TTC Over 35 Weekly Check In (week of 4.10)

katekate628

Hi ladies!  Here's a new thread to start the week   


Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  

Rants/Raves: 

Questions for the group: 

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do? 

katekate628

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  WTO

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD6

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  Started Clomid CD3-7 scan on Friday! FX for that. 

Rants/Raves: Can't shake this sinus & allergy drainage. It's making me sick to my stomach! 

Questions for the group: What size do they consider "good" for follicle to be able to trigger? I can't remember what he said last week. So much info. 

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do? Florist! I'd love to deliver flowers & make beautiful arrangements! I would choose to not deliver sad flowers though. 

artemis618

Thanks for starting this @katekate628!

Pardon my ignorance (we jumped straight to IVF) - is the Clomid for timed intercourse or IUI or ?  I had been googling as I was concerned my lead follie (for IVF) last Wednesday was already measuring 23 and they still had me stim that night and not trigger till the next night.  My understanding (just from googling) was that Clomid could make them bigger so the sort of "ideal" range to trigger was maybe a little bigger with it than without?  Hopefully someone who has a clue can answer!

I love flowers - but I have zero talent for arranging them.

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  Not so patiently waiting on my embryo reports - egg retrieval for IVF/ICSI #2 was this past Saturday - retrieved 10, 8 mature, 8 fertilized (5/5 IVF, 3/5 ICSI).  This was a MUCH better start than the 3 fertilized of 12 retrieved last time, so fingers crossed.  Trying to be optimistic, but realistic.

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable):  CD16/2 days past ER

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  Waiting to see how the embryos do...if there are only a few, may transfer on day 3, but otherwise the plan is still to see if we get anything to blast to test and freeze.  Maybe investigating which other REs with whom we'd like to meet, and get a better handle on how much a fully OOP cycle will cost us.

And still with all the vitamins/supplements.

Rants/Raves: This is kind of lame, but I did my own taxes for the first time this weekend . I passed the CPA exam nearly 18 years ago, and was before this the only CPA most people knew who'd never done her own taxes

Questions for the group:   I'll ask here because I'm not aware of an AMA IVF board:  For ladies undergoing IVF, have you experienced or do you know of anyone who's experienced better results with IVF than with ICSI?  We were scared to go half/half this time since ICSI seems to be what people do for better assurance of fertilization, but last time we ICSI'd all 7 mature and only 3 fertilized/survived (and nothing made it to blast).  I know it sounds sort of silly to be doing IVF and say we don't like messing with nature too much, but after our first round, we had concerns about the human factor - embryologist skill, sperm selection - not to mention the fragility of my 39.5 year old eggs maybe just not taking the needling well.  Or maybe it's just us.  But we tried half/half since we don't have male factor, and all of the IVF ones fertilized.  I guess we'll get a better idea later in the week.

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do?   I've actually wanted to be a stay at home mom since I was in college (both my college boyfriend and I grew up with our moms at home and we just sort of assumed that I would stay home).  Not meeting my husband till I was 37 and not getting married till i was 38 was probably not the best way to go about that.  I've never been much of a career person, but I've accumulated four degrees and a couple of licenses that I look forward to putting to waste some day - if we can swing it even temporarily.  Otherwise, maybe a commercial pilot - but I didn't learn to fly till several years ago so it's just a hobby.

Labluver2

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  TWW

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD18

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  I have my RE appt today. I'm hoping we can start IUI next cycle. Still taking prenatals and supplements

Rants/Raves: my biggest one is work I basically do the job of 3 people BC the others are lazy and don't do their job but the bosses allow it to happen and do nothing.

Questions for the group: 

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do? I would own my own business I would have a boarding kennel and day care for dogs I would also have a part to take in rescue dogs and find them homes.

katekate628

@artemis618 we are using it for timed intercourse for 3 cycles then would move in to iui if no success.  I will say that I am very aware of my ovaries the past few days, it's definitely different! 

