TTTC Checkin 12/06/2016

GoldenKeys

Hey Everyone,

It's checkin time!  Congrats to any BFP's and hugs to anybody who needs one.

Welcome to the board, @KariShoe!

Just a little housekeeping:  As we bring this year to a close, I'll probably remove the 2016 BFP's from the weekly checkin and will either place the list in a sticky post or possibly hide them in a spoiler alert.  If you get your BFP between now and the end of the year (FX!),  then you will probably be posted on both Hall of Fame lists.  This is just to keep our checkin post to a manageable length.

How is everybody doing this week?


BFP HALL OF FAME:

stac12679: dx: Bilateral tubal blockage  Rx: mini IVF
tripplek1988: dx: PCOS  Rx: Clomid
KidShrink: dx:Immature follies, thin lining   Rx: Femara/Ovidrel/Prometrieum
krbjoy: dx: unexplained, low AMH, fibroids  Rx:Lupron, Follistim, Menopur + trigger
AdorkablePixie: dx: Hpyothalmic amenorrhea   Rx: Menopur, Ovidrel, IUI
kistra: dx: MFI  Rx: Clomid, Ovidrel, IUI
mylienc: dx:low follicle count  Rx: Clomid + Novarel
CopperLane:  dx: PCOS  Rx: natural BFP before taking Clomid
Alyeena dx: PCOS + MFI  Rx: modified IVF + ISCI
riveridgional: dx: Unexplained, hypothyroidism, suspected ovulatory dysfunction  Rx: injectibles
Aera11: dx:mild PCOS Rx: Clomid
BrightenMySky dx: MFI  Rx: Clomid+IUI
turtle148: dx: LPD  Rx: Clomid + progesterone
vnegron87: dx PCOS  Rx: Clomid, trigger, donor sperm
MrsB627: dx PCOS+kidney disease Rx: Clomid + Metformin
LGW2015 dx: possible MFI  Rx: Clomid
lily55d dx: Endo + PCOS Rx: metformin, Femara and progesterone.
BlissfulWifey: dx: Anovulatory: Rx: Clomid + Progesterone + trigger
MorganL925: dx MFI Rx:  femera, HCG trigger + IUI + progesterone
ShallowSeas dx: Unexplained Infertility  Rx: Letrozole + TI
twomommiestobe:  dx: annovulatory/pcos and DW-endometriosis Rx: reciprocal IVF
22mango22: BFP during testing
NordyMN89 dx: unexplained infertility, possibly PCOS Rx: letrazole + IUI
graphicgranite: dx: Possible PCOS Rx: Clomid + testing
benten24 dx: irregular cycles, spontaneous BFP during testing phase
erica0901: dx: Unexplained  Rx:IVF (spontanteous BFP after 5 unsuccessful IUI's)
yellingbanana: dx: PCOS  Rx: Letrozole, metformin, trigger, TI
LGW2015 dx: PCOS Rx: Clomid
Malone24 dx: uterine polyp, LPD, possible non-PCOS polycystic ovaries  Rx: HCG
babyexpress: dx: unexplained  Rx: Clomid + IUI (bfp on a break)
Drove2u: dx:unexplained  Rx: IVF
ceclarlinetlo: DX: septate uterus and PCOS   Rx: hysteroscopic resection; low carb diet, exercise, myoinositol
JDW0325 dx: Unexplained Rx: Femara + trigger + IUI
Tulips29 dx: PCOS Rx: IVF
mackenzie07: dx: Endo + PCOS  Rx: Provera, metformin, possible IVF
echo+november: dx: PCOS Rx: Letrozole, trigger
Ducks&Cats: dx: PCOS Rx: Clomid
GoatSnakeMouse: dx: MFI
Soon2bemissG: dx: PCOS  Rx: Metformin + provera
MrsB627: dx: PCOS + Kidney Disease Rx: Clomid (going into testing)
ale9687 dx: Anovulation  Rx: Provera, estrogil, Clomid, trigger + IUI
linzylemonz365: dx: PCOS, Rx: Clomid
kayla1232: dx endo Rx: surgery + TI
mrswifeytoad: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx:metformin
clt2pwm11: dx:anovulatory PCOS  Rx: letrozole + trigger + iui
StephyM89 dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx Provera, Femara/Gonal-F injections, IUI and Progesterone
SummerBrooke13 dx:anovulation, amenorrhea, congenital adrenal hyperplasia  Rx: metformin
wifeinraleigh28 dx: MFI  Rx: IVF, ISCI
saphiresweetie88 dx:irregular periods
Megzb510: dx: potential blocked tube Rx: IVF


