Saturday 3 November 2018
Thursday 25 October 2018
Transfer day
So the embryo transfer was yesterday on Day 5. We went to the clinic for 1:30pm and were done by 2pm. All went well and we had one early blastocyst and one morulla transferred. In the evening I went for as dinner and and to watch ballet with my mother in law. 🤗 Although we again don't have any embryos to freeze, as three are today on Day 6 at the morulla stage and two even more behind, we are full of hope.
Monday 22 October 2018
Day 3 = 'Decision Day'
I got 'Do not disturb' set on my phone from 11pm until 8:30am. Normally the clinic calls between 8:30 and 9:30am unless they find out the embryo transfer has to be on that day and they try to let you know as much in advance as possible. I woke up at 8:22am and found out I had a missed call from the clinic at 7:53am. I thought 'oh no, something happened to the embryos and the transfer is today'. I called back straight away and the embryologist told me 'it's good news, five embryos are doing as they should be today, the transfer will be on Wendesday'. I felt such a huge relief. They are going to call tomorrow to confirm time for Wednesday. 🤗
Sunday 21 October 2018
Day 2 with Seven Dwarfs
I established provisional names for our embryos: Dopey, Doc, Sneezy, Grumpy, Bashful, Happy and Sleepy. When I texted Rick about my amazing idea, his reply was: "I hope it's Bashful." 🤭
Also I got a call from an embryologist and all seven embryos are growing. 🤗 Four of them are of a good quality, one is average quality and Happy and Sleepy are a bit behind but hopefully they will catch up. 🤞
Saturday 20 October 2018
Day 1
I got a call from the embryologist around 8:40am today. Out of our 10 eggs 7 fertilised. I am so happy!!
Egg collection
Finally egg collection day came. That was yesterday. We didn't have to leave that early, only at 9am as needed to be at the clinic for 9:50am. I was a bit worried for traffic but it was absolutely fine. We got there around 9:35am.
There are two disabled parking spaces at the clinic and usually one is taken by a grey car without a blue badge but there is still one left for us. This time both were taken by cars without blue badges even though there were plenty of other spaces. I went inside and asked at the reception but to no help. We parked somewhere else hoping nobody would block Rick's side because I wouldn't be able to move it for him to get in after the sedation.
They took us in and showed me to my bed. Anaesthetist came straight away and was asking his usual question. He looked quite surprised when he learned this was my seventh egg collection. I went to the toilet first so just as I was changing the nurse came in. Left straight away and came a few minutes later. Had a few more visits and then they took me into the theatre. We were chatting about Prague and beer as Kristyna, the Slovakian nurse was there. I woke up at the recovery. I asked about the number of eggs collected. It was 10. I was shocked. I knew it wouldn't be as many as 23 like last time but I was hoping for more that 10. I started crying. Everybody tried to console me but I just wanted to go home. They told us they would call us later with how many are mature since I was quite upset.
They called and all 10 are mature! My mood changed completely.
There are two disabled parking spaces at the clinic and usually one is taken by a grey car without a blue badge but there is still one left for us. This time both were taken by cars without blue badges even though there were plenty of other spaces. I went inside and asked at the reception but to no help. We parked somewhere else hoping nobody would block Rick's side because I wouldn't be able to move it for him to get in after the sedation.
They took us in and showed me to my bed. Anaesthetist came straight away and was asking his usual question. He looked quite surprised when he learned this was my seventh egg collection. I went to the toilet first so just as I was changing the nurse came in. Left straight away and came a few minutes later. Had a few more visits and then they took me into the theatre. We were chatting about Prague and beer as Kristyna, the Slovakian nurse was there. I woke up at the recovery. I asked about the number of eggs collected. It was 10. I was shocked. I knew it wouldn't be as many as 23 like last time but I was hoping for more that 10. I started crying. Everybody tried to console me but I just wanted to go home. They told us they would call us later with how many are mature since I was quite upset.
They called and all 10 are mature! My mood changed completely.
Monitoring scans
I am slacking, I know. There has been a development so I am going to update you right now.
First monitoring scan was on Friday 12th October. My lining was 7,5mm and I had about 15 follicles between 9mm and 14mm. Dosage of Meriofert stayed at 300 IU. I went on my own again because Rick had an accident on his handbike on Wednesday. He rode too quickly into a sharp turn and layed himself down on his right side. Fortunately he didn't break anything, only scraped his right elbow and banged his shoulder. He was still aching on Friday so I let him sleep and went to the clinic on my own. The nurse doing my scan was asking why I'm on my own which is a bit strange - what if I was single going through the IVF or donating eggs...? She is also the only one who take 'special' care when inserting the ultrasound probe. It just makes me uncomfortable. Nobody else does it and the inserting doesn't hurt because of the amount of the lubricant on it so I honesty don't see any major reason for rubbing 'there' a few times before inserting.
Second monitoring scan was on Wednesday 17th October. Rick went with me. Same nurse though... I had about 17 follicles between 19mm and 24mm. Lining 8,3mm. I was ready to trigger that day at 22:20 which was 10 000 units of Gonasi (two doses of 5000 IU). It went well apart when I was trying to take the protective cap off the green needle for drawing the solution, I couldn't do it. When I finally did, it surprised me so somehow my finger came down on the needle and cut me. It hurt like a bitch and it was bleeding. A lot. I did manage to inject the trigger on time even with blood splotches everywhere and a finger in agony.
The next day I felt really tired and achy, very bloated.
