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.

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday thank you darling. I really hope we get a good shot at things this time. I was down for a fresh but my lining had reduced in theatre so they’re getting me back on Saturday for a scan to check it and make a decision there. If not it’s a freeze all and go in a few weeks 🤞

that’s great news you’re progressing so well and ahead of where you are. That’s so reassuring. I bet you’re thrilled. Sorry you’re struggling with ohss though. Has it increased since positive test? Remind me - how many eggs did you get? Was that the issue - number of follicles thus more fluid refilling. Hope you’re okay. Lots of protein is the best for it.

@kirstysmbc thank you darling. I hope so too. How’s the FET prep going?

@GCS34 All ok so far, 6 days into my progynova tablets, lining scan is on Monday, so hoping it's all going well in there. Sounds like you might get a fresh transfer? That would be exciting!

@kirstysmbc oh exciting. When would you be flying out?
transfer is 50/50 atm. My lining had reduced when they checked today which was odd so they said they’ll scan me again on Saturday to see if it’s thickened back up again and then go from there. Ultimately as much as I want to be PUPO on Monday, I would rather have the most optimal chance of pregnancy too. Just got to be patient.

@GCS34 that's so strange about your lining. I hope maybe they just got a funny measurement and all is good when they rescan you. How are you feeling today?

I got 9 eggs but there were 14 follicles over 10mm. My OHSS did get worse and I went to the hospital because I was getting breathless, but a couple of days later is started to ease. It started 5dpt and I'd say it was worst between 11 and 14 dpt and then began to ease off. Protein, daily snack of salted nuts and a bottle of lucozade sport each day all seem to have helped a bit, i think the lucozade sport in particular kept my urine output at a good level as I think it wa starting to drop off a bit before I started drinking them. Whilst I feel a lot better now, I'm still 2kg up and I really need that fluid to shift as it's making me look pregnant already and I don't want anyone to know yet! Is your clinic concerned about OHSS risk with the number of eggs you got, or because you didn't get it last time are they thinking you are somehow immune?!

@kirstysmbc I hope you get good news on Monday! How are you feeling?

@GCS34 Any update on how your little embabies are doing so far? If all going to plan, then transfer will be next Monday 22, so prob fly out on Sunday, back on Monday. Flights looking like £500!!

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday So sorry you've been having such a tough time of it with your pregnancy. I hope everything starts to calm down a bit more soon. One of my friends ended up hospitalised with ohss during her first IVF pregnancy, she sent a pic and she literally looked 9 months pregnant! Luckily all was fine within a few days. I'm doing ok, trying to stay positive that this is my lucky cycle.

@kirstysmbc Awww that's exciting! That is when my transfer should be but I'm not holding out. Age old story of G with her shit lining. The difference in live birth rates of a fresh Vs. frozen with my lining thickness is 22% for a fresh, and 30% for a frozen, so it's a no brainer for me. Plus I am starting to get OHSS symptoms so I'm really not feeling up to having one. When is your lining check or are you all signed off and ready to rock? £500 is extortionate!

Yes I have! So 27 collected, and 24 of them were mature, and 19 fertilised. I'm just scarred from last time as the issues with the development happened from this point onwards, so i'm not counting my chickens yet.

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday Oh god that sounds horrible you poor thing. Can I ask a few symptoms to you that you had as I have started getting some OHSS'y feelings and I'm really not comfortable doing a transfer if I feel this way, plus the added crappy lining (sigh - story of my life!) so we'll see. I feel like that's the problem with me - my lining. How are you feeling now? Did you gain the weight during stims or only after OHSS kicked in? so sorry you ended up in hospital. Really hope you and baby are doing a lot better now xx

@kirstysmbc I'm gutted for you that the flights are so so expensive! I guess it's the time of year 🥲 still, let's be positive and think how much the money won't even matter this time next year if you have a baby in your arms.

@GCS34 if you've got some OHSS type symptoms then I think that plus your lining issue is a definite reason to make a plan for FET. I didn't even have any OHSS symptoms after my egg collection, I was bloated on stims and stayed the same for a few days post-EC. After that, I was just a little bit bloated from the progesterone pessaries (I could tell it was different, not sure I can quite explain why!) The doctor did say my ovaries were still enlarged on transfer but she couldn't see any fluid, she did warn me I was still high risk though.

