TTC Cycle 12 - SMEP

[LSL0708]

Hi
I’m totally new to this but hoping to speak with people in a similar situation. I had the implant removed beginning of June 2019 and have had regular 28/29 day cycles since. But, 11 cycles in and no BFP Just read up on SMEP (Sperm Meets Egg Plan) and thought I’d give it a go this month. Is anyone else trying/tried this?

Oh that’s wonderful news @LSL0708, I’m so happy for you! That’s a really great fertilisation rate will you get a day 3 update tomorrow? Enjoy a nice chilled weekend as far as you can, although this bit is very nerve wracking I did enjoy the relief of a few days of the eggs/embryo being outside my body and not obsessing about every twinge!

Thank you, I’m still feeling quite upbeat today! I think I’m going to try and let myself remain quite hopeful this time round, easier said than done. The grade was 3AA, which we were really delighted about - our previous were 3CC (the lowest they transfer) and 3BC, and we have one 4CC left in storage. So AA was beyond anything I expected! The 3 (referring to size) is less positive than a 4 or 5, but from what I’ve read the letters are more predictive so I’m not letting that bother me. Blood test day will be 20 Dec, I’ve not decided yet whether I’ll do a home test on the day or maybe day before…will see how I go!

Looking forward to your next update and sending all my positive vibes in the meantime xx

Thank you @Jh2019! I know, I can't believe 5 fertilised. I managed to get through the weekend without worrying too much. Like you say, it's quite nice to have a few days "off". We didn't get a day 3 update so I'm excited, but nervous, for our update this morning. Hoping we get to see some blastocysts on our video call this morning. I'll let you know how we get on.

3AA is a really good grading! On the chart I have it is in the best/good bracket so that's brilliant. Fingers crossed this is the lucky one and it sticks for you. Only one week to go! What have you done previously re testing? My clinic aren't doing the beta tests at the moment so they just say for us to test at home after 14 days.

Sending lots of positive vibes your way, as always xx

Hey @LSL0708, glad you managed to have a relatively peaceful weekend! How did it go today? Got my fingers crossed and looking forward to your update.

Thank you yes can’t believe it’s just a week to go! Previously I’ve tested the day before the beta to give myself a chance to come to terms with it, and also because I struggle with the waiting for a phone call approach. I think I’ll do the same this time, but maybe on the day rather than day before…difficult decision. Do you think you’ll hold out for the full 14 days? Xx

Hey @Jh2019.
We received some slightly disappointing news yesterday in that only 1 embryo was viable for transfer. However that 1 embryo was excellent quality (4AA) so I'm over the moon and it definitely softened the blow. Transfer itself was absolutely fine and seeing a video of our little embryo developing was amazing. It all felt quite emotional. I'm feeling optimistic but also keeping a hint of caution.
Turns out I was wrong and my clinic also recommends a 12 day test so testing day is Christmas Day. When we thought it would be 27th we had discussed testing on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day anyway so I'm keeping it that way and hoping for a Christmas miracle.

Yeah I understand that. I think I would feel the same. I think it would be extremely hard to hear the bad news from someone else before knowing the outcome yourself.

How is your TWW going so far? Do you have any symptoms?xx

Hi @LSL0708, wow that’s fantastic news that you have a 4AA on board! As they say, it only takes one, and you’re in with a great chance Keeping everything crossed for you - can’t believe your test day is Christmas Day, that will be so special if it does work out. It’s so hard isn’t it to have the ‘right amount’ of optimism!

2WW is going ok for me thanks, surprisingly quickly actually. No symptoms really, quite tired and had a bad headache yesterday but that could easily be the pessaries. It’s made me a bit pessimistic that I didn’t feel any implantation cramping, but I know I shouldn’t symptom spot as it can drive you crazy..there are many stories of people with symptoms and a BFN, and vice versa, so who knows! Only the test will tell…

Wishing you a good 2WW and sending all my best!

Thank you @Jh2019! We are so pleased with the grading. It could possibly be the best Christmas ever but on the other hand it could be worst. So I'm really nervous. Although I would be at any time of year to be honest. You're right about the 'right amount' of optimism. It's difficult to get the balance. The last few days haven't been too bad though. It is obviously on my mind but it hasn't been a constant thought/worry, which is what I expected.

I'm pleased your 2WW is going ok so far. I hope that is still the case. Not long now until testing day. Have you managed to hold off testing? Yeah, it's hard not to look into symptoms (or lack of) but we're probably best not to. Like you say the only thing that will tell us is the test.

