IVF/FET Jan/Feb 2022

[Juno231]

I know I'm a bit early but knowing that I get to start in January I think I'll go mad just twiddling my thumbs until then.

With Christmas clinic closures I think there's a fair few of us around waiting for Jan to start, so hopefully we can gather here for support in the mean time?

About me - 33 years old (although I turn 34 in Jan!), TTC#1 for two years with unexplained infertility. Am due to start my first ever round of IVF in January (NHS). I've been told I'll do short protocol and in terms of next steps I've got a trial embryo transfer in two weeks' time, and both OH and I have to get blood tests done in Dec. I can order my meds from the pharmacy in Dec as well so got that to look forward to ha.

I'm currently predicted to start my cycle on the 31st of Dec which would mean having to wait a whole cycle due to the new year bank holiday getting in the way. My cycle can vary by a few days though so I'm really hoping CD1 actually comes a day or two later!

Hi @Juno231 I was hoping someone would start this!

I am 31 and have pcos I had a failed icsi ivf in September they managed to freeze an embryo So I am booked in for A transfer on the 16th January I should hopefully be starting down reg mid December. I know I should wish Xmas away but I am this year lol or it may be a great distraction xxx

@Lotusflower1990000 hi! So you're doing a FET with your last embryo? Did they make you do clomid before trying IVF? Did you have ICSI due to MFI?

One thing I did worry about potentially having to do down regs starting in Dec is how you hide it from family over Christmas - will that be a problem for you?

@Juno231 yes we only had one to freeze so really hoping it’s the one yes I tryed clomid and Leterzole I ovulated but just didn’t conceive what about you? Xx

we had icsi due to mfi when we were going through clomid they told us hubby’s soerm was fine so shocked to hear this was the issue during ivf.

I should be down regging over Xmas the medicine doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge as I don’t have a trigger shot I’m going to store the injections in our room at our family’s home luckily and take a “loo break”to inject. xxx

I found the The embryo transfer to be like a smear test xxx

@Lotusflower1990000 ah I see - I thought there would always be some kind of fridge component so I'm glad you can hide yours easily! With sperm quality I feel like it's all over the place for most - I've seen ladies on here whose OH's have had 4 SAs and wildly different results each time.

Good to know about the embryo transfer! I'm relatively okay with medical procedures/discomfort so luckily haven't been too worried about the upcoming procedures.

Hi @Juno231**@Lotusflower1990000 I will join you 2 here if ok?

I am also 33 unexplained fertility on short protocol. I started a cycle end of Sept but it got cancelled due to only having 1 good size follicle. Basically just seemed like by body didn’t respond at all to stimulation. They have said not to worry and the dose was too low and plan to increase it next time but still worrying. Hopefully will be more successful next time and actually get to egg collection.

@Lotusflower1990000 Sorry about your failed ICSI but great news on a frozen embryo and it’s good to have a date transfer.

Hopefully the wait for us all goes quickly xxx

@Newbee33 Hi! Gosh that must have been so anticlimactic! What dose did they have you on? How come your next cycle isn't until Jan - that sounds like a frustrating wait.

Hi @Newbee33 thank you definitely feel really really lucky to have one frozen sorry to hear about your cycle also are you on gonal? are you with create by any chance? I’ve read a lot stories we’re they put you on low stims and a lot of ladies have struggled with there follicles xx

@Juno231for my down reg I am using bruselin which just needs to be kept at room temperature so I am really lucky I have a little ice pack I can keep them in too I brought it to travel with when I had my fresh cycle it’s so handy it’s meant for insulin but works for ivf meds to travel too have they given you a transfer date? xxx

@Juno231 Yeah I was just not expecting it at all really. I asked again yesterday if it is possible for some reason that my body just won’t respond but she seemed to say extremely unlikely and it’s just trial and error really with first dose. I was on 150 of Meriofert, they have suggested increasing to 300 and scanning on day 6 instead now so that’s the plan. I was hoping before Christmas but due to the clinic being closed for a week for Christmas the cycle could be compromised so best to wait. Planning to start end of Dec cycle.