First monitoring scan was on Friday 12th October. My lining was 7,5mm and I had about 15 follicles between 9mm and 14mm. Dosage of Meriofert stayed at 300 IU. I went on my own again because Rick had an accident on his handbike on Wednesday. He rode too quickly into a sharp turn and layed himself down on his right side. Fortunately he didn't break anything, only scraped his right elbow and banged his shoulder. He was still aching on Friday so I let him sleep and went to the clinic on my own. The nurse doing my scan was asking why I'm on my own which is a bit strange - what if I was single going through the IVF or donating eggs...? She is also the only one who take 'special' care when inserting the ultrasound probe. It just makes me uncomfortable. Nobody else does it and the inserting doesn't hurt because of the amount of the lubricant on it so I honesty don't see any major reason for rubbing 'there' a few times before inserting.
Second monitoring scan was on Wednesday 17th October. Rick went with me. Same nurse though... I had about 17 follicles between 19mm and 24mm. Lining 8,3mm. I was ready to trigger that day at 22:20 which was 10 000 units of Gonasi (two doses of 5000 IU). It went well apart when I was trying to take the protective cap off the green needle for drawing the solution, I couldn't do it. When I finally did, it surprised me so somehow my finger came down on the needle and cut me. It hurt like a bitch and it was bleeding. A lot. I did manage to inject the trigger on time even with blood splotches everywhere and a finger in agony.
The next day I felt really tired and achy, very bloated.
Monday 24 September 2018
Hopefully number 7 will be lucky for us
I realized yesterday that I haven't been updating my blog, so my apologies.
I was waiting for my first period after withdrawal bleed after IVF no.6. Since my last 'natural' cycle was 56 days, when my husband started talking about a last holiday before the treatment cycle starts, I was all for it. We chose a week in September to go in and booked it all on August 21st. Of course, my period started on August 22nd (so that cycle ended up being 41 days), which meant my day 21 would be exactly in the middle of the holiday week. Oh well. I started taking Microgynon and booked TIA appointment (when you sign all the consent forms) as well as the endometrial scratch two days after that.
TIA was last Wednesday, September 19th, all went well. Endometrial scratch was on Friday, September 21st. It has become more common now that the booked appointments are running late which we are not happy about. On Wednesday we had to wait for half an hour. On Friday it was only about ten minutes but the reason got me angry. The lady booked before us was late but because she got there still before us (we arrived bang on at 12pm, our booked time), she took our slot. I would prefer if they took us first, acknowledging our timely arrival time and she would wait when there is a window. Anyhow... It was all very quick, signed a form, undressed while Rick, doctor David and nurse Nicole (or Nicola) were chatting about football. I do hate speculums so this time was no different. The scratch itself was very painful but quick as usual. Got all clear to start my buserelin injections that evening. I got a cyst on my right ovary again but the only thing they can do is to monitor its size. There are around 13 follicles in my left ovary and around 5 in my right one but probably there are some hiding behind the cyst. Next appointment is booked for 5th October, to check how everything looks and hopefully to confirm the start of stimulation.
I was waiting for my first period after withdrawal bleed after IVF no.6. Since my last 'natural' cycle was 56 days, when my husband started talking about a last holiday before the treatment cycle starts, I was all for it. We chose a week in September to go in and booked it all on August 21st. Of course, my period started on August 22nd (so that cycle ended up being 41 days), which meant my day 21 would be exactly in the middle of the holiday week. Oh well. I started taking Microgynon and booked TIA appointment (when you sign all the consent forms) as well as the endometrial scratch two days after that.
TIA was last Wednesday, September 19th, all went well. Endometrial scratch was on Friday, September 21st. It has become more common now that the booked appointments are running late which we are not happy about. On Wednesday we had to wait for half an hour. On Friday it was only about ten minutes but the reason got me angry. The lady booked before us was late but because she got there still before us (we arrived bang on at 12pm, our booked time), she took our slot. I would prefer if they took us first, acknowledging our timely arrival time and she would wait when there is a window. Anyhow... It was all very quick, signed a form, undressed while Rick, doctor David and nurse Nicole (or Nicola) were chatting about football. I do hate speculums so this time was no different. The scratch itself was very painful but quick as usual. Got all clear to start my buserelin injections that evening. I got a cyst on my right ovary again but the only thing they can do is to monitor its size. There are around 13 follicles in my left ovary and around 5 in my right one but probably there are some hiding behind the cyst. Next appointment is booked for 5th October, to check how everything looks and hopefully to confirm the start of stimulation.
Thursday 12 July 2018
Thursday 28 June 2018
Trigger and egg collection
I know, I know, I'm slacking, I should be adding new post the same day as it happened so I can include all the details but I just forget because we're quite busy.
So on Monday it was our last monitoring scan. I went to the clinic on my own because the appointment was at 10am and Rick watched England play World Cup match the day before so was in no state to function that early lol. I got there and it was nurse Sarah again. She used to seem a bit grumpy at first but I'm starting to warm up to her now. She did the scan. Lining was 9.8mm, looooooads of follicles in my right ovary. I think she counted 19 follicles over 14mm. The biggest one was around 22mm. The left ovary didn't have as many but still around 8. I was ready to trigger!
The trigger took place at 21:40 that night. It was Ovitrelle this time so it was easy enough.
This time I decided to track hCG in my urine the whole two weeks after trigger injection so I took pregnancy test the next morning. I was expecting a very thick two lines but all I got was a faint ghost. I tried to google if anyone ever had it too and apparently not... That didn't fill me up with confidence and I started worrying that it didn't work as well as it should and what not. All I had to do is to wait.
