April/May 2025

[Nevergiveup]

Hi everyone hope you are ok!

I’m starting a new group for everyone wanting support going through their journey to get their little bundle of joy. I’ve found that talking to others really helps as no one gets it as much as you ladies that are injecting, inserting pesseries, feeling the hormones, having scans, showing your bits what seems like every 5 minutes, hoping and praying and testing like mad. Partners can be helpful but don’t 100% get it and beyond that support/understanding drops.

I’m starting a long protocol AGAIN on Sunday, that’s my first injection. I’ve not had a collection since 2023 and I’m dreading it.

Does anyone want to join me in doing through our journey together? X

[Lorelai]

Hi Nevergiveup! How are you? Looks like we are following similar timings again and could definitely use the support.

Hope all went ok with the start of the long protocol yesterday. I started stims on Saturday as doing a short protocol again, we didnt have anything to freeze from previous rounds. I am on a higher dose and on a different medication this time. Fingers crossed for a better stimulation!

What does your timeline look like this time?

Stay strong, you have got this. xx

[Nevergiveup]

Hi Lorelai, how are you?

First injection was ok but a few minutes later it was itchy and a bit of a red circle maybe 5cm in size. I rubbed the area to try and disperse the liquid and it settled so I’m hoping it was a one off. My side hurts but assuming I’ve slept funny and it’s not related.

I don’t really know timings too much yet because it depends when I start my period and have my scan and then depends when they start my stims. Originally worked out collection could be 9th but they have provisional booking for 19th so totally different. It’s one of those things where you just can’t plan anything. We’ve spent years not being able to plan!

When do you think collection will be roughly? It’s good they have done some changes but equally makes you nervous doesn’t it x

[MSS]

Hi ladies how you both.
I had my Intralipid Infusions on Thursday waiting for my period to start to start a frozen embryo transfer.

[Nevergiveup]

Hi MSS we have met before, I recognise your name.

How did you find the treatment? Was it just a one off or will you have to have it every so many weeks?

Do you know roughly when you will be doing the transfer? X

[MSS]

Yes we have met on previous cycles. I need to have another one between cycle 4 and 9. Im guessing transfer is in May. Feel so nervous and scared this time.

Are you doing a fresh cycle?

[Nevergiveup]

All being well I will have 2 fresh embryos transferred. We are hoping we will have multiple blastocysts for a double fresh transfer and also some to freeze, that would be ideal but who knows in this process what will happen.

I think last collection we had 18 retrieved, 15 mature, 9 fertilised and 3 blastocysts. We will be doing Zymot this time and we have both been taking CoQ10, partner 200mg and me 200 3 times a day as you can only really absorb 200 at a time apparently. Let’s just hope it all helps.

I’m really nervous and dreading it all because I end up where they can’t put an iv in because I can’t drink for so many hours and then I end up with really difficult/painful transfers due to scarring when I had my eldest.

Sounds like we are all looking mid may for transfers which is nice that we will be going through it together.

How are you both feeling with the meds? X

[Nevergiveup]

Hi Ladies

How are you doing? Feeling nervous, meds sending you all over the place etc x

[Spring22]

Hi Ladies,

Glad to recognise some names from my previous cycle in 2023.

We’re going for a frozen embryo transfer this time and waiting for meds delivery and day 1 which could be anytime.

We only have embryo frozen so I am super anxious. Glad to have somewhere to chat and vent.

How are things going for everyone.

[Nevergiveup]

Hi everyone

Just an update from me, started my period yesterday so contacted my clinic to arrange my down reg scan and it’s on 29th so hopefully everything is working with my current medication.

I’ve got lower back pain for several days and a really really heavy flow possible tmi sorry.

When I’m doing my injections in my tummy the needles don’t seem sharp enough like they want to go through my skin. I can remember telling the scan woman last time and she said a lot of ladies complain about that. Nice to see nothing has changed… lol

I'm really not looking forward to this at all and I’m super nervous/anxious too. You aren’t alone on that one.

How is everyone else doing? Anyone else started their new cycle yet? X

[MSS]

Hey ladies how are you all feeling? I just had my first scan done lining is measuring 6.2. I always struggle with my lining every time. So much stress.

[Lorelai]

Hi ladies,
how are you all doing?

MSS - hope you have been able to relax over the weekend. It is all so much stress. What is the target lining that is needed? I hope that is continues it build up.

Nevergiveup - I hope that you are able to get enough for a double fresh and some to freeze, wishing you the best of luck! Your numbers are high and I hope Zymot and CoQ10 helps. We also had issues with the injections in my tummy this time, havent ever before. They kept sticking, I am covered in bruising! I have been trying to focus on taking this cycle one step at a time as I have found the meds harder than before.

