IF treatment & testing - week of 4/30

madspunk

This is a place for those of us who have already started TTC, but have started infertility testing and/or treatments. You can express your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on infertility. TTC can be a long journey naturally, then add in the difficulties associated with infertility, and it becomes a whole new ball game. The road to infertility can be lonely, frustrating, and complicated, so let's make this a place where we can vent, ask questions, and support one another. Feel free to resurrect this thread at any point in the week if you have something to say. Treat this as an ongoing conversation. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):

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

How are things going?: 

Any questions?:

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick?

madspunk

Diagnosis (if you've been): NIR PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI #4 w/ injectables

How are things going?: I am a raging monster. I don't think the progesterone and/or estrace does good things for me. Poor DH is doing whatever he can to be good to me.

Any questions?:

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? I would probably pick some sort of HGTV home makeover one. I'd say Property Brothers, but I don't really want to move, so probably something like Design on a Dime.

50Wife

@madspunk Girl I hope you feel back to yourself soon! I hate all of the drugs and how they make me feel!!  I'm glad your husband realizes it's the meds and not you

Diagnosis (if you've been):  MFI - Low count

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Uggghhhhhh - ERA #3

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  Another biopsy.  Turns out my body just isn't absorbing the medication properly.  Cool right - because my attitude and bloat would have told you otherwise.
Anyway - we're following my natural cycle, I'll ovulate - once ovulation is confirmed I'll start Prometrium and then I guess a few days later (I forget the time frame here) they'll do another biopsy.  And do whatever voodoo I need to do in order to have a phone call that says "your body is ready! Let's get that embryo in you!!!"

How are things going?:   Take a guess.
Super glad we're doing this because obviously the normal protocol wouldn't work for me and a transfer wouldn't have worked the past two months.  I'm so glad my Doctor is doing this, but Fuck! I just want to move forward.  I'm really really really hoping this ERA shows that this protocol is the right one to move forward.  I'll do it as many time as I need to, but realistically, how many times am I supposed to do this?

Any questions?:

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick?  Probably like a Food Network home cook competition type show.  

beachbunnyxo123

@madspunk these meds are so brutal!! I’m sorry that you’re feeling all the emotions. When is your beta scheduled?

@50Wife I’m so team #goodbiopsyresults for you!!!  I’m hoping a natural cycle transfer is the ticket for you! Do you have normal cycles? When do you usually ovulate?

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):
IVF #2

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): 
just triggered for my ER which is tomorrow!!! 

How are things going?: 
Great!!!! I’m very happy with the way things went this cycle. Im sorry to keep going on about how thankful I am but I can’t stop my excitement of responding well after my last IVF cycle. Hoping this is not bothering anyone or coming across the wrong way!

Any questions?:
Nope

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick?
Does wheel of fortune count? Cause I’d pick that one!!! One day I will be on it!!! 

Augusta108

@madspunk, sorry the hormones are wreaking havoc on your mood! I’m glad your husband is helping as much as he can. I just started estrace on Saturday in addition to my PIO shots and have seen so many women here struggle on it that I’m a little nervous...

@50Wife, I’m so disappointed for you that this cycle has to be more testing and waiting instead of getting to finally move forward. Hopefully all this waiting is going to pay off in giving your precious embryo the best possible chance! But the waiting still sucks even if it’s for an awesome final goal.


Diagnosis (if you've been): Low AMH, severe oligospermia 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW!!! Beta test May 9th.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF, our embryo transfer of our one fighter embryo was yesterday.

How are things going?: I’m still kind of stunned our embryo made it to blast, and not only made it but was high quality. I know we could still get bad news at the end of this, but for now we’re just going to try to enjoy these ten days of wondering if I’m pregnant (and actually having there be a chance I could be, how novel!) as much as we can. 

Any questions?: Nope!