On Wednesday (yesterday), Rick's brother dropped us off at the clinic around 9am. We got admitted to recovery ward straight away. I helped Rick get ready and got ready myself. I was first, scheduled procedure time at 9:40am, Rick's at 10:20am. I went in around 10am. Rick's been given another Lorazepam and was blisfully sleeping so I couldn't wave at him when they were wheeling my bed past his bay. All the staff in the theatre were lovely as always, we had a little laugh when I told the anaesthetist that it hurt when he injected the canula into my hand. I don't remember much after that as they knocked me out but I do remember faintly waking up during the procedure for a bit but nothing else. No pain or anything they were just doing. I started waking up around 11am. I asked how many eggs they collected. ''Twenty two.'' ...''What??!'' I honestly couldn't believe it! And after a minute the nurse said 23, as they counted another one! The most eggs we ever had before was 12 at the very first cycle! I was soooo happy. Then Rick went in and I was chatting to Kristyna, Slovak nurse who works at the clinic. He took long and even though Kristyna tried to peek through the door for me, she couldn't see what was happening in there. They brought him in after maybe 50 minutes and they had to cut as aspiration with needle didn't result in many sperm collected.
We got a call later that day saying 18 eggs were suitable for ICSI and they used fresh sperm for all of them. Yay!
As I was writing this, I got a call from embryologist. Out of 18 eggs, only 3 fertilised. I feel defeated. We thought this cycle could be it. So many eggs collected so a lot would fertilise and we could finaly be choosing the best quality embryos, not be putting any not delayed ones back. But I guess we are just not lucky.
So on Monday it was our last monitoring scan. I went to the clinic on my own because the appointment was at 10am and Rick watched England play World Cup match the day before so was in no state to function that early lol. I got there and it was nurse Sarah again. She used to seem a bit grumpy at first but I'm starting to warm up to her now. She did the scan. Lining was 9.8mm, looooooads of follicles in my right ovary. I think she counted 19 follicles over 14mm. The biggest one was around 22mm. The left ovary didn't have as many but still around 8. I was ready to trigger!
The trigger took place at 21:40 that night. It was Ovitrelle this time so it was easy enough.
This time I decided to track hCG in my urine the whole two weeks after trigger injection so I took pregnancy test the next morning. I was expecting a very thick two lines but all I got was a faint ghost. I tried to google if anyone ever had it too and apparently not... That didn't fill me up with confidence and I started worrying that it didn't work as well as it should and what not. All I had to do is to wait.
On Wednesday (yesterday), Rick's brother dropped us off at the clinic around 9am. We got admitted to recovery ward straight away. I helped Rick get ready and got ready myself. I was first, scheduled procedure time at 9:40am, Rick's at 10:20am. I went in around 10am. Rick's been given another Lorazepam and was blisfully sleeping so I couldn't wave at him when they were wheeling my bed past his bay. All the staff in the theatre were lovely as always, we had a little laugh when I told the anaesthetist that it hurt when he injected the canula into my hand. I don't remember much after that as they knocked me out but I do remember faintly waking up during the procedure for a bit but nothing else. No pain or anything they were just doing. I started waking up around 11am. I asked how many eggs they collected. ''Twenty two.'' ...''What??!'' I honestly couldn't believe it! And after a minute the nurse said 23, as they counted another one! The most eggs we ever had before was 12 at the very first cycle! I was soooo happy. Then Rick went in and I was chatting to Kristyna, Slovak nurse who works at the clinic. He took long and even though Kristyna tried to peek through the door for me, she couldn't see what was happening in there. They brought him in after maybe 50 minutes and they had to cut as aspiration with needle didn't result in many sperm collected.
We got a call later that day saying 18 eggs were suitable for ICSI and they used fresh sperm for all of them. Yay!
As I was writing this, I got a call from embryologist. Out of 18 eggs, only 3 fertilised. I feel defeated. We thought this cycle could be it. So many eggs collected so a lot would fertilise and we could finaly be choosing the best quality embryos, not be putting any not delayed ones back. But I guess we are just not lucky.
Thursday 21 June 2018
Pregnancies in the air
Rick's best mate has called him earlier today with great news. His girlfriend of few months is pregnant. They are really happy and we are for them too. I honestly am happy but at the same time I am upset. They have been together 6 months max (I think) and now they are going to have a baby.
Only three weeks ago we found out another of Rick's friends and his wife are expecting. Again, I am happy for them but at the same time I am sad and angry and feeling like a total bitch and the worst person in the world when in my head it's buzzing with thoughts like: 'It should have been us', 'We got married earlier than them so it's our turn first', 'How can they be so happy and rub it right in my face when we've been trying for years with IVF and it still hasn't worked', 'How dare they get pregnant after one month trying or not even trying at all and it just works for them'...
It's really mixed feelings inside me right now and I can't say anything to Rick because he told me I just can't not be happy for someone else. I know that and I'm really trying but I can't help feeling really upset and down because of it all.
Anyhow...
My belly is starting to hurt and ache so I guess the follicles might be quite big by now. Also I feel quite thirsty all the time so I hope it's not a sign of OHSS. We'll see tomorrow.
Only three weeks ago we found out another of Rick's friends and his wife are expecting. Again, I am happy for them but at the same time I am sad and angry and feeling like a total bitch and the worst person in the world when in my head it's buzzing with thoughts like: 'It should have been us', 'We got married earlier than them so it's our turn first', 'How can they be so happy and rub it right in my face when we've been trying for years with IVF and it still hasn't worked', 'How dare they get pregnant after one month trying or not even trying at all and it just works for them'...
It's really mixed feelings inside me right now and I can't say anything to Rick because he told me I just can't not be happy for someone else. I know that and I'm really trying but I can't help feeling really upset and down because of it all.