@Lotusflower1990000 No think the Meriofert is instead on Gonal maybe? I am at the Hewitt centre in Liverpool. Are you on long protocol? Seems like with sort no need to downregulate so less injections maybe? X

@Newbee33 ooo right I’m not too sure if it’s long I was on the long protocol for my failed fresh cycle I think it’s a medicated fet because I’m down regging from the 24th nov now and my transfer is booked in for 31s December I’ve just been sent my plan I thought I would be starting jan but they said I could start this month so I’m really excited have they asked for your predicted periods to start? I’m glad they are upping your dosage I think I was on gonal 225ml so hope the boost of 300 pushes the eggs through for you ❤️ Xxxx

Hi ladies, I hope you don't mind me joining?

Little about me, 33 (34 in March) TTC#1 for 2 years come March. Referred for IVF in August after internal showed low follicle count and low ovarian reserve. We got a letter through in September saying that wait was around 5 months and we'd receive our first consultation appointment in January with treatment starting thereafter. I think it's short protocol and that's all I really know. So just waiting until January now and trying not to go insane.

So a little behind you girls but would appreciate having a chat with those going through the same x

I go to acupuncture and really try to chill out but I find myself feeling very overwhelmed and sad a lot of time. Any words of wisdom of any coping mechanisms would be great! I also listen to podcasts and mediate and have counselling through the NHS xxx

@Newbee33 ah interesting! They've decided to put me on alternating doses of 150 and 300 I think they said - along with a first scan on CD6 as well.

@HJen22 welcome! I keep considering acupuncture but then cant make myself travel to the nearest one 😅. It's also really pricey where I am so I keep changing my mind about it! Has it been useful for you? In terms of coping mechanisms...I think I'm just at the stage where I plod along now and don't think about it too much. Like I've resigned myself to needing IVF so have zero faith in the interim months that I'll conceive naturally. I'm also still in the excited to do IVF phase as it feels we're finally getting to do something productive. I was super down about it this time last year though as I think the run up to Christmas hit me hard with it being such a great holiday for kids.

All I can say is try to keep busy but also do contact the clinic as they offer counseling as part of you doing IVF there. It could help sorting your thoughts out?

@Juno231 hello 👋🏻 thank you for the welcome!

Yeah it's costly, £52 and he always sends me away with herbal medicine which is another £20. I do like it though as I am relaxed afterwards and it's just some time to lie there and do nothing. I just go once or twice a month!

Same, I have totally resigned myself to it not happened naturally given my low ovarian reserve 😞 takes the pressure off DTD I suppose. I just struggle with worrying and crying a lot, sometimes I think I'm suffering from depression then I'll read something or listen to a podcast and know others feel the same so that helps a bit.

Yeah I know what you mean; I think I'll be worse this Christmas than last. I avoided a Halloween kids party this year cos I was feeling so down.

I have had two counselling sessions and have another next week. I do find they help and the woman is lovely but then even if I have a few good days I then seem to have quite a few bad. Have you had a few sessions? I hope to maybe get them closer together in the new year as treatment approaches xxx

Hi @HJen22 it’s such a tough journey we have been ttc for 4 years i think it helps that a lot of our friends don’t have kids yet so being around them and doing more just adult things really really helps! we have a little dog too which keeps me going.

I really want to start acupuncture too but I’ve been working from home and honestly do not want to go anywhere at the moment :s xxxx

@Lotusflower1990000 hello 🥰 4 years, that must be so tough, I am struggling with almost 2. That's great you've got a date, what a wonderful start to 2022 that would be for you ❤️

Yeah the friends and kids is hard; most of my friends have adorable children and I've two gorgeous nephews. I love spending time with them all but I feel sad and left out sometimes.

Haha same, I'm still WFH too! Although I'm back in a few weeks to the office which may actually be good for my mental health as I feel myself distancing from people more and more.

Xxx

May I join?
We've just had our first round of ivf in October but that was unfortunately unsuccessful. Now we've got to wait until after Christmas for the second one. I should be able to start my medication at the beginning of January...and then we'll see.
I'm 38 (will turn 39 in February) and we've been ttc #2 for four years now. DS is about to turn 5. He took us 3 years to conceive,...and was a happy accident after a laparoscopy to clear my tubes.
I've had 4 ectopic pregnancies so far, have lost my left tube...so it's not as if I wouldn't be able to get pregnant naturally. It's just unlikely and risky. So, we've been referred for ivf. The last round was fine and not too difficult. Just a shame that it didn't work.
Fingers crossed for after Christmas. 😀

@HJen22 it has been tough I’m on and off some days I cannot think about it but then others I have really bad days but I’ve always been told to keep going and not give up.

