TTTC Checkin 04/24/2018

GoldenKeys

Hello everyone,

It's checkin time!  Congratulations to any BFP's and hugs to anybody who needs one. Extra special hugs for you @mrsjcrane, we're here for you.

Graduating this week: @ChristenMA83... congrats!  And WOW @Mlight28 at surprising us with a whole TTTC baby!  Congrats!

How is everybody doing?

2018 BFP Hall Fame

lablover78 dx: PCOS, Compound Heterozygous MTHFR Rx: IVF
Tops-2: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: Metformin, Letrozole & TI
halfanewt: possible PCOS, MTHFR gene, slight MFI Rx: IVF
seethosestars: dx: DOR Rx: IVF + FET #1
Kim41313: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
soehlerk: dx: Unexplained Rx: Femara + IUI
ChristenMA83: dx: MFI Rx: IVF w/ISCI
Mlight28: dx Unexplained Rx: Clomid

PAGING:

@BWhitta: dx: PCOS, low AMH and endo Rx: letrozole
@Bababatty: dx:Low Motility  Rx: IVF
@ChristinaV2015: dx: blocked tubes, PCOS, endo + MFI  Rx: lap, OPKs + TI
@emgem819 dx: PCOS, Rx: provera, femara + Bravelle
@hoffmanr7: dx: unexplained Rx:  IVF
@jmr1515: dx: Mild MFI/morph, fibroid  Rx: Surgery + TI
@mackenzie07 dx: PCOS and Endo  Rx: metformin, letrozole, ovidrel
@mandasand: dx: low AMH  Rx:IVF (Lupron, Menopur + Follistim)
@MrsM00re87: dx: DOR PCOS, low morph Rx: Femara + TI
@Mythril: dx: PCOS (anovulatory) Rx:levothyroxine, metformin and femara + TI
@rachlee2010: dx: DOR Rx: IUI
@Samanthaarielxo dx: anovulation Rx: still in testing
@sarah0985: dx: PCOS, possible blocked tubes Rx: Lap
@SM746830: dx: PCOS, blocked tubes Rx: Surgery, Clomid
@starlitfae dx: MFI & balanced translocation, thyroid  Rx: ivf with pgd testing
@funkykey dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
@Worldtravler0522 dx: PCOS/Unexplained Rx: IVF
@notamyrtle: dx: unexplained Rx: IUI + injects
@MountainLady: dx: Unexplained Rx: Letrozole + IUI / possible IVF
@Kate437: dx:anovulatory   Rx:Letrozole + trigger
@SP128: in testing/unexplained
@honeybeebub: dx:septate uterus, MTHFR  Rx:  septum resection surgery, baby aspirin & progesterone
@eranvo27: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: metformin
@brittlefebvre: in testing
@Charligirl28: dx: unexplained Rx: Clomid
@kristimh80: dx: unexplained Rx: Injectables + trigger + IUI
@SoonToBeMommaHowe: dx: Unexplained  Rx: naturally until IVF
@Brooke4131: dx: Secondary unexplained Rx: in testing
@fluffybookworm: dx: Anovulation + insulin resistance Rx: Metformin + prometrium + testing
@Asampson87: dx: unexplained + MFI  Rx: metformin + testing
@hannahlce: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: metformin + letrozole
@emmasemm: dx: DOR & autoimmune Rx: IVF
@floridanursegirl: dx: unexplained anovulation Rx:Metformin, IUI+Femara+trigger
@aeb1116: dx: unexplained Rx: IUI
@Happyin14: dx: unexplained, RPL Rx: IVF
@amac2313: dx: unknown Rx: Clomid
@nurseerin2012: dx: unexplained Rx: letrozole + IUI
@Knottie1467155066: dx: unknown Rx: letrozole + trigger + TI
@thothscribe81: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
@BenJay: Dx: PCOS/unexplained Rx. Metformin + supplements
@MicahDahn: Dx: irregular cycles Rx: preparing for testing
@kiwielopingbride: Dx: Unexplained Rx: IUI
@moloninge Dx:PCOS, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, fibroids. Rx:Metformin,Synthroid,IUI w/letrozole, ovidrel, and progesterone.
@beec2421: dx: PCOS, hypothyroidism Rx: metformin, synthroid, clomid
@wishing-and-hoping: dx: unexplained rx: IUI
@echocharlietango: dx: Unexplained Rx: trying naturally
@kgabhart: dx: Unexplained/PCOS  Rx: letrozole + IUI
@linz36: dx: Low AFC, MFI  Rx: testing/IUI
@jrm_14: dx: Adrenal/overian insufficiency, Borderline-low AMH, Low progesterone Rx: IUI w/ injectables.
@Bgreenfield10: dx: anovulatory PCOS, LPD Rx: Clomid + trigger
@serownarain: dx: in testing
@allisona66: dx: waiting for testing
@manhattanmama2: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
@mirabelle33 dx: weak ovulation, possible LPD, AMA Rx: Injectables + Ovidrel + TI
@meganttc3: dx: PCOS, unexplained Rx: waiting to test
@mrsjcrane: dx: unexplained Rx: femara + trigger + TI + 2nd HCG booster
@mighty-mouse: dx:pcos & HA Rx: provera/letrozole + trigger
@ladystout08: dx: unknown Rx: waiting for testing

