Continued chat of all things IVF, FET & to feel sane...cycle buddies August/September -

[Bluemeadowbaby]

Hey ladies ☺️

A new thread to continue the one we've maxed out from the FET cycle buddies May/June. Anyone wishing to join no matter what stage you're at we're here to support you along the way.

A little background around me - I have a little boy who's 16mo from my second IVF round in 2019. I'm just embarking (restarting after covid setback) on my first FET cycle with the embryos I have in storage in the hope for baby #2 🤞🏼
I have severe endometriosis, hydrosalpinx tubes which have been removed so my only hope is for IVF to work again. It's been a long old journey but if I can give any hope, faith and a tonne of support to anyone who needs it I'm happy to share my story, updates on my cycle and be there to have a general chin wag ☺️

We've got this! ✨ x

@Pingupp sending a slab of chocolate your way. For what it’s worth, everyone I know who has more than one child says each pregnancy was really different. Keeping it all crossed for you.

My anxiety is ramping up again as we head towards the start of term. Classroom teaching is going to be so covid-riddled and part of me feels like maybe it’s horribly irresponsible to transfer an embryo when I know I can’t keep us safe from covid infection, which is Not Good in pregnancy. On the other hand, can’t see things getting significantly better any time soon and we’ve already delayed by a year because of covid. Anyone got any useful thoughts?

@Verbena87 thanks - I could demolish a slab!!!
Have you had both vaccines now?
I can imagine your anxiety is through the roof. My friends who are teachers and are not having babies are feeling it so it must be 100 x worse for you.
Can you keep your mask on in lessons and try to keep your distance from the kids whilst it's all going on? Are you going to tell your boss what you are doing so they can try and put a support structure in place?
You are right - I cannot see this situation clearing up anytime soon. It's crap. Xx

Yep I’m double jabbed at least 👍🏼. We’re not to wear masks for teaching to the whole class as kids at the back can’t hear you, but can distance for whole-class teaching. Can’t distance all the time, but can mask up for closer contact. It’s bloody air-borne though. 32 people in one room is not the one.

My whole team at work are aware yeah, but there’s little anyone can really do. And I can’t afford not to work. Ugh.

@Millie029 Good to know it shouldn't be bad. If only my ovaries will produce a decent number of follicules this time to cause discomfort!

@Pingupp You're not out till you're out X

@Verbena87 My HE teaching institution have made me a permanent hotdesk / work fromhomer. At least avoiding the Freshers flu / covid combo is the upside of it all. I think you can't out off TTC forver so at some point you need to take calculated risk

@Pingupp I can only imagine.. whatever you need to to get through this, just do it 🙂 i have everything crossed for you. Oo i haven't had any 0.0% prosecco before.. would you recommend it? My husband poured himself a massive glass of wine on Friday.. i found myself having a big sniff of it before watching him drink it 🙈
I'm ok thank you.. counting down the days til the viability scan.. soo worried that something bad will happen. I called my clinic as i realised i didn't have enough drugs to get me through til that appointment. They advised that as standard they only give 3 weeks worth to be taken after test day, then that's it. (They hadn't mentioned that before) It's left me concerned that I'll stop everything cold turkey and my body won't be ready/know what to do. Never did i think I'd want to keep on them for longer! It doesn't help that i googled it and others experiences I've read all seem to keep on the drugs til weeks 10-12 🤔

@Verbena87 Glad you've been able to get double jabbed! Sorry to hear how the new term time is making you feel.. that's a really difficult situation to face. I can understand your concern of responsibility with having a transfer at the moment, i felt very much the same going through it. However like you say, time is passing by and we'll likely be living with covid for a long time to come. You can only do what feels right for your situation and do your best to keep safe. Would your working role be classed as high risk due to the amount of people you come into contact with? Are you able to have windows open in the classroom? (Probably a silly question, I'm just thinking of potential viral load). If it's any reassurance.. my husband had covid, the delta varient we believe as our hometown was rife at the time. He had symptoms for 2 days before we thought it could be covid (it really was not obvious at the time). Before he got tested positive, we shared our bed and had close contact. Afterwards we kept separate, however had to share a bathroom. I was so set that I'd get it, but didn't!

@Verbena87 hopefully windows open and kids getting the vaccine will help.
I know you can still pick up Covid even if double vaccinated but it is harder to catch and pass on. I will keep my fingers crossed that you can go back to some sort of normality at work during the treatment. Hand gel at the ready and just try to keep your distance where you can. Big hugs coming your way. Xx

@2mumlife I know - it's just hard not to feel deflated at this point. Not going to test til Sat though and carry on as positive as I can.

