IVF Scotland - thread 5

[itsmschanandlerbong]

Hello, made a new thread for us Scots going through IVF, thread 5. Hoping this is the best thread yet for dreams coming true ❤️

@Kamiros @Ellenn how are you both doing? I’m thinking about you both going through this difficult time. x Hope you get a holiday and you both have time for self care.xx

I don’t have any positive news sadly. Did my 3rd round of ivf at the GRI. Everything went okay and got 2 good embryos. Transferred the top grade 5AA. But unfortunately it didn’t stick. Just feels like every time you have a bit of hope it gets shot back down. Not sure what next steps are for me as that’s 4th embryo that I’ve had transferred and only one stuck ending in Mc. I’m going to do some immunology testing to rule that out for a cause of implantation failure. Will get that last embryo transferred after that. Seems like the GRI will take a while due to Christmas closure.

Really hoping that next year will be better for us all. xx

@Kitty12345678 Oh I'm so sorry lovely. ❤️ It doesn't get any easier does it. I'd definitely recommend the immunology testing to see if there's something going on there.

I'm doing okay, still exhausted as I'm still bleeding, apparently that can be normal. Emotionally some days are easier than others. We're off to Florida in a couple of weeks and really excited about that, a little bit of normality for a few weeks.

Hope you have a lovely time in Florida! That sounds like it will an amazing holiday. Having a bit of normality again really can help so much.
Im sorry to hear you are bleeding hope it eases up soon.x
Ive contacted an fertility immunologist I met at a work event in London a couple of weeks ago and I’m hoping I can get an NK test soon to find out if that is a problem for me.

@Kitty12345678 Thanks! Fingers crossed for you.

I had a review appointment last week. We have 2 embryos left but consultant thinks we're nearing the end of the road and doesn't want to do 2 more transfers. His suggestion is to do a double FET, not sure how I feel about it. Wants to do another biopsy and ERA first to see if immunology issues have changed since 18 months ago so thats something.

Hi all, can anyone advise where I can get a 3D pelvic scan. I’ve had several transvaginal scans but my clinic abroad are now requesting a 3D uterine scan as I have had some recent treatment for Fibriods and the 3D imaging would give a better view of how my uterus has coped and if I’m ready to recommence treatment etc. I can’t seem to find anywhere to get this stupid scan done!! Help!!

@Kamiros I'm just checking in and so sorry to hear about your loss. Its just not fair sometimes. I'm glad you have some plan moving forward, and if you are having some things rechecked it gives you time to decide how you feel about a double transfer.

We've been slowly moving along the road to doing another FET. I went for an anatomical scan (everything fine) and we've had a consultation which was positive. We'd follow the same protocol as we did before, but consultant wants my starting dose of estrogen to be a little higher as they upped it last time due to lining not being that thick. I've had some blood taken today to check TSH levels are normal, and assuming that's all fine, we can book in a consent appointment, then hopefully look towards doing a FET early next year - I'm holding off a bit as I don't want to do a cycle in December (last time it was touch and go if I'd be ready for a transfer before the clinic closed for Christmas). I'm also holding off slightly in case my cycle returns now my daughter is in nursery and nursing less during the day - though we've decided to do a medicated FET either way as that's what worked last time. Still not sure if I want to do any more egg collections if FET doesn't work, so putting a lot of hope on our 2 remaining frosties

Hey everybody, I wonder if anyone can give me a bit of advice/guidance. We've just had our first physical appointment letter through for GRI (the day after I had a quarter of my cervix removed(!)...so glad that bit is over, and hopefully it will all come back benign). Feeling v glad about the letter. I know I have very very low chances of it working, and that I'm truthfully looking at egg donation, but I am just so glad the years of waiting are over.

I'm wondering if anyone could advise a rough timescale after that first appointment to treatment. Like, a few weeks, or a couple of months? I ask because of wanting to maximise my health beforehand.

Also, it says on the letter for both partners to abstain from alcohol prior to treatment... has anyone been told how long 'prior' means? I've been told up till now that drinking (I do so moderately!) is fine, and am now regretting having been drinking at all. If anyone minds sharing what their interpretation/their doctors interpretation of 'prior' means? I'm thinking of my partner, to be able to give him a rule rather than vague nudges.

We are going on a long trip through Colorado early next month, and I'm desperately wondering how I am going to eat healthy nutritious meals out there...😬

Is this your ART appointment? So there is another appointment 5-6 weeks after which is a video call which both partners attend. Then I believe, if all is well, you can call in to book treatment when your next period arrives. I've read that you don't always get booked in the first time though as they may be full . So much waiting !

@Ros456 that's great intel thanks so much. And yeah, it says ART on the letter but I
had and have no real idea what that means. So much waiting indeed but glad some little thing is happening at least! Will give my body time to heal too. Thanks again.

