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Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

IVF Cycle Buddies August/September?

952 replies

meadowlark3 · 02/08/2017 19:21

Anyone starting a cycle this month? I know there's a July/August thread, but seems that they've mostly all started on their cycles. I'm due to start DR tomorrow and if all goes well will have EC at the beginning of September.

Have not shared our IVF journey with too many people in IRL so would love to have a bit of company here. This will be our first go at IVF, so quite nervous at the mo!

xx

OP posts:
meadowlark3 · 21/09/2017 20:17

Aw BeHere I'm so so sorry to hear this awful news. Sending you lots of hugs. Please do keep coming back to chat here if you like, we are happy to support you. xxx

Serendipity, Welcome, sorry I missed your last post. Oh it must be difficult to be apart from your OH for so much of this process! I've got progetrone suppositories as well, but going in vaginally. How are you feeling after the ET? I haven't done a hot water bottle as I was told to avoid hot baths as it will overheat the womb.

Scots how are you and Hamish? How are you feeling for tomorrow? Got everything crossed for you and sending loads of good thoughts!

BBy, how was your scan?

Fox, how are you getting on? Despite my best intentions I had a wee google binge and looked up symptoms/no symptoms at 5dp5dt Blush not sure why I do this to myself, now thoroughly convinced it didn't work!

Ging, one less day of torture is fab but sorry you're feeling weepy. Have you got anything to distract you over the weekend? I was told by the clinic that the progesterone keeps the womb lining intact so shouldn't have AF whilst using it, though I was also told you might have some spotting before test day.

AFM, I've lost my good mood and am massively bloated. Dreamt last night that I was taking a pregnancy test and before I could see the result, I woke up and thought to myself it didn't work, I'm not pregnant. I was gutted and had a cry to poor DH an hour before our alarm went off. Because I've been pregnant twice before I feel like my lack of symptoms now means this hasn't worked so hoping it's still early days but can't seem to feel more positive about it.

For everyone using the progesterone vaginal pessaries, how high up do you put them? I've realised that for the first days I don't think they were getting all the way to the top IYSWIM, hope this hasn't affected the cycle.

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BeHereNow31 · 22/09/2017 12:07

Meadows, I just put the pesserie half way up. The nurses and leaflet didn't say anything about it. It definitely worked for me. I had side effects and no period.

My lining was only 6mm before FET, so not happy about that. Hoping I can thicken it for next try.

Hope you're all doing ok.

meadowlark3 · 22/09/2017 14:15

Thanks Behere. Did they give you any suggestions for improving your lining?

Scots, thinking of you and sending good thoughts for your scan today!

I've just seen the 5dp5dt thread, poster got a BFP on 6dp5dt, I'm promising myself I won't test until instructed by clinic. Fox, how are you feeling? I've had an odd dizzy spell and feeling knackered today, glad the weekend is almost here.

Xxx

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Fox23 · 22/09/2017 16:46

Hello lovely ladies,
Scots- any news? How was your scan?
Meadow- I put my pessaries all they up, as that's what instruction leaflet says. Feeling ok, just soooooo tired. Seriously, anything after 7pmor 8pm is now struggle. Used to be ok till 11-12. And yes, have had few dizzy moments. But I read that it could me meds as likely as anything. But yes, I've read about people doing tests... and I think that I will wait. I just have to avoid buying pregnancy test (s)
Ging- can't wait to hear from you on Sunday! Must be such a weird feeling.... I don't even know how brave you should be to listen to results, and both answers are massively life changing 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

I really have nothing new here. no more twinges tugs or pulls, and according to google that's good,... and bad according to other google sites... I really should stop!!! Meadow- I really can't stop googling! Neither can you... right? ☺️ Lol

Scotslass01 · 22/09/2017 17:35

Hello all,

Happy Friday.

So scan went well. I have 10 follicles maturing. 6 over 10mm and 4 just under. Which I'm delighted with. As my AMH is on 6.9 I was dreading how it was going and how many we would see developing. It really was a relief to know I am responding well to the drugs. I'm back on Monday for another scan to see how things are going.
How did you ladies find the nasal spray?? I'm not liking it, tastes rotten and is making me feel a bit sick.

Thanks for asking about wee Hamish. We've been back at the vets a couple of times he's so so. He's a wee trooper. Hopefully he will keep improving.

Between work, sleepless nights with the cat, the injections and the constant thinking about this process I am absolutely shattered.

How are you ladies doing?
Ging, not long now. Sunday will be here before you know it! Eeeeeeek!

