The dreaded 2WW - support and suggestions welcome

[Dia12]

Hi guys, I’m 38, with MFI and going through first round of ICSI. I had a single 5day blast transferred yesterday and so my dreaded 2WW begins. I’m trying to distract myself but so far not doing a great job.
I’ve read lots around what you should/shouldn’t be doing this time but I think there are no conclusive instructions.
Common suggestions are to:
-Rest for 24-48 hours
-Gentle exercise
-Eat a balanced diet avoiding processed and high sugar foods (specific foods like pineapple and raspberry tea are nonsense!)
-Avoid sexual intercourse until pregnancy established as this can cause disruptive contractions of the uterus.
-Avoid hot baths, sauna and steam room.

Following these instructions seems like the easy part, the hard bit is trying not to symptom-spot. The scariest part is that any symptom could be just as much a sign of unsuccessful pregnancy as it could be a sign for successful pregnancy!!
For the record, I’ve not experienced any symptoms so far. I was however curious about what the little blast was up to in there and I found this really helpful guide:

www.drmalpani.com/knowledge-center/articles/ivf-egg-implantation-procedure-what-happens-after-embryo-transfer

I thought others perhaps might find it useful. Would also be great to hear from others going through the same anxious wait.
Wishing everyone the best of luck x

@Dia12 I am trying not to test early because I had a 3 day transfer so think it can take longer for the embryo to attach than a 5 day transfer? (Not sure I have read that right).

To be honest, I am also so scared of taking the test. I have done a few pregnancy tests in the past and the negative result is a killer. Whereas at the moment I am still trying to be positive (and not read too much into symptoms or lack of). We only had 2 embryos make it so have none frozen.

@Beherenow32 Does your period get back to normal straight away if not successful? I haven’t even thought about AF- I would be due on Friday normally but not sure if the hormones would throw it out of sync?

What will be will be I guess.....

@Charmers1 try stay positive. Although I know it’s so hard. My period always has went back to normal. But so much heavier than usual ☹️

I’m so ill today. Want to feel better for transfer tomorrow x

@Beherenow32 Annoying you feel so ill- I had cravings for salty fatty fish and chips between EC and transfer. I also had a glass of red wine which actually really helped with that mid way point. Have you been drinking lots of water? Xx

@Charmers1 I keep wanting pasta for breakfast. Yesterday, I gave in and had a little 😂

Uhm.... maybe not LOTS. Couple of litres... maybe just under. But I have been drinking hot water and lemon. I’ll try drink more.

Hope you’re doing ok today x

Hi all, just checking in - no AF so far today so I’m hanging on in there. Lots of weird cramping and pulling twinges last night so not sure what’s going on - still feel like AF will arrive at any moment but gonna just keeping taking the progesterone pessaries and keep my fingers crossed 😊

@Beherenow32 so sorry you’re not well - hopefully you’re better by transfer time tomorrow 🤞

@Crittertamer that’s great news! One hurdle overcome. 😊 fingers and toes crossed for you!

@Charmers1 - thank you - I am also keeping mone crossed for you!

Around 3pm I had a blob of CM when I wiped which had the faintest brown tinge to it. I figured that was the start of AF but absolutely nothing since, even when I check my cervix so don’t really know what to think. Keep thinking I should just test and get it over with but I don5 think I can face a BFN just yet. To add insult to injury I seem to have a nasty stomach bug today 😔

hi hi hi
thanks for starting this thread @Dia12!

I also had my ET last Wednesday - earlier than expected, it was a 2 day transfer because only 2 out of my 8 eggs (7 mature) fertilized...our embies were not the highest grade, but they are on board and I am pleased we have gotten this far

i had a pretty traumatic EC (not because of the procedure itself but because I aggravated my RA affected hip) so I was in a huge amount of pain when transfer went ahead

I also find it really traumatic with anyone probing me (unfortunate given IVF!) the first smear of my life was on done 2 months ago

I am trying to stay positive and realistic thinking about next steps...

I cracked an egg today and it had 2 yolks - silly, but it made happy and hoping it will mean good luck for us all xxx

Hi @Notlateinthemorning - this TWW is so long. I’m only days in but AF was due today and she hasn’t showed yet 😊 had a lot of mild cramping the past few days but earlier this evening I had 6 sharp pains like being stabbed in the uterus by a knitting needle, all 8n the same place which is the same spot the twinging and pulling has been centred on. It was scary to be honest it was so quick and painful, just left with a kind of dull ache in that spot now. Anyone experienced anything like this before? Also sore boobs that had mostl6 gone away this morn8ng are back with a vengeance!

@Notlateinthemorning - I know what you mean about the probing anxiety lol. I also had the first smear of my life in March - purely because the clinic insistedd on it, and I’m 40!

The IVF has certainly cured me of the anxiety and embarrassment - I came to terms with the total loss of dignity very early on 😁

@CritterTamer - I've never had the type of pain you describe...but really pleased that AF was a no-show for you today ;)
it is so difficult not to symptom spot, my search engine is full of '6 days post ET..,' type queries...

