42 and starting IVF treatment tomorrow - would love some company for the journey ☺️

[Sheffters]

Hi ladies, so, as the title reads, I start the injections tomorrow evening. I have an appointment with my clinic (Care) tomorrow morning for the baseline scan and to get the treatment plan. Meds have arrived so we are ready to go! My AMH is 8.3 with follicle count of 14.

I had my son via IVF 11 years ago and was very lucky that it worked first time and on the NHS. This time it's private and costing a fortune. This is the only shot we have at this so we are feeling the pressure for sure.

I fell pregnant last month naturally (first time ever due to PCOS) but that ended in a chemical at 5 weeks. We are opting for PGTA testing and keeping everything crossed for a euploid.

Is anyone else starting this journey?

I’m so sorry @Sheffters sending all my love. Bad news for me too, none of mine made it to blast, was what I was expecting but still hit hard.

Still keeping my fingers crossed for you all. Thank you for the support xx

@Onesaddog I'm gutted for you I'm so sorry to see this ❤️

Thank you ladies.

@Onesaddog I am so sorry. Even if it's what we expect, it still hurts doesn't it. Do you have a next move? X

My update was that all 8 are still going on day 3 but one of them is only at a 2 cell stage whereas it should be 6-8 I think. No further update now until Monday and I know the biggest drop off happens between Day 3 and day 5 so just have to stay hopeful for now.

Sending you all the luck @Magix86x

@Sheffters and @Onesaddog im so sorry. Sending lots of love to both of you. This is all so hard.

@Magix86 glad they’re all still growing. Fingers crossed for a good day 5 update.

Oh goodness. I am so sorry to hear both of your updates. We get told how tough it can be as we get older, but I would have loved for you both (and us all) to buck the statistics. I really wish you every luck with your next steps. Whatever they may be.
@Magix86 may your embryos keep growing well and hopefully you’ll have a positive day 5 update for us!

AF arrived finally - although I shouldn’t be impatient, in hindsight it’s actually right on schedule for my usual cycle. I will say - I was warned but this is one of the worst cycles I’ve ever had in my life.

@PearOpal so pleased it's here but sorry it's horrendous!

I’ll add it to the very lengthy list of reasons I’m grateful for the internet because I saw so many people saying post-ER bleed can be awful. Otherwise I would’ve been blindsided.

Howre you holding up @Sheffters?

Ohh gosh @PearOpal I'm sorry it's horrible! But also glad it's arrived and you can now move on with your next steps. I'm still waiting for mine to arrive and I'm dreading it 😟
Are you travelling back out to Greece? Can't imagine how hot it is over there!

And we can’t use tampons etc can we for this first one - argh, but thanks for the warning!

@overwork is that right?! I haven't heard this!

Oh I’ll have to dig out my post procedure paperwork but I’m sure it said you’ll get a break through bleed but not to use tampons - let me check before I spread misinformation!

Found it! It says to avoid tampons for the bleeding immediately post procedure so please do ignore me, sounds like we’re fine for the breakthrough bleed!

Ahh that’s good to know! This is a bit TMI but I’m not sure there’s a tampon in the world that could handle the level of flow I’m experiencing. I’m honestly a little worried about going to work tomorrow if it doesn’t slow a bit.

@Magix86 not quite yet. I do local monitoring so l won’t travel until close to the transfer date - whenever that is.

how’s everyone doing this weekend?

@overwork oh thanks for checking! I think that's probably due to a risk of infection so soon after the procedure. Glad it's OK for the breakthrough bleed.

Oh @PearOpal this sounds horrific! I planned a day out tomorrow and I think it might show up then. Have been a bit crampy the past 2 days 😬

@PearOpal I am actually ok and have put it to bed. I am back on my anxiety meds which make me so much more rational and able to to take the emotion out and see it as science if that makes sense? Just waiting for the progesterone to drop so I can bleed properly.

We are currently exploring egg donation x

@Sheffters Im glad to hear you’re doing well and in a better place. Finding the solution that works best for you really is the most important no matter what that looks like. Definitely keep us updated on your exploration!

@Magix86 hopefully it’s not as bad for you but I’m glad you’ve got a day off either way! That’s always a win in my book.

@Sheffters I'm glad you're doing OK. Have you had any follow up with your clinic to discuss next steps? I'm just wondering if they might have suggested something different for you to be able to try again with your own eggs, or if they suggested egg donation would be the best way forwards.
I know it's not the same but we've used a sperm donor due to MFI and we had some challenging decisions to make. @PearOpal said it best really about finding the solution that suits you best.

Just written a long reply and it deleted, so here drhe shorter version!

Clinic are calling me tomorrow to set the date for the follow up meeting so will know more then. We feel that doing one round with own eggs is all we can do given that I had 10 retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilise and only 1 average blast. Plus I am not getting any younger.

We need to do some research about egg donation and speak to others who have done this. I am hopeful for our future but with hormones currently rampaging, I cannot make a decision now. Which he understands thankfully.

How are you all getting on? X

@Sheffters absolutely let the hormones settle before making any big decisions. Also just take some time, you've been through such a lot! Hopefully the follow up consultation will help you both to figure it out. It would be lovely if you'd keep us updated!

Sorry I had to step away from this thread but have been thinking of you all. Not made any decisions on next steps yet but I would like to try again, seeing you talk about doing back to back egg retrievals was helpful as I didn’t even know that was a thing. After my miscarriages my mental health was dreadful and I’ve been through lots of CBT and am also on medication, I know I can cope with it all physically but I don’t know if I can mentally. Doesn’t help that obviously we have all been on medication that messes with our hormones. I’ve been a soggy mess today.

@Sheffters I’m so glad you’re okay and whilst time isn’t on our side, do take a moment to get your breath back. @PearOpal urgh so period after ER is bad? More to look forward to, I hope you feel better soon. Good luck for tomorrow @Magix86 how are you getting on @overwork ?

Thank you. You've been on my mind @Onesaddog ❤️ sending hugs to you. IVF is so brutal and it's such a rollercoaster isn't it. Take the time you need, and know that we're here for you!

Of course, will be keeping an eye on this thread to see how you are all doing and will definitely update you and n what the clinic and say further decisions.

Sending so much positivity to you all x