IVF November 2022 - thread 2

[countrypunk]

Hello everyone, shiny new thread for us IVF warriors.

@Crystal88
@Jx3303
@LF82
@Hopewishprayer
@Foreverhoping33
@Cat89

@countrypunk I am so sad to read your update, I hope with everything that the spotting and cramps stop and all is ok at your scan. I know it's a very anxious time, and with IVF it's so hard not to think the worst when you have been through so very much to get to this point. Thinking of you, always and we are all here x

@Crystal88 gosh I know they are Drs and have to give medical advice, but really you'd hope for more empathy after your last cycle. I'm so sorry - that really isn't what you needed to hear. Many of us can relate with the weight gain - I for one can and along with everything else it really plays on my mind and knocks my confidence. Bloating and hormones are of course going to effect us. I am also at the same Create clinic as @LF82 and we have both done the embryo banking (although I haven't done the 3 yet). Were you on quite a high dose of stims previously, sorry I can't quite remember.

@LF82 I hope your call goes well on Thursday and you get a plan put in place for going forward. Everything always seems to take so long even when private, I always seem to have obstacles in the way which slows it down.

No update from me other than I have to get my yearly smear next week (ugh) as I had an abnormal a few years ago. I didn't end up needing treatment but I was stressed last year in case it came back abnormal again. Fingers crossed its clear this year too. I will likely cry given the amount of times I have had Drs and Nurses down there of late. I enquired about a private scan up here in Scotland which I have to get in my August/September cycle to hopefully confirm the cyst is gone - but I can't book it until I start my period. Then we will have a follow up with the Consultant about next steps. I'm at that point of wanting to make a plan but also very scared x

@Crystal88 if you do have any questions about Create please do ask, between @Jx3303 & I am sure we can answer them. The 3 egg collections back to back was harder than I anticipated if I am honest but I have some comfort in knowing we have some embryos for the next stage

@Jx3303 it’s a fine balance between wanting a plan but also being scared about it isn’t it. I know that feeling. I just hope they will put my mind at rest a little about what I can actually expect. I also want to ask if I can have the scans at the new second clinic they have opened in Manchester as it’s much closer to where I live! I know for embryo transfer I would have to go to the main site but this might make things a little easier for me.

@countrypunk like @Jx3303 we are all here for you & hoping you have positive news on Friday. I just read an update on another thread that a woman is now 5 months I think and has had light spotting throughout but all tests and scans etc have been ok 🤞

@Jx3303 yeah i was on 225 Bemfola so a high dose, i get the impression the nurse i spoke to really didnt know what to suggest. She said she had consulted with someone who said to test my AMH, due to low egg count on last round, but i really dont think they know what is causing it. All i can do is lose the weight and have faith that after the blood test they will know what to do. I really think they should of given me a double trigger like the 1st time. She said the blood test will also dictate in future cycle whether i should be having a single or double shot xx

@LF82 oh thats handy they have a new clinic, where about is that? If only there was one closer to us! It's just an added cost having to have things done up here privately. Hopefully you can go to the new one closer to you for scans. Yeah some days I just don't want to decide what to do, other days I want a plan and to know what to expect, much like yourself. I have a counselling call tomorrow so will be good to talk things over with her, my head and heart constantly changes its mind. The thought of going back down to Manchester for 9/10 days to do cycle 3 isnt a great one but I am also like, what if none of the embryos we have left are normal. I am terrible for catastrophizing but its also possible.

@Crystal88 yes of course, as @LF82 says, here for any questions you may have! I went from max stims (300ui menopur) NHS to 150ui bemfola with Create. However I have low AMH (which they have never tested but I was told it was 2.1 in August 2021 I think it was before my NHS cycles) and have low ovarian reserve, I only ever start with 5/6 follicles and they never all go on to be the correct size - so came away with 4 eggs and 2 eggs, I was lucky with the rate that fertilised and went to blastocyst but the quality of those I am now doubting. It's always just so much factors isn't it, hopefully as you say with the bloods they will be able to make a plan going forward x

@Jx3303 yes it’s in Bury which is more North of Manchester than where the Wilmslow clinic is. I hope the counselling call tomorrow is helpful - speaking to someone not emotionally involved can be really helpful I think x

@LF82 that's great that it's closer to you, hopefully that's more helpful with appointments going forward. Yeah I am hoping so, it's so hard to know what to do. Knowing what I'm like - I will probably say to the consultant what do you advise and do whatever that is. I am indecisive at the best of times and these are very big and hard decisions to make, I'm just worried the impact of another collection and the toll on my mental health really x

@Crystal88 If it was me and I could afford it, I would go with the clinic who could tailor treatment to my specific case. It sounds like @Jx3303 has had a good experience with Create and I would want to go with a clinic that has ideas and is on top of the latest research.

