IVF/ICSI May or late April

[AnnieStar12]

Is anyone else gearing up to do IVF/ICSI in May?

My meds have arrived and I start my down regs next week to start a long protocol ICSI cycle, my egg collection will then be mid-May.

Had my first ICSI cycle in Feb which resulted in only 1 embryo which was transferred on day 5, but BFN. I found the support group on here super helpful with my last cycle, so wondering if anyone else is in a similar position?

Hello! First time posting on the infertility board rather than the ttc one, so this feels a little weird!! We are due to start our first round of ivf soon. I start taking norethisterone next week to delay my period and then I will be starting injections around the 6th May, depending on when my bleed starts. We only found out dates today so I’m feeling very overwhelmed! One minute I’m excited to get started after a long two years ttc, the next I’m absolutely terrified because this is so new for us. Would absolutely love to follow along your journey and hope others join too. I’m really sorry your last cycle ended in a bfn, I’ve got everything crossed for you that this one works! X

@Seasidegirll great to have someone else in similar position!

Very relatable the mixed feelings. I was a bit more excited the first time round, this second round I’m feeling a bit deflated about the whole thing. My meds arrived the other day and that feels overwhelming as there’s just so much of it!

But we’re trying something new - long protocol - this time, with a different stim drug (menopur) so hopefully it’ll get us better results. Am intrigued to see what happens changing things up for the second round.
How come you’re having to delay your period? Will you be on long or short protocol? Are you at an NHS or private clinic?

Me! Also my second round, had a failed ivf cycle in February too ;( 4 eggs collected and all failed to fertilized so we will be starting a icsi cycle end of this month, priming starting on 30th then injections a week later, I'm also not feeling excited about it not sure how to feel really, wishing for a miracle I guess. My egg collection would also be around mid may :) xx

Hello! Joining the thread as I on the pathway to an FET at the end of the month.

Did ICSI in 2021, had one failed stimulation/egg collection cycle and then changed drugs and went on to a successful egg collection. The FET following that resulted in our DS. So were trying for number 2.

I remember it being exciting to start treatment like you say @Seasidegirll - for us it was a 18 months of TCC, then clinic referral, then the sodding pandemic when all the clinics closed. Frustrating times!

This ime time round we've done an FET in Feb (using embryos created in 2021) which was a BFN and here we are now in April giving it another go. The FET in February felt like a bit of a disaster honestly, I felt really stressed out and then became quite ill in the TWW. So this time we're not doing anything differently drug-wise but I'm focusing on wellbeing, doing a bit of meditation/acupuncture which was a life saver back in 2021 and trying to have a more relaxing time of things generally. Hard when you are pumping you body with hormones!

Wishing you all the luck in the world @Cloclo93 and @AnnieStar12

@Cloclo93 hi there, sounds like we'll have very a similar situation and on similar timings. All being well I expect an egg collection around early-mid May. So sorry to hear about the failed first round. Sounds like we also had similar numbers on our first round - I got three eggs and only one (low grade) blast which was transferred but failed. Are you trying anything different on the second round? What is priming that you'll be doing?

@Folklore9074 welcome to the thread. Have you already started drugs in preparation for the next FET? Sounds like you have a good batch of frozen embryos from that 2021 round. Can I ask what you changed from the 1st and 2nd cycles to get such different outcomes? And please do share any tips for relaxation/staying sane? That is actually my priority right now as I'm feeling awful about it all and I don't even start until tomorrow. I have done a few fertility yoga you tube videos which has been good before bed.

Thanks @Folklore9074 do you already have a frozen embryo waiting to be transferred? Or do you need to do the EC again?
Hi @AnnieStar12 yes it does! Do you have low AMH? mine is low at 3, so the doctor was very happy with 4 mature eggs so we are staying on the same medications I was taken pergoveris 385, I have asked for a double trigger because I read it helps matures eggs, I did have 3 immature also, the priming what the nurse told me it was just taken fematab 3 times daily starting on day 21 untill my peroid arrives, I'm not actually sure what it does to be honest.

@Cloclo93 oh, I have not heard of a double trigger - I will look in to it too. I had my AMH tested in August last year when we first went to the fertility clinic for treatment and it was low at 4.8. I stupidly did a Hertility postal blood test this month just to see where my levels were and it came back as 1.7!! I am so gutted and have no idea how/why such a rapid decline happened. I asked my clinic about it, but as I went elsewhere rather than doing it with them, they were a bit unsure too, said maybe labs have different sensitivities. The doc did reassure me that it won't change the plan and we'll continue as we were. Last time I had 5 follicles growing in total, but only 3 got to full size which is why they are trying long protocol as it can apparently help them all grow at the same pace.

@AnnieStar12 @Cloclo93 Yes started on 2mg elleste sol three times a day, going to the clinic to check in on how things are coming along later in the week.

And yes we're using embryos from the 2021 round... I don't want to (and can't really afford to) do another egg collection so if it doesn't work with the embryos we have then that will be that.

What change between the failed round and the successful round was the medication. I can't remember the names of the drugs we used now but they basically upped the intensity of what I was taking on a short protocol. But we went from only having one follicle to having something like 18 I think, it was wild.

