IVF warriors - the journey continues 2

[Imisscoffee2021]

@Decaffe
@seekingbabyk
@MinBins
@acaciabluebell
@MammyandAva
@Spin101
@1stcycle
@KLM25
@ralno2
@acaciabluebell@Tinkerbell098

Another thread needed ladies! Please tag if I've forgotten someone! :)

@KLM25 Glad you managed to book yourself in for a scan! Interesting you did it without the tablets last time. Why did they decide to do it with the norethisterone this time? They said I’m having exactly the same protocol again as last time as it all went picture perfect until EC. Will be interesting to see if it does again or if it was just luck. Haha don’t forget your meds. I guess the bloating will soon remind you of it anyway 🙈 not looking forward to that 🙈 I’ve been feeling more depressed again lately about not having been able to have a baby like everyone else. It sucks

@Honeybunie Yes I feel like half the battle is having to organise everything ☺️
I think they just prescribed me the Norethisterone to make sure my period came on time as I’ve only got until the end of May before I hit the Czech age limit, so wanted to make sure there was time for one more FET. Last time I did a back to back FET so I just started again immediately with the bleed after the failed one. I’m not sure if it’s all a bit different because we’re having donor egg IVF - I suppose Norethisterone has more uses but for me this time it’s purely been to make sure I have a period at the right time.

Ah well that’s great then, at least you’re well practiced with what to take and when! Mine is the same except I’m starting the Lubion injections at the same time as the pessaries whereas I’ve previously started that one on the day of transfer.

Aw I know, it’s not easy ❤️ I think because I didn’t meet my OH until I was 43, I went through my toughest time in my late 30s when a lot of my friends were having/had had babies and I just couldn’t seem to find the right person. I turned 40 and was pretty depressed as I didn’t think this was on the cards for me. But it just goes to show, wonderful things are often around the corner, you just never know x

@KLM25 gosh yeah you’ve got to be super organised doing it abroad don’t you. Ah yes that makes sense. Everything is under control with taking those tablets and having a controlled bleed right. When do you think the transfer will be then?
yeah tbf my last round was in July last year so I don’t quite remember everything but I remember it was easy enough
aww I can imagine that must’ve been a depressing time in your life. Bless you. I’ve been single for many years too but I was still in my early 30s and thought whatever will be will be depending on whether I found someone or not. And nobody had babies back then. So it didn’t seem so pressing then. One of my friends my age now really wants kids but never had a boyfriend bless her. I said she should just do it by herself! One of her friends over 40 did it with donor sperm and got pregnant first time. I think I would’ve considered that too. But anyway here I am with shit eggs and sperm because we’re old 🙇‍♀️ never dreamt of that scenario lol. But yeah at least there are still chances I guess and things could change quite quickly xx

@Honeybunie Yes a friend of mine went ahead and did it on her own and now has a 5 year old daughter. I was in awe of her at the time and I’ve never seen her happier ❤️ It’s tough whatever your situation though. But like you say, lots of chances still and I always think at least we’re doing something about it, rather than like years ago, when I suppose you just had to accept it 😏
Ah, I bet you’re really excited to get going again if your last cycle was July. I bet it’s done your body good to have had a break from it all.
Everything depends on this scan on Friday, if they think my lining’s thickening up enough, it’ll be the following Thurs 11th, otherwise it’ll be delayed until the Mon/Tues 15th/16th. I feel like I’ve been a bit awkward as I’ve said I can’t come over the 12/13/14th as it’s our little boy’s 2nd birthday on the 14th. But I’ve given them plenty of notice of that and they’ve assured me that’s ok.
I can’t help but worry that the timing won’t be perfect but it was always going to be a case of squeezing in this last transfer.
I work for an airline so luckily I can be flexible with flights, I just have to keep an eye on the loads. We have a few flights a day to Prague so that makes it a bit easier.
Did you make an appointment to collect your meds? What will you be taking? Xx

@KLM25 yes that is true. At least we can do something about it these days.
Aw yeah it's difficult to balance it with everything else that's going on isn't it. But if they said it's fine and possible to work about your little boy's birthday then dont't worry. Let's see what the scan says next Friday and take it from there. It'll all be fine :) And I'm sure they'll time it perfectly for you. At least we can thanks to the meds right!
Ah I missed the phonecall yesterday to arrange the meds appointment typical! I've been carrying my phone around with me since Thursday, but yesterday we went sailing and were in the middle of a race, which we do every Saturday in Spring/Summer, and my phone was on mute as I had completely forgotten, but anyway it's not like I could've checked my diary lol. Just annoying they're shut today and I guess tomorrow as well. Well nothing I can do about it. Would just be good to know when, as I'll also have to squeeze it in somehow as I'm very busy in work atm. So much so that I have to work today and bit in the mornings yesterday and tomorrow. Then two 6h round trips to work next week. And my clinic is a 3h round trip in another direction from home.
So last time, I had 10 days of norethisterone, 6 days bleed break with baseline scan on day 6, then10 days of 300iu Meriofert and 6 days Cetrotide, then Gonasi trigger. Then 1 pessary and 1 lubion a day in prepr for a fresh transfer.
Did you say you're taking three meds atm? All oestrogen based to thicken the lining? xx

