TTCA 35 Weekly Checkin 03/05/18

ndz2018

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: Which pill would you choose?
 




What are you grateful for?

vlagrl29

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment):  I'm not totally sure since clomid messed with my previous cycle and I'm not tracking.  Did have some more CM yesterday so I may not have O'd yet.

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable):

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?):  vit C, D, omega 3, adaptocrine for my adrenals, PNV, whole body detox tea

Rants/Raves: Of the last 5 days 4 of them have been good so I'm feeling I'm on the mend from adrenal fatigue.  My doc said I've gone from stage 3 to stage 1.  I'm only waking once during the night but fall back asleep pretty fast.  I still crash mid afternoon but she said it just takes a little time to get back to where I was at.  She also said the nausea in the mornings was due to the adrenals cause they mess with your blood sugar levels. 

DH and I had sex last night and let me just say sex without the worry of BD is so much better.  He was getting tired and I said no big deal.  It's different because for so long I've always had the mind frame of baby making but now it's nice cause we can just do it whenever and not have that extra stress.

Questions for the group:

GTKY: Which pill would you choose?  I would totally take the money!

I'm thankful for feeling more like myself now.  Also my naturopath cause who knows where I would be mentally/physically without her.  She's helped me more than any MD or OB has.

kristimh80

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment): Waiting it out for AF to show. 

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD 29

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?): Eventually will start FET process. But still on PNV, Ubiquinol, Kelp, L-Arginine, Folate, Vit D, Fiber

Rants/Raves: Looking forward to my mom and grandma coming to town later this week. Happy to also be back on my "health kick". DH laughs at me, but I've had so much energy all weekend and have felt great since making food changes, etc. 

GTKY: Which pill would you choose? I'd choose the blue pill! I don't need to relive my past

vlagrl29

@kristimh80 - what kind of food changes have you made?

Momifbysea

Edited for typos.
Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment): Benched til FET

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD20

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?): Prenatals, vit d, CoQ10

Rants/Raves: last week was crazy! Have had awful pain in my neck right over thyroid, keeps waking me up at night so I drove with dd up to Iowa to get it looked at since my insurance is still up there til after FET. Anyway, ended up getting ultrasound of my thyroid and I have two nodules, had to also see an ENT up there, and now have a needle biopsy scheduled for April to see if one nodule is benign. This was not the week I expected so ttc stuff went to the back burner. They think pain is musculoskeletal and told me Advil and time but it’s been almost two weeks of it!

Questions for the group: does anyone know the timeline from calling first day of cycle to when they do the FET? Nurse told me 7 weeks but I’m assuming that means a cycle of suppression?

GTKY: Which pill would you choose?
 

Definitely blue, as I learned from those mistakes! Plus with all this IVF business could use the cash!

What are you grateful for? The ability to work remotely for my same job so my desk is at home now.

mich_elle

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

CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD24/10DPO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment? Vitamins/supplements?): prenats, Vit D, CoQ10
We just had our consult with RE to review all results from dx testing. 
She suggested 3 options: 
a) IUI w/ clomid & letrozole (pills) & 1 shot to time ovulation
b) IUI with 2 weeks of daily shots, or 
c) IVF. 
We will definitely go with IVF. When I asked her about fresh vs frozen cycle she recommended fresh and to transfer 3-4 embryos at a time! I was surprised by this because 1) I though for sure she'd rec. FET so that we could do PGS testing given my age and prior mmc due to Trisomy 10 and 2) at the number of embryos she wants to transfer! This is a lot to process and I'm not sure I agree with her plan for us. I was given a thick folder with tons of info and the consent forms. I have homework!

Rants/Raves: So I'm spotting and cramping today but my period isn't due until Saturday. WTH?!? Five days early??? My cycles are typically predictable so this isn't normal. She told me to come in Wednesday for b/w & u/s to see if I'm pg but this feels like my period. Well, I'll know by tomorrow if this spotting turns into my period so that's great. 

Questions for the group: Has anyone chosen to wait 1 cycle in between their ER and their FET to allow the body to stabilize & detox from fertility meds?