8 mature & 8 fertilized sounds like a good number! FX for you! I know nothing about IVF though. I love the SAHM deal! I think it's fantastic if you can do it!

katekate628

@Labluver2 good luck with your appointment today!  I love your idea of helping animals sounds great!! 

katekate628

Holy cow! My employer just updated the leave policy! 13 weeks and 100% of pay (from 8 weeks at 60%) paternity leave from 2 weeks to 4! 

KLake42

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):   Waiting for egg retrieval tomorrow!

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  
Reciprocal IVF with my wife's eggs, my uterus.  She's got 9 good follicles, and we triggered last night.  We get up before dawn for her retrieval tomorrow, with plans for a fresh transfer of up to two embryos.  

Rants/Raves: 
I didn't know I'd be so emotional after giving her the trigger shot.  I've used giant needles in the butt for myself for triggers, but this was her first giant butt needle.  Also, she gave herself all her belly shots, so this time, it was me hurting her!  I know it's silly, but I felt sad to have hurt her.

Also, I feel emotional, since both of my IVFs were cancelled before the retrieval for poor response.  We never got this far before.  Part of me feels way positive, that we'll make it to the finish line this time, but part of me is prepared for failure at every step.  This stuff really messes with your brain.

Questions for the group: If we get to the transfer, how on earth will I survive the TWW?  I've had nine TWWs so far, but never after IVF.

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do? Girl, I would sell t-shirts on the beach in the Bahamas.

@katekate628 I think they aim for 20 or over, but might trigger at 17 or 18, since a trigger will help them develop the rest of the way.

@artemis618 Our clinic only offers ICSI, since we're using frozen sperm.  I wish I knew more about the pros/cons.

katekate628

@KLake42 sending you all the luck for ER tomorrow!! I might change my answer to yours!i want to work on the beach! Maybe I can walk around with buckets selling flowers 

artemis618

@KLake42 Yay for ER tomorrow!  I hope it goes smoothly and that your wife's recovery is quick

I got a day 3 (today) report this time - 7/8 are still going, and three best are from the IVF cohort not the ICSI one.  I googled like a mad woman last time when only 3 of our 7 mature fertilized with all ICSI last time (I understood that 75-80% fertilization was normal with it).  I found one woman posting in some board who was also sort of convinced that ICSI killed her eggs.  DH and I aren't against ICSI - we just don't trust this particular embryologist/lab to do it on our eggs.  I have a few frozen eggs (only got 9 mature even back then) from the month after I turned 35 in 2012 and I'm told that whenever we resort to using those, we'll have to ICSI because the freezing can harden the shell or something? Hopefully my 35 year old eggs can take it better!  But also DH will be 42 in less than a week and his morphology is like 7% normal (but count like 125 million), so it seems that how they pick the sperm for ICSI might matter more - unfortunately this lab doesn't offer PICSI or IMSI.

https://www.hopeandhopscotch.com/blog/2015/should-i-be-doing-ivf-or-icsi

ETA:  If we ever get to transfer (much less 13 weeks), I'm sure we'll feel the same way as far as new territory.  One day at a time!

KLake42

@katekate628 My brother and dad both want to get the backpack, with a pump for sunscreen on one side, and frozen margaritas on the other, and just walk the beach.  

vlagrl29

I've been conflicted if I should still be on this board or not.  I don't feel like there is much I can contribute since we are TTC naturally with no interventions.  Currently we are 3rd cycle TTCAL.  Mentally I feel back where I was at in November the month we conceived.  I'm feeling very positive about  my life and the outlook I see is positive.  It really helped me changing OBs.  I'm no longer tracking anything of my cycle.  I had to track in Feb so I could get the 7DPO Prog test.  Then I tracked in March so I knew when to start the suppositories.  Now that I don't need suppositories I feel so very much relieved.

