Tamoxifen

[ChicaXS]

Hi all

I am about to venture into IVF in the next 2-3 months but want to try one final push at natural conception with ovulation induction. My clinic were happy to do so and prescribed me 40mg of tamoxifen to trial for one month. It’s not clomid (I wonder if this was due to my PCOS) but cannot find any stories on Mumsnet of anyone taking it? Any success stories first time round? I just wonder if it’s worth proceeding but I’d rather exhaust as much natural options before IVF.

Cheers

@Tecalina that’s great news about your midwife. How did you pick one with cbt? I would love to do the same if I fall pregnant!

I live in London so we’re loving towards the south west in the outskirts of London. I will miss the hustle and bustle but it’s time to get some fresh air!!!

I did an ovulation test today and it’s getting darker so you may be right, I might have a juicy follicle tomorrow. Am looking forward to it now :)
Are you from London too!? Xx

Btw - mental healthcare down here I have no idea but it is London and I’m sure there are some fantastic counselling. We was referred one by create if we needed it and I was also looking at some other independent ones online xxx

@ChicaXS So sorry for the late reply, nausea kicked in fully yesterday and I spent most of the day in bed! (Much like this afternoon!). Firstly, how did the scan go???

I don't get to specifically pick a midwife with cbt training but on my referral form I ticked the 'suffered with mental health issues' box and my best mate (who's a GP) said they're likely to assigned one who's trained in it!

We're currently living in Watford, but I'm from Wandsworth. We're actually moving to south west London either end of this year or beginning of next year! Xx

@Tecalina how are you doing? Welcome to pregnancy nausea! So sorry! 😐 it sucks but you’ll get used it in no time. I hope you don’t have it severe and I hope you like ginger ale - it was the only thing that helped me! Hope you’re feeling much better today!

My scan was a waste of time as predicted lol! They basically said ‘oh yes it’s still very early’ so now I have another scan on Tuesday which they think will be a better time to predict ovitrelle but even I think that’s optimistic. I was actually thinking of pushing the scan forward a few days but will monitor but OPKs on Monday then will call create. Kind of kicking myself I never told the doctor at the time I still think it’s early but I figured she had her reasons?!! Oh well lol.
Are you looking forward to your scan soon? I’m so excited for ya, it’s coming up soon!

That’s crazy your from Wandsworth - my husband before we moved in together loved there. We were looking to buy in Wandsworth but no luck. So now we’re moving to Surbiton which I absolutely love!
How do you find Watford? I was never a fan lol but it’s still nice! Xx

@ChicaXS I'm in a constant state of nausea and hunger at the moment, yet anything I think of eating makes me feel ill. Catch 22 right there!

I'm sorry your scan was a waste of time, but at least you can get a good idea of the speed you're body's working at! Although you probably told them your cycle is usually really long, but maybe Tamoxifen will change it, so they got you in early the check? Did they see any follicles? They must have if they're asking you to come in so soon after the first scan!

I am really nervous about my scan, but also excited! My mum wants me to video call her during it so she can see the screen too 😂 I've also noticed melasma on my arm, which just makes me look like I haven't washed for weeks!

Ah, where abouts in Wandsworth did he live?? I love the area so much and wish I could live there but we just can't afford it, so we're moving to Morden instead. Not too far from Surbiton! I wasn't a fan of Watford when I first moved, but it's grown on me! It is everything we need and it's easy to get to Wandsworth (M25) and up to Leeds (M1) where my partner's from. We're only moving because we'll need to be closer to my parents, but I'm glad we are 🙂 x

@Tecalina how are you doing today! Awww don’t be nervous - be excited - it’ll be so lovely. I hope create will let you film or FaceTime, some clinics are super funny due to security and protocol! Is your hubby joining you?

@my scan I did have follicles - 4 small ones and one large one - so hoping the larger one grows by tomorrow but annoyingly my OPKs have been still low surge. I have a feeling I gotta go in for another scan as I still think tomorrow is early but I will push back in terms of cost as I can’t keep affording these scans as there’s no cost control. Let’s see! When did they tell you to trigger with ovitrelle?

He and well we coz I was always there lol lived by Wandsworth town station, right by the front road and off east hill! Loved it. I love Clapham and it’s such a family centric area. Quality of the flats and homes are really nice there too. Are you looking to buy a house in Morden? We were actually looking at Morden too but Surbiton really called out to us as it’s close to Hampton court and just felt so fresh and green for London! Are your parents in Wandsworth then? That’s still close to Morden! Xx

@ChicaXS I am in a bit of a grump today! Went for my scan, only to be told my appointment is down for tomorrow. I can 100% guarantee it was booked in for today because Antony works from home on Wednesdays so it's the only day he could attend with me. So now I'm going alone tomorrow. I've written a formal complaint because that's ridiculous service!

