Success with low odds

[CocoDisney]

Morning all,

So I haven’t posted in a long while now, but as I’m sure you are all aware, this journey can be a long & difficult one, and each journey is completely unique.

I’ve been wary of upsetting anyone, so apologies in advance if this post is painful for anyone to read. If anything, I’m hoping my story can give people some hope, when the odds aren’t in their favour.

So just a quick recap, as it’s been a while now since I’ve posted. So I have just turned 43 very recently. Last year I was told my egg count is very low, along with low AMH. We were told our odds of falling pregnant naturally were slim to none (although they can’t say impossible, as there’s always a chance) Chances of IVF working with my own eggs was 1-5%, and using donor eggs was advised in our particular case.

I am now just over 20 weeks pregnant (using my own egg!) and had my 20 week anatomy scan yesterday. All is looking good so far 👍😊

So it was cycle 3 that was successful for us. We had 2 eggs retrieved on this cycle, and only 1 of those eggs fertilised. And yet here we are!

I’ve read many posts over the past few months, and am aware everyone has such a unique and often extremely difficult journey. I realise there are both success stories and unfortunately unsuccessful stories. I am also aware my partner and I are fortunate to be in the situation we currently find ourselves in (though it hasn’t been without its struggles) I hope telling my story isn’t too upsetting for people, and that instead it can bring some hope to those who have been given the same/similar odds as we were X

[Loveelou]

Congratulations! I love stories of women in their 40s having success. Wish you all the best for the rest of the pregnancy.

[Crazycatlady007]

this is amazing news!!!! Congratulations I am so so pleased it worked out for you! Wishing you all the best for a happy and healthy pregnancy ♥️

[MBean0813]

Congratulations on your pregnancy <3

[Dietcoke2025]

Congratulations on your pregnancy that is amazing news and so lovely to see a story with a happy ever after x

[Always_hope_andpray]

Congratulations, thank you for sharing with us, stories like this gives us hope. Hope all goes well for you.x

[Swimming87]

Thank you for sharing 🙏 this is lovely to read! congratulations and I hope all goes well 💞💞

[ElianaandOrsmum]

definitely the sort of stories I have been looking for. You success reminds me there is hope. Congratulations mum-to-be!

[Ahaly]

Hearty congratulations ❤️💐

[Pmawarrior]

Wow ! Firstly huge congrats. This is what i like to hear. I have judt turned 40 and starting my fsh injections this week. I am really positive but also a realistm i dont wnat to think to far ahead but sometines finding myself doing just that and have to stop myself. One step at a time. X

Congrats again.

[Mallorca89]

Ah congratulations! We have spoke before 😊 I am so glad to hear your lovely news. I am 35 with low AMH and also got told our chances of IVF working were below 10% and I am now 28 weeks pregnant after only retrieving one egg , also hoping my story can give people some hope. Good luck in the rest of your journey xx

[Pineappletree]

Congratulations! So happy to hear your story but yes, a bit sad that it hasn't happened to me yet. Your story gives me hopes, so thank you! 💕 I turned 40 in Aug last year and will try another fresh IVF cycle in March. I have been on this journey for 2.5years and I think the most difficult bit for me is how to cope with anxieties after the transfer, the two weeks waiting and etc. How did you cope with it? Was it ok for you. Anyway, take a good care of yourself, mom to be. All the best to you for the rest of pregnancy! 💖

[CocoDisney in reply to Pineappletree]

Hi there Pineappletree,

If I’m being honest, I think sticking to my usual daily routine and keeping busy within that 2 week wait helped. By the 3rd cycle (which was successful) I tried not to focus purely on the ‘pregnancy test 2 week waiting game,’ and instead tried to focus on other things, and keep busy. Meet with friends, read a book, bake, or do whatever you like to do in your down time. Easier said than done I know! I think after having 2 unsuccessful rounds, I just tried to accept that it was now out of my hands, and worrying wouldn’t change the outcome. Nothing I did or didn’t do would change that test result on day 14. That helped me relax a little at least.

If we are all honest with ourselves, the 2 week wait is full of worry, fear, anxiety, hope, and many other mixed emotions. And unfortunately we just have to ride it out & accept it for what it is.

One thing I did keep telling myself was, expect the worst, but hope for the best. That’s all we can do.

Sorry if this isn’t much help, but I can only be honest about my own particular experience I’m afraid.

All the best to you on your own journey. And just remember if you’re trying, there is always hope X

[Pineappletree in reply to CocoDisney]

This is very helpful and I can't agree more with what you said here. Thanks so much. Enjoy your pregnancy and wish you all the best ❤️.

