if/testing check in week 11/14

wabash15

Good morning ladies!!

**General TW that this thread can and will mention MC and loss.***

This is a place for those of us who have already started TTC, but have started infertility testing and/or treatments. You can express your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on infertility. TTC can be a long journey naturally, then add in the difficulties associated with infertility and it becomes a whole new ball game. The road to infertility can be lonely, frustrating, and complicated, so let's make this a place where we can vent, ask questions, and support one another.  Feel free to resurrect this thread at any point in the week if you have something to say, and treat this like an ongoing conversation. 

Diagnosis (If you've been): 

Cycle/CD: 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)

  

How are things going?

  

Any questions? 

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?

wabash15

@mrsdaddario Fx that its still early, I am so sorry things are not looking good. I get needing to take a break from treatments and come up with a plan going forward. Hugs girl.

@laurad75 fx crossed for you, beta is today isn't it?

laurad75

@wabash15 Thank you for thinking of me but it was negative.  I tested at home early today to be prepared and was confident that it would be negative.  I still got a little weepy when the nurse called with my results but I'm okay.  I'm trying to look at the positives (I'm going to run a half marathon this coming wknd, I'm drinking a latte right now, I'm having a drink or 4 tonight) and on to the next cycle.  

@mrsdaddario I'm sorry you're feeling out.  I'm holding out hope for you another day. xo

mrsdaddario

Morning ladies! Guess you saw my post over on the IF board last night. 

@laurad75 I'm so sorry for the BFN. Despite knowing, it never gets easier actually seeing/hearing that it's definitely negative.

@wabash15 How are you doing?

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: I believe we are 14/11. CD no idea, lost track. 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) We did Gonal-f, Menopur, Lupron trigger, and IUI

  

How are things going? Well, I'm out. BFN this morning. I tried to weasel out of going in for the beta tomorrow, IMO it's a waste of money. But they still want me to come in. We are taking a break with medicated cycles. We really need to recoup emotionally. I got into contact with a therapist who specializes in IF, so I think seeing her will be really beneficial for me. I'm going to take up temping and using OPK's again while we save for IVF. It's a long shot but I would hate to miss any possible opportunities. 

  

Any questions? Nope. 

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?
Reading books and eating all day.  

[Deleted User]

@laurad75  *hugs*
@mrsdaddario  So sorry for the BFN. I am so sorry that you and your H find yourselves in this place.  It is good that you know yourself and I hope that this break gives you strength to move forward with things - whatever that looks like.

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: 8/17

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Femara+Ovidrel+IUI+Progesterone

  

How are things going? Fine.  10 more days until test day.  Also progesterone is gross.  Emotionally just trying to find that balance of not getting my hopes up so high that it kills me if it's not successful.. while also staying positive enough to not get depressed and bitchy.

  

Any questions? 

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?
 Full time yoga teacher.  Right now it's basically impossible to do this if you need a dual income household like I do. 

Bababatty

@laurad75 I'm sorry about your BFN. I sympathize with how much it sucks to get that news even when you were prepared for it. Glad to hear you have some fun things lined up to take your mind off it. Good luck with your race.

@mrsdaddario I'm so sorry about your BFN, too. We're on a break from medicated cycles, too, and there is something relaxing about it, although it's frustrating to feel like you're wasting time. Lots of positive thoughts your way. I hope you're able to reach your savings goal quickly so you can get started on IVF. It's great that you're going to see a therapist. I've found it's so helpful to talk to people one-on-one, which can help validate your feelings but also give you good advice on how to work through them. Best of luck!

@antoto Good luck with the rest of your TWW!

mokay19

Sorry for the BFN @laurad75

I agree @mrsdaddario that the betas always seem unnecessary when you already know the answer

hopefully your 10 days goes quickly @antoto

Diagnosis (If you've been):  PCOS

Cycle/CD: 15th month and I'm not exactly sure what day...

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?). Just finished my second round of Letrozole yesterday. I go in for my scan on Saturday. 

  

How are things going?  Bad. I'm bleeding again. So I assume the response will be the same as before...aka none. Im going home for thanksgiving to hopefully see my sisters baby (she's due on Thanksgiving) and I have zero confidence that I will be able to hold it together. 

  

Any questions? 

