@Mokay19 welcome to WA! I hope you love it here. @BaileyM321 we went straight for the IUI and then added Clomid to the mix on IUI #2. I was hesitant to put chemicals/hormones into my body.
Diagnosis (If you've been): No diagnosis yet (possible cilia problems)
Cycle/CD: Cycle 19, CD 6
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Clomid + IUI #3
How are things going? All is well. Thankful for a community that understands this crazy journey!
Any questions? For those of you doing IUIs and grappling with when/if to move on to IVF, what are you basing your decision on? My RE has essentially said that we can't go above a set number of IUIs (6) but that we can move on to IVF at any point. I was thinking that we'd give IUIs a chance for 3-4 cycles and then move on, but now I'm not sure. IVFs are incredibly expensive. At the same time, I don't want to waste more on IUIs if they aren't going to be successful. Any advice out there? (We've been saving for a house and it pains me to use our downpayment money for IVF)
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? (i.e. something most people are not strongly opinionated about) Not that I can think of right now.
@tallyally. i think I've read that after 3-4 IUis the odds of success go down. We will likely go for 4 before we re evaluate. I am ok with Ivf. The money sucks but we'll deal. H has some concerns about it that we'd have to work through though. I have the number for a counselor in my back pocket. After the rough time I had last cycle I was about to call, but then we got to do the IUI and, well, I felt better. If this second IUI is a failure I plan to call so maybe we can start the IVF talks there and work through what needs to be worked through just in case.
I have also heard the case for going straight to IVf to save money but I think in my case it might still be worth the IUIs. For me each IUI ends up being about $550 total ($450 for the sperm washing and actual IUI, about $30 for the monitoring scans (those are covered), and about $50 in meds plus whatever I spend on gas to get to the office,etc). Compared to the possible IVF cost where literally nothing with be covered... The IUIs aren't that bad.
7ish mm follie on the left, 3.3mm lining. Prescription for 7.5mg letrozole called in. I will start that tonight. Follicle scan on cd11.
usually they have me do bloodwork before they will proceed (either a blood pregnancy test or checking estrogen) but everything looked good so no needle sticks for the first time ever!
So I haven't been active on TTGP for a couple of months now, just too hard, but now that I am about to start treatment I figure time to join back in...no WAY I can do TWW and WTO, but for sure I want to participate here to hopefully support others as well!
Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI
Cycle/CD: CD1 !!!!!!!!!!!!
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTSIVF (or waiting to start IVF )
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Testing - STD Bloodwork, PGS bloodwork, antral follicle count and saline sonogram. Then meet with RE, sign all the paperwork and start on BC to get this party started! This next month is going to crawl by....and then I feel like November is going to be a shit show...
How are things going? Fine, first time I have not been sad for CD 1, I don't even care, I get it, this has a like 1% chance of happening naturally so let's do this thing!
Any questions? None yet, but I am sure I will have some as I go through this process!
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? (i.e. something most people are not strongly opinionated about) Everything...once I have an opinion it is really hard to get me to change it. My husband thinks I am stubborn....yep, I am.....
TTC #1 - December 2015 Me:31 H:31 DX: MFI - 1% Morph 12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future) 3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
@furbabymom2007 keeping my fingers crossed for your folly check on CD 11!!!! I hope this cycle goes much more smoothly than last !!!
@mrsdee15 I am hopeful for you too! Hope is a scary thing.... but we can't help but have it, because if we don't, why are we doing this, right?
@tripledaggerWed95976 thank you for sharing your experience. We are also dealing with MFI, so about to start down the IVF road, just skipping over the IUI portion because we are 100% OOP. I really hope you get the second naturally, who knows right?! It also makes me feel better that you didn't find it much more difficult than IUI.
@felix08 I know this is a hard decision and it really hits you like a ton of bricks, but I felt like once I made the decision to move forward I didn't feel as negative as I have this past almost year now. Although if natural BFNs hurt me, I can't imagine the testing day for IVF....god help me... Regardless..I am here for you, we all are here for you! Let me know if you have any quesionts, I may not be through the process yet, but I feel like I am only a couple steps in front of you.
@tallyally are you all OOP? Even for IUI? We are and we skipped IUI and are going straight for IVF, I just couldn't spend a couple extra thousand when that could be spend on PGS testing or something else I would have to pay for, but everyone has a different road and different situation. I think for me it came down to the percentages as well, we have 0-1% morph and with that our chances with iui are like 8%, our natural like 1%, so for me, I would rather throw all my money at like 50% and up. Most clinics offer a cost sharing progam that can help lessen the blow of multiple cycles and even give money back if none work. Of course, it's a gamble because you pay more, but if you get knocked up first time you lose the extra money, but I doubt anyone complains when they get pregnant on the first try...
TTC #1 - December 2015 Me:31 H:31 DX: MFI - 1% Morph 12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future) 3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
@zoey1019 how exciting that you're about to start IVF!! I totally get what you're saying about the time crawling by until you start!!! My RE does IVF in groups so even though I already had all my testing and everything done I still had to wait two months to start and it was the longest 2 months of my life!!! My best advice I can give to any ladies who are about to start IVF is don't read IVF stories and compare yourself to others on how many eggs you end up getting. I drove myself INSANE doing that because we ended up only getting 5 mature eggs (4 of which fertilized with ICSI) and only two made it to 5 day blasts. I was terrified because I kept reading stories of women who got like 20+ eggs retrieved, and we only had the 5. But it turned out I was worrying all for nothing!
