Support during Investigations Journey and beyond 2021

[Belle2210]

Decided to start this thread for people just starting out with infertility investigations as I am. Be great to have a thread from the beginning onwards to support each other through everything and learn as we go.
Feel free to join!

A bit about me.

Age 34 turning 35 in Sept 😳 TTC since October 2019. Live in North East Scotland.

Me or husband have never had a child or BFP ever. Been together now 13 years (I think 😂). I was on mini contraceptive pill for the whole time till Sept 2019. Went along with things as most people do thinking it would happen for us but nothing as yet. Had bloods done at the doctor in April this year which have all came back fine and husbands SA is super sperm basically (140 mill per ml, motility 65% and Morphology 5%) so after initial video consultation I'm now waiting on my app for Ultrasound and Hycosy which I'm not looking forward to. Been told this will be Sept earliest so just a waiting game. Tracking OV via Clue App and LH sticks which as seem to match up with monthly symptoms. Cycle has been standard since coming off contraception at usually 26/27 days long with OV around day 12/13. Rough day today with AF arriving after some different symptoms this week 🙄.

Hi! I am sorry you're going through this, and I'm sorry that I have to welcome you to the tttc group. Hopefully you'll graduate soon enough!
I'm at the start of my journey too, a few steps further than you though. I have been diagnosed with PCOS, I'm single and I'm trying to become a single mum by choice. After finding which clinic I'm going to try with, they will give me more specified tests to do and take it from there.

@IsabelHerna Thanks for jumping on. Oh wow that's great you're going for it on your own. Got a lot of respect for that 💕. Have you been diagnosed with PCOS for long or?

@Belle2210 hello 👋🏻 great thread to start. I am in a very similar situation to you! I am 33, been off the mini pill since March 2020 and away to go onto cycle 18 of TTC with no BFP 😔 my OH has a daughter from a previous but this will be my first.

Very much like you, I've had bloods and OHs SA came back good, he got a "well done"from the doctor 🙄 and I also have pretty regular cycles; anything from 24-28 days with ovulation around day 10-12.

I am in NE Scotland too! I got my letter to call for appointment a few weeks ago and have my internal and HyCosy in August. So I will be able to tell you all about it! Did they send you the video? They will send an info leaflet and I am also pleased that parters are to go along too (assuming not actually in for the procedure but for results/consultation after) oh and I have a telephone consultation the day before!

I'm sorry AF has arrived for you, I'm due tomorrow 😞 and with a temp drop today I'm certain it's coming. I'm having a shitty time too, emotions getting the better of me!

I find chatting to others going through the same thing really helps, and I hope we get our BFPs soon 🥰

@HJen22
Hey! Thanks too for jumping on. I wanted to start a more early investigations thread as alot of the others and now into IVF treatments that I had been reading.

Really similar situations us two! Yeah I got the video through. Never realised that OHs are allowed in again. I'm the same 😂 Be fine to have him there but maybe not in the room. Is the video app the day before just to run through everything or is this your first one?

@Belle2210 yeah I've read lots of the other threads but same, not as far ahead as a lot of others!

I wasn't sure as the leaflet is just a standard one so I called and asked and they said yes it had changed and they were allowed! Which is good as you get results there and then I'm lead to believe. The day before says a telephone consultation I think just to go over it maybe? I had my initial call with the doctor at the start of June. No unprotected sex before it, because of the dates and it can't be when you're on your period I will probably miss trying in august. Yeah my OH was like oh I don't want to see 😂 I don't want you to see either haha!

Any interesting things you've done whilst TTC? I've done loads haha, reflexology, massage, hypnotherapy, meditation, yoga, cutting caffeine and alcohol, next I've got coQ10 and evening primrose oil supplements and I might try and change my diet up to a more "fertility" based diet. I was close to getting acupuncture but I think I'm going to leave it. Sometimes doing something new makes me feel like I'm doing something you know, but none of it has worked sadly. Xx

[quote HJen22]@Belle2210 yeah I've read lots of the other threads but same, not as far ahead as a lot of others!

I wasn't sure as the leaflet is just a standard one so I called and asked and they said yes it had changed and they were allowed! Which is good as you get results there and then I'm lead to believe. The day before says a telephone consultation I think just to go over it maybe? I had my initial call with the doctor at the start of June. No unprotected sex before it, because of the dates and it can't be when you're on your period I will probably miss trying in august. Yeah my OH was like oh I don't want to see 😂 I don't want you to see either haha!

Any interesting things you've done whilst TTC? I've done loads haha, reflexology, massage, hypnotherapy, meditation, yoga, cutting caffeine and alcohol, next I've got coQ10 and evening primrose oil supplements and I might try and change my diet up to a more "fertility" based diet. I was close to getting acupuncture but I think I'm going to leave it. Sometimes doing something new makes me feel like I'm doing something you know, but none of it has worked sadly. Xx[/quote]
@HJen22

Ah right OK so it wasn't long at all between your original app and getting one through for scan/Hycosy? Wonder if it will get one soon then. I am away to try reflexology and I've tried preseed just this month past. Im going to look at cutting my carbs down (keto) as I feel better for it but I've also seen a few people say it seems to have helped them. Never hurt to lose a couple of pounds either. Just now I'm just still trying to go with the flow rather than get too into everything 😂 just keeping a side eye on when I ovulate but not putting a tonne of pressure on it. Worst time is the TWW always

@Belle2210 yeah I have been trying to just chill and do lots of meditation and yoga this month. Seems no matter what though, one way or another I'll have a bit of a meltdown at some point.

