ERA / EMMA / ALICE testing thread 5(!)

[VenusStarr]

Just setting up a new thread as we're coming to the end of thread 4.

@Janefx40 @birdbybird @seven201 @Gardenlady543 @patientpatient @MyEasterEggs @thislittlebird @Yuliaaa @Violette22

❤️

@Gardenlady543 if there’s a chance you could fall into that 25%, and given you’ve already had treatment and seen levels rise, I’d repeat it and see how things change. No way would I be spending £150 to be told that though. You have the information. But I totally get how helpful it is to have reassurance x

@Gardenlady543 I'm sure I posted a response to this but it seems to have gone. It sounds like you know the way forwards then. Viral tests then LIT. Sorry you've had yet another blow. Love to you xxx

Can I ask how you all go about taking your meds? I managed to work out a protocol for egg collection that was doable but I’m on even more meds now and wonder if this seems right. I’m wary of interactions but do I need to space things out quite as much?

6am levothyroxine (add aspirin on +ve test)
7am lubion injection (5 days before FET)
9am oestrogen, metformin, supplements with meal
9.30am prednisolone
1pm oestrogen, supplements with meal
5pm oestrogen, metformin, supplements with meal
7pm clexane injection
8pm lubion injection (5 days before FET)

@Gardenlady543

I know it’s taking time to get the answers you want. It looks like most people respond the second time and the fact that there has been an improvement is a positive sign. It’s good to have a plan and know where you are going.

I asked about the metronidazole antibiotics. My consultant wants n my me to take them but don’t know whether I will have to take another antibiotic on top for transfer. I’m trying to avoid taking two due to problems with gut when on too many! 😮

@Janefx40

I went in for a scan today and lining is 6.7 on cd7. Did you have a blood test to confirm ovulation? I feel happier having a blood test as well. They are not really telling me much. I’ve not done this type of cycle before. Did you have your transfer 7 days after trigger? Did you say your progesterone was under 100 on transfer day?

@MyEasterEggs I'm afraid I just followed the timings set by Mr Shehata but as it was a natural cycle, I didn't take so much. Progesterone I've just been spacing across the waking hours.

@2021ivfagain 6.7 is a great lining for cd7. I usually only get scanned on cd9. I don't know what their normal protocol is. I had daily bloods from day 9 but that was only because this was agreed between me and my consultant. It's not normal and the team were surprised every time. I think maybe they just do bloods normally when you get your LH surge but I don't know with your type of cycle.

Yes transfer for me was 7 days after trigger. My progesterone was 75.2. They like it over 80 for a natural cycle but yours is slightly different so maybe it will be higher?

@Janefx40

I’m worried my progesterone will be too low. When I did my successful fresh transfer for my son, my progesterone was 155 on day of transfer. I’d like it to be close to 100. When I did a frozen medicated transfer, they wanted it at 100. They’ve obviously changed since then as that was 3 years ago.

Did you say progesterone dipped this cycle or last? I’m sorry if you’ve already mentioned it. I know you did era . Was the era to determine receptivity of lining and how much progesterone was needed?

Thanks @Janefx40 I’ve been given instructions like AM, PM and ‘with food’ but little else. Created my own plan which I think ticks their boxes and Dr Gorgy’s plus I’ve checked all the interactions. Never not doubting myself though!

How has everyone felt after FET? I’m wondering whether to travel back that day or give it another night. No idea what to expect. I’ll be travelling with my mum though as she’s visiting a friend and coming for the transfer of things go to plan. Don’t know the date yet anyway but I’m curious.

That’s me getting packed now ready to travel on Tuesday 🤞🏻

@MyEasterEggs I felt fine post FET but wanted to be as chilled as possible over the following few days just for my own piece of mind. It might be better to get home that day and then you can chill days 2-3 which are possible implantation days.

@2021ivfagain they have different progesterone targets for different protocols. It is lower for a natural and yours is natural but quite significantly modified so may be different. Mine dropped yes 4 days post transfer this cycle and last. My ERA found that I was receptive at the usual time so no extra progesterone was needed.

Perfect @Janefx40 I may aim for that then as getting tube to KX then home isn’t much different from KX to my friends I guess. Just a longer journey by a few hours. And I’ll be taking a small suitcase so not lugging lots around! How you feeling? x

Sorry ladies I’ve so much to catch up on the thread but I’ve been working so planning to have a catch up the next few days.

Im on my 4th medicated cycle now trying “naturally”. Which was clomid days 2-6. Prognyva 7-12 and then cyclogest from 2 dpo. The first 3 haven’t worked. I emailed my Dr to say it’s my final medicated and anything we can do to give a better chance. 2 doctors from my clinic both said remove the progynva as they don’t see the point. But I thought this would be thickening the lining seen as they use it in FETs. Am I wrong?

