IVF - May

[TheSnufflet]

Couldn't see a thread for May so I thought I'd start one!

Anyone else doing their cycle in May? I just got my calendar through and all the injections look extremely Not Fun (this is my first time doing it) 😕

I have the Warner’s non-alcoholic gin and it’s delicious - would definitely recommend.

My period arrived yesterday after 8 days on Buserelin, so baseline scan booked in with my clinic on Friday. I’ve found Buserelin pretty ok so far, very few symptoms, only a bit tired for the first few days. I think I’ve been lucky, waiting for stims to hit me like a ton of bricks!

Went for my weekly acupuncture appointment and she has said she’d recommend that I totally rest for the week after transfer - no walks even! And definitely no work. Has anybody else been told this? I’m a natural busy bee so worry a week on the sofa might send my mind into overdrive.

@Maddie020 I’m a fellow low-AMH’er too. Mine was 5.9 when tested in aug 2020, and I’m 30. Been focussing on quality since then - low alcohol/caffeine and taking co-enzyme q10 daily. So sorry to hear your story and that it didn’t work for you this time, I really really hope you’re able to find a clinic you’re happier with. Stay strong lovely xx

@TeaAndCrumpets1 I don’t agree with the full on rest for a week, that sounds silly. Walking is good, it will get your blood flowing. Re: work... it depends what you do, my clinic say to avoid heavy lifting, if your job is really stressful then probably not a good idea. As long as things aren’t too strenuous then works likely to be good, it will keep your mind off things. Given that on average 3-4 transfers are required to get success, after my 2 unsuccessful transfer I’m focusing on living my life as close to normal as possible during cycles.

Apologies I’ve been a bit quiet first time joining a group, need to try to be more active, bear with me .

I have my BMI appointment and consultation with the nurse next week. I wasn’t giving much information about what the appointment will be about.

@Gardenlady543 I also never had a bfp. I had a few indents which gave me hope but was always heartbroken when af arrived.

@TheSnufflet I was actively trying from October 19 but stopped my contraception at the beginning of 2019 which makes its 2 years (this is the criteria of my CCG).

Urgh lost my message I was writing!

@TheSnufflet The herbal tea caution is because there is very little research on the safety of most herbal teas in pregnancy. I'm avoiding anything that is potentially iffy (potentially related to uterine contractions and/or misscarriage) which includes rasberry lead, rosehip, hibicus, mint, tulsi and sage, adn avoiding valerian root. I'm only drinking 1 of any type/flavour of tea a day. Its all just precautionary. And I say go for it if getting away will make you relax - we have a caravan trip booked in June and will just drive up to clinic during break if appointments clash.

@Maddie020 I think you were on the Feb/March forum? Sorry to hear about your negative test today.

@TeaAndCrumpets1 My clinic just say take it easy the day of transfer then to try to get on with life as normally as possible (though with avoiding strensous exercise, and hot baths). One of the ladies from Fed/March forum walked I think it was 5-8 miles every day during TWW and had a BFP. I think just fo what feels right to you.

Not much news here, still waiting for a period.....

Hi everyone, I've missed a few messages. Hope you're all OK.

Spoke to the GP yesterday and he's checking my thyroid and vitamin D levels but said with the follicle there's no point in checking my estrogen levels and a scan us better but it's unlikely they'd get me in anytime soon (4 month wait), so I'll speak with the nurse from my clinic next week and see what she thinks.

I've just been looking ahead to May and it's so hard to plan! I've got some work things to book in, but I'm thinking oh, that's a potential day I could be having my eggs collected or maybe a transfer 🤔 is anyone booking time off in the tww? I am working from home anyway and my boss is aware and just said take what time I need. I think the distraction could be good but equally I don't want to be tied to my desk 9-5.

@TeaAndCrumpets1 @Maddie020 👋 fellow low amh here too. Mine dropped from 9.5 last Feb to 5.9 in November (I'm 37). The consultant last week was clear he's not expecting big things from me and if I get 2-3 embryos that's good (and likely nothing to freeze) and we might do a day 3 transfer if I've only got that many. I'm with Create doing my nhs cycle, feel quite glad as I know they're good with low amh. I'll get the details next Tuesday, but he's putting my on mild stims, but not the lowest dose, a middle one.

When is af due @2mumlife? X

@TeaAndCrumpets1 I'd go out of my mind not doing anything for the 2 weeks! Sounds a bit much but I guess she suggested it for a reason 🤔

Sorry to hear you got a negative test @Maddie020

@VenusStarr I'm also trying to manage my diary for work, I keep counting out how many days of stims I'm guessing I'll need and then estimating collection and transfer. I'm realising it's absolutely impossible to know when everything will be so I'll just have to accept cancelling some appointments if need be!

