Page 40 | Infertility investigations/IVF in Scotland - thread 3

Kamiros · 05/12/2021 12:27

@2mumlife Yes lots of advantages with the timing. Everything crossed that this is your time

2mumlife · 05/12/2021 15:45

@Kamiros Thanks lovely. We're trying just to "do life" as normal as possible this time around. We'll see how it goes

Hopewishprayer · 06/12/2021 07:47

@2mumlife sadly I didn’t get to transfer, so upsetting. I knew it was a long shot to have success first time but I didn’t expect to have nothing to transfer and now I am anxious that next round will be the same. I am hoping a change of protocol might help. I had 7 eggs from 15 folicles and only 3 mature so I am wondering if a stronger/longer protocol may make a difference -I was short antagonist.

Hope all goes well for your transfer and the 2WW will go by in a flash with Christmas and fingers crossed you get the best news in the new year! X

2mumlife · 06/12/2021 10:17

@Hopewishprayer I only got 4 eggs my first IVF cycle and only 2 were mature. Second cycle with a change in protocol I got 6 eggs and all were mature and fertilised, so fingers crossed a change of protocol / approach will work for you next time.

I'm a bit nervous this morning - I had super light periods and my period had already finished. But then this morning I've had a random blob of fresh looking blood/tissue. I don't normally have on/off periods or any kind of bleeding between periods. Going to keep an eye out now rest of the day and see if there is anything else, but hoping its not signs of wonky things happening....

Hopewishprayer · 07/12/2021 08:01

@2mumlife hope you are ok x

Thank you for sharing re change in protocol that’s very interesting x

2mumlife · 07/12/2021 09:22

@Hopewishprayer Nothing since that little blob, so looks like everything is ok. Get yourself booked in for a review and see that they can offer to increase changes next time x

LouScot · 07/12/2021 22:19

@2mumlife when are you hoping to transfer? Hope all is well x

ScottishRach · 08/12/2021 23:04

Hi all,

I've been assigned AFC and have had a bad day today after going in for a repeat TVU to look at a possible polyp - my last ultrasound was a week before my period and my lining was too thick then for a good look. I was hoping for the good news that the polyp would be affecting my fertility and we would have it removed, but the doctor I saw today told me she didn't expect the size and location (bottom of my uterus) to be the cause of our issues.... leaving us with the diagnosis of unexplained infertility which wasn't what I had hoped to hear. To top it all my friend also announced her pregnancy today so it's been difficult to get away from it all and generally a very exhausting time sad.

So her advise was to proceed with IVF and I have joined the 5 month wait list, but I am absolutely terrified. I'm not good with needles and though she did show me the needle I would be using on myself and I think I can get through that with the use of emla, the next stages of egg retrieval with a canula, foley catheter and of course the retrieval needle and then the progesterone injections after transfer have had my stomach in knots all afternoon.

The doctors and nurses have all been lovely but I'm hoping you lovely ladies can give me a little more information on what to expect from the egg retrieval etc at Aberdeen Fertility. I know all clinics like to do things differently but I will absolutely not be able to handle 10 weeks of a needle in my backside, I'm really hoping they would allow the progesterone suppositories.....

2mumlife · 09/12/2021 08:28

@LouScot Looking at dates I think earliest transfer date would be the 17th but could be couple days later than that with clinic scheduling and depending on lining scan on Monday.

@ScottishRach As you say clinics do things differently. What I would say is all the needled I've had (except for the Prostap injection which the clinic administered) have been TINY needles. I recommend not faffing with ice cubes and all these kind of things - its much easier just to get it over with without the faff. My DP does all my needles (its a way of helping her feel more involved) so if you have a partner, you can get them to inject you instead of having to do it yoursellf. I've only ever had progesterone (Lubion) injections in prep for FET (which you do in stomach or thigh), and thats only for 6 days, the rest of the times its suppositries at my clinic. The egg collection you'll be completely out of it if they are doing it under sedation - you wont be aware of anything at all during the egg collection itself. They put the cannula in at the latest possible point in my clinic (once you are in theatre) and you don't really have a chance to notice it, as you're being fired with questions (checking your name, DOB etc) and nurses adjusting you into stirrups etc and then you're under the sedation in no time. Cannula comes out as soon as you've fully come back around after the egg collection. Honestly I would say the needles etc are really not that bad - the hardest thing about fertility treatment in my experience is the emotional, not the physical side. Best of luck to you!

