February FET

PNW12RN · January 2018

Had my suppression check US yesterday and everything looks good! My estradiol level was 12 (they want below 50), so I got to start my delestrogen this morning. Finally feel like I am actually doing something! I continue with half-doses of Lupron and every-third-day delestrogen until my next US on 2/8 and will start progesterone/stop Lupron then if all is well. I had read over my blog from 2016 and was reminded that my FET then was full of cancellations and lack of cooperation from my body, so it's nice to have gotten through one big hurdle already without anything untoward going on.

We went over my schedule again and it looks like I will most likely transfer 2/14 or 2/15 (or 2/19 if my lining is slow to thicken). I am really hoping for 2/15, because that is my sister's birthday. She donated the egg we are using for our FET and I think it is perfect that we would do it that day. We haven't told anyone at all in the family that we are in the middle of a cycle, so I'm hoping to surprise her at our Easter gathering with good news!

KathrynShustek · January 2018

Hello Ladies, I totally know the feeling of everything taking forever. Its so hard to wait, especially since our journeys have been so long already. It will happen and I promise from experience and doing it all again, it is amazing how quickly you will forget this. Going through it again now I couldn't tell you if its the same as last time, yet when you are going through it all it feels like you will never forget all the steps. You will all get your BFPs - I know it!

After my super high estrogen numbers at what was supposed to be my baseline, I started my period and BCPs, I have since been bleeding for two weeks! Its annoying and I feel like a hot mess. I have blood work again tomorrow, and hopefully the BCPs worked and I can start my protocols. Fingers crossed.

AlohaKumu · January 2018

@KathrynShustek I really wish it was the case that we will all get BFPs, but we don’t know that. I have seen some amazing, incredible women go through 7+ IVF cycles, CPs, miscarriages, failing embryos, etc. It is the unfortunate reality of IF that we don’t know if we will ever “graduate.” I know part of me is just bitter that I haven’t had an easy go of this process, but I am also well aware that if my four remaining frosties don’t take, I will not ever have a BFP after that. I want to be optimistic, but I’ve been here for too long and know that not everyone gets their take-home baby at the end of the day.

I hope everything gets worked out with your cycle quickly and you can move forward with your protocol.

KathrynShustek · January 2018

@AlohaKumu and any one else whom i bothered with my last statement. I’m sorry if my words hurt or upset you. That was not the intention. Please know that. My intention was to breathe hope into this place. My wording may have been inappropriate and i apologize. I see others have hoped for graduation threads and I will continue to use that wording.

AlohaKumu · January 2018

I know your words were coming from a place of compassion and love, @KathrynShustek. I definitely don’t want to rip anyone’s hope away, as I know it’s that hope we cling to with every breath in our bodies, even if we encounter loss. I also hope we all graduate, and soon!

tosh24 · January 2018

Ugh, so I went for my suppression check today (CD14). Guess who has two follicles growing (12mm and 15 mm and a few more at 10mm). WTF? I'm not even on any kind of meds but Estrace! Just waiting for the call from my nurse. I let her know I was totally open to switching up the protocol and now monitoring for natural ovulation (with possible trigger) so I guess I'll see what the doctor says. I don't see why the cycle has to be cancelled if I haven't O'd yet. Really hoping I can just switch gears.

Update: nurse just called. They still want me to start the progesterone tomorrow and transfer is scheduled for February 2nd. She said I won't ovulate but if I do, the worst case scenario is multiples (if I have sex). My RE clinic is very conservative and risk-averse so if they say it's OK, I'm just going to trust them.

AlohaKumu · January 2018

@tosh24 woah! I’m glad they are still going forward with the transfer for you and explained the risk of multiples. I can’t believe how close we are to February!

AlohaKumu · January 2018

@tosh24 Are you getting excited?

tosh24 · January 2018

@AlohaKumu YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And scared. Maybe mostly scared with a bit of excitement? Not too sure haha

*TW loss mentioned* I'm mostly confused about how to reconcile my feelings toward my uterus. I mean, my body has killed two babies in the last year-ish so I don't have high hopes about my uterus' ability to do it's job. But I *want* to be hopeful and I *want* to love my ute, I just have all these feelings about it I guess. *End TW*

It's getting close for you too!!!! Just about a week away!

