Starting IVF/ICSI this month - anyone want to join the journey?

[Rumplestrumpet]

After over 2.5 years TTC, we're FINALLY about to start our fertility treatment this month (ICSI). My nurse and husband forbade me from chats and forums, but after following MN threads over recent years I think it would be a great help to share the experience with those going through the same thing.

Anyone else want to share the joys/terrors of belly injections, hormonal madness and a series of medical professionals poking around your nether regions?! And, of course, hopefully a BFP at the end of it all

anroga, sounds like things are progressing well! Did they give embryo cell numbers? Perhaps they purposely don't so obsessive people like me don't go away and Google and stress ourselves out.

Funny about the perception of time Toes. I notice how other peoples pregnancies fly by, while for me suffering infertility for that same amount of time feels like forever. Is this your first IVF? You seem like you know everyone on here as though you've been around a while and perhaps done IVF before?

Verkey, I don't have a scan before my stims either if it's any reassurance. I think because I don't do the down reg drugs first. I just start stims on day 2 of my cycle and then have a scan on day 6. For those that down reg, don't seem to start on a particular day of their cycle. Instead, they have a scan to make sure the medicine has worked before they start stimming.

Oh yes Smidge, that Crinone really does dry you out doesn't it. Interesting you say that Crinone is the expensive stuff. That is reassuring to hear.

Hi verkey

Yes it seems to be going well, just getting myself prepared today ready for the transfer tomorrow, going to set up a little care station at home with pyjamas, socks, magazines, books, scented candles etc so it reminds I have got to take it easy when I get home!

You will be fine with the stimms if I can do it you can, this is the exciting bit as I felt like I was really getting started then!

I have finally worked out how to deal with these horrible suppositries thanks to some of the girls on here - I think vaginally is the only way, did it last night and this morning and it's so much easier only thing is you do have to lie down afterwards or they just come back out so night time is ok before bed but this morning I had to set my alarm to do it and then go back to sleep! Small price to pay! I had been doing them rectally but not only is it harder but I have ibs and diverticulitis and I am sure it is that that has made me constipated with cramps over the last couple of days which is awful. Your gel sounds ALOT easier verkey!

Sorry if that is all a bit too much information!

No shell they haven't done that and if they had I would be just the same as you and be straight on google! I have made a decision last night to try and stop googling as you get so many conflicting stories re - egg collection and transfer it sends you loopy, not good for the stress levels!

Hey anroga - just wanted to ask you about something you just posted that weighs on my mind because I know there are different schools of thought.

You mentioned you will be taking it easy after transfer? Can I ask if you've been advised that?

I'm not really sure how to tackle it this time. Last time I was very much of the opinion after reading online and asking doc after transfer that life should carry on as normal and no special efforts should be made to rest because you want to keep the blood flow around the body normal. Now, even though that makes sense in my head I just wonder if I carried on as normal too much last time. I remember going for a big walk in woods last time after transfer and I definitely had cramps when I was going up hills etc. So I figured I'd try and mix it with just gentler walks and less lifting.

So…opening this question to everyone really. Rest or carry on regardless - particularly interested to hear from our bfp people!

x

Had a chance to actually go back through properly and have loads of questions and replies for people so excuse the long post!!

Oh smidge that sounds yukky, I just can't wait for that... Some bits of this process just feel soooo wrong! But hey, we'll go through anything for this eh!

I've definitely remember being told 3 months and I've got two big boxes of the stuff upstairs! Just looked it up on the website "Once pregnancy occurs, CRINONE may be used for an additional 10 to 12 weeks for continued pregnancy support until the placenta is producing an adequate amount of progesterone." Does that mean they think I'm not producing enough progesterone? or just a precaution?! Mine's NHS funded so even more surprised if its expensive stuff!

shellster I read you were doing it slightly differently earlier on, I didn't even realise there were so many ways you could do this! I have done the down reg drugs, I started on day 23 of my cycle, had to ring on first day of next AF and then they just gave me the date I had to start my stimms (10 days ish later), no scan, so I guess they just assumed I'm ready and the medicine worked as AF came?! Mind you, maybe that's why I had to keep going with down reg for another 10 days when some start stimming earlier.... I don't know, I don't really get it! Did my first Gonal F stimms last night, so am now day S2 as the clinic call it :)

toes if you started gonal f yesterday as well, we're pretty similar timewise (like lildottie I think) My scan is the day after yours next week ... eeek! I was given a bit of an idea for EC after that, they said maybe another scan at the weekend after, then EC will be 28/29th or 2/3rd, then ET 5 days after - is that similar? lildottie is menopur like the gonal f? the stimms? How are you finding it? Any idea of next scan or EC dates?

anroga I actually got a few butterflies reading that you have transfer tomorrow, very exciting :) A care station sounds an amazing idea, make sure you put your feet up and enjoy taking it easy! I have to agree the suppositories don't sound easy, but I guess each of them probably has their pros and cons, maybe you don't get the yukkyness with them like you do with the gel, I don't know! But the side effects don't sound good, hopefully doing them vaginally will take those away for you - it's bad enough all this without added side effects!

