…and maybe this is why it didn’t feel like last time, maybe this is why I felt disengaged, maybe because on some level, somewhere, I had some inkling that this was going to happen.
Because ‘this’ was the call that I got today, from a stranger that I’d never spoken to before (but more on that in another post, another time) telling me that of the five eggs that had defrosted successfully, only two had fertilised, and those two had fertilised abnormally. One with three pro-nuclei, one with four. They’re meant to have two. Apparently. Who knew? Who knew what pro-nuclei were? I still don’t. It doesn’t really matter.
Because what that means is that I stop taking the oestrogen and the progesterone, because we’re not doing a cycle this month, because there’s no embryo to put in. What that means is that the worries about my endometrium being thick enough were a bit academic, because it has nothing to play host to.
What that means is that I no longer have any frozen eggs that are three years younger than me. What that means is that from three cycles of egg freezing that yielded 14 eggs, I got one viable embryo and I didn’t get pregnant with that one. What that means is that if I want to try to get pregnant I’m going to have to do IVF from scratch. And is it really worth it? I mean if three cycles and 14 eggs from three years ago only got one embryo, doesn’t that suggest to you that my eggs are actually shit? That if they can’t even make fucking embryos, what chance do they have of making a fully-fledged human being with no chromosomal abnormalities?
And I know that people have said to me that it’s a numbers game, and despite all the science it’s a lottery, and that who knows what effect freezing has on those eggs, and you can’t make any decisions until you’ve spoken to the clinic. But, but, but… this wasn’t what I’d expected. I know I said that there was a long way to go before I the transfer but I didn’t actually believe it, not to this extent anyway. In my head I thought the worst case scenario would be a single possibly slightly crappy embryo. I didn’t think I wouldn’t even get that.
I suppose I’m not ready for this bit yet. I’d thought I’d notch up six rounds of IVF (that was my beautiful plan – three frozen, three fresh) before I had to admit defeat, before I called it a day. And yes, I know, I need to talk to the clinic, but my suspicion is that they haven’t got a clue. And that like me they’ll probably say “yes, do a fresh round, see how we go.” And I will, and I’ll probably buy a package of three cycles, because that’s what I always thought I’d do. But although there’s a lot that they can do, the one thing they can’t do is improve the quality of my eggs. They are what they are.
And if they’re shit, is there any point doing IVF at all? I don’t want to be a fucking mug. But equally I can’t not do it, I can’t not jump through the hoops, I’d always rather keep flogging the dead horse, than walk away from a possibility, however faint. I always need to feel that I’ve done everything that I can do.
And that’s why the people who reminded me today that I made that decision to freeze my eggs for the right reasons were right. They were right when they said that if I hadn’t frozen my eggs, if I’d gone through what I’ve gone through this year with fresh eggs, I’d have always wondered “what if…” And I don’t have to do that. Three years ago, I froze my eggs, knowing that I might never have a child from those eggs, but knowing it was a positive step I could take at a time when everything looked really bleak. I don’t regret it. I really don’t, but I didn’t just do it because I wanted to be able to look back with no regrets, I did it because I wanted the possibility of getting pregnant with eggs that were younger than I am. And I don’t have that possibility any more.
And it’s not just that I don’t have that possibility any more, it’s how it played out. If I’d got three decent embryos that hadn’t taken, maybe I’d feel better. Or maybe I’d just feel a different kind of shit. It’s really hard when there’s only one positive outcome and — it seems — an infinite number of negative ones. The odds do rather seem stacked against you.
Anyway, that’s where we are. Where I am. Back to square one. And tonight, right now, I don’t feel disengaged, I feel sad, and angry, and lonely, and resentful, and tired, and just pretty shit.
Egged On 
Sorry to hear that. It must feel rubbish. I think/hope the fact you have no regrets will outweigh the disappointment in the long run. Good luck feeling better about it soon and enjoy your August holiday!!
Thank you – I think/hope you’re right x
I’m really sorry to read what happened. That’s incredibly disappointing after everything you’ve been through. I wouldn’t say it means you have bad eggs though. I would still feel hopeful towards a fresh IVF cycle. There are lots of supplements you could take for a few weeks/months leading up to it to improve your eggs. For instance Pregnacare pre conception tablets / omega3 / coq10 / melatonin. Something to consider anyway. Thinking of you.
Thank you! And I’ve just caught up on your blog. So thrilled for you x
Thanks so much! I really hope you’ll get your miracle soon too. x
I’m so sorry it didn’t work with the frozen eggs. I have 19 frozen eggs from when I was 36 and have no idea if they will suffer the same fate. I think you should go for a fresh cycle or two and see what you get. Egg freezing is still so new it was always a gamble. Best of luck to you!
Thank you, and good luck to you too. You’re so right, a gamble, but one I still don’t regret taking x
I’m so sorry to hear this. How utterly rubbish and unfair. So not the plan and not what was supposed to happen.
Keep trying to be strong and let yourself go through all those emotions and process things. Then take the time to decide what next. Maybe a fresh IVF cycle or maybe a break first. I bet you’re tired and drained (emotionally and mentally) so let yourself recover from it all.
Thinking of you too. Here for you to vent or rage about things if you need to. Xx
Thank you – can’t do anything for about six weeks so have no choice about the break but my gut reaction is that I’m not done yet. Thanks for your support, it means a lot x
Sorry to hear that, it’s shit (apologies if I’m not allowed to swear!). I hope things feel like they settle soon.
Have you *read* my blog? Swearing is practically compulsory! Thank you. It is shit but I really appreciate your good wishes x
Hi Egged on, just wanted to reach out and say I’m sorry about your news. It must be really hard and I’m thinking of you. I hope you get to take a good break from the hormones for a few weeks anyway, I totally get what you mean about not being a mug, I HATE handing over so much money. If it was for anything else, I’d tell them to do one, but it’s something so personal and important that been commercialised.
Anyway – Thinking of you through cyberspace. You aren’t alone, a load of bad bitches have your back.
Peace x
This comment really made me smile when I read – thank you, so much appreciation for all the bad bitches x
My heart goes out to you and all women in our situation. I’m at the start of the process, just had 8 eggs frozen in Barcelona. I don’t think I had ever felt so alone, but your blog has helped, so thank you and keep going girl!! Life tests us every day, and you have shown throughout your blog that you are strong; you will get though this! Have a good holiday.
Glad that the blog has helped – thanks for taking the time to comment. Hope you’re not feeling too bad – physically or mentally. I have a new plan – details on the blog soon… X
I just wanted to tell you I’m thinking of you.
I just started reading your blog having recently decided to freeze my eggs. I’m starting the hormones on Friday. I have the same motivation: I don’t want to lose the option of a future pregnancy with young eggs. But I still realise the chances are slim. Makes me wish I hadn’t ended that relationship with Mr. Nearly Right to hunt for the elusive Mr. Perfect!
Anyway! I’ve said much more than “thinking of you” now! I do believe that if we persevere and are open to options (donors, surrogates, etc.) then we will get the family we’re dreaming of. Best wishes to you x
Thanks for reading and commenting; hope that the egg freezing process isn’t sending you too loopy x
Pingback: The new plan | Egged On
Pingback: So what now…? | Egged On
Pingback: A special place in hell… | Egged On
Pingback: What if I’m not worth reproducing… | Egged On
Pingback: Today was a bad day… | Egged On
Pingback: Fresh v frozen, banks v agencies… | Egged On