talk to me about FET's

Mrs.Babbsy · December 2011

what's the normal protocol? is there just one protocol?

I have 4 babies on ice.

Radler · December 2011

I did Lupron, then estradiol patches to build the lining, 5 days of PIO, then transfer. I think there were 3-4 ultrasounds total, along with bloodwork. FETs are much easier physically than fresh cycles, which I was glad for. I'm so sorry you're having to do another cycle, I so hoped and believed this was it for you.

DavezWife · December 2011

that's my girl...

Here, got 'cha something sassy for your swim ;-)

Mrs.Babbsy · December 2011

Should I have testing done?

DavezWife · December 2011

on you?

Well, sure, if your insurance will cover it. I hear it's about $3K worth of tests. (RPL panel)

I've been told time and time again that something like 95% of cp's and early m'c are "bad embryos" - genetically bunk, just not strong enough, etc. Like they never had a chance, and it's literally NOT OUR FAULT. I never wanted to believe that. But then I spent a LOT of time talking with this genetics guy who knew IVF, etc. inside and out, and he really did give a LOT of support to that notion. It's unreal how many planets have to align to get a good pregnancy going. It really is.

It's hard to imagine that when we had an "easy" (scoff) time getting our kids the 1st round. Heck, Davez STILL wants to, get this, HAVE SEX AND MAKE A BABY. Bruuuhaaaaa. Based simply b/c we did it once before. If only it was that easy, huh?

Mrs.Babbsy · December 2011

I bet my insurance would cover it... I have great coverage, what do I look at on my insurance plan?

DavezWife · December 2011

if you really wanted to prequalify it, call your clinic's biz office, and get the billing code(s) they use for it. Typically it's a "RPL panel" or the like. You might want to see about chromosome testing with you and DH. (again, not cheap) Then take those numbers, the clinic's tax ID number and official name/address, and call your insurance. It may take a day or two to get back the numbers and how they cover it, but I've done it several times no problem. There may be a "negotiated rate" throw at you, that just means what YOUR insurance allows YOUR clinic (under YOUR plan) to charge, for let's say, a thrombo panel.

nikinikinine · December 2011

I did BCPs then lupron daily with estrogen injections 2x a week. After my 8th estrogen shot my lining was triple stripe and I started Nestor and had my transfer. I was on Crinone and Prometrium for progesterone supps. Beta was 9dpt.

browneyedgrl4282 · December 2011

Mrs.Babbsy:
Should I have testing done?

I had testing done when I went to the RE because I had a few m/c. I am glad I did because they did find I have MTHFR factor II.

If your insurance will cover it, I would do it!

AvaLikeLava · December 2011

I'm sorry!

I will agree that FETs felt "simpler". We did two back-to-back (since first was a BFN).

We did a natural cycle, which was really un-invasive. I just had to track my ovulation at home, at do some u/s monitoring. Take anti-biotics a few days before transfer, do a trigger shot to ensure ovulation, and then show up for the transfer. The only real med I was on was progesterone starting a few days before transfer, and then until told to stop.

We did single transfers both times, because we did not want to risk a multiples pregnancy. Success rates for single transfers are very close to those of more than one embryo transferred.

Good luck! I know this is tough.

etoyama · December 2011

Mine was super simple. Basically I was just on drugs to thicken my lining and keep mr from ovulating. I think I was monitored 2-3 times and when it was determined that my lining looked good, they did the transfer. I then did PIO until beta, which was unlike my fresh IVF cycles where I took crinone supps. I think you'll find the whole process much more manageable!

togo · December 2011

I'm so sorry you have to even consider a fet. ((hugs))

For my fet, I started estrace twice a day and then gradually increased it. Bloodwork 3xs and one u/s. Start progesterone and then transfer on day 19. I'm also in baby aspirin.

I also have great coverage and had rpl testing done. Everything came back normal.

PhillySue · December 2011

FETs are soooo much easier (physically) then a fresh cycle. My 1st one I started with Lupron and then I did estrace and progesterone. My 2nd 2 I asked if I could skip the Lupron and the RE was fine with that since I ovulate on my own pretty predictably. They just monitored me and triggered when I was ready so they knew when to transfer. All I needed those cycles was progesterone. It is nice not being bloated and horribly uncomfortable. Good Luck Babbs : )

gringa78 · December 2011

I did 3 FETs...FET#1 was with one RE and this was the protocol: Estradiol patches, PIO/Endometrin, and the rest of the docy/medrol/ etc that goes along with any IVF cycle. I also was put on Lovenox. We put 2 blasts back and we got DD.

FETs 2 and 3 were with a different RE: Estradiol pills (this RE said he has had better outcomes with the pills than with the patches), PIO/Crinone, the rest of the antibiotics/steriods, and Lovenox. We put to blasts back each time: The first was a c/p, the second resulted in the twins.

FETs are SO much easier than the fresh cycles. Seriously, it's a piece of cake in comparison. I say use those snowbabies to give yourself a break! I got 2 2nd opinons after my failed fresh cycle (one at NYU) and both REs said sometimes it just comes down to luck....that I just got unlucky with the fresh cycle and to try with the frozens.

Best of luck, hun!!