Meadow & Fox - I hope you are coping ok with the 2ww.

Hello Serend1pity welcome. That's tough being apart from your OH. This is a gruelling process and you need the support.

Xx

meadowlark3 · 22/09/2017 19:56

Scots, thrilled for you, fab news!! And brill that Hamish is improving! Yes the nasal was quite bitter, I found if I didn't sniff in too quickly it didn't shoot back and make me feel so rotten.

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meadowlark3 · 22/09/2017 20:01

Oops hit post too fast. Fox, trying not to google much as I'm feeling really quite low, convinced that it didn't work as I haven't got any symptoms. My last two pregnancies my boobs were so swollen and tender I couldn't sleep on my tummy, now I've got nothing except feeling quite weepy and low.

Sending good thoughts to everyone else xx

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BeHereNow31 · 22/09/2017 20:49

It's so hard meadows 😔 And hard not to symptom spot. But try relax as much as you can.
The hospital just left me on the tablets for another week, but nothing happened. I will ask the hospital about this next time I'm in.

Good luck xx

Scotslass01 · 22/09/2017 21:27

Thanks meadow, I am so relived. I had convinced myself things were not developing so yay! Re: nasal spray i'll give that a go.
Try and keep the faith and stay positive. I know it's easier said than done. Big hugs x

BeHere - do you think that's got something to do with the result?

Take care all x

Serend1pity · 23/09/2017 07:51

Hi ladies,

Scots - amazing scan results. It great when you can see the progress isn't it? Will keep my fingers crossed for Monday. My first measurements had been similar to yours and they told me I was ready for egg collection by my second scan so it can all happen rather quickly at this point. I felt like nothing happened for ages and then everything seemed to happen all at once :)

I'm 41 and my AMH was really low at about 3.6 so I wasn't hopeful and given a 5-7% chance of the whole thing working. We're also paying privately because I already have 17 year old twins from a previous relationship. We were going to use donor eggs but last minute decided to try with mine. I'm pleased we did but it meant I had fewer eggs and none to freeze.

I didn't use the nasal spray. What's that for?

How is Hamish?

Ging - Fingers and toes crossed for tomorrow :)

Fox and Meadows - remind me when you test :). Did you both have one egg put back in or two? Mine is a week tomorrow. I think this has been the worst bit as I'm the least patient person! Meadows - I hope you're feeling a bit brighter today. This wait is a killer. I know exactly how you feel and I think the progesterone plays a huge part in our emotions being all over. Stay positive. Big hugs x

Behere - Hope you're ok x

Myself, nothing major to report. A few ' 'symptoms' but then I think I'm imagining it. I don't know about all of you but I've just really tried to keep a lid on everything and I've never really let myself get excited. Its felt great as we've overcome each barrier to date but I'm still now just really scared. Then cos of my age I don't even think I'd let myself get too excited even if I get a positive - it's hard isn't it? Those risks didn't even cross my mind last time :(

Ive played the conversations over and over in my head that I'll have to have with the people if it's a BFN :( Anyway, I'll stop moaning and try to get my positive back :)

Scotslass01 · 23/09/2017 08:44

Serend1pity -
How many follicles did you have?
That's a great result so far considering there was such low odds at the start. Really! I was thinking it would definitely be a third scan.

Fingers and toes crossed for you. All has gone to plan so far for you. Did you have a 3 or 5 day transfer?

The nasal spray is to keep your body down regulated as the initial injection only lasts 30days.

Hamish is so so. He's a bit brighter than he was so that's good. Thank you for asking.

I'm a bit like you and trying not to get my hopes up too much. I'm trying to just focus on each phase and not look beyond it. Don't think about BFN's keep the faith.

Ging - how are you feeling about tomorrow?

Fox and Meadow - nearly time for you ladies. Meadow, how are you feeling today. Keep the chin up.

GeHere - can't stop thinking about you. Big hugs.

Have a good Saturday all xxx

Emma1199 · 23/09/2017 09:11

Morning ladies - glad to see such great updates from people - Scots great to hear about your scan. Ging - crossing my fingers for you tomorrow, and same for you Serendipity, Fox and Meadow for your 2WWs! Behere - thinking of you and sending you lots of hugs!