Anyhow...
My belly is starting to hurt and ache so I guess the follicles might be quite big by now. Also I feel quite thirsty all the time so I hope it's not a sign of OHSS. We'll see tomorrow.
Monday 18 June 2018
First scan and beginning of stimulation
My first scan after starting Suprecur was scheduled for Friday 8th June. However, my period hasn't come before that so we had to cancel it. We kept an appointment a week later, June 15th but I would still call the clinic to let them know when my period actually starts. It did start on the 8th in the afternoon/evening when the clinic was already closed so called them the next Monday. I don't like leaving voice mails (because I must sound really special) so I had no chance getting a hold of anyone in the morning. Called them around 1 or 2pm and got told off by the nurse that they should've scanned me today if I started bleeding on Friday. Well, you should answer your phone then. Booked me in for the next day.
Scan went well, the cyst was still there but it's not growing and the lining was nice and thin (1.6mm) so it probably isn't producing any hormones. Follicles are small as well so I was good to start stimulation. Yay! This time I got Meriofert, which is FSH and a bit of hCG, the doctor changed it last minute. I'm on 300 IU.
Today was the first monitoring scan. Lining grew to 6.4mm, follicles are around 8-9mm, one is at 12mm. The cyst is gone! The nurse couldn't see it and apparently it happens that they just disappear. Good timing. She upped my dose to 375 IU just to make sure that most follicles grow above 18mm. She said there is around 20 of them altogether so I'm really happy. Never had that many before. The next appointment is on Friday 22nd.
Scan went well, the cyst was still there but it's not growing and the lining was nice and thin (1.6mm) so it probably isn't producing any hormones. Follicles are small as well so I was good to start stimulation. Yay! This time I got Meriofert, which is FSH and a bit of hCG, the doctor changed it last minute. I'm on 300 IU.
Today was the first monitoring scan. Lining grew to 6.4mm, follicles are around 8-9mm, one is at 12mm. The cyst is gone! The nurse couldn't see it and apparently it happens that they just disappear. Good timing. She upped my dose to 375 IU just to make sure that most follicles grow above 18mm. She said there is around 20 of them altogether so I'm really happy. Never had that many before. The next appointment is on Friday 22nd.
Friday 25 May 2018
Fast forward to IVF no.6!
My husband and I attended a follow up appointment on May 8th. We were told about possible donor sperm as one of our options. We politely declined. It is really Rick's decision and I respect it completely. We want to keep trying with our gametes as long as possible. That was day 26 of the first natural cycle after unsuccessful IVF no.5. We told the doctor we wanted to start a new treatment cycle as soon as possible. We were told that's fine, I was supposed to let them know when my period starts as usual and then we would plan the endometrial scratch for one day between days 17-21. We also planned a TIA appointment which was just signing all their consent forms again and go through our treatment plan. That was yesterday.
We got there and the nurse asked me why I haven't contacted them about my Day 1. Well, that's simple. My period hasn't come yet! It was day 42 and nothing. She then talked to Dr David and they agreed, if there is absolutely no chance of pregnancy, as there is not, we would book the pipelle scratch randomly and start the down regulation on the same day together with a 5-day course of pills that should kick start my cycle and I should have a withdrawal bleed as usual before the baseline scan. The other option was just to give me the pills and wait for my period to come but that could have taken up to three weeks. So we opted for option number 1. The next available slot for the procedure was actually today!
So we went and here we are. The scratch hurt nowhere near as last time. Yay! The lining looked good and there are around 13 follicles on my right ovary and 6 on my left one as well as either a cyst or a follicle around 25mm big. They prescribed me Ovitrelle to make me ovulate and get rid of that follicle so it wouldn't interfere with the next treatment. After I was given thumbs up and straight after we got home I took the first pill. Next one will be tonight together with Suprecur.
We got there and the nurse asked me why I haven't contacted them about my Day 1. Well, that's simple. My period hasn't come yet! It was day 42 and nothing. She then talked to Dr David and they agreed, if there is absolutely no chance of pregnancy, as there is not, we would book the pipelle scratch randomly and start the down regulation on the same day together with a 5-day course of pills that should kick start my cycle and I should have a withdrawal bleed as usual before the baseline scan. The other option was just to give me the pills and wait for my period to come but that could have taken up to three weeks. So we opted for option number 1. The next available slot for the procedure was actually today!
So we went and here we are. The scratch hurt nowhere near as last time. Yay! The lining looked good and there are around 13 follicles on my right ovary and 6 on my left one as well as either a cyst or a follicle around 25mm big. They prescribed me Ovitrelle to make me ovulate and get rid of that follicle so it wouldn't interfere with the next treatment. After I was given thumbs up and straight after we got home I took the first pill. Next one will be tonight together with Suprecur.
Wednesday 11 April 2018
Tuesday 10 April 2018
We will find out tomorrow
Tomorrow is the big day. The day of pregnancy test. I'm trying to keep hoping but I have a feeling the result will be negative once again.
Friday 6 April 2018
6dp3dt
Today it is 6 days after transfer. Boobs hurt less and yesterday night I sweated sooo much. Today I was having these strong pressure pains in my lower belly but apart from this I have no other symptoms.