@zoey1019 I know exactly what you mean--for the first time in many months, I've actually felt optimistic when thinking about doing IVF. Finally, the idea of having a baby is realistic again. H and I are 98% sure we want to move forward with IVF and I'll call the RE's office when AF starts (I'm hoping today is CD1, too!). They'll have me start on BC for a few weeks and then I think early-mid Nov would be the targeted transfer date. I still can't believe it's come to this point, but I am willing to do whatever it takes. I'm so glad to have someone who is in a similar place!!
@BaileyM321 I'm glad you were able to make a decision you're comfortable with! It is definitely always a relief to feel like you have a plan moving forward. This was my first cycle with femara after a couple with clomid and I had a good response! FX!!
@tallyally this is my first cycle with IUI, but when my RE and I talked about the long term plan he said he only thinks it's worth doing 3 cycles before talking about moving to IVF. Just really hoping we don't have to get to that discussion.
@Zooey1019 I think this it the first time I'm happy for someone's CD1! I'm sure waiting is going to be torture. Good luck!
@tripledaggerWed95976 Thanks for the advice! It is so appreciated and I am glad to have someone who has gone through this already to talk to!
@felix08 IVF buddy! haha I hope today is CD 1 for you as well, I was literally happy to have cramps...wow how times have changed. Let me know what protocol etc the RE gives you, I am interested. One thing I am sad/happy about is that my clinic closes down the embryo lab for half of December and my RE doesn't want to do a fresh transfer on me because of my AMH (a little on the high side). I completely agree, and am happy to give my body time to rest and get ready, but it is hard to wait! I am trying to look at the holidays as my baby bachelorette...so my FET would be in January.
TTC #1 - December 2015 Me:31 H:31 DX: MFI - 1% Morph 12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future) 3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
@tallyally The IUI success rate doesn't go down after 3-4 tries, it's the medications you're on that is the ticket. After 3-4 tries of oral stims, if it unsuccessful, chances of it working dramatically go down after the 4th try. Same for injectables. After 3-4 tries, chances dramatically go down after the 4th try. The IUI is just a way of getting the sperm where it needs to be, the medication is really the driving factor in regards to success. With that being said, I think it's a very personal decision as to when to move on. Our insurance covers an infinite amount of oral stims and IUI cycles, we did four with no luck and are now on to injectables. Our insurance only covers 3 cycles. However, it doesn't cover IVF at all. If insurance DID cover IVF, more than likely we would be skipping injectables and moving on to that. The whole process is expensive, and time consuming and draining. I would suggest if you fail at IUI (however many you're comfortable doing), moving straight to IVF (if you have the means). I mean, obviously I have hope for us that injectables will work, but like you said, the chaces are still only 16% (per my RE) for me (PCOS no MFI) each injectable cycle. Whereas, again like you said, IVF has much higher chances.
@felix08 I'm so sorry you're waiting on AF. IVF is such a big step, but I'm glad you're feeling (or starting too) comfortable with that decision.
@furbabymom2007 Yay for no blood work!! Fx that everything is smooth sailing this cycle!
@Zoey1019 CD 1!!!!! Woooo!! Let's get this party started!
Update: I went to the RE this morning for another follicle scan. I thought I might have to take Cetrotide tonight to stave off premature ovulation, to let my follicles grow more. But I was pleasantly surprised that I had two mature follicles, one at 20mm and one at 17mm that she thinks will be mature by tomorrow. I also have two teeny ones that aren't doing much, just sitting at 8.5 respectively. My lining was also at 12mm, which is the thickest it's been for an IUI. So I'll trigger with Lupron tonight and have our IUI tomorrow morning at 10. I'm waiting for them to post my estrogen results because this will tell me how close I am to starting the ovulation surge on my own. On Monday it was 117, she said anything 300 or over is a sign of close ovulation. I'm really shocked that I am so close to being ready. I'm currently on CD 10, so a CD 11 IUI is the earliest I've ever had it done. I'm happy that my body is responding so well to the injectables. I just have a feeling this TWW is going to be the longest one yet. Going from 8% success rate to 16% is a mind trip.
@zoey1019 Ha, I know! So strange that now we are just hoping for AF... I will let you know as soon as I do. I'm sure I'll have a lot of questions for you. And dang! I was hoping we would be transferring at the same time. But I like your idea for a "baby bachelorette," ha! I do feel like such a weight has been lifted--this is probably counter-intuitive, but now I feel like I don't have to worry so much about everything I'm eating/doing. I also want to plan some fun getaways/activities before the potential transfer date. It's hard to explain, but it's really nice not to have to worry about my natural cycle and to know that the clinic will basically be taking over.
@mrsdaddario so glad you got good news this morning!!
@felix08 I know! I would much prefer to go through transfer with someone too! Who knows, maybe we can get in under the deadline! I am sure I will know by retrieval time if the cycle will line up or not. I am the same way. I didn't even temp this month and it was amazing, I started taking all my antihistamines again, because screw CM, I don't even care. We are going to have a staycation here in St. Pete for our 3rd wedding anniversary the first weekend in November and holidays are coming up, so I feel a big relief to not have to track things myself and plan sex. I am just ready for a change.
TTC #1 - December 2015 Me:31 H:31 DX: MFI - 1% Morph 12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future) 3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
@mrsdaddario yay another IUI buddy! Also I'm super jealous of your lining. Never would have imagined that would be something I'd be jealous about.... what a weird time of life. Good luck tomorrow!
Just scheduled my HSG! I'll be doing it next week Wednesday. I tried to schedule it for last cycle, but I was "waiting to speak to a representative" for so long that I started googling the details of the procedure and chickened out. This time someone answered immediately so I didn't have time to chicken out. There was a lot of HSG talk on last week's thread, so I'm taking all the advice from there! Hopefully it goes well.
@mrsdaddario so happy for your good news. Good luck tomorrow!
