IVF/ICSI Support Group

Hi Baby_Me,

This is my 3rd attempt and i did FET. Previous 2 failed attempts (1st fresh followed by 1st FET), i strictly followed all the recommendations given in the forum by sisters who BFP. End up stressed myself more coz every other hour gotta remember to take this, take tat. Then when forgot, i will blame myself and feel guilty about it.

This latest attempt, besides taking the support meds given and a bottle of chix essence every morning, i practically did everything else as per normal. Eat like i used to (lots of spicy food), drink like i used to (wine at least once a week, every morning one cup of coffee), work like i always have to (i'm in the army so gotta get sweaty and dirty every other time).

I realised mental state of the mind during the process is very important.

Bottomline is if you are the kind who gets stressed up and frustrated whenever you forget to do/take something like me (Army trained, bo bian), probably you should consider selectively doing or taking what the sisters here recommend instead of doing/taking everything whole-sale.
 


Hi cocoapops,

During 1st BT on 12 Oct, the nurse told me i'm effectively 4 weeks pregnant.

The nurse also said my first scan will be after my bhcg reaches 5-figure coz only then can see the sac and detect hb.
 
Ladies, my gyne said my lining is a bit thin. I saw in forum about drinking red bean soup. May I know what is red bean soup for and when to drink?
 
Agree that mental state is the most impt...

Amelia - Bit confused now as the nurse told me I was 2 weeks pregnant when I did the BT, then when I saw Dr Tan he said I am 4 weeks pregnant. So if the first scan is scheduled 2 weeks later it will be 6 weeks?

How do u count? From the date of transfer?
 
Cocoapops
On the hcg BT week we are actually preggy 4weeks plus few days Liao ( depends on whether ur ET is day 2,3 or day 5) So the 1st HB scan usually is done at 6weeks plus. Cos if do too early sometimes can't detect any yet

Bb hopeful
I started prenatal multivit fr GNC znc folic acid 2 months before I embark on my fet. I also did accup with dr Zou 2x/week for 1month prior for fet. Then no cold drinks
 
Thanks Linda. I honestly don't know if my transfer is considered a 2/3/5 day? My scan was on 23rd and transfer on 27th sept....

Am getting paranoid here as I don't know if my super high hcg reading is normal and I am also worried if it's really triplets cos of my size hence am concerned if will be able to carry thru. But now it seems like I cannot do anything but wait. It feels like the longest 2 weeks of my life.
 
chris 1: its not occult definitely.. i dont need to do anything special.. was told to relax and be positive.. yes, i hope i bfp this round..
 
Cocoapops, take 28 days normal menses cycle and D14 is the ovulation, so that count 2 weeks pass. The day you transfer and 2WW will be another 2 weeks. So by then you take Beta-HCG test, you will be on 4 weeks BFP => 2wks + 2wks = 4 wks.

Bbhopeful, Dr Zou is a TCM Dr. Her clinic is at Ang Mo Kio.

Usagi_2011, no strenuous exercise once you start your Gonal-F / Puregon jabs. Since follicles are stimulating during the period, do not do exercise that use abdominal strength or at abdominal area. And no leg raise exercise as advise from nurse.

*Dec*, you change your nick again? So curious about your new experiment method.

Looking forward, how are you coping with your injection?
 
Hi Amelia,

Thanks for the tips. Sometimes I'm really wondering whether I'm doing enough preparation or not. Bcos for my first fresh I didn't do anything. So most important is Not To Worry & Think too much.
 
Dec/tanny crossing fingers!! ;P

Ladies do we eat brazil nuts just only during 2ww time? or anyone eat earlier? like during stimulation period? Cos im thinking whether to get the brazil nuts online soon or wait for my dad to get it for me when he visits me in mid Dec..
 
Bb hopeful
Dr Zou is a female Chinese physician. She only speak mandarin but she understand all the terms regards to ivf
 
Heartbeats: Re: Fresh cycle in KKH. Which gynae are you seeing in KK? It is our money and our choice, isn't it? You have good reasons to request for a fresh cycle.

BabyJourney: Re: Polyps. I have 2 small polyps, size of 1cm by 1cm each, removed by Dr LC Cheng at Thomson Medical, my original gynae. (In my opinion, the best among 3 i've seen). Pain and bleeding tolerable. Was back at work after 1 week leave. Polyps are not tolerated by IVF specialists because they will cause miscarriage when embryos land on them. Women who get polyps removed have higher chances of getting pregnant. To note: polyps grow back for some women, so it's advisable to check regularly for regrowth.
 
Dear all, i was recently admitted to KK for the incomplete miscarriage of a 6-week ectopic pregnancy after my first IVF. It was a traumatic and draining episode. As some of you know, i was told my first IVF was unsuccessful. HCG = 10 mIU/ml after 2ww, and my period *did* come next day. Neither gynae nor KKIVF did follow up.

