Bus 9 - Donkey Cart departing soon, all aboard with ivf, pcos, endo, sub/unexplained fertility jump on

[Marvellouslymadmum]

New thread 😊😊

@kerrym87 thank you! I didn’t apply for refund packages with access because we couldn’t afford it. So like @Lauralozzle we did multicycle which doesn’t do medical checks. So we used both our cycles with Lister in the package and it wasn’t terrible value if this works out, I guess. Think it was about £11-12k for two rounds and all transfers, but not meds etc.

@Lauralozzle sorry you’re feeling like that on the meds, how annoying. Have you had your baseline now?

@thislittlebird Scan is tomorrow. I hope I’ll get a transfer date then and a date to start the progesterone. I’m hoping the progesterone will even these side effects out a bit!

@Lauralozzle ouch that doesn't sound good!! Hope you start feeling better soon.

@kerrym87 I find all those packages confusing too! I've looked at so many but my head ends up hurting and I come away lol

@Marvellouslymadmum I've finally figured out what's going on as basically we're not eligible for any refund package apart from a measly 20 or 10% from one due to having had previous ivf. Athough was only wanting to go for one more ivf, then donor all packages are at least 2 but works out not much more than one. I've come round to idea as this guy seems great and listened and was not impressed with what they'd done previously. He's a big mover in hfea and research so hopefully with new approach it may be different. I've realised I shouldn't look too far ahead as was exploding my brain and I was in a right state.
@Lauralozzle hope you feel better soon, fingers crossed.
@thislittlebird the refund package we were looking at was very reasonable with 100% refund after one uvf then one donor cycle but not eligible due to having had 3 cycles fail. They sure kick you when you're down and make you feel so useless and broken 😔

@kerrym87 Thanks. I thought the refund packages are particularly cruel. We had our NHS round but because it didn’t work it meant we couldn’t use any of the refund packages because of our failed cycle! It’s like you’re only eligible if you go private immediately, and then only get it if it’s your first go!

I had my scan today. Everything looks good. Transfer is booked for Monday 23rd Oct. I start taking progesterone on 18th.

@Lauralozzle sounds like the scan went well. So you're one week from transfer?

@kerrym87 yeah they really do. it's brutal.

@thislittlebird Yup. Transfer in a week if everything goes ok.

@kerrym87 ahh I see! Well I've had no ivf but I don't know how the packages work abroad, I guess once I know my laparoscopy is booked I can start booking consultations with a few clinics and see what they all offer.

@Lauralozzle ooh good luck!!

@thislittlebird how are you feeling?

@Lauralozzle good luck, keep us posted!

@Marvellouslymadmum yeah I’m ok, just tentative and hoping it’s all ok. Very anxious times!

@thislittlebird it's always going to be difficult to relax, when do you have your next scan?

@Marvellouslymadmum next Thursday, send me all your positive thoughts!

@thislittlebird everything crossed for you!

@kerrym87 thanks! How are you getting on, what’s the latest?

@thislittlebird since our failed cycle in March we've been taking a little break, trying to navigate our choices, payment plans etc which are designed to make you feel more broken especially the part refund ones. Immunology came back with no issues just reduced lactobacillus so treating that. Just decided on a clinic 1.5 hrs from us for a long protocol with gentler doses and totally different drugs. Just getting virals, afc and amh done next week then planning next ivf cycle. Probably after Xmas now. Its been 4 years and I realised in last few weeks I've been very low but powering through. It's just so shitty but can't give up yet x

@thislittlebird I am definitely sending them all your way!!

@kerrym87 I think because we look at things in cycles we don't really realise how long it's been or how much it's affecting us! It's been over 6 years since we got pg and m/c so over 5 years ttc but doesn't feel like it!

@Marvellouslymadmum I’m gonna need it 🫠

@kerrym87 good that your immunes came back ok. Fwiw, I had reduced lactobacillus too and treated it on our second cycle. Didn’t restest on our third cycle, but did take probiotics in the meantime and lead up to cycle three transfers 1 and 2.

A change of protocol might be a good idea, it’s worth trying these things to see if you can improve the results. I know the feeling though, I didn’t know how to give up without giving it my best shot before we moved on.

@thislittlebird thinking if you today! 🤞🏻🤞🏻 that everything is ok!

@Marvellouslymadmum yeah all good, relieved it’s over! It was quite a late one which meant all day fretting.

@thislittlebird oh I'm so pleased for you! How far along are you now?

@Marvellouslymadmum 9+5 so 10 weeks on Sunday. Next hurdle is the 12 week scan in a few weeks and trisomy tests etc. Fingers crossed all goes well. I'm just waiting with baited breath for it all!

@thislittlebird but it's all definitely positive so far! It must be so hard to relax but it's definitely looking good so far

@Marvellouslymadmum yeah it's very hard. And the infertility trauma doesn't end, if that makes sense, it's hard to relax and think things will be ok. Time will tell. How are you at the moment?

Yes I think I'll be the same if I ever get that far! I'm ok, just having to wait again which I hate but I know taking my iron tablets and waiting for the lap referral is the best chance I have. I know it'll be de by the time it's all done I just hope it doesn't take too long for the lap! I don't want to be an ancient mum but at the same time I'm not ready to let this go without trying everything first!
My oh bought me a kitten to keep me occupied 😂 he's very lovely and very naughty so keeps me busy lol.

Are you getting very tired or morning sickness or anything? I'm

@Marvellouslymadmum Oh a kitten, how sweet! That is good company.

Did they indicate a timeline for the lap? I know the feeling of not being able to let go. I was convinced I'd keep going but I'm feeling rather old now if I'm honest. I said to my husband that I think I'm done if this pregnancy doesn't work out, I want to go back to having a life and I haven't felt I've had much of one since 2019 truly. And money, we've spent so much on this (if I had to guess I'd say we've easily spent £30-40k with all the extras and meds). So right now I feel like it's this pregnancy or none. I've definitely become more accepting of being childless over the course of the IVF process. At first I was devastated and as time has passed, and I've failed and failed again, I've adjusted to the idea more.

Not many symptoms really, but yeah, I am tired and hungry. Nothing much more.