Thread 32 | TTC#1 | Making the move from conception to infertility. We've taken some blows but we are not beaten

[Jamon]

Hi all. We're a group of first timers who've been plugging away on the conception boards for some time. The support here is amazing so if you're in a similar boat please jump onboard.

Time to hand hold through treatments and support each other through to becoming the mums we deserve to be 💪🏼🌸🙏🏼

Oh Flash I’m sorry. Let yourself feel pissed off, it’s totally normal and justified. In a few days hopefully the positives will be easier to take xx

Sk1p how lovely to see you but so sorry about your discovery. What a lot to process - and certainly shows that in the world of fertility, where so little is understood, us minions really should be given more credit in understanding our own bodies.
Is there any silver lining? Can you at least get prescription strength painkillers to help with period pain?

As others have said though hopefully this is a positive step in you taking steps forward armed with proper knowledge, and your treatment can be guided by facts and not trial and error like it so often is.

Plane really sorry you’ve had a hard time too. Don’t lose hope though; you hear so many success stories from treatment on people with low AMH and from what I understand the baseline scan doesn’t pick up every follicle so there are very likely to be more in there. You have time and pharmacology on your side and are in very good hands. It must be a shock to process though so be kind to yourself and vent at us if it helps.

My Gonal F was increased from 50 units to 75 last night to hurry some growth up. Fingers crossed... I’m writing this from my sick bed as have got tonsillitis and feel awful. DP got in from work last night and swiftly diagnosed me with “I love you but you have white shit in your throat and your breath smells. You’re infectious so go to bed and don’t even think about work tomorrow”

So a day of sleep, boredom and aimlessly surfing the net awaits. Any recommendations for easy Netflix or iPlayer stuff that doesn’t need too much(/any) brain power?

AF has gone for me. A wonderful 2 days of nothing much. 🤔😑

Got a pedicure booked for Saturday, my ultrasound on Sunday and acupuncture on Monday. Let’s do this!!

BUT I do feel positive about my 11 day LP, granted 2 of those days included spotting but it’s an improvement. I’m so sorry AF came flash, today will be shit because the hope will be still screaming through you but tomorrow is a new day and I promise you’ll see this is the first step to things changing. 🤞 for next cycle. X

sk1p my lovely so nice to hear from you but I’m so sorry that you’ve had bad news. I’m glad you’re still fighting though, this isn’t the end. Like plane science is an amazing thing, when we exhaust Mother Nature, science is there to give her a little push. Don’t loose hope. X

kwick Vader sounds like a cutie. 😎

otters 1 more sleep. I can’t believe how fast it’s come around. Remember no matter the outcome, you are awesome!!!!

struggle well done with the downregging (someone needs to clue me in lol) keep going!!

Jam we got up very early. Then just couldn’t switch it off. Stranger things is sooooooo good. Honestly one of the best things I’ve ever watched. Even managed an episode of mindhunters that day. 😂😂😂

penguin good luck for Friday!!!!! X

flash really sorry but at least LP longer

inspector get well soon
The Minions and Despicable Me films are my favs at the mo.

mouse am loving your PMA!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

Plane - that is really tough news, I feel like you still ought to discuss IVF with the clinic - those follicles you have left might be producing strong eggs. Are there any support groups you can join in your area? They can’t deliver a blow like this then say “oh well we’ll discuss it in x months time”.

Kwick - I’m still doing castor oil yes, it has stopped my brown spotting completely now. But not entirely sure whether to continue it or not, hard to say if it’s giving me and edge or not. Fanjo steaming sounds like it’s something I could get behind but my DH will think I’m a whole new level of crazy. 😂

Struggle - sorry I haven’t kept up at all with all this IVF speak. What is downregging? And is the process as hard as you’d thought it be?

Flash - sorry flash but a 13 day LP?! That’s longer than mine now - how dare you 😜. Have you been doing castor oil packs at all?

Penguin - I’ve given up moaning about my painful periods to GPs, none of them get it. They always mention ibuprofen but it’s simply not strong enough. I bought some Feminax Ultra over the counter the other day on the advice of the pharmacist at Tesco...didn’t even touch the pain. Was throwing up in the sink all night. I think the best thing that works for me is Paramol which I believe you suggested to me months ago? Sorry your not feeling well hon, Stranger Things is good or if you like documentaries The Queen of Versailles is very good.

Mouse - another short period? Living the dream!

