Low AMH Level

Isthisthereallife

@JamieH2000 Sending you all the hugs, thoughts, and prayers. It is going to be okay. Like @hopeful_mom said, this isn't where your story ends. 

JamieH2000

Thanks @Hopeful_mom and @isthisthereallife!

Beta confirmed the negative today and the RE was kind enough to call herself. she was impressed with how much better this cycle had gone... I think it will be up to what we want to do next. I flip back and forth, and I am trying to figure out the financial implications of trying again and donor. I have always felt in my gut that its just an egg quality issue... so while I would love to be the 1 in 100 that gets a miracle on round 4... I just don't know if I would be wasting money trying again. We will see how the follow up goes and how I'm feeling a few days. Time will hopefully give me clarity.

Kp214

@JamieH2000 I'm so sorry. This breaks my heart. The decisions are so tough. I am praying for you. Please take care of yourself.  You are a strong lady, and everything will be ok. 

TaylorMichel

Hi all! I have been following this board for a while but hadn't posted. @JamieH2000 I feel for you!!  My husband and I started our IVF journey after getting a devastating sperm analysis. I however was told I had no issues, AMH normal, FSH on the high side of normal but I ovulated and am 29. 3 cancelled IVF's later and a jumping FSH I was told I have a better chance of dying in a crash on the way to the clinic than getting pregnant. (Which hurt but was meant to be caring) @JamieH2000 I am so sorry you are in this situation, I know how devastating it is. It took me a few months and mourning the loss of having my genetic child but we have decided to move forward with an egg donor next month. Not that donor eggs are right for everyone but we were blessed with a sister in law who was willing to be our donor. At our appointment to schedule her tests our RE told us about someone she thought would be "perfect" for us but it was anonymous. She listed the donors features and it seemed too good to be true, almost like God sent her for us. We decided to go with the anonymous donor and have 12 mature, beautiful eggs! Take care of yourself and hopefully you will find peace and clarity soon. Praying for you!

capps42613

@JamieH2000 Sending you creepy internet hugs!

@TaylorMichel sorry to hear of your struggles. Though I'm very happy that you and your DH have found an alternative. I'd love for you to keep us posted 

JamieH2000

@kp214- thank you! We have been on this journey a while together and your support has meant a lot!

@capps42613- thanks for sticking with us here and being so supportive! 

@taylormichel- thanks for reaching out! It's nice to hear from others who have moved on to donor. I'm so glad you have had a great result and I really hope it works when you transfer soon! I would love if you would keep us updated! I feel like there aren't a lot of girls on this site who have moved on to donor and are still active here. After my second IVF that went so poorly, I had started considering donor. Then the third IVF went so much better and we got closer than ever. That's the only thing that's tempting to try again. But I also think that with 8 beautiful mature eggs and not 1 sticking, that it may be an egg quality issue that I won't be able to overcome. Hopefully time and the doctors guidance will help me decide how to proceed. 

mandasd

@JamieH2000 I want to share with you that as I go into this round of IVF, if we are not successful, we are moving to donor eggs. It helps me to have a plan in place and somewhere to go just in case...being in limbo is too hard for me. I don't have the luxury to try multiple rounds with my clinic and I am not willing to pay $30k to a private clinic, just to have a similiar outcome, I would rather put that money toward donor. I have you in my thoughts as you and your hubby decide next steps! 

I have another U/S this morning and I am praying that the extra estrogen has controlled my potential lead follicle so that I can start injections this weekend. I am trying to be brave, and patient, but I don't want another delay. I want to get started! 

capps42613

@JamieH2000 not sure if this was stated before, but, are your embabies PGS tested? If not, would it be an option to have your embabies tested before moving onto donor eggs? 

@mandasand FX your u/s goes as planned!

JamieH2000

@mandasand- I really really hope this is your cycle and you won't have to consider donor. Delays and limbo is the worst so really hoping you can start stims!! Keep us posted!

