IVF/FET May/June 2022

[Coops0406]

Hi,

I'm just starting this thread as i've kept joining previous ones in hope that I would be at the same time but got left behind with the ups and downs of ivf.
After 3 cycles, 2 failed fresh transfers, PGT-A testing to give us 3 euploid embryos and just now getting our results from the ALICE/EMMA/ERA tests, I am now finally in a position to hopefully start FET on my next cycle with a transfer likely to be end of May or early June!! 😍. Would love to have people to chat to who are following a similar timeline.

Hey Ladies sorry I have been MIA, we went away for a few days which was lovely but I caught Covid. Not good, thank fully my next app is virtual so it shouldn't affect anything I hope. Ands miraculously OH doesn't have it..... yet anyway.

How are you all doing I am trying to catch up.

For those of you who have unfortunately have a failed cycle. What was AF like after?
1st AF showed up before OTD for me but now I'm on day 41 and usually around 28-33 anyone else experience this?

X

@Coops0406 thank you! He couldn't get to the root, only option left was to take it out so thankfully it's out and I'm really hoping that's the end of it! Felt a bit faint after it was out but I'm a bit squeamish so wasn't surprised 😂

I know what you mean; you didn't want to be too hopeful in fear of it hurting more. And you're right, you've done all you can and it's in the hands of the Drs, scientists, science and luck ❤️

@FlyOnTheWall89 welcome! Sorry I've only done short protocol so no knowledge in long! Wishing you all the luck and I hope you get your nurses appointment soon!

@Reefy im sorry to hear your scan showed cysts, I hope your next scan goes well and doesn't hold anything up, have they said what the next steps are?

@PMAmostofthetime oh noooo I'm sorry you've got Covid!! How are you feeling? I hope not too poorly! Sucks I really feel for you! X

@HJen22 glad it's out! Have another scan on either Saturday or Monday depending when AF arrives. I've had cysts the last 2 c rounds so I'm not too worried at the moment especially if they stay small. They will just check they haven't grown & they can see the ovary so fingers crossed!

@Reefy I am so relieved it was making everything so much worse with my emotions! And I was just down right miserable and grumpy! Had some soup for lunch and managed a sandwich there, will help the diet at least 😂

Ah so you did, and yeah they are small. Hopefully they are just being extra cautious and keeping an eye on them to be on the safe side xx

@HJen22 I'm always miserable & grumpy & that's without toothache 😂😂.
Yes they best behave! X

@FlyOnTheWall89 welcome! I only had the short protocol but my friend had the long one which I think involves meds to completely turn off your ovaries then fully take control. Not sure what it entails but rather than the approx 2 weeks I think it's more like 4-6 weeks. Hopefully you get a cancellation!

@Reefy bummer about the cysts. They only delayed my cycle when I had a 3cm cyst. All other cycles I've had cysts about 1.5cm so hopefully it doesn't cause too much of an issue for you.

@HJen22 so glad you got that tooth out! They sometimes say root canal can fail too down the line so better you just got rid!

I got a call from the nurses...transfer is Thursday 26th May 😍 so now the progesterone dilemma! 😩 They can't do the blood test 48hrs later as it will be a Saturday and results wouldn't anyway be back until Monday or Tuesday which is too late...but they also said lubion is about £100 for a pack of 7, so would last a week! And if it works that's 12 weeks of it needed which is a lot! So they will check my progesterone the day before transfer and will have the results by the time of transfer, then if it's low I'll get a prescription for lubion which means I'll have it by the day after transfer! And then they will do another blood test on the Monday! Such a rigmarole! But last time AF came 7dp5dt so I don't want lack of progesterone to be an issue!
I'm still in shock at the cost of lubion! Anyone else had to pay for lubion and it be this expensive?

@Coops0406 my last one was 20mm so this 1.7mm unless she meant 17mm but she said it is small on the scan. We're just have to wait & see. On my last cycle I had a blood test before my transfer to check progesterone levels & they called with the results either the next day or day after I can't quite remember! So pleased you have your transfer date booked in tho! Not long now

Hi, ladies! Hope you all good! 😊

@Coops0406 Than you ❤Ofcourse you are right, embies must be good enough, otherwise they wouldn't freeze them.
So exited for you! Hope that 26th will be your lucky day!
I have used lubion injections in my 2 failed FET's, they are really expensive. I had to pay 120 euros for pack of 7. Although you will need to buy needles and syringes (not sure actually, maybe in UK it is different, but I had to).