Right, now to drag myself to work for the first time in a week...

Skipper - wow, what a shock (even though you suspected it). A friend of mine has endo and I think a lap is basically the only sure fire way to diagnose it, but a lot of doctors shy away from it as unless they're skilled, they can make things worse rather than better.

How many rounds of IVF do you get where you live?

Sorry to sound like a hopeful twat but is there any silver lining in knowing what you're dealing with? My friend has adopted a keto diet which is recommended for people with endo apparently. But that's not to diminish the fact that endo is a fucking arsehole and not just in regards to fertility. I'm so sorry. If men got this I swear there'd be a cure by now.

plane - I'm so sorry for your news. Penguin is right that the baseline scan doesn't pick everything up - hopefully your appt in 2 weeks will be helpful.

Penguin - wow egg retrieval on Fri - fingers crossed! I'm very glad to hear that you aren't feeling too rubbish!

everyone else - I'm sending you virtual hugs. You ladies are such an amazing supportive community.

As for me, I've got iui#3 tomorrow - at my twanding yesterday the nurse was alarmed with how many follicles have grown this cycle - 5 big ones (of course it's quality not quantity!) and my hormones post miscarriage might be why I'm responding differently.

My lining was only 5.4mm though (on cd10) which concerned me so I'm drinking pomegranate and eating spinach and eggs and hoping it plumps up a bit before anything would be making itself comfortable (though I know it's unlikely to work).

On the plus side, Nationwide sent me the savings account statements I need to apply for my mortgage - with Nationwide!

Thanks ladies, you're all right. I got back into bed an had a little cry and a rant and then I looked at winter coats online and made myself feel better. I think it's that this month will probably be right ovary and the chances on those cycles are so low. At least I didn't waste a FRER!

A 13 day LP is excellent news (sorry for overtaking you Skipper!), especially without spotting so I will take my good luck wherever I can.

Skipper I haven't tried castor oil packs, I think my cycle changes are the continuing effects of a few cycles of Agnus Castus. Since I stopped them I've had 3 or so cycles of improving length/less spotting etc.

Inspector if you're looking for something a bit gently perilous and fluffy, I liked Anne with an E and When Calls the Heart. Don't judge me! But when calls the heart does have a hot Mountie in it!

Mouse I'm glad AF is on its way out. Your PMA has inspired me. I'm having my hair done on Saturday and tomorrow I'm going to see Harry Potter and the Cursed Child! So excited!

skipper downregging is where they "down regulate" you so in effect your body is in the menopause and then they stimulate you with a shed load of hormones (some of which may come from nun's wee-wee) and make you grow loads of follicles which hopefully contain juicy eggs. Some clinics prefer a more "natural" process so rather than down regulating they just give you meds to stop ovulation and then shed loads of stims or not so many. There are many different approaches and ladies react to them differently.

I really only did one month of castor oil packs and I think now cos I am waiting for AF is not the right time, and then with my next cycle I will be prepping for the Frozen Embryo Transfer (FET). Speaking of which, just got contacted by IVI - of the 16 eggs collected, and 8 of which fertilised, 4 have made it to the freezer. They sent through a 4 page report including the details of the 5 day blastocysts that made it to the freezer - 2 are Hatching, one is Expanded and the other Cavitated - absolutely NO idea what all that means!!!!! But this equates to four tries for me - which is amazeballs!!!!

skipper have you ever tried Naproxen for the period pain - this is the only thing that works for me and I have a huge stash - as I buy in bulk over the counter when in Spain. I am happy to be a drug mule and send some to you in the post to try out? Will just point out though that one of the side-effects is infertility but I typically only take 2-3 tablets each cycle... (for the past 22 years...!!!).

Someone (may have been on this thread) recommended the "HormoneCoach" on Instagram - may be of interest to you skipper

Kerry best of luck for tomorrow!!!! Have you tried drinking copious amounts of blue milk? I think that helps with follicles and lining.

Flash I could not get into Anne with an E - but maybe I will try again. As a child (so about a century ago) I loved Anne of Green Gables with Megan Follows and actually have the box set Has anyone seen Chesapeake Shores?

I really do not want to do any work today... I have lots of meetings with myself and 3 in person meetings with other people.... the only way I can make it through today is with the thought of rewarding myself with a Primark haul at the end of it!

