head on Saturday. Usually go further up, more towards Cardigan but thought we'd have a change this time. Whereabouts are you from?
Glad all is progressing well with your treatment. Would you mind sharing the protein shake recipe? I used shop bought ones during my cycle but guessing they are full of crap. Interesting about the nettle tea. I used to drink a fair bit just because I like the taste. Didn't realise it was beneficial for TTC. Will get back on it!
Fx the rest of your treatment goes smoothly. Keep us posted
I'm just killing time in Starbucks waiting for DH to finish work then we're headed up to Manchester where he's working for the next few days. I'm just tagging along for shopping purposes ??

Super well done on the bumper crop of follies lumen. Good effort. I am very excited for you. We are still here for you, even if you do need to hide away in your burrow for a bit. It's totally understandable that you are feeling delicate and the most important thing is that you look after yourself and do what is right for you.

Smidge I somehow missed the bit where you said you ended up with one embryo for implantation last time. You are right that the pompoms will work their magic this time. (Waves pompoms wildly).

Bushy I fear I will disappoint you with my post. I don't have any major exciting news. The biggest thing to happen to me today was that I ate a French patisserie thing which turned out to be 500 calories . I definitely won't be doing that again as I want to eat as healthily as possible while on the steroids in January. Apparently you have to really cut back on sugar and salt or you pile on the weight. I need to wean myself off cakes and pastries

My reading on immunes has been very reassuring. I've figured out that the treatments they are planning to use, steroids and something called intralipids which is made from fat (?), are the best options for my probable problem.

Other clinics do other things and I was wondering if I should go to one of them, get all the immune tests done, then get a more tailored treatment programme. It turns out the other clinics would likely do what I am having. There are some other treatments, but one is viewed as less effective and the other is a bit on the edge of what is known. So I'm happy we are doing the right thing. Phew!

Happy what your FC said about an unreceptive womb sounds similar to what mine are saying. Interesting. Enjoy your shopping, Manchester is a good place for it.

Lumen , please do post the protein shake if you can be bothered . And Pixie don't be bored, you are putting in the effort to make your dreams come true. Be proud of yourself.

Sorry Bushy completely misread the payment thing. Eek....4 self funded cycles!

Pip good luck with EC tomorrow and well done Lumen on the haul! hope all continues well.

All ok at the FC, I start down regging on November 15th and I should be one of the last ECs for the year..... Let's hope that my body behaves and that we can complete the cycle.

Gillster 40, TTC Feb 2012, IVF Feb 2014 resulting in 6 frozen one day embies. No transfer due to polyp. Failed FET cycle in September due to polyps. Starting 2nd FET cycle on 4 Nov.
Happylass 36, TTC since Aug 2012. Antibodies in DH's sperm. 1 unsuccessful cycle of ICSI September '14. Starting cycle 2 in January.
Smidge, 38, TTC since Jan 2013. Unexplained. IVF#1 Short protocol July 2014 yielded 1 blasto, BFN. IVF#2 in process - Long Protocol Oct/Nov 2014
Serenity 34 TTC Jan 2013, unexplained infertility, DH has textbook super sperm, 3 rounds unsuccessful clomid, 1 ICSI June 14 with complete fertilisation failure, next ICSI Nov 14.
Jelliebabe - 40, Threw the pills away 8 years ago. Unexplained but have a very low AMH, 1st IVF with clinic in Prague, 2 embryo's, chemical pregnancy. 2nd IVF in London branch of clinic - 1 embryo, BFN. Hoping to go back to Prague for Donor eggs in January
nolly, 32, TTC since Sep 2012, unexplained. 6 months clomid did sod all, next appointment 29th Oct, hoping to start private round ivd soon.
Pixie, 33, TTC June 12, DH has zero sperm count but managed to extract some under surgery, start downregging in a week, long protocol, ICSI Nov
Tigerdog 34, ttc 21 months. Unexplained after all tests and currently on waiting list for IVF.
Beaky 34 ttc since aug 2012. Unexplained with recurring cysts and adenomyosis. 1 failed IUI, IVF appointment in November and hoping to start first cycle in January.
Bushy 36, ttc since dec 2011, low amh, ovarian reserve, dh sperm had low count & motility but improved to 'normal' standard, IVF/Icsi in May bfp, then later missed miscarriage at 12 week scan. 2nd Ivf imminent but not sure if dates will work over Christmas.
HampshireBlues 36 TTC since August 2011, unexplained. 1st cycle of IVF chemical. Had a break over the summer. Cycle 2 planned for November

Ooo whats all this protein shake stuff? Is it recommended during IVF?

