IVF cycle November 2022

[HJen22]

Hi ladies

Just wondering if anyone is doing a cycle in November, looking for some cycle buddies.

I started stims yesterday, this is the 3rd cycle for us (2 NHS rounds where we didn't make it to transfer either time) and now we have signed up to a private a 3 cycle package with Create in Manchester. 3 egg collections and hopefully some embryo banking before and potential transfer. X

Hi everyone, I’ve not been in the thread for a while as had my 2nd failed cycle back in November so had some time out. It’s been good to catch back up and see how everyone is doing and how strong and positive everybody is in spite of all the ups and downs. 💪🏽❤️

I’m now contemplating whether I have a third (and final) round but have just turned 43, so need to be realistic. Both rounds last year resulted in transfer, the first an early blast and the second a hatching blast but neither stuck.

Is anyone else in this group over 40?

xx

Lots of exciting times coming up for people in this thread!

@Hopewishprayer that's brilliant news!!! Does that mean the process will be easier too if it'll be a frozen transfer I guess? It sounds very positive ☺️

@LF82 good luck for your cycle this month!

@Crystal88 that's great you had your LH surge and are doing natural cycle. You girls so lucky to have regular cycles, my LH surges were always Day 25-45 , it took forever trying naturally! 😬

I had another early reassurance scan on Sunday with a different clinic. My IVF clinic wanted £250 for an additional scan but this one I found (Hey Baby 4D) only charged £55! Sooo cheap compared to the thousands I've spent on IVF, I thought it was a right bargain haha 😂.
My scan was at 9.5wks and showed everything is progressing normally, phew!! I would say, I still find the waiting and lack of contact quite nerve-wracking and this is partly why I wanted another "check" point even though the scan wasn't strictly necessary. I think it's particularly difficult for women undergoing IVF as we've got heightened anxiety from our past experiences, then we're used to daily contact, tests, meds etc. and suddenly you get let go and hope for the best! Just need to get more comfortable with lack of control I guess! Xx

@countrypunk so pleased for you! Yep on this thread too…. These threads are keeping me going at the moment and it’s so good to speak to people who are going through/have been through it all

@Cat89 so pleased the scan went well & everything is going to plan 🥰

@Manc80 so sorry it’s not worked for you so far. I turned 40 last year and about to start my first round of treatment

@Cat89 im glad things are progressing well for you ❤️ I can imagine it’s so worrying in this time before your next ‘official’ scan and don’t blame you for getting a private one, I know I would be exactly the same!

@LF82 good luck with your first round 💕where are you having your treatment?

I’m in the process of going back and forth with my clinic - I’m definitely being much more demanding this time now I know what’s worked/not worked in the past so getting as much info as I can before if I decide to go again one last time. Although the stats for my age group are not good, hence me trying/hoping to find some success stories 🤞🏼

@HJen22 hope you’re feeling good about your next cycle with Create, I’ve been in touch with them too and considering them for this round. Thank you for starting/ keeping this thread going, it was my first port of call when I started to think about going again ☺️

@Manc80, I am with Create doing mild ivf. I think you are right to be demanding, you are paying a lot of money so it’s only right you have all the information you need before making your choices.

@LF82 absolutely! I feel like some clinics have set ways of doing things because they are tried and tested which is understandable but when there’s an extra cost then questions do need to be asked.

Is there a particular reason you’ve gone for mild IVF, other than the fact that none of us want too many hormones pumped in. I was on horse tranquilliser dose stims due to my very low AMH and age, and often wonder if that further impacted the egg /embryo quality.

@Cat89 aw I'm so glad to hear all progressing well ❤️ and lovely to hear your update. I can imagine it's tough with anxiety, completely understand that, after going through IVF it really can/does effect us. I sometimes feel like a totally different person than I was before all of this. I hope as time goes on you will have more reassurance and can enjoy your pregnancy 💕

@Manc80 no need to thank me, I find these groups so invaluable in my journey especially when going through a cycle. I am much the same and take some time away between cycles. I'm so sorry to hear your cycle wasn't a success in November, sending hugs. So far I have really had such a nice experience with Create and would recommend them. They have so much to offer in terms of protocols, and every single Dr, nurse and support staff I have met have been so lovely. Any questions I can help with please just ask x

@Manc80 honestly I do sometimes wonder whether I should have tried conventional ivf first but the more I read about Create & after the consultation I just thought it would be more tolerable for me. I know at my age the chances aren’t great but I like their ethos about it only takes one good egg for an embryo as opposed to really high meds that might produce lots of eggs but no/little embryos. Who knows if I have made the right decision but hoping for the best!

@HJen22 & @LF82 I completely agree with the premise of mild IVF too, unfortunately I’ve only ever had low egg numbers (4 then 3) even with high dose medication so god knows what I’d end up with on a low dose which is why I’m a bit dubious as to whether it would work for me.

It’s all so confusing and as it’s so costly, the decisions carry a high price in every way! But agree with you @HJen22 in an earlier comment when you said you feel like a different person through this. I’ve always been able to make decisions and almost never been anxious until IVF.