I'm sending lots of luck for testing day and look forward to hopefully hearing some positive news from you xx

Hi @LSL0708, sorry for the delay. It was bad news for me I’m afraid it’s hit me very hard with this being our best graded embryo yet and the timing around Christmas. We had a chat with a consultant and they’ve recommended a couple of extra tests now that we’re still unexplained and with 3 implantation failures. Going to see if the GP will agree to that, and in the meantime have filled in forms to move forward with our one free NHS cycle. Have enjoyed a bit of relaxation and some drink over Christmas with my family, but obviously pretty devastated by the whole situation.

I’m really hoping that it was positive news for you? Have been thinking of you but just took a bit of time offline…either way, I hope you’ve managed to have a relaxing Christmas with your family xx

Hi @Jh2019

Sorry for the delay in responding. I'm so sorry it was bad news What further testing have the fertility clinic advised? I'm pleased you've started the ball rolling with your NHS cycle too. That's a positive step forward. You also never know what could happen in the meantime. I know it will be difficult after 3 transfers, but try your best to stay positive and tell yourself it will happen. Easier said than done, I know. Sending lots of love

I can't believe I'm writing this and I'm really sorry if it hurts and upsets you, but our transfer worked and we got our BFP on Christmas Eve. My anxiety is through the roof but I'm getting the odd symptom which is helping me stay positive. We have our viability scan on Monday so I'm now just wishing the days away until then.

I would love to keep up to date with your journey but I do understand if this is difficult to hear and if you want to take some time away. I'm here whenever you need to chat xx

Hi @LSL0708, that is such wonderful news!! It’s amazing after following your story and chatting for all this time to be able to share in your positive result, and what special timing around Christmas - congratulations!! So so delighted for you! I’m really hoping you had positive news at your scan and that it’s helped you to relax, wishing you a very happy and healthy pregnancy ahead.

And I’m really sorry for the delay in replying, I’ve had some dark days recently and just needed to take time as you said. I won’t hide that it’s a little hard for me, I know you understand the anxiety and fear of wondering why it works for others and what’s wrong with me. But I’d definitely love to stay in touch, if you’re still up for that, would be great to hear how you get on!

I heard from the NHS and it’s all been processed really quickly, which is great - I’ve got my first appointment in a couple of weeks. Hoping a new clinic with fresh eyes will help. And I’ve had some blood tests for clotting disorders, which can affect implantation - unlikely to be my problem I think but let’s see, waiting for results on those.

Looking forward to hearing from you again and take care xx

Hi @Jh2019

Thank you so much! We're absolutely thrilled. Although I sometimes still can't believe it. We had excellent news at our last scan. Baby is growing in the right place and there was even a heartbeat. So it was such a huge relief. We have another scan on Monday so I'm just wishing the time away until then and hoping all will be ok.

Don't worry at all about the delay in responding. I completely understand how you will be feeling. There are so many different protocols and medications involved that it could be that unfortunately they just haven't found the one that will work for you yet. Like you say a fresh set of eyes from the NHS clinic will hopefully help. I'm pleased everything seems to be moving quickly so far. I hope all goes well at your first appointment. Have you had your blood test results yet?

Definitely happy to stay in touch. I would love to keep up to date with how you're getting on xx

Hi @LSL0708, how are things? So sorry to have never replied to the above! It was so great to hear that all went well at your first scan, and I'm really hoping that all is still progressing well for you? Hope you're feeling well too. Let me know

I thought I'd update you now I've got to a stage with some news - we've been through our NHS cycle, this time they decided to try ICSI based on our previous slightly lower than average fertilization rate. And whether it was that or something else, it seems to have worked wonders as we have 8 embryos in storage as of today! Was a freeze-all again as I overstimulated a bit and felt pretty ill, but all so worth it to have this result. They are a range of grades, mostly at the lower end but a couple of 'A' so I'm delighted. Trying to get the meds ordered so that we can start the FET pretty much right away. Will let you know how it goes - still no guarantees of course, but I'm cautiously hopeful that with this many chances we'll get there eventually.

Take care and look forward to hearing from you xx

Hi @Jh2019

So sorry for the delay in responding to you. I've only just noticed your message.

That's amazing that you got your NHS treatment so quickly and I'm so pleased you had some great results! I really hope you got a positive end result?

All is going well with my pregnancy. 24 weeks today and can't quite believe it. Feeling lots of movement now which is so lovely and reassuring

Looking forward to hearing from you and hopefully some happy news xx

Hi @LSL0708 , I’m so pleased to hear everything is going well for you, that’s great news! Must be so exciting to feel the movement😊have you found out the gender?