I would like to advise you all to insist on a HCG re-test *even after* period has arrived (especially if first test was >5 mIU/ml). So that you can prevent such a painful and *dangerous* situation of ectopic pregnancy. I will be quitting IVF for a while to regain my nerves. See you all sometime in the future.
 
Hi andante

How do u know that u have ectopic pregnancy. I failed my IVF recently and still have cramp and little pain at stomach.
 
Oh dear Andante! Are you on HL to rest and recover now? Take good care! Treat as though mini confinement so can be strong again to try again later.

Piglet, ladies, agree with Andante and thats why i shared with you all also, dont just take nurses words for it when they just say BT negative, must ask for level, anything above 5 miu is still possible that there is a pregnancy.
 
Hi JoynFaith

Started my stage 2 1 inj yesterday, a bit bleeding still managable, hee hee


Hi Hope_4_bb

My scan is a week later, next sat, do update when the doctor say can? Thanks


Hi Andante, Take care


Hi Ladies,

I saw some posting about thin lining, this was diagnose in stage 1 scan or stage 2 before ER, thanks
 
Hi Piglet02, i didn't realize i was 6-week + pregnant. Doc can know by trend of HCG increase. Quick increase (i'm told >60% increase in 48h) means normal uterine pregnancy. Slow increase *suggests* ectopic. Drop in HCG means miscarriage.

I had two grade 4 embryos implanted in Sep. I presumed (on hindsight) that one embryo implanted in the left tube --> grew very slowly --> HCG of 10 mIU/ml not enough to inhibit onset of period --> escaped uterine shedding --> continued to grow to week 6 + --> HCG of 1350 mIU/ml --> miscarriage due to tight squeeze. I had severe pain （spreading from lower left abdomen to lower back and down to my left knees), bleeding and nausea. Sent to A&E. 6 week + embryo in tube escaped ultrasound detection. Operation based on my location of pain, i.e. left tube.
 
Thank you all *hugs* I have 2 weeks HL. My mom brought me home and treated me like a baby. I have 4 holes in my abdomen and limited movement. But recovery was fast. Ginger water is damn good! KKH ward 71 is great. Nice nurses, new toilets and great view... can see Marina Bay Sands. Tata. z Z Z
 
Hi Looking Fwd, my thin lining is during the scan before ET. I can't remember whether before ER they will check on lining or not.
 
Hi Andante,
Thanks for the info. Had let my hair down these two days to party n eat, drink n be merry to temporary forget abt my polyps. But think i overdo it. Now rolling in bed w bad migraine. :p

Babyme, ur surgery done at kkh?
 
Hi Chrisl, for brazil nuts., i start a few weeks before my fet
happy.gif
i read pineapple has selenium, but i suppose we need to drink with moderation

Hi andante, rest well

Hi Baby me, i think u are a happy and mentally strong person, jia you!!
 
Thanks!! Meryl!, i supposed i'll have to get online then..though it's a tad expensive..200gm for like over $15 including postage
happy.gif


Andante~ OMGosh! Do rest well!!!
 
Hi Meryl
May i know how many brazil nuts u ate per day before u start fet cycle? Thk u...

Hi andante
Rest well n big hugz to u.. Take some time to rest before try again.. Is both of ur tube still ok? Take care...
 
Thanks, Noy

Hi Fuyutsuki01, I got my brazil from Jurong point lvl 3, i also saw it at vivo city lvl 2 (cheapest) & plaza sing carrefour

Dear Ladies
OHSS happen in Stage 2?
During this time, we must eat egg white? drink more water or 100plus? What else more to prevent OHSS? Thanks in advance
 
Hi all

I have just embarked on the journey of IVF, just signed the consent paper last week. Been following this thread for the past year and is very motivated and touched by the spirit of all the sisters here.

I have PCOS. Tried TCM for abt 2 years but no improvement at all. Max dose of clomid also didn't work on me so gynae recommended IVF-ICSI.

Can I just check if all sisters here go for ICSI or natural fertilisation? My gynae said 99% in SGH is via ICSI and in KK 100%. Is this true? I'm quite worried about the increased probability of baby having genetic problem or abnormality if via ICSI. I have signed the papers but got very worried after reading the pamplets again after that. Any sisters with advices? Thanks.
 
Fuyutsuki01,
You can buy the brazil nuts from carrefour (~$5.50/100gm) or Pat's Oven ($4/100gm). Pat's Oven are located at Vivocity level 2, and basement at Parkway Parade.
 
Fuyutsuki01, some big Giants supermarket has a nut stall selling brazil nuts too. Another stall at the basement of Causeway Point selling at $5.50/100g. Pat's Oven is the cheapest.

Looking forward, OHSS might happen to ladies having more than 15 eggs retrieve under KK's benchmark. If you've very severe OHSS, ET might not be allowed and emrbyos will be refrozen for FET use. I've mild OHSS (slight bloatedness) w/o cramp and can walk around w/o difficulty, thus Dr allowed me to proceed with ET. Try to drink 2-3 litres of fluid per day during OHSS. Can also eat up to 8 egg whites per day. Or drink isontic dirnk such as Gatorade Perform (No gas), 100plus, etc. Eat more meals with small amount each. Avoid caffeinated drink.
 
