Urgent advice please reg follow up appt tomorrow

[Hope76]

Tomorrow we have a follow up with a view to booking our next and final try after numerous failed attempts for a sibling for our 4 year old miracle son.

In the past after advice from Diane & reading up on here I have asked before we try again for a hysteroscopy. I believe this test would show up any issues preventing implantation. For the record I have suspected blocked tubes & had mild endo lasered during my lap 2005.

Since then I have had a c-section plus a d&c as a result of a miscarriage. Therefore I believe from my research that issues such as scarring tissue can be preventing implantation. My Clinic feel very strongly my numerous failed implantations over the last 3 years is down to egg quality & age. Yes am ancient (44) 😂.

Anyway I guess they do have a point as one did implant but we miscarried.

They are very against a hysteroscopy and feel at this stage of my treatment there are too many ‘risk factor’. They insist it is unnecessary and can cause more damage than good ? They feel any underlying issues would’ve been detected from my numerous vaginal ultrasound scans.

I am seeing a new doctor tomorrow & thinking of asking his opinion & stating my case again as I feel it’s necessary. Just wondering if anyone else feels I am missing something here or should I keep asking for it ? I just feel for peace of mind it would be worth it. Also this time am insisting on a scratch ..... they have always put me off in the past but this time I know this is our last go so will be having everything & anything that is going to help 🤞🏼

[Hidden]

I’ve had numerous hysteroscopies, I guess there’s a risk with any operation but surely it’s just a camera to have a look around? Sounds very sensible if you ask me! Or are you thinking of something different and I am getting it wrong? x

[Hope76 in reply to Hidden]

Well that is exactly what I thought so a tad confused at their reluctance. But I am the patient and after 6 years of IVF I have a right to request what I want so today I will be making my feelings in he matter clear x

[Hope76 in reply to Hidden]

So the Dr today agrees with the last 2 Dr’s I have seen. He advised not necessary due to the fact all my vaginal ultrasounds have never shown up any issues. They would only recommend a hysteroscopy if for example my endo lining wasn’t thick enough but I have never had any issues. He strongly feels there is no point and the risks involved can be ‘perforation of the uterus’. I guess I have to trust the professionals x

[Gueritarubia]

Morning Hope, nice to see you here again, albeit would have preferred it to be for a happy announcement 😉

I’m a little confused by their point of view. After three failed FETs (and also a caesarean with tube and ovary removal - I had scarring concerns too) my consultant was happy to do a hysteroscopy. And that’s for free in the public system. Never were risks mentioned. It was over very very quickly (minutes!) and pain free (without anaesthetic). As he said, if there’s nothing to see or do, it’s very quick and low key. I would push for one. Better to know. Mine was fine by the way... Good luck with your appointment.

[Hope76 in reply to Gueritarubia]

Morning, I know here we go again 🙈.

The only reason we are trying again is after lodging a complaint reg them changing my drugs resulting in a failed cycle ..... well I have only gone and been offered an apology with a ‘FREE’ replacement cycle.

This was last October it’s only now after a proper break am ready to discuss next cycle. It takes its toll after a while.

I certainly am going to push for a hysteroscopy as am at a loss why the previous 2 docs I spoke with were very negative about it and advised no. Today I have yet another doctor so here’s hoping he has a different opinion 🤞🏼🙏🏻👍 x

[Firefliesintuscany in reply to Hope76]

Hi there,

Wishing you all the lic in the world.

May I ask who you complained to? Was the complaint made directly to your clinic?

x

[Hope76 in reply to Firefliesintuscany]

Thank you 😊

I emailed the Manager of my clinic and she requested a meeting with us. After hearing the issues we had, the main being a Doc prescribing Menopur when in the past I had always strongly responded to Gonal f. She felt Menopur was best for quality. In fact that cycle I only had 1 egg collected when with gonal f always had 5-7. As it was non-viable for transfer it was a failed cycle. I went on to pay for another cycle with me insisting on gonal f where I had 5 eggs collected & went on to transfer 2 good quality ( which unfortunately failed) . My complaint was that despite them insisting the previous failed cycle was down to my age I felt it was clearly as I respond better to gonal f that Menopur as all my previous cycles had proved.

I was delighted they offered a replacement cycle free of charge. We couldn’t have afforded another cycle due as have already spent around 15k on IVF x

[Gueritarubia in reply to Hope76]

How did it go today?

Totally hear you on needing a break. We had three tries in 2019, but have had five months off before I could face the thought of going again...

[Hope76 in reply to Gueritarubia]

It went ok although this DR along with the previous 2 all say the same. He did give me the clearest explanation to date which I think am satisfied with. They will not recommend a hysteroscopy due to fact all my ‘transvaginal ultrasounds’ have always been clear. My endo lining was always much thicker than the minimum requirement. They feel if any issues had shown up previously then they would’ve done further investigations. They feel it’s not worth doing the procedure at this Stage as the risk can mean ‘perforation to the uterus’. He did also stress the fact at 44 my chances are extremely slim. Which of course wasn’t a shock !!!

