FET February 2024

[kirstysmbc]

Hi, just thought I'd see if there was anyone else doing a FET cycle in February that is looking for a cycle buddy?

I'm due to start meds at the end of this month, hopefully with transfer mid Feb. This will be my first donor embryo cycle after final attempts with my own eggs failed last year.

@seekingbabyk I am okay thank you, no real symptoms as such other than a metallic taste and the odd cramp here or there.. but still on all the medication..

I can’t get too excited yet, but my bank balance has taken a hit from the pregnancy tests..

@seekingbabyk oh I would definitely prefer a glass of white while away for sure 😂 so glad the clinic were kind and were compassionate. Makes such a difference. That’s good that you already had a protocol set up prior to this last round so you’re ready to go from there side as soon as you’re ready yourself. I really rate you taking time off. It’s easy to get caught up on back-to-back cycles to speed it up but sometimes, knowing what’s best for the end game and that might be having a bit of time away.

yeah that’s exactly what I think with us. If they were going to stick they would have done so why prolong the torture as you say? And that’s great on your clinics advice. Thanks for sharing 🥰 I think plenty of sitting and people watching will be on the menu, bit of walking, and of course lots of delicious Italian food!! Do you think you’ll go away in your break?

@Staryskylark that’s great you’re testing strong on clear blue. do you have your 7 week scan booked? So pleased for you. I really am! Even if you did par boil yourself in a blanket 😂🙈 honestly we all over think everything don’t we? But in reality as you and your clinic say, people are pregnant and still drinking / smoking / doing their every day thing and deliver a happy healthy baby so a few days in Rome 4 days after transfer will be fine and a good distraction as you say! 🫣🤞the embabies better get used to travelling as we go away lots so may as well start ‘em young 😅

@GCS34 it's kind of a forced break for a few reasons - 1. Money - we have a couple of house renovation bits going on that need to take priority for a few months. 2. Supplements - we were recommended to take the supplements and eat well, not drink etc for 3 months before EC. We both stopped supplements in November when we decided to transfer instead so want to get back on that first. 3. I pretty much did the first three rounds back to back and it really affected my MH with hormones all over the place. I just want to feel normal again from these meds before going again and I've read it can take a couple of months for your cycle to be back to normal again too so I'd rather wait for that. I'll see what consultant says in two weeks though!

Omg that sounds so amazing I'm really jealous! Have you been to rome before? The colosseum is amazing! And yes definitely eat all the pasta and pizza! You could be eating for two! (Or three 😉)

Yes I think we'll have a holiday but no idea where. We love a city break, also have a 5 month old mini dachshund so we're talking about a uk log cabin with hot tub type break and some country walks, or maybe just a week in Europe all inclusive just relax and enjoy some sun. Honestly have no idea though right now. I'd love to be doing longer haul but I can't really be dropping £5k on a holiday knowing we have this to pay for!

@kirstysmbc I'm really sorry to hear that the chemical was confirmed... that's so difficult and i imagine a huge emotional rollercoaster. i hope you're taking care of yourself <3
@ThinkPink37 welcome, and congrats! I hope it is continuing to go smoothly for you :-)
@MaybeBabyTwo crossing everything for you that your day 8 will bring positive news. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow
@seekingbabyk I'm really sorry to hear about your negative. how are you feeling today? sending you warmth
@GCS34 I was also happy that I did DET. If you're ok with the risk of twins then I think it's a good way to go.
@beachbum85 my line progression has progressed - thank you <3 in fact...
... I'm hesitant to be so happy (for all the obvious reasons we all know), but I did get a bfp yesterday and today. (6dp5dt and 7dp5dt). So I am now in this weird state of very elated/disbelief, and yes cautiously awaiting time to pass and get confirmed from my OTD and of course, time. love to all of you on this thread

@kaydevo7777 - congratulations, great to hear some positive news.

I am now 7dp5dt and haven't tested yet. I almost cracked this morning, but DH talked me down. I think I will test on Thursday morning (day of my blood test) so at least DH and I can find out together.

