Long protocol

[WelshMamtoEH]

Hello

I am into the third week of my long protocol. Started Suprecur on day 21 of my cycle and then Meriofert 2 weeks laker. Today will be day 6 of Meriofert. Still on Suprecur. I have a scan on the 20th. They've increased my dose of Meriofert to 225 IU.

My consultant has put me on this protocol after a cancelled cycle on the short protocol where I only had one acceptable follicle. There were a whole bunch of follicles that were 10mm and another one that was far too big. I had a feeling that the short protocol wasn't going well as I couldn't feel anything going on internally. I had no twinges, no cramps, nothing (I did a cycle 7 years ago where my ovaries actually hurt. I had 18 follicles (which I've since been told was probably too much. However, it did result in a baby so whatever).

The thing is, I'm not feeling a great deal now during this cycle and I guess I'm assuming that no abdominal sensations = no success and that abdominal sensations = success due to my past experiences.

My question is, has anyone got to egg retrieval stage when having felt very little if anything going on in their ovaries? Sorry if this is a daft question but I'm at that stage of borderline obsession and struggling to focus on anything else and seeking some sort of hope, from anywhere.

Thank you x

Hi @WelshMamtoEH ! Sorry to hear about your cancelled cycle.

I never had a high number of follicles (11 max) but I didn't feel a thing in my ovaries and still retrieved 6-8 eggs. I know it's much easier said than done, but try not to worry, the only way to know is through the scan. Only 3 days to go... I'll keep my fingers crossed for you xxx

I did short protocol but I didn’t feel anything at all during the build up to retrieval. We ended up with 5 eggs retrieved with only one that fertilised that was transferred back in day 3. Currently 5weeks plus 6 days pregnant. It really does only take one so stay positive.

@JadeAC aw this gives me hope. Il be on short protocol too. My nurses appointment to sign the paperwork is on the 27th 🙈 I know its not one size fits all but can I ask what you did during the whole process when it came to diet/supplements/sex life/time off work/exercise etc. I can private message if that is better? And how long does the short protocol take? Is it roughly two weeks?

@Sherr33 No don’t mind at all. I had to loose 3 and a half stone to be approved on nhs. I now have BMI of 28 so that was a real achievement for me but still not skinny. So on run up to procedure until the month before I was still being good 6 days a week and having a treat day. On the month before we started the injections I cut all alcohol out and just tried to be reasonably healthy. I didn’t go mad but I was trying to put goodness in my body. I’ll be honest, I’m not big on exercise. I did do classes to help with weight loss but did barely anything other than walking on the month before. have been taking supplements called ovum for quite a while. Our sex life carried on as normal but we were advised not to have any sex from when period comes before treatment right up until after you have your result.

I started my period on 6th September and had my scan and started injections on 8th September. I did 10 days of the injections and had egg retrieval on 20th September.

I worked while I was doing injections but I did take time off after retrieval right through the tww. You don’t have to and It’s not something that would affect the result but I’m a police officer and I just didn’t want to get into anything physical etc or have to explain why I was in the office all of a sudden so it just suited to take time off. I was pleased I did as the only symptoms i had after transfer were tiredness and I was very crampy. It was just like period cramps so I was certain it had failed and period was coming. Fingers crossed for you. I found the tww the hardest, stay positive.

Thank you. I don't do much exercise myself tbh. I try but fail miserably. Now my excuse is its too cold! Diet wise I think I need to maybe start having some more fruit and veg. I eat okay. I think maybe more sugar as I have a terrible sweet tooth. This might be odd question but if they advise to not have sex during those times wouldn't it affect the sample negatively when it came to EC ?

@beachbum85 @JadeAC Thank you both for your responses. They've made me feel better. I appreciate it. @JadeAC massive congratulations. to you. xx

@Sherr33 No because they tell you which day he has to have some ‘alone time’ to make sure the sample is right 😳😳😂😂😂

@JadeAC ohhhh 🙈🤣😂 hahhaha il give him a hand 🤣🤣 hahaha

@Sherr33 😂😂😂