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? I would love to do The Amazing Race, though realistically I would get eliminated super early on because I’m not athletic and also prone to migraines when my sleep schedule is disrupted. Still, even one leg would be fun!

50Wife

@beachbunnyxo123 Ahhhh good luck tomorrow!!!! Can't wait to hear an update!!!!  Girl you deserve to be beyond thrilled with your progress so far!!
I do have pretty regular cycles - back when I used to temp, which I feel like was ages ago, I'd ovulate around CD15-18.  Although when I went last week, my estrogen on CD3 was still up from my meds, so she said it wasn't really considered baseline. I'm going back Wednesday to confirm.  But this cycle, my CD that I ovulate may seem a bit later due to my levels still being high on CD3.

Augusta108

@beachbunnyxo123, you posted while I was typing! I’m going to be rooting so hard for you tomorrow and definitely don’t mind you expressing your excitement here. I’m excited for you too!

emmasemm

@50wife oh noooooooooooooo! I’m so sorry. That’s ridiculously frustrating. But like you say, the silver lining to this big black cloud is that you didn’t put your embie back at the wrong time. I really hope this natural approach works well for you. If you find some good voodoo feel free to share. I am still up for trying pretty much anything! 

@madspunk sorry the meds are messing with you! I have to say all the symptoms they cause drove both me and DH insane. Fx this is your one.

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR and generally PITA ovaries, AMA and a bit of autoimmune rubbish thrown into the mix

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Trying on our freaking own, again. Waiting for the WTF call from the RE tomorrow after our planned 4th IVF cycle was cancelled on Friday due to high Estrogen (and FSH and big follies)

How are things going?: 
Well I handed in my thesis today!!! I did not sleep at all Saturday or Sunday night as I was working to turn it in before the deadline today. And I felt fine until about 2 hours ago when I think my Adrenalin crashed and now I feel like my body is giving me serious payback, as I’m definitely not 20 years old any more.
On the plus side it’s probably a good thing the cycle was cancelled as going without sleep for two nights is not really what the doctor ordered for growing good eggs.
Even so, feeling pretty frustrated that after spending 3 months of going through extra testing to be able to do IVF#4 with the new RE we now miss another month. With my AMH and AFC and at my age, 4 months is a long time. Hopefully not too long. Nervous to hear what the RE suggests tomorrow. Hoping it’s just some estrogen priming to stop the follies getting into the party too early. But worried he might suggest to give up on my eggs.

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick?
Right now I would go for one of the Alan Titchmarsh garden makeover programs, because we probably have to prioritize funds for IVF (and maybe DE) and seeing the mess that is our garden adds to my stress and is a constant reminder of all the things we had planned to spend our money on before we got my diagnosis.

50Wife

@Augusta108 Ahhhhh Good luck!!!!!! I am thrilled that you had such a good looking embryo to transfer!
@emmasemm I am so frustrated for you!!! Let us know how your call goes tomorrow, I hope you get some good news and your doctor thinks you're able to move forward with a few adjustments.
I'm glad your thesis is done, go sleep for 3 days

emmasemm

@beachbunnyxo123 I’m so excited to hear how many eggs you get at ER tomorrow! And as one of the crappy responders on this thread, no it’s not bothering me. I know your first cycle was below your expectations and I’m really thrilled the tweaks this time are looking to give you much more success!

@augusta108  ohhhh I’m so keeping everything crossed for you. It really does only take one!!!
***TW pregnancy law***

According to EU law if you are undergoing IVF, the phase between ER and transfer (in a fresh cycle) and the phase between transfer and beta (in both fresh and FET cycles) are treated as if you are pregnant! So officially under EU law you are pregnant right now... 

AlohaKumu

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): CD1

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Today starts a 7-week ERA cycle. I'll also be doing a saline sonogram and whatever else my doctor orders.