The progesterone is sending me on a rollercoaster of emotion. Sometimes I feel quite zen about it all, others I am all doom and gloom. I find it hilarious that I'm expected to do a full time job during all this madness... they're definitely not getting the best of me at the moment 🤷🏽‍♀️

That's amazing @kaydevo7777 - congratulations ❤️

@muddlingthrou I felt exactly the same. The brain fog! I feel like I didn't stop apologising to clients for mistakes I was making. Keeping everything crossed for you for Thursday 🤞🏻

@muddlingthrou i am on 7dpo too :) when is your office test date for testing at home? In my clinic its very late - 15dpo

I am tempted to test a bit earlier around 9dpo or 12dpo.

@seekingbabyk I don't think a break is a bad idea. If the two frosties don't work this time, then we'll probably take April and May off from everything IVF (bar being a zen goddess and eating allllll the nutrients) which I think can be beneficial long term. What supplements did you take that you had to stop prior to transfer? I think point 3 on the mental health is the key one for me - that would be one of the main things I would want a break for. You forget to be in a relationship and 'live' don't you? I think the spring off and sorting house stuff won't be a bad thing. I'll be with you so we can start a separate chat of 'Trying (really F'ing hard) to not try' 😂What date is your consultation?

I've not been to Rome, no. We had it booked for my Husband's 30th, then covid hit and it got cancelled, so my he bought it for my birthday so we can finally go! Haha all this talk of it 'not' working, but imagine if it worked....twice.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh doggy pictures please!!!! I love a mini dauchund! They're the cutest. And I agree on the money - £5k can be better spent on being off your tits on drugs 😅a week in somewhere like greece would be lovely and not too ££

@kaydevo7777 thanks for the advice and how are you feeling today?
@muddlingthrou - Thursday before your beta sounds like a good idea -- you're together and getting the news in a nicer environment than over the phone. They don't do that over here, I'm not sure if I would prefer it or not. And I agree on the work front - they are definitely not getting their money's worth right now!
@kirstysmbc sorry to hear your lines have got fainter. It's such a horrible position - worse than a negative I think so I'm thinking of you x

@biscuitsndtea - I have a blood test at my clinic on 9dp5dt in the morning, then they call me with the results in the afternoon. Last time I went through all this in 2021, they didn't call me until almost 4pm, so that day was absolute torture! My DH also has a work event on Thursday evening, so I'd rather we found out in the morning together and had a bit of time to process either way. Wishing you all the luck in the world!!! Not to encourage symptom spotting, but how are you feeling?

@GCS34 @seekingbabyk - thank you both for the solidarity. Hoping you can take some time out and get some v.well-deserved R&R xx

@muddlingthrou not much positive symptoms

Mild breast pain, back pain and very occasional tiredness

@muddlingthrou thanks xx
wishing you good luck too 🤗

@muddlingthrou thank you😊sending you calming vibes until thursday, and yeah i tested before the otd so that my partner and i could find out at the same time. also because i wasn't getting any work done either, i can relate
@seekingbabyk thank you ❤how are you feeling today?
@biscuitsndtea will be thinking of you if you decide to test 9dpo/12dpo. sending you calming energy
@GCS34 i'm feeling positive, but cautious and looking forward to my otd to have further confirmation and speak with my doctor. Have you decided on the DET ? I can't seem to remember when you said you've decided to start that process?

@GCS34 I want taking everything in the "it starts with the egg book" I can't remember the whole list but it's a lot! Yes diet definitely helps that's one of the points in there about being low carb Mediterranean diet, etc. not quite mastered that yet! 🥴 consultation is 13th so not too long! This is the pup - he's a cutie 🥰

@kaydevo7777 yes I feel ok thanks lovely. I can feel the progesterone leaving my system and the side effects going like headaches, bloating, etc. I think I just got used to it by the end of the TWW but actually you forget how it feels to feel normal! Do you have blood tests booked in now?

