*sensitive* Finally pregnant after 8 ... - Fertility Network UK

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*sensitive* Finally pregnant after 8 yrs of trying!

WinnieM profile image
107 Replies

*sensitive*

Apologies this is so long....so that you can see whether this is worth reading the topics are low ovarian reserve, fibroids, endometriosis, diet, batch retrievals & PGS.

I’ve never announced any news anywhere, I was so nervous it would all be taken away from me (I still am a bit!). I’ve been on such a long ‘journey’ (hate that word!) that it’s hard to believe it’s true that I’m finally getting somewhere!

But after 8 years of trying for a baby I feel owe it to my body and mind to mark this milestone!

On Thursday I had my 7 week viability scan, I was so scared about seeing nothing on that screen, plus due to covid-19 I had to go to the appointment alone. I had had no symptoms, apart from a little tiredness which I thought could easily be attributed to being couped up in isolation! ...but there on the screen I saw the little shrimp for the first time...and a fluttering heartbeat!!! I was so shocked all I could do was keep repeating ‘wow, wow wow’, (later I let it all out blubbering during the clap for the NHS!)

I couldn’t bring myself to announce the BFP test ...but this feels a little closer to real. I am finally pregnant! It’s so weird for me to say or write and I’m so hyper sensitive to those still struggling that I almost feel bad to write it. But after sitting with this for a few days I thought well I found that stories like this gave me hope, so I’m hoping for the same for you.

We all have different stories, for some it’s MMC, some it’s male factor, some it’s ability to build a lining good enough, for some it’s getting mature eggs and creating good quality embryos, some it’s getting to day 5. For me it was having a very low egg count.

After doing a bunch of tests I was told at 35 that everything was ‘normal’ and to carry on trying ...‘unexplained’ they said... we’d been trying for 4 years at this point. I wish I’d pushed for IVF then, but I was naive and just did was I was told and hadn’t yet learnt to advocate for myself.

But then after a few months I got a dull pain on one side, only about 4/10 pain, so I lived with it for a bit. Turned out it was a fibroid the size of a fist. They did a laparoscopic and while they were there they found endometriosis (so that’s why my periods were so damn heavy and ‘contraction’ like all these years) so they removed both and flushed my tubes, a full service M.O.T!

They said perhaps they were the reasons I wasn’t falling pregnant, so advised to keep trying naturally. I fell pregnant 3 months later, but MC on the day of my doctor visit, sigh...They confirmed I was 6-7 weeks.

So at 37 I started the first of 5 rounds of IVF. I’d gone from one Dr. telling me everything was normal the 18 months before, to the next one saying I had an extremely low egg reserve and needed to start IVF immediately... before it was too late. ‘Go straight to the clinic, do not pass Go’ was the card I had been dealt. Couple that with finding out we had early menopause in my family at age 40! (How was I not told this before?!)

I started round 1...we only got 2 eggs, and both were immature!! It was all over before it had even begun. 2 eggs?! I had been reading about all these ladies with 14, 16, 20 eggs!! So 2 eggs?! There was nothing to play with, how was I ever going to get pregnant, you need numbers for the ‘drop off’ between collecting, maturity, fertilizing, making it to day 3, making it to day 5 and being a good quality embryo!! How was I already out of the game at first base!

I suddenly knew this was not going to be a easy for me. I was so mad at the first Dr. who told me everything was ‘normal’, I mean I could’ve started this 18 months ago, when I was 35! I was for the first time learning about the stats and how you have much better odds before 35...why hadn’t I advocated for myself and pushed it, everything obviously wasn’t normal back then, it had been 4 years of trying!!

I went into project management mode, I became obsessed with fertility. I would spend hours reading about everything under the covers at night. To be honest it was too much, but I desperately wanted to ‘fix it’. This was my plan:

1. I decided to change clinics and find the right Dr. for me ( my low ovarian reserve meant I didn’t qualify for NHS, another kick in the teeth, but perhaps blessing in disguise anyway as time was not on my side, I needed to be seen quickly and I needed specialist care) I used the HFEA website to narrow down clinics and went to 6 open evenings and initial consultations at 3 clinics before choosing ‘the one’

2. I chose a Dr. that specializes in low ovarian reserve and has a caring bedside manner (some ppl like doctors that give factual ‘black & white’ detail, I prefer positive, caring approach as I’m super sensitive - I learnt you have to find the right fit for you). He gave me his mobile number on day 1 (probably regretted that lol!)