GTKY - I'm already doing the job I want - I own my own business and teach music lessons and play about 45 gigs a year.  I was also able to SAH with DD and that was such a blessing.  If we have another baby I will most likely put my private teaching on hold for a year.

katekate628

@vlagrl29 the way I read it, this board is TTC after 35.  I don't think it matters how you are TTC! Contributions can always be giving & receiving encouragement!

vlagrl29

well thanks @katekate628 - I have lots of hope for everyone on this board

SP128

@artemis618 7/8 not bad.  FX for the next couple days for you!

@KLake42  Positive thoughts for you and DW for tomorrow.  

@Labluver2  How did you make out at your RE appointment?  Mine is tomorrow.

@katekate628  I hope that Clomid will be the answer for you.  I also have so many questions.  Just so many.  

@vlagrl29  Of course you belong : )

AFM
Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  TWW.  Really waiting for AF to start.  She's taking her damn time!

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): 15DPO.  Starting spotting on 11DPO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  Prenatals, Vitamin D (4000 units), preseed, BBT, HSG (tubes clear), Day 3 testing (everything looks ok besides low Vitamin D), tomorrow we will get the results of DH's SA.

Rants/Raves: Rave:  Finally beautiful weather in New England. It's been a rough, rainy and snowy couple of weeks (that's what it felt like) y'all.  
Going to finally have our follow up appointment with the RE tomorrow afternoon.  Hope he has a good treatment plan.  I think whatever it is will be pretty standard and nothing out of the ordinary.  

Had an initial evaluation and treatment with acupuncturist who is affiliated with my RE's office.  She said that I will probably get KU in the next couple of months.  **TW*** She said that even though we started trying immediately after my mc that we shouldn't count the first two months because my body was still trying to balance itself.  She said in reality we have only been trying for 3 months post loss.  

Vegas for a week on Saturday with DH.  Can't wait to spend some time with him.  

Rant:  I think I'm going to miss FW because right after we get back from Vegas, DH is going on a business trip.  We would've gotten a day or two in if AF cooperated and arrived today as scheduled.  Now I think I'm going to miss it completely!! 

Questions for the group: Not any now, I'm just going to have so many questions about the IVF process.  I think I'm on the fast track to it and will be overloaded. 

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do?  I would love to own a small mom and pop restaurant with no set menu.  It would be whatever I felt like cooking that day!  I would also offer up homemade baked goods at this restaurant.  

KLake42

@vlagrl29 Back when I started here a couple years ago, we had a little dry spell, and then a bunch of over-35s got pregnant all at once, mostly from trying naturally (or at least TI with a little medication). It comes in waves. I'm just hoping to catch one of these next waves.

I wonder if anyone else has been here two years? I apologize if I don't recall-- I took a couple breaks in between IVF cycles, after being here constantly during my IUIs.

Labluver2

@SP128 I loved the Dr but it wasn't the news I wanted to here. The other place never told me that my egg reserve was low and he recommended jumping right into IVF. Which I can't afford BC insurance pays nothing. He took blood to compare levels from sept and to call him cycle day 1 and we come up with a plan of action.

I've been emotional all day. I just start crying for now reason. I'm torn as to what to do. 

vlagrl29

@SP128- dang AF! I'm sure that is annoying knowing its going to come but then doesn't.  Funny you mention about the first couple cycles being jacked up after loss and that you've only really been trying for 3.  I've recently come to terms that we are starting over instead of thinking of it as not happening and June 2016 being our first cycle.  Which is why I put 3rd cycle TTCAL now.  Also why my new OB said to give it until August because there were 2 months we didn't really TTC.

@KLake42 - I think I've been here since august last year.  The first 3 months of TTC I didn't think about it.

vlagrl29

@Labluver2 - I'm sorry about the bad news - IVF is so expensive I just don't get it.  It should really be covered on all insurance.  I'm hoping though that you don't need that and your egg reserve really isn't that low.