My weight returned to normal a couple of days post-EC, I only gained very slightly during stims. I would track yours if you think you have OHSS. My early symptoms were finding it uncomfortable when weeing (especially at the end of the flow), burping and hiccuping, bloating (as my stomach got bigger, it was really rock solid when I was stood up but if I was lay down I could sort of push it from side to side and it felt like a water balloon 🤣🤣), I couldnt stand up straight without feeling a horrible pullling sensation around my diaphragm and sitting was also uncomfortable (was only really happy lying on my back with my head on a couple of pillows), at the worst stage I had a tightness across my lower chest and too much talking or any walking about made me breathless. I didn't really have much pain (my back was very sore at times, I think from too much lying down) and I was drinking okay (I did lose appetite at the peak), urine output stayed pretty good and no diarrhoea - I think those are the major risk factors for moderate/severe OHSS. My highest weight gain was 3.7kg.

I didn't get admitted to hospital, they managed me as an outpatient, but honestly I would hate to see how it would feel to have it any worse.

I didn't like to say to you before now, as I know you were hoping for a fresh transfer, and I know you didn't get OHSS last time, and I know you struggle to get good lining for FET... but I would be very, very cautious if you have some symptoms already. I don't regret having my transfer as I am over the moon to be pregnant, but truthfully I don't think I would go for a fresh transfer again in future if another full round is ever needed.

Sorry I've written you a complete essay here 😅 but I hope it helps, as I really struggled to get info online about what OHSS is actually like!

What symptoms have you got at the moment?

I'm glad you've got 19 in the running, although I know it's hard waiting for day 5 when you know that's where it fell apart a bit last time.

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday Thanks so much for such a detailed reply and information - that is really helpful and useful. Unfortunately it sounds like I have largely the same symptoms you have. Main ones being:

• Severe bloating (I sent a picture to my mum and she said 'my god') to the point my stomach is distended that much I look pregnant
• A constant feeling of fullness, and 'sloshy' feeling. Like i'm full up to my neck from eating a huge meal, but I've not eaten a huge meal
• Stomach pain above the belly button area
• Same as you in that going for a wee is painful, especially at the end, and it almost feels bruised (I struggled to sit on the loo seat earlier as it hurt to sit down)
• Feeling tight as you say when I stand
• Feeling really flabby and fat on my stomach, but I've not got much fat on my tummy usually but there is absolutely no sign of muscle in sight
• My bra feels really tight
• I've gained about 1kg so nothing major

I think you're 100% right and it's definitely worth knowing that someone who did have a positive transfer outcome, wouldn't do a fresh again. I think I was a bit foolish to think that I was going to be okay for it and reading the statistics for a fresh vs. frozen, it's a no brainer. For a 7mm lining in a fresh it's a 22% live birth rate, in a frozen that goes up to 31% (obviously they're average and it doesn't take into account the embryo) but yeah. The high level figures say to me it's not worth it, not if it works and I end up in a worse position to I am now.

Thank you for your help and for your wishes! In for a scan tomorrow for my lining but i've already decided on a frozen, but having the scan to see what's going on in my belly, and also to talk to them about sorting a FET. I also have an embryology update tomorrow so hopefully lots of clarity!

@GCS34 Great news re fertilisation, but sorry to hear you're not feeling great. I think you're right about taking the time to recover though and giving yourself the very best shot at success. Hopefully you'll start to feel a bit better soon. A positive update from the embryology team should help!

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday Thanks, that's the positivity I'm trying to find and focus on.

My lining scan is this Monday 15th, with hopeful transfer on 22nd. Just need to try and keep thinking positive thoughts and not get too caught up in the what ifs...

@kirstysmbc absolutely. Time is not worth it for the sake of making OHSS worse or not working because my lining isn’t optimal so seems like 2 reasons to go FET. Plus we’re all advocates of the FET club here 😂 fingers crossed they’re doing okay and the update tomorrow is good news. She’s giving me a full detailed view of how they’re doing as I asked for one after last time. So not sure if that’s a good or bad thing!

oh exciting. Do you have 2 in the bank or 1? Would you transfer both if you have 2?