florafoxtrot · 09/12/2021 09:45

Hi @ScottishRach. I'm really sorry you've found yourself here. Infertility is truly awful. I'm Aberdeen too. I did a full IVF round in July, had a failed fresh transfer and a failed FET since so I'm going back in Jan for another FET. In truth, I'm not amazingly keen on needles but I'd truly say I've just gotten used to it with going through this. I did an IUI in 2017 which led to my daughter and I couldn't do those injections, my husband and my mum did them but this time around I've been able to do it. There are obviously different levels of needle phobia and its worth discussing things with the clinic, as you say, they are absolutely lovely. So kind and considerate and they might be able to suggest things, you won't be the first person to have dealt with that. In terms of protocols, you'll likely stim with the smaller needles, EC will be done under sedation with a canula and I believe their protocol is now lubion during the TWW. I didn't have lubion after my fresh transfer but I did for FET - I had some bleeding before OTD on my first transfer. I think the lubion protocol only came in this year so it might be worth discussing whether you could only do the pessaries. But as mentioned above, the emotional side is very hard and it can be beneficial to feel like you are doing everything you absolutely can to ensure success. Have you had any indication of low progesterone?

Thanks too for the info. on the 5 month waiting list. I've not got high hopes and think we will need to go again so that is interesting to manage my expectations.

ScottishRach · 09/12/2021 11:06

@florafoxtrot

Hi *@ScottishRach*. I'm really sorry you've found yourself here. Infertility is truly awful. I'm Aberdeen too. I did a full IVF round in July, had a failed fresh transfer and a failed FET since so I'm going back in Jan for another FET. In truth, I'm not amazingly keen on needles but I'd truly say I've just gotten used to it with going through this. I did an IUI in 2017 which led to my daughter and I couldn't do those injections, my husband and my mum did them but this time around I've been able to do it. There are obviously different levels of needle phobia and its worth discussing things with the clinic, as you say, they are absolutely lovely. So kind and considerate and they might be able to suggest things, you won't be the first person to have dealt with that. In terms of protocols, you'll likely stim with the smaller needles, EC will be done under sedation with a canula and I believe their protocol is now lubion during the TWW. I didn't have lubion after my fresh transfer but I did for FET - I had some bleeding before OTD on my first transfer. I think the lubion protocol only came in this year so it might be worth discussing whether you could only do the pessaries. But as mentioned above, the emotional side is very hard and it can be beneficial to feel like you are doing everything you absolutely can to ensure success. Have you had any indication of low progesterone?

Thanks too for the info. on the 5 month waiting list. I've not got high hopes and think we will need to go again so that is interesting to manage my expectations.

No indications if any problems at all. I ovulate normally, normal range of progesterone, very regular periods, husbands sample normal. Had a slightly high AFC at 38 but no other symptoms of PCOS so it's just that, and in my scan yesterday she said I had a nice 3 layer lining.... only thing that has shown in this polyp, but she said it was small and no where near where an egg would implant so wasn't concerned about it. Never been overweight, never been a smoker. I'm 36 now so age is my main issue but she said she is optimistic.

florafoxtrot · 09/12/2021 11:14

We are exactly the same, its really frustrating. I would definitely discuss with them whether there is a strong need for lubion given that their protocol until recently was just cylogest pessaries. There might be a few options that you can consider.

ScottishRach · 10/12/2021 11:43

@florafoxtrot

We are exactly the same, its really frustrating. I would definitely discuss with them whether there is a strong need for lubion given that their protocol until recently was just cylogest pessaries. There might be a few options that you can consider.

I think unexplained infertility is the worst outcome. I'd feel a little better if there was a reason, but right now I just worry that I go through all this and find that it won't work for some underlying reason they don't know much about. I'm also stuck as I know there is a polyp and I worry it is the cause. The first Dr I saw said a polyp could be removed and potentially let us conceive naturally but this was a week before my period and she couldn't get a good look at it so we opted for a second scan first during the first week of my cycle and that Dr said the polyp didn't look a size or position to be causing problems.... so right back to square one. I was given the option to remove it for my own peace of mind but if I did that and it made no difference it's an even longer wait to start the IVF. As it is she said it may well need removing during my IVF as the hormones could cause it to grow.

