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 😁

@Coops0406 how are you lovely? I hope your lining scan goes well today and all set for biopsies next week! Well done with your exercise! I have finally got back into some exercise other than dog walks too. Joined the new local gym and it's 5mins from my house (there right now haha upside to waking up early I suppose!). I am the heaviest I've been in about 4 years so I'd like to lose some weight before next round! Calorie counting and gym but not going too strict or I'll give up too soon!

We've our nurses call 7th April! So not long! Going by last time I think they'll tell me call next cycle which should be around 25th April (as won't be this next cycle coming) and prob start the pill CD21 then start meds end of May. I think that's best case scenario and to be honest I'm ok with that. I'm not mentally prepared to go through that week between EC and transfer again after what just happened! But I am looking forward and looking forward to another try with I really hope less bumps!!!!

@HJen22 tell me about it! I have put on 10kg in the last 3.5 years! The last 6kg has come on since I started ivf last May! I think I just gave up on exercise and with all the mood swings, feeling bloated etc the emotional eating started!
I think that having these gaps inbetween is actually good for the mind and body, gives you time to enjoy life a bit then get prepared for the next round. You've done it once now so have the experience behind you and can know what to expect second time round.
Do you think they will adjust anything on your next round? We may fall into a similar timeline 😍 as my biopsy results will be 2 weeks after they're done, so hopefully mid to end April, then if I need to take and antibiotics or anything that will be another month, then get into a cycle and start meds so I'm guessing transfer around June for me! I had hoped April or may but you can't control these things!

@Coops0406 I was on 2mg of estrofem, twice a day for 6 days. I was surprised as I'd only stopped bleeding the day before the scan! The lining must build up as it's being shed or something.
Hope the scan shows a nice thick lining 👍

Good luck to the egg collectors today. Hope you get good hauls.

These antibiotics are kicking my bum. Or it's the progesterone or the steroids. Just feel really washed out and knackered. Bleugh.

@HJen22 have plans for Saturday/Sunday but today am failing to make decisions on going for a decent walk vs organising clutter in some sort of weird premature nesting fit, and have just ended up sat with my tragic decaffeinated beverage looking up statistics.

I probably need to do the walking, as the visions I had of turning in to some sort of gym bunny in a last ditch attempt to be as fit as possible for this process failed to materialise and instead I’ve just whinged a lot about feeling bloated and weird.

@AliceAbsolum hope the bleugh feelings settle, I’ve never had steroids and progesterone together but can’t imagine it’s the pleasantest cocktail, I’m enfeebled by just progesterone!

Best of luck for all those having EC/FET or important updates today! Seems to be a busy day today

@Coops0406 Yes I think we were! I’m just gearing up for a further round of EC and/or an FET depending on how it all goes in April. I was happy with 14 eggs (they collected 20 but the rest were immature). I did have around 30 follicles in their though on my last scan so I’m hoping that we can utilise those a bit more for next time. my dose was upped halfway through as my follicles weren’t growing as expected so I’m hoping if we start on that dose this time I may get a few more eggs. Then again they say anything over 20 is not ideal due to OHSS risk so maybe not! I did have some mild OHSS after this last round I think. And they say too many eggs effects quality don’t they? Better a smaller number and good quality I think. Will discuss further with the consultant soon. I think I’m leaning towards not doing a fresh transfer (if I’m lucky enough to get to that point that is) as I felt quite unwell post EC last time and had some ongoing bleeding so would prefer a bit of a recovery first. Is that a daft idea? Do people think fresh transfer is best?

I’ve also put a load of weight on since my last EC, well over a stone and bit . I do think sometimes the ivf drugs have an impact and cause weight gain as I wasn’t doing anything different really. I seemed to bloat during stims and it never left! Post EC it seems to make it harder to shift also it feels. Will just have make more of an effort and put down all the chocolate!

Do people if I ask what suppléments, if any, people take pre EC? I’m taking pregnacare but have heard that proceive is better? Whats best for egg quality? Been taking some coq10 too but not at a high enough dose to make a difference I think

@Coops0406 what are you having a biopsy for if you don’t mind me asking? Hope it goes well.