3. He asked me how many kids I wanted, obviously I’d be grateful for one, but seen as you ask...2?! Due to my low ovarian reserve we made a plan to ‘batch’ collect eggs over 2-3 rounds. He said much better to get all the siblings at this age than to come back in a few years and it be even harder. The price per round would be less as nothing was being transferred... but it also put less pressure on each round.

4. We did ‘IVF light’, low dose stims with no down regulation (often better for women with low ovarian reserve). Just gently encouraging your body to do what it already knows how to do and we did a ‘double trigger’ to help mature the eggs:

5. I did a complete overhaul of my diet, supplements and lifestyle which I think contributed to my test results improving and getting 7 eggs in round 2. I also did a bunch of ‘alternative’ therapies and self/care and whether you believe they work or not scientifically, they saved me mentally and emotionally...a bit of time/out and ‘me time’ to alleviate a bit of the stress. The ‘mindful IVF’ app was a godsend.

6. We decided to do PGS testing because after such a long slog I wanted to reduce the risk of MC as much as I could. We did the testing as we went along.

It wasn’t plain sailing...2 rounds were canceled due to ‘poor response’, I had to move clinics 3 times as my Dr kept moving or getting promoted! It was definitely a marathon and not a sprint but I trusted my Dr 100%.

Overall I went through 5 rounds over 2 years (incl 2 cancelled after stims due to poor response - extreme low point...even put pressure on our marriage)

Overall we got 6 embryos to ‘day 5’ which resulted in 3 PGS normal embryos for the freezer and 1 Mosaic. Hard not to compare yourself but some ppl get this in just one round!

We transferred a 6AB in February and I’m 7 weeks + 2 days today.

If I can help anyone at all, please let me know. I know how lucky we are to have got through this round before the Covid-19 suspensions and I really feel for you ladies. I wish everyone the very best of luck and I’m so sorry for all the pain we all have to go through. I’ve found this forum so helpful, thank you! (Is it me or does it seems much ‘healthier’ from a mental p.o.v than many of the Facebook groups!)

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WinnieM
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107 Replies

What a journey Winnie, congratulations 🥳 I’m really happy for you! 💗

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Issy I’m so sorry for your loss this week, I actually wasn’t sure whether to post my story and I felt so much for you and those in your position. I know there’s nothing I can say to make it feel better but please don’t give up hope. Hugs to you xx

in reply to WinnieM

Thank you so much for your words ❤️Your news made me happy so you did well in sharing- also this is a forum where us ladies share the good and the bad 💋don’t ever feel bad for sharing the good, we all need it! 💗

Jessy1280 profile image
Jessy1280

This is amazing! Congratulations! Xx

You've given me such hope. 3 failed rounds under my belt including 1 mmc yet I've got high ovarian reserve. I'm 39. Quality still seems to be an issue either egg or sperm. Idk.

Lovely to hear some positive news amidst all the chaos in the world right now.

Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy xx 🤰

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Jessy1280

Hey Jessy, thank you so much...I’m also 39. What’s next for you (after the covid-19 suspensions)? Have they checked the sperm quality? Do your embryos make it to ‘day 5’?

Jessy1280 profile image
Jessy1280 in reply to WinnieM

I get lots of eggs each cycle but it's been a bit of a mixed bag. Mainly because of problems with sperm following VR. Fluctuatates like mad.

First cycle 13/16 eggs fertilised. Only 3 to freeze. 47 million count.

Second cycle 7/12 fertilised. None to freeze. 1 to transfer. 13 million count, 9% motility.

Third cycle, lowest dose stims I've ever been on 75iu... 19 eggs. Only 9 fertilised. 2 made it to day transfer (4aa and a 2. The third didn't make it to day 6. 88million count, 30% motility.

Ive taken every single supplement under the sun to no avail.

