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 😁

@Ems123456789 how are you feeling?
Have my fingers crossed for you. That's good stats too- it's higher than natural conception chances :) it's my first cycle so no tips on 2 ww sorry but maybe a craft project or something you can do that's not too strenuous?

I really hate injections and I know it's silly but I cannot help it.
My plan says 2 tonight then1 tomorrow ( I know this could change after my scan but I'm just going to keep telling myself it's the last night of 2- to get me through it)
I ate mini eggs last night after I cried and I kept thinking it's ok to cry @AliceAbsolum
said it releases cortisol and it's fine to eat these because @Ems123456789 said to treat myself so thanks ladies.

@Brightertimesahead headaches were awful this morning but some fresh air and 2 paracetamols and a kool & sooth strip ans they are bearable.

I dropped my phone and posted before I was done......

@Brightertimesahead you really are amazing going through all this with all that you have going on.
So glad you have your good blast ready :). When will your transfer be?

@Hopingforamiracle11 welcome! How did EC go? Are you feeling ok?
One thing I learnt on here is all clinics do it differently. I'm NHS too first cycle. I'm on day 6 of stims looking at EC on 25th or 28th I have been TTC since end of 2016 and Covid and referrals has delayed everything I have unexplained infertility but I have cervical stenosis which could be a factor, it also concerns me as they couldn't do a HSG.

I've never had a BFP either let's hope that will soon change for all of us :)

It's ok to be down, it's not easy at all.
Give yourself time to be sad and angry it'll make you feel better. I feel so much better after my mini meltdown on Friday all the lovely ladies on here reassured me and picked me back up.

Thank you @SamTTC @Brightertimesahead and @PMAmostofthetime for the tips!

Mini craft hobby projects sound good. Also the meditation app too. I must look into it.

I’ve kept myself well occupied with gardening and cooking today but sometimes got paranoid I was doing much (when I was gardening and getting warm!).

I definitely feel more anxious, I think my mind just keeps wondering will I get pregnant and if I do will I successfully make it to a 12 week scan but I keep reminding myself (as I did throughout this second cycle) - one step at a time. I’m going to try and not Google symptoms otherwise I think I will drive myself crazy.

Welcome @Hopingforamiracle11 and wishing you luck for the coming days. It’s so tough isn’t it holding all these different feelings, hope and then sadness, frustration etc. it’s such a cocktail of emotions. If I’ve any advice, just take each step one bit at a time rather than trying to think of the bigger picture and keep hopeful that you will get there. So easier said than done though I know.

@Brightertimesahead I am so so sorry to hear your story so far, I'm so glad you have DS but it sounds so hard since then, sending so much love and positivity for this FET. Covid and a stomach bug, sometimes it really is just like gosh you couldn't write this stuff 😞 I hope you are feeling better today?

@SamTTC it does sound like you're very proactive and totally understand the frustration of waiting! Remind me when you are due for your FET?

@AliceAbsolum aw that sounds like a busy and emotional day! I am so glad you're back close to your embryos. Really great your lining is looking good and for 100 euros that sounds like a good add of for your transfer! I hope you've had a more restful day today!

@Ems123456789 how are you feeling? That's great it was a nice good embryo and you've such a high chance for success; I have everything crossed for you! Did you get a photo of your embryo? I'm also away to turn 34 at the end of the month. I second the mindful ivf app, it's great and I've used it lots on the lead up and during this round.

@Hopingforamiracle11 welcome to the group! I'm sorry to hear your difficult journey, we can all relate and here to chat any time. Well done on your EC and all the very best for your transfer tomorrow. Xx

@PMAmostofthetime I can totally relate - injections are horrible but I’m sure it will be all worth it xx Good luck with your stimulation! Hang in there - only a few days left and you’ll have your EC x (I was stimulated for 11 days in total)
I’m very bloated but am not surprised about it at all, as on my last scan I had 36 follicles ranging from 6-20mm. I’m trying to drink as much as possible to hopefully prevent OHSS. Out of all those follicles they managed to retrieve 20 eggs and yesterday I was told that 18 of them fertilised (didn’t have any updates today, so am extremely stressed out and worried how many if any have actually survived).
It’s frustrating you had to wait that long, but I’m glad things are moving forward for you now! x and thank you for your kind words, it really means a lot x

@ Ems123456789 what about Netflix to keep yourself occupied? x You’re totally right.. it’s such a rollercoaster..

