1 embryo made it to day 5!

[DJ202]

Hi all,

We're on our first round (ICSI abroad) and I've just had the news that 1 of our embryos made it to day 5. We went from 7 eggs collected (I have low ovarian reserve), to 4 fertilised (various problematic sperm parameters), to 2 on day 3. I was hoping both of those would make it to day 5, but alas it's just 1. I know it only takes 1, but I'm still feeling quite deflated about this! Our embryo is now being sent off for genetic testing and the results will take 4-5 weeks.

Any advice/support is greatly appreciated! Thank you! xx

[DJ202]

Just to add that really my worry is that the result of the PGTA testing is going to come back abnormal and all of this would have been for nothing!

[Millbanks]

Oh hun, I feel your pain - the wait for genetic testing is awful. It's natural to feel negative about the result, you've already been through so much to get here and your self preservation is kicking in to try and prepare you for bad news. But try to remember it's 50/50 - that means that there is a 50% chance that it will be normal!! The only advice I can give is try to take it one day at a time / one step at a time.

The good news is that you have 1 embryo - which is 1 more than 0 - and one more chance than none. I've got everything crossed for you xx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

Thank you Millbanks, that's exactly what I needed to hear! It's so tough and nobody really prepares you for all the stages and hurdles along the way!! We're planning for another cycle in a month's time and I'm currently wondering if double stimulation with 2 collections in 1 cycle might be a good idea. I just want to get this over and done with to be honest! Meanwhile keeping everything crossed for our little embryo!! xx

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

I completely feel the same. There is so much waiting around that if I was able to start over - I would do batching for sure. I so wish I'd had more knowledge at the start and was able to make more informed decisions, rather than just picking up after each failure and trying to figure out what went wrong..... xxx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

I've just had a look at your story - it must be so difficult! Nobody really prepares you for it and I wonder how long we can go for, but I know I'm in it for the long haul! How are you coping?

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

Aw I’m ok thanks. Anxious about our results and just really hope we get something to transfer. If we do, I’ll also be having steroids and intralipids so lots of changes and hoping it’ll be the one!! But it’s not easy, and you have to buckle up and brace yourself for the ride! Xx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

I'm really keeping my fingers crossed for you too! It's incredible how many steps there are along the way, how many hurdles to take! It's good you're having changes to your protocol as it will allow you to know that you've tried different options and to feel more in control over the process! I think at these points we realise that we're stronger than we thought we were. It's incredible how much strength, perseverance and resilience there is in the fertility community! xx

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

It’s so true. I never realised I had all this strength and resilience in me. And the stubbornness to keep going in the face of so many set backs. But all you wonderful lot help me through xxx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

Bless you! You're doing the same for all of us! Keep me posted on how things are going for you - keeping my fingers crossed! I've ordered my meds for my next cycle yesterday, eek!

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

You’re very sweet 🥰I will let you know!!

Eeeek!! Wishing you lots of luck for this next cycle 💖 xx

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

Hi Lovely, I just heard from our embryologist and 6 of the 8 are normal!! Absolutely over the moon xx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

Oh my goodness, that's the best news!! I'm so chuffed for you!! Now what you want to do is put your feet up and have a big celebration over the weekend - treat yourself to something nice!

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

Thank you! I was seriously hoping for 1, so this is beyond my wildest dreams!! Yes a little celebration is in order for sure!Hope you’re doing well xx

[DJ202 in reply to Millbanks]

I think it's so important to celebrate the successes along the way, very much deserved!! We've had quite the week here! Bought a house, but at the same time lost the sale for my flat, so trying to get all this sorted. The meds for my new round have just come through too, eek!!

[Millbanks in reply to DJ202]

It really is! We get so few genuinely joyous moments!Oh wow, house buying is super stressful. Fingers crossed it all comes through! Eeeek good luck 😬😬😬 xx

[LuxFleur]

Congrats on your blastocyst! That's fantastic. It does only take on! Fingers crossed that the testing comes back good.

[DJ202 in reply to LuxFleur]

Thank you! Lots of hoping going on at this point!!

[AuroraXen]

So glad your little fighter made it! Hoping you get a good result from the PGTA. That must be so hard... the wait from EC to fertilisation call and then day 5, to see if anything made it, is just the worst bit of the whole process for me. So adding another stage of worry must be so hard. The only good thing I can think of to hold onto is that you're still in the game for this one... as Millbanks says below, one is infinitely better than none 🥰 Sending hugs, and hope you have work/hobbies/something else to distract you a bit and make the time fly x

[DJ202 in reply to AuroraXen]

Thanks Aurora, much appreciated! We're moving this week and collecting our new puppy next week, so we'll certainly be busy!

[Sea_tan]

My friend got preg with one!... Low reserve doesn't mean poor egg quality.. Your only issue is low reserves, not poor quality... Anyway.. I cope by reminding myself 'what will be will be'.. Whether this is or is not meant to be, He's in control. I Hope this helps.

[DJ202 in reply to Sea_tan]

Thank you Sea_tan. Yes, it's the egg reserve. I've been trying to do everything I can to improve egg quality, many supplements, acupuncture, Chinese herbs, healthy eating, pretty much given up alcohol and caffeine during cycle. Feels like this is a full time job tbh! I'm thinking realistically I can probably do this for a couple of years and need to reevaluate then. Fingers crossed for a positive outcome!

[Adryem]

I did one cycle and got one blasto that we sent off for genetic testing and it came back normal. We just did a second round and had two embryos sent for testing. One was mosaic and one was abnormal and not recommended for implantation. Was very sad after getting our second results. How did your results turn out?

[DJ202 in reply to Adryem]

Thanks Adryem! I'm sorry to hear about the results for you the second time - are you considering transferring the mosaic embryo? I know clinic policies vary on this! We are very lucky and the one embryo that we have turned out genetically normal, really pleased about the outcome! now getting ready for a full new cycle - starting the meds tomorrow. Feeling a bit apprehensive to be honest! How are you doing?