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.

No exercise for 10 weeks?! Pah. They certainly didn't say that to me and I've just done a brilliant weights class. I think official advice is do what you normally do (just don't take up marathon running if you've never done it before) but maybe modify it slightly. Conflicting advice is so unhelpful isn't it?!

@AliciaWhiskers sorry it wasn't better news but maybe you've got a hiding ovary as well... keep the faith xx

Oh god 10 weeks sounds awful! I'm definitely getting on the bike when I know if it's positive or not at the end of next week. I'm already too fat as it is.

@Ginandtonic31 another bike fan here! 🚲

I’m feel sick as feck today! Queasy, I feel hungry all of the time. I’m thinking the hormones are properly getting to me for the first time. I feel in a bit of a fog. Alone or has anyone else felt like this? It’s hard to describe, a bit like vertigo.

I was gutted when they told me that! I go to the gym 3/4 times a week and haven’t been since I started injections and now can’t even get into my fat jeans! I may go and have a little work out, surely it’s a good thing to do light exercise?

@Zest11 hope your EC has gone well and you are feeling ok

@KittyKatSmile I wish it was just the ovary hiding, but they could see it fine and it just had 3 tiny follicles in. With only 4 in the other sidebar I’ve already written off this cycle in my head. Need to find a way to find some more positivity from somewhere.

@Becsharry I’m sure light exercise is fine. My clinic said 3 x 45 minute sessions per week would be the maximum

@Cauliflower82 I’ve been feeling like that too, and so tired. Can you take it easy today?

@aliciawhiskers yeah, I’ve got this week off work but I’ve been sent home loads of marking to do - I’m a teacher. All I want to do is rest up but I’m stressed that after tomorrow (ec) I just wont be up to marking. My head just feels properly battered.

@Cauliflower82 nice that you are off work, but rubbish that you have loads of marking to do. Could you do it in bed, and rest I prefer at the same time? Any chance it will be a welcome distraction once you’ve had EC (a laughable comment, I’m sure). I know what you mean about your head feeling battered. Mine is all over the place today.

@cauliflower82 glad it went well and you've only got one more sleep woop! Take it easy at home and hey maybe the marking will act as a distraction!
@ginandtonic31 hope you're went ok today too hun now the wait begins!
@kittykatsmile or aka Keith I hope you get the right answer today, and anyone else testing this week.
@Becsharry sorry can't join in with the fitness chat as I'm a coach potato right now .. ;)
@zest11 hope it went ok today Hun rest up x

ET went okay for me, found it quite emotional watching it getting put back, good job the team are so nice there. Mum came with me to handhold which was nice and came over really funny just as they were prepping for it, felt really nausea and they said it's like sharp period pain , can't be wrong as I am literally sick everymonth from that ... They gave me a little scan picture of the embryo and told me to laugh lots now... Tips on a post card!

@Welshpugmomma oh fuck yes! Forgot the laughter thing! Shit! Apparently an Israeli study showed that women who laugh a lot have higher chances of success! I would say maybe Modern Family?

Well done on getting that little bean in there. Stick, little one, stick. Now the waiting begins. I actually have to say I haven't found the tww too awful. I'd actually prefer to go another week rather than have potentially bad news. I may not post my news tomorrow. Depends how I feel. Is that weird? (It's not because I'm Keith and physically unable to get pregnant, honest!)

@KittyKatSmile sorry if the Keith comment was a bit much. I'm glad you were able to go back to sleep from the nightmare. That must have been horrid. Out of curiosity, what weights do you do? Do you do Body Pump or other classes?

@Ginandtonic31 I really hope today went well for you.

@AliciaWhiskers I know it's easier said than done but don't write anything off just yet, it's early days. Are you able to increase the dose of meds just for piece of mind or stimm for longer? For what it's worth I felt gutted with the number of decent size follicles at the first scan but trust me the number will DEFINITELY go up. Many of your smaller ones WILL catch up. Did your clinic actually say the number was concerning?