PoeMasque

I'm still lurking and had to say YES!!! To 7 embryos still going strong @artemis618 I know nothing about ICSI vs natural but I can tell you that nothing in the IVF process is an exact science.....even PGS testing is questionable still. FX those 7 keep growing stronger  

@KLake42 good luck on ER! I am rooting for the two of you so hard!! 

Also @Momifbysea way to get those first shots under your belt (literally!). I have to admit that I got a hair woozy/nervous during every injection myself, especially when my SO stuck the needle in the wrong spot for my first progesterone shot! 

KLake42

Thanks y'all!  We got ten eggs!  Ten!!  I'm sure they're not all mature, but now we wait for the fertilization report tomorrow.  

I hardly slept at all last night-- anxious about the retrieval, plus I started methylprednisolon yesterday, a steroid with a side effect of insomnia (fortunately, I just take it 4 days).  I start progesterone tonight, and I understand that should make me sleepy, so hopefully it will work.

Of course, my wife is sleeping now!

Momifbysea

* edited for typo

@katekate628 thank you for starting the thread this week. That's awesome news about your work leave policy, as I know you're going to be using it!!!

Sorry I'm just checking in now but I've been a bit overwhelmed. We were given the wrong size syringe for the Menopur Q Cap attachment which we realized at the time we needed to give my first injection Monday night, so we ended up mixing our powders and saline using the syringe we got and then just stealing a new needle from another syringe so I wasn't getting poked with the same needle that had been dulled by puncturing the two powder vials and saline vial. Can you say stressful? And burned like hell! Also got news last night that my grandmother had stopped eating pretty much (she's 97 with Alzheimer's) and my dear Aunt has decided to forgo needed cardiology treatment or go back to the hospital so hospice arrived yesterday. A LOT THIS WEEK!

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  IVF day 3 of stims

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD4

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  Menopur, Follistim, prenatal, vitamin D, aspirin, dexamethasone, and MEDITATING!

Rants/Raves: This morning was my first ultrasound and bloodwork after starting stims. The nurse saw a little activity in my right ovary but my left was "quiet" as she put it. She said they like to see activity in both sides but not to get too worried yet because I've only been doing meds for two days and some people take longer to respond. They will see if my estrogen level is rising per my bloodwork and call me by 1pm with decision on what dr wants to do. Scared this cycle will be cancelled. Come on body, work for me! I'm feeling old.

Questions for the group: just wonder if anyone else had slow-to-respond ovaries?

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do? I would plan vacations for people, love planning trips! Plus, travel agent perks, hello!

vlagrl29

@KLake42- I was told to take progesterone suppositories last cycle and I took them at night so if they made me sleepy I didn't notice.  Hopefully you can get a nap today - I would have a hard time sleeping too.

@Momifbysea - I'm sorry for all the stress this week.  When I read everyone's stuff about IVF it all sounds like a foreign language to me lol.  sending out positive vibes to your ovaries!

artemis618

Thanks @SP128 and @PoeMasque!  I know between days 3 and 5 are the hardest part for them, but trying to stay positive and I greatly appreciate the well wishes.

@KLake42 Yay!  10 is what I got over the weekend too . They *could* all be mature - that happens.  Like you said, a solid # for AMA.  Fingers crossed for a high fert report tomorrow!

I started progesterone suppositories Sunday night (2x/day - and started estrogen patch on Saturday) in case of a Tuesday/day 3 xfer (if we only had a couple left at that point like last time) - it didn't occur to me till last night that that was likely what made me as tired as I've felt since I was in a first trimester.  DH jokes about how much he'll go out when I'm knocked up again because all I did was sleep for two and a half months.  So hopefully you'll catch up on some sleep soon!

