IVF/ICSI May/June

[Cauliflower82]

Hi everyone

I’m creating a new thread with the hope of finding people with similar dates to me. I am due to start medication on May 13th with the hope egg collection will be June 19th. I’m 34, female factor fertility.

Anyone else out there with similar dates?

I think they gave me the cyclogest pessaries and the injectable one on the day of the EC then I took them just for two days before transfer and then on until now which is 6dp2dt . Feel like my boobs been aching forever now . Cramps started well that’s harder to say since I was feeling something during stimulation but I only had those 2 follicles so not much going on then ,hurting after retrieval and got better from that but after transfer on sat have had increasing pains on and off and different kind of twinges yesterday . Nausea has gotten worse but a) could be my tired adrenals since I get nausea as a symptom for that too b) I read it can be the progesterone. I have always after the first and only successful pregnancy gotten morning sickness before a positive test the first time it hit me like a wall bang on 5 w pregnant so i had a positive test then already that time other symptoms were the constant peeing maybe my boobs . This is my first time on extra progesterone and first full ivf cycle since our DD was through a gestational surrogate so it’s new to me and I’m completely paranoid because of how unwell I feel I can’t stop thinking about it . I’ve been pregnant ,and lost so many before ,and it’s felt just like this that I’m going a bit crazy here for a reason !!!! Don’t worry if u don’t feel anything plenty of people don’t feel any different before a test or have many pregnancy symptoms ever .

@Cauliflower82 EC due on Friday in theatre - pending my final scan this Wednesday.

@TwistofFate thanks for the tips. I might try a hot water bottle.

@LittleOne3 that's what I look like! Just worried that I can't fit into clothes for work (by at least a dress size on my waist) for next week. Might have to go shopping this weekend.

@Nordicmom sounds like you've had a really difficult time the past 6 months. What stage of IVF are you at?

@Spongebob79 I didn't even know you were meant to get symptoms from the progesterone. Are you looking for signs that the progesterone is working or that the implantation is working? I think when we're on so many drugs it's going to be pretty hard to rely on anything as a true sign. Annoying but probably true (because clearly I'm a doctor. I'm not. I just like medical dramas....)

@Nordicmom Sounds like a tough time alright. Let's hope you're getting through it now.

@LittleOne3 These drugs really are cruel aren't they?!

@Cauliflower82 Who has told you you're inarticulate and don't express yourself well?! You have a lovely way with ways plus you set this whole thing up so we've got you to thank for getting us all together!

@DawnK77 My first lot of stims tonight and after my calm advice last night, I had no clue what I was doing and luckily after 3 YouTube videos found a handwritten note in the margin (from myself) answering my question Stressful. And a bit painful this evening. I need lessons from @Cauliflower82!!

Do you think it matters what time you stim as long as it's fairly consistent? I've always done it between 10 and 10.30pm but just read somewhere it should be 8-10pm?! AGAIN: would be really helpful if our clinics would tell us this!!

@Helene2019 sorry, we crossed. Fingers crossed for you. How are you feeling about it all?

Helene2019 I’m at 6dp2dt my official test day is next fri so another week of hell in uncertainty . Progesterone can cause many things that could also be early pregnancy signs . As I’ve said I’ve been pregnant several times before I’ve had one son and many Mc and I know how my body feels when I’ve conceived but now these extra hormones are complicating things further .

@KittyKatSmile I don't think it matters what time you take your injections as long as they're consistent. Not sure what protocol or meds you're on but I took my menopur at 7am and 7pm for the first two days, then it was menopur at 7am and cetrotide at 7pm, though these two don't need to be 12 hours apart, so you could space them differently. I suspect there is a margin for error, (probably an hour at a guess?) but nurses probably want people to be in a routine instead of taking injections whenever they remember. The trigger shot was the only one that has to be precise because they don't want to get you into theatre only to find all the little follicles have already collapsed.

It feels like so much pressure and responsibility, but I kept reminding myself that if it needed to absolutely precise doses and times then they wouldn't let us do it at home by ourselves. Hang in there ladies.

