IVF March 2023

[Katie12444]

Wanted to start a group for those who are due to start treatment in March.

Hi everyone, hope you are all managing to stay sane whatever part of this rollercoaster process you are in! Sending everyone lots of love!

we had our review letter through from the clinic today after our failed ICSI cycle. They said they wouldn’t change anything in regards to the protocol I was on as they were happy with the amount of eggs collected and they are attributing poor fertilisation rate to poor quality sperm. They’ve said going forward what they would change is that they would employ assisted oocyte activation (AOA) to increase fertilisation rate. Had anyone had any experience with this? Feeling deflated as the thought of them able to really change things next cycle kept me going but doesn’t sound like much would be different. Also any tips on improving sperm quality?

@BrownXeyes hope you're okay. Remember brown blood is old, so could just be you got knocked during transfer or its a little implantation bleed that had taken its time to work its way out. Of course call your clinic or EPU for extra reassurance if needed.

@GIJOJO sorry you're having such a tough tww. Spotting is relatively common for a lot of women so don't count yourself out.

@Jcl22 Hey, I found this info in AOA- https://www.liverpoolwomens.nhs.uk/media/3526/aoa-leaflet.pdf

@amoobaa thanks! That was really helpful to get a better understanding 😊

@BrownXeyes how are you today?

@Stopthatnoisemummy aww bless you thank you for checking in! I spoke to my clinic today they told me to monitor it and reassured me of what to look out for. I know I’m lucky that I got a positive but not knowing if everything is ok is awful is that how you feel? I’ve kept myself busy today with work and rested when I can and it seems to have stopped. How are you feeling with everything? You seem to be less of a nervous wreck than me!! Usually I’m quite calm I promise haha. X

Hope you’re all doing ok at the moment. I’m in a bit of waiting stage for the next 2-3 months before FET so feeling a bit useless and fed up at the moment. I’m sure I’m not the only one at the moment who has a close friend or two that is pregnant. How have you handled this? I haven’t seen them in a while because I feel like it will be quite triggering for me and make me feel sad but I also really miss my friend. Any words of advice?

@Katie12444 not exactly the same situation but a week after I found out the only way I could have children was via IVF I remember I was distraught and my sister told me she was pregnant. I congratulated her then had some space for a few days, but I soon realised that my sister was
more important to me than something I couldn’t change or control - nor was it her fault what I was going through and I tackled it head on and helped her get ready for her baby. I have done the same with friends. It would be completely normal and human for you to have a twang of jealousy but don’t avoid your friends - you might need them one day xx

@Katie12444 I completely understand! The wait between my EC and FET was undoubtedly the slowest time of my life and felt like there was nothing happening and in that time my cousin announced her pregnancy, I just cried in bed all morning and didn’t go to the Easter family gathering as I couldn’t face it! Also in our 5th year of TTC and failing my best friend fell pregnant within literally 2 months of TTC which was extremely painful for me and if I’m honest I’d say I’ve definitely distanced myself slightly since. Sometimes we need to do that to protect ourselves, it’s a horrible situation where you love them and are happy for them but cannot help the jealousy and bitterness. I’ve kept our IVF journey a complete secret from everyone and that actually makes me feel better in a way also we go places and do things people with babies can’t which makes me feel better at times when I’m emotional about it. I’m sorry it’s an awful situation xxx

@ESWill how are you getting on? Are you testing on Friday?

How’s everyone doing in their TTW? I’m 4dp5dt and I’m spotty, sore boobs and aches in my lower back and thighs. Fully aware that’s probably just the progesterone but wow, it’s dragging already 🥲 good luck @ESWill @Jupiteer you must both be testing soon?

Yes on Friday! I was virtually symptomless until yesterday when I have become very bloated and have some abdominal pain. I am worried I have late onset OHSS. However I don't have any other symptoms like concentrated urine or nausea. And I feel like the pain is not bad enough, when you google OHSS it seems people can't stand or walk and I'm ok, have been at work, just feel like my whole abdomen especially ovaries are aching and the size of my belly is going up by the day. Will just see how it goes until friday. I am also wondering if it could be impending period or from the progesterone 🤷‍♀️

How are you feeling today @Jupiteer any better?

