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?

@HopefulllHolly please don’t stress. You have crossed a big hurdle.
I can completely understand your anxiety levels. It’s so natural to feel like that but don’t worry too much. Just take one day at a time!
Everything will be fine. Lots of love xx

@AnnieStar12 They only lead with an induced bleed hence the provera the last 2 attempts . Has to fit with when they have space !

@HopefulllHolly thank you both , it’s so frustrating but I’ve already spent so much with them . Starting again would be a huge outlay ! Plus I’ve got 2k worth of meds sat in the fridge !

I have looked into some other options but time isn’t on my side snd I’ve paid them so much already . Is frustrating

hoping I even get some spotting overnight but I’m not holding my breath . I’ve dieted like mad just so fed up !

@Rebekah77 that sounds so hard, I agree on the comments about clinic being very inflexible - could you perhaps talk to another one? It’s so hard isn’t it when that will probably cost another £250 tho and when you’ve invested lots in your first clinic. So sorry this is so hard for you, you are a real trooper.

@Ashleighlouise also really sorry it was negative. Hope you’re doing okay. It sounds like you were quite prepared for it; which was how I’ve felt.

@HopefulllHolly thars really lovely you can see your body changing - that is reassuring. Also 25k steps is loads!!! Do you do lots of exercise in general btw? (I’m looking for motivation to get back on it and your success so far is motivating!)

@AnnieStar12 reallt crossing my fingers for your little embryo!

@Seasidegirll I was a bit uncomfy at egg collection I think (weirdly can’t remember much now, it’s all a bit of a blur!) but it was defo worse after that and before transfer. The morning of the transfer I was writhing in agony after a wee and my DH almost called A&E! (That was the only time that happened, it mostly just felt very ‘full’ and squeezed as you say).

I have to say looking at what everyone is going through I really understand and agree with the phrase ‘ivf warrior’ now. The shit that women put themselves through is just insane when you think about it. We should all give ourselves a proper pat on the back because this is really not easy.

I went to a bday party yesterday and have to say, it was lovely to eat and drink what I want without worrying about egg health. I relaxed and felt so free / young again (even tho I’m 39 lol). Ended up getting home at 1 after a very fun sing song. Reminded me that there is a life after ivf and it ain’t so bad!

£700 for virology bloods
a new clinic £1k for fresh appointment and basic testing . Least another 1k for repeat tests
potentially they wouldn’t opt for the same stims either !

at some point I’ll have to cut my losses ! Wish they would just do a baseline scan and see . All very annoying . Litterally one of my friends has had 2 round and a baby in the time I’ve been waiting for one round 😂

Prosecco May have to be opened ! Laugh or cry .. I’ll take the bubbles !

@Rebekah77 that sounds like a good plan. So frustrating!!!

@CreamLampshade Im active for sure but i’m not a gym bunny! I do lots of walking and always do my 10k steps a day, and I do Pilates and running. I’ve stopped running and pilates while doing IVF though and just do my walking. But I am creaking and cracking from not doing Pilates so I’m going to ask the instructor if she can recommend the best exercises for pregnancy, so nothing too strenuous and ones good for pelvic floor and stuff.

@SS2022 I know, it’s just really hard not to worry. We have tried to conceive for 6 years, not used protection for 8 (!) so having got this far just makes you terrified. But I’m hopeful, it feels like it could be our baby, it’s felt like fate the whole cycle really, so I’m trying my best to be positive. I definitely have lovely strong tests and the symptoms reassure me but if I think too hard about it I get really in my head about it. Especially the stats that 10-20% pregnancies end in miscarriage. I hope we haven’t used all our luck getting to this part 🥺

I can understand your concern @HopefulllHollygiven your history but as you say it was a really strong embryo! Abs perhaps if you have never gotten this far it was something to do with sperm and egg not meeting and now they have it’s on track? Obviously that’s only a theory but if you’ve never been pregnant before it seems you’ve gotten past the biggest hurdle!

How often do you do Pilates @HopefulllHolly ? I do weight training once or twice and try to get steps in… used to do yoga and really miss it but just never find the time!

Thank you @AnnieStar12, I really appreciate you sharing. I saw a clinic called Create offering this package but 3 rounds sounded like a lot. Good luck with the news about ur little one!

@HopefulllHolly i can understand. It’s a very difficult journey. You have been through a lot. you have crossed the first milestone. Just try n stay positive n try not to stress yourself too much.

Can I ask you if this was your first IVF cycle? Was this a fresh transfer? What was your infertility diagnosis? Age factor or something else? Sorry for too many questions. I ask as I never know someone’s reply could open a new door for me..

Thanks @CreamLampshade i will try! I hope I don’t come across as ungrateful, I’m so so grateful this has happened. Don’t want to be annoying to all you ladies. I usually do Pilates 4 times a week - 2 with instructor and then 2 at home. But not done it in over a month now!

@SS2022 Yes it’s my first cycle and it was fresh. We have a mixture of issues - I have low AMH and low follicle count, but I do ovulate every month. I’m 37. My partner is 39 and he had poor motility and morphology but a very good count - we had ICSI. I don’t think you can really compare my results and issues with the next persons though really - I do think half the time in IVF it’s just down to luck and nature whether it works or not. Once you get to transfer it’s anyone’s guess. I know I’m extremely extremely lucky to have had it work. Especially when I only had one embryo to work with. I had fully prepared myself to have a minimum of 3 rounds before we started.