@HJen22 Thank you very much xx

Welcome @Hopingforamiracle11! You are definitely not alone :) congrats for getting through your EC! Do you know yet how many eggs they retrieved or will they just tell you the numbers tomorrow? Some clinics do day 3 transfers but I’ve not heard of it being done in the very first attempt, unless they have a reason to suspect that the embryos won’t make it to day 5. I find the “evidence” of what is better quite contradictory through. My clinic absolutely refuses to do day 3s, but I hear about plenty of people who get pregnant on day 3s exactly because the embryos feel more at home in the uterus than they would do in the lab. It’s all such a guessing game! Regardless, I’m crossing fingers for a transfer tomorrow and hope it goes well!

@Ems123456789 garden work honestly sounds like the perfect way to pass the time, and I can’t imagine it would hinder implantation in any way! I heard it’s good to laugh a lot so maybe put some comedies on in the evening :)

Thanks for asking @HJen22, yeah it makes the waiting time a bit more bearable. My transfer should be the middle of next month, period is due to start in 9 days - I obviously don’t want it to be early because I like the newfound regularity of my cycle, but oh man I wouldn’t be too upset about a few days’ less waiting time!

Aww @PMAmostofthetime I’m so sorry it’s such a struggle for you but having a ‘reward’ in the form of chocolate seems like a good way to get through it! Let’s hope you’ve only got a few more days left :) and yes, it’s about time we all got to see some BFPs!

@SamTTC Yesterday morning I got an update that 18 eggs have fertilised, but haven’t had any updates today :( I’m not sure, maybe it’s the fact I was diagnosed with endometriosis following laparoscopy last year? I’m a bit worried about the fact they don’t wait till day 5, as I thought that was routine practice. Thank you x It’s exciting that your FET will be happening soon! x

Thanks @HJen22 I just downloaded the app and did one and it was great. 💖
Feeling okay, bit of a low back ache but think that’s just from the transfer yesterday. I’ve kept myself super busy today to help the anxiety.

@HJen22 how are you doing? I hope you are feeling okay

@Ems123456789 his voice is so nice and gentle, I really like him and will def continue to use it as there are stress and anxiety ones that I paid extra for too.

I'm doing ok thank you ❤️ I went to see my parents and then sister and nephews, we isolated even before we started stims so it's felt like forever since I hugged them and after a tough few days it was much needed. I got them flowers and thank you cards for their support, I know I've not always been easy throughout this and they've been amazing.

The Dr called and told me that this wasn't classed as one of our funded cycles and we'd get restarted ASAP, I just have to redo some consents and wait to hear about a nurse app, we don't have to do a Dr consultation I guess seeing as the main Dr in charge of the clinic has been involved since EC. She was lovely and I couldn't thank her enough. She said not to blame ourselves. Unlikely to be next bleed but the one after which I'd assumed at the very earliest so that's good to know. Xx

@Ems123456789 I''be been more anxious since Northesteroine- I know because I grind my teeth in the night when I'm anxious and my jaw is killing- I also feel on edge- I wonder if it makes all the hormones? Or just the process?

@Hopingforamiracle11 @SamTTC
tonight's are done, but the second one had to be done twice because it bent so we had to switch the needle. I was blubbering like a baby and OH said he's hates seeing me like this and doesn't know if he can do it all again if this doesn't work. I apologised and told him just to do it and ignore me.

