Please or to access all these features

Infertility

Our Infertility Support forum is a space to connect with others in the same position, discuss causes, treatment and IVF, and share infertility stories of hope and success.

August 2020 IVF - continued

691 replies

Lepatz · 06/09/2020 07:17

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

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
kikisparks · 24/09/2020 11:12

@Custardandcream glad you have seen the heartbeat, sorry about the bleeding though how stressful.

@StayingPositive8 glad all has been ok at the EPU.

@nextweek good luck for 7 week scan!

@loulamay I totally get what you mean about not thinking about IVF, I’m on annual leave and have had a trip away and it’s been a great break, I’m also so happy to have my body back to normal and fit into my clothes, UTI has also gone so I’m finally pain free again. Let us know the news you get on 29th.

@Bruce2 good luck for booking appointment.

I got a letter through today for an appointment at the hospital on 17 November with a doctor but I don’t know what it’s for. I’ve been keen to see the doctor so it would be good to have an appointment but I was told to phone on my next period (due in a few days) for a FET so I’m not really sure what the appointment is for and I’m not delighted if it’s going to delay the FET for another couple of months. I’ve phoned the clinic and waiting to see what they say.

kikisparks · 25/09/2020 09:12

So I spoke to the nurse and that appointment is to discuss recurrent miscarriage tests- even though I’ve “only” had 2 it seems they’re hopefully willing to do some tests since the miscarriages were 3 years apart with infertility in between. I have the choice to do the tests or go for FET, if I do the tests then the earliest we could do FET in the best case scenario would be January.

I really wanted another transfer done before Christmas but DH and I have discussed it and we’re going to go to the appointment and most likely do the tests. If something is wrong we’d rather know now than down the line.

The 2 tests they have mentioned are karotyping which is to look for chromosomal issues and thrombophilia to look at blood clotting. Does anyone know anything else I should be asking about?

loulamay · 25/09/2020 10:16

Hi @kikisparks - we're going to be on pretty much the same time scale I think! We also discussed testing etc and having this break and I think we are going to aim for the next FET after Christmas. I just don't want to 'waste' any more embryos if my body is rejecting them.

Both of those tests were mentioned by my Dr so that's great. From my research into miscarriage (Dr Lesley Regan's book is so good) the reasons fall into a few main categories:

Anatomical - so I'd potentially be asking about whether or not you need a hysteroscopy (can't remember if you've had one) to check for any polyps, signs of endometritis, uterine septums, tilted uterus, fibroids etc.

Genetical - so I think the chromosomal test they've mentioned should cover this off, we are having the same one. I also read about some women with a 'gene mutation' called MTHFR which causes problems because you don't properly metabolise any folic acid, but I don't know how widely it's been studied!

Immunological - this is fascinating. Reading this part of the book I was wondering how anyone manages to get an embryo to stick around, there are so many factors! The thrombophilic defects test is what you've mentioned, but there is also a condition called Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome which is an autoimmune issue. Having chatted to my Dr, he said that they would use Clexane in both instances of issues with this, so we might not ever know what the cause was as they were being treated with the same solution. They might add in low dose aspirin as well. Then there's the 'unfussy uterus' theory which I mentioned in my other notes and the Natural Killer cells. I think those are treated with steroids.

I met a friend of OH recently and we got onto the topic of kids - she confided in me that she had lost twins at 16 weeks and was 9 weeks pregnant. She swears by the intralipids infusion she had this time round.

I need to find out the costs involved but we are seriously thinking about having the PGS testing done on the frosties, and I also have some frozen eggs from when I was 35 that I am now wondering if I should have fertilised and also PGS tested. I was hoping to save those for a second child but we may need them sooner rather than later. At least I would know how many frosties we had to play with and if I should do a second egg retrieval before I get any older. Argh! I feel positive about things most days but there's also part of me that just can't face much more disappointment, at least not yet.

I've written an essay again. Sorry everyone. Blush

kikisparks · 25/09/2020 11:33

Thanks so much @loulamay that’s really helpful! I’m definitely going to ask about a hysteroscopy but it depends on the waiting list or if I can get it done quickly privately. If you have embryos made from your frozen eggs could you still use them for a second child if you don’t need all of the embryos? Can they be refrozen after an embryo is made from them? Sounds like a good plan to me if so and if it’s not too expensive.

