IVF/ICSI May/June 1000 posts plus :)

[Cauliflower82]

Hi peeps :)

I’ll hyperlink this to our old thread so we can continue bitching about crystal82 😂

I can’t believe we’ve almost got to 1000 posts. I didn’t even know that was a thing - thank you @kittykatsmile because I had no idea it would just max out and I can NOT go on without you all. That’s not even an option.

Morning all!

Looks like I am out. Won’t go into details as haven’t spoken to DP and will do the test with him on Friday as planned, but I’m expecting it to be negative.

Onwards and upwards!

@Zest11 I thought you might like some sort of statistics reassurance. This is not my own work, probably comes from BFN (today's podcast about women going it alone!) but it really comforted me: whatever the statistics for a clinic or an age group etc, for you it's binary. This time it will either work, or it won't. Now that I've written that, I'm not sure if it really will be comforting, but I found it really helpful.

Sorry if I worried anyone over the weekend; I was reading all of your updates was just far too busy with parties and napping to respond!!

@Ginandtonic31 normal isn't a thing. Focus on being fabulous you. Anyone who has an issue with that isn't worth bothering about xx

@Ginandtonic31 - what even is normal? As long as whatever you are doing doesn't hurt anyone (unless they are willing ;)) then don't worry about it. I've accepted that I'm an awkward turtle who always has to think before I speak otherwise my mouth goes at million to one and talks shit!

@AliciaWhiskers - really sorry that it maybe over this time for you, but remember they do tell you a bleed can be normal. Give your nurse a call and talk it through. But hugs

@KittyKatSmile - to be fair, I thought Keith had made the birthday party up and was enjoying Silverstone😙

I think we as the woman, blame ourselves for it not working, but there's not a lot you can actually do to influence the end result. @kittykatsmiles - I love that explanation.

@AliciaWhiskers I'm so sorry, our messages crossed. Thinking of you x

Hi ladies again. So my FET has been cancelled as my lining will not thicken, been just under 6mm for a week. They are now arranging a hysteroscopy to see if there is something wrong. Just wondered if anyone else has had lining problems? I'm so upset and feel like giving up I just don't think this is going to happen for us 😞

@KittyKatSmile Glad you had a great time partying with the different generations and you had a lovely weekend. How are you feeling about Thursday? I am really hoping your anxieties will be eased. :)

Thank you for the success statistics point, you probably are right. I just have huge anxieties with the medicine stemming from when I was younger and my mum had cancer. Basically she went to the GP and was misdiagnosed months before she was rushed to hospital and was correctly diagnosed there. Despite the fact an earlier diagnosis would not have changed the outcome (she had lung cancer so passed away) it has made me a fighter/persistent nag when it comes to finding out health issues. As I have unexplained infertility I am really unhappy with that diagnosis and my clinic only do standard tests, I'm wondering whether to do the remainder of my NHS cycle at CRGH so that I can have the transfer etc funded but pay for the specialists tests they do. And also, because I am going to have to pay at some point I might as well pay for somewhere thorough. Saying that, my clinic are really lovely, genuinely caring and are not the pushy kind to fob me off with stuff so it's hard.

@AliciaWhiskers I am sorry to see your update. I appreciate you don't want to disclose what has happened just yet and I just hope that you are wrong.

@Mrbay how are you feeling 1dp5dt?

@GinevraWeasley - sorry hear that but at least they have an action plan which is good news 😊

@Zest11 - you could discuss additional testing with your current consultant and then do the tests private. This would give you the option of reviewing it with your current consultant and then having your last cycle with them. They did manage to get you to a 5dt so they must be doing something right. Like @KittyKatSmile said, the end result with depend on your and OHs variables.
In terms of cost, does your clinic offer a 2-year plan of unlimited cycles and a live birth or a refund. I think my clinic charges £11k for this and a reduction if you egg share.

Ref being 1DP5DT it's weird, found out I can't have a massage and not being able to drink at a function is weird!

@Mrbay oh yes, I don't think a massage is good because of the oils or something :( I hope time ticks along quickly for you. What date is your OTD? Are you planning on testing early? Do you have much planned for the rest of your IVF leave? (Sorry - gazillion questions!)

Your advice is so spot on re getting the tests done privately and then my clinic implementing the advice. I got sooo worked up last night I ended up crying in the middle of the night wondering what to do lol!! You are right...they must be doing something right as I was happy with the number of blasts after EC. My clinic don't do the multi cycle package thing but to be honest I'm okay with that as their frozen transfers are affordable and as I know how I responded this time I would hope to get similar again if I had to start over.

