Give me it straight

[TTCNO2AT44]

Hoping there's someone out there just like me! Even my consultant said "I have to say, you've had a shit time" 🤦🏼‍♀️

I'll try keep it short ! I'm 43, almost 44. I have one child via IVF 10 years ago. Pregnancy was a breeze, delivery not so much. Pre-eclampsia, epidural, forceps, DD not breathing at birth, heavy bleeding of 500ml although not diagnosed as PPH. I have developed severe health anxiety since. Natural chemical pregnancy in 2017, two natural surprise pregnancies in 2022 that both ended in TFMR. 1st surgical, 2nd medically but both needed further ERPC's. I've had 4 surgical procedures in total. To say I'm traumatised is an understatement, but I would really like a 2nd child.

It's now 2 years on from my last procedure. It's now or never. We have two frozen embryos that are 10 years younger than I am. In the last 6 months my periods are a lot lighter. Due to this my consultant wants to check for adhesions due to the surgeries. My gut instinct is he's right but I'm hoping it's just an age thing and I can have a medicated transfer.

Anyone any similar experiences? Please I don't want any "44 is too old you are mad" replies. I realise I'm older, but my life experiences have unfortunately delayed things for me. I have regrets which I try and navigate daily. It hurts, so please only well meaning replies.

Mate, what a time you've had.
Is there a reason you can't see if you do have adhesions, before opting for a medicated transfer?
I suffered with secondary infertility for 13 years, so truly understand the want for a second baby... I'd say go for it if it's what you want.
Sending you all the best wishes, that soon you'll have your second baby, safe in your arms.

I don't have any useful advice but just wanted to say I hope all is OK and this finally happens for you.
I'm 42 and currently pregnant with DD2, nobody knows our life stories or why things happen the way they do.
Sending lots of baby dust your way.

I feel for you, @TTCNO2AT44 . I've also had a traumatic journey, and am gearing up to transfer my final 2 low grade embryos after a series of losses. most recently, I'm in recovery from laparoscopic surgery and hysteroscopy to remove adhesions caused by adenomyosis and endometriosis tissue, after a lots of ivf. I would recommend the hysteroscopy for potential adhesions though nhs waits are too long - I went private. I'm now awaiting a consultation to get a cervical biopsy to check for chronic endometritis- different from endometriosis, as there could be leftover infection from my (also traumatic!) childbirth in 2022, which can cause adhesions. I'm getting this plus microbiome testing at Liverpool Women's Clinic - also an nhs trust so prices are good. I think it's probably worth considering if this is your last transfer; we are throwing everything at getting this last one right.

Do you have any sort of explanation for your losses?

Thank you so much for your reply. Im sorry to hear you have had a difficult time too. I'm so grateful for our 10 year old but just feel there's a missing piece. Do you mean the Hewitt Centre? They have been amazing and we wouldn't have DD without her. My consultant has said he's going to try bring my hysteroscopy forward due to my age. Failing that I am with Bupa, so will see if they cover the procedure. I know my cover does don't include fertility treatment, so unsure if hysteroscopy for treatment purposes would fall into this category.

I've never heard of endometritis, are there symptoms? I'm really interested in the microbiome testing too. Is this through the fertility clinic.

Thank you so much for your reply. Wishing you the best of luck x

@TTCNO2AT44 apologies for delay - not been on for a while.

Re. Hewitt centre - yes that's it. They can do specific biopsies re. Endometritis. Symptoms are adhesions; which can be painful. For me, around ovulation I'd get a painful sometime sharp pains, and when I'd sit, I'd almost feel a jolt up my uterus - like the impact made something inside shift / swollen parts knocking together - if that makes sense?

Re. Bupa for hysto; I had mine (plus laparoscopy) through Bupa for potential adhesions and because of the pain. Infertility is simply another symptom rather than a cause, so a spike about the potential endometriosis and adenomyosis (adhesions) and that was enough to get the consult. I had an MRI initially indicating likely both conditions, and then the surgery / hysto.

Endometritis; causes adhesions, which can be painful so these can be a symptom. It's treated I believe with a course of antibiotics.

If you have any uterus or back pain, I'd do the following;

1. Get Bupa gynae consult for the pain for potential endo, and adhesions
2. Speak to Hewitt centre about endometritis and get a biopsy; if it's financially feasible - consider the microtome too whilst having it - but there is mixed research on this so maybe look at some sources yourself.

Let me know how you get on! I have my Hewitt consult for biopsy / microbiome next week. Then looking to transfer final 2 embryos early this year x

Thank you so much for your reply! So much advice which will be really helpful thank you. I've been told my wait on NHS for hysteroscopy could be 60 weeks! Mr Russell at the Hewitt is going to speak with gynae to see if my priority can be increased but I think at best it's then a 23 week wait so I'm really pleased to hear you were able to go with Bupa. This will be my next step now I think so thank you.

Good luck for next week! Keep in touch, wishing you all the best x

Will do @TTCNO2AT44

If it helps - I had my first consult with Bupa registered consultant on 1st oct, the MRI on 10th October, and the surgery on 7th December - and that was with a self enforced additional 3 week wait as I was trying to find out if they could do my biopsy at the same time (they couldn't).

Not sure where you're based, but dr Anthony Griffiths at Cardiff Spire was incredible; really listened and worked out my diagnosis before I even had investigations! Best of luck x

@TTCNO2AT44 - I don't have anything useful to say but just wanted to send you a hug and best wishes. You've had an awful time, and I am so sorry. 43 is not too old to have a baby. I had DD at 41, and it's the best thing we ever did :)