PAGING:

@Bababatty: dx:Low Motility  Rx: Letrozole + trigger + IUI
@BecauseLove dx: amenorrhea, PCOS  Rx: IVF
@blessedmomma88: dx: PCOS, anovulation Rx: Clomid, Metformin
@ChristinaV2015: dx: blocked tubes, PCOS, endo + MFI  Rx: lap, OPKs + TI
@CrunchyBaby2: dx: Unexplained Rx: Clomid
@eadams08: dx: PCOS Rx: Clomid
@emgem819 dx: PCOS, Rx: provera, femara + Bravelle
@harleyquinn0621: dx:unexplained IF Rx: IUI
@hoffmanr7: dx: unexplained Rx: Clomid + Estradiol
@iloverocksalot dx:High FSH/PCOS/Auto-Immunity, DH low morphology, Rx: DHEA + Microdose Lupron +
IVF/ICSI
@Jaje09182010: dx: Unexplained Rx: Clomid w/IUI
@jmr1515: dx: Mild MFI/morph  Rx: Clomid
@jojomama25: dx: MFI Rx: supplements + TI
@JRB3: dx: PCOS Rx: Clomid
@Kay6519: dx: PCOS rx: testing
@kem0514: dx: MFI, anovulatory PCOS, possible blocked tube  Rx: Clomid & Ovidrel
@lablover78: dx: unexplained/irreg and MTHFR
@mackenzie07 dx: PCOS and Endo  Rx: metformin, letrozole, ovidrel
@madasm0530 dx: PCOS Rx: Provera+Femara+IUI
@MamaMunn: dx: PCOS Rx: Clomid 100mg + Ovidrel + TI
@mandasand: dx: low AMH  Rx:IVF (Lupron, Menopur + Follistim)
@MandyBeeSLP: dx: low progesterone, borderline PCOS, vitamin D insufficiency Rx: metformin
@meli123k: dx unexplained  Rx:  IVF + ICSI
@Mlight28: dx Unexplained Rx: Clomid
@MrsM00re87: dx: DOR, low morph Rx: Femara + TI
@MrsMcMilkshakes: dx: cysts, testing
@MurphyGrace dx: Unexplained Rx:  Letrozole + Menopur injections + Ovidrel+ IUI
@Mythril: dx: PCOS (anovulatory) Rx:levothyroxine to lower TSH
@NikkiPSU: Unexplained Rx: TI
@Plainjanie: DX- mild MFI. Rx- Monitored cycle with TI.
@pretzel2plus1: dx: Endometriosis Rx: laparascopy
@rachlee2010: dx: DOR Rx: IUI
@ReesaAnne16: dx: MFI, high DNA fragmentation  Rx: Letrozole+ IUI
@Samanthaarielxo dx: anovulation Rx: still in testing
@sarah0985: dx: PCOS, possible blocked tubes Rx: Lap
@seethosestars:  Dx: low AFC + MFI and Rx: letrozole + testing
@SM746830: dx: PCOS, blocked tubes Rx: Surgery, Clomid
@smokinangel: dx:possible PCOS, possible MFI Rx: Letrozole + IUI
@SoonToBeMommaHowe: dx: Unexplained Rx: waiting for testing
@Starlight811 dx: DOR Rx:  Menopur + Gonal F + Ovidrel + Progesterone suppositories + IUI
@starlitfae dx: MFI & balanced translocation, thyroid  Rx: ivf with pgd testing
@vssbrm: dx: Minor Vercosis, morphology, high prolactin  Rx: Clomid + IUI + ovidrel + prolactin meds
@Mrs.RedHead dx: Unexplained Rx: Testing with RE
@PoeMasque dx: unexplained Rx: unmedicated IUI, acupuncture, supplements
@Labluver2 dx: testing
@avocuddle dx: testing
@laurad75 dx: possible DOR  Rx: IUI + trigger + acupuncture
@Worldtravler0522 dx: PCOS/Unexplained Rx: IVF
@funkykey dx: unexplained Rx: Clomid + IUI
@kmallery08 dx: unexplained Rx:Clomid, GonalF, Trigger Shot, IUI and Progesterone
@greenange dx: anovulatory PCOS w/insulin resistance Rx: Metformin, Letrozole, trigger + TI
@KariShoe dx: Unexplained Rx: Preparing for testing




