New here, long journey aged 45

[honesuckle1]

Hi Everyone, I’m new here so don’t know anybody, but wishing you all well wherever you are in your journeys. This is long so thank you in advance if you manage to read.

We’re in a cycle now, its been a big journey to get to this place and I’m now 45! We originally started trying 7 years ago, and have had different delays along the way. We tried naturally for 3 years finding out my husband has a DNA translocation (that we were told could cause miscarriages) with no success or known miscarriages. With my advancing age, my husband’s genetic condition plus I have health issues (multiple chronic post-traumatic headache conditions plus other chronic pain conditions including fibro/jaw damage) unfortunately the result of dental/medical malpractice, very long painful story, literally. But had 18 years now and its hugely debilitating and impactful to all areas of my life, we turned to IVF when I was 41.

I had to change my drug regime to be able to do our first ivf cycle, which worsened my conditions (hormones affect my post-traumatic migraine especially). And then when we went through the cycle, the drugs made me much worse, exacerbating all my conditions and in the end my ovaries didn’t respond and it was cancelled. We re-grouped for a second attempt though this time using a natural cycle, but when I went in for my scan I’d also received a failed smear test the day before and was told they couldn’t progress until I had the all clear. I got this sorted but my pain conditions were worsened and not manageable, I also started seeing a neurologist to try and get some better pain management, I tried various drugs that it was not safe to get pregnant on so IVF took a back seat, whilst I went through all the different drug options and was worsened, and now I’m at the last option of surgery.

With the years passing by we decided it had to be this year we tried again, so I changed/stopped my drugs which was no easy task and took me ages to get to doses that my neurologist was happy with, and just as we were ready to start last November and with a good scan result, my neurologist changed his mind and said I needed to reduce further. This took a further 6 months and sadly I then started with repeated hot flushes and night sweats and stopped having periods and my ivf specialist said I seemed to have gone into early menopause! We talked through our options and decided double donor was the way to go. Then out of nowhere I had a period! The scans have showed 1 follicle is growing, and I have been given a very low dose of Bemfola and Cetrotide, which so far is having much less of an effect on my conditions than last time. Back in for a scan tomorrow to see how well the follicle is growing.

Looking forward to hearing about other people’s journeys.

[Tugsgirl]

Good luck for your scan tomorrow xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to Tugsgirl]

Thank you! xx

[genten]

Hi honesuckle1

You've had lots going on!

I'll be praying for your follicle and who knows you may even get more than one 🤞.

I started taking Zumenon on Thursday in preparation for FET which is looking like it will be soke point week commencing 3rd Sept all being well.

I just wanted to say well come to the group and to say that everyone is really supportive here and excellent at giving honest heartfelt advice.

Wishing you all the best. Xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to genten]

Hi Genten - Thank you so much , everybody is really lovely here, hope taking the zumenon is going well and sending you loads of positive vibes that the egg transfer goes well Xx

[genten in reply to honesuckle1]

It is! So much advise from people who have had actual experiences.

Aww thank you. All going ok so far, just praying that at least one embryo survives the thaw process. Xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to genten]

Glad its going ok so far, fingers and toes are crossed for you xx

[jengi]

Welcome! Wishing you lots of luck for tomorrow! Fingers crossed for you Xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to jengi]

Thank you ! xx

[beauty1984]

All the best for tomorrow, sounds like you’ve been through so much already. Fingers crossed all goes well x

[honesuckle1 in reply to beauty1984]

Thank you! xx

[Novice_knitter]

That's a long journey for you! Welcome to the group - and best wishes for your scan tomorrow - hoping for good news for you both xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to Novice_knitter]

Thank you! xx

[XxjustmexX]

Good luck for your scan xx

[Lizzielizzielizzie]

Good luck! Miracles definitely happen. My husband has a balanced chromosome translocation which sounds similar to your hubbie. There’s a Facebook group called “balanced translocation support group” which I have also found helpful alongside this group, if you’re interested x

[honesuckle1 in reply to Lizzielizzielizzie]

Hi Lizzie, Lizzie, Lizzie, Thank you and thanks for the facebook group suggestion, we joined up today. Yes my hubby has a balanced translocation too xx

[vic77]

so glad u found us. .wow you have so much patience and what a long road for you.remember it only takes one..I have everything crossed for you xxx

[honesuckle1 in reply to vic77]

Thank you! Yes i am hoping xx

[Hidden]

Really wishing you so much luck today xxx

[honesuckle1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much xx

[Cinderella5]

Welcome to the group! Im also in my early 40's but we have taken the huge decision to move to the route of donor eggs as my egg quality wasnt so good! Best of luck with it all, sounds like you've been through so much already!xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to Cinderella5]

Hi Cinderella5, Thank you! Yes, its such a big decision to move to donor eggs, I really hope it works for you and sending you loads of positive vibes xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to honesuckle1]

Thank you!xx

[Hidden]

Wow sounds like you have been through a lot in life already. I’m wishing you all the luck in the world and hope that one folly does wellxx

[honesuckle1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so much xx

[Jazmin222]

I’m 44 and now need surgery for fibroids and cysts before I can start IVF. (Slightly terrified by idea of surgery but it’s needed.) I hope you have the some luck now! I’d love to hear it works for you!xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to Jazmin222]

Hi Jazmin222,Thank you! I know how difficult it can be waiting to start and factors preventing it, I hope the surgery happens quickly and successfully so you can get on with your journey xx

[andylins]

All the best of luck for your scan!

