IVF February 2023

[HJen22]

Haven't seen a thread for February cycles so if anyone is waiting to start in the next few weeks and fancies some cycle buddies ❤️

Little about me, 34yo TCC #1. Low AFC/AMH. After two disastrous NHS cycles (NE Scotland) which resulted in no transfer, we went private and are away to start our second mild IVF cycle at Create in Manchester x

@HJen22
Im hopefully going to start my 2nd cycle in February too. I started my first cycle in November and ended up with a negative result in December. I’ve since had 2 periods so really want to start again on my next cycle. I keep emailing different people but the communications are terrible. I just know that I don’t have much time between now and my next period to get everything sorted that needs doing.
I’m with ABC ivf in Leeds, creates sister clinic. Fingers crossed for us both 🤞🏼. X

@Brit22 hi 👋🏻 wishing you all the very best this cycle! Are you doing another collection or a FET? We did a cycle November time too so I've also had two periods so dying to get going again!! Sorry to hear you're having issues getting hold of someone! Do you have a patient coordinator? Do you need another nurses consultation? My meds last cycle came really quickly (sure it was next day) as I was able to pick the day, hopefully yours are the same! Xx

@HJen22 I’m having to have another collection. On my last round I got 15 eggs, 7 fertilised, 1 transferred but none made it to freeze 😔. Yeah I have a patient coordinator but she’s only replied to us once and ignored us god knows how many times. I end up emailing a patient coordinator from the Manchester clinic who always manages to sort the job out but it’s not the point really when it should be the one who has been assigned us.

I have no idea what I need to do before I can start again .. like do I need another baseline or can we just order the meds and go from there. Who knows 😩. That’s why I want a quick response because I don’t really have much time if I want to start next cycle.
Where abouts are you at with everything at the moment? Xx

@Brit22 I'm sorry you're having to go from the beginning again, and that your transfer wasn't successful 😞 We're doing a 3 cycle package so doing another collection too and we didn't do a transfer last time, just froze the 3 embryos we have. Although we actually hope to do a transfer this cycle seeing as we got more than expected first cycle (I have low amh and not many follicles) And then if it doesn't work we'll do the 3rd collection before another transfer I think.

So we just had to have a refresh nurse consultation where I guess beforehand they looked at our file and decided meds - ours stayed the same. This was all organised quite easily, I got quite a few dates and times to choose from. Then the coordinator just ordered them and I chose the day. Meds come tomorrow and AF is due around the 26th. I'm glad someone from Manchester was able to help, I am very lucky with my coordinator who has been amazing! But yes you're right, really rubbish that your one is useless. You should put in a complaint about her because you don't need admin stress! Xx

@HJen22 I wish I did a 3 cycle package now but I was so naive and thought it would work first time round. I have everything crossed for you and that you’ll have your transfer. Quality over quantity 🌈.

I hope mine runs as smoothly as yours. That’s exciting that your meds are arriving tomorrow and that its 1 less thing to worry about. I reckon that I’ll be in a mad rush again like last time. My AF is due 31st but if it’s early like my last one then it’s the 26th too. Usually it’s like clockwork and it’s every 26 days bar my last one. That’s why I’m a little worried that I’m not going to get everything fitted in on time. Xx

@Brit22 thank you so much 😊 they were open to us doing a transfer after cycle 2 understanding that we're keen to finally do one, and we hope for a fresh transfer or to use one of our frozen if one of them is better. The nurse said we can play it by ear and speak with the Dr and embryologist when we're down there. We travel down from Scotland and stay, last time for 9 nights at an airbnb so this trip will be even longer with a transfer.

It's so hard to know what to do and to make that choice. We went with three because we've done two cycles already with no embryo to transfer. So we wanted to really give it a last try with my own eggs with these 3 cycles (NHS advised me I could only go onto their donor list now). The mild ivf last time gave us a much better result along with icsi. Who knows how the next will go but we've already had a much better outcome in one mild ivf that two conventional. I got no eggs my second NHS cycle it was heartbreaking.