NEWCOMERS:

To be added to the Weekly Checkin, please answer the following:

1.  How long have you been TTC?

2.  What is your diagnosis?

3.  What is your current treatment plan?



QOTW:   If you could speak to everyone in the world at the same time, what would you say?

funkykey

Hello!

I'm excited to read everyone's updates. FX for good news all around! Especially to @Worldtravler0522 (for your appointment tomorrow) and to @Labluver2 who was the last post of last week's check in - so close to HPT!

Not much new here. Had a minor FML moment this morning, followed by cookie fail that made me laugh, which improved my mood greatly. It's CD15 and I took 8 OPKs this weekend - on Friday through Sunday. Next cycle, I may stock up on 3 different kinds - I liked being so well-tested. 

QOTW: I would prepare a little speech on the merits of nuclear power. We're pro nuclear, and where we live, this is rare. Very few people around us are pro-nuclear - a lot are afraid of it, or they're worried about something like Chernobyl, or they think the waste is more dangerous than other power-generation waste (ie. carbon emissions from coal-fired plants). So I know this is controversial... A research company called me once to ask how I felt about energy - specifically how I felt about coal and natural gas - and when I told the woman I was pro-nuclear, she actually laughed and said: "your kind have a long way to go."

Worldtravler0522

@funkykey you are sweet to remember! Thank you for the well wishes, if I'm being honest I'm terrified to go today.  I just keep telling myself if it was more than MTHFR they would have already told me.  I'll update when I get home this afternoon.  

hoffmanr7

@Worldtravler0522 GL at your appointment today.

Nothing much to report here...just the TWW.  Luckily, I have enough going on this week, it should help keep my mind off of it.  I am super nervous for this one...I see this as a kind of turning point because 1) After this we plan on taking a break for a couple of months, and 2) If we get another BFN this month, it means its time for DH and I to sit down and have the conversation of how far we want to go with this and what our next step will be.  I know we both don't want to do IVF because of the costs...especially since, so far, everything has come back normal.  But, I'm trying not to think about it until I need to.  I finally broke down a couple of weeks back and went to facebook.   I didn't get into specifics but just sent out a request for positive vibes.  Here's hoping it worked.

QOTW: I'm not sure what I would say...probably something along the lines of "We're all different and that's ok.  You don't need to agree with each others' beliefs but you do need to accept the fact that others may not share yours, so please Chill the F* out."

laurad75

@Worldtravler0522  GL today. I hope there is good news. 

@hoffmanr7 FX for you.  

My last treatment cycle was cancelled when I ovulated super early and this is the 2nd time we have had to cancel a cycle so I had a call with our RE yesterday and he is strongly recommending we move forward to IVF right away.  I am disappointed that we have had some many challenges in this process so far but thankful that our doctor is aggressive and willing to move fast.  I thought I would have a few days to process and research but then I started spotting last night and today is CD 1.  I am now waiting for my nurse to return my call with info on what happens now.  