It hasn't been too bad considering they've prob got a bit of a back log. I had bloods Feb, OH had his SA done March and results April and we had our first app June, then like a 2/3 month wait for internal scan/hycosy. Everything is such a waiting game isn't it. I am sure they if they said September, you should get a letter through to call them and arrange as I must have got mine in June and that's when they were doing august appointments.

Some months I do no tracking at all and others I'll do OPKs and BBT. Try so hard to chill, I think I worry more than stress but I know that's not good for me either! TWW is the worst isn't it; and I find the few days before AF really hard. But a new month brings another opportunity just need to stay positive and know our time will come 🥰

@HJen22
For sure the waiting is awful. Its so up and down. Alot of days I'm absolutely fine, doesn't cross my mind and then I ll have something in the run up to AF that's just a bit different to my normal and its game over till she arrives. This month was prob only the 3rd cycle I've been super bloated feeling in the week running up to AF. Knew from before it maybe didn't mean anything but then I got cramps in the few days before AF which I never really get so set me off symptom checking/day dreaming/early testing 🙄. Been a bit of a weird cycle though with bleeding a bit off (def TOTM though) and being "barely keep my eyes open tired" for no reason 🤷‍♀️. Even with AF I'm like yeah will maybe do another test just incase 🤦‍♀️

@Belle2210 the waiting is the worst. Just never thought it would be this hard. I didn't even know what the TTW was before starting trying!

I tend to be super positive a few days in, try and get in plenty of DTD but then before AF is due I just know it's coming and get so down about it. Even after mentally being so positive and thinking it will happen, even if not this month another.

Aw I'm sorry, I hate when you get symptoms that you think are it! It's such a mind f! Did you just do one test? I try and avoid too much peeing on a stick and rarely have them in the house. I did consider getting the strips but I worry id obsess over them. And every time I do do a test and get a negative I say to myself I don't want to see any more of them, and the next will be a positive. X

Hycosy update

So had a call Monday to say a cancellation had come in today for my Ultrasound and Hycosy. Earlier than expected but not complaining.

Almost backed out of the Hycosy after hearing the woman before me cry out in the theatre 🙈.

My 20/30 minute appointment turned into over 45 after the doctor and senior doctor both struggled to find my left ovary which going by the Hycosy had moved high up. Apparently this can happen.... Who knew. Hycosy itself was a bit uncomfortable but not as painful as I thought it might have been and that was with and extra long internal scan and inserting the catheter/baloon twice because it hadn't been in properly the first time so please anyone who's to get one it's not always a horror story. Although they couldn't see very well because I had some pain on the left side they're fairly sure my left tube is blocked. Right side I had 7 follicles which post googling I'm a bit worried is a little low. Anyone have more info on this?

So that's us being referred through for IVF in 3 months time as I'm coming off of nicotine replacement next week then 4-6 month waiting time for IVF. All fingers and toes crossed that something happens before then.

Any updates for anyone else? Would love to know how you are getting on 💕

Hi @Belle2210 sorry I was away on holiday with my family and took some time out afterwards!

How are you? That's really good you got a cancellation! I have my internal and HyCosy a week on Thursday! I'm scared of the results more than the procedures. I'm sorry to hear yours sounded a bit traumatic and long! What happened with your OH, was he there and did they wait til you were both together to give your results? I'm concerned I'll get the internal and they'll see low ovarian reserve as my FSH is apparently a bit high and on an overview letter I got it says it cannot be ruled out. If that's the case they won't do the HyCosy as it's not a tubes issue. I'm sorry to hear they think you've a blocked tube but it's good that they are making steps to get you referred and as you say, hopefully in the meantime it happens naturally 💕 did they give you any advise? And how was the whole process in Aberdeen? Xxx

Hi @jen22 hope you enjoyed your holidays! It's fine to get away.
It is really nerve wracking but really even with all that it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be💕. My OH was away working at the time so I just went in on my own. They run through what they see while they do it. I'm not sure what my total reserve is with not finding my other ovary at the time. Didn't give me any advice really just straight through for referral in 3 months time

Hi, I've just joined today as I feel so alone on this journey. TTC since August 2019. Husband has had his tests and all good with him so I feel like I'm the "problem".

@Belle2210 I had a lovely time away thank you 💕 still the no stress or symptom spotting AF came yesterday. Would have been nice to have not needed the appointment but never mind!

I have a call the day before as well, did you have that? I'm guessing it's just to go over everything? Oh I'm sorry you had to go alone! I'm glad it wasn't as bad as you thought, were the doctors and nurses nice?

