IVF / FET March/April 2022

[AliceAbsolum]

Thought I'd start a thread for those starting rounds in the next few months.

I'm 36. TTC for 6 years. This will be my 4th transfer. It's a double embryo FET in Cyprus.

Welcome welcome 😁

Morning everyone, hope you are all ok today.

Have been lurking in the background trying to catch up and get to grips with the abbreviations - its really a different language isnt it 😂

My friend messaged me last night, said something i think we should all be mindful of...how strong we all are to be able to do this. We should be proud of what we're doing.

I just wanted to put that out there because i hadn't really thought of it...just cracking on and taking it a step at a time but we def should remind ourselves of that.

@Jampot36
I get confused too- google helps a lot but I'm forever asking questions.

That is really important to remember thank you ☺️.

What stage are you at the moment?
I'm on day 3 of 7 of Northesteroine to control my periods before starting the injections (stims) first night cramps were awful and I have been very tired from the cramps keeping me awake and moody, not sure if that's from the tablets or the lack of sleep.
Positive post really helped to lift my mood thanks

@Jampot36 what a lovely message ❤️ and you are right, we are all doing great and should be proud of ourselves for being strong. It's easy to get so caught up in the emotions of it all and think we're not doing very well, for me it is anyway! How are you getting on?

@PMAmostofthetime sorry to hear you're having bad cramps, not fun at all! The lack of sleep made me very moody and teary! It's tough going when sleep gets effected! I hope the cramps ease up really soon! Plenty rest and hot water bottle 🥰

@PMAmostofthetime do you get stomach cramps or muscular? Nothing worse than a bad nights sleep, hope you have an easyish day with a hot water bottle and maybe some chocolate

@HJen22 sometimes an outside perspective helps us see it differently.

I'm very early stages, day 4 Buserelin on my first round, we dont go back to the clinic til 21st march to find out if we can move to stimms.

I was due for my period today but unsure if the injections will delay that, few pre period cramps but otherwise feeling ok.

Finally finished work 🎉 time to prepare myself for transfer day now and get in good shape for my embies 🤞 hope everyone is ok. It’s 1st march today, let’s make it a good month 🙏🏽🌟

Been a busy week so just catching up on the thread now. At least being busy has stopped time on down regs dragging. Seems I got off pretty lightly with side effects apart from the breakthrough bleeding with was basically two AF back to back just the second one didn't come with cramps. I thought it would never end. I was given the go ahead to start stims yesterday.

The clinic has scheduled my first scan for day 10 which I'm a bit unhappy about as I'm on high dose FSH and have a couple of risk factors for OHSS. I questioned it but they just said they wouldn't alter the dose based on day 8 scan anyway. Does that sound right?

I hope you are all doing well. I feel like there is so much to try to catch up on! No news here, just waiting for AF to start meds for the biopsies...we're always waiting for something aren't we! The good news is, yesterday I started to get my lazy self exercising again...and slightly controlling my calories! So something else to focus on whilst waiting!

@Jampot36 such a lovely message! And it's true, we plod on through the ups and downs and no one really knows how tough it is unless they have gone through it.

@Bluehawaii29 when is transfer day? Exciting times!

@HJen22 have you started injections today? How has the norithisterone been for you? (I'm so lost in this thread, it gets overwhelming to try and read everything on your phone too!) 🤣

@AliceAbsolum where are you up to now?
How crazy about your friend!! How can they even miss that?!

@Rosemary121 sometimes it's better to wait to have FET anyway, and with the possibility of OHSS you may be in a bit of pain. Hopefully, it's not to bad and it won't be long before the FET. I think I'll be heading towards May/June for mine so we could end up being at similar times!

@wholemeal121 I had day 6 and day 10 scan on my first cycle as I was at risk of OHSS...as it happened only 3 follicles! But they still didn't alter the protocol to try and get more.
Then my next 2 cycles where I had quite a good amount of eggs collected, they only wanted to do the one scan, but I got paranoid and wanted an additional one putting in. I'm sure if you ask them for it, more to put your mind at ease, then they should...if you want it.

@PMAmostofthetime I hope the cramps are settling down a bit. I just found norithisterone bloated me up massively and I ended up putting on weight with it...but was on the for 3 weeks!

@SUMMERTIME02 is that for the microbiome? I'm just taking normal probiotics but wondering whether I should be taking that? I suppose the biopsies will maybe let me know!

If I've missed anyone out, it's my scan reading! But hoping that March is a great month all round 😊

@Jampot36 really bad stomach cramps- they have settled to day though thankfully as work is hectic trying to fit everything in before I need time off and not knowing when I need time off is not making it easier.
My boss is luckily very understanding but my job is very awkward as I need to book in meetings and appointments and atm I'm guessing when I will be in work 🙈. At least the days go fast.