If I wasn’t NHS I think I’d get PGS testing done, I don’t think there’s any way for me to have it done on the embryos as an add on at my hospital but I’ll ask.

loulamay · 25/09/2020 14:19

Yes, the more I think about it, the more I think that might be the best thing to do, especially since we have a bit of time now potentially before my next FET.

I have 12 eggs on ice from the retrieval I did way back when (before I met OH) and so I might get those fertilised and see how many make it to day 5 blasts. Then have those and our current frosties PGS tested, and then we would know how many 'normal' embryos we actually had in the bank (so to speak). If there were a decent amount then I would feel better that we might have sorted out my miscarriage issues before next FET and we could use the frosties in a few years. If, for any reason, we ended up with no embryos that were 'normal' then I would think about doing another fresh round of IVF first, to try and get eggs at my current age, rather than any later down the line.

I think I was just having a bit of a conversation with myself there, but it helps to write it out! Will discuss with OH and Dr but I think that plan feels good to me.

kikisparks · 25/09/2020 15:16

@loulamay that makes sense and sounds like a good plan to me! My remaining embryos are 5BB, 4BC and 4CC so I’d like to get the testing done before we transfer the 5BB which statistically has the best chance of success out of the three.

Mseddy · 26/09/2020 13:41

I haven't posted in ages! Congrats to the people who have had scans.

We have a video appt with our consultant on Monday to discuss things. I'm really hoping we could get a FET in before Christmas as I can't bare another christmas not pregnant so I want at least a shot beforehand.

I don't think I'm brave enough to do pgs incase we end up with none left of our 4. I know realistically that if they fail pgs they would likely fail in me too, but I just want that chance again.

I'm back at work now and it's been tough. I work with babies so it's like a constant reminder of what I've lost Sad

MsNoons17 · 27/09/2020 18:56

@Mseddy God that must be hard for you working with babies. I find it hard enough when I see my nephews & niece every couple of weeks! You’re very strong. X

I am having my first FET on Tuesday & am really starting to feel the nerves of the TTW already. I am having bloods taken tomorrow morning to see how the progesterone levels are doing.
Anyone know what levels they are generally looking for when it comes to progesterone?

nextweek · 27/09/2020 19:47

@Mseddy Good luck for your appointment tomorrow, I know what you mean about finding Christmas tough, thats always been the worst time for me. I can imagine working with babies right now must be so difficult, you're a stronger person than me!

@MsNoons17 sorry I don't know anything about progesterone levels but just wanted to wish you lots of luck with your FET, hopefully this time's a winner for you!

MsNoons17 · 27/09/2020 20:00

Thanks @nextweek

Bruce2 · 27/09/2020 20:43

Good luck to everyone who has upcoming appointments, scans, FET's or the dreaded TWW

Thinking about each of you and hoping for positive outcomes on every level

You're all amazing xx

kikisparks · 28/09/2020 07:32

@MsNoons17 good luck for FET tomorrow.

MsNoons17 · 28/09/2020 08:02

Thank you @kikisparks

loulamay · 28/09/2020 08:24

Good luck @MsNoons17! and anyone else having scans this week!

Surprisingly, if my ovulation tests are correct (I have the clearblue ones that you slot in the wand thing and it comes up with either a circle or smiley face depending on the result) I am ovulating either today or tomorrow which would be cd15, if I count cd1 from the d&c. A lot of ifs Smile

Supposed to get my results this week so going to email the clinic now for an appointment. Quite pleased though that if I am ovulating on day 15 that maybe my cycles won't be too crazy post miscarriage? Can I ask what others are experiencing after chemical pregnancies or even if you can remember back to past losses, in terms of cycle days? I suppose I'm thinking that OH and I can still try naturally (you never know!) while we have other tests done etc.

Hope everyone had a lovely weekend x

kikisparks · 28/09/2020 08:56

I didn’t test for ovulation this month but per my normal cycle AF would be due today, 25 days since I started bleeding, and no sign yet! I would usually be spotting by now at least.