Yep, can cause the A word so my friend said I'll have to wait until month 4 if I'm successful. Slightly odd convo to have with someone and now I'm thinking if my regular sport massages having helped my natural cycles. Who knows.
OTD is Monday 30th but I think I'll just wait until then, I did but a pregnancy test but my clinic has also given me a clear blue one.
Annoyed with myself as I wanted to get the nurses chocolates on my ET to say thank you, but hubby said he'll drop them off later in the week.
I'm not back to work until Monday, got quite a bit planned for this week so my mind is off testing. Today was my fella's do and tomorrow I'm going shopping with my parents - no idea why as if I buy anything it maybe pointless.
Oh, not going to test early as I'm a cheap skate and it may be a waste of money!!!
I think that is a sensible plan personally as I can't help think that it will ease your racing mind. My dad helpfully told me that in research none stressed mine has a greater percentage of successful pregnancies - cheers dad!
Have you managed to book an appointment with your consultant?

Oh has anyone started to look at baby stuff?
My hairdresser as an automatic bottle maker, sounds fantastic and took them only a minute or so to prepare a bottle.

@Mrbay I've already got an automatic bottle maker. Ready on demand, super cheap and doesn't require sterilising :-)

@Zest11 poor darling girl. Do you know where you'd like to go for your tests? Thinking of you x

@MrBay I don't like wasting money on tests either (you wouldn't have realised given the number of tests I've taken this cycle!), but Wilko do a pack of 2 tests for £1 or if you prefer those little strips they do a pack of 3 for £1. They are a higher threshold than a First Response, so your hcg would have to be higher to get the line, but I tested every day for a week for about £3!

I'm trying not to look at baby stuff at the minute as I don't want to jinx anything. I just think that as long as everything is okay she won't be hear until March, so I still have black Friday, pre-Christmas sales and January sales to come first!! I do like a bargain.

@Zest11 it does sound like your clinic is doing something right! You just need one to stick! Will you do the tests or just ask for the medication anyway?

@AliciaWhiskers I'm sorry you think it hasn't worked. I hope it had and whatever it is it's just it bedding in.

@Mrbay I don't know what normal is but in my head I have a picture of what it is to me and I crave it so much!

I'm so shattered now. I'm really struggling with work as obviously can't say anything yet but I could fall asleep at my desk!

@KittyKatSmile - when this works out for me, I will be buying one as you never know if you'll be able/want to BF

@CornishMaid1 - that's good to know as I have a feeling if I get a positive test, I may have to do several!

Ref baby stuff, I'm planning to try and source a lot of 2nd hand as most people doesn't use the stuff they buy, plus there is a local lady who does buggy valets. Sorry I am a bargain hunter! £1k for a new buggy or £100 For a barely used one, I know which one I'd rather have.

@Ginandtonic31 - there isn't a normal, as long as you are not hurting yourself or others, embrace your quirks. The world would be so boring if we were the same.
Ref the tiredness, I had that we the stimms, it's horrible isn't it? Is there anywhere you can sneak off for a nap at lunch time?

Well last was interesting, my fella's boss was so supportive about the whole process and was so bloody excited! Slight mifted that he saw me at the bar with an orange juice, a massive smile hit his face and said 'Yay! You've got there!! Everything is crossed for you'
I didn't know that my fella had told some of his colleagues.

I’m sorry to not do a proper update and reply to others. I’m really struggling here. OTD is Friday, I’m suspecting a CP. I feel like I’ve got the worst PMT, I keep bursting into tears and I’m so grumpy and irritable. We are in the middle of moving house and I’m so massively stressed. It’s also the end of term and my eldest (who has ASD) is tired and not coping. I just want all of this to stop.

@Mrbay just a weak attempt at a joke . Maybe Keith should stick to the grooming!

Funny about your husband's work event. Or was it mortifying? What did you say to your husband afterwards?!

@AliciaWhiskers you don't need to reply if you don't feel up to it hon but why do you suspect CP? That says to me that you've got a positive? Cramping and PMT symptoms can cruelly be just the same as pregnancy. If you've got a positive now, there shouldn't be any reason to expect it won't stick. But sorry if I've got the wrong end of the stick. Also remember that this too shall pass. When is the house move date? In (say) a week, it will all be done... take care of yourself lovely xx

There's just the teensiest faintest of faint lines, but it's been the same for 3 days and not getting any darker, so it must be a CP.

@KittyKatSmile oops, just realised how morbid my previous post sounded...sorry, didn't mean it to! Just meant I find it so hard to trust doctors etc sometimes. Not sure, maybe I could do some tests at CRGH but they look very expensive. I want my cake and to eat it haha! I really hope tomorrow goes well for you and you are feeling okay.

@Ginandtonic31 They are...I just need to have faith. I did ask for just the meds but they said no on the phone. Saying that I might try again with the consultant at my follow up next month. I might ask her hypothetical questions like..."What if I saw a really faint line on a test just before I started IVF and also had a miscarriage a year before that....would that change the protocol?!"

@mrbay glad you are able to keep busy. Did you treat yourself to anything nice whilst shopping? I know what you mean about being stingy...I am a tight arse too.

@AliciaWhiskers Arghh I'm sorry about what you're going through. Do you have a blood test on Friday or is it a stick? Unfortunate and shitty as it is, you can only wait. Or maybe you could call the clinic for more progesterone? But that may not be the issue...

