Anyone starting IVF soon? Join me (2)

[purplemeggie]

I see we've filled up the thread and thought I'd better start another one. How's everyone doing?

Good luck Waiting - hope the tsh levels are low enough x

So the test have arrived purple... now it must be tempting!

blue, the one question I would want to know about prenisolone from the Dr is if there is any harm in taking it if it is not necessary. If studies show it does not decrease pregnancy rates, then I would feel like no harm just in case the non tested NK cells are an issue.

So you've had your blood test now waiting. Let us know how you get on. On the one hand, I want you to get started as I know how frustrating the waiting is. On the other, it will be nice to have someone here waiting with me so we can motivate each other while we wait to prepare for the best possible outcome.

I wussed out of testing this morning....

Tsh was 2.4!!!!!

I can start next cycle! AF due around 12 April

Oh purple, I saw feeling nervous as I logged in, knowing you had the tests and might have caved. I gather this means it wasn't positive or you'd be shouting it from the rooftop?

Great news Waiting

You are spot on, Shellster. I caved in and tested yesterday afternoon when I came home from work and it was negative.

I'm holding onto some chinks of hope - when I was pregant with ds it only showed up the day before my period was due as a very faint line, with a very sensitive test. It wasn't first urine of the day, so levels may not have been optimal (and I was too scared to test today), blah, blah, blah...

....but all my optimism has vanished. I felt different this time - and I'd pinned so much on not spotting....the ONLY cycle I have ever got all the way to the end without spotting was when I was pregnant with ds, so I really thought...

....feeling pretty miserable today. And I had the most awful migraine in the night - couldn't move with the pain, paracetamol just didn't touch it and I didn't dare take anything else "just in case", knowing all the while I was probably putting myself through excrutiating pain for nothing.

I can only imagine it must be more of a harder fall purple when you've got valid reasons to be positive; youthful eggs and not spotting just as first pregnancy. I can only imagine how miserable you must be feeling. Then again, my DS also only showed up as a very faint line the day after period was due. But perhaps if you're feeling miserable, you don't want me to be giving what might feel like false glimmers of hope. I'm trying to find a logical answer to the question 'why not' even though there is not always logic in this infertility game. Did the Dr have any concerns about your fibroids? Is there anything that can be done about them just in case they could be a contributing factor before the FET? Don't know if that's helpful or not right now. I just think that is what has kept me sane - trying to find logic after each blow so I can work on overcoming it for the next step and start to focus on plan B. I just feel awful for you.

My sister's just been offering the same glimmers, Shellster - and yes, ds didn't show up til late, and then only a faint line. Also, my sister told me off for testing with anything other than first urine, so perhaps I shouldn't rule myself out just yet. Almost easier to accept bad news in gradually steps though, isn't it, so I am at least preparing myself not to have an almighty melt-down on Monday!
No, the fibroids are definitely not a problem. They're intra-mural, so between the two layers of the uterus and it's only when they protrude into the uterine cavity that they impact on fertility. I was already pregnant with ds when they were spotted for the first time, so they didn't stop him from joining us and so many people have looked at them and ruled them out as a problem, that I'm relaxed about them. Plus the guided transfer delivered the embryos to the healthiest part of my uterus, so that ought to have eliminated any residual risk.

But yes, doing the usual thing and moving on mentally to plan-whatever - must be at least N by now...and I think we'll have all three of our frosties put back next time. And if that doesn't work, then it will be the end of the road for us...

Oh purple I'm sorry to read your update. I think the gradual news is better than the big slap in the face too. I really hope the lack of spotting is a good sign and you are wrong though.

Bit of a doom and gloom Friday all round, scan shows only two follies both around the 10mm size after 8.5 days stims. One of my ovaries shows no response and I'm already on the maximum stims the clinic will allow (plus I wouldn't want to fry any good ones I do have). Continuing this weekend with the drugs and will see how things stand on Monday. I'm trying to cheer myself up by reading other threads on MN who had successful results with so few follies! Why does this process have to be such a bunch of arse?

