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 ❤️

Hi to everyone, looks like these few days are very busy and stressful for most of you, so wishing best of luck to everyone!! ❤️

@ARM23 that's a very good outcome and well done!!! I am in the mid if stimulation for my first EC, but also will be foing back-to-back if they confirm I am reacting and it is possible. I am 41, and based on lots of cp quality is my issue :( So I really need to bank on good embryos these few months

Thank you for the welcome everyone!

@GCS34
I had very good collections
1st - D5 embryos 8 all went for testing
2nd - D5 embryos 9 all went for testing
It was £250 per embryo 😣. So no holidays for the next couple of years.

The result came as a complete shock, I hadn’t been drinking for 18months, I have no medical conditions, I have a healthy lifestyle. My consultant is great and very reassuring and if I wanted I could have a break down of exactly what was wrong with them. Science is incredible!

@GCS34 I have been looking at PGT testing and am also with a TFP clinic. They use a sliding scale for costs - it gets cheaper the more you do, but works out around £600-700 per embryo at my clinic, and unlike some clinics they don't have a separate fee for set up. They do have all the pricing on their website.

@GCS34 I have no idea how it really works either, you can tell I paid lots of attention to my consenting videos! I have been told it brings on a kind of menopause like state, so turns off lots of hormones. Luckily I haven't been too impacted, but some people find it really tough. I've never been offered short protocol for egg collection, but it worked ok last time, so can't complain.

@kirstysmbc oh I can confirm downregg pills are horrible and I am the one that reacts badly to hormones drop. I literally thought I am going into menopause fast or just losing my mind, my husband had to deal with lots of negativity. My dr felt sorry for me but said nothing csn be done
I am dreading next EC cycles not because of stims and injections, but because of the downregg pill, it completely messed up my brain 😖

@TT82 Oh no, I'm sorry you have such a bad reaction. Could you discuss a short protocol instead to see if that might work, or an alternative down reg medication? I use buserelin, which can be given as injections or a nasal spray...

I've just received my day 3 update, although it's good news I can't help but feel deflated, I don't know if that's because I expected more. (On the last cycle I had 100%fertilisation and 3 out the 4 made it to good quality blastocysts) although none implanted.

Today, out the 7, there are 4 that are doing well 1x grade 1(the best) that they are freezing today (i think its a 7 cell) and 3x grade 2.
And the other 3 aren't doing so well, 1 is already compacting so ahead of where it should be and the other 2, have the right amount of cells but are more fragmented so grade 3.

Do you think I have a chance of any getting to a day 5 blastocyst?

My last day 3 call, they were all at 9 or 10 cells and grade 2.

@kirstysmbc thank you! I will mention this to my dr next time and ask what protocol we are doing as no clue. They are not the best in explaining, told me in my situation it is the best and that's it 🤷🏻‍♀️
I am on menopour 225 daily, today day 6 and now third time on ganirelix. Tomorrow scan so will try to get more information, yesterday blood test they said good and just to continue...whatever that means

@TT82 no way! I didn't realise you were doing embryo banking! That's such a good idea and I think we would do that next, if our 5 don't work. Has anyone got any success stories from lower grade Embryos? C's not like D or E or something. I know grades are pretty pointless a lot of the time, but i'm trying to be realistic in my head.

@ARM23 wow that's incredible. Do you mind me asking of the 8 and 9 embryos you tested, how many came back genetically normal? And did they result in a pregnancy at all? I think it is £400 at my clinic. I'm going to look now though! I dunno if I would do it though - sometimes it's better not knowing, you know?

@kirstysmbc No way you're at TFP too. And on the same timelines as me and @Lowo21. You might have to turn our twin club to triplet club soon! If you have PCOS then you're defo in the elite, shit, PCOS club!! Thanks for the info on the down regs - I don't know a great deal about it all cuz it's not what I've done.