@Cauliflower82 I am glad you have this week off work, really important for 'you' time. Sucks about the marking though - I completely get that you want it all cleared befor EC...my mind was literally numb and frazzled were all the paperwork,marking, admin etc. Wanted to clear the decks before EC. What do you teach do you mind me asking? How are you feeling about tomorrow? :D

For me the clinic were positive about my EC although obviously we will just have to see how the next day or 2 go. I was asking the embryologist afterwards so many questions and she basically said I just need to take one day at a time!! To be fair, she is right. I asked about exercise actually as I really want to go to the gym tomorrow but they said NOTHING for a week because of the GA and after a week "gentle" exercise is okay...like walking or swimming yawn.

@KittyKatSmile Haha yeah right 😂😂 that's hilarious ! What you like I know it's scary but we'll get though it cyber handholding and all ;) I said to my mum earlier it's scary that if it does work I'll feel like I have to update everyone and then they'll know soooo early on ! I love modern family so can get back on that :)

Sorry I missed you @Welshpugmomma thank you for your wishes. Aww your description of ET sounds really lovely. Depending on when mine is my husband may not be able to be there either so that's lovely they gave you a picture. Hopefully @KittyKatSmile will have positive news tomorrow and will be able to keep up the comedy to make us laugh. I do 1 million percent get that you may not want to post though Keith. Hilarious about being a man and not being able to actually get pregnant!

@Zest11 Keith comments have been hilarious! I don't ever take offence to anything. Apart from maybe some of the people on Love Island.

That is snore about the exercise and obviously isn't something I've followed! I do a weights class at a gym with work, it's brilliant. Then I also do a lot of spinning and then various other classes. Last night I did 'dance cardio' which was really fun once you stopped caring what you looked like!

I know what you mean about people knowing so early. A few friends know and so they obviously will want to know the outcome which I wouldn't usually do so early and I never have done before when I've (briefly) been pregnant. I may just not say anything. I think they'll all understand.

@KittyKatSmile I totally get, like everyone else, that we may not be hearing from you tomorrow. I really pray that you get the news that you’ve so been longing for. In my head I feel like I’m not going to find the tww that torturous - I could obvs be wrong though. I like the idea of no longer having any control. I feel like when you’re going through ivf you’ve literally done every single thing you can to make it happen and that for some of it, it just comes down to luck.

People are bring up things I’ve been thinking about too. I’m conscious that everyone is going to expect me to update them daily and I’m not sure I’m comfortable with that now, but I’ve bloody told that many people because I needed the support.

@zest11 I teach English and a little bit of history. I’m absolutely terrified about tomorrow - my stomach is in absolute knots and I keep wondering what the hell I’ve got myself into. What was your experience like? My goal is small for tomorrow - I just don’t want to die 😂 😂.

@Welshpugmomma yay, your embaby is in you :). I’m so happy it all went well and I’m in awe that you got a picture.

@aliciawhiskers well I’ve just not done it yet - I just don’t feel like I’m doing a very good job of it. Where are you up to in your journey? I feel like I’ve missed out your story ☹️. I’m sorry.

I have to say that I’ve been looking forward to injection free day for sooooooo long and it’s been the worst day yet.

@Cauliflower82 I think you'll probably hear from me, as I appear unable to stop sticking my bloody oar in; I just may not share. But I probably will. I'm feeling pretty upbeat. If this isn't the right time, then I'll try again.

Please please try not to be too nervous about tomorrow. It's really absolutely fine. I am very confident you're not going to die tomorrow. That means that there is a lot of upside for you. I'm keeping everything crossed for you. Including my legs. Don't want to do that silly First Morning Urine. Or even the second one really.

@AliciaWhiskers echo what @Zest11 says. You may or may not know that I don't like to talk numbers (I'm actually an accountant; have I ever shared that fun fact before?!) but mine were not high but ended up being resilient little bastards and high quality. So it's not all about numbers. Unless I'm at work.