@BlueSilver23 I’m taking pregnacare and ubiquinol (to hopefully help egg quality)

I didn’t get the option, I was just told it would be a FET because of my protocol but yeah I’m actually happy with that as I feel like I need a break mentally and physically before going ahead with transfer. I’m quite happy with the 6-8wks between.
And the embryologist def told me yesterday that you don’t want too many eggs as it does start to affect quality.

@LT103 Yeah, I’m having to balance wanting to get on with it against not wanting to put an embryo back into what feels like an unhappy environment. Like you I also feel like I need the break. My consultant suggested putting one straight back in (I think to minimise disruption and cost, I’m in a job where I can’t easily take time off) but I think I’m going to ask for FET. Wasn’t sure if there were differing success rates with frozen versus fresh though.

@BlueSilver23 I've hard that the fresh vs frozen rates depends on the clinic, as in different ones use different freezing technology. The other thing to consider is that there is a small chance that it wont defrost and will have to be discarded.
What makes you think the environment isn't as good with fresh?

@AliceAbsolum It’s just me personally as I was unwell after EC with bleeding and mild OHSS. I’d feel worried putting an embryo in straight away I think as my body was just generally unhappy with the whole thing, it took me a couple of weeks to stop bleeding and to feel well again. But the consultant still suggested putting one straight back so they didn’t seem too concerned. It’s just to give any embryos the best chance for me. But you’re right the extra process of freezing/defrosting is an added strain. Nothings ever easy with this process it seems!

@BlueSilver23 it depends on lots. My protocol has poor success with fresh and better with FET.

HAd my call and all 9 eggs have fertilised!!! I won’t hear now until Monday. They use embryoscope but obv it’s the weekend so I get a day 4 call rather than day 3.
Reading the info they gave me says 40% of fertilised eggs on average make it to body so 🤞🤞

@LT103 Thats fantastic news! Fingers crossed that you get a good number fertilised for Monday.

Yes, I’ve anecdotally heard that some people have better success with frozen, perhaps fresh is better for those who have an easier time with EC/stims but unfortunately i don’t think I’m one of them. But you say it’s all so individual so I don’t think it’s easily comparable.

It’s hard to keep up with this thread haha, it seems like so many of you are having collections/transfers right now! It’s nice to have cycle buddies 😂

@Hopingforamiracle11 3 blasts is a fantastic result and lots of people get zero, regardless of how many eggs they retrieved! But that’s just a fact- your emotional reaction to it and the disappointment of not getting more (especially hearing/reading about other people getting more) are understandable and very relatable. I felt the same. Your grades are quite good though, doesn’t the 4/5 number mean they’re all close to hatching? That’s a good sign for sure.

Ugh sign me up for the weigh gain club. I have gained so much weight since start February and I really wanted to spend this time losing it but I don’t know, it’s really taken a toll on me and I find it difficult to motivate myself. I did go for a very long walk today and I do a short yoga programme (Yoga with Adriene anyone??) every day, but that’s honestly all I can muster. I have cut down on sugar but not cut it out completely - it’s just too restrictive and I need to be in another mindset to be so strict with my diet. Especially cause work is very stressful right now too.
But the great weather has definitely helped and I’m feeling better now that my fet is so close. Inactivity breeds inactivity for me, if that makes sense- I am the most motivated when I’m in the active process of something, when the wheels are turning.

@HJen22 wow your call is soon already, time really does move quickly!!

@LT103 that’s excellent news! Keep us posted!

@PMAmostofthetime thinking of you, hope it went well :)

@BlueSilver23 I take fish oil and co-q10, and then I also take a prenatal vitamin that includes folic acid. My clinic is VERY strict about wanting all their patients to take folic acid. I also take magnesium, iron and D vitamin actually but I’ve been doing that for years, because I tend to get tired easily and have struggled with iron deficiency in the past.

@Coops0406 oh I'm for sure the same! I tried so hard to cut so many things out on the lead up, but it became so hard and I comfort ate and used having a lot on my plate as an excuse to literally put too much on my plate haha! But I'm hoping exercise helps me feel physically and mentally better.

Yeah that's how I see it, have a little downtime; try and enjoy life a bit and treat myself to a wine after 7 months of being T total haha!

