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?

waiting, I'll be thinking of you. I know how anxious this time is with just a few precious follicles. I suppose you just want to get to Friday and hear the comforting words that these two have fertilised so you can know you are in with a shot. I think it's a positive thing that these two were growing at the same pace so at least you can trigger and have EC when they are both perfectly mature - not one over ripe and one still immature. So will it be a day 2 or 3 transfer?

Yes blue this site shows a study of 470 women where shorter cycles were associated with 40% less success :(. Trying to reassure myself that this applies to 'other women'. Our cycles generally shorten as we get older so most of the women who had shorter cycles in this study must have been older and that's why their cycle was more likely to be unsuccessful-but perhaps I'm in denial that I myself am now too an 'older woman' fertility wise! Must be an emotional process in itself just trying to accept and move on to donor eggs, and then to hear your Dr casually mention you should try again with your eggs must leave you not knowing what to think or feel. My acupuncture Dr always tells me not to worry about the unknowns of the future so for now, we'll just focus on your FET and hope you never have to worry about the next step. Don't they say FET cycles have more success because our progesterone rises early in an IVF medicated cycle putting our uterus out of synch. So here's hoping this was part of the reason for your bad run so far and now you have an opportunity to try something new with an FET.

So my period arrived today, making my last cycle 24 days. Pretty disheartening. I thought the IVF meds would have boosted my fertility and I would have a longer cycle this month - but of course no. I think I'm going to take progesterone after ovulation this cycle and next. It will delay my cycles making IVF even further away, but my theory is that having stronger fertility and hormone levels might help me recruit more follicles for the IVF cycle and since it's a natural hormone that our body produces anyway, I figure it is not controversial and no harm trying.

Sorry to hear about your blood test Purple I too was secretly hoping it would prove your POAS wrong. Hope the exercise goes well, if nothing else it will make you feel better.

Sunrise I don't envy you those protein pots, but it sounds like a quick way to up the protein intake. Egg white is good too.

Well, it turns out my extreme dehydration on Friday wasn't entirely due to the Synarel, I was cooking up a bug which has had me in hot and cold sweats all weekend with really achy muscles and joints. The worst was yesterday with a splitting headache that kicked in every time I moved, like being hit over the head with an iron bar . Flu? Thought I was getting better yesterday evening and I got up for a few hours, but had more fever in the night and this morning. Headache is less intense thankfully.

Just hoping this won't affect my egg-making ability. I go for my down reg scan on Tuesday so I'm hoping my body recovers quickly. But is this something I should tell my clinic about?

Sorry to rant, I've been cooped up for four days

Shellster I also have 24 day cycles. I didn't realise that short cycles are linked to infertility...mine have always been short. Hmm. Wow, so many things to think about - most of them grim. I've started reading the 'mindfulness' book and I'm really enjoying it. It's about recognising a negative thought or emotion and trying to deal with it before it turns into brooding/pondering/additional misery. Easier said than done but I'm going to give it a try this cycle. I am the master of miserable brooding! Just like you are staying away from the research, I'm going to try and stay away from the negative thinking.

On the positive side I do hope this FET might spark my body into a different reaction. It definitely feels more natural (ish). We'll see.

Cat sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Getting colds/flu seems to happen a lot during IVF cycles, maybe it's stress related? Try not to worry about it affecting your cycle (see first paragraph above!). I'm sure it will be fine.

Okay, I stuffed up my last post. The comment to waiting was meant to be to second and I seemed to miss purples comment as it was on the previous page. Sorry to ignore you purple at such a difficult time - although I am at a loss as to what I can say to improve the situation anyway. I agree with you. This last attempt just 'has to work'. There is no alternative. I had a week of grieving, eating buckets of ice cream and other crap. But for the last two days I've eaten perfect and exercised. Really is helping me mentally feel positive about next IVF. So I hope you find your new health kick does the same for you.

cat, from my understanding, follicle selection is up to 3 months prior to the actual IVF cycle so I am sure your flu will not affect your egg making ability as that is already pre-determined. But no harm to tell your clinic and hopefully they too will reassure you to put your mind at ease.

blue, I wonder if we are different having always had short cycles. I mean most women start with normal cycles that shorten as they age and head towards menopause due to the rising starting FSH causing follicles to grow quicker. So it follows when they compared women with longer cycles to women with shorter cycles, those in the second group would be considerably older and that is probably the main reason for their lower success. The shorter cycle is just a reflection of their age. Different to you and me who have always had shorter cycles. Or at least, that's how I'm living in denial about this statistic! Do you have a higher FSH and ovulate early?

Well, Monday I found out DH's brother and wife are expecting their 2nd. They are the last in the family aside from me to produce more than one child so it felt like a stab in the heart as I will be noticing this at every family function and grieving the pain I feel for my lone son. Then the next day, Dh's other brother and partner announce a pregnancy - his 4th child, her 3rd. They both do self harm (she just got out of hospital for cuts so deep they sutured inside and outside of her leg). They both smoke, are flat broke and just 'permanently loaned' more money from us. So it stings that they can conceive and we can't. Does anyone have practical tips on letting go of this bitterness? Their announcements have been consuming my mind and putting extra pressure on me that this next IVF has to work as I just can't deal with them otherwise. But then I feel that the stress of me feeling really under pressure that this has to work is probably having the opposite effect!

