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?

Oops, I meant that each cartridge of Puregon might contain + or - 20%.

Hi Girls

I have been away for a few weeks as we only had our TIA on Tuesday. I start the microgynon pill when I start my period this month (around 28th) then after that I am on long protoacol of 0.5ml of suprecur injections to down reg then after that on gonal F (I think so much to take in!) stim injections.

Confirmed we will definitely have ICSI due to my husbands low motility.

So alot to take in, going to go through all the paperwork and then as we both agreed after Tuesday try and take it one step at a time.

Any of you had the same course of treatment as me? Any side effects?

Due to my PCOS the nurse stressed the importance of the 3 litres of water a day to stop any hyperstimulation.

Feeling excited that this month we finally get going but a little overwhelmed/apprehensive at the same time which I am sure you all felt the same at the start of this journey we are all on.

xxx

Hi Shellster - taking two doses of the Puregon sounds like a good idea. As I mentioned before, the dosage didn't seem to make a big difference in my case. I'll be interested to see how I get on in this cycle with the Gonal F/Menopur combo.

My consultant at Guy's Hospital was actually in charge of this major endo scratch study www.telegraph.co.uk/science/9578014/Simple-scratch-could-double-success-of-IVF-treatment.html - the study concluded that the endo scratch makes no difference to the outcome (unfortunately). I guess I could have it done but I'd have to go elsewhere, and he did explain the research to me quite extensively. I don't know....so many different things to think about! It's a mind melt.

Regarding the donor egg situation - I can't see myself doing any more IVF after this cycle. If this one doesn't work out - something must be wrong with my eggs. There isn't really any other explanation, and the doctor has been pretty clear about that. I think I'd rather go with donated eggs and give myself the best possible chance of getting pregnant in the next 6-12 months. I think I've come to terms with the fact that I may not be able to have my own(biological) baby, so it's best to fast forward to stage 2. Not the ideal outcome but I'm trying to be pragmatic about it. As you already have a DS, Shellster, it might be more difficult to consider this option as you know you're capable of getting (and staying) pregnant. I'm just not sure I am, unfortunately.

Hi anroga
I have ovulatory PCOS and did short protocol for my successful fresh cycle. Just did microgynon but no down reg injections and stimmed for around 10 days on Gonal F 150. I got 12 eggs, all of which fertilised and 11 were still going at day 3. We had one blastocyst put back at day 6 and froze 3 others. I did get mild OHSS despite the low dose of Gonal F though. Was pretty uncomfortable. I also had a burst ovarian cyst a couple of weeks after my BFP which was a result of the treatment. Was excruciatingly painful, I was hospitalised and we thought the worst...but all was fine with baby. By the end of the stimming my abdomen felt tight and swollen and it was worse for 48 hrs or so after EC.

I did Suprecur injections to down reg on my FET earlier this month. Had to take it for 3 weeks in total and it made me quite moody and snappy, though not as bad as I was after norethisterone tablets!!

Both the Gonal F pen and the Suprecur injections were pretty painless. Use ice on the area prior to injecting is my tip though I didn't need that with the Gonal F pen. The worst injections I did were Cetratide on my fresh cycle - sooooo painful!

Good luck!

Thanks for the message Inconceivable. We are having blastocyst to day 5 and they are going to put back 2 due to my age, hoping they might have some to freeze but its doubtful. Great to read your first IVF was successful :) - Have noted about your mild OHSS so will be aware of that and keep up the fluid intake, I feel a lot of trips to the toilet might be in order!

Will try the ice thanks for the tip, I am sure I will get the hang of them!

xxx

Out of interest anroga, how old are you? Is this your first cycle? Sorry for not keeping up if you've already posted that elsewhere.

No worries I cannot keep up sometimes with the threads!

I am 38 on the 21st of November, we have been TTC for 3 years and this is our first IVF/ICSI. As my huband has two children from a previous relationship so we could not get any help on the NHS so we have had to organise getting £6K together, its took us some time to do this so that is why we are only starting treatment now.

xxx

Blue, you mention your consultant was in charge of endo scratch study and concluded that it makes no difference to IVF success - but the link you post suggests the opposite? It says almost 26% of women who did not have the womb procedure became pregnant. Of the women who had the procedure, 48% fell pregnant. Yes, somehow egg donation is not for me. I have looked into foster care but it just made me cry as it's not what I really want. I hope this IVF finally works out for you and you never have to worry about plan B.

