November IVF/FET

[BambiOnIce80]

... Too soon?! 😁😉

Been waiting on a FET since we were put on July's list and I've heard from our clinic this week that I've to call them when AF rocks up in October for a November FET. We had our fresh cycle in January, had a BFP, but found there was no heartbeat at the 11 week scan in March (MMC) - it's been a bit of a roller-coaster so far this year (as if covid craziness wasn't enough!).

Found having a thread to go through it all with a massive emotional support, so looking for some MN buddies to do it all again with. Good luck ladies and looking forward to 'meeting' you 🍀🙂

Thank you @SpyroC and @Gardenlady543 🙏 I'm cheering for all the embryos too! I am struggling with the idea of not running, j have to be honest. It's my life routine and I haven't gone 9 days without for many years! Hey ho, all for a good cause or something to look forward to depending on the outcome! I am going to take it easy, no point risking it.

I'm definitely more emotional on the pessaries too @Gardenlady543 and the early wake ups are persisting. My skin has also gone to shit and I'm constipated 🙈😂 what joys! I'm sorry you've had a rubbish day. This is all so up and down isn't it. I'm finding I feel quite distracted most of the time and am struggling to concentrate. Part progesterone part emotions I suspect!

@Geep my word your embryo battled through! I think it's a fighter 👍🤞 I've definitely read several times they can go back a bit and then forwards in terms of development, I wouldn't worry (easier said than done!) If it was good enough to go back in it's got a chance! This is our first cycle. 6 eggs, 5 fertilised, 1 went back in yesterday which wasn't quite a blast but showing good signs (unable to grade as not a full blast). Nothing else spare so we'll be on to another full cycle in the new year if this doesn't work out. We had kind of prepared ourselves to need more than 1 round so whilst I will be disappointed if it doesn't work, I will enjoy a good Christmas and then get back on the wagon for a round in Jan/Feb!

@geep I suspect blasts are super complicated. If it’s viable and able to be implanted then it sounds like it’s got a good chance!

My transfer is on Thursday, so I hope I don’t! It was mostly pain in the ovary region that I had, so hopefully I’ll be ok with the transfer.

We have a gunk club going on in here, for those on pessaries, that at least meant I was prewarned. I work from home luckily, so I’m just doing multiple pant changes during the day! The gel sounds like a good option!

@SpyroC oh that’s good to know, I’ll put that on my list for the embryologist, they’re supposed to call first thing on Thursday.

@MGee123 ah the skin!! Yes I have that, I have a rash across my cheeks, my DH said it makes me look healthy!! But it’s awful!! It’s hard planning on a potential next cycle at this time of year I think, we will either have the best Xmas present ever or have to wait for 2021 and then go again and 2021 seems to far away.

@MGee123 that's good to hear youve read that embryos can go back and fwd. The embryologist said it wasn't normal which panicked me. But on day 5 they said they grade a - d and mine was a b, so good quality. Like you, ive tried to accept that this will take a few rounds. Weve paid upfront for 2 full rounds but had hoped to get a few frozen to give us extra goes. The clinic has already said if we have to do another cycle they will likely give me stims for longer and more monitoring to try and prevent getting so many immature eggs. But trying to stay postive for this round. And if it doesnt work i hoping focusing on christmas will ease the blow (i have a 4yr old so that will keep my mind busy)

@Gardenlady543 i found the transfer ok. Slight discomfort initially but ok once things are in place and no pain or discomfort after. Think i got lucky with having the gel - just hope its working as it should be.

I also am working from home - think its made getting to appointments alot easier - easier to come and go at home than it would be in the office.

Hello all!
So I am much better today and it’s all because I have symptoms lol. Smack in the face it’s hit me. First boobs are painful as hell and blown up in size, cramps have started up, sleeplessness and a lot of anxiety later I am feeling more different. Now whilst I am readying myself that this is all progesterone, I am holding onto a glimmer of hope. Annoyingly my OTD falls on a Saturday in which my clinic is closed so I may call them and ask them if I can test on Friday instead lol! My meds run out next Monday anyway so I need to place an order IF I am pregnant for more progersterone /estrogen.
@ivfjourney5 how are you doing now? I’m trying to catch up but I don’t think your yet PUPO?! My clinic never let my DH in for the ET which pissed me off, but they did let him wait with me at EC. Perhaps because they needed his sample! So lucky ladies you are all of your partners attended! As for the cold, stay away from decongestants- try Vix and plenty of lemon water and honey. I find natural remedies better anyway! Get well soon!

