The Trials and Tribulations of Trying to Conceive when its just not happening (12m+)

Skint_Catt

Just had a look at my local hospital's layout - I've been invited to Imaging which is on a different floor to Ante-natal & pregnancy scans so I'm going to feel a lot happier now. Does anyone know what they are looking for in a primary investigation pelvic scan?
CD47 for me - no ov detected yet & no AF either

Rowingirl

Hey Skint_Catt. Are you having an ultrasound? During my scan the radiographer checked my ovaries (size, volume, any visible cysts), womb lining and for any visible abnormalities. Was quick & painless plus didn't need a full bladder as it was transvaginal (sorry if tmi).

Hugs tea & part mouse. No advice just hugs & sending virtual brownies.

Good luck with your IVF cycle Derby.

Skint_Catt

Rowingirl wrote: »

Hey Skint_Catt. Are you having an ultrasound? During my scan the radiographer checked my ovaries (size, volume, any visible cysts), womb lining and for any visible abnormalities. Was quick & painless plus didn't need a full bladder as it was transvaginal (sorry if tmi).

Hugs tea & part mouse. No advice just hugs & sending virtual brownies.

Good luck with your IVF cycle Derby.

I'm not sure! I've been asked to go with a full bladder, so guess might not be transvaginal. I guessed, maybe cysts although I don't understand how they can affect fertility - I haven't really got my head round all this & that I'm actually having problems.:o

bigzippy

Skint_Catt wrote: »

Just had a look at my local hospital's layout - I've been invited to Imaging which is on a different floor to Ante-natal & pregnancy scans so I'm going to feel a lot happier now. Does anyone know what they are looking for in a primary investigation pelvic scan?
CD47 for me - no ov detected yet & no AF either

They look for everything normal/abnormal usually. I know that sounds vague but womb shape/shape/lining/thickness/no polyps/fibroids/obvious endometriosis (they don't all necessarily show on a scan but can give a good indication usually), normal looking ovaries without cysts etc. It might be that they start you with an abdominal scan and if they can't get a clear enough view, get you to have a pee and do it internally - just so you're prepared for the possibility In some ways it's nicer/more comfortable internally, cos pressing down in a full bladder isn't fun! And they're usually very discrete when they do an internal one.

Code, I forgot to say, don't worry about this (potential?) new condition diagnosis affecting what the FS will offer in terms of assisted conception. They didn't care in the least with my long list of conditions, the symptoms of some of which include the type of pain you seem to be experiencing in your face (you have my sympathies). The outright "no" for painkillers in pregnancy is antiinflammatories, because they affect the babies lung development, but I've been ok'ed codeine so far and if I needed it tramadol would be permitted. They don't like you to have these if you breastfeed and it's my understanding they prefer opiates not be taken near the end of pregnancy so the baby doesn't end up drowsy/hooked. Everything in moderation and with appropriate monitoring, basically. Hope that puts your mind at ease, somewhat?

Good luck with your new plan of attack Derby!

*relurks once more*

codemonkey

bigzippy wrote: »

Code, I forgot to say, don't worry about this (potential?) new condition diagnosis affecting what the FS will offer in terms of assisted conception. They didn't care in the least with my long list of conditions, the symptoms of some of which include the type of pain you seem to be experiencing in your face (you have my sympathies). The outright "no" for painkillers in pregnancy is antiinflammatories, because they affect the babies lung development, but I've been ok'ed codeine so far and if I needed it tramadol would be permitted. They don't like you to have these if you breastfeed and it's my understanding they prefer opiates not be taken near the end of pregnancy so the baby doesn't end up drowsy/hooked. Everything in moderation and with appropriate monitoring, basically. Hope that puts your mind at ease, somewhat?


*relurks once more*

Thank you so much. That's the first straight answer I've had so far!!

Rowingirl

Skint_Catt wrote: »

I'm not sure! I've been asked to go with a full bladder, so guess might not be transvaginal. I guessed, maybe cysts although I don't understand how they can affect fertility - I haven't really got my head round all this & that I'm actually having problems.:o

As Bigzippy said they look for abnormalities in your womb & ovaries. Cysts surrounding your ovaries can indicate PCOS. Not everything they find is a cause for concern. I remember how surreal it felt having a scan to look for problems as TTCing was supposed to be easy.

Skint_Catt

Thanks guys I don't really know whether I want them to find something or not? Maybe yes at this stage as at least I'd have an answer/possible treatment/ get it fixed, if that makes sense? The longer it goes on, the more opportunities I miss, the less likely it is that DD will get a sibling. I'm not sure how I would take a diagnosis of 'thats the way it just is'. Does that make any sense?!

time2deal

skintt_catt - I think its a case of the grass is always greener. I wish there wasn't something wrong with me, but in a way it makes the path a bit clearer. But it would be nice to believe there really was a chance to do it the old fashioned way. Not that we don't keep trying!