@Spongebob79 mine were agony when I first started on pessaries but have stopped being so sore since the progesterone injections...not sure what that means. Still feel enormous though!

Have been following everyone's updates - been trying to keep busy these last few days.

Thought I would give you all a non-fertility update for a giggle and to show there is life outside of this arduous process!

I've signed up to do the Royal Parks half marathon later this year in aid of Tommy's (figured I could guilt people into giving money without really saying anything!). I used to be a bit of a runner but have got out of it in the last few years. Also thought it was a good way to jinx the universe ('I probably won't get a good time because I'll be pregnant by then' etc)

Anyway, have been meaning to do Sat am parkrun for the last 6 weeks but always find an excuse. Was determined to go today and roped some friends in. Had my route to the start planned etc then woke up 25mns before the start. I'd set the WRONG FUCKING ALARM!! Weekdays only. Which I've fine before and missed a flight....! Anyway. Sprung out of bed, got an Uber, feel like I've flooded my body with cortisol but have made it!

Hope you've enjoyed stories of my idiocy. Happy Saturday all x

But @KittyKatSmile you went! I keep saying I'm going to do one and I don't! I'm so worried actually about my weight. I've gained a lot and I'm terrified of putting more on from progesterone (does it make you gain weight?) and then even more if I'm pregnant. I've got 3 weeks until transfer so need to work my ass off.

@KittyKatSmile good luck with park run!

I cant remember who asked what protocol I'm on but I'm not sure what is classed as long or short. This is what I was on:
CD2 - start Fyremadel injections for 7 days, application of 1 evorel patch to be changed every other day
CD7 - change to apply 2 evorel patches to be changed every other day
CD10-12 - lining scan. If everything ok at scan to start cyclogest pessaries morning and evening
CD18-24 transfer
Evorel and cyclogest to continue until 11/12 weeks if positive.

Morning all!

Well done on getting up and going to a sort run @kittykat I always mean to, not been for ages lol!!! Glad you also got your injections sorted. It's fine then suddenly so stressful as you prepare isn't it.

I'm also worrying about weight, but I'm on period so usually bloat so I'm interested to see if the bloating is still here when period ends and I continue with the Metopur.

Speaking of Metopur I have done two evening injections now .... I don't feel any different, how have other people felt?

Also Metformin omg I cannot find a breakfast to have them with that doesn't give me waves of Nausea for a few hours. Couldn't even eat lunch yesterday .... Very unlike me to miss a meal !!

@littleone we have a rescue greyhound. Laziest dog in the world haha! Also a bed thief and a food thief , he's very spoilt lol but he deserves after a few years of not living in the best conditions before being rescued by RSPCA etc.

@RRoonilWazlib I think long and short is just when stimming. I think that's just classed as a standard transfer. Although I'm on very different for my transfer.

@DawnK77 I wasn't in the same medication as you but I didn't really feel anything until about a week in and even then it was only when I sat down I could feel my ovaries a little bit. Even the day i went for egg collection I was convinced all the eggs had gone because I couldn't feel them.

Thank you for that tip regarding the burserelin Cauliflower82. My DH paid far more attention to when the nurse was telling us what to do and looked horrified watching me basically jab myself at full speed! - the 45 degrees angle seems much better, thank you. I hope you get the go ahead to start stimming :) I think you are about a week ahead of me as we have EC pencilled in for 26th June! Your advice is much appreciated. Thank you so much for setting up this thread!

Oh yes @RRoonilWazlib and @Ginandtonic31, that's right, sorry, long and short is only when you're doing the whole thing at once. Or when you're going up to EC.

@Ginandtonic31 @DawnK77 where are you? We should have a parkrun meet up sometime!

Hope everyone is feeling ok today x

@KittyKatSmile good luck with the training, I did royal parks last year and it’s a great course and atmosphere shame it absolutely pissed down before we started so we were wet through.

