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?

[BatteryPoweredHen]

x post - why did she say the blood test wouldn't be useful?

I thought that was the 'gold standard' in assessing the viability of v. early pregnancy?

[inconceivableme]

I wonder if clinics don't offer blood tests due to cost? Nurse said blood test would only show where we're at right now? I'd need to get test through my GP too.

I didn't have any blood tests on my successful fresh cycle at a different clinic either.

[BatteryPoweredHen]

I could be wrong, but I thought they took blood each day and checked to see whether the HCG levels were (roughly) doubling each day as they should.

So I guess she is right that today's blood test would indeed only show where you are today, but when you compare it to tomorrow's it would show whether your pregnancy was progressing as it should.

If they are refusing to put your mind at rest due to cost, that is a pretty shitty thing to do

[naty1]

No i think with rectally it should be fine. And the same with getting up as it is less likely to leak.
(I think i had issue with that ivf 2 and 3 after having had a DD)
Though i think spotting from cervix could just be its more sensitive due to bloodflow.

I agree with Hen. If they do the tests a certain number of days apart they can see if they are doubling.
(Though this itself worried my dsis with DC2 as it didnt rise correctly for 1 test they had to repeat it was then fine, possibly a twin that didnt continue - no spotting before then though)

So i can see why they dont routinely do this at all clinics but think they should if you are spotting.

Its odd though, my clinic dont do this either even though im now private and they could charge.

[AnnieHoo]

inconceivableme would your GP be ok to do it? I bypass the GP and ask for an appt with the nurse and then tell her i want an HCG test (or whatever) when i get there. They're always really good.

I really feel for you, I hate spotting it's so worrying and makes you think the worst but it does seem to be v common.

[inconceivableme]

The blood is now red and heavier, more like the start of a period. Clinic are going to scan me at 930 tomorrow morning but seemed to be preparing me for the worst. I'm gutted. Waiting for DH to get home from work. His mum arrived to stay this afternoon - typical! - and is downstairs playing with DS. I'm lying down upstairs, feeling 'unwell'. I just want privacy and could do without hosting MIL who knows nothing about our FET.

[inconceivableme]

This is why I didn't want MIL visiting us until at least after the first scan. But DH makes me feel I can never say no to her because she lives far away and sees less of DS than my family. If she wasn't here I'd just want to be cuddling DS right now but I can't because she's her, I'll cry and she'll wonder what's up.

[BatteryPoweredHen]

Big and unmumsnetty hug heading your way - I'm thinking of you and keeping everything crossed

[inconceivableme]

It's got worse. The blood rushed out when I stood up and I've passed a large clot, or maybe it was the sack...? Just crying now.... Can't see how there could be a continued pregnancy now.

[claudiddy]

Frazoz - I've been attending the Basingstoke clinic for the pre-egg transfer appointments, parking is good (don't underestimate the effect of convenience on stress levels, I say!) and I am satisfied with how things have gone, communication has been good and they have been reassuring when I've phoned with any questions - I asked the other day about the flu jab and was told to wait until stopping the medications/establishing pregnancy (or not!) before doing that. It's my first (and I think only) IVF and I'm basically 100% committed to the 40% chance it will work, the consultant has been very much "let's chuck everything at this" to give me the best chance, particularly since endometriosis is already growing back in my womb.

Shellster - I'm 38 and I live in Hampshire, I was "too old" at 36. If I lived in the adjacent county (Wiltshire) I'd get at least one free go of IVF up to age 40. Basically the health clinical commissioning groups/powers that be in England say all NHS areas should offer IVF but the reality is they don't because of budgetary constraints and other clinical priorities, it's a postcode lottery which a lot of people think is intrinsically unfair.

Tomorrow it's egg collection day for me, better be more Waitrose Clarence Court than Tesco Value style. I'm having a local anaesthetic. Am starting to brick it a tiny bit!

[Cantbelieveimdoingthisagain]

Inconceivableme I don't know your history but I have my fingers crossed for you. Perhaps a trip to OOH? Wishing you luck

[AnnieHoo]

I'm so sorry inconceivableme . It's so horrible. Can you tell your MIL or ask your DH to explain? I hope you're ok.

[claudiddy]

Inconceivableme - thinking of you.

[bluemoonday]

inconceivable I do feel sorry for you. To put your mind at rest you really must have a blood test. I'm sorry to say that for my last two chemical pregnancies it was a blood test that confirmed it. Your HCG number will show if it's a viable pregnancy or not (both times mine was under 100).

I truly hope this isn't the case and toy are fine, but it's really the only way you can be sure. If your GP won't do it you should be able to pay to have it done privately at a local bupa clinic or something. I have my fingers crossed for you xx

[Frazoz]

Inconceivable I'm keeping everything crossed for you, how hard it must be not feeling comfortable in your own home given what your going through. I truly am hoping everything is going to be ok for you.

Claudiddy that's good to know about the parking that's something that the clinic in Southampton isn't good for I have to admit.