I feel the same I have nieces and nephews but feel like I can never be too involved till I have kids so fingers cross this works for us all! Xxx

I actually want to leave my current job lol but waiting till after the fet to decide and get Xmas out the way I definitely think going into the office will help and distract you a bit do you know what type of protocol your having long or short? xxx

Hi @Dizzyhedgehog I’m so sorry to hear about your unsuccessful round and you MCs I had the same in September it was our first fresh and it failed we had one frozen so hoping it’s the one that sticks are you doing a. Frozen cycle? Or starting a fresh? I had laparoscopic surgery too but it didn’t work for us so glad it gave you your little boy that’s amazing xxxx

@Lotusflower1990000 I am the same, I seem to have some weeks when I'm just so low and do nothing but cry. Then I feel a little better I a few days but it doesn't seem to last. It will all be worth it in the end for us 🥰 and I hope just a distant memory at some point.

I think it's short antagonist! I spoke about it to the Dr recently and she said I'd be on maximum dose of FSH at the start of my cycle. I'm not really sure what that means other than I'll not have any change to medication? So I really hope I react well to it. So many things to worry about sadly.

I'm sorry to hear you want to leave your job. Yeah that's a good idea waiting a little longer so you don't have the stress of that around Xmas and the FET! Do your work know about your situation?

@Dizzyhedgehog hello 👋🏻 I'm so sorry about your unsuccessful round; that must be so difficult to deal with and 4 ectopics 😔 you must be one tough amazing lady so stay strong and keep going ❤️ I have everthing crossed for your next round xxx

@Lotusflower1990000 I know what you mean about work - in the end I took the plunge this summer and changed jobs (only been in it 5 weeks now). I was actually meant to have started Ivf last month already but postponed it to Jan due to the new job.

@HJen22 remember to double check with your clinic about the Chinese herbal medicine as a lot of them insist you don't take them as some are said to interfere with IVF. Someone I know just had her transfer at Care and they asked her in two separate appointments whether she was taking any as she also goes for acupuncture.

AF appeared today instead of tomorrow. I'm a bit annoyed with her as tomorrow would have been better from an IVF schedule pov. As it stands I'm now predicted to have CD1 on 1st Jan which would be a Saturday on a bank holiday weekend, so I'd have to wait until the following cycle. I've feel like I've waited more than long enough!

@Juno231 oh really! That's good to know. Perhaps I should just stop taking it. I've told the acupuncturist that I'm waiting for IVF but I'd be super peeved if I then found out taking what he'd given me was a no-no with the clinic. I'll just stop taking now to be sure, thank you for the advise! Better to be safe isn't it! Do you think they just don't want you taking during treatment specifically? Either way I'll stop to be sure!

I'm sorry to hear AF is here for you 😞 and that it makes dates difficult for you. Nothing ever seems easy does it. I hope though in the coming months your cycles fit better around a new year start though!

I have started AF today after a 16 day cycle which is insane. Last month was 21days and now this! It's been a bit up and down since coming off the pill but averaged at around a 26/27 day cycle. So no idea what's going on 😭

Hi everyone can I join? We've just had our first proper consultation and are due to start a short protocol of ivf in late January/ early feb.

We are TTC no1. Feeling really quite overwhelmed with it all. Seems really daunting at the moment!

Any tips/ advice welcome 🙈

@HJen22 it’s such a crazy experience even if you fight the emotions they come back ten times worse I just cry it out when I have too it’s so nice to be on here tho knowing someone feels the same as you xx

Baby’s dust for your protocol mine is always full whack too and then they reduce or adjust the medication depending on your reaction work doesn’t know because everyone is really gossipey and I couldn’t stand it it’s really toxic so I just book hoilday for appointments luckily no issues yet.

@Juno231 I think after this transfer I will take the plunge too depending on the outcome :s glad you have changed jobs before the cycle it definitely helps to not be stressed at work or in a toxic workplace.

