Dec/ Jan IVF support

[Chooklass]

Hi all,

I can't see a thread for Dec/ Jan yet - maybe because a lot of clinics shut over the holidays - but mine doesn't! Anyone else out there starting in December and want to support each other? This will be my first round so I'm pretty nervous! X

I didn't even have a blood test today, just a scan! I don't get it at all...she said it was a really good response but I don't feel like it is. I know shes the expert but when you read forums and people have like 30 follicles it makes my 7 good ones seem low?! I said to OH I wanted to keep to the same dose tonight and do the lower one tomorrow but he said absolutely not haha. When are you next in @LottSE20 ? How much lower are your others? I didn't even take a note of mine, I wish I had

@41trying similar to what @BambiOnIce80 said, it would always be preferable for a day 5 because a day 3 HAS to become a day 5 if it’s going to grow to a baby so if they look good & not fragmented in the lab & u have a decent number they would always prefer to grow on to be able to see how many cells are inside & therefore pick the Ones with the best chances.

However, if, like us, we only had 2 embryos & we HAD to go straight to freeze then they advised freezing at day 3 because at the end of the day it was always going to do better “in its natural environment than in a lab”.

So usually most clinics would always prefer to grow them into day 5 to transfer, but ours can also do day 4 & our son was a day 3 transfer. Our second EC they grew into day 5 (& left one to day 6 which then failed) so we are going to thaw day 5s first as they are “further along” & in theory more likely to implant.

@Meganlouise1988 30 follicles is dangerously high btw, you don’t want that. One lady from our old thread here a few years ago had 24 eggs & was in hospital for 3 weeks, her transfer was cancelled she was really ill. She did however then go onto have a daughter from that EC & now lives in Canada, but honestly, 7 is a good number & they have to be a certain size (not too big also) so I’d take the lead of your clinic....your body is responding well!

@Meganlouise1988 I didn’t write it down but I’m pretty sure she’s said I have one that’s 19, four that are about 9-12 and three that are around 6 or less than 6. So only eight total and one will likely be abandoned (I wish I’d asked what that means, I guess rupture early?). So it sound like you are similar to me. They adjusted my dose based on bloods too so I wouldn’t worry about that.
I agree it sounds low, but she also told me they have had 10 eggs resulting in 2 embryos, and 4 eggs resulting in 4 embryos so I’m trying to stay positive

Thanks @Minster2012 . I’m finding it all really hard today, had quite a positive few days but back at work today and feel tired, and anxious for the general anaesthetic on Friday too. I have found it so helpful having this group though, so thank you everyone for your advice xx

I got told nothing but protected intercourse from starting DR. But DH still has to produce regularly. And then the same as someone else said, between 2-5 days before egg collection. Isn't is weird how we have all had so much different advice!?

@LottSE20 that’s not low! I had 4 (well, 5, like you they said I had one MASSIVE one we nicknamed big Eggbert that they also said they would have to abandon) and it turned out to be empty so don’t focus on that one focus on your others that are doing REALLY well.

@meganlouise86 it is really hard, keep going, and keep talking to us, I’m really good mates to couple of ur ladies from our old thread still that’s why I joined again. & the other day I had a shit day was so down. However I guys have inspired me to cut down on the caffeine & keep fit & healthy to get my womb fluffy!!

We all support each other

surprised to see people talking about protected or not protected intercourse during the DR, can't believe you have any sex energy left after trying for a baby haha. For us after trying for a baby for over 2 years when sex was regimental and rarely fun we are now taking a well deserved break haha

I got confused ladies... is the number of follicles the same as the number of eggs they will collect? How are they connected? I remember they explained it to us, but my memory is as crap as my science knowledge...

@notReginaPhalange I didn't have unprotected on DR but guilty on first day on stims when I had my scan to say everything was down regulated dreading Friday scan
I have to work 12 hour shift in hospital after and if its bad news and non growing I am going to be devasted

@Meganlouise1988 that is strange they have altered your dose without explaining it to you? Maybe give them a ring tomorrow and I am sure they will tell you why, they must have their reasons.
My dose has almost been doubled, I just hope being on too lower dose to start hasn't messed anything up already.
I am with you on the anxiety, I was feeling so zen about it all but now I have gone into worry overdrive with it all.
Have you had General Aesthetic before? I have had it twice last year and honestly it is not as scary as it seems, although I totally get the worry. xx

Ladies that have had scans today, do you mind me asking age.
I am 42 but 21 in my head and I had 6 folicols, I had hoped for more as AFC was 11

@FlapJackered I called and the nurse said it was because I was responding well and they didn’t want it to go too far. I’m just confused as I thought I had a relatively low number but maybe I’m just overthinking and being greedy...the main thing is quality isn’t it. I don’t know why I’m so obsessed with the number of eggs! They upped my dose too around a similar time to you, think it’s quite normal as they like to take it slow. When I was about 4 but I don’t remember it! I think before you could kind of relax in between scans as there was a longer time to wait but now it’s like a scan every other day and then operation so there’s no rest from it! Xxx

@Meganlouise1988 Yes definitely all about quality not quantity. I went to the Fertility show in london and watched a seminar basically on quality vs quantity and showed that more often than not people with loads of eggs end up with a similar number of usable embryos as those who are maybe on lower stim meds and have less eggs.
It is a lot to deal with isn't it, loads of scans and then the EC and ET! The GA is just like a good sleep really, a bit groggy afterwards which isn't loads of fun, but I think the anticipation is worse than the actual event.

