IVF March/April

[Hopingforbabyd]

Hi ladies
I’m hoping to find a cycle buddy or anyone who has been through IVF before. We are due to have our appointment for our plan at the end of next week and I just wanted to hear any stories/advice anyone may have as my mind is very busy with questions.
A little background from me, I’m 28 and been trying to conceive for 3 years now. Last year I was diagnosed with severe endometriosis which sadly affected both of my tubes. I’ve had them removed in November and all endo has been removed. We have been told the chances of conception are against us due to the severity of my condition but I’m holding onto hope. Are there any ladies who have similar stories who can give me a little encouragement? I’m quite nervous to start IVF but excited at the idea this could be our chance!
Thanks 😊💛 xx

Thanks @Wesstywoo, that’s made me feel so much more positive than you might realise. Mine is max dose Menopur for the same reason. I appreciate it x

@WhatWouldPennyDo @Wesstywoo
My AMH levels are low as well, I find it hard to find people who have this. mine is actually 0.7 (eek!!), can you tell me what protocol you guys were put on and what your low AMH meant for your IVF cycle? I will get my protocol soon so it would be interesting to know what to expect and possible could help with any questions I need to ask. much appreciated xx

Hi @Phreedam My AMH is 3. Short protocol prescribed on highest dose of Menopur. So far slow to respond, but the follows are growing as in my lining. Good luck!

@Wesstywoo thanks for your comment, it is reassuring to me too.

I just had my day 8 of stims scan and only have 4 follicles at 10mm and all the rest are small. And they had expected more at this stage so are considering increasing my dose but I won't know until tonight what they decide.

It is my second cycle, last time I was on Gonal-f and they said I responded well but for some reason decided to try me on Menopur this time. They also told me it is quality not quantity that matters. It's just hard to feel that way when at this stage all we know is quantity.

I also have endometriosis and adenomyosis, only diagnosed via a laparoscopy in December after my first IVF cycle failed, after 20 years of GPs ignoring my symptoms.

@Thund4rcat we’re at the same place! Day 8 for me, 4 follies, but yours are all bigger. It feels a bit miserable, but hopefully our next scans bring positive news. When are you seeing them next? They might up your dose too which could help. Fingers crossed for you!

@Thund4rcat @WhatWouldPennyDo I have everything crossed for you both!

@phreedam I was on short protocol which for me was maximum dose menopur (for 10 days I think). Low AMH means you are likely to produce less eggs but the AMH test really is just a guide and the only way to know how you will do as an individual is to complete a round of IVF.

I'm just starting a medicated frozen cycle to transfer my frostie xx

Great news about your embies @Twiglet2353! Good luck for Saturday!

@WhatWouldPennyDo My next scan is Friday same as you, yeah seems we are on the same schedule, that's nice. I think @DaisyMay25 might be at the same point in her schedule too?

I have no idea about my womb lining or AMH levels, I don't know if I ever even had my AMH tested, if I did they didn't tell me the results. They don't really give me much detail at my clinic, they just say everything is fine and don't give me numbers. Kind of frustrating but prevents me manically googling everything which I know I would if I had details.

Actually I think I confused @DaisyMay25 with another person on the February thread sorry!

@WhatWouldPennyDo I always have highest dose of menopur and I'm a poor responder.

First cycle abandoned due to no response
Second no fertilisation.
Third Eggs transferred but unsuccessful
Fourth got pregnant and miscarried.

Being a poor responder doesn't mean it won't work, I always stay on menopur longer which does the trick for me. Don't give up hope.

@Hopingforbabyd yes it does sound like we'll be going through it at the same time - good to meet someone else who'll know what I'm going through! I'm with the NHS so they haven't sent anything for me to sign but did say there would be some paperwork when we go in on Thursday! AF arrived for me yesterday too, so we are probably going to be starting the treatment at pretty much the same time, I guess? I'm excited but nervous and trying not to think too far ahead and take each step as it comes...trying to manage expectations realistically but it's so hard not to think what if? And at the same time I think it's important to be positive - just a bit of a minefield isn't it?! Did you say you'll be on the 4 week protocol too? X