I had another scan on Thursday, and doctor was happy the swelling of my ovaries is reducing and OHSS symptoms are subsidies, so has started me on my frozen transfer protocol. Waiting for aunty flo to show up this weekend (I've been warned it's likely to be an uncomfortable one!) and will start my down regulation from there. Feels a bit nerve racking to be starting again, but I've been told it should be a more gentle process as the ovaries aren't being stimulated etc. Has anyone had experience of a frozen transfer before? xxx

Bbyg81 · 23/09/2017 09:19

Hi ladies sorry for Kate reply so I went Thursday for scan looking good womb lining 12mm and 10/12mm on scan I'm back today and just editing v to see where we are to book EC hopefully this week.

Behere I'm sorry to hear your news keep strong.
Scots you sound like me think we maybe in same place right now good luck

Fox, meadow and seren happy thoughts to you all

Ging fingers toes crossed for you Hun exciting times. Happy Saturday xxx

Serend1pity · 23/09/2017 09:27

Scots - I had four follicles and got three eggs. One didn't make it from day three to day five. We had one early blastocyst and one morula and they recommended I transfer both. So I did...eeek!

I did short protocol so didn't do down-regulation. Anyone know what determines whether you do short or long. I didn't even know there was a long protocol when I started mine. Perhaps should have researched more before starting?!

Emma - thanks for the good wishes. It's exciting to be starting prep for your transfer :). Will keep my fingers crossed your AF isn't as bad as youve been led to expect xxx

Ging78 · 23/09/2017 09:58

Morning ladies. Hope you're all good!!!!

Meadowlark I think it's really normal not to have symptoms yet and just not to know until the test date. I know you had symptoms the other times but is it a possibility that it was later. We are so aware of every step on ivf and looking for good news. It's very possible you'll have good news and loads of positive symptoms soon. Also try to take all the stuff you're googling with a pinch of salt. The stuff I read throws me from exhilaration to the depths of depression within seconds. The one thing we do know is its different for everyone xx

With the progesterone I Googled and so put them as far as I could. One did almost fall back put once. I think you'd feel it if one did. All that comes out is the waxy stuff which is a pain. But am sure your progesterone is absorbed.

Weekend plans various little things today. Thought test was Monday so not going to work. Just need to get through today. I reckon it'll be 4 or 5 am as we are supposed to get the first morning wee and I could be up a few times in the night anyway. Oh is set to get up with me.

The stress of the wait and the test is getting to me now too.

Fox same with the googling. How are you feeling. Wednesday will be here before you know it.

Scots yippee for your scan I'm so pleased sounds like you are right on track. You must be delighted. I hope Hamish continues to improve.

Serend I know what you mean about imaging symptoms. Every twinge or imaginary twinge seems like a big deal. I've convinced myself that if it is still there its on one side as it's felt slightly different. But am aware it might be nothing. It's hard to know what to expect as it's my first cycLe.

Behere now I am also really thinking about you. I really hope you get your happy ending.

Emma very glad to hear you're feeling better and things are more positive. It must be reassuring to be moving onto the next steps.

Bbyg sound's like it's going well. Fingers crossed your ec comes soon.

Feeling the stress and frustration now. Met some friend's that were visiting yesterday and am so sick of acting like I am without knowing. Was really tempted to have some wine as a rebellion but of course didn't.

The pessaries are no longer causing constipation. In fact now it's the opposite effect. Has anyone else had that? My boobs are definitely sensitive and sore but that could be hormones for af reasons I'm sure. Feel more scared as it goes on. I've seen so many negative tests and had so many afs that I hoped I wouldn't my hearts broken so many time's... I can't even imagine looking at a positive. My oh is saying we have 5 more chances but I know I will be devestated tomorrow if it hasn't worked. One step at a time. I scared to hope at this point.

Hope you ladies all have fun stuff planned today xxx

BeHereNow31 · 23/09/2017 10:17

Thank you all for your thoughts. I'm not really doing great. Just feel so sad. And remember I had period pain during my 2ww? Now I don't have any! And I'm waiting for my period to come?!?

Ging, you seem to have quite a lot of embryos frozen. Hope this isn't cheeky to ask, did you do anything in particular before egg collection? I'm just hoping I can get more eggs, and a thicker lining.

I know how you're all feeling anyway. It is really stressful xx

Ging78 · 23/09/2017 10:28

Not cheeky at all beherenow I'll help and share as much as I can.

We have 5 frozen.

I don't think I did anything special. On our nurse consultation in the middle if august all they said was no alcohol or caffeine. So I didn't. I do eat a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables and try to walk at least and hour a day or even over 10,000 steps if I can.

But I wouldn't consider myself to be the healthiest person in the world. I am overweight and do or did enjoy a drink.