@capps42613- they weren't tested.. we were shocked to even get to consider a day 5 transfer! I don't think the cost would be worth it for us bc we would probably be lucky to get 2 or 3 to day 5 again. It would be nice to know if they were good or bad tho, bc if they were good and didn't stick, then we would know something else is going on maybe besides egg quality. We have been lucky to have some coverage but now that's almost gone. So it's hard to consider gambling thousands on a 4th try when if that fails, we are looking at $30k for donor... really wish finances weren't such a big factor in our decision in this

Hopeful_mom

@mandasand Best of luck on ur upcoming us, hoping u can get started soon.  The delays r frustrating just try and be patient and focus on this round.
@TaylorMichel sorry u find urself here and have had such struggles but thrilled ur onto the next step.  Please keep us posted, best of luck to u!!
@JamieH2000 I understand how hard the next step can be and we wish we had that crystalball to help us out.  Are all these cycles a waste of time? I ask myself that but ur closer then ever.  It sucks that money has to play a roll in this.  We both had wasted cycles not responding to certain protocols but you have something that does work and it sucks it wasn't the first round.  Try to not think about the money and go with ur gut.  Hopefully ur RE will have some clarity in helping with ur next step.  I've been OOP for all and the amount I spent  on one cycle another girl spent on 4/5 cycles. Be thankful u've had some coverage to help figure it out.  We're strong and we'll both get our miracles at some point.  Hoping it's sooner then later! I'm so sorry this wasn't ur cycle I really thought this was it.  You did so well and will do great next time too.  Have the drs said anything was unusual about your eggs? That was a concern of mine as well.  I did MC so it's still a concern, but they don't think that's an issue right now.  Everything is still up in the air on what the issue could be.  Sending u much luv and hugs. Xoxo

mandasd

Okay, so I have that one follicle that is now fully mature and my lining is thick. The estrogen did lots for me except suppress all follicles the same size...one grew naturally. So doc wants me to trigger tonight and intercourse this weekend. We opted not to do IUI. I'll continue estrogen patches (no progesterone). I have an ultrasound scheduled for 2/24 and if I'm not pregnant (I'll know by the 24th), then we will start injections. So I'll be on a TWW and join the March group if needed. Hey, you never know, it may work naturally. I'll keep my fingers crossed. I may have a glass of wine tonight, I haven't had a drop in over a month! 

JamieH2000

@hopeful_mom- the doctor hasn't said anything about my eggs but I'm gonna ask more at my follow up. It's just this gut feeling I have always had. I mean we got 8 great eggs this time and couldn't get one to stick. And we have tried at least 18 other months with IVF or IUi or perfectly TI. I mean there has to be something going on. Genetics is important to me but being a mom is 100 times more important. If I get lucky enough to have 1 miracle on my own... I would probably still have to consider donor for a second child. I still haven't decided but since my first IVF was cancelled I had this weird feeling I may have to do donor. I still have lots of moments that I think money isn't important so I just should try again.. so maybe I will... but also really considering moving on to something with an 80-90 percent success rate.

@mandasand- I really hope this is your miracle! That would be so amazing!!! And if it didn't work, at least you get to get started in 2 weeks!! 

capps42613

@JamieH2000 I completely understand what your saying. It's such a sin that people have to worry about finances when it comes to bringing a child into the world.

@mandasand fx for a natural conception!

TaylorMichel

@JamieH2000 I am right there with you! Being a mom is the most important thing. Hopefully your doctor has some good information for on what your best next step is! 
@mandasand thinking of you! Maybe this will be it and you can scrap your next IVF.

20T

FX for a natural win this month @mandasand
@JamieH2000 I am right there in that struggle with you. I go in to see/talk to the RE on Wednesday and I'm waiting to see what he thinks went wrong but I really, really want to try again if there is a chance of having my own baby. I hope your appointment goes well on Friday!

JamieH2000

@20t- keep us posted on what your RE says and what you decide for next steps! I am still changing my mind all the time so not in a position to decide anything yet! 

Kp214

@JamieH2000 and @20T it is so difficult to know what to do.  Listen to your instinct.  Trust your judgement.  Think about what you can live with and discuss it with DH.  so often we look to the "experts" to guide us, and not trust ourselves since we have to give up so much control, but I know I wouldn't have been on EPP if I hadn't followed my instinct and pushed for it.  DH and I felt like our re had written us off after the second cycle; she wanted to do the same failed protocol.  Please remember that you are your own best advocate.  I'm praying for you both to have guidance, peace, and clarity on what to do next.  

JamieH2000

@20T- how did your meeting with the RE go? Hoping they had some good ideas for next steps!

AFM, I have been anxiously waiting to talk with my RE tomorrow. I am 1.5 weeks past the BFN, and still not finding clarity on how to proceed, so really hoping she has some guidance. I do have some peace that there really isn't a "wrong" choice... but its the biggest decision I have had to make so far so just wishing I had a strong feeling whether to try again or move on.