How are things going?: I know I haven't been on this thread in a while, but I feel like I'm ready to come back since we are finally doing some major testing. I had an HSG a couple weeks ago and it was normal. My most recent u/s showed everything looks good, even during an unmedicated cycle. It's going to be a few months until we can get to FET #3, but I know my doctor is going to try everything in her arsenal of knowledge to figure out how we should approach this next transfer.

Any questions?: No questions, but thank you to all of you who have reached out to me over the past few months.

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? A cooking/baking reality show. I'm no professional chef, but I would love for feedback on some of my favorite recipes.

leilee101

@madspunk when do you go in for beta? I saw you tag me last week that we might be IVF buddies, so hoping that this IUI works for you of course but if not we'll be in the trenches together!
@50Wife can't imagine how frustrating it is to have to do another mock cycle but better be annoyed with the wait now than have something go wrong during a real cycle. Still so annoying tho!
@beachbunnyxo123 Good luck tomorrow!!
@Augusta108 I was so relieved to see your 5 day update.. the little embie that could That's so awesome and I'm so excited for your beta next week!
@emmasemm so frustrating for you, I'm so sorry! Hope you get some answers tomorrow during your call. Did you take birth control before your cycle to calm your ovaries down? 

Diagnosis (if you've been): azoo

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO?

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF#1, finally starting stims this weekend! These last few weeks of taking BC have been dragggging. I take my last one tomorrow and then go in Sat for baseline and (hopefully) get the go ahead to start stims that night.

How are things going?: Just so excited to get started. Never thought I would be excited to take a bunch of injections every night, oh infertility. 

Any questions?: I see alot of people going in for IVF orientations and such.. I think it's weird my the RE just sends a bunch of videos to show how to administer injections and sends me on my merry way. Anyone else have this experience? 

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? I'm with @Augusta108 on the Amazing race.. I have a friend who actually won it one season lol and if he can do it I definitely can! Either that or Chopped

50Wife

@leilee101 I was just told to watch the videos on the Freedom Pharmacy's website and they sent me on my merry way, so nope, not just you!  It's way easier than it seems and while a class or something may have seemed helpful, I probably would have been annoyed having to drive there for them to show us how to administer a shot (especially since we'd already done trigger shots for IUIs)

hlb8179

@madspunk All those hormones on top of TWW is no joke!  Hope you're hanging in there all right.
@50Wife I hope this ERA gets good results for you.
@beachbunnyxo123 So happy for your good news so far this cycle and hope it keeps up!
@Augusta108 Congrats on being PUPO!  So exciting.
@emmasemm Ah congrats on turning in your thesis!  What a weight off of your shoulders.  Not to mention the time that you can now dedicate to more relaxing things!
@AlohaKumu Glad you get to start your ERA cycle today.  FX for good results.

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, unexplained secondary infertility

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Second IUI with Clomid and Ovidrel

How are things going?: The wait is excruciating, as always.  Every time I feel anything slightly unusual, I have to literally tell myself that it's not a pregnancy symptom.  It didn't help that my acupuncturist asked me if I was feeling any different, and I had to explain how it was only a week post-ovulation, so I'd be lucky if implantation was happening in that moment.  I am anxious for our IVF consult on Wednesday and going into it with the mindset that we're not pregnant and will need IVF since that's the most likely outcome but also trying to balance that with staying calm and optimistic.  I've learned a lot through IF about the importance of self-care, so I've been treating myself to acupuncture, massage therapy, and retail therapy.  It's helping me manage this stress.

Any questions?:  For those who have had an IVF consult, do you have recommendations about must-ask questions or any other advice for this first meeting?

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick?  I don't think I'd be very good on a reality tv show, but I'd love to be on a cooking one like Iron Chef (if they had one for total amateurs).  

darkstar42

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, AMA

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): trying on our own again, then definitely doing another IUI next cycle

How are things going?: Sorry I was such a bad bumpie last week. I was reading everyone's updates, just didn't have it in me to post much. Things are going alright this week. I'm only 3 dpo, so not obsessing over my temp every morning yet. Work has been incredibly stressful lately, so that's been somewhat of a distraction from IF, even if a crappy one. People are being laid off, and while my job is safe, some close friends might be on the chopping block. Meanwhile we all have to keep working like nothing is wrong... Ugh.

