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?

@Welshpugmomma ooh I didn't realise you were at a similar place to Cauliflower and I! Arghh how exciting (and scary!) Are you looking forward to ending all the injections? I look like an addict at the moment with bruises! Hope tomorrow goes well for you!

Just woken up from a nap and feel much better thankfully. And yes, the sun's been out and it's Friday tomorrow!

@ Becsharry. Only advice I can give you is relax when you can don’t lift to much and if you like reading get a book keep mind occupied to stop googling everything try not to read into your symptoms but most Importantly don’t test till the date they give I was adamant I didn’t want to tempt fate. Good luck

All the girls that have there positive results congratulations

Such a long road all of this isn’t it. And silly me wanting to do it all over again haha just in process of having my testing done again before I go back to ivf clinic. I have 5 year old twin boys. So we have to pay this cycle I think. Ouch

Reading all your comments on the drugs really takes me back it’s surprising when you have a baby you seem to forget the ivf process for a while until you have that urge again to be a mummy again unfortunately it never leaves you.

My story is my first cycle I ohss got 33 eggs really poorly had to freeze all. Then waited 2 months went for my frozen. Got pregnant with quads but misscarried that was horrendous as it took 4 weeks for the last one to come away but my 3rd cycle I got my boys so to give you girls hope it will work out in the end just be positive if I’m honest the cycle I got my boys I remember having the attitude if it works it works if it don’t it don’t as I was so traumatised by my misscarriage. I even remember taking the test on my date they gave me it was positive I looked at it made a cup of tea and went back to bed don’t my hubby he just said ok great and rolled over we both didn’t want to get emotionally attached and to be honest I was like that throughout my pregnancy until I got to 30 weeks I just acted like I wasn’t pregnant I think to help me cope if it wasn’t right at the scan again I was petrified.
So god luck I will keep reading your comments xx

Hey ladies need some advice/ comfort.
I had a failed cycle in February and yesterday had a frozen embryo transferred.
I was feeling super relaxed and chilled this cycle but today I'm totally freaking out that I'm doing to much! Starting to have panic attacks and it's insane. To relax i like to garden, just some dead heading, run the lawnmower around (self propelled, no lifting required just directing it.) I'm normally super active, I'm a landscape garden and go to the gym at least 3 times a week. So the rules on lifting are so hard to work out because what seems hard for others is nothing to me. Seriously! So now I'm starting to panic that my inability to be still is going to ruin our chances this time as well. Help! :( :(

@KittyKatSmile that’s brilliant crystal flower 😂

@Zest11 you know, I honestly do believe in quality over quantity and I’ve seen so many examples of that time and time again. A friend of mine got 8 once and then 18 the second time, both times resulted in one viable embryo. Try not to be too disheartened by this. It sounds like your good ovary is going super well.

@Welshpugmomma when are you due egg collection? If I’ve missed an update, I’m sorry.

@cauliflower82 I have another scan tomorrow but they said they are pretty certain it will be Monday, So soooon! I thought I was being good on the protein yest I had just over 20g then later read that it should be 60g!pfft been a bit rubbish today must try harder tomorrow ! Are you still in a lot of pain Hun x

@FinallytakingtheplungewithIVF let us know what happens tomorrow. Tbh I do feel like, so far, the experience hasn’t been even half as horrific as I imagined, but I’m only talking about needles, side effects, etc. I’m stunned I got this far.

@Ginger951 best of luck with your frostie :). My clinic recommends lots of walking 🚶‍♀️

Clinic rang and I’m to have another scan Saturday and it looks like egg collection will be Tuesday so a day earlier. I can’t wait for Monday, my drug free day.

The reality of egg collection is becoming more and more real. I’m terrified of this part. I don’t even like the speculum going in 😭

@Welshpugmomma 60g that’s loads. Hmm... what does salmon and two eggs equate to? I had them on Monday and Tuesday 😂
I’m pretty sore and uncomfortable. Are you excited for Monday? Well Monday night when it’s over?

@Ginger951 good luck fx for you :)
@Zest11 also been taking advantage of nap time! And yes pretty much mirroring you two!
Glad you ladies in tww are holding In ok!
@cauliflower82 I'm sooo excited for the last injection, I literally take this journey one step at a time and don't really think too far forward!