I think the plan is the same, I was on max FSH and it did seem to stimulate ok. Now I'm trying not to worry about getting less follicles! Aw we perhaps will be on the same timeline!

@AliceAbsolum oh I'm sorry to hear you are feeling poorly! Not good! I hope your relaxing and the sun is out? Do you have much plans over the weekend?

@Nutrinerd I find a walk is always a good idea. Helps to clear your mind and the fresh air is great!

@BlueSilver23 I take folic acid and vitamin D (which the clinic stimulates) along with zinc, omega 3, coQ10 in ubiquinol form and NAC. They were on the recommendation of a nutritionist. Due to low AFC I'm trying to improve egg health. No idea if they are working but I feel like I have to keep taking them now!!

@LT103 that's amazing! Super happy for you! I hope knowing that you can have a bit more of a relaxing weekend before your update on Monday. The calls everyday for us were a lot to take!

@SamTTC snap, I think a lot of us are in the same boat! And as much as I know we do have to give ourselves a massive break; we're going through a lot, the hormones are intense and we're putting our bodies through a lot, I feel like I need to reign it in before next cycle. I'm one of these people who can't eat whatever they want. When I do it just piles on! Much quicker than I can lose it too haha! I've done a couple of those yoga workouts!

Oops haha my clinic does not stimulate, they stipulate I mean xx

Hi all, I'm home now about to have a nap.

EC went completely fine, got 8 eggs so hope we have a good fertilisation rate tomorrow.
I told them I was nervous they were lovely cannula pinched a bit and I can always feel it in my hand and felt the meds going through I remember saying ouch and the anaesthetist saying sorry I looked down at the doctor and then I woke up in the recovery bay.
Dummy ET was also a success, so that's a relief.

I just want to say thank you to all of you who have helped me get this far. With the needle phobia, the stress of it all and the unknown I couldn't have got through this sanely without you guys- so really thank you.

@Steph2345 hope yours went well, look forward to an update.

@Coops0406 hope your scan goes well today.

@HJen22 pleased to hear you have your call booked in :) and hopefully you'll have a clear plan soon.

@AliceAbsolum sorry to hear your not feeling too good, try and get some rest,
Do you have to work today?

@LT103 that's amazing that all 9 have fertilised! So pleased for you.

@SamTTC thank you - it's done :)
I really need to eat more healthily and exercise but not today seems to be my moto!

@Nutrinerd go for the walk it will help de stress you and fresh air is always good, plus if the weathers dry- it's beautiful with me- take the opportunity to enjoy it.

@PMAmostofthetime that’s amazing news!! Feet up and rest for the rest of the day and just keep drinking plenty! Hope you’re feeling ok

@PMAmostofthetime absolutely well done you wee trooper! Knew you could get through it and they'd look after you. And 8 eggs is fab, amazing news!! I'm so glad that it went well and that the dummy transfer was a success! I have everything crossed for a good fertilisation update tomorrow!!!

Thank you, I didn't expect it to be so soon I was shocked when they called Monday! Had to re-do some of the consents but all done and just looking forward to a few weeks off before jumping back in! I'm really trying to be positive and take this time to get back to being a little more like me. I've lost myself recently and have been so sad, even before the cycle and it not going very well. I hope next time we go in stronger, happier and more prepared! Xx

@LT103 @PMAmostofthetime I'm so pleased for both of you! Wonderful news.

I'm with those of you who were talking about weight loss. I've completely lost my mojo. I ended up going on the piss yesterday with colleagues aswell which was pretty stupid, but I'll definitely cut that out now as I should be starting stims on Thursday.

I work in policy-making and today I received emails from Catholic holy Joes saying that IVF is murder blah blah blah. There's a bill going through parliament at the moment regulating (yes - only now!) IVF and surrogacy. I know it's complete nonsense and I'm used to emails like this but it still bothered me. Very bad timing!

Thank you for support Ladies. The one that was transferred on Wed was 4BA - I know it’s not a bad one but we all hope for the best. I’m in a bad mood and feeling very down - I know I should remain hopeful, but I’m finding myself thinking of what do I do next if it’s a failure. I don’t know if it’s progesterone or stress but I have absolutely no energy or will to do anything.