My plan next is to use my hatching 5ba in the freezer from cycle 1. If that fails I've a day 6 4bb in the freezer also from cycle 1. If that fails I don't know what on earth to do given that I'll be 40 by then

Anyway enough about me! Major congrats!! X

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Jessy1280

A 5ba and a 4bb are really good! How many transfers have you done so far and have they been fresh or frozen? As the sperm quality fluctuates quite a bit have you considered freezing it? So your other half could take supplements/ fertility diet for 3 months and then provide sample, if it’s good you can freeze that and use it. You can often get 3-5 rounds from one sample. We used frozen sperm.

Jessy1280 profile image
Jessy1280 in reply to WinnieM

We have eight vials frozen already. So far we've done fet bfn. Fresh bfp but ended in mmc at 9 weeks and just now fresh double embryo transfer bfn. OH won't take supplements xx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Jessy1280

I know the feeling...I couldn’t get mine to either. I considered hiding it in food like I do with my dog, but though this is crazy! I have to do all this and all I’m asking is for you to take a damn vitamin!!

Mta209 profile image
Mta209 in reply to WinnieM

Big congrats Winnie.

What do you mean by fertility diet? I am quite new to all these terms! I am getting ready for my first IVF after coming out of lockdown and l try to make my body ready for this as much as l can!!xx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Mta209

I’m a big believer of ‘food as medicine’ here’s a link where I spoke about it in another post ... healthunlocked.com/fertilit...

With the no drinking thing (which is hard!!)

I have 1/2 tart cherry juice and 1/2 pommegranate juice in a wine glass as pretend wine, and lots of kombucha which I pretend is Moscow mule or cider, depending on the flavour!

Picalilli99 profile image
Picalilli99

Congratulations Winnie. This was so lovely to read, especially at a time when there is so much rubbish stuff going on. Thanks for sharing. It’s a lovely story that gives us hope! All the best for the rest of your pregnancy xxxx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Picalilli99

Thank you SO much xx

Tiddly1984 profile image
Tiddly1984

After reading that I’m literally over the moon for you. I’m so happy that your journey has bore fruit and I wish you all the best with your pregnancy. Congratulations Winnie 💐x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Tiddly1984

Thank you Tiddly 🙏

KiboXX profile image
KiboXX

Congratulations Winnie! What a journey you’ve been on ♥️ I do really believe finding the right doctor, makes a huge difference!

We changed clinics after 3 failed rounds and 1 MC and it was the best thing we ever did. We found a doctor who listened and genuinely cared.

I actually got an email from her this week, just to check in and see how I was coping with the Covid situation, I’m 13 weeks so was discharged a while ago, it’s the little things that make a difference ♥️

Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy xxx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to KiboXX

Thank you! Your comments have been a huge help to me. 100% about finding someone who genuinely gives a sh*t! How lovely she checked in on you.

Navyauk profile image
Navyauk in reply to KiboXX

KiboXX WinnieM

Congrats on your wonderful news. Wishing you a smooth & healthy pregnancy xx

Wondering if you can DM me details of your clinics/doctor

I have had so far done day 2 grade 4 embryo transfers with no luck and lost faith in my current doctor. She just wants us to go donor egg path from her clinic and I am not ready yet.

We have age, low amh and low morph issue

Sunshine92 profile image
Sunshine92

Thank you for sharing your story! 💜

So lovely to see someone who deserves it so much to achieve their dream. Wishing you a healthy happy pregnancy xxx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Sunshine92

Thanks so much for your kind words! X

Whoop love a success story! Many many congratulations - very well deserved good news for you xx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Thank you Daisy, really appreciate it x

United07 profile image
United07

Congratulations, wishing you all the best with your pregnancy xx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to United07

Thanks so much x

Thank you for sharing Winnie. You are right these stories do give hope ❤️ massive congratulations and wish you a healthy pregnancy and hope you will enjoy every minute of it ❤️

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Thank you 🙏 x

Janop79 profile image
Janop79

This is amazing! Congratulations!!! Wishing you a healthy pregnancy xxx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Janop79

Thank you! Xx

Bluelady-sing profile image
Bluelady-sing

What the laparoscopy like? How old are you now?

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Bluelady-sing

I’m 39 now, I had the lap at 36. It’s keyhole so they make 4 small incisions and also go through your belly button. They fill the space with air to give them room to work. Recovery was about 7-10 days. Recovery was actually harder than I thought considering the tiny scars, first few days it was hard to get out of bed and to get up from sitting down and you have to force yourself to go for a walk. Some ppl find recovery easier though. Either way it was definitely worth it for me, the effect on my periods was immediate. Lighter.

