Don’t know what I am supposed to feel. Anyone else on the same boat?

Binnie505

Hi. A little background: I am 31 years old. I had one ectopic pregnancy (conceived naturally) last August. They had to remove one of my Fallopian tubes during the emergency surgery. After the surgery and a HSG test, it was revealed that my remaining tube is open and clear on the inside but the fimbria are clubbed. I consulted couple of fertility specialist and they both suggested IVF. My periods are always regular and My AMH level is 1.96. I do not have any other health issues or hormonal dis-balance identified as of now. There are no male factors either.

I started the first cycle of IVF last May. I was on 300 IU of Gonal F and 150 IU of Menopur taken together. Ganirelix was added later and I was triggered with Ovidrel. I was on the stim meds for only 7 days and then I was triggered on 8thday. On the day of trigger my Blood Estrogen was 928.7 pg/ml; Progesterone was 1.52 ng/ml; left side follicles were 18, 13.1, 12, 9.2 and Right side follicles were 13.9, 19.2,15.6, 12.5,18.7 mm and the uterus lining was I think 9 mm. They retrieved 9 eggs. Then the next day the lab called saying none of the eggs fertilized. Seems like, 7 out of 9 eggs were completely immature. Two were nearly mature and seems like one out of those two had sperm penetration but it didn’t fertilize.

On my follow up visit, I had a very detailed conversation with my RE and the highlight is that my scenario is very unusual (at least to them) because they triggered based on my numbers and there should have been at least 3-4 mature/fertilized eggs. They cannot really say my eggs have serious maturity issue because I did get pregnant on my own once. So she suggested another protocol and that she would wait until my lead follicles are at least 21 mm and that the trigger would be done with 10000 IU of HCG.

I have done 2 weeks of BCP (until July 27). I started micro dose Lupron from today (20 units twice daily) and the stim meds will start from August 1. I am now on 225 IU of Gonal F and 225 IU of Menopur. I have also been taking Co Q 10 enzymes since late May.

I am not sure if I should be excited or nervous. What if there is really something wrong with the eggs and it won’t fertilize. And even if it does, will there be a good quality embryo and will it even implant. Too many things to think about.
Baby dust to all. Cheers!

Drove2u

I have not had this experience but it sounds like everything will work out for you. :-) you just may need one more try.

KidShrink

So you were triggered on CD8? Seems a little early, no? Follies need to be between 18-22mm to have the best chance of being mature and fertilize. Given that you only had two within that range, it doesn't seem all that surprising to me that only two would have had penetration. Typically, they grow 1-2mm per day. I haven't done IVF, so I don't know whether looking for your LH surge would work, but given how early in the cycle it was, I'd definitely agree that you're better off waiting until the lead ones are bigger. The issue may have been timing more than quality. Good luck with your cycle!

Binnie505

They triggered be on the 8th day after the Stim meds started. There is a small chance of egg quality. I am thinking it's more of a protocol issue since they gave me a free cycle. I only have to pay for the anesthesia fee during retrieval. Let's hope for the best

KidShrink

Oh okay! Yeah, that's odd they'd give you a free round. I know in the US, there's a published list of the success rates for all clinics (I think). May be worth looking at?

Binnie505

I actually did. And they have good reputation. I also personally know someone who had a success with the same doctor. So I am sticking with them for now because of the free cycle and also her reasoning and plan on f action made sense to me. If the egg issue persist then I'll have to think about changing the doctor.

KidShrink

Good luck! Fingers crossed it all goes well! They are upping your meds too, that should help! Hope you have good news soon!

Binnie505

Hopefully Will keep posted on how it all ends up. Cheers!

MKLEWIS2010

Hi I agree with @KidShrink I did IVF and I think you triggered a little too early. Your follies should be 18-22 for fertilization. Even though you had 2 at that size the rest weren't mature enough. On this round just make sure the trigger you when your follies are more mature. Good luck!

jeannaqueena

siggy warning:

I have no clue what is even there anymore. I do have 2 living children and PG again via FET, but feel I was similar situation and wanted to give you hope! I really hope I am not hurting anyone with this post.

We did IVF in December of 2012. I can't remember the exact numbers, but was very disappointed by the egg count to fertilization rate. We ended up transferring 2 on day 3 bc they were worried none would make it to day 5. Ended up BFN. IVF#2 in January of 2013 and they did change some of my Meds and we're going for more quality. I remember the nurse measuring me and saying they would probably trigger me that night. I was hesitant and I VIVIDLY remember standing in the hallway with the RE asking if I could stim longer. At first he wanted to trigger me and then when he took a few minutes and really looked back at my chart (follies, eggs, maturity, fert rate) he let me stim extra longer. We ended up transferring 2 on day 5 and got PG and had one little boy. They watched 3 more embryos and froze one that we recently transferred and I am PG with. I really hope hearing all this helps you make your dr see you for you and not just a chart. If you crave details like I did when going through IVF please check out my blog. I documented every dosage and expense. And blogged my thoughts.

I agree with the other posts, you triggered too early. Good Luck!! I hope you get your miracle baby!

Binnie505

Thank you all. Hearing that you all think that I may have been triggered too soon helps a lot. That's what I am hoping happened. Let's see how it goes. Keeping my fingers crossed.

