Familiar anxiety - on cusp of 3rd cycle

[minnesota_girl]

Hi guys, feeling that normal sense of nerves as I get closer to starting my third cycle. I'm switching to ICSI this round, even though our fertilisation rates are normal, we're looking for any option to up the odds that my smaller number of eggs will produce embryos. Back to the short protocol with the addition of Letrozole from Day 2 (similar to Clomid as I understand).

I keep getting worried they'll close the clinics again. I was off the last three weeks of work on annual leave luckily - which has helped me come down from stress - and I've been taking more supplements (DHEA and CQ10 and vit d and a high protein diet) to try and improve my egg quality.

This is the do or die one for us - if we don't get a better result this round (we've had two cycles so far with no blastocysts so cancelled transfers both times) then we'll be moving to donor eggs. My sister has a very high AMH for her age (she's 34) and is happy to donate but she's in the US so we can't go that route until things Covid-wise settle down a bit as she's not comfortable flying out here until it does. And if that can't happen logistically we'll look at going to Spain I think most likely.

I don't really have a question, just was sharing - I'm going to put the ED stuff out of my head now until this cycle is done, and really try and focus on keeping things simple and easy as I progress this month.

Heart is out to all the others starting a cycle this January.

[minnesota_girl]

meanwhile there are like 4 pregnancies in my husband's extended family group right now - almost thankful we haven't had the normal get-togethers around Christmas - as that's saved us both a lot of heartache.

[Jane8412]

Sending you lots of positive vibes for your new cycle. I really hope the change in protocol brings you the results you need. We are starting our second cycle this month after the first failed so I understand your anxiety. Really hope this is the round things work out for you. xx

[minnesota_girl in reply to Jane8412]

thank you - and best of luck to you also - I think there's a lot of January cycle buddies after the Christmas break - everything crossed for you.

[Millbanks]

Lots of luck to you! We've just done our 3rd cycle and this time I added Ubiquinol, Omega and super greens to our diet and we had our best ever round. I do think it made a difference. xx

[minnesota_girl in reply to Millbanks]

oh thanks - that's interesting. I'll add in omega but I've also massively upped my salmon eating - twice a week in the hopes that every little bit helps!! Fingers crossed that this 3rd cycle is the one for you xx

[Millbanks in reply to minnesota_girl]

Weirdly this cycle is the only time I've not done acupuncture too - I find it quite stressful as I hate needles but always thought it was helping - apparently not for me!I also added in NAC (N-Acetyl Cysteine) 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening - which is also really good for egg quality as it's a bit like Ubiquinol for giving energy to cells.

xx

[gottahavefaith]

Thank you for sharing. I've not found the words to write a post yet but all being well I'm due to start my 2nd cycle next week and feel all those familiar feelings you mention. It's so nerve wracking but exciting at the same time as I'm keen to see if all the similar changes I've introduced will make a difference. There's a bit of dread there too with all the Covid uncertainty as my first cycle was cancelled just before it was about to start, but I'm holding out lots of hope for us all and that we won't be affected. Crossing all fingers and toes. Wishing you all the very best. Keep in touch xx

[minnesota_girl in reply to gottahavefaith]

Fingers crossed. My first cycle was cancelled also, I was due to start in late March and had to wait until everything reopened in June... really hoping they stay open this time...xx let's keep in touch through this next one...

What changes have you done? If you feel like sharing? No worries if not ☺️

[gottahavefaith in reply to minnesota_girl]

The main change is adding the DHEA (75mg) as a blood test identified that I had really low testosterone. It seems to be doing something as my hair is now constantly greasy. Plus adding more supplements such as the Coq10 (600mg) and melatonin. Another one recommended to me that I'd not heard of before is Resveratrol. You mentioned the omega - I've been taking a really nice omega 3 oil from bare biology, it's pricey but a little goes a long way!

Looks like clinics are staying open, let's hope it stays that way! xx

[minnesota_girl in reply to gottahavefaith]

I'm on the DHEA also - has made my skin greasy! thankfully my hair can stand to get a bit greasy as it's been super super dry for years - fingers crossed on remaining open and starting the next cycle!

I've never heard of Resveratrol - gonna take a look, thanks!