Preparing for FET

[Ramenbowl]

Hi ladies. I'm preparing for my first FET. I have a lot of emotions right now as I don't know what to expect. I have gone through numerous failed IVF procedures where the quality of my eggs haven't been good enough to make embryos so my partner and I decided on donor eggs. We were very fortunate in finding a match very quickly but everything we have gone through has been very tough. A few months ago we thought we were doing the transfer then found out I had hydrosalpinx in one of my tubes, which I had to get removed and this delayed our 4 year journey by another 3 months because we had to wait for a referral on the nhs. I have now had my tube removed and am currently on the contraceptive pill to prepare my ovaries for transfer. Does anybody have any advice on what to eat, things to do to make our embryo stick and stay. I am doing weekly acupuncture sessions which will prepare me for the transfer and helps me relax.

I feel like every time we get one step closer something knocks us down. We have jumped so many hurdles and we just want to see the finish line. Any advice would be much appreciated

[Doodlebug23]

Good luck! Try and stay positive but be realistic. I was sure donor eggs were my key but I’m now gearing up for transfer number 7 😓

Ignore all symptoms! The meds are really cruel in mimicking pregnancy symptoms. But equally don’t worry if you have no symptoms!!

I find the first week of the 2ww nice as I just enjoy being PUPO and dreaming about the BFP. The last few days however I find really hard.

Try and decide if you will test early or wait for OTD. Nothing seems to work for me! If I test early I am down if it’s a BFN then it’s hard to keep hopeful. The one time it was BFP then turned out to be a chemical. If I test late I feel I’ve prolonged the agony when I could have just known sooner.

Remember there are lots of us on here on the same journey. I find this forum invaluable for advice, and just to talk to people who really know how it feels x

[Ramenbowl in reply to Doodlebug23]

I just want to do everything I can for it to work. I honestly believe it will happen. I was also recently diagnosed with endometriosis, I have been back and forth to the doctors asking if I have it but they never seem to tell you, just saying everything looks fine in the scans. I have learned to have a more positive mindset, even after so many years of failure but also prepared in case things don't go to plan. It is really comforting to know that people on this forum are here to listen as sometimes it can feel very lonely on this journey. I want to wish you the very best in your next transfer and thank you for taking the time out to read my story and give your advice

[silvervn in reply to Ramenbowl]

I just wanted to wish you lots of luck and send lots of positivity for your FET. I completely understand the lonely aspect, I have felt it a lot, particularly these last 6 months. It sounds like you are doing all the right things for you and that is the most important. Wishing you all the best and hoping this is the one for you. Keep believing xx

[Ramenbowl in reply to silvervn]

Thank you for your lovely words. The main reason I feel lonely is because I haven't told anybody we are going through the donor egg route. After telling people my previous plans of IVF and failed, I just don't want to jinx it or want people to ask me so many questions, or keep getting asked how things are going. I just want things to be going the right way before telling people as I don't feel the people closest to me understand what I'm going through and don't want to have to tell anyone if things don't work out as planned. I don't want sympathy from my friends and family, I just can't wait to tell everyone some happy news for a change.....no negative energy!!! All of my friends have children, and some of them were unexpected pregnancies and although I am so happy for them I just feel like they don't really know what I'm going through physically and mentally. I'm so grateful that I have you amazing ladies to talk to. I wish you all the best in your journey and thank you for taking the time to read my story xx

[silvervn in reply to Ramenbowl]

I understand, it’s such a lot on our bodies and mind and I think, like lots of things, unless you’ve been through it you just don’t quite get it. Keep reaching out to people here; it will help. There are also local groups on Facebook if you wanted to meet people going through the same thing. Honestly I’ve told people about our IVF and it still feels lonely. Maybe there’s one person you could trust and lean on in your life rather than a few? My DMs are always open too. Xxx

[Blessed5510]

just wanted to wish you the best!!!

[Ramenbowl in reply to Blessed5510]

Thank you so much that means a lot x

[Eloquentia]

Hi! Very best of luck with your first FET. For my last FET, which gave me my daughter, I took oral and vaginal probiotics, drank pomegranate juice for the lining and ate Mediterranean diet with fish, Greek yoghurt with honey and walnuts etc. I hope you get a sticky one!

[Ramenbowl in reply to Eloquentia]

When did you start the probiotics and how long for? Could I also asked what brand. And as for the pomegranate juice, was that just before the transfer or during pregnancy too? Thanks for the wishes and advice x

[Eloquentia in reply to Ramenbowl]

I took oral Biogaia probiotics, started them about a month before the FET and continued during pregnancy and vaginal probiotics, Canesfloor for two weeks straight just before the FET. Started the pomegranate juice around the same time as the progynova in preparation of the lining and continued during early pregnancy until the nausea kicked in. Very best of luck!

[Ramenbowl in reply to Eloquentia]

Thank you so much x

[Ramenbowl in reply to Eloquentia]

Hi again, apologies for all the questions. I just looked into the BioGaia probiotics and came across 2 different ones. One called BioGaia Gastrus and the other was BioGaia protectis D+. Could I ask which one you had. I wasn't sure if I needed the vit D one as I'm already taking a pre conception multi vitamin but also unsure what the difference in the two are

[Eloquentia in reply to Ramenbowl]

Hi! I was and am taking the one with vitamin D added but in terms of probiotics content, they are exactly the same, so you can get the probiotic-only one

[Ramenbowl in reply to Eloquentia]

That's great to know. Thank you again x

[Gempuddleduck]

Hiya, we also we through 4 years ttc and numerous egg collections with nothing to freeze. We moved to donor eggs and our first FET worked and we now have a one year old little boy. Our second FET has just worked too and I’m 7 weeks pregnant at the moment. Hopefully you’ll be the same. My biggest piece of advice is acupuncture which you’re already doing and to rest for 2 days after transfer but with short walks to keep the blood flowing. Wishing you so much love and luck! Xx

[Ramenbowl in reply to Gempuddleduck]

That's amazing to hear! Fingers crossed I am as blessed as you. It has been a long journey and staying positive is what I'm trying to do but there are days where I just feel down about it all. I want to wish you all the best in your pregnancy. You have made me smile with your lovely story and gives me hope. Thanks for your lovely words xx