IVF Cycle Buddies August/September?

[meadowlark3]

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

Congrats on all those eggs, and transfer jane now the hard part, waiting and trying to relax!

fox how’s thing with you?

I’ve been really unwell this week. So, really struggling with the injections. They are so sore, and I’m all bruised and swollen ☹️ Wonder if I’ve lost weight and it’s making it harder to do.

I have to down regg for an extra week. My lining isn’t thin enough for the next stage of injections.

i feel like it’s harder this time round ging I’m not nervous about what’s going on. But I do feel really fed up and tired of it all. I’m not well though, and so that’s probably got a lot to do with that!!!

Sending you all lots of love x

@Fox23 two weeks! Exciting. So what is the process for a FET? X

@BeHereNow31 I’m so sorry to hear that you are not 100% it’s such a bad timing! Maybe it’s worth checking with clinic if maybe you are allergic to meds? But you used them last time, didn’t you? It also says on poss side effects that you may develop rash or itching.
Just keep taking all vitamins and keep warm, and keep reminding yourself , that it is all worth it for the bigger goal.
Fingers crossed you start feeling better soon 😊. You are such a trooper, you will get through it🤞
@Janefx40 how is your bum 😆? I suppose if you see funny side of it, it’s not that bad. It’s only for a short time, and then ask them to change it for something less painful.
So, with FET, I’m still in total dark of how it will work. I asked, but Just didn’t get it. Now, I’m just doing what I’m told, when I’m told.
My scan is on 8th, whilst still taking tablets and sniffing buserelin. Then apparently, ET is the following week. It looks like you will be done with two week wait, before I get my transfer. I’m so hopeful for you! Imagine if it works? It would be the best thing ever!

Lots of love xxx🤞😊

fox I can tell you my FET process. It already sounds different though, because I didn’t do the nose spray.

On day 21 of my cycle, I got an injection in my bum. Like down regg, but just needed the one. Then, 5 days later, I started oestrogen tablets. I took 3 a day to thicken my lining, and they done scans until it was thick enough. (Well, mine was still on the thinner side). Had my transfer. Then took progesterone pesseries. Think I took these twice a day. Got lots of side effects from them 😓 like pregnancy symptoms. Then 9dpo (I think!) got a pregnancy blood test.

Good luck xx

@BeHereNow31 oh that’s so helpful and totally makes sense. See, my day 1 was last weekend. So, when I was emailed that my scan is booked for 8th Feb (turns out- that’s day 21!!!) I though- that’s too late! I’m thaattt close to my next period! Now, when you said you had to do injection on day 21, it makes sense! She did say my transfer will be the following week, so again, your day 5 transfer matches what I was told.
Oh, thank you! I really thought transfer that close to period doesn’t make sense.

Ah @BeHereNow31 we must have posted at the same time - sorry to have ignored your earlier post. Sorry too that you are feeling so crap. It can't help that you are unwell. Be kind to yourself.

My current technique with injections is to pinch the fold in the skin for a little while longer before I inject - hoping it makes the area a bit numb. Not sure if it really works or is psychological but worth a try?

@Fox23 well that sounds pretty straight forward. At least you don't have to do stims! Keep us posted

Yes my bum is numb! I'm enjoying my one good cheek as we're about to inject into it so that'll be sore too tomorrow! I'm laughing,..if I didn't I might cry! Xxx

Stressing a bit, thinking that I haven’t been perfectly healthy in the run up to all of this. Did you guys change your diet at all? Do anything special? jane did you drink the pint of milk during stims?

Do the nurses have any advice about the numb bum? 😯 xx

Afternoon ladies!
@BeHereNow31 - don’t be stressing over things, stress is not good ☺️ When I had my ectopic in October, I realised that I hadn’t been prepared. So, I got my teeth sorted (apparently pregnancy can do real damage if teeth are not 100%) then I had few massages and started weight watchers on 1st Jan. so far I’ve lost 12lb. I will reduce caffeine from next week. I just believe that too many drastic changes can actually do more harm. So I just chose healthier way, that is not starving/overloading my body with sudden changes.
I didn’t realise you have been through FET, as I only know you from your previous cycle. If you don’t mind me asking, how many times have you tried?
@Janefx40 how are you feeling? Is EC bloating gone?