I have to agree btw - stay off google, I'm the worst for it though, but finding this forum is helping me no end, I am definitely googling less! I'd rather hear it from you guys than read google which you can't question or ask for more details etc!

Last weekend seemed to be the time for updates for everyone, is it the same this weekend with anroga having ET, nutty having your scan? I've read back but get confused with so many of us! Anyone else?!

Dear Allchat

So glad you have opened this question up as I have been wondering myself!

Well googling (which me and Verkey have agreed is the worse thing you can do!) has conflicting after care. Some say rest, take 2 weeks off work then others say carry on as normal.

I am going by what my clinics information pack says and to be honest the whole time during this journey even after all my googling I have gone back to what my clinic has advised as I still believe they know best and to put my mind at rest I feel this is the logical thing to do.

So after my transfer tomorrow I will update you with what the clinic has advised I do and then perhaps that will put your mind at rest too x

Verkey thanks for your message I know I keep get a pang of butterflies when I think about tomorrow I cannot believe it is finally here, it seemed such a long way off! As for the suppositries going to stick with vaginally for sure and now just hoping my poor old bowels can get back to normal! As you say I do not need that on top of everything else! x

Hello all! Blimey, so much has been going on! Where to begin?!

Well I'll start with a warm welcome to the newbies - verkey Phoenix Funkymonk Toesandfingers... Sorry if i've missed anyone.

I'm so excited to see progress for the "oldies" (no ref to age!) - it feels like some of you have been waiting for ages (well, after TTCING for years of course!) so glad to see treatments are finally underway. Allchat I am so pleased to hear you're gearing up for your FET. I was so upset by your mc back in November, really hope this can be a fresh start for you.
Anroga II am gobsmacked by your success! All those fertilised eggs and plenty of eggs to choose from - that's just perfect! Best of luck for the transfer tomorrow - and the dreaded 2ww. You're so close to the finish line now.
Lildottie so glad the waiting is finally over and you're stimming. Let's hope those follies grow big and juicy for you. And I loved your line on replying to insensitive comments about "old mums" - I think I'll try it next time!

Oops!
Nutty I'm so pleased you've come to terms with the loss of one twin, I think it's a really healthy approach. All that matters now is that your little baby is safe and well - best of luck at the scan today, let us know how you get on.
Gcerron good luck with your FET, I know the wait was a pain but it was definitely worth postponement to make sure you had perfect health for the transfer.

On a couple of questions asked, thought I'd chip in my tuppence worth...

I had progesterone pessaries up to 8 weeks - when all was good at the scan they told me I didn't need anymore. Which was great as it meant I could get back to a more "intimate" relationship with DH (is not cringe at the thought of him seeing what was coming out down there!! Took a couple of days to disappear completely, but was fine after that. I asked if I could "use the back door" instead (for the pessaries, not DH! ) but my midwife said it wouldn't have the same effect, so we stuck with it.

As for transfer day, I did overdo it the very same day (very long walk) and probably wouldn't do that again. I was shattered byt the evening but, that said, it clearly didn't do me any harm! I would probably opt for a short walk in the park followed by tea and cake next time (just cos that sounds fun, rather than any medical reason!!)

Think that's all. Really looking forward to some new BFPS, it's been a while !

Oh, and PS, don't forget that here I am, 14 weeks pregnant thanks to my ICSI - remember that it does work, it can happen, and I really hope it works for all of you lovely women.

Hi rumple

Nice to hear from you, hope you and bump are keeping well x yes I am pleased with how it has all gone so far and all ready for transfer tomorrow.

Thanks for the info defo go to stick with the less aires vaginally even with the faff of lying down afterwards, feel so much better today!