@PMAmostofthetime I hope everything went well and you’re feeling alright x

@HJen22 that’s great news! I definitely think that having a little gap between cycles is good to get some rest :) I’m sure your next cycle will be very successful - you really deserve it xx What dog have you got? I’m a proud owner of 2 shih tzu

@AliceAbsolum I hope you’re feeling better! I heard that using steroids after egg transfer is supposed to be helping with implantation (reducing immune response), in fact I asked my consultant if I could have it but unfortunately was told no. It must be difficult taking both prog and steroids as both are associated with side effects, but I’m sure it’ll be worth it x

@BlueSilver23 I take proceive as it was recommended by my gynaecologist. Apparently it’s better than pregnacare, but I’m not sure - the only thing I know for sure it that it’s more expensive, once I’ll finish it I’ll probably go back to pregancare.

@LT103 that’s amazing!! - well done you xx
In regards to fresh vs frozen transfer the nurses told me that usually FET is better because it gives time for body to settle down and hormones to regulate themselves, which I guess makes sense.

@SamTTC thank you Lovely x I can totally relate - it’s really difficult to stay motivated and focus on other things. For the last few months I feel like my life has been on hold. Doing yoga sounds great! I hope things at work will improve soon x

@PMAmostofthetime great news - I’m really pleased for you x

@PMAmostofthetime thats a great number, hope you’re feeling ok and you get lots of fertilisations!

@LT103 Sorry just realised I mixed up fertilisation and blasts in message to you earlier!

I might try proceive and see how it goes just for a change. And start eating better and exercising! The combination of ivf and the pandemic hasn’t been great for anyone’s waistline it seems!

@BlueSilver23 I got them in boots (3 for 2 offer). The reviews seem to be positive :) in addition I also take magnesium, vit D, omega 3 and also iron as my levels were quite low and clinic told me to.

That’s so true with the effect of ivf + pandemic on one’s waistline

@AliceAbsolum Hope you are feeling slightly better as the day has progressed? It can't be easy with so many different meds!
I was on 6mg estradiol for 2 weeks, they upped it to 10mg a day for this last week.

Luckily the up one the dose has worked so that's good news, the scan showed that the lining has thickened nicely! Just annoyed now that they can't do the biopsy until a week on Monday which is April! So many weeks delayed, I honestly thought I'd have the results at the beginning of April! So continue with the 10mg oestrogen then add in progesterone on Wednesday...which is the night me and OH have booked a night away for!

@BlueSilver23 I was just talking to my mum today and she was sure it's the ivf drugs adding all the weight! And by the sounds of it, everyone is struggling a bit with it all which makes me feel better!
They do say more eggs can affect quality but in my head, because they told me only 30% would be genetically okay at my age I was preferring having a bigger pot to get them from. If I hadn't tested the 6 very good embryos from the 2nd round I'd be blindly putting them in and 4 definitely wouldn't have worked as only 2 were euploid!
The biopsies are to check the womb, check the microbiome, see if there is any bad bacteria or even infection that could prevent implantation and the check endometrium receptivity. Basically chucking everything at it in the hope that something helps us get there!!
Since last April I was taking folic acid, ubiquinol 100mg x 3 per day), vitamin d3. Stopped ubiquinol as hopefully no more EC, but taking probiotics to help with the microbiome ready for transfer.

@LT103 that's fantastic news!! Hopefully you can have a nice weekend free from waiting on any calls! Fingers crossed for a great update on Monday!

@SamTTC I'm totally with you on the inactivity breeds inactivity...but I just can't help it sometimes! So hard to get motivated!

@HJen22 oh yes!! After 7 months you'll only need a small glass every now and then! This weather has got me getting out my gin glass, with ice, zero alcohol gin and some tonic! 👌🏾 the gin glass makes all the difference! 🤣 it feels almost real!

@PMAmostofthetime sounds like a good EC! Glad it all went well and you have no recollection of it! Hopefully you're not in any pain?

@Hopingforamiracle11 progesterone did awful things to me so imagine it's that plus a mixture of stress and what we go through on this journey is highly traumatic! Give yourself a break, it's completely normal to not want to do anything and even those thoughts are just you trying to mentally prepare. Fingers crossed that it all works out well for you 🥰