FET / IVF August 2023

[KG1244]

I’m due to start my second round of FET in August so thought I would set up this group for some treatment buddies ❤️

thank you @GCS34 . yea this was suppose to be my first ivf but it pretty much got cancelled because my doctor want to save the attempt for the next cycle because my insurance only allows 3x max and we only had 2 large size follicles. I got my plan for the next cycle. They plan to tweak my medications and add Estrace prior to my stim medications and try again.

@GCS34 the embryologist who called me back earlier said that FETs do have a slightly better success rate, not so much that they won't do fresh though but interesting that they don't in other counties. If I don't go ahead with a fresh then my first FET is discounted, £1300 with meds instead of £2300. Obviously its just depends on the quality and how many there is..may be worth asking my clinic what grade they will freeze. As a person who is self funding I do have to consider that side of stuff too. The private hysteroscopy and discounted FET cost more than a whole new IVF cycle. Also been reading about polyps being diagnosed during pregnancy with no issues on live birth.

I get that and did wonder if that's why you weren't sharing, it really is hard with how much can change in those days. Mainly I hope you feel happy with the numbers for all the extra stress your body has had to go through in those extra days and with the mild OHSS and that your recovery is speedy.

@Peonies19 it's just so unpredictable and with this polyp/mark situation, although I knew it was there I hadn't prepared for it coming up as my last clinic who did the 3 IUI just labelled it as scaring when they saw it on the scans, could only be seen when my lining started to thicken so they still went ahead and did the 3.
I found IUIs more draining than the IVF, so much holding of pee and scanning of sticks or looking for smiley faces.

I hope you have some nice things for you and your partner to do before jumping back into it, it's so important to live and do nice things rather than just living scan to scan/test to test etc

@Peonies19 sorry when I say I wasn't prepared for it coming up, I knew it would likely be seen at a certain point in my cycle but didn't think it would cause an issue like it has as I've been under the impression it's just a scar from where they cut and burn it, sorry sleepyhead cannot think of the right word.

Hi @Ellenn , thank you. yea, I was very sore from the stim medications and developed an allergic reaction on the injection sites couple days later then my boobies were super sore that I can barely roll over without going ouch! I never had these injections before so it was a lot for me and I don't think I will ever get use to them either but I keep thinking to myself that these may all be good signs then I saw my period and I started tearing up.

@GCS34 thank you ! How are you doing with OHSS ? I seem to have come through the other side now but incredibly painful days 1-4 like I had a balloon in a tummy, mild sickness and just absolutely shattered. I also got a haematoma around my cannula site which has been a pain and a bit concerning but clinic don't seem too worried just keeping an eye on it. Prior to the egg collection - hair falling out/acne (WTF 34 and looking like my teenage years!)/bloating etc ... so fun!

Like you I didn't want to shout about numbers but to give hope to others as whilst my AMH is through the roof (139) the Dr wasn't too hopeful about quality and OH has a low count we have managed to freeze 5 good quality (they didn't tell me on grade) embryos and we find out today if there are a few more to add. I can't believe how blessed we have been to get to this stage. Like you said I don't want to be a "face rubber!"

I have heard the same about FET - science today is pretty awesome and seems to be a good route as like you said the body can chill for a bit I'm glad to be hormone free for a few weeks.... just sooooo frustrating how many periods of waiting there have been so far!

Has anyone had any advice about preparing for FET?

I have everything crossed for you today! You too @Helene2019 !!!

@Peonies19 do you have a plan going forward ? I am sorry if I have missed the post!

Morning @Lowo21 I’m okay I think this am. In pain but not as bad. I was trying to explain it to my husband and the only way I could was it feels like it’s rotten in my stomach, and also like when you’re so desperate for the loos d it feels bruised, like that but x50. I didn’t sleep last night at all which surprised me as k thought I would but think it’s drugs / adrenaline / pain - my body was just freaking out.

im glad you’re in the mend. I too am 34 but I’ve not had the hair fall yet 👀 I E got super thin hair so I better not 😂

that’s great you have 5!!! Yesterday they told me my estrogen was 5,000 pg/ml so I’m on high watch for the next few days. Good to know you’re feeling better. And 5 in the bank is ace. Well done to your ovaries.

and agree. I don’t want to make anyone feel bad or rub it in like you. I don’t think Comparing to anyone is great, but with ivf it’s even more counterproductive as even your own body can fluctuate month to month so literally no point! We’ll see this morning how many made it through the first cull!

have you got a eta yet

@GCS34 omg I know right I could only explain it as the worst gas pain! Probably tmi but I found lactulose helped with going to the loo and I literally didn't stop drinking water ! Also I found putting a pillow or two under my knees helped too and just keep on top of the pain meds I was advised to keep taking them even if the pain lessened for the first few days at least. The hair falling out seems to be a unique thing fortunately I have a lot of it so just buying shares in drain cleaner !