I don't know if that helps at all xx

Ging78 · 23/09/2017 10:33

Ah actually be here now... my oh just reminded me. Our consultant advised is both to take zinc picolinate and gluthatione. We got both on amazon. I take berocca with various extra vitamins every day. Xx

BeHereNow31 · 23/09/2017 10:39

Thanks for your reply. We only managed 1 fresh and 1 frozen. But tbh, I haven't drank caffeine for years, I gave up alcohol the months before, and I walk quite a bit too. So, maybe it's just the way I am... I have read about eating lots of protein and taking supplements. Think I'll just try that.

Hope you're managing ok. The day before my test, I was so nervous. Try do something nice today. Xx

BeHereNow31 · 23/09/2017 10:39

Just saw other reply! I'll look into that. I just took folic acid in terms of vitamins xx

meadowlark3 · 23/09/2017 10:43

Morning ladies, thanks for the kind words and apologies for my moaning. Had no idea how hard this would be!

Behere, thinking of you and sending lots of good thoughts. How are you feeling this weekend?

Scots, so thrilled for you! I remembered an IVF video I saw that said to tip your head forward a bit before you sniff, that helped with the sick feeling as well. Fingers crossed for Monday and sending lots of good thoughts to you and Hamish xx

Serendipity, fab your results have been better than you expected. It is so hard not to get excited and hopeful, no idea how to balance that with being a bit realistic! I test Wednesday, feels like ages away. Are you more likely to have twins this go with two blasts and a set of twins already?

Emma so glad to hear you're getting better, incredible how resilient the body is! Fingers crossed AF shows soon.

Bby glad to hear your scan went well, fingers crossed for a good next visit!

Ging one step at a time is really the only way forward isn't it? I have everything crossed and crossed again for you tomorrow! Absolutely fair for you to be too scared to hope, but we will all hope for you, if that's alright? xxx

Chin's back up this morning, can only imagine the tears yesterday came from hormones? Didn't know I could cry so much! Woke up with a headache and feeling quite sick. Five more days til we test, Fox, how are you getting on? I am not going to test until the official day as I think it will break me to see a negative.

xxx and thanks to all of you lovelies for your kindness and support xxx

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meadowlark3 · 23/09/2017 10:46

Oh Behere I'm sorry you're feeling so low. I think it is completely acceptable for you to feel as low as you need to give yourself time to grieve. The mixed body signals from this process are completely confusing, feels like my body's not my own anymore. Sending you a big hug and Flowers Have you got anyone that you're able to talk with IRL? xxx

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Fox23 · 23/09/2017 13:58

Hi ladies, just got from work and on our way to my mother in law for her B/day.
I read few months ago there was a study that said that those women who had more than 25% carbs in their diet only had 11% success rate vs those who had less about 60% I promised I will follow this rule like mad, as you've got to try everything... only to come home from work and be hungry and order pizza or kebab or burger... I'm not good with all that healthy stuff. I lost 3st few years back so have been careful since. I also don't drink at all and stopped smoking on Dec as my New Year resolution. But these meds make me soooo hungry I've gained a stone over these few weeks!!!! Eekkkkkkk
Meadow- I'm keeping up ok and will not test early. There is more harm than good. And google, our nemesis... I can't give that one up 😳 I am even crossing days on the calendar to feel as if I'm making time go quicker lol!
Ging- time is almost here for your test!!!!
Emma/ so glad to hear you are much better and starting to prepare your body for FET! Unfortunately I don't have any experience with FET but hospital said that they believe it's better as it gives time for our bodies to return to normal after traumatic EC
Serend- great results! Totally with you on being paranoid about every symptom!!!
Scots- omg! That's great result! You will have your EC next week definitely, as Serend already mentioned, it suddenly will all be so quick! So pleased about Hamish! i have a Persian cat, so totally understand the pain and stress you've gone through. They are our babies after all 🐈

Bbyg81 · 23/09/2017 17:04

Hey ladies I had a scan this morning and they are really pleased with me got 16 mm on some and done st 15mm so il be having my EC on Wednesday with another scan on Monday to check I'm ready. For those of you who have been through this what is expected will it hurt I'm starting to feel anxious just want to get through the next phase xx

BeHereNow31 · 23/09/2017 17:31

Meadows, I'm not great. I managed to get out today, and cried less. But I'm finding it difficult.

Ging- lots of luck for tomorrow

Bbgy- the collection didn't hurt at all for me. The worst part, was not being able to eat, and being really hungry. I slept during the whole thing, and then got a nice lunch after! Hope you get a good result. X