Hang in there, @Momifbysea! That is a whole lot with which to deal at once . Be sure to take care of yourself!  I was looking at 6 on my right and 2 on my left this past cycle - which is consistent with the 8 of 10 that were mature.  No idea why so unbalanced.  I think @cmiller73 has experience with a somewhat slow to get started response - although I think it could just be that it was striking because she ended up with so many more than were expected during monitoring.  I think @laurad75 also took a little while to get going?  Stay positive!

I first joined this group when I got married mid-June last year, but was only here briefly as we *TW* got pregnant (naturally) with my July cycle. Certainly did not expect or mean to be a drive-by.  We couldn't believe our luck (I was 38 and DH 41), but of course it didn't stick, so I returned off and on with the *TW* loss in October (but self-benched Nov-Dec to prep for IVF).  It's a little tough that our first due date is this coming Monday and we're not pregnant (we haven't actually tried naturally since July), but trying to keep the long game in mind.  I actually haven't yet been to the spot where DH buried her (up in our local mountains) so may try to do that this weekend.  But I think all the hormones (and wait for the results of this cycle, the utter failure of last cycle, along with the timing of it all) are getting to me more lately.

vlagrl29

@artemis618- just curious why you didn't try naturally again?  sorry for your loss - loss just sucks bad!

Momifbysea

I'm staying at same dose til appointment Friday morning. Bloodwork showed estrogen level rising so they're hoping to see some follicle growth by Friday. Thank God!!!

artemis618

@vlagrl29 Mostly because of my age and the prospect of PGS testing to try to reduce the risk of another loss (even though she was NIPT-normal; that loss effectively cost us 4 months and at this age, I don't really have time to go thru 8 more losses to try to get that one good of ten eggs).  I realized that I had two IVF cycles covered by my insurance thru work, and again given the age thing, I might not have even been able to use the benefit later for a second (assuming we get even one to stick), plus the plan was for me to stop working at least for a little bit (me no work--> no infertility benefit - actually some of the plans DH's employer offers include coverage, but again sadly probably moot a couple of years down the line).  We were optimistic that we might even have some to freeze for later, but the first cycle certainly didn't go that way (nothing to even test, which was the whole point).  

We were thinking we might try again naturally after these couple of IVF cycles (may pay for one more OOP and inseminate and test the few eggs I froze in 2012), but since I have no insurance limit other than the lifetime cap on the two IVF cycles and I'll have hit my OOP in-network max for the year after the all billing for this last cycle goes through, we may go backward to IUIs with injectables (edit:  because we appear not to
have male factor infertility, and if we're not even going to get anything to test anyway) just to try to get thru more at a time since it's a numbers game.  So many tough decisions along the way.

But keep the faith that it will happen naturally!  You already have a little one and you've recently conceived together, so it really probably is just a matter of time.

laurad75

Hi!  Sorry I'm joining in so late this week.  

@katekate628 I think they like the lead follicle to be at least 20.  I’m sure every case is a little different.

I’m so jealous of your maternity leave.  I’m not sure I understand mine yet but I think we basically have 12 weeks but we have to use all of our vacation time.  Is that normal?

@artemis618 We have not done a cycle without ICSI so I don’t have anything to compare it to.  Our first ER 3/3 fertilized and our 2nd ER ½ fertilized.  I don’t think there is a downside to doing ICSI unless you don’t have insurance coverage for it.  That’s an awesome fertilization report.  You should hear by the end of the week, right?

Also, I was on clomid for both TI and IUI.  Basically all the cycles we weren’t on IVF stims I was on clomid.  

@klake42 How are you feeling today?!  Congrats on the great number!

@vlagrl29 You shouldn’t feel conflicted about participating.  If you enjoy this board – please stay.  We love your contributions.  If you don’t enjoy it – take a break.  I used to participate on the IVF and Trouble TTC boards but it was too much so I haven’t checked in for a while.  I may go back but I have my communities here that I enjoy so that is where I spend my time. 

I know this board can get a little 'treatment heavy' but I think its important that we stay well rounded so everyone TTC over 35 feels like they are contributing.  

