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

Hi Icedgem

My next scan is Wednesday. Am trying really hard not to think about all the things that could go wrong... there seems to be so many. Instead I think of all the ivf babies I know and how that proves that it works.

I came back to work after 6 weeks this week so that's a distraction. We are also planning a new kitchen so am hoping that will distract me.

Had my third acupuncture today too so really wondering if I can feel anything different in that area.

Best of luck for Tuesdays scan and the injections in between 😀

Hi ladies, I totally understand the dilemma of telling vs not telling people. Nobody in my family knows about it. At work I'm the only woman, so not a good idea either. However I had to tell my assistant as I needed somebody to cover my sudden doctor appointment absences and mood swings. My brother just announced that him and his wife are expecting baby. Sometimes I feel like very horrible person for not being truly happy for him. And then yesterday I saw lady with twin boys whilst driving home... and I just burst into tears . Yes, this really is one crazy journey. This is my first IVF round, so not much experience. Glad to have you all for sharing my experience, learning and laughing with you and digitally holding each other's hands

Fox - I know exactly how you feel. Everyone is gushing over my sister just now and people keep asking me all about it. As much as I am delighted for her I'm hurting and feel jealous then the guilt kicks in because I'm feeling like that. Unless you have gone through difficulties then you'll never know these feelings.
I am so trying to get into a positive mind set before my 1st injection on Monday but even before I start I'm focusing on the percentage of live births etc.

Iced & Ging - sending lots of luck and PMA for your upcoming scans.

Thank you! Lots of PMA needed! Just found out 2 friends IVF cycles didn't work - feeling a bit low this morning - it's such a roller coaster of emotions!

Iced- oh no that's a shame they must be gutted. I can't stop thinking about how low the odds are. I'm up and down like a yoyo because I know the success rates are low. Big hugs

ging and gem good luck with your scans and injecting! PMA to you and your ovaries Sorry to hear about your friends, gem, and better luck to them for their next rounds.

fox and scots sorry for the baby bombs...they're so so hard! I'm 35 so in some way lucky that most of my friends are done having their babies...now mostly random Facebook friends and younger work mates falling that I've got to contend with. Fox I also burst into tears seeing a baby on a bus a few months ago! Had just gotten my period, so was feeling quite low. I'm trying to be better about just letting myself feel low when needed and give myself time to lick my wounds.

Agree with everyone that it's so hard telling/not telling people. I haven't told anyone at work yet as my office can be a bit chatty. Also dread the inevitable questions and assumptions (that IVF automatically means baby, etc) so keeping it to myself for now. My MIL and a couple of my best mates know, one who worked as a nurse at an ACU so she's been great support. Also regretted telling another friend who started sending me meditation videos and recommending magic crystals and potions! She meant well but I was a bit

I'm also stuck on trying to stay balanced between statistics (1/3 chance of a baby) and wanting to prepare myself for more disappointment with wanting to keep some PMA and believing in some woo that if I relax the outcome will be better. One thing that helps me be a bit more positive is that, whilst there's a 33% chance of a live birth at the end of each cycle, only about 15% of couples with average fertility will fall each month in the first 12 months of trying, and that falls to 5-10% after 12 months. So in a sense, we are tripling our chances with IVF?

Sending lots of PMA and hugs to all.

Oh ging and gem! Fingers crossed for both of you!
And Scotslass- good luck with injections!!!
So, my period has finally arrived! Can't believe it took 2 months! About to email clinic, hopefully will get booked in for scan Mon/Tue. Yeyyyyyy finally something is happening

Meadow - i am also 35 and I seem to be surrounded by either babies or pregnant people just now. It's so bloody hard. 3 girls in my team have had babies or pregnant in the last 6months.

I know it's a fact of life and it happens everyday and as much as I'm trying not to let it affect me its hard.

That whole balancing act of being realistic but positive is exhausting. I like your take on things, it's a good way to look at it ha! I think I will start looking at it that way.

Fox - Yay so pleased things are happening. That's great news.

I like your thinking too meadow a much more positive outlook!

Yay for another milestone fox - it always feels like another step closer! I'm on injection number 5 now! Admittedly I don't feel any different whatsoever but each one is another step forward!

Well that's the prostap injection done.
Did any of you have any side effects from it?
I honestly don't know how I'm going to manage to inject myself 😫

Fox hooray for the period, and good luck with your scan! Do keep us updated when you learn more!

Gem glad you're moving forward-nice to feel progress rather than just moving goal posts. Injection 5 means half way to EC?

Scots Congrats on your first injection! I didn't have prostap, is that for down regulation? I had buserelin and my main side effect was feeling absolutely knackered (asleep on the sofa at 7 p.m.!) My OH has been doing the injecting for me, is that an option for you?

Two girls in my office are pregnant now, and it's constant talk of scans and showers and advice from everyone who's already a mum. Some days I can't bear it and it's gutting to think I might never be part of that club.

