Due to start ICSI in March

[ditsy999]

Hi,

I was wondering if you can help me. Me and the hubby have our first counselling session on 3rd March for ICSI. Im just wondering what the next steps are? Drugs, Protocol? Will I need time off work? whether to tell my manager. . lots of questions . . .

thanks

[Milly_Moo]

Hi there!

I have done one round of ICSI long protocol and now on my second round.

I was off work on a sabbatical when I did my last cycle, however this time I am at work and happy to be. I think the distraction will be good for me.

Based on my journey - everyone is different I can give you some idea. You will need time off work for info apt, baseline scan, egg retrieval and embryo transfer. Apts are normally no more than an hr, egg retrieval is a day, I would take it off, maybe the next day too if you have a active job. I would advise to take a couple of days off for embryo transfer day to rest, however I work from home so won't be this time. Your dates should be given out to you at your info apt so you can plan. I didn't have counselling before ICSI so your process is different and I find this when talking to my friend also going through it.

I have learnt a lot from my first cycle...

My advice to you is to start taking the required supplements now, if not already as it takes three months for them to kick in.

I would also ask your partner, if not doing so already, to cut down drinking and to also take supplements.

I was taking some months before last cycle but not all that were advised for 3 months... I've just found out I should be taking something else and only 4 weeks away from Egg retrieval time! So there is always something we could of done or be doing in my opinion.

I told my manager as she had also struggled to conceive so felt comfortable, however this time I am not talking to my new manager so just have been saying I have hospital apts and doc apts, which is true. He knows something is up as I was off for my op but I doubt he wants know the detail - thank goodness!

All the best for your session and let me know if you have any questions, hopefully I can help.

xxx

[ditsy999 in reply to Milly_Moo]

great thank you for your advice, at least I know a bit of what to expect . .good luck on your journey !!

[KayeKhan in reply to Milly_Moo]

Hello sorry to jump into this conversation but I am due to go for icsi method of ivf I started last year however after my laproscopy and diathermy of both tubes I gained too much weight as a result my bmi increased to above 32 I needed to get back to 30 for them to be able to treat me . The good news is I managed to bring my weight down and maintain it I have the next appointment on Tuesday 23rd Feb 2016 . I had already made some travel plans I'm just a bit concerned when you say they give dates is that possible don't they need to know what our menstrual cycle dates are ...last year I put all my life on hold for this and this year I said I would carry on but after reading the message im like what of they give me another appointment while I'm away I'm just a bit worried as my hubby is really into having a child ...and I feel a bit pressurised and this holiday was my plan oops I hope it all works out ...All the best with your process I am hoping mine is all good too ditsy sorry to jump in to your conversation best of luck with everything xx

[ditsy999 in reply to KayeKhan]

its fine . . .good luck !

[Milly_Moo]

Everyones plan is slightly different depending on their clinic, consultant and also your fertility challenges. You can read more detail on my blog if you are interested. I do long protocol and start on day 21 of cycle with injections, as long as you have your info meeting (which you can defer to when you can do it) and get your drugs, you could be away for down regulation but I didn't fancy doing that for my first round now I'm a pro at injecting, I can see why some ladies don't worry about going away when on down regulation, if they don't do long protocol (no down Reg) and you do short, when you start your stimulation drugs you have to be in country. I'm sure you can explain you have a holiday booked. I could change my initial apts if wanted, it's only once you have started you need to follow their dates proposed as you have to be scanned to see how your follicles are growing... hope this helps a bit.xx