MKLEWIS2010

Keep us posted and always remember you have to be your own advocate sometimes. Even just questioning your doctors is helpful because they are human and could make a mistake. Good luck!

Binnie505

Binnie505

Will do. Thanks all.

Binnie505

Had my egg retreival yesterday and this time round they got 6 mature eggs which were inseminated via ICSI. The lab will call today to let me know if any fertilized or not. Nervous!!!

AdorkablePixie

I agree with all pp it sounds like the problem was just that you triggered too early. GL with this round!

Binnie505

Thanks a lot AdorkablePixie.

MelenaZ

@Binnie505 We have similar stories. I had ER on 8/14 also. Set for 5dt on 8/15. I lost 1 tube to emergency ectopic but my other tube is blocked. I am on my first round of IVF. How was ur fert count?

Binnie505

@MelenaZ my AMH level was 1.96. In the last round I had 9 follicles and on this round even though the baseline ultra sound showed 3-4 on each side (total 6-8), With the meds only 6 follicles grew. They did retrieve 12 eggs but only 6 were mature (which I expected) and were inseminated via ICSI. Only 3 fertilized out of that and other 3 didn't survive the first night (which I was told is rare but I don't know why). They were planning to do day 3 transfer with 2 embryos but that day they called to tell me that all 3 embryos are looking really good so they now want to do 5 day transfer. All three made to blastocyst stage. So I had my transfer done today. We only transferred one so let's see how it goes.

How many did you transfer?? And how many days did u rest?

The embryologist and the doc both told me that since I am young (31yrs) and so tiny (I and 4'10" and 107lb) they don't really want me to carry multiples and besides the embryo looks good enough that they are comfortable transferring only one. I'll know tomorrow if the other 2 are going to be freeze quality or not.

AdorkablePixie

@Binnie505 Yay for the transfer! I hope your tweet goes by fast for you! You are tiny! I'm 5'2" and 110.

Binnie505

@AdorkablePixie lol I don't feel I am but oh well. Lol. Thanks. I intend to not stress or obsess about the TWW. Let's see. I have been checking the hcg level since my retrieval and yesterday it was very very faint positive and today it was complete negative so I know I don't have the trigger in my system. I am hoping I'll be able to hold off testing. The blood test is scheduled for 8/27.

MelenaZ

@Binnie505 I have my 5dt transfer set for tomorrow 8/19. The ER resulted in 15 embryos which were inseminated also via icsi. I got a call the next day that 11 fertilized. Then I got a call yesterday that 10 look good. My re recommends transferring 1 for a safer pregnancy but I think we're gonna do 2. We have been back and forth but I am afraid if I do one and it doesn't take I will regret not doing 2. I am 36yo of average ht (5'5") and wt (160) so I'm sure my body can stretch if both take. But I'm very scared.
I hope everything goes good for you!! Keep us updated.

MKLEWIS2010

Good luck @Binnie505 And @melenaz hope you both get that BFP. @Binnie505 Were they able to freeze the others?

oxinfree

Very exciting ladies. @Binnie505 congrats on transferring 1 day 5 blast. I had a similar first IVF cycle where there were way fewer eggs than expected and we ended up in a panic transferring 2 on day 3. I definitely regretted not pushing to day 5 so I'm super happy yours made it successfully to the transfer! Very hopeful for you! Keep positive! This could be your time, and we're all rooting for you!

@melanaz - its a tough decision 1 vs 2. I get why we are always pushed to doing 1 only, as the risks associated with multiples can be scary. Just remember, that if 1 does take, its likely the 2nd will as well. So if you transfer 2 its basically either not pregnant, or pregnant with twins. So just make sure you are comfortable with carrying and delivering twins as its a very real possibility. Regardless of what you decide, only you know your body and what's right for you. I made the decision to transfer 2 day 3 blasts on my fresh cycle, and 2 on my frozen as well. None took for me unfortunately, so I'm bias in feeling unsure that putting in more makes odds better. Though, that's not to say I wouldn't put 2 in again, as I probably will Let us know what you decide! Big hugs!

Binnie505

Thanks for the best wishes everyone. @MKLEWIS2010 yes the lab called today (day 6) to let me know they were able to freeze two blastocysts
@MelenaZ good luck with your transfer. I think you gotta do what both u and ur partner feel the most comfortable doing. So you made the right choice for yourself
@oxinfree thanks a lot for ur best wishes

Binnie505

@oxinfree thanks a lot for ur best wishes

MKLEWIS2010

Thats great! keep us posted i hope you get that positive in two weeks.

MelenaZ

Thank u ladies. Transfer went fine. Now I'm on bed rest for 2 days. I'm not sure If I will be able to hold out for my beta on 8/28. For now I will try not to over analyze every little sensation that I am having. Hope everything is going good.

Binnie505

@MelenaZ, try not to stress. Now all we can do is rest and pray that it will stick and think happy thoughts all the best.

MKLEWIS2010

I have my FX for you.  Since your on bed rest its a good time to catch up on some shows and read some books if you are in to that.  It helps to keep your mind off of it.  

Binnie505

Update: I broke down and tested today at 6dp5dt. It was negative I am trying to stay positive by thinking it is early yet.
If this cycle doesn't work, how long do I have to wait (earliest possible) to have a frozen cycle?? Does anyone know??
Thanks.