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

@Becky105 if it helps I'll list the tests I had to have done prior to starting. They have not asked me for anything else other than the repeats TSH.

Hep A and B, HIV, Rubella test (or proof of vaccine), proof of recent normal smear test, SA analysis for DH, baseline scan (which ABC will do) AMH (not mandatory but if your GP can do it then why not). Also proof of negative STD tests. Routine blood tests for fertility at beginning of cycle and on day 21 of cycle to confirm hormone levels including TSH, FSH, LH, prolactin, progesterone (I think those are the main ones but the GP knows what to order for these.

The Hep A, B and HIV tests we had done a while ago and so they want us to repeat but this is included in the package cost and can be done at your first scan once you get started so it won't delay you.

If you get all of the above done in advance then you should be fine to go before your next cycle. I hope that helps, if you need to speed things up you can pay for ABC to go them and get results sooner I know my GP takes a week to get blood results back which isn't bad but I'm a hurry not suitable.

@HopingForRainbow2021 @Aimes2021 I didn't get emailed anything like that 🙄 I've emailed them and if no reply, will give them a call shortly.

@Becky105 just a heads up, my rubella came back negative before I started treatment when I was investigated on the nhs so I did have to get a booster. There was a month between both vaccinations.

I'm due to have my second covid vaccination on the 15th, hoping it will be okay . ABC told me that as it's before egg collection, (should be a week ish) if I get a temperature, it should be okay. Was tempted not to take it but with travelling into central London so often for scans and being a primary school teacher, it's more of a risk not taking it for me personally!

X

@Prayingforabubba how annoying! Hopefully they can send it over to you today. I also got sent the injection videos by email.

@Hoping4baby21 hmm interesting, I didn't get asked for hormone levels/tests other than TSH. Maybe because I'm in a same-sex couple so our reason for IVF is lack of sperm? Although that doesn't necessarily mean I don't also have hormone issues so it seems weird that they wouldn't test them. I guess it's too late now, but they test some of them during treatment don't they, so hopefully that will indicate if anything's wrong. I hope it doesn't mean that our first cycle will be a waste if they find a problem it would have been helpful to know about beforehand

@kittyfantastico21 ABC didn't ask for those test results from me but when doing initial investigations through GP we did those, so that might be why. But ABC did ask us to send any test results we had had.

Yes they will be checking your hormones but it might be that you are in a same sex relationship. I'm sure it won't be a waste and it will be fine, in any case they will be checking things so can make adjustments if necessary.

So keen to get started!! I'm sure once the meds and needs arrive the nerves will be back 😬

@Hoping4baby21 I am really pleased with them for sure :) It was a shock at the time, but I am so grateful to have got that far - it's a far better outcome than previously. I am waiting to find out when I can have my FET - they said it will be at least 6 weeks. My recovery after EC was good both times - though the first time I felt a bit uncomfortable for a couple of days, it was nothing major at all. Just a little bit crampy and bloated. I'm thinking of trying acupuncture for my FET - have you decided to go for it?

@Aimes2021 thank you, I was so happy with the news that we had three. I hope AF doesn't keep you waiting too log so you can get started :)

@unCliche Thank you :) I have no idea what caused the degeneration - I am hoping they will give me some answers today if they can. I am quite worried about it in case it is a recurring problem :/

@Prayingforabubba It is a huge relief, especially after previous result - but yep, definitely a shocker! I am with ABC Harley Street :)

I have had a bit of a wobble in terms of my faith in ABC if I'm honest. This bleed that happened when i was supposed to have my embryo transfer - I had felt some pinching, it was much more uncomfortable than the previous time, and then suddenly there was some bleeding - fresh bright red - there had been zero sign of bleeding before that and I haven't seen a drop of blood since. The more I think about it the more I feel it is a bit suss. I had a follow up call scheduled at 8.15 this morning, so been sitting by the phone. I called at 9.20 as patience was running a bit low, and was told the nurse that yes, I did have a call scheduled at 8.15. She said the nurse was in with a patient now, and she'd try to get her to give me a call when she's free. Maybe I'm being unreasonable, but I don't think that's great patient care to be honest. Hopefully things will get turned around.