Kwick I absolutely adore the books, so was worried as Anne with an E has changed a lot, so I just tried to look at it as an "inspired by" show, and I think the scenery etc is just gorgeous!

Kwick I spent a second wondering what blue milk was! :) Good idea, I'll get some later on

Kerry - so I haven’t really had an IVF discussion with my gynaecologist yet but I did check the NHS report for funding and I think I get 2 rounds in my area. Any clue if this is good/bad? There’s definitely a silver lining, thanks for having that perspective on it. My mother had endo and in the end, they had to do a full hysterectomy on her - so I’ve always been suspicious that I’d got it from her. (my doctor practically laughed in my face when I told her this because although the Internet may say it’s hereditary, she advised that it didn’t mean I had it - grr!) Good luck for your IUI, if you like teas - Raspberry Leaf Tea has done wonders for my lining. You just drink a couple of cups a day from end of period to ovulation.

Kwick - what fantastic news about your eggs! Whatever you’re doing, keep it up. Personally I like to think it’s your rigorous fanjo cleaning that’s doing it 😉. Unfortunately Feminax Ultra is naproxen - it didn’t touch it at all! Also thanks for explaining downregging, science is amazing...

Thanks Skipper! I have been on the raspberry leaf tea so I'll drink more later on today. Should be ovulating tomorrow so then I'll stop.

Two cycles is really good, I only get one although I do get the 3 IUIs. Apparently it can take one cycle for them to work out how you're responding, so that's great.

Stupid doctor. Sure, your mum having it doesn't mean you WILL 100% have it but it does make it more likely! It always runs in families I thought - with sisters etc.

skipper thank you very much for the praise of my eggs - the reason they are so spiffing though I must admit is because they come from a donor!!!! My poor quality eggs is the best guess as to what caused the 2 MCs so I decided to go with a better option
Two rounds sounds amazeballs - as a single lady I had NONE!!!!
I have not done any fanjo steaming as yet.... just did not get my arse (or va-jay-jay) in gear in time and now I need to leave things alone!
How much Naproxen was in the Feminax Ultra - my pills have 550mgs?

Really do not want to do any work...

flash my mum and I did a road trip to Prince Edward Island (from Boston) in 2008 - the island is beautiful (although quite cold even in May)

Awesome news about those eggs kwick!!!! I don’t know why but I had the urge to shout DOUBLE YOLK!!! 😂🙈

Raspberry leaf tea. OMG I had one yesterday. I had to gag it down. 😭 Please tell me your secrets. I also paid £4 for the flipping clipper one when it’s only £2 from Holland and Barret. What a boob!

Skip, yeah I had one bad day that I needed a hot water bottle and pain killers, Which never happens. Then one pretty light day. Then yesterday I just spotted. Pretty uneventful. In my teens however, I used to pass out, be sick, have cold sweats and generally be immobile for my AF. So I completely sympathise. Have you thought about acupuncture? Can honestly say I think it’s helping me.

Can’t help feeling my crappy periods is the reason nothing is happening down there (I know that’s obvious). Cant be a coincidence that none of us have “normal” cycles.

Kwick - ohhh! I didn’t realise you were using donor eggs this time, I really have missed a lot (or forgot a lot - DH is always moaning about things I’ve forgotten). Sounds like you have a winning combination this time, I hope it is. Omg, you’ve been talking so much about fanjo steaming I’d simply assumed you’d trialed it already. You want me to be your personal guinea pig don’t you? 🐹 Not sure what dosage those pills are - will have a look once home xx

Mouse - I’m using the Heath & Heather brand from Holland and Barrett. I think it’s nice but I do love Raspberries which probably helps. There definitely must be correlation between odd period and fertility, but I don’t think there have been many studies done of this kind of thing. We’ve advanced so far in medicine and science but fertility still seems to be this grey area. They need to start showing some interest and getting these departments research funding as infertility is on the rise. The cramps I had the other day were giving me cold sweats, I’ve never experienced that before in my life - it makes you feel utterly helpless.

Mouse - add a bit of honey to it! I find it gross otherwise too

Shit flash sorry about AF but glad you've got a positive on the LP front. And yay to finding other Anne of GG fans! I was also wary of the non-Megan Fellows version - got on with it better once let go of the books a bit, though did just make me want to read them again :)

Hope everyone going through/prepping for treatment is doing well

AF started for me - expected but still shit. On holiday, so doing my best to eat and drink through it...have put off taking the next step to get a referral, but guess that's next

Not TTC related but OMG how stupid is Prue Leith!? She's only accidentally tweeted who won the bake off that airs tonight

Sorry Lemony, I won't say! Just don't go on twitter :)

So far I've eaten five M&S chocolate biscuits (more chocolate than biscuit). Someone slap the sugar out of my hands!

