Starting FET meds abroad in a different timezone

[Skittles11]

Sorry for the long post, please bear with me...I've had some real issues starting my frozen embryo transfer - my last own embryo before moving to donor.

I started FET meds in September (had prostap the previous month) but did not make it to transfer. The lining was breaking down and I was spotting, so it was cancelled. Today is Day 53 and I haven't had a period. The doctor said this is a dysfunctional cycle (you think?!!) But apparently I have now ovulated as seen on scan today. So period apparently expected in approx 2 weeks.

The trouble I'm having is I will be away then on the other side of the world.

The doctor has suggested I take my FET meds with me and can start them if I start a bleed. As I'll only be there a couple of weeks I would take them there for a few days and just continue them when back home.

Pros are - I have been waiting forever to start again and this will make it sooner

However I am concerned for a couple of reasons - I will be in a completely different time zone for taking meds. So will be difficult to get support if needed. Plus the practicalities of timings there compared to local time when I return .

Also will my body be so disorientated that it will focus on solving that instead of developing my lining? I know many start their meds in different countries in Europe but is it different being so far away? Especially with complex history?

But who knows after this when I will have another bleed to restart. I've been waiting months and at this stage want to move forward. It's just a shame the timings with holiday haven't been on my side.

(My diet has also been terrible lately but that is a side issue)

Wondered what you would do in this position?

Xx

[Missionofendo]

Hi Darling I think your gut knows what to do.

Stress is a big factor and you don’t want added stress at anytime.

I’ve had covid in September was too poorly to stray so took one month off and went in November which I regret as my cycle got cancelled I believe Covid impacted it a lot.

I can’t give you more advice other than go with what you feel is best.

I’m sending you so much love 🙏💕

My best to you Holly xx

[WillowPark]

Hi Skittles11, so hard to answer this as it is such a personal question, and you should go with your gut. However I wonder if you have ever considered before IVF whether your body would be able to cope with handling your cycle/period/ovulation while also dealing with jet lag. I would expect not - our bodies are amazing things (even if they are letting us down on this aspect of life)! My gut says the time difference won't make any difference physically, and it is really just the stress element and discomfort being away from home to consider. The FET meds, as you will know, are not nearly as difficult as some of the others so perhaps it is do-able, but only you will know what you are up for while travelling and how you might deal with it if you do try and it doesnt work out lining-wise once you are home. If it were me I'd take a deep breath and give it a shot, but that won't be the right answer for everyone x

[Fruitandflowers]

Understand how anxious you must be as it's your last, and that may decide it for you as if it doesn't work will you always beat yourself up that it was travel etc, if so then maybe a further delay is worth postponing. But equally, something always seems (or at least in my experience) not to be right that you could obsess over in hindsight. Personally, I wouldn't have given the travel and time difference a second thought and even seen it as potentially positive as you'll be a bit more relaxed (although injections and pessaries in the tiny plane toilets can be interesting), but it may depend on how you normally feel with the time difference - do you get bad jetlag or run down after long hauls? If so, then although I'm not sure it would actually make a difference, you may worry at the time and after and maybe you don't want the added stress? Probably just need to go with your gut instinct x

[Doodlebug23]

Well me I say go for it!!! But I’m really impatient! If your clinic are happy and you want to go for it I’d do it. If your lining isn’t right then just don’t go ahead to transfer. At least you have given it a shot. X

[Daisy-Delilah in reply to Doodlebug23]

Yesss! I’m with Doodlebug23 I’d go for it. I’m also really impatient. There’s things that I regret not doing, so I guess would you regret not giving it a chance as like Doodlebug says, if the lining isn’t right then you can cancel and you won’t wonder what might have happened.

I’ve taken meds abroad and it wasn’t an issue at all, I just had to work out the best time for both time zones so it wasn’t too early/late etc.

Ultimately like some of the others say you will know what’s right. Good luck with whatever decision you make xxxx

[Nenad in reply to Doodlebug23]

I was going to type this exact message, that would be my advice too Skittles. If your period gets delayed again you may regret not attempting this next cycle. Wish you all the best xx

[TTC0011]

Hey, I’m also very impatient so I would have gone for it. BUT…I’ve had cycles I’ve regretted proceeding with because of that impatience. My last cycle with last embryo, I had a period that started extremely early which was odd and then I got the flu half way through meds and then my lining was acting up and now I can’t stop thinking about whether it made a difference. It really probably didn’t and our doctors have told us that, but it’s still a thought process. My only advice is make sure you’re prepared for the overthinking element if it’s not quite the result you would like.

[Twiglet2]

Hi lovely. I would give it a go. I have never heard of jet lag affecting a cycle? Has your clinic gave any advice or stats on that? Although for some weird reason if I’m close to period date and go on a flight I start my period in the flight!? (My sister is the same!). So maybe you will get your period there (or maybe me and my sister are just strange!)

I’m sure you will workout the time zone thing no problem though I wouldn’t worry about that just start them at the times you want to take them here and set an alarm there.

Is the worse case scenario you start the meds and your lining doesn’t develop again, possibly due to the travel? Would that not mean they would cancel again anyways so no harm trying to go ahead? What’s the downside to starting the meds and this cycle not progressing other than starting again next month (or on next period) which you would be doing anyways if you didn’t start the meds? Sorry that might be a daft question as I’m sure there are probs financial implications and other things to consider as well! Safe travels lovely and good luck whatever you decide is the right answer for you 🤗💜 xx

[Krystal_43]

I’d be tempted to go for it, just in case you have another mad cycle and regret it. The time zone thing can be worked out when you’re back.

Hope you have a lovely relaxing holiday! X

[Elmo13]

Hi Skittles. I agree with a lot of the ladies on here, and I would say go for it!

One thing about this kind of treatment is that quite often other non-ivf things always crop at the worst possible time when you’re doing a cycle so I’ve kind of come to expect curve balls now.

I’ve started treatment here and continued abroad and it was fine. Just pick a time that can work for both time zones if that makes sense. I always had an alarm on my phone in case as I’m rubbish at remembering.

Either way, only you know what’s right for you and if you want to just enjoy the holiday without worrying and delay your FET then go with your gut.

Wishing you love and lots of luck. Xx

[Citizenerased83]

Hi Skittles11, I don't know what the right answer is as such a personal decision, but whenever you get to use your precious embryo I hope it works for you. You've been through so much. I have everything crossed for you. Xxx

[LSandJ]

Hi Skittles,

I've done the different time zone thing (not with injections, just tablets and pessaries, and not really really different). It took a little working out but wasn't a problem to move the times by an hour a day until they were back at a good time for home.

I personally don't think it would matter! I was super stressed with my last transfer, crying before it even started, worried we werent prepared or doing the right drug combo and even during the transfer I cried (because my bladder was too full and painful!) But this was the successful transfer!

I know not the same, but just wanted to highlight that stress doesn't always impact it in my opinion! If the docs are happy to go with this interruption, then I'd still go. If they are unsure, then different story and better to delay?

[Rella22]

Hi there,It is a difficult decision as you say it is your last.

I did my egg collection in Ireland so was doing all the meds there. I travelled between Saudi Arabia and Ireland. Only 3 hour time difference but the 7 hour flight etc. can be stressful with worrying.

I had my transfer on November 1st in Ireland, flew out on the 3rd and now in Saudi with a positive result. It is still early days but I was worried about travel, clots etc. However I tried my level best to calm my nerves with yoga.

Sometimes it ends up working out! Follow what your heart says. All the best!