In regard to the IUI to IVF conversation. We are planning to do IUI #1 this cycle and do two more if we have to. After that we will go straight to IVF.
History and blog link in spoiler
2016 - dx with super low ovarian reserve; failed cycle with clomid, failed IUI, 2017 - egg retrieval #1 - 3 eggs, 0 embryos appropriate for transfer; ER #2 2 eggs, 0 embryos on day 3; ER #3 1 egg 0 embryos moved to donor egg in summer 2017; 35 eggs retrieved; 19 fertilized; 9 total embryos Fresh transfer Dec 2017= BFP! baby boy born 8/22/18
May 2019 - surprise natural pregnancy ended in MC Nov 2019 FET; MC at 9 weeks May 2020 FET; BFN July 2020 FET; CP treated with methotrexate Oct 2020 BFP!
You guys, I just have to say, this thread makes me so happy. Thank you so much, @mrsdaddario, for getting this group started! The daily threads sucked my spirit; this one makes me feel better and less alone every week. I'm a little late jumping in this week, but am caught up on everything now.
@pretzel2plus1 - I am with you on wanting to wait a little longer before starting treatment. I go back and forth constantly, because I want to start a family ASAP more than anything, but my husband is still optimistic that it will happen, and I suppose I am too, so we've been dragging our feet on starting treatment. To be honest, I think part of it for me is fear that initial treatments won't work. The longer I wait to begin, the longer I can believe that it will work! (I do have faith in IVF, but that's not on the table for us until 2017 anyway.)
Diagnosis: Unexplained IF
Cycle/CD: 13/6
Status: WTO
What are you doing this cycle? Getting an HSG tomorrow, actually. I had an SHG instead during my initial testing due to potential allergic reaction with HSG, but now my RE wants to go for it to ensure that my tubes are okay. I'm nervous because of the allergy and because the SHG was very, very uncomfortable for me and I know the HSG is supposed to be worse, but I'll be on Prednisone and Benadryl to prevent a reaction, and will rock some ibuprofen too.
How are things going? Okay. I'm worried about a lot of things now that I'm thinking about it, but in general I've been fairly distracted with work and travel.
Any questions? How far ahead do you need to order your meds, for those of you who use mail-order? I wanted to order them for next cycle well ahead of time, but my husband wants to wait until this cycle is a bust to ensure we're not wasting money. I totally understand where he's coming from but am worried about not getting the meds in time.
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? Walking appropriately on the sidewalk. It drives me crazy when people walk too slowly down the middle of the sidewalk (stay on far right side if you're slow!), or stand completely still in the middle of the sidewalk (pull over and stand out of the way if you need to stop), or if people walk on the left side instead of the right (how can anyone live in this country and not know this norm?!), or if you're on a non-crowded sidewalk and are walking directly toward someone and wait until the last second to veer out of the way and make room for them. (Think ahead, people!) I am generally a quiet, calm person, but I have yelled at strangers about sidewalk etiquette.
@YesOuiCan I was talking to H about sidewalk etiquette the other day while we were walking down the sidewalk and right after our conversation the lady in front of us suddenly stopped and stood in the middle of the sidewalk. There's no way she heard us because we were pretty far behind when we were discussing it, but it made us both extra mad.
@Bababatty I'm sorry you feel like AF is coming I hope she stays away!
@mokay19 I'm so sorry you're feeling down and dealing with all the other issues as well. I don't get how some people can be so insensitive with TTC comments. Today in a meeting our HR person (who knows I'm going through fertility treatments) made a comment about how everyone is pregnant. Not a huge deal, but it rubbed me the wrong way.
@ClaireCF That's great to hear your response was better on Femara. Lining is a concern of mine as well, it's been thin while on Clomid. Good luck with your IUI!
@DungeonTrollMel Anti-vaxxers really get to me too. They're endangering others because of fabricated research, and it drives me insane. It feels like there is no reasoning with them too, I always think of this Family Guy scene (it's a guy saying Kevin Bacon was in Footloose, and the donkey disagreeing with him):
@KristoB I hope your appointment goes well today, I'm sorry you're feeling bitter about TTC I looked into menstrual cups, I may have to give them a try. This is probably a stupid question, but do you have two and alternate them out while the other dries from washing?
@rh10264706 I hear you on Schick Intuition, I've been using only them since college. Also, CONGRATULATIONS!! This made me so happy to see!
@BaileyM321 Good luck with your appointment! IUI is a big choice, going to an RE was a tough one for me.
@pretzel2plus1 Fx for O, and I'm glad to see things are going well! I don't think it's crazy to try on your own - my RE had us try a few more cycles before starting medication.
@tripledaggerWed95976@magnolia131 You're welcome here! Anyone with treatment or testing, and I'm sure previous diagnoses fall under that.
@ReesaAnne16 That's really interesting that fewer days' abstinence is better for IUI, our RE had us HIO EOD before it as well, so that is good to hear.
@laurad75 Good luck with O, I hope timing works out!
@felix08 IVF! That's exciting! It is nice to be in control. We'll be close in time if we start IVF also, our consult is the 30th.
@tallyally We did two IUIs and are choosing to move to IVF for the next cycle. We're entirely out of pocket, and with 20% success, it just makes more sense to us to go to IVF. Also, for me mentally the IVF process is just more reassuring.
@Zoey1019 WOOO!!!! I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see your updates!
@mrsdee15 yes, it is marvelous to feel in control again. That would be great if we were going through it at the same time! RE's office just called in my prescription for BC (never thought I'd be going on it again) and we're going Friday afternoon to talk through the schedule.