I do have good news - got my BFP this weekend!! 😁 I can’t quite believe it, still hasn’t sunk in as I was so geared up for another disappointment after the 3 before. I’m still very anxious and not quite believing it will work out, have my scan in a couple of weeks so just trying to take it day by day until then. I don’t have any symptoms which is worrying me, but also read that can be normal at this stage…

Wishing you all the very best with the rest of your pregnancy and exciting times ahead!! Will keep you posted and looking forward to hearing how everything goes! Xx

Aw @Jh2019 that is amazing news! I am so so happy for you both. Massive congratulations!
I understand the anxiety. I was exactly the same. Still am quite anxious in all honesty.
I didn't have any symptoms until around 6-7 weeks so try not to worry about that. The only thing I recall early on was being bloated. But I think that was more progesterone related than anything else.
I found the wait for the scan worse than the TWW after transfer. I hated it. I'm wishing you lots of luck. Let me know how it goes.

It is lovely feeling movement. It makes it all feel a bit more real and it definitely helps with the anxiety.
We haven't found out the gender so it will be a lovely surprise when baby arrives. 15 weeks and counting.

Lots of luck for your scan. Looking forward to hearing how it has gone xx

Hi @LSL0708, I’m sorry I forgot to update after my early scan - but here I am several weeks on, had my 12-week scan today and all looked great! It is a huge relief, I think I’ll finally be able to start enjoying things a bit now and it’s so nice to tell more people 😊

How are you doing? Must be nearing the end now, are you 30 something weeks? Hope everything is going nice and smoothly for you and you’re feeling well! Xx

Hi @Jh2019
No worries at all. I'm so pleased things are going well 🥰 The 12 week scan feels like such a big milestone. It's lovely to get past that and start to feel a bit more relaxed about everything. Have you felt ok so far? Do you plan to find out the gender?

I am good, thank you. 32+4 and can't believe how quickly time has gone. I love being pregnant and having a bump (although I have been a little anxious throughout) but I am getting impatient. I just want to meet baby now xx

Hi @Jh2019
It's been a while but just wanted to check in to see how things are going?
xx

Hi @LSL0708 , so lovely to hear from you! I am doing really well thanks - due date on Thursday in fact, and eagerly awaiting arrival of little boy! I'm very keen for him to arrive now and hoping I don't go too far over😅

How are things with you? I hope that all went smoothly with your last stages of pregnancy and the delivery, and that you're enjoying time with your little one! I would love to hear all about it 😊xx

Hi @Jh2019

I'm so pleased all is going well and congratulations on finding out you're expecting a little boy ☺️ I hope he makes an appearance soon. Are you due to go in for induction if he doesn't arrive by due date? Or just waiting it out?

Things are good here, thanks. I'm currently sat cuddling my 19 week old daughter, Francesca Pearl. She is a dream come true ♥️ She was born on 27th August (4 days early) weighing 6lb15oz.

I had an amazing birth with no pain relief or interventions. I was amazed at myself! However, I did have complications afterwards. I had retained placenta (suspected at birth but then reassured they didn't think that was the case). I had various issues over the first 7 weeks post birth, which I queried with the hospital numerous times. I was fobbed off again and again. In the end I went for a private scan and they confirmed I had retained tissue. I went to my GP who contacted the hospital and I was rushed in for surgery to have it removed. It was quite a tough time but I'm feeling a lot better now.

If I don't end up speaking to you beforehand I wish you lots of luck with your birth and can't wait to hear news of the arrival of your little boy xx

Hi @LSL0708, huge congratulations on your daughter!😍I am so delighted for you and what a beautiful name! That's amazing you managed with no pain relief, lovely to have a positive birth experience - although sorry to hear about the complications afterwards, must have been really tough to go through. Glad you are all sorted now but not great you had to keep following up and go privately to get that identified 🙁

I thought I'd wait to reply until my little one arrived, and then things got a bit hectic as they do with a newborn haha - but here I am now with my nearly 4-week old! Reuben finally arrived after opting for an induction - unfortunately my birth was a bit traumatic, I ended up needing forceps and had a nasty tear that needed repairing, but he's healthy and safe which is the main thing! I've found the recovery tough and it was hard staying in hospital at the start, but doing much better now. He is a real joy and I feel so grateful and lucky to finally have him here 😊The sleep deprivation is tough and I've found feeding hard, but we're getting there into some sort of routine now!

Sending all best wishes to you and your family and enjoy every minute with little Francesca! xx