How many follicles did you have at your last scan?

Good luck for tomorrow and let me know what it's like and how you get on?

I spoke to the clinic about having the flu jab and they recommend I have it done so just need to speak to the pharmacy and find out whether I can have it done on Sunday.

[inconceivableme]

Thanks all. I'm almost certain I'm miscarrying. I've now passed a huge clot, about the size of the palm of my hand. I can't see how there can be any hope now. I have a scan tomorrow morning at my clinic so will know more then. This is just such a shitty situation. I'm so grateful for my DS but this still hurts like hell.

[AnnieHoo]

It does sound like a mc inconceivableme, I've been through it and it's awful . It's good that you're going to the clinic tmw and they'll be able to check you over. Are you having waves of cramping? I hope you get some rest tonight x

[inconceivableme]

Yes Annie I have on/off cramps and an unpleasant fluttering sensation. I've dug out the maternity pads leftover from the birth of my DS. I'm so grateful for my DS but this still hurts so much. Keep wondering if I could have done anything to prevent it.
Does anyone know if I should keep the clots for any medical reason?

[AnnieHoo]

It hurts so much, it's a huge loss and meant everything to you and your DH. it's a horrible shock. And its natural to wonder if there was anything you could have done to prevent it but it's just nature's random indifference. You couldn't have done anything. My consultant explained to me that early losses usually happen because of something that goes wrong with the chromosomes matching at the exact time of conception. Its so hard but you didn't do anything wrong, the only comfort is that it's better to happen now than later on.

I was asked to put any tissue or clots in a Tupperware box and take it to the clinic (grim, I know). You can choose not to but I wanted any tests done that were offered. I'm not even sure what they were testing for.

I'm so sorry, I hope I've not said anything upsetting, it's such a sensitive thing, I really feel for you.

[Shellster52]

Inconceivable. I can only imagine how much this hurts. The agony we go through just to get pregnant and know it doesn't happen easily just makes it even worse. I know there is nothing I can say to ease the pain. I am in Oz so a different system but I know my IVF clinic did test the embryo of a fellow patient after miscarriage and found it had a genetic abnormality. If they do at your clinic, perhaps getting that answer would help give you closure. I am just so sorry. Please let us know how you get on. xox

farfell, happy to have you as my 'poor responder' buddy! When are you expecting AF to get things started? I am expecting AF about 21st Nov but it always varies by a day or so. Also, when you say clinic waits until FSH is 10 before starting, I assume you mean they wait until your FSH is BELOW 10 on day 2/3 of your cycle?

paoseo, I am doing acupuncture, but more for IVF success - don't really find lying still with needles poking in to me relaxing! I am trying guided meditation as a way to relax. It does seem to help a bit. Instead of the worrying thoughts rolling over and over in your mind, it gets you focusing on breathing and a 'special place' that you have created in your mind that is relaxing to you. So when I am upset (seeing a pregnant lady, family member gets a BFP) and I feel stressed, I spend the afternoon focusing on these things instead of swearing and cussing at them in my mind.

claudidy, waiting to hear about EC.
battery, also hoping you give us good news about your scan.
Today is day 13 of my cycle and I am just living in your IVF's while I wait very impatiently for mine to start!

[BatteryPoweredHen]

inconceivable me I can't imagine how you must be feeing this morning - just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and hoping your DH and DS are giving you comfort...

[BatteryPoweredHen]

FWIW, I am a believer that knowledge is power, so I would try to preserve your embryo for testing if at all possible. Would be completely understandable if you felt unable to to this though...you poor thing, I wish I could come over and give you a big hug...

[BatteryPoweredHen]

So, back from my scan, I'm not sure if this is good news or not...

After 4 days of stims

Endometrium 8mm
Right Ovary 10mm 12mm 9mm
Left Ovary 12mm 11mm 11mm, 12mm, 9mm

So only 8 follies in total

The doc seemed quite encouraging, but bearing in mind that only 70% will have an egg, and of those only 70% will be mature and then about 50% of eggs in a woman of my age will be genetically normal, it looks a bit gloomy tbh...

What do you think? Feeling a bit deflated...

[farfallarocks]

inconceivable I am so sorry to hear your news. I have been there and MCs are just so heartbreaking, the low from such a huge high of a BFP is so hard to take. I would try and have the embryo tested if the clinic will offer this so you can put your mind at rest and if not start to think about other tests (clotting, immunology etc). The vast majority of early MCs are chromosomal but I just a feeling something was wrong with me after 2 and I was right. Clexane meant I was able to carry my DD to term and my MC rate went from 70% to 30% (i.e. the average for everyone).
Give your DS an extra hug and look after yourself.


shellster I think AF is starting, in fact I am sure I will be in full flow by this PM so I just need to figure out timings with the clinic. Luckily they are open everyday but still!

[EmmaGH]

CONGRATULATIONS, Orange!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so thrilled for you! Let us know when you get your confirmation, please! x