MsNoons17 · 28/09/2020 09:22

Thanks @loulamay that sounds positive.
I had a chemical a couple of years ago & pretty much bled lightly for a whole month. So was a good few weeks till I ovulated.
Think it’s a great idea to try naturally if you can.

Also good luck to anyone having scans this week!

nextweek · 28/09/2020 13:02

@kikisparks Hope everything goes back to normal for you soon

nextweek · 28/09/2020 13:03

Well it's my 7 week scan tomorrow and to say I'm stressed out is an understatement! I don't mean to be pessimistic but can't help worrying that we'll get bad news :-(

Bruce2 · 28/09/2020 13:52

@nextweek

Well it's my 7 week scan tomorrow and to say I'm stressed out is an understatement! I don't mean to be pessimistic but can't help worrying that we'll get bad news :-(
Totally feel you. I was a wreck beforehand I said nothing the entire car journey to clinic and my hubby & I had a massive cuddle outside the clinic door before we walked in as we were both preparing for worst. We saw a heartbeat and were in complete shock. Nothing I'll say will make you feel better, I hope today goes in quickly and tomorrow is good news. I have my appointment tomorrow afternoon where I get my bloods taken and then 12 week scan on 16th October which I'm feeling very nervous for. Just can't help thinking that there's bad news around the corner. This is the downside to IVF. Can never really think positive as we've all had so many let downs over the years.

Fingers crossed for you tomorrow

nextweek · 28/09/2020 14:42

Thank you @Bruce2 I know I'm being silly and getting myself worked up but I keep bursting into tears today! I've not had any pregnancy type symptoms (apart from breast pain for a few days and couple weeks ago) but have had mild cramping/aches and twinges on and off, so of course I've been thinking the worst!
Did you have a scan in between your 7 week and the 12 week? Must feel like such a long time to wait!

Bruce2 · 28/09/2020 15:08

@nextweek

Thank you *@Bruce2* I know I'm being silly and getting myself worked up but I keep bursting into tears today! I've not had any pregnancy type symptoms (apart from breast pain for a few days and couple weeks ago) but have had mild cramping/aches and twinges on and off, so of course I've been thinking the worst! Did you have a scan in between your 7 week and the 12 week? Must feel like such a long time to wait!
No I've had nothing since 7 weeks. Just a booking call with midwife to go through history. That's why I'm dreading 12 weeks. It's such a long time and I keep thinking the baby's stopped growing as I don't feel very pregnant at all. I think this is worse than the TWW for me!!
Lepatz · 28/09/2020 22:24

Hi ladies, so nice to catch up on all your news. for some reason my phone stopped notifying me on new messages (did the internet know I'm out this cycle??!). I thought it had all just gone quiet - so was happy to see that scans and hopes are progressing positively. And that those who are looking to the next stage of treatment are doing so with the strength I've come to recognise from you all!

I've been in the not-thinking-about-ivf camp. Spending some time reconnecting with OH. First FET likely to start soon. Not sure what to expect from it - will find out my protocol next week. They said I can start on my next period. It's quite a thought, but I'm keen to get going again.

I've read all the recent messages, but tagging from my phone is a mission! I'm so happy for all who are pregnant, fraught with nerves as I'm sure it is. You all inspire me :) xx

OP posts:
Custardandcream · 28/09/2020 22:31

@StayingPositive8 I should be 7 weeks + 1 today, hope your NIPT test goes ok, fingers crossed for you I’m guessing the next few weeks will be quite stressful for you

@kikisparks glad you’re getting some investigation although I know how hard it must be to delay your next transfer

@loulamay Hope your appointment goes well, you sound like you’ve really got a handle on things

@Mseddy Hope your appointment went ok, you are so strong to be doing your job it must be really hard

@MsNoons17 Good luck for tomorrow

@nextweek good luck for tomorrow, I know exactly how you feel!

@Bruce2 that’s how I feel we are used to being on the wrong side of the statistics, fingers crossed for the 16th for you

I had another bleed yesterday, I have my 7 week scan tomorrow and I’m quite worried about it

nextweek · 29/09/2020 07:28

@custardandcream good luck for your scan, i hope it puts your mind at ease after your bleed

MsNoons17 · 29/09/2020 08:34

Thank you @Custardandcream Good luck to you today! Hope all goes well.