Candle smugglers of the world unite! The Berries have loaded up the charabanc and have Barry on repeat. Destination BFP (via the pouch of Douglas)

[happylass]

The small print:

The Berries have strict entrance criteria: TTC #1 for 12 months+, over 30, NO instadiffers, must have a special pimping pot and absolutely no mention of baby dust/dancing. Not that we're fussy

Current passengers

Happylass, 37, TTC since Aug 2012. 2 failed ICSIs. Hopefully FET early May with only frostie. Long awaited NHS appt in June
Beaky 35, ttc coming up 3 yrs, 2x failed iui 1x long protocol ivf cancelled due to poor response. On the pill awaiting short protocol IVF in may
Minx, 34, both tubes blocked, 1 buried ovary, IVF info evening June, IVF "booking in" appointment in July
Nolly, 33, TTC 2.7 years, mc Dec 2014. awaiting ivf August 2015 while dh is off on a jolly.
Wild 40 - TTC for three years. Embies on ice and planning FET with immune treatment in June.
HampshireBlues 36 TTC 3.5 years, unexplained. Cycle 1 chemical pregnancy, cycle 2 abandoned due to cyst, cycle 3 failed. Plan thrombotic profile, scratch and short protocol.
Lumen, 35, ttc since Nov 2011, unexplained, two IVF cycles in 2014, both bfns, waiting for lap&dye and results of numerous bloods, aiming for one last IVF cycle in the summer.
Tigerdog, 34 ttc since Jan 2013. Unexplained and all test results good. Currently in the middle of long protocol IVF, 13 eggs collected and awaiting news for next steps.
Gillster, 41, TTC since Feb 2012. Had IVF in Feb 14 and had 6 one cell embies frozen due to polyp. 2 x 2 day embies finally put back 14 months later on 16th April, BFP 28th April
Smidge, 39 this month, TTC since Jan 2013. Unexplained. IVF#1 Short protocol July '14 BFN, IVF#2 Nov'14 and IVF#3 Feb '15 both Long protocol BFNs. High NK cells immune treatment. 2 frosties due to be put back in natural FET in May or June.
Kuma - 40. TTC 2.5 years. Low AMH high FSH - DH antisperm ABs. Failed IVF June 14 and March 15. Looking to change clinic and try another natural cycle in June 2015.
Lucieloos, 35, TTC 18 months, low AMH & sperm motility. 1st ICSI in Czech Republic in April 2015. Awaiting results.
Barkingtreefrog, 35, ttc since Dec 2011. Clomid bfp summer 2013, mc @ 7 weeks. IUI bfp summer 2014, mc @ 7 weeks. Diagnosed with factor v leiden thrombophilia (but
not thought to be the cause of the mc's as they were too early). Failed IUI January 2015, failed IVF March 2015. No further NHS help. Going private for nk cells testing and a scratch before putting the frosties back, hopefully this summer.
Rain, 33 ttc since March 2012. unexplained. mystery bfp oct 13, MMC Nov 13. NHS IVF starting in June
Spare planning FET with remaining frosties shortly
Pont 1st IVF in Czech Republic in July.

Oh, and she is 12 weeks, which means she probably got her bfp the week we lost the baby. I want to punch things and swear loudly.

Same here spare. My brother just texted me his 12 week scan picture.

....And now a baby photo from a friend via messenger....I'm so happy for them but that doesn't make it any easier to swallow, especially given that this time last week I was imagining a very different future after a positive pregnancy test.

I feel your pain berries when DH told me friends were 12weeks it sent me reeling as it would have been around the time that I got by BFN.

Sending lots of love and hugs; now wangs required and and for all.

Hello Berries! I've been stuck in the 1970s for the last three days and they don't have the Internet there. Stuck in the seventies in a good way as we are away on holiday in Italy and we were staying in a properly old fashioned seaside hotel with brilliantly dated decor. I kept expecting to see Margot and Gerry from the Good Life.

We've moved on into the 21st century now so I've finally been able to catch up. Bit of a mixture of news in Berry HQ.

So, so sorry to hear what happened Tiger. Did you manage to take any time off from work? It's worth doing it and getting signed off sick if you think you will be better off at home. I get what you mean about feeling this might have happened before. So horrible and frustrating.

