February IVF/FET

dukie001 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino praying for a positive 😊

hej2021 · February 2021

@dukie001 Hang in there!! You’ll be there before you know it. Did you have any effects from the covid vaccine? I finally decided to go ahead and do the 2nd one (I was very on the fence since I did my first pre IVF but was afraid of fever during possible pregnancy for the 2nd. But my RE said she still would recommend it despite where I will be in my IVF cycle so I’ll get it in a couple weeks.)

@PrettyPalomino wow that post is so helpful! It seems like it’s well thought through and referenced. Thanks for sharing. I may have to invest in some of those tests! Crossing all my fingers and toes for good news for you tomorrow! Hang in there - the wait and the anxiety during the wait is the worst

AFM - retrieval went well this AM, I am resting at home now. They retrieved 12 eggs. I’m a tad disappointed because I had 17 good sized follicles as of two days ago and was REALLY hoping for a comfortable cushion given we want two kids and I was hoping not to do another round but maybe we’ll get lucky and get 3 genetically tested normal embryos. It seems like we should expect 1-2 based on what I’ve read but really hoping for more. We will decide tomorrow once we hear how many fertilized if we do fresh or frozen. We were planning on fresh but unless they all fertilize, we may end up playing it safe and doing frozen since my estrogen and progesterone numbers are just barely in the range where a fresh transfer is okay. The wait for news over the next 5 days is going to be tough... thank you all for keeping me sane!

sfield21 · February 2021

@hej2021 12 eggs is great!! Congratulations!!

I know it’s hard when we get our hopes up for more eggs to be retrieved, 12 is still a great number to work with! Will they update you over the next few days, or just day 5?

The clinic called and everything looks good, I will start progesterone (PIO and Crinone) on Feb 11 and transfer is booked for Feb 16 at 1:40

soccergirl23 · February 2021

@hej2021 congratulations on 12 eggs, that’s awesome! Fingers crossed you get a good number for testing!!

@sfield21 that’s so exciting!! How are you feeling?

dukie001 · February 2021

@hej2021 congratulations on 12 eggs. Grow embryos grow ✨✨✨
As far as side affects - nope, zero. I was expecting at least something like flu-like, but didn’t have a thing. Comparing to what I experienced after anthrax or smallpox vaccine, this one was piece of cake 😁.

PrettyPalomino · February 2021

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/0z/mb0jkjny6ipn.jpeg

***TW***

Have I officially lost it, or is this a squinter? 6dp5dt, did not sleep at all last night, literally had dreams of POAS.

sfield21 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino I see it!!! Congratulations

I would test again tomorrow to see if it darkens

soccergirl23 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino I definitely see a very faint second line too!!! Let us know if it darkens!! So exciting

Question for those doing a FET or have done a FET - did taking estrogen give you any symptoms? I've been feeling very 'meh' lately (lethargic, headaches in the mornings, just kind of down). Has anyone else experienced this? Wondering if it's a side-effect or if it's just everything that's going on.

dukie001 · February 2021

@PrerryPalomino That’s definitely a line!!! Yey! Now hope it’s darkens ❤️🥰

PrettyPalomino · February 2021

*TW*

SMU shows basically the same thing. It’s hard to believe... hopefully it’s darker tomorrow!! Geez, we transferred a binucleated B5-BB thinking for sure this wasn’t going to work because of the fluid situation... now I’m down the rabbit hole of live birth outcomes for binucleated embryos.

I guess what needs to happen will happen. Ugh. Really mixed feelings... my RE said BN embryos self-correct when they make it to day 5. Hope she’s right! For now though, going to fully enjoy this moment

dukie001 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino Just remember that it takes 48-72 hours for HCG to double, so that’s why if you test in PM and right after in AM there would be no difference. Also what I noticed is that in PM the tests are always darker for some reason. The FMU is never a better choice for me and for many others (based on what people were telling on IF forums)

hej2021 · February 2021

@dukie001 - that's great that there were no side effects! I've heard totally mixed bag - some people feel miserable and some feel nothing. I guess either way, it's better than actually getting COVID!
@PrettyPalomino - I definitely see a faint line!! How exciting!! Keep us posted - crossing my fingers for you!