@pretzel2plus1 I 100% agree about people saying that they hate math! I'm an engineer so I had to take a lot of math (most of which were my favorite subjects) and often when people find out what I do, they're like "why? that sounds awful!" I want to be like "well, your face is awful but I don't run around telling the world that!" It would be weird for people to go around saying that they hate doctors, so why is it any different to go around saying that you hate mathematicians or statisticians?
hahaha! I died laughing! Maybe I should use that response next time!
Thanks for validating my opinion, @mrsdaddario, @ClaireCF, @felix08, @ReesaAnne16, @YesOuiCan, and @mrsdee15! H is super optimistic with our HSG and SA results, so that's definitely our plan for now unless the doctor (still my OBGYN) says something different at the follow up appt.
@KristoB Thanks for the great run-down of the cups. I definitely want to try them, so I'll probably pick up some disposables before next AF.
Congrats on your transfer, @Elyse1384! FX for you!
@mokay19 I'm sorry you've hit a hard(er) spot with TTC. Hugs to you! Also, ketchup goes on EVERYTHING!!
Glad you scheduled your HSG, @britters314. I hope it goes well for you! Even if it's not super fun, it doesn't last very long!
@mrsdaddario That's amazing news! I have my fingers crossed so hard for you this cycle!
An update for myself: one more high temp confirms O for CD 18. This and last cycle are the earliest I've O'd since I've been tracking, so I'm very excited! I hope my body is getting itself on track!
Edited because I forgot someone I wanted to respond to.
Me: 26, H: 28
Married since 2012
TTC #1 since July 2015 **TW**
Laparoscopy and Endometriosis dx February 2016
HSG and SA all clear! September 2016 Testing with RE October 2016 BFP 11/5/2016 ~ EDD 7/19/2016
@YesOuiCan So glad you found us! So for oral stim cycles, I was always able to get the Letrozole OTC at RiteAid. So no waiting for that. The mail order, from the pharmacy my insurance makes me go through, can overnight medications. But I usually called at the start of a new cycle before I needed it. First, if I owed money on the medications I wanted them to call and tell me, instead of just giving them a credit card to charge. That always took an extra day. Also, hcg triggers are considered a "controlled substances". So I had to be home to sign for it. If it was coming from my same state it wouldn't matter but because it was coming from a different state I needed to be home to receive it. Which was a huge pain in the ass.
For injectables I ended up ordering them a cycle before I needed them (though I thought I needed them for that cycle). So I had them on hand when I started the cycle. I also needed to sign for that box!
IMO it's best to have them on hand, instead of scrambling to get them.
I'm really late to the party this week. We just got back from vacation, so I finally have access to the internet again.
@Elyse1384 3 months in the making is a long time to
wait. Glad you got to have your FET and
hope it went well! FX for you!
@SaphireSweetie88 Waiting for that first appointment is nerve
wracking.
@mrsdaddario Glad you’re responding well to the
injectables! Yay for your lining as
well! And that spoiler….yikes! I don’t think I could handle the stress.
@furbabymom2007 Yay for not needing to be sticked! FX your follicles develop nicely.
@mokay19 creepy internet hugs. If your MIL asks, you’re completely justified
in hitting her. Can your DH talk to
ahead of time about it not being her business? And yay for a fellow engineer on
the boards!
@ClaireCF Glad your lining is getting better! And I feel the same way about some grammar things. Some things drive me nuts and others, I’m
willing to let pass.
@dungeontrollmel I hate people who don’t vaccinate their
children for that reason. There are
legitimate reasons not to vaccinate your children and those kids rely on the
rest of the group being vaccinated. Just
because you’re an idiot and think it will cause autism means the kids with
compromised immune systems have to suffer.
Getting off my soap box….
@KristoB I see a therapist for non-fertility things and it’s
been awesome to have someone to lean on.
Glad your appointment went well and that you feel lighter! She also had TTTC, so when I want to vent
about this, she understands.
@rh10264706 ONG!! Yay!!! FX so hard for you right now.
@britters314 Sorry you’re still waiting to hear what the Dr
says about the bloodwork results. I
think knowing the numbers and not knowing what it means is the hardest
part. I start relying on Dr Google and
going down the rabbit hole. I agree with
you on the pizza. I don’t get why you’d
want to ruin the cheese and why you’d want so much crust. Good luck on the HSG! Mine wasn’t bad at all.
@BaileyM321 Sorry about unexplained fertility. There are a bunch of us it seems that are getting
that diagnosis lately. Glad your
appointment went well! That’s great
timing that you’re able to do meds+IUI this cycle!
@pretzel2plus1 Glad your HSG and SA are clear/normal! As someone who’s paying out of pocket, I
completely understand wanting to wait a bit longer.
@ReesaAnne16 We just talked to our RE. He recommends using injectables instead of
Clomid/letrozole with IUI for unexplained.
It’s interesting to see what the different Res have had success with and
what they recommend. Glad the letrozole
is working well for you! FX that more
follicles and “fresher” sperm works!
And there’s nothing worse than eating ruined cookies because
you’re trying to be nice. I’m way to
particular when it comes to desserts and prefer to make my own as well.
@AmeliaBedelia I love your SN. The books were so much fun to read! Hope your IUI went well. FX for you!
@laurad75 FX that you O at a good time. Hopefully the conference is close by if he
needs to come home.
@felix08 Sorry about
AF coming soon. But I agree, it’s nice
to feel in control and have a plan.
@mrsdee15 I laughed when I read “I’m hopeful and I don’t
like it.” I feel the same way some days.
@tallyally My RE said he usually only does 3 IUI cycles and
then recommend to move on to IVF. His
reasoning is more of the emotional side.