Spring22 - I havent experienced a frozen transfer as we havent had any to freeze before. When do you start the meds and then when does the transfer happen? I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

As a little update from me, I have been flat out in bed since last Wednesday afternoon, except for traveling to and from my egg collection on Thursday. I have been really struggling with side effects from the stims medication which is not normal at all for me. I have had nausea and dizziness and its really stopped me from doing anything. Im doing a little better now, just a bit dizzy. But the egg collection went ok, 4 follicles were collected from, 3 eggs in total, 2 fertilised and those 2 are now at day 4 today. Fingers crossed for a day 5 transfer tomorrow. I know these numbers are low but they are as expected for me and similar to previous cycles so I am content.

Thinking of you all. xx

[MSS]

Hey Lorelai
Im sorry to hear you not been too well. The medication is very strong we don't realise the impact it has on our bodies. I had dizziness during my second egg collection was told to drink loads of water. Have you mentioned this to care have they suggested anything. Great news about your transfer for tomorrow. What time are you booked in for. My lining was measuring 6.2 needs to be over 8 i have scan tomorrow morning. I just wish it was bit more simpler you took you meds did what they said and at end you have a baby. Fingers crossed for you and all of us this is out month .

[Spring22]

Wishing you a big good luck for a day 5 transfer tomorrow.

Nevergiveup - we did zymot in my fresh cycle with very good results so wishing you lots of luck

MSS- hopefully lining will be better and next scan. Im just starting the frozen protocol so not sure what to expect. Waiting for the call to start down regulation and get the wheels turning. I only have one frozen embryo so need all the luck I can get.

[Lorelai]

Thank you for the good luck wishes ahead of tomorrow. My transfer is booked for the afternoon. I am nervous to see how these two embryos are doing, I wont have another update until tomorrow when I get to the clinic.

My clinic also said lots and lots of water will help the dizziness. I would say its helping but its not curing it!

MSS - i hope your scan tomorrow should your lining getting thicker, I wish it was all a bit simpler too. Fingers crossed for you.

We had Zymot too this time.

xx

[Nevergiveup]

Hi ladies nice to hear from you all

Lorelai that’s fab news you have 2 at day 4, fingers crossed you get your fresh transfer and one to freeze or are you doing a double transfer? Hope you feel better soon, these meds definitely take it out on us all so take it easy.

MSS fingers crossed your lining is growing nicely

Spring22 my frozen cycles have been easier than fresh, no need to down regulate, just take meds to increase lining and then to start with they didn’t ever check progesterone levels but the last few they have just to make sure they don’t need to add injections. Hopefully you will find them easier than a fresh. Have you been told you need to down regulate for it?

I have a scan tomorrow morning to check I’ve down regulated but I’m concerned because I’ve started bleeding a bit again. My period had pretty much stopped, like the usual tail end stuff but it’s started a bit more red and slightly more. No more than a couple of panty liners a day but I’ve not had that before, have any of you experienced that and what did they do? I’ve read you can start stims whilst bleeding a bit but really not sure what to expect.
I’ve also been having headaches for a few days, oh the joys of ivf…..

Hope you are all enjoying seeing the sun out and good luck to you all x

[MSS]

Hi ladies.

Loraiel firstly good luck for tomorrow fingers crossed for you. Did u use zymot for icsi or ivf?

Sprintg22 good luck for your frozen cycle.

Nevergiveup good luck with your scan.

I had to cancel my treatment had my bloods come back today and my thyroid level is too high. Just wasted god knows how much money for last 12 days as i had to have two drips at care too.


Fingers crossed for all you lovely ladies.

[NHawth7]

Hi everyone. First time posting to this forum.

Just started stims for my second egg retrieval. First was in Dec, got 3 blasts, fresh transfer BFN, PGTA on the other two and only one was chromosomally normal. Did a frozen transfer in Feb which turned into a chemical.

We’re doing PGTA to hopefully minimise miscarriages. I had a ruptured ectopic which was life threatening in 2023 as well as a chemical and no luck naturally since. So feel like I’ve been through the wringer to be honest. I have a son who is 3 and feel such guilt about not being able to give him a sibling, although I know how lucky we are to have him.

I’m hoping we’ll do a freeze all this round if we get enough to test. AMH slightly low so hoping for 6 eggs like last time.

So sorry your cycle was cancelled MSS, I also found a thyroid issue during all this which I’m on levothyroixine for. If you’ve any questions let me know. Mine delayed me a month starting treatment.

Good luck Lorelai for tomorrow!

[Spring22]

Lorelai - hope everything went well today wishing you all the best

MSS - that is very frustrating hope you get everything sorted as soon as possible

Nevergiveup- hope your scan went ok and maybe the headaches subsided. They did recommend for me to down regulate so we’re starting down regulation next and hoping for the best.