Let's hope we all follow in your footsteps with BFPS all round!

anroga I was told my first pessary has to be rectal and the one on day of et but the rest can be dine vaginally, so you may want to do tomorrow mornings rectally unless clinic have said otherwise. mine are called cyclogest and I've got 2-3 weeks worth. I assume I'd get more of I got a bfp )I'd certainly demand them if not offered!)

allchat my plan is to get as much of my work done as possible before ec week so that I can just do bits and pieces if I feel like it in two. I think as long as you aren't doing things that will cause increased adrenaline carrying on as normal is fine. adrenaline is a hormone so can interfere with other hormones I believe. no scary movies!

can't remember who asked me about dates. I've known my scan dates and eatimated ec/et since 8th October! scan on Monday and Friday next week with ec/et week after all being well. so I should only have another week or so before trigger shot! wow really? that's come around fast! I think the trying to get my work done has helped make the time pass faster.

good luck tomorrow anroga

lovely to hear from you rumples, glad all is well. 14 weeks, where has that gone! you're almost halfway!

Hi spoke to my acupuncturist today about the whole resting thing after et.

She said definitely no rigorous exercise or heavy lifting (that includes the hoover - hooray!). She said the worst thing is a fall or a bump that throws the body off balance. She did then go on to say though that everyone is different and one of her patients went on a ski-ing holiday in the 2ww and went on to have twins! Even on this thread I think I may have buggered my ET with a walk the day after whereas Rumples was fine. Everyone is just so unique.

My 2ww is only actually one week because ET is on day 21 and AF is due on 29th, so I don't have that long to wait. I reckon I may even do testing early because I won't have any trigger pregnancy hormone in my system this time. I'll try and hold off, but I think I may cave and test few days early. Although I can't see how a pregnancy hormone will be released that quickly once it's put back in. Doesn't seem like long enough before my AF would kick in.

I always put my pessary up my vag by the way. Thank god. I can't handle back door. I was in such a state the morning of EC because of that pain killer one. Nightmare for me. I did think it was a bit gross for consultant during ET but heh ho.

I'm starting to shit myself about the defrost now. Pushing it to the back of my mind.

We finally decided on putting just one back in. Twins are lovely but I decided I just don't think I'd be able to cope and I think it would be too much of an impact on my 6 and a half yr old. I have experience of twins and life can be so very hard for years and despite the desire for the best possible result, my DH was a bit more realistic.

Hi all

Just wanted to say the scan went fine. Got to see a little baby instead of a blob!! However, because the second twin is still there (albeit very very tiny) I couldn't have my blood taken for the downs test. I have to wait another 4 weeks!!! So not telling anyone at the moment.

With regard to resting/moving after ET I did a bit of both. I was lucky to have my transfer on a Friday so I took it easy over the weekend but still took the dogs for a walk. No housework though! I was told it was best to not completely rest as you need to get the blood pumping to the uterus.

I was given pessaries after EC and had to use them back door until ET when I then had to switch to front door!! Much preferred them that way as I suffered constipation for the few days before ET. I took them for 8 weeks. I was very scared to stop them as I thought I'd start bleeding, but all was fine. verkey everyone is given these as our bodies are going through a 'fake' cycle and so we need the extra progesterone because our bodies wouldn't produce it until later on. Hope that makes sense?
Fingers and toes all crossed for everyone

That's interesting Nutty, I didn't know everyone had the extra progesterone after the BFP. I know it is relatively common but kind of just thought they would test your blood and only give it to you if your levels were low. Must say I won't be mentioning the possibility of 12 weeks of pessaries to DH as I think he'd freak out at the lack of bedroom action!!

Really glad to hear your pregnancy is going well too rumples. It's lovely that you still stick around on the thread and cheer us on.

I go for my baseline blood test on Monday. I counted my leftover paraphernalia today and saw I've been taking the Lucrin for 9 days already. Time is flying this time around. Suspect the tww won't follow suit though.

FWIW my clinic says to continue normal daily activity after ET. Just no sport/running etc.

Allchat I'm glad you and MrA have come to a satisfactory conclusion on the 1 vs 2 debate . My clinic recommend (in fact I think that until you're over 40 they insist) on only 1, as they claim that is best for highest live birth rate (though not necessary highest BFP rate). I never know if they just say this to make us pay for another go, but I have to believe they are being ethical - They are doctors after all!

Well I could be wrong smidge!! But I'm sure that's what my clinic said to me

Fwiw allchat I'm pretty sure I would have made the same decision - less out of fear of twins, and more for the feeling of not wanting to use up all my embies in one go!
Sounds very wise either way, best of luck today!

Hi girls

Transfer went well this morning. Had two top grade blastos put back. Was a bit painful mainly because of the full bladder but ok.

Going back to what to do after transfer spoke to the nurse and embryologist and they said not to go home and go to bed. Sit of the sofa and relax, move around, ok to walk my dog as good to keep the blood flowing. Basically you can carry on as normal but don't lift anything heavy. As for what to eat and drink nothing imparticular raises your chances of success. Not to get too hot, no hot water bottles! As the embryologist said you have done everything you can now it's down to the embies to either take or not, it is as simple as that.