Bluelady-sing profile image
Bluelady-sing

What type of fibriod was it?

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Bluelady-sing

I didn’t actually know so I just looked up the medical notes and it says “A large T2 hypointense broad ligament fibroid is noted on the right... there is minimal associated dilation of the right fallopian tube with fluid fluid levels, likely secondary

to compression by the fibroid.” I have no idea what this means though!

Congratulations Winnie such great news after all the storm. Well done finding the right doctor for you, I have learned that we have to advocate for ourselves in this journey.

Wishing you a stress-free and successful pregnancy 💖

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Thank you, exactly!! Only you can be in charge of your best interests and you gotta find medical practitioners to support that x

October84 profile image
October84

so Happy for you! ❤️✨❤️

What wonderful news, congratulations

Congratulations! So happy for you. Like you I also have low egg reserve and now almost 22 weeks with my little miracle! I remember that feeling early on in pregnancy and praying it will all go to plan. The worry never goes away but my advice would be to embrace the situation, enjoy it and trust your body to do its thing to help your baby grow. I have relaxed a lot more as time has gone on though. Wishing you all the best with your pregnancy xxx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Love_the_mountains

Good advice! I keep telling my body ‘I trust my body and it knows what to do’ ...it’s crazy I know but it helps! Congrats to you as well xx

Dinah_lady profile image
Dinah_lady

Wow... congratulations! You have persevered so much over the years.

I also wish someone had sat me down and said that I should have eggs collected when I was 35. Your post is really helpful. You have raised things that my consultant has never mentioned or suggested. Thank you for sharing.

Wishing you the very best in the coming months x x x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Dinah_lady

Thank you! I’m so glad it was helpful :) xx

Kaylon profile image
Kaylon

Congratulations WinnieM, you've been through so much. Wishing you a healthy full term pregnancy and hope you get to enjoy it a bit despite all the worry xxx

Georgie17 profile image
Georgie17

You've been through it and really deserve this time of happiness. Wish you a wonderful pregnancy xx

Sammy246 profile image
Sammy246

Congratulations winnie, it's so refreshing to read a positive story, with your journey and with everything thats going on around us. Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy xxx

Jenjen84 profile image
Jenjen84

Congratulations and well done for persevering, that’s quite a journey. Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months ❤️ Xx

mary77777 profile image
mary77777

Congratulations and good luck! ❤️

Paxita profile image
Paxita

Congs dear wish you all the Luck in the World 🙏 and stay safe

Firstly I just wanted to say a massive congratulations to you and your partner, I do feel sad though that you had to go alone to the scan but I'm sure as soon as you saw your little bean that was just over ridden by a whole host of positive emotions.

Please don't feel bad about sharing these stories give us hope especially during these crazy times,I was due to go for my 6th transfer next wk and to be honest have good and bad days at the moment as I know we all are, had to go onto a team video call Fri with my colleague who goes on maternity leave Fri,same day I should have been having my transfer, Id had a stressful day at work and after the call I just cried my eyes out, then had a few glasses of wine which im kicking myself for today!. I will be 43 in Aug and my first cycle abandoned as produced no follicles and was told only option was donor eggs, first go ended in a MMC and 2 chemicals and I am freaking out a bit because of my age and we don't have time to lose. I have had a Chicago blood test which shows immune issues so I am now seeing a nutritionist who has put me on a change of diet which was going great but now she said she wants me on the AIP protocol but im finding.it so difficult because its all organic and grass fed meat and due to the current situation do you.think I can get hold of all organic or grass fed meat so trying to do what I can, also spending about £150 per month alone on different supplements, had also been doing acupuncture but that will now have to go on hold because he can't practice and im concerned that once this is all over it may take a while for finances to build back up, im trying so so hard but feels like there are so many challenges at the moment and as I say I know everyone of us is going through challenges at the moment but im worried my anxiety and stress will have a negative impact on trying to rebuild my immune system. So sorry for the long message I just couldn't stop writing but again I wanted to say stories like us do give us hope, enjoy every single moment xxx

in reply to

Hi Clairenix, I am in the same boat and am 42. Got my second FET postponed due to the cornavirus. I have also spent lots of supplements and acupuncture. I totally understand how you are feeling. Happy to chat and offer any support you need. You aren't alone!

in reply to

Thank you for your message and apologies for delay in responding, I have sent you a PM x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Hi Claire, thanks so much for your wishes and for sharing your story. I really feel your pain with these delays.