@Babydust2u Thank you, dear 😊I'll do my best! Yesterday I caouldn't work as had to run to the toilet like 3 times in one hour 😂Drinking is exhausting but really works. How are you doing?

@Reefy Wow, you are a fighter! Impressive! 👏 Four cycles in one year is definitely a lot. Sorry to hear about your cycts, hope they wont' delay your new cycle, fingers crossed for your next scan. Wouldn't you mind if I ask what happend to your Fallopian tubes? (never mind if it is too personal).

@BlueSilver23 Thank you! 😊How many eggs do you already have in the freezer? And have you ever considered to fertilize some before freezing using donor sperm?

@PMAmostofthetime I had similar situation with my failed fresh transfer. AF arrived almost a week earlier and next cycle was about 40 days long (usually 28-30). Perhaps it is quite stressful situation for body and it takes time to recover.

@VO27 thank you. No of course not as long as you don't mind how long it is 😂 I do apologise I waffle a lot 😂😂.
So when I was 17 I was really poorly & got rushed into hospital & ended up having a twisted bowel which they had to operate & remove over half the large intestine, I was very poorly & spent 3 weeks in there. I asked if it would effect me later on when I decided to have children but was told all would be ok. Anyway 6.5 years ago at 29 we decided to start trying & about a week after coming off the pill I was in agony so 111 sent me to A&E cos of my history & had scans where they found hydrosalpinx (fluid in the tubes) sent me home with lots of tablets then saw me back a few weeks later but didn't improve & was told keep coming back for checks every 3 months. Eventually after about 1.5 years the consultant said he would operate & drain the fluid well cos of all my scar tissue from past he could get in 😂. I was then referred to specialist in Guildford who said he suspected Endometriosis so would look & said he would drain my tubes, that morning he sent one of his team to ask if they could take my tubes away if they couldn't drain but I said no you can't spring that on me now & expect me to make a decision. Off to theatre I went ended up calling in another surgeon as they caught my bowel so had to cut me open again! Said they drained some fluid but not a lot & now go & TTC. Anyway a year later in agony again went to GP who arranged a scan but had to wait 4 months for it, straight away they called Guildford & said I had it bad again so was seen within 10 days there where was told if I wanted a child I would have to have IVF & they wouldn't do it with hydrosalpinx as some of the fluid could leak out & could lose the embryo so I agreed to have my tubes removed. Covid then struck so had to wait 15 months anyway they were removed & was told I have endometriosis too. I was then referred to Gynaecologist Back in Brighton but was told BMI was too high so wouldn't refer me so I said right I will be back in 3 months & I think he thought yeah right but I smashed it & lost enough & by the time I was seen at the clinic the month after I had lost 2 stone in 4 months! It's all been a reel wait & fight so to me keep fighting just comes naturally hence why it's been cycle after cycle. Sorry it's taken most of your night reading 😂😂.

@Reefy What a story! What a journey! Thank you for sharing, real rollercoster. I'm really impressed. How do you manage to stay so positive, hopeful and supportive? After all you have been through, you really deserve happy ending. Crossing everything for you and send all the best hopes and wishes. Although good lesson for myself - I need to stop whining, feel sorry for myself and feel miserable and just do whatever I can to make my dream come true. You are my hero! ❤

@VO27 I have 14 eggs (they collected 20 but the rest were immature). I was started on low doses of meds due to afc and my age but this was upped halfway through as my follicles weren’t growing (amh is a little low for my age). So I’m being started on the standard dose from the start this time so we will see if it makes any difference! They said not to carry on with the second round (I’d already paid but they’d refund me if I didn’t use it) if I only wanted one child as they were confident I had enough but I’d rather have a few more in the bank (providing this round works that is). I decided against making embryos as I didn’t want to end up in the future potentially with someone but only able to have a sperm donors child as I only have embryos. Just wanted to keep my options open a little!

just got prescription through for meds so organising delivery tomorrow, just a couple of days before I stop norehisterone! Cutting it fine….😬

@Reefy Youve been though a lot, I remember you from the November threads I think it was. Keeping everything crossed for you this time round!