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

1.  How long have you been TTC?
2.  What is your diagnosis?
3.  What is your current Rx plan?


QOTW: Favorite phone app

jrm_14

Hi!!  I have not checked in here in a while, since beginning of my 2nd IUI cycle, I believe. 
TW-loss

Our 2nd injectable IUI cycle resulted in a loss. 

Everything because overhwelming and I cut down on TB time after that. 

Due to methotrxate use, we were benched. 

We tried in our own this cycle, plus prometrium. Next cycle we are going to do another injectable cycle, with a new RE. We have been doing Gonal & Ovidrel and will switch to Follistem & Pregnyl. 

thothscribe81

Hi all! I haven't posted in awhile do to some family things going on and a move (we've also been saving for IVF so not much going on in the TTC department), however we were completely surprised and shocked to get a positive pregnancy test two days ago!  We have been saving for IVF in September so haven't been doing much more than timed intercourse!  I took a test because I was a day late and not feeling well and bam the line came up within seconds.  I'm over the moon and both excited and terrified.  Blood results will be back in the next hour or so and we are hoping for some good numbers!!  I'm still in shock! 

GoldenKeys

jrm_14  I'm so sorry for your loss..

thothscribe81   Wow.. that's amazing!   Let us know how your betas go!

be08ryan

@jrm_14 I am so sorry for your loss. FX for you with your new RE!

@thothscribe81 Congrats! Sending lots of prayers and positive vibes for your bloodwork results.

AFM - I finished my first round of Clomid on Sunday and will start using the OPK tonight for the next two weeks to see if it worked. DH's work schedule is INSANE for the next two weeks, so timing isn't great but we'll make it work. 

jrm_14

@be08ryan Waiting to see if the clomid triggers ovulation can be so nerve racking!  The stress of your H’s work schedule on top of that has to be difficult. Hang in there!!

@thothscribe81 What a great surprise! How were your betas today?

funkykey

@jrm_14 - I'm so sorry for your loss. But I'm glad you are going to give it another try. Keeping FX for you, and glad you are feeling better enough to be back on TB, at least for a bit.

@thothscribe81 - CONGRATULATIONS!!! Great news!!! And glad for an update!!! xox

@be08ryan - good luck these next couple of weeks! I found I didn't notice the clomid so much until about 3-4 days before O. Really hoping you only have to do this once, and that your first kick at the can is a winner!

AFM: In my TWW, beta is early next week. Not sure if I will POAS over the weekend. 

@emmasemm & @Bababatty - thinking of you both, and hoping all is well. 

I've got to say, now that I've been on this board for a while (OMG, I can't believe how long), when I look at the check-in list, I'm so curious what's happened to everyone, and I those who have dropped off are doing ok. 

QOTW: Instagram!

thothscribe81

@funkykey @jrm_14 @be08ryan @GoldenKeys Thank you ladies!  My beta came back at 521!!  The nurse said the doctor was very happy with the numbers and my progesterone looks good too (10.2).  I go back Friday for another blood draw and will also have my first ultra sound - i know we probably won't see much but just seeing a sac would be amazing!  I can't believe this is happening! Still cautious but becoming more excited!

mirabelle33

Hi everyone, sorry I have been MIA for a couple weeks. We got back from our vacation last Monday, but jumped right into a busy week/weekend. I've now caught up on all the check-ins and will be back tomorrow to respond to what's been going on with each of you. Please know you've all been in my thoughts!

AFM, nothing too exciting for the moment. We were on our own this cycle due to our vacation and I was curious to see what would happen to my ovulation with no treatment + traveling over 6 time zones. I brought a box of OPKs with me and intended to start using them as soon as we got to nyc, but our hotel room was like the Sahara desert at night and I was constantly drinking water and having to get up to go to the bathroom and thought it would be useless in the morning. However, on CD11 I got a ton of EWCM, so I toughed it out that night and sure enough got a solid smiley face in the morning! I was pretty surprised to have a surge that early given the circumstances. I tested again the next morning and it was negative so I assumed that was ovulation day (CD13). If so, our timing was spot-on, but later I was kicking myself for not continuing to test after getting the first negative. Because of my short LP (10-11 days like clockwork) + the unmedicated cycle, I expected AF over the weekend (CD23-24). Well, it didn't show up until yesterday afternoon (CD26) with some very, very light spotting (I'm counting today as CD1) and now I'm wondering if I actually ovulated a couple days later than I thought, if my LP was miraculously 2-3 days longer without medication (!), or if TW it was a very, very early loss end TW. I know I will never know for sure, but it's driving my overly analytical brain crazy! Anyone care to guess?