Today something new happened though. About half an hour ago I was doing my evening round of injections - Lubion and Fragmin. Fragmin is a prefilled syringe so it's literally just take it out of packaging, remove needle cap, inject, discard syringe. Lubion needs to be loaded into syringe from ampule with thicker needle and that need to be changed for thinner one to inject. Fairly easy too. Today when I was injecting it into my belly it literally exploded. There is progesterone all over our bedroom. It was all over my hand as well and this stuff is super sticky. I don't know if the needle got blocked or if I was pushing too hard. I thought about leaving it since it's just one dose and I've been taking two every day for last 9 days but I found the on call number and contacted the clinic. The nurse told me that I am injecting only the amount of Lubion needed and if I'm not sure how much actually got injected into me (my estimate is between a quarter and a half of the dose), I should take another one. I'm happy I called now. 👐 The second dose was trouble and explosion free. 👍
Today something new happened though. About half an hour ago I was doing my evening round of injections - Lubion and Fragmin. Fragmin is a prefilled syringe so it's literally just take it out of packaging, remove needle cap, inject, discard syringe. Lubion needs to be loaded into syringe from ampule with thicker needle and that need to be changed for thinner one to inject. Fairly easy too. Today when I was injecting it into my belly it literally exploded. There is progesterone all over our bedroom. It was all over my hand as well and this stuff is super sticky. I don't know if the needle got blocked or if I was pushing too hard. I thought about leaving it since it's just one dose and I've been taking two every day for last 9 days but I found the on call number and contacted the clinic. The nurse told me that I am injecting only the amount of Lubion needed and if I'm not sure how much actually got injected into me (my estimate is between a quarter and a half of the dose), I should take another one. I'm happy I called now. 👐 The second dose was trouble and explosion free. 👍
Monday 2 April 2018
Day 1 - Day 3
Out of my 10 eggs 7 were suitable for ICSI and 4 fertilised. I was told the transfer most probably won't be on day 2.
The next day I got a call saying all four embryos are still developing at expected which was great because normally we would already have some delayed on day 2.
On Saturday they called me at 7:15 which I knew straight away the transfer would be on that day because they are always trying to give as much notice as possible. I was told two embryos were a bit delayed and an average to poor quality so we had our two winners which were in a 8-cell and 9-cell stages. Rick couldn't come this time because he had a stag planned for ages now and the timing just didn't work out. If the egg collection stayed on the original day, Tuesday, then day 3 would have been on Friday and he could have come. Oh well. I asked my best friend Jade to come with me instead.
I made sure I drank enough water this time so I wouldn't get told off again like at the last clinic lol. I was the last one of the day and went straight in which was perfect. The embryologist showed me the two beauties still in the dish and after the transfer she gave me a Treatment summary with their pictures. I named them Bubble Wrap and Spot. They are sooo cute lol.
So far I obviously don't feel any symptoms, just my boobs have been sore since the egg collection. Last night it actually hurt the sleep in my front because of them. That sucks because that's my favourite sleeping position. All in all I feel fine and positive.
The next day I got a call saying all four embryos are still developing at expected which was great because normally we would already have some delayed on day 2.
On Saturday they called me at 7:15 which I knew straight away the transfer would be on that day because they are always trying to give as much notice as possible. I was told two embryos were a bit delayed and an average to poor quality so we had our two winners which were in a 8-cell and 9-cell stages. Rick couldn't come this time because he had a stag planned for ages now and the timing just didn't work out. If the egg collection stayed on the original day, Tuesday, then day 3 would have been on Friday and he could have come. Oh well. I asked my best friend Jade to come with me instead.
I made sure I drank enough water this time so I wouldn't get told off again like at the last clinic lol. I was the last one of the day and went straight in which was perfect. The embryologist showed me the two beauties still in the dish and after the transfer she gave me a Treatment summary with their pictures. I named them Bubble Wrap and Spot. They are sooo cute lol.
So far I obviously don't feel any symptoms, just my boobs have been sore since the egg collection. Last night it actually hurt the sleep in my front because of them. That sucks because that's my favourite sleeping position. All in all I feel fine and positive.
Wednesday 28 March 2018
Egg collection & sperm retrieval
Today was the day. We were supposed to be at the clinic at 8:30am but weren't sure about traffic so left just after 7am. We got there with 35 minutes spare. 😅 They let us in the reception area though so we waited there. Rick's dad who was our designated driver and companion for the day was taking a piss by having a cup of tea right in front of us knowing full well we couldn't eat or drink anything. 😒
At 8:30 we were taken to one of the consultation offices and had a little chat with a nurse, she was asking usual questions about our medical history, allergies, loose teeth or crowns... We were told what to expect which was pretty straightforward with me. Rick was told if they can't aspire any sperm with syringe they might need to make a small incision in the scrotum anyway. He was quite nervous because he was only going to have a local anaesthesia. I got ready and then helped Rick get ready. I was told by one nurse to try and empty my bladder which was fine but not even 5 minutes later the main doctor who was leading both our procedures told me to go again otherwise they would have to catheterize me. I did go but there was nothing. Duh.
They wheeled me in, put cannula in easily and first bit of sedation. Then I remember them telling me they were going to position my legs but don't actually remember them doing it and nothing after that. I woke up back in recovery unit. I asked a nurse how many eggs they collected and how long it took. They got 10 eggs! 🤗 And apparently it took about 30 minutes. I asked 5 minutes later again but don't remember asking twice. 😅 After me another lady went for egg collection and then Rick. He had my overhead headphones on so he wouldn't hear them talking during the procedure. He was back in about 30 minutes and at the end they did only bilateral TESA. So no cutting needed. He was sooo happy. And they also found sperm! 🤗 Just before my procedure I signed a consent form in case they didn't find any sperm and the frozen back up wouldn't survive thawing so they could freeze my eggs so they wouldn't go wasted. That wasn't needed at the end but it was good to have it in worst case scenario. I munched some biscuits and hot chocolate, Rick the same a bit later and after a quick chat with an embryologist we were ready to go. All went well and now we are chilling at home with the fire on. Now we just have to wait till tomorrow to see how many eggs were mature and suitable for ICSI and how many fertilised. 🤞
At 8:30 we were taken to one of the consultation offices and had a little chat with a nurse, she was asking usual questions about our medical history, allergies, loose teeth or crowns... We were told what to expect which was pretty straightforward with me. Rick was told if they can't aspire any sperm with syringe they might need to make a small incision in the scrotum anyway. He was quite nervous because he was only going to have a local anaesthesia. I got ready and then helped Rick get ready. I was told by one nurse to try and empty my bladder which was fine but not even 5 minutes later the main doctor who was leading both our procedures told me to go again otherwise they would have to catheterize me. I did go but there was nothing. Duh.