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?  Shop for home decor haha with this new house, I find myself ALWAYS looking at stuff

Aurora1973

Diagnosis:  Diminished Ovarian Reserve, OH has low T and needs to go on replacement that will render him infertile

Cycle/CD:  12/3

Status:  WTO

What are you doing this cycle:  Still trying the old fashioned way.  We are waiting for a call to schedule a consultation and decide if we are going to do IVF.  I just got the results from my 7DPO progesterone test, which was 7.0, and my understanding is that means that I ovulated (which I knew) but that is a low number.  I also got the results from my TSH, which came back high at 3.93.  I have a pelvic ultrasound scheduled to see how many follicles I have, and then a follow up with my OB.  Given all of the new info, I'm hoping he puts me on thyroid meds, because that definitely seems to be an issue, and curious what he'll do with my low progesterone number.

How are things going:  Right now they're not, but hopefully we'll have some movement and a plan in the next couple of weeks.  I'm getting to a place where I just want to accept that it's not going to happen for us.  It may not...the odds are really not that good.  But OH still has some faith, and I'm trying to hang on to that, even if he is being pretty unrealistic, LOL. 

Any questions:  Has anyone had a similar progesterone number?  Did you go on a supplement?

GTKY:  I just sent an inquiry in to our local children's home regarding volunteering at the facility they have that cares for young children when their parents have some sort of crisis and can't care for them temporarily.  I know someone who used to go once a week to hold the babies, and I want to do that...I would do that all the time if I didn't need a job to make a living!!

JWatt5

Diagnosis (If you've been): Endometriosis

Cycle/CD: 17/10

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) FSH Injectables, Trigger, IUI

  

How are things going? Way better than last month   13mm follicle growing - hoping for IUI at the end of the week.

  

Any questions? Not so far!

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be? I'd have my own flower shop. I do floral arrangements from home for Bridal/Baby Showers for next to nothing but I'd love love love my own shop. 

I haven't been coming over to this thread for a bit - after last month I wanted to wait until something "normal" was happening - finally a follicle that looks good and no cysts.  Back Wednesday am to see how its doing. Still waiting on my estrogen levels from blood work today but feeling way better than last month.

@mrsdaddario  -  So sorry to hear this cycle hasn't worked. I really hope the break gives you what you need ($$ & health) to get a great start on IVF - or even better, a BFP on your own.

@laurad75 - Sorry to hear you had a BFN - FX next cycle is your cycle  

@Bababatty - how have you been doing?

juliebeannn

Helloooo. I've been mostly lurking on TTGP the last few months but thought it might be time to intro myself on this thread.  I hope that it's alright that I join.  We don't have an infertility diagnosis but DH has issues with erectile dysfunction that make successful timing really difficult for us.  In September, we started seeing an RE and did an HSG, 2 SAs, blood work and genetic testing.  One of DH's SAs showed low morphology but the RE didn't seem concerned.  Since DH is able to provide samples on his own, the RE suggested that IUI would be a good fit.  So here we are, gearing up to do our first IUI this week!

Diagnosis (If you've been): ED

Cycle/CD: 11

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Gonal-f (50-75IU), Ovidrel, 2 IUIs (back to back)

  

How are things going?  So far so good.  This morning's ultrasound showed a nice 17.5 follie so she said tomorrow will be trigger day.  Gonal has been easy, so hopefully the trigger shot will be ok, too.  I just hope the symptoms that come with the trigger are manageable.

  

Any questions? Nope

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?
I'd play with puppies all day.

@mrsdaddario and @laurad75  So sorry about your BFNs!!

kyersten

Diagnosis (If you've been): in testing still 

Cycle/CD: 18/26

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) testing, but waiting for my new cycle to start in the next 5-7 days. 

  

How are things going? I'm extremely terrified of needles so this whole thing is a nightmare to me - but willing to do anything to get pregnant. 

  

Any questions? Not yet, i am sure I will when these tests begin. DH and I are both doing our initial blood workup tomorrow.

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be? Work at the SPCA!

KristoKekerooni

Diagnosis (If you've been): RPL, MFI

Cycle/CD: Cycle... 27(?) CD20

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): had the HSG this cycle and it effed my cycle up. I normally O on CD 12ish and here I am on day 20 with nothing. Ugh

  

How are things going? Well I had high hopes for this cycle, but those hopes have been dashed with how awful my chart looks. We do have a plan in place, though. Medicated IUI in January. She's pulling out the big guns and not making us do unmediated IUI (which my ON said we should do since I don't have ovulatory issues). I am looking forward to moving on.

  

Any questions? I've heard a lot about IUIs, but I haven't heard of mixing both oral meds and injections. Is this normal? Anyone have experience? We are doing 5 days on letrozole and 3 days of Gonal-f.

