IVF/FET March/April 2022 thread 3

[Autumn245]

New thread, I'm trying to tag everyone but it's not letting me! I will try add as many as I can x

I've tried for half an hour to work this thread out but it's not letting me tag. I've spelt some names wrong so it's not letting me, I'm giving up now!

@Autumn245 my tag worked so hopefully everyone else's will :) x

@Autumn245 I found it while I was doing a search! Thanks for setting up. Hopefully others will see it soon xxx

@AliceAbsolum @HJen22 @Herewegoagain881 @Coops0406 @ginandtonicformeplease @Iwouldlikesomecake @Jampot36 @lucymills1234 @LT103 @Nutrinerd @SamTTC @Suki2020 @TommieNC @Yoga817 @XjustagirlX

These are the only name's it will let me tag hope this works x

@PMAmostofthetime thank you! I was maybe trying to tag too many people at once

@Autumn245 I can’t tag anyone either so not just you

Thanks @Autumn245 😊👍

@Lucymills1234 so sorry, i cant imagine how hard that must be. Do you have support? Are you clinic able to offer any ideas why this happens

@Autumn245 congrats on the posi tests! That line progression is beaut!

@somatronic congratulations!!!

@PMAmostofthetime how are you?

@AliceAbsolum How are you doing now?

Ive been very quiet on here. Trying to stay busy and not overthink things. My 7 week scan is 9th May and it cant come soon enough, overthinking every little twinge, symptom, lack of symptom. My last pregnancy ended at 7 weeks (blighted ovum) so it feels like a big milestone and my anxiety has been off the charts terrified.

(Why is it so hard to tag people on here!)

Thanks for tagging me @AliceAbsolum @PMAmostofthetime ...I've been awol for a while as hadn't had much to report and the wait has been so annoying!

Got the results for EMMA/ALICE/ERA Biopsy today. Good news...I have just over 95% lactobacillus which is amazing! I have none of the specific bad bacteria as that are a worry for implantation and my transfer should be a day later as that's when it's most receptive! So grateful I don't have to wait another month taking medication before even starting! So fingers crossed should be able to start when AF comes which is just over a week away!! 😁 I'm really keeping everything crossed and hoping that by the time I'm 40 (august) I can have some really good news to be sharing with my family and friends 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾(and not just on mumsnet 😂)

Ok so just catching up. Congrats to all those bfps!! @Somatronic @Suki2020 @Autumn245 That was a lot in a short space of time!!!!! How exciting!!

@HJen22 I have my call on Monday. Cd1 just now so I am hoping all being well I’ll start next cycle. We’re doing natural cycle so no meds until day of transfer. Will find out more about it on Monday. Been off work the last 3 days with a horrible gastro bug. Not fun!
what date are you starting now?

Thanks for starting the new thread hun!! How are you feeling? OTD is May 5, right?

Just to moan a tiny bit and then I'll shut up I promise... I feel incredibly nauseous and have horrid cramps today, I can barely get off the sofa (I have the day off luckily), which is just adding insult to injury as I'm still testing bfn- definitely not my round, this one. I think my body is just all out of sorts because of the meds. Hopefully won’t feel too poorly this weekend, and hopefully my period will arrive soon after Monday. Obviously now I'm dreading that it will take a while for AF to arrive, or that this medicated cycle will mess up my natural cycle…!

Ooh I don't like being so glum. Of course a bfn is a bummer at the best of times but the progesterone is definitely also playing a role. There is a particular kind of fog that comes over me whenever I'm on it for too long... can't wait for it to be out of my system!! And I’ll think twice about doing another medicated FET again unless I’m told I have to, that’s for sure!

I'm trying to shift my mindset at the moment, I think even though I went into this whole IUI/IVF process expecting I'd have implantation issues, of course you always hope that this medical intervention will in fact be what makes the difference - as it has been for a lot of people who achieve success on the first or second go. Clearly for me it's going to be a long journey, and I just have to settle into that I think, and let go of the disappointment that I'm not one of the ones who achieves success straight away. I just have to hunker down and hope that one day it will happen, before I run out of time and money of course. I'm thankful I decided to start this journey solo, having such a strong intuition that I was going to have a difficult time getting pregnant. Whatever happens or however long it takes, I won't regret having tried my all, and I think that's ultimately the best outlook one can have in this situation.