Bunch of arse is right, Sunrise - let's hope things improve for both of us over the weekend xxx

So you will wait til Monday purple to do a final home test and you will make that your definite outcome. My next IVF will have to be my last due to finances even though I don't feel ready to quit. Would be nice if we both did it around the same time with us both having the same pressure of it needing to work. I am finishing out this cancelled cycle, waiting two natural cycles, then doing IVF again the following - so around start of June. But of course, you do whatever is right for you and move forward whenever you are ready. I am relieved for you that the fibroids aren't an issue. I am just grasping at straws to find some logical reason why this hasn't worked for you. Something we can say 'oh yes, we'll change that before your FET' and this bloody nightmare ends.

Of course I shouldn't be jumping the gun too soon. Your sister is right purple. I would definitely test with the first morning urine if I was going to test early.

Second, I know how upsetting this is, after just having decided to cancel my last cycle with only 3 follicles at scattered sizes. How many did you produce last IVF? I can't remember. I think the fact that at least they are both at the same size and you can take the trigger when they are both mature - not one over ripe and one still potentially immature is a very good thing for two top quality eggs. And if you want a positive story to add to your basket, my last EC produced only 2 fertilised eggs. I ate the high protein diet for quality in the lead up and they were both top quality at day 3 transfer. Also, I read a study about women who only produce a few eggs. They had the women repeat IVF with higher drugs to produce more eggs. Both batches of eggs were tested and even though they had more eggs in the 2nd batch, both batches contained the same number of genetically normal eggs. So these two eggs are the best of your batch and even if you had an extra 2-3 growing with more meds so that you ended up with 5-6 eggs, these two that your body is naturally wanting to grow are the ones that would go on to make the best embryo anyway.

No, Shellster - I tested again this morning with first urine....still only one measly line. I'll carry on taking the meds until the blood test on Monday, but I'm pretty certain I'm out.

DH and I talked this morning about next steps. We're definitely going to have all three frosties put back (so long as this is okay with the clinic, but I don't see why it wouldn't be). I expect we'll go again in May, but it might be June. Yes, it would be nice to be doing our "desperado cycles" together and trying to keep each other sane...xxx

Sunrise - Shellster makes some good points in her post....hoping this works out for you xxx

Morning everyone. purple I'm so sorry to hear things aren't looking good. glad to hear you have plan B worked out.

Sounds like most on this forum have had a tough week. Big hugs to you all.

Good news waiting.

I've had a bit of a break this week from all forums, Dr Google etc. I think needed it. I've been down regging for almost 2 weeks and feel really dehydrated despite taking on tons of fluids. Anyone else get like this? I feel like I shouldn't complain but...

Well...positive thoughts to all. Have a good weekend everyone.

Hello Cat and thank you. Yes, this has been a blow - I was so convinced that using lovely 20-year-old eggs instead of my rotten old ones would solve all our problems . I'm surprised at how little I've fallen apart, considering - maybe I've just got used to the downs of IVF...have to say, there haven't been many ups in our camp!

Yes, I have always needed to drink loads of water during my down-regs and even more so during stimms. Be ready to be even more thirsty in the coming weeks.

I've never done the down regging cat so I'm not sure about the dehydration thing. I didn't find I was thirsty during the stims either like purple, but I was drinking 2.2 - 3.75 litres a day anyway so maybe I just never got the chance to be. Good on you for taking a break and not going Dr Google crazy. It really can send you insane.

I can imagine it's a blow alright purple after having watched how many 20 y.o. eggs make it all the way to blast. Do you know what the clinic protocol is for FET - down regging or natural cycle?

It's day 23 for me here. I am just waiting for my period to arrive (for once!) so that I can feel like I am into my next cycle and one step closer to my next IVF. I started knitting a jacket for my son yesterday. Helps to keep my mind distracted when I am relaxing at home instead of coming up with constant IVF/baby thoughts.

Oh, and I asked my Dr if I can have a day 2 scan and she agreed. Yay. Some cycles I have 5 follicles (last cancelled cycle) and others I have had 16 or 19. So makes sense to pick one with the higher number. Would have saved me lots of heartache if my b*h of a nurse had of listened to me last cycle when I asked for it. But the Dr has added it to my next cycle plan now so she has to shut up and arrange it for me.

That's good, Shellster - still very annoying that they didn't listen to you last time, but they can't turn back the clock, so at least they've taken it on board for next time and you can pick the cycle with the very best chance. I presume you're taking CQ10, DHEA etc in preparation? And what did you decide about the aspirin in the end? I wasn't sure what to conclude about that because it seemed a bit as if it compromised quality for quantity, but I'm sure you have tracked all the trends.