So it is now the waiting game!

Felt ever so emotional to have finally got this far and to see the two embryos going into the womb was amazing.

God I could do with a bucket of dry white wine just now but that's the one thing the nurse said I can't have lol! X

How exciting anroga 'top grade' sounds very positive! Glad to hear it was amazing to watch, our clinic have told us that is the really special part and given we have to go through all this extra crap, to have an extra special part that other people in a 'normal' pregnancy don't get to see is really something to hang on to!

How about a huge mug of hot choccy with a large marshmallow and some choccy sprinkles instead of a wine, its like a hug in a mug :)

So is it a 2ww now then?

He said they were bb something or other blastocysts which is in the top grade?!?

Oh verkey can you come round and make me one of those please??? ;)

No I do a pregnancy test on the 26th

Ooo - sounds early! That's fab!

I'm off to make myself an Oreo version now :)

A question, they said no heavy lifting but did not think to ask how heavy, does anyone know? Just picked up my 6.5kilo pug and then panicked and put her down! Is she too heavy???

glad it went well anroga. 6.5kg sounds heavy to me but I never lift a feather so I'm probably not a good judge. I think if you were picking up a 6.5kg rucksack you'd say it was too heavy though, think airline hand luggage weight limit is 5kg.

Yes I agree lildottie agreed with dh yesterday best not to pick up my little lily the pug which she is going to hate ha ha! X

there's definitely something going on in my ovaries. got lots of twinges on the right side tonight. scan 2 tomorrow morning!

Congrats nutty! That's super exciting, well done

That's super news anroga, fingers crossed that the two weeks fly by and you get the result you want!

Sorry I've been a bit quiet this week, it has flown by and I feel I haven't had time to stop. DP and I are getting married next year and although I have a long time to organise.... I'm an organised freak who wants it all decided on now! Hehe. So I've been on Pinterest and to wedding fairs on top of full time work. It's a welcome distraction from ivf!

In regards to resting after IVF... I always take 2 weeks off mainly because DP insists. I did go back to work after an FET and found it very difficult working with children. I have to lift children,tables and equipment every 5 minutes, it's stressful and I can't say 'don't have play and have fun incase you hurt yourself because I can't lift you up'. With that being said, I will do Yoga in the morning to get my blood flowing after being asleep, will do light things around the house and take the dog out.

I have officially started stimming and it has flown by. I started on Wednesday, cetrocide today and I feel normal for now. I'm pretty sure I felt crap by now last time.

Scan tomorrow to see if things are doing what they should. EC is estimated next mon or tue if all goes to plan! Anyone else around then too?

anroga that sounds extremely promising!! Out of curiosity, can I ask what happened with your other 8 embryos?

Well it's all happening on here! And making me feel quite jealous that I have to wait til mid March before I can try afford IVF again! Let us know how you get on with your scan lildottie - the ovary twinges sounds promising!

Phoenix, it seems you are of of the unlucky repeat IVFers like me. Do you mind if I ask how things went last time - how many eggs and embryos. I assume none to freeze as you are now doing a fresh cycle. Also curious what you are doing differently this time and to see how it produces different results. May as well make this time pro-active and try to learn from you guys while I wait impatiently for my turn!

Hi shellster, unfortunately I am a repeater yes but we have no reason for it.
Our last ivf I had 15 eggs taken, 11 fertilised, 8 made it to blasto and we're great quality. We were down for ICSI but didn't need it. We had 1 put back and 7 frozen but it was BFN. We then went on to have 2 FETs with 2 put back which were also BFN. There are still have 3 left in the freezer.
I am NHS you see, this is our last cycle before we go on to pay ourselves, hence why we're going for another fresh. To be honest this could be the reason it isn't working. I can't say we're getting the best service but I can't complain as it's free. There are no frills, we get down reg, scans and stims then EC and ET. We aren't allowed to part pay for anything else.

I'm not holding out much hope. Out clinic is closing down for unknown reasons so I imagine it's because it's a bit pants. It's actually a private clinic too so id be pissed if I paid privately there.

If I'm honest I'm being completely relaxed this time round. With our first cycle and FETs we were strict with our diet and stressed out with it. This time I've eaten healthy with the odd treat day and just enjoyed the processes. I'm having acupuncture and will use baby aspirin to help with circulation as I have Raynaud's too.

Has anyone had any experience or heard of ivf abroad? We're thinking Greece for our next cycle because of fantastic success rates and half the price but nervous with it being abroad! My mil saw a documentary on tv last year about it but I missed it.
I'm not writing this off yet but I have no faith in the clinic. Sad really