If anyone does have an idea for timescale on best procedure for alcohol abstinence (I will just stop now but thinking of my partner) I'd appreciate that.

I don't actually know what it means either! Feels like things are moving once you get the appointment through. Re alcohol, I plan to cut out from now although had reduced in the last couple of months anyway. I've asked my partner to cut down which he has but I wouldn't begrudge him having a couple of beers on occasion. I think it's binge drinking that is particularly bad rather than a couple but I would like to be in good shape for starting treatment.

Yes I've cut down too. I can only imagine being angry at myself for risking any slight chance of damage so I guess I'll go tee total. and just keep encouraging my partner. How long away is your treatment? I had a wee glance back at messages but didn't see. Very best wishes for you!

@Nosejug I think as long as you drink sensibly then it's ok to stop drinking when you start stims - that's always what I've done anyway. A drink here or there won't harm your chances if it's done in moderation and not during the medication time.
If I remember right - ART for bloods, consents appointment for paperwork and your drug protocol then you can phone to book in on your next period! You might not always get booked in first time though.

@itsmschanandlerbong thanks so much for your reply. Helpful to have a clear idea of what the appointment means and timescale. I'm excited despite knowing my v low chances. Just excited to not be waiting! I think I'll just stop on alcohol...I do verrry much enjoy a glass of wine but I will at least I'll get a commiseration prize at the end of this. I've been reading about Mediterranean diet, avocados and acupuncture... I mean I'm a healthy-ish vegetarian anyway, but putting away the crisps might be a good idea. Anyone take stock in any of these things? Anyone tried acupuncture? I am both sceptical and willing to be open minded.

I have the video call next month. I was hoping to get booked in with December period but not sure it will work with the Christmas closures. I'm doing acupuncture and at the very least, it's relaxing! The acupuncturist is very knowledgeable on the ivf process so that's very helpful too

@Ros456 by video call do you mean first consult?? Us too! Very nervous but cautiously optimistic.

@Nosejug I tried acupuncture on my second round which was successful. Not sure if that had anything to do with it but I found it very relaxing and it felt good just doing something for myself for an hour a week!

@Nosejug I'm very much trying to eat healthier now. I did before our last cycle but when that failed I sort of rebelled and ate everything in sight. I've never done acupuncture but would be interested. It's the cost that gets me though.

Our appointment at gri got cancelled and its 3 months 3 months later the next one. V annoying. Anyone know if we can gwt them to back date our place on waiting list?(it's for donor eggs)

We've actually got a private clinic appt in 2 weeks though but want any help the nhs can give us at all.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend.

@IVFlife I've no idea if it's the same waiting list rules for donor egg ivf, but we were told we would be backdated to the date of our referral, so surely your place on the queue doesn't change if your appointment was cancelled? It sounds v frustrating either way.

You don't have to answer this question, I understand if it's too personal, but we are probably going to be using donor eggs too (low low amh) and I was wondering if you've experience of the donor egg waitlist itself? I've heard that it's better to have someone willing to donate, but one sister said no and the other is probably too old now. I might be too old to wait for the donor egg wait list...I assumed saving for treatment in Spain was our only option.

Thanks ros and mschanandeler for the acupuncture intel. I do worry about cost, but I'm thinking this is my one shot with my own eggs so I should probably give it everything I have. I'm open to recommendations of practitioners!

@Nosejug very happy to answer anything about DE either on here or message me (but tell me f you've messaged me in case I miss it)

As a couple we've always been told DE likely the plan for us as I have poi (prem ovarian insufficiency) but we did a round of OE at gcrm to sort of close my own eggs in my mind. We likely would have had more luck if went when we were supposed to at gri - before covid but then they said it was too late after.

We started seriously looking at DE clinic fairly recently. As soon as we had our failed gcrm cycle review appt (June) we went on to their waiting list but it is around 2 years long. And also asked for rereferral to the Royal but for DE and my understanding is that it is also around 2 years long.

If you have a known donor already planned then any of these are much much shorter. It's the wait for the suitable donor that is the issue.

We've joined a waiting list for a clinic in England and they seem to be much shorter waits (6-12 months). We have paid to be on the waiting list now. Where as gcrm the list is so long that you only pay when you get closer to the top of the list!

Its prob different for every clinic but our experience so far is that you need to submit the characteristics of the donor that you are looking for. And obviously all medical history and prev cycle info etc.

And then have a consultant initail consultation and an implications counselling session.

Spain is an option. We ruled that out as a plan A as we would prefer our child was able to trace the donor when they are 18. This isn't allowed in Spain (unless you somehow track them down with dna test kits). Also I'm not great at flying - I like it but often get unwell from travel etc so seemed safer to have closer as the plan.