@AliciaWhiskers, like @KittyKatSmile said our body is cruel to us. I wouldn't give up hope yet. I can't help you regarding lines as I'm 100% sure how they work.
One house moving tip, put your essentials (kettle, tea, drinks, snack etc) in one box and get it packed last so at least on moving day you can grab it first and then get the kettle on.
Give your removal guys a floor plan and number the rooms, number the boxes for each room.
Wrap up your toys well! 🤣
My bro owns his own removal company so has given me a few tips and stories!

@kittykatsmiles - I've just re-read what you said! I totally get what you mean now - it's made me chuckle!!

Ref the work event, I was a little opened mouthed but actually he was really cool about it all. I think the chat has relieved my fella's pressure about balancing work and clinic appointments.
Good luck for tomorrow, thinking of you ❤

@Zest11 - I think it's time to lay all your cards on the table and do read your locals CCG's IVF criteria as I am pretty sure it states live birth so your miscarriages wouldn't affect your funding.

No treats really as it's a bit of an awkward time in the season. But managed to grab a cute unicorn t shirt (yes I am 12!) And a t shirt in the perfect shade of yellow. Managed to get DH kitted out with a few shirts and trousers. Got to love Outlet shopping for saving the pennies - oh my DM managed to find an additional 10% discount for all the stores so that was a bonus. Not sure what everyone else's outlets are like but I love my local one, the South West seems to have a few.

I have to ask, are we moving over to @Ginandtonic31's new forum?

@Cauliflower82 - are you ok as not seen you on here for a few days.

Oh and in other good news my 3rd embryo made it to the freezer, before EC I thought I may get an egg and that it wouldn't be mature or it wouldn't fertilize but to now having 2 as back ups I am so bloody happy!

@Mrbay That is great news on your 3rd embryo. When is your OTD? Time is going to weirdly at the moment that I can't remember whether it is this week or next.

Have to love an outlet (I am all for the bargains - hate to pay full price for anything). Down in Cornwall is a long way from any outlets, but Clarks Village is good and I tend to go to the outlet in Swindon (my sister-in-law lives there).

@Ginandtonic31 The tiredness is really annoying at the moment, but you just need to make sure you get plenty of rest where you can.

@AliciaWhiskers I am so sorry you are struggling this week and we are all here for you if you need us. I don't want to get your hopes up when you are struggling and thinking you are having a CP, but the progesterone will cause all sorts of wonderful cramps and PMT symptoms just to fox you. I started testing at 8dt5dt and the line was clearly there but faint. It may have got fractionally darker over the week, but the lines looked basically the same, even with a more sensitive test. After OTD I tested again about a week or just over after and it was finally darker then.

Hcg is meant to double every 48-72 hours, so if it is not darker in 3 days it does not necessarily mean to much on a test (I am guessing you are on sticks and not blood tests). Also, everyone has a different starting amount, so if you had a lower amount to start and then double every 72 hours, it will take longer to get darker.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you for tomorrow x

Just checking in ladies. Had the scan at 9am and....I saw a heartbeat. I've never got this far before and I've cried a lot since then.

I'm sure I'll find something else to freak out about soon but for now I'm just so grateful and relieved.

@CornishMaid1 - street is my local, I love that village!

Test day is a week on Monday, I keep forgetting! If I get preggers, i am going to be terrible at remembering when to feed etc!

@KittyKatSmile - yay!! It's now real.

@KittyKatSmile I’m SO happy for you :) Hope the rest of the pregnancy goes just as well for you xx

@CornishMaid1 bit of a trek up to Swindon from your part of the world, but agreed that the outlet place at Swindon is good. There’s in Glastonbury too which is pretty good (and a bit closer!).

@Mrbay super news about those Frosties :) Hope the 2ww goes speedily for you. We are moving ourselves, but with an overlap between houses so it’s not all the stress on one day, which in a way is good, bitnin anorher way the stress has just been stretched out over 2 weeks instead! Anyway, DP has pretty much finished the painting today so the weekend will be used for moving bits over.

@Zest11 hope the follow up appointment goes well next month and you manage to ask about the previous stuff without it causing issues.

It was a bfn for me this morning. DP is gutted - for him it’s his 5th failed IVF as he had 4 rounds with his previous partner, so he’s struggling with yet another loss. I feel ok. It just wasn’t meant to be. We will think about trying again and will arrange a follow up with the clinic mid August. Holiday time to cornwall first and a chance to process this cycle.

@KittyKatSmile That is lovely news and glad the scan went well.

@Mrbay Wow - I thought you were further through your 2ww - I am really losing all track of time at the moment.

I only hit Swindon outlet when we go to visit DSIL as she lives in Swindon.

@AliciaWhiskers I am so sorry to hear that. Take the time you need to process it and we are all here for you. We have lovely weather down here for at the moment, so have a good holiday to help the recovery if that is even the right word.

@Ginandtonic31 could you possibly tag men in the new thread please? Xxx