Ah my clinic just called me! and lucky me - we can do the meds appointment over the phone, as it's just a recap, and they'll send the meds out to me yay 😊so the app is on 15th May and I can start round about then as well 😊

Brilliant news about your appt @Honeybunie 😀 Always a relief to have a date booked in, especially when you have no idea if you’ll be able to take their call when they decide to call you! Impressed that they contacted you over a bank hol weekend. Not surprised you missed their call ystdy, I’m sure you weren’t expecting it!
The racing sounds great, I’m sure it’s fantastic to get out on the water. Is that on the sea or on a lake type place? I used to do dragon boating for a while, we did races all over the country during the summer, and it was fantastic camaraderie.

Interesting to hear about your medication. I’ve heard of all of those meds but because I’ve never had an egg collection, I’ve never been prescribed them myself. Apart from the Lubion and pessaries - I’ve had those almost every time once I’ve had the lining scan.
At the moment I’m on oestrogen as you say, but also Prednisolone and Clexane. I think my clinic prescribes them as a precaution as they’ve always been included. So I’ve got alarms at 7am, 2pm and 9pm for the oestrogen (and Pred at 7am) and then 7pm for the Clexane. It’s not too bad at the minute. When I start the pessaries I like to lie down for 30 minutes afterwards (even though my clinic say it’s not necessary) so that becomes a bit more complicated and that’s when I have to call upon Hey Duggee to keep my little boy occupied if my OH is at work 😂 x

@KLM25 Yes I was also impressed that they called me on a Sunday :)
yes the racing is great fun and so good to be back on the water. It’s been a lovely weekend for it. We sail on the sea just off the shore in small sailing yachts. I’ve been on a dragon once. Crazy things and loads of running around and ducking. You must’ve had a great time!
interesting about the prednisolone! Never heard of that before but googled it and sounds like a good addition. Gosh that’s quite a few alarms 😂 like a full time job isn’t it 😂 haha yeah I bet it’s tricky having a two year old run around you at the same time. I prefer the pessaries rectally at bedtime. Less hassle 😂 xx

@Honeybunie That sounds amazing ⛵️ I used to love being out on the water, it’s a great feeling isn’t it. Must be even nicer being by the sea ❤️
Ha ha, I know, I didn’t used to set alarms but I’m glad I have done this time as I seem to be becoming more forgetful. Sometimes the 2pm one goes off and I think, what’s that for? 🤦‍♀️
It’s the moment of truth tomorrow as I’ve got my day 11 lining scan at 11.15. I’m a bit nervous about it as there’s always an hour or so wait for news, after I email all the info across to my clinic. But at least I should find out if and when I’m going over there, it’ll be good to make a plan and not be wondering.
I’ve been downing the pomegranate juice and Brazil nuts even though I didn’t even know that was a thing when I had my one successful transfer! Who knows eh?
Hope everyone is doing ok and looking forward to another bank hol weekend! Xx

@KLM25 Yeah I love going sailing esp since I'm in the office all day usually, so nice to get out. Unless when it's super windy and rainy.. then I prefer not to go and OH has to find someone else to crew haha.
Well I guess your little boy keeps you on your toes as well, so I bet it's easy to forget, esp with the amount of times you have to take stuff 😅
Yes I was thinking it's your lining scan tomorrow! Hope it all goes well! Let us know how you get on. Ah yeah that's nice that you'll be able to plan and book everything then! Wait what pomegranate juice and Brazil nuts help?? Tell me more 😂😂I love brazil nuts anyway haha.
I've got my meds delivery sorted now. Paid for the prescriptions and have the delivery scheduled for Friday next week. Nice to be moving on 😊Yes can't wait for another bank holiday weekend! xx

