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

❤️

@Janefx40 @seven201 thanks both

I guess I am not feeling very reassured that the first test was so feint. Even for a late urine of the day I figure it should be more distinct by d10pt

just such a head fuck isn’t it! You have given me such hope this cycle @Janefx40 - I just hate limbo so much!

@Hopeful199

I know how hard it can be. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you.
@Janefx40

Thanks for your message. It’s just so hard to trust as mistakes have been made with medication so have to double check things.

Also I took trigger yesterday evening and going for scan 2 days later (tomorrow). I did not do ovulation predictor yesterday but should I have? I thought as I was triggering it wouldn’t matter.

@Hopeful199 I’ve got everything crossed for you for a happy and hopeful outcome. It’s a scary time I know but hang in there 💛

Thanks so much @MyEasterEggs @2021ivfagain

I have tested again this morning and it is a stronger line than last night….. but still not as strong as I think you’d expect to see on 11dpt? On clear blue it said 1-2 weeks last night?!

Its going to be a long wait!!!!!

@Janefx40 @seven201 seems I was mistaken and my levels won’t affect transfer. That could’ve been made much clearer to me…I was in a spin for two bloody hours!!!

I think some clinics are less concerned if progesterone has been fine at other points. Some want it above 20, others 30, some 50. Anyway, had pessaries last night and this morning so hopefully I’m on my way to upping levels. Decided to do them rectally as have concerns about all the work that’s gone into my vaginal microbiome and I’m prone to issues!

@Hopeful199 I think clear blue tests are less sensitive so I’d take this as a positive sign, for now. Have you had bloods?

@Hopeful199 that's a great line. I freaked myself because the cheapies stayed weak for ages. I also stopped doing the digital weeks because it's traumatic waiting for that number to appear. I think bloods are the only real way to find anything out.

@2021ivfagain yay you have triggered!!! This is so exciting. You didn't need to test because the bloods are more accurate.

@MyEasterEggs oh that is good to know you are going ahead. Yes to rectally! I feel like I say that to at least 2 women a week - up the bum!

This thread seems to have shifted suddenly to a transfer/test thread. It's great that so many journeys have moved forwards but I want to send an extra hug to all of those who aren't there yet. Xxxxxxx

@Janefx40

Hi. Thanks. They didn’t want to do bloods to confirm ovulation. In fact, they said the scan would suffice. They reluctantly booked blood test for lh today.

I was worried that I should have taken opk yesterday. I did it today and it just showed peak. I’ve even been doing pregnancy tests after trigger to check pregnancy tests are working! I hate taking the tests too!!

@Janefx40 I did it vaginally first, lay down, then had a sudden moment of clarity before quickly whipping it back out 😅

Oh wow @Hopeful199 sounds like a good sign for you.

@seven201 how are you feeling about the hysteroscopy, it's this coming Friday is that right?

My period finally came for those on garden lady period watch! Think it may be cutting it find for the November December cycle depending on what happens with the length of my next 2 cycles. And we're off for LIT today. My close friend has had some bad news, her 3rd transfer failed, I have mentioned her on here a few times. I expected her specialist to try and motivate her to keep doing transfers (she has 2 euploids left and due to having dor is unlikely to be able to create more), but they told her they think it's her embryos and discussed surrogacy. It made feel quite low as my case is similar to hers from a lack of implantation perspective. I think my chances are pretty low given I've had 2 untested and 2 euploid failures alongside 3 years with no implantation. At this point I guess all I can do is optimize: I've had the fibroids out, my microbiome should be good, my thyroid controlled, the immune treatment will be in place and I should have the best progesterone regime. But I don't know, it seems pretty unlikely to work.

Sorry that was supposed to say not my friend's embryos, they think that's it's some form of implantation failure that can't be detected or corrected.

@2021ivfagain you don't need a blood test to confirm ovulation. You asked me if you should have done an ovulation predictor on Sunday the day of trigger and I meant that the bloods taken that day are enough on their own. OPKs aren't useful post ovulation.

@MyEasterEggs 😂 love that you took it out again!

@Gardenlady543 glad to hear your period arrived in the end. I know what you mean, it's hard to see a scenario with a different outcome. I'm surprised they said that to your friend. I know a couple of people who have had success after 5 or 6 transfers, is the issue they don't think she'll produce more?

I'm 9dpt, spotting seems to have stopped yesterday, still no AF or migraine, but there's plenty of time yet.🙃I've been using all my products for flora and fauna and for bv and thrush throughout.

@Hopeful199 good news on the result! Did you have any symptoms?

@Gardenlady543 we always post at the same time! So pleased your period arrived! When is the cut off for the transfer?

I'm so sorry about your friend. This stuff can be so shit. But other peoples' stories aren't ours. I don't know whether her consultant is right or not in her case but that doesn't say anything about your situation.

You have worked so hard to change the environment since your previous transfers. I know it's hard to be hopeful but we either try or we stop. And if we're not ready to stop then we have to allow ourselves a tiny bit of hope that it may work.

Hope the LIT went ok and wasn't too sore x

Well said @Janefx40!

@Gardenlady543

I’m pleased your period arrived and you can make progress with the next stage. When I did IVF for my son, I was 38. We had male factor issues. We had been let down by nhs and could not see much hope. However, on my last cycle at 38 it happened. I know hope can seem difficult but sometimes a bit is good.

IVF is so nerve racking. I have to remind myself to take things step by step. I’m panicking about the phone calls I will get on day 3 and day 5 and 6 as I only have day 3 embryos. It’s scary but I’m trying to have a bit of hope.

You’ve got a good plan and you’ve made progress so that’s good.

@Janefx40

Sorry yes. I’ve been confused about this protocol. I keep thinking to myself I need extra monitoring as I did not do ERA. Can I ask why you decided to do the ERA? Were you on a special protocol for your fresh transfer?

I asked about progesterone for the stimulated FET cycle and they said it has to be over 100. I’m so relieved about that.

@thislittlebird thanks. Feeling very nervy tbh but just trying to focus on the moment!

no, no symptoms other than progesterone ones (headaches and constipation) but they are not preggo specific.

I went in for a blood test this afternoon and HCG is 230 which they say is ‘within range’. I really hope it’s enough!! x

@Hopeful199 yeah, i hate the progesterone symptoms. But between that and prednisolone I have them all covered lol.

Good news on the blood test!

@thislittlebird how are you feeling? Are you doing bloods tomorrow or a home test?

@Hopeful199 I think 230 sounds great. Are they doing repeat bloods?

@Janefx40 I’m ok, just mentally struggling with the idea of another BFN. The spotting gave me a sliver of hope but then I go through it in my head and can’t imagine an actual BFP. No bloods and I haven’t bought tests, I have one in the cupboard that’ll do the job. Problem is, tomorrow I can’t work from home and I’m awaiting job news so I’m worried about BFN before having to go in. Hate it!

@thislittlebird ugh it's horrid and I feel for you. Could you test tonight maybe after a 3 hour hold? I've always found that to be a similar result to FMU

@Janefx40 I was wondering how long to hold for. Is there a good time at night that works best or any time? I’m considering it, it will get it out of the way.

@thislittlebird I think it's just about holding onto your wee for a few hours first. I'm no expert - not researched it or anything. Will be thinking of you x

@Janefx40 thanks! I’ll try to gear myself up for it.

Well, I guess I got my first ever second line on that test I had @Janefx40. Also had a tiny amount of red blood in the pink spotting. Fingers crossed I can get through the next few days. It’s a relief to know the embryo implanted I guess, I know it may not make it but hopefully it will.