Wish you’d known or prep tips for ivf!

[BiscuitLover3678]

Will be starting ivf soon for secondary infertility. At the moment feel excited that we’re finally going ahead with it. I know we have a long road ahead.

What do you wish you’d known or feel could have helped you when prepping? Tia :)

Something that just sprung to mind that is worth a share.

After we signed the consent forms for the medication, the doctor then decides for my husband to have the genetic blood test.
So we are almost there, ready to start and this blood test takes upto 4 months! That was a bit of a blow.
He had it early August and the results came back end of October.

@NovA08 do you mind sharing what the blood test was for?

@waitingforourmiracle

Karyotyping and Cystic Fibrosis.

I remember you! Congratulations!

I agree with the early testing although Omg it was horrendous. I ended up testing earlier than they said (they made me wait a really long time!) because someone else I spoke to said I could get a result earlier. It was positive! But then I panicked it was the drugs still in my system.

I agree about the follicles. I had an average number so was a bit worried but then loads of embryos created. Then only 3 made it to usable stage. It’s all quite random.

Also don’t overdo the drinking water before transfer. You often end up waiting longer than you think and your bladder keeps filling up. I had to keep releasing wee! They actually prefer you to be comfortable during transfer and you can always drink more if not enough. It’s a bit like a smear test which I always find difficult so I told them this in advance so they were reassuring and lovely. Used some breathing exercises and tried to be calm.

Yes to this. I only started drinking 20 minutes before the transfer the last time

I just thought of another Question.

Did any one request to have two embryos transferred back?

I didn’t because they go on about all the risks (which genuinely scared me) and our top embryo was good quality so had no need. If it had not worked multiple times maybe we would.

My concern with twins is it’s way more risky especially if each one splits! Ie you could get 4. And you also lose two embryos if it doesn’t work out. 😰 I know for some people it works though, if there is less success with one.

@NovA08 i think most clinics will only do this if you’re 40 or older due to the risks

Have just found this thread and it is so helpful a thank you everyone!!

I am due to start my first cycle next Tuesday so it's great reading all your tips.

I have provisionally booked annual leave for the day of and the 2 days after egg collection as I thought this might be the worst/require most rest but it sounds like egg transfer might be? Could someone clarify this and I'll book my leave accordingly...may just take the whole week if necessary!!

@foreverttc23 I took a couple of days off after each. I would say if you have the leave, it’s worth doing. I would say, definitely take a day off after EC. After transfer, I think it varies as some people just want the distraction of working. Do you have an office job?

It will depend on how many embryos you get to day five and also egg quality. I was over 40 but as I had genetic testing it was a 100% no to transferring more than one. It will be a decision that is made at the time with your approval and will come down to your personal circumstances x

For me, day of and day after egg collection only. The most important time for me personally was after transfer. I arranged a couple of days working from home and used a few days holiday. We planned lots of things during the tww to keep us busy. Last thing you want is to be lying down wondering , doing nothing. They particularly say not to do this. The time off wasn't to recuperate but to relax and try to keep my mind off things without the stress of work. We went away for the weekend, too some time to ourselves, saw friends etc x

I’d do both, one day off after either if that’s all you’ve got. But also can it count as sick leave?

Good point @BiscuitLover3678 - I suppose it depends on your employer etc. mine is great and we have a whole fertility matters policy. I was also able to work a little more in the weeks before hand and use some lieu time xx

Thanks al for the replies!

I work in an office but have lots of client meetings throughout the day so going to book as much time off as possible. Thankfully my manager is understanding and will allow extra sick days, just not sure if I'll want the distraction of working or if I'll want to just hibernate praying for implantation!!

I am now due to start my first cycle on Monday! Excited right now but also dreaded the waiting/uncertainty to be expected in the next month.

Best of luck to everyone else on this rollercoaster!

@foreverttc23 lots of luck lovely! If you’ve got any questions at all during the process, please feel free to ask on here or PM me. X

I'm almost there, I have my first dose of medication next week and looking to start transfer early January.
All that wait and it's finally happing!

Hope all goes well.

I'm almost 40.
I did visualise that when we started trying that we would have 2 children but obviously didnt expect to be in this position.
Most likely will be my last chance to conceive.
I just have this niggling thought in my head "what if ". But also feel like I'm pushing it and should just concentrate on the one.
I'll speak to the doctors and see what they suggest.

@NovA08 I'm 42 and will be 43 when the baby is born.

Where are you up to? Have you done egg collection yet? Or is this transfer time xx

I'm scheduled for Gonapeptyl next week, daily injections December and egg collection the week commencing 8th January (if all goes to plan🤞).

Goodbye boozy Christmas and New Years 🍷😆

Sending all the love and luck your way x

Hi again all.

I had my gonapeptyl injection 5 days ago. I'm wondering if anyone can help with a question in regards to this.

I feel a little dumb because I have watched the advised videos over and over.

While at the clinic I was taken a back when the nurse said not to be surprised if my next period doesn't come. OK, but then she said I will need a period before continuing the next step.
This is where I'm baffled because they have written my plan out and booked my scans and next medication date to start (daily injections). However, it's seems that it is almost certain, that I will not have a period for at least 7 weeks and possibly up to 3 months!
(daily injections planned for 28 days time)

I don't understand why this plan has been set when it's almost certainly not going to go to plan.

So I'm starting to get myself worked up. Every time I feel like I'm so close I get another blow with a delay 😔

I realised there was no question there but just a rant 😅

How is everyone doing on this thread?

Im worried. And feeling so nervous. Because I thought my treatment would be significantly delayed i havent really been eating healthy nor have I been taking my vitamins. I kind of just want to relax especially during the festive season. Today I've got a call to say I'm starting my treatment next week! And now I feel so stupid for not keeping on top of supplements for the past 2 months and having coffees and just eating anything and everything. I'm scared I've just ruined things for myself but I'm also so very excited.