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 🍀🙂

Excellent to hear that your plan is in place and you're ready to go @MGee123 🙂 It is strange to be looking forward to AF turning up, isn't it?! I'm exactly the same! 😂

I hope everything was quiet on your down reg scan @TheGlitterFairy? 🤞

I didn't think I was getting that many side effects from the prostap jab, but I've had a few zits pop up (first time in forever!) and I've found that as soon as my head hits the pillow, even though I'm usually fast asleep within minutes, my brain kicks into overdrive and I start chatting away to DP instead of sleeping... he's not exactly loving this side effect! 😬 I also had a mini-meltdown at work yesterday 😣 The r number where I am is probably about 1.5 & I have to use public transport to get to work, so I'd convinced myself that I'll get covid and our cycle will be cancelled and it'll be all my fault! 🤯 I didn't have any intention of telling my boss about this cycle (I was actively avoiding it at all costs), but ended up freaking out to her about it all (in tears, nonetheless 🙄🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️). She's been lovely (she knew about my MMC earlier in the year) and told me that I don't need to be worrying about it because I'll be working from home until the cycle is over at least... I'm so relieved and grateful 😪

... Has anyone else been sent this crazy by buserelin?! Or is it just me? 😬

@MGee123 you’re so lucky you’re getting injection lessons! We were sent some videos and kind of just expected to get on with it. If you learn any good hints and tips please do share!

Hi @BambiOnIce80 - good news in that all was quiet on the (second!) baseline scan 3 weeks after the prostap! Had to wait all day to hear back on some bloods to confirm but consultant called and we're able to move to the next stage - estradiol tablets. 2 in the morning / evening for a week then 3 in the morning/ evening the following week. Next appt/ scan is a week today to check on the thickness of the lining.

Very relieved to be at part 2 of the process! Sorry to hear you've had some side effects from the prostap. I also had some spots appear from nowhere and didn't sleep well the last couple of weeks.....felt as though I was half awake/ half asleep all night. Was very odd. Poor you with the mini meltdown too - so pleased that your boss was lovely about it all though and that you're able to wfh for the duration. That's great news and one less thing to think about.

I had a hot flush the first night after that too and a couple since then which were a bit strange! I guess all the side effects mean that it's doing something for you! When's your baseline scan?

@BonTon - I had an endometrial scratch ahead of the FET we tried a while ago and then when I had surgery over the summer (hysteroscopy) this acted as one then too. Dr reckons it can help to "prepare the area" before the transfer; we'll have the embryo glue this time also. Literally, it's anything and everything at this stage!!

Can I ask - how did you do the ass injections?? Did you or a partner do them? Any tips gratefully received!!

@MF1981- re the injections - I found that if you have the hole of the needle facing up (bevel up), then the sharp point will be the first point of contact which should make it easier to administer. Pinching an inch of skin on your stomach to get the needle in can help, then releasing that before you plunge. Then alternate the sides you're injecting into each day too.

@MGee123 great news on your appt yesterday and that all is in place!

Wishing everyone well over the weekend with our respective waits!!

Hello. Can I join please? I'm due to start the short protocol...as soon as my period turns up. Very nervous.

Oooh, excellent news that you're all down-reged up @TheGlitterFairy! 🤩 And starting oestrogen pills! 💊 I bet your relieved? A week until the next scan isn't much of a wait at all either 🙂 Mine are in my bedside table, ready to go but it'll be another week-ish before I start them. I've been told to take 3 pills every morning (6mg total) for 2 weeks and then it should be the scan (won't be given a date until AF rocks up though). I must admit I felt an awful lot lighter leaving work tonight and knowing that I can isolate myself now. Quite weird to think that next time I'm back there I'll either be pregnant or I won't 🔮

Hi there @EasterBunny7 👋 Try not to be nervous 💐 In my experience it gets easier once you get going - I hope it does for you too 🤞 When is AF due?x

Great news @MGee123... I know what you mean about the period thing. Seems bonkers given all of our end goals but I Was exactly the same when mine turned up after a reasonable 35 days this month! 😂

@BambiOnIce80 I’ve never had prostap, what is it? This process is so tough, it’s worth having a cry now and again I think... good for the soul. Nice to hear your manager was so supportive as well.

Thanks @TheGlitterFairy. Hopefully it does the trick 🤞🏻🤞🏻 On the ass injections, My husband did them as I wouldn’t have been able to get the angle 😂. the needles are a lot longer than the needles i used for stimulation as it needs to go into the muscle so I got some numbing cream - it’s called EMLA cream 5%. No idea if it worked or not but I couldn’t feel much of the needle. The tip the nurse gave me was to put the same foot of the buttock you are injecting on a chair so you can’t tense the muscle.

