September/October 2021 FET

slim000

Hi there! Are there any September FET buddies out there?! I would love to swap stories 🙂

I’ll start- bare with me as it’s been a while since I’ve posted on the Bump and I hope I can remember proper etiquette lol, but I sure have missed this community!

(Child mentioned)

A little bit about me… I’m 32 yrs old and about to go through my third FET scheduled for mid-September. Feeling all the feelings currently, mostly terrified. In 2017 my DH and I began our TTC journey. After a year of no success we went and saw an RE. We were diagnosed with unexplained infertility, which honestly was a punch to the gut and really messes with your mind as a woman. Anyways… one more year, four IUIs and one fresh transfer later we finally got our first pregnancy ever. My DD was born in March 2020, literally days before the whole country shut down. So that was interesting 😬

Now we are trying for baby #2. We started with 7 embryos and unfortunately the last two FET we BFNs so we are back at square one. Now all my fears of unexplained infertility are flooding back and I’m constantly second guessing myself: Should we test the embryos (we didn’t originally bc our age and health didn’t indicate a strong need to)? Should I have more extensive testing done (been reading up a lot about ERA and Receptiva testing)? Should we just wait a little longer? Lots of questions and I can’t seem to decide what’s best, but after talking to my Dr we determined one more FET was worth a shot. And I’m not even sure that’s the right answer lol 🤦🏻‍♀️

I’m on the same protocol as the last two, currently on BC and will start estradiol in a few weeks. After that it’s back to PIO shots and vaginal inserts, ya know… the fun stuff. 

knottiee829c

Hi @slim000 - I’ll be doing FET end on September. I’m 38 with unexplained infertility (sucks like you said) I conceived my first one via IVF she was born July of 2020. We didn’t have any embryos left so we did another round of IVF last year but fist attempt was BFN.  We only have 2 embryos left and will be transferring both the week of September 23rs. Good luck !!!!!!! 

cmhme

Hello! Its also been a while since I was on the bump but I guess its time to jump back in! (I hope I remember all the acronyms!) Definitely makes it feel more real (if the big bag of needles wasnt enough ;0))!

(Child mentioned)

If the stars align I will be doing a FET beginning of Sept (if they don't align, Oct). I am 39 with low AMH and ended up using an egg donor after several rounds of IVF with no "normal" embryos. We are also trying for baby #2 after having our first in May 2020.

I cannot believe you both have already done other rounds! Makes me feel like I am lazily wasting time over here. I really didnt feel ready to try again until just recently (like 2 weeks ago) so hopefully I don't regret waiting to start.

I am waiting for AF to see what dates work then estradiol and PIO shots. The thing I am struggling with is that my Dr's office assumes I remember everything from last time or will just answer a question with "same as last time" when I have NO CLUE what I did last time. The IVFs and FET all blur together in my memory as a whirlwind of drugs and appts.

I look forward to chatting more as the process gets moving!

slim000

@knottiee829c and @cmhme… wow I can’t believe all three of us had our first in 2020 and are now trying for #2, how ironic!

@knottiee829c good luck on your transfer! Did you have the remaining embryos tested?

@cmhme Haha don’t feel like you’re wasting time! I’m just incredibly impatient 😬 and now that we have had two BFNs I’m questioning if I’m rushing it. I think overthinking everything just comes with IVF. Also, I couldn’t remember a thing from my last round of IVF either! I’m pretty sure my NP is going to block my number soon lol.

good luck ladies… I look forward to hearing your progress 🤞🏽

bender29

Hey everyone! 

TW children mentioned

I guess I’ll add to the 2020 babies, I had identical twins via our first FET in April last year. 

We were ready to try another FET in June, but my RE said I needed to wait 18 months to let my body heal, but have somehow managed to schedule the transfer for Sept 17. It was supposed to be Sept 10th, but they found some uterine polyps during my hysteroscopy last week, and I’ll have those removed tomorrow. I was thankful it’s only setting us back a week. 

I start Lupron shots Saturday, and I cannot wait to be done with BC in a few days. I would rather give myself shots than take this stuff. I hate the way it makes me feel!

slim000

@bender29 Welcome and wow!! Yay to 2020 babies 🙂 And I agree… BC is the worst! For me it just feels so counterintuitive. I know it’s to help sync up your cycle to a schedule, but still just annoys me that I want a baby and I’m on a pill to prevent it haha.

relizabethp

TW LOSS….

Hi I lost my son about two weeks ago at 16 weeks after a missed miscarriage. 