It can be hard to deal with disappointment and he’d move on to IVF with
a higher success rate and hopefully keep your emotional health in a better
state. But he did reiterate that it’s a
personal choice.
@zoey1019 Welcome! I’m
in the same boat for not participating in WTO and TWW.
@YesOuiCan Hope the HSG went well today! My RE said that for mail-order, it got
overnighted.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Testing is all done. Now we're waiting...
How are things going? Surprisingly really well. Just had the initial consultation with my RE. It looks like we're going to be starting treatment next cycle. He recommended starting with injectables and IUI, so that's the route we'll take. He was awesome. Really reassuring and answered all of the questions.
Any questions? None right now. Thank you guys so much for all the info/support you provide. Without you, I'd have ended up taking Clomid unmonitored and I'm so glad I didn't! I feel so much better with a plan and real monitoring. I feel like I'm in good hands.
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? (i.e. something most people are not strongly opinionated about) Just seconding a lot of what others have said...
Had my IUI today! It went well, besides some mild cramping. Now it's been about 2 hours and I'm already anxious so I'm not sure how I'm going to survive this two week wait...
On another note, does anyone else get super sore from the trigger shot? I have every time and it is SO painful!
@ClaireCF I'm so glad it went well for you. FX! I am anxiously awaiting a positive opk so we can schedule an IUI.
History and blog link in spoiler
2016 - dx with super low ovarian reserve; failed cycle with clomid, failed IUI, 2017 - egg retrieval #1 - 3 eggs, 0 embryos appropriate for transfer; ER #2 2 eggs, 0 embryos on day 3; ER #3 1 egg 0 embryos moved to donor egg in summer 2017; 35 eggs retrieved; 19 fertilized; 9 total embryos Fresh transfer Dec 2017= BFP! baby boy born 8/22/18
May 2019 - surprise natural pregnancy ended in MC Nov 2019 FET; MC at 9 weeks May 2020 FET; BFN July 2020 FET; CP treated with methotrexate Oct 2020 BFP!
@ClaireCF I had IUI this morning too! Unfortunately it was extremely uncomfortable because the nurse couldn't find my cervix. Otherwise everything went in as it should. I agree this will be the mongnrst TWW ever! I had a Lupron trigger this cycle and the needle was bigger, it ended up giving me a bit of hive. The hcg trigger never bothered me!
Does anyone have any experience with progesterone oil? In conjunction with the suppositories, on Sunday I will start the progesterone oil. It's once a day, I'm going to try to have MH do it before bed. I am really nervous because it goes straight into the muscle and the needle is freaking humongous. I have tattoos, piercings, I've given myself shots everyday for years for multiple sclerosis. Never have I ever come across a needle this gigantic, and I'm really nervous. The nurse told me a few tricks, heating pad after the injections, have MH stick it in super fast like a dart. But again, I'm really worried. Anyone been through that?!
@mrsdaddario and @persnickity, thank you so much for the intel on ordering meds! Lots of super helpful info. Exciting that you are starting treatment next cycle, persnickity!
@ClaireCF and @mrsdaddario - I'm glad both of your IUIs were successful this morning (if uncomfortable -- ugh! My nurse had trouble getting to my cervix today, too; the struggle of the tilted cervix is real). My fingers are crossed for both of you this cycle. I'm sorry to hear about the terribly large needle for progesterone oil, MrsD. I am a complete needle wuss so am truly impressed at your ability to handle giving yourself daily shots. This one sounds extra scary, but it sounds like you will be able to handle it well given your experience!
I have a good update from my HSG today -- my tubes are clear! I was so happy I was fighting back tears when she told me / showed me the dye spilling out both tubes. I was also shocked and delighted to have no pain or cramping. Don't get me wrong, it was uncomfortable, but I thought it was going to be awful since my SHG was quite painful.
Update: I got my bloodwork back! Prolactin was high so my doctor wants me to retest that under more specific conditions. TSH was high so I have to get my T3 and T4 tested ASAP. They sounded really urgent, wanting me to come in today if I could. I can't get over there until Monday, though, so I'll be doing it then. So much testing next week for me!
@britters314 Gosh, big week for you next week! Get your game face on. I hope your follow-up tests for Prolactin, T3 and T4 bring clarity and will help your RE come up with the perfect plan for you.
@YesOuiCan Yay!!!!! So glad to hear everything is clear!! That has to feel like a big weight has been lifted.
@mrsdaddario Yikes! I'm terrified of needles and I'd be freaking out. I have found that yoga breathing before getting a shot helps. I have to get bi-weekly shots for a chronic condition.
Re: IF/Testing Check-In -- Week of 9/26
@BaileyM321 we went straight for the IUI and then added Clomid to the mix on IUI #2. I was hesitant to put chemicals/hormones into my body.
Diagnosis (If you've been): No diagnosis yet (possible cilia problems)
Cycle/CD: Cycle 19, CD 6
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? (i.e. something most people are not strongly opinionated about) Not that I can think of right now.
BFP after IVF March 2017
I have also heard the case for going straight to IVf to save money but I think in my case it might still be worth the IUIs. For me each IUI ends up being about $550 total ($450 for the sperm washing and actual IUI, about $30 for the monitoring scans (those are covered), and about $50 in meds plus whatever I spend on gas to get to the office,etc). Compared to the possible IVF cost where literally nothing with be covered... The IUIs aren't that bad.
7ish mm follie on the left, 3.3mm lining. Prescription for 7.5mg letrozole called in. I will start that tonight. Follicle scan on cd11.
usually they have me do bloodwork before they will proceed (either a blood pregnancy test or checking estrogen) but everything looked good so no needle sticks for the first time ever!
Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI
Cycle/CD: CD1 !!!!!!!!!!!!
