It's been a tough day...

Hello everyone! I've recently joined this forum, trying to find out more about IVF, the crazy process, crazy terminology and crazy rollercoaster of emotion.

It's our first attempt at IVF and we've been lucky enough to be able to have this cycle on the NHS. Sadly, though, I was told today by one of the doctors that they would have to abandon my cycle as I haven't responded to the medication (Suprecur and Menopur, highest dose for 14 days).

I am pretty upset. To have not even been able to produce enough follicles to warrant egg collection is pretty disheartening and it makes me query whether or not it's even worth trying again (which we'd have to do privately). The doctor said that he could only see four small follicles on my left ovary and he couldn't tell what was going on with my right ovary as I have a dermoid cyst (he said even if there were follicles, he probably wouldn't be able to risk extracting from the right ovary in case he burst the cyst).

To be fair, the doctors and nurses have been lovely and I know that they have given my body every chance by letting me continue on the Menopur for 14 days. I just don't understand why my body hasn't responded or what I could have done to effect a different result.

I'm 39, 40 in August. I think my FSH is 11, no idea about AMH thing but I think that I basically have a low ovarian reserve. I have been pregnant naturally before (about five years ago) which sadly ended in a miscarriage at 10 weeks. Since that time, we've had no joy. We're both desperate to have a family and this has been such an emotional process. I am just so grateful that my other half has been so supportive. He has been my rock.

I think that the private route is now our only option but I am pretty baffled by all the stats and claims. Does anyone have any guidance or advice to give in terms of what to look out for? Any clinics that they can recommend in London/SW London? I've heard about natural IVF, mild IVF which apparently is something to consider for people my age. Or should I try IVF again - short protocol instead of the standard protocol which I believe I was on? I'm so confused!

I have read a lot about your experiences - the highs and the lows - and it's a huge comfort to know that there is an amazing network of people out there who have shared these experiences. Thank you for taking the time to read this and sorry for the outpour.

xx

[Saya85]

Hi aurora ,

Sorry to hear about your experience so far! That's really disheartening...

I'm not sure how much help I can be - but are you sure you're not still funded for NHS IVF?

As far as I'm aware one NHS funded 'cycle' means until egg collection is complete. Since you didn't get to that stage you may still be funded. Check your Pct/CCGs guidelines in your area.

Maybe change clinics if they have no idea how to move forward. Yes natural IVF may be an option. My friend had her IVF done in Hammersmith hospital - she thought they were excellent. other than that I don't know of any personal recommendations of clinics.

Short protocol can sometimes work better for certain patients but I don't know if low ovarian reserve counts. Sorry

Hopefully you'll get more answers from other ladies x

[Hidden in reply to Saya85]

Hello Saya85,

Thank you so much for your note, you have no idea how much I appreciate your lovely words and your advice.

I'll definitely look into the guidelines for the NHS funding. I asked the nurse when I was leaving and she said that it counts as an attempt once I start taking the meds even if it doesn't get to egg collection, but it's worth a shot for sure.

I'll also look into what they offer at Hammersmith - if you don't mind me asking, do you know if your friend had any success with her treatment?

Thank you again for dropping me a line xx

[Saya85 in reply to Hidden]

Hi again,

You're very welcome ☺️ I was lucky enough to see the same NHS consultant privately also so that helped me make my decision. And location of clinic- other than that I did very little research.

My friend did get pregnant on her first try but she was very young with unexplained fertility.... They only had one blastocyst left to transfer ( and they hadn't performed icsi on the other eggs which they later said they should have done) so not quite sure what happened there.

To be fair most clinics I've heard are very professional - but as fredaflinstone suggests looking at those that have higher success rates for women above 36 years of age will also help.

Clinics will often skew the way they portray their results or show partial figures.

If you go onto the HFEA website you will be able to compare like for like a bit more effectively

Hope that helps

Good luck again xx

[btsd in reply to Hidden]

I suppose that it is the same as in my clinic, they also offer multiple attempts contracts and one attempt is one stimulation basically, but I can be wrong though..

But it'd be amazing if your ivf was still covered by NHS!! Fingers crossed

[Fredaflintstone]

Hi Aurora, I had the same thing happen with my NHS cycle at Barts.

In our follow up they suggested we try donor eggs and I queried this with the private clinic we then went to. They confirmed that advice but I had high FSH - they said I had about a 2% chance with my own eggs. We weighed it up and decided to go for donor egg treatment in those circumstances.

I am surprised that they put you on max dose menopur because I didn't think 11 was that high but I don't know. I think mine was about 19. I was 41 at the time.

You could perhaps have a consultation with a private clinic and see what they recommend. Some clinics have more experience than others of dealing with premature ovarian failure. Our clinic is in London and I think it does but we chose it primarily because of the price, waiting list and success rates for donor egg treatment. I'm not sure we're allowed to mention clinic names on the forum though....

We are in the two week wait now after having a 5 day blastocyst transferred 5 days ago - made using donor eggs and OH's contribution. It was difficult to get my head around at first but now it feels like a natural thing to do and I so so want it to work! The chances are higher than with ordinary IVF I understand because the donor is usually under 30.

If you want to chat through messages I'd be happy to. Sending you hugs at this difficult time xxx

[Hidden in reply to Fredaflintstone]

Hello Fredaflintstone,

Thank you so much for your lovely note and for your advice, I really appreciate it!

I have my follow up appointment with Kingston hospital on Tuesday so hopefully I'll get some more info about what they felt went wrong, what I could/should consider for next time etc. The nurse briefly mentioned to me the option of donor egg treatment which I would be very open to. I guess I'll wait and see what they say.

I have started to do a bit of searching on the internet for private clinics but to be honest, I'm a bit baffled by it all and struggling a bit to sift through all the blurb to find a clinic that has the relevant expertise - not to mention success rates, price, waiting lists etc as you say. If you don't mind DMing me the details of your clinic, I'd be most grateful! Or indeed any clinics that you think should be avoided!

Most importantly, GREAT news on the blastocyst transfer! I have everything crossed that you'll receive some good news soon and wish you all the very best. Take good care of yourself and be kind to yourself too. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are, it would be great to hear from you.

Here's a massive hug in return xx

[Fredaflintstone in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Aurora, I'll let you know how we get on. The two week wait is really difficult but happy to be here for the first time! I've messaged you. I emailed the different clinics I was interested in and asked for info on success rates and prices and waiting list lengths for donor treatment. I hope your consultation goes well. Let us know how you get on xxx

[emu2016]

Hey, your abandoned cycle shouldn't count as your full funded cycle so check that out xx

[Hidden in reply to emu2016]

Thanks emu2016, I will do! I've got my follow up appointment on Tues so I'll try and find out more! Thanks for getting in touch xx

[Yellow611]

Hi Hidden I realise this post was 2 years ago, but it sounds like you were in a similar position then to myself now. I was just wondering what you decided? Did you get your second simulation opportunity on the NHS? Did you go through the egg donor route?

We have to decide whether to give a new method a go, but I think the chances of a live birth are tiny or egg donation.

The problem is, I don't think we can afford both as we will have to fund it privately, so not sure whether we should go with egg donation from the start.