GTKY: Which pill would you choose? blue! I'll use that cash towards IVF! LOL!

Grateful? I'm grateful for feeling better!

kristimh80

@mich_elle Yes, I had to wait and take time off to let my body get back to normal. I did PGS, so needed to wait on those results. Plus my doctor wanted FET due to age, testing, etc. I was high risk for OHSS, so really glad they didn't consider me for a fresh transfer. Technically, I had my cycle 5 days after retrieval, so now waiting on it to start again to prep for transfer. Seems like it's taking forever, but I'm super happy I got my body back to normal before transferring. Good to see you are getting a game plan together!! I wish I didn't waste times with IUI's and medicated cycles, but it works for some.  

vlagrl29

@mich_elle - wow 3-4 at a time?  I don't know anything about IVF but that would make me nervous.  I've heard transferring 2 at the same time.

kristimh80

@vlagrl29 I wish I had that option! lol But with untested embryos, they don't know for sure everything about the embryos, so some doctors will do it. 

Momifbysea

@mich_elle yes, my clinic makes us wait a cycle and they strongly encourage FET, even if not testing because of that break from the meds they have found they get a higher success rate. As for number, since we tested they say best odds are with one only but if not testing they might do two if we felt strongly but I have a feeling they don’t like to transfer more than one even at my ripe old age lol! Every clinic is different however, I’ve learned from reading everyone’s experiences! 

ndz2018

@Momifbysea Sounds like they’ll be suppressing your cycle. Some clinics do that maybe Bc it fits their schedule. My clinic is open 24/7 so they will do a ER or FET when ever even on Christmas morning. 

Momifbysea

@ndz2018 wow that’s impressive hours, even on Christmas? Anyway, I’m thinking that after all the drugs I’ve put in my body since the Femara last February and pretty nonstop since, that a break is probably just what I need! Plus I can get the thyroid thing checked out while I wait!

Okay, public service message here, for anyone in between retrieval and transfer, nurse told me it’s a great time to get a mammogram done! I just got mine because I’m going to be an optimist and if I’m pregnant and then breastfeeding then I’d be majorly late on getting my next annual. I also realize maybe a lot of you aren’t as ancient as me so this might not apply lol.

kristimh80

@ndz2018 So jeelous!! My clinic was open during the holidays but the lab itself was on vacation (go figure).

mich_elle

@vlagrl29 So happy to hear that you’re feeling like your normal self! And IKWYM about how things change when the pressure’s off! Thank you for your input-right?!? Is she crazy?! Umm, 2 is like my max. I said, “Is the cost of a live-in nanny included in the price for this bc who the hell is going to take care of my quints?!?” She’s cray. 

@kristimh80 So excited for your upcoming FET! I’m happy to hear that you’re feeling good too. And that’s so nice that you’ll have your family in town. Enjoy them! Thanks for your feedback. I think I’ll need to advocate for what we want bc RE definitely wanted to do fresh cycle with 3-4 embryos! That’s not our plan. I want PGS testing, only 2 embryos max and want to take a cycle off in between ER and FET. I’m 42 yo, I’m not sure why she thinks NOT doing PGS is the best route.

@ndz2018 Hmmm, maybe I need to ask about their hours! I never considered that they’d manipulate your cycle to fit their schedule.

@momifbysea Ugh so sorry you’re having a health issue, as if TTC isn’t stressful and draining enough :::eye roll::: I hate when things get piled on! Feel better soon! Thanks the info. RE never mentioned the break, I learned it here on these forums so, I’ll need to push for that too. Listen, I’m 42 yo so why she thinks more than 2 is beyond me! Oh, and great tip about the mammo. I rescheduled mine from January to April due to bad weather. Hmmm, I’ll see if I can time it so that it falls in between the two.

kristimh80

@mich_elle I do find it interested that she wouldn't want to do testing either, but it's controversial so she may not believe in it maybe. My ER was at 37 and I really didn't even really get a choice. I am happy I did it because I sent 6 off for testing and only 2 were normal. They said others could have worked but would end in miscarriage. Another gf sent 3 and 2 came back, so you never really know. I like the idea since older of at least feeling like I had a little insurance with it. 

ndz2018

@mich_elle My friend transferred 3 embryos and got 1 take home baby out of that. It was a fresh cycle and no PGS testing. 

mich_elle

@kristimh80 Thanks for your input. That’s exciting that you have 2 normal embies though. 