I had my first Gonal F last night, was much easier than I imagined. DH has also gotten a bit better with the stabbing We noticed a little drop on my skin after the needle came out, anyone know if that's okay? He left the pen in for a full five seconds after the injection so reckon it all went in. Anyone have any side effects from Gonal F to share? Thought I felt some twinges in my ovaries like before I ovulate, but probably in my imagination...

I didn't have prostap either fox - sorry can't help much there! I was petrified about injecting myself too but its really not that bad! I find it sometimes stings a bit afterwards though!

meadow well done on another injection! I had a drop the other night but I'm sure a tiny amount is ok - my clinic said leave the pen for 10 seconds afterwards - sure it won't make much difference though!

I really don't feel any different whatsoever. I thought that I had a few possible ovary twitches the other night too but I'm looking for any sign of anything working & I'm overthinking everything! I suppose we will see what's going on tomorrow! I'm so nervous for the scan!

Meadow - yeah it's to down regulate my system, nurse listed a whole host of possible side effects. She did say tiredness was one of them along with headaches and all things menopausal 🙈
When I come to doing it myself I just need to keep in mind it's for a good cause and put my big girl pants on.
Well done you on another injection.

Ok, clinic tomorrow, hopefully I'll get back on track, that I sidestepped a month ago. I'm also on gonal F that I had delivered ages ago.
I'm 36, so I yes, most of my friends have had babies already, but baby bombs just keep dropping around. I guess it's only because we are all too aware of what we are missing. Regarding statistics... honestly, I'm just trying to ignore it. every time it crosses my mind, I just blank it out
scots and meadow - my heros for being able to inject yourselves! My DH- forget it, he will never help ! Lol he would rather face snakes and spiders than little needle lol
scots- I'm off to find my big girl pants! I will soooooo need them. Scared already!
gem , iced and ging don't forget to update us on your scan!

gem got everything crossed for you tomorrow!

scots sure you'll be brilliant! I remembered another side effect from the down regulation: I was very dry down down below and constantly thirsty!

fox Everything crossed for you tomorrow. But must clarify- I am not injecting myself, far too nervous!

Will be thinking of you all and sending PMA for the scans and injecting this week.

Hi ladies

Hope you're all good.

Fox you must be so relieved to start. I feel happier that I've started and on the journey. Good luck tomorrow.

Scotslass hope those symptoms aren't too bad .

Icedgem and meadowlark hope those twinges are your ovaries working.

3 injections in. Feeling fine so far. My OH does it for me and I barely feel it. I'm currently on menopur.

I'm 39 now and since we started trying so many people have got pregnant and had their babies. It's so hard. I just hope its me next.

Ging

So, just had my scan, and I start Gonal F tomorrow. I literally can't stop grinning! I think it's because I'm just so tired of nothing happening.
gem how was your scan?

Fox - that's great news.

Did any of you ladies get Prostap? I feel so odd today.
Head is totally pounding. My whole body is like jelly and getting hot flushes.
Someone at work asked me if I'm ok cos I looked spaced out. If I'm honest I do feel a wee bit out of it.

Sorry Scot, I can't help...but I googled it, and it does sound like you are having some of the side effects mentioned. I suppose you just have to keep in mind that it's for a short period of time and for a good purpose

Hey. Finding it difficult to keep up with all of the thread, but wishing you all the best.
Had a scan today, to measure my lining before transfer, and it's not thick enough yet. 😐 Frustrating but not sure what else to do, except take the tablets for longer.
Hope everyone is coping with the meds, with little side effects

Hi ladies, I am new - can I join your chat? Hubby and I have been TTC for 3 yrs - I have PCOS and he has slow sperm/low morphology. Just finished my down regulation tablets on Sat (Norethisterone) - waiting for my period so we can start IVF. Other than tiredness, have not had any symptoms from the tablets - how long did it take for people's period to arrive? Feeling a little low by the whole process, with no one to really speak to - would love to speak to others going through the process x

Hello Emma,
Welcome to the gang.
I'm sorry to hear you are feeling low but I understand, it is such a rollercoaster of emotions that comes with having issues and the treatment.
I had an injection yesterday to down regulate my system. I'm feeling very ropey today. I was told my period would start round about it's usual due date. Not sure if the tablets are the same.
X

Behere- have you been advised to stick with the tablets?

Sorry for the late update! Scan all fine today - got a few follicles in each side - growing nicely but not anywhere near big enough yet if that makes sense? At least there's something going on in there! So a re scan on Friday! I think everything is going ok but I'm not letting myself get too excited!

fox yay for you! I love reaching each little milestone! Good luck with your injecting!

scot I hope you're taking it easy and you feel better soon!

beherenow hope your lining keeps on growing & you will be ready for transfer soon!

emma welcome! I'm similar to you - PCOS for me and low morphology and motility for DH! Good luck with your cycle!

Hope everyone is ok!

Thanks, Scotlass01! I was told my period would arrive within 2 days, but google reckons could be up to 5 days. Hope you feel a bit better post injection soon - do you have to do many for down regulation? We're using the NHS (long protocol) - not sure if the default is tablets for down regulation. I'm not good with injections - hubby will have to do them all for me, lol! x