@sp128 I hope your appt went well.  Yes, IVF can be very overwhelming and there is so much information.  I hope those of us in the thick of it can be helpful. 

@momifbysea Oh gosh, you are having a tough week.  I’m sorry about your grandmother.  As for the syringe – I have heard that the q-cap is not necessary (as you have learned) so good for you for figuring out a plan b.   My first cycle, I didn’t have any measurable follicles until after 7 nights of stims.  I’m not a great example since I only get 3 eggs that cycle but it’s not unheard of to start slow.  Don’t stress until your next monitoring appt.

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  WTO

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD 8

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  Enjoying a natural cycle to let my body chill out after back to back IVF cycles.  I'm taking CoQ10, DHEA and PNV as well as doing acupuncture.  And sex.  

Rants/Raves: We met with the RE yesterday to talk about next steps and we will be changing the protocol for our next cycle - I will not have to take bcp (yay!) and stims will start on CD 1 of next cycle.  While waiting for acupuncture today (its in the same office as my IVF clinic) I saw a lot of the nurses and phlebotomists  going to lunch and several of them stopped to say hello and see how I'm doing.  So sweet.  

I also saw the financial coordinator who said 'oh I was going to call you.  I called your insurance today and they said that you have used 2 of your 3 lifetime cycles already even though you haven't had a transfer.'  Nope, not correct.  So after taking my acupuncture nap I had to get on the phone with insurance to try and straighten this out.  The person I spoke to confirmed that the 2 ER's do not count toward our 3 cycle max.  sigh. 

Questions for the group: 

GTKY: If you could have any job, what would you do?  I don't know what they job would be but it would definitely be something that would not require coming into an office.  Or a choreographer.  I would love to be a choreographer on broadway or even for pop stars.  I've got moves. 

artemis618

@laurad75 For us, we were scared of ICSI because of the 3/7 fertilization report from last time. I'm sure (lack of) egg quality contributed, but we hesitated to do the same thing again since we don't have male factor, and with IVF nature does a little bit of the selection instead of the human embryologist, which to us is kind of a downside to ICSI.  Also embryologist skill matters, so while we're not keen on all ICSI with this lab, We might be more okay with it at another since we haven't yet been traumatized!  But yes, tomorrow's day 5 with another report day 6 as applicable.

While it's great to have insurance coverage, insurance companies sure can be a pain and cause additional stress.  I'm glad that you got it sorted out, and that's great that an ER doesn't constitute a cycle (as it does for me - which is kind of poopy since so got no blasts from my first).  Way to "undo" the acupuncture relaxation though (thanks, insurance)

I miss dancing!  I'm lucky I have a recreational
studio a couple of miles from home so I don't have to drive up to Hollywood or NoHo for class (though not the same caliber of classes), but all this post-ER, post-hysteroscopy exercise restriction has been rather limiting this year.

vlagrl29

@Momifbysea- that's good news on the ovaries.  everyone's bodies are different and shouldn't be counted out too soon.

@artemis618 - that makes sense - glad you have IVF coverage.

Labluver2

@vlagrl29 I talked to the Dr today to just kind of get some peace of mind. I'm feeling better all I heard was low reserves and I immediately thought I can't get pregnant. He said that's just the quantity not the quality of the eggs and depending on what he finds cycle day 3 he doesn't see any reason why I cousllmt still conceive naturally or with IUI. IUI of course being my best bet. 

We did finally get things straitened out by insurance and guess what the whole monitoring cycle is covered. They gave is the codes and we called ourselves as well. We would have to pay 350 for the IUI the medication and trigger. For us that is doable. 