Beaky you must be so stressed and worried. I am totally rooting for you to get good news at your next scan. Come on the three.

Spare congratulations on being PUPO. Yay! Boo to the sister-in-law though. How dare she!

HB hope you are feeling ok. How long have you got to go?

Smidge sorry for the twin news, I always wonder if twins are IVF too! One of MrBs former colleagues had two sets! also love the berries hoping to bear fruit independently.

Spare so sorry about that preggo bomb, what shit timing and lack of tact. Hopefully by Christmas you will be getting ready to pop a mini spare out. I am pompoming away furiously for you!

tiger an absolutely massive hug to you lady, what is your brother thinking, or actually not thinking. And your friend, seriously people have no idea eh. Thinking of you. Did you manage to take any time off work?

Wild it sounds amazing! Hope you're having a lovely time. Thanks for rooting for me, I am crossing everything. Necking dhea, coq10 and vit d like they are in short supply. Fx.

Things moving quickly around here!

Spare so glad to hear you are PUPO again - I really hope this time is your time.

Tiger I'm so sorry that your BFP was snatched away from you, it seems so unfair to get so far and then find yourself right back where you started. Have you had a follow up appointment scheduled? I hope you enjoy your week of having fun; I found it a welcome relief to chill out for a bit after my failed cycles and just think f**k it, health drive starts next month.

HB how are you getting on, are you finding things to keep your mind occupied? I found the end of the 2WW to hardest part...

Beaky how are you getting on? Why will they abandon the cycle if you have less than 3 follicles? Surely once you've got that far its worth giving it a shot? Will you do and IUI instead if you can't go ahead? Would they do a natural cycle for you if things don't work out this time?

Wild I hope you enjoyed the 70s - I think I'd quite like to get away from the internet for a few days, it can be such a drain of time and energy.

I had a consultation with my latest clinic on Monday, I thought they were OK but DH was pretty unhelpful in saying that he didn't like them because he thought the furniture and computers looked cheap, he didn't like that the doctor wrote on a piece of loose writing paper rather than in a notebook and that he didn't like what she was wearing..... I didn't notice any of these things. Anyway, she said she would do a natural cycle or a lightly stimulated cycle as AF is still regular, but she thought the chances of success were extremely low. I had my AMH tested again which has gone down to 0.4 from 1.6 in December 2013. As a result I'm feeling much less optimistic about doing another cycle, I've got a nurse appointment next week to go through all of the paperwork, but will need to spend some more time this weekend considering my options. I did some internet research on AMH of 0.4 and found a few articles to suggest that it didn't really affect the chances of successful pregnancy. Cycle is likely to be in about 4 weeks time as AF just arrived before my consultation; but it's another month where I can keep popping the pills.

1970's Italy sounds amazing wild I bet it's a lot like my dear old nonna's house! Hope you're having a lovely time.

No, I've not taken any time off. I've been very up and down but broadly ok. Just experiencing a heavy af, with a bit more burning lower back pain, and its all a bit delicate down there. I usually have a period like this once every 6 months or so, and I wouldn't be surprised if they were also chemicals.

beaky hope you're doing ok and am twirling the batons for Friday.

kuma that must be tough. What else are you considering?

hb hope you're hanging in there.

I am looking at how I can improve egg quality. Have downloaded 'it starts with the egg' to read first, then I think it will be total detox and quitting sugar.,.

Tiger I've just downloaded that to my kindle, it's very interesting so far. I'm hoping it'll help me make a big difference if I can do another round. You seem to be so spot on with your eating etc already though. Do you take coq10 or dhea?

Kuma sorry to hear you feel less optimistic. I wonder why your dh has focused on those things. I have done a LOT of googling on amh these past couple of days, there does seem to still be a lot of success for those with low amh. I also came across a study from the Galway Clinic which treated 3 women each with very low amh (the lowest was 0.8 I think) and they did tons of tests, bloods etc on them then tailored their treatment plan specifically to them, one had 3 tries, one 2 and the other only 1 but they all got pg and carried to full term. can you tell I'm desperate
Keep remembering low doesn't mean no chance.

I got bump bombed at a funeral today, what a weird day it was.