@MGee123 congrats on being PUPO! I’m sorry to hear about your other two but you have the best one and that’s the whole point of the round - to get your chance! It only takes one! Welcome to the TWW. It’s bloody horrible! 😭
@BambiOnIce80 when is your Transfer date?! Sorry if I missed it or if your PUPO?! Definitely not long now!
@SpyroC @TheGlitterFairy how you lovely ladies doing? Any scans booked in yet?!

@ geep welcome! It’s a great crowd and good luck 🤞 being PUPO - I have my fingers crossed.
@Gardenlady543 have you considered PGS?

Sorry if I missed anyone. Works been crazy and had a job interview toppled with being stir crazy in the TWW my anxiety went through the roof! 😱

@ChicaXS I asked about PGS but my specialist said it wasn’t needed, she said at my age (35) the risk of abnormal genetics is 30% while at age 40 it’s 70%, so is advised for older ladies but not needed for me, I was considering it but was swayed away. Come to think of it, I’ve been swayed away from a lot during treatment!

Re: partners in the clinic, my clinic is really strict, DH hasn’t been allowed to anything, I am ok with that, but if I do end up pregnant I would really want him at the 6 week scan. They are even so strict, I was sedated with a mask on and the mask remained over my nose and mouth during the procedure while I was unconscious, which I find quite shocking.

@Gardenlady543 that’s so odd about the mask. Like WTF? That’s not mindful of your well-being. What clinic are you with?

I totally disagree with them regarding PGS. I am 37 and this time last year at 36 I got pregnant with my first child. Unfortunately at 14 weeks I had to have a TFMR as the baby had chromosomal issues. It was the most devastating time of my life. This is why I opted for PGS since I don’t ever want to go through that again. Now whilst mine is still personal, a lot of women that opt for PGS is due to egg quality issues regardless of age. It gives you the best chance of having a live birth and at 35 you have a great chance with the right protocol to have normal embryos. My clinic actually recommends PGS from the age of 35 but they never pushed this with me I just requested this which they were supportive since I want the embryo tested to know the baby is healthy. It’s expensive but was worth the price. There are women on this board that are sceptical of PGS but most clinics now are leaning towards it. In the US it’s a standard test as part of FET. Considering your history I would really look into it x

@ChicaXS I think I was just so keen to get the EC done as I was in pain that I just accepted having a mask over my face while I was sedated, but had I vomited or something it could have been disasterous, my friend is having IVF elsewhere and they do a Covid test before procedures So the ladies don’t need to wear masks, mine doesn’t do anything like that.

I’m so sorry to hear about your experience, that must have been devastating. This is my first time with IVF so I’m being led by the clinic. But it’s becoming more and more clear that clinics are really variable in what they advise!

@Gardenlady543
Sorry to disagree but as a healthcare worker I see no issue with keeping a mask on while sedated. I do sympathise with you though as it is daunting and unknown to a lot of people.
However, you are in such close proximity with a lot of staff and they would be monitoring you in all ways regardless of mask or no mask.
Would hope they'd have explained that to you though to put you a little more at ease.

I do hope you made your feelings known afterwards though so they can change their practise and perhaps inform other patients beforehand.

You seem to be having such a stressful time, I hope you are doing okay x

@ChicaXS interesting to read about PGS, I didn't know any of that.

@unknownscot I’m a doctor and I’ve worked in critical care. I have no issues with wearing a mask and have been happy to keep a mask on at all times throughout my treatment, but I find it worrying when it comes to airway management when we’re talking about patients with a GCS of 3/15 during a procedure.

I now work protecting HCW amongst others, hazards (including biological hazard), risks and control measures are my bread and butter. PPE is the lowest form of protection in the hierarchy of control and if a clinic feels that a patient wearing a fabric mask is the most appropriate control measure then they clearly don’t understand much about risk management. And you are quite right I should probably speak to the clinic about their risk assessment and enquire as to who is advising them on their control measures.

@Gardenlady543 @ChicaXS for my second round I was put to sleep in my mask and came back to in my mask which I found odd. This time I asked the anaesthetist and he said they take it off and put an oxygen mask on and then put the mask back on afterwards. Mystery solved! It's weird as I have no recollection of an oxygen mask for round 1 or 2 but this time I was still awake and remember moving it myself 🤷🏻‍♀️.

