IVF at Nuffield Brentwood (Essex)

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Hi Clarins
Sorry not been on line for a while, just thought id give you an update on my visit to nuffield last week. We ended up meeting with Grace, the nurse. She is fantastic really thorough, she went through the entire treatment from start to finish in full detail. I felt so much better once I left. So im all ready to start treatment in a few weeks. Just about to order my medication. Im very nervous about the injections but hey it has to be done. I must admit i feel much happier now Ive met with Grace (for 2 hrs!!) both myself and my partner came away feeling more relaxed that we knew the whole process. She told me not to worry about my period being early, said it was normal for the DHEA. TIP: I would if you can book in to see Grace when you are ready to chat through everything. Anyway I just wanted to wish you luck with your appointment with dr Haloob tomorrow. let me know how you get on. Wish you luck.

Fiona - same here, how are you getting on? I hope all is going well with your treatment.

take Care
x
 
Monkey78, so very pleased for you that your feeling happier and positive and thanks for the tip on seeing Grace !
I am going to mention that this evening then if they say "you will be meeting with the nurse next week"
Good luck in the next few weeks - will be thinking about you and look forward to the updates.

I can't wait to get there tonight ! Roll on this evening with Mr Haloob

x
 
Hi Both - I'm so sorry I have been off line for a few days, although it was great to come back and read all your messages, everything is just getting started for all of us and it's so exciting!
Hi Monkey - Grace is lovely isn't she? Like you, we sat with her for two hours when we first met and she's very patient with the information she gives you - please don't be worried about the injections, they don't hurt honest! you soon get used to them. Pinch the skin and numb the area with an ice cube first, you'll be a dab hand at it after a few go's! I was very teary and emotional at the beginning of the process (especially after I had the injection in my bum cheek to stop ovulating!) but since I started taking those injections of Menopur I feel buzzy - like I'm high all the time. A good feeling though so I'm not complaining. Remember to drink lots of milk (full fat or half fat) while you are on the menopur - and lots and lots of water. I have at least 3 litres a day of water and 4 big glasses of milk.

Clarins! How are you? I have been taking the injections now since last monday and had my first scan today to let me know whether my body is responding to the menopur and creating soem follicles. They counted 12 today, which is good, although they did tell me that it doens't mean I have a higher chance of the eggs fertilising, it all depends on the quality and what they actually find when they operate. The follicals could have 1 egg in that's rubbish quality, or 3 that are great, so there is no chance of knowing either way. But staying positive (what else can you do?). All being well, I'm going to have the eggs taken out on the 13th or 14th February, by Mr Haloob, then put back in a few days later. At least it will be over with fairly quickly one way or the other - I think this process makes you quite tough doesn't it? If you can go through fertility issues you can cope with anything!

How did you get on today? Everything crossed for you that it was a positive appointment! x
 
Good Morning ladies.

Blimey FionaJames your not joking when you said previously it all happens so quickly.

Firstly FionaJames I am wishing you loads of luck hun and hoping next week you have all the good quality eggs for you to continue with a massive positive result. Do keep us posted though. Especially with how you are coping with the injection etc.

So I went to see Mr Haloob yesterday. He is good, bless him. Wish I had his calmness.
He asked all the usual questions how are my periods etc and he has now referred us to IVF.
Basically I am meeting with Grace on Thursday morning !! I can't believe how quick it's all happened but as my period is due shortly the timing has worked to our advantage to get things going now.
He has requested that I continue with my DHEA's, folic acid and Vitamins.
Just faxed through my medication order to the main clinic and waiting for the call/delivery details. Meeting with Grace on Thursday and then start the medication next week. From what Mr Haloob says I will know every detail after seeing Grace and I am so happy you both praised Grace !

I feel so nervous about it all.
Not sure if either of you saw "This Morning" they were filming at a maternity clinic in Fife, Scotland.......but saying that every advert is about pregnancy or babies!

Monkey 78 looks like I am just behind you with the stages that you are at too.

Ladies I am wishing you both loads of luck.

I feel really excited / nervous about the whole thing. My partner keeps telling me to be sensible about it but you can't help get your hopes up and get so excited can you.

xx
 
That's great news! I am so excited for you! Next week - wow! That is fantastic - I know what you mean about trying to stay sensible, I keep saying to everyone (who knows) 'it won't work but that's ok because the first go is like a trial run'. I seem to be keeping everyone elses hopes down but inside I'm really secretly excited!

