IVF July/August 2021

[Bethpalmer20]

Hi everyone.

I couldn't find a thread for ivf cycles July/August 2021 so I hope it's OK to start one. I was on the March/April thread for my fresh cycle and it was so nice to have support from others going through the same thing.

My fresh cycle was successful but unfortunately I miscarried at 8 weeks pregnant. We are start a frozen cycle with one of our 2 frozen embryos. Aiming to start tablets around the 10th July with the hope of transfer towards the end of July.

Would love to know if anyone else is in the same boat or has any tips!

@beachbum85 oooo interesting to be in a research study. You could just get a chance to do something amazing...but I suppose it could also be a risk. Let us know what you decide.

Yes I had 2 follicles/cysts left over from the last egg collection. They said they weren't problematic as they weren't producing hormones but I'm still a bit nervous about them.

@2021babyhope I don't know if your GP will do a beta hcg but if they will, remember you need a second one 2 days later or it's not that useful (unless it is super low). Medichecks would do it I think if you're prepared to pay and if you are in London or a big city you should be able to find private places quite easily.

Best of luck

@girljulian sorry about the period. Not where any of us hope to be on this journey

Xxx

Did anyone else get really bloated during stims? My neighbour thought I was pregnant yesterday evening. I'm so bloated and I feel sick? It's not as though I have tons of follicles like some folk so it can't just be due to lots of follicles.

@Janefx40 it is super interesting! my immediate reaction was to say yes, but I've spoken to the embryoogists and they've said that there's a chance that some decisions will be taken via AI and they won't be able to override them, and that worries me a bit!

Ah sorry about the cysts - even if they're fine I know it's something extra to think about when you have more than enough on your mind already... Good luck for tomorrow and let us know how it goes xx

Yeah, I'm bloated too (although not feeling sick - yet!) and it's still early days and I don't get many follicles either. I remember feeling the same last time and just figured it was normal?

@Janefx40 I got very bloated towards the end of stimming. Which I would expect bearing in mind each follicle grows to almost 2 cm! But I don't think the meds itself caused me any bloating.

Well after a super emotional week I finally bit the bullet and took a CB digital and I can't believe it. I'm very cautiously excited 🥰 our clinic said my tests before were what they'd expect so I don't know 🤷🏼‍♀️. We have to test again next week and then they'll book us in for the 7 week scan.

Thank you to everyone on this group for being so supportive - I hope everyone gets the outcome they want soon 🤞🏼🖤

I'm going to take some time now to try and relax and actually enjoy being pregnant for the first time ever! X

@2021babyhope that's great news. Yes enjoy being pregnant. We spend years trying to get pregnant and doing IVF and these boards understandably focus on that side - the dream is to get that BFP. But once you get it, it becomes an incredibly anxious and nervous time - take the time you need - try to enjoy it but be kind to yourself if you feel anxious. Xxx

@2021babyhope am so pleased for you, congratulations!!!

I forgot how annoying and messy the cyclogest pessaries are. They make my boobs ache so much too. Wondering if anyone is coming to their OTD this week?

@Helene2019 up the back? Not messy and much easier once you get your head around it! When is your OTD?

Had my Day 9 scan. 4 are 16-18mm and another 5 are 8-12. They're stimmjng me for another 2 days. We're off camping tomorrow but I am staying in a B&B down the road because of the cycle and I have to get the train into London on Monday morning for a scan. Should cancel really but we were looking forward to it. Just not sure what to say to people as I hate sharing IVF stuff but obviously have to say something!

Hope you're all doing ok x

@Janefx40 all sounds promising 🤞🏻🤞🏻 hope you manage to have a relaxing time. Weather is a bit grim so maybe the B&B will be a win!

@Helene2019 agree with @Janefx40 - cyclogest waaaaay better via back door.

@2021babyhope that's such brilliant news. Well done you. All the best with your pregnancy - enjoy it!

I'm trying to decide whether to cycle again in a couple of weeks (FET back to back from this failed one). Kind of just want to get on with it....

Hi all, I'm sorry to say I started bleeding today so I am sure it was a chemical unfortunately.

Been a very emotional day but trying to look forward.

I don't suppose anyone knows when I'll be allowed to do a FET after a fresh failure? Xx

@2021babyhope I'm sorry to hear this. It's totally natural to feel upset and emotional.

I know that the natural reaction is to want to try again straight away but sometimes a short break is a good idea physically and emotionally. In my personal experience clinics like you to have two cycles before starting again. So you have the current bleed, another period then start again the one after that. However for me it took about 60 days to get a period post chemical and similar after my miscarriage so it was a little while.

Sending you lots of love xxx

@Bobtat it's a tricky decision. What do your clinic say?

