Re-focussing the mind for another attempt after a poor response

[FutureBabyMaybe]

Does anyone have any tips for relaxing and getting into a positive headspace after a poor response prior?

I am not ready to conceive as yet so have been doing egg freezing. I have done two antagonist cycles and got 7 eggs the first time but only 1 egg the second time. I was then diagnosed with severe Endometriosis.

I was advised to finish any egg freezing before considering surgery due to the risk to ovarian reserve that surgery poses. On the scan where I was diagnosed my ovaries looked clear. On a subsequent MRI it appears I have 3 small Endometriomas (~1cm each).

I’m looking to do a third and final egg freezing cycle and this time agonist with Lucrin (equivalent of buserelin). I’m struggling to get in a positive headspace for this third cycle and am concerned about side effects of an agonist cycle. I had no side effects during the antagonist atom cycles.

[FRUITOFTHEWOM]

Don't underestimate rest, being kind to yourself, eat well, do what ever you fancy to make your self feel better. Seeing friends and doing things that distract you from the fertility subject are great too, I find something creative always helps. The positive energy will come back and that old cliche time is a healer is so true. When you are rested and feeling better then you should go again.

I have had a few knocks and bashes on this journey and other bashes on other journeys over the last few years but you have just got to keep going and have faith that it will happen in the end. Sending you lots of love and strength for now

[FutureBabyMaybe in reply to FRUITOFTHEWOM]

Thank you for your thoughtful words FRUITOFTHEWOMB. I had planned to do a cycle in September so would need to start the agonist medication in a little over a week. I was considering delaying to November. The challenge is I live in the UK and have been doing the egg freezing in Australia with a trip planned for September to see someone else who is also visiting that month.

A couple of doctors have recommended I get on with the egg freezing so I can then get treatment for the Endometriosis as that is a bit on hold. Seems a bit of a catch 22. Treat the Endo and I might get a better response but treatment may also reduce ovarian reserve leading to a poorer response. I have the next week off work so looking into yoga retreats and other relaxation options to get back into a better space. Unfortunately I’ve just come down with a cold/sinus infection so I know I’m pretty run down right now and there is a way to go. Hopefully I will get there in the end. 🤦🏼‍♀️

[Dogpark]

Hi FRUITOFTHEWOM Get some good rest indeed, try meditation and counselling. I went through 4 freeze all cycles in 6 months and my response to treatment has been completely random. The one egg that you collected during your second cycle might well be the one that leads you to pregnancy. To give you an overview of what happened to me in terms of eggs collected, I had: cycle 1: 8 mature eggs, cycle 2: 3 mature eggs, cycle 3: 9 mature eggs and cycle 3: 28 mature eggs. Eventually, I produced more embryos during cycles 1 and 3 than during cycle 4 with my 28 eggs! Also, you’re 35 so your egg quality is still good and you have good chances of getting pregnant with just a couple of embryos. You’re acting just in time! Well done.

[FutureBabyMaybe in reply to Dogpark]

Thank you Dogpark. Can I ask, did you do the same type of cycle for all 4? I think the thing I am struggling most with this cycle is the use of Lucrin (Lupron/Buserelin type medication).

[Dogpark in reply to FutureBabyMaybe]

I was on the same short protocol for all cycles, meaning no buserelin. I prepared for cycle 4 with a nutritionnist specialised in fertility so perhaps this made a difference.

[Wishingfortheday]

For relaxing and getting into a positive place I found recorded ivf meditations to be extremely helpful. Each evening leading up to and during my treatments I did a meditation session, and each morning I listened to a short recording of fertility affirmations. I couldn't believe what a difference it made. There are plenty of tracks out there to try, ranging from free to a subscription fee to a one-off purchase. My favourite series was from Circle and Bloom, I loved it, but if you Google IVF meditations (maybe even specify freeze all cycle), you'll find loads to try. Best of luck for your next cycle xx

[FutureBabyMaybe in reply to Wishingfortheday]

Thank you! I’ve also downloaded some General aps from sleep maker - like rain and waves. Super good for getting back off to sleep. Thanks for the tip. I’ll get searching now!