So today is day 1 of my IVF Antagonist protocol anyone out there doing or have done this one before?

Unexplained infertility satisfactory amh levels and no problems with my partners semen.

[Rabbits]

Hi there, I'm just waiting to start the same cycle, any day once my period arrives. Got all my meds in fridge ready. Luckily I am fine with needles and had iui last year so ok with injecting. What was your amh score? Mine was lower than expected for my age, just 35, was 8.9ish...scans showed ovaries ok though as had scan post ovulating last month. All ok myself and hubby,unexplained infertility, had natural pregancy last Christmas but early miscarriage but was silent so sent know till early scan at 10 weeks. When will you have your day 1 to 3 scan...tomorrow?? Our clinic only closed 25 th and 25 th so worked out I can have first scan fri, sat morning or Monday if it comes n next two or 3 days. I'm feeling k about it all, maybe in denial, not sure.

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi Rabbits I am starting Northisterone tablets on day 16 of this cycle for 12 days then in this time I will be having an endometrial scratch, are you or have you had this?! I believe the tablets are to regulate your cycle for the timing of your ivf, did you have these? Then await a breakthrough bleed then commence with 14 days of injections. My egg collection date is booked in for the 10 Feb and I just can't wait now it has been 14 months since our referral went in and I feel like the old me has become lost in the wait! I am 34 and my amh was 20.0 but that was in Jan this year so who knows now! Whereabouts in the country are you? I go to the hospital on the 3rd (next Friday) for my diary and treatment plan I can't wait! I'm sorry about your miscarriage but on a positive note you are capable of pregnancy! Unexplained infertility is a term I struggle to deal with its like all your tests are fine so why am I not getting pregnant! Its a minefield hey! Are you nervous now? When's your egg collection date? X

[Rabbits in reply to Hidden]

Hiya, sounds bit different to mine. I have got gonal f and cetrotide to inject in first week the the trigger shot before egg collection which will be in next 2 weeks I think...your amh score is good. It is hard to know about the pregnancy thing as it was a missed miscarriage no idea how far things got...had it surgically managed to which the left me having no periods for 6 months last year which was infuriating! But then they returned back to clockwork,as they have always been. I'm I the south, we are getting one funded round as our GP fought hard for it as we weren't eligible due to the pregnancy, also our cut off is 35 and we were 2 weeks from that when the decision was made to give us a round. He the. Wrote to ask if it could be deferred as I had just started a new job and they agreed, gave us till Feb. We have been very lucky...I dropped a bottle of port to the surgery yest to thank him with a card to saying how grateful we were. Anyway, it sounds as if your cycle is more date orientated than mine, I know like the iui it depends on the response to drugs and size of follicles etc. no one mentioned the scratch, I personally wasn't keen as I think the scrape I had etc post miscarriage led to my periods stopping, or it could have been hormonal, who knows. Anyway, in this you have to do what feels right for you and No one else!!

I have just started reading kate Brian's ivf book, downloaded it last night and read for two hours. Is very good. I don't read too much on line and this is the first time I have ever replied to a post on here. But, again it felt the right thing to do. I am not that nervous, 3 and half years of trying...I am just going with the flow. Got lots of positive ivf stories around me from friends, friends of friends etc so trying to focus on those. How are you feeling?? Look forward to keeping I touch over next few weeks... Ok, I must get dressed...merry Christmas!! Xx ps please excuse typos xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi Rabbits

Hope you had a merry Christmas! You are having the same drugs as I. My cycle is more date orientated but they are hoping that when egg collection is done on Feb 10 they can do my ET on 14 Feb would be great my grand ads birthday. I feel a little scared and worried I'm trying to remain positive and like you I have friends and their friends stories of successful ivf rounds but also have close friends it hasn't worked for! I'm shocked at the age being so low for ivf where you come from that's horrific its 42 up here with two rounds that's what irritates me about this whole minefield of infertility! I remember a friend and I started this journey together but in different areas of the country she is 6 years older than I. We were both unexplained infertility no partner concerns they gave her clomid she is now due to give birth in January and yet I was refused clomid and straight to ivf with no other treatments offered. Have you started your treatment now? I'm back Friday for my medication I hope x

[Rabbits in reply to Hidden]