20T

@JamieH2000 Good luck today, I hope that your RE can provide some guidance for you!

AFM, Sorry for the delay, it took me a few days to process all the info from Wednesday's wtf appointment. The thing that will stand out in my mind the most was that the first thing the RE said when he walked into the room was "I still think you can get pregnant". Which was super helpful for me to hear. They have 3 protocols that they still want to try, but honestly it comes down to how much more of this can we take? Not just financially (we are completely OOP) but also emotionally. H & I have had a few harsh heart to hearts over the last few days and I think we've decided to give it another go but then will have to have really reevaluate it if it fails again. Needless to say, it's been a tense few days in our house! 

JamieH2000

@20T- That sounds like you have a great RE that is willing to keep trying and come up with some new ideas! Remind me what your protocol was last time? Hopefully the next protocol can give you the best result yet! Its just so hard because we all respond differently. It is scary when it gets done to having those heart to hearts about how far you are willing to go with this. Its so personal that I can't give any advice... but just wishing for clarity and peace for you as a couple. I know exactly what you are going through and hear to listen if that would help at all!

My RE apt went good and bad today. It was good because my RE is awesome, totally gets me and is willing to work hard to get this to work. It was bad because it was exactly what I expected in that she didn't really help us decide what to do (and I didn't expect she would). It was nice that she validated my feeling that trying again would be a good option and also that it was not 'giving up' too early if we want to move to donor. She said that even though this was our third try (second retrieval), this was the first time we actually got a good response. She said the embryologist report said nothing about poor eggs (grainy, pitted, etc), so that was good. She gave me a 35% chance if we tried again, which is better than what I expected. So its very tempting to try again. On the flip side, their donor success rate is 93% and I would like get enough embryos to have some frozen for a second child. While I am trying not to focus on $$ too much, that is also a consideration. So at this point.. I continue to be pretty torn. I want to be that miracle story soo bad... but I have always had a weird feeling we would need donor since my first cycle was cancelled. And me and my DH have had some good talks and while I have been grieving some, we are both getting pretty comfortable with the idea of donor and that no matter what those would be our children we were meant to have. So feeling pretty good about either path right now.. and just continuing  to pray for clarity.  

Joslynj11

**lurking**

@JamieH2000 I am glad to hear the news about your appointment but sorry that your Dr. couldn't help steer you to one direction or the other. In a way, it's a good thing to me because I see it as she has faith in both. I am praying for you girlie and I hope your heart can help bring you to what you think is best. Lots of love coming your way 

Hopeful_mom

@20T I'm glad you want to give it another try - its hard no matter what.  Many people are not successful the first time, so dont give up.  The whole process sucks and is really hard on relationships I think, but seems like you guys are doing great.  Hang in there and just keep putting into the universe you are going to be a mom and ur beans r going to stick next time!

@jamieh2000 Sounds like you had a good appt.  I know this process is so hard and nothing is 100%.  I dont know how donor eggs work, do you get a bunch from the same person and they see how many fertilize?  I do find it fascinating but still not giving up on my own eggs.  Once we do this more then once its true we dont know how many trys you emotionally have left but try and look past that.  And I can't even think about the oney right now, between having to go to the ER and testing the embryo that about another 13-15k, waiting and praying insurance should be covering something, I just can't!! I'm super hopeful for you, like i've said i wish this past cycle was your first but try and look on the positive side that you did respond better.  I know at this point we all wanted to be moms so we dont want to even wait another day...but I would go for one more try with your own.  The donor eggs aren't going anywhere and will be just as perfect when and IF you need them  just my 2 cents.

@Joslynj11 hoping you have some good news to share with us, i get lost on ur other thread at times...hoping this is ur time sweets!!

AFM:  My AF showed up last week prior to my blood test or my levels still being to high.  Nurses let me know that its still possibly my levels r still high even though AF arrived, very strange.  Had a terrible cold and snow storm so will head back to the dr this week.  Will have the sono and hopefully it will show i'm ok and good to go.  Will also draw blood and pray my levels show i can start again and am going to test to make sure i dont have an blood clotting issues too.  I keep researching trying to find what couldve caused the MC so tryng to make sure i dont miss anything on my end...so lets hope I have all good news.  I'm also meeting with a different RE as mine will be away that week of course...funny, I guess my body wanted to chat with someone else  My OH actually prefers this RE so hopefully all will go smoothly.  Going to hear about the PGS testing as well.  More as a formality as I'm not for it and OH is, so we shall see.  Trying to get everything all in at once so I dont have to return till next AF.  Still dont know what I'm doing though...