Maybe it’s worth starting a post for those following fertility diets and asking people to share where they’re getting grass fed meat and pasture raised eggs and organic produce etc? There might still be some delivery options out there. What city are you in?

I also had immunology tests which showed I had high cytokines (just realized i missed this part out of the story) this is an indicator or chronic inflammation which can mean an inhospitable environment and mean implantation could be difficult. I decided to treat with the anti inflammatory diet. What is AIP?

I was also spending that much on supplements at one point!! ... in the end I narrowed it down to the ones on this list (link to another post), sharing in case helpful :)

healthunlocked.com/fertilit...

As the not drinking is hard.. i would have 1/2 tart cherry juice and 1/2 pomegranate juice in a wine glass and pretend it was wine! and lots of kombucha which I pretend is Moscow mule or cider, depending on the flavour!

Not everyone’s cup of tea but when I was super low, after two canceled rounds, I listed to ‘organic conceptions’ an audio course. It’s not much £ maybe $35 or something per month, I managed to listen to the whole thing in one weekend so could cancel subscription. They did some research speaking to 1000s of couples that had gone through IVF and it helps you understand your fertility journey from a mental p.o.v (I thought was similar to the stages of grief!) and helped me regain perspective.

I had become unhealthily obsessed and needed this. It’s slightly old fashioned but I listened in the bath and in the garden and some of it might be annoying but there was enough take aways for me to make it worthwhile. Xx

in reply to WinnieM

So sorry for the delay in coming back to you, I've been meaning to message you all week but work has been manic! How is your week going?

That's a really good idea about starting a post,however my partner on furlough and I'm going down to working 4 days per week from next week so we are having to budget until everything returns back to normal, im trying to each as much fruit and veg as possible, also drinking kombucha and attempted to make my own sauerkraut although its very salty!! AIP is autoimmune protocol paleo and probably similar to what you were on so gives me a lot of hope that my hospitable environment may become more friendly!! Supplements wise I have a Vit D spray, MegaIgG2000 which is a high concentration of immunoglobulin,pregnaplan,megasporebiotic,folapro,ashwagandha,omega 3 vegan and vitamin C so think im covering all basis, I also have magnesium baths but I do need to do.my breathing exercises/meditation more as my job is very stressful xx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Hey Claire, did you PGS year your embryos?

in reply to WinnieM

No my consultant hasn't recommended that, we do use egg donors and they are young so he didn't think we needed to xx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Hi Claire, sorry I missed that part about the donor eggs. Yes you probably don’t need to PGS if you’re using young donor eggs.

So your three transfers were all FETs, what progesterone/estrogen support did they give you before and after the transfer?

in reply to WinnieM

Hi Winnie M, I've had 2 fresh and 3 frozen to date, I did have my progesterone tested.the day if transfer last time and the clinic said it was sufficient, I had it tested again when I had a HCG blood test after a positive but very low reading so was told to up my oestrogen, this time round ive asked them to test my levels the day before transfer and they have agreed to add an injection as well as pessaries as they did say my levels were on the low side

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

Hey Claire, I think this extra support could be the clincher for you🤞🏼. My clinic are huge fans of estrogen and progesterone support before and after FET. They say you can’t have ‘too much’ so really throw the kitchen sink at it! I’m starting to ween off now but I was on .....2 progynova (estrogen) AM and PM, cylogest (progesterone pessary) AM and PM, Lubion (progesterone injection in belly) AM and PM) and lentogest (progesterone injection in the bum) every 3 days! I don’t know many clinics that take it this far but my clinic has been getting really good results with it. Wishing you the best of luck xx

in reply to WinnieM

Thankyou so much for your messages I really hope you are right. I hope that you are doing ok xx