I'll keep my fingers and toes crossed for good news on your next FET. I'm freaking out at the thought of starting this, I can't even begin to imagine how you feel still waiting but I really hope this time is your time!

florafoxtrot · 13/12/2021 15:19

That is a really hard position to be in @ScottishRach, in terms of knowing what to do about the polyp. I actually had one when I conceived my daughter so obviously in that instance it didn't make a difference but that's anecdotal and the fact you've been given two different opinions is annoying.

Thank you for the kindness! I'm so up and down with it all - some days I'm fine, productive, no crying and positive that our time will come, other days its just very bleak!

Really hope things will start to progress quickly for you in the NY - and also that the polyp disappears on its own!

Should I start a new thread? This one is almost full!

Hopewishprayer · 21/12/2021 12:16

Hi, hope everyone is well? 💕
After first round at GRI on antagonist protocol where I had 7 eggs but only 3 mature, all 3 fertilised but didn’t make it to blast 😔 doctor has reviewed and decided to change to protocol 9 , I have yet to have my review appointment to discuss but I know this is the recommended change.

Has anyone ever had such results one round and then seen better results following a change in protocol?

2mumlife · 21/12/2021 14:21

@Hopewishprayer I had a crappy first egg collection - only 4 eggs collected, and only 2 of them mature, despite being 31 at the time with normal to high AMH and no issues. I was lucky that both our mature eggs fertilised and made super day 5 embryos but sadly fresh transfer was unsuccessful and FET transfer ended in chemical. I changed to a new protocol and got 6 eggs, all mature second time around, all fertilised and made it to day 3 but only 3 were able to be frozen on day 5. I've just had our first FET transfer from that group today so praying for a sticky bean this time around.

Embrace a change of protocol as a good thing :)

florafoxtrot · 21/12/2021 16:00

I'm really sorry you had that experience @Hopewishprayer. They do seem to say that a first round is often a sort of experiment to see how you respond and they then tailor treatment better thereafter based on the lessons learned - which sounds horrifically cold and completely misses the point of how emotionally draining IVF can be. But its the reason why the HFEA recommend 3 rounds on the NHS. When do you have your review appointment?

Good luck @2mumlife!! Hope you are managing to keep distracted.

2mumlife · 21/12/2021 18:19

@florafoxtrot Lots to be distracted by this week - the gap between Christmas and New year will be the hardest bit of the wait I'm sure.

LouScot · 22/12/2021 20:48

@2mumlife glad to hear you've got wee embryo onboard. When do you test? Hope it flies in for you x

MrsTMcB · 23/12/2021 02:18

Hello all, new to mumsnet. Under the care of Monklands infertility. In the process of reading through old threads, and trying to learn the acronyms etc. I wanted to pop on and introduce myself.

Scirocco · 23/12/2021 08:18

Hi @MrsTMcB, welcome and I'm sorry you find yourself here. If you've any questions, don't hesitate to ask, and yes the acronyms can get super confusing at times!

Scirocco · 23/12/2021 08:19

@2mumlife good luck - keeping my fingers crossed for you!

2mumlife · 23/12/2021 16:48

@LouScot OTD is 31st but as GCRM is closed until 4th they asked me to POAS and let them know via portal and call on 4th. Not sure how I feel about not getting beta HCG done as had a chemical pregnancy last time so I'd rather know my HCG level right off the bat

@Scirocco Thanks! Hope you're doing well

@MrsTMcB I hope you're here for such a short time you don't need to become a pro at the accronyms!

Scirocco · 23/12/2021 17:43

@2mumlife thanks, I'm keeping ok, work has been really busy though - it feels like a re-run of last year in terms of how much work there is! Plus I managed to have someone run into the back of my car the other week, which was an additional stress I really didn't need. The car seems ok for now... I've asked Santa for a new one but I don't think I'll be in luck this year.