AFM, of the 12 eggs retrieved, 10 were mature and 7 fertilized. RE thinks we'll have 1 or 2 by day 5, and with PGT-A testing may lose 50%. I know that's not a hopeless situation, but we're pretty bummed - we were really hoping that we'd have enough good quality PGT-A tested for baby #1 and #2, given I am 34 now so would be 35 by time baby #1 is born (if all goes well) and then 37 when trying for baby #2 - and I know chances are lower at 37.

We are now trying to decide if we should try to do a 2nd IVF cycle before transferring in hopes of getting at least 3-4 PGT-A tested normal blastocysts in hopes of 2 babies. I really don't want to go through all of this again, especially now that work is getting crazy again, but I'm wondering if I should just suck it up since odds are so much better now and I have good insurance right now. What do you guys think?

sfield21 · February 2021

@soccergirl23 I think it might be the estrogen... or a combo. I’m sort of feeling the same way, just blah. Also really waiting for my embryo transfer so kind of in la la land right now.

@hej2021 I would just wait and see what happens... see how many normal embryos you have and go from there. We had 13 embryos frozen so thought we were good for 2 babies, almost felt bad that we had so many (untested) then we had issues and decided to test the 9 remaining and only 2 were normal. So we started out with a large number and are now feeling the pinch as we TTC #2. Take it one day at a time and see what your results are.

PrettyPalomino · February 2021

@dukie001 thanks for that! I just ordered more FRERs. Good to know about the doubling rate. Ugh I hope it sticks and stays!!

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@hej2021
I think just take it one step at time. If you only get 1 tested normal embryo, well, you can either do a second retrieval right away or just transfer for baby 1 and see what happens. Your numbers were pretty much like mine during my first IVF cycle and we ended up with 2 untested embryos (1 of them m/c early due to chromosome abnormality so likely would have been ruled out during PGS testing) and 1 take-home healthy and happy baby. I was 34 when I did my transfer and turned 35 a few months after my daughter was born. Now at 37, I'm back for a second retrieval and we've pretty much had the same results thus far. Honestly, for my sanity, just focusing on getting 1 baby was really helpful.

dukie001 · February 2021

@hej2021 wait till you get the final results and then make a decision. Right now everyone is speculating on what might happen, but it can go either way. But I understand your concerns. I did only one retrieval at 34 and now I’m at the point that if my next FET doesn’t work I would have to make a decision. And I’m 37 now and my eggs are older, and I’m very stressed out

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@dukie001
I agree -- you can speculate either way, but it's best to just take it one step at a time as you get results back. Do I regret not doing another cycle before transferring back when I was 34? Eh, not really, because it's hard to look at it like that. I'm grateful my transfer resulted in my little girl and can't imagine doing it any other way. I think everyone's stories end up like that at some point. You just need to make the best choice for you.

dukie001 · February 2021

@mbradfo2 I don’t regret that I didn’t go for a second retrieval back than too. Even now I’m not ready to make any decisions until I’m right there at that point. For me specifically every procedure and transfer and potential pregnancy has to be calculated as far as timing, because there are certain positions I have to hold for certain period of time in order to be eligible for next rank or even to stay in the military. It sucks, but this is a reality for women in uniform 🤷🏻‍♀️

sfield21 · February 2021

Looking for advice... I’ve been on estrogen for a lot longer than my other FET’s feeling bloated and crampy... lining is at 17. I think the clinic is just busy over family day weekend so I’m starting progesterone on Thursday and transfer on Tuesday. A lot later in my cycle than other transfers. I think the estrogen timeline isn’t super critical where as the progesterone is. Anyone have insight on this, or dealt with something similar? I feel like things are way off and it’s making my mind spiral that this won’t work.

soccergirl23 · February 2021

@sfield21 good to know I'm not alone haha I'm getting excited about transfer and getting to the finish line of this process, but I am also nervous about the PIO shots so kind of a mixed bag of emotions.