That's great news about your follicles! It is always worrying there won't be any! I went in for my scan on day 11 and was told to inject myself that afternoon, so I ovulated on day 13. I think you're right to push back on the basis of cost, they're really expensive! I've decided, should everything be ok tomorrow, I'm going to go for a 10 week scan at a clinic near me. It'll just be a reassurance scan for peace of mind, so I don't need the best of the best!

Ooh I like the bit by Wandsworth Town, very fancy! We were hoping to buy my parents but to let in Morden, but it looks like the market is dead (for one bedroom flats anyway!) so I'll probably have to rent out my flat and then rent the Morden house from my folks until I can buy it! But it all depends on my 12 week scan, then we'll decide fully. I like Surbiton! Have you scouted out the area yet? Will it be easy for you and your husband to commute to work?

Hey @Tecalina! I was thinking about you today as I thought you had your scan, but don’t worry it will be another day of excitement to look forward too! How frustrating with create, I find their admin and organisation very lacklustre so not a surprise. It’s just sad that Anthony cannot make it tomorrow for his first scan! Demand pics!

I went in for my second scan yesterday and lo and behold, of course it’s still too early. They predict ovulation on Sunday and wouldn’t give me ovitrelle unless I came for another scan so I’m changing it this month with OPKs. I have booked in a scan on Tuesday and if I don’t get a surge by Sunday I will go in and ask for ovitrelle. I just really wanted ovitrelle as it’s guaranteed to make me ovulate as I believe last month I have an anovolutory cycle! Let’s see. I’m going out with my close friend tomorrow and letting my hair down, it’s been too stress with fertility for the last 3 months so want a break (then get back to being sensible and BDing on the weekend lol!

That’s so amazing you can buy off your parents! So lucky as it’s a house! We’re currently in a 1 bed and honestly but we bought a 2 bed flat and it’s perfect to start a family. A house is always preferable but we all have to start somewhere as house prices are ludicrous. Sunak however have us both a present today- no stamp duty for any property under 500k! We’re so lucky we didn’t exchange as we saved ourselves 5k! That’s going in the ivf and furniture pot! 🤣
I’m pushing to move in September anyway now as I want to kick off ivf first before stressing out over a move. In two minds at the moment (sssahhh the sellers don’t know!) 😆

Yes we’re moving to the SW as my hubby works in Hampshire - I’m a true Londoner so Surbiton is just as much as could move out. Couldn’t go any further otherwise I’d have a fit! I’ll have to travel into city of London though haha!

@Tecalina how are you doing lovely? How was your scan? Xx

@ChicaXS I am so sorry I haven't replied sooner. We have been in Cornwall since Friday and we both decided to switch our phones off for the weekend, which was absolute bliss to be honest!

How frustrating for you, having to go in for a third scan. Did you have an LH surge at the weekend? If not they should definitely give you the Ovitrelle! And how was your night out? I completely agree you needed to let your hair down, we all do sometimes! I allowed myself a small glass of wine last night and nurses it for an hour 😂 How was your night out? Where did you go??

The stamp duty change would be absolutely amazing, providing I manage to sell my flat before March! I'm hoping it will encourage an influx of first time buyers if they have to pay less towards their first home!

My scan on Thursday went really well. I have a 9mm blob with a heartbeat of 141bmp. I can tell it's working hard because I've felt absolutely rubbish all holiday 😂 Ah well, it'll be worth it if everything goes ok! I've attempted to attach a photo, hope it's worked!!xx

[Photo removed by MNHQ as it included personal information]

@Tecalina hey girl!
How are you!? Glad you had a restful break, bless you. First 12 weeks will be tough so I am rooting for you, lots of ginger ale and sleep! Enjoy!
I’m having a shit week to be honest, long story short, my DH and I were not able to DTD as much as I would have liked, only twice before ovulation day and we missed ovulation day completely. The pressure is getting to my OH so we had a blazing row. It’s completely frustrating as I’ve invested in this month and something within our control and simple we couldn’t do. Unfortunately it’s deep rooted and i flew off the handle, even thinking of postponing ivf too. Much calmer today but I still have some doubts. Don’t know- I’m in limbo land :(
Aww I cannot see you scan pic! I think Mumsnet removed it due to personal info lol, black out your surname or something haha! I’m so glad it went well and what a healthy bubba!!! So excited for you!

