IVF/ICSI/FET November 2023

[Sunflower360]

Hi 👋 I could not see a thread had been set up so thought I would do so. Bit about me...

➡️38
➡️Low AMH being main issue, last test was around 4pmol in the summer
➡️Have had an abandoned and failed IVF cycle in Spring of this year due to failed fertilisation, OH had low morphology, other parameters ok so ICSI advised next time
➡️Since then, I had 2 x consecutive ICSI natural modified egg collections and have 2 x day 5 ❄️❄️ and 1 x day 3 ❄️ embryos, whether they are any good, only time will tell
➡️I'm about to start another egg collection on the mild protocol this time and will (hopefully if it goes ok) transfer this time

Please join the rollercoaster for November as you wish!

Hi all :) EC went well and we got 9 eggs of which 8 were mature. Very happy :) Hope all is well with you @Runner77

@Sunflower360@Socu3
My clinic tested me for the thyroid panel and Anti-Thyroid Peroxidase antibodies level was high in May, at 130 U/ml (ref: 0-34). That was the only parameter out of normal range. Our nutritionist advised to try gluten-free diet for 6-8 weeks and test again. I retested my thyroids in August, Anti-TPO came down to 29 U/ml, with an unexpected side-effects of getting rid of my life-long constipation! No steroids prescribed for me.
I've seen much higher numbers for antibodies with other people and you probably don't have time to experiment like I did at this point, just thought I'd share my experience.

@Sunflower360 Hi, no it is the normal protocol. We did have a consultation with Create RE mild as I have low AHM but were persuaded to give max dose a try. RE Your thyroid - I've had all of these things tested (through the NHS as I have had recurrent miscarriages) but all came back clear..but I think thats good they have found something and they have a solution for it.
@BebeBelle Sorry to hear you have had a tough time, I hope they have been able to adjust things this time based on what didn't work before. Thanks for suggesting counselling and for your kind wishes. Yes I have the appointment with the clinic in place, it is part of the package.

@Caubabatko It is hard - but we are where we are so lets think positive and do everything we can, and have faith in the things working out. AMH is 1.6, so very low unfortunately. Agree with you regarding food - I have put on over half a stone this year and it is because I keep eating when I am not hungry! Grazing on all of the fertility foods!

@Hopingforno2in2023 that is fantastic news! Are you doing ICSI? How did you feel during and afterwards?

Yes we are doing ICSI @onewishplease. Just have to wait for the fertilisation results in the morning. EC was very easy and I feel a bit sore now but nothing major.

@Socu3 @Caubabatko thank you both. My levels are 270... high, especially when the level is set at 34. I did not see that one coming as I have no symptoms, and my TSH levels are under 2.5. I would try a GF diet but not got time, as transfer could be in 4 weeks, but I think I'll try to reduce my gluten levels, not sure I've got the headspace to go completely GF, as I'm already doing a low carb, high protein diet 😬... can't say I've noticed any issues from a gluten point of view though, I consume it ok etc

@Hopingforno2in2023 that's a good results, fingers crossed!

@Socu3 what were your TPO levels? Think I'm prescribed 5mg twice a day of the steroid, was there a reason why they upped yours after transfer?

@onewishplease hope the protocol works well for you, and good to hear you had the tests done too. Best to rule out as mucb as possible at the offset

@sunflower360 my levels were 400 plus. I can't remember the exact figure but way too high! I began working with a functional Dr in Sept who recommended gluten and dairy free diet which I started almost immediately. I haven't had my thyroid retested since but I feel so much better and look better too but that's an added bonus. I'm really hoping the lifestyle changes have helped the antibodies which in turn should help support fertility and this current journey.

@Socu3 thanks. So hard isn't it, I understand full fat dairy is quite important for a fertility diet too, not sure what to do for the best! What were your TSH levels? Were they under 2.5? Hope your journey and transfer is going ok so far

@sunflower360 by last July my tsh was down to 2.1. I increased my levothyroxine dose to 75mcg which my fertility clinic pushed for. So at least there's that.
Thank you, its going OK so far. I've been constantly going back and forth in my head thinking its worked or it hasn't. It's exhausting! I've got cramping feelings today so who knows...

@Hopingforno2in2023 Fab results today, fingers crossed for more positive news tomorrow.

@BebeBelle Well done I'm not testing, I have no patience and have never made it past 6 days. Transfer is tomorrow morning for me, and I'm already thinking about how early to test this time... I think some time away is a wonderful idea, I used to live in Paris a while ago and it is one of my favourite cities. I'm very jealous, but it should def take your mind off things a little. Enjoy!