Hoping for a good nights sleep tonight, so I can get lots done tomorrow. I did think about just taking 2 weeks off but thinking realistically this is not going to be my only cycle so I don't have enough leave for that and I would probably wind myself up and google even more than I am now.

@Coops0406 cramps have settled thankfully, but I'm very bloated and sorry for over sharing but constipated.
I've taken them before years ago for period issues and never had any issues. So I don't know why they are doing this now. Thankfully I'm only on them for 7 days but I'm not hungry and then when I am, I only want really bad foods. So I've told my self back to a healthy balanced diet tomorrow now the cramps have subsided.

@Rosemary121 Good luck for EC tomorrow- hope you get lots of good ones

@Sammymcmartin
Here you go Sammy- the posters in this thread have been incredibly helpful to me and I'm sure they can help you too

@wholemeal121 glad you didn't suffer any bad side effects from down regs! How are you getting on with stims? We started yesterday too!

@Coops0406 hello lovely ☺️ always waiting!! One thing done then waiting for the next isn't it. Well done for getting back into exercising!
Yup started last night, my OH did a great job. I didn't squeeze my fat hard enough though so it took a while for the needle to go in cos it was soft so I'll know for tonight. I was glad we did an empty practice run with the nurse beforehand. Norethisterone disrupted my sleep and made me feel a little sick but overall could have been worse I guess.

@Rosemary121 good luck for egg collection today ❤️ I hope you have a lovely sleep and get great eggs 🤞🏻

@PMAmostofthetime ouch you poor thing, glad they've settle a bit! Glad your work is understanding, I know what you mean - it's hard to know what days you're going to need when it's a first cycle. And same, I don't want to take too many days off! Best to play it by ear! Are you WFH? I hope you got a better nights sleep last night? X

@PMAmostofthetime how are you feeling today? Hope you got better sleep?

Can anyone tell me please what happens with periods on buserelin? I started injections on Saturday, period is due today...will i still have one or is it a wait for breakthrough bleed?
I have endo and my periods are awful so I'm finding not knowing if/when its going to come on making me really anxious.

@HJen22 unfortunately i'm not working from home as my job means I have to visit people and be in meetings and in the office but I do work from home when I can- super concerned about catching Covid :(.

@Jampot36 @HJen22
I do feel better thanks.
Cramps have gone but very unsettled sleep, last night so going to go to bed even earlier tonight. And hopefully sleep through only 3 more days to go then I'll be wiling my AF to start asap.

@Rosemary121 I hope EC went well today 🥰

@PMAmostofthetime story of my life, literally need to eat immediately and only rubbish! Although today I have managed not to have a single snack! Glad your cramps have gone, get some good rest tonight.

@HJen22 glad it went well! I always wondered how they do an injection teach.
I thought my OH could get his own back with it for all my moods but I think they go overly gentle bless them! How many days of stims do you have and when is your next scan?

@Jampot36 I can't help, sorry, I've never been on buselerin

@Rosemary121 I hope EC went well and you are resting up ❤️

@Coops0406 yeah my OH has been great. It stung a little today, when the solution actually goes in but it was ok. So I've got menopur only Tuesday - Saturday and then Saturday I also add in another, cetrorelix I think it is until Trigger. Next scan is next Wednesday. How are things with you, has AF arrived?

I'm sorry @Jampot36 I'm not able to help either as never been on it.

How weird is this. Got my OH a personalised bottle opener off Etsy to thank him. It's absolutely nothing to do with IVF specifically (I just got it to say thank you for always holding my hand) and now I've noticed the seller has a note saying thank you for the purchase, every purchase helps to pay for her ongoing IVF journey after 4 angel babies. My heart ❤️

@HJen22 it's come around so fast! Yeah, they can be a bit stingy, like you feel every last drop going in!
No...still not here 😩 Normally I get really sore boobs, bloating, spots! None of that, but definitely crying at everything on TV so it's imminent!
How cute about your Etsy purchase ❤️ i love it when people send a little note of appreciation and why!

@Coops0406 yeah it's so strange isn't it! But could def be worse! Hoping the next one added is similar.

Ugh how annoying, fingers crossed it comes soon! Typical isn't it, when you want it to come! I was like that; waiting and like come on!

I had the worse night sweats last night, is that a stims symptom? And again awake at 5am! Been having all sorts of strange baby dreams!

So nice ❤️ another little sign from the universe we're not alone during this. I will for sure send her a message telling her why I bought this item (to thank by OH for his never ending support through IVF) and that her note touched me xx

I am hoping today is a better day. I had to email my boss yesterday telling her I was feeling the pressure and a little stressed in regards to having to really look after and help our new start and not quite knowing my responsibilities, whilst trying to manage my own very busy role, and IVF! She was very understanding and thanked me for my help but it shouldnt have all landed on me and kinda had cos she'd been on holiday and stuff. A relief to have her take it seriously cos I need to be as chill as possible right now ✌🏻

Thank you all for your lovely messages, really helped me ❤️ EC went well, slept through the whole thing and 16 collected. Had my day 1 call and 9 have been fertilised with ICSI so really pleased, just hope they make it to my next update on day 3!