@kirstysmbc I'm sending you both so much good luck for your scans/updates tomorrow @GCS34

Eek @GCS34 no way do you want a fresh transfer if you're feeling like that! When I had some symptoms after my 1st egg collection it did settle down after a few days so hopefully you're through the worst of it now. I'm glad you're feeling accepting of going for FET though, having some time to let your body settle and then hopefully you'll get a lovely lining ready for transfer in a month or two

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday Thanks, lining was 10.3mm this morning, so as long as my progesterone level is low enough, should all be ok for transfer next week. How are you getting on?

@GCS34 How are you today? I hope the ohss symptoms have calmed down a bit. I actually have 3 embryos left, but as the egg donor is so young, they won't do more than one at a time. Prob best as twins would actually be impossible.

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday @kirstysmbc thank you both lovelies. I'm actually losing my mind. I think I have checked my phone about 874 times this morning, and I'm like RING ME!!! Arghhh

I had a better day yesterday and things were a lot less painful and the bloat had reduced, however today it's back so it is definitely wise not to transfer, especially when I KNOW my lining can be better than it is right now during frozen, so it seems just silly. I am hoping mid week I will start my period and things will ease up a bit. Although it might be delayed as I did 1.5 days of progesterone before we decided to do a FA. So i imagine it will be a little longer. How is your OHSS now?

@kirstysmbc oh wow that is great that you have 3 shots left, but you think if this wasn't the one, you'd call it? Is their any way you can move your embryo's or can you not do that overseas?

Little update - I got 4 😍YAY. 2 x top quality, 2 x good quality. So chuffed. World away from last year when I only got 1 x good quality day 5, and the rest were day 6 lower quality. Fingers crossed one of these is my little pumpkin 🎃

@GCS34 Congrats, that's wonderful news 😊, so pleased for you. And hopefully there will be a few more tomorrow too.

I don't know about moving my embryos, it's more of an age thing for me. I'll be 44 this month, and just worried about being an older mum.

@GCS34 omg you've done amazingly well, congratulations! Sounds like you have a really good chance of a good outcome🤞 hopefully you settle down with the bloating, have your period and can get cracking with a transfer cycle soon. Enjoy a glass of wine and some treats in the meantime, you deserve it!

@kirstysmbc fantastic lining measurement! I hope that gives you a really good shot at getting a little embryo to stick for the long haul. I think you have to go with your heart and what feels right for you at the end of the day, but I wouldn't let age alone be the deciding factor...you already have a daughter so even having a sibling a little later in life, they will always have each other. I guess I just want to say don't let society's view on the 'right' age to have children have too much bearing, if it's your own personal feelings about your age then that's absolutely valid 🥰

Hi everyone, sorry I've been MIA, just back home and catching up...

@GCS34 huge congrats on your 4 frosties! I've been thinking of you and I'm really happy for you! 😍Your body did some amazing work there so no wonder it's is pushing back a bit though... I really hope the OHSS sysmptoms improved, or at least stayed stable, but it sounds very wise to wait for an FET and get yourself in the best place possible for transfer, although the waiting always sucks! Sounds really positive this round - I hope you're celebrating and I'll be looking forward to the continuation of the journey xxx

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday I'm so, so pleased that you had a good scan and everything looks great so far! I'm very sorry about the OHSS though, that sounds like a really rough time and I'm glad it's eased off now. Has the bloating gone down too now? When is your next scan?

@kirstysmbc Glad to hear about your lining... 10.3mm is great! When will you know about your progesterone levels? Super expensive flights but I hope you'll have good reason to get there and this is the cycle that wins!

Thank you all for your support and positive thoughts, I really appreciate them!
I'm doing OK... just back home after a crazy busy week of work last week, and a few days to recover by the beach 😊I must say that last week's chaos was a great distraction and I barely had time to think, let alone worry about it all. Over the past week, we also heard of 2 sets of friends of friends with the same issue (I was under the impression it was a lot rarer than that) and both had perfect outcomes, so I'm feeling a lot better but we're planning to go ahead with the amnio if all looks the same and it's offered tomorrow...