Lots and lots of luck and babydust to all. I'll follow your journeys and pop back up again when it's time for FET, or if I have anything useful to say :) xx

@kittyfantastico21, I didn't get asked for any other hormone tests either. I think most hormone issues are eliminated with the ivf process given that it is artificial stimulation of the ovaries. If your follicle count was ok for treatment then that means your AMH is ok and even if showed PCOS the stimulation is adjusted for that. Plus they give supplementary progesterone after ET so even if your progesterone was low it will be boosted. Overall, I think it's unlikely that there is something in those tests that would impact whether your cycle is successful and things will hopefully go well 😊

@HopingForRainbow2021 Sorry to hear of the problems you've been having with ABC today. If it makes you feel any better, I'd had similar issues (with them being very late on things) and as I mentioned in my earlier (really long) post about key lessons I've learned during my IVF with ABC, it helps to reduce your expectations of their communications. They do run behind on appointments quite often (I can only speak for the Harley St clinic) so don't be too disappointed if it happens again. They just seem to be super busy all the time... (which of course isn't a good excuse for your experience today, but it's their reality).

@Hoping4baby21 Ooh I haven't watched Dark Water yet but sounds like I should get on that!

@Becky105 "I might be panicking over nothing but my contact at abc Harley St hasn't been very organised so far so I wouldn't be surprised if they've missed steps in my advice." - I can relate. It's as you say - you expect there to be a bit more guidance especially for first time patients, but they do seem disorganised sometimes and you just need to sit on them and double check things with another nurse if need be. Not sure if you saw my long post on page 6 of this thread but I've definitely learned some lessons during my time with their Harley St clinic! Hopefully some of that would be helpful to you as you start your journey with them.

Just a lil update, we now have embryos 💗 4 had fertilised and booked for transfer Saturday but maybe changed to Monday x

@HopingForRainbow2021 @pileapetals

Oh doesn't seem like you both have had the best experience with Harley street! I'm also with them. With them forgetting to email me the protocol has just made me think they're so disorganised but I'm hoping that they will be better once treatment starts!

Can I ask, who was your nurse during scans? How was your experience when going to scans and how many you needed before egg collection? I know it does different from person to person but it's so awkward taking time off as a teacher because we can't book annual leave 😩

@Aimes2021 did you receive the same amount of medication?

@Prayingforabubba - I had at least 4 different nurses (but not a huge surprise there; I did read on older ABC threads that you end up with a bunch of different nurses and won't be seeing the same one all the time).

Re: my experience going for scans, it's a mixed bag TBH. Sometimes it's fine, other times they run half an hour late for your appointment and so you just have to wait. Other times there were some outright strange encounters - I talked about this in detail in a post on page of this thread if you want to read more.

Re: number of scans before EC, I think I had about 4-6 scans (def more than they had initially expected) but would say don't stress about that too much. As you say, it's really different from person to person and they'll just try their best to give you the best shot possible for EC day. Absolutely hear you on the difficulties in taking leave though!! Especially if you're a teacher, that must be extra tough. Perhaps you can explain your situation to the nurse and see if they can give you as much advance notice as possible so you can get things sorted on your end easier?

Hope that helped x

@Icsi2021 great news on your embryos!

@Hoping4baby21 @Aimes2021 thanks, that's reassuring to know that ABC didn't ask you for those tests either.

@HopingForRainbow2021 sorry to hear you've had difficulties with getting to speak to the nurse today. I hope you get a call back soon with answers and that they say it isn't a recurring problem.

I find ABC Wimbledon a little disorganised but after buying a house last year and dealing with estate agents and solicitors, I now have extremely low expectations of customer service! I'm willing to put up with that again on the admin side for this as all the nurses so far have been great.

@Prayingforabubba sorry, I meant to say "I talked about this in detail in a post on page 6 of this thread if you want to read more."

@HopingForRainbow2021 ahh that is good to hear. That's the bit I worry about most but I'm sure it will be ok. I hope the 6 weeks go nice and quickly for you.

When I had my treatment consultation I expressed that I was worried about getting OHSS and the nurse was so nice and willing to reduce my dose if I felt uncomfortable but I trust their suggestion (also same as create suggested just ovaleep not bemfola) and don't want to in turn risk under stimulating!

Yes I'm going for acupuncture I have done it before and it definitely made differences to my body, less headaches improved digestion stopped me having wonky cycles due to stress. So based on that I'm confident it does make a difference.

So do you think ABC messed something up with your meds or something which then lead to the degeneration and bleed? I'm sorry they are dropping the ball here for you. Hope it gets sorted ASAP.

@Aimes2021 that is a good point in regards to the hormone testing not being needed.

@Icsi2021 awesome! So happy for you. Sending you positive energy for transfer ✨✨

@Prayingforabubba so far things have been good for me, so it must depend on maybe a particular person like the coordinator. There have been little things like them putting my address down as flat 39 when it should be flat 36 for my meds but it was easily changed and things happen. Of course I haven't started my cycle yet and it all become much more intense then. I'm hoping it all goes ok as most people seem to have a good experience 🤞🏽

Those meds match mine as well.