You are so right, everyone is so unique and it's so difficult to predict. One thing this journey has taught me and I am sure you all feel the same is how precious and what a miracle it is to actually conceive and give birth! I totally underestimate the luxury!!

Eta on FET I think (if we follow the plan - this never seems to happen) is w/c 24 sept 😳
I have to have a whole cycle off from today (woke up to be greeted by AF - bitter sweet as this is not something normal for me so yeay but feel yuck again haha!). Then start on fyremadel and oestrogen and see what's what!

Have you been given any idea of eta? How are you feeling about FET now?

Took my first clomid this morning. Really nervous reading about side effects on 50mg when I am taking 200mg! Has anyone else taken clomid?

Hi all, I’m on Northisterone for about 3 weeks prior to stims and I’m about 2 weeks in. Is weight gain normal with these tabs or is it all in my head? I haven’t been eating any different but I have literally 4lb on in 2 weeks. I feel awful 😞

@Hopingforno2in2023 Hey, I did 4 rounds of Clomid started with 50mg and went up and had menopause type symptoms. Felt a bit sick in the mornings too but it was manageable a friend had Clomid 200mg too and just had slight mood swings . Hope you feel ok and fingers crossed for you !

Thanks lowo I really hope it is like that for me too :)

Egg collection yesterday went ok. Waiting for embryologist to ring today to let us know how many fertilised. Based on past performance I'm hoping 2-4 fertilise normally 🤞. Spent all of yesterday in bed with paracetamol and drank soooooo much water I think around 4 litres!!! Also stuck to very light meals - soup and milky cereals etc.

Prob TMI but the pain isn't the egg collection itself - I'm pretty sure I was snoring through that! It's after the pain meds wear off... I imagine it's what it feels to have cystitis, trapped wind and severe constipation all at the same time 🤢. Pain to wee, pain because you can't pass wind, pain to do a number 2. But I'm out the other side now, everything back to normal and my belly is no longer all puffed out and bloated. Now just the joy of pessary action.... Hope everyone else is going ok after collection.

@Lowo21 Yeah like trapped wind sort of feeling. I keep having to lay on my back to try get everything moved off my stomach. My drs told me to get senakot yesterday to help with going to the loo, as if you don't, it hurts a million times more. Yeah I'm a big drinker at the best of times, but I'm just throwing in those electrolyte tablets to help rebalance. Thanks for the tips and hope you're not on Mr. Muscle for much longer!! 😉

It really has yes. And it makes me wonder how anyone gets pregnant naturally! My body is just shit and can't figure it out itself haha! I think the day I get a BFP I am going to just feel like it's some sick joke! 😆😅

Ah okay so about 7 ish weeks. Are you happy about that or upset with the date? I think it is the only time in the TTC world where you want your period to come right?
Yeah so my clinic said I should have a period in about a week, then providing my bloods are okay and I'm feeling better, we'll start the progesterone and estrogen building up to TF. Sat waiting for the embryologist to call eeeek!!

Jinx @Helene2019! I am literally just sat watching my phone like that is miraculously going to make them ring sooner.😂How are you feeling this morning? Have you managed to go to the loo yet? 👀I too felt shit yesterday. It hurt to even move at one point! And being desparate for the loo wasn't good as it hurt and pushed on stuff!

YES on the pain thing that's totally it. Like trapped wind, indigestion, and like you've eaten a HUGE meal and are in a food coma! I hope you're feeling better. My clinic told me to take sennakot to help with the loo situation !

Really good to hear about your egg collections @GCS34 and @Helene2019 (not sure if I have missed anyone! @Lowo21 did you have one too or just waiting re transfer?). I hope you get the results you hope for in the next few days :) And that you are feeling a bit better and not so sore!

Really sorry to hear your experience @Peonies19. But like you say, you are working to get the next cycle right and it is all about understanding what works best for our bodies. Take care of yourself over the next few days, acts of self care are so important especially when going through something like this. Sending you hugs!

@GCS34 started to feel a lot better this morning having gone to the loo. Still loads of wind, though no more stomach pain. Am still sticking to light meals like yesterday (soups, broth, scrambled eggs, porridge etc). Already drunk 2l water today too! The water definitely helps. I'm just on paracetamol but haven't needed any since yesterday.

Embryologist called and we have 3 fertilised normally. Based on the last 4 rounds, I think it is unlikely these will survive beyond day 3 due to the drop offs that happen. Just got to wait for the next update on day 3.