Smidge excellent that 6 have fertilized, I will continue PomPoms and shimmying for good quality blasts for you. Are they aiming for a day 5 transfer?

Bushy Im the same, but you sound as though you've been very productive lately! Have you been sleeping any better? Ill repost the list with the highlighted bits later

Wild Pip HB Lumen do you want to post your stats and Ill add you on?

lumen nice to see you and Wild is right take time out if you need it but we are always here. Go follies go, will keep up the pompoms for you as well and let us know how your scan goes. Ill keep my fingers crossed for you to have EC on monday.

Happy enjoy shopping in manchester! You should definitely go to the moet bar in Selfridges

Wild interesting about the immune issues and great that you have been able to satisfy yourself you will have the right treatment.

Pip will be thinking of you tomorrow for EC and afterwards for great fertilization. PomPoms and shimmying at the ready!

Pixie theres so much waiting in this ttc lark, before, during, after... all the time!

Tiger and Nolly Jellie how are you all doing?

I feel like it should be friday today, its just been a long shitty day so Im pleased its over at least! I had to go to the drs this afternoon and it must be preggo women appointments day, there was a constant stream of them with massive bumps and my dr was running late too. I felt wonderful by the time I went in to see her! Also had two new baby announcements on fb. PAH.

I have bought a Yoga DVD since there are no classes near me, I should really do it now but instead I'm surfing mn procrastinating oh well!

Oo x posts HB great news on getting going with the next round and fx you get the full cycle in!

WildflowerMarmalade , 40, TTC 3 years, unexplained, underactive thyroid + immune issues. Sept IUI - BFN. Due to start IVF in Jan.

There you go Beaky - good luck with all those asterisks for the bolding!

And what do you mean it's not Friday!? You mean I have to go again tomorrow! Darn it.

Yes Beaky they advise a high protein diet during IVF. I did really well before EC but not so well after. I couldn't stomach the shakes! I'm veggie too so more difficult for me to eat high protein. Must try harder next time!

Sorry Berries. Still haven't caught up properly! Manic week.

Good luck fur tomorrow pip
Smidge 8 is great, do you get any updates?
Tiger - I took aspirin last cycle too and yes my last period was better!

I've got my follow up appointment tomorrow. I'm so bloody excited! I'm even looking forward to dildo can. Were going to find out the dinner points of donor eggs and how to have treatment v in January. Were already on the list so will pop in and say hi to the coordinator while we're there (not so subtle nudge). ??. Is really stupid but I keep saying things to hub like "this time next year we can dress the twins up as pumpkins". Doh!

beaky apparently the protein helps the egg development, we shall see. I decided in for a penny in for many pounds! My stats thanks are below and the protein shake recipe.

lumen, 35, ttc since Nov 11 without a sniff of a bfp, unexplained, had only nhs funded IVF summer 2014, no implantation, trying self-funded IVF Nov 14, currently mid cycle

Protein shake, have once a day whilst on stimms

• 1 scoop protein powder (Solgar Whey Protein Powder in vanilla) can get from amazon
• 1tsp Good Oil (hemp oil) sell in waitrose and sainsburys
• 1tsp whole earth almond butter
• 1 dessert spoon organic milled flaxseed can get in supermarkets or h&b
• 8fl oz coconut water
• 1 banana
• a handful of berries

Put all in blender and whizz. Can be made in advance (ie night before) just stir to remix.