@MGee123 I used to work out 4 x a week before I hurt my back followed by ivf. I remember I felt really down at first and my gp said it was my body missing it's regular dose of endorphins! So I feel your pain. It's worth it though!

@ChicaXS ooo that's sounding good 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 for implantation! I don't get how clinics can close on weekends, like embryos have weekends off or something! How was the job interview? It's good to keep busy I think. My scan is at 6+6 on the 7th 🙏🏻🤞🏻. I'm also sorry to hear of your previous loss, that sounds truly heartbreaking My last bfp was ectopic but thankfully I was suspicious from day 1 so although it was awful I was expecting it. Still it was incredibly difficult to deal with. You are one strong lady. Xx

@SpyroC that sounds like a better compromise. The nurse told me that my mask would be on throughout and they’ll put an oxygen mask over the top of it if needed, In emergency situations getting to the airway quickly is so important, so I just found it worrying! I understand the importance of not infecting a whole theatre of staff, especially with the number of ladies that have procedures every day, but there are other safer control measures.

Oh dear being awake, that sounds awful! The first thing I said to the anaesthetist was knock me out as much as you can, he told me he couldn’t guarantee it as he started injecting, we then had a discussion of the drugs he was going to give me, but I fell asleep halfway through the explanation!!

Wow it's been a busy day!

It seems most clinics are still allowing partners for ET🤞🏼 I'm hoping and praying DH can come in for transfer, he's driving 6 hours to get home for it 😂 I hope he doesn't have to just sit in the car

@BambiOnIce80 yeyyyyy for PUPO!! 🎉🎉🎉

@MGee123 I'm sorry you didn't get any to freeze but 🤞🏼🤞🏼 for the embryo on board

@ChicaXS nice to hear from you, I hope you've been holding out okay and that the interview went well! I'm glad you're feeling better today! I'm sure a BFP would show the day before OTD 🤞🏼 Still not PUPO yet 😂 but transfer is booked for a week today, 1st Dec!

@Gardenlady543 I didn't know that about PGS so thank you, I've been very loosely thinking about it for my Frosties to find out which are most viable, but it seems it might not be might value for me as I'm 27. When I had EC I had my face mask on until about 2 seconds before sedation when they swapped it for an oxygen mask. I think they should have told you beforehand that you would have it on the whole time just so you knew

@SpyroC it must be nice to have the scan booked in so you've got a date to focus on!

@Gardenlady543 just read your latest post - Id definitely speak to them regarding oxygen mask over your mask. That seems extremely odd.

I had a fluid resistant mask on for my EC but same as @SpyroC it was removed and then put back on again.

I'm sorry if my post came across defensive just wanted to put my point across. But each to their own opinion.

X

@MF1981 oh not your comment didn't seem insensitive at all! I just remember that at the time I would have been gutted if they'd done a freeze all whereas in retrospect I feel differently. Sorry to hear that your other embies didn't make it but congrats on being PUPO and 🤞🤞 this one sticks 😊

@gardenlady543 I agree with others that you seem to have been through a really hard time with this. I think it's unfair of the clinic to give out %s when they really can't know, and I also don't agree that PGS testing isnt relevant for those under 35. Surely chromosomal disorders are one of the main reasons any embryo fails (even in non-IVF settings), not just those over 40. However, the HFEA website does show PGS testing as no real evidence it works, and there is a risk of some "normal" embryos being discounted, so we decided against it anyway. Re putting 1 or 2 back, we were given the option so I don't think its a Covid thing. However, saying this from very painful experience, I would try to focus on giving this one embryo every chance you can and try (very hard I know!) to put frustrations with the clinic aside until afterwards. I know it's easier said than done, but we had similar frustrations with a different issue, and I know I then wasn't in the most relaxed state. I really hope this one works out for you xx

Re the mask thing, yup that seems odd! I had a hysteroscopy under general anaesthetic last month and only had to put a mask on when I was being wheeled back to my room. (I lucked out here - it was a private hospital funded by the NHS 🤷‍♀️ and was frigging awesome - I got my own room and decent food, like a hotel! Am now spoilt for any future hospital stays!)

Thanks @PineappleC the specialist had advised me to avoid stress, but then pulled this hidden policy (which has never been mentioned before and isn’t on the website) out of the woodwork and therefore told me the plan is changing, two days before the ET. So I’m finding it really hard, I don’t understand why this wasn’t mentioned before, they would have put this policy in place when I was in the first couple of days of my suppression and when I spoke with the specialist who did my EC and he didn’t mention the policy.

