Cycle buddies Aug/Sept 2016

[HelloMist]

Anyone just starting a cycle or about to?

I've just got the dates through for my first FET to TTC#2. My first LO is 18 months and was made with the help of ICSI and IVF. I start down regulating in a few weeks.

I've already gone through various emotions and I know there are a lot more to come! Anxiety and indecision wondering how I will cope with a second child if we're that lucky and the possible age gap. Sadness that my clinic told me I had to wean DD1 from the breast. Guilt at thinking about another and no longer 100% about her. (Especially if I weaned her and it doesn't work). Stupid thoughts that led me to test without telling DH when my second postpartum period (after weaning) didn't show on time (only spotting, false hope that it was implantation bleed. It's nearly impossible for us to conceive naturally though. AF came this weekend so here I am). Scared that it won't work. The stats are lower for FET and we only have 2 frosties.

The first injection will be at the end of a family holiday. I probably won't be drinking but don't really want to tell them why not yet. Despite all this I am excited too!

Anyone want to join me as cycle buddies?

I think Guys and St Thomas come under the same place (I could be completely wrong) but my letter all say both at the top. But the actual ACU is on the 11th floor at Guys. All staff are really friendly but the admin has been awful, we have received two letters for appointments after the appointment dates! But they are happy to fit you ASAP for the next available time.
From receiving my acceptance for funding letter, I was seen at Guys for my first appointment within a month, so may not be too long :-)

Ellesbelles, I am thinking I wish I had chose to sniff now, but drugs coming Friday and don't want to mess around, just want to get started. I feel exactly the same, I think I had only 5 in total so I am low too, but as I keep reading, it only takes one egg, lets stay positive together ;-)

Are you finding acupuncture helpful? Does it hurt? I was thinking of maybe trying reflexology? My work are being supportive but trying to keep it to myself really, parents know and best friend but that is it, I don't want all the questions etc, what about you, I think I read you work are being supportive which helps a lot. xx

Thanks elles :)

Six month waiting list?? I was not expecting that tbh.. getting ever so slightly worried...

Silly question sorry (I'm French, not too familiar with UK system!) but can you do a mix of private/public i.e. getting results/tests done privately to get them more quickly and come back to public for next steps? So far the issue for me is PCOS, I haven't had my tubes tested yet though, I would imagine they would test that before starting any treatment for ov..

Would you mind telling me a bit more about how things went for you?

Thanks!!

Tatatetelle I knew I had to have my other tube out (had first one out due to EP) so I had this done privately, then got referred for NHS funding for IVF. Not sure if once you have started you can switch between the two?
To be fair, once I started with NHS it was really quick. Hopefully things wil go quickly for you. xx

Thanks Goodthings, Sorry to hear about your EP .
It's comforting to know once you're in the system things move at a steady pace. I just need to be patient then! x

Good things... 5 Follies do you mean?
Weirdly, the acupuncture was relaxing! It hurts a tiny bit sometimes, more if it's a particular pressure point I think... The one she sticks in between eyebrows is for relaxation and I never feel that! I don't know if it's just that it's chill time, 1 hour to chat about it, to lie down with no demands on my time... Maybe the placebo effect? Definitely worth trying reflexology!!!!! I am too ticklish for that hehe!!!!
We haven't told many people it's imminent, we have only tOld our parents, my bro/sis in law and a couple of close friends... Other friends know it's happening but not how soon!!!!
You are so right... Just one egg. I would be happy with one!!!

Tatatetelle I didn't mean to panic you sorry xxx of course am happy to share experience so far.
So we got referred last October (after 14 months) as my Gp had run blood tests, my husbands SA was all fine but she believed that if I was anxious it would never happen so thought worth a referral! It came through for April. Beg of December, we had the conversation that actually we just wanted to know... Was there a problem or not? So decided to go private (but checked on phone that could get any treatment on nhs!)
So we had our appt end of December (could have had it the day after we called but wanted to have a nice Christmas and think about it all after), although bloods all fine, she scanned me and could only see 5 antral follicles. She said this was why it would be taking so long but unless nothing else wrong, would need to have been trying for 3 years for IVF. However she offered laparoscopy/hysteroscopy to see if any more issues...(plus I had AMH blood test privately which confirmed tubes were slow, convoluted so would need IVF) The waiting list was 5 months so beg of June.
However since then, we had our IVF paperwork through the next week(!), we had our IVF planning appt in July and good to go! So as good things says, once you are in system it's v quick!

ellesbelles - Sorry yes 5 Follies, so we have the same? I felt a bit disheartened when they told me this.

Not sure I could go through with acupuncture, but will definitely try and fit in reflexology for some relaxation time.

Tell me about, I'd definitely be happy with one.