Sorry Kuma I forgot to reply to your questions! Basically the nurse said to us on the way out that they need 3 follicles to go ahead with EC. I'm not sure what the consultant will say given the lack of response the first time. Last time they did an iui, so if they offer that again I'd do that rather than nothing. I'm bit sure about a natural cycle either, I suppose it depends on what they recommend but I've not actually talked to anyone since I got the amh result. I just really worried that because I've not responded twice they might just say they can't help me.

Morning Berries just having a quick catch up before another hectic day starts. I'm so ready for half term!!
Spare congrats on being PUPO. Literally have everything crossed for you.
HB hope the 2ww isn't too difficult for you.
Beaky hope you're doing ok - when is your next scan? Fx for lots of follie growth for you.
I'm very interested in improving egg quality too. I filled in a questionnaire for Serum in Athens and they said that given my history there was nothing obvious that suggested an immune issue. They were more focused on egg/sperm/embryo quality. Interestingly they said they would steer clear of high doses of Menopur (I took 375iui) for women with AMH issues as this can compromise egg quality. Instead they use a lower dose plus something else (can't remember off the top of my head!). I've also filled in a questionnaire for a Czech FC so will be interesting to see what they recommend.
Kuma sorry to hear you didn't have a great appointment and that you've had disappointing news on your AMH levels. There is always hope though and I've everything crossed for you
Wild I'm very as I absolutely love Italy. Whereabouts are you? Have a fantastic time lady!
to all of you who have been clobbered by pg announcements. It really is shitty. Now that all of the 6 preggos that I work with are off on maternity leave and the staff room is a bump free zone we have a 14 year old pupil who is diffed . Fortunately I don't actually teach her so hoping to avoid as much as possible.
Have a great day all!

I'm still here barking! I'm making notes so I don't miss anything. Can't beat good old fashioned pen and paper.
It's made me really sad to read the last few pages of this thread. I'm so sorry to everyone that has had bad news. A sad bunch of berries. tiger you're very brave for carrying on in work. happy gutted for the bfn. I hope you can get some solutions/fresh ideas. My hospital did hysterocsopy to check on shape of uterus. Can't remember what Dr called it, but something like a heart shaped uterus that can cause implantation failure. It's quite rare but of course always a chance.
Good news however on spare being PUPO! When is your official test date hb? I missed that in my note taking!
beaky how are you feeling? Chin up chuck.
Has anyone had lining issues? For FET they will try me on oestrogen to try and thicken things up in my inhospitable uterus.
Also, can someone explain what intralipid infusions are for? Is this an nk cell thing too?
pip good to see you here. What are you up to now?
barking I come home on Saturday and am very excited about doggy cuddles! Mr Funk is very sad at having to stay here and wants to come home too. Winter in NZ is a little depressing. Bear that in mind for if you move here! It's very much an outdoors country but this time of year it's cold and almost never stops raining! Outdoor activities then become somewhat limited. Also heating and insulation is rare! We live in a wooden house with no insulation and no heating. I am a permanent icicle. Anyway... I digress.
Wishing all you berries a good day.

*are rare

happy I bet you can't wait for half term! Interesting advice from serum, if you get a min would you let me know what drug they recommended? I know you're busy so don't worry. Do you think you will try IVF abroad then? Have you read it starts with the egg? There's interesting info re the selection of eggs based on, looking at them to grade them v measuring chromosomal abnormalities to select the best ones.

Funky have a safe journey home and I bet you can't wait to see you puppy!! Do you know when you'll get going with your FET round? Loved the permanent icicle description! Id be no good. I think Smidge is the one to ask about intralipid infusions...

Spare and HB twirling the batons over here for you both, HB are you nearing otd? Fx for you.

Happy, glad serum got back to you. I have also read that about Menopur. I'm surprised they had you on such a high dose. I have a low AMH too (7.3) but my clinic in czech wouldn't go over 250iu Menopur for me. It is known to cause lower egg quality in those with either pcos or low AMH. This time I am only going to be on 150iu of Menopur and 100iu of Gonal-F which is fsh only rather than fsh and LH like Menopur. It's the LH bit that our eggs don't like so it will be interesting to see if that changes anything at all. Do you have any sperm issues? The people at serum are so lovely. I am going to have two more tries in czech, one in July at the same clinic as my first cycle and another in November if needed at Gennet in Prague. After that I'm thinking of using serums 2 try package next year if needed and if no luck will have to move onto donor or use my nhs tries if they have come up by then.