They wheeled me in, put cannula in easily and first bit of sedation. Then I remember them telling me they were going to position my legs but don't actually remember them doing it and nothing after that. I woke up back in recovery unit. I asked a nurse how many eggs they collected and how long it took. They got 10 eggs! 🤗 And apparently it took about 30 minutes. I asked 5 minutes later again but don't remember asking twice. 😅 After me another lady went for egg collection and then Rick. He had my overhead headphones on so he wouldn't hear them talking during the procedure. He was back in about 30 minutes and at the end they did only bilateral TESA. So no cutting needed. He was sooo happy. And they also found sperm! 🤗 Just before my procedure I signed a consent form in case they didn't find any sperm and the frozen back up wouldn't survive thawing so they could freeze my eggs so they wouldn't go wasted. That wasn't needed at the end but it was good to have it in worst case scenario. I munched some biscuits and hot chocolate, Rick the same a bit later and after a quick chat with an embryologist we were ready to go. All went well and now we are chilling at home with the fire on. Now we just have to wait till tomorrow to see how many eggs were mature and suitable for ICSI and how many fertilised. 🤞
Monday 26 March 2018
We are ready to trigger!
Rick had an all-nighter with two of his mates yesterday so I wasn't surprised when he didn't mind me going to the clinic on my own today.
It was quite busy at the car park and they were running a bit late with their appointments but it wasn't too too bad.
Today I got taken care of nurse Sarah #2, the one that didn't seem very nice the first tim e I met her but she was lovely today. Maybe the other time it just wasn't her day or maybe I was too cranky and too judgmental or something. My lining is around 11mm which is good. The follicles are massive now, much bigger than I've ever seen as at the first clinic they always triggered me as soon as one follicle was above 18mm. I had some well over 20mm, I think they might have been even 23 or 24mm. Nurse Sarah recons some of the smaller ones will still grow a bit so altogether I could have 14 follicles above 14mm that could contain an egg. Yay! I do need to make myself drink more water though as it prevents developing OHSS and I have been having bad headaches from buserelin injections but also because Sarah told me there was some fluid behind my right ovary which is a sign of dehydration. I'm kicking myself now for being stupid.
After that I had a session with another nurse, the same one Rick and I were signing all of our consent forms with. Forgot her name but she is so very lovely. I got mine and Rick's instruction sheets for Wednesday and all my drugs I will need to start taking from Wednesday.
Here they are:
1) Lubion - injection twice daily, starting Wednesday evening, which is luteal support;
2) Fragmin (used to be Clexane) - injection once daily, starting Thursday, I think this one is to support implantation;
3) Prednisolone - steroid tablets to be taken daily on the morning (if taken too late in the day, apparently they could give me some very weird dreams), these are to support implantation as well and to advert rejection of the embryo/s;
plus 4) Doxycycline - just preventive antibiotics for 8 days after the collection.
And I got my trigger of course which is not Ovitrelle, it is Gonasi which I am to take tonight at 9pm sharp. That works well for me as I have been taking all my injections this cycle at 9pm. I made myself a nice little colour coded spreadsheet so I don't forget any of this.
We are supposed to be at the clinic at 8:30am on Wednesday. I should go to theatre at 9am and Rick right after me around 9:40am.
It was quite busy at the car park and they were running a bit late with their appointments but it wasn't too too bad.
Today I got taken care of nurse Sarah #2, the one that didn't seem very nice the first tim e I met her but she was lovely today. Maybe the other time it just wasn't her day or maybe I was too cranky and too judgmental or something. My lining is around 11mm which is good. The follicles are massive now, much bigger than I've ever seen as at the first clinic they always triggered me as soon as one follicle was above 18mm. I had some well over 20mm, I think they might have been even 23 or 24mm. Nurse Sarah recons some of the smaller ones will still grow a bit so altogether I could have 14 follicles above 14mm that could contain an egg. Yay! I do need to make myself drink more water though as it prevents developing OHSS and I have been having bad headaches from buserelin injections but also because Sarah told me there was some fluid behind my right ovary which is a sign of dehydration. I'm kicking myself now for being stupid.
After that I had a session with another nurse, the same one Rick and I were signing all of our consent forms with. Forgot her name but she is so very lovely. I got mine and Rick's instruction sheets for Wednesday and all my drugs I will need to start taking from Wednesday.
Here they are:
1) Lubion - injection twice daily, starting Wednesday evening, which is luteal support;
2) Fragmin (used to be Clexane) - injection once daily, starting Thursday, I think this one is to support implantation;
3) Prednisolone - steroid tablets to be taken daily on the morning (if taken too late in the day, apparently they could give me some very weird dreams), these are to support implantation as well and to advert rejection of the embryo/s;
plus 4) Doxycycline - just preventive antibiotics for 8 days after the collection.