Hiya, I wrote a long message yesterday and then the ipad died, oops!! A lovely Christmas here thanks...very relaxing as both sets of parents host so no cooking for me, lovely! You?? I am a teacher so got the 2 weeks off...so trying to relax and not over do it as I normally cram so much into the holidays seeing friends and travelling about. Weather has been dreadful down here, in Portsmouth so that has helped me stay in and relax. Had a few glasses of fizz over the festivities but last one was Boxing Day and will resist tonight. Consultant at clinic said everything in moderation...but seems silly to over indulge on booze when our treatment is so soon. We were going out to dinner with friends but decided to stay in...are you out tonight?? Ok so onto the drugs, I started injecting last Friday, 225 gonal f. Had to drive straight to the clinic from my in lwas which is 2 hours away as my period arrived Xmas eve...baseline scan on Friday before injections showed 11 follicles each ovary which weirdly is more than last month when I had my initial consultation when I only had 8... Anyway, fingers crossed wth the drug help there will be a few eggs to collect next week. They have said likely to have egg collection on weds 8th but got anoth scan this Friday and then Monday to check progress. Feeling fine on injections. Just trying to take it all in my stride, I am very good at putting a rave face on, keeping it all inside but then likely to have a massive meltdown!! My mum had trouble holding onto pregnancies and actually conceived me on cloned back in the late 70's. My parents were so sure that would work for me too...had it January 2012 for 3 months but nothing changed. Wonder why you couldn't have it? Although the top consultant down here said he wouldn't have out me on it, someone in his team did. Said as I was ovulating etc and hormone levels normal wouldn't actually help. You are right, the age thing is rubbish...I do not understand why it is so varied across the country. I do think 35 is too low, but just feel lucky that our GP fought so hard to get us one round free. We went through our nhs hospital fertility centre for 3 years for tests, iui etc, which we had to pay for, but they don't do ivf, they satellite and is about an hour away, we chose a clinic about half hour away that we know 2 people who have had success, one couple have had two babies 3 years apart too...I am really pleased with everything so far. There were two pregnant ladies in the clinic on Friday, though early on I assume. Try to remember the positive stories...it has to work for some people and only takes on egg and one sperm!! I have been having acupuncture for the 3 years too...I started as I suffered with tension headaches, which return frequently...but of course she soon started treating the infertility too...albeit unexplained. I find it relaxes me, and again I do know people who had it with successful ivf. I am having a session Friday and Tuesday, or the day before egg collection. Will also have some before transfer and possibly after, not sure can't recall. Lady is an ex midwife and very supportive.

Hope your appt on Friday goes well, will you have a scan? I don't know why I didn't get down regulation drugs...I will read my diary and treatment booklet again, not looked at it since last Friday. I spent yesterday doing school work as weather was hideous and took my mind off things. Well, happy new year to you and here's to an exciting 2014 all round!! Xxx

[Rabbits in reply to Hidden]

Hiya. How are u getting on with your drugs? I was pleased to,report no side effects really. Had my egg collection yest, all went well. Was very calm, staff were great explained it all and even though I had a conscious sedation I was out for the count! Last thing I remember was lying back and dr putting sedative into my arm then I woke up in recovery...no recollection of anything, but suits me! Think I had slept for half hour or so in recovery then had tea and biscuits and got dressed, was bit woozy but fine. Got home at midday and slept most of the day. But we were up early at 6.15 am to get to clinic for 9 as traffic can be awful even though only 40 mins away. Was told yest they got 14 eggs and been called today saying 12 have fertilised, which is very good they said. We have paid extra to have a machine called eeva store the eggs now as it selects best embryo. New technology and embryologist still checks too but has quite good results. Next step is to hope we get some embryos, or at least one to put back on Saturday. Not too much pain, just a little tender. Taking each day as it comes, am pleased to be off work that's for sure. Daytime tv,books and mags for me. Hope u are getting on ok and you are feeling ok about it all, xxx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi Rabbits, wow that is some egg collection, have you had them transferred back yet or are they holding out for a day 5!!!!! Christmas was ok, I tried not to let the grinch in and I didn't Like you had a few glasses of wine and let myself be pampered by good food and company!!!! I'm really excited for you, how are you feeling??? Well at present am on Norethisterone which is similar to the contraceptive pill and are due to stop taking it on the 24th of this month wait 5 days then start with injections on the 29 with egg collection on the 10th Feb, it all feels so unreal at the moment, maybe as I have waited so long I just can not believe I am so near to treatment. I am on menopur for the first 4 days of injections then menopur and cetrotide for the remainder. I have my baseline scan and endometrial scratch on the 21st so next Tuesday, I think once that happens I will start to feel a whole range of emotions. Are you having one or two eggs transferred back, I have been told that as I am under 37 I will only be having one. With reference to the clomid and them not giving it me, who knows but my consultant said the same as your initial one, if you ovulate normally then he is not prepared to give it. I guess all I can do is trust in him!!! Keep me in the loop and fingers crossed for you hun x x