@hej2021 I agree with the above comments and see how many normal embryos you get! Also, I would ask what your doctor recommends. I know mine would recommend doing another cycle and banking some embryos at this age prior to doing an FET if I wanted more than one more child (I only have one PGS tested normal embryo from this cycle but only want one more so we're rolling the dice with the one that we have). But who knows, those stats on fertilization to day 5 are all over the place so you could be on the higher side! When do you find out about the number of day 5's? .

soccergirl23 · February 2021

@sfield21 apologies, I didn't refresh before replying. My tentative timeline isn estrogen for 22 days prior to starting progesterone, 5 days of progesterone and then transfer on day 6. I think transferring on day 6 of progesterone is the most important timeline. How many days will you be on estrogen prior to taking progesterone?

sfield21 · February 2021

@soccergirl23 no worries, thanks for the response! I will be on estrogen for 19 days and then adding progesterone on the 20th day. I guess the main thing is having a thick, trilaminar lining...?? Then adding progesterone in for 5 days and transfer on the 6th day.

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@sfield21
The lining is important but I'm surprised they won't move up your transfer because of events...RE's are like OB's, imo -- when the transfer's ready, the transfer's ready (like babies not obeying a schedule for when they are born!). Do I think it will matter? Nah -- the progesterone one is more critical. I was just surprised they couldn't do a transfer over the weekend for you!

AFM
We got the final results today - 1 frozen day 5 (AB), 2 frozen day 6 (BC/BB). So we'll be sending off for PGS testing. I also get my second covid shot today which I heard is the doozy.

sfield21 · February 2021

@mbradfo2 they usually do transfers and appointments over the weekend, it’s one thing I’ve really liked about my clinic! But for some reason I’m getting pushed (I think) unless they have a reason for the longer estrogen and didn’t say anything.

Glad to hear you have 3 embies for testing! Fingers crossed for good results.

Good luck with the 2nd vaccine shot, hopefully it’s mild for you! I probably won’t be able to get one until the summer.

hej2021 · February 2021

@sfield21 @mbradfo2 @dukie001 @soccergirl23 You guys are totally right. No use in speculating or trying to make decisions when we'll have more information in 4 days. My RE basically said the same thing you all did - let's wait and see where things stand on day 3 / 5 and then can make a call. The one thing we decided is that I wouldn't do a fresh transfer this cycle as originally planned since our numbers are lower than we hoped.

@mbradfo2 - so glad to hear that you ended up with a perfect baby girl with similar numbers

That gives me hope.

@soccergirl23 - I should get an update on Thursday (day 3) and Saturday (day 5). I need to decide on PGT-A by Thursday, but can wait a bit to decide on doing another cycle. And for what it's worth, I did my first PIO shot last night and was terrified but it actually wasn't that bad! I used a Synera patch that my RE prescribed, and massaged for about 2 min afterwards, then sat on a heating pad. I'm only mildly sore today. Totally get the anxiety though - you are very close to the finish line, so hang in there!

@dukie001 wow, that's so crazy that you have to be so intentional about timing given your role in the military. i hadn't thought about that. props to you for finding a way to make it work, i'm sure it hasn't been easy!

@sfield21 - I'm not sure about timeline but just wanted to say I'm thinking of you! Good luck with your Tuesday transfer!

dukie001 · February 2021

@mbradfo2 congratulations on 3 embryos, the grading is good too.

What is considered to be CD1? Is it when you start estrogen? I know my transfer will be on the 6th day of progesterone. By the way do you take it in AM or PM? And is there a difference or not?

hej2021 · February 2021

@mbradfo2 - great news on 3 embryos!! Hoping for good news for all 3 on PGS testing. And that you don't have terrible side effects from the COVID vaccine!!
@dukie001 for what it's worth, my nurse told me to do progesterone between 6-9pm every day (and to stick to a one hour window when I pick a time) but I think every clinic may be a little different because my friend was told first thing in the AM

dukie001 · February 2021

@hej2021 my old clinic always gave me schedule with time. The current one though just gives me the schedule with dates. 🤔 probably would ask the nurse

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@hej2021
@dukie001

My clinic also said PIO between 6-9pm. I never questioned it either, but saw your posts and wondered why. Turns out, progesterone can have a sedative effect on people! So they recommend doing it close to bed time, not earlier in the day, so you don't have that "groggy" feeling during the day. I never noticed PIO being particularly sedative, but I also don't respond to most sedatives like normal people do. I can take two tabs of benadryl and be totally wide awake, ready to go!