Love to you all
Keith x

@KittyKatSmile I am so glad, everything is meant in jest :) You sound like you are really into fitness! Do you get a nice sense of satisfaction when you up your weights? I definitely do and I definitely feel smug sometimes!! Dance Cardio sounds hard...sounds like that needs a lot of co-ordination! Are you all caught up on Love Island now? If so (potentialLoveIslandspoileralertbuttryingtobevagueandnotruinit! what are your thoughts on the Danny/Yewande/Arabella issue and the reaction to it?

@Cauliflower82 you will be absolutely fine, I promise! Yesterday night was a low day for me too but as the embryologist said...one day at a time. Try and tell yourself over and over again something like "I have a great number of follicles and have a brilliant clinic who have given me a really personalised approach. I have made it to EC day and that is great." I am forcing myself to keep thinking in my head "The clinic are happy and think my egg numbers are good" Regarding the procedure it was absolutely fine. I was given paracetamol and ibuprofen at about 10am today. I was wheeled off at 11am (Day Surgery - not good for my anxiety where I worked out it was 37.5 hours since ovidrel...Dr Google subsequently said that was fine!) and we went through consent. Then I got injected with a sedative (for anxiety) and felt drowsy. Then I got the GA injection and I could feel my speech to start to slur so I stopped talking as I didn't want to sound like a drunk (sorry Keith)! Then I just remember feeling really tired and drowsy and then vaguely waking up and feeling very sick (GA side effect so won't impact you). Then I was wheeled back to the ward. Whilst I was coming round the consultant spoke to my husband about eggs retrieved. About 15 minutes later (bearing in mind I had been coming round in theatre for about 20mins) the embryologist came round to discuss my egg retrieval and husband's sperm. She also gave us and explained some flowcharts for criteria for day 2/3/5/6 transfers and took my phone number and said they would call tomorrow morning. Once I had some toast and squash I was ready to go and we went out for lunch! I did feel very sick on the hour long car journey home but that's a side effect of the GA which you will get to avoid. I'm a bit sore down there now but not to the extent I need paracetamol or anything. Sorry if that's a bit rambly, hope it's helpful for you. And #almosttwinsagain I'm a history teacher! (Though not the 80 year old woman wearing a long pleated skirt kind!)

Regarding the chat about keeping people updated. You girls are so amazing and supportive and it's sooo good that we all understand if any of us suddenly stop commenting. You girls are the only ones that know what my husband and I are doing right now apart from my husband and 1 person at work who is legitimising my absenxe!

@KittyKatSmile either way I’m glad you’ll be sticking around :). Haha, yes, my goals are pretty small. Like you, I’m not that big on numbers regarding this game - I just don’t trust them. It’s all about quality.

Right peeps, so tomorrow, did you guys shave, wax, trim, go au natural? It’s suddenly just occurred to me now. 😂 😂
Am I lowering the tone?

@Zest11 thank you for that :). Never too much rambling or description here, I just love to hear it all. Bless you - you’ve had such a big day. I’m praying that tomorrow morning is a happy hopeful time for you.

Imagine if some sad old man actually was sat here contributing!

@KittyKatSmile fingers crossed for you whether you share or not. I feel odd that my mum knows from so early on!

@Cauliflower82 You will not die! I've done two and woke up both times! Before you know it it will all be done. I totally get why you said a few posts back that you need a break. I had to freeze all due to genetic testing and in that time I enjoyed a holiday etc.

Well the embryo is in! I was so nervous and worried I have made the wrong decision! We had to wait for it to finish thawing and then it didn't survive the thaw so had to wait for a second one to thaw which was fine. The actual procedure was fine. Not as bad as I expected at all. And we got a picture too. It's been a long day though. Left the house at 6 and now sat nav expects us home at 8.40pm 😫then back to work tomorrow. They told me I can continue to do whatever I normally would exercise wise, just nothing too strenuous.