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be? I would love to blog. I am not even good at it. I have started and stopped like 50 blogs. But I always quit because I get too busy with real work. 
@mrsdaddario , @laurad75 - Hugs, ladies. BFPs suck whether they are expected or a surprise.
@antoto - Is this your first IUI?
@mokay19 - Eeeeeek. That sounds like it'll be rough. My best friend is due February and my sister in May. We should see them both. I have IUI in Jan, Feb, Mar, so I realllly hope I have a BFP to lessen the blow when I see those babies. I hope you're able to have a good visit, even if it'll be difficult. 
@aurora1974 - I had almost the exact same as you. TSH was 3.6 and progesterone was 7.3. I was told that with medicated IUI/IVF, supplements wouldn't be necessary because you'd automatically produce more when you are stimulated. Obviously, though, they would test it each time to be sure that is the case. 
@juliebannn - Did you have any symptoms from your Gonal-f?

[Deleted User]

@KristoKekerooni Yep!

juliebeannn

@KristoKekerooni  The only side effect I've had from the gonal has been a really dull headache since my first injection.  Nothing too bad but just dull enough to be annoying.  

wabash15

Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained and AMA ( I get it but really I'm 37 I don't feel "advanced age" sometimes medical terminology sucks)

Cycle/CD: 7/5

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) still waiting on our appointment with a new RE, about 5 weeks to go. In the mean time trying on our own.

  

How are things going? Ehhh, trying to remain optimistic that their are couples who get KTFU on their own after going through treatments and maybe we could be one of those magical unicorns too, but also being realistic that its not gonna happen with out help. Projected O day for this cycle is on thanksgiving... when we will have our house crammed with guests.... I guess we will just have to be creative and quiet when we HIO!

  

Any questions? no not yet.

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be? I always thought it would be great to be a milk taster (yes this is a real job!), though snuggling babies or puppies all day would be amazing, or a travel writer. 

@laurad75 so sorry for the BFN. all the wine

@mrsdaddario I hope talking to someone will help and that the break from treatments while saving money allows you both to renew your spirits and have time to focus on one another.

@antoto fx for you. yah that progesterone is a hot mess. I don't think DH and I had sexy time at all when I was on it. 

@mokay19 sorry your bleeding again. Dont feel like you have to hold it together when you are visiting with family. you get to feel all the feels, excitement for the new addition, sadness its not you. creepy internet hugs

@aurora1973 hopefully you and DH and come to a consensus, and sorry its not looking optomistic for you to have a biochild. creepy internet hugs. I love the idea of snuggling babies who need extra love

@jwatt5 glad things are looking better this cycle. A flower shop sounds great

@juliebeannn welcome! fx fo this IUI. If you don't mind me asking did DH give previous samples that were frozen and that's why your doing 2 IUI's back to back? 

@kyersten good luck with the blood work. Its amazing what we will do to get KTFU. at least with IUI's the number of needles is limited if you can do oral meds.

KristoKekerooni

@antoto - Ah exciting!!  Fingers crossed!!!
@juliebeannn - Ah, that's not too bad! Cool

juliebeannn

@wabash15  We do have a sample on freeze in case he has any performance issues or if he's working on one of our IUI days and can't take time off.  But, the back to back IUIs is standard procedure at this office.  I asked if there was any concern because of the one SA being low morph and they said they're not worried about it because his volume was high.   Edit: oh and thanks for the welcome/FX!

wabash15

@juliebeannn interesting, its always kinda cool to hear what other clinics do. GL with your trigger and IUI this week!

juliebeannn

wabash15 said:

@juliebeannn interesting, its always kinda cool to hear what other clinics do. GL with your trigger and IUI this week!

Thanks!!

Bababatty

@mokay19 I'm sorry you're bleeding again! Does your RE have a better idea for your next cycle if this one really isn't working? I'm also sorry that next week is going to be so emotional. I hope your family is able to understand your feelings, and that you'll have support. Such a hard position to be in, feeling happy for your sister and sad for yourself. Creepy Internet hugs to you.

@aurora1973 I'm curious about the treatment for your husband, since mine has borderline low T (which I guess ties into his low motility but is not the main issue). Our doctors have all advised against a testosterone supplement since it can, as you said, make men infertile (ironically). Did they give you another option, like clomid or arimidex? 

@jwatt5 I'm so glad your having a better month! That's great follow growth. Good luck with your IUI! And thanks for asking; I forgot to do my own update (see below).

@juliebeann Welcome and good luck!

@kyersten I hope the rest of your testing goes by quickly so you get some answers.

@KristoKekerooni I'm sorry about your cycle. :-/ Glad you'll get to do an IUI in January. Fresh hope for the new year!

@wabash15 Sorry you're on hiatus still. Good luck with HIO next week! I hope you do get a miracle baby this cycle. 

