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

@Prayingforabubba i didnt think my husband would be involved with the injections as hes soo squirmy lol but he has been amazing and its been a great bonding x

@Icsi2021 that's so sweet! Do the injections hurt much?

Sorry if you've all said this before but are you all with ABC Harley street?

@Prayingforabubba thanks for the timeline! I'm hopeful that we'd be able to start in June. 20 follicles is a good number! I'm also quite worried about OHSS. When I had a scan some months ago, I had a total of 34 follicles! It'll only get exacerbated with all the medication so I'm really worried we'd need a frozen cycle as well. I'm also planning for ICSI as a worst case scenario. Do you (or anyone) know how much extra it is to have a frozen cycle? Would the frozen transfer cost extra as well?

Next weekend isn't so far away so you'll be starting soon! Has your medication arrived yet?

I've chosen ABC Wimbledon. I'm starting to have second thoughts though. I feel like we haven't tried long enough and maybe we should wait until DH loses some weight so his numbers go up. Not sure if we're jumping the gun a bit. Maybe I'm just apprehensive that it won't work!

My lovely nurse let me take a picture of my follicle growth... blue are on right ovaries and orange on left, i have 4th scan on Monday and collection Wednesday 😬 its all looking in the right direction,
@Prayingforabubba they sting a bit, get a hot water bottle ready for straight after and it takes the sting away 💗💉 3 more days of jabs for me x

@Icsi2021, that’s so exciting! Wed is not far away. How are you feeling? Still love this hubby helping idea. Mine is not keen, he thinks because I’m medical that I’ll just crack on with it but the bonding sounds really nice. ☺️

@Hoping4baby21, I had 25 follicles as well and when she was sorting my prescription for bemfola she just used follicle count and BMI to determine how much to start with. I think the doses are quite mild at create and abc from what I’ve read. Should be enough for a fresh and some for the freezer, though. I think the emphasis is on a few quality embryos rather than, masses but at higher risk of OHSS. Agree though that OHSS would not be ideal and am anxious about it too.

@unCliche, I think you should just go with your gut on whether now is the right time, if it feels right then it’s right regardless of how long it’s been. It is a big decision but trying naturally especially with your DH numbers on the lower side can really take a toll on both of you. We’ve been trying for number 2 for 5 yrs with multiple losses and nothing for the last 1 year and it has been really hard. We decided even though we know we can conceive naturally now is the time to just go for it for the sake of our mental health as much as anything else.

@Prayingforabubba, is it this weekend or next that you’re starting? My meds are coming next wed for starting next weekend hopefully too!

@Aimes2021 thanks lovely. I just see all you wonderful ladies who have tried for years and how strong you've all been and I think maybe I should be stronger and keep going. I literally feel they won't take us seriously because we haven't exhausted every avenue. I've attached my DH's SA, maybe the numbers will allow for a natural conception? I don't know 😔 sorry to hear about your multiple losses. I can't even imagine losing something you've tried so hard for 💕 hopefully this time next month, you'll have something positive to celebrate! Keep me updated on how you get on with regards to OHSS, fingers crossed it doesn't happen 🤞

@Aimes2021 not far away at all 😬 i feel a but emotional as its looking highly likely for a fresh transfer and i was never expecting that. I deffo said we would have a frozen due to me having high follicle count and PCOS but turns out they have chose my dose perfect x

@unCliche don't worry about what other people might thing. Only you and your partner know the toll it is taking on you both. And honestly this journey is so hard. I ask myself who will I be if we keep going like this for another year and the answer is I don't want to know. So we moved forward.

Do what feels right for you both and that's it. These numbers I think are ok, the count is lower than they would like but the rest seem within normal parameters. I read somewhere that infertility can cause similar levels of stress a getting a critical illness diagnosis. So don't let anyone tell you that your pain isn't "enough".

@Icsi2021 follicles are looking good! Best of luck with your collection next week! 🙂

@Prayingforabubba I'm with ABC Harley Street as well

So I just had a call from the Dr and they are not sure if I will be able to go ahead. I’ve had previous surgeries for miscarriages and she said that my lining didn’t look great on the baseline scan. I won’t know until next Wednesday if I’m ok to go ahead which is the same day as the medication delivery. Honestly a bit stunned right now after being told all was fine to go ahead the other day.

@Aimes2021 I'm so sorry you received that news. What have they said are next steps, when do they make a final decision?

Did they tell you the thickness?

There are things you can do to thicken your lining and I will say they worked for me. I think mainly stress was what was impacting it but taking raspberry leaf tea tablets up to ovulation, castor oil packs and magnesium baths and walking everyday on my last scan it was 11mm and before that is was 7mm. So this might just be a delay which I know is not what you want to hear but you can improve it within a matter of months.

I hope that they talk it over and come back with a solution. I know some other people have taken additional Estrogen to improve it as well.