@BebeBelle - you’re doing so well being patient. Paris will be fab.

My transfer was 4th November- can test on 14th - which is so long! I have a FRER here tempting me - I might not quite make it the full 10 days… 🫣

Not sure what I’m doing specifically to distract - work is v busy, twins are super active and just life things. Reading a lot in the evenings which is lovely. No matter what you do it’s in your mind….

Open to tips from anyone!

Welcome @Rebekah77

@BebeBelle @kirstysmbc @TT82 thanks for your well wishes. EC went pretty well, collected 7 eggs which is less than I hoped for but I'm still grateful for that number. I had a restful day and a snooze in the afternoon. I just heard from the clinic that 6 have fertilized and they will recheck the 7th one on day 3. Great start but I'm so nervous about having a big drop in numbers and having very few, or none, left at day 5.

@Hopingforno2in2023 so glad to hear it went well for you! Hope you are feeling ok and good luck with next steps too. Fingers crossed for lots of blastocysts.

@onewishplease @Rebekah77 welcome ladies and thanks for sharing your stories too. Wishing you all lots of success

@Hopingforno2in2023 Let us know how you get on today, fingers crossed things have gone well over night.
Hang in there @Socu3 the waiting is the hardest part, and yes, totally exhausting. I try to have little hobby projects I can do to distract me from googling symptoms all evening..
@BebeBelle have a great time in Paris, I love it there. My partner and I had quite a few of our early dates there so it has happy memories of falling in love (on brand for Paris!). Keep being patient, it is the best way, testing too early completely messes with your head.
@IslandsintheOcean The 14th isn't actually that far away, but I know it feels like it! At least the twins are keeping you busy. Glad you are enjoying reading. What about making something, or watching a series like Miranda or Fleabag? I don't normally watch that much TV but this is so tiring, it does help to zone out, and apparently happy laughing hormones help..who knows!
Hi @Rebekah77 hope things are going ok.
Hi @Runner77 That is good news you got 7 at EC and fingers crossed things go well over the next few days. Have you also had ICSI?

Have a good day everyone X

Morning everyone

first dose of utovlan down the hatch !

lots of water & tea today
heading out for a run tonight

Fingers crossed I can loose a bit more before next clinic weigh in 😹

Great news @Runner77! I just had the call to say 5 of mine have fertilised overnight.

Enjoy your run @Rebekah77

@ononewishplease that's a great idea. Yea atm I'm spending any free time googling symptoms, it's insane. I'm not at work today which is nice but means I have more free time! Meeting a friend later so that will be nice

Well done @Hopingforno2in2023! Wishing your user name right 🤩

Hi guys, I’m just about to start my sibling journey and I’ve been told my husband has to redo all his blood tests for ‘virology’ reasons even though it’s a frozen transfer. I can’t see any logic to this and feel I might be being taken for a ride- has anyone heard of this before?

Hey @StillTrying10000 yup was advised these expire after 3 months so will need redoing every cycle

know it’s sickening when they are so expensive for both of you to get them redone 💜

@Rebekah77 thanks. Do you know what’s the logic for a frozen transfer if the embryos already exists why does my husband need testing? Weird.

@StillTrying10000 Could it be because you are then at risk during the cycle if he did have something and you have unprotected sex before transfer?

Hi everyone,
I just thought I could give you an update. I was called by the hospital the day after my collection to say that out of 13 collected eggs, 7 have been fertilised, but I ended up not feeling very well. I don't have pain any more but my abdomen is very swelled and hard to touch. I don't know if this is normal or how much bloating is normal. I called the hospital and they asked me to go for a blood test tomorrow morning to confirm if I can go ahead with the transfer on Saturday.
Today (day 3) I had a call from the embryologist and she told me that all 7 embroyos are developing. However, while they expect 8 cells on day 3, only 2 of ours have 8 cells and all the others have 7 or 6 cells. Has anyone have an experience of 6 or 7 cells day 3 embryos make good blastocysts?

@GOL i'm sorry that you've not been feeling very well, but fingers crossed you're feeling well enough for transfer on Saturday. In my first cycle, I had varying quality embryos on day three (6 to 8 cells), and 6 of my 7 made it to good quality blastocysts, or at least good enough to freeze or transfer. Keeping everything crossed that yours do as well.

@Hopingforno2in2023 fab news from the clinic today, fingers crossed for more good news tomorrow. @Runner77 Hope you also had good news today.

@BebeBelle @Socu3 hope everything is going well in the 2ww. I'm joining you today after my embryo transfer. We'll see how long I can hold out before I test 😆