Shellster sorry to hear you are feeling down about all the baby news. I know how you are feeling - one of my team members at work announced her pregnancy last week and told me that 'she didn't know how it happened' and 'they weren't planning it'. Great! Obviously I'm pleased for her but it still hurts. I imagine it must be even worse when it's family....particularly as your BiL and his wife don't sound very deserving of that good fortune.

I don't have any coping strategies but I'm enjoying the 'mindfulness' book and even spent an hour on this (rather gimmicky) website last night - . It has some fun online tasks to help banish negative thoughts. Hey, it's not as good as 5 gin and tonics but better than nothing, right?!

I start downregging for my FET tomorrow. I've decided not to research the short cycle thing - I don't need any more bad news! My FSH was ok last time they checked and I usually ovulate on day 11, which I think is pretty normal. Anyway let's see what happens.

Exactly blue. I cried when I found out about the first pregnancy but I hold nothing against them. But the second announcement is leaving me feeling really resentful.

Glad your FET is starting blue. This waiting that I am doing is the worst. So do you have any idea when the FET will take place.

second, thanks for the article. I was just saying that I am banning myself from Dr Google but I love actual studies rather than peoples opinions which your article was, and because it was on poor responders of which I am one, I just couldn't resist.

One of the points in there was about the addition of growth hormone during stims which 'upregulates the local synthesis of IGF-1. The IGF-1 amplifies the effect of FSH at the level of both granulosa and teca cells'. I then remembered reading an article that milk increases IGF by 13% and is linked to higher rates of twin pregnancies. So I am stopping my almond milk and going back to normal hormone filled cows milk!

Perhaps this could be the reason why some clinics such as purples recommend extra milk during stims.

Purple, how are you coping?

Hello everybody thought I'd quickly check in as have a really busy day today

Woke up really early as we just couldn't sleep so got up and had tea and a chat. Dh was worrying about things (haven't even started cycle yet!) and how I will cope with egg collection and he was wondering if he was very quick to do his part would they let him in to be with me. I don't think they will to be honest and I've tried to reassure him I will be fine as will have sedation but he probably remembers what I'm like with cannulas/needles and thinks I will make a fuss!

Hope the down regging is ok blue do they have to down reg you for a long time or is it shorter for a fet? I've started looking into fet as at my last appt the dr was telling me how if they think I'm heading for ohss they will just freeze all embryos and I have a feeling that's what will happen. I've read about natural fet cycles but I doubt that'd be right for me due to pcos and irregular ovulation if any

shellster I've read loads about upping milk intake! I'm going to try it although I really dislike milk. It seems a good way to get some extra protein in too.
I completely understand about the issue with pregnancy announcements, I have a slightly different problem with a toxic dsis (I started a thread a while ago as she had seen clinic letters in my home and told all our family and friends we were planning ivf) she has since, despite not having dcs yet taken all the toys and few bits DM had kept for when she apparently has dcs "very soon" and has now written a list of names including ones she knew I'd said years ago that I liked. She's also told me I'm selfish to be going ahead now as she's getting married soon and the focus should be on her. Took all my strength not to hit her as if she hadn't told anybody then people wouldn't keep asking and she could have had all attention on her! She's also made it very clear that she won't be around at all so "won't be in a position to help with anything" I've had to just stop contact for the time being as its caused me so much upset.

Anyway, enough ranting. Hope everybody else is ok.

Quick update to say they both eggs today. Egg collection was a bit tricky and I ended up with sedation and entenox and calling the consultant in but it was ok. I had my OH in with me Waiting despite most if the clinic in with me at one point!

Hope you are feeling ok second it sounds like things were quite intense. Hope you are managing to rest and relax

waiting, that is so sweet of your hubby to be concerned and wanting to be by your side during EC. Really sounds like you have the perfect partner who you can chat and vent to as you go through this and hopefully it will enable you to feel not so stressed throughout the cycle. Oh and waiting, apparently only US is still putting growth hormone in their milk and that's why they have 3 times higher twin rate than Britain, according to one site. So I'm going back to almond milk since blue doesn't have dairy and her embryos all make it to day 5. But interresting that you've read 'loads' about upping milk intake. Is it just other womens stories that you've read online, as I seem to hear lots of women saying they up their milk intake, but can't actually find a single study relating to milk and it's proven benefit for IVF.
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I forgot that your egg collection is not done under general anesthetic second. Glad you're okay and that they got both eggs. I assume you will get a call Friday about fertilisation. Thinking of you and will check in again to see how you get on.

Hi,

May I join you please? First time IVF-er here! We are waiting for the NHS funding (expected within 4 weeks no issues anticipated) and then we can start immediately. We are very lucky that there is no wait at our clinic. I'm 32, DP is 35 and after a series of tests they cannot explain our difficulties. So our IVF adventure should hopefully start in around 6 - 8 weeks, all being well.