Not sure I ever quite nailed staying sane! But meditation has been a big help when things have felt overwhelming. Running/Yoga. Getting enough rest. Acupuncture and/or acupressure mats. Journaling too, so that all those fears and worries have somewhere to go.

Hello 👋 @AnnieStar12 I think we were on the March thread together.

Starting stimulated IUI in the next couple of weeks. Currently taking norethisterone and hoping for a bleed over the weekend, then will start injections of Gonal-f every other day. Can’t say I’m looking forward to the needles.

I’m in a same sex relationship, already had 2 failed IUI rounds. My body stopped responding to Letrozole and my follicles didn’t grow in Jan and Feb so we’ve moved to something else. Hoping this will be the third time lucky!

Hey 👋🏼 I am also starting first IVF cycle this month! Just finished the pill and meds are being delivered on Saturday to start injections next Wednesday! I am just doing short protocol and egg collection is currently scheduled week commencing 6th of may!!

We already have a daughter who was conceived naturally and last year I had a ruptured ectopic pregnancy which meant I had my right tube removed. Didn’t fall pregnant again, so paid privately for a HyCosy test which showed my left tube was also blocked 🤕 all other tests have been favourable - my AMH came back on the higher end so at risk of OHSS but just taking it all as it comes! I am (and my OH) are feeling very very nervous now to start and see how this all pans out!

good luck to everyone, it will be nice to have some support from others going through similar experiences! ✨❤️

Hi all! I'll join too if you don't mind.

Kicking off ICSI long protocol this Friday, with egg collection tentatively scheduled for week of 20th May. This is our 3rd attempt - we did a full ICSI round in October (got 2 embryos) and then a FET in January (both BFN). I don't necessarily mind going again... but trying not to overthink about what happens if this one is a BFN too (pre-emptively exhausted!). My AMH is low so there's a high chance of only getting one decent embryo (if not none)...

Anyway have felt a bit removed from it all the last while, so definitely ready to get going again. Was on Mumsnet both previous times and definitely find it a great support 🤗

Oh, so pleased a few more people have joined.

I've started my Nafarelin nasal spray, I am now on day 2 and so far it's all fine, but am dreading the side effects as heard they can be bad with the down regulation drugs.

@Folklore9074 how many embryos do you have left now? That is an incredible increase in egg numbers. I have very low AMH so know I have no chance of 18 eggs, but am hoping I get more than the 3 eggs I got on my first round. Do you know when your transfer date will be?

@2tuxedocats hopefully you'll be third time lucky. How many follicles are they trying to grow for an IUI round?

@Ashleighlouise I think we will probably have egg collection around the same time as I will most likely be starting stims next Friday if all the down reg part has gone well. I am a bit worried about the bank holiday messing things up! I'm sorry to hear about your ectopic. This is a secondary infertility issue for me, so I too have a toddler at home.

@DublinIVF We're in a similar boat with the low AMH. I got mine re-tested with Hertility this month in-between ICSI cycles and I wish I didn't as it showed it's rapidly declined :( which just left me feeling miserable.
I know the feeling of already feeling exhausted by it all before you even start! We have been TTC for 14 months and had 2 miscarriages in that time, 3 x IUI rounds and now starting our second ICSI round so I am definetly exhausted by it, but at least I know I am trying everything!
Was your first round a long protocol? It's good that you got 2 embryos with low AMH, that's very promising. And are you doing the same meds as last time, or trying something new?

Am intrigued to hear how you get on with Nafarelin @AnnieStar12 - that's what I'm on too! My doctor just to make sure to stay hydrated - what have you heard in terms of side effects? Always like to be prepared!!

Yeah I haven't retested AMH, I figure ignorance is bliss to a certain extent! Am trying to be mindful of what can help - less processed foods, less plastic at home, less alcohol, etc. But you could go crazy obsessing!

Sorry and yes - the same meds but slightly different dosages. I reacted better than they expected in my first ICSI round so hopefully this will only improve things!

@AnnieStar12 thank you ❤️ I just read you’ve also went through 2 miscarriages yourself - sorry you’ve had to go through that too! It really is such a rollercoaster journey! My daughter & the pregnancy which was ectopic were conceived really easily so it feels like a dream(if you can call it that 😂) to be told we needed IVF as I foolishly just thought that would never be me! My clinic said they were open as normal on bank holidays thankfully 🤞🏼 I had egg collection scheduled 6th/8th or 10th of May.. I’m assuming this is depending on how I go with the meds! How are you feel in general atm? X

Hi @DublinIVF sounds like we are all on similar time scales with things! How are you finding going through it for a third time? Any general helpful tips for someone doing it for the first time? X

Hi All

Hope I'm OK to join. We have our nurses information session on 26th (next week!). All we know at the moment is that we will being doing ICSI, hopefully starting in May. Next cycle is due to start around 8th May, so fingers crossed we can start then.

Back story, we are now 30 cycles into TTC, never had any sort of positive test at all. Got referred to the local CRM start of April 2023, had our initial appointment in Sept 2023, tests show OH has low count & low motility. Age-wise we are; me, 33 last week, OH, 36 (37 in Aug).

