ERA testing after multiple implantation failures. Anyone had it done?

[seven201]

I've had four transfers so far (first 3 from 1 batch, fourth from a second egg collection) and 4 BFNs. I have a naturally conceived 4 1/2 year old and had a natural pregnancy with early miscarriage a bit over 3 years ago. My lining struggles to get to thickness, I have polycystic ovaries (on sukkarto), a fibroid, slightly high thyroid thingy (on levothyroxine), high bp (on meds) and a midline septum (ridge/divide in the uterus). I had surgery to unblock a tube 2 years ago. I'm in the healthy weight range.

My clinic have suggested PGS testing (we have 5 embryos in the freezer) but I'm really not keen on it as I've read about actually fine embryos being shown as poor and therefore being disposed of.

They also suggested ERA (endometrial receptor assessment). Has anyone had that done and found it useful? I just hate anything that delays the next FET but I think maybe it will be worth it?

Any other suggestions? Last FET I was on lots of estrogen, extra progesterone injections, clexane, neupogen infusion, aspirin and probably a whole load of other stuff I've forgotten.

I am so fed up with it all!

@ForeverAintEnough3 see all this info as peices of the puzzle which will hopefully get you steps closer to your baby. Really hope you have them all now.

I’m ok. Anxious. Very much so. I got given some hope last week and I don’t want it taken away from me but hard to be postive after all my losses. I think if tmrw is ok I will be less mad and just revert back to a normal level of anxiety I hope!

@Gardenlady543 definitely keep that appointment. I am all for proactive medicine. I pay for a health check every year for the past 4 years. It’ll be nice reassurance for you that all is ok.

@Cream123 I’m sorry to hear you are feeling so anxious. I can relate. It is an awful part of this whole thing - I think the mental side is more difficult than the physical. I’m glad you got given some hope. Hold onto it!!! Have you ever seen anyone for fertility counselling? I’ve had a few sessions here and there when low and it does help to talk it through.

Yeah I had it when trying for my first it did help as I felt like no one understood my anguish and it was a good place to vent and cry. I’ve not had it this time as it’s just more manageable as I’m lucky enough to have my son but I would recommend it to anyone as my lady was really helpful. If my journey ends with no number 2 I’ll prob need it then tbh to come to terms with it all.

@seven201 so much luck for tmrw hope ur as chilled as a cucumber and the embryo defrosts beautifully! Xxx

The first won’t happen but hopefully the latter will at least!

Big day tomorrow!

Good luck for the scan @Cream123

And good luck for the transfer @seven201

Well done all for pushing for tests. I'm one of those people who just does what a doctor tells them to, which isn't always good in ivf!

@Cream123 best of luck for tomorrow. I'll be thinking of you.

@Gardenlady543 I'm glad you have the breast appt and that the reduction of estrogen levels seems to have sorted it.

@ForeverAintEnough3 it's sounds like you've made some progress. Every little discovery is a step forward!

Thanks for the good luck wishes everyone. I'm at work in the morning then going for mid day. My acupuncturist thinks I should be doing hardly anything for a few days after. I'm at work the next day then hosting a 5th birthday party on Saturday, so that's not really going to happen! Google seems to suggest just carrying on with life as normal. I hate it when you get conflicting advice!

@seven201 good luck. I would just do as little unnecessary stuff as possible. So no cleaning that doesn’t need to be done ASAP, get your DH go tidy up after the party.

@seven201 it prob makes no difference. I’ve had 3 natural conceptions where I was gymming jumping around heaving lifting u name it.

For some reason though when i have a a transfer i feel more “precious” so I tend to take to sofa for 2 days (this transfer was on a sat so I was off from work till Tuesday ) and then light duties after that! It’s a bit impossible with a toddler though!

I really think u could do handstands everyday and it would make no difference. Though I’m not advising that!

@Cream123 @ForeverAintEnough3 thank you. I think I will carry on as normal but take it a bit slower where possible and just no physical chores for a few days. When I conceived my daughter we went mountain biking around implantation time, part of me thinks it was the bumpy track!

