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

Just had our call from the embryologist, of our 11 fertilised we've got 1 really good blast for transfer and 2 (potentially 4 depending on how the next few hours go) for the freezer.
Transfer at 1:30 this afternoon. I feel a bit numb, I think after our last round and MC I've just been going through the motions and it almost feels like a shock that we've made it here.
Hope everyone else is managing to maintain their sanity!

Morning all

I've been pretty withdrawn the past few days as we've been grieving and mentally preparing for another loss. Went for second beta this morning and sadly all tests are now showing negative. I'm looking forward to the call later so I can come off the meds, let nature take its course and have a hot bath! We've booked a city break for this coming weekend to keep us occupied.

@AM08 Create don't like to dicuss the NK cells which is frustrating as I keep asking them about it! Their response is 'there's not enough research' but I'm going to push again when we have our follow up.

We've been looking at recurrent miscarriage clinics to see if there's anyone that specialises in this. Found one with really high success rates (63% for over 35-37 age range, I thought Create were high at 42%!) just need to work out cost comparisons and read some reviews.

I hope everyone is OK, sorry for being so negative last week and I hope I didn't bring anyone down. The initial loss hits me so much harder each time I go really into myself for a while! Sending love to you all ❤️

@West8690 best of luck for you and your embryos today! Will be keeping everything crossed 🤞🏼 xxx

@VioletCookie so sorry to hear this. This process is very cruel. I really hope you get some answers and take more time to be kind to yourself. Xxx

Thanks @Purplemichelle how are you? Xx

@VioletCookie I’m feeling much the same. Still having cramps and a bit down. Hopefully a dog walk later will lift my spirits. Thanks for asking. Xxx

@Boofimus @SH998 @Purplemichelle looks like we’re all similarly in our 2 week wait… I’m day 7 today and have always felt a twingey ache in my left side, might just be in my head but I really feel like it’s there and doing something! Definitely day 1-3 it was actual mild cramping but now just a faint twinge I would say. And I’ve had no spotting or anything.

I’ve seen people on here testing at day 5 and getting faints, so I did too but absolutely nothing. Then I read online that the embryo doesn’t even start releasing hcg until days 7-9 so I was fine about it. Day 7 today and a very very very very faint line coming on a test just now, so I’m hoping that tomorrow morning it will be an actual line as I know the morning wee is better! I didn’t have time this morning and thought I could resist… but I couldn’t and had to do one at lunch!

hope you’re being more resilient and patient than me…

@Purplemichelle it's totally normal to feel down, you're going through a huge and (hopefully) life altering event. I know me saying this doesn't help much, but cramping is such a great sign! I'm going to remain silently optimistic on this and really hope the days pass quickly for you! Xx

@JustBePositive that's such lovely news, I'm so pleased for you! I really hope your line gets good and dark over the coming days 🙏🏼 x

Please can anyone advise!

im running out off progesterone I have two left I can’t get back to the hospital pharmacy to collect my next prescription my partner can’t get anymore days off work to take me! I’ve phoned my GP they say they can’t prescribe it - I’ve phoned the community midwife’s they can’t help! I’m at a dead end does anyone have any more ideas off what I can do :( xxx

@JustBePositive yes we all are. Fingers crossed. My cramping has been constant since ET on Wednesday last week. It absolutely feels like the start of a period. That’s hilarious that you tested at lunchtime, totally get it, you want to know!! Good luck for the morning.

Thank you @VioletCookie. I just feel like it is the start of my period but appreciate your kind words.

@THISISIT23 perhaps you should call 111 and ask whether they can check pharmacy stock local to you. The main thing is, don’t panic. Have the hospital given you any alternatives? I know from research that Asda can prescribe progesterone but 111 should be your first port of call today. Xxx

@THISISIT23 surely the hospital/clinic can send your prescription elsewhere? My clinic have an option to arrange it through Stork who take payment directly. It’s £45 delivery though..
what progesterone is it? And where do you live out of interest? Long shot but I would help if I could

Girls,

I've just had some dark brown mucus type loss on wiping. Approximately size of 1p coin.
No pain that I can really report.