@ndz2018 Wow that’s great news for your friend! How old was she?

ndz2018

@mich_elle It was 12 years ago so she was like 31-32. 

mich_elle

@ndz2018 thanks for the info. Maybe things are different bc I'm so much older? I don't know.

kristimh80

@ndz2018 AF is no where in sight, so looks like I'll officially be in the April FET with you  My dr only does 21 day transfers, so hopefully done before April 15th for a 2018 baby lol

bakerstreetboys

@mich_elle I find that crazy too!  If we end up going to IVF route, I will definitely be pushing for screening.  3-4 embryos?!  I get faint just thinking about it!  I hope they're receptive to you advocating for what you want!  

ndz2018

@mich_elle I hope not Bc of your age! I think you should trust your gut and if you don’t like what the Dr says maybe ask her about your concerns and if you still don’t like what she says I would say get a second opinion. 

@kristimh80 You’re in fantastic company for April FET  

mich_elle

@ndz2018 I've been scouring the internet for data and I've read a few articles that concur with what the RE told me. For 42 yo, 3-5 embryos is what is recommended! She also emailed me a few articles that show this too.

@bakerstreetboys Thanks for your feedback! When I spoke to RE yesterday she explained to me that ideally, yes, I'd freeze all highly graded Day 5s for PGS testing, then only transfer 1-2 that come back normal. However, she feels that, due to my age and previous mmc due to a chromosomal abnormality, I may not have any that make it to day 5 so then there would be nothing to biopsy. It's risky either way. I mean, DH & I have been TTC on our own for months without knowing the quality of the egg I release that month so doing a fresh transfer is really no different. As for the quantity, she doesn't feel like I'll get a BPF with only 1-2. She told me that she's willing to try whatever way I'm comfortable with.

bakerstreetboys

@mich_elle Ah, that makes a bit more sense.  Great that she'll try it whichever way you're more comfortable with.  I think I like the idea of the screening because I'm making the assumption that my losses were from eggs with abnormalities.  This without having seen the RE yet   Good luck with whatever route you choose!

vlagrl29

what is everyone up to this weekend?  I'm going to a candlelight yoga class tonight.  DDs bday is sneaking up on me on the 18th so we need to order her cake.  She has her last GS cookie booth tomorrow.

ndz2018

@vlagrl29 Got our annual St Patrick’s Day parade tomorrow. I march with the Irish School of Dance every year and we have a big ole party afterwards! My guess is Sunday is gonna be a lot of laying around. That just reminded me H’s bday is creeping up too on the 30th I still don’t know what to get Him

kristimh80

@vlagrl29 Candlight yoga sounds so cool! Ahh GS cookies...I didn't know they were still out selling. I've been a slacker this year, so need to hunt some one's down!

@ndz2018 Awe that sounds like so much fun!! We use to go to parades all the time when little or I was in them. Idk why I haven't gone to any in my old age!

mich_elle

Oh a parade & party sounds fantastic! Have fun ladies!
One of DH's cousins married his partner last year and they're having a wedding celebration tomorrow at the Chart House in Weehawken (N NJ) right on the Hudson River. Supposed to be swanky and excellent food! It's 2 hours away so we'll all be staying a hotel nearby. Can you say AFTER PARTY!?! Ho-tel, Mo-tel, Holiday Inn! My 2 1/2 yo keeps asking to go to the dance party! LOL! I may even drink a cocktail or three since I'm not KU...and can't seem to get that way on my own! Sunday the grooms are hosting us for breakfast then my s-i-l is having most of us back to her place to hang for the day. Lots of relatives coming in from Toronto & Cali. 

ndz2018

@kristimh80 It’s so much fun! 