Livinginhope2019 profile image
Livinginhope2019

Wonderful news! Congratulations and thank you for sharing xxx

Rainbowhope profile image
Rainbowhope

This is amazing news. Congratulations. You are a true warrior and you deserve all the happiness. X ❤🙏

Exhaurex profile image
Exhaurex

Congratulations ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🥚 it feels so surreal to finally be at the other end xo

LucyVer profile image
LucyVer

Hi Winnie, Congratulations!! Amazing news!! This has really given me hope at a time where I’m feeling really down about all of this, so thank you for sharing your story. I am 35 (nearly 36) and have very low amh and have done 2 rounds of embryo banking so far, but only got 1 blast on each (they are also not expanded which worries me). I just wanted to ask what the ivf lite protocol looks like? I did mild stimulation for my second cycle where I took clomid from day 2-6 and 150 meriofert + 150 fostimon + zomacton from day 2 -8 every other day. I keep reading that natural ivf is best for low ovarian reserve but my Dr said he doesn’t see good results with it.

Also, did you eat only organic food? I try where possible but it’s not always possible! Did you take dhea?

Is your Dr in London? I might need him! Best of luck for the rest of your journey, fingers crossed 🤞🙏! ❤️

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to LucyVer

Hey Lucy! I’ll DM my clinic details as I think the forum rules say you can’t post publicly :)

I’ll ask dig out the protocol. Everyone’s bodies react differently but for my first IVF round they through the kitchen sink at it with high doses and I didn’t respond well at all...when i changed clinics the protocol was completely opposite and I responded much better.

Round 1: 2 eggs, both immature

Round 2: 7 eggs, 5 fertilized, 3 made to ‘day 5’ for PGS testing. (Got 1 x normal and 1 x mosaic)

Round 3: canceled during stims due to eggs growing unevenly :(

Round 4: canceled during stims (I did it back-to-back with round 3 and my body was messed up)

Round 5: 3 eggs, I couldn’t face canceling again so went ahead and they all fertilized and they all made it to day 5 for PGS testing. 2 were PGS normal. So if shows it definitely quality over qty!

I took DHEA between round 1 and 2, then my doc asked me to stop but actually this may have been a factor how I got 7 eggs!

But... for round 5 I wasn’t taking it and although numbers were low, I got the best end result.

Here’s a link to another post where I talk about my diet, supplements etc..,

healthunlocked.com/fertilit...

As the ‘not drinking’ is hard.. I also have 1/2 tart cherry juice and 1/2 pomegranate juice in a wine glass as pretend wine, and lots of kombucha which I pretend is Moscow mule or cider, depending on the flavour!

Xx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to LucyVer

Hey Lucy, looked up my protocol. We didn't do 'natural IVF' we did 'IVF-lite' which is low dose) My doc did a 'learning cycle' before we started, so he could learn about my cycle. He learnt that I get two 'waves' of follicles in a cycle. In order to give all follicles a chance of even growth, so we wait until the 2nd 'wave' has come through before starting stims, which is usually day 4. That's unique to me though!

Example of my personal retrieval cycle. No transfer. Embryos being sent for PGS and frozen.

Pergovaris 150IU** (stims) day 4-11

Cetrotide day 8-11

Ovitrelle (trigger) day 11

** my doc likes Pergovaris for women with low ovarian reserve

No down regulation

day 1, cycle starts

Scan on day 2, follicle count

day 3

Scan on day 4, follicle count (increased). Start stims, Pergovaris 150IU

day 5

Scan on day 6

day 7

Scan on day 8, start Cetrotide

day 9

day 10

Scan on day 11, Ovitrelle trigger shot x 2

No meds day 12

Retrieval day 13, find out how many eggs were retrieved

day 14, find out how many eggs fertilized

day 15

day 16 update how many embryos made it to day 3

day 17

See how many embryos make it to 'day 5' - day 18, biopsy done.

See how many embryos make it to 'day 6' - day 19, biopsy done.

See how many embryos make it to 'day 7' - day 20, biopsy done. Viable embryos sent for PGS testing

xx

LucyVer profile image
LucyVer in reply to WinnieM

Thank you so much!