@seekingbabyk oh hey puppy!!!😍He is just the cutest! Who needs a baby when you can have him! I have heard about the 'it starts with the egg' book but heard mixed reviews on it, some of it to be taken with a pinch of salt, but I haven't read it myself so I can't comment. How are you finding it? Are you into podcasts at all or are they not really your vibe?

Oh yeah, it's the lack of sugar for me that is my biggest stumbling block! If we do a fresh round I'm going full yoga spiritualist for the cycle 😅Maybe we can share tips on how to avoid sugar while trying to remain semi-sane! And the 13th isn't long away at all 😊

@kaydevo7777 Definitely keep enjoying it, the fact it's getting darker is positive, but I totally appreciate your reservations. When is OTD and do your clinic do bloods? And yes, we've decided we're going double bubble as, like some others have mentioned, they really don't like to do DET's so the fact they are recommending it, says to me that we should.

@GCS34 yes!!! Like an IVF diet/fit club! We should do that actually with some meal ideas, etc as I'm useless! Haven't listened to any podcasts about it. Yes it's definitely take it with a pinch of salt but like anything I think even a small improvement can help!

Hi everyone, sorry for jumping on this thread again but you all seem so knowledgable. I’m not doing a FET yet but am currently on day 5 of my stims and starting to feel pretty sore and cramps, does anyone know is it ok to use a hot water bottle at this stage or is it not recommended? Thanks in advance for any advice

@Capybara95 there is a lot of mixed advice on hot water bottles during stims and after implantation, but most references say to not bring too much heat to the area. Personally I opted to not put a hot water bottle in the area for fear of damaging egg/embryo quality. I wore loose pants and slept on my side a lot. I did drink lots of herbal tea though, specifically ginger with lemon and honey to help soothe cramps.
@GCS34 tomorrow morning I have my blood and urine test with my clinic and they'll call the following day. excited for your double bubble! this thread is the first i've heard to that term and i love it. <3
@seekingbabyk sharing meal ideas and just general diet and tips for the pre IVF, stims, TWW all of it - super helpful. I have collected a few good recipes that I can share. (a delicious beet soup being one of them!)

Hi ladies, sorry I've taken a bit of a break while I've been dealing with this cycle, which has hit me quite hard. Had a beta today to share with my clinic which came back at 38, which is definitely way too low for 11dpt (average would be about 300) so I'm expecting to be told to stop meds now.

@kaydevo7777 Good luck for your test tomorrow, got everything crossed it's a great result for you 😊

@biscuitsndtea and @muddlingthrou, best of luck for your OTD too 🤞

@kaydevo7777 thanks for your reply. I don’t want to risk anything so I will just struggle on, not too bad at the minute just hopefully will stay that way. That’s a good tip about the ginger, lemon and honey tea, I’ve been drinking peppermint tea but so try to get some of the ginger one too.

Have just read you got a positive, congratulations!! Love seeing the good outcomes

@seekingbabyk Sounds like a plan!
"IVF tips and tricks" ~ coming soon to a forum near you!

I have a good podcast I listen to that I find is super helpful but also quite fun too and makes you feel less stressed about it all as it is chatted about by two girls and like it's totally normal and chill, which for me helps.

And I totally agree on small helps! Send any tips this way (or I could just buy the book).

@kirstysmbc So sorry it's hit you hard - I am not surprised as travelling adds another layer of commitment to it all, when we're already committing so much! Where do you think you'll go from here or are you still not in the frame of mind to discuss it? What have the clinic said since you've rang them with your result?

@kaydevo7777 how'd you get on at the clinic? And is double bubble a UK thing? I didn't even realise I wrote it haha! And yes send the beetroot soup recipe over, soup is on my 'keep your uterus warm' list, and beetroot is proven to help with endometrial lining which my body is notoriously wank at thickening!