Any questions?: Not right now.

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? I have to say that I'm really not a fan of reality TV. Maybe one of the home buying shows? Assuming we had money to buy a home that is.

darkstar42

@madspunk Sorry for the crappy drug effects!

@50Wife Ugh. I’m sorry you’re going through yet another biopsy cycle. What a pain. I’m really glad your RE is doing everything possible for the transfer to work, but I feel your pain on the waiting.

@beachbunnyxo123 I’m super glad that you are responding so well this cycle, and I love hearing your good news! I feel like we’ve struggled a lot lately on this board, so seeing a good outcome helps.

@Augusta108 I’ve got my fx so hard for you and that little embie!

@emmasemm So sorry you’re playing the waiting game yet again. What a bummer. I’ll be looking for your update after the WTF call with the RE. Congrats on the thesis though! That is such an amazing accomplishment.

@AlohaKumu Glad to see you back here, and glad your doc is on top of things and getting some good testing done.

@leilee101 How exciting to be starting stims! Fx for you!

@hlb8179 TWW is always excruciating, especially after an IUI. Glad you’re doing the IVF consult, but I hope this cycle works for you and you don’t need it!

50Wife

@hlb8179 I'm glad you're doing more for yourself right now! I feel like it's huge to take care of yourself while going through all of this. It's easy to let it consume you and beat you up.  Buy anything good for yourself lately??

@darkstar42 Good luck!! When will you test?  Hopefully you don't need an IUI next time around, but it always feels good to have a plan going forward incase it gets to that point.
And that sucks about your work!! I'm glad you're safe, but I can't even imagine the morale there right now. I'm sure it's shit for the people that know they're on the chopping block.  We've had a few rounds of layoffs around here in the past and it's just such a crappy feeling all around. You hate to see your friends go, but you're glad you're safe at the same time.

rallykat14

Diagnosis (if you've been): endometriosis and low amh

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): waiting. Forever.  Waiting for donor to be available 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): nothing.  Not even sex because idgaf. 

How are things going?: just waiting.  Worried our donor could change her mind.   Saw there are new donors but I'm not sure I feel like going through the trouble to pursue.  I'm pretty checked out of the whole process .

Any questions?: nope

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? Nothing with singing,  I would be eliminated quickly.   Maybe chopped,  I love that show and love to cook.   Not sure I'd do very well but it woukd be fun!! 

@50wife I hear you on the waiting.  This process is soooo long
 @madspunk thinking of you! ! 

@AlohaKumu

Avrilmai

@beachbunnyxo123 I'm so freaking excited for you. Sending you all the good vibes for tomorrow. 
@Augusta108 YAY! so glad the blast made it and the transfer went well. I like that approach, enjoy this time. 
@50Wife ugh, I'm frustrated for you. I really, truly hope this is it for you. 
@madspunk the progesterone really messed with my mood last cycle. I feel your pain. Hope you can get back to feeling like you again soon
@emmasemm yes, what a sense of relief to turn in your thesis. I hate that this cycle was cancelled. I'm really hoping you get some answers and soon. After all of the troubles of getting your meds and then to have this happen. I hope you're taking some time for yourself. 
@AlohaKumu welcome back, well you know what i mean. I'm glad you're starting to move forward. We will be here when you need us. 
@leilee101 these ladies are a wealth of information when it comes to IVF, I hope things go well for you
@hlb8179 self-care is so important, glad you've found something that works for you.
@darkstar42 no need to apologize, sometimes it is all too much and we need to take a step back to make it through the day. I'm sorry work is so stressful right now. that happen to me a few years ago and it can be so stressful to know that you're safe, but concerned for others. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained (officially) but also low AMH and AMA

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): week 2 of the TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): we did IUI #2 w/Letrozole

How are things going?: well, better than last time. just trying to make it through the week, we will have an answer on Sunday. I really don't know what is different this cycle, maybe having one failed cycle has decreased the hope, or maybe my body is adjusting better to the progesterone this cycle. who knows. 