@welshpugmomma, @zest11 and @califlower82 - ref baby shower, I don't think I'm gonna go, I'm so hormonal that there is a risk I may say something I shouldn't or brust into tears!

@welshpugmomma - I think I'm long, I started on day 21 but due to my bloody period being 10-days late it feels like forever! However, reading everyone's stimming stories, I'm glad I'm a little behind and that I've been given the one shot needles with no mixing.
Oh god, @welshpugmomma, I've not even thought about what to wear for EC and ET. Do you think unicorn pjs or a onesie are ok?!
I hate to ask @KittyKatSmile, how's the weather?!
Ref sex, glad that I'm not the only one who cannot be arsed, I doubt that my bloated belly and constant gas has done anything for my attractiveness or the laxatives incident 😂😂😂🤣

@Jackieadam1980 - sorry to hear that you hd such a traumatic first cycle but so glad that you managed to go on to have two healthy boys.
Yes, i think you are outside of NHS funding now but if your clinic is similar to mine there are plenty of funding options.
@Ginger951 - I'm planning on having a few days rest after my ET and then I'll be back to normal riding my horse and mucking out etc. My consultant said, continue as normal as you would if you had conceived naturally. It's only because we've physically had the embryo implanted that we know it's there. If mine doesn't take, I am not going to blame myself for continuing to do normal things (if that makes sense).
@cauilflower82, I know what you mean about the speculum, I always think I'm going to wet myself!

Unfortunately not for me coz of my age in 39 😢

@FinallytakingtheplungewithIVF no fancy blood tests for me, I'm just POAS (and probably my hand!)

@Zest11 welcome to the positive thought game girl. I know it sounds like guff but it really does just take one, that's what me and cutie say 

@Mrbay you just need to wear your clothes for EC. They will put you in a gown so everyone can check out your ass, it's really fun. I'd probably wear something loose but by this stage you probably are already!

@Ginger951 I know what you mean about strain etc. I lift pretty big weights in the gym (and am totes modest too) so the thought of not lifting my bag into the overhead locker is a bit laughable. Will let mother do it today; she likes to feel useful 

@Cauliflower82 crystalflower82 I'm so happy for you. Sending you so many wishes. And remember that EC is just a lovely sleep. Speak to the anaesthetist when they come round if you're worried about not sleeping; they'll make sure you're out for the count. I'd take those drugs every day if I could (especially now!!)

Portugal has been lovely. Sunniest day so far for us to leave. Now flying into an earthquake zone apparently (going via France to London; don't ask! Just trying to shake @Weenumpty)

@KittyKatSmile thank you 🙏 I’m not sure if we get out to sleep at my clinic - the nurse said that ideally the doctors want me to be able to talk during the procedure if asked questions??!! I know I’m being sedated and given pain med, could that send me to sleep? Have a safe flight today ✈️

@Mrbay I’m hoping to have the same attitude to you. If it doesn’t work this time, it’s not our fault at all - some things are just beyond our control. I literally feel like there’s absolutely nothing more I could do. Well, except give up sugar but I just can’t do that 😂. Re, the baby shower, I so think you’re doing the right thing. I’ve cancelled one recently to a ‘good friend’ and she mentioned that maybe we should just adopt if it’s affecting me this much 🙄. Adoption is an option we’d consider, but under our instruction, certainly not bloody hers. She offered us one of her kids too. Always helpful. 😂 😂

@Zest11 how are you getting on? I’ve been sent home from work today. So not feeling well.

Hope everyone’s doing well. I am convinced I can feel pretty much everything going on down there now after 8 days stimming.

Do they actually use the speculum during egg collection?

@Zest11 I've not been on in a while. Taken myself away from social media etc. But just wanted to jump on and say first time one of my ovaries didn't respond. It was just how it was. Round two both responded fine. Don't google.

