Inspiration, hopeful stories and what to do next

[luthien]

Hey all, we're just taking some time out of the whole process for a few months.

A bit of history;

I'm 37 (38 in June), diagnosed with Endometriosis, Fibroids and Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimotos)

IVF - long protocol - 3 eggs collected, sperm all good, 2 fertilised, one day 5 put back in, test negative. Ovaleap.

ICSI - short protocol - 5 eggs collected, sperm a bit low on count (clinic says possible stress), 4 were suitable, 3 fertilised, none made it to day 5. Ovaleap, Menopur and Fyremadel.

I'm on medication for thyroid, so that's under control.

I've just been to see our gynae consultant to discuss Endometriosis and Fibroid growth due to all the stims. Endometriosis previously excised in Jan 2021, tubes all good, Ovarian cyst removed, fibroids on outside of uterus so not protruding). I have pains coming back which I suspect is Endometriosis, gynae says no point going in and removing anything or investigating as it's only been a year, however it's my decision. Is it worth him taking a look? Or seeking a second opinion?

We've yet to have our follow up with the fertility clinic. I'd like to see what they suggest next.

We're looking at a different clinic, for a second opinion and seeing what they suggest to do next, as we may change to them. They're linked to the hospital and say they have a surgical team to deal with fertility issues, so is it worth asking what they'd do about my Endometriosis and Fibroids? My gynae specialist openly says he's not a fertility expert, which is fine.

I guess what I'd like to know is if anyone else has been in a similar situation, and had a good outcome. Looking for hope.

During our time out of this, we're looking at what to do next;

I've just started on DHEA, already taking CoEnzymeQ10 and folic acid (for the past 6 months)

Is it worth looking at a NK cell test?

Hormone tests for myself and husband?

DNA fragmentation test for my husband?

All his results came back "ok" but no numbers, is it worth getting numbers back for the new clinic or will they do their own tests?

We have the book "It Starts With the Egg", so we'll read that.

Any supplements my Husband can take?

Any suggestions would be great.

I think we just feel like what's the point if it all doesn't help anyway

[Chel91]

Hi lovely, I'm sorry you haven't had better news so far. I know how frustrating it is!

I'm still trying, but from my many cycles I have learned a few things that definitely seem to help in these situations. One is a dual trigger (not to be confused with a double trigger) can be really really beneficial for more viable embryos getting created depending on what your protocol is. This would be a trigger consisting of HCG + small dose of a GnRH Agonist (like Buserelin or Lupron).

Another thing is that for some women it does seem like their embryos are more fragile than others and a day 2 or 3 transfer does seem to make a difference in giving them a better chance when it comes to having low numbers to work with.

I would encourage NK Cell testing, but there is a lot of other immune related tests like ANA and blood clotting panels also that usually end up with the same recommendation of Clexane, baby aspirin, prednisone and intralipids (or stronger). So maybe worth finding a clinic who is willing to give this a try regardless, or will do a proper range of tests and really cover all bases? This has seemed to work for a lot of women, and I do believe is my issue also from my extremely high blood test results

I'm also getting my endo surgery soon so I can't tell if it will make a difference yet, but my dr really feels that it will. I suppose it's up to you what you would rather try first, or if it might be worth just having a look to see. Best of luck to you with everything xx