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!

@windy2909 just over 2 weeks on the pill, then onto the down regg x

Morning! Is anyone getting the endometrial scratch? I was reading about it, but unfortunately would have to travel to a different town to get it... just wondered what everyone’s thoughts on it were?

Nope. The only 'extras' we've done/ are doing is sperm freezing for a backup in case dh has (understandable) stage fright and embryoscope.

I think I've ovulated? But if so it was terrible. Only two days of clear cm? But if so it means two weeks till I start injections!

@physicskate thanks. My clinic day they don’t think there is enough evidence that a scratch will help...

Few of us all starting injections at the same time then!

@beherenow - not too long then, although it feels like forever when you’re waiting to get to the next stage!

The scratch has never been mentioned to me. I only know about it from reading threads on here. I’m just going with what the clinic say as this is still my first cycle. Although I can imagine being prepared to try anything if we have to do cycle 2.

Still learning about this process all the time and although I’ve heard of an embryoscope, have no idea what it is?

Hope you have ovulated @physicskate. Do you use ovulation tests or track your temps to help determine this?

Windy it's normally really obvious when I ovulate - so much so that I generally only have to do one opk per cycle! But I think maybe acupuncture is changing things??

Embryoscope is basically a system to monitor the embryos without having to remove them from incubation, which could damage the embryo. Not every facility has the equipment. I'm opting for it first cycle so they can see if there's anything wrong with how our embryos develop for evidence of how to change the approach for next cycle (I have a three cycle plan because I can't expect it to work).

Thanks @physicskate....now I know what it is. My clinic did mention that but referred to it as EEVA, hence my confusion. My consultant didn’t push it on us this time, said at this stage he didn’t think it would be useful for us....but that could change in the future.

Here’s hoping the acupuncture is making a positive impact on your body! We’re also signed up for 3 cycles. I think this is a good thing to do, as it takes the pressure off putting all your hopes into 1 cycle. Also, they say that if 1 cycle doesn’t work your odds increase with each cycle thereafter and 3 cycles of treatment is recommended to increase your chances of success. We actually went with access fertility, who offer money back packages if no success after 3 cycles. We’re you offered this?

We get one round on the nhs. My plan is to see how it goes, probably do cycle two with them and then for my third (and final) cycle go whole hog and go somewhere like argc or serum in Athens (but dh has preconceived ideas about clinics abroad - he's such a country bumpkin sometimes!).

My clinic do the Embryoscope

We had 2 nhs rounds... now on self funded and slightly concerned that I should be doing more now 😟😟. Sounds like you’re both well prepared x

Sounds like a plan. Hope you don’t need all those rounds!

@beherenow you are doing everything that you can! I’m hoping with this being your 3rd round, your chances of success are higher and this is the one for you 🤞🤞🤞

Hey guys, sorry been AWOL recently. Had consultant appointment this morning. Starting downreg in next cycle so a little bit behind you guys! Just want to get started but patience is a virtue :)

How are you ladies doing?

Hi @cannonball, glad you’re about to start soon. It can be so painfully slow.
I’m on day 9 of downreg and besides feeling tired it’s all good. I’ve seen sleeping well through the night which is unusual for me - but I’m not complaining.
How is your downreg going @ArtfulScreamer?

Hope everyone else is enjoying the sunshine and doing well.

Hello all, sorry to have posted once back on page 1 then vanish.

AF was really late in starting, probably still messed up from the miscarriage and it resulted in me having the most horrendous PMT I think I've ever experienced. I'm just glad to have made it out the other end with no damage done to myself/others/property .

Hoping that I'm back to a more regular cycle next month. If all goes to plan then should be starting things off on or around the 10th June with taking the tablets.

Just a matter of waiting patiently now.

Good luck to all those that have kicked off the downregging. Hope it all goes well.

I know, I used to literally count down every day until the next appointment/ scan/ injection etc. Made the process feel even longer than it was 😣 patience is key!
Nice to hear from people again! My hormones have settled down on the pill, so feeling happier
9 more until injections start 😉😉

9 more days **

@Dia12 (not really sure if I'll do the tagging thing right) it's going fine, can't say I've really noticed any difference so that's good but maybe I shouldn't speak to soon as I'm only 5 days in. Even the injections aren't as horrific as I was anticipating. Hope everyone else is doing ok even if just waiting to start.

Does anyone have any suggestions on high protein foods/meals? Peanut butter, chicken, milk.......
Trying to get in the habit now 😃😃

Hi everyone, applauding you all for your patience....it’s really tough waiting.

@ beherenow - I too am trying to eat lots of protein.....eggs....have them mostly for breakfast each morning but you can vary them by making different frittatas and omelettes. Also have tuna quite a lot. Mainly with salad and if yoy want to try to maximise protein have spinach leaves in salad instead of lettuce?

Sounds good @windy2909 I like all that. Thanks! X

Beherenow, i'm really trying with protein too. Eating plenty of nuts, eggs, seeds, fish, pulses and lentils! It's pretty hard though. I'm aiming for at least a quarter of my diet being protein- based and carbs

Hello to all the new ladies, btw!

@cannonball8726 sorry to hear you’re feeling down. It’s all horrible to go through. Not sure if I’m more positive, but I am definately more excepting that I have to go through this. Do lots of nice things for yourself and with your husband! We also got a puppy, who I love! And started looking into adoption (although I understand that’s not for everyone) and don’t feel guilty when you have bad days.

Thank you for the list. Not sure I’m eating enough, but will try adding little extras in xx

Hey @cannonball8726 . Not doing too badly. Cd 20 and still waiting for ov... wouldn't you know a long cycle after my shortest ever (28 days) last cycle?

I'm thinking everything I'm experiencing is thyroid based. Irregular periods, early miscarriages (but not for over a year when my levels went much higher). I've got awful skin on my upper arms (thick and super dry and cracking, despite exfoliating and lots of moisturiser). Depression, constipation... the list goes on. I'm on 25 mcg and I'm convinced it isn't enough!

I'm going back to my gp as I want to know my current tsh and also going to demand t4 and antithyroid antibodies testing.

What dose of thyroxine are you on? I'm convinced I need my tsh well below 2 (chemicals when tsh was 2.3)...

@Beherenow32 I ended up getting protein powder and making myself protein shakes - I just couldn't eat enough eggs and chicken to get the protein in!

Thanks, @Beherenow. It is so hard to be positive. But feeling a little better about things today. Having a busy day at work helps! Grateful for distraction. So grateful for my husband who is always awesome. I have just felt so angry and resentful over the past few days but it's a good day today.

@Ginandtonic, it's so hard to consume loads of protein! I don't eat meat but do eat fish- still finding it really challenging! Maybe should consider protein shakes. Which do you recommend?

@Kate, I'm on 25mcg too. Hoping it's going to make me feel suddenly awesome- but probably not! These clinics are so variable in their approach - that is what I am learning about this experience. Mine want me to have monthly thyroid function tests and have asked me to have my thyroid antibodies done. You could be starting short protocol within the next few weeks- exciting!