I'm really nervous about my IVF appointment tomorrow too. You'd think I would be fine with these things, but it's feels like the NHS will be more judgemental, and less invested in things working out for me!

DH probably can't come with me. There are good reasons, plus he knows the drill and I can even bring his SA. Do you think that is a problem? He would come if I really want him to, but he is working nights and it's hard for him to be there for a 9am appointment with nights before and after.

Also, did anyone watch the BBC 4 show on indian surrogacy? I'm not sure what I think about it...

time2deal

IVF/ICSI/FET cycles currently ongoing.

Derby2: Start down-regging on 20th (?) October.

Team TTC info

• Angeltreats TTC#1 since 08/12, NTNP for at least a year before that. 33 OH 33. Investigation so far: Scan & 21 day bloods for me, all ok. OH has low sperm count & low motility. Next step: waiting to see GP hopefully for FS referral.
• bigmomma051204 TTC#2 since 01/12. PCOS. One ovary due to childhood issue. Overweight, but regular 28 day cycle.
• Chickpea 40. TTC#2 since 09/09. Low AMH. 12 cycles Clomid BFN, 6 cycles ovulation induction (Gonal F + Ovitrelle) BFN. Natural BFP 06/13, MMC 08/13.
• codemonkey TTC#1 since Oct 2010. 33, DH 31. Possible problems on both sides, just started investigations into why it's taking so long.
• cwtw Ttc #1 since Jan 12, me 31 OH 32. Me: PCO normal weight and symptomless except bleeding too often; some anovulatory cycles. OH normal everything. Next Step: On inositol, first fs appt Sept 13 eek.
• Derby2 TTC#1 since 09/08. 34, DH 34. Stupidly low AMH, DH fine. Miracle BFP ended in m/c 01/13. 6 rounds clomid, 4 IUI. Next step start down-regging on 20th October.
• Elsie37 TTC#1 since 02/12. 31. Next step: FS appointment 29 July
• emmaj30 37. DH 43. Im am awaiting my laprscopy and dye test which should come through very soon. Have had various blood tests which seem fine and a scan which came back normal.. If all clear in laprscopy will be put on IVF waiting list .
• Fairy Dust TTC#1 since 2006 (well NTNP for the first year). DH 38 Me 38. Unexplained infertility. All tests normal (strange how you hope that they find something wrong that they can "fix"). Failed IVF 1st cycle August 2013. Next Step Booked in for 2nd cycle Feb 2014.
• Fannyanna TTC#1 since 05/11. 28. DH 25. PCOS. Primary infertility (not ovulating). Overweight - losing to get Clomid. Next step:Awaiting AF for HSG.
• Floaty TTC#1 01/09. 33. DH 38. No obvious fertility issues from GP tests, slightly low SA. Next step:1st FS appointment 19 Aug.
• FrozenPenguin TTC#1 since Dec 2011. 30, DH 35, Me: mild PCOS, irregular cycles and irregular ovulation. DH: low SA in all 3 areas (count, morphology and motility) and a varicocele. Currently on our fifth cycle of Clomid with the next step being IVF at the end of the year.
• goodvibes TTC#1 since 04/12. 36 OH 38. Investigation so far. Me no problems OH low sperm count. Next step: Current on 3 cycles of clomid on 3/3 BFN. Next appointment early Oct.
• lisawood78 TTC # 1 since 2003, I'm 35 hubby 38. Hubby no issues. No fallopian tubes due to ectopic pregnancies caused by severe adhesions. 9 Failed IVF/ICSI/FET cycles. Surrogacy consultation on October 4th
• Littleme82: TTC 06.09.12 when coil removed. Regular cycles 26-30. Blood tests show low progesterone. Scan all ok. DP SA all fine. 3 clomid cycles unsuccessful. Next Step Now waiting for specialist referral.
• lucyloo77 TTC#1 since 07/2011. 35, OH is 41. OH has low SA/motility, me no known issues. 1x unsuccessful IVF/ICSI in May 2013. Next step:About to start IVF/ICSI #2 at beginning of August 2013 (eek!).
• MrsDavo TTC#1 (together) since 01/2011. 25, OH : 35. I have 6yr old girl, he has 4yr old girl both from different relationships. MMC April 2012. Diagnosed PCOS Dec 2012 - i ovulate on my own maybe twice a year! Male slightly low. Next step: 1st Round - Clomid 50g - No Ov.
  2nd Round - Clomid 100g - CD21 blood test on 24/9.
• onestep TTC#2 (dd 9) we've stopped actively ttc now, & are investigating adoption. Waiting to be assigned a SW
• Part Mouse TTC#1 since 2009. 29 DH 36. PCOS, blocked right tube, no ov. Male problems as well. No response to tamoxafin. Currently injecting Menpur to stimulate ovulation.
• Peonie TTC #1 since 08/10. 34, DH 37. Severe endo. 1 MC 06/12.Next step: IVF.