My night out was brilliant though, we really let our hair down! 🤣🤣🤣 we went out to shoreditch but got home before 1am haha. Might book another in a month, really helped my mood lol!
Have you listed your flat yet? Xx

@ChicaXS I'm doing ok - just small waves of nausea today!
Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear you and your DH have fought over this 🙁 Did you take Ovitrelle in the end, or were you told when ovulation day would be? Remember, the day before ovulation also has a very high chance of conception so all is not lost! Please do not postpone the IVF unless you think it will help your mental wellbeing if you do. This is such a stressful time for you both, you're bound to row mote often than usual. If you postpone IVF, will you regret pushing it back and will it further reduce chances of success? If you are really struggling and you think your relationship will suffer greatly by going ahead with treatment then you will need to discuss taking a break. Hopefully this feeling you're having is only temporary, following the argument! 🤞🏻🤞🏻

I have put my flat up for sale and now it's a waiting game. There's not a lot of interest for one bedroom flats though, so I'm not holding out for anything positive!

Scan picture reattached, hopefully they will allow it now!xx

Hi @Tecalina thank you for your reassurance!firstly your little bubba looks too cute, even though it’s so early it just looks amazing! I’m sorry about your bouts of nausea!!! It does suck. Do you have any food cravings at all yet and are you eating anything that remedies the nausea?
Honestly regarding IVF I am still not sure still deciding. We’re over our argument but I’m still in two minds. I just feel like everything is rushed and for a good reason due to my age and I am trying my best to remain composed but honestly this month hasn’t been great. I didn’t take ovitrelle in the end as I cancelled my scan on Tuesday but my body was showing all the signs I ovulated naturally and had a static smiley when my doctor predicted I would ovulate on Sunday. Either way I am a fan of tamoxifen since it did reduce my cycle and I had all the nice tell tell signs of ovulation. I will give it this week to think about IVf, either way it would mean starting in September time frame so I hope I get to be in a better mental state by then.

One bed flats are perfect for first time buyers so as you say - wait it out, I’m sure they will come coming, the market admittedly is just in a really weird turn. We’re still in the solicitor stage and lots of questions have been raised regarding things we were not aware of (ie the leasehold is on a loan and the seller is basically selling a debt!) which we’re trying to negotiate out of. It’s all a mess!

You should have your bookings appt soon right? Have you been discharged from create? Xxx

Hey @ChicaXS I'm currently eating soup and toast as it's all I seem to be able to stomach! I've booked myself in for another reassurance scan (not with Create) for next Saturday, as my Mum is getting way too excited about her first grandchild 🤦🏼‍♀️
I'm so, so sorry to hear you're still having doubts about IVF. I know I couldn't possibly understand, but I have heard it's a very stressful process and one you need to be 100% about. You seem extremely level-headed and rational, so I just know you'll make the right decision for you 🙂 If you decide not to go through with IVF, will you postpone or stop completely?

It's frustrating when you hear about a house's 'quirks' later on down the line, isn't it? My neighbour got through most of the process before finding out there's a tree which could cause the whole hour to tumble 😂 I do hope you manage to negotiate your way out of your situation though! People can be so cheeky!

I have had my initial call with the midwife, which went on for aaaages. I love the fact they had to check Antony and I aren't related though 😂😂 We have also had a tough decision to make, about whether we have the Down's/Edward's/Patau's screening. We've decided we will have it, particularly as the latter two have very low survival rates 🙁 It's so heartbreaking to think about, I'm praying everything is ok!xx

Happy weekend @Tecalina !

I think your doing the right thing with the trisomy screenings! It is difficult but I know you won’t be in the situation I was earlier this year and your baby will be healthy. The screening will ease anxiety because you will always think what if otherwise. When your 10 weeks, you could go for a harmony test which will tell you the chances too before the 12 week scan.

I’m flipping about IVF daily. I still am not which is not a good sign. I am annoyed at create as I did ask for a quote and got no response. The lack of admin once again strikes again! If we do IVF I’m not doing it with create - I was looking into CRGH or Care which seem more accommodating and responsive. Just still not sure when to start as I just need a break from fertility it’s literally doing my head in. I honestly think counselling may help at this stage now as I am at a point where I want to give up.