@Millie029 my meds were due to continue til wk 13 I think - double / double check with the clinic?? When is your scan? What meds are you on?
I know the wait for the scan is worrying but try and remember that you are pregnant and try to enjoy that. I am sure you will see the little heartbeat soon xx

Thanks @Pingupp and @Millie029 - windows open all the way but it still feels a bit like heading into a monsoon with a paper cocktail umbrella. Ah well.

Hugs to all.

@Verbena87 it's crap. Xxx

@Millie029 the nozecco from Tesco is nice as it a Blossom Hill alcohol free fizzy white. But Schloer tastes the same too! But there is something about drinking a cold drink out of a wine glass! I sniffed some red wine this weekend too ;-)

Hope you all have a good week.
Not looking forward t

Morning ladies ☺️ how are you all? How have you spent your bank holiday weekend? I've finally managed to sit down and catch up on the thread! We've had a bit of a busy week with the house, I've had more viewings I thought we would and have grown a little attachment to my house again 😂🙈 uh oh! But!...me and my hubby did manage to grab a date night over the weekend. It's our first one since before my boy was born so almost 18 months! And man we needed it! A little advice from me, don't forget each other during your journeys and even when your journeys develop onto your much longed for little one. It's so easy to do & I was actually quite nervous to go on a date, I felt all giddy and excited which was nice but it made me realise just how little time we've put aside from each other & that time is still so precious.

@Verbena87 excellent news on not needing to down reg! Definitely come join me on the house move 😂🥴 what's a little more stress eh?! - kidding...bloody houses! Why do they always have to be so stressful can't they just sit there and do their thing?! I don't have any useful info on covid as I know people who have been double jabbed and still have caught it, their symptoms aren't as bad as mine not being double jabbed but it seems covid is doing it's rounds - not helpful & not comforting - I think what I'm trying to say is covid seems to be the norm now in respect of it being a virus which is always going to be there but hopefully with the double vaccine it won't impact anything for you 🤞🏼 windows open, lots of hand washing, sanitising, can you wear a visor? You can only do your best to avoid it but I'm praying it stays away for you x

@Pingupp one week down one to go! Actually...less than one week! 💪🏼 how have you been feeling? X

@2mumlife how are you getting on? I feel like I've been on norethisterone for ages...started it 15th august and not stopping until 7th September! I keep waking up sweating my tits off - not sure if this is a side effect? But wow I feel so gross! I haven't been on them this long before 🤔 x

@StrongEagle you've had such a stressful time bless you, I'm sorry to hear about the covid tests but amazing with the outcome of measurement! How's the sickness? Hoping you are okay and found some form of comfort for it x

@firefly37 I agree, the costs in the uk are just ridiculous aren't they. Have you got your quick nip to Prague booked? X

@RickmanZ welcome to the board!! So lovely to have you hear & read your story - 7 blasts?! Amazing!! 🙌🏻 How are you feeling after transfer? X

@Millie029 how are you feeling? I remember my drugs only took me to my viability scan and when I had it with confirmation of growth and being discharged from the clinic at 8 weeks they gave me further pessaries and patches until 12 weeks - your body naturally builds up the hormones and this is why it's safe to stop, I know how daunting it is though - I was petrified to stop them but trust the process lovely 🥰 x

Think I've caught you all...anyone I've missed, I hope you're all keeping well! X

@Bluemeadowbaby hey nice to hear from you. I am feeling very flat and nothing! Sat can't come soon enough....just got a bit of a dread feeling I did not have last time.
Glad you are ok and had a nice date night, i love making an effort and wearing something other than my usual comfies! i totally get it's important to make time for us as a couple and we do try but work at the moment for him us making it hard, He worked all weekend to finish a job. Hopefully this weekend we will get some time - not too much as I'd kill him
What's the plan with the house?
Xx

@Bluemeadowbaby thank you. Erm I was feeling calm but now I am beyond anxious. I think it's a little bit of everything. This process, DD starting school next week. Just feel very overwhelmed at the moment.

That's so true you do get caught up in the bubble of your little one and can sometimes forget about hubby's/partners. But that's great you managed to have some quality time together!

@Pingupp I absolutely understand the deflation. Try to hold out for Saturday - I really believe now that no good comes of testing early.

