2nd cycle started! Tips please!

[Amy1122]

I’m on day 2 of my second cycle of ivf yet I feel so negative.. I need to change my attitude and I am struggling. My last cycle I had 12 eggs collected, only 4 were mature and none fertilised and that was even with ICSI. The pain was horrendous and I am so scared to hear this happen again. Any thoughts on what I can do to get good mature eggs? Diet tips? Etc??

[Pittapatta]

Hi Amy1122, so sorry your 1st round didn't work. Mine didn't either. I am starting another on the 14th of October. So you are trying again, that's great!! Deep down you must feel some hope or you wouldn't be doing this again, hold onto that. That Hope that you will make it through, that hope that you will get your little one and have your family. With so many success stories I have read all the pain and suffering you endure and your partner too just fades away when you hold your little miracle. On those hard days having yet another needle, pill, blood test, ultrasound hold onto the hope you are doing the best you can to try and have your little miracle!! I am always happy to chat as this process keeps me up at night. In regards to health eat healthy foods, stay away from caffeine, increase green leafy vegetables, stay away from sugar and refined products, if you like eggs eat a few a week, same with avocado, with the pills I am on coq10, Elevit, fish oil for egg quality (am 43) The doctor has also put me on melatonin to help with my egg quality. Be active not like a fitness freak but walking is good. My hubby is also on menivit, fish oil. He can't drink and is sticking to the same healthy eating and exercise as me. Finally, when you read all the possible side effects from taking this drug and that drug they all seem to say weight gain, depression, pain, so with that knowledge find a way to accept it. Know that you may feel like crap right now but it won't last forever. Its the meds!!! Go through the process and be kind to yourself and your partner, some days I get pretty moody and over myself that I argue with him or just cry. So this time round we have a safe word and when it's a bit much I will say it and he will either hold me or leave me be depending on what I need. I wish you all the luck in the world and lots of babydust. Just know you are worth it! You can do this, your so brave like all the women out there going on this journey for picking yourself back up off the floor and trying again. You've got this!!

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Amy. So sorry to hear how you suffered with your first cycle. Perhaps you could ask for extra sedation when you go for egg collection, so don't be afraid to ask. My suggestions for diet are as follows: Carbohydrates - Wholegrain bread and wholemeal pasta, oatmeal, brown rice. All fresh vegetables especially raw or steamed. Over boiling rids them of vitamins and minerals, pineapple juice, apricots, potatoes, all fruit and honey, beans, chickpeas and lentils. Protein - Organic meat if possible, poultry, fish, Milk and hard cheese, nuts and seeds. Fat - Extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil, avocado and peanut butter, mackerel, sardines, nuts (especially Brazil and walnuts), seeds, sweet corn and sweet potatoes. The things to avoid are too much sugar, processed foods, ready meals, butter, ice cream etc. A little is OK, but not all the time. Drink plenty of water and only a little tea and coffee if feeling deprived. Cut right down or right out – alcohol and smoking. Oh and don’t forget the Folic Acid and Vitamin D! Hope this helps and all the best with the cycle. Diane