I'm not sure what my protocol will be....I was so sure it had worked this time, I didn't start to think about it until Thursday, when I got the first negative test.

I have decided that I'm going to take up my beloved swimming again though and get fitter and healthier. I let my UK clinic put me off swimming (post transfer, admittedly, but I haven't really swum since) but I've come to the conclusion that it does so much for my mental well-being that this must cancel out any small risks to a pregnancy. And the pool I swim in doesn't use chlorine, so any risk from the chemical is much reduced. And I'm going to start doing regular yoga as well, as that also made a huge difference. I've lost a stone since Christmas and managed not to put it back on during this cycle. I'd quite like to lose another half stone and feel sure that there's absolutely nothing more I personally could have done to help my final cycle.

Purple, hopefully we can motivate each other as I feel the same way. I lost a bit but have probably put it back on with my week of really bad eating after this failed IVF (too scared to weigh myself!). I really want to exercise more and do this high protein low carb diet 100% so that I too can no there's absolutely nothing more I could have done this final cycle FINALLY works!

Yes, I'm still taking my supplements. I had been taking DHEA from Feb 13 to Dec 14 but then decided to stop it, thinking it had been two years and since it is an actual hormone, perhaps I have been overdosing taking it for so long. I then was researching about something else IVF related and stumbled across an article on DHEA. It had collated information from a number of studies in a very clear and concise way. It had very compelling evidence for taking DHEA, including significantly increasing the number of follicles and quality of embryo. So perhaps that's why my follicle count had dropped last cycle. So back on it now.

Yep, taking the Aspirin too. I hadn't heard that it compromised quality. I have read that it can interfere with follicle growth during the IVF cycle since this is actually an inflammatory process and Aspirin is an anti inflammatory. So I stop it at day 20 the cycle prior to IVF so it's out of my system. Anyway, my IVF prior to last, I had only 3 mature eggs of which 2 fertilised and they were both top quality on day 3 and I know it implanted before an early miscarriage. So I feel comfortable repeating that protocol.

Ah, that's it...sorry, I was getting confused. I remembered there being a down-side.

The czech clinic prescribed aspirin for me from positive pregnancy test onwards - I don't really get that, as it's already implanted by then, and it was prescribed for me both by my GP and the UK clinic to aid implantation. I think I'm going to start taking aspirin in preparation for the next cycle now.

How's everyone else doing? xxx

Sorry for the disappearing act, have been in Rome for a long weekend and phone wasn't working. Just arrived back in London and logged in straight away to check out your news purple. I'm so sorry. Sending you a virtual hug, you must feel very disappointed. I really thought this would work out for you on the first try. I guess it's easy to get carried away with the favourable odds (compared to 'normal' IVF) although it seems to take plenty of women a few gos before they crack it with donor eggs. Try not to be too disheartened, it WILL work for you soon, I'm sure. Are you going on holiday tomorrow? You should swim lots in Tunisia (and drink and eat whatever you like)

Typing this into a tiny, annoying phone screen so will write more tomorrow from a proper computer. Shellster am sending you some AF vibes...go for a vigorous jog?

Thanks Blue. Holiday is on Tuesday. Blood test tomorrow...

Hope the holiday is relaxing purple

I will be prescribed aspirin during my cycle, after ec if I remember what the doctor said (it was hard to take it all in!) I'm not sure why as all she said was it helps with blood flow and implantation. I have to continue with the levothyroxine too and ferrous sulphate as am a little bit anaemic still. Also obviously I'm on folic acid too so I've had to buy a pill box as I'm forgetful!

Dh has a busy couple of weeks ahead he is planning on doing huge amounts of overtime unpaid to make up for the time he will have off during our cycle as he wants to come to appts etc. we have planned a lot for the 2ww too (if we get that far) as otherwise I know i will go out of my mind with the waiting

I having reflexology x2 this week and next to fingers crossed help with everything or at the very least relax me. AF is due around 12 April (35 days )but I've had cycles much longer in the past and a few shorter but never less than 31 days. Tbh I'd love a 31 day cycle this month then I could get started sooner!
I've been trying to eat very healthily after the last few weeks eating just to put on weight and I'm making sure I drink lots and have lots of protein in preparation.