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday @beachbum85 thanks ladies ❤I actually got a call yesterday to say they froze another 2 on day 6, so I have 6 in total now. Lets hope they're better than last years!! The difference last time was I only had 1 x day 5, and 4 x day 6, where as this time I have 4 x day 5, and 2 x day 6. So they said that is a big thing too.
OHSS isn't improving at all - I'm really struggling and feel like it's never going to end. It's like my organs are going to explode. Did you feel like that @IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday ? It's so painful and I dont want to eat as every time I do, it makes it worse.

@beachbum85 that's great that you're feeling more positive and almost good that it's not that uncommon. How long will it take for the results to come back? Honestly can't wish for enough for all to be clear. Hopefully the wait isn't too long xx

@beachbum85 glad you've had some good distractions, and time at the beach is always good for the soul 🥰 I'm glad you've had some reassurance from friends and you've made a decision re the amnio. I really hope yesterday's appointment has helped too?

@GCS34 aww 6 little embryos is a fantastic result, my clinic told me day 6s have about a reduction of 10% in chance of viable pregnancy but they can and do still make plenty of lovely babies! I know that wasn't your experience last time, but I have everything crossed for you that those little Day 5s are going to be patiently waiting for a chance to show you just how beautifully they can grow 🥰

Sorry the OHSS is still being a pain for you. Yes the feeling like everything is about to burst out of you is horrible! Lying down was the only semi-comfortable position for me. Have you taken time off work? Honestly don't feel guilty about it, it is a pretty serious condition!
I lost my appetite for about 48 hours at the peak of it, I just ate very small amounts when I could stomach things, but do try and keep drinking. Salted cashew nuts and lucozade sport kept my energy levels up without me having to eat too much, maybe try something like that?

Have you spoken to your clinic, it might be worth seeing if they will scan you to check on things? Are you still weeing normally (volume/frequency - I know it might be uncomfortable?) That's the biggie for potentially needing intervention, as is upset stomach or vomiting - I'm sure you know all this, but honestly don't feel like you can't make a fuss if things aren't feeling right 🩷

I'd really hope yours will settle soon but everything does take a while to go down. My tummy is still a bit swollen and tender, I believe it's not uncommon for the ovaries to still show as enlarged on a 12 week scan for late onset so it can take a while for everything to settle.

I had a bit of a scary time on Tuesday with a small bleed. It did stop after a few hours, very small amount lost and no clots/cramps (just a few stabby pains very low down?) The clinic were very reassuring and we've decided to wait for Mondays scan to see if everything is okay. I still have all of my symptoms (up 3 times last night for a wee and then a lovely wave of nausea this morning!) so I just hope little one is still thriving.

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday sorry to hear about the bleed, I can imagine that must have been pretty scary. Good to hear the clinic weren't worried at all and you have the reassurance of the nausea too! I know bleeding in pregnancy is very normal but still I know I'd be counting down the minutes to Monday's scan... I hope you're feeling OK in the meantime xxx

@GCS34 that's amazing, well done on getting another 2! ugh OHSS sounds like a real nightmare though, I'm sorry to hear it. Has your clinic given you any advice on what to do? I really hope it eases up soon...

Thanks again for your support. Yd's scan confirmed what we saw at the previous one: the missing duct still can't be found but everything else looks good. Always so relieved not to have any more nasty surprises... The consultant said she wasn't worried but, to be safe, we have an appointment with the geneticist on Tuesday to talk about a potential amnio the week after. I think the results would take a couple of weeks after that, which seems like ages away still... The more time passes, the more I feel like we have to do that to avoid doubts and stress up until baby is born or even after, but it's still a pretty scary thought!

@GCS34 Fab news about the 2 extra Frosties. So many wonderful embryos, I'm sure this will be your cycle, maybe even a sibling in there too 😊 I’m sorry that the ohss isn’t getting any better What have your clinic said? I hope it eases soon.