Had it done but very nearly didn't. I had a stressful morning at work then traffic was bad on the way so my bp was very high (172/115 I think) but after a few mins got it down to 145 /110. But then they said they'd do other patients in front of me and if didn't come down more they'd re-freeze my embryo and cancel. So of course that sent me into melt down and bp went really high again. I took my bp at home this morning and knew it was 123 over something but couldn't remember the something. They said still couldn't do it as I couldn't remember enough. Luckily my husband then got home and he found my piece of paper and thy finally let me do it! Was such a rollercoaster. I'm still a bit shaky from it but it is done and I need to just calm down! Just got home so going to sit on the sofa.

@Cream123 good luck 🤞

Oh gosh @seven201 what a stress. I’m glad it’s back where it belongs and fingers crossed for u

All ok my end thanks

@seven201 they took your blood pressure before the transfer!! Obviously it's going to be high! They've only done my bp once, right after they did the initial transvaginal investigatory scan and it was high because I'd just been twat wanded for a scan that I was worried about! Anyway it was under 140 systolic and I normally have a systolic of 90-110. What a palaver for you, but sounds like it's ended well!

@Cream123 good news on your end as well!

@Cream123 amazing news!!! So is that you at 7 or 8 weeks now? No more scan until 12 weeks?

@Gardenlady543 they always take it before transfer, collection and at my neupogen infusions but not during scan appts. What's annoying is it was fine the two times they took it last week at the infusions. I'd had a stressful morning at work then got stuck in traffic so arrived a bit flustered. I really had to fight for them to do it, between sobs! I need to get over it and just be relieved. I do take a low dose of bp meds but take it in the evenings before bed and I did have pre-eclampsia with my dd, so I get why they were concerned, but it seemed quite ott.

Just took my blood pressure at home and it's 185 over 88! I'm going to keep an eye on it and might ring my gp.

Oh gosh @seven201 deep breathing. Stay calm!yes ring gp if high again.

I can’t handle no scans for that long! But will try manage 2 weeks so maybe book one in 2 weeks when I’m 10 and half. I’ve had a 9 week loss before so I’m still anxious. I’m 8 plus 3 today.

Does anyone know why ivf clinics say no aspirin after transfer? I took it until day before transfer and told to stop. But women ttc often take it after ovulation.

No idea. I take before and after! Not heard that one before

@Cream123

Oh gosh *@seven201* deep breathing. Stay calm!yes ring gp if high again.

I can’t handle no scans for that long! But will try manage 2 weeks so maybe book one in 2 weeks when I’m 10 and half. I’ve had a 9 week loss before so I’m still anxious. I’m 8 plus 3 today.

Wow @Cream123 that’s brilliant news. I didn’t realise. Fingers and toes crossed for you.

@Cream123 oh that's interesting. When are you allowed to re-start taking it? I think it helps with my bp also.

Well done on making it to 8 plus 3. To me that feels fast but I'm sure it feels very slow to you. A scan at 10 weeks sounds a good plan.

Oh god been the slowest time ever .
I don’t stop it at all. I just start it with my fet and keep it going….always have
Some think it can effect implantation and to only start it post bfp in pregnancy if it’s being used for miscarriage (gorgy and Lower think this) but (shehata and my care consultant happy to take it before during and after). I’ve always got my bfp taking it from start of fet . Argc also make u take it before and post transfer.

@cream Thank you. I am taking clexane thinking about it, so maybe it's a case of the clexane doing a similar job anyway. My bp is now 'normal' - I guess it's just meant the tablet I took at 4pm has had time to work.

I'd just like to say a big emotional thank you to everyone on this thread. You've all been so helpful, kind, supportive and knowledgeable. Big love to you all xx

@seven201 how u feeling?? Do u know when u will test,

@Cream123 I'm alright. My blood pressure is still high (but not as bad) so I've taken an extra tablet today. I filled in an e-consult form with my gp yesterday that said I'd be contacted today but haven't been (and won't be as I rang reception this afternoon). They said I can go to urgent care if I want to. Urgh.

Official test day is weds 14th but I don't want to test before work so I'll do it on Sunday 11th I think.

@Cream123 how are you today? Do you feel a tincy bit more calm about it all?

Sorry to hear that @seven201 u don’t need something else to be worrying over. Hope it’s ok with taking an extra tablet

Yes thanks but only a tincy bit!

11th sounds sensible hope time passes quickly for u I know it won’t!