@KLM25 all the best for your scan today X

@Honeybunie @Tinkerbell098 Thanks ladies. It’s been a frustrating day to be honest. I had the scan this morning - the crucial part seems to be this - ‘endometrial midline measures 9.1mm and contains a trace of fluid which appears to be tracking from the c section scar. Maximum depth measures 5.2mm.’
(I was already confused by the two measurements as there’s only been one in previous scans - 9.1mm is obvs good but is it that or 5.2?)
Anyway that wasn’t the issue, it was the fluid. My coordinator got back to me and said although my lining is nicely prepared, my doctor was concerned about the fluid and if I wasn’t about to reach the age limit, would advise to wait until another cycle, but seeing as this was my last opportunity with them, would leave the decision up to me 😏
So I feel it’s an impossible decision to make. I’ve pointed out that there has been fluid noted on my last 3 transfers, and when I look back at the reports, there’s at least one report where it’s in the same place. Those transfers have all gone ahead with no issues raised.
I just feel massively frustrated - were those transfers all a waste of time? Or is the doctor just being over cautious this time and should we just go for it?
I also pointed out that I had a scan on day 21 a couple of weeks ago and no fluid was there as I specifically asked about it.
I feel like I can’t get a proper answer.
I suppose these are the downsides of having a clinic overseas and sending emails in a rush on a bank holiday Friday afternoon 😔
I’ve also suggested I have another ultrasound before transfer as surely that would give a definitive answer 🤷‍♀️
Anyway the on call doctor is going to get back to me tomorrow I think, so maybe it’s best to just sleep on it and try to come to a decision tmrw.
Hope everyone else has had a better afternoon. I’ve calmed down now but there were a few tears of frustration earlier x

@KLM25 sorry to hear that about the fluid. Would you need to travel abroad for another scan? Hope it all goes well.

During my round, before transfer, I had fluid, and it meant a scan on the morning of the transfer - so they could decide whether to go ahead with it. Thankfully all was okay was still there but in a smaller quantity and they were happy to go ahead. I was given some meds after though.

There are so many things that factor into this journey and can just get us worried. Im hoping it all works out for you and keeping fingers crossed!

@KLM25 I’m so sorry to hear about your scan result 😟 so with the age limit there what would happen with the embryo if you wouldn’t go ahead? Can you fly it over to Spain and have an FET there? With the two measurements does the second refer to the trace of fluid? I hope you got some more answers today! And yeah a second scan might be good. As @MinBins said it might reduce in size before the transfer 🤞hope you’re keeping ok xx

Thanks so much @MinBins and @Honeybunie for your kind and helpful words.
I had an email from the weekend out of hours team this afternoon, just really repeating what yesterdays email had said but from a different doctor - they don’t recommend a transfer but I can go ahead if I am aware of the risks. No answer to my question about having another scan or possible solutions, so I felt like I was banging my head against a brick wall. I feel a bit like they’ve washed their hands of me now and that’s why they’re not being very helpful. Especially when I hear about how other clinics handle things like this - @MinBins it was really helpful to hear what happened with your fluid. I’m guessing that was your most recent one and it all worked out well?

Anyway, when I got that email, I just started to think it’s maybe time to draw a line under it now and just start again with a new clinic in Spain. We’d have to do that anyway if this one was unsuccessful. Chris felt like that yesterday and I was more unsure, but my feelings changed today. I just feel quite let down and unheard so I’m not sure I’ve got it in me to go through with this transfer anyway, especially considering they’ve said they’re not recommending it. Part of me wonders if we’re making the right decision but I suppose you just have to go with your gut instinct.

@Honeybunie Yes we’ve been told by at least one clinic in Spain that we can transport our existing frozen embryos over to them. I’ve had a quote from a specialist shipper in the Czech Republic, it was about £1300 although it would be 3 rather than 2 now, so I’m not sure if that’ll increase.

It all feels quite daunting to be starting again, especially as it seems that Spain will want me to have a lot more tests due to my age (mammogram, ecg etc.. they’ve also recommended a hysteroscopy because of my c section and the failed implantations). But maybe it’s more sensible now to check everything over, rather than keep having the heartache of failed transfers.
It was just that little bit of hope that this one might work and save a lot of hassle, you know…

Sorry it’s a saga! Thanks ladies, it has been comforting to ‘talk’ to you today. Nothing compares to being able to share with those who understand and empathise ❤️ x

@KLM25 aw what an up and down 🙁 so sorry it didn’t work out with your last transfer at this clinic. It doesn’t sound like you’re done with them though and ready to move on. So it sounds best to take your three embryos and go to Spain. And I like the fact they’re going to do more tests with you over there. That’s great! I do understand the hope of “it could’ve worked” and you didn’t need to go to Spain etc. but yes if they’re not recommending it this time then you need to trust their professional opinion and it is what it is unfortunately. Maybe just get things rolling with Spain so that you can start there asap and transfer your embryos over to keep you busy and planning and just focus on the next steps there. I’m sure they’ll do a great job and you might feel in much better hands there too 😊 xx

@KLM25 Meant to say “it does sound like you’re done with them” x

@Honeybunie Ah I knew what you meant 😊 Thank you for your wise words ❤️ I think you’re right. It feels like it’s time to move on now.
This month was always going to be difficult anyway with our little boy’s birthday and the stag do, so it’s probably for the best. It’s just that disappointment isn’t it and emotions getting in the way of making rational decisions!