Thanks fox. Think I’m just being hormonal, and worrying with everything coming up so soon!

I have had one fresh, and one FET. I didn’t have anymore frozen embryos. So, this is my second round of fresh. We got 6 eggs the first time, 4 fertilised. And then 2 made it to transfer.

Good advice. Thanks! Xx

Hello gals. Yes @BeHereNow31 don't worry. Obviously we don't want to be doing tequila shots during IVF but I don't think it's necessary to be too drastic. Yes I was drinking my litre of milk until I begged them to let me stop!!! I hated it even with switching to lactose free. So now I have the equivalent amount in protein shakes or drinks instead and I have to make up the litre in water. And I have focused more on protein in my meals too than normal but then I don't eat meat so have to think about it. But haven't been especially healthy otherwise.

@Fox23 You sound really prepared especially with doing your teeth and everything! Well done on losing 12lbs. Amazing.

@Fox23 thanks yes most of my bloating and pain from EC has gone though not 100%. But man, if I was moaning about my left buttock, it's nothing to how my right buttock feels  bruised and battered. I couldn't move without wincing today!!! These are the well known side effects of these injections and there's not much I can do. It'll be worth it if it works.

We heard today that one of our remaining embryos can be frozen. The other isn't doing well but they are giving it until tomorrow just in case.

Xxx

@Janefx40 how’s your last embryo doing? The one that wasn’t doing too well? You are so funny with your bum 😆 you know, I really think it’s not such a bad thing, as it keeps your mind off what’s happening. You are nearly through your 1st week of waiting, not long left now!
I’m not a big meat eater either. I’m not vegetarian, but I just don’t like meat. Occasional burger or sausage roll, but I can honestly say- I have never had or wish to have a slab of steak. So yes, I understand that keeping protein intake to good levels is not easy.... eggs, lots of eggs, that’s my solution.... I’m not even talking about sideffects. But it’s for the greater good!
@BeHereNow31 hope you are feeling better now. Hormones can really cause havoc with your emotions and body. It’s not for too long 😊

I just ordered sushi for dinner, as I love it! I know that after the transfer I won’t be able to enjoy it, as raw fish is a no no. But, as I’m on Weigh Watchers I can only have sashimi ( I can have any but then I would have to limit myself). I suppose not a bad compromise 😆

Yum. @Fox23 Hope you enjoyed your sushi. Sadly embryo number 5 didn't make it. Apparently it never got beyond 7 cells after day 3. So we have just one frozen which means if this doesn't work out now, we will probably be advised to do stims again.

Hope @BeHereNow31 you are feeling better

Have been quite teary today and also anxious - racing heart etc. Trying desperately to chill out. Did either of you get emotional - could it be the progesterone?

Xxx

@Janefx40 I’m so sorry you are feeling anxious. I remember that my emotions were all over the place. Was Never too sure if it was because of the meds or because of what I was going through. My husband kept saying- are you forgetting what’s happening? Your body is going through a lot and it will affect you. It did get better, but then tiredness started. I was falling asleep at 7 or 8 (normally it’s 11or 12). Oh, and I was bursting into tears just by looking at kittens 🐱
When do you get your results?

Hi @Fox23 our test is Monday 5th so a week today. They do a blood test at our clinic. I think maybe some places ask you to do a home test. Will be terrifying waiting for that phone call!

I'm feeling quite low and can't stop worrying. They say that negative thinking and stress is bad but I can't seem to shake it. Plus my progesterone levels keep dropping. The clinic have upped my dose of meds but am now also worrying about what that means! X

It’s really hard Jane. 😞 and I’m not sure that there is anything I can say to help stop you from worrying. I worried constantly during my 2 ww, and will this time round too.
But I think it is completely out of your control. Doesn’t matter what you think, or do, really. But try to relax as much as possible. I tried reading and colouring in, puzzles etc. And watched loads of funny programmes.