It's good you don't have to wait for results then isn't it; and I really hope it happens for you before then 🥰 xxx

Hi can I jump on this thread. I'm 39, DH is 40 my bloods, initial ultrasound and his sample are all good so now just waiting for GP to refer us to a fertility clinic. I feel like I've left it all too late and presumed when I had my implant out a year ago it would be plain sailing 🙄 Obviously were running out of time so I just hope the process isn't going to be along and drawn out one 🤞🏼

Hi all hope you don't mind me jumping on.

I've been referred for PGD-IVF as I have a genetic condition that has a 50% chance of passing down to each child. 50% is a big chance and DH and I can't take such a risk.

I was originally referred to Guy's but asked for a new referral to be sent to CRGH as the wait time is much shorter, so hopefully I will hear from CRGH soon.

@DNpink82 do you know what clinic your referral was for?

@Bellwells well I've just had a letter and it doesn't even say a clinic, they've sent me for a gynaecology referral. Is that even the same as a fertility referral?

It doesn’t sound like it is the same thing. I’m pretty sure if it was a referral to an IVF clinic that it would specify which clinic you have been referred to. Maybe your GP has referred you for further testing to the gynaecologist.

I found this on Guy’s website, and it is a completely different department to the Assisted Conception Unit (ACU) which deals with IVF.
www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/our-services/gynaecology/overview.aspx

Have your tried contacting your GP to find out why you was referred to a Gyno. rather than a fertility?

Can I join please? I am a tiny bit further along than some as we got all the results from the bloods/hycosy/sperm sample etc.

We've been diagnosed with unexplained infertility and referred to IVI Chester. It's a waiting game now as we were only referred on Monday this week!

Before this we'd been TTC for 2.5 years. My cycles are all over the place but no PCOS or any other findings to say why. I'm 30 and DH is 27. We're both feeling very anxious, especially as I am needle phobic!

@ChristmasJumpers you might be able to help me, we're your referred to gynae for all your test or to a fertility clinic?

@DNpink82 I had all of my tests at Royal Preston Gynae. It's only now that we've had all of our results that we've been referred to a clinic

@DNpink82 although it looks like each GP/hospital does things differently as our GP didn't do any of our tests, it was all done through the hospital

@Belle2210 little update from me. Had internal scan and HyCosy yesterday, found it more uncomfortable than I'd though but I have a ridiculous pain threshold and don't get bad period cramps so not used to that feeling! Managed to see it through to the end though thankfully.

Some good news some bad news. Tubes clear but low ovarian reserve, which I knew might be the case after my high FSH. Dr said I had 6 and I think they like you to have 10, but I can't really remember and I'm assuming that's between the 2. So we've been referred straight to IVF too. I got bloods for AMH which I think gives them more understanding of egg reserve. Not really sure how I feel, finding it a bit hard to process. It's really not what you think will happen to you is it. So now just a waiting game I guess. She asked if I wanted a follow up and I said yes as it's hard to think straight after the news and I didn't really ask any questions other than was it due to my age and she said no. I'm also going to email about the counselling they offer. And keep trying in the meantime as never know 💞 I also didn't think to ask what the chances were of conceiving naturally but we'll still try, but more relaxed with no tracking.

How are you doing? 🥰 and how are the rest of you ladies? Xx

Hey everyone who's joined over the past few weeks!
@CDMH I know the feeling with that one 💕 completely understand. Are you being put forward for tests yourself? Don't feel alone in this. I'd honestly recommend speaking to your nearest people about things. I've been very open with everyone and it's really helped.

@HJen22 Sorry to hear that you didn't have the results you would've wanted to have 💕. Seen alot of people on here with follicles on the lower side still getting to baby ville 💕. Yeah it's hard to think of everything you'd like to ask at the time until afterwards. I got my letter through with my notes from the Hycosy and it says I have 12 follicles so I'm like.... OK did you find the left ovary after all then?? 🤷‍♀️ I tracked my ovulation this month as I wanted to check I still was after the early and long bleeding after the Hycosy. LH still went up so in the TWW. Not really thinking about it too much just now though for a change. Do you know what your waiting list time is for your IVF?

@DNpink82 I felt the exact same way. We left it a year after we got married as we were having a bit honeymoon and now I'm like I should've started before then 😬. Have you had a look into your local fertility clinics for information on things? It's such a postcode lottery with NHS traatment. Honestly breaks my heart for people whos local treatment isnt up to scratch. I was just referred from GP to fertility clinic.

@Bellwells A friend of mine has had a similar situation as yourself. Her boy has CF so for her second she went through Genetic IVF (not sure of the proper term for it). She had one egg implanting which then split into identical twins afterwards 😂. She got a bit of a shock with that one.

@ChristmasJumpers I feel for you! Unexplained must be hard 😔. I don't mind needles thankfully but I am not at all looking forward to jabbing myself 😬. Do you need to do anything like that for IVI? I don't know too much about that.