I had 5 in December, 4 on right and1 on left :( however I took q10 religiously for 4 months as I did some research and it apparently can help with rejuvenating cells... When they scanned me in July I went up to 10, still 4 on right but 6 follies on left. Might just be a fluke... My AMH is 6.3 so v low for age so the nurse said to be honest that's what they keep in mind with my stimms etc.
How have your partners been ladies? Mine is "preparing for the worst but desperately hoping for the best"... His motto! He is v realistic but equally despite him not putting any pressure on, he would obv love for it to work first time!!!

Oh well done on the research and doubling! Do you mind me asking how old you are? I am 39 so pretty old really!

My partner is supportive and wants to get involved with the injections, but not so sure myself!

Fingers crossed it works first time for you xx

I am 32.. Well not sure if it was even the supplements, the nurse even said if it's going to happen, it's going to be Down to the IVF... But nothing like giving yourself the best possible chance I believe!!!

Oh my word there is no way I am letting my husband near me with a needle!! Although I am being unfair, I know he would be kind with this... He was amazing when I had my lap. Just he is the sort of person who when you go flying arse over, laughs before he checks on you!!!!!!!!!!!

I want it to work for you first time too

Thanks Elles xx don't worry, it's actually a good thing to know it could take that long - I'd rather manage my expectations now rather than be gutted later!! If it's 6 months then...more time for wine I guess!

Also I understand you would go private if you didn't have a diagnosis - would drive me insane as well not to know! I already know of one thing that's causing the problem with my PCOS so that might make it more manageable to wait for the appt...and get on the b*y system!

Fingers crossed for both your first time to work ladies

Hello all, is it too late to join? I start my first cycle of Clomid in about a week ( first time in ages I've actually been excited for af to turn up).

Hello lovelies, and big welcome to Fcukthetww (love your username!)

Tatatatelle - I like your optimism that 6 weeks = more wine
I keep telling myself that DARK chocolate is good for follies, isn't it? All those antioxidants?

Goodthings - hope injection goes well tomorrow - feel for you!

Mist - how are you?

Oops pressed send too soon...

Scanwait - how are you doing?

Rubz - been thinking of you this week and hoping all went well with EC.

AFM, I went for another acupuncture session today, very relaxing! She was using some pressure points for getting blood going through abdomen area and also for follicle growth - I encouraged lots of needles on those points!!!! [grin}

Really hope I haven't missed anyone, apologies if I have
XXXXX

*not 6 weeks, 6 months doh

Hi everyone and Welcome Fcukthetww! I'm hoping to go on Clomid or sthg similar to get some AF/ov going so looking forward to hearing about your experience , hope it all goes well for you.

Goodthings - yes I think you're right about Guy and St Thomas! But so far I agree on the admin, we did DH's SA there too and you wouldn't believe the hoops we've had to go through to get the appointment sorted. Got there in the end but really frustrating at times.

Elles - well we've gotta focus on the positive right!? Wine and sushi keep me going for now, I'm to call my GP on Monday to confirm she's done the referral and then... well let's see how long it all takes. Glad the acupuncture is helping you relax!

Hope everyone else is doing ok xxx

It might be nothing, but I had to share the excitement: I just found this on Guys and St Thomas' hospital fertility referral website 'There are no waiting lists for NHS funded patients. Most NHS patients will be seen in clinic within six weeks of referral and will commence treatment shortly after.' (www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/acu/useful-information/faqs.aspx#na)

Woop woop!

hi everyone, sorry for disappearing. I was just waiting for my dates to come and not much was new. Have caught up now and I'm happy to see a few new names! :) waves

Tata we're only going private because the NHS funding rules don't cover couples with an existing child (even if not IVF). Not sure if this is true everywhere in the UK. Glad you have found out there isn't too much waiting for Guys!

I've done my first 2 injections! Was weird but OK, and brought back some memories of things I did for luck or to psych myself up last time round.

Goodthings, did the first one go OK? Feeling nervous and confused is normal. I definitely did the first time before things started, and to an extent this time too as there are lots of unknowns. I hope you feel a bit calmer now you've actually started and that you're finding the drugs OK.

Elles, glad you mentioned about pregnacare side effect. I was just taking cheap folic acid and vitamin D but (for now) have moved onto that. The pregnancy one is much cheaper than the conception one and I'm pretty sure is very similar and still fine to take.

How's everyone doing?

Hey all,
Hope everyone's treatments and waits are all going as painlessly as possible? Day 3 of cycle today so my first dose of Clomid! To say I'm excited and optimistic is an understatement. Also taking the pregnacare and vitamin b6. Does anyone have any advice re possible side effects? My gynae just mentioned HOS and hot flushes. Xxx

Hi all,
I went for egg collection last weds and had a bad time after. I was feeling dizzy, collapsed twice and had a fit, just started to pull myself round and went in on Saturday for them to be put back. Had one really good egg and on that wasn't so good so couldn't be frozen, we decided to put both back in and not waste it. Just waiting now for blood test. I must admit even though this is my second cycle it has been the hardest and my partner has been amazing, I still feel like I have been hit by a bus, still achy and that hangover feeling (without having a drink the night before)

Hello lovely ladies, happy Monday

rubz09 sounds like you've had a really rough time, I hope you're feeling a bit better now? xx All fingers crossed for you that it works!! When is the blood test due? And so great to read about your partner being there for you , it can't be easy for them either...