This is the hardest part of the whole process xxx

Of @Janefx40 I hope you feel better soon!
@BeHereNow31 is right, no matter what we say, will not make you less stressed and worried. But I can assure you, both of us are having fingers and toes crossed for you. Two week wait is absolutely horrendous and you feel like time has stopped and you get so super alert about every twinge and pull in your body, that it becomes borderline paranoia. And that brings on stress... that’s just part of this process. You are nearly there, so try to switch your mind to something for funny, something you like to do, something that’s mind and time consuming.
I used to watch back to back series on tv and went to sleep early, all to keep my mind off what’s happening..,
@BeHereNow31 how are you feeling darling? Last time you posted about yourself you said you were feeling low as well? Are you better now? How are the meds going? Any updates on your schedule?

Hi fox. Still not feeling great tbh, and not very well. But trying to get better ASAP! Had my scan, and my lining is now thin enough to start the stimulation injections. I have to mix it all up myself. I didn’t have to do that last time though, so on something different... egg collection isn’t too far away now.
How are you? What stage are you at?
Hope you’re doing ok jane the progesterone gave me lots of side effects that make you’re mind work overtime! Xx

Hi @BeHereNow31 good that you are ready to start stims. It'll be over soon. Sorry that you are still feeling rubbish tho.

Thanks for the kind words. I'm still low and feel quite alone - also I'm convinced I'm pre menstrual with my progesterone levels still falling. Anyway I need to just get on with it I think!

Xxx

How is everyone? Sending you lots of good thoughts jane

I am managing the injections better now. But have been getting hot flushes and feeling a little sick.

Hope all is going ok xx

@BeHereNow31 what stims are you taking? Hot flushes are quite usual I think(from reading endless IVF boards). Hope you are feeling better. I think stims made me a bit high (esp the FSH) so hope the same happens for you.

I'm ok. I got my normal menstrual migraine on Wednesday on time. In a normal cycle that means I haven't conceived. I get it 4 days before my period so I always figured it was a drop in progesterone. Not sure how or why I managed to get it on all these supplements but obviously it made me convinced that the cycle had failed. I got into a total state but then spoke to my best friend who calmed me down.

I am now philosophical. Test day is Monday. They will hopefully call with the results by 11:30 latest. Fingers crossed for a positive but if it's negative I will look forward to stopping injections and having a hot bath. We've learned so much from this cycle and I know most people take more than one go. Weirdest bit is that DP will be at work. He's insistent that I just whatsapp him - seems a bit cold esp if it is bad news. If it's good news we won't care how it comes!!!

Hi jane sorry to hear that you’re having a rough time. It is really devastating . I pretty much knew that my cycles had failed before the blood test, and cried for days. Unfortunately, it can take more than one time, and after a while you will be ready to try again.

I’m on menopur. For the first 2 days I had bright red hot cheeks. It may have been from the burserelin. That has stopped now. I was really sick last night, and I’m just hoping it wasn’t the drugs. Have woken up feeling a bit better.

All the best xx

Hi @BeHereNow31 I didn't take Menopur although I think Merional that I took is the same. I didn't down reg so not taken burselin either. Vomiting doesn't sound very nice but is one of the listed side effects. Could be coincidence could be related. Hopefully just a one off - sometimes I react initially to stuff and then it calms down.

I don't want tomorrow to come. I'd rather be in the state of "maybe pregnant" than "not pregnant" I think. Overall tho I think I'm handling it ok now. I feel like I did my grieving earlier in the week but we shall see. Besides I don't really have a clue either way (btw I do this every single month - get my migraine so know I'm not pregnant - get depressed - then when migraine passes try to convince myself I could be pregnant again until period cramps get in the way - except this month I can't get period cramps cos pumped full of Progesterone!)

Hope you feel better soon! Xxx

I completely understand what you mean. When you get the result, that’s it final.

Well, I got loads of cramping while on the progesterone, and some bleeding. That’s how I felt that it hadn’t worked. I had the pains, cramps and heavy feeling before a period comes. Then period started day of/ after blood test result.

Wishing you lots of luck xx

Hello lovely ladies,
@Janefx40 your results are in tomorrow? How have you been feeling?
@BeHereNow31 how about you? Do you know when is egg collection? Must be any day now?

I have my scan on Thursday to measure my lining and transfer probably early part the week after. I’ve been hormonal mess over the last week or so, breaking out in tears every hour or so... my DH is losing patience but hey, I literally can’t help it. I’m containing it at work and as soon as I get home it’s all just bursting out....