Your consultant seems very knowledgeable. Did he give any reason why he though Meonpur would be helpful to add to the mix? Ironic, your adding it in for the first time next cycle and I'm taking it out.

Welcome backanroga... although you'd probably rather be other places than stuck in our little infertility group!

Okay, day 20 for me today. Means I start estrogen tablets today twice daily until my period arrives. Although I still feel very impatient. Just want to be at my first scan after stimming so that I can see I am responding well. Actually, scratch that, I just want to be staring at my positive BFP stick!

Shellster those were the results found from the review of other smaller trials. Unfortunately the big trial at Guy's didn't produce the same results, so they don't offer it as part of their ivf service. You know what though... you should go for it because it has obviously worked for some people!

I'm also keen to get started... will be nice to have a cycle buddy. I'm doing menopur this time to see if I can produce a few more eggs I think.

Where's everyone else at? We need some sort of cycle tally on here!

Hello!

Well, just had what I expect will be my final scan - really quite pleased with the results!

Endo - 11mm
Right ovary - 20, 20, 20, 14, 14
Left ovary - 24, 20, 19, 19, 18, 15, 14, 13, 12, 10

I guess I will trigger either tonight or tomorrow, then it will all be happening!

Thanks also for your kind words, I did have some counselling at the time actually - the most helpful thing she said to me was that I did what I thought best at the time, and that is all that any of us can do. Such true words, and I often find myself thinking of them in all sorts of other situations too

Hope the 2ww is going okay claudiddy, fingers crossed for a happy outcome on test day.

Those numbers look really promising Hen. I hope your collection goes smoothly and you see some good fertilization.

Wow Hen. That really sounds promising. Each persons cycle is so individual. Some get lots of eggs and poor fertilisation, while others get 4 eggs and make blastocysts. So I don't want to say words as though everything will be smooth sailing - but I was 100% sure you would have many more than your guess of 2-3 mature eggs, so you've passed that hurdle with flying colours. I am so glad you are pleased with the results too, and that the counselor has helped. Please keep us posted! Will be thinking of you.

I actually already did have the scratch Blue. I am still happy I did it even if not all studies show it to have a beneficial effect on implantation. I usually have a light period that barely lasts two days and the one thing I definitely noticed last time was that my period was a bit heavier... then during my IVF cycle, my lining was thicker and withing the optimal range of 10-14mm for the first time. So I do find it beneficial for me. Perhaps it is just helpful in certain circumstances. Did you know your lining thickness your last two IVF cycles? Just so baffled as to why the embryos as top notch, make it all the way to day 5 and then don't implant so forgive me for all the questions - I am just so wanting answers for you - and for your next cycle to work.

Good luck battery! Good result, you must be relieved.

My lining was 11mm both times Shellster. The doctor thinks I'm failing to implant because of poor egg quality. Hopefully this time I won't have the same problem... not long to go now!

Trigger shot done!

I know there are many hurdles to overcome, but trying so hard to be optimistic.

Wish me luck!

Thinking of you Battery. Good luck!

Loads of good luck to you Battery! The next few days will reveal all!

blue, sounds like a perfect lining then - and obviously it was if the embryos implanted both times. It's just so deceptive that embryos can grow so textbook perfect in a petri dish and yet have a quality issue. I spoke to someone a couple of weeks ago who had 6 eggs, 6 blasts, 1 day 5 transfer and 1 pregnancy. But it ended at 10 weeks and the biopsy did reveal genetic issue... so I guess what your Dr is saying makes sense. Really hope it is a numbers game and your good egg is in this next batch.

Kinda makes me a bit nervous about my next IVF. I have never made it to day 5 transfer and really felt like I would be on the home stretch if two can make it to day 5 this time and just have to implant at day 6. But now I clearly see, even if I do manage to get that far, there's still no guarantees.

Okay, day 22 for me now and I finally feel like my next IVF cycle isn't too far away. Taking Puregon alone after I was wondering why I kept getting a few dominant follicles and then reading that Menopur can cause this. So here's hoping I get a few more eggs this time to up my chances too. So my first hurdle is getting that first scan done and seeing some even growth for a change.

Good luck Hen - sending lots of positive vibes your way.