Yay for start of Clomid Fcuk! Let us know how you feel/it goes, fingers crossed it works quickly for you guys!

Goodthings, Mist, Elles how are you guys doing/feeling?

AFM nothing new much, have been feeling some pains around ovaries but with pcos it probably doesn't mean anything, just pain for the sake of it yay! Also GP has put referral through so moving on to the next waiting game...(Goodthings you were right, the ACU is at Guys so that's where I'll go too) so focusing on other things in the meantime, or at least trying, I go through some highs and lows which can't be easy on DH. But I can't not think about it at least once a day, which probably qualifies as obsessive behaviour!!

tatatelle its on 3rd sep and he was a god send. Still feel like I have been hit by a bus but am much better. Hope you are feeling ok and its not obsessive I think its just normal for us

Hello lovelies!

Rubz, poor you, sounds like you have been through the mill :( Really keeping everything crossed that it works for you. So glad that your partner is being so supportive and fab - makes all the difference!!!!!

Hello FCUK, I have been told that down regging for me could mean hot flushes, sleeplessness and crazy hormones - wah! But not sure about clomid - my plan of action is making life as easy as possible for next few weeks - we are batch cooking lots and putting it in freezer, deep cleaning house now so it shouldn't need much doing in next few weeks and apart from close friends and family (who have been prewarned!) I am not making any plans with anyone. I am also going to have more acupuncture to hopefully help with symptoms. Great job feeling excited and optimistic - I do go through phases of positivity, then I get the down phases too of ARGH what if it all goes wrong? But got to focus on best case scenario!

Hi Mist, well done for starting injections!!!!!!! Fingers x !!!!

Hi Tatatetelle, YAY great news about waiting list!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Did you call your GP this morning? Fingers x referral all going through!!!! Sorry to hear you have been feeling sore though :( Blinking ovaries!!!!!! TOTALLY know what you mean about being obsessive! I have literally been waking up and thinking ** days to go until downreg!!!!!! It's not that I want to put my body voluntarily into menopause, I just am pleased it's the start of the treatment so we are moving forward!!!!!! I go back to work next week (I am a teacher) so it might be a good distraction! I saw you are French - which part of France do you come from? I studied at l'universite de Haute Bretagne in Rennes for a year and LOVED living there so much!!!!!

Hope all of you doing ok - just think, 4 more days and BANK HOLIDAY!!!!!

Rubz I really hope it works!!! Sending you all good thoughts and positive vibes xx Are you ok to work though?

How do you ladies manage at work actually, do you tell people? I've managed to book appts and scans outside of working hours or just said I was having a check up done. People don't ask but I get the sense that I might have to tell my manager at some point once I get some treatment going... a bit worried that might impact promotion and things like that..

Otherwise I've only told my mum and 2 very close friends that we're trying, don't want to start hearing the 'so how is it going' from people who mean well...

And yes I think you're right Rubz it's just our burden to turn into OCD mumtobezillas.. But as long as we do it together ;)

Elles yup I'm French, from Grenoble - in the Alps if that rings a bell? A lot of Brits know about it for driving through on their way to skying! Been in the UK for 6 years, DH is French as well, we love it here (apart from crazy real estate prices!!)!!! Do you go back to France sometimes?

Yes I spoke to GP and referral was sent last week!!! I'm also chasing the ACU to make sure it's in their system - following Goodthing's advice and keeping an close eye on the admin!!
Also I completely agree - as long as it's moving forward, I manage to stay in a positive mindset, it's the not knowing/nothing happening that's driving me crazy!!! Good job getting ready, I'm sure you'll be glad you did and to be able to focus on yourself once it all starts!!

We are off to Copenhagen for the long weekend, focusing on the things we can do while it's the 2 of us!!! What are your plans ladies? Anything exciting? Relaxing? xx

Hi All,

Sorry been a bit quiet, drugs were delivered on Friday, don't start them for another 3 weeks or so, waiting for AF this week then (I think) its 21 days from then, but clinic will confirm when AF comes. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed when the box was delivered as didn't expect so much and started feeling very anxious but have calmed down now. Probably done the worse thing and have been watching videos online of people injecting and it freaked me out a bit. How are you all finding the injections, any tips?

Rubz - I hope you are ok and feeling a bit better now? Keeping everything crossed for you x

FCUK - How are you getting on, any side effects yet?

Mist - How you getting on? I hope you are feeling ok?

Tatatetelle - I think I have become obsessive too, keep telling myself to calm down but I cant think of anything else!

Yay for bank holiday Elles, hopefully you all have something nice planned and the weather is nice :-)