He was our first IVF transfer. I am meeting with the dr on September 1 to go over options. We have embryos and will want to do another transfer. I’m hoping at the beginning of October. Any idea how long it takes to prime for just a transfer, anyone with experience of a transfer after D&E ? Any stories of success with a second transfer?

slim000

@relizabethp I’m very sorry to hear about your loss 💔 I do not have any experience to share but I have heard that typically after a miscarriage Drs recommend a few months to give your body time to recover. Best wishes on your meeting with your Dr. ♥️

romeoandjuliet146

Hi, everyone. I was supposed to do my transfer in August but due to low estradiol levels, I have to cancel this cycle. I am taking provera and one estrace for seven days to start my period. 

@slim000 Thanks for starting this thread.

@cmhme That is frustrating with your clinic. It is true. I have done so many IUIs, FETs, etc that I don't remember everything I did.

@bender29 How did the hysteroscopy go? I had one done recently and ended up with a UTI afterwards.

@relizabethp Sorry for your loss. For me, I remember I had to wait to stop bleeding and that took forever. I can't remember if I had to have another saline ultrasound or not, but once I stopped bleeding I don't think it took too long to start another cycle.

bender29

@romeoandjuliet146
The original hysteroscopy went fine, they had me on antibiotics before they even did it. The one yesterday to remove the polyps was also pretty uneventful, but they didn’t have me take any antibiotic for it, so hopefully no sort of infection comes of it! 

I’m feeling pretty good today. A little crampy off and on if I’m sitting around, but we’ve stayed busy most of the day.
I also started lupron injections today, so it really feels like we are doing this again!

relizabethp

@romeoandjuliet146 was the transfer after your loss successful ?

romeoandjuliet146

@relizabethp It wasn't but I had not tested that embryo. I had done Invocell. After that failed transfer, I did IVF and had the testing done and was successful.

cmhme

@relizabethp so sorry for your loss. I have no experience but hope your Dr can provide you some options.

As for me, transfer date set for 10/18. So far away... yet so close!

Anyone else on BC have troubles falling asleep at night? I don't remember having that side effect before but the three days that i had taken it in the evening hadn't been able to sleep so yesterday i took it at lunch and slept just fine. So weird.

bender29

@cmhme that’s weird that you say that. I take mine in the morning, but I’ve tried to take a few naps lately, and have struggled to fall asleep for them. As the self proclaimed queen of naps I thought that was strange! Maybe there is a connection. I take my last one tomorrow, and I’m so thrilled to be done with them!

cmhme

@bender29 LOL- Congrats!

skyee87

Hi everyone. Joining here from the July/August FET thread. I was supposed to do my transfer this week but due to a last-minute fever (and some bad luck), the transfer was canceled. I am now waiting for AF to find out next steps, but am looking to transfer either September or October, depending on whether my clinic will require a repeat of my saline ultrasound.  Sending good vibes to everyone on this thread for a successful next two months!

adamae1216

Hi everyone!  I'm hopefully joining the Sept/Oct. transfer team.  After 4 retreivals I have one PGT tested embaby waiting to be implanted.  I had a hysteroscopy and D&C on Friday and all the results were benign so hopefully I can get on this FET train.  I have all my meds and am currently on birthcontrol (only active pills) until I get my calendar.  It has taken so long to get to this point but I am impatient to finally transfer.  But I'm also scared to transfer since we only have one embryo and if it doesn't work we will have to go back to the drawing board.  So many emotions through this process!! I do have a trip planned in September and October so finger crossed that the trips and my calendar don't conflict.  It's always something with this infertility journey.

romeoandjuliet146

@adamae1216 Hi, Welcome. I know what you mean, it seems to take forever to get to transfer day. Feels so much better when we can, at least, get a calendar.

Is your trip for work or fun? I would love to go on a trip.

slim000

@romeoandjuliet146 @skyee87 @adamae1216 Hi there! Thanks for introducing yourselves, I’m hoping these cycles go smoothly for you all 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽 

@adamae1216 ugh yes trying to fit your life/travel around FET calendars is brutal. It’s also hard for me because my embryos are on the other side of the country (I’m in CA and my embryos are in VA!) so not only do I have to make sure I have the transfer date free… but I also have to factor in travel and rest time! I’m pretty sure my job is gonna fire me if I take any more PTO lol

@cmhme I have noticed that BC can make me anxious which can impact my sleep, but I’m also not sure if that’s the BC or just my natural state 😂 

AFM tonight is my last not of BC 🙌🏽 Tomorrow I’ll have my initial lining check and bloodwork, then back on estrace until the next check. I’m getting so anxious/scared/excited. While I’m ready to get this over with I’m also terrified of losing another embryo. This month I promised to eat healthier and continue to workout in moderation. Anyone here had success with an FET? Any wives tales ya’ll followed? I’m willing to try anything 😂

adamae1216

@romeoandjuliet146 Yes a calendar would just help ease the anxiety of the unkown.  I'm traveling for work...of course when the trip was booked Covid was much quieter. 🤷🏾‍♀️. It's not bad in my state, thank goodness, but the numbers are a bit higher where I'm going.   I love to travel so it's the one thing that has really sucked for me in Covid.  I still managed to go a few places over the last year with a lot more precautions than before.  At this point I've taken so many covid tests in this fertility journey that they don't even bother me anymore.  😆

romeoandjuliet146

@slim000 Do you have a transfer date yet?

