ABC IVF thread continued

[StarryHannah]

Our other thread is now full so thought I would start this one to continue the chat.

@Beaglemum91 I'm waiting for my period so I can start meds for FET so that is really helpful information about the embryo transfer process. Thank you. Did you have your partner on Facetime or anything for it?

@Icsi2021 so excited for you xxx

Hi all, had the phone call this morning - 10 fertilised eggs I’m really pleased with that, and just such a relief to know that step has worked. Next update on Saturday, will see at that stage whether a day 3 or 5 transfer.

@Hoping4baby21 I was on 112.5 dose, upped to 125 about halfway through.

@Prayingforabubba completely understandable you’re feeling sad at the prospect of a freeze all, any delay in this process is really hard. Have my fingers crossed for you, as you say hopefully however it works out will turn out to be the best for you. Yes, I did get given a hospital gown - I’d taken one with me because the documents said to but didn’t use it. Really needed nothing except myself sending all best wishes your way for tomorrow!

@kittyfantastico21 sounds like you might be just about on for day 1, yay! All the best for your injections.

@unCliche really sorry to hear about your situation, that’s really unlucky. Here’s hoping the NHS process moves nice and fast for you

@Prayingforabubba I think I would feel sad about having a freeze all too but I'm trying to tell myself that if it does happen at least I could get my covid vaccination in between cycles, so that would be one upside. And it's definitely better to transfer at a time when your body in the best condition for it. I totally understand feeling sad at the prospect of maybe having to wait longer though! Fingers crossed it will still work out for a fresh transfer.

@Jh2019 brilliant news! I hope the next step goes well too and you get a good update on Saturday.

I've spoken to the clinic and they said tomorrow will be Day 1, as my stupid period didn't really get going until just after 12. Oh well - what's one more day, and now my first injection can be followed up by an evening of Eurovision!

My AFC was 17, which I think is about average for my age (34)... I'll be on 112.5 Bemfola

Thank you ladies. I know you guys are right. It might be better to give my body a break and start in a month or two 🙏🏼

@kittyfantastico21 mine also started later on that day so CD1 was the following day. Enjoy one last night without injections 😬

@Jh2019 wow 10 fertilised 😍 that's beautiful! Did you do icsi too?

@Hoping4baby21 ive just turned 31 so we are similar ages. They didn't say anything particularly about AFC , I just assumed it was normal as Bemfola 150 is the average dose. I could be wrong! Good luck with the scan today 🙏🏼 I actually had one nurse on the first scan but had a doctor for scan 2 and 3 which was unexpected. I can't rate Harley street high enough, they've been great!! X

Getting ready to leave now, will update you ladies later. X

@Prayingforabubba wishing you all the best for today! I hope it goes well and you get a good number of eggs.

@Hoping4baby21 good luck for your scan today! Hope you've got good progress.

Today turns out not to be injection-free after all as I'm getting my Covid jab this evening! I went back and forth on it all day yesterday but in the end I think today is far enough away from my first scan that if I do get side effects, I shouldn't still have a temperature by then (which would mean not being able to have the scan), and the clinic have advised having the vaccine if possible so hopefully that means it shouldn't affect follicle growth or anything. Plus with the new variant and a possible third wave, I think if I do get pregnant I'll feel better knowing that I have some protection from Covid at least. Hope I'm doing the right thing.

Had my scan this morning. There are 13 follicles in total and 7 are slightly ahead she said there wasn't too much of a gap. She might be increasing my does to 225 but they have sent me for another blood test to check my estrogen etc before they make that call. She didn't seem concerned seemed happy with the progress. I think I expected the number to be higher as my AFC was high but I know that the number we have even with the 7 is ok.

Also have to start cetrotide today.

Got another scan on Monday.

@Prayingforabubba good luck today.

@kittyfantastico21 good luck with your first injection!

@kittyfantastico21 sorry it's tomorrow for first injection. Good luck with your jab!

@Hoping4baby21 That sounds like a good start, and you have lots of time still for them to grow further. It sounds like the nurse was happy with that progress so far so that's good and we have to trust them and the process I guess. Remember also, especially with ACB/Create the aim is quality rather than quantity of eggs. Good luck for cetrotide, hope it's not too fiddly!

@kittyfantastico21 yeah your right! I'm sure it's fine especially if they have told me to start cetrotide if nothing was happening I might have had to wait.