Diagnosis (If you've been): Low motility

Cycle/CD: 17/23 (6 or 9 DPO)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) On our own until ~February (temping, OPKs) while DH takes clomid. 

  

How are things going? FF and I disagree on O. So I either barely hit my FW or missed it entirely. Oh well.

  

Any questions? 

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be? Sometimes I regret not going into film preservation.

Aurora1973

@Bababatty Funny enough, OH has no motility issues, or issues of any kind with his swimmers.  His SA came out excellent.  We're still looking into it, but apparently because of the kind of low T he has, Clomid is not an option for him.  Honestly, if it was, we would probably forgo IVF and keep trying on our own...and let the chips fall where they may.  But because I am not really a good candidate for IUI, IVF is our only option besides au natural, which will stop being an option once he starts the replacement.  So if we don't decide right away to go through with IVF, we may freeze some samples so that we could have the option later.  Still, I'm 43 and my situation gets worse by the cycle. We just want to talk to the IVF clinic now that we have full results in hand to know what our odds likely are, so that we know if it's worth throwing ~20k at...

Bababatty

@aurora1973 That's so interesting! DH's urologist said that male fertility issues are easy to diagnose and difficult to treat. I know how frustrating that must be for both of you. I'm sorry that's the only treatment for him, and to hear about your other complications. I really hope your IVF consult is helpful, and you get some good advice. Please keep us updated. Good luck!!

KristoKekerooni

@Bababatty - How long has you DH been on Clomid? Not long, right? We've talked about it before, I think. I just can never keep people straight. Thank God I wasn't a teacher, I don't think I would ever learn anyone's names.... 
Anyway, does he have any symptoms? Have you had a retest done to see if it's working?
Keep me updated, I am always so curious about other male Clomid users. 

Bababatty

@KristoKekerooni Yep, I remember talking about clomid with you a couple weeks ago. He just started it last week, and as far as I can tell has no side effects. He's taking 50mg 3 times/week. He goes back in about three weeks for a blood test to see if it's positively impacting his hormones, and has another SA in three months. His urologist is really positive about his prognosis and the potential for this to even have a permanent effect--apparently that can happen, which we didn't know--so I'm cautiously optimistic. 

Since you and others mentioned FertilAid, we also asked about that. Our doc prefers Proxeed Plus, which is of course sold out on the drug's website and I'm loathe to buy it on Amazon for fear of knock offs. Oh well. 

LadyMillil

Diagnosis (If you've been):  Me - unexplained bleeding, DH - MFI, low morph

Cycle/CD: 24/5

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) nothing. Consult with new RE for IVF March/April (2.5/7 months wait done)

  

How are things going? I don't even feel like we are TTC anymore. I'm still temping/tracking so I can know when AF will arrive

  

Any questions? 

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be? Realistically, my next job *should* be my dream job, but fantasy is running a patisserie in France

Marley629

Diagnosis (If you've been):  DOR, Factor V Leiden, MFI

Cycle/CD: cycle 15, Cd 12 (?)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  benched 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
waiting on bloodwork to rule out PCOS for good, and also for my endometrial biopsy results - 

  

How are things going?  Good. The break from opks & temping had been good for me and while it sucks being benched, it has allowed me to refocus on being a healthier me. 

  

Any questions? 

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?
be a teacher.  I'm certified but by the time I got my certification, I couldn't risk leaving my current career and salary. I do love what I do now but I think I would be a pretty awesome teacher also. 

furbabymom2007

Diagnosis (If you've been): "ovulation disorder" 

Cycle/CD: 10dpiui #3, cd 24 maybe?  

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
Letrozole 7.5mg
pregnyl trigger
IUI#3
progesterone
estradiol

  

How are things going?  I haven't been on in a week or more.  i have been swamped and also just trying not to think about it.  

we did have a consult with the RE last week to discuss the path forward.  if this cycle fails, we will take a break for a few month for the holidays and to try to focus on getting healthier.  then in february we will try one more IUI this time adding Gonal-F in addition to what we did the last cycle.  if that fails, then we start IVF consults.  

  

Any questions? 
nope


GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?

probably hang around and play with my dogs lol.  

wabash15

@furbabymom2007 fx this is your cycle, but if not at least you have a plan going forward.

@Marley629 I'm glad the break while your waiting for test results is good for you.

persnickity

@furbabymom2007 FX for you! Glad you're able to figure out a game plan now. I think a lot of us are going to be taking a break around the holidays for mental health.

@Marley629 I don't know that I'd be able to break from temping. I have gotten addicted to knowing what's happening and when AF is coming. I'm considering just temping for bc going forward.

@LadyMillil that's awesome that your new job is going to be your dream job! It makes work fly by when you love it.