We went to see my cousin's daughter today and she's really positive about donating eggs to us. We have to have mandatory counselling - both us and my cousin, but all being well, we hope to get going in the New Year. Bit late to do anything this year. All quite exciting.

Wow Purple, that's fantastic. What a loving person for her to be so positive about donating eggs to you. I couldn't imagine actually being so forward to ask anyone 'hey, can I have your eggs', so it was an amazing gesture of her to initiate the offer.

Sounds like a good plan anyway to get started in the new year so you can just enjoy Christmas and family. I think I am a bit nuts starting IVF just in time to get an outcome days before Christmas. Trying to do the Zita West thing and think positive and that I am giving myself a BFP this Christmas...

I know - it was her mother who asked her and then lined us up to talk to each other. I needed to see her face to face to be sure that she knew what she was letting herself in for. And I'm with you - I wouldn't have dreamed of asking. There's a long way to go yet, but it feels like the right thing to do for all of us, so here's hoping.

I'm keeping everything crossed for your Christmas BFP, too....goodness knows you deserve it, lovely girl.

Thank you Purple! I am feeling a bit scared about my IVF as I always had a plan B in place after all previous IVF's but this time I am out of new ideas and this one feels like the end of the line. I know at your age, you would wish you were my age again to be trying IVF, but at 37, I am feeling like my eggs are going down hill fast (as backed up by previous IVF embryo quality) and this needs to work as I am running out of time. Went for an eye appt the other day. She said my eyes have gotten worse since my last check which was just after I had my son but not to worry as that's normal with age. All I could think that if even my eye cells have disintegrated since just after having my son, then all other cells have done the same thing - including my eggs!

Very generous spirit in your cousin as well as her daughter. I remember reading one story where a woman's niece was going to donate eggs to her... until the nieces mother (woman's sister) found out and didn't allow it as she wanted her child to produce her a grandaughter - and not via her sister. The sisters didn't speak since. So your cousin is a lovely spirit as well in actually not having that view and initiating things and I am glad it feels right.

Makes me feel like I am being too narrow minded in not accepting other alternatives, but I just haven't been able to face it.

Purple that is great news. Wow, it seems like it's really going to happen! I talked to DH about your situation and we both really admire your cousin and her daughter. I'm excited to see how it works out.

Shellster there's no need to worry about plan B at this stage....just stay optimistic about this cycle. As I said earlier, our situation is a little different because I've never given birth. I don't know if I can actually have my own baby, so egg donation/adoption has always been on the cards for us. I really hope that this cycle works out for you. As Purple said, you really deserve it. Focus on it working rather than fretting about 'what if' (although I know that's almost impossible!)

Hi all, sorry I lost you for a bit!

battery that sounds like an excellent number of eggs and keeping all crossed for you!

shellster how are you getting on with the oestrogen priming?

purple that is all sounding very positive indeed and great that your cousin might be able to help you too!

My friends have just had great success with DE at city Fertility, very small waiting list too! Might be worth looking at if you don't want to go abroad.

I am on day 10 of stimming and so far I am finding all the jabs absolutely fine but my response has not been great. 2 lead follicles and its looking unlikely the others are going to catch up. I knew I was never going to get 15 eggs or anything but I was hoping for 3 or 4. Well let's see. Should have egg collection at some point this week.

blue, this journey really does fill you full of doubts about your bodies ability. Even having a son, I still really doubt so I can imagine that it is even harder to believe if your body hasn't done it before.

farfall, it really does seem to be about quality over quantity. I see some women get 3-4 eggs and get a BFP and others produce 12 but they slowly die off as they grow in the petri dish. Can I ask what medication you are taking and how many smaller follicles are there that won't catch up?

I know - my cousin and her daughter are both pretty extraordinary people. My cousin and I have been close since childhood. We spent a lot of time together growing up. She has five children and her daughter is the oldest one. She's very matter-of-fact about what she has offered - she just said "I want to do this because you and Mr Purple are good people and Little Purple deserves a brother or sister." It's very humbling and I'm quite blown away.

Thinking of you Hen - the 2ww is hard. Hope it all goes well and you have a happy outcome.

Hang in there, Shellster. This has been such a tough year....hoping it ends with the best of all Christmases for you x

Puts tears in my eyes just reading her kind words Purple. What extraordinary people... and what an extraordinary son/daughter you will have as a sibling for DS! Thank you so much for your kind words.