As I said above my clinics have all required a 2 cycle break - although actually as I'm writing I've remembered that although that was the policy, they did let me start the first period after my failed fresh cycle because it had taken so long (60days) to get a period. And that cycle I got pregnant so forget what I said above @2021babyhope ! Maybe it is fine to go again straight away.

I feel like such a prat. Just tried to sneak out of the campsite to stay in my B&B and everyone noticed of course. I feel so silly for being all "cloak and dagger about it". I love DP but he is hopeless. Didn't even ask me about the B&B when I got back from checking in or how my injections went or anything. IVF can be very lonely sometimes. Thank goodness I have you all x

@2021babyhope sorry to hear you are bleeding, sending some hugs. I found it helpful to take at least 2-3 months between each cycle, although they were egg collection cycles not transfers. I just felt tired and like my body had been through the mill each cycle - I needed time to relax, and be off the IVF treadmill for a while. And on the actual treadmill to loose the hormone induced weight gain each cycle! It is positive news that you have frosties.

@Janefx40 did I miss something above - is everyone camping, but you are pretending to camp and are really in a B&B?! (I might be confused 😂).

@Helene2019 yup exactly. I'm in a B&B and everyone else is camping. DP didn't think I should be trying to do injections in a tent but to be honest I've done them in weirder places.

@Janefx40 that makes sense! Yes I have taken injections in airport and train station toilets in previous cycles. Pre covid I used to travel a lot for work. Though comfort wise I would probably prefer to be in a bed rather than tent towards the end of stimming due to the bloating and uncomfortableness of it. Good luck in your scan today.

@Helene2019 yes I have my OTD this week too! It's been the longest wait ever. Good luck for you're OTD🤞➕

@Reefy how have you been getting on. I think yours is a few days before mine. Mine is 29th.

I'm currently 5dp5dt wondering when the earliest I can test so that it is after the trigger is gone? Currently don't feel any different and not had any symptoms other than those from cyclogest - the most painful boobs! Keeping busy with work and light chores.

I guess also some people on this thread may be doing egg collection this week too?

Yeah ok thank you, just been working to keep the days passing. Yes I'm 2 days before you. I was wondering the same this morning, I've had some cramping, I was sick on Wednesday but I'm sure that is too soon but my boobs have been sore since before my EC so I put that down to the injections. My OH keeps telling me off as I'm always looking on the internet to see how I should be feeling.

It's so hard trying not to symptom spot isn't it? I am 4dp6dt and feeling nothing at all. Last time resulted in a BFP so I can't help but compare. Feel like I'm going a bit crazy!

@Reefy I've had what can only be described as ovary cramping/twinges but Im sure that's only post collection healing.

@SerendipitySunshine so you had no symptoms but still BFP. Gives me hope! Your OTD may be before both of us. 🤞

@SerendipitySunshine yep so hard!

@Helene2019 this is what I keep thinking is it just the healing?

It's about the only time I wish the hours & days away 😂

@Reefy @Helene2019
oooh everything crossed for you guys or OTD. The wait is agonising isn't it? Are you feeling ok? I had exactly the same symptoms with my 2 BFPs as this recent BFN (light spotting, twinges on left side, feeling hot) - not very helpful. I spent the entire 2ww glued to Google and symptom spotting!

@Janefx40 the image of you sneaking across the way in the dead of night did make me giggle. Hope you are managing to have a nice time and haven't had to go into it more than you've wanted to with people. The things we do eh? Is your collection booked in?

Our issue is male factor so I'm on pretty low doses of meds I think - just cyclogest and oestrogen. My clinic said that, with a FET, all they are doing is making sure you don't ovulate and thickening up the womb lining so there's no medical reason why I can't go back to back on next cycle if we want to. I think they leave it longer after a fresh as they want your ovaries to wake up again maybe? They said if you're emotionally tired or have had a reaction to the drugs then you may need a break but TBH I didn't notice doing the FETs really (other than the hellish 2ww). No injections, no discomfort and I've only experienced side effects similar to being pregnant or getting my period from the drugs so nothing that would make me feel I needed a rest really (unlike after a fresh cycle).

I've always wanted as small an age gap between my kids as poss. My youngest is now 18 months and because we have the two frosties left I am desperate to know if the they are going to become people or not ASAP. I'm not sure about doing a fresh cycle again, but it definitely feels right to give the frosties in the freezer a chance. Feel a bit in limbo not knowing and so sort of just want to get on with getting them in so we know where we are. Waiting is the worst part of anything for me

@SerendipitySunshine best of luck to you too 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

@2021babyhope I'm so, so sorry. You've been absolutely through the mill with this one. I can't imagine how you must be feeling. Hope you are being looked after. No idea re FET after fresh, sorry. Hope your clinic are helpful and supportive. Hugs xx