I ice the area, make him pinch hard and to be fair to him I hardly feel it going in, but then the liquid stings. I didn't cry tonight until the 2nd one had to go in for a second time and I think it's just the fear so I'm getting better.

@Hopingforamiracle11
Should I be drinking more to prevent OHSS? I've probably been drinking less as I've given up caffeinated soft drinks.

18 out of 20 fertilised sounds amazing :). Iv no experience but that's a lot higher than most :) I've seen on here and again what I have read is that you can expect just under half of the fertilised ones to develop further but I've also seen some people have 1 and that's got them a BFP.

@HJen22 that's good news and you have something to aim for now- enjoy some relaxed time with friends and family- Iv found it so difficult finding excuses not to attend things as no one knows we are doing this aside from my boss. OH have just said he needs time off my my hosp appointments and it was granted no questions asked.

@SamTTC I hate it but it's got to be done in reality EC is probably going to be 28th but I can hope it's sooner to help me through, I'm actually excited for my first scan tomorrow to see what's going on in there.

What are the next steps for you?

It concerned me at my last appointment that they asked me my AMH, which I didn't know. You guys all seem to know how is this tested? How did they know how to set my meds?

@Ems123456789 congratulations on the transfer. Sounds like really good odds! Fingers crossed for you

@PMAmostofthetime can’t believe you’re managing all this with a needle phobia!! You’re a superstar!! What stage are you at now?
Today is day 7 of stims for me. I’m on fyremadel in morning and menopur at nifht. First scan tomorrow so will see how it goes!
You were saying about amh. My consultant said average got my age was around 8-10 I think and mine was 39 so def worried about overstimulation

@PMAmostofthetime they measure AMH with a blood test, for me it was just part of a general infertility panel where they test TSH, FSH, estrogen etc. did you have those done?
I’ve heard though that AMH is much less important than age and follicle count, which gives them a good indication of how many eggs you can expect and what % of the blasts are likely to be normal. AMH is more to give them an indication of your long term prospects, but cycle to cycle the other factors matter more. As far as I understand it, anyway! You probably could get a blood test for it fairly easily but unless the clinic recommends it, it’s probably not necessary.
Exciting about the scan tomorrow :)

@HJen22 aww that’s really great news both seeing your family and that this round didn’t count! It’s standard to skip a cycle just to let your body recover from the meds and also to let any cysts you may have developed dissolve, that’s what my clinic does also. As frustrating as the wait is, it’s nice to have a timeline, and know that your life won’t be ruled by appointments and fertility meds for the next month!

@PMAmostofthetime oh and yes re drinking water, I believe the recommendation is about 2 litres a day. I don’t think I ever managed that much but I got so few follicles out that OHSS was incredibly unlikely. But yeah water and upping your protein intake are recommended, at least by my clinic.

@LT103 Day 6 today for me Meriofert 150 and cetrotide both in the evening- I don't know if I could cope with twice a day.
I feel like such a baby and feel so sorry for poor OH- he gets everything ready while I ice my stomach and then I hide under a pillow and complain a lot and since there's been 2 injections I've cried. I think I would have been ok tonight if the second one didn't have to go on twice.
He was so scared about hiring me the other night that he forgot to mix it and injected water into me so I had to have 2 on a night that would have been 1 so it's best I'm not there now and I just say- all mixed to make sure.
He hides everything fro me me too, to try and make it easier.

Are you NHS too? How are you finding stims? Any side effects?

Good luck for your scan tomorrow- mines around 11.

@SamTTC I definitely had those bloods done, i wonder if the nurse just didn't have them to hand on Monday? I will ask tomorrow.
My clinic would probably refuse more bloods- I don't cry but I pass out every time. I've scared a few nurses- I do always warn them though and they lie me down put a fab on me as I get super hot and get water ready now. One of the nurses even had a chocolate bar ready for me the second time she had to do my bloods for when I come around as a shake a lot.

