success after 18 days of stimulation?

[rebeccaj]

hello!

has anyone ever been on stimulation drugs for as long as 18 days and had success? I'm on my 2nd IVF attempt and a really slow responder. Last time I only had 4 follicles big enough at EC and had a big fat ZERO fertilisation. This time the pattern has been almost the same but they are keeping me on the drugs in the hope that some of the small follicles will catch up.

i desperately need some reassurance.

thank you

Rebecca

[margaretgo]

Hi Rebecca,

I was on stims for 17 days - started me on 250iu puregon (FSH) - then upped it 5 days later to 350iu (in the UK - usually only go up to 300 - but in US can go up to 600 my consultant said). I had 8 follicles - but 4 eggs retrieved. Perhaps some were over ripe - others under-ripe at collection??

3 fertilized - 2 best quality. Cycle was ultimately unsuccessful - but all in all was pleased with the way it went. It only takes one good one - I've been repeatedly told it's quality not quantity.

I wonder what dose you're on? HAve they changed anything for this cycle?

Either way - hang in there. There's alot of luck involved - you may just get different/more receptive eggs this time.

Best of luck x

[rebeccaj]

hi margaret,

thankyou so much for replying - i honestly thought I might be the only one out there who'd been on the stimulation drugs for so long. I started on 175 Follistim am and pm but when they saw very little activity (again) they swapped my evening drug to Menopur (3 vials). From what I understand Follistim is pure FSH while Menopur is FSH and LH but i'm not sure what that means. In my last cycle I only took the Follistim. I"m sorry that you're cycle was unsuccessful, I know how hard it is. Are you trying again?

Thanks again, at least I feel that there is now some hope that we can get passed the retrieval stage.

Good luck x

[margaretgo]

Hi Rebecca,

I am trying again in June.

My consultant is hopeful that we could get a better response as they will start me on the higher dose.

You may find the same - now that they have adjusted the drugs. It seems one size just doesn't fit all! It can be frightening and frustrating but it's really worth persevering to find the right protocol/dose for you.

Best of luck xx

[Jackie S]

Hi Rebecca

I had to stim 20+ days when I did my 3rd ivf.

I think my little follicles wanted to stay snuggled up as I now have a beautiful 20 month son, so stay strong it does happen.

wishing you lots of luck

Jackie

[rebeccaj]

thank you so much Jackie, that has put a smile on my face. I had my EC today and so am praying that tomorrow brings good news.

I really appreciate your post, thank you X