@Bluemeadowbaby I'm so glad you had a nice date night! I absolutely agree with you about not negleting significant others! It was my DPs birthday on Friday, so we took a 4 day weekend (its not a bank holiday in Scotland) and spent some quality time together before this cycle. We've also booked 4 nights away at the start of October when this cycle will be over to recharge and reconnect whatever the outcome. I was only on norethisterone for 8 days (Sunday was my last day on them)! It was just as well, as I could feel my period coming on the last few days despite the meds, and my period started this morning, so I honestly don't think the norethisterone was stopping my period coming!!! Sorry you've had nigt sweats. Only thing I had was hideous emotional-PMS type symptoms - I woke up yesterday telling DP that I just wasn't happy. I feel more leveled out again today which is a relief.

So despite my period coming a day sooner than it really should have clinic still are happy for stims starting Friday. I still can't really beleive we're about to do this all again to be honest. I've been doing some mindfulness etc to try to make myself feel a bit more positive about the whole thing, but its very much a one-day-at-a-time situation at the moment. I just want enough of a response to stims this time to feel like its worth it.

@Pingupp it's just so nice to feel fresh and made up isn't it, I still can't hack being out past 9pm like 😄 but still...it's nice on the occasion isn't it. So today I've had 3 viewings on my house and wow I have grown a small attachment back to it! 🙈 but, I know it's what we want to do it's just a shame as I stupidly looked before I put her on the market and now that house I liked has gone. I'm hoping I find what I'm after but we will see 🤞🏼 what's your plans for this evening? X

@RickmanZ life can be so hectic when we need it to slow down a little bit can't it 🤦🏻‍♀️ I always feel the need to find an inbetween to balance the stresses out but I can't find my calm at the moment. Any tips? Though I have just started watching something called vigil which is pretty good x

@2mumlife aw that sounds so nice! And I totally agree, to have that time before and after is really important isn't it. You sound very much like myself in the planning of kinda getting away/change of scenery after and before transfers, I like your way of thinking! Where are you guys heading in October? Ooo you lucky devil! I definitely won't be going this long again on them they really are making me feel gross. I've never had sweats with them before only on the zoladex/prostap for down reg 🤔 maybe it's stress, the meds or an after effect of lovely covid 🤦🏻‍♀️ who knows 😄
I know just what you mean about the period thing, I get a lot of backache in bed when sleeping when I'm due on and the last few days have been so uncomfortable so I think when I stop them I'll be like you and the period will just be like hey!...I ain't waiting for your 3 day window to bleed! Definitely wise to be taking each day as it comes x

@Bluemeadowbaby oh no that is always the way. I am sure another house will come up. Love a bit of Rightmove searching.
We are watching the walking dead tonight - been binge watching it - on series 9 now....
Got a bit of a dull tummy ache tonight - nothing else to report .....

@2mumlife you are right - holding off til Sat. I am in my ignorant 'I'm pregnant' bubble until we know for sure.... positive hat put firmly back on.
Hope you are feeling ok starting your next cycle. X

Wow it’s all go here!

I agree it’s lovely to get some dates in when you can, though we’ve also been pleasantly surprised by how easily you can slip back into couple-hood if life has been too busy to get time alone together. I’d assumed I had longer to go till transfer because of down reg so we went out for food and cocktails with friends last week, leaving little one at grandparents, and it was a joy. Hangovers with a 3 year old though? 1/10 do not recommend!

I’ve paid for our next cycle today and should hear from drug company tomorrow to arrange payment/delivery. Keep thinking ‘please don’t let this be another spend-6-weeks-wages-to-feel-really-shit-and-lose-an-embryo’, but I am pretty numb and pessimistic about it. Am trying, but feel burnt out and weary. Any tips to shift into a better headspace?

@Verbena87 hangover with a little one - I have heard they are a killer!!!
Re your headspace - I totally get it. I think perhaps just go into it with an open mind and with the attitude of nothing you can do can change the outcome so that may perhaps ease a little of the worry?. At the end of the day it's down to that little embaby and if the environment is right at the time. 8The drugs don't help mood at all do they and also the cost - Jesus it's so shit when people around us are falling pregnant - accidentally!
Maybe try and make a list of things you are thankful for everyday during the process and also do one thing a day for you so you feel less like a human experiment ( how I feel after getting another lubion injection just now and it hurt .... my doc is not concentrating! ) book another date night in? The cycle takes over everything and that can drag you down too.
Not sure if that helps at all? I am trying to remember I am pregnant currently and hoping that we get a positive on sat.... but I know it's so hard to keep your head above water during this.

xx

@Bluemeadowbaby We're just heading up to the north of Scotland. Might be a bit chilly but it should be quiet at long last after a tourist-heavy summer. I don't really seem to get physical symptoms on the meds, just emotional ones! When I did Prostap before same thing, no physical symptoms really at all. I sometimes question if the drugs are actually working! Hopefully things will get moving for you then as soon as you stop the meds :)