@Manc80 I had a terrible outcome from both NHS max stims cycles - 1 egg, then none. I have low amh too but both times my follicles had appeared to be growing, enough so that we went to collection. We decided to try a completely different approach, with mild ivf I felt like it was the opposite and worth a try and I'm so glad we did. I liked the idea and analogy of think of it like blowing bubbles, slow and steady and there's the possibility of getting bigger better bubbles than small ones that pop before they are big. It was a tough decision but also a bit easier given there are so little options in Scotland for us, it was go private in Glasgow and do the exact same conventional ivf which hadn't had good results, or go a bit further and try something different. There will be open evenings you could perhaps attend and there are some older threads on here too xx

Everyone is different and every cycle is different, I wish we knew how and why they went how they did. Completely, it's a lot of money. We paid a bit and took out an interest free loan with the clinic for the rest. Our theory was to do the 3 and then we'll know we've tried our best. We are still on our local NHS donor list too. I am the exact same, I find I worry so much and have such bad anxiety and such low confidence sometimes. It really has such an effect on all aspects of life.

@HJen22 it sounds like you must have really gone through it with your NHS cycles and I’m so happy for you now knowing you have some in the freezer with more cycles to go!

Thank you for all the info, it’s good food for thought. My clinic advised against mild for me as I did respond well to the meds with most follicles producing eggs and we then went on to have a good fertilisation rate, but only ever ended up with one to put back in each time so I can’t help wondering if we’d get more that way...

@Manc80 yeah I've never yet had a transfer so its hard to really feel like we've had a proper "shot" at it you know? I went from the 1st cycle into the 2nd with so much hope and was like hopefully it will go better, only for it to go so badly worse. I was heartbroken and didn't deal with it well at all, I got signed off work. So I didn't do a cycle from June until November. Thank you so much, such a huge milestone for us and I whenever I'm feeling down and impatient I remind myself about those frosties ❄️

Yeah mild seems to be something not many other clinics support. I guess that's how they can say they are pioneers. I had asked my NHS Dr about it and he also advised against it, but then he told me to go donor. Are there any tests they could do regarding implantation? I have a friend who has endo and has had 2 failed transfers, she's been on the depo injection to try to help with the endo and also spoke about blood thinners, progesterone injections and things like that x

@Cat89 good to hear everything is progressing, it’s a shame that you can’t relax throughout this time won’t be long now until your 12 week scan!
yes the process seems to be much easier (albeit expensive!) we purchased 10 eggs and then I think I will have a week or 2 of preparation and then transfer (hopefully).

@Manc80 i am just turning 40 in April 😊

Hi all, I was on this thread at the beginning, thought I'd check in, I see there's been a few successful cycles... Fab news.
We had our cycle review last week, and the consultant agreed that the terrible flu we had after transfer could be one reason why the embryos didn't implant, as it was all looking so good otherwise. She's agreed to support us if we want to try again. I asked about a different protocol, we have done max stims menopur/gonalf antagonist protocol twice and had approx 6-8 follicles but only about 3 eggs each time, good fertilisation rates. But she suggested doing an agonist cycle this next time. I'm not sure what to think? Says I've got good AMH for my age (9.5)

@Manc80 I'm 43 in a few weeks too. Considering this potential last cycle too, don't know if changing things up will make it better or worse. Ideally we'd have more than 3 eggs, and end up with at least one to transfer and a couple to freeze, not sure if the extra money is just pissing in the wind now. It's a tough decision. Feel free to DM me.
Hope everyone is doing well x

Thanks @HJen22 for setting up this lovely thread, it's been really nice, very welcoming and supportive. What a great bunch of ladies - I've been dipping in and out in the background.
I had a very very tough time accepting the failed cycle before Christmas, took some time off work and had a bit of a meltdown. 2022 was not a good year for me at all, an IVF miscarriage at 7 weeks and a failed double transfer. I'm really glad to leave it behind. Entering 2023 a bit more positive. Sending the best of luck and lots of love to everyone 😊

@CNizzle you are so welcome 💕 these threads really help me too, it's always so nice to speak with ladies who know exactly how it feels. I'm so sorry to hear you had a meltdown, I've been there and it's so hard at that point to see any positive. 2022 sounds horrendous for you and totally with you - happy to see the back of it. You got through it, you've come out the other side and you're still fighting. So be proud of yourself. This shit is hard! So hard! In so many ways. I hope that your Dr and you can decide the best way forward and I wish you all the luck ❤️ xxx

Hi all,
I agree @CNizzle i have found this group so so lovely and supporting it’s really helped me! Thank you @HJen22 😊. Also so nice to hear everyone getting on with their journeys and next cycles! I hope all are successful!!

update from me: I went on holiday and had a lovely time really what I needed. Missed miscarriage never turned up which was probably for the best. So when I came back on Sunday I called the EPU and actually had the operation to remove on Tuesday. I was truly amazed at the nhs turn around time! Since Tuesday I have felt completely fine though spotting a bit and still testing positive….think I may do for a while. Weird now to be hoping for a negative!

