August 2020 IVF - continued

[Lepatz]

Morning ladies!

We hit our 1000 limit on the original thread! That’s 1000 messages of support and advice, celebrating every happy milestone, and being there for uncertainty and bad news too. Thanks @Mseddy for setting up our little cohort :)

Will try to tag the regulars, apologies if I miss anyone. @Custardandcream @nextweek @kikisparks @StayingPositive8 @Bruce2 @CardboardCat @MrsT36 @loulamay @MsNoons17 Argh, my phone is refusing to autocomplete properly - I hope that works.

Wishing everyone heath and happiness - whatever stage of the journey you're on xx

@kikisparks good luck for call today, hope you get all the info you need and fab news on test results! Always good to have some things ticked off as done :)

@loulamay good luck for today! Please let us know if you can how it all went

xxx

Ah, thank you so much! Not heard anything yet and it's 11:30 here so trying not to think about it!!

@kikisparks - great news about the thyroid test. I will be so interested to hear what your clinic say about the miscarriage tests - good plan to have the questions written down! I audio recorded the session with my Dr because I always forget what gets said! I suppose that might be trickier on the phone. Would love to know how you get on.

Hey everyone, I've not been on for a little while sorry. I've just had a quick catch up. Hope the pregnancies are going well.

@loulamay got everything crossed for your embryos!!
@kikisparks good luck with your appointment, i hope you get all the answers you need.

We have a provisional plan to have a FET end of December, short cycle. Only problem is that my embryo transfer date is booked for 23rd December, so if my lining doesn't thicken we will have to abandon our cycle.

@Mseddy - have you had issues with the lining thickness before? Do you mean that because it's close to Christmas that then the clinic will be closed so you wouldn't be able to push the date back? x

Just heard from the clinic. We only got 2 embryos from the 14 eggs. I know lots of people don't get many on each round, but I feel totally despondent - I think I was banking on these younger eggs being super strength or something! So they have biopsied 6 embryos altogether and sent them off for testing, we should hear back in about 10 days. Now I'm worried that none of those will be normal, and actually I had always been hoping to use the younger eggs for a second baby. And now I don't even know if we'll have one, or any. FCK IVF and FCK 2020. Sorry. Emotional outburst. You guys are like a secret diary I write in!

@Mseddy nice to hear from you again. Fingers crossed everything goes well for FET in December

@loulamay please please rant away that's what this thread is for. I'm sorry the numbers weren't what you were hoping. I'm keeping everything crossed that some embryos come back normal for you.
Hopefully use one and freeze some!!
Yes fuck 2020 & IVF - it's been a tough slog but this year in particular even worse!!

So sorry to hear that you’re disappointed @loulamay, but 6 embryos is a good amount, fingers tightly crossed for you that lots of them are normal! It isn’t always helpful for me to hear but it does only take one good one!

My appointment today was really good, DH and I feel a weight off of our shoulders.

The doctor discussed a few things, he basically thinks we could go straight to FET but if we want any tests he’s happy to put us forward for them.

He explained that he thinks it’s really unlikely that karotyping will show anything and if it did they’d just test the embryos and discard any that showed the abnormality but it’s not actually going to increase the chance of pregnancy any more than just using all the embryos will. It takes 6-8 weeks for a result and we’ve decided not to bother with this for now.

He discussed thrombophilia and again said it’s very unlikely that I have lupus anticoagulant but they will test for it if I want. Because I “only” have had 2 miscarriages they wouldn’t actually diagnose me with anything even if the test found something, but they would still medically manage any future pregnancy with heparin and aspirin. The result only takes a week but if it’s positive they have to retest in 12 weeks. Decided to go ahead and test for this because I don’t want to risk losing a healthy embryo if I do have this when there’s a simple treatment.

He also discussed NK cells/ immune issues. He thinks the science is mixed on this and there’s no definite conclusions and he didn’t recommend we test this at this stage. It wouldn’t be tested on the NHS anyway. We’d have to go private. Decided to leave this for now but I’m open to having it tested further down the line if we’re still not successful.

Finally discussed my endo and he doesn’t think it’s clinically what’s causing the issues but there is some science to say that the inflammation caused by endometriosis might affect things and I can try getting a prostap injection for 3 months starting from my next period to basically heavily down regulate me and suppress my endometriosis before doing an FET. It means spending 3 months feeling menopausal but I’m leaning towards trying it as if all goes to plan it should mean doing an FET in January. I’m not sure I can bear doing one before Christmas if it doesn’t work. Will need to decide soon as my period is due at the beginning of next week.

Oh we also discussed polyps and fibroids and although he says it’s possible to affect fertility/ cause miscarriage they’d most likely have been picked up on an Ultrasound and he wouldn’t be willing to recommend a hysteroscopy at this stage. He also said he didn’t think progesterone was the issue but I’ll be on it for 12 weeks if I get pregnant after any of the FETs anyway.

So should get a call tomorrow to set up the blood test in the next week or 2 and give us another consultant appointment in around 4 weeks to discuss the results.