Just one other thing - when I first started the process (after I'd seen grace) she gave me a scan to see whether I was ready to start the medication (and gave me an oestridil blood test). They came back and showed that I had to wait another few weeks to start and for some reason this really upset me. I started crying in her office. The shame.. anyway, now I look back I can see that I'd got myself so mentally prepared for starting straight away that having that small wait was a real blow. Just preparing you in case you get a bit flakey like I did! Now i'm on the injections though I feel good - settled and relaxed. Drinking milk and water like it's going out of fashion! (insisting on organic milk too as I read somewhere that the drugs they put in the normal milk are no good for fertility!)

Just think - you could be pregnant in 6 weeks time! I'm keeping everything crossed for you - for all three of us!

Fiona x
 
Hi Fiona

How you getting on - how far you gone with your medication / scans ?
Hope it's all going well for you and look forward to an update

So far this week as been good but now the excitment is going and now nervous !

Saw Grace this morning and went through everything we needed. I am feeling so nervous about the whole thing especially the injections.
So still due to start my injection/tablets next week if everything goes to plan.

Had 2 further blood tests this week. 1 first one came back fine and they are doing another this morning for a full blood test and my blood group too.

Can I ask how much water / milk you drinking. She suggested at least 2 litres of water and another of milk as well as normal tea/juices but I only drink water if I am honest so not sure how much to drink. I might check.

When they do the transfer that's a early start isn't it !

Bought myself a little folder today and going to type everything up and get everything in place. Also thought it would be a great keep sake should it work !

Hope things are going well for you both

x
 
Fiona - I need your advise with regards to the drinking water / milk do you do the day you start the injections ? It wasn't mentioned to me ?
Sorry hope things are going well

x
 
Hi - I am sitting at my desk with a massive jug of water right now! I was told by Grace to drink at least 2 litres of water and at least 2 large cups of milk, but I drink more than than that (on the advice of a colleague who has had ivf - first time success for her too - so following her advice). I have a bowl of cereal in the morning with loads of milk, then a large glass at lunchtime, then another large glass when I get in from work, and a hot chocolate made with milk before bed time. So - all in all - 4 large glasses of milk a day. I think I must drink about 3 litres of water a day too. I bought a litre bottle of water and have nearly drunk 2 of those already today, just sipped them though throughout the day, then tonight I'll have diluted orange juice all night (maybe around 2 pints of those).
Yes - what an early start - I have to be there at 5.45 on the 13th Feb for egg collection. SO glad they put you to virtually to sleep as I've heard some people are awake and just a little numbed. Grace said that most people snore when they're having their eggs taken out...so at least it sounds relaxing!
 
I meant to say - I have an ivf folder too - I 'borrowed' some clear folders from work and put those sticky labels on them (one for receipts, one for my bloods, one for hubby's bloods etc). I'm trying to write down everything we pay out for too - so I have a sheet in there of running costs, and jot down every time we shell out for yet another blood test! You're right - it would be a great reminder for when/if it works!
 
Oh sorry - another thing - you start the water and milk on the day of the injections, but Grace told me that starting it early wouldn't do any harm. x
 
Hello Fiona - so pleased you have emailed - I am getting really anxious about it all and haven't even started yet.

So definatley start with the water and milk then the day I start my injections (second day of period)

I have already called Grace today as was worried I didn't take the correct notes down about the injections.
Feel I am loosing my mind

Also with regards to your menapur are you doing them after 6pm at night ?

My god 13th !!!!! That's amazing ! I will be thinking of you and fingers will be crossed !
How you feeling about it ??

How many scans you had in total - 3 ?

xx
 
Hi - I started drinking lots of water and milk the day of the injections too - I also do my injections between 7 and 8 (I get in from work and put on my comfy clothes first so that I can sit on the settee for 10 mins afterwards).