@LavenderJoy Sorry you're feeling deflated. It's really shit isn't it? I was the same. They may keep some going for you like they did with me and I got another 4 out of it that are still classed as 'good'. With the 1 that is ahead of where it should be - does that mean that's a good one, or is it not good to be ahead? Great you have a top notch D3 in the bank though. I think it's highly likely one of the 3 others that are doing well will make it to D5. Did they give you any indication on their view? X

@GCS34 they said the 1 compacting wasn't considered normal as its going to fast, so I have 4 good ones in the running, I'm hoping the 3 being left to day 5 will make some good quality blasts 🤞 these phone calls and updates are torture, I think i would rather not know the grades as its one less thing to stress about.

They said if the 3 make it to day 5, they will then thaw the grade 1 day 3 to day 5 aswell so they are all at the same stage, so I will have to just wait and see what happens Satursday. I'm so anxious.

Helllllo everyone - just heading back home after my Day 3 transfer 🙂 I'm told to test on the 23rd

More updates: so my embryologist said all of my 13 eggs were of top quality, and the reason just one fertilised could be due to the ICSI procedure itself. My husband's sperm sample was "borderline" apparently to make a choice between ICSI and normal IVF. (Idk what to make of the update.. I feel bleh)

Anyway, the strongest one is now inside me ☺️

And to add, my day 3 embryo was "average" quality 8-cell (not "top"), with something like a 3:3 grading (not "4:4") I have zero idea what that means .. anyone?

@lavender do you know why your clinic froze 3 at day 3? Just curious how other clinics work, mine will only freeze 1 at day 3 if you are on a freeze all cycle.

@scaredynoob yay for the embryo being on board! I'm glad you have an update and atleast more info about the lack of fertilisation. Are there any lifestyle changes your husband could make to improve his quality to give you a chance at IVF rather than ICSI? Have you seen the 'save our sperm' programme on channel 4? I ask this as they made changes across 10 weeks and it made a really big difference and it was just small things like reducing heat in the boxer area, reducing caffeine and sugar.

So I have my final numbers in, thought I would share. My situation is 35yo, single using sperm donor.
20 follicles, estimated 8 eggs as my clinic only collect from 11mm or above.
EC - 7 collected
Day 1 - 7 fertilised
Day 3 - 1 arrested at 1 cell, 1 at 7 cells, 5 at 8 cells, 3 good quality 2 top quality. Had a day 3 transfer of 1 top quality - could not be given grading.
Day 5 - call was early and none had gone to blastocysts but still developing. Was advised they would keep an eye during the day as I had a later afternoon EC.
Day 6 - 2 made it to the freezer last night - 3BB and 4BC or CB, was in a shop so couldn't write it down. 1 was a blast but had a D so couldn't be frozen, 2 were not fully developing/lacking cells and 1 was still at 1 cell.
Asked if there was chance for the 2 that were not fully developed but she said unlikely and would they be okay to discard them (I know it's what they have to do but made me so sad at the thought). Kinda wish I'd asked them to keep an eye on them today and kinda hope they do and the destroy any none viable at the end of the day yet I think if she thought there was a chance she would have suggested this as they have been great throughout.
Obviously happy to have one inside and 2 in the freezer but can't help but be a little sad re them ones that didn't make it

@ttcsolomumtobe Sounds like a great little batch! Are they similar to the grades you had previously? Also, forgive me for asking (As so many clinics grade and rate embryos differently). The ones you found out about on Day 5, why are they 3BB and 4BC, does the number not relate to the day they were transferred? I thought 5BB for example, was a day 5 embryo? Sorry being thick! The B's and C's are a great result though! Bet you're chuffed right? I have recorded save our sperm too.

Also, for anyone with MF, my friend's husband had borderline low count and was told to try make lifestyle changes for 3 months, then retest. He did everything they said, and they conceived naturally 3 months later. And she is 2 now

@LavenderJoy I know how you feel - sometimes ignorance is bliss right? IT sounds like you have such a good chance of a couple more tho. Look at me - I had 1 x B, and loads of F's and E's. An extra day gave us 4 x extra embryos to freeze! So I have faith that they'll know what they're doing. They're not just 'making us feel better' by saying it like I thought they were. I hope you're okay though - sounds like you have a good shot there for sure!! Fingers crossed for Saturday. Are they ringing tomorrow to update you or not?

If anyone can answer me the riddle - If you had a 5B, does that mean it was frozen on Day 5? Or does it mean that it is a '5' grade, on the 1-6 chart, 1 being cells, and 6 being hatching?