On another, more forward thinking note- I know there aren’t a lot of solo ttc’s on here, but I wanted to share my thoughts about switching sperm donors for the next cycle. I was initially leaning towards sticking with the same one because I did get 3 blastocysts out of 5 eggs retrieved after all, but if none of them end up taking, I’m not sure I see a benefit to it. I’m using Cryos and there were a few options that I was equally fine with.
I have to make up my mind soon, because I’m only one cycle away from another egg retrieval (@HJen22 it’s possible our timelines will align again!).

@Autumn245 @Suki2020 @Somatronic congrats on the tests!

I’ve had a follow up scan to check growth. Wasn’t hugely reassuring - now 3 days behind, last scan was 2 days behind, but the yolk sac is at the very top end of normal which has got me worried. HR was good though, 145bpm. Trying not to stress out too much - I know at this stage it’s a pixel or two difference, but when I can’t really distract myself with anything fun (nausea/vomiting still not quite under control yet) it’s hard not to ruminate on it. Next scan in 12 days. I know I should be glad to have even got this far, but the hormones are not helping my thought processes.

Argh I'm still in limbo! Somehow little bean is still hanging in there but I'm measuring over a week behind and heart rate is slow, though she didn't actually tell me what it was. The scan quality was poor apparently because of where it's implanted, but she didn't notice blood inside the sac this time which I guess is something... So another scan in a week's time because there "has been growth so we follow it". I honestly want to just give up as it just seems like I'm chucking more money and time at something destined to end badly..but we only have one euploid left so it continues...

Hi Everyone I’ve been quietly following whilst currently in the 2WW. It’s so tough, questioning every little twinge or symptom. Congrats to those who have positive tests! It gives me hope.

Sorry to hear for those who have had negative results, life can be very cruel. Everyone is here if you need to vent and some support. Xx

@Herewegoagain881 the repeat scan cycle sucks, I’m sorry you’re in it. I somehow thought my scan was going to give us an answer either way, instead it’s back for another scan, and I can see it stretching out beyond that. I’ve already paid for all the meds up to 12 weeks, so makes no difference in terms of paying for them, but inducing this progesterone fug when things don’t look so promising is hard. Trying to hold on to mine being in a difficult place to scan also (very retroverted uterus + where the bean has landed) and that a few degrees of tilt might make all the difference to the measurements. Will be thinking of you in the wait until next week.

Just had my 3rd FET yesterday ! I had my bloods back to say my progesterone is 6.3 even after 4 days lubion injections they’ve suggested I double up every other day with repeat bloods on Tuesday. Hoping for a BFP!!

ironically getting the BFP isn’t the problem it’s getting them past 6 weeks so I expect it’s something to do with the lack of progesterone !!

how is everyone :)

Hi ladies, sorry I’ve been so absent (app was playing up and I tried uninstalling it, and seized the opportunity to step away from ivf for a couple of weeks ☺️)
Hope you’re all doing well, I’ve seen lots of positive tests and scans which is brilliant.

I’m gearing up for cycle #3 and I wanted to pick your brains on something….

I’m tempted to do a couple of collections and just bank the embryos, then try to transfer on natural cycles. Time is not my friend, I’m already 40 and only getting 1/2 blasts per cycle… this has the added advantage of getting more collections done without waiting each time for transfer + 1 cycle.

Well, I hate utrogestan so much, it feels like permanent PMS, and was hoping that if I transfer on natural cycles, I won’t need to take the pessaries… has anyone done this, does it work like that, or do they make you take them anyway?

(I never have lining problems - it’s the one thing that appears to work - it’s double digits every cycle it’s been scanned whether I’m on meds or not, so don’t think this will be a problem)

Thanks for your thoughts 😊

@Nutrinerd I have a retroverted uterus too which was also the reason for poor visibility/scan quality although the NHS sonographer last week seemed to get a better image, I'm wondering if the scanning equipment at my clinic is a bit old. Keeping my fingers crossed for you, it's a great sign the heartbeat is high and with the positioning you could very well be on track size wise but they can't quite measure properly!

Mine is so far behind and heartbeat low I can't see how it's going to work out, so just want it to stop.. my emotions keep going from angry/frustrated to feeling hopelessly stuck in this limbo hell 🤦🏻‍♀️

@Autumn245 thank you for the tag, can’t believe we’ve filled another thread already.

thank you ladies for all the congratulations means a lot. Still in shock myself as other that OHSS symptoms I have nothing, no sore boobs ect just back ache but that’s part of OHSS so just thought it was that.