Yes no symptoms at all from the progesterone usually my boobs would be sore by now but nothing, I’ll mention it when I go for transfer tomorrow.

Today is a very non ivf day for us, puppy is home and she went crazy sniffing everywhere. Has worn herself out now and is fast asleep.

@Spongebob79 congratulations on new puppy! What a lovely distraction!

Well my 1 embryo lasted the night and we had a 2 day transfer yesterday. Would have liked it to be 3 or 5 but just so glad we got 1!! Surreal feeling that it's inside me.

Sorry if tmi but today I have the worst upset stomach and have barely left the toilet anyone else had the same? Do you think it's the progesterone pessaries? I've read that can happen but if they go in the back and mine are in the front! Panicking that my body is not happy and embryo won't stick. Just so fed up of over thinking everything and not being able to concentrate on anything else.
Hope everyone is enjoying Saturday.

@jemimafuddleduck not sure if you're still reading but I just wanted to say I'm thinking of you xx

@Weenumpty Sorry to hear you're not feeling well but really glad that your transfer went ahead. X

@Weenumpty I'm also so happy to hear the transfer went ahead. I've been thinking about you but hadn't wanted to ask. Fingers crossed for you and hopefully you're feeling better soon.

@Spongebob79 happy puppying! I've done royal parks as well in the past. Hopefully it will be cloudy and not too warm this year!

Weenumpty sorry you feel awful but glad your one embryo made it like mine ! I had 2dt as well so you’re not alone . I have awful side affects from all the extra progesterone! So far very sore boobs , horrible upset stomach although I don’t go more often it’s just when I go it’s bad , increasingly nauseous , headaches and lots of cramps . I feel like absolute shit and on top that have horrible hayfever and I’ve been avoiding even antihistamine but might just take one since convinced this hasn’t worked , and all my usual pain from my illness I can normally take painkillers for plus migraines from vestibular migraines condition . Hurray ! I’m miserable to say the least and can’t wait for this torture to end in a week when I must know one way or another and can take the meds and move on and have a few months break .

Thanks @TwistofFate @KittyKatSmile

@Nordicmom sorry you're feeling awful too. I’ve just got into bed, felt so happy yesterday but today I have serious blues! I also have really sore boobs and a headache, trying to drink loads especially with upset tummy but then I'm just up and down and can't rest!! Sorry, such a moan today! Honestly don't know how I'll manage the next 2 weeks.

Oh and @Nordicmom I also have hay fever and it's driving me mad not taking anything for it, I want to scratch my eyes out (sorry getting a bit dramatic) just bleurgh today, I'm over it

@Weenumpty glad the transfer went well. I had a friend who did IVF and after the transfer I think she had quite an upset stomach -imagining it’s one of the drugs?!

@Nordicmom sorry to hear about your tough times and also that you feel so bad.

I started my progesterone injections and pessaries for transfer on a Thursday today. Any advice on those progesterone shots-the amount of liquid in them is huge and it takes so long and I’m so bruised and sore and I have only done one and I’m in two a day!! Should I try this 45 degree angle? I usually do 90.

Trying to switch off and distract myself and put plans in for the two week wait. If anyone has any great ideas for distraction -let me know! Puzzle is a good idea-I night make DH play a board game with me!

@KittyKatSmilw your story sounds funny -glad you made it in the end. I’m so impressed with all your runners -I do not run! Yoga occasionally and lots of walking but not currently doing much!

I have more meds to remember now that beforeEC-do people set alarms?

@weenumpty so glad to hear you had the transfer! Not so glad to hear about the side effects you're struggling with though! Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you and sending you lots of sticky vibes!!

I had a very hormonal day yesterday but have been feeling good today!

How has everyone been today? Xx

@Nordicmom so sorry to hear how shit you're feeling. Sending some virtual hugs your way xx

@weenumpty congratulations on the transfer, I’ve definitely had a very upset tummy from the progesterone it’s settling down a bit now, it’s worse for me if I do the pesseries erm ‘up my bum’ but i try and alternate between the two as it less messy that way. The things we do!