Any questions?:

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? I'd love to be one of the people that the chefs serve on Top Chef. I always get hungry watching that show. 

madspunk

@50Wife You certainly have stamina going through ERA #3. I'm glad you have a doctor that is doing this, but I'm holding my finger up at the universe with you because it sucks you've had to do this multiple times. I really hope this is the protocol that works!
@beachbunnyxo123 I'm really excited for your ER as well! I'll be thinking of you and wishing you all the best! Beta is next Monday, but that's later than normal. I'll be testing Friday (if I can hold out that long).
@Augusta108 I was so relieved to hear your embryo made it to blast, and I have everything crossed for you.  I hope the next week and a half goes by quickly and you get some really good news soon. Are you doing anything special to distract yourself or relax until your beta?
@emmasemm Congratulations on handing in your thesis! Will you have a lot more free time with that done now? I would be frustrated too if I were you, and I'm sorry you have to wait to do IVF #4. I hope your RE comes up with a good plan. I'll be thinking of you and your consult tomorrow.
I'll have to look up Alan Titchmarsh. DH and I just started watching Big Dreams, Small Spaces, and I like getting garden ideas.
@AlohaKumu I'm sorry it's going to be an extended timeline to FET #3. I hope you get some answers during the ERA. 
@leilee101 I go in for my beta on Monday so I'm guessing if this cycle didn't work, I'd be starting stims around Friday next week. I also didn't have to go in for an IVF orientation class.
@hlb8179 Some of the questions I asked were: What protocol would your recommend for me? Do I need to do birth control prior to the cycle? How do you think I'll respond? How many embryos would you recommend implanting? What are our options for leftover embryos? 
@darkstar42 Sorry to hear that you're having work stresses. Will you be changing any of your meds or anything for the next IUI?
@rallykat14 I've been thinking about you too. Do you have any ideas about when you might find out about your donor? Has work calmed down for you?
@avrilmai Ugh - the progesterone. I think it's the worst of all the IF drugs I've taken. It definitely messes with my mood. At least now DH and I are prepared for it when it happens. Wishing you patience and peace to get through the week. 

rallykat14

@beachbunnyxo123 I'll be thinking of you!!! 
@madspunk work has calmed down but now they are restructuring everything so I'm just hanging out to see what my new job is and then decide if it is what I want to do. 

jrm_14

@beachbunnyxo123 GL tomorrow. What time is your retrieval? Remind me- fresh or FET planned?  

@emmasemm Ughfuck. Damn. I wish I had better things to say other than keep us updated & I’m thinking of you. Do you have to defend your thesis soon? Horray for it being complete! 

@darkstar42 Hopefully you are counting the days to summer break by now. Work stress is always tough, especially non-renewals.  Sorry to hear about your friends/coworkers who are at risk  

@50wife Uggggh. It may be a silly question- did they switch to prometrium from PIO in hopes it absorbs differently?  

suzycupcake

@darkstar42 Sorry to hear that is going on at work. That really is tough to deal with and I know what that's like. It's hard to keep morale up but hopefully you guys are finding a way to do it for your own sanity. I hope the tww passes quickly for you and that you get a super sticky sticky  

@emmasemm God, that must've felt like an eternity for you to finish that thesis. I really don't know you but I've been seeing your posts about it for quite some time. Congratulations and I'm proud of you! How do you feel about it? Doing all of that through all of this IF shit is seriously just...you are so strong.

