ERA EMMA ALICE testing thread 8

[Gardenlady543]

@2021ivfagain @kerrym87 @Janefx40 @seven201 @thislittlebird @Spin101 @Enfys23
@CailinInUK @BewilderedBee @Loz2467 @Lori2022 @VenusStarr @clhiu @Faithhopelove83 @APSR @ChickenT2b @Mina209 @IVF22 @Lizzybeth1988 @AM08 @Fluffykins33 @Sar1010

Continued in from thread 7 :)

@Gardenlady543 Well I’m worried as I had hcg infusion on 11th July transfer day of 5000iu gonasi. It was treatment for low nk cells, but a doctor at clinic said to test to find out if I should have more treatment for lingering bv infection. So worried now it might be false positive. All I have had are twinges. When I was pregnant before, I was nauseous, tired. I do get breathless as well.

How long does a 5000iu gonasi last?

Oh wow @2021ivfagain surely that is amazing news! I know you’re worried about infection, but as I’ve just learnt with my tooth problem some antibiotics are perfectly safe in pregnancy. I know you’re worried about lingering trigger, but if you have a clear line on both tests and it’s 11 days since the trigger you should be clear of that. I was given gonasi 10000iu for my FET and was told it should be all clear within 10 days so I highly doubt it’s lingering trigger.
But I completely get the worry and concern all considered, plus the situation with your dad, it’s a lot all at once. Have you booked your BETA HCG test?

@Sar1010 I really appreciate you explaining the details of your situation, I do now recall about your endo issues, but indeed you do hear about these miracles stories when people suddenly conceive naturally so I know I’d want to keep trying naturally anyway whilst waiting for testing, procedures and ivf cycles.
I always had heavy tender breasts and some nausea very early on with every single one of my pregnancies although I know that anything at all before 6dpo cannot be pregnancy related yet. I also had some pulling, poking and twinges, but not the same level every time. I’ve had breast heaviness for the past couple of days and I’d swear some light nausea this morning, but that could also be the antibiotics for my tooth. Been having some low level twinges and pulling too, but hard to know whether could just be my bowel because of the antibiotics too.
I must say that the TWW on a natural cycle is far easier than the one time I did IVF, I guess it carries less weight physically and financially at least and if it’s another negative we can just get back at it straight away, but then of course I’m sure I’ll still be very upset if this cycle hasn’t worked out.

@Enfys23 I really really hope you had something to transfer, thinking of you xx

@CailinInUK that sounds like a very promising follicle count, although I fully understand it’s still a long way to blasts that have passed all genetic tests successfully. Good to hear you’re so close to the next EC, I’m hoping for a positive outcome on Tuesday xx

@2021ivfagain I have gonsai in my cycles too and it was all gone a few days after transfer, I don't think it's possible to be in your system still. Also the lack of symptoms mean nothing, I've seen so many people insist they aren't pregnant because of a lack of symptoms and they were, it is very normal to have no symptoms at this point, any symptoms people do have are likely the meds like Progesteone. This is really great news, remind me was this a single embryo transfer? Have you got a plan from your specialist as they had asked you to test?

Aaaaah @2021ivfagain this is really really great, I really don’t think it should be in your system. How exciting and of course nerve wracking too.

@clhiu yes!! I get the heavy boob feeling too… so that does sound very reassuring to me!

@CailinInUK this weeks appointment was a bit odd because the WI-FI was down in the whole of Harley st. So he didn’t have my notes… he thought he saw a huge endo cyst. But then he called later to say it was a collapsed follicle from ovulation ?
he assured me that before I do an egg collection or Hycosy I should do a laparoscopy… I don’t have medical insurance so just weighing up if I should use my funds to do the laparoscopy privately OR to take the referral and go down the NHS route. Just not sure I want to wait the waiting times of the nhs…
so in a way it’s going well with Bill Smiths he’s definitely confirming the endo that I’ve always been suspicious of.

Oh wow such good news @2021ivfagain I agree that it shouldn’t still be lingering. Crossing everything for you.

@CailinInUK excellent progress!

@CailinInUK @Gardenlady543 @clhiu @2021ivfagain @Sar1010 Thank you so much for the kind wishes. I barely slept last night and my heart was in my mouth taking the call from the embryologist. But it was good news. So we went in for transfer. I also had pre and post acupuncture so finally home and feet up now. They said the blastocyst is excellent and scored 10/10 on the CAREMaps. We were there quite a long time though as it ended up quite a discussion with embryology and our consultant as to whether we transfer the second embryo which has made it to blast but is very poor. Third Embryo had arrested completely. At one point it looked like we were going to have a double transfer but then before the final call they looked really carefully at all the Timelapse and said it just wasn’t behaving right and they thought it was so poor (below CC grade) that it might harm the chances of the one that’s doing well. I feel they gave it due consideration though and I at least will not be left with what ifs. I trust the team that was on today too so that helps. Plus reality is they will have to hand us back a lot of money if this transfer doesn’t work as it’s our last shot from the 3 cycle 100% refund package, if we cut it down to that crude element. So just have to cross everything now.