Hi Chris, thks for sharing. My DH has alrdy done blood test and everything ok. Just that my gynae didn't really touch on e neg portion of ICSI when we signed the papers and we are worried after reading e details again. I will prob talk to my gynae again. Wonder if ICSI procedure is a norm or whether it will be better to opt for natural fertilization. Sigh.
 
Hi Babyjourney, yes my surgery done in KK n by Dr Loh himself.

Hi Meryl, I'm trying to be one actually.

Hi, anyone can advise what is rasberry tea leaf for ? And when to take?
 
Hi Meryl
Sorry, am abit confuse.. Wht is 5nuts with 3?? 3 what? U mean u hv been taking 5nuts for one month daily before ur fet? Thanks alot...
 
Good moring Ladies!!!

Hi BabyMe, do you need to see Dr Loh after ur SIS test and before the surgery. I only managed to book an appt to see him on 03 Nov. So the cost of the surgery can claim from medisave? Does the op need to be done on a specific date? How many days MC? Sorry for asking so many questions as I need to prep myself and my boss for my op.

Regarding the raspberry tea leaf, I have just placed an order with BabyDustShop. "It is one of the more commonly used natural food to prepare women’s body for conception and for pregnant ladies in their very late stage of pregnancy to prepare for childbirth as it tones the uterine muscle preparing it for the intense contraction during childbirth. After childbirth, it is highly recommended to continue drinking this as it helps to purge out any remaining lochia and helps to shrink your womb to pre-pregnancy size." (Quoted from Babydustshop website)

I will drop her an email to ask her when to take and let you know okie.
happy.gif
 
Fuyutsuki01, try to drink your red dates drink while warm. You can place in a vacuum flask to keep warm.

Pinkdoll, talk to your DR.

Baby, you can read more from the weblink on Rasberry Tea Leaf:
http://babydustshop.blogspot.com/2010/08/vitamins-supplements-for-her.html

Joanne, you can eat Brazil nut even on normal days. I think Meryl eats 5 brazil nuts per day. Please note that it's heaty and high in fats, hence limit your amount. I read that you can eat 2-4 pcs per day. Guys also can eat to keep their sperm cells healthy while also helping them to swim faster.
 


pinkdoll - if you r concerned, like JOyfaith mentioned, speak to your gynae for his/her opinion. You still have time as don't need to decide until closer to ER, or once you start stimulation stage.

Below is just my personal opinion ..

If you have no male factor, then you should have an option of chosing not to do ICSI (or elect to do 50% IVF (ie. natural fertilisation) & 50% ICSI, or even 100% natural). WHile it may be protocol for some labs to go 100% ICSI regardless, if you and DH feel very strongly about it, you should be able to state your preference (it's your sperm & egg & your money, after all).

Some labs prefer to do all/more ICSI as higher fertilisation rate since embryologist get to select the most active / best looking sperms. Key is to maximise the fertilisation for transfer opportunity. On average, it may take up to 3-4 transfers (either fresh or FET) to succeed so the more available fertilised embryos, the more opportunities. Some couples do strike first try - that's the hope for most of couples anyway.. but it doesn't always happen for everyone.

Risk of IVF fertilisation (instead of ICSI) is that even if no male factor issue, there may be a risk of low fertilisation rate. but that choice is yours if you and DH feel strongly to go for IVF (instead of ICSI). I remember some sister in the forum has a decent number of eggs & no male factor so elected to do IVF instead of ICSI but ended up very low fertilisation rate. There will also be those who select IVF instead of ICSI and continue to have good fertilisation rates. It does happen & the truth is no one will know until you do one cycle. Speak to your doctor and tell them your preference.

There is risk of injuring the embryo with ICSI. There are at minimum 3 levels of defect rates - (1) injure the embryo and cause the embryo not to develop further (either in cultivation or after bfp); (2) injure embryo & cause some developmental defect but embryo continues to develop to birth; (3) no actual injury to embryo but there is a school of thought that IVF embryos mean the naturally stronger sperm "won" as in non-IVF scenario, instead of having the embryologist select sperm which looks good but may not have "won" in natural scenario.

However, bear in mind ICSI technology was developed in 1990s and they now have > 20 years experience in it. Plus the labs here do alot of ICSI so the embryologists are very experienced in ICSI. I don't know the actual defect rate, if any, but you can ask your gynae to find out & weigh the risk. I personally believe the risk is very low.

Depending on your POV on ICSI as well, you may want to think about Assisted Hatching - whether you and DH agree to AH if required. If you don't want AH for personal reasons, you need to tell them very clearly as well.

Good luck!
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My personal opinion, and the other sistas may have their POV to share.
 
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