AfiaLetty profile image
AfiaLetty

Thank you for sharing this . I feel so inspired now . I have fibroids and I have been told to try for four years now but finally going in for surgery and then I will try again . Hopefully I get my good news after . Congratulations and am very happy for you . Wish you the healthiest pregnancy xx

Yssmjn profile image
Yssmjn

Amazing news congratulations...

I am 7 weeks 4 days today and have zero symptoms. It worries me a lot after having four missed miscarriages.. x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Yssmjn

I think I’m only 2 days behind you! Stay positive xx

Yssmjn profile image
Yssmjn in reply to WinnieM

How have you been feeling? Any pregnancy symptoms? X

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Yssmjn

I’m just extremely tired, I don’t really have nausea (maybe very mildly in the evening) my boobs are only very mildy sensitive. My spotting stopped, I’ve been feeling good but I had a crampy day yesterday. Also a little constipated and then sometimes the opposite! (Sorry tmi!) but I think that’s the progesterone! How about you? How was your 7 week scan and when is your next appt? I don’t have another appt until week 10. Seems such a long wait!

Hi Winnie, thanks for sharing your positive story with me! You totally deserve this happy ending. Wishing you a healthy pregnancy!

I am 42 and have any second FET postponed due to the coronavirus. I can't do much about it for now and keep boosting my immune system.

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to

That’s a great way to look at it, use the time to eat well and boost your immune system. I feel so lucky we scraped through before the covid-19 suspensions, I really feel for all you guys waiting. Thank you for your wishes xx

Core profile image
Core

Congratulations so happy for you after all you’ve been through xx

ttcemmie profile image
ttcemmie

Thank you for sharing your story and many many congratulations. xxx

mimisquiz77 profile image
mimisquiz77

Thanks for sharing your story. You be through so much... I hope you can enjoy the rest of your pregnancy. Take care xx

Lauracat profile image
Lauracat

Congratulations! Such good news for you! Well done for keep going and staying strong. Can u pm me your clinic please I have the same issues as you xxx

Lavender96 profile image
Lavender96

Amazing news, congratulations Winnie! It was lovely read your story xx

Uffculmedolly profile image
Uffculmedolly

Congratulations WinnieM, this is such wonderfully positive news to log in and read today ☺️, not only that but it gives me hope. I wish you all the very best for a smooth and heathy pregnancy ❤️💙❤️

Akhta1 profile image
Akhta1

That is great news. It keeps the rest of us motivated and not to give up. Thank you so much for sharing. Good luck

Debrakay1704 profile image
Debrakay1704

Amazing news xxx ❤️

Akferrell profile image
Akferrell

Congratulations, happy for you

shia001 profile image
shia001

God bless you a beautiful baby Ameen ☺️

Congratulations. Thats amazing xxx

Paje profile image
Paje

thank you for taking the time to post & explain what you did- and well done for being your own advocate - it is bloody hard. I wish you all good things- it is lovely to hear nice news xxx

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Paje

Thank you so much. 🙏 xx

Catkt profile image
Catkt

Lovely news I suspect I’m at same clinic as some of the things you’ve said ring true with me although I’m not having a good result unfortunately. After a positive test on Monday but low beta after a second test today it looks like it’s all over for me.

KiboXX profile image
KiboXX in reply to Catkt

Oh I’m sorry to hear that Cat 😢

Have you had two betas a couple of days apart to see if it’s rising?x

Catkt profile image
Catkt in reply to KiboXX

Yes and today’s fell very low. I’m so, so sad. I’m still waiting for the consultant to get in contact as I had my blood tests locally to me and not at my clinic which is a long way away.

KiboXX profile image
KiboXX in reply to Catkt

Oh I’m so sorry Cat. Sending you a big hug. This journey is really cruel sometimes xx

Catkt profile image
Catkt in reply to KiboXX

Thank you, it certainly is x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Catkt

Hey Catkt, I’m so sorry to hear that. What does beta mean? Is that when you’re testing your hcg every few days? How does that work? Is that after your official pregnancy test that you keep having blood tests every few days? (I only had one official pregnancy test and then the next appt was the 7 week scan.) How many weeks/ days are you right now? Xx

Catkt profile image
Catkt in reply to WinnieM

Yes that’s right it’s the HCG blood test. Sorry not expressing myself very well today. I don’t want to hijack your positive post with my bad news sorry x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Catkt

Don’t be sorry at all, we’re all here to support each other, whatever the news 🤗, this whole process can be so cruel I’m so sorry babe x

Reuben-ling profile image
Reuben-ling

Thank you for your post, you have reminded me why I shouldn’t give up!!