@mich_elle LOVE THE CHART HOUSE!! I used To live not far from there in Jersey City! Been there quite a few times. We’re more in the suburbs now, Union County. 

vlagrl29

@ndz2018 - our parades aren't until next weekend.  I was induced with DD on St. Pattys day in 2011 but she came 12 minutes after midnight on the 18th.  Of course I had a st patty's themed newborn outfit for her.  Oh and Easter is super early this year isn't it - April 1st.  I need to start thinking about that too.

@kristimh80 - this is the last weekend of GS cookies so buy now!  I have been able to go to yoga 4 times since sunday if you include tonight.  It feels so good to get back into it.

@miche_elle - That wedding celebration sounds amazing.  Have fun!

ndz2018

@vlagrl29 Yeah we do our parade early Bc there are so many around here.. we usually start it off the celebrations ! Omg yes Easter is April 1st! YIKES!

mich_elle

@ndz2018 Wow! I'll have to give you my report after the weekend! Lol! We lived in Central NJ but loves to PA and bought our first home this summer. 

@vlagrl29 what are you doing for your LO's bday this year? Yes, Easter is very early!! And, I'm envious of your yoga! Oh and I hope I can keep up with these guys tomorrow. They seriously know how to cut a rug! Do people even use that expression any more? Omg I'm old! 

vlagrl29

@mich_elle - she wanted a board game theme party this year.  We are hosting it at DH's photog studio.  We will have different stations set up with different board games.  Also we reserved a night  at a hotel with a water resort for spring break.  3 of her friends are coming for the day and then just our family will stay overnight.  I bought a disney world tshirt to wrap up and have her open that night.  Surprise her with our disney trip set for late august.

ndz2018

@vlagrl29 Ummm mother of the year award!!!  That’s awesome ! She’s gonna love every minute of it!

mich_elle

@vlagrl29 that's amazing!! I wanna go too lol! Oh have a great time

Momifbysea

Ok your weekends are way more awesome than mine! But I did drive with dd to my parents house near Wichita so they can watch her while I do our taxes and hopefully we can have some fun too! I may ditch work and stay through Monday, so good to live closer to my parents now!

@mich_elle what your re said makes a lot of sense, don’t know why but I felt relieved reading her rationale. Usually the case with these things and glad she will listen to and work with you with flexibility!

@vlagrl29 I second the mother of the year comment, I think I need you as my mentor! She will be so excited! 

Laurakat81

@mich_elle We transferred 3, after being told by my RE in previous consults that there was no way he’d transfer more than 2. Out of the 12 we had only three make it to day 5. Two were poor quality and one was barely in the fair category. It resulted in one healthy baby. I was 32 at the time. All of my testing up to that point indicated that i was only dealing with tubal issues and therefore he assumed that i had good quality eggs. But in the end i didn’t. Even with those 3 embryos he told me i had about a 25% chance of getting pregnant at all. So, i guess, my point is that sometimes i think it’s necessary to do more than the standard 1-2. We didn’t make the decision to do 3 until literally the morning of my transfer. I wish you the very best! It’s so exciting/scary! 

@Momifbysea Thats so scary. I hope everything comes back ok from the biopsy. 

Laurakat81

Status (WTO/TWW/Benched/in process of testing or treatment): WTO CD, CD/DPO (if applicable): CD 1....yay

ETA: ok TB just ate my response. I’ll update another day...I’m out of time.

vlagrl29

Awe you guys are awesome! DH is shooting a wedding in Palm Springs so we thought we might as well fit in Disney too.

It means a lot to me to focus on the child we do have. Ttc was relaxing and fun at times but it was also stressfull and anxiety driven for me and that clomid cycle was what did me in for real. It's just not how I want to go about things and why I am taking a break. It's nice to not focus on it anymore and focus on what I do have to be grateful for. I'm still recovering from the adrenal fatigue and that's annoying cause I get an afternoon slump every day I use to never have but I do better each week so I'm working on patience with that and seeing my naturopath this coming week.

mich_elle

@Momifbysea thanks. I kind of felt the same way. And, yes, I'm happy to know that she's willing to listen to me too. 

@Laurakat81 thank you so much for sharing your story. I really appreciate your input!