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? (i.e. something most people are not strongly opinionated about) Everything...once I have an opinion it is really hard to get me to change it. My husband thinks I am stubborn....yep, I am.....
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
@mrsdee15 I am hopeful for you too! Hope is a scary thing.... but we can't help but have it, because if we don't, why are we doing this, right?
@tripledaggerWed95976 thank you for sharing your experience. We are also dealing with MFI, so about to start down the IVF road, just skipping over the IUI portion because we are 100% OOP. I really hope you get the second naturally, who knows right?! It also makes me feel better that you didn't find it much more difficult than IUI.
@felix08 I know this is a hard decision and it really hits you like a ton of bricks, but I felt like once I made the decision to move forward I didn't feel as negative as I have this past almost year now. Although if natural BFNs hurt me, I can't imagine the testing day for IVF....god help me... Regardless..I am here for you, we all are here for you! Let me know if you have any quesionts, I may not be through the process yet, but I feel like I am only a couple steps in front of you.
@tallyally are you all OOP? Even for IUI? We are and we skipped IUI and are going straight for IVF, I just couldn't spend a couple extra thousand when that could be spend on PGS testing or something else I would have to pay for, but everyone has a different road and different situation. I think for me it came down to the percentages as well, we have 0-1% morph and with that our chances with iui are like 8%, our natural like 1%, so for me, I would rather throw all my money at like 50% and up. Most clinics offer a cost sharing progam that can help lessen the blow of multiple cycles and even give money back if none work. Of course, it's a gamble because you pay more, but if you get knocked up first time you lose the extra money, but I doubt anyone complains when they get pregnant on the first try...
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
My best advice I can give to any ladies who are about to start IVF is don't read IVF stories and compare yourself to others on how many eggs you end up getting. I drove myself INSANE doing that because we ended up only getting 5 mature eggs (4 of which fertilized with ICSI) and only two made it to 5 day blasts. I was terrified because I kept reading stories of women who got like 20+ eggs retrieved, and we only had the 5. But it turned out I was worrying all for nothing!
@tallyally this is my first cycle with IUI, but when my RE and I talked about the long term plan he said he only thinks it's worth doing 3 cycles before talking about moving to IVF. Just really hoping we don't have to get to that discussion.
@Zooey1019 I think this it the first time I'm happy for someone's CD1! I'm sure waiting is going to be torture. Good luck!
@felix08 IVF buddy! haha I hope today is CD 1 for you as well, I was literally happy to have cramps...wow how times have changed. Let me know what protocol etc the RE gives you, I am interested. One thing I am sad/happy about is that my clinic closes down the embryo lab for half of December and my RE doesn't want to do a fresh transfer on me because of my AMH (a little on the high side). I completely agree, and am happy to give my body time to rest and get ready, but it is hard to wait! I am trying to look at the holidays as my baby bachelorette...so my FET would be in January.
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
@felix08 I'm so sorry you're waiting on AF. IVF is such a big step, but I'm glad you're feeling (or starting too) comfortable with that decision.
@furbabymom2007 Yay for no blood work!! Fx that everything is smooth sailing this cycle!
@Zoey1019 CD 1!!!!! Woooo!! Let's get this party started!
Update: I went to the RE this morning for another follicle scan. I thought I might have to take Cetrotide tonight to stave off premature ovulation, to let my follicles grow more. But I was pleasantly surprised that I had two mature follicles, one at 20mm and one at 17mm that she thinks will be mature by tomorrow. I also have two teeny ones that aren't doing much, just sitting at 8.5 respectively. My lining was also at 12mm, which is the thickest it's been for an IUI. So I'll trigger with Lupron tonight and have our IUI tomorrow morning at 10. I'm waiting for them to post my estrogen results because this will tell me how close I am to starting the ovulation surge on my own. On Monday it was 117, she said anything 300 or over is a sign of close ovulation. I'm really shocked that I am so close to being ready. I'm currently on CD 10, so a CD 11 IUI is the earliest I've ever had it done. I'm happy that my body is responding so well to the injectables. I just have a feeling this TWW is going to be the longest one yet. Going from 8% success rate to 16% is a mind trip.
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
BFP #2: 4.14.16 CP: 4.17.16
BFP #3: 6.10.2016 CP: 6.17.16
RE appt: 6.27.2016- saline sono all clear
Progenity: + carrier Tay-Sachs, Gaucher's, hemachromatosis. DH: carrier Alpha 1 anti-trypsin
PCOS, hypothyroid, MTHFR, hx of LEEP in 2006
Clomid + TI Cycle #1: 50mg Trigger 8.24.2016- BFN
Clomid 75mg + IUI#1 9.25.2016- BFP #4 10/6
Beta #1 15 Beta #2 38 Beta #3- 71 beta #4 171 Beta # 5- 21 Natural MC 10/21
HSG- clear
IVF Jan 2017
Egg Retrieval 1.22.17: 32 eggs retrieved,29 mature, 24 fertilized, 14 to blastocyst for biopsy
PGS results: 4 PGS normal 2 XX, 2 XY
FET: 3.13.2017 for 2 PGS embryos
Beta#1: 3.24.2017......... 78; Beta # 2 241; Beta #3 4198
Baby BOY due 11.29.2017
@mrsdaddario so glad you got good news this morning!!
I am the same way. I didn't even temp this month and it was amazing, I started taking all my antihistamines again, because screw CM, I don't even care. We are going to have a staycation here in St. Pete for our 3rd wedding anniversary the first weekend in November and holidays are coming up, so I feel a big relief to not have to track things myself and plan sex. I am just ready for a change.