So now I'm benched for 1 cycle I called my doctor today to see if I could start the injections again, but she said to wait since my MRI is scheduled for the 14th of May. This is fine, since I don't want to take the risk of having the MRI cancelled due to the (unlikely) possibility that I might be pregnant. However, since my doctor still doesn't know that we are switching to the RE next month (also on the 14th!), I asked her if I could stop by her office tomorrow to ask her some questions ... I know I could just disappear at this point, but I want to tell her in person plus I may still use her as an OB if/when I do get pregnant. However ...

I did go to my "second opinion" appointment with a different OBGYN last week and it was very interesting. This is already pretty long, so I'll just say that she was very nice, listened to all my concerns, and took the time to answer all my questions (without interrupting me, like my current OB). The three main takeaways were (1) that she could tell straight away by my answers to her questions about my cycles/periods that I have a progesterone imbalance (not enough of it) and that I should be taking it after ovulation (my current doctor basically refuses to address this and says progesterone supplementation isn't needed if there is strong ovulation - I asked the new doctor about this and she agreed, but added that supplemental P will act on the brain and thus can be beneficial in future cycles), (2) that if we're in a hurry, we should go straight to a specialist and stop wasting our time with an OB who only sees a few cases like this a year vs. a RE who is dealing with it day in and day out (my thoughts exactly), and (3) that my DH should take a PNV for men (they make a male version for the one I'm taking here in France lol) because while his mobility is 56%, 44% is not mobile and it could help with that (my doctor has seen his SA and never suggested this). She also gave me a prescription for Progesterone and a referral letter to the fertility clinic at the public hospital here (we've decided to go with the private clinic, but it's nice to have another option already in hand). Overall, I'm very glad I went, even though the confirmation that we have been wasting our time did put me in a bad mood for a couple days.

In unrelated TTC news, I had my last session with my favorite student this morning (I've been tutoring her in English since January) and she surprised me with a gift from her and her mom (see spoiler). It was so sweet and I was so touched that I gave her a big "American" hug. I've been super emotional ever since and because it's also CD1, today is all about the tears Thanks for reading all this!!

mirabelle33

Back for replies ...

@thothscribe81 congratulations on your surprise pregnancy! I hope your second beta and u/w go well today.

@jrm_14 I think I'm new since you last posted. I just wanted to say that I'm very sorry for your loss and I hope you were able to take the time you needed to regroup. GL being on your own this month and, if you should need it, I hope the new RE + protocol brings you success!

@be08ryan sending good thoughts for your first Clomid cycle! I noticed you asked for advice in last week's check-in and my best advice is to be kind to yourself while taking it. I took it for 4 cycles and at the time the only side effects I really noticed were some hot flashes at night, bloating around ovulation time, and I was more "aware" of my ovaries than usual during the days I took the Clomid. It wasn't until after I stopped taking it and moved on to injectables that I realized how emotional it had made me. So if you find yourself crying or being more short-tempered than usual, it might be caused by the Clomid. But for the most part it was tolerable. Oh and it did move up my ovulation by several days, so be ready with those OPKs! GL

@funkykey sending as many positive vibes and sticky thoughts your way as possible

@wishing-and-hoping @Bababatty thinking of you both and hope things are going well.

These are in response to last week's check-in ...

@emmasemm congrats on getting all the meds! I can appreciate what a challenge that must have been and can only imagine the potential headache if we ever need to do something like that here. I hope everything worked out with AF holding off and that this cycle goes well for you!

@meganttc3 I'm so sorry your test results were not more conclusive or optimistic and that you had a tough decision to make regarding the cost of treatment. It sounds like you and your DH had a good talk and I hope you have a great time on your vacation and are able to focus on something other than ttc for a bit. When you're ready for it, I hope that the IUI will be successful for you.

@mrsjcrane I'm very sorry for your loss. That must have been a very confusing and stressful situation and I hope you're getting the support you need. Let us know how your follow-up appointment goes

SoonToBeMommaHowe

***TW***

Hey Everyone, I've been on here for 2.5 years now I think and have been on a major break as we decided to take a cpl years off while we saved for IVF.  However it appears that I'm actually a cycle twin with @thothscribe81. DH and I stopped all monitoring months ago, although I admit I always have a pretty good idea when FW is, I was feeling a little off on Sunday (severe back pain and constipation), took a test at 10pm and instant BFP. Did a beta on Tues, the expected CD1, and it came back at 408. Did beta 2 today and should have the results tomorrow. I know most of the ppl I hung out here with have graduated or are currently taking major breaks but I just wanted to give my update in hopes that it encourages someone ❤️

Praying for peace for everyone currently on this horrible journey of infertility. 