@Cauliflower82 my understanding is that sedation will send you to sleep (in your view) but will keep you responsive (in theirs). I remember going to sleep and waking up although I think I was responsive throughout. It's called conscious sedation and it's amazing. You also won't be able to remember anything (just as if you were asleep). I think that's most places and certainly has been in the two places I've had my EC. You're going to be great. And you're almost there now x

Hi everyone. I took myself away from mumsnet and instagram for a while as I was finding it wasn't helping my mood (both this thread, a lot of the time I end up killing time on other threads in other areas which really aren't good for my mental health!). I'm still struggling a lot with feelings of OCD and intrusive thoughts and needing 100% certainty about everything which has really had an impact on me enjoying this process! I'm hoping the drugs are responsible for a lot of my feelings and a psychologist can help me 'right' myself. I know it's an unpopular feeling on this thread but I've nearly pulled out of this so many times out of panic for what I really want. Anyway, transfer is set for Wednesday. I just really want to feel positive about it but I'm so scared of freaking out when I get there!

Hope everyone else is well.

@Ginandtonic31 I know you said it’s unpopular to have thoughts that you’re having, but I truly think you’re voicing what a lot of people go through, myself too. I would just try and keep in mind that you really wouldn’t have put yourself on this journey if you truly didn’t want it. Could it possibly be self preservation? I often do that when I’m worried because I want to protect myself from heartache.
To lighten the tone ever so slightly, like Yewande from Love Island? I hope that makes sense.

@KittyKatSmile you are amazing!! Always putting me at ease with these kind of things. Thank you 🙏 that does sound great to me. Argh! I can’t wait until it’s over and done with. I’ve got this, I can do it. Thank you 😙

How did today go @Welshpugmomma all okay for Monday? :)

@cauliflower82 sorry you got sent home today not feeling well...but every cloud has a lining...you got fri afternoon off? ;) how are you now? I'm much better emotionally today thanks to all of your words of positivity. I actually went home early yesterday as I felt so bad. Feeling like the gas has gone but my right side is very sore. I actually am finding it uncomfortable to walk :( Are you getting that too?

@KittyKatSmile your positivity is great. I'm actually jealous now that I'm not just being sedated with your talk of conscious sedation. Although, like you I'd take the drugs everyday if I could haha. I'm glad you've had a lovely time away!

@ginandtonic31 I completely understand about you taking some time away...depending on how EC/ET goes I may do the same. Thank you so much for jumping on to reassure me though, that is so kind. For the record, your thoughts are normal. I'll put it out there...I've thought to myself...if this doesn't work and we find out it's my husband, would I want to stay with him? What's more important, him or a baby? What if I just shagged someone else...at least that way I'd know if it was me or him?' But I do everything I can to push them out of my head because I know before all of this they weren't there. I just have to consciously remind myself of that. It's also taken me a good year or so to go ahead with IVF as I have been worried for it. We have had time to stew over having a baby whereas other people get pregnant and that's it! Keep us posted if you feel up to it.

@Ginger951 and @kittykatsmile I am with you 100% on the exercise front. Literally no idea how I will cope in the tww as I love going to classes and (if I say so myself) do heavy weights! Are we allowed to do pilates/yoga/body balance do you reckon? They would be better than nothing!

Thank you everyone so much for the talk of it only needing one and the others who have a lazy ovary (i think!) I read some other forums and found someone who had something like 5 eggs collected, all fertilised, 1 implanted as a 5 day blastocyst and 3 for the freezer, so yes...it is quality! Saying that it was probably Crystal82 or her sister Crystal83!

Also...this sounds dumb but what actually happens during EC? Surely if we take the trigger 36 hours beforehand the eggs will have been released and will just be swimming around our fallopian tubes?? How do they get them? (For the record, I don't teach Biology! )

@zest11 it’s so reassuring having someone at exactly the same spot as me. Like you, I am finding it difficult to walk too. I am also finding going to the toilet a little painful in terms of pushing (im so sorry far too much info). I’ve been lounging around for a few hours now and wonder if taking my dog out for a little walk would be beneficial? Maybe I need to get some exercise?
When is your next scan?
I’m so happy you’re feeling more positive today about things. I remember the person you’re talking about with the five eggs!! After I heard her story, my perspective on ‘how many eggs’ totally changed. Quality always over quantity.

Ah just wrote a message and disappeared! Gonna keep it short now!
@Zest11 yep all good today, the rang earlier to confirm times for Monday! Very excited for a jab free day on Sunday, not do excited about the trigger, as I'm still terrified of the needles! Otherwise numbers and size all looked good which is positive :) same as you both toilet is very uncomfortable and I'm glad you both managed to be off today , hope you're feeling a bit more relaxed at home.
Me I'm definitely not the most active or fittest I'm just happy taking my dog out in the evenings for a little ramble! I think it's just everything in moderation, I heard with yoga it's ok but no twisting or anything too strenuous...