Here's my journey. Me – 37. TTC since Jan 2008. Faced 2 chemical pregnancies the 2 following years. Was put on Clomid 50 but ended with another chemical. Oct-Dec 2010 Fermara 5 and Purgon 75. Had 3 months break from treatments. Feb & Mar & Apr 2011 IUI #1 & 2 & 3 Purgon 150 & Clomid 100 BFN x3. IVF #1 Superfact & Puregon 300. 10 eggs retrieved, 8 mature, 6 eggs fertilized, 2 survived. Transferred 2 low grade morulas on day 5 – BFN.

Donor Egg Cycle. IVF#1 (DE)April 2015. Transferred 1 grade 4AA embryo – BFN. Dr made some changes into treatment protocol. IVF#2 (DE) - transferred 2 blasts. BFP on 6dp5dt.1st Beta 148. 2nd Beta- 315. 7wk 3d ultrasound - 1 heartbeat 138bpm, measuring 7wks 3ds. My sweet son born via C-section.

Adding 2 more MCs after my son was born.

We've just been through another donor egg cycle abroad - trying to get a sibling for our son.

[honesuckle1 in reply to andylins]

Hi andylins, thank you! Your journey sounds long and tough too, really pleased you eventually got to have your baby after such a long journey. Sorry to hear about the MCs. Really hope this next part of your journey to achieve a sibling goes much swifter. Sending you positive vibes that the donor cycle goes well xx

[honesuckle1]

Thanks so much to all of you lovely people, for taking the time to respond and your warm welcome, wishes & support. I’ve been for my scan today and my follicle is growing, and a very little one that’s appeared. I’m continuing on low dose drugs (I’m doing a natural cycle). Back again on Wednesday for another scan with possible egg collection at the weekend, if goes to plan. I hope everyone is doing as well as possible wherever you are in your journeys xx

Hi Genten - Thank you so much , everybody is really lovely here, hope taking the zumenon is going well and sending you loads of positive vibes that the egg transfer goes well. Xx

Hi Lizzie, Lizzie, Lizzie, thanks for the facebook group suggestion, we joined up today. Yes my hubby has a balanced translocation too xx

Hi Cinderella5, Thank you. Yes, its such a big decision to move to donor eggs, I really hope it works for you and sending you loads of positive vibes xx

Hi Jazmin222, I know how difficult it can be waiting to start and factors preventing it, I hope the surgery happens quickly and successfully so you can get on with your journey xx

Hi andylins, thank you. Your journey sounds long and tough too, really pleased you eventually got to have your baby after such a long journey. Sorry to hear about the MCs. Really hope this next part of your journey to achieve a sibling goes much swifter. Sending you positive vibes that the donor cycle goes well xx

[EmmaWills]

Thanks for sharing and having the courage to share your struggling journey of infertility. I 45 and unable to conceive. We have been trying for 9 years. It has been an excruciating journey of loss. I have experienced three miscarriages due to the fetal growth restriction. Moreover, I am almost at loss of ovarian reserve. Due to which I lack quality as well. Therefore, I have failed IVF cycles. For a few years, I had stopped believing in miracles. Since I have joined TTC forums and seen so many examples that gave me the courage to start believing and stop grieving. Also, it is surprising how nature works differently for everyone. Recently I met with a friend who is expecting twins, naturally!! She is older than me. Anyways... I hope you get better and your results as well.Thanks for sharing and having the courage to share your struggling journey of infertility. I 45 and unable to conceive. We have been trying for 9 years. It has been an excruciating journey of loss. I have experienced three miscarriages due to the fetal growth restriction. Moreover, I am almost at loss of ovarian reserve. Due to which I lack quality as well. Therefore, I have failed IVF cycles. For a few years, I had stopped believing in miracles. Since I have joined TTC forums and seen so many examples that gave me the courage to start believing and stop grieving. Also, it is surprising how nature works differently for everyone. Recently I met with a friend who is expecting twins, naturally!! She is older than me. Anyways... I hope you get better and your results as well.

[honesuckle1 in reply to EmmaWills]

Hi EmmaWills,

Thank you! unfortunately my conditions are intractable but hoping for better management.

I'm so sorry you've had such a tough long journey, thank you for sharing it too. Im glad the TTC forums have given you some belief back/renewed hope. I absolutely agree nature can work differently for us all, and i believe we/the human body/mind can do amazing things against odds too! Sending you lots of good wishes xx

[Divvylass]

Good luck. Wishing all the best for you. I am 45 and have FET on Thursday.

[honesuckle1 in reply to Divvylass]

Hi Divvylass, thank you! Ar wow thats not long away...I really hope it goes well for you on Thurs, will be sending positive wishes xx

[Hidden]

Just wanna say good luck x

[honesuckle1 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! xx

[Goodthingscome]

Wishing you lots of luck for your scan today, please keep us posted.

As others have said this is a great place to be with lots of support and excellent advice from everyone. xx

[honesuckle1 in reply to Goodthingscome]

Hi Goodthingscome,

Thank you so much! Yes glad i found you all, it does feel like a great place for support/advice xx

[LanaTerene]

Hey! I just want to say that you're amazing. I love the fact that you haven't given up. Despite the odds being against you, you're doing a lovely job. You can do this, okay? Good luck to you. Your story gives me a lot of hope. It's very inspirational and motivational for anyone who reads. Here's to hoping that the follicle grows! And, grows well! I really hope this happens. It will be nothing less than a miracle.

[honesuckle1 in reply to LanaTerene]

Hi LanaTerene,

Ar thank you so much for such a kind supportive message. Yes one of my my mottos is never give up (until maybe better personal route is better or cirmstances dictate adjusting route). And anything can be possible (within reason), I'm a firm believer that human bodies and minds can be amazing. I'm really glad my story gives you hope. Sending positive thoughts your way too wherever you are xx