Mythril

Hi everyone!

It's been quite some time since I even tried to get on the bump. We had our last try in September maybe? It was unsuccessful and we had to stop because we had depleted our HSA and had to wait for the new year when it would be replenished.

In October we finally bought a house. I've been very busy working to fix it up. 

In November, the week before Thanksgiving, my husband lost his job. It was politics. My husband isn't social and I guess the new boss didn't like that. We both kind of find that weird because he didn't talk to people and just did his work... but I guess that's not what they wanted.

So we've been without insurance for awhile now. So no new attempts have been made. I have had 1 bleed since then, though it was anovulatory. So It's been quite some time without a period. We have money to get us by for now. Husband is working on getting his driving license so that he can get into an electrician apprenticeship. He worked at an Amazon warehouse for a month or two but he was miserable so since we had a cushion I told him he could quit. I've never seen him so stressed. It was 3rd shift.

I am trying to lose weight in the mean time while we wait for insurance. I am doing keto which has done well for me in the past. I'm surprised to see my name still listed here. It kind of does my heart good!

It's nice to see you guys! 

funkykey

@mirabelle33 - being benched sucks. I'm sorry. But sounds like this new OBGYN is promising.

@SoonToBeMommaHowe - great news!!! Congratulations!

@Mythril - I'm sorry about your husband's job, but congratulations on the new house! GL on the weight loss - it can be so hard!

AFM: Took an HPT and looks like my third transfer has failed. I'll know for sure tomorrow. Feeling very down about all of this.

wishing-and-hoping

@funkykey  i am hoping beyond hope that the beta will surprise you, but i know that it isn't looking good at this point, and i just really hate that for you and with you.  there is no hint of fairness in this infertility world we are trudging through.  i wish i had insight or wisdom but all i have is empathy.  

mighty-mouse

2 questions for everyone, what are the main coping mechanisms you are using? Meditation, mindfulness, counselling? Also, how are u dealing with uncertainty? I'm so used to have things planned for the coming months but I'm very reluctant to plan stuff cause there is always the hope of getting a bfp 

funkykey

@mighty-mouse - IF has thrown me for a loop in terms of my previous coping strategies. I find it hard enough to keep up with all the RE visits, so I'm not adding extra counselling sessions to my calendar. Also, when I used to struggle with something I might spend some money on clothes or self care, but the financial burden of IF means I'm not doing that. Ugh. Like you, I used to plan stuff (eg. a weekend away) but now I don't do that so much- not only because I might need to be close to the clinic, but also because of the financial burden of IF.

I use these boards a lot and I have some really supportive people IRL who I can count on. (My sister, 1-2 friends, my husband.) 

As for the uncertainty, it's tough, but I keep telling myself that this is all temporary and that I will end up with a baby. I just need to try longer than most people. 

All this being said, I still have good days and bad days- like some days, I don't cope as well. On my bad days, everything seems so unfair. I try to allow myself to have those bad days, and to let myself feel angry and sad when I need to.

How are you doing? 

emmasemm

@funkykey just checking in to see how it went today... 

Bababatty

@funkykey I’m also checking in to see how it went today. I know it doesn’t look good, but I still have everything crossed for you. I want so badly for you to be successful!!

@SoonToBeMommaHowe Whoa! Congratulations!! I am SO THRILLED! What a wonderful surprise!

@thothscribe81 Congratulations to you, too!!

AFM I just started my new job so I’ve been MIA. I just caught up, and i’ll try to respond to everyone tonight. Hugs to anyone who needs them today!

mirabelle33

@funkykey I echo the others in saying that I have everything crossed you get a huge surprise from your beta today.

BWhitta

@SoonToBeMommaHowe OMG!!!!!!! Yay, congrats, old friend!!!!!!!!!!

@funkykey sending you love!!!!!! 

funkykey

Thanks guys. @mirabelle33 @Bababatty @emmasemm @wishing-and-hoping @BWhitta - I really appreciate the kind thoughts.

It was another negative, officially. 

Obviously, I'm really sad. We may take a few months to collect ourselves and think through next steps.
 

mirabelle33

@funkykey I am so, so sorry. You have every reason to be sad right now. Take whatever time you need and know that we will be here for you when you're ready to return. Sending lots of and hugs your way.

BWhitta

@funkykey I’m sad for you, too, friend.  Sending love and peace and calming and anything else you might need today!!!!!!!!   

SoonToBeMommaHowe

@funkykey I'm so sorry to read your update. This journey is such a frustrating one. Sending you lots of hugs. Thank you to the familiar "faces" out there for your well wishes ❤️