Arguing with OH tonight 😢 first ever scan for DR in the morning.
We love each other dearly but always the night before an appointment (without fail) we seem to have a big falling out 😞 pressure/worry/tension maybe? It's hard cos we need to be supportive of each other especially at these times! I think the stress just gets to us both a bit 😔 I'm in the bath now trying to de-stress and he's taken himself off for a walk 🙄 We don't ever tend to argue much in general! but infertility is a testing time for sure lol

@BaileyBadger4 we are the same
I would want to do this with any else but my husband will try to make me feel better by saying 'wait and see' 'stop overthinking' 'stop assuming your not a Dr' I know this is true but it drives me mad then I get snappy because we are both stressed. He is worried I am going to be upset so trys to say the right thing which annoys me.
Don't worry it's not just you and it would not be normal not to feel tension its really stressful and your average couple does not have go through this.

@BaileyBadger4 sorry to hear that - it’s no surprise in a way though, it’s incredibly testing for both of you and so much pressure. I find taking the dog out always helps me calm down when I want to argue. Take some time to yourself, relax and look after yourself and remember what your relationship was like before all this because that’s the real you! X

Wouldn't

@Meganlouise1988 I agree with that.. I'm off to take the dogs a walk now. It is stressful. Also seems unfair when other people just happen to be pregnant but if can get through it together then that's pretty special.. Even few arguments on the way

@notReginaPhalange not necessarily the case the same number of follicles the same eggs... it’s often the size that plays a large part as that indicates the stage /maturity and occasionally the follicles can be empty, so I urge @Meganlouise1988 and @flapjackered to try not to analyse the dosages too much & the numbers & just go with it because the clinic will be taking the best course to get the most out of your body at each stage tailored after each scan, they know their stuff! I know it’s so hard and we are born to over analyse everything but focus on those ones you ARE growing, not the ones you AREN’T as those could ALL be potential babies 🥰

@Kellyprt1 it’s so therapeutic isn’t it! I could feel myself about to start a fight so I took the dog out and now much calmer. Omg I know 😪 one of my best friends is around 4 months and constantly putting scan photos into our group chat and I find it so difficult. I want to be happy for her but find it so insensitive as she knows what we’re going through. Yes totally, can imagine it can change your relationship completely but for the better. @Minster2012 I’ll try, feel calmer this eve! X

Hi everyone I hope you all had a good day?
@Meganlouise1988 oh no don’t feel disappointed 7 is a good number and don’t forget like they say quality is what matters.
I had my scan today lining was good according to the nurse 8.8mm, only 3 good size follicle and 21 less than 10mm. I don’t know if I should be disappointed or not 🙃. I am only on day 4 of stims and on a very low dose due to risk of OHSS, I had blood test done aswell to check Oestradiol, progesterone etc and if it’s not normal I was told I will get a call to reduce or up my meds, but no call so I guess results can’t back good.
@41trying we are kind of on the same page .

Lots of progress today ladies. I’m on day 4 of stims but not really feeling any different at all, scan on weds for me. Had a bit of a sicky feeling the other night but that’s about all - everyone else feelings much? I mean you think you’d be glad to not have side effects but then you just question if it’s working, you can’t win!

We were told to wear protection but like you @notReginaPhalange it’s the last thing on my mind🤣 I’m on a ban

@Kellyprt1 fingers crossed I believe you will be fine. I am working a 12 hour shift after my scan on Friday too, I go straight to work after scans. All we can do right now is stay positive.
@BaileyBadger4 you are not alone, infertility is so so stressful and consuming, after having my cetrotide last night as I was on night shift, I was so upset from the pain and all. I picked up the phone and started lashing out on my husband saying I am going through all of this all because of him😅, I called back later to apologise. He said he understands what I am going through abd I should take it easy. I felt so bad for my actions.

Hi everyone! Blimey - this thread has got busy! Hard to keep up! 😃 Glad to see so much progress though and I'm learning loads from all your posts. AF just starting for me after 20 days on microcynon. Scan on Thurs and hopefully starting stims if lining thin enough. I've had a UTI for the last week though so I'm worrying they might make me wait until that's cleared? I hope not! I'd be gutted after all this waiting already 😭