20T

Thanks @Hopeful_mom, this last one was my 2nd cycle.

@JamieH2000 I was on an atagonist protocol last time (Menopur, Follistim & Ganirelix). It sounds like your RE gave you all a lot to think and talk through! How are you doing?

mandasd

@JamieH2000 I know it's a tough choice - would you have an issue with having 1 full bio child and the rest donor? I say this because 35% chance is based on really only get one quality embryo so if you want more then you'll likely have to do donor in the future. It's also difficult because of $, do you spend the $ for one more try with your eggs or use that towards donor which is considerably more expensive? I'm sure you are asking yourself these questions...I do all the time (in my head). Sounds like your RE gave you lots to think about and I know their goal is to get you to success. You are in my thoughts as you work towards a decision. 

JamieH2000

@hopeful_mom- So hoping that your scans look good and you can get started soon!! I hope you and your OH can reach some resolution on the PGS.. its definitely a big decision and there is really not right answer I think.  Please keep us posted after your apt!

@20T- Did you do estrogen priming before your protocol? what did the RE recommend to try next? I think its a good idea to try for a third time, but I also agree its so hard to keep going through all this. Did they give you any odds for another try? When are you going to get started?

AFM... we have finally reached a decision! We will try one more time and that is it. If it fails, we will 100% feel good about moving on to donor. I feel like my first two trys weren't good trys (with getting cancelled and then only 2 eggs), so I think its not completely hopeless that this next time could work. The RE gave us a 35% chance, so that was better than I was expecting. I have just decided to not think about the $$ at all.. and know that when this finally works I won't think about that. So overall, feeling pretty good that we have a plan for this step and the next step too. It looks like I'll start estrogen priming in ~1.5 weeks, and stims probably in ~3 weeks! Hopefully I will have some cycle buddies with me again and this will be all of our turns!

JamieH2000

@mandasand- my post just crossed with your post I think! What you bring up is my biggest concern about trying again quite honestly... but I think if we had too, I could be ok with one bio and one donor child (and I could use frozen donor for just one child and that would be much cheaper). Its all such a gamble! I just figured if I was this torn about moving on, it was probably good to give it one more shot so I don't ever doubt I didn't give it my all! have you taken any pregnancy tests? I wish this cycle could be your miracle!! Otherwise I am so glad you hopefully get to get started SOON!

Kp214

@JamieH2000 so glad you made a decision that you feel good about. I think that was a great way to view it...that if you are so torn about what to do, you aren't quite ready to move on to de. Really hoping and praying this next cycle is the one!

@Hopeful_mom I'm glad AF has arrived so you can start soon. ***tw**** last year with my cp, it took awhile (approximately 3 weeks) for my levels to drop. The highest it ever got was 80-something. I hope your levels drop faster than mine did. Stay strong. You can do this. 

@20T it so tough mentally and physically. It helped me to think of this as a marathon, not a sprint. One thing at a time, one hurdle at a time. You can do this. 

mandasd

@JamieH2000 March will be our month! 

Imajin99

Joining this thread as I have been diagnosed with DOR.  DH and I have been trying since March 2015 . My AMH level is .35, my FSH level is normal high at 9.4 and I don't recall my AFC. DH has a bit of morphology issues but his count and motility are excellent.

I tried Clomid at 100mg for 3 months with TI and it didn't result in anything.  My RE is recommending IVF but I need to work on losing some weight.  We decided to go down the route of IUI this month and my RE has referred to it as Superovulation as I had to take a high dose of Menopur. I had two mature follicles in the u/s prior to the IUI and one at 17.4 which could have matured by the time of the IUI.

I am scheduled for HCG test on Feb 28 and it still seems so far away....

I wish every lady on this board a lot of luck and very happy to have found a group that is on the same journey.

Hopeful_mom

@Imajin99 sorry you find yourself here but hoping your IUI will take and this is your winner.  Sending you sticky vibes!  How perfect you had it a valentines day, will make for a great story

JamieH2000

@Imajin99 - sorry you are in this group with us, but glad you found us! Keep us posted on your IUI! I really hope it works and you don't need IVF.

@hopeful_mom- when do you have your meeting with the other RE? Hoping you can get started soon!

@mandasand- did you have your baseline yet?! March WILL be our month!! Who wouldn't want a Christmas baby anyways haha

mandasd

@JamieH2000 baseline Friday!