@madspunk Hugs I hope the two of you will keep it in perspective that you are working on a goal together as a team. This is really tough on a relationship. I'm so sorry that you are on this hormonal roller coaster. These meds are hefty and it sucks to feel like a science experiment/pin cushion all of the time. My heart goes out to you.

@rallykat14 I cannot even begin to pretend to know what you are going through. Hugs. I hope that the perfect donor comes along soon and that you will get a take home baby. I do understand checking out though and I hope you will be kind to yourself. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): pcos, infertility, low p

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): The in between

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): We did a non iui but with medication cycle. 

How are things going?: Another bust. I just finished crying my eyes out. I'm tired of all of this medication, tired of the stress, the highs and lows of excitement and then getting my dreams smashed to bits. I'm sick of the appointments, the tracking, the researching, just everything. Ivf is soon approaching. It will probably be the next thing that we do, maybe take a break though. I haven't decided. I'm so upset. I'm so incredibly upset and feel depressed right now. I should've just went straight to ivf. It was our plan to do a few cycles on our own after 4 iui, but one bust since that decision and I feel like this? I was laying down crying thinking what else do I do? There is no guarantee that ivf will even work for me and I will be one year older in May. I can't help but feel like I've failed my husband. 

Any questions?: Is it wrong to wonder if maybe we should switch to a different doctor even though we love ours so much? Is it possible that she just isn't getting something right? Ugh.... 

jrm_14

@suzycupcake The roller coaster sucks and it is so tough to decide when to take the next steps & breaks or not breaks, etc. As far as another RE- nothing ties you to this one. You can consult another (and another) & then still go back to her if that is whom you are most comfortable with caring for you. 

P.s. FWIW, I’m sorry for your bust of a cycle. 

(And again) p.p.s. look at what you wrote above to @madspunk about seeing this as a goal between you & YH. IF royally sucks, especially when one partner feels so much at fault. 

50Wife

@rallykat14 same donor as last time, right? Good luck. I hope you have an answer soon

@Avrilmai I feel like our first IUI I had my hopes soooo so high bc in my head that was going to be our solution, that was finally it and I was going to get pregnant. When it didn't work I just fell apart. After that, each time I was more guarded. I think your body does get used to the extra hormones as you move forward. My husband probably wouldn't agree and would say I'm an asshole with the drugs but what does he know   I hope this week goes super quick for you!! 

@jrm_14 so I think the PIO + progesterone supps/crinone gel were in an attempt to get my levels where they would be had I ovulated. Since my body is calling my bluff, he's skipping all of that and wants to do a natural cycle and supplementing my natural progesterone rather than trying to create it himself with the shots.  I'm not sure how much the prometrium differs from the progesterone supps or the crinone gel though. I'd imagine he's giving prometrium a shot to see if I respond better to that?  

@suzycupcake it couldn't hurt to go to a doc and get a second opinion. Especially if there's another one in your area that you've heard good things about. 
I'm sorry you're feeling so low, we've all been there. I always give myself a few days to cry and rage and be angry but then dust myself off and come back swinging. It sucks but I'm not ready to give up so it's what I have to do. I hope you can treat yourself to some wine or chocolate or a bunch of carbs or all of the above. 

rallykat14

@50Wife Yup,  same donor.  We have to wait for  her travel schedule to line up and I'm starting to be concerned that she will change her mind or continue to push it back.   We've been waiting for 2months already and I'm just not feeling good about this wait.   If we have to pick a new donor I'm not sure I can get in board.   

