Results of ERA

[hifer]

Hello all,

Some people were keen to know my results from my ERA as they were either going through it themselves or thinking about it etc. So here goes:

1) The timing of the transfer is key and I need 6 full days of progesterone (not 5).

2) My lining isn’t happy- well I knew that to start with! The uterine natural killer cells are under activated making it difficult to implant (although I’ve had 2 natural pregnancies- lost both but we know for sure the second was due to abnormal embryo).

Treatment:

1) More progesterone obviously. One extra full day

2) An endometrial scratch to create inflammation of the lining (you all know how this works!)

3) Additional HcG administered (Ovitrelle) around transfer to help activate the lining.

All b***** confusing. Instead of feeling relieved we have results, I just feel so upset and emotional. Just seems we have so much against us.

Has anyone else had an under active lining?? I’m really not sure about having a scratch. The results/ research is patchy to say the least! I’m surprised it has been suggested. Any thoughts?

🙏 as always. Sorry for the essay!

Xx

[Cinderella5]

Hey, Ive been looking out for a post for you! I know this is a lot to take in however, look on the positive side.....you now know why your IVF cycles may not have been successful so far. The progesterone thing was a massive thing for us and we didn't get positives until we started to move the window up to nearer a 6 day window and getting it timed bang on seems to have helped us massively. The additional hCG shot is another way of naturally inducing your body to make more progesterone on top of what you'll be taking so this is also positive!! I know its tough to see through the shitty past but I think on reading this there is some light at the end of the tunnel here!!xxx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

Ah thank you. I know I should be more positive and I feel like I’m coming round to that way of thinking. I wrote this post directly after we got off the phone with the consultant. I just felt so overwhelmed but I guess I’m getting used to all the news now. I know the progesterone has been absolutely key for you and your success 💕. I think I was a bit thrown by the fact that the scratch is now in my treatment plan! Research, as you well know, isn’t conclusive on this and I’m just starting to feel like a pin cushion! How are you doing lovely? Xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

I think its hard not to feel fed up.....its a bit like "what now??"!! Im glad that you are getting your head around things now and its such an important piece of the jigsaw especially when you are doing so much with PGS etc. No, Im not a fan of the scratch after reading the most recent evidence from the big UK study, not sure if you have seen it but link below. Do you know when you are going to try again? I heard that the ERA biopsy acts almost like a scratch so perhaps this covers it if you are going soon.

eshre.eu/ESHRE2020/Media/20...

Im doing ok thanks, still a bit nervy and not really sure if there is anything in there but hoping all is ticking along nicely.xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

Yes, thank you. I've also read that an ERA also acts like a scratch. None of the research I've read though correlates to my particular circumstances (and issues) so my husband's view is why not?! I'm struggling to find research into whether it works for under active uterine NK cells. In fairness, the consultant gave it a 50/50 chance of working with people in my circumstances (her research is based on UK wide). I can't get a cycle in before xmas anyway because of the clinic closing times so if I can get in a scratch and then do a cycle in Jan then I'm beginning to think why not! I'm not responding so well to drugs so I'm tempted to try something a bit more 'natural'. And I'm desperate!

Hoping you are feeling OK. Totally understand you being nervy. You've got this. Hopefully every week will get a little easier for you. xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

Well if you are ok about having it done then I guess that you know you have covered all bases whether you believe in it or not!

Yes, as the weeks go by it does get a little easier....its just my daft brain working over time that is the problem!! Ha ha ha xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

Oh god it’s not you being daft at all. I would be the same! Hopefully you’re getting some reassurance from the scans now but completely understand over thinking things- I’m the absolute queen of that! Have been thinking about you loads and sending you loads of positive vibes xx

[Cinderella5 in reply to hifer]

It does help having scans but that reassurance doesn't last too long unfortunately! Maybe once I feel more "pregnant" then that will help.....probably not! Ha ha ha Awww thank you, Ive been thinking about you too. I am chuffed that you have something to work on which I obviously hoped would be the case. Onwards and upwards lovely!!xx

[hifer in reply to Cinderella5]

Thanks lovely lady 💕xx

[Millbanks]

Hey lovely, that sounds pretty positive to me! You have some answers! I know it can be overwhelming having to make all of these changes, but far better to be able to do this than just blindly plough on, transfer after transfer. I suspect I will probably get similar results to you, especially with my lining not playing ball recently (although with didn’t opt for NKC)

Maybe once you’ve had time to process you’ll feel more positive about it xxx

[hifer in reply to Millbanks]

I know, thank you. I’m starting to see the light now! I am starting to feel grateful that we do have results rather than nothing at all! Thanks for the positivity xx

[Hidden]

Oooo have been hoping to hear an update from you! Can imagine that was complete information overload!! And I can quite see why you were so upset initially .. But hopefully now you have started to absorb it all? I think the key takeaway is there is new stuff to try that we have seen have a proven impact on other peoples success on here, so thats ultimately a good thing! I think it might have been even more upsetting if they had said 'everything is fine its just bad luck'?