@VO27 thank you, I'm feeling pretty tearful reading your reply. Thank you so much ❤️.
Everyone has there own way of dealing with things & that's ok. We have no control over what happens on this journey so I try to not let it get it me & go with it, as my OH says it's all down to the science & yes I guess he is completely right in some sort of way. Don't even feel bad for whining or for any feelings you have. I always have to hang on to that little bit of hope that this could be the one & that's what pushes me to keep going! I hope you have been taking it easy after transfer. We are part of a club no one wants to be in but remember we are a community who support each other ❤️

@BlueSilver23 glad you have the prescription sorted! Such a great thing you are doing. Yes it was the November thread. I've just taken my last Norethisterone! 🙌🏻

@BlueSilver23 That's a lot! Nice job! Totally understand your wish to have options in future, very smart. Especially as technology and medicine are at such good level so you can have children after 40 and even more later if you have your eggs stored. Hope your new cycle will be as good as the first one! 😊

@Reefy Yes, I try to take it easy, but I'm not good at it as I am workaholic 😂Today I am 4dp4dt, still feel nothing, maybe slightly tired, but this is probably because of progesterone I'm taking. And btw I do really love this club here (even o´if this is not the best club to join), it's so easy to share and ask for advise out here. Really supportive group ❤

@VO27 haha! Oh it's so hard trying to work out it it's progesterone or symptoms. Got everything crossed for you. Yes it really is. Sometimes strangers who know how it feels is just what you need. Shame it's not a wine club 😂😂.

@Reefy I do not even remember the taste of a good wine 😂Hopefully one day I will raise a glass for all the great ladies on this thread🍷

@Coops0406 ah that's the best news! I am so so chuffed for you that you've got your transfer date ❤️ glad that they will be checking your progesterone and can give you a prescription quickly if you need it! But wow that's expensive!!

@Reefy what a story! Told you you were strong, and after reading that you REALLY are, so don't forget that. An absolute trooper and I so hope that this is your time. That will be one very loved and longer for baby and all so worth it. Our journeys are long and tough, but we can and will get through them, better sunnier days are ahead. You have so got this!!! And yay for last norethisterone! I'm 3 days down 9 to go!

Totally agree with everything @VO27 said! And @VO27 here is a place for any rants, moans, thoughts so don't ever feel bad for anything. It's better out than in and what better place than here where everyone really fully understands the pain and the want for this to work.

Sorry all, I've been lurking in the background, and if you don’t mind I would like to join. Today was my last stimulation before EC on Friday. This is our 3rd IVF cycle (first was failed, 11 eggs collected, 8 fertilised but then they slowed down, had to put back 2 on day3, none to freeze, started heavily bleed before OTD), our second cycle was cancelled due I got Covid a day before down regulation would start, and finally tomorrow I’m having my last scan before trigger and EC.

@FlyOnTheWall89 I remember you from the Dec/Jan thread. I had and currently have long protocol as they wanted to take over the control of my cycle. I started down regulation on cd21 with Buserelin, which helped a lot to shrink my lining down, usually I have 4-5 days of period, but with it, it was over 10 days. And two days after baseline scan I started the stimms. (This time I’m on the highest dose (450iui) even that my AHM is 18, but I didn’t respond well enough in the first time). Happy to answer any questions regarding of long protocol, googled and asked loads of questions ☺️

@Coops0406 I’ve got lubion injection with this cycle, but my cost were not that high and I’ve got the needles and syringes with it. I can check for you once I’m at home later today (last working day before “holiday”). Do you still need take other progesterone supportive? I need to do 1 injection and 2 Crinone gel per day.

Getting very nervous now, really hope my follicles are growing nicely and we get better result than last time. 🙈

@Reefy you have been through the mill!! But you're still here and I'm sure your happy ending will be here very soon 🥰

@VO27 I hope I don't have to pay for needles separately! I gave a whole loaf of unopened ones from previous cycles back to the clinic to use for training!

@BlueSilver23 glad you got that prescription just in time!!

@HJen22 those 9 days will fly by!!!