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
In regard to the IUI to IVF conversation. We are planning to do IUI #1 this cycle and do two more if we have to. After that we will go straight to IVF.
2017 - egg retrieval #1 - 3 eggs, 0 embryos appropriate for transfer; ER #2 2 eggs, 0 embryos on day 3; ER #3 1 egg 0 embryos
moved to donor egg in summer 2017; 35 eggs retrieved; 19 fertilized; 9 total embryos
Fresh transfer Dec 2017= BFP! baby boy born 8/22/18
May 2019 - surprise natural pregnancy ended in MC
Nov 2019 FET; MC at 9 weeks
May 2020 FET; BFN
July 2020 FET; CP treated with methotrexate
Oct 2020 BFP!
Take a look at my blog
@pretzel2plus1 - I am with you on wanting to wait a little longer before starting treatment. I go back and forth constantly, because I want to start a family ASAP more than anything, but my husband is still optimistic that it will happen, and I suppose I am too, so we've been dragging our feet on starting treatment. To be honest, I think part of it for me is fear that initial treatments won't work. The longer I wait to begin, the longer I can believe that it will work! (I do have faith in IVF, but that's not on the table for us until 2017 anyway.)
Cycle/CD: 13/6
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? Walking appropriately on the sidewalk. It drives me crazy when people walk too slowly down the middle of the sidewalk (stay on far right side if you're slow!), or stand completely still in the middle of the sidewalk (pull over and stand out of the way if you need to stop), or if people walk on the left side instead of the right (how can anyone live in this country and not know this norm?!), or if you're on a non-crowded sidewalk and are walking directly toward someone and wait until the last second to veer out of the way and make room for them. (Think ahead, people!) I am generally a quiet, calm person, but I have yelled at strangers about sidewalk etiquette.
@SaphireSweetie88 Good luck at your appointment!
@mrsdaddario Wow, that IUI horror story is TERRIFYING.
@furbabymom2007 I hope your scan went well today!
@Bababatty I'm sorry you feel like AF is coming
@mokay19 I'm so sorry you're feeling down and dealing with all the other issues as well. I don't get how some people can be so insensitive with TTC comments. Today in a meeting our HR person (who knows I'm going through fertility treatments) made a comment about how everyone is pregnant. Not a huge deal, but it rubbed me the wrong way.
@ClaireCF That's great to hear your response was better on Femara. Lining is a concern of mine as well, it's been thin while on Clomid. Good luck with your IUI!
@DungeonTrollMel Anti-vaxxers really get to me too. They're endangering others because of fabricated research, and it drives me insane. It feels like there is no reasoning with them too, I always think of this Family Guy scene (it's a guy saying Kevin Bacon was in Footloose, and the donkey disagreeing with him):
@KristoB I hope your appointment goes well today, I'm sorry you're feeling bitter about TTC
@rh10264706 I hear you on Schick Intuition, I've been using only them since college. Also, CONGRATULATIONS!! This made me so happy to see!
@britters314 So sorry about the looming AF
@BaileyM321 Good luck with your appointment! IUI is a big choice, going to an RE was a tough one for me.
@pretzel2plus1 Fx for O, and I'm glad to see things are going well! I don't think it's crazy to try on your own - my RE had us try a few more cycles before starting medication.
@tripledaggerWed95976 @magnolia131 You're welcome here! Anyone with treatment or testing, and I'm sure previous diagnoses fall under that.
@ReesaAnne16 That's really interesting that fewer days' abstinence is better for IUI, our RE had us HIO EOD before it as well, so that is good to hear.
@AmeliaBedelia Glad you got your IUI!
@laurad75 Good luck with O, I hope timing works out!
@felix08 IVF! That's exciting! It is nice to be in control. We'll be close in time if we start IVF also, our consult is the 30th.
@tallyally We did two IUIs and are choosing to move to IVF for the next cycle. We're entirely out of pocket, and with 20% success, it just makes more sense to us to go to IVF. Also, for me mentally the IVF process is just more reassuring.
@Zoey1019 WOOO!!!! I am so excited for you! I can't wait to see your updates!
ETA @YesOuiCan Good luck with your HSG!
then 3 failed IUIs, and finally a successful IVF FET.
Due with #2 5/2/19 after HIO once in my FW,
because apparently that's how life works now. Team Blue!
Married: 07-2014
TTC #1: Since November 2015
Restarted TTC "count" Oct. 2016
due to previous issues.
***TW***
BFP: 11/4/2016
*TW*
BFP after IVF March 2017
Thanks for validating my opinion, @mrsdaddario, @ClaireCF, @felix08, @ReesaAnne16, @YesOuiCan, and @mrsdee15! H is super optimistic with our HSG and SA results, so that's definitely our plan for now unless the doctor (still my OBGYN) says something different at the follow up appt.
@KristoB Thanks for the great run-down of the cups. I definitely want to try them, so I'll probably pick up some disposables before next AF.
Congrats on your transfer, @Elyse1384! FX for you!
@mokay19 I'm sorry you've hit a hard(er) spot with TTC. Hugs to you! Also, ketchup goes on EVERYTHING!!
Congratulations, @rh10264706!
Glad you scheduled your HSG, @britters314. I hope it goes well for you! Even if it's not super fun, it doesn't last very long!
@mrsdaddario That's amazing news! I have my fingers crossed so hard for you this cycle!
An update for myself: one more high temp confirms O for CD 18. This and last cycle are the earliest I've O'd since I've been tracking, so I'm very excited! I hope my body is getting itself on track!
Edited because I forgot someone I wanted to respond to.
**TW**
Testing with RE October 2016
BFP 11/5/2016 ~ EDD 7/19/2016
For injectables I ended up ordering them a cycle before I needed them (though I thought I needed them for that cycle). So I had them on hand when I started the cycle. I also needed to sign for that box!