I'm 35 and I guess I'll find out about the follicles tomorrow- the last scan they just said they could see them, I'll be sure to ask more questions tomorrow.

@HJen22 it’s great you have such a supportive family and you’re all so close! It’s super exciting that you’ll be staring your new cycle soon - do you know if your clinic will introduce any changes to the protocol?

@PMAmostofthetime ohh Bless you, injections are a nightmare :( Have you tried injecting yourself? At first my hubby did mine, but I felt better when I did them myself (somehow I felt more in control of the situation). Soon your stimulation will be over, then trigger which will be followed by an injection-free day (I really cherished mine :D)
In regards to OHSS I read to drink between 2-3L of water (following EC it is good to drink stuff with electrolytes), apparently following EC it is also advised to eat diet high in protein - both water and proteins are to decrease oestrogen levels if too high.
Thank you x I should be hearing from my clinic tomorrow morning. Good luck on your scan tomorrow! x
My clinic told me to have AMH blood test done privately - I paid about £38 pounds. Although AFC may be enough, they said it’s best to have both to assess the ovarian reserve and choose the best treatment. From what I can remember mine was around 19-20.

@LT103 good luck tomorrow! x

@PMAmostofthetime during all of my scans I asked the nurse to give me a note with the number of follicles and their size (I don’t know if your clinic lets your partner attend but mine said no and so it was a nice way to track the progress and also involve the partner as much as possible). :)

@Hopingforamiracle11
Thank you I'll up my water intake, and try with the protein post EC- I have been really fussy with my food and I don't eat much meat at all anyway so I will get some protein yoghurts, bars and shakes incase I'm off my food post EC.

I will ask for them to note them down tomorrow- my partner has to be onsite but not allowed in the scan with me.

@PMAmostofthetime I’m not a big meat eater either - instead to up my protein intake I eat eggs, peanut or almond butter and lentils :)

How exciting you’re having your scan tomorrow! :)

Good luck to those having scans tomorrow . I hope it’s all encouraging news
@HJen22 - thanks for your message - I know I couldn’t quite believe that I’d managed to get through two years of the pandemic covid free only to get it in the middle of my final FET attempt. It’s been a really difficult spanner in the works - however I don’t have a transfer date yet - nor do I have covid anymore but in terms of me now always thinking ‘has this just messed my body up in some way’ - it’s a pretty constant worry. You spend so long tying to be perfect with diet and how you live etc and now it’s all gone a bit off the rails ! But delaying isn’t really an option - I’m so mentally exhausted from doing IVF and putting everything on hold that to stop this round now would mean another two month delay before transfer and I just don’t think I could do more waiting. Gosh - I’m just so far from being in perfect condition for this round it’s a joke ! But miracles can happen right ….?

Good luck for your scans today ladies! I'm sure those follicles have been growing lots!

I didn't know the sizes the first time, just the number. Second scan I looked at the screen after so I knew them. For me it was more the less I knew the better, as I'd probably have googled and worried. Trust the nurses and try not to worry, as plenty more time for growth x

I had my AMH done the day I was referred for IVF but I think it was due to my low AFC. I am led to believe it can help them understand how you will respond to meds.

@Hopingforamiracle11 Protocol will just be the same next time, I was already on max dose of Menopur. And from what I know, I think I responded ok on it and did have follicles to get to EC. Fingers crossed for next time too.

@Brightertimesahead gosh I know, adding Covid to the already highly stressful and emotional time just isn't what you need at all. I had a scare right before starting and I was in a total mess with panic. Are you feeling better? Im glad you're Covid free now! As hard as it is, try and remain positive, get plenty rest and I am sure you will be feeling much better for transfer. I really do understand though it's so hard not to worry xxx

@Hopingforamiracle11 3 day transfers used to be the norm, its good if its clear there may not be many embryos to freeze - they're much better off inside you than in the petri-dish.
18 is amazing! I doubt they will day 3 you with those numbers?