I know it’s hardly my first time at this but any tips for the first few days post transfer? I’m thinking of taking it extra extra easy this time.

That's great news @Enfys23 and great they listened to you and thoroughly assessed the second embryo. I really hope you aren't getting a refund, because this works. I rested for the first few days after the transfer, just laid on my sofa watching tv and doing Lego.

That’s great news @Enfys23, so pleased for you there was one to transfer and was indeed excellent quality, I really want to to work for you.
Not a huge expert having only had 1 transfer, but avoid anything that may cause contractions in the stomach muscles or uterus at all for the first 48 hours.

Does anybody know whether Codein (of the over the counter strength) is definitely safe to take at this stage of potential pregnancy? My clinic advised that and paracetamol for pain management with my tooth, but I’ve read some confusng sources saying it can increase the risk of heart defects and miscarriage if taken in early pregnancy. Does anybody know anything about that? After 3.5 days on the Amoxicillin and it getting much better for a couple of days, my tooth started throbbing again so unless a miracle happens in the next 24 hours I’m gonna have to call the dentist back first thing Monday and either ask for an extraction or the stronger antibiotic which isn’t fully pregnancy safe. I’ll see how the pain progresses between now and then.

Thank you so much @Gardenlady543 @clhiu . Exactly @Gardenlady543 we so hope that too.

@clhiu over the counter strength codeine is very minimal (16mg over two tablets usually vs 60mg in high dose prescription strength). I think short term use of such a low dose at this stage is not where the studies you are reading are coming from. Codeine is frequently prescribed to pregnant ladies who need it and the main concern is newborn withdrawal if taken late on in the pregnancy. It has to be your call and you have to do what you feel comfortable with but if your clinic say it’s okay I hope the info I’ve given can give some context and reassure too.

@clhiu I’m sorry you’re getting these problems. I know paracetamol is definitely safe in pregnancy. When I was pregnant with my son, I had extremely bad migraines. I had to take paracetamols at times.

@Gardenlady543 I had two day 5 blastocysts transferred as they were untested and I was 40 at egg retrieval. One was 6B+B+ and other 6B+B-. I’m so nervous as I had a swab done with Home Diagnostics and it revealed gardnerella. The other swab was normal, but the doctor at Home Diagnostics still recommended treatment. I forwarded this onto my clinic and they are hesitant to give me antibiotics. Anyway I have to use canesbalance, but discharge has got extremely bad today. I have to test again on Monday. I just hope things don’t get worse.

@Enfys23 So pleased you get to transfer stage. I know how difficult it can be.

@CailinInUK Pleased the cycle is going well.

@Sar1010 Thank you. Just nervous as I suffer from recurring BV.

@2021ivfagain hmmm treatment is usually metronidazole and you said that doesn't work for you, did they advise any alternatives.

@Gardenlady543 Actually metronidazole worked better for me than clindamycin. BV always comes back when my hormones are fluctuating. I would use metronidazole again, but they are hesitant. I’m going to use canesbalance with Flora femme tonight. Hoping I feel better tomorrow. If not, I’ll be calling my clinic again. Two canesbalance a day used to really help me but don’t think they will allow that. Ph feels really high. It’s good first thing in the morning but then gets progressively worse. The problem is when I stopped canesbalance for transfer, symptoms came back. I don’t think I fully got over the last infection. I think I will be on probiotics for the long term as microbiome is so unstable. Do you know whether metronidazole is bad in early pregnancy? What do you think about canesbalance in evening with Flora femme and vagibiom in morning?

@Gardenlady543 I find canesbalance more powerful than vagibiom in so far as it balances ph but does not dramatically lower it as much as canesbalance.

@2021ivfagain oh this is great news. It won't be the gonasi.Totally understand the caution but this is a good start!

@2021ivfagain metronidazole is used in pregnancy, there's a lot of weariness in early pregnancy as so much cell division is happening. I think you'll have to follow what your specialists advise, but people can treat the infections with the acid product so you're doing all you can.

Hi everyone, it's been quite a while since I came on this thread. Dh got sicker before he got better, so no good news from me. He's had 2 further operations now, had an infection but think he's through the worst now.

Congratulations @Gardenlady543

@Janefx40 hope all is well with your little one.

@2021ivfagain great news. Keeping my fingers crossed for you 🙏

@Enfys23 I'm so pleased you got a top blast 🥰 enjoy being pupo

@clhiu are you doing superovulation this cycle? I'm in the middle of one, furst time we've been able to try in a long while. I'm around 5dpo but have zero hope it's worked. I triggered last Monday at clinic but my biggest follicle was already 22mm which they said was too big really but 2 others were too small, around 15mm. I'm taking gcsf / neupogen injections too and they make me feel rough. I've had a weird twingey / sharp ache behind my left breast for the last couple of days, I'm not sure if it's hormone related or muscular. My test day is next Saturday, when do you test? Fingers crossed for you.