I'm still waiting to hear from stork re delivery of my medication! Hopefully soon although a while to go yet for cd2!

Late to this thread @TheSnufflet but confirmed today I will start IVF round 4 in May. Part of the low AMH club at 5.2 but I’m 39 so apparently its to be expected (but still feels terrible).

Trying to stay positive but its hard. Would be good to have a bunch of you to chat about it with!

@VenusStarr I'm booking some time off work after the transfer even though I'm wfh but I'm just being prepared for another really early end to my 2ww as started bleeding 4dp5dt last time. Had a chat to my clinics counsellor actually yesterday just with some strategies for managing worries going in to this transfer. We only had 2 mature eggs, though both turned into high grade embryos on fresh cycle despite normal AMH, under 35, healthy BMI. You just don't know what you're going to get! FX for you for a better than expected outcome. I'm CD40 now. Normally my natural cycle is within 28-34 days. Bored waiting. They should warn people that after failed cycles your period can go AWOL!

@KayReeves hi welcome to the thread! Any idea when you'll be starting?

@2mumlife that sound like such a pain, good to know it can happen but I hope AF comes for you ASAP!

My haul of drugs just arrived and it seems like a scary amount! Really exciting to have it here though, makes it all feel real!

How's everyone else doing?

Thanks @DoctorBambino my last IVF cycle knocked my period out of sync but expecting it in 3 weeks and then will start on day 1.

Have absolutely no idea what to expect from cycle 4, we are changing protocol so that could be good or bad. I’ve come to realise this stuff all feels like a very expensive experiment sometimes!

Hey again. Hope you're all doing well.

Change of plan for me. Now doing a fresh cycle and long protocol. Anyone else done or doing a long protocol? Did short for my last 3 cycles...

Start down regging next Friday (day 21).

Bit nervous that it won't work as I haven't done it before 😬

@FingersXssd83 Interesting you only had short protocols before, seems most people do long protocols first time. Is this your 4th fresh cycle? Few ladies on here doing long protocols I believe. My fresh transfer was a long protocol (we're switching to Flare protocol though if this FET doesn't work out).

@KayReeves Hopefully a change in protocol is what you need for success FX Which protocol are you moving to?

Hi @2mumlife I’d done short protocols before where I started on Buserilin then added Gonal F and introduced Menopur later. Now I’m combining lower doses of Gonal F and Menopur from the start.

I’ve gone on their recommendation and willing to give most things a try now.

How are you getting on?

Thanks for coming back to me @2mumlife

I was diagnosed with endo after my third cycle hence why I'm now trying the long protocol. That cycle was a freeze all and was successful and I had my baby last year.

I was recommended to do a freeze all again because it worked although my doctor said he has no idea why it was successful. However, knowing that it could take a few cycles before we get close to a chance, and as freeze alls take forever, I thought it best to do a fresh first then freeze all second (I've bought a multi cycle package) as it means I'll get two egg collections in before my 38th birthday. I couldn't do say 4 freeze all cycles as I would lose the plot doing IVF for that long. The waiting would kill me! Of course, I haven't even considered the possibility of my cycle working!

My doctor seemed pretty relaxed about me staying on short cycle but I have heard that this can cause endo to flare and long can produce more eggs. We'll see, I guess!

When are you starting?

@KayReeves I've heard other ladies moving to lower doses have more positive numbers if eggs collected.

@FingersXssd83 Congratulations on your baby :) I read some interesting figures on fresh versus frozen, and actually the success rates for frozen can be higher than fresh, just because your body goes through so much doing stimulation and collection.

I'm finally CD1 this morning . We're sitting out this cycle, starting a medicated FET on my next day 1, so now looking at transfer being late May / early June. Hoping this cycle will be back to a more normal length.

Thanks @2mumlife! Ahh not long now until you can transfer your frostie. Hope the time flies for you!

My meds arrive on Mon and I down reg from Thursday. Excited and nervous in equal measure. It feels quite nice actually as my past cycles only ever filled me with fear.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend 💖

@FingersXssd83 I’m also doing long protocol. I had my baseline scans at Thursday and meds should be ordered and delivered next week, ready for me to start down reg on Saturday! 1st cycle, fresh transfer planned. I’m having nasal spray for my down reg rather than injections, which seems to be a rarity!

Thanks ladies for all your thoughts for resting for first 7 days of 2WW. I had my baseline scan yesterday. Everything as it should be so we start on stims tonight - 450 of MerioFert. My AFC had increased from 7 last cycle to 13 this cycle, so I’m feeling more positive now. I’m starting to think ahead to egg collection - for those of you who’ve been through this before, what would you recommend bringing to the hospital on the day of?

