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

❤️

Thanks @Enfys23. I had the ERA on the 28th Sept and went into my FET cycle a couple of days later. Results took 10 days to come back and we were cutting it really close as I was a couple of days away from when I needed to start progesterone when the results came in. I had the ALICE/EMMA previously, though I can’t remember how long I was waiting, I assume the same time as the ERA. Those results were clear, so delay needed.

@Enfys23 mine also took 10 days to come back but I decided not to try and go the next cycle as I thought it might be stressful wondering if the results would come back ok and I didn't want to start paying if I needed treatment for something. I just needed canesflor but even that needed an extra cycle. I also took noresthisterone to make sure I had a regular length cycle because otherwise you come on early having taken a few days of progesterone then stopped post biopsy.

I mean I didn't want to pay for the beginning of an FET and then have to cancel if I needed treatment

Yeah, makes sense to factor in a wait @Enfys23. I was ok, because mine was the ERA only and we were hoping to benefit from the bonus endometrial scratch the ERA gave.

@Enfys23 I also waited a cycle. I had the EndomeTRIO with hysteroscopy as part of a mock-up cycle, started bleeding and went into my next cycle three days later, then went into FET cycle.

@OrangeBengal I know we’re on another thread together but congratulations again! I’m made up for you 🤗

Thanks @MyEasterEggs, I’m made up for us both :)

Don’t know what a mock-up cycle is…😅 mock-up is a term I use in my job! I obviously meant *mock cycle!

Thanks so much ladies. We’re probably moving house in December too so guess it makes sense to factor in a break then for a cycle between hysteroscopy+biopsy and as you say less stress wondering what results will be/potential to waste money on hormones won’t benefit from if cycle abandoned to treat something found on biopsy 👍🏼

Oh if you’re moving then definitely make some space for yourself @Enfys23! We moved over the summer and I definitely wouldn’t have gone into FET feeling quite so calm had we not skipped a cycle. It’s obviously still nerve wracking whatever life is throwing at you but I guess you don’t want to have these things coinciding if you can avoid it. Good luck with it all 🙂

@Janefx40

I’m preparing for my era, Emma, Alice and nk cells in my mock cycle this month. Started period this afternoon so cycle day 1 is tomorrow. I’m hoping I don’t need to wait too long for my results to come back. My consultant said about squeezing in a transfer straight after. To be honest I’m a bit annoyed with them as last year they closed early and this year the last FET will be 23rd December.

Do you mind me asking about the canesflor? I’m on lots of probiotics now and I’m due to start taking canesflor this month and then lactobacillus crispatus pessaries.

@OrangeBengal

Did you do era, Emma, Alice, nk cells etc? I think I am keen to move forward with a transfer straight afterwards but I go on norethisterone so it delays my period anyway. I was worried about doing back to back but it’s worked for you.

Also slight digression. I have to have a smear also between the mock era, Emma, Alice, nk cells and transfer. Do you think it cause trigger an infection?

@Gardenlady543 How are you getting on? What is the next stage for you? I’ve not always been following this thread daily as I’ve been really upset this week again about my wasted blastocysts. I’m really angry with my clinic for delays etc and not been feeling positive about things.

@OrangeBengal oh my goodness!!!!! congratulations on the implantation - that is a massive deal!!! Woop woop.

@Enfys23 my clinic were very indecisive about when I could do a next FET after endemiotrio biopsy. They initially said straight away then kept changing their minds and I had to wait longer. I think my results were less than 2 weeks. I needed canesflor and an extra 24 hrs of progesterone.

@2021ivfagain sorry you've been upset - it was a lot to go through. I didn't need any treatment other than canesflor so I just took it days 1-10 of my cycle (I think) - my consultant said not to use it in the actual transfer cycle but I'm not sure there was any real reason for that. Lots of people do x

I did EMMA / ALICE back in April @2021ivfagain and both the NK cell blood test and ERA in September. I think I was really lucky re timings as I did need treatment re NK cells, just fortunately to me what worked best could be taken just a few days before transfer. Other treatments are more long term. I took Canesflor just in case in two of my cycles, but stopped this when I got the official all clear. Re smear they test you for both the ERA and hysteroscopy, so I’ve skipped getting one in the last few years.