50Wife

@rallykat14 Yea I feel like 2 months is kind of a long time. Do you know how often they follow up or are in contact with her?

nitnat007

@madspunk Sorry the meds are causing such havoc. YH is the real MVP! Stay strong. 
@50Wife Everything crossed for good results for you. 
@beachbunnyxo123 So thrilled that you have had such a good cycle! GL with the ER today. 
@Augusta108 Hold on tight little embaby! 
@emmasemm Hoping that your call goes well today. Keep us posted. Good job on getting your thesis done! 
@leilee101 So exciting that you are getting started! 
@hlb8179 FX that this is your cycle and the IUI works, but glad that you are still proceeding with the RE too. 
@darkstar42 Oh friend, sorry to hear that things at work are not going very well. I hope that they start to improve soon. 
@rallykat14 FX that everything goes smoothly with your donor. *hugs*
@Avrilmai Sending positive vibes for Sunday. 
@suzycupcake I am so sorry that you are feeling that way and having a hard time right now. Allow yourself to feel all the feels. Treat yourself to whatever you want right now. When you are ready, you will decide what your next move is. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, low morph

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): MRI next Tuesday, testing

How are things going?: I threw myself down a rabbit hole yesterday which wasn't such a great idea. Watched too many video's on IVF, statistics and testing etc. We are really just getting started and it already feels overwhelming to me.  
I just have to say that I have so much respect for all of you ladies. Your strength and courage to go through this entire process with such grace and humility, is just amazing to me. I hope that when/if my time comes, that I have just an ounce of the strength that you have. 

Any questions?:

GTKY: If you had to be on a reality TV show, which would you pick? Amazing Race would be a blast. I think my sister and I could rock it!

emmasemm

@alohakumu welcome back, and we all need a break sometimes. Especially when you’re playing the eating game. I’m pleased you’re able to start your ERA cycle now. 

@leilee101 hope everything goes smoothly at baseline on Saturday. 
No I was not on birth control and have not used it before any of my IVF cycles. For severe DOR patients it is absolutely not recommended as it tends to not just quieten the ovaries but put them into a deep sleep, from which they sometimes don’t wake up properly ever again. 
And no, we never had any training, just given the instruction leaflets in the box with the drugs and told to google and YouTube.
(And just in case, don’t stress too much from reading my updates - I am at the worst end of the poor responder scale, so I’m not typical and most people don’t get cancelled)

@hlb8179 my best advice is write down all your questions, tick off the ones they cover in the main discussion and do not be afraid to run through all the ones not covered (but still relevant).

@darkstar42 I’m sorry about the stress with work. We have something similar going on, it makes everyone on edge and defensive. 

@rallykat14 I’m so sorry you’re still waiting. Those words really aren’t enough. 

@avrilmai I know, after all the stress getting the drugs and the blood results... but upside is we definitely have all the meds for next time more than early enough! Fx for a good end to the TWW

@madspunk Yes I should have much more time again now - after being away one week every month for 15 months and then 4 months writing the thesis there are a lot of things which are on the “after I’ve finished studying” list. However until end of May we’re in budget season at work, so I don’t have much free time until then. And when I do I hope the time will be used flying for retrievals three months in a row!

@jrm_14 no - we had to defend our topic choice and outline before a panel and had a viva the end of our classes before starting the thesis. For a part time program it sure was rigorous... 

@suzycupcake there were certainly a few times when I questioned whether to carry on or not. Going through full cycles, cancellations, legal issues, organizing for travel IVF. I’m trying not to feel anything until I actually get the results though, just in case. If IF has taught me anything it’s not to count your chickens before they’re hatched! 
And a second opinion can’t hurt. 

@nitnat007 maybe the other thing all contemplating IVF should know is you don’t know how strong you are until you come to it, that even if at several points you think you can’t manage it all, in the end you do. So do not let be the thing that stresses you out. 
And actually, I reckon winning the Amazing Race would be a walk in the park compared to IVF. If we all applied the other contestants wouldn’t stand a chance!

beachbunnyxo123

We got 8 eggs! Fert report tomorrow! Thanks for all the positive thoughts and well wishes!  