AlohaKumu · January 2018

@tosh24 Yes, it's definitely scary to try again after having losses. (I'm feeling the same ambivalence, even though everyone and their mom thinks it's going to work this time.) I've been seeing so many exciting successes on the other threads, so I'm hopeful that it will be our turn soon!

msd1001 · February 2018

Hey ladies I hope everybody’s doing well! @tosh24 your transfer so close I am so excited for you! I had my lining check this morning and my E2 levels drawn everything is great . I started my PIO tonight and transfer will be February 6th . @AlohaKumu we are practically transfer buddies, I think I remember you saying yours is the 7th.

Anyways I wanted to reach out to you girls and just get your honest opinion. So like I’ve mentioned previously I have unexplained infertility. I have had an HSG, a sonohysterogram, An endometrial biopsy, I have had multiple ultrasounds all of which are normal. I have never had an abnormal menstral cycle, I ovulate every month on day 15 sometimes 14 with a 28 day cycle and it has been that way since I was 12 years old. All of my blood work, including thyroid levels, hormone levels , vitamin D including extensive auto immune system testing has all come back normal. My husbands sperm count is top notch and we had great fertilization with no need for ICIS. I am so unexplained it is not even funny and it’s so frustrating to me especially bc I am in the medical field . So my husband and I were talking and we both decided that because we have nine remaining embryos and PGS testing was not recommended by our RE because of our age (27) That this time around we want to put two embryos back because we don’t know whether or not they are normal. I have a friend who did IVF and she was also unexplained same age as me at the time and 50% of her embryos were abnormal she had to do PGS testing because her insurance wouldn’t cover FET unless she did.

Well I filled out my consent for my FET on Tuesday and Our RE left me a message on my voicemail about how she truly truly feels we should not put back two embryos. She went into detail about the guidelines that they follow and if you’re under 35 they want three failed IVF cycles before putting in two embryos. She also said that we are young and this was our first failed attempt so we should truly reconsider just putting in one embryo. She explained the risk of multiples and how its risky for mom and baby which I know because I’m an ultrasound tech and I deal with multiples all the time.

I guess my thought process is that we don’t know if our embryos are normal and we want to put to two and hope to God that one sticks ( if two do that’s fine too) and gives us a baby. Plus by putting two in at a time it’s less cycles I have to do bc I don’t know about you girls but this really sucks , I’ve been on infertility medication since June practically! Do you girls feel like I should listen to the RE or stick with our plan? I guess if I had an explanation for our struggles maybe I’d be more patient but I don’t

AlohaKumu · February 2018

Hi, @msd1001. Yes, I'll be right after you on the 7th! I'll have my lining/levels check on Friday, so hopefully I have good news to report after that visit.

We've talked with our doctors about the 1-2 transfer debate and I've done a ton of independent research. In our case, I'm still only doing one for our second round. When I first asked the doctor about implanting two very early on in the process, he wrote back with this reply: "The implantation potential is so high for each embryo that I would strongly recommend transferring only 1. If we were unsuccessful with the 1, maybe we would consider 2 the next time, but I would still really, really, really only want to do 1." When a doctor uses "really" three times in a row, I know he's serious!

I absolutely understand the feeling of wanting to do two, especially when it feels like this process never ends. I'm totally sick of all the pills, injections, and appointments to even get to the starting line. But I know that I would be devastated if I had a MMC, a much higher risk than with a single embryo implantation.

Obviously, this is an extremely personal decision and I know it's not one that anyone takes lightly. Sending you lots of positive energy as you sort through your options.

tosh24 · February 2018

@msd1001 Your situation is eerily similar to mine, only I'm 34. But otherwise, I've checked out (mostly) fine as well. My IVF cycle was funded through a government program (I'm in Canada) and that program has strict rules regarding mandatory SETs for women under 35. The only exception is if you've had 3 failed FETs, you can put 2 back. We do have the option to opt out of the government-funded program and pay OOP for the FET so we have more flexibility, but even then my RE said she'd still only want to put one embryo back (and we didn't do PGS testing either). It's a very personal decision and I totally get being tired of the process. If we get to the point of 3 failed FETs (God, I hope not) I will most likely put 2 back the next time, but until then, even if I was paying OOP, I'd still do a SET.