I have no idea what to expect and one of the things I'm most concerned about is taking time off work. My clinic is 30 miles away so I think I will probably be booking a lot of time off. Did anyone tell their employer or has anyone been signed off sick for parts of their treatment?

Welcome Osirus. Must be frustrating having no explanation for your difficulties - how long have you been trying? I hope IVF is the answer for you. I am a casual so it was easy to tell my work I am not available certain days without having to give an explanation.

Yes its just blogs and on forums etc- everyone seems to recommend drinking extra milk, in some cases it is to get more protein in whereas others are saying it helps with the cycle (not sure why!)
I've been drinking more just for the protein and calories at the moment as need to keep my weight up at a normal level.

Sorry on phone so difficult to respond properly. Both fertilised and going back tomorrow day 2.

That's great news second fingers crossed all goes well

Hello ladies. All well here. Having a lovely time in holiday. Dh and I have caught each other being sad a few times and talked about the IVF but largely keeping busy and keeping our minds off it. The friends we're with know all about it though so at least we've been able to moan when we've needed to .
Shellster I can sympathise. undeserved pregnancies bloody everywhere. Hope you catch yours soon , lovely x

Keeping everything crossed for you Sunrise - exciting times x

Waiting - wow your sister sounds like a piece of work! This thing is hard enough without the extra hurdles! Had a thought to make the milk drinking more bearable for you - I used to put a couple of vanilla pods in the bottle the night before and leave them to infuse. It makes it taste like ice cream . You can reuse the pods a few times.

Blue - glad you're hearing up for your FET. I'm cheering you on from the sidelines. Not sure when I'll be starting - hoping I'll get home to a new schedule from the clinic.

Welcome Osiris. I told my lknee manager at work and she has been fabulously supportive throughout. If you have a good and understanding boss it can make life much easier if they know. For me it was a no-brainer because my employer offers an extra five days leave for people undergoing IVF and my boss needed to know in order to sign it off. Most people I know course not to tell work, but if you feel secure doing so I think it would make your life easier with that journey to contend with. Good luck!

must remember to proof read. Line manager (what the is a lknee manager anyway, Autocorrect?!) and choose* not to tell!

I've only seen those same blogs on milk waiting - never any actual studies or reasons why. But yes milk has protein and seems a healthy way for you to keep your weight up. I am trying to reduce mine so I'll stick to the almond milk and different sources of protein. Your sister sounds rather selfish. Horrible when it's family. DH's side of the family had a gathering yesterday and I made an excuse not to go. We just don't need any extra stress at this point.

second, you must feel relieved. So tomorrow the long 2ww begins!

purple, it is such a grieving time after an IVF failure isn't it. I know we've all been through it on here and we all know there is nothing we can say to fix each others problems, but I still always feel at a loss for words as I know the pain and just want to fix it for everyone! I hope you do have a new schedule waiting when you return home and it helps you think forward. More than that, I really hope the new schedule works. Three lovely young eggs that made it all the way to day 5... just surely it has to.

That's very generous of your employer purple, you are very lucky.

We've been trying about four years Shellster.

So it is recommended to drink more milk? Is that before and throughout treatment?

We've been trying the same length Osirus.

I am not sure about the milk. Some ladies are recommended to drink it during the stim phase of IVF by their clinic, but I myself cannot find any studies online showing that it increases success, or any reason why we need to drink milk in particular.

Hey there hope you don't mind me joining in the milk debate. I am due to start ivf shortly and am drinking full fat milk. The main reason is for protein but the reason why milk in particular is because they are lots of different types of protein that your body needs and milk contains them all. It is a complete protein whereas plant sources generally do not have all the proteins required or the ones that do will have a much lower level of some of them than needed.

Thanks for the info luci. Your name is familiar. I guess clinics just advise milk because it's easier to say 'drink x amount of milk a day' as it's simple for patients to follow and they don't have to cook or combine vegie combinations to get all the essential amino acids. I am avoiding dairy as I'm trying to lose weight but if the reason for milk is complete protein, my pea protein shake, tins of tuna and salmon consumption ensure I get plenty of protein with all amino acids so then I don't feel worried that I'm doing the wrong thing. So thanks.

Best of luck with your IVF. When are you due to start? You are welcome to stick around if it will help you have a place to vent as you ride the IVF roller coaster.

Welcome Osiris. Shellster I used the milk argument so I could cheese and ice cream guilt free. Perhaps not the most scientific reason...
Two embies put back today, one poor and one ok quality. Glad they are back. Now its just down to luck (as is most of this sorry game I think).
Glad you are having some rest and recuperation time purple.

Hi Shellster yes that's right, I'm sure you could get the various amino acids from other things it's just a quicker and easier way to make sure you get it all I suppose.

I have been about on various threads on the infertility boards for a while now. I am due to start stimms when af arrives in the next couple of days. I am on short protocol so only around 10 days of stimms. I am also off to Czech Republic for my treatment so should be going the week after next for egg collection...exciting!!

Good luck second that's great you have had two out back. I am also hoping for that.