NHAwth7 - Welcome to the forum, i found it very helpful during my first cycle to have somewhere to chat as we live far from family and have not told them we re doing IVF again. No need to feel guilty for your son as you re already doing everYthing you can and more. Hope your stims go well

[Nevergiveup]

Hi all, hope you are doing well

MSS so sorry to hear your cycle has been cancelled, that’s so frustrating, annoying, disappointing, upsetting. How are you feeling about it? Are you starting to come to terms with it? I know it’s a pain but you want to get the best results it’s just a never ending process ivf isn’t it and all the physical, emotional and financial strain we have to put ourselves through to get what others take for granted. I feel for you hun x

NHawth7 welcome, it sounds like you have been through it previously. It certainly helps to talk to others about their experiences and know you aren’t alone and to get help, tips and support from others on here or to rant to ladies that ‘get it’. I wish you luck with your cycle. Don’t be hard on yourself about giving your little boy a sibling, it’s hard but you are doing what you can but don’t put added pressure on yourself. I’m trying to also follow that advice because my 2 kids want a sibling. It’s hard for me because just over a year ago I gave birth to a sleeping baby boy, he had mosaic Edwards syndrome, well the placenta did and baby wasn’t tested as it was an oversight as we’d signed forms for him to be. We found out he had died when I went in for a scan at 15 weeks, his 12 week scan was absolutely fine but the blood test came back with higher risk factors so we were doing more testing and found on the scan. I was induced and had him at 16 weeks. His funeral was hard and my kids talk about him most days and we have a cry but they always ask for a baby and one that they can hold and play with and that will come home and not be poorly. So I completely get what you feel and it’s hard but we will get there one day fingers crossed x

Spring22 do you know when you will likely be starting down regulation? Do they have to give you other meds too? How does the process work as I don’t actually know? x

Lorelai how did your transfer go? Did you also get a frozen embryo? Fingers crossed everything goes well for you x

My scan went well yesterday, lining small and no big follicles so down regs working. I asked about the bleeding and she said it’s fine and a good sign because it means all my lining is gone. She said it can be heavier, longer, stop and start again and it’s all normal. She said there was a bit of a clot so I might pass that but either way it’s fine. I’ve been told to start stims on 3rd May and looking around 16th for collection. I’m absolutely dreading collection. This will be my 4th collection. On my 2nd it took 2-3 people 7 attempts to put a cannula in and a few goes on my 3rd so I’ve got that added stress. The nurse told me to wake in the night and drink a gallon of water so I’m not as dehydrated

[MSS]

Hi NHawth i am on the same medication either it’s too high or goes too low. What dosage are you on if you don't mind me asking. How your getting one with the meds? Have they given you a date for egg collection?

Nevergiveup i am glad your scan went well. How you finding the medication. Its really frustrating had built myself up to whole process and was in a good bubble too, then just like that everything got cancelled. Need to put last few weeks behind me and start again. .

[NHawth7]

My TSH was 4.1, so I’m subclinical. I took 50mg for 4 weeks and brought it to 2.6. Then when I had my chemical in March it was 2.8, so consultant and GP agreed to try 75mg two days a week, 50 the rest of the time. This is because I’ve never got under the 2.5 recommended level but technically my level is low enough to have IVF.

GP is now going to test every 3 months. Appreciate yours may have been more severe than mine as I’m very boarder level but Care required it to be under 4 to start.

Meds are giving me a headache, or it could be the hot weather. Good reminder to drink more! Scan is on Tuesday, so hopefully collection Thursday if it follows a similar pattern to last time.

[MSS]

Hi Nhawth I have under active thyroid my tsh was 4.7 i just hoping it does not end up taking months to come down. I feel my doctors cant seem to get my dosage right. I have to always contact them after a blood test as they put the results down as normal no action required, have to call them and remind them about my fertility treatment and then they tell me to change my dose.

Meds can do that and drink plenty water it does help.

[Nevergiveup]

Hi all

MSS the meds are ok in general. Struggle sometimes to get the needle to go through my skin and it’s bled a couple of times. I’ve not had a headache for a couple of days so that’s a bonus lol.
Start my stims tomorrow oh what joy. I’m not looking forward to that with 2 injections, hormones, bloating, discomfort and all the other delightful stuff that goes with it. I really dislike the ivf process but needs must.
I’ve developed a stupid tickley cough which is driving me mad and making my chest tight. Just hoping to shift it quickly before collection x

[MSS]

Hi Nevergiveup i hope your cough gets better soon and good luck with your stims.

Have you ladies done lining scratch? I struggle with my lining to grow and just thinking is it worth trying.