For me, I had pineapple. But for the next FET, I am going to add in "Lucky Transfer Socks" from Amazon and I read about McDonald French Fries after a transfer. I like their fries, so will try that.

Afm
Finished my Medroxyprogesterone and now just waiting to start my period.

adamae1216

Quick question.  I know some people take a low dose aspirin when prepping for FET.   When in your cycle and for how long do you take it?

skyee87

@adamae1216 that is a great question. From what I've read, folks take it as soon as they start on their estrogen. Have you discussed it with your RE? I know some REs are weird about it but may be helpful.  

@slim000 definitely echo @romeoandjuliet146 on the lucky transfer socks, pineapple core and french fries. No successful stories here but it seems to be what others have done (and they ended up with BFPs). I'm not sure how to feel about pineapple core, though, but beggars can't be choosers. Baby aspirin may be helpful too if you're concerned about any clotting, etc. Folks typically take it, mainly after other losses, but maybe an item to ask your RE. 

bender29

@slim000 Last go around I did the lucky transfer socks, ate McDonald’s fries on the way home, and I now have 16 month old twins. You better bet I won’t be skipping any of that this go round. I’m allergic to pineapple, so probably best I skip that one 😉

@adamae1216 my calendar has me starting both estrogen patches and a baby aspirin on Sunday. 

romeoandjuliet146

@adamae1216 On the cycle that got canceled, I was supposed to start Asprin the day after my transfer. For the transfer that worked, I took Asprin the whole time. 

romeoandjuliet146

So, far my transfer has been delayed by the pandemic, then polyps, then low estradiol levels and now I have to wait till my period decides to start before I can finally go in and get a calendar and hopefully transfer next month.

Does anyone else feel like this when waiting for transfer day?

slim000

@romeoandjuliet146 haha yes! My first two FETs felt like they took forever to get to the transfer day!! This cycle however is feeling really fast (my transfer date is Sept 16). I think because I have a different mindset this round that it feels like it’s going too fast! My last rounds I felt more hopeful, but now after two BFN I’m more nervous of failure than excited for success so I kinda want to take my time lol. Does that make sense or am I crazy?!

Thanks everyone for the transfer tips ☺️ Sounds like I need to buy me some lucky sock!

skyee87

@romeoandjuliet146 YES YES and YES. That’s exactly how I feel right now. Freaking period taking forever to come. 👿 and the hormone crash was real yesterday. 😓

adamae1216

@romeoandjuliet146 yes I feel like I've been waiting forever.   I'm going to keep taking the aspirin thanks for the input. 

AFM: My RE called me today to say my results came back from my hysteroscopy and everything was good.   She asked when I wanted to start .  I was caught off guard but I'm glad she asked because I could tell her about my trip so we've planned my cycle so my trip wont effect it.  I stop birth control next Friday then call for baseline ultrasound when I get my period.  I'm excited but nervous as well. So my transfer should be sometime around the end of September.

romeoandjuliet146

@adamae1216 I'm glad your results were good.

@skyee87 Did you ever find out if you had to do the saline ultrasound again or about the progesterone injections?

@slim000 Did you buy your lucky transfer socks?

afm
I started my period, on the weekend, so just waiting for next steps. I hope everyone is doing good.

skyee87

@romeoandjuliet146 still waiting to connect with my clinic tomorrow, but based on the quick call we had today, I'm benched and doing the saline ultrasound. Trying to focus on the good...guess I'll get to enjoy some coffee and sushi this month...

Also yay for period this weekend! We're on the same schedule  

romeoandjuliet146

@skyee87 Can you still transfer this month? When I had to do my saline ultrasound last cycle, I thought it would mean I would have to wait until another period to begin my FET cycle, but they said I wouldn't.

slim000

@romeoandjuliet146 I’ve got my lucky socks in my Amazon cart 🙌🏽 Any idea when your transfer date will be?

@skyee87 I also had a saline sono the same cycle as my FET, like @romeoandjuliet146. Maybe it won’t delay yours? But if it does… you deserve all the coffee and sushi!!