Today I had my follow up call with fertility clinic and to start planning in my FET. They seem pretty happy with my last transfer and how things went. Planning a natural transfer now I think for end of feb maybe beginning of March depending on when my period arrives.

I have two embryos left a 4bb and a 3bb. I am quite keen to transfer both but the doctor is strongly persuading me not too. Wanted to check if anyone else had asked for two transfers and if so why? Also how did it go?
slightly worried that if it doesn’t work I’m out of embryos but also feel like they should be twins….maybe that’s just optimistic thinking though. Any advice much appreciated!

@HJen22 thats helpful re the other options for Endo. My clinic said they would see on the scans if things were in a mess down there and not transfer but my lining has always been fine and no issues on scan. I wonder if it’s just the scarring from years of surgery that’s stopping it? Sorry to hear you have been so low with it all and so glad you can now be optimistic ❄️ ❄️

@CNizzle Sounds like you may be a bit further along than me in your decision making for round 3, which is exciting! I agree about the money situation as our odds are so low, but it does/can happen! 🤞🏼

@Foreverhoping33 I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through, and glad you are feeling ok after your op on Tuesday. Wishing you lots of luck for your FET, whether you go one or two, still very exciting 💕

@Foreverhoping33 you are so very welcome 💕 I am so glad to hear you had a lovely holiday, and so sorry about what you've went through. The fact that NHS have taken such good care of you must have really helped. Sending you all the love. Great to get a plan in place for going forward, wishing you the very best of luck 🙏🏻

@Manc80 that's good news that your endo on the scans seems fine, and that your clinic are keeping an eye. Do you have a meeting with them coming up?

@countrypunk good luck with your transfer this weekend ❤️ sending lots of love xx

Good Morning

It has been lovely reading everyone's journey🥰Waiting patiently for it to be my turn.

I paid privately for tests, had TIA, scans etc since December, losing my patience with waiting. Last week received the invoice for the ICSI cycle which would have started next week. 2 hours later, NHS called to say they were ready for me! 🤦‍♀️

Question to all who have had at least one cycle:

1. With the private clinic they would have started me on injections on the first day of cycle

1. NHS want me to call/email on my first day and start taking 4mg Progynova tablets on DAY 21. Will then have a scan and they will say when injections start. (Short cycle)

I am really concerned about the "right" process, especially as private confirmed i have "low normal AMH" around 7, and 8-9 follicles ( Age31). To my understanding, I would be doing nothing for 21 days. In that 21 days I would have ovulated. To start taking the tablets on day 21, naturally AF would come AGAIN on day 26. I really don't want them to skip past me being an individual and give me a process that is not right for my body.

Did anyone else have this?

I couldn't find anything on Google about starting on day 21, but day 1 makes more sense! I'm anxious now and can't wait for it to be Monday morning to seek further clarity.

I have attached the flowchart for ease of reference.

My next menstrual cycle is starting in one week's time, I really don't want them to mess this up (I'm an NHS worker, but i see a lot!)

Thank you ❤️

@FullofFaith Welcome! I can't really comment on your situation because I was long protocol. But hopefully someone will come along in a minute who's had short protocol. I do understand how difficult it is to choose the right course of action. I'm having NHS treatment, and our initial investigations didn't feel all that thorough. My advice would be to ask both the NHS and private clinics as many questions as you want to - get them to explain exactly why they're recommending this treatment path for you.

@HJen22 Thank you! Anxiously awaiting the call from the embryologist today...

Welcome back @CNizzle and @Manc80 ♥️

@Foreverhoping33 Glad to hear you had a lovely holiday. Very exciting that you're starting to plan your FET. Two in the freezer is great! I don't think my clinic allow more than one transfer - I believe they're all under quite a lot of pressure from the HFEA to reduce the chance of multiple births. (Maybe a bit naive of me but after years of trying I'd be thrilled with twins!)

The embryologist called. She said the embryo is 'very nice looking' and transfer is booked for midday tomorrow. I'll get a call in the morning if it doesn't survive thawing.

Hopes everyone's having a lovely weekend.

@countrypunk thats fab news. Got my fingers crossed for you for tomorrow!

@countrypunk that embryo sounds great!! Hope tomorrow goes well, I will keep my fingers crossed for the thaw!

im totally naive. Twins sounds great to me! Husband though has unfortunately persuaded me that one embryo transfer is best so that’s probably what we will do. Think my thinking is a response to feeling left behind by friends and trying to catch up but I do no that is stupid.

@countrypunk sending all the love and positive vibes for tonight/tomorrow 💗

@HJen22 no appointments yet, waiting for them to come back to my questions…I’m being a bit more high maintenance this time after two failures….they may tell me to stick it but we’ll see!

@Hopewishprayer im glad things are progressing with your DE. A friend of a friend of mine is 15 weeks pregnant with DE’s after 7 failed cycles with her eggs, and she’s doing great 😊

@FullofFaith I’m sorry but I’m not familiar with that protocol but would echo @countrypunk and advise you ask all the questions you need answered. It’s a very anxiety inducing process and understanding it all is very important.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend ❤️