And I got my trigger of course which is not Ovitrelle, it is Gonasi which I am to take tonight at 9pm sharp. That works well for me as I have been taking all my injections this cycle at 9pm. I made myself a nice little colour coded spreadsheet so I don't forget any of this.
We are supposed to be at the clinic at 8:30am on Wednesday. I should go to theatre at 9am and Rick right after me around 9:40am.
Saturday 24 March 2018
Second monitoring scan
I was nervous again because my belly didn't start hurting until late on Thursday. At the clinic the nurse who did my scan yesterday was the first Sarah, very lovely and cheerful woman. My lining is 12mm and there is one 17mm follicle in my right ovary plus a few smaller ones. There are two 17mm in my left ones and some smaller ones too. All together I have 13 follicles above 10mm and a couple around 6mm and 4mm. Sarah reckons I will have 10 or so eggs. I pray that is true. Provisional date for egg collection and sperm extraction was Tuesday 27th March but Sarah gave me one more day of stimulation so we're back on Monday for a final scan and egg collection will be 90% on Wednesday. My head hurts sooo much and my whole body too. It is quite bad but to be honest, it calms me down because it shows me something is happening with my body.
Monday 19 March 2018
First monitoring scan
Rick is not feeling well today but he still drove me to the clinic. He stayed in the car though. I was told there was about 10 minutes delay but at the end I waited almost 30. Nevermind. Today's nurse's name was Sarah again but it was another one. There is still the third one I'm yet to meet lol. My lining is 7.3mm thick which is good for Day 7. I only have 2 follicles around 10mm and a few smaller ones. Sarah made it out like it was a very bad thing. My Gonal-f was upped from 150 units to 225. 😲 I told Sarah that it's a really big jump from 150 to 225 and she told me ot goes up in multiples of 75. I know for sure it doesn't, it goes up by 12.5. 🤔 So the lowest bigger dose for me would be 162.5. It is a bit strange but I hope she knows what she's doing. She wasn't very forthcoming with any information about my follicles so maybe I'm just annoyed with her in general. During last week I could already feel my belly being a bit sore so I was quite surprised there were only a few follicles there. I also have quite a big headaches so I really try to drink a lot of water but it doesn't always necessarily help. I hope the small follicles catch up and maybe a few more start reacting as well.
Tuesday 13 March 2018
Start of stimulation
I must admit I was a bit anxious today on the way to the clinic. I was afraid my lining is not thin enough to start stimulation like last time. Fortunately it was, exactly 1.4mm thin and good thickness is anything under 4mm so I was absolutely fine. So far I only had a few headaches and belly pains from buserelin injections so not looking forward to being sore from growing follicles. I got my Gonal F and we were on our way. It was a very short appointment, even the nurse said she felt useless because I already know 'everything' about what's happening and how to administer my injections. As I told her, I wish I didn't feel like a pro regarding IVF treatment but it does make it easier for us.
Tuesday 27 February 2018
Assessment and start of injections
Rick and I were supposed to go the clinic last week on Tuesday but as we were getting in the car at 8am, it just wouldn't start. We called the clinic to cancel/rebook once we know more, called our insurer and had RAC coming. They came at 10:40, the mechanic sounded pretty sure it was flat battery. Cool. After a while I went out to check and he did not know why it wasn't working. He left and we booked a slot on Friday in special garage where Rick's hand controls were fitted. Tow truck as well. On Thursday I needed to get something from the car quick and thought to myself, I might as well try that it's still not working when I'm already here, and it worked! Cancelled everything on Friday hoping it would keep working and it has.
Which leads us to today. We got to the clinic exactly on time at 8.30am and it was already quite busy. We had a chat with a anaesthetist and a nurse Sarah. For a while it looked like we will have to postpone the treatment again because the doctor didn't want to put Rick under sedation without proper investigations because he is a high risk patient. At the end Rick offered to show them how much his legs spasm when lying flat as it was his biggest concern if he went for the option of lorazepam pill and local anaesthesia. The doctor told him it's fine and sounded very confident that there should be no problems with the procedure. After that we waited a bit for a chat with a nurse to give us dates and I am starting my down regulation today. This clinic doesn't advise to use Suprecur between 6 and 8pm but any time in the day that suits me, just keep the same time every day which is helpful. My last pill is on Thursday and our first scan is March 13th. 😊
Which leads us to today. We got to the clinic exactly on time at 8.30am and it was already quite busy. We had a chat with a anaesthetist and a nurse Sarah. For a while it looked like we will have to postpone the treatment again because the doctor didn't want to put Rick under sedation without proper investigations because he is a high risk patient. At the end Rick offered to show them how much his legs spasm when lying flat as it was his biggest concern if he went for the option of lorazepam pill and local anaesthesia. The doctor told him it's fine and sounded very confident that there should be no problems with the procedure. After that we waited a bit for a chat with a nurse to give us dates and I am starting my down regulation today. This clinic doesn't advise to use Suprecur between 6 and 8pm but any time in the day that suits me, just keep the same time every day which is helpful. My last pill is on Thursday and our first scan is March 13th. 😊
Wednesday 14 February 2018
Scratch & scan
Rick and I just got back from holiday in Vegas yesterday so we are seriously jet-lagged so maybe having an appointment today wasn't the greatest idea. We are both absolutely shattered. We got there just on time for 2pm.
After a very short wait we were called through by a very nice nurse and spent more than an hour in her office signing consent forms. She knew exactly what is in our treatment plan and made us feel at ease.
After that I had my 3D uterus scan and endometrial scratch yet again. The scan was fine, there is nothing in my uterus that shouldn't be there. There is 15 and 13 follicles in my ovaries which is good. This endometrial scratch was the most thorough I ever had and it huuuurt. A lot. All good now though.