I just feel much better when I have a plan, hanging around waiting really gets to me, so I’m happy with this so far!

More fertility yoga if it helps anyone and you haven’t seen fertilitynetworkuk.org/events/join-fertility-yoga-winter-2020/?fbclid=IwAR2_IhZ-yhryYX4--zx9iMcEwnOJa5JuZJxgdPNdceQM4I_Pq12tdreDCCg

I’ve been really enjoying it, I’m much more relaxed after (I mostly like the lying down bit at the end )

@kikisparks so happy you finally got some answers to your questions, sounds like you had a really good session. Good news on the no polyps and happy that he is willing to add heparin to your protocol for next time. So nice to have that 'weight' lifted!

Having a plan ALWAYS makes me feel 100 times better! Will also check out that yoga session, have been doing little to no exercise and seriously considering joining a gym to get a bit healthier before our next FET.

Heard from the clinic that our two new embryos are 5BB and 4AB so feeling a little better that they are at least good grades.

Is it Friday yet?! It feels like it should be Friday!

@loulamay those are great grades!

I won’t get heparin added in unless the blood test shows I have sticky blood but at least they are doing the test, I’m hoping it rules it out.

Ah I see - that makes sense. Let us know how you get on

@loulamay those are fab grades!! Good work! Xxx

That’s great that you got some answers @kikisparks seems to have been really thorough. Definitely always good to have a plan.

Those are great grades @loulamay! I wish it was Friday!

Great news there’s a date for FET @Mseddy!

So I just got back from my baseline scan and good to start medication when period starts though I am a bit unsure whether to start another round just yet.
I asked to have some more bloods to check thyroid which I had done today and get results tomorrow hopefully.
My thyroid level from my last test in Feb was 3.9 which I was told by the clinic is below the level they look for however have read that it should be below 2.5.
My nurse today said that it changes from clinic to clinic. Has anyone else’s clinic said below 4 is ok? X

Hi ladies

Wow, time flies. Almost the end of Nov… and 2020. We’ll all be glad to see the back of this year!

So I am PUPO again! I had my FET transfer yesterday. We went for a single transfer out of the two that were left (assisted hatching 5BB emby). Happily the preferred one thawed ok, and the embryologist said was expanding again already!

I’ve found the FET to be a completely different ball game. I had a medicated long protocol… but had almost no side effects. Two scans (one baseline, and one to test lining at CD10). Lubion, progynova and cyclones pessaries. And transfer! The worst bit so far has been the muscle pain from the lubion jabs. But the lack of side effects means my work hasn’t been compromised, I could keep running until yesterday, and my state of mind is way better that the fresh round! Oh yeah, and no constipation

@Bruce2 Sorry to hear about your uncle, then a bleed and swelling. Must have been a concerning time. How did it go with your family in Scotland? Did you managed to (literally!) keep it under wraps?! (Also, remind me what part of the world you’re in now??)

@MsNoons17 How did the consult go? I know what you mean about it being a relief to be Ivf free for a bit… but also so good to jump back in! Also, sorry, I don’t know anything about thyroid levels

Oh!! @loulamay - just read about the dog injury - what a drama! How is he recovering? Although, there’s a touch of comedy with the timing of the icsi sample… and the builders ;D

Ahhh… but then I saw your disappointment with only getting 2 out of the 14. I know 2 is better than some get - and also that that is not much of a comfort - esp when you had high hopes from the younger eggs. Keeping everything crossed for good news in the testing though. 6 is really a good number overall, and yay for good quality for the 2 new ones xxx

Congrats on the FET booking @Mseddy! Is this your first FET? (I probably knew the answer to that a few months ago!)

@kikisparks - great to hear that you’re starting to get some answers!! Agree re having a plan, and it sounds like there are a couple of good options. Though 3 months of down reg - bleurgh!

Always good to come on here and catch up with everyone’s news. Hope you’re all well, safe, and happy xxx

@Lepatz good luck! Hope the TWW goes quickly and fingers crossed for a good outcome. Our FET will be with a 5BB too assuming it defrosts ok etc.

I’ve actually decided not to go for the 3 months of down regging after reading about some potential long term side effects and the doctor not thinking it’s likely to make much difference but might do it in future. Have now been for the blood test for thrombophilia/ blood clotting and the appointment to find out results for that is 15 December. If that’s all fine I’ll see if I can go for a FET in January if there’s space.

@MsNoons17 I’ve read the same thing online about thyroid but no actual experience of speaking to doctors about it as mine was below 2.5, did you get the results?

@kikisparks glad you hear you discussed alot in your appointment, it feels like things can move forward for you now. Fingers crossed!

@loulamay good grades for the 2 newbies and 6 in total is fab!! Fingers crossed for the results.

@Lepatz congrats on being PUPO! Got everything crossed for you.

