October IVF

[Dinky06]

Hi ladies, I’ve been through all of my fertility screening tests etc and am due to start my first and hopefully only round of IVF (positive vibes ) soon. I’m looking to share my hopes, experiences and tips and provide support to anyone else expecting to start a cycle soon. The more the merrier!

AF made no appearance at all after stopping oestrogen over 10 days ago, so now I'm on norethistertone to induce it! Here's to starting again 🤞🏼

@Roo45 Welcome and good luck!

@lucyinthe ive been wary about everything being cancelled again with covid. I've read that a few people have spoken to their clinics who seem to assure them that they have plans in place and they shouldn't need to close. It's always hard when there's yet another announcement from friends/family, I do seem to take some optimism from an IVF announcement though. You do have a lot going on around you, do they know you're having treatment and are they sensitive towards you?

@MF1981 great that you could the package sorted out!

I finished my last Norethisterone tablet today and had a scan at the clinic, all looks good to go so hopefully I should start my period in the next few days and then start injections on the second full day of bleeding.

The injections don't look as bad as I thought, I was worried about mixing them all up wrong but you only mix once at the beginning and then draw from that pot each day...hopefully we can't go too wrong!

I asked what would happen if Covid-19 restrictions got tighter or if we went into lockdown. They seemed quite positive that even if we went into lockdown midway through treatment they would continue with treatment until egg transfer. They said the worse case scenario would be if the entire embryology team were sick or unable to get to work (which is highly unlikely) and even if that were to happen they could request staff from another hospital they work with. So, overall we're feeling a bit better about it all. Not sure if that helps anyone wondering about their own treatment, I guess its different for each clinic and what point you are but they seemed quite reassuring so keeping everything crossed for us all on here!!

I just got all my drugs delivered, so feels very real now. I sometimes find that when I'm nervous or excited about something it makes my period really late, so I'm hoping that's not the case next week!!

@granddesigns I think mine looking more like Oct in November. Long protocol is so, well long.

@lucyinthe it seems we are surrounded doesnt it! I felt better once I started stims last time. DR alone was the worst but side effects wise.

I asked my clinic today about lockdown too. They said they have no information but that they were hopeful they wouldn't be affected. Hopefully, the gov will sort things out and stop it from getting as bad as before! I have a scan on Friday just to check on things before I start to DR.

@SpyroC long protocol is so frustrating!

@ivfjourney5 yes everyone is trying their best to be sensitive but sometimes what they perceive as nice things to say is still upsetting/annoying.

I think I'm going to take a break from social media as so many pregnancy pics and announcements at the mo, not just from people I know but celebs too. Can't get away from it!

3 weeks to go till our transfer. The last few weeks drag so much, can't even get out and do anything exciting because I'm scared il catch covid and won't be allowed in the clinic!

Hi all
I’ve just received my medication to start my first cycle (short protocol). We get one cycle on the NHS but assume we’ll have to look at the Access packages if we need more.

AF is due towards the end of this week so hopefully will be able to get started soon. DP has said he will do my injections but I’d like to think i could pluck up the courage to do them myself!

I’m 33 but my AMH levels are below the 25th centile for my age and I’ve got a low antral follicle count so I’m trying to be realistic but at the same time hopeful about the chance of success.

I’m quite glad about today’s work from home announcement as our clinic says we have to isolate from day 9 until after egg transfer. I have booked some annual leave but this will help if I’ve got my timings wrong or AF is late.

Good luck to everyone. It seems so strange after over 3 years TTC that there is now some chance of success on the horizon and that we are able to take some action. We’d given up all hope of it happening naturally.

This is really useful - thank you. I’m due to start in October (injections around the first week). I felt totally overwhelmed when the nurse took us through all the medication/injections if I’m honest, but it’s nice to know I’m not alone. I’m going through IVF with IMSI due to poor sperm DNA fragmentation and to manage my immune system with steroids (I have high killer cells) - have had lots of MCs naturally so this is route is a new one - praying it works! Also really didn’t want to start if there was a chance it’d be cancelled.

I have so many questions still. I’m having to do this privately as my other half has a daughter who is 15 so we don’t quality on the NhS. It’s extortionate especially as we are also having embryo testing (if we get enough embryos that survive that is). I’ve seen some people using Access - is it worth doing? Also the meds are pricey - does it make a difference as to where you get your prescription from? Any advice would be much appreciated. And fingers crossed for you all xxx

Good luck @Lightningrain!

@Lindyloolou good luck to you too! Access don’t cover embryo testing so you’d still have to pay on top for that.

@Lightningrain I have low AMH and afc too. It's good you can work from home.

@Lindyloolou prices do vary by supplier. My clinic use Stork and say they are happy that their prices are competitive and that they are reliable but to be honest I've never checked. On occasions where I've had to pick up extra prescriptions I've used Asda as they have a no profit promise on fertility drugs however, it doesn't mean that their suppliers are the cheapest IYSWIM. Access is a tricky choice. It doesn't include drugs but usually includes extras your clinic might charge extra for but then you might not want them anyway. We didn't use them last time and as that cycle failed (ectopic) we would have been better off going with one of their packages but if it had worked we wouldn't. Our first cycle was nhs, I think it depends It depends on your chances too. Without any bhs funding at all I think I would consider access as in average it takes 3 goes i think.

Morning ladies! So good to see our little community growing.