Big thanks @seven201!

@VenusStarr I've been keeping my eye out for any updates from you. I’m so pleased it seams like you are making some progress!

I can’t believe it but after countless losses followed by 6 IVF transfers (5 chemicals) the Tacrolimus really has been the miracle drug for me. I’m now 26 weeks so if my body gives up now baby has a whopping 85% chance of making it. I was so worried Dr S would take me off it but he’s actually been happy for me to stay on the drug and we’ll review at 28 weeks. I’m desperate to stay on the drug until planned induction at 37 weeks if somehow I get that far. I still can believe it.
I hope you all find your answers but I wanted to share encase the drug could help any of you too. Sending love to you all xxx

Oh @StillTrying10000 that’s wonderful news! I remember chatting about the Tacrolimus before you started the treatment as a friend had success with it. So pleased all going well 🥰

@StillTrying10000 what a lovey update (I know you didn't pop on to update us) . Best wishes for the rest of your pregnancy.

@OrangeBengal

I’m pleased it’s worked out for you. I’m also going to be using lactobacillus crispatus pessaries with canesflor. When did you stop canesflor this time? I’ve had no real guidance from my consultant about this. Are you taking oral probiotics?

@Janefx40

Thank you. I’m taking on extra work to earn extra money. It’s a good distraction. Some days I’m ok and others days I’m so angry with my consultant and the clinic. I just wish I had more chances. Feeling emotionally drained from it all.

Is the Emma and Alice at CRGH testing for infection? Is it quite detailed? I already get a swab from Invivo which gives me a lot of detailed info about what’s going on in the microbiome. Did CRGH suggest taking oral probiotics as well?

@2021ivfagain I'm don't remember what the Emma and Alice test for exactly but they are the standard EMMA and Alice tests - you will need to look up the details online or on your paperwork - CRGH just do the swabs and send them off so it's no different to doing them anywhere else. I didn't need oral probiotics but my results weren't very low.

@StillTrying10000 wow! Amazing news. So pleased you have got this far.

@2021ivfagain, I didn’t take canesflor this transfer or the one before as by then I knew I didn’t need to. The first time I followed the instructions (1 a day for 6 days, then 1 week, stopping after transfer), the second time I did 1 per day for 10 days, circa 11/12 days prior to transfer (that transfer was cancelled though). I think the EMMA / ALICE standardly tests for bacteria imbalances.

@StillTrying10000 that’s wonderful news, all the best for the rest of your pregnancy and beyond!

@VenusStarr good luck today. Hope it goes well x

Good luck @VenusStarr!

Anyone had just biopsy alone (without hysteroscopy)? How did you find it? Were you able to go back to work straight from appointment?
looks like my biopsy will be 10/11/22 but unlikely they’ll be able to do hysteroscopy at same time, will be scheduled separately.

It was painful @Enfys23, but thankfully it was fleeting. Worse than a smear for me, but everyone takes it differently. You won’t need any time off. Take a pad with you as there will be spotting at the very least.

@Enfys23 my biopsy was actually fine. I barely felt it. I was also in a massive state about it because I'd had a saline scan not long before and found it to be the worst procedure I have ever had. But for me the biopsy was fine. But as @OrangeBengal said it was also really quick. Xxx

Thank you all for your nice wishes ❤️

@StillTrying10000 good to hear from you, I'm so pleased to hear you're nearly in the third trimester! Fab news.

@Enfys23 I've had a few biopsies, they're not pleasant but I've found they do count you down. I've had mild cramping after but have driven myself to a couple. Sorry you can't do the hysteroscopy at the same time.

My update is I had egg collection. Literally didn't know what was going on until it was happening. I'd text dh and he said he'd already done his sample and he'd gone for a cup of tea! 🤣 They prepped me for it with the cannula etc but did the scan in theatre. My largest follicle looked like it had not long ovulated but I still had 3 good follicles, all looked the same size. So they said right, we'll sedate you now. We got 3 eggs. We'll just wait for the updates now. We are definitely doing transfer on Saturday. I've done a cyclogest and my lubion as I think transfer will be around lunchtime on Saturday and in my fresh cycle, I think I took progesterone too late. X