@sfield21
@hej2021

Got the shot at 3 pm EST and my arm is already sore (8 pm EST) -- first shot, I didn't feel sore until the next day. My mom got chills and a slight fever after her second shot. Don't really have any other symptoms except I can feel a small headache coming on, so we'll see.

PrettyPalomino · February 2021

*TW*
Still a nearly-impossible-to-see squinter today

7dp5dt. I feel like this might be a CP. Technically I'm 10dpo today, but they did a day-5 blast transfer 3dpo... so that's the equivalent of being 12dpo, right? I googled bfp progression pics and that has me in a dark place. I'm still holding onto hope, but I'm really trying to manage my expectations here.

hej2021 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino - I'm so sorry. The uncertainty is excruciating. I am holding onto hope for you also. When do you go in for a pregnancy test in the RE office?

@mbradfo2 - interesting! That's good to know about progesterone timing. I tend to be pretty sensitive to sedatives so probably good that I took mine as late in the time window as possible.

sfield21 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino keeping my fingers crossed and thinking about you

@hej2021 @mbradfo2 I was told basically the same thing. I’m taking Crinone (vaginal suppository) and PIO. I was told preferably the Crinone in the morning and PIO in the evening, stick to a 1 hr window if possible.

I start my PIO tomorrow night.

@dukie001 CD1 is the first day of your period, full flow. Which yes, is when you start estrogen. Then when your lining is thick enough you add in progesterone usually for 3-5 days then have the transfer and stay on estrogen and progesterone until pregnancy is confirmed or not. If you are pregnant with my clinic you stay on the meds until 10 weeks. I would say most clinics are 8-10 weeks.

@hej2021 just curious, but aren’t you doing a freeze all cycle now? Wondering why you’re taking PIO?

dukie001 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino sorry ☹️ you have to go through this ❤️ How are you holding up? It’s so painful to see the line disappearing. Does the second line has pink in it or is it just grey in color? Unfortunately, FRERs are notorious for indent lines. Usually if the line is grey then it’s most likely indent.

dukie001 · February 2021

@sfield21 I guess because I got to have 2 periods before my FET confused me. I’ll be on BC until 20Feb. On 17Feb I’ll start Lupron. And on Feb28 I’ll start estrogen. Some time after discontinuing BC I supposed to get withdrawal bleeding (will count as my second period)...so complicated 🥴🤪

PrettyPalomino · February 2021

@dukie001 it looks grey

@hej2021 1st beta isn’t until next Tuesday, 16dpo/13dpt. Longest 2ww ever. AF would arrive by then and I’ll have my answer with hpts before then anyway.

Bought a digital FRER and was negative

This blows. I’ve never seen an indent line before... but maybe I wasn’t looking as hard?

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino
Ugh, that sucks :-( Well, you're not out until the fat lady sings, but that's an incredibly long wait for a beta!

I am now running a fever and getting aches; had the 2nd covid shot yesterday. At least I know it's doing something!

hej2021 · February 2021

@sfield21 yes, I've stopped PIO since we decided against the fresh cycle (can't say I miss needles, even though I am bummed that our plans have changed!). I was talking about before I decided to abort the fresh transfer plans.

@PrettyPalomino so sorry

Ugh, that's such a long time. Thinking of you

@mbradfo2 - yes, guess that means it's working! although it's no fun in the interim... hang in there.

dukie001 · February 2021

@PrettyPalomino it’s just weird that all your FRERs have indents, may be just a bad batch or may be there is hope and your HCG is just slow rising. Digital probably won’t show until HCG is 25 or higher. Girl, I’m so sorry you are going through this TWW hell

thezaltyberger · February 2021

Thinking of you @PrettyPalomino ❤️❤️ I definitely see something there, but i know it’s disheartening that it’s not visibly changing to darker. I know it sounds impossible, but don’t jump to conclusions yet! You’re almost there!!

PrettyPalomino · February 2021

@dukie001 @thezaltyberger @hej2021 @sfield21 Thank you

I knew this 2ww would be hard but I never imagined having to spend two days in the dark like this. I was mentally prepared for a bfn but this is just messed up. I'm just going to have to keep busy to keep my mind off of it, test again in AM, and go from there.

One.day.at.a.time.

@mbradfo2 WOW as if you both got mild symptoms from the vaccine, I thought that was folklore

hope you feel better soon! Congrats on vaccination!

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