I’m so glad your having a scan with your mum - that’s so lovely! Awwww! Her first grandchild too! What a lovely treat!
I’m glad your midwife appt went well too! It does take ages lol and it’s hilarious. They ask random and weird questions that are so archaic but on place I’m sure for good reason!

Hope you have a lovely weekend x

@ChicaXS I have thought about the harmony test, but I'll only go down that route if the screening throws up something worrying!

It saddens me to hear you're still struggling with your IVF decision. You should send a complaint to Create. I did, and Catherine got back to me and apologised. You could even mention that fact I had to complain about shoddy admin a couple of weeks again! We were going to use ABC, which is Create's sister company, if we needed to go down that route, but mainly because one of Antony's colleagues used them and said they were good (plus they use a new method called shoebox IVF which reduces overhead costs and therefore client costs). I completely agree you need some time away from it all though, have you considered a little holiday somewhere? Switch off your phones, empty your minds and just relax for a few days?

I have booked my next scan in for next Saturday, at a local clinic. Although I've had terrible all-day nausea and my boobs still ache, I'm not the most reassured person. Silly, I know! We've got a couple of viewings at the flat this week, please keep your fingers crossed for us!!xx

Hey @Tecalina 😊
So I’ve been in a much better place since we last spoke - I did more research and got panicked slightly regarding pushing ivf until the age of 38.... so I enquired to two fertility centres - care and CRGH and really warmed towards Care so far. They responded right away and we have our first consultant appointment tomorrow. It won’t mean we will start treatment (I still want a break!) but I want their opinion about IVF and what cycle we should have compared to what we were offered with create (mild stimulation). So if we agree and like the terms I may push for ivf in October time which will give me and Dan a good couple of months off worrying about trying! I’m looking forward to the consultation (it’s on Skype!)
You know create haven’t responded still to my requests? It’s insane. I basically told them that I am willing to give them money for ivf in short and still they haven’t responded! I work in sales and if that was any of my team I would beckon a campaign to get these guys sacked! 🤪

We do want to go away and everything in the uk seems fully booked. I looked at Lake District, Bournemouth and Eastbourne. One hotel in Eastbourne is open with a spa so going to wait for tomorrow’s consultation to see if we need any appointments in the next month before booking. Ideally I wanna go to Amsterdam but bit nervous with the bloody Covid rules! Honestly I’m confused. Would tourists need to quarantine?! Have no bloody idea 🤣

Awww I have my fingers crossed for you this week on the viewings! Really pray someone will like your place! Did you go on a rampage cleaning and making it look appealing?!?

So sorry about the sore boobs and nausea. Persevere. 8-9 weeks is always the worst! It gets worse before it gets better! But enjoy those naps while you can!!

Xx

@ChicaXS I'm so glad you're feeling better about it all and I think the steps you're taking are very sensible 🙂 Where are Care based? I love the consultation part of it all because you learn so much! I'm fascinated by the science of it all!
It's shocking Create haven't responded! Any news on your period, or is it still too early? My fingers are tightly crossed for you!!

I'm not sure about the rules in the Netherlands. We've got Greece booked for September and thankfully no quarantine is needed. I can't wait to get away properly! I would definitely go for the hotel with the spa though, nothing says relaxation more than a sauna and whirlpool!

The flat is spotless and my agent is due to arrive in ten mins. I hate this part of selling! What news on your move?xx

Evening @Tecalina ! How are you?
How did the viewings go? I really hope they went well and they have asked for second viewings! Our sellers are still taking their time in responding to key information. We haven’t even asked for searches yet as we’re still wanting info on the loan and sharehold from them! Probably going to be at a stage tomorrow where I will be raising my tone with my solicitor to apply more pressure! It’s ridiculous!

How’s your pregnancy coming along? Your approaching week 9 now right? I hope the symptoms subside a bit for you hun!

We had our consultation with Care and it went really well! We’re going to start IVF in September hopefully and we’re pretty much set. The doctor cheered me up by stating I am a really good candidate and that I should have some good eggs produced thanks to my PCOS! She did advise that due to my history I should do PGS testing so we will do this. It only means that I will need to do a frozen transfer around 6 weeks later from egg collection which is fine! I’m actually really excited! I have my first nurse consultation for IVF in two weeks! Nuts :)

Your so lucky your going to Greece! I’m glad that you don’t have to quarantine. I think we will stick to a weekend away in the UK somewhere with everything that’s going on. There’s just nothing I found online that seems appealing though! It’s our 1 year anniversary next week so trying to do something special haha but I’m so lastminutedotcom haha!