QOTW: Yikes!  I have no idea what I would say.  I liked @hoffmanr7's answer so something like that.  

SoonToBeMommaHowe

Hi Ladies,

1)Currently entering month 38 on TTC, month 17 post loss.

2)We started working with an RE last month, I did cd3 bloods but have to wait 4 weeks for the results and I have an HSG on 1/6. hopefully all that comes back normal. DH is heading to Panama next week and due to Zika concerns we are currently getting some of his boys frozen so that we can start with a few IUIs in Feb. I'm anti-IUI because of the dismal likelihood of success but its either that or benched until August so I guess we might as well give it a shot. 

3)DHs first deposit was a large enough sample for three IUIs so our thought is one in Feb, April and June. Then IVF in August if those don't work. 

4)I haven't the slightest what I would say to everyone. No matter what you talked about you'd make a bunch of people angry so I'm all set with that. 

Good Luck today @Worldtravler0522. And FX for this cycle for you @hoffmanr7! Sorry about the cancelled cycle @laurad75, but I'm glad your doctor is aggressive. I wish mine were more like that!

BenJay

I'm enjoying my month/cycle of 'not trying'. The pressure is off for me to eat well, drink less, and exercise. It's a nice break, actually, since I have had so many holiday related events. Also, no Clomid! I am less bloated and hormonal, so that's great.

QOTW: A request for empathy and compassion. We're all going through something or facing challenges. Let's just honor that life has its bumps and instead of justifying or deciding who deserves what, maybe just lend a hand or at least an ear. 

Worldtravler0522

So we had our appointment and as I suspected I have more than just my MTHFR issue.  My karyotyping test showed that I have a pericentric chromosome which basically means I have a higher likely hood of producing chromosomally abnormal embryos.  So we either keep transferring and hope for the best that the embryo is normal and didn't get my jacked up DNA which will result in miscarriage or we get the embryos tested.  

I have been feverishly Googling trying to find information about my exact issue and coming up empty handed.  I left a message for a genetic counselor to make an appointment but their message said they won't return calls for 24 hours.  So now I have to wait on them too.... I'm just so frustrated.  This shouldn't have to be this hard.  

Regardless I am benched now for months while we get this all figured out.  I am beyond frustrated and angry about this entire situation.  I feel like giving up and just moving forward with my life without children regardless of how badly I want them.

greenange

This cycle we moved up to 7.5 mg of Femara for 5 days. Cycle day 12 (yesterday) ultrasound revealed no growth. My follicles are still 7's, 8's, & 9's. Scheduled to go in Thursday for another ultrasound, if there isn't any growth then the RE is going to cancel this cycle as well. The nurse seems to think he may want to try Clomid for the next cycle, but he doesn't seem too fond of Clomid. Also I have a higher chance of multiples because there are twins all throughout my family. 

I'm frustrated because I really hoped the increased Femara would have an effect. Is there anyone who has responded to Clomid better than Femara? I am very anxious to know what the next option will be if the RE decides not to go with Clomid. 

QOTW: I would tell people to stop running with the group mentality and think for themselves for once. So many people are caught up in a hatred of other people and they aren't even sure why. They just hate a certain group or type of people because their friend or family member hates them. I cannot stand the constant arguing and hated that goes on just because people are "different." 

seethosestars

@funkykey - your cookie post made me laugh.  I like that your hubby wanted to eat them anyways!

@hoffmanr7 - FX for your TWW!  I think sitting down and having that conversation with your husband will be really good, even if it's a hard one to have.

@laurad75 - glad you're heading in the right direction for you!  It's so wonderful when our beliefs and values are recognized by the RE and they do what feels best for us isn't it??

@SoonToBeMommaHowe - glad you were able to get such a good sample for three IUIs!  This Zika thing has been a big concern for us... we have definitely made travel plans around where Zika is or isn't the past few years.

@BenJay - enjoy the holidays with no pressure!

@Worldtravler0522 - so so sorry to hear about your chromosome problem.  I hope the genetic counselor has answers for you soon.  is testing the embryos you have an option before FET? ugh my heart hurts for you right now.