@mrsdaddario Are you going to take a break from the boards or just IUI? I'll miss having you on if you break from the boards, but understand the mental health break.

AFM, I'm just chilling in the TWW after IUI #2. Mostly posting on the infertility board right now. If this cycle doesn't work, I think we'll be taking a break over the holidays. I'll find out if this cycle worked right around Thanksgiving. 

JWatt5

@persnickity @furbabymom2007  - I'm thinking the same, if we do the IUI this month and it doesn't work we may take a break over the holidays from the clinic OR maybe we'll all have good news this month

I had a good U/S today - 17mm follicle. Weird thing is this follicle is growing at the exact same measurements on the exact same CD as the cyst last month but they say they are sure its a follicle. FX my estrogen levels have gone up as well. I'll know this afternoon and hopefully joining some of your in my first TWW by the end of the week. 

laurad75

I have a question - I started spotting and currently its definitely just spotting but what is the cut off for declaring full flow. I will have to make the CD 1 to the RE to get meds and start scheduling.  I always get nervous about when to do that.  

[Deleted User]

laurad75 said:

I have a question - I started spotting and currently its definitely just spotting but what is the cut off for declaring full flow. I will have to make the CD 1 to the RE to get meds and start scheduling.  I always get nervous about when to do that.  

Ahhhhh this is my life.  I think when it becomes a full on flow - where EVERY time you wipe there is blood, not just sometimes. Enough to fill a tampon?  And sometimes you just have to guess.  Last month I started my period at like 6pm and I had to decide of that was CD1 or if CD1 was the next day.  

persnickity

@laurad75 I was told that cd1 was when I filled a tampon or pad before 8pm. Some have a different cutoff time, I think 5pm is another common one.

wabash15

@laurad75 I'm with the other ladies, if I have to get out a pad or tampon I consider it full flow....

Bababatty

@laurad75 My RE says CD1 is when you see bright red blood anytime before midnight. I'm sure that's not terribly helpful since now you have three completely different answers  I'd probably call your RE's office and ask for clarification.

madspunk

Hi! I'm new here, but I have been lurking for a long time. Now that I'm about to begin treatment, I wanted to jump in on the boards.

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: 9 months/3 cycles/CD 59

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): perpetually WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
I had my consultation with the RE last week and DH is getting a 2nd semen analysis this week. I was diagnosed with PCOS in the spring, but have been trying naturally up until now. I am going to start taking letrozole for the first time in a couple weeks. The plan is letrozole + trigger shot + TI. I've also been getting insurance sorted out.

  

How are things going?
Great! For the past several months I've known the chances of getting KU were slim seeing as I don't ovulate so trying felt pointless. Now that we finally have a treatment plan, I'm excited to feel like there's at least a chance. It feels good to be making progress.

  

Any questions?
Not yet. I'm glad I found this group, and though I hope my time and your time here is short, I'm looking forward to being a part of the group.

GTKY: If you could do anything for a living and get paid to do it (besides being a mom) what would it be?

Writing book reviews.

mrsdaddario

@persnickity Just a break from the medicated cycles while we save for IVF!! I could never leave you guys lol. I know I haven't been around much lately, long story short I can no longer access TB from my work computer and that drastically cuts into my Bump time lol. Bastards!!

@laurad I agree with PP's for me I always considered CD 1 full on red flow need a pad or tampon. But I always have a day or two of brown spotting after a medicated cycle which gave me wiggle room with declaring CD 1. 

@madspunk Welcome! Fellow NIR PCOSer here. I really hope Letrozole is the ticket for you and look forward to following your journey!!

juliebeannn

Update: IUI 1 and IUI 2 are done!  DH's numbers were 23MM and 26MM (motility 75% and 80%) so that was a huge relief.  Now let the dreadful TWW begin!

wabash15

@madspunk welcome! I hope your stay with us is short.

@juliebeannn Hooray for good numbers! Fx for you. Do you have a planned beta or will you be POAS?

juliebeannn

wabash15 said:

@juliebeannn Hooray for good numbers! Fx for you. Do you have a planned beta or will you be POAS?

Thanks!!  Beta is scheduled for 12/1 but I'll likely POAS before then....just haven't quite decided when.  I'm still wishy washy on whether I'll continue to temp through the TWW either.  I tend to obsess over every data point, so maybe foregoing the BBT might be a good idea.  

persnickity

@mrsdaddario I have to mobile bump from work too. And I'm glad you're sticking around, we'd miss you! Okay, that sounds bad. I'm not glad you're still here because I wanted you to be successful with the improved response. You know what I mean.