Imajin99

@JamieH2000 Thank-you and sending you baby dust and this next cycle proves successful for you.

Hopeful_mom

@kp214 how r u doing? How's ur Lil prince doing?

@jaimeh2000 it's funny u mention winter babies as I was expecting summer babies which I was not thrilled about but then had it all planned....now I do a complete 180 for a winter baby, how does that happen.  Funny as my fav seasons are spring and fall go figure.  Everyone says g-d has his plan but still.  I'm thinking I will hopefully starting in March too BUT I think I will do batching depending on how my cycle goes.  I did have RE thanks for asking.  It's strange cause my regular RE was out but I really like this one and my OH prefers him so it was good.  He thinks I should do the pgs testing and only transfer one.  I think he feels that I really miscarried cause I was carrying twins.  He doesn't say it out right but eludes to it.  He really does not want me to transfer 2, and of course that all I want.  I laugh as they were all gung ho transferring 3.

AFM: Had my sono and over 30 vials of blood taken yesterday.  Luckily my lining is thin and everything looks and on point for another transfer thank goodness!!

Oddly enough My hcg levels r at 5.8, they have to be at least under 5, how ridiculous is that...by next week hopefully everything will be on track so I can get started.  Just so crazy how long it's taking to go down.

 Also met with another dr about pgs testing, believe it or not I'm still torn, and OH wants it done.

Hopeful_mom

@kp214 how r u doing? How's ur Lil prince doing?

@jaimeh2000 it's funny u mention winter babies as I was expecting summer babies which I was not thrilled about but then had it all planned....now I do a complete 180 for a winter baby, how does that happen.  Funny as my fav seasons are spring and fall go figure.  Everyone says g-d has his plan but still.  I'm thinking I will hopefully starting in March too BUT I think I will do batching depending on how my cycle goes.  I did have RE thanks for asking.  It's strange cause my regular RE was out but I really like this one and my OH prefers him so it was good.  He thinks I should do the pgs testing and only transfer one.  I think he feels that I really miscarried cause I was carrying twins.  He doesn't say it out right but eludes to it.  He really does not want me to transfer 2, and of course that all I want.  I laugh as they were all gung ho transferring 3.

AFM: Had my sono and over 30 vials of blood taken yesterday.  Luckily my lining is thin and everything looks and on point for another transfer thank goodness!!

Oddly enough My hcg levels r at 5.8, they have to be at least under 5, how ridiculous is that...by next week hopefully everything will be on track so I can get started.  Just so crazy how long it's taking to go down.

 Also met with another dr about pgs testing, believe it or not I'm still torn, and OH wants it done.

Kp214

@Hopeful_mom. I'm doing alright.  I'm so happy your lining looks good.  I'm glad you're on track to get started.  I am sure by next week all will be well. Please keep us updated on what you decide to do as far as PGS testing and banking.  I'm praying March is your cycle.

JamieH2000

@mandsasand-how did baseline go?! I hope NO cysts!!

@hopeful_mom- glad you had a good meeting with the RE!! That seems ridiculous that they would make you wait to start if they need below 5 and you are at 5.8!! Do you just have to wait for AF again?

@kp214- glad to hear things are going good keep us updated!

mandasd

@JamieH2000 excellent! I have 9-11 follies, no cysts and good lining. I start injections Sunday. Estimated retrieval 3/9.

Hopeful_mom

@mandasand yay!  that's great news!!  hoping they all keep growing together for you, how exciting!  best of luck keep us updated!!

@jamieh2000 I go back on wed to see where my levels are at...really hoping by now it will be under 5 and all will be right in the body  I did get the patches for the EPP just in case.  Did you use patches?  Where did you place it?  I waited to talk to the pharmacist on where to wear it and how long its for etc.  He had to google it, how great is that!  Didn't that make me feel comfortable.  I'll have to follow up with the nurses just to be on the safe side.  My jeans are getting tight, i'm afraid after another round they wont fit at all

@kp214 did you use patches during your EPP?  Where do you think the best spot to wear it, and did you cover it during a shower?

JamieH2000

@mandasand - yay for getting started!! Hope the stims are going well and can't wait for an update!!

@hopeful_mom- I used patches... put them on my tummy. They are very sticky so they don't come off in the shower (takes days for them to naturally come off). That is a little concerning that the pharmacist had to google! So once your numbers are below 5, do you just want for the next AF and then start Stimming? hope you can get started soon!