@CailinInUK @Sar1010 hope you're doing well 💕

I'm 40 next month and I think we're coming to the end of our journey now. We might do one more ivf round early next year but I think I'm nearly done. We're taking a couple of months off after this cycle. 6 years, 6 losses is enough. I don't have the same drive or desire anymore. But I actually feel ok about it if that is what happens for us.

Anyway, thought I'd check in and say hi. Lots of love xx ❤️

Thank you so much @VenusStarr it’s so kind of you to come on here and send us all good wishes.
I'm so sorry to hear you and your dh have continued to have such a trying time. I hope there’s still a good outcome for you on this journey whether that’s trying with superovulation cycle or a final IVF try. Those who’ve not suffered with infertility will never understand the pain that comes with it. It sounds like you’re doing so well. Wishing you lots of luck and love xx

@Enfys23 thats great news about your top quality blast, may this be the one that works! Great that your lining is best it’s ever been too. Surely this is your time.

@VenusStarr I’ve been thinking of you lots and hoping all was ok. I’ll be coming to the end of this journey some time next year too. Squeezing in as many stim cycles as I can before then. Hoping for the best for you. x

So good to hear from you @VenusStarr I'm always wondering how you are ❤️ so sorry to hear DH has had more health challenges :( I hope he's on the mend now. You so deserve for this to work, you've been through so much.

@VenusStarr so good to hear your "voice". I think of you often. I thought of getting in touch many times but didn't want to intrude.

Sorry about DH but glad he's on the mend now.

You've been through so much. I hope you feel good about choosing an end point. I know I got very very lucky but through the journey it was also about having no regrets and knowing that if it didn't work, I would know I had done all I could. You can definitely say that.

Hopefully you will have good things from this cycle or the fresh cycle next year.

Sending love xxx

So good to hear from you @VenusStarr, I’ve wondered how many times how you’d been getting on.
Sorry to hear DH issue got worse and he continued to have health issues, I hope he’s finally sorted for good now and you both can put that behind you.
I couldn’t possibly blame you for deciding to call it a day if this or next year’s cycle don’t work out, what you have done and gone through really is much more than most would and I for sure wish I had the gut to decide to call it quits as I’m certain my life would be all the better for it. Whatever happens and whatever you decide, I hope you achieve the satisfaction, happiness and serenity you so deserve.
I am indeed in the middle of a superovulation cycle, 6dpo to be precise so we’re very close. Official test day is next Thursday, but I may test Wednesday just for piece of mind as currently dealing with a dental abscess. Trying not to read too much into symptoms or lack thereof as both the antibiotics I’m on to manage the infection and the paracetamol I’m taking ti manage the pain can mimic or even mask some pregnancy symptoms.

I hope you’re not feeling too poorly @clhiu

Just wondered if anyone has ever had fertility massage and 1) found it helpful 2) know whether it’s something advised during 2WW?

@VenusStarr so sorry to hear you had so much on much going on at once. I hope DH is on the mend now. I joined this thread much later than most of you so wasn’t aware of the journey you’ve had. There comes a time when we have to put ourselves and our mental and wellbeing above all else and unfortunately not everyone knows when that time is. I’m really hoping you have success with the cycles you have left this year ❤️

@2021ivfagain congratulations on your positive test. I hope you’re able to agree on medication with your doctors.

@Enfys23 so pleased you had a blast to transfer yesterday. I have had fertility massages before. I can’t imagine they are recommended in the TWW as it would be pressure on your abdomen and organs. I can ask the lady I used to see if you that will help.

@CailinInUK if I remember correctly, your EC is tomorrow. All the best and I hope they’re all/most of them are mature!

@clhiu so sorry you’re having dental issues. I really hope the pain reduces very soon.

@ChickenT2b all the best for your surgery next month

I have everything crossed for all of you testing this week and next x

Thanks @Spin101 . Yes, it’s EC tomorrow at 11:15! I‘m so impatient that I always ask for a maturity call in the afternoon so will post results here. How are you doing? Is it 9dp5dt?

@Enfys23 I wouldn’t do a fertility massage in the TWW. Hope you can relax in lots of other ways, you’ve done the hard work and there’s not a lot extra you can do now. Fingers crossed.

@CailinInUK I don’t blame you! Very close - it’s 10dp5dt today. I had ruled this cycle out based on how thin my lining was pre transfer. However, on Thursday night I had pink/brown spotting and twinges so I tested and got a really faint positive. I barely slept that night as I’ve never had a BFP in 3 years of trying. I’ve been testing every morning since and the line has been getting darker. However it feels too good to be true. I’ll test again in the morning and call the clinic to find out next steps. For those of you who have been through this stage, at how many weeks did you have your scan? Is it weeks from the positive test or gestational period?