Looking for a first cycle buddy. - Fertility Network UK

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Looking for a first cycle buddy.

Mrsshaker1 profile image
16 Replies

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Hello, I'm Mrsshaker1.

MrShaker and I are about to embark on our first IVF with ICSI cycle, in fact I'm waiting for CD1 any day now to commence nothisterone.

Our background is male factor, we've being trying for 2 years, been working with the clinic for 14 months and have lost a combined 5 stone to become eligible for NHS treatment.

I wondered if anyone was starting out at the same time? I am of course happy to accept any advice or tips anyone has for us going forward.

Thank you

Mrs S.

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16 Replies
E_05 profile image
E_05

Hey, wishing you both lots of luck as your start your first cycle. I start my 4th cycle next week so not exactly the same time but I'm always happy to chat if you wanted x

Mrsshaker1 profile image
Mrsshaker1 in reply toE_05

Thank you E_05!

I'm just a ball of angst, waiting for it to get started.

E_05 profile image
E_05 in reply toMrsshaker1

That's totally understandable, I think it's the not knowing and there's so much uncertainties. I know the 'process' but am still feeling anxious as next week approaches.

Are you doing a long or short protocol? This is a great forum to chat and ask any questions so hopefully once you get going things will become clearer.

Mrsshaker1 profile image
Mrsshaker1

Well in that case, what's long/short protocol? It's not been described to me in those terms. 😳

E_05 profile image
E_05 in reply toMrsshaker1

I've only ever had the long protocol but I believe the main differences are the short protocol generally takes 4 weeks and is generally used in ladies maybe slightly older or with a low ovarian reserve. The long protocol takes around 6 weeks. You miss out the downreg stage in a short protocol and just start the stimulating drugs and downreg drugs at the same time.

I wouldn't worry to much your consultant might not of even said long/short they'll just tell you the instructions you need to know.

Mrsshaker1 profile image
Mrsshaker1 in reply toE_05

So I'm starting with Nothisterone on CD 1 then 225 units gonal-f, overlapped at the end by cetrotide and then the pregnyl as a chaser! Expecting CD1 in 3-6 days and egg collection provisionally booked for w/c 28/8- 04/09.

E_05 profile image
E_05 in reply toMrsshaker1

Our dates could be closer than I thought then cause my egg collection is provisionally booked for 26-28/8. But I start down reggin' on day 21, everyone treatment differs that's what I find quite interesting.

Rainbow_86 profile image
Rainbow_86

Hi... lots of similarities... we have been TTC for over 2 years... here with male factor and due to start short protocol ICSI when I get AF...... it's our first cycle..... all the best! X

Mrsshaker1 profile image
Mrsshaker1 in reply toRainbow_86

Hello, we do have some similarities, all the best to your guys too. Do you know your drug regime?

Rainbow_86 profile image
Rainbow_86

Thank you!! Yeah as soon as AF arrives I start injecting merional for 10 day, then for the last 4 days it's another one to suppress ovulation (at the same time as merional). Then I have a scan and I think it's then they tell me to take my trigger shot if all going to plan? I'm on the short protocol so feel like once it's started it's going to go really quick! X

Shannon1400 profile image
Shannon1400

Hiya. I'm starting my first cycle. I have my nurse appointment and consent signing on 20th July. I don't have periods so not sure when it all starts. Hopefully they will give me some tablets to induce a period. I'd love a cycle buddy too at a time like this. Good luck babe xxx

Mrsshaker1 profile image
Mrsshaker1 in reply toShannon1400

Hello Shannon, seems like we've just been where you are, all those forms and discussions. I'm a nurse myself, presently on a night shift, tired and anxious as hell, it's a time bomb of a combination! I'm sure to blow before 7am arrives! Let me know how you get on with your appt.

Mrs S

Shannon1400 profile image
Shannon1400 in reply toMrsshaker1

What happened at ur appointment. Are u nhs? Which hospital?x

Mrsshaker1 profile image
Mrsshaker1 in reply toShannon1400

Hello Shannon,

We are at Aberdeen Fertility Clinic, qualified for 2 NHS Cycles. Just missed the boat for 3 cycles, but the waiting list is predicted to rocket for those undertaking 3 cycles, but stays as is for those who qualified for 2. So we went with that. We're told we could have put off our appointments but we lost 5 stone in 12 months we wanted that yes!

We got our yes on 9th March and was told we'd be on the waiting list 6 months, we readied ourself for september. We got a cancellation for the 29th June. Attended a mandatory group meeting on the 26th June explaining the general process, the E-freeze trial info and the variety of drugs used.

Went on 29th, did the weight checks, smoking checks. Signed the paperwork, talked over the trial. Did some Hep B/ Hep C bloods for storage of materials. I got my first prescription to collect my nothisterone, which I've done. I've to call on CD1 and get further instructions. They did explain it all and I took in some of it, but there was so much Info I was overwhelmed! I know that I have to call on CD1, she said that's the next step.

What about you Shannon, where are you based. What was your process?

Mrs S

Shannon1400 profile image
Shannon1400 in reply toMrsshaker1

I'm based in Birmingham. I have 1 cycle on nhs. Iv had my group meeting and my nurses appointment is on 20th to sign paperwork n get prescription etc. I'm a little unsure what they will do for me as I don't have periods therefore no cd1. I have everything crossed on this only chance. Not sure how we would afford round 2 without credit cards. Thanks for replying. Hope all goes well and keep in touch x

Mrsshaker1 profile image
Mrsshaker1 in reply toShannon1400

I'm sure it will all be some clear in the meeting. My hubby took notes of some bits they mentioned so we could go back and clarify some of the info. We found it helpful, but there was just so much of it. I'm taking it day at a time waiting for CD1. I'm sure you'll be great. Do let me know how you get on!!

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