Anybody having FET July or August?

[Rtmhwales]

Just waiting for my next cycle to start after a freeze all cycle. It should've been here last week but seems to be delayed so I feel like it's just a ticking clock. This will be my first FET, first ever transfer actually.

Anybody else in the same boat and want to keep me company?

Thank you @JessLaw96 , I can hope but I am not feeling optimistic.

@Agapanthus13 I've only had the 'standard, pre-IVF' checks - Vit D, AMH, Day 21, hycosy. At my consultation after my 1st failed/resulted-in-chemical-pregnancy transfer they didn't seem concerned, despite my MMC (although I realise this didn't occur under their care). They didn't change my protocol but added Lubion in. So, I'm currently on 8mg estradiol once a day, 400mg cyclogest twice a day and a lubion injection.

I have had a successful pregnancy previously although this will be mine and my husband's first child together. My husband's semen analysis was pretty poor and so we had ICSI. As far as they are concerned, it's purely MFI. But, is it?! I wonder if I should proceed with a Hysteroscopy next time round to cover all bases but the cost!! 😩

Ahhh @Rtmhwales, so I can really pick your brains. The DNA fragmentation thing is a real concern for me. There is a large age gap between my husband and I and he's no spring chicken. I'm convinced (as is he) that he is suffering DNA fragmentation and, had we been aware of the importance of this prior to jumping in to IVF both feet first, we'd have consulted Dr Ramsay before our cycle. We didn't though and so now, we only have the embryo's we have to go on... I collected a lot of eggs, many mature but had a huge drop off and ended up with 8 blasts. I realise this is a great number of and I aren't meaning to sound dramatic but, if he is (as we suspect) suffering DNA frag, could they all be bad? We're half considering consulting Dr Ramsay and just doing a fresh round depending on the findings. Is this a crazy idea with 6 blasts left on ice?

@Jazper the costs are just eye watering. We are on access fertility package which has taken some of the stress out it as we’ve paid up front, but the added extras do need thinking through. I had a hysteroscopy last year and just went with my clinic I was with at the time, however speaking to other after some paid almost half what I did and so it’s def worth shopping around if you do end up needing one. I’ve had 4 failed ivf transfers so my consultant has put me on blood thinner jabs for this transfer. I don’t know much about it but he said blood clots can be a cause for recurrent MC and that research is starting to show that it can be a cause for recurrent ivf failure. Hopefully you won’t have to go through another loss and transfer, but if you do find yourself needing another transfer, might just be worth asking if they think it could be relevant for you. The other thing we did was a DNA frag on my husbands sperm but that came back normal but if you haven’t had one, might be worth asking if it could be useful.
assuming you’ve called your nurses team and told them you’re bleeding go get their advice etc? X

I do wish I had looked in to the packages a bit more but we were quite naive and thought we would be lucky first time 🙄
I will touch on the blood thinners at my follow-up although I am convinced it's a DNA frag issue. We brought this up at my last follow-up and the consultant said it was futile as we still had 7 blasts on ice. I get what he was saying but equally, I don't think most fertility clinics take MFI seriously and just think ICSI will 'sort it'. Plus, it wouldn't be them doing the analysis so not really in their benefit financially. Perhaps I'm doing them a massive disservice saying that but they are a business at the end of the day... I'll be honest, I don't think especially highly of my clinic but I'm limited for options where I live and the cost of transferring clinics and one transfer is the cost of another two transfers where I am.

So sorry to hear of your losses @Rtmhwales and @Agapanthus13

@Jazper What number eggs did you start with versus how many fertilized and made it to blasts?

I had huge numbers (30 eggs, 24 fertilized, 23 made it to blasts) but of the 8 I had tested only 2 were classed as normal. That made the genetic counselor pause as generally for my age and egg quality we should've had 50% normal on average and we had 25%. We don't know what DP's sperm fragmentation is because we didn't get it tested as by the time they'd offered us the test we'd already fertilized the eggs so I wasn't ready to part with another £400 for the test when it wouldn't change the outcome.

It could mean all the embryos on ice aren't great, or it could mean nothing. It's impossible to say really unless they were tested (and that's expensive and an iffy science as best as even mosaics that are deemed somewhat abnormal can turn into completely healthy babies). With six on ice I'd try another FET with those - is a double transfer an option?

I personally couldn't put myself through another cycle of stimulants and egg retrieval if I had some frozen and realistically what would it change unless you're going the sperm donor route or you can change your partner's semen parameters? I know some studies support antioxidants helping lower the frag. I wish we'd known about the test and the changes before we did IVF but it want one of the tests offered to us originally. They focus so much on it being a female problem.

Have you had tests on your end to double check? I had more than a dozen I believe but almost all were related to miscarriage. I am able to get pregnant but not stay pregnant though hopefully that was down to DP's wonky sperm and the ICSI will have bypassed that issue.

@Roobles79 was it within the time frame? It definitely looks like a solid positive to me!