[Nicccc]

oh this made me well up! Congratulations!!! This is lovely news! It is so nice to hear of success x x x x x

[GemWB]

Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your story. For me personally who hasn't had my success yet, it definitely gives me some hope ❤️

[Positivechangeplease]

congratulations! Especially on joining the successful over 40s club! 🙌

[Clare_17]

Congratulations. So good to hear. Gives me hope. Sending my best for the rest of the pregnancy xx

[BelovedofGod]

Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am so happy for you.💃🏿I turned 43 last month too. I'm going for my 3rd FET this week with DE. Am hopeful and praying for a successful outcome.

[JellyPenguin]

so pleased for you! Are you able to share anything that you did or tried before or during this cycle that you think may have helped you? What was your treatment plan? I’ve had a very different journey but I’m intrigued for my friend who has also been told a 5% or less chance with her own eggs due to low AMH. She’s almost 40. Thanks x

[CocoDisney in reply to JellyPenguin]

Oh I think I might have just accidentally deleted my reply to your msg??? 🤦🏼‍♀️

[CarlsAreUs]

So so pleased for you! And just the sort of lovely stoty we need to see. Make sure to after yourself! Can I ask did you do anything different this round? Xx

[CocoDisney in reply to CarlsAreUs]

Hi CarlsAreUa,

Sorry, but I didn’t do anything differently during the 3rd cycle compared to our previous 2 attempts.

My 2 week wait symptoms/or lack of during both cycle 2 and cycle 3 were extremely similar, and yet our 3rd round was successful.

Sorry, again I feel like this isn’t very helpful at all, but all I can do is be honest about my own experience.

All the best on your journey x

[CarlsAreUs in reply to CocoDisney]

Don’t be silly, you don’t have to apologise! Always just good to know if it was a change that had worked.

It’s lovely to hear and gives you positivity moving forward doesn’t it. My first didn’t work and trying again soon so 🤞🏼🤞🏼

So happy for you again and thanks for sharing such a positive story ❤️❤️ x

[St10aax]

That's such wonderful news for you. A massive congratulations xx

Do you mind if I ask a few questions. I'm 32 but my AMH is 4.6, I have served endometriosis that comes back as stage 4 about 18 months after each surgery (do you have anything like this or was your chances based on low AMH? We have now been told 5%). We did 2 cycles with my own eggs, first one was abandoned due to shrinking and disappearing follicles (apparently can be linked to low AMH) and the second one they only managed to collect 2 mature eggs, only one fertilised normally, got to day 3 but never made it to day 5. Though a morale (not sure spelling) was transferred but unfortunately didn't stick.

We been advised donor eggs will give us the best chance but reading stories like this I wonder if the 3rd go with my eggs worth it. It all so hard and lots of unknowns.

[CocoDisney in reply to St10aax]

Hi St10aax,

My chances of success were based purely on my age, having a low egg count, and a low AMH level. Hence why donor eggs were suggested in our particular case for a higher chance of success. Internally, my body was fit, healthy and able to carry.

If it helps at all, our 1st round, we didn’t even make it to egg retrieval, as my follicles hadn’t developed as they should, and therefore it was under medical advice we should discontinue the cycle. Our 2nd cycle only 1 egg was retrieved and fertilised. However, in our case the transfer was carried out only 2 days after egg retrieval, which is perhaps unusual, as I understand it’s usually between 3-5 days? As I’ve mentioned to someone else who asked, the explanation we were given, was that with only 1 egg retrieved, it’s better in than out, so why delay?! The same approach was taken with our 3rd successful round, with only 2 eggs retrieved, and 1 of those fertilised.

If you feel emotionally, mentally, physically and financially able to cope with a 3rd attempt, I would say go for it. One thing my partner & I always said was, if we go in, we have to be all in. We wanted to be able to look back and know we did all we could, with the time and means we had available to us at the time. Again, I realise everyone’s circumstances are completely different, and therefore no 2 stories are alike. Ultimately it’s down to what you and your partner (if u have one) decide what is best for you.

All the best to you on your journey x

[CocoDisney]

*sorry it was meant to say the fertilised egg was better in than out! 🤦🏼‍♀️😆

[CocoDisney in reply to CocoDisney]

Oh sorry, and Gonal F as well as Menopur and Fyremadel

[St10aax]

Thanks for replying that all sounds way too similar, it crazy but as you say you never know. It's hard when the specialists say 5%. We have picked a donor and now I'm wondering if we jumped the gun.

[Nes1005]

really love this post, and congratulations on your pregnancy. It really does just take one good egg, or golden egg as my Cypriot co-ordinator called it. Wishing you all the best for you and your little growing bean❤️❤️❤️