I would call the main switchboard tomorrow and ask for a refresher nurses consultation for your second cycle. Tell them when your period is due and ask for the next available appointments. I was worried last time my meds wouldn't come on time too and it's an added worry you don't need! My cycle varies but can be anything from 25 days so it could be the Monday but I don't think any earlier. It's so hard us booking accommodation based on when a period might arrive! Luckily the lady we booked through last time was amazing and I explained our situation and we're staying in one of her properties again! Xx

@HJen22 It’s good that you’ve got options and you can play it by how you want. Oh bloody hell that’s a mission and a half away. I thought that travelling and hour and half to my clinic was bad. Good job that you’re staying in an air bnb and that owners are accommodating. Is work ok with you being off for that length of time or have you put in annual leave?

Its crazy how different rounds can have so different outcomes. I can imagine that having no eggs on your second round was heart breaking for you 😔.

Yeah I think I might give them a call tomorrow because it’s driving me crazy. I’m not a patient person at the best of times, let alone when it’s something like this. Xx

@Brit22 yeah I'm really glad they were ok with it and we can just decide there and then what we want to do. Oh I know, one day we went down and back up for bloods and my OHs SA, that was a long day! But we are very limited in terms of private clinics up here and wanted to the something totally different. Is this NHS for you? My first two cycles I worked during and they were fine with me being off for appointments and I just took collection off, but after the second one ended disastrously I ended up self certifying for a week and then being signed off for a few weeks. I didn't deal with it well at all. So the most recent cycle I used annual leave and I intend to do the same this time, we take our dog so I chill with her, take her walks etc and my OH works remotely. What about you?

Yeah I was so scared we'd have a repeat again. I was absolutely overjoyed to get 4 eggs and then for three to be frozen (one day3 2 day5) I was overcome with emotion - after a hard year we really needed it, some hope and it was a big milestone for us.

I Completely understand, I am the same and just like to have everything sorted and not a last minute rush. Definitely call them and just tell them your cycle starts soon and you need an appointment as soon as to get going with the next. It's hard cos I wasn't really sure what happened after cycle one, I emailed and was like so do I just get in touch before the period I want to go with next! They can be super laid back but then I guess they deal with this every single day! Xx

No it’s private for us as my partner has children from a previous relationship so we don’t qualify, which I find pretty crap!
My work have been really good with appointments tbh. They give me all scans, egg collection and transfer off and put it all down as medical appointments. So it hasn’t even touched my annual leave or anything. They even moved me to a different department while it’s all going on to reduce stress and something less demanding.

It’s really good that you managed to get some little Frosties after everything you’ve been through 💕. My last round I had a 3 day fresh transfer and hoping that I’ll be able to have a day 5 fresh this time.

I will do and I’ll keep you updated on it. They’ll probably be getting my done for harassment the amount of emails I’ve sent to everyone. Xx

@Brit22 oh that is crap!! My partner also has a 13yo daughter from a previous relationship. We were eligible for NHS up here in Scotland though. It's really terrible how it's such a postcode lottery, so unfair.

That's amazing your work have been so good and moved you department too! I can't complain about my work. I'd love it if I didn't have to use any annual leave but they were so good the first 2 cycles and me just going to appointments. Because it's so far away and away from home, with lots of monitoring I just decided to try something new and take it all off. I had 3 days in a row of scans and bloods last cycle!

Thank you ❤️ with our previous and my diagnosis we were aiming for one embryo. I asked the nurse what's a "good" amount for the 3 cycles for us and she said 3, so we've made a good start. Hoping to add to it this coming cycle too 🙏🏻

Yes keep me updated! I hope it all gets organised today! And if you can't get through to anyone you could always call my coordinator as she is fab! Good luck! Xx

@HJen22 Oh that’s good that you were eligible for it up in Scotland. It’s so weird that it’s different criteria’s for different areas.