And like you say, it makes sense to get the ball rolling in Spain, so I’ve emailed the clinic in Barcelona this morning and asked about booking in this hysteroscopy they’ve recommended. I’ll be absolutely dreading it as I’m a bit scared 🤦‍♀️ but I just keep telling myself at least it should ease the worry once and for all, about something being wrong inside me after my c section.
This particular clinic are under the same umbrella as our current clinic so I’m hoping that’ll make it more straightforward to transport our embryos.
We were considering another one in Madrid too but they’re a bit vague about how long they can treat me, whereas I think I could have 2/3 years at this BCN one.

I just figured that if we both went over to BCN for a couple of nights on Chris’ days off (hopefully next month), we could check out the clinic in person, have the hysteroscopy and it would be helpful to have that test result whatever happens.
It definitely helps with the disappointment to feel like you’re doing something constructive, doesn’t it? Will have to see what they come back with.

Hope you’re having a good bank holiday. Any racing? ⛵️ We’ve had some sun this afternoon so have been out in the garden. Our road are having a mini street party tomorrow lunchtime so we’re planning on popping to that. We only moved in here last June so it’ll be nice to meet more of the neighbours ☺️ x

@KLM25 yeah it is just the disappointment after you got your hopes up once again. an endless emotional rollercoaster. but we move on that's all we can do :) I guess at least you don't have to worry about your little boy's birthday party and going to the Czech republic straight after.
Well I guess it must also be exciting to be starting at the new clinic. And it'll be nice to make a littel trip out of it and catch some sunshine :) How soon do you think you can have the hysteroscopy? Do they sedate you for it? I'm sure you'll be fine. And whatever they find you'll know more then, one way or the other. It's a step in the right direction :)
Yeah we had a nice weekend so far. Spontaneously had a night away on Friday. A little coronation party at friends' house on Saturday, and just been chilling since yesterday. We got back from Singapore 2 weeks ago and my suitcase is still half full lol. We're always busy either working or out and about, and nothing gets done, so it's nice to have some home time for a change. We didn't go racing. There was either no wind or too much lol. So we thought we take the weekend off hehe.
Have a great time at the street party! Sounds fun! x

Thanks @Honeybunie yes you’re right, it always makes you feel better to be taking steps forward.
Things took an unexpected turn today, I had an email from one of the managers at the clinic (it’s a public holiday there today) saying that I could have a Skype call with my doctor on Wed and if I wanted, I could book another scan beforehand and then discuss things. It was a bit of a dilemma but I started looking for scan appts and happened to find one in Worcester tmrw morning. Before I knew it, I’d booked it 🤦‍♀️ It’s an hour and half drive but our little boy’s at nursery anyway so I decided to just go for it. I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing or not but I suppose for the sake of £90 it’s worth doing it, even if just for closure.
I haven’t heard back about the hysteroscopy yet. It wouldn’t be under sedation, I did ask ☺️ You have to think that a minute’s pain would be worth it to ease the worry, I suppose, and maybe it wouldn’t be that bad.
Sounds like you’ve had a great weekend, a bit of everything. Always nice to get some stuff done at home. Did you have some time in Singapore on your way home from Bali? I do love it there, I’ve spent a bit of time there with work over the years and had some real fun times, although I haven’t been since pre Covid x

Hi there! Name change for obvious reasons.

Wondered if anyone could make use of nine doses of 0.25mg Cetrot*de if you've just been prescribed them? They expire this month but it'd be such a waste to chuck them. They're refrigerated so I can't post them but you can pick them up from me. I live near Uxbridge West London. Please PM me (I've also posted this on Facebook and WhatsApp groups)

Ok apparently one might technically not be allowed to do this, which is a shame as I've also realised I have 26x menopur 75iu doses which expire next month...

Sorry to jump on and spam the thread. Maybe I'll join you under another name :-) Just about to start my third round (different drugs)

I know it’s such a shame for them to go to waste. I have so many spare suppositories left over but didn’t get any takers!

I also have trigger shots, fyremadel left over. Are we just supposed to bin them? Was thinking of asking clinic this Q too 😅

@KLM25 ah I think it's great you had another scan booked! How did it go? Was the fluid still there? Larger or smaller?
Ah I'm sure the hysteroscopy won't be that bad. They know what they're doing don't they :)
Yes Bali was just the holiday before Singapore. Then we spent 11 days in Singa and I had to work during the week. We've been for 16 days last year too for work (OH always tags along sitting by the pool lol). So we had quite a bit of fun times there by now too and love going. It was a real shame though as on our weekend in between we both got ill with a tummy bug again. I literally could not get out of the bed i felt so awful. So it was such a waste of our full weekend there this time. and I was so looking forward to it. We did enjoy the rest of our stay again tho. I'm down to go again next year, but hopefully we won't be able to if we're successful with the IVF 🍀