Over halfway struggle - not much longer to go!

flash I'm so sorry AF came :( Glad and so impressed with how you have bounced back, hope you enjoy your haircut and Harry Potter. Big hug from me xx I'm doing a bit better thank you, had a more optimistic week. Thank god! Argued less with DH too, think the counselling is helping.

kwick as far as I'm aware its progynova only from 7-16 November. I'm so confused as to what this is meant to achieve. I have googled and found that we can still try this month - I mean clearly nothing will happen but if by some miracle it did, the progynova wouldn't be a problem.

plane nothing to add to the amazing advice given here already but hope you are doing alright and don't lose hope - there are options xx

Sorry you are poorly penguin, I hope DH finds some TLC for you! I recommend Blue Planet 2 if you haven't already watched it. Also the Louis Theroux docs - but they are a bit sad and intense so depends on your mood! Kwicks suggestions are better! GOOD LUCK for EC Friday and I hope you feel a lot better by then!

Hurrah mouse what a plan of action! 11 day LP is excellent

skipper I can't believe the pain you go through, it pains me to even think of it. Please ask your GP for mefenemic acid - I was prescribed it for very bad period pain years ago and it completely sorted me out. Mine wasn't as bad as what you are describing but I really hope this could help you. Also 2 rounds of NHS is really good - I only get one fresh cycle and one frozen transfer. I also think mouse's suggestion of acupuncture is a really good idea.

kerry that is SUCH a good point re men and endometriosis. There is no way they would put up with that shit! All the best of luck with IUI no. 3

BRILLIANT news on your eggs kwick I am very excited for these transfers for you x

Sorry quiet big hug from me, its so shit xx

plane the Lister sounds like a great clinic - will be very interested in how they treat you.

So sorry about AF flash. No spotting and 13 days is the perfect condition, this egg might just not have been the one.

Quiet hugs to you too - hope being on holiday is easing the pain.

penguin love it when husband's tell It like it is 😂. Glad he made you stay in bed, and hope he's looking after you tonight. I've started watching the Good Place on Netflix - plus everyone at work is watching it, worth a watch?

mouse Yes downregging is essentially putting you into a mini menopause as kwick says (reversible the assure me) - haven't started listening to Daniel O'Donnell yet anyway and generally feeling ok, maybe a little tired. Had a few mood swings this weekend which to be fair was the bit I was most worried about. But apart from that it has actually been fine - DH has now got on the act helping me inject which makes it a bit nicer!

flash I should start stimming with merional next Wednesday if pre stimulation scan all goes well! Think that will be for around 2 weeks before egg collection 😬

kwick love the name Vader. Maybe you could call your baby Darth? 😂 how did the primark haul go?

Ooh kerry and lemon I have avoided the spoilers too - we all know Liam was robbed! I've eaten two croissants as a mid morning snack..oops!

jam I wish I knew why they gave us what they did - I've no real idea why I am long protocol, or why these drugs. Just have to have faith I suppose.

Well that is an epic post - best get to the gym to work off those croissants....

mouse 😂 double yolk

skipper if you would be so kind but at least take a look at the video on You Tube - it is on Michelle Khare’s channel.
I agree on the research point - I think if men had periods it would be a different story!

13.50

struggle I love the good place! It’s funny and free of pregnancy triggers

❤️ to you all xxx

Quiet - sorry AF appeared, but definitely not a reason to stop enjoying your holiday. I think eating and drinking through it is a fabulous idea, and at least you know you can definitely have an alcoholic bevarage or three.

Jam - is that mefenemic acid safe if you're TTC? Thanks, I will look into acupucnture - there was a place locally I think.

Kwick - okay ha ha, I'll check it out. But no promises that I'm actually going to do it though...er, is it actually called fanjo steaming or have you given it this nickname?

Anyone doing anything Halloweeny tonight? I like the concept of trick or treating but I'm too introverted to open the door. DH came home to me in a pitch black house on my own, cooking dinner by iphone flash. Think we're going to watch a scary film on Netlix, though its always hard to find one we haven't seen. Maybe Insidious....