I'm only like 1dt2dt so wondering if it could just be old blood due to maybe trauma as the embryo transfer was a little tricky.

Any advice or personal experience appreciated.

@THISISIT23 where are you based?

Hey! I had this but it was around Day 9 and was almost black? I freaked out a little and was told it’s absolutely fine. Must have been because my second beta hCG test today was trending in the right direction.

Not knowing what level of trauma you experienced during transfer, I can only assume that you had some blood on wiping. The brown discharge could have residual blood exposed to oxygen. Mine seemed to have been caused by irritation from the Cyclogest; I’ve switched to using it through the other door which seems to have done the trick!

@StoriesAboutJanuary
Thanks for response.
I had no bleeding or loss on wiping post egg collection or embryo transfer.
Just know if took a few attempts to pass the catheter.

Today is the only day I've had a loss and just one occasion. Know it's likely nothing just curious. I've been using the cyclogest the back route too just for less mess!

Sorry for the late reply I’m based in Oldham Manchester - I’m trying everything ringing different departments no one can help xxx

@StoriesAboutJanuary just be wary, my clinic told me it’s less effective that way… although messy into your uterus area is apparently better. I’m on the same, and I also asked about using all 3 at night instead because read it on here by someone, but they also suggested that isn’t as effective because you want to keep a constant stream of hormone right into your lining to keep it think. Just sharing as honestly i hate it too!! But if you’re happy and think it’s working that’s the main thing

I'm surprised to hear that. I was specifically told to put progesterone in the back door because it absorbs better! It's not actually going to your uterus via your vaginal canal anyway: it's absorbing into your blood stream, whichever hole it goes in, and the wall of the vagina is thicker. (That's one reason why there's more risk of tearing / infection if you have ahem alternative sex).

@Boofimus really?? Blimey it’s just so bonkers how advice varies so much isn’t it, makes it literally impossible to know what to do at every step, the whole ivF journey is a total minefield - I really wish there was just one set perfect way to navigate it all!

@JustBePositive @Boofimus Thanks so much for your input, both. I’d read research that it didn’t matter where you applied Cyclogest (specifically). In fact, I think the manufacturers say you can use it either way. Other pessaries, maybe not. I do agree that they have to be inserted throughout the day.

Honestly, I just didn’t want the heartache of seeing any type of blood/brown discharge. I had to eliminate what was the possible trigger. I’m also on Lubion which hopefully should pick up the lag if the back route falters. I’ve also found that the Cyclogest in the back route eases my constipation! What a DREAM!! I’m able to go without stress 🥹🥹! Anyone with constant constipation will understand how much this means!

Just to add. There is such a variation and I’ve had to resort to doing my own research and advocate for myself.

I’ll give you an example: on the day of my transfer, I asked for a Progesterone test even though it was routine in the clinic. On the same day, I asked for a prescription of Lubion which the doctor was more than happy to give. I was determined to start the Lubion the evening of my transfer which is exactly what I did. The next day, my test came back at 27 which the doctor was happy with. I wasn’t so I continued with the Lubion because I knew (from research) that the number should be in the 100s 🤷🏾‍♀️. I’m now doing regular Progesterone tests to check my levels. I’d rather have more Progesterone (which is harmless) than not enough which can have dire consequences).

This is just one example of how professionals have different views.

Can I just ask a quick question? How long does the trigger shot stay in your system? When can you rely on a sensitive test E.g. FRER/Clear Blue early detection? Xx

@Purplemichelle not entirely sure on how long but I tested around 4/5 days after the trigger to make sure it was out my system and my tests were negative I then impatiently did tests from around day 7ish and they got darker xxx

I am trying so hard not to start testing early. After two spontaneous biochemical pregnancies (as in, not when we were having IVF) I know how devastated I'll be if I get a positive result that "doesn't stick". But all of y'all testing early is making me itchy! 10 more days...

@THISISIT23 thank you 😁 xx

@Boofimus how many days past transfer are you? Xx