Hope all those in pupo land are doing well! Will read back properly later tonight.

funky I didn't realise you were in NZ. I sympathise with the permanent icicle. I know it won't be as bad as you have it here in sydney, but the lack of heating and insulation really makes winter horrible - MrSmidge and I have a duvet in the lounge to sit under when we're watching TV. My body spends most of its time tense as I am so cold! No bath either so I get desperate for a lovely hot soak, (it's my main criterion for selecting accommodation if we go away for the weekend!)

Anyway - yes, intralipid infusions are a treatment option for high NK cells. They literally pump your bloodstream full of fat (I think the syringe things held a litre and a half ) and it 'soaks up excessive NK cells'. Soak was the word my doc used - I think it means either the NK cells try to attack it so get worn out before ET and implantation. They tend to schedule it for Day 10 with an expected 5dt.

beaky I take cq10 in the hideously expensive zita west vita fem and vita boost supplements but not dhea. Will be looking into that.

funky that has flown by. It will so wonderful to be back with your doggy and back in time for nice (ish) weather. When does Mr Funky come back?

Interesting feedback from the clinics abroad happy and lucie. I just don't know what we'll do next but treatment overseas is a definite consideration as we don't have a lot of money to through at this. Where I stay midweek offers 2 NHS cycles so I'm wondering if I can register with a GP here and get another NHS go at IVF. Worth exploring I think.

Beaky am busting out my best moves for you for tomorrow.

spare and hb am thinking of you both and hoping hard for good news.

smidge have your dates worked out?

General baby bombing continues. Another text today from an old colleague who is pregnant and a meeting on the neonatal unit this afternoon. It seems excessive this week!

I am looking forward to a posh dinner and some wine with friends tonight. First drink in about 3 months! Am also expecting one of them to have an announcement to make....

I am sitting in a rather nice bar drinking champagne on my own. why the hell not eh?! My friends will be here in a few minutes in case you were wondering (I'm not that much of a crazy loner!).

I was going to have prosecco but then I thought: what would lady wild do?

Cheers ladies!

Beaky this is what Serum said about low Menopur "We tend to avoid all menopur protocols particularly for women with low AMH as we can find that keeping the menopur fairly low and substituting some puregon/fostimon etc can sometimes give better egg quality." I haven't ready "It Starts With An Egg" but I'll definitely look it up. Also thinking of taking some kind of DHEA/cq10. I've no idea when our NHS cycle will start but if it is the 3-4 months they said then some vits are pretty much all I'll have time for. Travelling abroad for treatment/tests will be such a ball ache with my job it'll probably be next year before that can happen.
Enjoy the Champers Tiger - you deserve it. Glad to see you taking a leaf out of Lady Wild's book!!

Enjoy Tiger why not as you say!

Thanks happy. The book is really good so far, and there's a lot of support for dhea around so I'm trying that too. When will you get dates for your NHS cycle?

hallo ladybros, just popping in to dispense love in the directions of tiger beaky and happy. Champers all round, if nothing else, it's a delicious bubbly buffer between us and the cruel instadiffer announcement. cheers!

I am going offline for the weekend so best of berry luck to you HB and will be thinking of you all... berries... all over the world... [insert fave GoT type theme tune as you prefer]

BAI!

ps tiger drinking alone in bars is freaking awesome. it's when people start asking you about your opinions and feelings that it all degenerates into a mess. Enjoy the moment :))

Will post something more polite in due course but just wanted to say... Fucking surprise twins announcement just popped on Facebook. Accidental diffment aged 24 and had perfect baby and now less than 2 years later identical twins on their way. Fucks sake. She'll have 3 babies in the time I've been trying for one. Fuckety fuck fuck fuck.

Aww Funky that is shite. I'm pissed off for you.

Nolly thank you for the love! Enjoy your weekend and see you next week

Fuck it indeed funky!

Today I was hearing about the 3 babies on drug withdrawal in our unit. So unfair. Considering stealing one (joking).

drinking alone was awesome nolly. Train journey is less awesome. 1.5 hours on hot crowded train...bored and fidgety!