Yeah!! We're all getting so close!

msd1001 · February 2018

@AlohaKumu and @tosh24 thank you girls for responding, I really needed opinions from people who actually know what I’m going through. I truly do not want twins , I want a single pregnancy. My thought process pretty much was what if it fails again . The thought of that pain is almost unbearable so I was thinking by putting in two maybe we’d get one sticky but what if it were twins ! That’s just so overwhelming in itself , I truly want to enjoy my pregnancy not struggle through it. I think one embryo one more time would be better then if that doesn’t take maybe put in two. Thank girls I needed your help

having this support is truly amazing I’m grateful !

radmom27 · February 2018

@msd1001 This is a really hard question and so individual for each person. For now, it sounds like your RE has your best interests at heart and is only trying to preserve the best chance at a successful pregnancy. I hope that this FET is your one and done and that you don't have to worry in the future about how many to use.

funkykey · February 2018

Hello Ladies! AF is here!!!

It started around 8pm this evening, so I'm counting Feb 1 as CD 1.

Anyway, I'm excited to finally be officially joining you, and excited to read all the good news! FX for us all!

Of course, when I'm not excited, I'm terrified. Exactly like you said, @tosh24 and @AlohaKumu - I mean, I haven't had a CP or an M/C, but I keep thinking about my failed FET, and all the failed treatments before that, and all the waiting... Some days, it's just hard to believe that this time will be different.

So, yeah - thrilled but scared.

Whew!

@msd1001 - I'm in the same boat as you. We're also unexplained, and it sucks. The only issues I've had during IF are actually side effects of the treatment - I responded really well to all the different meds, and ended up with things like ovarian cysts and even a polyp, both of which caused delays for me. My H's sperm samples are far better than they need to be. I'm a little older than you, but we started trying when I was 31, so my RE doesn't think our issues are age-related.

We have 3 embryos left, and we're only going to transfer 1 this round. I've thought about transferring 2, but this second FET, 1 it is. That said, if this FET is a bust, next time, we'll consider transferring 2 (if we don't do another round of IVF first).

I never thought I'd consider transferring 2, but the failed FET pain is pretty acute. I'd rather go through 3 failed transfers than 4 failed transfers, you know? Exactly like you said: "what if it fails again". I cannot even imagine how painful something like 5 failed transfers would be.

All this pain can make you feel reckless. I feel reckless sometimes. I'm pretty thrifty in most areas of my life, but when I think about IF, I think: "Sure, let's spend another $20K". I swear to God, if someone told me if I transferred 2 embryos that I'd be guaranteed to have a baby, I'd do it. I'd transfer all 3, if it were guaranteed. I'd spend $100K, if it were guaranteed.

It's really, really hard to take measured steps during all of this, and to remember that there are no guarantees, just odds. We've been actively TTC for 28 cycles now. I want to get pregnant and for this to be over so badly, I would swallow glass if it made a difference.

Anyway, good luck with your decision! I'm sure however you proceed will be best for you!

Mando15 · February 2018

@msd1001 sorry I’ve been lurking from the Jan FET group on this topic since I was in the same exact boat.
This is my first FET and my RE did recommend we start with transferring just one embryo but since we opted out of PGS testing, she is okay with us doing two. I am a little old that you, 29, so my RE didn’t think the testing was necessary. Thank goodness because it was a huge expense that we didn’t plan for.
Unfortunately the high cost of everything OOP really dictates what we do and how we proceed. With each FET costing us $5-$7k through our clinic, I know if this first FET fails, we’ll need to save up and probably won’t be able to try again for a few months. After the many delays I’ve had, I know I’m not patient enough to wait a few months between each attempt. So... that is what has led us to start with 2 embryos right out the gate. I know the chance of twins is high and I also am hoping that just 1 sticks.
I wish you the best of luck with your decision and hope you get your take home baby this time!

GL to all of you ladies! FX for thick linings and very sticky embabies!