@Cauliflower82 Just hope it gives you some reassurance. And no lowering the tone...for me, all shaved but they really won't care! My SiL actually told me that when she was going into labour she got her husband to do it for her as she couldn't bend down!

Yes @Ginandtonic31 yes!! So excited for you. Bloody hell that thawing must have been nerve wracking. Well done you.

And same @Cauliflower82 I've had it done twice and I've never died yet. I was quite waxed but that was unrelated. I think the doctor liked it, that's probably why he was flirting with me and telling me how pretty Cutie was.

@Zest11 I almost cried over your post. Mainly because you got flow charts and I had to MAKE MY OWN! All I wanted was a bloody day by day flow chart. But actually having that really got me through it and in the end I just went with what they said and recommended. It's so stressful for us but they do this so many times a day. My embryologist is the loveliest person ever and every day when she called said 'it's good news; I just have to take you through the security questions' (don't know what she would have said if it had been bad news?!) Oh! Yesterday I met a friend for lunch with her 5 month old baby who came from the SAME EMBRYOLOGIST. That felt like a good sign. He was super cute as well.

Love Island. Hm. I feel quite bad for Danny. He was proper grafting her and she was giving nothing back and even told him she felt something was missing. Only to completely change her tune when someone else came in. The funny clicking thing she did to stop him talking was weird. And did you know that Arabella does maternity modelling for ASOS?!

@Ginandtonic31 yippee!! SO proud of you for doing it girl. Now it's all in fate's hands!!

@KittyKatSmile oh no, I am so sorry, that is the last thing I wanted! I just posted in the hope of giving some reassurance to others because it really was smooth. That is impressive that you managed to draw your own flowcharts though, there are so many variables! And that is just a damn bloody sign about your friend and the embryologist. What you said about egg quantity, quality and your experience really is just what I need to hear. I think it will get me through tonight :) :)

May I ask a potentially sensitive question (and if it's too much I will delete this post if you like)? Regarding your previous miscarriages (you said they were not IVF)...were you given special medication or special treatment during this cycle based on that history? I only ask because I did have 1 natural pregnancy lost between 4-5 weeks so a cp (in nearly 2 years of relentless shagging!!) But didn't tell the clinic as it all cleared up without any issues and I knew it would affect funding. I am just thinking of what to do differently if this one doesn't work (fingers crossed that won't happen though!)

Congratulations on the ec and et today.

@Welshpugmomma I'm the same clinic! They are so lovely that is is worth the drive, although my scans/appointments have all been in their Bristol clinic.

@Cauliflower82 Good luck tomorrow, but you will be absolutely fine. I did shave my legs but forgot about anything else until I got there and decided it was too late!!

@BellaD85 I can't help with the symptoms but hopefully they are positive. I am not getting those from the progesterone, but I am so tired and nauseated in the mornings which is great. Would think they were good signs, but are probably just the stupid progesterone.

I'm making it through the tww as best I can. I went back to work Monday and it has been a hectic week, so it is passing. I do just want to test though. I may test anyway, even though I know it will be BFN as it is too early (I'm only 4dt5dt today) just to get it out of my system and then go back to waiting.

Lovely @Zest11. No problem at all on the angel babies. I've got high natural killer cells so my body kills the embryos. This was discovered when I was pregnant with #3 by which time it was too late to save that one. I then got put on some hardcore steroids which I took religiously from ovulation onwards but didn't get pregnant for six months (the previous 3 pregnancies were all within 5 months) and I got horrendous side effects when coming off them (every month) so I stopped, got pregnant, took the drugs from positive test, lost it at 7 weeks and the doctor told me it was my fault (nice. A particularly low point and the point at which I found Mumsnet). I am now on the same drugs as well as intralipids (high fat mayonnaise they inject in your arm!) but I sort of mind less this time round because the whole thing is so much more, kind of, formal.

Hope that wasn't too rambling. Feel free to ask anything else you'd like to know.

You'll get through tonight. And the next one. We've got this x