Welcome @EasterBunny7 x

@BambiOnIce80 and @BonTon

Thank you, both.

.... still waiting on Aunt Flo. Have a feeling it'll be a longer cycle, now that I want it to come along

@TheGlitterFairy I just realised it’s not the foot, it’s the knee! Sorry

Prostap is a mega dose of buserelin @BonTon, so it's putting me into temporary menopause and making my ovaries quiet down (hopefully!). They apparently do it if you have regular periods to stop your body from producing hormones that might interfere with the oestrogen/progesterone that they're giving us, so they can basically take greater control over our cycle. I am slightly dreading what state I'll be in when the real menopause comes around, given the preview isn't going so well! 🤦🏻‍♀️ Hope everything is progressing at your end?x

It's always the way @EasterBunny7! I'm sure mine will be longer after the prostap injection too 😏 Keeping my fingers crossed for you that she turns up soon 🤞

Thanks @BambiOnIce80!! Yes, very relieved after an additional week to be able to get on with the oestrogen pills! 🙌🙌 8mg a day at the moment rising to 12mg on Thursday.
It sounds as though you’re on a slightly different protocol to me with taking them soon, then a scan to follow. Amazing there are so many variations! How’re the side effects from the prostap today? Hope you’re not feeling too bad. 🤞
Great news you’re feeling better on the work situation too. I’m wfh certainly until next year so am also being careful in terms of contact with the outside world too - crazy times were in!

@BonTon thanks for the tips on the ass injections!! Will get some of the numbing cream and remember knee not foot 🦶!! Here’s hoping DH will be able to overcome his needle fear if he has to be in the driving seat for these ones 🙈😩🤞 am something of a control freak and have done all myself so far so will have to find a way to relinquish!!!

Hello @EasterBunny7 👋

Will certainly share any tips @MF1981 👍 I'm quite relieved as I had been a bit worried about doing them, although I have self administered a course for something else before and remember it being okay!

Welcome @EasterBunny7 - hope AF turns up soon for you 🤞

We've come down to Cornwall for a few days to switch off from life and work. Well timed with hopefully starting meds next weekend. Although I am keeping very far away from everyone for fear of Covid-19 ruining our cycle 😂

Not too bad today, thanks @TheGlitterFairy 😊 How are you doing? Just disrupted sleep at the moment, of which the novelty is wearing off quickly! I love my sleep! 😴 Good luck with the ass injections 💉🍑🍀 I would definitely struggle with letting DP do them for me - not because I don't trust him, but because I'm a complete and utter control freak! 😬

Oooh, a lovely mini-break before you start sounds very relaxing @MGee123 🙂 I've not been down there for years (and it's not too hopeful for a good while longer with how things are going! 😏). Enjoy.x

Im off to get my flu jab this morning, but I've of course started worrying whether I should or not, given we're starting a cycle - could it do any harm?! 🤷🏻‍♀️ I think I'll mention it to the person giving the jab and endure them looking at me like I'm mental, which I probably am! 🤦🏻‍♀️I wouldn't normally bother getting it, but with the stats saying there's a 50% chance of death (let alone your cycle being cancelled! 😂) if you get covid and flu at the same time then I'm definitely making an exception this year! 🦠

Hi everyone! Hoping my next FET will be starting mid-November 🤞

Our fresh cycle was a BFN and our first FET ended in a miscarriage at 7 weeks. It's been crappy, but we are feeling positive about the next FET! We have switched to a new clinic and are hoping to go with a natural cycle. Reason being that my own hormones are fine, but over the past 2 cycles my body hasn't absorbed the Cyclogest so my progesterone levels were close to zero! So, we're now feeling a bit more positive and hopefully that was the only "issue" 🤞🤞

Good luck to everyone!

Just read the whole thread too! Sounds like everyone has been on a real journey I am always so amazed at the resillismve of us IVF-ers.

Also, re the ass injections, I would advise looking on YouTube for a video. There are quite a few helpful ones. Important thing is to get it in the top outside corner of the buttcheek - this hurts less too! I was doing the thigh ones myself but had to get my husband to do these ones because of the angles plus not looking definitely made it hurt less! They are really not that bad! For us unfortunately we were just given them way too late 😥

Welcome @PineappleC 👋😊 sorry to hear about your difficult road so far but 🤞 for you this cycle is the one 👍

@BambiOnIce80 I checked with my consultant and the flu jab is fine 👍 (as is a cervical smear if anyone is interested as mine is due!). Hope you get some more sleep soon - we have 2 dogs who unsurprisingly don't understand the concept of clocks going back so we've been awake since 4.30 😴 (5.30 is usual wake up time for work!). Hopefully a good nights sleep all round tonight!