I also only did the smear in March precisely because it needed to be ticked off the list before treatment could start...dignity very quickly out the window - could open my legs for the milkman now, if he asked

Hi guys hope everyone’s doing well.
Welcome @notlateinthemorning - I remember you had ET on the same day from the other group. Sorry to hear you’ve had a rough time with the painful hip. Hope that eases soon. Awww @double yolks ...I’m sure that’s a good omen. You’re not along with the google searches, I’m already googling 7dp5dt!!

So pleased to hear your AF didn’t show up today @crittertamer.

My symptoms have significantly reduced - feel almost normal. I understand that for a 5 day blast, the time for implantation ends on day 6. So not sure if I should or shouldn’t be feeling anything. But also know that symptoms don’t mean anything at all really as I’ve read so many different accounts from others’ ivf stories.

I started off anxious for first two days, then calmed down and kept myself busy but today despite being hectic, I’ve slowly become quite stressed again 😑

2ww and test result days are so horrible. ☹️
What did everyone do after their transfer? I would have liked to go to the cinema. Ours have recliner chairs... can get comfy. Don’t think there’s any film I want to see though! Xx

@Beherenow32 - good luck for today, I’ll be thinking of you! After my ET I took it easy and stayed on the sofa watching House of Cards box sets for the afternoon (any excuse)!

@Dia12 - I had a lot of symptoms on day 6, but on days 7, 8 and 9 almost nothing except (less) sore boobs. On days 10 and 11 I felt anything but normal - really strong feeling that AF was coming, but so far she still hasn’t shown, plus yesterday one wipe of brown mucus and those stabbing pains in the evening. You’re right that the symptom spotting is pointless - it could all mean anything, but we can’t seem to help ourselves! I’m trying to relax a little and take everything as positive as long as AF stays away. This is now officially my longest LP ever as this would technically be 12dpo today! Its most likely just the progesterone pessaries but it still feels like a milestone 😊

@Beherenow12 Good luck today! We went away for the weekend after transfer although I ended up spending transfer day shopping.... retail therapy and all that.

@Dia12 when is your test date? I have absolutely no symptoms and feel like AF is on its way.... :(

@Charmers1 @CritterTamer thank you!! Not long now. Downing the water! Think we will go to the cinema and watch a comedy and eat a wee sneaky bit of junk food 😊😊
I’m so bad with transfer. I have to use the gas and air!! 😖 that’s something to look forward to!

Hope everyone is coping! Xx

Good luck with transfer @beherenow32 hope it all goes smoothly.

I did something very silly....I used test the nhs fertility centre gave me and got a BFN. It was my second morning urine so looked very dilute so I think it may not be the most accurate of results.
I know, I know, super stupid of me but it was so impulsive.
Just feel a bit silly taking the test but also feel silly getting my hopes up. I know people have been through the mill with IVF but I’m just ready to give up already. How can something the whole seems to be doing so mindlessly be so difficult.

My official test date is 2nd July @chatmers1. You’re almost at your test date, wishing good news for you.

*the whole world seems to be doing!

Transfer done!

Oh @Dia12 you still have so much time left.... I’m sorry though ☹️ Xx

@Beherenow32 - yay! How many embies did you have Transferred? Enjoy the rest of your day 😊

@Dia12 - oh no, it was too early though I think - we both have a test date middle of next week for a reason! I know people ttc naturally often get BFPs at 9 or 10 dpo but I really don’t know how closely this would correlate. I’ve resolved not to test before the weekend (if AF stays away that is) At least then I won’t have to go to work straight after a BFN....

@Charmers1 - I know how that feels - I still can’t quite believe mine hadn’t shown up yet - keep running to the toilet to check! Not helped by the fact that today I have ridiculous amounts of really watery CM so I keep feeling like she’s arrived. I reall6hope she stays away for you🤞

@CritterTamer just one. Need to see how the rest get on by tomorrow to freeze 🤞
It’s so sunny. Should be ok for me to go and take our dog for a little walk, yeah? Xx

I’m sure it will - my consultant told me to carry on with everything as normal except for strenuous exercise and heavy lifting. She said walking would be especially good.

It’s too hot to walk here in Wales it’s over 30 degrees - my dogs are all crashed out panting!

How’s everyone doing? Spent time in the sun, then came in and slept! Surely that will do me some good lol.

Started thinking about the embryos back at the hospital. And how crazy it is that the numbers drop so much ☹️

But no more negative thinking! X

I am sure I posted a message last to wish you good luck @Beherenow32 - maybe I am losing my marbles! sun and sleep sound like the perfect combination FX for you xx....I watched brideshead re-visited on iplayer after mine...

@Dia12 - sorry to hear about your day - think @CritterTamer is right and it is too early to test - the waiting is rubbish...but definitely too soon to give up xx

@CritterTamer - the CM is a really good sign ;) xx here's to AF staying away for you and @Charmers1 and us all

today I had a snickers ice cream followed by guilt, the delights...

@Charmers1 - do you think so? Everyone talks about creamy white CM being the positive sign but this super watery and clear.

Snickers ice cream sounds amazing - now I wish I had some 😁