I know exactly how you feel about being anxious - I was the same - I left all the making up of the injection to my hubby because I was so worried about getting it right. I numb the area first with an ice cube - rub it over the area for a good minute or so. I also had to get him to push the injection down if that makes sense. So, I pushed it into my skin and he pushed it down as I coudlnt' hold it and push it down the same time. Sounds odd but you'll know what I mean when you do it! I then rub it all over with the alcoholic wipe - sort of massage that area for a few seconds. I absolutely promise that you get so used to it. Now I don't even give it a thought really - it seems so much to take in but you get the hang of everything so quickly. I have had about 7 scans all in all - had three this week alone (one monday am, one tuesday, one today). Then a blood test after each one. I only had to pay for the blood tests though as these scans are included in the price. I had to get each one for the earliest time (9am) so I could go to work afterwards. I went in today with a big pad and pen so I could write everything down ready for Monday. Mr Haloob is taking the eggs out on Monday - I've never met him so I think that's making me scared! xx going to drink a large glass of water now...
 
Thanks so much for coming back to me ! I just emailed my partner and said I feel like crying.
I am getting in a state before it's even started but I need to chill out a bit before I go insane.

Totally understand where you are coming from and already said to him that he needs to do the injections for me.
Thank you so much for saying that and you have really helped me out.

I think it's amazing what you are doing on Monday ! Mr Haloob is lovely. He is so calm and chilled. Everytime I see him I am so nervous and he must think I am nuts.
I am so keeping everything crossed for you.

So you are on somethimg simular to me Dexamethasone tablets and mennopur ?
Then you do the further Cetrotide when instucted or have you been instructed on this already?
Sorry to keep asking you loads of questions.

I dont know anyone who has been through this so your my only IVF friend !

x

keep drinking girl :)
 
PS - My partner just called and said if I dont chill out he wont help with the injections so going to chill out a bit !
Sorry if I went on

Good luck this weekend/Monday
 
I was exactly the same so I know what you mean about phoning him and saying you feel lile crying. I have been trying to stay calm and chilled but keep getting teary (and I really don't think the tablets or injections have affected my mood swings, just going through this - it's very up and down - good job it's over quickly!). I'm on DHEA tablets (three times a day) and the menopur.

I haven't had to inject the other daily injection that stops you ovulatating though, because they did one injection in my bum cheek that stays in your body for about a month. I'm not taking the tablets you mentioned - maybe the DHEA ones I'm taking are similar to your ones, but not sure? I didn't have to do anything else until the last scan today - they told me to take the last menopur injection tonight and then tomorrow night just do the Ovitrelle injection (the last burst of hormones). Nothing at all on Sunday though. After I have the eggs taken out I start using the cetrotide gel - I start that on the Monday night. So all I have had to do is take the menopur and the DHEA injections, which have been ok so far. I was so confused when I got all the medication - it really is so much to take in and keep on top of - but basically you just have to do the meopure and the tablets until the egg collection date (unless you are doing the other injectiosn to stop you ovulating as well) - Grace will then tell you when to take the cetritide and she goes through it all again. I've heard the cetrotide gel is terrible - comes out of you all day! p.s. Someone at work has nicked all my milk so it's back to boring water! (I wouldn't mind, but I sit right next to the fridge - the cheek of it!) :) x
 
Good job it wasn't my milk with the way I am feeling now - I would have gone potty!
Get back on the water :)

Thanks so much again for your quick reply. Well I am on the DHEA's too. Looks like I am on another tablet etc than you (Dexamethasone). Taking 1 tablet 3 times a day.
Pleased you said it's all a bit confusing at first - I thought it was just me.

Oh this will make you laugh my medication turned up at work on Wednesday and I didn't know Ovitrelle needed to be kept in the fridge so I put the whole box in the fridge at work not realising there was a ice pack in the box ! I told everyone at work not to touch it....ha !

I will let you go but hope it goes well on Monday - have a great weekend x

Starting to chill out
 
Hi Fiona/clarins

Ive been out of the loop for a few days, it was the 1yr anniversary of my dad passing, so its been another emotional week. Feeling a bit better today.

Firstly Fiona - I just want to wish you all the luck in the world for tomorrow. I really hope all goes well for you. Im keeping everything crossed for you and your hubby. and p.s thanks for the tip on organic milk, im going to go and purchase some in the morning.

I have already started drinking loads of milk, ive been drinking pretty much the same as you, and I dont even start my injections until this/next week (waiting for AF!!) Am going to try and up my water intake as of tomorrow, I normally try and drink 1 litre a day.