@Verbena87 I've been feeling like how you're feeling about your next cycle. I wish I had a magic cure to feel more positive but I don't really! I've found accupuncture helps a little, as does mindfulness. I've also found just have DP understanding that I don't feel excited about this cycle, just worried and anxious helps. I think you just need to be kind to yourself. I think its quite natural for expectations to be much lower when you've been through multiple attempts with no success. I've been worn down to the point where I just think "please just let me get even a single embryo we can freeze at the end of the cycle" now (we're doing a freeze all). @Pingupp is right about the gratitude list - lots of psychological research showing it helps (maybe I need to start doing this too!)

Thanks so much @Pingupp and @2mumlife - the understanding really helps.

I’m actually 2 years into a daily gratitude practise and I do really think it helps - I do gratitude and a highlight from each day in my diary at bedtime and it’s lovely at the end of each month to have a minute reflecting on all the good stuff that’s happened. I am still angsty and pessimistic though 🤣.

@2mumlife my partner gets it as well and it is a huge help to feel seen and not have to brave-face it all the time. Enjoy Scotland - that’ll be beautiful.

@pingupp loads of luck for Saturday.

Urgh. I am literally quite possibly the most frustrated woman today. You know when it's just one of those days? One of those days topped off with a lovely phone call from the clinic. They called to say they need to delay my treatment for another 3 weeks! They're moving buildings and I knew it was pending but man I'm so annoyed 🤦🏻‍♀️ I just want to get going! I feel like, knowing my luck, I'll do all this stressing and waiting around for it to not even work and be even more frustrated! I did get to a point a week ago where I thought are we 100% ready for the possibility of baby number 2, because babies are really hard in all stages then it's lovely, then it's hard (we're at a hard part) but I knew I did want to do it as it really hit me in the feels when I got off the phone and had a little cry with my little boy who looked at me gone out - though did give me a lovely random cuddle afterwards for longer than usual which was most welcomed. I needed that today.
Sorry ladies, I'm just ranting how my head is feeling right now - I haven't even read back what I've just wrote so I'm really sorry if it sounds selfish. Feeling pretty low & guilty that I'm longing for this cycle but I should just be grateful with my little sunbeam & stop sulking.
Urrrrrrrgh 🤦🏻‍♀️

@Bluemeadowbaby you’re not being selfish: that sucks and then some. Why on Earth are they giving people prospective dates if they know they’re moving? You don’t just up and move an entire fertility clinic on a whim, surely? Argh?!?!?!!!

I am sulking at the fact it’s costing me £45 to get my drugs delivered. It’s estrogen tablets and progesterone pessaries. They don’t need to be fridged, they’re not in fragile packaging, why is Tom Hardy not delivering them himself and providing a complementary shoulder massage for this cost?!

We’ll get there in the end.

@Verbena87 😂 oh now that would be well worth the £45! Does he stay the night too? 😂 But totally agree...it's a bloody rip off half of the time which I find quite disgusting to those with fertility issues, we can't catch a break and how we have to pay to bring life into this world is beyond me!
It totally baffled me. I knew they had the proposed moving but man this was back in 2019 when I first started with them. When the nurse said "you know about the move, well..." I couldn't help myself - I'm usually a very polite if not over annoyingly polite (my hubby gets really cross when I'm so soft) but today I'd just had enough, told her yes I did know about it 3 years ago and that we've paid a hell of a lot of money to them so why are we being messed around?! What made it worse was I told her I'd be running out of norethisterone by Tuesday and can I have the prescription sent to my local pharmacy instead of making a 60 mile round trip to go and get it to be told no...no?! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ white chicks moment springs to mind "she's gonna have a B.F!...I'm gonna write a letter!" X

Oh and meant to say...this polite woman I am...I hung up the phone before she had chance to say goodbye. Fuming! 😄 I need to laugh because I feel like I'm really going to cry 😂🙈 x

@Verbena87 Oh wow keeping a gratitude diary going for that long is really good going! It really does help a lot doesn't it when DPs get what you're feeling. I must say other thing that's helped is just the reality of doing the cycle rather than just thinking about it. Now we actually need to start stimming I feel a bit more like I've got my game face on again, ready to do battle. £45 for delivery seems excessive!

@Bluemeadowbaby That would massively piss me off being given a date and then being told "actually, we've decided you can't try for a baby this month". Bollocks to that.