After that I got my down regulation drugs and we both had blood and urine tests done. Now we just have to wait for Rick to have an assessment by anaesthetist because of his procedure and I can start my injections!
After a very short wait we were called through by a very nice nurse and spent more than an hour in her office signing consent forms. She knew exactly what is in our treatment plan and made us feel at ease.
After that I had my 3D uterus scan and endometrial scratch yet again. The scan was fine, there is nothing in my uterus that shouldn't be there. There is 15 and 13 follicles in my ovaries which is good. This endometrial scratch was the most thorough I ever had and it huuuurt. A lot. All good now though.
After that I got my down regulation drugs and we both had blood and urine tests done. Now we just have to wait for Rick to have an assessment by anaesthetist because of his procedure and I can start my injections!
Monday 8 January 2018
New clinic = new hope
After our last unsuccessful cycle we decided to change the clinic. It felt like we didn't matter to them as people, only as a number on their system. Our 4 cycles were very similar to each other even though we all could see it's not really working for us.
In December I researched a few clinics around us, phoned a few of them and made an appointment with 'the winner'. It's only 30 to 35 minutes away from us so almost the same as the first clinic. I requested our medical notes and sent them to the new place.
The D Day was today. Yay! We got there late, there was a bit of traffic and also we got stuck behind some trucks on some country lanes. 😒 Welcome was very warm and after a few minutes a nurse Nicola called us through. We did all the paperwork, checked our blood pressure (both low) and took my height and weight and a blood sample. No samples from Rick as he can't provide a fresh sperm sample on the spot.
After that we waited a bit more with a hot chocolate and then we were called in by doctor Daniel. He was very nice and explained everything in detail. We found out a few things we weren't told at the first clinic. I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which to be honest is not that big of a problem for my husband and I because we can't try to get pregnant naturally anyway so I don't need to be ovulating every month. It also means I will have higher dose of Gonal F when stimulating so I can produce more eggs to be collected. Another news for us was that Rick's frozen sperm might be the problem why we haven't gotten pregnant yet. It is because he had his sperm extracted straight from testicles which apparently is easier and quicker rather than try to aspire it from epididymis which is much less invasive procedure but not necessarily successful. So the plan is to still have our 2 leftover ampules transferred from clinic 1 to clinic 2 but just as a back-up plan because plan A is that Rick is going to have sperm aspiration from epididymis on the same day as my egg collection. So we can try with fresh sperm instead of frozen. Also because according to Rick's hormones checked from his blood he is still creating new sperm which takes 3 months to mature so the fresh sperm will only be 3 months old instead of 2 years when he had the first surgery.
Wow, this turned out to be a massive article. 😲😅 And I'm not finished yet. 🙈
I was given contraceptive pill to regulate my cycle length because for my next cycle's day 21 we are going away. After we come back I'm going to have a 3D scan of my uterus to check there is nothing that shouldn't be there like a polyp or so which could affect implantation of embryos. At the same time they are going to do an endometrial scratch. We both also need a new blood tests for hepatitis, HIV and other because they last for 2 years and we had them done in January 2016. Another change from last cycles will be progesterone support after embryo transfer. Instead of Crinone gel I'll be using injections and pills. I don't remember exact names, sorry.
I think that's it. So next time we are going there it's going to be Valentine's Day!
In December I researched a few clinics around us, phoned a few of them and made an appointment with 'the winner'. It's only 30 to 35 minutes away from us so almost the same as the first clinic. I requested our medical notes and sent them to the new place.
The D Day was today. Yay! We got there late, there was a bit of traffic and also we got stuck behind some trucks on some country lanes. 😒 Welcome was very warm and after a few minutes a nurse Nicola called us through. We did all the paperwork, checked our blood pressure (both low) and took my height and weight and a blood sample. No samples from Rick as he can't provide a fresh sperm sample on the spot.
After that we waited a bit more with a hot chocolate and then we were called in by doctor Daniel. He was very nice and explained everything in detail. We found out a few things we weren't told at the first clinic. I have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) which to be honest is not that big of a problem for my husband and I because we can't try to get pregnant naturally anyway so I don't need to be ovulating every month. It also means I will have higher dose of Gonal F when stimulating so I can produce more eggs to be collected. Another news for us was that Rick's frozen sperm might be the problem why we haven't gotten pregnant yet. It is because he had his sperm extracted straight from testicles which apparently is easier and quicker rather than try to aspire it from epididymis which is much less invasive procedure but not necessarily successful. So the plan is to still have our 2 leftover ampules transferred from clinic 1 to clinic 2 but just as a back-up plan because plan A is that Rick is going to have sperm aspiration from epididymis on the same day as my egg collection. So we can try with fresh sperm instead of frozen. Also because according to Rick's hormones checked from his blood he is still creating new sperm which takes 3 months to mature so the fresh sperm will only be 3 months old instead of 2 years when he had the first surgery.
Wow, this turned out to be a massive article. 😲😅 And I'm not finished yet. 🙈
I was given contraceptive pill to regulate my cycle length because for my next cycle's day 21 we are going away. After we come back I'm going to have a 3D scan of my uterus to check there is nothing that shouldn't be there like a polyp or so which could affect implantation of embryos. At the same time they are going to do an endometrial scratch. We both also need a new blood tests for hepatitis, HIV and other because they last for 2 years and we had them done in January 2016. Another change from last cycles will be progesterone support after embryo transfer. Instead of Crinone gel I'll be using injections and pills. I don't remember exact names, sorry.
I think that's it. So next time we are going there it's going to be Valentine's Day!
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