• Purcy81 TTC#1 since 09/12 aged 32 DH aged 32. 2MC (Oct 12 & Jun 13) Irregular and long cycles with late OV and short LP (managed to get it to 10 days now with AC and Vit B6). Other than this no known problems on either side. Next steps Just keep trying, both MC have been confirmed by the doctor but no medical help or even testing will be forthcoming as we can get pregnant and they only test after 3MC as having 2 is "probably just bad luck"
• Picklekin TTC #1 since July 2012. 35, DH35. No problems found on either side. Have had bloods, HSG and SA. On 4th cycle of Clomid, even though I was seen to ovulate it without it.
• Primmer TTC#1 since 2009. 39, DH 48. Unexplained infertility. Unsuccessful IVF treatment. Considering adoption but still hoping for a miracle.
• Rowingirl TTC#1 since March 2011. 30, OH 37. Regular cycles, no chronic illnesses, blood tests, SA, HSG & hysterscopy all came back normal. GP diagnosed unexplained infertility and applied to CCG for fertility funding. Next step: NHS funding approved. Waiting for 1st appointment at the fertility clinic.
• Sewit TTC #1 Oct 2011. Me - 35, DH 38. Unexplained Infertility. AMH 4. 1st IVF 8 eggs, 4 fertilised, 2x2dt -BFN Stepping away from TTC until Jan 2014.
• skint_catt TTC#2. (DD aged 2). Weve been trying for 12 months & hubby is 42 & I am 36.
• Skaps So far have had my blood tests, OH has had his tests which have come back fine. Had an ultrasound and they think they found a polyps so am going to have a hysteroscopy to check and remove it if its there. Skaps do you want to put something else/more info?
• Smookle TTC for approx 18 months. Aged 27. DH 29. Had laproscopy and diagnosed with moderate Endo and adhesions. All allegedly fixed and fine but still not pregnant. Regular, short cycles, ovulating 2 out of 3 times. Next step - Start IUI in November/December if still not pregnant.
• teaandcupcakeordeath TTC #1 since 04/2011. Me (30). BMI 31. Unicornuate Uterus, PCOS, Mild Endo. Irregular cycles. Elevated Prolactin. DH (30) Poor SA results (count, motility and morphology). Next Step: Slowly going mad. Awaiting Brain MRI results to check for benign tumour. 2 cycles of NHS IVF with ICSI approved when results are in and BMI at target.
• Tea Lover TTC#1 since 2009. Me - 34, endo, pcos. OH - 41, v poor SA results (count, motility, morphology). Clomid - didn't do much. One ICSI cycle - BFP then early m/c. Next step: considering egg sharing cycle in September
• theonlywayisup TTC#1 since feb 12. Me (29) pcos, long irregular cycles. OH (30) awaiting results of SA. Also awaiting fs appointment and results of possible partial molar pregnancy.
• time2deal TTC#1 since 10/11. 37. DH 376. Low AMH, Low SA - but ovulating fine. Overweight (29 BMI). Cervical cancer 12/12 (remission 03/13). IVF 01/13 9 frozen embryos. AF problems since cancer treatment. Next step: Who knows. Possible small operation as retaining blood in the uterus so clinic won't attempt IVF. First NHS IVF appointment on 2/10/2013 to move to if/when cash runs out.
• Whattodonow TTC#1 for for over 2 years. 32, Had all scans - OK, OH has supersperm, I have around 11 AMH, so not great. Three rounds of clomid - totally eff-ed up my cycle and effected my eyesight, so didn't complete 4th round. Next step Awaiting consultant appointment to begin IVF treatment
  
• Wonder Woman TTC#1 for approx. 1 year. Me: 27, no known problems, DH: 34, problem with vas deferens. Have had bloods and initial consults. Next step 1st IVF app. 9.9.13

Graduates:

SexKitten. 26-08-2013. Cautiously optimistic! IVF cycle
mrsHappy :jBFP 22 September. :j
History: I am 40, OH is 49. TTC since March 2011. I have a 16 year old son from a previous relationship. OH is a Cystic Fybrosis carrier, which had led to him not having any vas deferens, so although he produces sperm it has nowhere to go. We have had private treatment at Glasgow Nuffield, no NHS funding at all as I have the teenager. OH had PESA so we have sperm in the freezer. Unsuccessful ICSI Feb 13. donor egg ICSI cycle now. Next Step ET Sat 14/09

vseviour :jBFP 23 September. :j
History: TTC#1 since 04/2011. 30, DH 28. I have irregular cycle, he has poor count, motility, etc. Both overweight. Lost 4 stone to get BMI to 30, 6 month of Clomid no joy, just been for Prostap jab, Next step: 22nd Aug and having ICSI at end of Aug.

Part_Mouse

T2d wishing you well for today.