@Agapanthus13 I'm feeling fine, thanks for asking. Just trying to eat lots as every pregnancy I've had I've suffered with HG so I'm preparing to (hopefully) be sick for a very long time. Only time I've ever hoped for that. But with both miscarriages the sickness suddenly stopped one day and of course it corresponded with when baby stopped growing, down to the day.

I've continued testing but for today I've switched to a less sensitive cheapie test before I bankrupt DP and I with the FRERs. Those things are so pricy! I've got two spare that I plan to take tomorrow and Wednesday for peace of mind and my beta blood test in on Friday. Fingers crossed the little bean keeps progressing. Trying not to get excited and remain neutral as I've been here before, albeit not with IVF, and it hasn't ended well.

Unfortunately appears to be short lived as I started bleeding in the night.

Morning @Rtmhwales so so sorry to hear you started bleeding. Are you still bleeding this morning? Have you called the nurses? If not, why don’t you and see if they suggest increasing the progesterone or going in for a blood test today. It is possible to bleed for other reasons and for everything to still be ok. Xx

Hi all sorry I've been quiet lately had a few issues and scares.

Congratulations too all and to those waiting good luck.

@Rtmhwales ring the nurses they will check your hcg levels and can compare it in couple days. Here for you

My clinic doesn't do anything until the beta. Doesn't check anything early either. Rather useless but I suppose I understand their reasoning as there's virtually nothing that can be done this early in the game.

Bleeding has stopped and turned to spotting today so I'm wary but not hysterical yet. Strong positive on the FRER today but will check it again Wednesday to see if it's fading.

IVF feels so hard after months and months of infertility. I think we kind of imagine it'll be the saving grace of everything and then it doesn't go all smoothly and we fall apart.

@Rtmhwales we really do see it that way. It's hard not too but same with any of it it's always worth trying. Week after I found I started bleeding turned too spotting. And now I keep bleeding and having to go back to clinic levels are good just dont understand why im bleeding alot and often. I'm telling work today I'm having too many scares. I've got my 7 wrek scan and hopefully will be able to hear heartbeat and be ok. Trying to stay calm is very hard but nurses have said it can make it worse as its more stress on it.
I'm sorry your going through this.

Hey all, can I join? Will try to catch up on where everyone is at, seems there've been quite a few transfers already so I'm a bit behind, not actually having a transfer for another month or so.

I've been on a few of the past threads here, but I've been on a forced (and lovely) summer holiday due to my clinic closing down for a few weeks. It was nice to not think about fertility at all for a while, but I'm more than ready to get back into it now...

Very brief recap: I'm 34, solo TTC. I started my journey in March 2021 and have had 4 IUIs and 2 ECs since then. 1st retrieval in February got 5 eggs > 3 blasts > 3 BFNs, then had a 2nd retrieval in June where I once again got 5 eggs > 3 blasts.
It was an all-freeze cycle because they wanted to remove a cervical polyp before doing more transfers, and I just had it out today. It went fine (though it was very unpleasant as the anaesthesia always makes me nauseous). Good to have it out though it was frustrating how much of a delay it ended up causing, and since it was only in the cervix it is unlikely to have interfered with implantation, which I was kind of hoping it would have since that would have given me a concrete problem to solve! I've been on the infertility train a long time and no closer to understanding why I've yet to see a BFP.

Anyway, now I have to wait for next cycle to have a FET. My period is set to start around August 14, and then obviously transfer will be around two weeks later. I'm not sure if I'll have a natural or medicated... I've tried both, and honestly don't have a preference, I'm not a fan of the drugs but my natural was a bit too nerve-wracking since my lining thickened too slowly, so might just go with medicated for the comfort of knowing that a transfer will actually finally be able to go ahead.

Hope everyone's tww's or just w's in general are going well and that you're managing to enjoy summer and staying cool!

@Rtmhwales thats good that bleeding had slowed down but also if you have had a strong positive then I really hope for you it stays that way!

@ParkerH1 i think I would tell work as well would relieve abit of the stress knowing they know! Really hope your scan confirms what you want it to!

@SamTTC welcome! Thats amazing you are doing a solo journey! And that things are slowly moving ahead for you again!

It has been so reassuring reading and listening to all your ladies advice!
I caved and took a test day 3.5 post transfer it was negative but also in evening so maybe too early? Just wanted to see if I was lucky like some of you in seeing a early faint line!
Im going to retest Friday 5th in the morning with a FRER and really hoping for a positive! As I will be day 8 post transfer!
I have no idea what I am supposed to be feeling at this time, I have had no bleeding at all but worried thats not a good sign regarding implantation… I keep having twinges every so often and feelings like my tummy muscles tense on their own anybody had this?

a light headed and headaches as well?

Hi all, just wondering if I could join too. We actually had our transfer yesterday but tbh we kept having things go wrong and felt like we'd never get here so although I've been lurking in the background rooting for you all, I felt like I was jinxing myself if I actually posted. Bit cracked I'm sure but there was logic in my head there somewhere. For background I'm 34 with DOR, multiple TSIs, a cancelled ER turned IUI, multiple ERs for embryo banking, one cancelled FET last month and then finally yesterday our embryo got transferred and finally feel a proper part of the transfer club if ye'll have me!