Quick Q - the whole extra day of progesterone thing - does that mean they delay transfer or does that mean you start progesterone pre egg collection? I wasn't sure?

When will you get to try again? Sending you a huge hug, I really hope this is the start of good news for you xx

[hifer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks lovely. Yes trying to absorb it all now and feels a bit more positive! Yes at least we have some answers and I should be grateful for that (and am getting there 😊).

I will be doing a FET so no more egg collections for me I don’t think. Pretty sure they will delay transfer by a day for me to give me 6 days of progesterone. I need a reasonably good amount of time to get my lining to thicken so don’t think they will reduce that time. I’m pre receptive so I need another day of progesterone. Just waiting for my protocol now.

Good question re starting again. Again just waiting to hear. Christmas puts a right spanner in the works! I will start another cycle this week so I’m hoping to get the scratch in before Xmas and then transfer after. Really not bothered about doing the scratch as research is so patchy about it but husband thinks we should give it a go!!

How’s things with you?

Xx

[Hidden]

Hi hifer i agree with the rest. I think its very positive to have some answers and perhaps tweak any further treatment!

Did your clinic give you option? I mean that might be things that worked for other similar cases xx

[hifer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. No they didn’t really give me an option. They just told me what our plan was going forwards. Of course, it’s all optional so I could contest it if I wanted xx

[Linda84Co]

Thank you all these information, very informative, hope everything works out for you dear xx

[hifer in reply to Linda84Co]

Thank you x

[Lots8788]

Sounds like some good things to tick off and increase chances for next round lovely. All the best for your next cycle 🤗😘 completely natural to feel like you do too but so glad they've found some things they can change and tweak to make this a success x big hugs x x

[hifer in reply to Lots8788]

Thanks lovely xx

[ttcemmie]

Hi hifer. I'm happy for you that you've got some answers and a plan going forward! That's some relief and joy even with the overwhelming information.

I understand what you mean about the scratch - I haven't seen that it's exactly "proven", but then it's also not going to harm.... Completely up-to-you and husband (with the guidance of the experts).

This post is making me feel really positive for your IVF treatment! So happy you've got some answers.

[hifer in reply to ttcemmie]

Ah thanks lovely. What a lovely positive message, thank you. Fingers crossed for our next moves.

How are you doing? Xx

[ttcemmie in reply to hifer]

I'm doing really well, thanks. xxx

[hifer in reply to ttcemmie]

I’m so so happy to hear that xx

[Mara84]

Hi ! what a great post, thank you for sharing these information with us. best of luck with your next transfer xx

[hifer in reply to Mara84]

Ah thank you x

[Catlady12345]

I think it’s great that you have some answers! Just use the knowledge to be positive about your next transfer 😊 I have my biopsy tomorrow for these tests and I’m so nervous 😩 x

[hifer in reply to Catlady12345]

Ah thank you. Yes I’m feeling more positive today. Don’t be nervous! Are you nervous about the biopsy or the results? X

[Catlady12345 in reply to hifer]

Both!! But yes very nervous about the biopsy itself.

Good luck with your next round wishing you lots of positivity xx

[hifer in reply to Catlady12345]

Don’t be nervous of the biopsy. I was too and it was so much better than I expected. Just take a painkiller before as I’m sure your clinic have advised (I had to take buscopan) and you’ll be fine. It was all over pretty quick too. You’ll be fine.

Thanks for the positivity 😉xx

[Millbanks in reply to hifer]

I had mine done last week and it really wasn’t as bad as I was expecting!! More just a very strange sensation than painful. You’ll be fine xx

[hifer in reply to Millbanks]

Keen to hear your results too. 🤞 xx

[Millbanks in reply to hifer]

I will let you know as soon as I hear!! Xx