@FingersXssd83 wishing you all the best for your first long protocol 💓 glad to hear you’re feeling positive xx

Thanks @2mumlife and hope it works out that way

@TeaAndCrumpets1 I’d advise the following to take with you. A comfy pair of bottoms so there’s no pressure on your tummy, paracetamol although they usually say to have 2 prior to going in, and a sanitary pad in case of spotting afterwards. I found I needed a hot water bottle on my tummy for a day or two after egg collection also. X

@FingersXssd83 Thank you! So grateful it's here now and can start preparing properly. Just want this one to stick so we don't need to go through collection egg

@TeaAndCrumpets1 My clinic get you to bring a nightie (I had to go buy one specially, it's sadly been more used than I'd hoped for ). I also suggest bringing a book (it can be a bit of a wait, we were last on the list on the day we went so were there for a few hours). Bottle of water in the car for filling your bladder on route if you have a bit of a drive. I agree with @KayReeves something comfy particularly for bottoms. I felt pretty hideous after collection so I'd suggest having your sofa ready to collapse on and some easy watching on TV ready for when you get home.

@TeaAndCrumpets1 Sorry love forget what I said about water, that for transfer day not egg collection day! Assuming you're being sedated you'll be nill by mouth on collection day, sorry

Hey, hope it's okay to join! I'm on my 17th day of down regs (buserelin injections) and having a repeat baseline scan on Monday (had one last Tuesday but I hadn't bled and so my lining was too thick). I have now had a mammoth bleed so hopefully start stims next week. I'm on long protocol. My provisional date for EC is 3rd May obv depending on how I respond. This is my first round of IVF (poss ICSI) but I've over stimulated twice on Clomid

Hi all hope you are enjoying the lovely weather this weekend. My meds have arrived and it just feels real now.. waiting to start my period now, trying to avoid that niggling hope that it happened naturally this month and we can swerve the whole ivf thing

Either way I’m excited to start my cycle soon!

@Crazydoglady123 sounds like you had a nice clear out and are ready to build a fresh new lining. Best of luck with your cycle.

Welcome @Crazydoglady123 I'm doing LP too! Why have they put you on it and have you had many side effects? My periods aren't back to normal yet after DD was born last year so going to call the clinic today to reassure myself it won't be an issue. Hope your scan goes well today 🍀

Ooof I've missed a few messages! Glad to see everyone's so active 🙂

@TeaAndCrumpets1 I second what PPs have said about a week rest after transfer, sounds bonkers to me! I was also told that you need gentle exercise, what with the blood flow to the uterus and all? How are you finding acupuncture? I've considered it but don't really want to add any more needles to my life 😬

@JesHope345 Ahh, so you're including not-trying-not-preventing time as well... god, in which case I've been 'trying' for a really depressingly long time, probably after I had the copper coil out in 2014/15 😔

@2mumlife FFS, that's basically a list of all my favourite herbal teas ever! I knew about raspberry leaf being dangerous but none of the others. At the moment I've cut down to one coffee a day (which is insane, I never thought I could do one coffee a day!) and been mainlining these and these - they're quite strong so I re-use the one teabag about four times, that's the way I'm gaming the NHS recommendations 😀
How is the garden going? It's really dry and quite cold here, but at least it looks as if the last frost has come and gone. Ooh and where are you planning on going caravanning?

@VenusStarr I'm booking a week off at the end of the TWW just to not be in the house rattling around. I'll probably take a day off for EC but my work are pretty flexible and I will probably just work later the day of ET.

@FingersXssd83 I'm on a fresh transfer long protocol (also suspected but undiagnosed endo). Interesting that you only did short ones before! @RazzleDazz1e you're starting downregging the day before me! When is your EC provisionally booked for?

Hello @Crazydoglady123 and @KayReeves and welcome!

As for me, my meds are finally due to come tomorrow so I need to clear some fridge space for the Gonal F and Ovitrelle. I've had conflicting information about how I should store the buserelin though; one piece of paper says it needs to be in the fridge but another just says below 25 degrees in a cool dark place - what has everyone else been advised?

I've also had some vaguely shit news in that I had some bloods done recently for something unrelated, and it's come back showing my TSH levels are high, with T4 normal. Having had a google this seems to fit the criteria of subclinical hypothyroidism (it would explain why I'm so fucking cold all the time), and I've got a doctor's appointment on my birthday to discuss next steps. Does anyone else have any experience with this? Of course the google rabbit hole says that it's associated with higher risks of miscarriage so I feel as though this cycle is doomed before it's even begun 😟