So as long as we get the ok we decided to go ahead with the IUI at least 6 cycles and save for IVF. If we get pregnant great if not we will cross the IVF bridge when we come to it. I'm still not sure if I want to go thru all that but that may be the only way for me to have kids and I don't have any right now. 

cmiller73

Hey ladies! @artemis618, yes you are right. I had only 2 on each side at baseline and then had only really grown 1 newbie after a few days of stims so it was a real slow start but then seriously went into overdrive.  The other thing, @Momifbysea, is my left was more active for the first maybe 8 days and then the right caught up and surpassed it!  A lot can happen in a short amount of time so keep positive, ok?

1. Waiting for AF impatiently. Currently on Climara patches every other day... WAITING.
2. prime cycle CD 31 (normally 28 days, just start already!) 
3. Second IVF after #1 had significant opportunities is both eggs retrieved (25 follies only 13R, other follies were empty) and fertilization (did not do ICSI, but natural overlay and of the 11M, only 3F). Starting 10 DPO in prime cycle started Climara patch every other day with 250 Cetrotide days 11-13 post ovulation. Also; PNV and DHA, B12 and tons of fruit/veggies and sleep with meditation.
4. Only rant currently is that I am horrible with things I cannot plan/control.  I handle it well, but with it being about the body, it has left me feeling more helpless than usual.  This cycle there is the risk DH won't be here for ER, having to leave a frozen sample, so that has me on edge and playing the "planning game" of 'well if I start AF and stims on SATURDAY then stim for 13 days like last cycle then MAYBE I will trigger on the 27th and he will be back to drive me to hospital and give a fresh sample and be there when I wake up..... and I won't have to beg a coworker to take me. Oh and I won't have to self-trigger...' UGH. Other than that, life is great!
5. No questions for the group currently, but I'm sure some will come up!
6. Dream Job? To blend teaching with my love for gardening and cooking. I would love to have an educational farm that allowed me to teach growing your own food and cooking really good meals with it (we currently have a small farm that we grow tons of veggies and fruit on, have 12 layers for eggs and hope to add some cornish cross this fall and maybe sheep in a few years!)

Momifbysea

@cmiller73 wow that's amazing how one caught up and surpassed the other! I definitely feel the meds working. Headache soreness and bloat. I hear you on the being in control thing, that's one of the biggest challenges for me!

vlagrl29

@Labluver2 - I'm glad you got everything worked out and that insurance can help. I think 6 IUI is plenty

Momifbysea

@vlagrl29 I forgot to respond to your talking about belonging here if TTC naturally the other day. I love having you here, your support has been awesome, and if I were your age with your history I would be doing exactly what you are. There's a board for IVF which I appreciate for those details but what I treasure here is that our commonality is our over-35, this is a good place for me and has felt like home because of all of you.

KLake42

Woohoo! Of the 10 eggs, we had 7 fertilize! I would have been encouraged if we had 5. I know we've got a ways to go, but I'm happy with that number!

Momifbysea

@KLake42 hallelujah, woman!!! Awesome percentage!!!

katekate628

@KLake42 great number!! FX for you through the next steps!!

My trigger shot arrived today and I instantly became nervous. Then the thoughts started... what if I already ovulated and we missed it (not likely, but still) DH has to travel last min for work mon-weds. I'm hoping at my follicle check tomorrow morning we will be able to trigger soon after so we have fri-sun & Monday early. Ugh, this rivals the TWW. 

Momifbysea

@katekate628 what drug is your trigger shot? Wondering if they use the same kind as for IVF? Is it subcutaneous or intramuscular? I've never triggered before, even with my 2 IUI's I just used an OPK to base timing on. Good luck!

katekate628

@Momifbysea it is Ovridel 250mcg.  I'm not sure if it's the same as ivf. It's subcutaneous, DH will be on deck to help. Lol. My aunt takes insulin daily so she said she would do it if I need her to. I'm such a wimp. 

Momifbysea

Oh the Ovidrel is in my big drug box too! I'm a whimp too but at least it's not intramuscular, whew! I hadn't opened that one yet as I can only see so many needles at once, ya know?