[Rabbits in reply to Hidden]

Hiya, all good her. Keeping busy whilst I am off work waiting to test on 25th!! Got very sore boobs which is side effect of the progesterone pessaries I am taking, which is pretty cruel as exactly a year ago is when I was preg and had same feeling...anyway, trying to keep positive. Have seen lots of friends, lots of babies and been to the cinema twice this week so far with my parents. We had a day 3 transfer...we paid an extra £800 to use a machine called EEva which takes time lapsed images of embryo development and means the embryos can stay in the machine and be looked at. I didn't have any strong feelings for either day transfer...

Know stories of success at both day 3 and 5 so trusted embryologists completely. They said day 3, unfortunately out of our 12 fertilised only 2 were good enough to transfer...I was initially a bit disappointed as we would have liked to have frozen some to make it a bit easier for another cycle if needed but all the staff said it was a good result and to be happy. I know some people get none to transfer. So, our consultant advised putting both back. I am tall, fit and healthy and she said my stature would carry twins...however, this is still only about 10% chance. Again I trusted her so went with what she advised. I think one was an 8 cell and one was 7... They kept an eye on on 6 cell for freezing but it didn't quite get to right stage, so am focussing on sticky thoughts and hoping one of the ones inside me sticks...if both do then so be it!!! Hubby keen on twins more than me but I don't mind as long as they are healthy. The risks concern me a little...so that's where we are...just keeping busy, been doing lots around the house, some work, seeing lots of people. We've told close friends and family...we've been trying for nearly 4 years so no reason no too. Good lick with your scan next week and scratch, keep me updated!! Good luck to everyone! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi well went for my scratch and baseline scan today and all is well, I have collected my medication and they have talked me through the process it seems a little daunting mixing the water and the powder is going to be very interesting. I start them next week wednesday!!!!

Well not long left for you now I am hoping and praying you have a positive test.

Keep me updated x x

[pavlakess]

Hello ladies, I spent years on forums looking for hope and advice, as they say a problem shared is a problem halved. I overcame my 7 years of infertility due to endometriosis and reoccurring ovarian cysts. Just before my 40 I completely changed my life style and as a result I had two beautiful healthy children NATURALLY! No IVF! I wanted to share my success in the hope that I might help other ladies on their difficult quest to have children. My ebook is published on Amazon and will be available completely free on 2nd of February 2014. Hopefully I didn't sound too markety, I'm just keen on helping. (5 SIMPLE WAYS TO FERTILITY - Pavla Kesslerova)

[Rabbits]

Hiya, glad the scratch and scan went well...the mixing is ok...the only advice I will give u is to always check the needle is screwed in properly, you'll soon know how it feels, tight and doesn't. I've. Reason I say is after mixing the powder and water I swapped on injecting needle and injected and felt trickle of liquid on my pjs and realised the needle wasn't on properly...I had no idea how much I infected. Rang clinic and they said just do next injections the next day as normal and not to worry.. I think it was half way through my injections. Don't want to scare u but thought it was worth mentioning. That was the only problem I had. The nurse was adamant I put the trigger shot somewhere different in fridge as she had a lady who gave herself the shot at the start of the cycle! Mega oops!!

My boons are still sore and having pains in abdomen which are due to progesterone I'm sure. Feeling ok...just taking each day as it comes. Roll on Saturday...arghhhhh!! Xx

[Rabbits]

We got a positive result! Slept well Friday night which surprised me...I had no strong feelings either was if it had worked or not, and all symptoms are confused with progesterone so the sore boobs etc is misleading. However, I woke for a wee at 7am and said to hubby we'd have to test...so we did and got a show straight away. Was a clear blue test with a cross to show positive...phew!! Allowed ourselves Saturday to be excited and now got the worrying to get through waiting for scan in 3 weeks which will make is 7wks...so hard as been here before so taking each day as it comes! Anyway, wanted to share the news and hope it inspires you to keep positive, rest up as I did and look after yourself over the coming weeks!! Xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Oh I'm made up for you! X x x x try not to worry about what's happened in the past it's the here and now very difficult though I'm sure! Well I started my injections this morning and have to say it didn't hurt at all! My partner mixed the solution and I injected myself! In four weeks hopefully I'll be following suit! So so happy for you x x