So I’ve had abit of success this morning. Someone called and give us some information about our case at the MDT meeting. She said they were happy with my fertilisation rate at 50% and that they were going to keep me on the same dose and just monitor me from there. They want to do blood tests at each scan next time to monitor my estrogen levels. She said she’s doesn’t want me to end up having a freeze all but if my levels go over 8000 then it will have to happen. Believe it or not I didn’t even have a single blood test on my last round which I find bizarre. Also she suggested that we use another sperm donor as it hasn’t had any reported pregnancies, but we have already looked into that and choose a different one. Im able to go ahead on my next cycle as everything is still in date, but we will need another quick treatment consultation which she is trying to get for Thursday. Then it also just falls down to the sperm getting delivered in time but I’m going to harass LSB to get it sent asap 😂. Xx

@Brit22 it's so unfair for some areas I really don't understand it at all!

Oh I'm so glad you had some success today!! Did you manage to get a hold of your patient coordinator? Really great they've discussed your case and been able to give you recommendations and also good you were a step ahead of them and looking into another donor.

It was the exact same for me with my NHS cycles, I had no bloods drawn. But my first cycle at create I had them done every day I was there for a scan. I had one big follicle right from the first scan (and we were waiting for the others to catch up) so each time I was there they were like we'll check your hormone levels and call you, that happened like 3 days in a row until I got egg collection confirmed. I really think that close monitoring made all the difference for me last time, and I had egg collection days earlier than the previous cycles too.

As soon as you've had your treatment call they should get your meds ordered and hopefully you'll get them the next few days! It's just nice to have them ready isn't it! Xx

@Brit22 sorry you said someone called you! Not that you called! X

@HJen22 No I didn’t manage to get hold of my patient coordinator but I wasn’t surprised as I think she’s disappeared of the face of the earth. I’ve got one of the managers email so I’m just going to keep messaging her, but if she doesn’t response I’ll contact Becky from the Manchester clinic.

I’m glad that I’ve got a few answers and I’m confident that I’ll get get the medication and all that in time, it’s just like I say the sperm now. Hopefully my AF is on time but I pray it’s not early again, just so I have a few extra days to get everything sorted.

Create really look into things like that, but I don’t think that ABC really do with it being that little bit cheaper and the eligibility being stricter. The women on the phone said they don’t usually do blood and that through ABC but will do it this time for me which I’m pleased about.

Oh last time I had a right faff on with my prescription! Took them days for the doctor to sign it. I must have rang up about 10 times asking about it. Xx

@Brit22 that's so bad! It's like what's the point in allocating one if she's just going to be useless and cause you stress! Glad you've got the managers email and Manchester as well just in case!

Yeah it's always like will it / wont it come when you expect. I usually spot the night before and full flow first thing next day but of course last time I couldn't quite tell all morning if it was properly here or not! Typical when I just needed it to be easy, I was at the toilet so many times 😂

Ah of course, I forget that they are different slightly. I think I've got a bill from last cycle as I had 4 scans and 3 is the standard included, likely I'll have been charged for the bloods too. Although they didn't give me a bill after cycle one so maybe it's not til the full 3 have been done. Glad they are going to keep a closer eye on your hormones this time; it definitely made me feel a whole lot better.

Oh god really! Ugh why do somethings just end up being so complicated and stressful. We had a right faff with our loan, it kept declining because the loan company would only base it on one salary and didn't take into account any savings or anything! I spent days trying to sort it out xx

@HJen22 Its such a shame that the communications are so terrible because I don’t have a bad word to say about anyone that I’ve met at the clinic they’ve all been lovely.

Im usually the same with mine. It’s crazy isn’t it. It’s like your body just knows.

I’m glad it made you feel better about the whole situation and I think it will reassure me aswell with everything.

Ive started reflexology and acupuncture as it was something the clinic did recommend for me. I have absolutely no idea if it will work but I guess it’s worth a shot. Xx

Hi @HJen22 can I join you on this thread too? Instead of the November one
still counting down the days to the nurse appointment on Tuesday! X

@HJen22 no a Feb cycler as you know but extremely pleased to have felt the need to click this thread and see it's you posting!