Also cetrotide is soooo fiddly! And it was itchy afterwards that was the most unpleasant one so far.

@Hoping4baby21 it's great that they can up your dosage if need be now. I started off 20 follicles but by the third scan there were 27 follicles so there is time for some more to grow.

@kittyfantastico21 good luck with your first injection

I had my collection yesterday. It was in the Wimbledon clinic and as soon as I stepped in I had such a negative vibe. The embryologist was so cold and I can't explain it but he just gave off the worst vibe. After the collection (while I was groggy) he came into tell me he only retrieved 5 eggs which was a huge shock. I asked how if I had 27 follicles and atleast 10-12 looked mature. He just said I don't know and left. They called me to say they will perform icsi. Today I got the call that 4 were mature and non fertilised. I am numb and heartbroken after being told all week that it all looks great. I just can't comprehend how he only got 5 and none fertilised. I am lost for words. We will be waiting for a consultation next week but I feel so let down by create. They couldn't explain anything to me. We spent 4000 pounds for it to fail and not even get past the fertilisation step. We are young and relatively healthy. This makes no sense.

I wish you all the best on your journey. Good luck ladies and take care xx

Thank you everyone! Latest update this morning, 6 of the 10 are looking good on day 3 so we are going for a day 5 transfer on Monday. Really pleased, just have my fingers crossed that at least one makes it that far Feeling pretty yucky and bloated now, moreso than before the egg collection, which apparently is standard - hopefully will settle down and won't affect anything! Digging out all my loose joggers...

@kittyfantastico21 hope your Covid jab was ok and not feeling any ill effects? Sounds like a really good decision to me, it gives you a good few days in case of side effects and best to get it in while you can! I plan to as soon as I can, either straight away if the cycle fails or will check what the guidance is for early pregnancy otherwise. Wishing you all the best for your first injection tonight!

@Prayingforabubba hope everything went well with your egg collection? Sending all my best and hoping that you're recovering nicely, take it easy today. We were standard IVF rather than ICSI - my OH's count used to be a bit borderline but his lifestyle changes seem to have really helped and he's now considered in the normal bracket.

@Hoping4baby21 that all sounds really positive, it may be that you have a few more coming up at a bigger size in the next few days - and must be progressing well if you are on the cetrotide now. It's such a pain isn't it, I couldn't believe how fiddly I found it the first time! Hope you're getting used to it a bit after the second go

@Prayingforabubba I'm so sorry, that must be so tough. I hope you get some answers. That does seem to not add up and I would hope they can shed some light to help you avoid that in the future with the protocol etc. Take time out for yourself and I hope you feel better soon.

@Jh2019 yes cetrotide was better this morning but didn't enjoy waking up at 7:30 on a Saturday especially as e meds have been making me feel more tired. Yes I'm just trying to focus on the fact that they haven't increased my dose after all and they wanted me to start the cetrotide so must be a good sign. Where did you have you collection?

That is a great update! Best of luck with your transfer on Monday!

@Prayingforabubba really sorry, our messages crossed. I’m so sorry to hear that, I can’t imagine how devastating it must be after things starting off well, and made even worse by not being treated well by the clinic. I really hope that you can find a way forward after your consultation and that it might help to inform the next try, but in the meantime look after yourself, take the time you need and sending love your way ❤️

Thanks @Hoping4baby21, yep agree it’s annoying the timing of the injections forcing you up earlier on a weekend! Glad it went ok though, hopefully not too many more to do - let us know how you get on Monday. My collection was Bristol

@Prayingforabubba I’m so sorry to hear that, it must be so upsetting. I really hope you get answers from the clinic at your consultation and that that will help you move forward. In the meantime hope you recover quickly from EC and that you can do lots of things to be kind to yourself and help yourself recover emotionally. Sending you much love and good wishes xx

@Jh2019 great news! Hope you feel better soon. Thanks for the reassurance on the Covid vaccine - I’m really glad I had it as I have no side effects at all (so far, anyway) except a sore arm. So I definitely think I made the right call.

First injection done! It was pretty scary (my body kind of took over and refused to do it a couple of times, my hand got close to my tummy and then wouldn’t go any further!) but eventually I did it and it was fine!! So fine! So I don’t think it’ll be scary tomorrow. I’m so pleased to have started at last.

@kittyfantastico21 well done on your first one and double well done for doing it yourself I don't think I could do it!