@Lindyloolou I took quotes from Asda, Pharmasure and Stork and Stork came out the cheapest but there wasn't much in it if I was honest. My full prescription for the cycle cost just £1,800. I'm with Access with treatment by CRGH. I'm hoping I won't need all three cycles but we worked out it was cheaper to do three with them than pay per cycle as we go in case we needed three. I'm hoping I don't see that refund money back! Which seems an odd thing to say.

@Tara8 I'm on my last day of Norethisterone today and then have been scheduled for a scan on the 29th at which I'll then be told my specific drug regime. It just all doesn't feel real.

@MF1981 so glad you got approved :)

Stay well all and stay positive. We're in it together xxx

Thank you @MF1981and @SpyroC! Good luck to you too!

I just want to get started now after a long time TTC and then having to wait until the end of lockdown for all of my tests to get done. I’d probably have started in May if my HSG hadn’t been delayed.

I’m a little bit worried about side effects. Hoping any bloating isn’t bad enough that I have to go and buy new work clothes for the odd times I might need to go to the office. I have put on some weight over lockdown so they’re already tighter than I’d like! I’m trying to resist temptation but I think I eat more when I’m stressed and the fridge is in easy reach when working from home. I am trying to eat more fruit and veg but I’m useless at drinking enough water so definitely need to concentrate on that. I find that I’m constantly at the loo as soon as I up my water intake which puts me off as soon as I need to head out somewhere!

I assume my dose of meriofert is quite high given my low AMH/AFC so I’m really hoping the side effects aren’t too bad. The doctor said I’m not at risk of OHSS when he was explaining possible side effects so he must think I’ll be a poor responder.

I’ve already mentally prepared myself for needing multiple cycles so I’m trying to be pragmatic about it all.

@Lightningrain I hear you on the water drinking front! I'm the same, it's so tedious to drink lots and then pee lots. Am trying my best though.

I'm on Meriofert too and will need to take it with Fostimon. Do you know what dosage your on? My AMH is only "reasonably good" not sure what the exact result is but it didn't fill me with hugely positive vibes when they explained it.

@Dinky06 I think from memory mine is 300IU. I’ve got that on it’s own for I think 6 days and then also need to have fyremadel for a few days before I go for a scan on day 9.

AF is due tomorrow according to my tracker app but I’ve got a feeling I’ll be late this month as it’s always the case when I’m wanting it to be on time!

I’m actually rubbish at remembering to drink water as I don’t really seem to get thirsty unless it’s hot weather or I’ve been exercising. I often pour myself a glass and realise it’s still sat at the side of me a couple of hours later. I envy people who can easily get through 2 litres a day without thinking about it.

Thanks everyone for the tips. Ordered my meds today. AF is due around 5th October so a waiting game until then I guess. Really hope it works out for everyone on here. Lovely to know I’m not alone on this journey too. X

@Lightningrain I have always been on the max dose of 450iu due to low AMH. The side effects were minimal both times. I actually responded better than they expect both times and grow about 12 follicles. Trouble is about half of them have been empty both times. Are you on long protocol? I find the down reg worse than the stimming personally. The stims improve things in my case which I think is common.

On the water front I'm usually pretty good however, I r noticed that wearing a visor all day has slowed my in take.

@SpyroC no, I’m on short protocol. It’s strange how the clinics seem to do things differently. The consultant didn’t really explain why short protocol but I half expected long based on what I’d read about low AMH. He did say age is on my side as I’m under 35.

I guess this is really a trial run for them to see how I respond. That sounds quite positive that you managed 12 follicles despite low AMH. Fingers crossed this time for you.

And yes, I can see how the visor would be an issue. It must be a pain to wear one all day. Reading this has just reminded me to drink the nearly full glass of water that’s been next to me for over an hour!

To join the water conversation, I drink at least 2 litres, most days probably 3, buttt I never used to drink much at all years ago. I got myself a trustable water bottle with a straw type thing, and I found I'd drink loads with it without even realising (it might be that I'm too lazy to actually pick up a glass 🤣) I don't need to tip the water bottle up to drink, just slurp the straw. Did me wonders with my intake

Reusable not trustable 🙄

@ivfjourney5 I must admit I was better in the office where I had a Chilly’s bottle on my desk. I like the idea of those big 2 litre bottles but I can’t drink room temperature water so they’d be no good for me.

Make sure your reusable water bottle is BPA free

I feel inspired to drink two litres today now!

Took my last Norethisterone yesterday so now waiting for AF to arrive and see if I'm on track for my scan on the 29th...

@Lightningrain and @SpyroC I'm going to be on 150 iU of Meriofert combined with 150 iU of Fostimon. Funny how clinics approach things so differently. IVF really is a mystery!

I called the hospital to confirm I would be starting injections on Saturday as they requested, so that’s it now just a waiting game until 9pm Sat.

Currently on the sofa with a hot water bottle dealing with AF cramps I will be on 150iu Meriofert and after 4 days I add in Fyremadel, not sure how much as the syringe is pre filled. My dose is very low, I’m really hoping that I still respond despite the low dose. Keeping one eye on the news still also!

@ThePurpleFairy how exciting! Although enjoy the last day of no injections tomorrow! I was on meriofert and fyremadel for my EC. It's a bit of a faff mixing the meriofert but it's easy enough so you'll be fine 😊

So as expected my AF is late!

My tracker predicted Thursday but I’ve only just started with mild cramping and spotting today. I’m hoping it will arrive before late afternoon tomorrow so I can get started on the Meriofert tomorrow evening.

For those that have had previous cycles, how long after the day 9 scan has your egg collection been? I assume it varies for everyone depending on the progress of the eggs.