Envious of your willpower @JessLaw96 I've decided to skip the will i/won't I and just test daily with cheapies from 2dpt. Telling myself it's for informational purposes so I'll know if it tried to implant and fails..... you're 5dpt today then?

Hope day 1 comes for you quickly @SamTTC. Agree there is something reassuring about the medicated cycle and it taking it out of your hands to a certain extent. Might be that at this point I don't fully trust my body for unmedicated too. Sounds like you've been through the wars, hope you were able to enjoy some treats and down time during the break.

@Gracie2021 I am 5dpt today yes! I would test everyday but I feel like Its a real anxious feeling everytime I test because I want it so bad so I think it’s healthier if I just take day by day until Friday and do another then!

Every afternoon I get a dizzy spell which I never got on my first failed transfer…?

so happy you finally got your transfer! Is this your first one did you mean? How exciting! How are you feeling today?

Definitely healthier for the mind not testing every day @JessLaw96 I just know I wouldn't manage it. Also have some autoimmune stuff going on so want to know if there's an attempt at implantation plus any inflammatory symptoms for informationAl reasons. That's my excuse anyway. First FET, last was cancelled as I ovulated through the estrogen. Fingers crossed the dizzy spells are a good sign 🤞🤞 only cramping here so far but my mantra is going to be "it's just the medication" to try keep a level head.

@Gracie2021 yes! It is really tempting to keep testing though!
i know what you mean I keep thinking it could be side effects or because i would be due my next cycle in 4/5 days! But feeling hopeful and thats all we can do!

I'm not sure how you all hold off testing. I have zero willpower where that's concerned.

I tested yesterday at 7dp5dt and had a blazing positive so I feel like those who wait to 8-11 days are so patient.

My bleeding has stopped which is thankful. Really hoping now it was implantation bleeding or an irritated cervix from the vaginal progesterone. Slow countdown to the first beta and then hopefully an ultrasound.

I doubt I'll be able to relax even if there is an ultrasound and heartbeat as both my missed miscarriages occurred after a strong heartbeat was seen. I'm going to ask my clinic or my GP if they can order twice weekly betas between weeks 7 and 9 and arrange another ultrasound for 10 weeks if we get that far. Or go private. I just don't think I'll be able to relax this go round.

@ParkerH1 when is your scan? That's exciting. I'm hoping it all goes off without a hitch.

I told work prior to starting IVF. I'd kept quiet during the 3 miscarriages but something about IVF.. I just knew I'd be off feeling, experiencing pain, not my usual self. Plus all the appointments when I never miss work unless on death's door. So I told one person and it was positive and then I told my boss and suddenly I was telling every person who asked how I was, even the poor 24 year old lad who'd never even heard of IVF before

It's worked out for me, tons of support. And I felt like by saying it aloud I was wishing it into the universe. My husband was surprised as I am an intensely private person generally. IVF has been the only thing that's changed that for me.

Its been hard in work since February alot of problems and just now things getting back to normal with my regional manager who I will be telling but as its only early weeks I dont want anyone to know. Hopefully she won't say anything, my HR know already but will see when regional manager comes in to store. Dont want to do it over phone.
My scan is tomorow afternoon so fingers crossed ok
I get where your coming from and yeah I'd ask the same with your history I'm sure they will understand talk to your midwife and get it booked.

So delighted for you for your blazing positive @Rtmhwales well worth the wait so. How long do you have to wait for your beta now? I said it to my boss in work too and have had a mixed experience educating him through the process and what is and is not acceptable to say/treat me. Added bonus of his amazing bad cock ups at the start means he bends over backwards now. Glad you had such a good experience communicating it in work.

Good luck with your scan tomorrow @ParkerH1 hope all goes well and with saying it to your manager.

Very hard not to symptom spot @JessLaw96 are you have any weird ones? I'm just cramping madly since the day of the transfer but again know it's progesterone.

@Rtmhwales im 6dp5dt today I plan to take one on day 8dp5dt 🤞🏼 So happy for your strong test today! I think try not to worry (easily said than done) and take each day as it comes! Hopefully the scan will confirm everything and then continue to take it easy!

@ParkerH1 fingers crossed for your scan as well! Really hoping thats all good news for you! Keep us updated!

@Gracie2021 it is really hard not to symptom spot! My main ones this time is dizziness in afternoons, some cramping and bloated!

@Rtmhwales how are you doing today lovely? Hope the spotting has settled down and you’re feeling a little less on edge? Ivf is such a mind mess. I remember going in for my first transfer saying ‘we’re getting a baby today’. But 5transfer later I’m struggling to find excitement for good news, just a new wave of worry. Sadly it’s sucked all the joy out of what should be one of the most exciting moments of life.
will you get to go in for beta test soon, and do you have an idea on scan dates? I’m 13dp5dt today too (we transferred on the same day right?) I went in for my second beta today 1864 which having a google sounds high? I also had my progesterone tested as I had some really painful cramping yesterday followed by a fainter test result and a day of crying, but thankfully all ok. They’ve booked me in for a scan in 2weeks, so desperately hoping this one sticks around 🤞🏻