AlohaKumu · February 2018

@funkykey Yay! So excited that you'll be joining us

You absolutely hit the nail on the head with the wish that we could guarantee any of this. When we go to buy a car, we are guaranteed to walk out of there with a car if we pay for one. I think all of us would be willing to do pretty much anything if we could have a guarantee of a BFP that would stick. The unknowns are so scary in the IF world.
@KathrynShustek Did you have your new baseline? How is everything going for you?

funkykey · February 2018

@Mando15 - that's a good point. Each of our FETs costs us about $1500-1700, with the drugs being another couple hundred. The actual IVF was the really expensive part, for us.

If the FETs were more expensive, I might transfer 2 this time, after our failed FET. I'd rather have a single pregnancy than a multiple, but then the only thing that would hurt more than 4 separate failed transfers would be another 20K of debt with those 4 separate failed transfers.

Mando15 · February 2018

@funkykey yeah if our transfers were closer to what you’re paying I would definitely reconsider my decision to put back 2. I just don’t understand why the meds are SO expensive. Damn industry knows that we’ll pay any price to get our take home baby.

msd1001 · February 2018

@funkykey HAPPY CD 1! unexplained is the absolute worst, I may actually be having a harder time with that diagnosis than not getting pregnant, it drives me bananas because there just has to be a reason. Ugh anyways yes the pain is so acute and it's awful and the thought of having to weed through these embryos and transfer them not knowing if they are normal is a tough pill to swallow. I never ever thought I would even think of transferring two but after 12 months of failed pregnancy tests (TTC on our own), another 3 rounds of failed IUI's, a cancelled fresh transfer bc of OHSS and a failed FET, I feel like with each failure the pain gets heavier and heavier.

@mando15 if we were paying out of pocket I would 100% put two embryos in as well, despite my age. The financial aspect is just grueling with IVF and I am lucky enough that my DH works for the state so we have great insurance and in our state infertility is covered under most health plans. I so feel for you and everyone who has to pay mostly OOP.

So I spoke with my RE and we both decided to meet in the middle and we will do 1 embryo this time around and if it does not work we will move to 2 again I would so rather have a single pregnancy as well. She feels as though we will have a great prognosis but I feel like its so easy to say when your not physically or emotionally going through it. So ladies 1 embryo this round and hoping it sticks !

Thanks for all your support girls!

funkykey · February 2018

@msd1001 - Sounds like a good plan! FX this round will work and you won't have to go through this again!

I totally agree re: unexplained. I know something is wrong - I just wish I had some indication of what it was. If it was clearly egg quality or clearly a lining issue, we could deal with that. I often think how hard the IUIs were, just emotionally. And while I knew the odds and I knew that we didn't have great chances, at the time I thought: "Maybe the issue is with my CM and that's why, and this will fix it. Or maybe even though the OPKs are showing, there's an issue with my ovulation, and this should fix it."

I often think: "I wish I'd had a firm diagnosis so I just could have focussed our energy and efforts on the treatments that were more likely to work, rather than having to have suffered through these experimental treatments."

It's been a long road, really hoping it's over for us all soon.

tosh24 · February 2018

Wow @Mando15, that is crazy expensive! Paying that much would have me considering putting back more than one embryo as well.

@Funkykey Yay for CD1!!!

@msd1001 Glad you and your RE have a plan you're both comfortable with! I think it's a totally reasonable compromise (not that my opinion matters, but you know...)

AFM, just got off the phone with the clinic. My transfer is scheduled for 9:30 am tomorrow. AHHHHH!!!! Their protocol is to automatically perform assisted hatching on all previously frozen embyros so we'll be having that done (forgot to ask what method they use but will ask tomorrow). My RE doesn't prescribe any rest after the transfer but I'll be going back home and taking it easy the rest of the day. I have an acupuncture appointment scheduled for early afternoon so that's the only thing I'll be up and out for. Going to acupuncture tonight after work as well. I don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight

AlohaKumu · February 2018

EEE! How exciting, @tosh24. Our clinic also uses assisted hatching for previously frozen embryos and it was so neat to see it on the screen before the transfer. That's really surprising that your RE doesn't require any rest. My doctor told me to take it easy for about 24 hours, but then I can resume normal activity.