AFM, I'm in my fertile window with a positive OPK yesterday so hopefully our timing is good!  DH was supposed to go out of town but there is a big snowstorm so his work trip was cancelled (yay!) Our next RE appointment is next week so I'm trying to write down all my questions between now and then...

funkykey

Ah, @Worldtravler0522 I'm sorry! Sending big hugs your way!

I am keeping my FX that the genetic counselor will get back to you soon and that you won't be benched for months. Part of me wonders if there's not that much information out there because no one knows that much yet. Didn't they only finish mapping the human genome like yesterday? (Ok, 10 years ago, but still.) Maybe they just don't know that much about the pericentric chromosome yet. Ugh. Best wishes for you, and that you find lots of good information about this. 

I try not to think about giving up, but it crosses my mind sometimes. What would my life look like without kids? How would it feel? I think when you go through something like this - even before IVF and MCs and all of that - it should be something you think about. Like, how far are we willing to go? At what point do we call it, grieve, make peace, and move on? I don't know if you're there yet - it'll probably take a while for you to know - but either way, whatever path you choose, I'm rooting for you. xo.

Worldtravler0522

@funkykey I can get them tested but it will take weeks to months because they have recreate my issue in the lab to test against.  I had the doctor get the ball rolling on that for me by reaching out to the lab to see if they can even recreate this issue (umm what??) and then I get blood drawn and off it goes.  I'm terrified to think what it will cost to get this testing done but we have that option.  

@seethosestars I know today is not the day to be making those decisions about stopping but today is the day I want to throw in the towel the most.  It just shouldn't have to be this difficult for someone who wants a child and can take care of a child and would love a child unconditionally.  Then you look at these dirtbags who have children and leave them in cars on purpose or leave them at home or any number of horror stories we've all heard.   It just shouldn't be this hard for anyone who truly wants it.  Sorry for the rant.... 

Labluver2

AF showed up today I was dissapointed but I didnt cry this time . Kinda taking a break from the RE and still trying on our own. Going to try ovulation sticks this time around with charting basal temp. 

Focusing on eating healthy and exercising and a lot of praying.

Bababatty

@worldtravler0522 Oh my, I am so, so sorry to hear about your chromosome issue! I don't know anything about IVF and testing embryos, but I'm frustrated on your behalf that this has happened and that it will take so much longer to figure out if your embryos have the same issue. Sending you lots of hugs and positive thoughts today.

@hoffmanr7 FX for a successful TWW! 

ETA most of my post got eaten so I'll return later to respond to the rest.

PoeMasque

@BenJay I'm right there with you, the no pressure cycles are awesome! 

@Worldtravler0522 I'm so sorry to hear about your results. I would be a wreck waiting to hear back from the genetic specialist. Hang in there. i work with a lot of women who have babies with chromosomal abnormalities. I hope your genetic counselor will talk to you about odds of a baby who has a midline defect/heart defect/GI defect/developmental delay. They can test you for microdeletions (if they haven't already) which can cause any one of the above (one example is microdeletion 22q11). We know so much now and they should be able to give you pretty good odds of passing one of those on if you have a successful pregnancy. FX that they have good news for you!!

AFM - 5DPO, but only based on O pain and noticeable CM. This is cycle two of my "no pressure, waiting for RE appt" phase. I have zero hopes of anything but AF this cycle which is oddly comforting in a way. AF arrives the day before RE appt (9 long days away!!), which should be good timing for bloodwork, if needed. 

QOTW: I would ask everyone to think about how much being alive means to them. Then to apply that meaning to everything living on this planet (including the planet!). We are so careless with other living beings, yet hold our own existence so precious. 

Worldtravler0522

@PoeMasque from what I understand the type of abnormal babies I would make wouldn't make it to live birth.  So it's not a question of a special needs child because of my genes it's a question of no child. I'm eager to talk to a genetic counselor and hope someone actually calls me back today.   

halfanewt

@Worldtravler0522 fingers crossed you get some good news back! 