I am hoping others have better news to report re fertilisation.

@GCS34 glad you are feeling better! Have you managed to get some time off work? I found it hard to do anything afterwards apart from lie watch tv/read a book! Hope you manage to get a better sleep tonight. Have you heard yet how many fertilised? The waiting for phone calls is so stressful 🫣

@Helene2019 would your clinic do a transfer on day 3? I know some only do it on day 5. I hope they stick in there x

@Loulaki i was the same and had to wait till next proper period bleed before they could transfer after my freeze-all. I remember feeling like it took so long but now I’m like wow this year is going fast!

@Helene2019 That's good and yes I also went to the loo, but I feel very bloated and gassy like you. Have you got PCOS did you say? Sorry I can't remember everything atm! 🙈I have drank about 4lt I think already haha! I'm on the electrolytes though, and lots of peppermint tea to help with the bloating etc. I've not had anything today as I don't want to rely on it, plus I know it makes the loo harder too! 👀

3 fertilised is still good - that's the first step! Did you get any out the other rounds by day 5? Would you do a day 3 transfer if there was the option?
I had my call earlier yeah, but I don't know if it's helpful to post it ?? I dunno - I don't think it helps anyone to compare etc, as everyone is unique and every cycle is unique, even in the same people, so my results aren't really relelvant to anyone else I guess.

@Ellenn I was off yesterday but WFH life makes everything a lot easier 😉purposely front loaded my week and didn't book anything for today and tomorrow so I'm being left alone.... ish. I do find it hard to concentrate, but it beats me googling things which I would 100% do 😂Yeah the embryologist called this morning and let us know how many were mature, and how many fertilized. Hurdle 1 done, 2 more to go!

How's life with embaby on board?

@GCS34 I feel like during treatment you become a pro at googling literally anything 🤣 that’s great are you pleased? Sure you got a fair batch as you had so many on scan! Didn’t make any new records for the clinic?

I’m trying hard not to think about it but it’s challenging 🙈 even tiny things like I had to fill in an appointment form for the dentist and they ask if I could be pregnant …. Who knows 🤷‍♀️ are you just waiting on your withdrawal bleed before prepping for transfer? That’s great they will let you do it so soon! I wish my clinic let me do that

Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling rubbish post collection @GCS34 hope you feel better soon.

@Helene2019 keeping everything crossed they make it to day 3 🤞🏻

I felt terrible last night and was quite sick but much better today thankfully! We’ve had our fertilisation update and now just to wait anxiously until day 3 😬🤞🏻

Ah guys! I am currently on Norethisterone to induce a bleed. It's the last day of it tomorrow then it's just a waiting game to period. Then will start my injections and estrogen. Not sure when transfer will be but our last one failed so really have my fingers crossed as I have no more embryos left after this cycle! Sending baby dust to all xx

Thanks @IVF23. I feel okay ish at the moment, but it changes on an hourly basis. I just get cramps through my stomach and across my pelvis, which I can only assume is fluid moving around. Who knows! I am just holding out for no OHSS. I really am trying to avoid it. My estrogen yesterday was 5,000 pmo/l though, so crazy high! How are you getting on? And are you happy with your #s? x

@Ellenn ahhh 100%. me and Dr. Google are practically besties. He tells me some crap though, like having sex after egg collection helps. I'm sure a man probably wrote that one 😂I'm VERY pleased yeah 🤗I didn't make a record, but we are on the leaderboard haha!

hahah I'm like that! I didn't want to fill out a form for a spa on pregnancy, but then I was like literally have NO eggs right now, i'm very much NOT pregnant 😂Just tick yes and then you get it free haha. Win win. Yeah they said it should come next week, then providing my estrogen bloods are down, we can start prepping. But given they were 5,000 yesterday, not holding hope! x

@Ellenn oh wow you must be in such limbo! PUPO!!!!!

@GCS34 really pleased to hear you had a good call with the embryologist. Everything crossed for you for the next few days! Hope you are feeling better this afternoon. Yea feel kinda fed up with having to wait so long to get to FET but I'm trying to remind myself it's for the best as I'm sure you appreciate the negatives of going ahead too early aren't worth the risk. Sept feels sooo long away!

@Helene2019 equally everything crossed for you too, % norms seem so hard to apply to IVF, miracles can happen. Hoping you are feeling a bit better physically today.

@Loulaki yes had my eggs collection last Friday. So now have to wait until sept for transfer 😣 how about you?

@IVF23 glad it was a good call for you too today! 🥰 are you doing FET or fresh?