No luck with the endo scratch either, my clinic no longer offer it due to a recent study of over 1200 women and made no difference at all. They also fear it actually causes harm so do not offer it now.

We are however remaining positive. We are going with my April cycle quite simply as I haven’t given it a thought in the last few months. So am giving myself time to get my mind and body in the best possible place for this last ever attempt.

Wow 3 attempts last year that is hard going, I had 2 and that was more than enough. When is your next attempt? Is it frozen or fresh ? Wishing you the very best of luck. Hoping 2020 is our year 🤞🏼

[Gueritarubia in reply to Hope76]

Thanks for the update lovely. Good that you got some proper explanations - much easier to accept things that way. Ditto on the scratch, they don’t do them here. I’m currently on drugs for FET 4, will hear today when transfer will be. Three FETs last year was a little crazy, but at least “only” FET. I’ve sworn not to do a fresh cycle again. We’re lucky in that we had a whopping 7 blastocysts from the round that gave us our little girl. At most, we’re going to try them all up (not sure if I can even do that emotionally and physically). Hope 2020 is our year indeed! Big hug and lots of luck!

[Hope76 in reply to Gueritarubia]

7 blastocysts is amazing and 7 is such a lucky 🍀 number . Your baby is there just a case of which one 😘.

Have you ever consider a double transfer? When we had our successful first go our wee boy wa a result of a double transfer. Since then I have done 2 single FET’s both failed. We did another fresh double and it worked but sadly miscarried and well our next fresh double transfer failed. If am lucky enough this time to have more than one I would Defo so the double transfer again just because my history is I get pregnant for doubles.

I know we are blessed more than some to already have one child but it doesn’t make it any easier. I just know realistically this is our last shot especially at 44 well quality will not be great. We have only ever managed 3 in total and well at my age I guess that’s all I can hope for.

Anyway will be crossing everything for you for this attempt 🤞🏼 xxxx

[Gueritarubia in reply to Hope76]

Thank you so much. The rules here are that they’ll only do single transfers so that’s what we’re stuck with...

yes, after a disastrous first fresh cycle with nothing to transfer, the second fresh cycle gave us the whopping eight blasts: our girl and hopefully soon a sibling. I probably was overconfident in that we’d fall pregnant on one of the first attempts but guess my 40-year old body thought differently...

I’m so hoping this is going to be your time too! 🤞🏻 🍀 😘

[Hidden]

I agree with others after failed cycles I cannot see why a hysterocopy wouldn’t be recommended.

Also as it’s been a while since your last endo surgery maybe combine a hysteroscopy with a laparoscopy? As a fellow endo sufferer I know only too well how endo can re grow.

Congrats on your little boy but so sorry you haven’t been able to complete your family. Having a child makes it no less painful.

I hope the doctor you see is better & your appointment goes well. A good consultant is worth their weight in gold!!! xxx

[Hope76 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, unfortunately he agrees with his colleagues. However he has given me the best explanation so far. The risk with this procedure is perforation to the uterus. He doesn’t feel at this stage it’s necessary due to fact all my previous transvaginal scans have been fine. My lining has always been much thicker than the minimum requirement... 11mm I think. He said if I had issues such as a thin lining then they would have absolutely recommended a hysteroscopy. He was very adamant they will not support one at this stage .

I actually forgot to mention to him about the endo however when I have asked this in the past the answer is ‘it was only mild and it was lasered’. Like you I know it can return so my clinic are aware I have a meeting in a few weeks with an ‘endo specialist’ to discuss my concerns further. However they made it clear any surgery at this stage is simply not recommended due to risks....

Thank you for your kind words it was a miracle it happened our first time which we are forever grateful. I feel exhausted and drained mentally and financially let’s hope we are lucky with the free go .....would be a good story to tell our future son or daughter 🤞🏼

[SparkleCock]

Hey Hope76! Long time no speak. We're all still hanging in there and fighting the 'good' fight eh!? I had my hysteroscopy in Greece just after my 43rd birthday in April last year and it was a mess and they cleaned it all up and cut the arcuate dip and I had my FOUR perfect day three embryos transferred in July... and I miscarried. I've finally got the balls to go Donor Egg, so am hoping to transfer again this Easter. If I'm allowed to leave HK under current Coronavirus measures. Will be just after my 44th birthday. So, go hysteroscopy! Go final cycle working! xxx

[Hope76 in reply to SparkleCock]

Hi stranger I know I had to have complete break and not been on here for months. Am back though raring to go again 👍

I remember you had 4 transferred, am so sorry I was so hopeful for you. Good for you going for donor eggs. My clinic only offer this option to under 42’s 🙈 Again another thing am pissed off at. If they had been frank with me at 40 about my chances with donor eggs compared to my own I would Defo have considered it instead of 3 years of heartache not once has anyone ever mentioned or offered this option. Only after enquiring myself last year they said sorry too late......