@LuckyNovember i think that sounds like an excellent plan. The younger embryos are the better, after all, and fertility declines more rapidly the older we get. The fact that you’re getting 1-2 per cycle is actually such a gift (I only got 3, and I was 33 when I collected) and it’s smart to take advantage of that ratio while it lasts.
as for fresh transfers yeah after having a medicated cycle myself I think that sounds so nice and probably less stress on the body. The only thing would be if they’ve measured your progesterone levels in your literal phase (and if your luteal phase is on the shorter side)? In that case a progesterone supplement might be something to discuss with your doctors.

@Nutrinerd @Herewegoagain881 i really think that you two are in one of the worst situations that one can be in during this whole thing, the uncertainty that’s just dragging on is a nightmare just following on the sidelines - you are both so strong the way you are talking about it, it is so admirable. Really really hoping the waiting pays off.

Woo! So many bfps in one day. So so pleased to see them 😁😁

@Nutrinerd My clinic said at this early stage they give 7 days either way? Surely it's not an exact science? They measured 5+3 when I was 6+1 and said it wasn't a problem at all.
Does your report say what the CRL is?

@Herewegoagain881 Another week? Jesus I can't believe it. You're in such a limbo it's unreal. Honestly you're so strong dealing with this. It's horrible and nothing can make it better.
What's your plans for the week?
How far along are you?

@Coops0406 Thats brilliant news! 95% is excellento. You must be so excited to get going with the 6 day transfer :)

@SamTTC Im a fan of switching things up. Making humans is so complicated and we don't know everything about it. Changing donors could really change things.
Totally hear you about knowing it's going to be a long road. You have a positive and grateful attitude though, that'll see you through :)

I'm out of the meta limbo now and back into the normal limbo. I'm just really scared I've got attached seeing it on the scan twice (which we wanted to avoid by booking the first one at 9 weeks). The whole thing has thrown me out. I get scared every time I go to the loo. This process really wreaks mental health. I'm OK and coping it's just really taking it out of me.
5 weeks until 12 weeks :(

@LuckyNovember I have no experience with natural but my Dr did make a comment saying natural can be better obviously depending on personal circumstances. For me it definitely wouldn't work as I need the progesterone and I think I need the estrogen too now as my lining wasn't as thick with the estrogen supplements as it was a few years ago.

@SamTTC @AliceAbsolum thanks, this whole limbo stage is really starting to try my patience now, it's been 4 weeks of ups and downs! I ended up sending a bit of a snarky email today to my clinic as I don't feel they are offering enough support or information. I'm 7+5 measuring 6+3. Thankfully the bank holiday means I'll be quite distracted and then work will keep me busy, but basically it's just a waiting game. I'll continue to next week and with the low heart rate I can't imagine it'll continue beyond that point. There must be something wrong with the embryo or placenta..it was genetically tested but I've just read a euploid miscarrying, ending up with trisomy 18 (or 13, I can't remember). Genetic testing is not necessary that accurate apparently, which is a pain as we paid quite a lot for it!

@Nutrinerd at this early stage everything is so tiny - I remember my doctor trying and trying to find a different angle to get the biggest possible measurement, took him bloody ages! Have you got your next scan booked in?

@Herewegoagain881 I'm sorry you're in limbo still. If you don't think your clinic is giving you enough information, then you were right to tell them - they should give you as much information as they have, not leave you alone with Dr Google.

@AliceAbsolum I know what you mean about every time you go to the toilet. When I started IVF, I thought getting pregnant would be the tough part, not staying pregnant! I'm driving myself crackers looking at a miscarriage risk chart every day, as the odds lessen every day. I have a scan next Thursday, 9+1 - both my losses have been in week 8 so this week is the tough one for me.

Jumping on this thread. Bit of history, had egg collection last Feb got 6 day 5 blasts then two unsuccessful FETs. Still have four frozen embryos. Clinic suggested another fresh cycle as they suspected I was muse stimulated on the first cycle. So fresh cycle commenced this month. Had egg collection today 20 eggs collected. Will get an update in the morning with transfer scheduled for next Wednesday (2 embryos being transferred)