KathrynShustek · February 2018

@msd1001 I could weigh in a lot on the transfer of two and twins but it would be a complete TW so I will let you reach out if you would like that info...or if any of you would like my take on it you can let me know...just don't want to just jump into it.

@AlohaKumu thanks for checking in, new baseline was good, estrogen was low and ovaries were silent so I started estrace on sunday and I am on a step up program. Transfer set for 2/23 with first lining check on Monday the 5th, hope it all works well as now it was told to me that since I just got my iud out that my lining may not build as it is supposed to. But I am eating super well right now, taking a ton a vitamins and going to acupuncture to help this. so fingers crossed.

So many of you are getting so close - I have my fingers crossed for everyone. The anxiety and the excitement is so real. I totally understand what everyone is going through.

AlohaKumu · February 2018

@KathrynShustek That's awesome that you have a transfer date! I hope your lining cooperates with you, especially with all the hard work you are doing to get your body on track.

funkykey · February 2018

@tosh24 - so exciting!!! Aaah!!

@KathrynShustek - looks like my transfer will be around then too! Right now, I'm estimating the 22nd, but depends on my lining as well. FX!

tosh24 · February 2018

Anyone have any recs for some funny shows or stand up comedy to Netflix tomorrow after my transfer? I already have some funny fails queued up on my phone to watch directly after the FET on my way home.

radmom27 · February 2018

@tosh24 GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!! Lots of sticky thoughts for you!

tosh24 · February 2018

I'm PUPO!!! Transfer went well. Beta is Feb 12th. Now we wait and hope for good things.

AlohaKumu · February 2018

@tosh24 I hope everything is perfect today! I tried to find my list of funny stuff, but I watched last comic standing last time and the roast of Justin Bieber. (Martha Stewart is amazing in that roast!)

funkykey · February 2018

@tosh24 - congratulations!!!
We like Curb Your Enthusiasm.

mockingjay1 · February 2018

**lurking**
@tosh24 - Yay!! I hope everything went great and that this will be your rainbow baby!

msd1001 · February 2018

@tosh24 congrats girl!!!! fingers and toes crossed for you!

Mando15 · February 2018

@tosh24 congrats! I had my FET yesterday and my beta is also one day before yours on the 11th. FX we both get great results! I’ll be thinking about you

Anything planned to keep yourself busy?

tosh24 · February 2018

Thanks, ladies! I'll have to check out some of your comedy suggestions. So far I've only watched a Russell Peters stand-up show but I've got a couple of other things in the queue.

@Mando15 Congrats to you too! Not really much planned. I'll be busy at work next week so that should keep my brain occupied during the day. A few days ago I went out and bought a bunch of stuff (baskets, hooks, etc.) To organize some closets and cupboards that have been driving me nuts so I guess I'll just putter away at that in the evenings. What about you?

AlohaKumu · February 2018

@tosh24 and @Mando15 so excited for both of you PUPO ladies!

PosieJ · February 2018

mechelita44 · February 2018

Hi ladies! I'm a little late to the game but hoping I can join this board. Just finished reading everyone's posts. There are so many Feb FETs! Hoping and praying for each and every one of you to be blessed with BFPs soon!!!!!!

Here's my cliff notes version of my story *child mentioned*. I'm 33 and have unexpained infertility. My DH and I started infertility in January 2015 after trying to conceive for 1.5 years. In October 2015 we had our first IVF and by some amazong miracle got pregnant on our fresh cycle. My son was born in July 2016. *End child mentioned*

From our 2015 IVF, we have 8 frozen embryos and will be transferring just one. I got AF on 1/28. Started Estrace on 1/30 (3 1mg pills AM, 3 1mg pills PM). Had bloodwork done yesterday morning on 2/2 and they increased my dose to 4 pills AM and 4 pills PM because my estradiol levels were a little low. I got back Monday morning for blood work again to see how I responded to the dosage increase. Fingers crossed!

I'll be on PIO. I used Crinone the first time around and all injections we're subcutaneous not intramuscular... Not gonna lie, that intramuscular needle terrifies me...

funkykey · February 2018

Hey Guys, anything new?

@tosh24 @Mando15 - how are your TWWs coming?

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