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday I'm so sorry you've had to go through a worrying bleed, no matter how normal it is and how many people go through it, it's always scary to have it. I'm so glad your clinic have been reassuring and you're still getting all your symptoms.

@beachbum85 I'm glad the scan went ok and that your consultant is happy. I hope the follow up appt goes well and everything goes well with the amnio if you decide to go ahead.

I'm all booked in for transfer on Monday and trying to stay positive that this will be my time. Although I've just realised that after three days of taking clexane I wasn't supposed to start it until Sunday. I've seen some people do it from starting progesterone, so I hope it's ok, and not a lot I can do about it now 🤦🏻‍♀️

@beachbum85 thank you 🩷 really good to hear you're getting lots of specialist advice, although the wait on the amnio results is a pain. Glad everything else looked good though and your consultant isn't worried.

@kirstysmbc oh dear, hopefully no harm done with the clexane if other people start it at the same time as you have done! Everything crossed for Monday for you, I just truly hope this is your time and a lovely sticky little embryo is waiting for you in Portugal 🩷

@beachbum85 @IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday @kirstysmbc thanks for your wishes. I ended up going into be tested yesterday as I went downhill on Wednesday and they got me in for a scan and blood tests right away. Scan showed SO much free fluid on my liver, kidneys, bowel and stomach, and my ovaries were just on a sea of water. I've been put on Clexane as they're worried about blood clots, and was 'officially' diagnosed with moderate OHSS. Oh joy. And there was me thinking I was OHSS invincible 🙈

Bloods came back this morning, and liver and kidney's are all fine which is a huge relief! Only thing is low sodium, but I have naturally low sodium, but I am just drinking mainly electrolyte drinks to try get it up, with a retest on Monday.
I feel rotten still, but I do think I feel a bit better than yesterday which is a positive! I'm hoping that by tomorrow I'll feel better still. I have slight PP's too, so i'm hoping that will clear things up a bit too.

@beachbum85 how are you feeling and doing? That's great to hear that they're not worried. What will the amino test show / distinguish? Are there any long term affects of blood via the liver not the duct or is it purely only while they're growing? I hope it's all okay and everything is smooth. It sounds like it is under control and she's doing okay too which is the main thing. She's getting everything she needs from the workaround which is amazing.

@kirstysmbc Great news for Monday!! When is your flight? I hear a lot of people are on Clexane during stims, so I don't know if it will impact it... surely it will just help blood flow more? They're bastards aren't they? I'm on them now for the OHSS and they're not fun!

@IWouldRatherBeOnHoliday Sorry to hear about the bleeding darling. That's so hard!! It's so worrying but honestly, my clinician told me that 40% of IVF pregnancies have unrelated bleeding during their 1st trimester that isn't related to the baby or problems. So I hope that reassures you! My 2 close friends, and sister both had heavy bleeding for 6 weeks, and firneds are both due in 2 weeks, and my newphew was born on Christmas Eve. All IVF too, so hope that give you some comfort. Although it's terrifying for sure. When is your next scan?

Sending love girls. Always lovely to read your updates xx

@GCS34 I'm glad you got checked out and thank goodness it showed itself before a possible fresh transfer! Fair play to you for coping this long if it's moderate, mine was diagnosed as mild-moderate and I honestly didn't see how I could have had any more fluid inside me so I can't quite imagine how awful you must have been feeling! Are you having some time off work and resting up?

I hope it all settles soon, you'll probably find you start weeing loads once it does! I was up three times the other night, assumed it was just pregnancy side effects but my bladder was full to bursting each time even though I'd not drunk anything in between. The next morning my stomach was less swollen and back to pre-OHSS weight. I think my ovaries are still pretty swollen though, I can feel them when in bed.

Thank you so much for the reassurance, it does help to know others have had scares and made it to full term 🩷 how lovely you had a nephew arrive on Christmas Eve (although maybe some heartbreak there for you too, these things are often so bittersweet)

My scan is on Monday so hopefully everything stays quiet until then, my nausea was a little worse today (but still mild overall so no complaints) so I am crossing my fingers it's all good signs!