We had a failed cycle in March and I guess along with all this isolation, I’m having a real hard time seeing the light at the end of the tunnel so it’s lovely to read.

If you don’t mind me asking, you mentioned doing alternative therapies, and change in diet, supplements... what were they?

I feel the doctors haven’t given much advice on diet etc, knowing what’s worked for others would be a big help.

Lastly congratulations, enjoy every minute of it and I sincerely wish you all the best for the future xx

Reuben-ling profile image
Reuben-ling in reply to Reuben-ling

Sorry WinnieM just see that you shared a link regarding diet. Thank you ☺️x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Reuben-ling

Thank you! Yes no probs! As well as the diet and supplements I went to acupuncture once a week and also tried out some meditation and reiki and massage and oxygen chambers all sorts of things to help me relax. In the end, if I was to pick one, I would pick acupuncture but just know that not all acupuncturists are created equally. How they treat varies widely, I went to four different ones before I found the right fit (nice room and bed, heated lamps, specializes in fertility and doesn’t rush you...I would drift off for an hour of bliss!) if you’re based anywhere near surrey I can give you recommendation! X

Reuben-ling profile image
Reuben-ling in reply to WinnieM

Thank you for sharing, I will definitely look into all of them, will probably take my mind off of when our next cycle will be. I remember having acupuncture for an old injury on my back and it being rather relaxing. Did you try womb massage? Something I came across yesterday.

Unfortunately not near Surrey but really appreciate the offer, thank you x

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Reuben-ling

No I haven’t heard of womb massage, I’m not sure personally I like the sound of that one!

Purple276 profile image
Purple276

Congratulations! That's such lovely news and your post is really helpful.

I waited 2 years of tests through the NHS also being told everything was OK to find out I have a very low ovarian reserve and had to have one of my tubes removed. Very frustrating and also wish I would have pushed more sooner or just gone privately from the beginning - but you never know that at the time. My first round is now on hold due to CV which I'm gutted about but interesting to hear about your approach and will definitely make sure we find someone who is a specialist in my situation.

Genuinely so happy for you 😊

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Purple276

Thank you and good luck purple! X

Navyauk profile image
Navyauk

WinnieM Congrats on your news. I am currently recovering from 3rd failed round and feel my doc is not as supportive of my cause as I am 42 now. Wondering whats your docs thought on age. So far i managed to get mature eggs and did day 2 transfer to grade 4 embryo/s but no luck. We have age, low amh and low morph issue

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Navyauk

Thank you! You should give him a try, he just recently helped a 42 year old get pregnant.

Re: the morph issues, did you do ICSI for your rounds?

What was the reason to do a day 2 transfer rather than FET?

Would your embryos make it to day 5 for PGS?

Has your other half tried supplements and diet? Takes 90 days to improve quality of sperm and egg through diet/supplements and you could do it together, as 90days/3months may feel like too long to wait given your age, you could just start and see what you can do. I improved my amh and fsh after the diet.

Navyauk profile image
Navyauk in reply to WinnieM

We did 2nd round ICSI we got 3 eggs 2 fertilised with grade a day 2. Morph was 4

3rd round ICSI we got 3 mature eggs 1 fertilised with grade a day 2. Morph was 3. This was modified long protocol but high dose of Menopur

Did DHEA and supplements but never 3 month continuous. My FSH is under 10. My lining is on thick side not sure it causes issue. Diet is mainly good but do tend to fall of the wagon:)

WinnieM profile image
WinnieM in reply to Navyauk

You sound like you’re doing pretty good, try and stay consistent with the supplements and diet. I’ve DM’d you my clinic details, good luck!

LeeCee15 profile image
LeeCee15

Wow this is amazing and definitely gives me hope 🙂 huge congratulations, wishing you all the best Xx

J3nna profile image
J3nna

Congratulations! X

Run4ever profile image
Run4ever

wow you are amazing thank you for trying and congrats. You’ve given me hope

Becca45 profile image
Becca45

Thats soo good to hear.. many congratulations

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