I woke this morning and had a bit of blood when when I wiped, so did another test and of course negative - I told my OH this time which is a massive weight off my shoulders as we can now just talk about it 😮‍💨 I feel like I am going to start my period any second and I wish it would just happen!

@CreamLampshade thank you, yes I was definitely prepared for it there was just no way I was pregnant so wasn't expecting any other result - how are you feeling now a few days have past? Xx

@HopefulllHolly hope you're feeling ok - the stress is just awful and it's hard to switch that side of your brain off!! It's so frustrating but your tests sounds SO promising along with all your symptoms! This little baby is here to stay - I can feel it!! 🤍✨

@HopefulllHolly your story gives me so much hope, honestly it's so great hearing a positive success story, it's something we all need to hear when in this journey.
Hope you had a wonderful weekend and I know easier said than done, but try to switch off the part of your brain that is worrying, this is your moment and all will be well!!! 💓

@Ashleighlouise so sorry to hear about the negative test and the bleeding. I hope you're doing okay? Sending you a big hug 🤍

Gave them a call and it’s all cancelled
best of luck lovelies with your transfers xx 😘

Awww I’m sorry @Ashleighlouise i really thought it would work for you. Hope you’re feeling ok? Eat all the food and drinks you haven’t allowed yourself and allow yourself to feel all the feels. Sending lots of hugs xx

@EvaA17 Thank you. I had a lovely weekend and it definitely helps to keep busy. I had booked off today until Wednesday so I’m planning a restful few days now. How are you doing? Hope you’re ok!

You’re not annoying or ungrateful at all @HopefulllHolly !! It’s lovely to see a success :)

@Ashleighlouise that’s good you told your partner and had some support. I’m fine tbh - really enjoying being able to do what I want and not worry. Also went to a party and had a few drinks on Saturday and I’m looking forward to weight training again. What will be will be!

@Rebekah77 so sorry it didn’t work out :( Life is so unfair sometimes!

Sorry it’s not worked out again @Rebekah77 hope you can work out next steps and get there soon xx

I got the update from the clinic, my one embryo is doing good and is now 8 cells. I’ll get a call first thing on Wednesday to let me know if it’s made it to transfer stage.

@Gnatalie16 are you getting updates today?

@positivepetal are you booked in on Wednesday for transfer, have you had any updates on your embryos?

@PurpleRayne89 how are you getting on? Are you booked in for Tuesday for transfer?

@Rebekah77 I’m so sorry to hear that, I really hope you find a way to do ivf at some point that works for you.

@Ashleighlouise oh I’m so sorry lovely. Good you’re able to talk to your OH. Hope you take some time to process this cycle and when you’re ready focus on those Frosties you have waiting for you.

@2tuxedocats what day will you test?

@AnnieStar12 do you know what I am actually not sure, I don't think so but I have messaged them and asked the question. I am waiting for them to tell me when they want me to come in for a scan this week as they want to just check everything is okay.

Haven't gone to work today as I struggle still to sit up for long times as it hurts and I can't help but feel judged, I explained it to my line manager and she has been kept fully updated through the whole process but I won't lie I kind of feel like I can't be off and need to be at work even though I don't feel 100%

@Rebekah77 so sorry to hear it's been cancelled, so unfair :( i hope you get to start again soon.

@HopefulllHolly ah that sounds like a lovely plan for the next few days. I am okay, feeling more and more bloated, the bleeding has stopped. I have my scan at 10.30, so fingers crossed it's good news regarding my follicles and their growth. Quite nervous but it is what it is. Xx

@AnnieStar12 Yayyyy! That’s amazing news! That little embryo is right on track too 😍🥰 Another step closer.

@Gnatalie16 definitely put your health first, if you can’t sit up you absolutely can’t work. Hope they are ok about it with you as it’s an extra pressure you don’t need. Could your clinic organise a sick note for you?

I have spoken to my clinic and have our 7 week scan booked in for 6th June. Now to try and stay chill and positive until then. I think I’m going to test once a week just to put my mind at ease as it clearly just runs to really dark places, and I hope they might reassure me by doing them. I feel a bit mad doing them though. I told my other half and he just said if it makes you feel calmer then do it. If you guys don’t mind I’ll stay on here so I can hear your hopefully amazing updates. I’ll not keep banging on about my worries though 🤐

@AnnieStar12 that's great news! Lovely to hear that the embryo is doing well. Fingers crossed for Wednesday 🤞

@EvaA17 Oooh exciting! Not long! Let us know how you get on. I’m sure with your bloat and how uncomfy you are that the stims are working well for you, try not to worry.

@HopefulllHolly it's just the questions I was getting like I enjoy being laid down doing nothing because I certainly do not I'm bored! I've spoke to the clinic they are going to get me a letter to share with work. She is really surprised I'm not a lot more worse but has said it could get worse yet still so just have to watch it.

So exciting you have your scan booked I can't imagine the excitement you are feeling. I can't wait to get to that stage eventually. Absolutely stay and share it's honestly for me so lovely to hear the positive news gives me hope x