Ohh and jellie we can be dildocam buddies tomorrow

Pip I've everything crossed for you

Hi and good luck to everyone else

Gillster 40, TTC Feb 2012, IVF Feb 2014 resulting in 6 frozen one day embies. No transfer due to polyp. Failed FET cycle in September due to polyps. Starting 2nd FET cycle on 4 Nov.
Happylass 36, TTC since Aug 2012. Antibodies in DH's sperm. 1 unsuccessful cycle of ICSI September '14. Starting cycle 2 in January.
Smidge, 38, TTC since Jan 2013. Unexplained. IVF#1 Short protocol July 2014 yielded 1 blasto, BFN. IVF#2 in process - Long Protocol Oct/Nov 2014
Serenity 34 TTC Jan 2013, unexplained infertility, DH has textbook super sperm, 3 rounds unsuccessful clomid, 1 ICSI June 14 with complete fertilisation failure, next ICSI Nov 14.
Jelliebabe - 40, Threw the pills away 8 years ago. Unexplained but have a very low AMH, 1st IVF with clinic in Prague, 2 embryo's, chemical pregnancy. 2nd IVF in London branch of clinic - 1 embryo, BFN. Hoping to go back to Prague for Donor eggs in January
nolly, 32, TTC since Sep 2012, unexplained. 6 months clomid did sod all, next appointment 29th Oct, hoping to start private round ivd soon.
Pixie, 33, TTC June 12, DH has zero sperm count but managed to extract some under surgery, start downregging in a week, long protocol, ICSI Nov
Tigerdog 34, ttc 21 months. Unexplained after all tests and currently on waiting list for IVF.
Beaky 34 ttc since aug 2012. Unexplained with recurring cysts and adenomyosis. 1 failed IUI, IVF appointment in November and hoping to start first cycle in January.
Bushy 36, ttc since dec 2011, low amh, ovarian reserve, dh sperm had low count & motility but improved to 'normal' standard, IVF/Icsi in May bfp, then later missed miscarriage at 12 week scan. 2nd Ivf imminent but not sure if dates will work over Christmas.
HampshireBlues 36 TTC since August 2011, unexplained. 1st cycle of IVF chemical. Had a break over the summer. Cycle 2 planned for November
WildflowerMarmalade , 40, TTC 3 years, unexplained, underactive thyroid + immune issues. Sept IUI - BFN. Due to start IVF in Jan
lumen, 35, ttc since Nov 11 without a sniff of a bfp, unexplained, had only nhs funded IVF summer 2014, no implantation, trying self-funded IVF Nov 14, currently mid cycle

Evening all, it feels quite lively in berry HQ today. Must be all the pom pom dancing and shimmying!

pip wishing you lots of luck for tomorrow. Let us know how you get on.

beaky thanks for the motivational tips. I think I need to practice self compassion instead of being such a harsh critic of myself all the time. I'm doing ok today, I feel much more positive now that af has fully left the building and after a good acu session. My moods are so predictable: CD 1-5 despair/CD 5-12 positive and happy/CD 12- 21 hopeful and excited/ CD 21-28 gradual decline. Eat, sleep rave repeat. How are you?

smidge that's great news on the fertilisation. Every step is a step closer.

pixie sounds like a similar set of symptoms to pregnancy! Hopefully you'll be experiencing them as part of the real deal soon enough.

wild you will be a stronger women than me if you can cut out sugar and sweet things. I don't eat wheat but chocolate is my weakness. I am shamefully addicted!

Enjoy your shopping trip happy! I'm debating whether to self medicate with asprin again for my next cycle. Might start after ovulation...

Love the positivity jellie! Hope it goes well tomorrow.

lumen glad to hear you're doing ok and it really sounds as though you are doing everything perfectly. I so hope this is it for you. Hope you manage to get some rest too. LOL at you and jellie being dildocam buddies. I find it quite reassuring to think that somewhere out out there other ladies are having similar experiences. We are not alone!! So few of my friends (thankfully for them) have had any sort of fertility investigations so it really does help to share with the berries.

OH is out tonight, so I am watching a wildlife programme on BBC1 (I want an artic fox cub!) and having a snuggle with the pooch who is on the sofa again after being frightened by some random fireworks, poor love. She is currently having a very active dream and keeps twitching and growling in her sleep!

oh and bushy hope you managed to get your work done. I have even procrastinated by googling ways to avoid procrasination. Hopeless!

Evening Berries !

Sounds like some good fertilising to me Smidge, keeping everything crossed that the embies behave themselves over the next few days.

Everything also crossed for you Pip. Really really hope this is your time.

Very interested in the aspirin. No mention of it from my FC but did buy a box last week. When should I take it? Before or after ET?

Does nettle tea really taste good?

Loving the moods during the month Tiger. To be honest though with all the off and on treatment I've had this year, there's only actually been about 2 "normal" cycles.

I'm with you on the new baby announcements Beaky - just had one tonight although felt much worse when she announced her pregnancy. Maybe this is progress. Going to pretend that I haven't see FB though and wait for a text (a touch childish I know).

Good luck with the stabbing Lumen!

Apologies if I've missed anyone but I only ever check this thread on my phone and my memory isn't what it used to be!

Almost the weekend - Yay!

Gil my FC hadn't mentioned the aspirin before yesterday. I've just started taking it even though I won't start stabbing til Jan. She said to take it up until EC. I think she also said it would be re introduced if the cycle was successful - but don't quote me on that!
I think nettle tea is an acquired taste. The last one I bought had something else with it - maybe peppermint - which was quite nice. Someone on here a while back was advised to drink sage tea for TTC. Tried that for a while too - wasn't too bad!

Ah gill boo to the pg announcements. I don't know about nettle tea on its own but i like the one with peppermint too

Mention of pg announcements reminded me of todays events: Am starting to tell people at work that I am leaving and had yet another person say 'oh, you've got a new job?! I thought you were going to say you were pregnant'. Aaawkward.