@BambiOnIce80 ah I see. Sorry to hear the side effects are not much fun. I’m just waiting to start down reg next Friday so nothing much to report.

@MGee123, have a lovely time in Cornwall. Hopefully it’ll be a relaxing break before stims although 4.30 wake up doesn’t sound ideal!

Hello @PineappleC, hope it’s third time lucky for you and sorry it’s been a long journey to get here. My progesterone was also low on the day of my first transfer (40 when the clinic like it to be over 100) so I’m hoping a change in the drugs will also help 🤞🏻 Xx

Welcome @PineappleC 👋 So sorry to hear that you've had a rubbish time of it too 💐 That's interesting that your body didn't absorb the cyclogest... think I'll be asking mine if they check progesterone levels before ET now!

Thanks for sharing the flu jab info @MGee123 - that's a relief! 😪 It was such an efficient set up yesterday that I was in and out in less than 5 minutes (including filling a form out!), so no chance to ask questions. I figured my immune system should have settled down before 4ish weeks time, but it's good to know your doc says it's fine.x

4 sleeps to go for you then @BonTon! 🤩 I can't believe how time is going so fast and slow all at once! 🤷🏻‍♀️

I'm on AF watch this week, which will undoubtedly mean she'll be MIA! 🙄 My temperature didn't drop this morning, so that's today ruled out... it's shaping up to be a loooooong week 😏

@BambiOnIce80 I’m ok thanks - feeling a bit tied but have more energy than the last couple of weeks. Just on a count down to Friday to see how this lining is doing! I read that vit E is good for building it, so have been eating sunflower seeds along with the supplements I’m on. How’re you feeling? Has the insomnia settled down at all? Hope you don’t have too many side effects. Any sign of AF?
Think I’m building the ass injections up in my head and need to keep calm about them!! More nervous about DH having to do them than the actual injection 😂 I may see if it’s physically possible to do them myself! 🍑💉

@BonTon seems we’re both on a count down to Friday. Not too long to go.

@MGee123 enjoy your break away! Great idea!

Hello @PineappleC 👋 sorry you’ve had a horrible time of it. Thanks for the injection advice - good to know it’s not horrendous but sorry it was too late for you on your last treatment cycle. Is there an option for you to have utrogestan instead of cyclogest when you get to it? Not sure about absorption but certainly less messy and with an applicator, but easier to use.

Sounds like there's a good few of us on a countdown to Friday @TheGlitterFairy - I'm hoping AF will arrive by then 🤞 My temp dropped by 0.17°C this morning (science geek - can't help myself! 🤓), so heading in the right direction 🌡️ Might show up tomorrow, but we'll see. I'm sure you'll conquer the ass injections 🍑 💉 💪 Do they start on Friday? The insomnia has mercifully buggered off, thanks 😴 The only disruption I have to my sleep now is a cat that is disgruntled that getting up time has been pushed back by 2 hours due to me WFH 😾 He sits in the en suite sink, meowing at me to get up and get on with our morning routine 🤦🏻‍♀️ I haven't thought about supplements for lining, etc... I've started on the 0% Heineken - does that count?! 🍻😬 I am taking advantage of the WFH to keep up with running though - I snuck a 5k in yesterday lunchtime so I could avoid running in the dark 🏃‍♀️ I'm sure I read somewhere that exercise is good for blood flow to the womb 🤔

Friday is the magic day @BambiOnIce80! I hope AF arrives for you by then and you can get going! Think if it helps to take your temp then why not!
Thanks re the ass injections! I'm actually so terrified of them that the consultant offered for me to go into the clinic each day for them if I needed to!! Though that's clearly ridiculous and I won't be doing that, though did appreciate the offer! No idea why these ones are getting to me. I've had so many others over the year and for all of the rounds we've had, had 3 each morning plus double triggers and all sorts so I'm obvs being ridiculous about them.

No, not on Friday - I think perhaps next week on the run up to the transfer. Think they need to be 4-7 days before hand? Then consultant wants me to do them while we wait for the pg test along with the utrogestan and then if/ when we get a positive, I can switch to the Lubion progesterone injections which are sub cutaneous (plus utrogestan) and all a bit easier to administer then would have these plus the estrodial tablets until week 12. All seems quite overwhelming so trying to just go a step at a time!!