I know choosing is so hard though. So many factors.

@LF82 @Jx3303 Thank you. I wallowed a bit this morning but have managed to pull myself together. Far worse things happen to people. What's a little infertility! (Joke. It's shit, but not as shit as many other things.) It's the cramping alongside the spotting that's worrying me, but I need to hand it over because there's absolutely nothing I can do about it. Like Crystal says, what will be will be.

@Jx3303 Have you decided what you will do about another cycle yet? I've been very torn about PGT-A, swinging from I definitely will to I definitely won't! It's very hard. I read an article recently which said that even embryos that have been tested as aneuploid can result in healthy babies. The chances of that happening are pretty low though I think. I'm just terrified that all my embryos would come back as abnormal and then I'd have no chances whatsoever. Perhaps if you did another round and banked another embryo or two you could feel more confident about having at least a couple of normal embryos to transfer after testing?

@countrypunk I'm glad you feel a little better ❤️ how much did your clinic say to up your progesterone by?

I thought I'd decided I didn't want to do cycle 3 and just test the ones we have. Just like you've said - I'm now worried that if none of the 4 were normal, would I want to then put myself through cycle 3, and then pay testing again after that. It's unlikely I'd want to but then I'd also probably think what if. So now I'm more thinking I should just do the 3rd and leave no stone unturned I guess? I really don't know. I need someone to just tell me what's best. I am hoping by the next call we have with the consultant I'll have decided but also we should go with whatever he advises I guess, and on the last call he was keen for me to do cycle 3. Xx

@Jx3303 I texted the nurse and she didn't seem overly concerned - she just told me to put 2 in that afternoon! I'm still spotting today. It's very brown and watery (soz). I guess I'll know where I am on Friday. I have started feeling sick this week. Eating helps for a bit but the thought of most things makes me want to puke! And I've completely gone off chocolate and bread which is most unlike me.

I think I would do the third cycle. I completely get that the thought of it is exhausting and you've got to schlep to Manchester, but once it's done all you need to think about is transfer. You'll have all your embryos in the bank! I know I'm not you though and it's easy for me to say I'd do it when I'm not actually faced with the decision.

I just think, if you're definitely going to do testing, you want as many in the bank as possible to give yourself the best possible chance.

Do you do long protocol cycles or short protocol? Xx

@countrypunk I would try and take that as a good sign and I think that it can be quite normal in early pregnancy. I do however know that doesn't probably make you worry any less at all. I would also think that brown and watery is less concerning that fresh bright red isn't it, as that's normally old blood.

I know, you're totally right and the thought of it is so draining and the idea of meds and scans again likely to bring up some bad recent memories but at least if it's done, it's totally done. It's paid for - just the travel and accommodation that isn't.

The last two cycles were short protocol but the Consultant last time did speak about possibly changing it to long, but then also said we could keep it the same. I guess at least if I try and get the last cycle done in the next few months, I know we've tried our best. That was kind of the point in doing 3 too, so we'd given it a proper try. Xx

@countrypunk ah I’m sorry to hear about the cramping and spotting that must be so worrying for you, especially after ivf which makes us worry about everything anyways. I’m glad the nurse didn’t seem too concerned though. I am on a pregnancy thread now too and so so sooo many people have had spotting throughout the first trimester and so many of them and embryos have been completely fine when they have their scans! So I think definitely remain positive and wait for frodays scan (very difficult i realise!) try to hold on that it is brown blood so old and that you are feeling sick which I think is good news! I’m crossing my fingers for you!!

@Crystal88 im sorry you didn’t have that helpful a call with the nurse it’s always a bit depressing when you realise they don’t know what is going on either. 😞. I hope the next conversations you have are more useful and they can give you a bit more guidance. Sending lots of love.

@Jx3303 and @LF82 glad to hear you are both thinking about your next cycles, even though I know making plans can be scary in themselves! @Jx3303 i think I too would do the 3rd egg collection now as then you are done and will have more embryos to use. Though realise it’s easy to say when not me going through it.

ivf is just the toughest of journeys and I really think we are all so strong to go through it. Sending you all sooooo much love. Xxxxxx

@Jx3303 I totally get that. I cried at my first scan on my latest cycle, because the last time I'd been scanned was when we were told the pregnancy was over. So it probably will be emotional to begin with but you'll soon get into the swing of things again - I did. I know the thought of it all is very hard though. I think the thought of an entire cycle is quite overwhelming, maybe better to think of the very next step instead. Try not to get ahead of things. Xx

@Foreverhoping33 Thank you ❤️❤️❤️ I do feel a bit better about things this afternoon, just because I know there's nothing I can do, so what's the point in obsessing! I hope everything's good with you and baby. Xx

@Foreverhoping33 thank you for the advice, it really helps to get views from those who really understand exactly what it entails and both the physical and mental side to it ❤️ how are you? X