Oh no!! I’m sorry about AF can you not start on the 1st then? would you have to wait until February? When are you booked in for your trial embroyo transfer? Xx

Hi @seathistle welcome how did your consultation go? I was so nervous on my first one because I didn’t know what to ask xx ask any questions you need ❤️I’ve been through a failed fresh so I feel like a pro with the injections lol and going through my first frozen now. Xxx

@seathistle hi there! I hope your first consultation went well. Do they go through treatment in detail and you ask questions? I'm still waiting for an appointment through for mine which i should receive in January and I've been told the nurses appointment would be a few weeks after that with starting next available cycle.

@Lotusflower1990000 I sometimes feel like all I do is cry. I'd tried to take a break from reading/talking/researching ivf but then I make myself feel like I'm a crazy person so it definitely helps to talk with people feeling the same and going through it. My partner is amazing but it hasn't effected him as much as me, I feel like it's all I think about most days.

Ah I see so medication can still be altered just not up but down? How did you deal with the injections and things? I'm a bit scared about all of that. I'm fine with needles but not so sure when it's me or my partner administering them 😂🙈

I'm sorry your work is gossipey! That's not nice at all, I'm not surprised you've not told them. I've told my boss as my colleague is due to go off on Mat leave next year. I was worried about having to do two jobs so I'd hoped by telling them they'd really consider getting mat cover for her; which thankfully they did! My boss was understanding and said she'll help and support us working around appointments and things.

Where are all you ladies based? In Scotland, north east xxx

@Lotusflower1990000 so sorry to hear it didn't work out. Keeping everything crossed for your frozen one.

It went ok thank you. Our consultant is nice, the clinic is a bit of a drive away but it's quite a nice journey. DH is very optimistic and positive but I just don't feel in that place. It's such a mental battle.

I was quite stressed about it too. One thing I got a vague answer on was when is the best time to take time off work wise? Did you go part time or take time off on the 2ww?

@HJen22 hello! Thank you. They did - im on a short protocol due to possible PCOS. We are having ICSI due to MF (0 morphology) issues too. Asked a ton of questions. Everything from covid, to work, to success rates, counselling... i put the poor lady through her paces! Will this be your first consultation with them? Sorry if you've said before, I'm frantically reading through everyone's messages!

I'm glad to hear your consultant is nice, makes all the difference doesn't it. So I've had a few appointments, the initial fertility appointment then the day we got referred. We then had a follow up call after the initial referral where the Dr answered any questions we had, explained the process etc. So I think the appointment next year will be when we're officially at the top of the list and near starting. I was worried just cos the letter may come January it might be months after but I spoke to someone from my area who had said their appointment was 2 weeks later then nurse explaining medication 2 weeks after that. The Dr had said that if my period is too close to nurse appointment it would be the following cycle. Can't predict my cycles right now so could be any time!

I have had a few counselling sessions and would recommend them! The lady I speak to is lovely and I've another appointment this week. I plan to have as many as I can. I feel the same, it's such a mental battle. I go from fear, sadness, shattered, or all at the same time!

I plan to carry over some holidays left from this year so I've got extra to take off days here and there when the time comes. I think it's totally personal preference though, some people would prefer to keep busy I think. But I'd just be scared I'd be constantly bursting into tears at work! Xxx

@HJen22 Im exactly the same someone said the best thing to me other day even this it’s hard not to let it take over and just think of it as taking medicine to help you ❤️ Yes it can go up and down depending on how you respond once they’ve scanned you to see how you ovaries are doing. After I did a week of it It felt so normal to inject it’s such a weird thing my hubs hates needles lol so no chance of him helping 😂 xxx

Aww that’s so sweet of your boss definitely worth telling them if they are supportive so glad they have found someone to cover the mat rather then pressuring you xxx aww that’s lovely I really want to visit Scotland I’m just outside London xxx

@seathistle thank you hoping this is the one glad to hear it went well I think with time off it depends on how you feel I took 2 weeks off when I started but as I work from home I feel like I wasted it this time round I have just taken the scan days and transfer off as I sort of know what’s coming work sort of distracted me which helped xx its mentally draining i had a month break which really helped

I have pcos and male issue too we did icsi but I was on the long proctol xxx