Hi Clarins - Hope you are ok, I too received all my medication on Friday, i went through it all properly today and made loads of notes. Sounds like we are on the same medication. I am currently on DHEA x3 per day, with vitamins. I start with menopur injections, and also Dexamethalone x2 per day. Then next injection around day 7 will be cetrotide. And then the Ovritrelle (the one in the fridge) 36hrs before egg collection. Finally Prontogest (progesterone) start that on night of egg collection.

I feel exactly the same as you, really nervous about the whole thing. I am trying to relax as much as possible at the mo, so taking the time to read up on all my notes as much beforehand. My partner is going to do the injections for me, but he hates needles more than I do, so I really dont know how we are going to get on!! And also because of his job, we may have to do ours in the morning, which isnt so ideal.

Its really nice having you two ladies to chat to, at least we can all ask each other questions. Can i ask - are you on low carb diet? Dr haloob told us to cut out bread, pasta, potatoes etc. So last year, I took it to the limit and we cut out pretty much everything, I was pretty full on with it, probably a bit too much. So this time, yeah we are still doing that but not quite as severe. Even having a small glass of wine at wknds!! I was reading on another forum (which i must say is far more complicated than this one!) that many girls are confused about how much time to take off work. Well the way I look at it is, we are spending so much money on such an important thing, that I am probably going to take 2weeks off after to recuperate and relax as much as possible. Do you agree?

Anyway i best go as i could talk all night on this. Good luck Clarins with your first injections.

GOOOOD LUCK FIONA. keep in touch Ladies and look after yourselves.
p.s Anyone had dandelion coffee before? i brought some ystday as I really miss my coffee, but its YUK, VILE !!! gonna give it one last try now......

xxx:hug:
 
- p.s in case you havent already been told, a hot water bottle after egg transplant helps the embryos in the womb. Im just looking on amazon now to order a nice furry one!!
 
Morning ladies

Fiona - good luck today! Thinking of you ! Hopefully you can update us when your ready.
Lots of rest for you this week

Monkey - I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. Sure he is looking down on you - keeping you safe :)
Hope your feeling okay.

Your right we are on simular medication I am currently on DHEA x3 per day too, with vitamins. I start with menopur injections, and also Dexamethalone x 3 times a day for the first week and then cut it down to 2 times a day on the second week. Not sure why but not going to argue with Grace the pro

Still been really nervous about everything this weekend but going to have to switch off in the evening because it's going over and over in my head.
My partner will have to do my injectins too on the tummy. I am fecking out about them too so just want them over with but hoping that Fiona is right and after the first one they get easier !
Does it matter if you do the injections in the morning then ? I know we need to do them the same time each evening if we can.

Yes Dr Haloob also mentioned to me about my less carbs and to be honest I do eat a lot of fish / chicken with veg so just going to make sure I continue with that especially after AF has arrived.
The milk I am dreading so might do that at home rather than work and keep going with the water.

ha - how is the dandelion coffee - any easier ? I have been on the decaf at work. Let me know if it gets any easier. Is that just a drink to have instead of coffee or have you heard it's good for you ?

With regards to having time off work I am not sure yet. Work isn't a problem and if it was I would just call in sick until I felt ready. I totally agree we need to do what we think is best because this is a massive important time as well as expensive !
I reckon I will be having a few days off but might just see how I feel. I didn't ask that question when I saw Grace. Did she say 2 week to you?

I have just ordered a hot water bottle - thank you for your tip as wasn't aware of that ! Do anything for this to work !

Love and luck to both xxx
 
Hiya
thought id just log in at work and saw your response Clarins. Im so used to the low carb diet now, ive been on & off it for months now. BUt im like you, eat lots of fish & chicken and tons of veg. Just having my homemade lentil soup and rivetas as we speak !!

As for the dandelion coffee, it was just an alternative, but its nothing like coffee so dont know where they are coming from. I dont think there is any link to fertility so i'll prob just throw it in the bin. I have about 1 or 2 decafs per week so reckon thats not too bad.

I wonder how fiona is getting on.

in answer to your last question re time off, no grace didnt mention 2wks. Dr Haloob had originally suggested 1 week, but i just read that its important to lie down a lot and rest completely to give your eggs the best chance, so i will probably just see, but im not busy at work and they are so good that i feel i may aswell do what is best for me.

Oh well back to my lentil soup.

x
 
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