@sl85 this is so exciting! We will be just the same!! 😍 yes will be starting a tablet called norethisterone on cd21 of this cycle to time my next one (should have a period 1 week later like normal) and then be starting stims 2nd day of that period so if I’ve worked it out right it’ll be around middle of April and consultant said we should know the outcome beginning of May. Are you having to take norethisterone?
Positive thinking is definitely the way forward. And I’m sure you’ll feel the same as me that now those tubes have gone it could be a real possibility now as that’s what was stopping us before. I like to think finally my egg can meet her man and they can fall in love after all this time of never being able to be together! 😄

@Hopingforbabyd brilliant 😊😍. Not sure what tablets/injections I'll be on yet, they'll tell me that on Thursday and also give us all the drugs etc we need ready to start in cd 21 - so that should be exact same day as you, haha, assuming you have a 28 day cycle? From what I can gather, I'll follow the same process that you've mentioned but I think I've heard about a baseline scan that you get 7-10 days after starting the drugs? I'll let you know what they've prescribed on Thursday. Yes definitely, lots of people have asked if I feel upset that the tubes are gone but to me it was a means to an end! No good having them if they don't work - and now they've gone we actually have a chance. Exciting but I can't help but think scary times ahead! I am a massive overthinker and worrier so really need to try and get that under control! 😬Awww that's a great way of looking at it! Love it!

@sl85 I think it sounds like we are on the same treatment plan! Very exciting but I too agree it is very scary I’m an overthinker too, it doesn’t help but I think once we’re in control of what we’re doing I think we will be good to go 😁
Oh me too! I was absolutely devastated to begin with but once I got my head around it I knew it was a no-brainer they were causing more harm than good. Did you get abdominal pains with them? Or did you discover your tubes were blocked just by investigation? During my cycles I used to be doubled over with excruciating abdominal pain it was so embarrassing as I used to have to leave work and lay in a ball through the pain. I thought I was being ridiculous but since they’ve been out and the endo removed my cycles have been so much better and I do think the tubes were a lot to blame with the pain.

@wearenotacodfish thank you x

Hey Girlies, so I had my baseline scan yesterday and they hardly saw any antral follicles I feel really down about it, she had a really hard time finding my ovaries because there was "a lot of bowel in the way", I think she only counted 1 on each or something and It was a very uncomfortable experience. I have no idea what they will do with me now, long/short protocol or what I have no idea but I feel really shitty about it.

@whatwouldpennydo how did you get on today?

I now have 9 follicles over 10mm so am really pleased to have gone up that many in 2 days. Will find out tonight if EC will be Mon or Tues.

That is great news @Thundr4kat! You must be over the moon.

Unfortunately I didn’t respond that well and they have cancelled my cycle. Back in to see the consultant next week to discuss next steps.

@whatwouldpennydo oh I am so sorry to hear that. Hopefully they can just change your meds for next time or something. I hope you are coping OK.

@phreedam so sorry to hear that. I don't really understand what the baseline scan numbers mean so not sure what the implications will be for you, but hopefully they will have a plan for you to move forward.

@phreedam I'm also not sure what the baseline scan numbers mean but hope you are able to get some clarity from the consultant or nurses soon?

@whatwouldpennydo Sorry this cycle has been cancelled. Hope the consultant makes a plan with you next week, and hopefully with a rejig of meds the next cycle may be more respondent x

Really sorry to hear this @WhatWouldPennyDo xx

Thanks @twiglet2353 I have my nurse planning appointment booked on 15th April now where they will tell me what protocol I'm on etc. So now I'm a sitting duck for nearly 4 weeks until I get any kind of clarification on what on earth is going on. I feel like nothing is in my control here- its such a long wait between appointments at our clinic as well its ridiculous!
How is your wait going ?

@phreedam transfer booked for tomorrow morning providing my lining has improved 🤞. Then going to be a looonnnng TWW!xx

@phreedam your baseline just measures what's there the medication will do it's job.

@WhatWouldPennyDo I had my first cycle cancelled and I was absolutely devastated they put my dose up to the maximum on the next cycle and my response was better second time around. The thing that made the biggest difference was not putting me on the pill before my cycle. Don't lose heart I managed to get pregnant on my fourth go (miscarried unfortunately) so it can happen and this way you haven't lost an NHS go.