@kirstysmbc @GCS34 thank you! yes the appointment went smoothly however they call tomorrow with the results from both the urine and blood so I have to wait. This is my first community to talk about IVF etc, so maybe i'm the only one in the world who doesn't know "double bubble" haha . Anyhow I love it - Oh, and here is the beetsoup recipe :-)
https://activepregnancy.fittamamma.com/soups/prenatal-nutrient-recipes-beetroot-soup/?fbclid=IwAR3MfS76mnBxyjWzvKV_sy3gDK1jWJ93AboRqiEb6Z-MSIVzW-Dq83rOH60
@Capybara95 yes, i found any kind of beverage or food that is warming made me feel good. soups, stews, teas

@kirstysmbc sorry to hear that xx

Hopefully you hear some positive news from the clinic that these levels are normal 🙏

@biscuitsndtea thanks. I'm actually quite frustrated with my clinic. I sent them my results, which, from my Internet research indicate less than 5% chance of a viable pregnancy, and they sent me back a congratulations on your positive result. I would just have preferred a little bit more of a realistic response, like preparing me that this is very low and unlikely to work. And even when I pushed back on it, they refused to say anything, except it might double, we need to see the evolution. Although today's test was lighter again, so I think by the second blood test, it will be much lower.

@GCS34 no decision yet on next steps. This was the only embryo available from these donors, so I would need to find out whether there were any other suitable, matching embryos, or whether to try double donor IVF instead. Or just call it quits and be incredibly grateful for my beautiful daughter.

@kirstysmbc that sounds so frustrating. I too think often clinics lean towards being so positive about every result that they forget it's important to put things in perspective and prepare us. I too have found feedback so vague and just middle of the road - i'm thinking of you.

@kaydevo7777 amazing to hear you continued to get BFPs! I hope tomorrow's call confirms everything for you xxx

@muddlingthrou well done for holding out (and yes, impossible to stay focused whilst waiting!) and best of luck tomorrow - I'll be thinking of you and hoping for the best news xxx

@biscuitsndtea good luck whenever you decide to test! keeping everything crossed!

@kirstysmbc I'm so sorry the beta came back low, and that the clinic are not being helpful at all... that is super hard especially knowing the extra effort it wil take to try again! Sending you huge hugs xxx

@Staryskylark that sounds very positive and I hope all goes well at your scan! Keep us posted and I hope these couple of weeks fly for you xxx
Oh, I also kept myself too warm one night and woke up in a sweat so I'm glad you're saying you did that and it didn't affect implantation... stops me overthinking what if... so thanks for sharing 😄

@seekingbabyk I started a bit of a withdrawal bleed yd, 5 days after stopping, but still waiting for proper AF. Last time it was full on 3 days after, so it varies. I hope it won't be too bad for you. A bad period after a failed attempt is really hard to deal with... Totally with you on feeling less alone in struggling together whilst also wanting to see more positives for others. It is odd, but I definitely feel like a positive after a struggle is a win for all of us going through this journey 😍I really hope your next round is the winning one! 🤞🏼3 months prep and a holiday sounds like a great way into it again.
And your dog is gorgeous!!!

@GCS34 I'm glad your husband agrees to go with the DET, and I'll be cheering you on doubly! And I was the same thinking that embaby better get used to travelling... and it worked, he stuck and is a great traveller now! I spent our holiday away in the tww telling that embaby: look, if you stick around, there'll be much more of this to come... aren't you curious? wouldn't you like to see more? haha my partner thought I'd lost my mind BUT that embaby is now my son 🥰

Just paid for our next FET today... the end of March appointment is both a review and planning appointment so I'm hoping that I'll be able to start immediately if it'll be around the start of my period and I'll be going with a natural cycle again. Lots of assumptions 😅 in the meantime, flying out for work and then holiday on Monday and just looking forward to not thinking about all this for a while - if I can stop myself Googling!

Weekend back home was lovely and I did have a HUGE commiseration glass of wine, which didn't sit too well on my stomach though, and will keep me off the alcohol for a while, which is no bad thing.
And yes please for the IVF tips and tricks club! Sweets are my downfall too, and I'm a super fussy eater so really had to push myself to eat the beets, but I'll save the soup recipe...
What's the podcast you mentioned @GCS34 ?

Sorry for the long post - I find it hard to keep up but I love reading all the updates and chat!