IVF/ICSI June/July 2018

[cannonball8726]

Hey, all! We are starting ICSI hopefully in June for MFI. I'm 32. Been TTC for around 14 months. Starting treatment privately as we wait for NHS investigations/referrals. Keen to get started but nervous - especially about getting the time off work during treatment - and about how much all of this is going to cost. Trying to prime my body for fertility treatment. Generally eat pretty well and exercise regularly (cardio, strength train, Pilates, walk a lot on my commute)- but could improve my diet. Consultant advised me to increase my protein intake so I'm working on it! Luckily the weather is looking up so a bit easier to stick to healthy lifestyle :) Have cut out alcohol and coffee (still on tea - but will limit myself to one cup/ day). Supplements wise, I'm on Omega 3, CoQ10, Pregnacare. Doubt any of this will make any difference in time for first cycle though...

Would be great to hear from others due to have treatment in June/July 2018!

@CLB540 I've booked in my first acupuncture session for next week but I think they advise that ideally you would go two or three months before you start treatment.

I'm starting my first cycle, meds to start on 28th of this month. Very scared / nervous. Very overwhelmed, I've changed my diet and cut down on caffeine.

My job and time off is worrying and the whole process is really frightening I found myself really upset at the prospect that it might not work, very tough to stay positive. They've put me on the short cycle, I have no known fertility issues - the consultant told me I have high potential fertility, my partner has low sperm count and poor motility and we are having ICSI.

I'm 25, he's 33.

The time line confuses me and lack of specific dates, I like order haha. I understand this process is hard I just didn't think I'd feel so nervous and frightened

Can I join in although apologies in advance as I'm terrible with keeping up with prev posts and who's said what.
We've been TTC for 5 years with no diagnosable fertility issues although I do only have 1 fallopian tube due to a hydrosalapinx that was removed at the consultants request.
My meds get delivered tomorrow and I start long protocol on Fri for our first and only round of IVF. I'm feeling quite stressed and anxious about it and just want it to be over with if I'm honest.

@melissa1215 @TheArtfulScreamer

Hi! I know how you’re feeling. It’s all so scary. When I done it, I found the physical side of things so much easier than the emotional. The 2ww, and waiting for the result is the hardest things I have ever had to do. Unfortunately, I’ve had 3 transfers and all failed. We are getting ICSI due to Male factor.

I am about to start my third fresh, and while it’s still nerve wracking, I feel that I am a little more relaxed for now. Tbh, I am going to be selfish, and just look after myself. Relaxing, getting massages etc etc. Look after yourselves as best as you can. 💗
We did try counselling. Have you thought about this? It was ok at the time, but at this point I’m not sure that it will help anything for me. Think I’m past it now.

@melissa1215 did they say why you were on the short protocol? Just curious. I’ve only ever been long. Will start injections on the 1st of June.

All the best! Just rant away here when needed xx

@TheArtfulScreamer I’m the same! Find it so hard to keep up with posts! 🙈🙈

@Beherenow32 hi, no they didn't say... I'm so confused! I don't even know the difference to be honest. They gave me a flow chart describing the treatment but I've got no idea why I'm on that protocol x

I can tell you long protocol! You down regg for one or two weeks. So, shut down your system like menopause. Then a couple of weeks using stimulation drugs to mature your eggs.

Short... I THINK is just stimulation drugs... and I thought you only done that if you were likely to have a poor response to the drugs. But not sure that’s your case??

Xx

@Beherenow32 that's strange, definitely not my case... unless there's been some kind of mistake, I have regular 28 say cycle and no tests showed anything wrong, that's so strange!

I hope it doesn't effect my chances

I just read online that it could be for people who are at a risk with poor response or over hyper stimulation. During my cycles I had both these responses. Now wondering why I’m on long protocol!!? Guess we need to trust the docs.....

Welcome to all newcomers! I’ll try to keep tabs of everyone’s names!

Melissa, I think it depends on your fertility issues and varies between clinics what protocol they choose for you. I was on long protocol on my first cycle and having had review meeting after over stimulation, consultant has mentioned short if we have to do a second round. The problem is there is a lot of trial and error, as nobody can predict how each person will react to different meds.

For all you ladies feeling nervous, patience is crucial. Take each step as it comes and more than anything...keep your eye on the prize

@melissa1215 yeah, I don’t want to worry you! The doctors know more than me! I might phone the nurses today and ask about it. But the dr decided this, so I think it will stay that way for me

@Beherenow32 I'm not sure what they're basing it on but when I look at the risk of over hyper stimulation of the ovaries, maybe that's why? I'm not sure. I'll ask at my next appt just out of curiosity as I've never gone through this before and was a little nervous to ask at my last appointment because I didn't even know there was such a thing as short / long protocol.

Good luck though, the doctors know what they're doing. Thanks for replying to me!! Xx

@melissa1215 I am also doing short protocol and after a bit of research I found that not only do they do it on patients they think might not respond well but also on patients who’s cycles are regular.

Well my meds have arrived and what a big scary box that was but I've unpacked it and put it all away ready to start in the morning. I now have a lovely fetching yellow sharps bin on my bedside table

@TheArtfulScreamer there’s so much stuff, isn’t there?! That sharps box fills up quick! I have to do mine in the morning, and found it so fiddly first thing! Hope you get the hang of it quick 🙂

@TheArtfulScreamer mine also arrived today, OMG there's soooo much! Still, when you look at how much it costs it doesn't seem like a lot [joy]

@theartfulscreamer - good luck for your first injection. Hope it goes well and you don’t feel too stressed x

Pleased to report that first injection went well I actually have a bit of a grin on my face I'm that pleased with my little self. As a first timer the self injecting thing was causing me a bit of anxiety but having done it like a lot of things in life I don't know what I was worried about. Has anyone else started yet?

Brilliant, well done!! Not started yet, I’m on short protocol so waiting for my next period which is due around 1 June, so I’ve got a couple more weeks to build up more anxiety

@TheArtfulScreamer. The first one is the worst! It should be fine now. 🤞
@loveshoe I also start my injection on 1st of June. Feels like a long time away!

@Beherenow32 Oh fab!! I’ve got my scan and appointment with the nurse on Tuesday so I’m hoping that I’ll come away with a rough schedule, at the moment I’m just basing it on research I’ve done online!

Thank you for tagging me @beherenow32.
Hello everyone.
I’m on day 5 of down regulation and so far no side effects, although I started off excited but now feel increasingly worried about it not working out.

High five @ artfulscreamer - the small victories all count! Hope it continues to go smoothly for you.

Thank you and you're right sometimes the small victories help get you through. Good to hear you've not experienced side effects I think my DH is dreading them more than I am.

First down regg I just got hot flushes, thirst and headaches. Second time nothing! Thought I would be hormonal but was fine.

I think the pill is worse! 😵

Well done @theartfulscreamer! Always a relief to get the first one over and done with.

@dia12 welcome! Glad you haven’t suffered any side effects so far. If you’re on day 5, you must be due a check up at the clinic soon? Hopefully this will reassure you that things are happening.

@beherenow how long do you need to take the pill for?