@PMAmostofthetime sorry to hear that you've been having bad cramps, hope they settle down for you soon. Glad that your work is understanding makes it so much easier although it's difficult.

@HJen22 glad to heard you've managed to move into stims, how are you finding them? I had my OH do them too - so much easier for me! It's nice for them to feel like they have some part in the process I think. That was such a lovely messages from the lady on Etsy! Hope things get better at work for you, hopefully they'll be a little more understanding.

@Jampot36 such a lovely message to share from your friend! Sorry not been on Buserelin so not too sure.

@Coops0406 would be nice to have a cycle buddy for my FET, you'll have to keep me updated with how things are going for you!

Hello all!! I love that there are so many new people on here on this journey together.
I've had a crazy week, which is why I haven't checked in, but glad to see that many of you are doing well.
My 31 day period finally ended and I'm just getting excited to start my meds on the 13th for our FET transfer at the end of the month.

@Rosemary121 I'm so glad it went well 🥰 I hope you are having lots of rest today and I really hope for some great news on day 3 🤞🏻 what are you doing to keep yourself busy?

Stims are ok, a bit stingy and I've said to my OH tonight to do it a little slower but he also said I had to stay still haha 😂 the injection to be added on Saturday looks a bit bigger and more liquid but sure we'll be fine! Have some side effects, night sweats, although now freezing today, sore head and waking you early but I've been waking up early for weeks now.

@TommieNC yay glad AF arrived for you and now the countdown is on to get started! Which meds do you start on the 13th? And how are you feeling? Xx

@HJen22
my situation is same as yours and Irish! at 37 my AMH was nearly zero. We tried IVF with my own eggs twice, I’m glad we tried but I knew donor was the only option, this all happened during COVID so travel was limited but we did travel to Spain in September, we got 4 eggs from our donor and transferred 1, successful but I miscarried at 9 weeks. We are currently in our 2 week wait, with second transfer!
Have you made any progress? I was reffered to regional hospital, had a virtual and in person apt back in September, i was to be added to list for Egg donation but heard nothing which is poor, if they ever make contact I’ll be too old and because I’ve had two treatments privately I’m not entitled which is a complete joke!

First round of ivf just started here. Starting stims on 14th.
Just turned 40, unexplained infertility and high amh so gnrh antagonist protocol.
Currently trying to avoid covid so I can get to egg collection. Seem to be a close contact of a different case every week 🙈

Glad to see everyone is doing well in terms of treatment and EC 💛

I’ve finally got my nurse consultation booked in for Tuesday. They’ll share my protocol, which I’m relieved about as then I’ll have a loose plan, and I can ask questions about treatment.

Got a few queries but thought I’d ask if any of you wish you’d asked anything before the process started? Trying to prep myself as much as possible and keep anxiety at bay…

Sending lots of love and luck to you all as you keep moving forward this month 🙂

@TheHopefulEgg that's great news your nurse consultation is Tuesday! I asked a little about Covid and just the situation with isolating and testing etc.

@LT103 this is my first round too ❤️ a little ahead as I started stims on the 1st. How are you feeling? If you don't have it, the mindful IVF app is really good!

@HomeHope good luck and I hope your TWW is going fast! I'm so sorry for your miscarriage, I really hope this cycle is your time 🥰 I'm on my first cycle with own eggs xx

Last day of Northesteroine and cramps have settled but I'm extremely bloated in my tummy area, and really tired and really really moody!

Hoping that AF doesn't hang about too long after I take the last tablet tonight.

@Rosemary121 that's amazing that you got 9 fertilised!!!
Also reassuring to hear you slept through it and didn't feel anything? How was you after it? Hoping for good news on day 3 for you 😀.

@the hopeful egg, I asked loads of questions but my clinic said we can ring as much as we like with more. They also give you a treatment plan print out which I've read a thousand times, and I had my kit at this appointment too, with instructions. They also told me that there are lots of YouTube instruction videos and that some people use ice on their stomach before the injection as that helps.

@LT103 I was the same as you constantly worried over Covid, so I had an antigen test and it's shows I have antibodies- I am still very careful but it's helped me be less anxious when I am in work or at an appointment. I am avoiding all social engagements at present. But it's proving rather difficult as no one knows we are doing this and my excuses are running thin. After 2 years of Covid all my friends and family are packing in social activities.

Hope all goes well ready for the 14th for you.