Also is it worth me asking for injections on some cycles before starting IVF. I feel a bit lost with all the IVF stuff and do you only really get ERA done if implantation fails.

Sorry for the questions it can just seem so much info. I don’t even take probiotics etc. I don’t know much about them. Xx

@Loz2467 I can’t answer all your questions as I’m in my first FET cycle. All I know if that I’m on progynova and lubion will be added later this week if my first scan goes well.

Surely you can get ERA done whenever you want if you think it could be beneficial? Certainly seems to have helped some ladies on this thread and I found I needed an extra 24 hours of progesterone.

It’s an awful lot to absorb and decide on, I know. It’s one of the reasons I put IVF off for so long. But, it’s a funny thing, despite all the testing and treatment I feel more in control of my fertility than ever. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed about supplements and probiotics maybe chat with a nutritionist such as Anna Firth of Melanie Brown Nutrition. She’s taken a lot of the guesswork out for me x

@MyEasterEggs Thank You so much! That’s why I’m confused why 2 of the doctors are saying don’t take the prognyva because I know it’s used during IVF to help the lining? So I’m struggling to understand that. I should be starting it today but I don’t know what to do. I’ve taken it the last 3 months with medicated cycles which hasn’t worked so maybe I should change something this time.

That’s good to know about the ERA. I can understand that… starting to hopefully get some answers and take control over things rather than living life in 2 week periods :( xx

@Loz2467 I’m a big believer in not continuing to do the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Also maybe your lining is lovely and you’re not necessarily gaining as much from being on it? The added progesterone might be enough?

@MyEasterEggs That’s very true. I’m going to drop the estrogen this month. I’m not sure if it affects your natural estrogen too - but then again so does clomid and I’ve taken that days 2-7. I think why I’m just so unsure is I’ve had no scans on any of these monitored cycles so I’ve had no idea what my follicles and lining are doing. I’ve only had blood tests. Next month I’m stopping clomid but I’ll still have some cyclogest left so I’ll do a month just on the progesterone and try and get to the end of the year before IVF consult. Xx

Hi I’m really upset and was wondering if someone can help. Have been on here before in the past.

I’ve had Emma Alice 3 times and keep getting the same results back; DNA from chronic endometritis causing bacteria has been detected in a significant amount in the endometrial sample.

I’ve done the treatment twice. Is there any hope for me? 😞

@greendress789 what treatment have you had?

First amoxycillian followed by vaginal probiotic
Then just Anti biotics - Clindamycin
Now it’s saying to take Moxifloxcin followed by vaginal probiotic

@Janefx40

Hi. Could I ask a question about antibiotics for transfer? I’ve been advised to take metronidazole but told not to take them on day of transfer or after. When did you take your antibiotics and for how long? I feel as though I’ve got to keep asking questions as the information is not given! I wanted to avoid two lots of antibiotics due to gut issues which certain antibiotics trigger.

My lining is 7.5 today on cd9. They like it to be 8. What was your lining on trigger day? Thanks

Hope you’re doing ok. Thanks for all your information so far.

@greendress789

I hope you get some clear guidance. I know how daunting it can be with different information. I’ve had gardnerella detected twice. I’ve now taken canesbalance twice and now on canesflor lactobacillus pessaries. I’ll be on metronidazole soon but will keep taking probiotics this time and hopefully repeat canesbalance and lactobacillus pessaries.

I hope you get a treatment plan for this. Can you speak with your consultant?

@2021ivfagain I didn't take antibiotics other than the ones they prescribe everyone which was something like cd8 or 9 and you take all 4 tablets in one dose. If that's what you mean then I think you should email the nurses and check because they are always quick to respond and will know more than me.

@greendress789 I'm sorry you've had upsetting information. I'm afraid I don't know the answer but hope someone can advise xxx

Thank you so much for answering and sorry for coming on here all on a fluster. Just so sick of this all 😞

@Janefx40

i’m on cd9 today. I’ve been told metronidazole can cover both. So you took 4 antibiotics on cd9 and then nothing after that? Did you transfer on cd21 roughly? I have been contacting them but they have to check with my consultant each time. I feel better since taking canesbalance but I suppose I’d better take metronidazole if advised to.

@greendress789 this is the right place to have a fluster. I'm just sorry I don't have the answers for your Sending love xxx

@2021ivfagain honestly I don't know when I took it but yes all 4 in 1. I didn't take the antibiotics for my microbiome or bacteria because mine was ok. I just took whatever it was (can't remember) because they give it as standard ahead of a transfer/procedure. I don't know why. You will really need to ask the nurses. I email using the portal and they usually get back quickly. If they don't then I ring. My transfer was CD20.

@Janefx40

Thanks. I’m using the portal but they have to check everything with my consultant. I will call tomorrow if I don’t hear anything.