Hope your all ok :) x

I've been off the board for a few days. Today was my test day and it was negative. Which we were expecting as I did an early pregnancy home test a couple of days ago which was negative, and I have had no symptoms. Sad that this round has failed and we didn't have anything to freeze either, but we get two more cycles on the NHS. Unfortunately as I have to have EC in theatre it can be a 3-6 month delay for a date for me to start my second cycle.

I think my next cycle I will aim to take more time off work to manage stress better. And also will use the time between to lose a bit of weight and try and get to a normal BMI. So I shall lurk on the boards until then, wishing everyone else positive outcomes!

Going to take an hour this evening to properly catch up with everyone!

I had my scan today and the progynova has done its job and my lining is over 7mm! Cyclogest starts on wednesday and transfer is a week on monday!

Xxx

@RRoonilWazlib what side effects were you getting from the Progynova? They put me on Progynova two weeks ago from the start so never had the patches.

@Zest11 and @Cauliflower82 Thank you for being so understanding. It's really hard to say some of the things when I know people are really desperate for it to work and I'm fearful that it does work! I think those thoughts @Zest11 Are quite normal! The issue I've got is that I have a thought and then ruminate all day for weeks. It has now been months. And a lot of it seems triggered by the treatment. I think it's a type of OCD. And also I like everything to be 100% perfect which I know is impossible so I've started thinking I can't have a baby unless my relationship is 100% and I'm 100% happy which causes me to think 'do I really love him?' 'I can't imagine us with a baby so I must not love him' 'am I attracted enough to him?' 'What about that time when he was drunk/pulled that face/did that. I didn't like it so must not love him enough' 'what if we have a baby and then I still have these thoughts and we have to split up?' 'What if we have a baby and we aren't strong enough and it tears us apart' 'what if I don't love a baby?' 'What if I still feel worried like I am now and I don't have he energy to care for it' 'what if I spend 9 months feeling this uncertain?' - do you get the picture? 😂 but the thoughts are there all the time they feel so real!! And exhausting.

@Ginandtonic31 that is definitely anxiety/ocd - don't let it win! They are all "what if/hypothetical questions." Please don't let them ruin the present as they will probably not come to fruition and even in the extremely unlikely event any of them did, you would deal with them then and the circumstances would be different to now!

@Cauliflower82 yes it is sooooo helpful having someone at the same time. Next scan is on Monday. I am still actually terrified I am going to ovulate early because all the signs are there even though the nurse assured me I wouldn't. The ewcm is crazy!! And yes I know what you mean about going to the loo...not fun!

@Helene2019 I am so sorry to hear the result was negative. That is frustrating you have to wait for the next but you sound like you have a plan and yes, that is great you have 2 more goes! Best of luck to you xx

Have a lovely weekend all of you xx

Afternoon all!
@KittyKatSmile - thank you! I didn't even think about this bit, I love a backless gown! Oh and hospital knickers, well they really get the OH going!! LOL!
Glad the weather has been good but it is typical for it to be the best day on the day you are leaving, luckily its a heatwave back home next week! Good luck with the flight. How are you feeling?

@califlower82 - exactly! Though my friend said to, trying to get an embryo to fall out by simply moving around, is like getting a single seed out of a pot of jam - nearly impossible!
Ref your friend - that is out of order!! I don't think I would be talking to her for a long while!
Sorry to read that you are not feeling great, are you feeling a little better by being at home?
@Ginandtonic31 - the drugs do not help at all, I've found I've had real peaks and lows with them. Yes, I've been there too about whether I am doing the right thing, do I want to be committed to my DH forever?! It's only because we have too much time on our hands, such a normal thing for two people to achieve for us has meant multiple docs checking your bits, taking blood etc. Most couples do not face that and just have a lovely or oh shit moment where they find out they are expecting. I personally feel IVF robs you of that.
@Helene2019 - I am so sorry to read that it's not the outcome you have planned for, but, you do have a few more cycles so that is a positive. Plus the 2-3 months will allow your body to get rid of all the extra hormones which is thought to be better.