CD 1 here, with an LP length increase from 8 days to 8.5. Sigh. Small victories? This will be my first cycle on full supplements/prenatals to support MTHFR, so we'll see if that makes a difference. In the meantime...

QOTW: something like what @hoffmanr7 said, for sure

liljoy-2

greenange My RE put me on Clomid for my first IVF because he said on Clomid he usually sees at least one more follicle than on Femara. However, I was on Clomid low dose and had eye floaters so I'm thinking next time I'm going to ask for Femara. On Femara the lining is supposed to be better too for implantation.

funkykey

Whoa - everyone else's QOTW are so kind and understanding. You guys! Nuclear power IS sweet! We can meet the world's energy needs AND cut carbon emissions for our children, and their children, and their children's children! Nuclear power for the win! 

Bababatty

@greenange I was on Clomid--the lowest dose--my first IUI cycle and I got four, almost 5, mature follies. They switched me to letrozole the last two cycles--again low dose--and both times I got two mature follies. So I definitely had a stronger reaction--almost too strong--to clomid than letrozole. 

MandyBeeSLP

@Worldtravler0522 I'm sorry that your news wasn't what you were hoping for. I hope you get to meet with the genetic counselor soon to get all your questions answered. 

I'm in the TWW. I triggered last Friday, but my temps didn't show a shift until yesterday (Wednesday). Can temps be trusted when you're messing with so many hormones? They put me on vaginal progesterone for the whole at TWW. 

In other news, we attended a foster and adoption informational meeting this weekend. We are only in our 2nd medicated cycle but we have already decided against IVF so we wanted to get more information while it was available. It was really good to be able to discuss it from a more informed perspective now, but it did make everything feel very finite.

QOTW: wow, that's a really big, serious question. I'm going to avoid the seriousness and say I would tell a joke. It would be something for the whole world to laugh at once. 

GG620

Hello everyone!

So we had our first RE appointment this past Tuesday. Much of what we expected – lot of background/discussion. Very much liked the doctor. Had a lot of blood work done testing for various things and plan is once I get a cycle to come in for ultrasounds to evaluate my uterus. So anxious for the test results to come back! *TW* On a happy note, feel like I am emotionally in a better place after my second loss and getting excited to try again. RE said we can begin to try again as soon as my HCG is back down to zero J

QOTW:   If you could speak to everyone in the world at the same time, what would you say? Oh man…probably for everyone to make better efforts to care for the environment and our planet. We only get one and are destroying many  parts of it.

@hoffmanr7 FX’d super crossed for you!!

@laurad75 sorry that your treatment cycle was cancelled, but glad that you and your doctor have a plan moving forward

@soontobemommahowe good luck with the IUIs!

@benjay enjoy that break! It is really nice to focus on you for a bit and feel healthy and happy

@worldtravler0522 I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I am hoping for the best for you and that you can get some more answers soon from the genetic counselor. Your feelings of frustration are more than understandable. I totally get how you are feeling when it comes to other imo undeserving people who have children and it feels so unfair for us, who would, as you said, love and care for children unconditionally. You are in my thoughts.

@seethosestars hooray for good timing! FX’d!

greenange

Thanks for your answers @Bababatty & @bestofjoy

My second ultrasound revealed no growth so the RE has decided that he is putting me on a "step up cycle" this time. He's going to check my day 22 progesterone and when it comes back "negative" (as usual) he's going to start me on a new medication immediately. I'm assuming this new medication is going to be Clomid, so I've gpt my FX that I will finally produce a mature follicle!

kyersten

NEWCOMERS:

To be added to the Weekly Checkin, please answer the following:

1.  How long have you been TTC? 19 months

2.  What is your diagnosis? Potential scar tissue issues from previous ruptured appendix 

3.  What is your current treatment plan? We finished all our testing last month and the RE wants to do IVF. Still discussing with DH what we want to do.