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

How many embryos did you have transferred? X

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Ignore me you had two didn't you? So it could be twins x x

[Rabbits]

Haha, yes it could be twins, just got to wait and see. I'm just praying we have something to see at the scan...keep having waves of absolute fear but that's to be expected. Feel ok. Constipation not great though...I've stopped taking stuff to help and upped my fruit, dried fruit and bran etc and that has helped, but still get pains in tummy regularly. Boobs big and sore but apart from that fine. Getting early nights in the week as having to wake half hour early to use pessaries, have you got these for after transfer too?? How are the injections going? I am glad they didn't hurt, mine didn't either. Just pinch a good inch and in it goes!! I did find the cetrotide hurt a little more, and the trigger shot left me bruised but all ok. How are you feeling?? So your eggs collection will be on 10th, not long now. Are you having any time off after transfer?? I know it's not always easy for everyone to have time off but as I said my GP has been fab and happily signed me off. Luckily my head teacher didn't ask too many questions and my colleagues think it was a gynae procedure..sort of true! Well I hope you are feeling positive...I can't offer any other advice other than rest, enjoy time with your hubby. I did have acupuncture as been having it for 3 years think I said before...I am keeping everything crossed for you!! Xxx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi had my first scan yesterday and I have 8 follicles on each ovary, so a total of 16. The injections are going fine and I'm pleased to report no pain bar a few headaches from the menopur in the first few days. I have another scan on Thursday and then they will talk me through the trigger shot which I will administer on Saturday ready for my egg collection on Monday, this is taking place in Chester and then my partner has to take my eggs in an incubator plugged in to the cigarette lighter part in the car to Liverpool where we will also use EEVA.

I am having two weeks off after transfer as going to rest for a few days then going to Whitby with my mom house hunting!!!

Let me know how you get on with your scan.

x x

[Rabbits]

Hoya, only a few days till your egg collection...how exciting. Your follicles sound a good number, same as mine I think...take each step at a time, as other people have said on here it only takes one!! The image of your partner plugging incubator into ciggie lighter made me chuckle! Is your cycle nhs funded?? Ours was but we paid, 800 for eeva. Glad u are having the two weeks off...house hunting will be exciting!! Do try and get some rest in...I had lots of sleep!! I have stopped taking lactalose and eating dried fruit and think that was causing stomach cramps...I stopped the apricots, figs and dates two days ago and much better. Have got some pains still and as u said trying to focus on this being a different pregnancy a lough of course the anxiety is there. I am coping ok, but still feel fearful. Just won't believe it till we have a scan. Have felt a. Icky sickly today...eating helps but tricky as I can't just snack when I want in school!! Anyway, I hope the egg collection goes well, let me know how u get on. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hiya, well had second scan yesterday and they said that all was well but they couldn't see my left ovary properly as my bowel was blocking it, although did need the loo whilst I was waiting and have been a little constipated myself so maybe thats why!! Feeling a little nervous about that as I now don't know what I am dealing with!! Our cycle is NHS funded yes but we don't have to pay for EEVA for some reason not sure why!! When do you go for your first scan?xx

[Rabbits]

Wishing u lots of luck for your egg collection tomorrow! So exciting. I used to struggle with my bowel and bladder being in the way when I was having lots scans for iui. Anyway, hope u have a good number collected. Lucky u don't have to pay for eeva either...our first scan is a week tomorrow, 17th. Feeling very anxious. Nausea is bad, having to eat every 20 mins to keep it at bay. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Thanks Hun feeling anxious now! I think they have two EEVA and embryo scope reread the info and it's embryo scope! Fingers crossed for me too! Well when you see that scan it'll all have been worth it x x

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi there, well I had my ER and we got 16 eggs of which 8 fertilised, they rang me the next day to say I would be having a day 5 transfer!!! So fingers crossed now!!!! xx

[Rabbits]

That's fab, well done! So have they gone into eeva? Wonder how they know whether to do day 3 or 5, I may ask! Fingers crossed you have some that will be great to transfer and freeze too... Xx

[Rabbits]