Hi all, did my test this morning and it came back negative... totally gutted... Been a very emotional morning...
Not that we were saying it would be negative, but I'm a bit of a planner with back up plans and back up back up plans for things... so my partner and I have already discussed that IF things didn't go our way this time, we already said I will go for a second round of IVF!

Hope you're all doing well!

@GIJOJO Im sorry.. what a process 🥺

@Jupiteer hopefully you’ll feel better soon!

I started my Lupron shots today, hopefully everything no hiccups towards our transfer date of May 11th 🤞🏻

So sorry to hear this @GIJOJO 💜 this process can be so brutal.
@Sd183 I have my blood test tomorrow but am almost sure I have OHSS! I probably should have called the clinic today but I couldn't because of work. I'm in at 8am tomorrow though. Hope you are feeling ok x

So so sorry @GIJOJO

@Jupiteer I’ll be thinking of you, let us know how you go. All good here other than DH getting on my last nerve, but I can’t blame IVF for that sadly!

@GIJOJO so sorry to hear your news - this process is brutal but you are a hero for getting ready with your back up plan!

Hi @BrownXeyes I really do feel for you I had the similar situation with my sister except on a different one I went for a routine check up because I wasn't getting pregnant to suddenly being told I had endometrial cancer at the age of 30. My sister fell pregnant within 3 months and it was a horrible time. But you can either support your loved one or become the person who avoids people who have children and are pregnant. Not great for our mental health. Luckily 5 years on (and 3 nephew later) might I add I am finally on my own IVF journey. Round 4 started in March 2023 and am hoping for the best. I think the more cycles we do we get more used to it and in a way the stress changes as well because you know have the experience and knowledge behind it. The UK for me was not the eight choice for IVF. Besides being too expensive for my first 2 cycles although I attended a well known central london clinic I was never seeying my doctor and was having scans by different people. Was just so impersonal and there was no trust built up. I had my 3rd cycle in Greece last October which was successfully but miscarried at 6 weeks. I think it's just important to be supported even by people in chats like this. It's easier. Other than my husband and mum no one knows we have done this or the heartbreak that goes with it.

@GIJOJO so sorry to hear your news but so glad your not letting this knock you down. I know it's silly but hearing how a lot of women are becoming successfully at round 3 and 4 and 6 and even 9 makes me keep going that's all we can do. Don't concentrate on the bad think of the positives and of finally achieving your dreams.

This is for everyone Greece is a pioneer for IVF and its also cheaper than the UK with a personalised treatment from your doctor. If anyone wants more details and any help please do let me know as it's my 2nd round in Greece and I see couple from literally all over visiting the clinic.

@Vallef you are so strong to have dealt with what you have so far - keep going! How has the experience been abroad? We were unsure what to do however I cannot fault my local private clinic due to having to pay for our IVF they have been amazing with us! But I know a lot of people go abroad x

@GIJOJO sorry to hear your news, but amazing strength to already be planning ahead for the next round.

@BrownXeyes not sure I'd say I was calm...feeling quite emotionally detached from it all really. With the pain and cramping I'm still having I'm half convinced there is something wrong so think mentally protecting myself. I've been feeling SO sick, which I know is a good sign but it's pretty debilitating. I phoned in sick yesterday and it's keeping me awake at night. I'm not being sick though so not sure a Dr would take me very seriously if I were to ask for medication. Tuesday can't come fast enough for someone to take a look at what is going on in there.... Hope all OK with you.

I am the same so sick and having food aversions apparently you can get like a patch or a tablet from a pharmacy to help with nausea? Haven’t fully looked into it yet though. I know roll on next week xx

Hi all,

Thank you for your words.

It was a rough old day yesterday and probably today, just glad I've got great bosses and they've allowed me to work the way that works for me (I'm an accountant). They have pretty much allowed me to organised my work life round it all. so I have been very fortunate.

I know we will need a little bit of time to get over the negative result we've had, but we're a strong couple and already looking/planning for our next round, staying upbeat (as much as possible) and as a whole we count ourselves lucky with everything we already have in our lives, a mini us would just make things even more amazing.

Love and Hugs All Round, best wishes to ones waiting for test day...