Dh is also feeling better now and has finished his antibiotics so I'm hoping it hasn't affected him at all and that his sample willbe good on day of ec. He's been eating very healthily too (unusually for him) lots of veg, protein, nuts and a lot less alcohol!

Great that your DH is on board waiting and being so supportive, wanting to come for appointments and even joining you in eating healthy. So now it's just a two week count down.

purple, I don't really understand the Aspirin after positive test theory either. Just to add confusion to the mix, I took it after day 2 transfer of a perfect 4 cell embryo and got a BFN. I then read something about it having a negative impact on implantation and wondered if that was the reason for my failed cycle. I'm too scared to google for you and provide the link as I figure my son implanted without Aspirin so my body doesn't need it and I am happy with my decision not to take it so researching will get me back in obsessive research stressed mode, so I shall leave that to you if you are interested. My clinic also especially tells me not to take NSAID's (including Aspirin) after EC as they say it affects implantation-although your UK clinic obviously think otherwise. As with all IVF things, there's probably studies showing contradicting outcomes.

I'm actually happy for a longer cycle blue as I know statistically women with longer cycles have more IVF success, even though it means a few more days wait until my next IVF. You are always jetting off around the countryside. Must be a nice distraction. With all this IVF expense, I can barely afford petrol to the local attractions let alone a holiday!

I was recommended aspirin after positive test too as I've had two miscarriages in the past. I'll do the same if we ever get that far. So our repeat scan today still shows two, so we are on for egg collection on Thursday. Please please let us get to putting something back in.

Purple I'm guessing the blood test is just a formality, much I would like it to prove your pee tests wrong. I love swimming, and it definitely helps my head as well as getting fitter.

I found a good high protein soft cheese/yoghurt pot last week in Tesco. It gives 20g of protein per pot. I can't pretend that it was the most delicious thing I've ever eaten but it's an easy way to build up the protein levels each day. It's called Arla Protein 20 I think.

www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2014/352098/ this medical paper is quite interesting. It shows the latest research into different treatments (including use of aspirin and DHEA) and combines results from different studies. Most of it is the usual "needs more research" but thought it was interesting reading, and shows promise for women in the future facing this issue.

Thank you lovely ladies for your kind words and support as always - I really don't know what I'd do without this forum, sometimes.

I've just heard from the lab and the blood test was as expected , but not surprised. I've emailed the results over to the clinic and we'll start to make plans for our FET. And that has to work, because this is most definitely the very last whirl of the roulette wheel. xxx

Sorry Purple, what a bag of $hite. Very disappointing indeed. I'm glad to hear you are focused on your next cycle though, perhaps your clinic will come up with some suggested tweaks next time around. I have a good feeling that the next cycle will work out for you. In the meantime enjoy your holiday and try to avoid thinking about anything fertility related (except maybe some enjoyable sex?!).

Sunset I will keep my fingers crossed for your scan. I had 2 eggs in both of my first 2 cycles and got (albeit shortlived) BFPs in both. As everyone says on here, it's quantity not quality. Same for you Waiting, I wish you the best of luck over the next few days.

Shellster bless you for avoiding Dr Google. I don't blame you....reading research papers is a slippery slope (although I did take a good look at Sunset's link ). Rome was another work trip so I am very grateful to be back in London for a while....in fact, I have no other travel planned until May. Hooray. Interesting that longer cycles are better for IVF, I haven't heard that before, and FANTASTIC news about your day 2 scan. About time!! I hope you feel very smug and pleased when you walk into that clinic and see that *&£"£ing nurse.

So I met with the doctor last week and we had a very interesting conversation. I'm going to start downregging for my frozen cycle this week, on 2nd April. He also casually mentioned that he thinks we should have another go at IVF with my own eggs if the FET doesn't work out. What?! Not at all what I was expecting to hear. He said that he was impressed with my last cycle (# of eggs collected, # of eggs fertilised, etc), and that it was a big improvement on the previous ones. He thinks it might be worth another try. He suggests we check AMH and maybe even do another hysteroscopy before making a final decision though. So...lots to think about. I don't really know what to do. I guess it will all depend on the outcome of this frozen cycle.

Fingers crossed this little frozen embryo makes it through the thawing process. Apparently it's a 4AA, which is pretty good I think. Still a 10% chance it might not defrost though...