@Hoping4baby21, thank you 🥰. They have said they will rediscuss next week and I have sent them another scan report that I had previously. Will have a decision on Wed. The lining thing is because the doctor perforated my uterus during my last surgical management of miscarriage rather than a more general lining issue I think. Really pleased that you were able to improve yours. For me, just the thought of trying something else feels overwhelming. I’ve been trying for a long time and having this ivf/ICSI was really the last thing before saying we were stopping. It just feels like a big blow to be back in uncertainty after years of things going wrong. I really appreciate what you are saying, just feels pretty crap right now.

@Hoping4baby21 thanks so much for the encouragement 💕 you're right, it takes such a huge toll and all I can do is commend the resilliance of the women who have been trying longer. That's a really interesting fact, and the last thing you anyone needs when TTC is stress. Thanks so much for being lovely 🥰 I'll put the "what if" questions to the back of my mind and persevere!

@Aimes2021 oh I'm so sorry to hear that. I really hope that you're able to go ahead. Understandably you're in shock so do what you need to do to look after yourself. This doesn't mean it's over and nothing conclusive has been decided so hold onto that and we'll keep our fingers crossed for you ❤️

@Aimes2021 oh I understand a bit better now and absolutely do what is right for you. I hope you feel better and I'll be thinking of you and hope you get good news on Wednesday x

@Hoping4baby21 and @unCliche, thank you both for your kind words, your support has really taken the sting out of it. I am definitely in a bit of shock, might take a few days to think about it rationally. Will let you know how it goes on wed and will be crossing my fingers that all goes smoothly for you @Hoping4baby21 next week too. Xx

@Icsi2021, looking forward to getting your updates and really pleased for you that it looks like a fresh transfer, fantastic news! 💕

@unCliche I went off protection August 2019 but didn't start properly trying until October 2019. It's been a little while but I know not as long as others. We had the SA analysis that my husband is slightly below across the board and advised that icsi is the only way we will conceive. It was a blow because we have conceived before (only 4 months trying) so we're very shocked. My husband wasn't very keen to do ivf but I just feel that this TTC business is consuming me. I miss my life before trying. Anyone else feel this way?

@Icsi2021 congratulations! You must be elated! Fingers crossed for a good scan on Monday. It must be so exciting to be so close!

@Aimes2021 I'm so sorry for your news today. Hopefully on Wednesday they can advice you on how to move forward. This infertility journey is such a rollercoaster of emotions.

@Aimes2021 so sorry to hear your news, im sure they will come up with a plan for you like they did us iknow ours was a different problem but they were willing to try! They were even guna freeze just 1 sperm a time if thats what it took! Its crazy. It may prolong things a little bit but im sure youl be back on track asap💕
#lotsofpositivevibesladies

Thank you everyone will keep you all posted 💗 9th Bemfola done tonight and 4 Certrotide tomorrow 🥴 x

@Prayingforabubba absolutely agree with the consuming. It's also taking the obvious toll on our sex lives. I was in Starbucks the other day and started crying about my childlessness because a little girl was so excited about getting her first Starbucks drink and she was so damn cute! And I just thought this is getting ridiculous now. Every single buggy or bump I see is a reminder of what you don't have. I hate being bitter 🤢. In some way lockdown made that part easier I suppose for a while anyway. Urgh it's so hard. I've been off birth control since 2017 but using withdrawal method. No oopsies. And trying (tracking and timing EVERYTHING for almost 1.5 years now and I feel like I can't do it anymore. There's obviously something going on they just haven't figured out what.

My husband is ever the optimist and did think I was rushing the testing etc and next steps but he gets it now.

We will all get there and look back on this journey so differently but for right now it sucks. But we can do this!

And I'm off to bed now no idea why I'm still away lol

@Aimes2021 I've had says like that. It's heartbreaking. Over lockdown, it's been worse for me in some ways. Lots of people very close to me are having or have had lockdown babies. I remember thinking so naively, ahh by the time lockdown one is done, we will be pregnant! 😟 3 lockdowns later, no bubba.

We will get there 🙏🏼 and any babies I have will be loved and probably spoilt so much more because of the struggle I've had to get there!

Happy bank holiday weekend ! Anyone got any plans? I'm hoping to relax the whole weekend after a difficult week at school. X

I thought I would come back to update as I hadn't read about this happening, and thought my experience may be helpful for others. I went in for embryo transfer on Friday. I arrived, had a scan to check ovaries were free of fluid, as I had had some prior to EC and it can be an increased risk of OHSS. All was clear, so I was set to go for it. Embryologist came in and gave the news that we had 3 embryos, one 5AA one 4BA and one 3AA. I was so happy, as last time we had only one, 4BC. The Dr then started placing the catheter ready to go. It seemed to be taking a while, and was more uncomfortable than last time. Eventually she asked if I'd had any bleeding - I hadn't at all. But she showed me a swab and there was bright blood. She then stopped and did an internal scan of endometrium. It had been looking great prior to EC, but Sunday it was down to 4mm and degenerating. It was such a shock. They cancelled the transfer and instead I will have to do a FET at some stage.