I'm undecided about our FET. I've never had lining issues before, but I've also never done a FET so no idea how I will respond. Because embryo transfer is currently provisionally booked for the 23rd it means we have zero wiggle room with dates. I'm also concerned that last January I hit a real slump with everything and needed 6 weeks off work. I'm worried that if we go ahead and it's a BFN that I won't cope very well. I'm going to have a chat with my clinic tomorrow when I go in for my first covid swab and see what they think we should do. It's all just so hard!!

@Lepatz oh fab - all my fingers crossed for you!!! The TWW will be tough I'm sure. Always found that the worst part.
I'm in the South East now, living just over the Kent border.
Yes! Thankfully Scottish weather in winter makes for good excuse to wear big jumpers and wooly coats so given I was only there for a 2/3 days then I managed to do well hiding it! Not sure another few weeks would have given me the grace!!

I'm loving hearing all these plans and moving forward stories!
Good luck to everyone!

Thanks for the PUPO wishes! Am 4dp now... and doing all the symptom spotting a gal could dream of. No matter how much I tell myself that everything and nothing means anything!

I didn't test until pretty late last time - but I think I'll test at 6dp this time. Last time I didn't know if there was an implantation at all. Which may not be that relevant - but feels important to me!

@Mseddy Ah, that's a tough decision to make. Agree that the winter months make it harder to stay positive. Hope your chat with the clinic goes well x

@kikisparks Good to have the extra knowledge about the down-regging to make the choice. So much to think about. Good luck with the next tests :)

@Bruce2 Heh, it's a good thought to be wrapping a baby bump under cosy clothing! I'm guessing you'll be able to share the good news soon enough :) x

Hi all!

Hope you had lovely weekends! I'm still waiting on the PGS test results, even though the clinic say that have received them and sent them to my Dr. Which was on Friday so have spent the weekend in a total stew!

@Lepatz - just catching up and hurrah for your transfer! Have you POAS yet?

@Mseddy - any news?

@kikisparks fingers crossed for the results on the 15th!

@loulamay I was thinking of you and wondering if you got the results yet, it’s so hard to wait especially knowing the results are in! Hope the doctor contacts you soon!

Drum roll please... we have 3 normal embryos! That was a very long and stressful wait but just so bloody relieved it wasn't zero.

BIG question to ask now - both OH and I would like any child we have to have a sibling, coming from such close sibling relationships ourselves. So I have an appointment with our Dr on Thursday to discuss whether or not we should do another egg retrieval before we do a FET just to try and bank some more eggs. I think my miscarriages have just totally spooked me and I find it so hard to trust that my body isn't going to reject even a healthy embryo.

Anyway - that's my little update. So grateful for this cohort. I find it incredibly cathartic to just be able to post on here, given that we haven't shared our situation with anyone really outside of our immediate families. Thank you all xx

CONGRATULATIONS @loulamay! That is fabulous news :D Three is brilliant, you must be so pleased.

I can relate to the 'FET or fresh' question. I've had a rough couple of days, feeling convinced this round has failed. And although I have one in the freezer, I feel like I'd be better to get some more eggs out whilst there's more of a chance they'll work. And then I spent a lot of time feeling angsty about all the time we lost due to 'just in case' investigations and the covid shutdown. 3 years!! Will be interested to hear how your Doctor chat goes :) xx

So... I POAS yesterday at 6dp. I figured the emby was hatching on transfer, so may have seen something. But it was a BFN. I think. I kept thinking there might've been the palest shadow of something, but I suspect it's just wishful thinking. Then last night I had pink when I wiped. But I think that's too late for implantation. And pink on day 6dpt was the first step of realising my fresh cycle had failed :(

On the possibly optimistic side - last cycle I bled throughout 7dp, whereas today there's been nothing. So I won't give up hope quite yet :). OTD isn't til 16dpt!!!

I'm so glad this group is still going too. I feel like you're all old friends even though we don't even know each others names! xxx

**
I hope it isn't too weird, but I was wondering if anyone here would be willing to help out with a survey I've put together on the IVF Journey?
*
I’ve been thinking about my frustrations with the IVF process, and started considering how it could be a bit easier for us all. As people who are truly deeply in the midst of it, I’d love to get your thoughts and feedback.

It should only take a few minutes to complete.
forms.gle/NK2wDcK8MuchAPa27

Context: I’ve been working in technology for a long time, and am passionate about using tech to help solve problems and improve lives. It occurred to me this afternoon that this could be one of those problems!

@loulamay that’s amazing! What a huge relief. So pleased for you.

@Lepatz sorry about the BFN :( Did you test with FMU and FRER? My 6dp5dt test was a pale shadow, and I’ve heard of plenty of people for whom it didn’t show positive that early. Glad to hear there hasn’t been any bleeding today.

thanks both! I had totally convinced myself that none would be normal and spent the weekend Googling info on Donor eggs. Which funnily enough, I feel pretty okay about as an idea. Read so many lovely stories.

@Lepatz - thinking of you. Have you tested again today?

So happy to fill out your survey - am looking now x

Yes thanks for survey @Lepatz I’ll fill it out.