IMO it's best to have them on hand, instead of scrambling to get them.
I'm really late to the party this week. We just got back from vacation, so I finally have access to the internet again.
@Elyse1384 3 months in the making is a long time to wait. Glad you got to have your FET and hope it went well! FX for you!
@SaphireSweetie88 Waiting for that first appointment is nerve wracking.
@mrsdaddario Glad you’re responding well to the injectables! Yay for your lining as well! And that spoiler….yikes! I don’t think I could handle the stress.
@furbabymom2007 Yay for not needing to be sticked! FX your follicles develop nicely.
@bababatty Sorry AF looks like she’s on her way.
@mokay19 creepy internet hugs. If your MIL asks, you’re completely justified in hitting her. Can your DH talk to ahead of time about it not being her business? And yay for a fellow engineer on the boards!
@ClaireCF Glad your lining is getting better! And I feel the same way about some grammar things. Some things drive me nuts and others, I’m willing to let pass.
@dungeontrollmel I hate people who don’t vaccinate their children for that reason. There are legitimate reasons not to vaccinate your children and those kids rely on the rest of the group being vaccinated. Just because you’re an idiot and think it will cause autism means the kids with compromised immune systems have to suffer. Getting off my soap box….
@KristoB I see a therapist for non-fertility things and it’s been awesome to have someone to lean on. Glad your appointment went well and that you feel lighter! She also had TTTC, so when I want to vent about this, she understands.
@rh10264706 ONG!! Yay!!! FX so hard for you right now.
@britters314 Sorry you’re still waiting to hear what the Dr says about the bloodwork results. I think knowing the numbers and not knowing what it means is the hardest part. I start relying on Dr Google and going down the rabbit hole. I agree with you on the pizza. I don’t get why you’d want to ruin the cheese and why you’d want so much crust. Good luck on the HSG! Mine wasn’t bad at all.
@BaileyM321 Sorry about unexplained fertility. There are a bunch of us it seems that are getting that diagnosis lately. Glad your appointment went well! That’s great timing that you’re able to do meds+IUI this cycle!
@pretzel2plus1 Glad your HSG and SA are clear/normal! As someone who’s paying out of pocket, I completely understand wanting to wait a bit longer.
@tripledaggerWed95976 @magnolia131 like everyone else said, welcome!
@ReesaAnne16 We just talked to our RE. He recommends using injectables instead of Clomid/letrozole with IUI for unexplained. It’s interesting to see what the different Res have had success with and what they recommend. Glad the letrozole is working well for you! FX that more follicles and “fresher” sperm works!
And there’s nothing worse than eating ruined cookies because you’re trying to be nice. I’m way to particular when it comes to desserts and prefer to make my own as well.
@AmeliaBedelia I love your SN. The books were so much fun to read! Hope your IUI went well. FX for you!
@laurad75 FX that you O at a good time. Hopefully the conference is close by if he needs to come home.
@felix08 Sorry about AF coming soon. But I agree, it’s nice to feel in control and have a plan.
@mrsdee15 I laughed when I read “I’m hopeful and I don’t like it.” I feel the same way some days.
@tallyally My RE said he usually only does 3 IUI cycles and then recommend to move on to IVF. His reasoning is more of the emotional side. It can be hard to deal with disappointment and he’d move on to IVF with a higher success rate and hopefully keep your emotional health in a better state. But he did reiterate that it’s a personal choice.
@zoey1019 Welcome! I’m in the same boat for not participating in WTO and TWW.
@YesOuiCan Hope the HSG went well today! My RE said that for mail-order, it got overnighted.
Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained infertility
Cycle/CD: 10 TTCAL/ 23
GTKY: What's one weird thing that you are strongly opinionated about? (i.e. something most people are not strongly opinionated about) Just seconding a lot of what others have said...
On another note, does anyone else get super sore from the trigger shot? I have every time and it is SO painful!
2017 - egg retrieval #1 - 3 eggs, 0 embryos appropriate for transfer; ER #2 2 eggs, 0 embryos on day 3; ER #3 1 egg 0 embryos
moved to donor egg in summer 2017; 35 eggs retrieved; 19 fertilized; 9 total embryos
Fresh transfer Dec 2017= BFP! baby boy born 8/22/18
May 2019 - surprise natural pregnancy ended in MC
Nov 2019 FET; MC at 9 weeks
May 2020 FET; BFN
July 2020 FET; CP treated with methotrexate
Oct 2020 BFP!
Take a look at my blog
then 3 failed IUIs, and finally a successful IVF FET.
Due with #2 5/2/19 after HIO once in my FW,
because apparently that's how life works now. Team Blue!
@ClaireCF and @mrsdaddario - I'm glad both of your IUIs were successful this morning (if uncomfortable -- ugh! My nurse had trouble getting to my cervix today, too; the struggle of the tilted cervix is real). My fingers are crossed for both of you this cycle. I'm sorry to hear about the terribly large needle for progesterone oil, MrsD. I am a complete needle wuss so am truly impressed at your ability to handle giving yourself daily shots. This one sounds extra scary, but it sounds like you will be able to handle it well given your experience!
I have a good update from my HSG today -- my tubes are clear! I was so happy I was fighting back tears when she told me / showed me the dye spilling out both tubes. I was also shocked and delighted to have no pain or cramping. Don't get me wrong, it was uncomfortable, but I thought it was going to be awful since my SHG was quite painful.
@mrsdaddario Yikes! I'm terrified of needles and I'd be freaking out. I have found that yoga breathing before getting a shot helps. I have to get bi-weekly shots for a chronic condition.