I am so thrilled about being blessed with these embryos, though sad I was unable to have a fresh transfer this time.

Lots of luck to you all xx

@HopingForRainbow2021 such great embryos you must be so pleased. Sorry you couldn't have a fresh transfer but the good news is you have great embryos to use for your FET cycles!

Will you go straight to the FET next cycle? Or are you not sure? Did they give you any reason why your lining might have been deteriorating?

If you don't mind me asking how was your recovery after EC? You mentioned in your previous posts the procedure was nothing to worry about but did you find recovery easy/straightforward? That's the bit I'm most worried about.

@Aimes2021 hey lovely, how are you feeling? Sending lots of hugs 🤗

@Prayingforabubba I get how you feel. I think I've come to believe that TTC is what my life will be reduced to and I'll never get the chance to experience pregnancy. I always knew that life would find some way to take it away from me and so I'm not really surprised I'm not pregnant. If childlessness is in my future, it would be sad but expected. I'm also done being optimistic about it because that hasn't produced results either 🤷‍♀️

@Hoping4baby21 😞 the worst for me was literally hearing my next door neighbour going into labour through the walls. And then her coming home with a baby who I'd always hear crying. I was always a mess on CD1 and having a baby next door made it worse. I've never been on birth control, always withdrawal method with all sexual partners and no accidental pregnancy ever. So I'm not really expecting anything anymore.

@HopingForRainbow2021 oh do you know what caused the degeneration of your endometrium? Must have been a bit of a blow expecting to be impregnated and now having to wait even longer. But at least you have some amazing embryos, so congrats on that! And all the best with your frozen transfer.

@unCliche that must be so hard. It's so difficult the conflicting emotions. One of my closest friends told me she is pregnant today. First cycle trying. I mean I feel like the universe is playing some kind of trick on me sometimes. That is EVERY SINGLE ONE of my close friends first attempt. It's got to be a joke right?

I'm happy for her and numb for me. Just got to keep looking forward, we have a plan in place and the odds are in our favour more so than trying naturally. It can and will happen. One step at a time closer to the end goal. That's all I've got energy for at the moment.

@Hoping4baby21 Gosh that's really tough 😔 Are you sure it was all their first attempt and they're just not saying that to save face? Either way, it definitely sucks when it's happening for everyone but not you. You're allowed to take a step back if it's too painful. Do your friends know you've been trying?

It's definitely bitter sweet and the mixture of emotions that comes with being happy for someone while you're breaking down inside is the worst thing ever but you're right, having a plan that'll help you move forward is the first step to getting to that end goal. Just make sure your mental health isn't suffering for it. I got myself a kitten as an emotional support animal and her love for me is everything right now.

@unCliche yep 100 per cent sure she was discussing with me when they were gunna try etc. I'm sure on all of them. Yes she knows all about us trying etc. I wished she hadn't called and told me I'm a way because I did have to shove the feelings down and focus on supporting her. But I think she probably felt it was better to speak face to face "virtually" anyway. She said she felt bad because she knows we have been trying and that if at anytime it's too much then say etc. But honestly there isn't much that makes it all ok. I feel "ok" about it I think. Not devasted, haven't cried there's something there but it isn't intense. I think because we have a plan and I'm hoping it works. Just got to believe that it's my turn now.

We tried to get a puppy but it didn't work out luckily the breeders took her back because she was there favourite and so she's now their family pet. So confident she went back to a loving home which made it less awful to have to do. Glad it worked out for you.

Any of you planning to do any acupuncture alongside your IVF treatment? I have heard it can help and there was a study down that showed it increase success. But it isn't definitive and there isn't a ton of proof but it definitely can't hurt.

Hi ladies, hope you had a good long weekend.

@HopingForRainbow2021, congrats on those embryos! So sorry that a fresh cycle didn't happen. Hope that you can have your FET very soon.

@unCliche, thanks lovely I'm feeling better thanks. Am working nights this week so it's a good distraction. Hope you're managing ok too.

@Icsi2021, did you trigger today? So excited for you, good luck with it and really looking forward to hearing how you get on

@Hoping4baby21, I completely understand where you are coming from with the difficulties seeing close friends get pregnant without any difficulty. It is so incredibly unfair, and painful. This is your time now though, choosing ivf is such a positive step and everything crossed it will happen soon. 💕🤞🏻I have had a couple of acupuncture sessions and found it very relaxing if this cycle goes ahead I think I will try and do it more regularly.