If you go to Spain you will have almost immediate treatment I think. And there is the options of treatment with grfc at gri in conjunction with Spain. Gcrm offer similar in co Junction with a Spanish clinic. So you are only flying out a few times rather than for all scans etc.

I sat for ages one day and went through all the clinics and the different options etc.

@Nosejug I used Laurie Heaps who was based in the southside at the time but lots of people recommend Eleanor Davis who is also meant to be good.
My friend went to Spain for DE treatment and highly recommended.

@Kitty12345678 so sorry to hear about your recent FET all this is just horrible isn’t it 😢

@Kamiros your holidays sounds amazing! Such a good plan, really wish I had one soon but I don’t think our next holiday will be until April although hoping to go away for a night in December for my birthday which will be nice.

ive been doing okay, we have done some more testing including DNA fragmentation, Karyotype genetics and I should be doing the NHS miscarriage bloods in nov. The clinic have confirmed will start medication for next transfer in December with transfer in January so at least that is something to look forward to! Really couldn’t come soon enough just feel ready to go again!

@Ellenn Thanks. Its been amazing, home tomorrow sadly. Glad to hear things are progressing for you. We're going to take a little longer to decide what to do, I'm no clearer. Haven't been keeping too well even while out here- very little appetite (though not complaining about the weight loss), some hair loss and generally run down so I probably need to see the doctor soon and see what's going on with that before I make any plans.

@Kamiros hope it was nice for you to get away to Florida. You have been through so much recently, I can understand why you are feeling this way. I’m thinking about you a lot. Take time to heal xxx

@Ellenn im glad to hear things are progressing for you. That’s great that you are getting all the tests and are booked in soon.

@itsmschanandlerbong @Nosejug Im interested in acupuncture. Tbh I’d try anything at the moment to help with stress and help
fertility.

Atm I’m having a bit of a mental health breakdown. I thought the grief of this year would get better with time but it is getting worse. Im thinking it might be because it’s close to when my due date would have been and I’m also dreading the holidays. I’m currently only working from home now as I have crying most days and can’t go out in public for long periods. I’m seeing two therapist but neither seem to be helping much. One is a bit patronising and out of touch (saying you are young just don’t stress and it will happen 😠) and the other is an NHS IVF counsellor and she just looks like she isn’t exhausted and not really listening to anything I say. I’m looking for another one now.

i called up yesterday to do my last embryo transfer and they said they might be able to get me in Nov for an unmediated one. But then called back later and said actually there is no space and to call back in December. I’m really disappointed, as I was hoping to go on holiday over Christmas but now I have to put my life on hold incase there is a space 😞
i also spoke to an immunologist about getting my NK cells checked, he tried to sell me a ton
of other tests which come to about £5k. I just wanted the one test to rule out if it’s an issue and need treatment for. Anyone had this test done know were I can go for it? I know I have thyroid antibodies, so I’m wondering if this could be cause for my miscarriage and implantation failures.
Hope everyone is doing okay as the holiday season can be so hard. Wishing you all the best. xx

Thankyou @IVFlife for such a full reply. It’s good to have an idea about nhs donor eggs, as I really didn’t think it was possible. Great to know about the English clinic wait list too. From your experience, it sounds like I’ll be doing the same, having my nhs OE round, then taking next steps. Thanks again for all that info.

@itsmschanandlerbong thanks for the acu practitioners names! I am still thinking about it, though I had a pretty awful experience the other day (detailed below) that I’m not sure how it will affect what’s to come.

@Ellenn that’s amazing you’re about to go again! All the best of luck to you, glad you’re feeling excited :)

@Kamiros sorry to hear your health hasn’t been good, I find it so annoying when ppl site stress as a factor for health issues, but I do recognise how such turmoil can have physical effects. I hope you (and your partner) keep looking after yourself as best as you can. Glad to hear Florida was so good! Our long-planned trip to America was cancelled last minute so maybe I can make it something to look forward to later in the year if treatment doesn’t work.

@Kitty12345678 I’m just so sorry to hear you’ve been so down. I so appreciate you making the space here to say about holiday season being tough. We’ve just had a month of visitors all with their own children (3 different families) and I found myself having to go be by myself to manage my emotions. People who haven’t struggled just have no idea.

I have been crying quite a bit the last few days myself, I had that lletz procedure a couple of weeks ago, but (appropriately) on Halloween night had a massive haemorrhage and had four blood transfusions and two bags of platelets. I think it was touch and go. If I’m honest, the idea of doing anything voluntarily to my womb/overies/cervix rn is incredibly hard to imagine but hopefully the trauma will pass after the danger has receded. I don’t know what the consequences will be for treatment anyway. Another gutter ball!