@PMAmostofthetime Glad you were able to get that Cortisone out - its not good to have it 'stuck in the body'.
In my job I have helped quite a few people with needle phobia, have you had CBT? Do you do applied tension to stop yourself from passing out? - you need to get your blood pressure up and help the brain understand its not being injured and therefore does not need to lie on the floor.

I was only told my AMH because it was too low, so yours is probably fine. Your AMH should be in your notes so you should be able to have access to it if you need.
Good luck with your scan today.

@SamTTC I also feel overwhelmed with the amount of stuff that can prevent implantation, especially with all the 'advice' on the internet like eating pineapple cores..... I think its a really cutting edge science and therefore really uncertain. I've finished my course of Canesflor and I'm blood thinners and anti biotics and steroids and intralipids too, I mean pretty sure I dont need them as it took 3 cycles just to get a decent embryo and that did stick...but what can you do. Can only do your best. Its so easy to go a bit crazy down a google scroll hole isn't it.

@Brightertimesahead Thank you for the baby power - I think after 6.5 years I need it!
So sorry to hear your struggle, cant imagine what that must have been like. We are very strong us IVF ladies. Covid just adds such an extra level of crap on all this. Waiting waiting....

DH and I, potentially against our better judgement have decided to keep our Youtube channel going and vlog IVF. We have put so much work into the channel and its starting to make real money now, and we dont just want to let it die. Plus I LOVE watching IVF vlogs so it feels quite normal to me.
Its an added hassle to film everything for sure, but I also think its good to share these things, personally I dont find it embarrassing, and i dont think there should be stigma around it.
Plus it'll be really interesting to have it to look back on, and who knows maybe a child in the future will be able to watch their parents conceive them.....
However some days I just think what the bloody hell are we doing I know some people irl are going to think its a ridiculous decision. But there we go.

We've decided to start it with "3 things not to say to someone going through IVF". The first one being "Just relax and it'll happen". Any more ideas?

Let me know if any of you ladies want to watch and I'll PM the details of our channel.

@PMAmostofthetime stims have been mostly fine but yesterday and today I am really crampy and bloated and uncomfortable so there’s def something happening in there. I’m interested to see todays scan.

We’re private. I did qualify for one round on nhs (not now I’ve gone private) but I’ve just turned 40 and only just been placed on nhs waiting list so it was going to be end of this year before reaching top of list and we decided not to wait. Time will tell of that was the right decision I guess 😬

When is your next scan? I think I get a chart showing how many follicles and what size but to be honest I think the best thing to do is not to stress about it and just leave it up to them!! I’m off work now until this finishes so I’m going to get a good book and try to relax as best I can and stop googling ivf stories!

Oof @PMAmostofthetime that sounds like a nightmare! I really hope it will come to be less stressful over the next few days. I would also say doing it yourself might be easier, but with a severe needle phobia, I don't imagine that even feels like an option? Either way - the days are numbered now :) you'll be in the tww before you know it!
How many follicles did they see at your scan?

@Brightertimesahead I actually really understand the need to just get it over with - and then feel like you have given it your all, whatever the outcome. I think that's what matters most, at the end of the day. And for all you know, really shaking things up this time might be what makes the difference. That's the point - we don't KNOW anything and at the end of the day, it's down to luck/chance/timing factors that we can't really know in advance. And another two months' wait would be torture at this point, I completely understand that.

@AliceAbsolum I would love to follow along with your journey on youtube! I am so thankful for everyone who chooses to share their journey that way, I get a lot of comfort and information from those videos.

My AMH was 17 when I had it measured last year. It's in the low range of average for my age of 34 (range is quoted as 6.8 - 47.8), but I find it such a strange tool in terms of measuring fertility, because 17 is also in the normal range for women in their 40s. So is it actually bad that mine is already this low? Agh! Whatever. At the end of the day, my clinic only really cares about AFC, and obviously attrition rate, so I'm trying not to put much stock into it.