Sending lots of good vibes your way! I'll be sure to keep checking in.
Good luck x

@LF82 Welcome 😊.
I take it you went for a round in November?

Im sure Tuesday will fly round and then you’ll of had your nurse appointment. Xx

@Brit22 I'm really glad in person they have all been great and I hope their communication improves from now on for you!!

Yeah haha it knows it's important so decides to be awkward 😂

Oh lovely, I've done both acupuncture and reflexology in the past! I wasn't overly keen on reflexology but I did enjoy acupuncture. This month I'm doing 30 days of yoga which is helping keep me calm I think!

@LF82 of course you can lovely, I was going to say in the other thread I'd created this one! How are you? Almost time for your nurses app!

@PMAmostofthetime aw hi 👋🏻 how are you? I hope keeping well! How's bump? Thank you so much - we're hopeful for a transfer this cycle 🙏🏻❤️ I feel like we've been waiting forever to get to this point!! Xx

@HJen22 😊 yeah just need to to be Tuesday now so I know what to come!
@Brit22 it’s my first treatment but was on the November group as I had lots of questions and the ladies especially @HJen22 have at been fab helping with & she & i are randomly going to be at the same clinic. You will have to let me know what reflexology is like. Not sure about acupuncture as I am not a fan of needles! (Not great when you are about to start having to inject yourself!)

@LF82 remind me, is it the mild protocol you're going with? Everyone is so lovely at the clinic you'll be in such good hands ❤️ and I'm here to support you every step of the way! Any questions I can help with just shout! My mild protocol is 150ui bemfola in the evening and then cetrotide to stop ovulation was added day 5. I had scans day 5, 8, 9 and 10 with bloods and egg collection day 12. I had double trigger and also a few extra cetrotides - I had one leading follicle from the first scan so we were trying to slow/steady that one whilst they waited for the other 3.

If you are ok with your feet being touched reflexology is a good shout, I just found it tickly haha! I have had massages on and off the last few months but actually I'm going to get a physio app as my neck pain is so bad. I first thought it was stress / tension but it's just constant and have Bupa healthcare through work so worth a try!

Xx

@HJen22 yes mild, 3 rounds of collection with icsi & hopefully embryos to freeze and then transfer after the 3rd round. I am very impatient generally so know I won’t be good at the waiting part! Did you say you were going to have a transfer this round? Did your scans take long? Am going to try & not tell work what’s going on as I don’t want them knowing to be honest! Pressure I don’t need. Oh definitely get some physio especially if work will pay! X

@LF82 same as us 💕 yeah we are a bit impatient now we know we have 3 in the freezer and we've never ever got to transfer and have done 3 cycles including the 2 NHS cycles. So yeah, we've asked if we can do our "included" transfer after this cycle. They were totally fine with that and understood why we wanted to. The nurse said we don't have to make any set decision, we can see how next cycle goes and speak with the embryologist and Dr and would have the option of doing a fresh transfer if we get a good embryo this cycle, or use a frozen one from the last. The nurse said we weren't the first to ask so know it's an option. It just means if it doesn't work, we'd go back and do cycle 3 anyway and then the next transfer we'd have to pay for. If we'd have gotten just the one embryo first cycle we'd not be considering it. The logistics and travel and time needed away from home also plays a part. I know it might not work first time but after all this time dying to try!

Sometimes they were a little behind so the appointments would take a while and then i would wait for a nurse to take my bloods. One day my veins weren't playing ball so it took a while but overall not too bad. Do you work from home? You'd get away with just saying you have a meeting or something, I'd just put in my diary I was busy. My boss does know (but I'm taking annual leave since we're away from home) but she's mega laid back, so even when we did it at our local hospital I didn't have to really tell her the exacts xx

@HJen22
I'm good thanks Bump is huge and approximately 2lb 4oz at 28 weeks so needs to get a lot bigger 🙈.

Sending you all on this thread lots of luck and if you have any questions let me know.

Please be kind to yourself- and plan some things around your stims to keep you sane.

X