Rollercoaster of an IVF journey

[Picklepie85]

Hi all,

As a second rounder and semi-professional forum stalker on all things IVF, I just wanted to share my experience in case it helps with others looking for information and/or hope.
I'm 37 (soon to be 38) and started trying naturally when I was 33. After all the tests at 36, it came back as unexplained infertility - both a blessing and a curse - great that there is nothing obviously wrong but where the hell do you go with no information? Well we decided to head down the IVF path last year with my first transfer at the end of Sept. 7 eggs collected, 4 fertilised, 1 fresh blastocyst transferred. I was so excited when I saw a BFP but it turned out to be a chemical as I began bleeding just the day after the official test date. I felt devastated - nothing quite prepares you for the emotional and physical toll of IVF, especially when it doesn't go as planned. After talking to the consultant, we changed my protocol and drugs and went for round 2 in Feb. 9 eggs collected. The next day I was told that none, not a single egg, had fertilised. I was hollow from the pain - I guess I had assumed it would be better than round 1 and I was completely unprepared for a total failure...
Then I got a call about 4 hours later from the embryologist saying that she thought something might be happening with 2 of the eggs but not to raise my hopes. Unbelievably both fertilised normally - just taking their sweet time!
However, only a few days later we were told that neither had developed into blastocysts by day 5 - leaving 2 not great morulas. The prognosis was so poor that both were transferred back. I remember hearing the sadness in the embryologist's voice as she talked about our chances.
... But today... I saw heartbeats of 2 super lazy 6 week babies in the scan 😍 I cannot believe it!!! Still a very long way to go but it's the furthest we've ever been.
IVF is intense, more than you can imagine when you start - it can break and mend your heart. I hope sharing this helps give hope to anyone who feels a little lost in the journey like I was xx

Congratulations, you story is bery inspiring for those who has slowly growing embryos, thank you for sharing this❤️❤️❤️

Wow this amazing thank you so much!

How did you feel with all the meds? Did you do much that month?

@Maya34 I had the slowest of growers! But just goes to show that it's not always a bad thing ❤️

@BiscuitLover3678 I changed meds for this round and I didn't have many side effects other than tiredness but after doing 2 rounds so close, I definitely put on weight from all the hormones. I kept walking and swimming up until I started the progesterone pessaries and just did walking after that. I also found a really good Couch to Fitness online set of videos (LIIT, yoga and Pilates) - think it's an NHS one. It's all about doing what you can - I know people who ran until quite late into their pregnancy... a decent walk has me puffing now!

Ok that’s good to know. I also wondered about generally doing lots of things like weekends away and seeing friends. How much time does taking all the meds and things take up? Do you need to be near the clinic at all times? We have money for one cycle now and it’s all gone through but we’re going to have to discuss how many we do I know. Do you have a cycle break between cycles?

@BiscuitLover3678 For me the key was consistency, so I always scheduled my meds at the same time each day - about 8.30am for morning injection and 9pm for evening injection as I knew I'd be at home for those times. They literally take a couple of mins, esp once you know the drill! I didn't book much socially during the time I was on the stimulation medication as it was just easier (esp so if you have meds that need to be kept refrigerated). It's only a couple of weeks so not a huge sacrifice. I did actually go to a local wedding during my first cycle and had to inject in the toilet which felt a little... dodgy!! The other thing to bear in mind is the unusual but possible side effect of hyperstimulation (producing lots and lots of eggs) as this can cause complications so personally I wanted to be close to home just in case (it didn't happen but I'm cautious!).
Once you've had the egg collection you'll need to start progesterone pessaries - these are easier to administer but more annoying as they turn to liquid quickly so you need to lie down for 30 mins after inserting so they don't err...run out! I set my alarm for 30 mins before I normally get up and then go back to bed. Evening I just pop in before going to bed.
Yes I had a break of 3 months as if you get pregnant, your body needs time to settle back down (first period after miscarriage was 39 days, second was 19 after that so it goes a little haywire!).
It's all a bit daunting so please feel free to ask me anything and I'll share my experience xx

Thank you so much for this. It sounds like what I thought!

Are you supposed to do anything differently diet wise? I know you need to get decent sleep and I’m a bit worried about that.

@BiscuitLover3678 Nothing specific for the diet for me - just ate healthily with lots of fresh stuff, switched to decaf hot drinks and obvs no alcohol :) Oh and my husband and I started taking the pregnacare conception multivits.
I have always been a pretty good sleeper so I tended to just listen to when I was tired and head to bed earlier, rather than force myself to have more sleep. I didn't need any naps during the day or anything like that, although I may have snuck a few in on weekends!
Are you struggling with sleep?

Just want to say a massive congratulations!! I’m currently 8 weeks pregnant from IVF and completely understand the rollercoaster you’re going through! I am so so excited for you and wish you the most boring pregnancy ever!! 💕

@StoriesAboutJanuary Thank you SO much!!! All seems a little unreal at the moment, especially with having twins, but the next-level nausea is bringing it home 😂
And a HUGE congratulations to you too ☺️ - how are you finding it all? Xx

It’s going well. The sickness is ramping up but I don’t mind! 🤢

@StoriesAboutJanuary Tell me about it! Have ordered some sickness bands for my wrists and peppermint drops as they are supposed to help 🤞🤞🤞

Thank you so much for sharing your story, it does help. And wishing you all God blessings.

I have had failed IVF before and still trying at the age of 45.

Hope all going well for you and the twins

@Belltentdreamer Thank you! 21 weeks today and all looking good so far🤞Found out we're having 2 girls ❤️

@Lemmymuz Sending all my best wishes your way xx

I love this thread and I love your update @Picklepie85

I miscarried our second transfer at 10 weeks in March. I need to read stories like yours!

Massive congratulations. Two girls, bloody marvellous 💜🧡

Congratulations 🎊 Wishing you and your girls an amazing pregnancy! ❤️

Woohoo what lovely news! Wishing you all the best for the rest of the pregnancy

@countrypunk Sending you lots of love x After I miscarried, I scoured the internet for success stories and they gave me real comfort and hope, so I am SO glad that you find that in mine. Wishing you all the best for the future x

@SPR40 @Belltentdreamer Thank you so much 🤗 Doesn't seem real sometimes, especially that I'm having twins, then I catch sight of my belly and there's no doubt then 🤣