So excited to have our date finally! Just figuring out how to keep it quiet as we've been so open with everyone about everything, I just don't like them to know exactly when transfer is as I feel the weight of everyone's worry and hope in the 2WW! I'll have to figure something out, especially with the amount of trips to the fertility clinic in a short space of time! It's so stressful keeping it all quiet!

@Dobcaty how are you doing? Have you had any scans whilst on stims? I'm similar to you, I have an AMH over 20 but very unresponsive so had to be on the max dose too.
I thought it was quite a high cost for lubion. My friend has them and her costs didn't seem anywhere near as high! I have to take cyclogest for definite and then maybe add in lubion too. Is the crinone gel a other kind of progesterone? Would be great if you could check when you get chance 😊

@Coops0406 I've just checked and I paid £128.60 for 3 weeks injections (21 vials), so its weekly just under £43.
Yes the Crinone is progesterone vaginal gel. I was on daily dose during IUI, and daily twice on the first IVF. But because I'm spotting since TTC from cd22 until af, I asked them if I can have higher dose or do something else. (as they don't do bloods) We wanted to go with the pessaries, but they are on shortage (or were back in March) so we added the lubion into the mix.

I had 4 scans altogether per cycle. First was the baseline, then a week later the follicles count, and then 2 more to see their progression.

Thank you @Coops0406 - yes it does seem much longer.

Oh yes I remember you too @Dobcaty - sorry to hear things haven't worked out for you yet. From what I understand I do the buserin injection on CD21. Then I expect my period 1-2 weeks later, then begin with Gunel-F for 1-2 weeks where I'm scanned to check everything along the way. Does that sound right? My notes say 225 stims too. I really want to start asap rather than wait until the other side of summer time. We are so ready now having faffed about deciding when to give up. I'm speaking with a consultant tomorrow to understand why I'm on long and not short protocol. From what I've read, it's the most standard and popular choice in the UK. Do you have to have protected sex on the cycle you start? I'm CD3 now so we might use protection just incase we can start this cycle. I'm calling the hospital most days to try to move forward my appointment - they said they have cancellations every day (oh to be the person flaking pregnant before IVF begins 😭). How have you found it all? How are the injections?

@FlyOnTheWall89 that's right, that was my timeline leading up to the EC. I'm the same as you, I was very disappointed that I have to have 5 weeks of injections and just really wanted to get moving. But once you have your first Buserelin, time flies. It helped me to prepare myself mentally for the IVF and I got enough time to change habits (I'm a workaholic and very impatient -want everything done by yesterday 🙈)
I have needle phobia so the first injection was very scary, but when I figured out the right technic its fine. I do them into my tight instead of my belly as I’ve got bruised there and I always sit down to the sofa (lower than our chairs) so I can easily see the fine line between the muscle and the fat and I inject to the fat area. I’m size 8 but my tights are chunks 😂
During the first EC we learnt that we have male factor too as the latest sperm analysis showed 70% antisperm antibody in his sample, so we had unprotected until the recent first Gonal-F. Since that, we didn't have sex (we just help to each others if you know what I mean- sorry TMI) as some condoms coated with spermicide, which is a type of chemical that damages sperm and I don’t want anything sperm killer around my cervix
If you on CD3 and your timeline same as mine you should have your EC around the 6th July with a March due date 😍
I’m on my way to my last scan now…😊

All so interesting, thank you @Dobcaty . I will screenshot to remember the tips. Gosh that is scary that you didn't know when EC about the male factor. Is there anything they can do about that? We are having ICSI anyway, not sure if that makes a difference but I know it does for high DNA frag. So the kicker is that my OH is away from 2nd - 17th July - its a very delayed covid trip. I cant work out how to get around it apart from delaying until the following cycle. CD21 would be 5th July so when would EC be roughly? Good luck with your scan... report back...! :-) xx

Hi all, back from holiday now :( my period arrived, day 2 so starting estrogen support to prepare for FET, fematabx3 times a day. Can space out or take all together, anyone have any advice?

@Coops0406 so exciting that your transfer will be soon!! Everything crossed for you!!

@Dobcaty hoping all the good thoughts for your egg collection 🤗

@Reefy so sorry for everything you have been through. Hoping for better future outcomes 🤗

@HJen22 great news that you got tooth out!

@PMAmostofthetime hope your covid isn't awful :( so glad you didn't have scans lined up at same time.