@GCS34 I always thought that the number was to do with the days but it's not, attached a screenshot below so will hopefully help with your riddle too. Yea I am chuffed, as like they say it takes one. For me it maybe be worth doing another EC due to age before FETs and trying to use the same sperm donor. Going to focus on the one I have in and give that all my energy and focus now and reassess if needed.

Congrats on your transfers ttc and scaredy!

I passed my driving test but have tested positive for COVID so waiting to hear from the clinic. I assume this cycle will be cancelled :(

@Hopingforno2in2023 Congrats on the driving test and so sorry about the Covid. I had that earlier this year before my frozen transfer cycle and it is so frustrating. I hope you aren't feeling too unwell with it.

@ttcsolomumtobe thats a decent haul!!! Fingers crossed it all goes well tis time!

@ASGIRC thank you so much and yes absolute fingers crossed! I have been keeping a watch on the July and your updates, just not commenting much as feel miles behind but glad things are well. Hope you get to ditch the pessaries soon... I know the deep hate you have for them 😂 excited to hear scan updates too!

@Hopingforno2in2023 Congrats on passing! Another arrow for your 'mum-to-be' bow, and another thing set to bring a little monster into the world! 🤗

Have they said anything about Covid and cancelling? I don't think it has an impact on being pregnant, however, It might be more to do with them not wanting COVID in the lab etc around other embryos perhaps? Have you given them a ring (or asked Dr. Google cuz he is SO wise 😉) and see what they say?

@ttcsolomumtobe yes, and Ive been reading this one to keep up with your progress!
I have 6 more weeks of them, all going well... Are you on pessaries as well? Whats your protocol?
Keep flapping from being really positive to thinking its not gonna be good news next week... Its getting really boring! LOL

Hi GCS, when I rang earlier to report my symptoms they asked me to do the test as they wouldn’t want Covid in the clinic which is why I assume it will be cancelled. Am just waiting for them to call me back after I left an answerphone message. Hopefully I will know for definite soon.

@ASGIRC aww that's so sweet of you! 6 weeks feels forever in fertility wait time doesn't it 😂 I'm on pessaries 200 x 3 a day, finding them okay but think that's cause they have the applicator stick so gets them right up high and can do it without touching them, they are so damn melty as soon as they get warm.

My OTD is 21st so will take them till then and believe they either get extended by 6 or 12 weeks when positive pregnancy test. My plan is to hold off testing till OTD as I'm off work that week so can process the results. It was so interesting seeing all of the July people's testing but some days it felt heavy seeing so much and all the worry so know I'd just be a mess when it's me.

You were so positive from the start that you did well to manage that long and so positive for everyone in the group.I think when you get into a cycle and feel like "this could be it" it just makes you realise how much you want it and how important it is so it's natural to worry and have off days, just don't be harsh on yourself about it.... Otherwise it will be a long pregnancy. I mean I say this to you now as relatively calm only 3 days post transfer.... I'm sure there will come a time when you are relaying these words back to me 😂

@GCS34 out of my 17 that went for testing, I have 2 in the freezer that are genetically normal 4AA and a 4BC.

I have 8 going for genetic testing, on Monday (can’t send on a Friday). Fingers crossed for one more.

I haven’t had any transferred yet. We made the decision with the consultant to try to get a couple in the freezer, to one day have more than 1 child (seems very optimistic now). I hope for the first transfer in September.

@ttcsolomumtobe 3x day is half of what Im on!! LOL And mine dont have an applicator. So the grimmness is even worse, trying to get them up enough!

Good luck with your wait! While I ended up testing a lot sooner than expected (and a lot MORE than I thought I would), I dont think I would be able to hold off completely until OTD! But good on you if you can!

Its mroe the reading about other peoples losses that makes you scared that things might not work out for you. If they didnt for others, what makes you so "special"? If that makes sense?
But thats also not "me". Im the happy go lucky, always look on the bright side of life, person! So it has felt a bit weird to be on this... I dont want to call it rollercoaster, as it hasnt been that up or down, but just the flip flopping...

One week until the scan, and I kinda feel like I can relax after that!