hlb8179

@darkstar42 Sorry you're in a tough work environment right now.  But you're right, we'll take the distractions where we can get them (to a point).  Regardless, I hope it improves soon!
@50Wife  I haven't really bought anything special, just some clothes I don't need but want!  LOL.  
@rallykat14 FX for good news from your donor soon!
@Avrilmai I hear you about being a little hardened after the first IUI and maybe having more realistic (read: lower) expectations this second time around.  I guess it's a defense mechanism.  FX for a BFP on Sunday.  I will test Saturday, so let's hope this is a great weekend for us both.  
@suzycupcake We're in a similar place in terms of moving from IUI to IVF.  I think I'm going to try to just keep pushing through but could definitely use a break too.  
@nitnat007 I hear ya with feeling overwhelmed.  Sometimes I just repeat to myself "one foot in front of the other" as a reminder that we just have to do the next thing.  Then we can do the next thing after that.  And so on.
@beachbunnyxo123 Congrats on the great news with your 8 eggs!  Sending positive vibes for your fert report tomorrow!

50Wife

@beachbunnyxo123 Wahoo!!!  Hope you're feeling ok, can't wait to hear an update tomorrow.

emmasemm

@beachbunnyxo123 fantastic and keeping everything crossed for a great fert report! 

Avrilmai

@beachbunnyxo123 yaaay! hope you're taking it easy. I'll be looking for your update!

rallykat14

@beachbunnyxo123

purplg8r

@madspunk I hope you feel like yourself soon!

@50Wife I’m really hoping that this protocol is the one that works. You don’t need to go through this anymore!!

@beachbunnyxo123 I’ve been thinking of you all day! Yes!!  Such a great report!!

@Augusta108 rooting so hard for your little fighter!!

@emmasemm yay for turning your thesis in!  That had to be a huge relief!  Have you heard back from your RE!

@AlohaKumu I hope you get some answers from your ERA 

@leilee101 I had a consult for IVF but that was 2 weeks ago.  And I won’t start stems for another 5 weeks or so.  I’m gonna forget everything!!

@hlb8179 TWW after IUI stinks!  I always think that every new twinge or symptom is something!! 

@darkstar42 FX that you don’t need that IUI. And that stinks about your work. 

@rallykat14 think of you and hoping your donor pulls through. 

@Avrilmai FX for you!  And yes to being one of those people who gets to eat the food!!

@suzycupcake I’m so sorry you’re feeling down and depressed.  I get that way too and it’s duch an isolating feeling.  So thankful for the ladies on this board. 

@nitnat007 I’m with you on the feeling totally overwhelmed!

madspunk

@beachbunnyxo123 C'mon eggs! FX for a super fert report! Take it easy tonight.

rallykat14

@50Wife just have to wait on her and when she has travel stuff.   She pretty much controls this,  I'm not sure she would have cycled again and probably not so soon.   I'm grateful she is willing to do it again for me but I'm soooo impatient 

suzycupcake

Thank you ladies for your support. I’m feeling a bit better now and gung-ho to get a second opinion. Thanks for giving me the strength to carry on. Seriously...it would be so much more difficult without you. I literally know nobody offline struggling with this...Your shares give me the courage to carry on. 

@jrm_14  Thanks for the reality check. It’s so much easier to give that advice rather than taking it ourselves. I appreciate you. 

@beachbunnyxo123 This is exciting news! I hope that every single last one of those eggs turn into nice proper embies. When will be your transfer? Or is that not determined until after this part is done?

nitnat007

@emmasemm Thank you! And I agree, in my mind you ladies have all won Survivor and Amazing Race ten times over! It is true, you don't know how strong you really are until you have been put to the test. 
@beachbunnyxo123 Congrats! That is wonderful news! FX for the report today. 
@hlb8179 Great advice. Thanks. One step at a time. 
@purplg8r So thankful to have you wonderful ladies to talk to and not feel like we are going through this alone. Here for each other. 


 

beachbunnyxo123

So of 8 eggs retrieved, all 8 were mature and 7 eggs fertilized!!! Yay! I’m ecstatic. Last time we only had 3 eggs that fertilized. I’m so beyond thankful!!! Next report on monday.