I have polycystic ovaries (but not PCOS, luckily), so have been told I'm higher risk for OHSS, other than that, my tests all came back as 'normal'.

Honestly dreading the injections, I really don't like needles!!

We haven't told anyone that we're going through IVF, we've not really told anyone we are TTC except a couple of my really close friends (neither side of the family know anything). I'm assuming like everyone else here, we never thought we'd be going down this route.

Any guidance/wisdom anyone has is greatly received!
Love to All
x

Hey Tinydancer91 👋🏼

Not long until things get started! Don't you just feel like time is dragging massively just waiting for these specific dates in the calendar! I'm turning 31 next month and my OH is 39! So quite similar age wise! How is your OH feeling about it all?

I have a higher than average AHM so I am also at risk of OHSS which is definitely a worry in the back of my mind but trying to keep positive! I'm also feeling apprehensive about the injections.. I've never had to inject myself ever but also worried about doing it properly!!!

A few of our closer friends and family know about our IVF but I'm trying to keep the specifics private to avoid people asking questions 24/7😂😂

@AnnieStar12 ideally one but I had a round last year where two were big enough. If there are a lot I guess you could end up with triplets or something like that.

Has anyone got any tips on the injections themselves? I stop norethisterone on Saturday and I’m dreading the next bit.

Oh gosh that is a big decline! Mine was 3 in August of last year too so I don't think I'll test again, I have accepted I may need doner eggs if this cycle doesn't work but I'll stay positive for now! Definitely ask the doctor about the double trigger it has been proving to mature more eggs :)
@Folklore9074 that is a huge increase in egg numbers! Can you remember what medication you were on?
Hi @DublinIVF welcome! do you mind me asking what clinic your with? I just see Dublin, I'm in Limerick
@TinyDancer91 if you put a ice pack on your belly for 5 minutes or so you honestly don't feel the needle :)

I'm in Merrion Fertility @Cloclo93 ! I'm sure they're all much the same but I like them. Going privately (as opposed to through the public scheme).

@AnnieStar12 the injections are really not bad I promise - the needle is so tiny, I barely felt anything! My approach was not to think about it and just do it as quickly as possible so it was in and out before I realised almost 🙂maybe keep an evening treat / chocolate for after the injections so you're motivated to get it over with 😂

@Ashleighlouise hmm. I would say main thing is to remember that everyone's experience is so different so just listen to your own body in terms of how you're feeling. I really didn't notice the hormones at all either in my moods or physically (until last few days of stims, when I just felt very full), but equally I've had friends who were physically exhausted almost from the start. And also I suppose just make sure you're going into it eyes open so that whilst you're hoping for the best, you have a good idea of your odds / chances at each stage (e.g., eggs collected, viable embryos, etc.).

Oops sorry meant to tag @2tuxedocats instead of @AnnieStar12 for the injections tips!

@DublinIVF oh no one told me about staying hydrated on nafarelin so thanks for the tip! I'm now 3 days in to taking it, and so far not really having any side effect thankfully. Hopefully it'll stay that way. When do you start taking it?

@Ashleighlouise thank you x yeah it's been a rough year! I very much relate to that feeling of never having expected to end up here, but then I guess no one ever thinks it's going to be them. After having conceived so easily in the past, I stupidly thought I could decide to have another baby and it would happen like that again. I never even heard the term 'secondary infertility' until it happened to me. But here I am trying hard to stay positive.

@TinyDancer91 good luck with your appointment next week, exciting you'll be getting started soon. As for the injections, they're actually totally fine. I thought I would be terrified and would need my partner to do them as I've always gone a bit queasy with needles. But when it came to it, they weren't a problem - just try not to think about it too much. Before you know it, you'll be an injection pro! Tbh, the hardest part is remembering to do it at the same time, I had an alarm set and had a friend message me each day to make sure I take them on time, and am doing that system again with the nasal spray I'm on atm.

@Cloclo93 yeah definitely don't test AMH again, lol I learnt the hard way that it's a bad idea! Hoping this round works out for you.

@AnnieStar12 exactly! It all feels like an out of body experience atm! all of my medication got delivered today so it's definitely starting to feel real now! I have a baseline scan on Tuesday and then start first injection on Wednesday! Starting with Ovaleap in the PM for 4 days and then adding Fyremadel in the AM from the 5th day! Just have no idea what to expect 😵‍💫😵‍💫

Hi everyone we are about to start our first and only round of ICSI waiting on meds coming and think I start Northisterone on Friday.
I have a very low AMH 0.9 so not expecting a great outcome. Been told if we get 3 or more follicles it will be extremely good. More than likely will have to use a donor egg but I can’t get my head round that until I’ve tried with my own first. I’m only 35.
Ive had 1 miscarriage 2 years ago and nothing since so I’m very nervous going into this that we won’t even get to egg collection.

Hi All. Have been hovering in the background so hope it's ok to join.

DH and I started IVF in January and ended up doing a freeze all. I am a week on of oestrogen tablets in preparation for our first FET. I have a scan the end of this week to check lining with transfer scheduled for the 1st of May if all goes to plan.