Newbie Intro // IVF

nicolecdg

Hi! 

I’m new to the forum, and my lurking has just begun. I’m 33 (will be 34 in Nov) and in 72 hours I have my first introductory consult with our chosen IVF clinic. I have endo / an endometrioma fairly recently diagnosed. We live abroad and will be going through the preliminary process and prep in London, where we live, before flying to Los Angeles for the actual procedure. We’ve chosen to opt-in to PGD, and to be honest, I am finding the entire process (and all the various stages and steps) a little overwhelming. Hoping to learn more here about other IVF/PGD experiences, timelines and outcomes; tips, advice and info very welcome!

FuzzyDust

Welcome, @nicolecdg!
IVF process is complex, overwhelming, emotional, and unpredictable. I especially if you’re doing it for the first time. You’re in a good company here - very supportive, and often with a long infertility treatment history under the belt.
My advise - focus on just one step at a time, it’ll help to not get as overwhelmed. Also - trust your doctors (unless, of course, something feels seriously wrong with the treatment, but that more of an exception than a rule).

good luck!

mbradfo2

I was also 33 turned 34 when I did my first IVF cycle. I had an okay response to the stims and we got 9 mature eggs (which impressed my doctor, apparently). From that, we got 2 day 6 embryos which we transferred together and got a little baby girl who arrived 3 months before my 35th birthday so I guess I made my childhood goal of having kids before 35 lol. Now I'm 37 and starting all over again, yay!

Things can be unpredictable, as Fuzzy said, and sometimes you have more questions than the doctors have answers, but just go one step at a time. I focused first on doing my stims, getting to retrieval, and then getting to transfer -- honestly, I never thought I'd even make it to transfer. I kept my hopes pretty low since I've been disappointed so many times on this journey -- it was a way of protecting my heart -- but my doctor and his team were all rooting for me! Lean on your nurses and doctors whenever you need; they do understand how intimidating this process can be.

FuzzyDust

@mbradfo2, that’s so cool, I also did my first IVF (total roller-coaster!) when I was 33, then transferred at 34 and baby born 3 days before I turned 35. I’m also now 37, doing it again 😂 (but a bit ahead of you, already transferred). I must say - my second round of IVF went MUCH better then the first - physically, emotionally, and result wise.

nicolecdg

Thank you both so much @mbradfo2 @FuzzyDust for responding and sharing your stories. You’ve given me great advice. It’s really so complex and overwhelming. I’m finding it hard to know where to begin, and as a planner, that’s torture for me. But you’re right - one step at a time. Im going to try my best!

I have my first consult with The Fertilty Institute on Tuesday night 🤞🏻

vaani_m

Hi Newbie,
You can just go through this article for all information related to IVF. Wish you for a successful IVF treatment and early pregnancy. 

smittens2

Hi @nicoledg26! I’m a newbie here too, started the ART process in July. I’ve had a couple unsuccessful IUIs so moving on to IVF now. 

I’m a huge planner too, can’t start a day without planning it out over a cup of coffee. After getting through testing and hearing the recommendations from RE, he laid out like a rough draft plan of action, and that was already so helpful. After each step, the next one became more certain from knowing the results of the prior. It has felt like a each step is a marker to reach on a course.  It’s odd, but despite the feeling of powerlessness in the situation, each new step has given me a sense of progress. Because this is actually doing something about it.  I’ve spent days researching too, but nothing like the comprehension that comes through going through an experience yourself. I feel more at ease just learning about each step/decision as it comes. The need-to-know aspect becomes real. I hope something in this could be useful for the uncertainty and overwhelm.

How was your consultation?!