It just feels a bit like I’ve been shaken up and then the same person that shook me, tells me to stay calm. I don’t know anything about the blasts yet, but if there’s a viable one that is not freezable and I’m told it’s going to be destroyed, I’ll be heartbroken.

All I can do is try and get myself in the right frame of mind for the ET tomorrow but the progesterone has my emotions all over the place. I’m just going to have to try and block everything out, because nothing is going to be resolved within the next day and nothing I do will change the course of action now.

@Gardenlady543
Is there anything that really calms and relaxes you? Perhaps a bath with candles and the calm app on? Sudoku? Colouring in?

I know it can be hard but you want to be in the best frame of mind tonight going into tomorrow.

I hope you have a much better day today.

@PineappleC think you mixed me up with someone else?!

@unknownscot unfortunately my main form of relaxation... my layzspa hot tub with aromatherapy oils in the diffuser, is a no go. The clinic told me definitely no hot water and most aromatherapy oils are not recommended in pregnancy so it’s not worth the risk. I’m off work this week as the EC date was predicted to fall this week, but was then brought forward to last Saturday. I signed up for another masters degree In September thinking it would be a good distraction from IVF so just going to work on my assignments, seems to have been working so far! Also finding that aimlessly scrolling through tik tok is managing to take up a lot of time!!

There seems to be a good number of us on here who are healthcare/NHS workers - we should open a clinic! 😂 No one gets infertility like people who've been through it themselves, so I'm sure we'd be awesome at it! 😂 Embryology is a branch of my profession - I could totally retrain 🥚🎈🤣

I've found it extremely difficult not to question absolutely everything that my clinic do @Gardenlady543 and I'm not a medic, so I can't imagine how hard it's been for been for you on your journey. My clinic have been very accommodating about my eleventy billion questions and I respect them all the more for it. Sounds like yours is being a bit defensive of it's policies? I hope it's a case of high feelings from a stressful situation and epic levels of hormones and you can relax a bit in time for ET tomorrow. Good luck 🍀

The next 8 days will indeed be long @MGee123 , but we'll get through them together 😘 I'm trying to stay away from googling 'transfer outcomes of blasyocycyts that have not fully re-expanded'! 🙈 Trying to go with a che sera sera approach instead 🔮 I'm feeling pretty chilled so far, I must say... on 1dp5dt! 🤪

Never too late to welcome one more into the fold @Geep 👋 We have the same OTD! 🙂 You, @MGee123 and I can try and keep each other sane 🤪 Sorry to hear that you've had a stressful round so far 💐 Let's hope the only way is up for all of us 🤞

Thank you @SpyroC 💖 I'm trying to forget about it for now and not drive myself nuts obsessing. It definitely sounds like you need to get some weight on you! I'm wracking my brains trying to think of high calorie foods/recipes that are dairy and gluten free... I'll come back to you 🤔

Hurrah for symptoms @ChicaXS! 🥳 How did the job interview go? 🍀 You are a warrior for getting through that and the TWW at the same time! 💪 You're also clearly a warrior for what you've already been through - I'm so sorry about your TFMR 😔 I've got PGS in the back of my mind, depending on how things play out. My clinic is NHS, so not going to be a straightforward process if we do decide to go for it - I might have to pick your brain in the future.x

I hope your DP doesn't have to sit in the car either after that kind of journey @ivfjourney5! Mine hasn't been allowed into any appointments (including ET yesterday - it was the car park for him 😏), but he'd be allowed in if we get a BFP and as far as the viability scan. We're in agreement that if he was only allowed in for one thing, then that would definitely be it 🤞

Right, I'm all caught up! Think I need to log in more with everything that's going on! We're off for a walk now and will hopefully have a spot of lunch somewhere along the way 😋 I've not been anywhere near people for over a month and now ET is out of the way, I think we need a socially distanced treat 😉

I'm just heading for my last Accupuncture session. Probably just home after and chill so best wishes & biggest luck to everyone else who is ET tomorrow

We've got this! 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼

X

@unknownscot are you having an ET tomorrow as well? Are you expecting an embryo update in the morning? Good luck for it if so. I was told about fertilization and then told to await the next update on the day of ET, so have my fingers crossed that they’ve been growing nicely in the embryoscope incubator!

Is anyone else having an ET tomorrow? You can be our OTD buddies (hope I got that abbreviation right, I’m still googling most of the acronyms- PUPO was the most confusing one!!).