My period is on her way, I have the cramps and signs all en route, me being pregnant would be an immaculate conception as we only DTD twice during the ovulation window and not on ovulation day or thereafter. I feel I ovulated a bit later anyway. It’s absolutely fine as I knew this was the case and just glad I got my mood swing out of the way and focused back on IVF. Xxx

Btw - Create STILL has not responded. Crazy haha lol

Hey @ChicaXS! I'm doing ok thanks! The viewing on Wednesday went ok and will hear back from them later today. I have another two viewings tomorrow, so it goes to show that complaining to head office (which I had to do following poor service) really does work! I hate having to chase up solicitors, they seem to work on a completely different timescale to everyone else! Good luck!

The pregnancy is going well (I think, anyway!). Had my first midwife appointment yesterday where they took what felt like all of my blood 😂 Then gave me my medical notes and a pod of leaflets!

I must say, it's so nice to hear you be so positive about ivf now! 😁 It sounds like you've got everything sorted! What is PSG testing? Now you've got a date in mind (Sept) it must feel like a weight has been lifted. Where are Care based?

Ooh when is your one year anniversary? You definitely deserve to have a break away then! I know you're worried about DTD at the correct time but stranger things have happened 🤷🏼‍♀️ Still, you've got September to look forward to!!xx

Hi @Tecalina ! Happy Friday! I tell you it’s been a long week and TGIF! I’m looking forward to the weekend and going out.
Why did you complain to Head office? You estate agents being crap?! Or your solicitors?
Our issue is with their solicitor, she’s extremely lazy and scans every response and cuts off the dialog. Shoddy and unprofessional work! It’s basically delaying our exchange ten fold!
Glad your first midwife appointment went ok! I think that’s the booking appointment so your ten weeks?!? Wow time goes by so fast!!!
Our anniversary is next Wednesday however we actually did our wedding this year in February before the world froze over! (We were very lucky!) but I always think the day you legally get married is the real anniversary.
Care are in London by Baker Street. I haven’t been to their clinic yet but I think I may have to for some initial tests in a couple of weeks!
PGS testing is when they will test our embryos for chromosomal abnormalities before the transfer. I was in two minds but considering my history I honestly think it’s the best thing for us as I don’t want to go through that again. My age will cause eggs to have abnormalities so I’d rather not waste any more time and heartache. There are studies saying that sometimes embryos can be perfectly normal but come out abnormal in the tests but I thing the evidence shines more on the opposite. It’s extremely complicated.
X

Hey @ChicaXS! How was your weekend? Did you go out as planned?
I complained to head office for poor service from my estate agent. They thanked me and sorted themselves out...for now. Only time will tell! You must be so frustrated with the other solicitor, I bet you just want to move now!!

I'm ten weeks this Friday, and going for another reassurance scan on Saturday, when hopefully the baby will be more human and less blob-like! Other than slight nausea in recent days, I just don't feel pregnant once again. Went to the gym today for the first time in months, and surprisingly had energy! I do still flag at around 4pm though...

I think it's definitely a good idea to get the PGS testing, anything that puts your mind at ease is worth it that's why we're going for another early scan. I just need to know that things are going ok!

Hello both,

I've been stalking this post as I have recently been switched onto Tamoxifen for my next round of IUI and there is so little online about it being used for fertility! I hope you don't mind me commenting! I'm waiting for AF to show and then I'll be taking 40mg from cd2-5. It definitely improved my mood seeing a Tamoxifen success on here, so Thankyou! Hope your both doing well with your journeys.

Did any of you experience any side effects from the Tamoxifen? When I was on clomid I turned into such a horrible person (poor hubby) and I would be constantly boiling! It was horrible 🙈. Hoping Tamoxifen will be a little kinder to me.

Just passing through, I have never heard
Of tamoxifen being used for fertility treatment! I had breast cancer and was prescribed tamoxifen as an anti hormone tablet, because my cancer was hormone fed. I went through IVF but in the end managed
To conceive naturally, but was told to be 2
Months clear Of tamoxifen as it can harm baby. I wonder how it helps with fertility? Best of luck to you all x

@Naylor19 Hello! Of course we don't kind you commenting 🙂 the only side effect I had with Tamoxifen was severe bloating...Our partners really do get the best of us during all of this 😂 How are you finding IUI? Did you go straight to it, or was there a step before? We were planning on having IUI over in Greece in September, even found a good clinic as we were sure Tamoxifen wouldn't work. But, success first time, which shocked us completely!