@Prayingforabubba, I have been following your story and just wanted to say how incredibly sorry I am that things went that way yesterday. It must have come as such a huge shock. I hope that they can provide you with some useful answers at your meeting and until then that you are surrounded by love and support. Wishing you all the luck for a better outcome in the future x

@Prayingforabubba I'm so sorry to hear about what happened 😞 I can't even imagine the shock and heartache you must be feeling. I'm sending lots of hugs and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that a solution can be found to help you move forward with another cycle, if that's what you want 💕

@Jh2019 good luck with your transfer tomorrow! I look forward to hearing how it all goes!

Ladies, IVF is back on the table! Turns out the leaky roof had nothing to do with the roof and was actually an issue with the gutters so we can move forward again with IVF. I've had to book another appointment in Oxford, scan 4th June, consultation 8th June, so I'm 4 days behind my original appointment. Not sure I'd be able to start in my June cycle, but at least I haven't got too long to wait anymore 💃

I haven't read everyone's updates but I hope you're all doing well and things are progressing nicely 🥰

@unCliche that is great news! Glad it's back on and that you could rebook so quickly and not be too far behind. They may just be able to squeeze you in, when is you period due in June? Mine was a little tight and they managed to do it. Fingers crossed for you.

@Hoping4baby21 thank yooou! June AF is due 16/17th so only just over a week after my initial consultation. I'll be doing the Rubella antibody blood test with my GP on Friday so I think I'll have everything they need by the time I have my consultation. How long between your initial consultation and you starting?

@unCliche fantastic news! I’m so pleased for you. Not too long to wait for your consultation now!

@Jh2019 wishing you loads of luck for your ET tomorrow. How are you feeling about it?

@Hoping4baby21 good luck for your scan tomorrow! Hope you get to see some good progress.

Second injection was much easier than the first one, I think I’ve got over the fear now. There was a tiny bit of blood after I took the needle out. Has anyone else had that? It didn’t happen with the first one. Hopefully it’s normal or at least not a problem.

@unCliche I think I had about a week and a half between my treatment consultation and starting. My initial consultation was the week before. It all depends on when they can get you in for a treatment consultation. I had my initial consultation on a Friday and then the treatment consultation the following Wednesday. The meds don't take long to come as long as you can make a day to be in the house all day. Hope they can get you in on time 🤞🏽

@Jh2019 good luck today with your transfer!!

@kittyfantastico21 glad the injections are going better for you. I had some blood drip out after a few of mine. Today there was a little of the cetrotide that came out aswell but not a lot.

My scan went well today. still 7 follicles in the lead all between 17mm and 15mm. My left had 12 follicles with 5 in the lead and my right only has 7 in total and only 2 in the lead. She said my lining was really great and they may have me trigger tomorrow but that depends on the blood test results.

@Hoping4baby21 that sounds like good progress, and how exciting that you might be triggering tomorrow! Will that be CD10?

@kittyfantastico21 well now I'm not too sure if I'll trigger tomorrow or Wednesday. When I went back to collect my additional meds she said they ideally want to see if the smaller ones catch up. They will call me today to let me know for sure but she gave me an additional 2 doses of ovaleap and another cetrotide which would take me up to Wednesday which was the initial plan.

I am currently on CD9 and day 8 of stims.

so looking at the chart she gave me:

2 x less than 6
2 x 6
2 x 7
1 x 8
4 x 9
1 x 11
1 x 15
4 x16
2 x 17

No idea what May or may not catch up by wednesday.

Have another acupuncture session this evening so back into central again in this horrible weather.

@Hoping4baby21 Those look like good numbers, and I'm sure some of the mid-size ones will catch up! I hope they don't keep you waiting too long for a decision. I don't envy you having to be out and about in the weather today. I'm really hoping it won't be torrential rain when I have to drive to the clinic on Wednesday.

I'm a bit worried because I've realised that my day 10 will be on Sunday, followed by a bank holiday Monday. So I don't know what they'll do about scans as it seems a long time to go between Day 8 (Friday) and Day 12 (Tuesday), and the trigger decision will probably need to be made in those weekend days. I'll ask them at my scan on Wednesday but I'm worried they'll say it's not possible to have a scan Sat/Sun/bank hol... I guess I just have to trust them to manage it, but my ovaries don't know it's a bank holiday weekend!