If I was in your shoes and didn’t have my son I would travel abroad ( my fear is abroad offer multiple transfer and I want one more is not fair on my son to end up with triplets which would just be my luck ) 😂

So pleased you are trying again with donor eggs this time 🤞🏼

My goodness I do hope you will get to leave HK 🙏🏻

[SparkleCock in reply to Hope76]

Eh? They won’t do donor after 42? That’s nuts!! Yeah they only transfer one or two for donor. Up to you. I’ll go two as no kids at all I am actually having to change clinics now as wasn’t happy with new donor midwife so huge rigmarole getting Andrew’s frozen seed couriered to new place. Have to have our signatures notified by the embassy in HK!? And lots of painful emails with old clinic nurses and doctors. Anyway. Onwards and upwards. Greece do DE til 50! And new clinic has a sister place in Albania where you can be up to 53! Where there’s a will... I’ve also switched to using Cinderella’s IVF concierge who does make the overseas bit very easy if you change your mind. Did they let you have your hysteroscopy before next go in the end? Xoxo

[Hope76 in reply to SparkleCock]

My thoughts exactly, the reason is down to severe lack of donors in my area 😕 So they only offer the ones they do have to under 40’s. We have just decided emotionally and financially this is last chance saloon. I have had a couple of counselling sessions which has helped me come to terms with the fact I am so lucky to have one miracle and if this doesn’t work out then we will be happy with our lot 😀

If we didn’t have our miracle we would totally be pulling out all the stops and changing clinics etc. So good for you... get the best.

No hysteroscopy am afraid ....the Dr explained as all my transvaginal scans throughout the years showed up no issues, and my lining always been really thick 11mm then no need for one. I pushed it hard and said I can’t help feeling may be something underlying that is not picked up on the scans. He pointed out the big risk factor in the procedure is perforation of the uterus. He did say however if any issues had arisen such as thin lining then they would do it but only for hat reason. I have to just accept their professional advise as that’s 3 different Docs now all told me the same. I do however have an appt soon with an endometriosis specialist as my fear also is that it may have came back in other areas . My consultant at clinic feels not an issue as I only ever had mild endo and it was lasered ... so much things I worry about 🙈

[SparkleCock in reply to Hope76]

OK! Sending all the love and luck for this go then. When will you transfer?!? xx

[Lavender96]

Hi Hope. I also don’t understand why they’ve been reluctant to let you have one. My clinic have actually insisted I now have a hysteroscopy before they’ll let me attempt treatment again. My brief history... I had a D&C in Oct last year for a MMC, since then had 2 FETs cancelled due to lining not being thick enough. They suspect I may have scarring from the D&C which is preventing my lining from thickening and so referred my for the hysteroscopy.

My clinic actually said it was very difficult to pick up scar tissue/underlining issues on an ultrasound and the only way to confirm it is with a hysteroscopy. I’ve always had issues with a thin lining, even before the D&C, and so they think it’s only a very small risk for me but have still insisted on the hysteroscopy.

I would push for one. Like you said, you are the patient and you want to make sure everything is right before you put your body and mind through another cycle xx

[Hope76 in reply to Lavender96]

Hi first of all am so sorry you are going through this too and wish you all the very best 😘

So today the DR explained if I had issues such as a thin lining then they would absolutely refer me for a hysteroscopy. However my lining has usually been about 11mm and very satisfactory scans. Had they suspected any issues they would have acted. They would not recommend it just for my peace of mind down to the fact one of the risks is ‘ perforation to the uterus ‘. However don’t worry as he said it’s most unlikely would happen but at my stage they Defo would not take the risk.

I have to now accept it and move on or I will drive myself mad.

[ttcemmie]

Strangely, in contrast to yours, my clinic is quite pro-hysteroscopies to make sure everything is fine. So, your clinic sounds a bit odd to me. Maybe they're just keen to get going as soon as possible? Laparoscopy.... sure I can understand the risks, but hysteroscopies are not like that at all. Embryos are precious and I can completely understand you wanting to make sure everything is fine before transfer. Keep pushing! Have to be an advocate for yourself with some of these things, unfortunately.

[Hope76 in reply to ttcemmie]

Hi, I strongly stated my case today armed with notes 😂. This DR explained it best so far... my scans have always been great. Lining thickness much better than the minimum always been 11mm or more. He said if in past I had issues with thickness then absolutely they would’ve done hysteroscopy. They feel there is no point taking the risk just for peace of mind. One risk he mention and I have just found on google is ‘perforation to the uterus’ a small risk but still a risk.

Guess I have to accept this, to be fair I did have my last implantation 2018 so they feel that proves I do not have implantation issues and of course my one precious to that in 2015. Just one more please 🙏🏻

[ttcemmie in reply to Hope76]

Oh good, so they've reassured you that your lining is fine! That's good to know. Onwards and upwards!

[thelordsanger]

Hi my wife had one in March ( under GA) be warned about the pain this differs a lot can be sever look it up on the NHS web site my wife ultras sound was clear but they sent her for one anyway aparantly 50 % of adhesions cannot be missed on a ultra sound ( and you have had a csection) so you are right you can not beat having a look plus there are a few other things in could be so they really should of suggested this do you know when you are having it

[ForABabyPanda]

Sorry for being stupid but what's a scratch?