@Icsi2021, that’s wonderful! 4 is a great number and I guess they’re aiming for a day 5 transfer if it is being pushed to Monday? Really hope they grow well in the next couple of days 🤞🏻💕

@Prayingforabubba my medication order looks the same as that, except I also have antibiotics for after EC. I'm a bit confused why there are only 8 Bemfola ordered when my treatment protocol lists 9 Bemfola injections. I'm going to check with my clinic to make sure it's right.

@Prayingforabubba, yep that was my medication too. Have you got anywhere with the clinic sending your treatment info?

I think the disorganisation might be a theme, especially in Harley st by the sounds of it. Wasn’t impressed that it was left to the day of medication delivery to make a final decision on whether I could proceed. It does seem though that they are considering every case individually and I guess I’d prefer that they think it through and be a bit slack on the emails but do what’s right for us to get the best outcome. I guess it’s part of the cost difference compared to other clinics? Seriously stressful though and an emotional rollercoaster for sure!

@kittyfantastico21, with the bemfola injections I was told you pick up more from the clinic at your scan if needed

@Prayingforabubba and @Aimes2021 I just realised that my swim injection is Ovaleap but your are both Bemfola. During the treatment consultation she said they had switched over to Ovaleap and are getting good results with it etc. I wonder why - especially considering we are so close in start time mine is different than yours!

I know from research that they are essentially the same thing different company. Has anyone else in the group has Ovaleap?

Thank you every1
@Aimes2021 they have booked me in for Saturday transfer but said she will 100% confirm on Saturday x

@Aimes2021 thanks, that makes sense!

@Hoping4baby21, that is strange that have given us different stims in such a short time frame. Glad your research says they are essentially the same, is your dose the same too? When they said I could go ahead they changed mine from 125 to now 150 but not entirely sure why! There are a lot of mysteries in this process..

@unCliche thank you .. i have been on the NHS waiting list for over a year for severe pains during ovulation and before periods and not being able to concieve I finally have an appointment on the 21st of may so fingers crossed all moves quickly from there but I'm worried there will be long wait for a laparoscopy after that.. your baseline is soon ? Where are you having treatment?
@kittyfantastico21 I am glad I finally know the reason behind all the pain I have been in and it's not "IBS" like I was told in A&e a couple of months ago when was having severe pains on my right side and felt like my ovary was going to explode was sent home and not scanned or anything.. very cross with the miss diagnosis ATM struggling to deal with it .feeling let down and made to suffer for 2 years and my fertility to potentially deteriate unecessarily... Good luck starting you injections soon hope it all goes well..@Hoping4baby21 the consultant women I saw in Wimbledon said I need to be seen at the hospital at there is toxic fluid flowing into my uterus from a tube and I may need a laparoscopy to clip the tube to stop it to then make my uterus safe to have an embryo in she says it would not implant currently. I have my initial appointment in princess royal hospital soon so hoping it all done quickly.. going away for your tww is great idea .we are going away end of July as my son is autistic and can't go during busy holidays we are off to centre PARC's so was ment to be last holiday before starting IVF but everything so uncertain now.. @Prayingforabubba thank you..hopefully with the hospital appointment soon I may still be in with a chance for my August window while not working for holidays but I doubt it..

My DP got his results also he has low count of 9 million per ml but everything else is fine 98%motility 4%morphology every all normal.. said at bottom that ICIS would be beneficial for him so if I can get sorted quickly you never know what can happen.. any tips on boosting counts would be great ..
Feeling very down and disheartened by my results still I have 2 boys from when I was very young which I had two c sections with and then a miscarriage 4years ago all with previous marriage and there not saw when this infection started and how long I've had it and I feel like I want to know.. the consultant lady at Wimbledon I did find very harsh and blunt lol she said she was surprised I managed to concieve my boys if I had this problem before them and anything since would be being killed my toxic uterus I left room in tears .. and worried I upset a poor lady about to go on for her transfer bless her was so lovely but didn't need to see me in a state before she went in ..
We have our zoom consultation to tell us all our results next Tuesday but not really sure what that's for as we know it won't work at moment she said mention making the embryos but freezing them till my uterus is ready but why do that when can have a fresh one done when fixed so confused
Thank you all for you support and hope everything going well for you all

Hello.. wanted to give an update😊 I had my Pregnancy blood test today and it’s positive😊, I should be getting an appointment for early pregnancy scan in two weeks🤞🏻..

@Icsi2021 Good luck