@countrypunk I'm sorry to hear you cried 😢 i did every single time I was at my EPU. Hopefully I will be able to get into it with an open mind and try to see it as a new cycle, and different scenario. I didn't have my 7 week scan with the IVF clinic but privately up here so I have that I suppose - although I now won't ever want to go back to that specific local clinic. You're right - take it step by step, get the scan to check the cyst and speak with the consultant, which won't be for a wee while yet, nothing is booked in. Thank you, I so so appreciate the advice ❤️
I hope that the cramping and spotting is easing up and you're managing to rest xx

@Foreverhoping33 lovely to hear from you and glad all is going well 🥰

@Jx3303 it’s such a hard decision to make, and I completely understand the impact on your mental health. So many egg collections back to back is hard. I guess if you are going ahead with pgt-a testing & as you have already paid for yoir 3rd egg collection then having hopefully extra embryos to test would be good. It’s all just so hard though!

My withdrawal bleed started this afternoon- getting some bad cramps but am pleased that at least my cycle is running pretty much on time

xx

@countrypunk Sorry to hear you've had a hard couple of days. Spotting is common in early pregnancy though, try not to panic. Only 2 days until the scan and hopefully it'll all be ok 🤞.

@countrypunk

Gah, stupid phone doesn't deal with Mumsnet format very well!

@Jx3303 I think I would also pursue with 3rd cycle lovely. Tough decision but you've paid for it and gives you a better chance.

@Foreverhoping33 how's things with you?? Have you had another scan yet? Your Week 12 won't be too long now I imagine?

@LF82 sorry to hear you have bad cramps but that's good news that your cycle is on time and no delay. Is it likely to be this month after your call that you start your medication?

@Cat89 thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it! I think it is probably best to, get the 3 done. The mounting up cost has me a bit concerned now that we have used our one included transfer. But yeah, the more embryo's the more chance hopefully. How are you doing? xx

@Jx3303 no its my AF after this - so annoying! X

@Cat89 Thank you 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽
Just a couple of weeks to go now I think before you get to meet your baby? So exciting ❤️💜

@Jx3303 Yes exactly, step by step. I think that's a good decision ❤️

No spotting yet today and less than 48 hours to go till scan. Already very nervous. I will update of course.

Hope everyone else is OK.

@LF82 oh another month to wait 😞 hope you've some nice things planned between now and then.

@countrypunk glad that you've not had any spotting today, really hope that it's all stopped. Is your DP going with you friday yeah?

I had a good call with my counsellor and after speaking to her, you all and OH I think it's best I don't overthink or over complicate things. Do cycle 3 and take it from there, hopefully get another embryo and send as many for testing as possible 🤞🏻 hopefully we can aim for October cycle and then we'll have done the 3 in the year and they are done. I so appreciate you all and the amazing advice as always x

@Jx3303 si glad your session with your counsellor went well and it has helped you make a decision

I had my nurses appointment earlier and it’s all systems go- first down reg injection is 21st August! I basically have an injection followed a week later by a scan then a 3 week wait another injection and so on. They will do bloods at the second scan in case I am down regulated enough to do the FET if not then another injection… at least I know what to expect. The nurse was so lovely so that really helped

@countrypunk Am thinking of you - hope the scan goes ok tomorrow. I have everything crossed for good news

Hope everyone is doing ok xx

@LF82 thank you ❤️ I am hoping I can just stop humming and heying and just take the clinics advice on what to do going forward. I'm such an over thinker and worrier!

Really glad you had a good consultation and nice nurse, it really helps when they are compassionate and friendly doesnt it. Sounds like a good plan and that's great that they'll be keeping a close eye on you and hopefully it may be less than 3 months til your FET 🤞🏻 are you going to be able to utilise the new clinic closer to you?

@countrypunk I have been thinking about you too and sending so much love, hugs and hope for tomorrow ❤️ xxx

@Jx3303 they said they would see if the nurse at the new clinic would do the injection for me? Felt a bit wierd that they had to check so not 100% what they new clinic actually does! Just would be a lot less travel if I could go there for the injection. Have to go to the normal clinic for the scans x

@Jx3303 and @LF82 both of your updates sound good with plans for your next steps! I hope they all go as smoothly as can be so you can both move on to transfer!! I look forward to hearing about how it goes!

@countrypunk i will keep my fingers crossed for you tomorrow and be thinking about you lots!! Sending sooooo much love I know it’s such a nerve racking day!! Please update us on here with how it goes. You have got this!!!🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞😘😘😘😘😘😘😘🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

@countrypunk wishing you luck for tomorrow

@LF82 glad your plan is coming to together

@Jx3303 October will come before you know it

i had all my appointments booked in and all being well and If I get to weight they want then November cycle to start for me xx