Really pleased to hear the insomnia has gone - a relief I'm sure. Ha! Cats do like to rule the roost don't they!! Mine was sat on me this morning wanting me to get up and feed her! She's into the wfh routine now/ getting fed later as we've been at home since March. She also hated having her space invaded by us though is used to it now and comes and sits in my office with me each afternoon!

Good with with the 0% heineken! I've been partaking in that also. Not the same as a large glass of red! But hey! I was wondering about the running aspect while doing all of this. Haven't been out this week though may get one in tomorrow morning. Yoga later I think and yes, I read also that exercise is meant to be good for blood flow to the womb. I did a couch to 5k earlier in lockdown in preparation for this round - and to get out of the house - so having gone through the pain of it, be good to keep it up, until the transfer at least!!!

I’m with you on the big glass of red, @TheGlitterFairy. At least we’re saved from
sober Christmas parties this year!

@BonTon very true!! Some relief there at least!!

So glad to be excused from sober Christmas parties this year 😂 I've been off alcohol and caffeine for over 12 months now - running out of excuses!

I run a lot (4-5 times per week) so have also been wondering about exercising during this process. I assume until ET it can't cause any harm (can't think of any logical reason why it would!), but have read in a few places you are supposed to ease off for a week or so post transfer. But have also read the same stuff you reference re it being good for uterus lining! 🤷‍♀️ who knows! Another question for my poor consultant I think 😂

My mum is convinced yoga would solve our fertility issues 🙄 I've started telling her I'm doing it several times a week just to keep her quiet. Can't honestly say I enjoy it that much so think I will just stick with running.

We had such a lovely few days away. Home now and feeling a lot better!

I don't think I have to do any bum injections 😂 the nurse just said into fatty areas. They sound a bit uncomfy so well done to everyone getting through them! My drugs arrive tomorrow - I'm quite intrigued! And baseline scan Thurs. then AF at the weekend hopefully!

@MGee123 ...12 months! You’re a hero! I did 2 months before egg collection, had a couple after egg collection as we did a freeze all then another month off until the bfn first transfer. I started the sobriety again for this transfer 10 days or so ago and I really have to make a concerted effort!!

On running, I run every other day usually and my consultant said it was fine until transfer. However my fertility acupuncturist said she tells everyone not to, so I might tone it down a bit once I get into the transfer month. It’s so annoying that anything remotely enjoyable has to be forfeited!

Separately I’ve just had an appointment for nhs ivf through at the end of November. By that point we will have had two transfers (one egg collection) and are entitled to two rounds on the nhs. In case our second transfer also fails, does anyone know if both transfers would reduce my nhs entitlement to zero or if only full rounds are deducted (egg collection plus transfer)? Thanks!

Ahhhh, OK I get it @TheGlitterFairy 💡 When I start utrogestan (when lining thick enough/5 days pre ET) you'll be having the ass injections as well? 🍑 💉 👍 That's very kind of the clinic to offer to do them for you, but I'm sure yourself and your OH will be fine once you get going 💪 I hear you on the 0% Heineken being a poor substitute for a lovely red! 🍷🚫😭 I tried the 'dealcoholised' sangre de toro's when I was pregnant, but they're really nowhere near as good as their alcoholic brethren 😏 Beer it will have to be, for now (and a well stocked wine fridge/gin shelf if it's a BFN!).

I was down regging last Christmas season @BonTon - I could really have done with the covid smoke screen last year! 😂 I'd imagine it'd be very CCG/ health board driven (depending where you live) when it comes to the NHS rounds. We self funded our fresh cycle, but our NHS funding has now come around. I'm 40 now, so I'd be entitled to one fresh cycle where I live. The clinic have confirmed that instead of the fresh cycle we can have all of our 5 frosties transferred on the NHS (if we need to transfer all 5!). You might be able to find out the rules where you are if you Google it. I hope it's good news for you 🍀

Interesting that a fair few of us are runners. I hadn't run for about 6 months until I was off work after the MMC, but I dragged myself out and got on it again 💪 Managed a new distance PB of a half marathon, which I never dreamed I'd be able to do (I always subscribed to the ethos that there was no point running unless you were being chased 😬). With the nights drawing in I'm going to try and keep doing 5k every other day up to ET (then I'm being a lazy fecker for the TWW! 😁). Only thing I'd say @MGee123 is that my clinic advised me not to do anything strenuous whilst stimming (not even house work! I didn't need telling twice! 😂). They'd apparently had cases of women twisting and/or rupturing their ovaries from strenuous activity because our ovaries are more swollen from the treatment and more prone to giving us problems. I'd get your runs in before stims and then give yourself a well deserved break 😊