Sorry u said embryo scope, not heard of that x

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi embryo scope and EEVA are the same thing! I posten another post on here earlier and a couple of people did respond to why but my memory has turned to mush! I'm hoping they reach the day 5 I would be gutted if they didn't! I will ask the hospiyal on Saturday! X how are you feeling

[Hidden]

And they have gone into the machine! But boy I wasn't prepared for the crappy feeling after ER I was in agony! Woke up being sick and felt like my insides were being twisted round and round! I usually have a fantastic pain threshold too x

[Rabbits]

Mine were day 3...Never knew why...good luck! Feeling rough...constant nausea, so hard to snack in school when no one knows except my assistant so I occasionally smuggle a jelly baby which helps. Eating a ginger nut before I even get out of bed...tho is whilst I am in my half hour pessary wait time.. I've been having mega early nights, normally upstairs by now getting ready for bed!! Though working really long days and very busy so that is tiring anyway...trying to be positive but won't let myself till scan results Monday. Have a restful day Saturday...exciting times! Xx

[Hidden]

Sounds ideal for me ginger biscuits are my favourite! How come you changed to vaginal use for the pessaries? If you don't mind me asking x

[Hidden]

Good luck for your scan! X when will you be due? X

[Hidden]

Hey, well had my embryo transfer today had a day 5 Grade 5 Blastocyst transferred, have two following suit behind this one and the other 5 are slightly slower but they are continuing with them for a few days and will let me know the outcome by post in the next week or so!!!

How are you feeling? x

[Rabbits]

Hope u are resting up?!! How u feeling? I just slept lots and did lots to keep busy but not frantically so. I've always been using the pessaries vaginally, what the clinic advises. We had our scan this morning... God I was shaking with nerves...and we saw two heartbeats!!! In total shock. Got ever such clear pics. One twin slightly smaller so have to see if it catches up...both good heartbeats though. I am in shock! Had convinced myself it wouldn't be good news...hope that helps your positivity. Another friend just got a positive from first try at ivf too!! Xxxx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Wow wee two congratulations was meant to be! Bet you are shocked! I am resting but will do bits and bobs keep me occupied for two weeks! When you got to test date did you feel pregnant any symptoms from day of embryo transfer to share x x

[Rabbits]

Thanks! No symptoms except sore boobs which was down to progesterone, are u taking it?? Don't test early either, I wasn't tempted though know lots who do. Xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hey I am but rectally as I have done from the start so just carried on! Oh I won't as a false reading would make me very upset! Have you got a scan picture? So when's your due date? I test wed 26 what brand of test did you use? X

[Rabbits]

Did they tell u to use them that way? It even says in our paperwork to use in vagina, though patient info says can use either way...we were sent e set with all the drugs. It was clear blue test, not digital, just a wee on tip one xx

[Hidden]

They said either it doesn't matter! I have to ring the hospital tomorrow so maybe they will send one out! Well enjoy the moment and try not to worry that's amazing news! Makes me feel more optimistic! I tell you one thing though I'm shattered x

[Hidden]

We even got a memory stick with out chosen blastocyst and it's development to date was a nice touch x

[Rabbits]

We got that with eeva, the time lapsed photos too...wonder why the hospital are not just ringing U with results of the other embryos? Well any preg test now are 99% accurate so should be ok. I slept all day after my transfer, do get lots rest in. I tried to eat lots too...proteins but anything really. Be warned of the constipation though may be better with pessaries up the bum?!! Hehe. Just slept for two hours, dr said this week and next is when body doing lots for next stages...xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

I have two blastocysts definitely to freeze and the remaining 5 were at the stage before so they wanted to wait and see what happened! They don't ring as it's not our hospital that did the ET as our hospital uses liverpools lab so maybe something to do with that! I have been a bit constipated but not too bad I drink a greens shake with energised greens powder most mornings so think that May be helping! Take it easy! Your providing for three now x

[Rabbits]

Hiya, just wants to ask how your test went?? Been thinking of you xx

[Hidden in reply to Rabbits]

Hi

Well I had a negative test, then today have been to the hospital as have had continous bleeding for 13 days now and not very heavy and they did a test in a and e and it came back positive????? They did my bloods and it came back pregnant but they didn't give me my figures!!! I have another appointment at the early pregnancy unit on Saturday to see if my hcg levels have doubled!!!! This is just so weird xx

[Rabbits]

Oh my, what rollercoaster for you. Poor thing. Really hope it was good news today at the unit xx