AFM my baseline ultrasound looked good on Friday. BUT, the outside monitoring Dr made a comment that made me second guess everything. He mentioned that typically with his patients after two failed transfers they order an ERA. He said that is something I should do, but my RE said she doesn’t seem to have as much confidence in the ERA (at least for my situation). I have to keep reminding myself that the outside Dr doesn’t know my background or history. I have to trust my RE knows what’s best. But I couldn’t help but spiral all weekend teetering on canceling this transfer and doing more testing instead. Well, ultimately DH and I decided to move forward with the transfer and have to trust if the next embaby is meant to be then God will make that happen. *SIGH*, so much overthinking this weekend my head hurts 😆 Hope everyone else is doing well!

romeoandjuliet146

@slim000 Not sure yet. Did my bloodwork and baseline today, and they are supposed to give me a calendar.

What kind of socks did you get? I got ones that are gray and white with " Lucky Transfer Socks" at the bottom.

*tw*

There was a patient who came in and got her blood drawn. She said she had already taken a pregnancy test and it was positive.

Today was supposed to be when I got my blood drawn to see if I was pregnant, so I was wondering if she had gotten an FET on the same day that I was supposed to

cmhme

My intent is not to throw shade or discredit anyone's experience but I wanted to add for anyone that it might help that I had a successful FET and I did not eat pineapple, french fries, have lucky socks, etc.

I really think its about taking care of yourself and using whatever means will make you feel confident and/or ease the stress.

Before my transfer we did get brunch and went for a walk which i think helped clear my head. After I got home, i snuggled on the coach with my pup and watched a movie so again i think that was relaxing and something special to do for myself.

My Dr. also had baby aspirin as part of my plan. Funny story about that is that I went to CVS to buy baby aspirin and was looking for it in the children's Tylenol section. Obviously I was clueless but the nice pharmacist didn't even make fun of me when he explained where I would actually find it.

romeoandjuliet146

@cmhme I know that pineapple did not contribute to the success of my last FET. I just like pineapple.

This time I was adding in lucky socks and french fries not because I think they do anything but because it is fun to do these things and anything that helps me relax and have fun is a good idea to me.

skyee87

@romeoandjuliet146 and @slim000, confirmed that the saline will delay my FET, so October FET for me, but I'm okay with it. It is what it is. 

@cmhme We hear you!  It's the witch doctor in me with the socks, French Fries and pineapple (and like @romeoandjuliet146 said, it makes this crazy jOuRneY a little fun).

mojoflower

Hi Everyone! So nice to start my morning reading your stories. I’m moving over from the July/August thread. And FX this is the place my FET will happen. Right now I’m scheduled for September 24th. However, @adamae1216 we are in the same situation. I have one little embryo from my litter (no previous FETs) so my doctor is proposing an ERA this month and moving the FET to October. I speak with him this afternoon to make the decision. It was yesterday that I heard back from my doctor on the PGS testing so I was both super excited I have an embryo and bummed I might get delayed. 

As for all the voodoo…I am all in! I’ve been eating pineapple core for months now. No McDonald’s fries but 💯 intend to after the FET. and in all the waiting, buying lucky socks helped me to feel like I was “doing” something. I also read somewhere that orange socks were the luckiest 🤣 and so I bought the orange ones.

@m@skyee87 sorry about your delay. I’m pretty sure I will be right there with you! 

@romeoandjuliet146 I know that was frustrating while you were getting your blood drawn. Sorry friend. 

@slim000 thanks for starting this group! May these two months bring fortune to us all 😁

romeoandjuliet146

@mojoflower Those socks look cozy. I like them!

@skyee87 October is a good month for an FET. Mine may be towards the end of Sept if everything is okay on my ultrasound and labs in mid September. I started the estrogen injections today. I don't mind the delay that much since I figure I might as well try and eat better and exercise more until the FET.

ctgreen47

Hi everyone! I hope I can join you ladies! My story briefly: My husband and I are TTC our 1st child. We have spent the last 9 months banking embryos (with a break in between). I had an ERA & Receptiva Dx biopsy on 6/17. Thankfully, things looked great and we were a go to prepare for our 1st FET on 8/27. We used the same protocol used for the biopsy cycle. However, I didn’t respond in the same way. After 4 weeks of Vivelle dot patches (the last one also incl’ Estrace), my lining was only just over 6mm. So I requested to cancel my cycle and just start over. I’m currently on my second to last night of Provera to bring on my period. After that, we’ll regroup to discuss protocol plans. Based on the timeframe though, I’m thinking we’ll be scheduled for the end of September or beginning of October. Wishing everyone the absolute best of luck! 

adamae1216

@mojoflower it's crazy your FET may be postponed due to an ERA.  Today I emailed my doctor and let her know that I want to do an ERA this month before the transfer.  It was really just not sitting right not to do it since I worked so hard for this one little embaby.  I want to do everything I can to give it a fighting chance.   Originally I decided against it because I really just wanted to get this show on the road.  But what's one more month in this 5 year long journey?  I'm feeling good with my decision so now I'll most likely be transferring at the end of October.  Maybe we will be transfer buddies.  Go embabies go!