Bus 7 - all aboard the Donkey Cart! Ttc for way longer than we should've been with endo/pcos/ivf all welcome

[Marvellouslymadmum]

New thread will try and tag everyone if I can

@thislittlebird First scan and bloods and meds next Friday not earlier in week turns out, thats day I start injecting,. Getting menopur, fyremadel, will get cyclogest too, had hoped to get my head around it a couple of days before! My acupuncturist now positive lft with symptoms so that's made decision for me! Worry of covid postponing treatment is having more effect than not having acupuncture at moment (had 2 week gap over xmas).

@kerrym87 yeah that’s understandable. That’s why I’m asking for delivery Friday, so I have a few days to get my head round it before our appointment (26th). I’m worried about it but I’m also losing the plot a bit and feel like talking to the acupuncturist will help. Not been sleeping much for a week or more, panic attacks a couple of rimes. I’ve asked for fertility counselling but it’s an eight week wait. I feel a bit better today having exercised, and I got my first ever clearly positive regular OPK which is mad. Been over two years lol

Fertility2U were really good tbh, answered the phone quickly, responded to my query, called me back to get the delivery booked in etc. I was expecting a hassle.

@thislittlebird that's ridiculous...an 8 week wait for counselling when by law they have to provide alongside? Is it private ? Could be referred to HFEA if they're not up to standard in that respect, mines nhs and counsellor was available before I even started treatment and for 2 years after....

@thislittlebird 8 weeks is ages. And yes they have a duty of care to offer it, so really they should be providing that service. Mine i think you got 3 free sessions? I never used it though.
If you are that stressed about it now though, that's not really ideal. I was really matter of fact about it and even then, its quite a lot to deal with and take in. I found my acupuncture lady brilliant (fertility specialist) because it was someone independent to talk to, in addition to providing the acupuncture. So I felt it money well spent.

@kerrym87 @paintfairy it’s NHS, Guys hospital.

It’s definitely not ideal, I’ve had anxiety forever but it’s a lot worse right now. My dermatologist wanted me on antidepressants months ago but my GP wasn’t interested in letting me have more because we were ttc. I might ask them if there’s nothing earlier, I’ll be post EC by the time it starts.

Yesterday was better. I did some exercise which helped, and DH has moved to the spare room so I’m not worried about waking him up (he gets up super early for work). So I just did what I wanted to read etc until I was tired which helped. Other nights have ended in me getting really upset where I’m laying there trying to sleep being anxious about it all and then panicking and disturbing him.

@thislittlebird unfortunately that was my experience with both my failed rounds. I asked for counselling as soon as I got my results and was told it would be a 4-6 week wait to speak to someone. I was really angry about it and I made a complaint the second time so got seen within 2 weeks in the end I think.

@Motherofkittens28 I did suspect it's common and it's really disappointing. There should be help when you feel you need it, not just a queue to join. On the plus side, my first session will be not long after EC which might be a good time.

I'm very medically anxious so IVF is really the worst outcome for me, but there's nothing I can do. I said to dh I'm the worst possible patient for this, they'll hate me.

@thislittlebird can you refer yourself for general anxiety counselling through your GP? I have done this and whilst it equally takes ages to be seen it will provide more sessions and might help. Maybe something to consider and at least get the ball rolling on?

@Motherofkittens28 that's a good point, it will be more sessions. It's self referral here so I'll probably call them too and ask to talk to someone, not for the usual CBT.

It's definitely a longer wait though :/

@thislittlebird do you have anything through work perhaps? I've used EAP through work and think I got an appointment the very same week

@Juno231 I had thought about it yeah, I was hoping for fertility specific but it looks like the only option will be other avenues such as EAP, which we do have.

@thislittlebird dunno if you can access this? fertilitynetworkuk.org/access-support/support-line/ x

I'm also on anti anxiety meds and have been a long time, tried coming off but its more detrimental being off them. There's a slightly increased risk of pphn and withdrawal in babies from my escitalopram but also risk from unchecked mental health issues, chronic stress and anxiety affects baby's brain and physical development.

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time @thislittlebird, my only advice for fast professional advice is through EAP in work. But worth talking to your GP to get on any other waiting lists too, as you may still need to chat to some one whatever the outcome of your first IVF cycle.

Thanks @kerrym87. Yeah if the benefits outweigh the risks it makes sense.

@Kay00 yeah we have one and it’s something to consider. Hopefully I can speak to my GP in the next couple of weeks.

I definitely ovulated this month. I have to wonder if the daily flax seed in my morning smoothie and the exercise helped. Flax seed is part of the seed cycling plan, maybe I’ll switch to sesame now I know I’ve probably ovulated. Was weird that I got my first positive normal OPK and decent amount of EWCM. Unusual for me.

Morning ladies! How are you all?
I’m back on the IVF train today! First buserelin injection done! 💪🏻 I’ve barely had time to think about it this week as I’ve been so busy and stressed out with moving house, but we’re nearly finished thankfully!!

How are you getting on @thislittlebird and @kerrym87
Sorry to hear you’re having a difficult time and feeling stressed! Sending lots of hugs and good vibes to you both! 💕

Well done @crazycatlady1981! The first is probably the worst psychologically, you know what to expect after that.
I’m back in work today, probably shouldn’t be but I’d just have wallowed if I stayed at home. Got a couple of important meetings today/tomorrow that should help distract from the residual cramps.

@crazycatlady1981 waiting for bleed probably Wednesday with baseline scan and bloods Friday. Had to swap some shifts and annual leave around as its a few days later than I'd thought. If this cycle doesn't work next time I'm talking more to manager and HR to see about other leave or I'll take it off sick. That's been more hassle so far than everything else!
When do you start?
@Sunbird24 I'm with you on that although at moment works so busy it's completely flattening me (have ME as well) so rather than just distracting it's making me feel nowhere near as well/healthy as I'd hope to feel. Xmas weight not really shifting yet either!🤣 all that blue cheese, choccie and some booze....

I’ve discovered that the cramps get worse as the day goes on, so going to see about only doing mornings in the office. People who know what happened were a bit surprised to see me, but you have to do what’s best for you don’t you?

@crazycatlady1981 choo-choo! Is it 21 days until stems start for you?

Thanks, I'm feeling a bit better since the drugs arrived tbh. Feels a bit more real.

@Sunbird24 yeah, if it keeps you going then doing some work is ok.

@kerrym87 my schedule is likely to change depending on when I bleed too! I’m booked for a scan and starting stims on 26th but only if my period’s arrived and I think I ovulated later than usual this month so it’s more likely to be scan and stims on 2nd instead.

@thislittlebird I’ve started on cd17 rather than 21 and then stims will start on either 26th or 2nd Feb depending on when I bleed! My clinic only do baseline scans on Wednesdays apparently 🤷🏻‍♀️ Yeah seeing all those drugs makes it super real!

@Sunbird24 yeah I’m with you on the taking your mind off it all and keeping busy! I’ve got a few mindful crafting activities to do to keep me occupied whilst I’m off work and a new area to explore for walks! Hope the cramps ease off soon 💕

@crazycatlady1981 oh we’ll be a similar time then. I’m due to start stims on the 26th or thereabouts. Our clinic appointment is the 26th and somehow I managed to ovulate at the right time and my period is due on the 26th according to fertility friend!

@crazycatlady1981 I read that too fast and now realise you said 2nd is more likely, but still! Not far off.

@thislittlebird yeah it’s probably more likely to be 2nd which will put EC around 14th. How long do you stim for on a short protocol? I’ve got 11 days worth but I had an extra day last time.