@funkykey I don’t even have a sister and that took the wind out of my sails. But I do have a sister in law who’s also done IVF and FET and she transfer after my first fresh transfer. We thought we’d PG together but here I am two MCs later. It fucking sucks. Sending major strength your way. Keep the faith!
@wishing-and-hoping I’ll be taking the day off. It’s too important not to take care of myself. I feel bad letting people down but I know they’ll understand. General anesthesia takes it out of you as it is, not to mention the pain from the procedure itself! I couldn’t have gone back to work the day after my abdominal surgery so no doubt I’ll need time to recover from this too.
@funkykey all the hugs, my friend! I’m sure that’s hard to deal with and I’m so sorry. I expect it to be hard for me as a lesbian but I can empathize. Many lesbians get pregnant from 1-3 IUIs. We were never so lucky and it’s just that much harder now that we’re a little older.
So yesterday at my appointment I unknowingly had a chat with a gal from my INVOcell Facebook group! It was funny to see her comment on something and recognizing her face.
Also... Cetrotide stings like a mofo! And the needle is thicker than what I use for FSH. Ugh, and tonight I had to do my first shot but I went out of town so I had to lock myself in a bathroom and mix the medication myself like a mad scientist. I was flustered trying to figure out which needle was for what and the powder took a while to dissolve. And then it hurt going in. Not fun times.
@funkykey ah, i hate that for you. i know that weird emotional combination of "i'm happy for you but sad for me, (and just mad in general about the unfairness of IF)" all too well. my sister conceived and had her 3rd in the time we've been trying for one. i remember those conversations too (i have 2 sisters who were both pg at my wedding) and they would say "you'll get in on the next round!" it does suck. another one of those dreams ripped away. i can only hope that whatever family situation you (and I) end up in, it won't feel like second best to the dreams we used to have.
TTC History in Spoiler
Me: 29 DH:34 TTC 21 cycles All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium) Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3 IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26 IUI #2 March 14, BFN IUI #3 April 11, BFN IUI #4 May 11, BFN July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast! October 2018 FET-BFN November 2018 FET-TBD
@funkykey I know how difficult that must be for you. It seems like once you start TTC and struggle with IF, every person you know gets pregnant. I had to stop filling in my best friend on the process, as she thinks it's helpful to send me pix of her 7 month old all the time with captions like "it'll all be worth it in the end!" Sending lots of hugs. "/
@wishiwaspreggo I didn't find the actual cetrotide liquid to sting too bad, but omg it definitely stung after. I also got a red mosquito bite looking welt that you could clearly see where the liquid was spreading. I found that it helped to do it a little lower than my belly button, and then I would ice the area after for a few minutes. The redness and stinging usually went away after an hour or so. Wasn't expecting that!
Just had my ER this morning...they got 34 eggs! Now we have to wait until tomorrow to find out how many fertilized, and then my RE doesn't let us know any more info until day 4 or 5. Praying for a good fertilization report.
I was expecting some minor cramping after ER after reading everyone else's stories, but ended up with pretty severe pain on my right side that radiated down my thigh. The RE had us rush back in due to concern for blood clot, but turns out it was probably the ligament in that area that wraps around the ovary. The pain was taking my breath away, but thankfully has since subsided.
@wishiwaspreggo such great numbers! I'm a little jealous you already know when you're probably having the ER. I didn't have an issue with the cetrotide, but i did with Menopur. I put an ice cube on my belly right before i clean it with the alcohol wipe for 30secs or so. that helps with the sting.
@laurenc52 WOW 34 eggs. fx you get let's of embryos out of those! I'm sorry to hear about the severe pain but i'm glad it wasn't a blood clot and the paid has subsided. Rest easy. I forget are you doing a fresh transfer?
AFM I just got a call with my update--more stimming for me. The good news is they are all still growing and i have lots the largest is 14.5mm and then a lot at 11mm. And my estrogen doubled (I wasn't given the amount) since Sunday so the Dr is happy about that and that they are all growing and making progress. Starting cetrotide again tonight and continue until trigger. looking at a trigger probably on Friday or Saturday. But all depends on Thursday's appointment. Starting to feel quite bloated and uncomfortable--wore my "baggy" pants to work today and I swear they are so tight right now. And i've decided to basically go day by day with the medicine through a (semi) local Walgreen's that carries infertility meds (and is open 24 hours a day). I'll get enough for tonight and tomorrow and then see what Thursday's appointment brings. Those gonal F pens are just too expensive to purchase extra.
@blackhottamalesThank you for the tip on the menopur and ice! I’ll definitely be using that when I start menopur. So glad your follicles are growing and that you're making great progress towards your ER!
@suzycupcake I was supposed to start Gonal F on Friday, but my progesterone was still too high, so it got pushed back. I got my period on Sunday so I’m hoping that did the trick to bring my progesterone down! I also had a corpus luteum cyst at my appt on Friday, which they said was nothing to be concerned about, but I think that might have contributed to the high progesterone? I don't know -- it's all so complicated! Hoping the cyst doesn't affect things too much. I go in for another baseline tomorrow, and hopefully will be able to start tomorrow night.
@funkykey Thinking of you and sending hugs! I think we can all relate -- when you're dealing with infertility it seems like everyone you know is getting pregnant so easily and quickly. And somehow it makes it even harder when it's someone that you love. Hoping that this is your month!
@laurenc52 Welcome! And congratulations -- that’s a ton of eggs! Will be thinking of you and hoping you get a great fertilization rate, and that the pain goes away completely!
@blackhottamales no fresh for me because of the risk of OHSS "/ bummed and impatient but I keep telling myself that is what is best for me. Great news about your progress! That is a good idea to go day by day, the Gonal price is absurd!
I've had an emotional day today already. I had my blood and ultrasound this morning. Still 9 follicles that are 16+ as of right now. A little disappointed with that since I had 9 yesterday... But trying to be hopeful that I still get a few to day 5 or that a few more grow into the better range in the next 2 days. I had to wait around for 6 hours for the doctors to be done and meet and discuss everyone's numbers (I live about 2 hours away and didn't want to go home and back...) because they weren't sure if I was going to trigger with HCG or Lupron. Finally got the call that they were going to have me switch to lupron, so I had to go back to the hospital to pick it up before going home. They think that will be better for me based off my E2 levels from today (3,800) and number of follicles. So I'm relieved it's an easier injection and feeling excited. Drive home- within 5 minutes of getting home 2 hours later, I get a call from a doctor. My progesterone level from my blood this morning is too high (2.4) and that decreases the chance of a pregnancy working. They will be freezing all our embryos and we will be doing a FET at end of October/beginning of November when the next cycle is. (I didn't know this could happen until I read some of you ladies posts on here, I did tell DH this was a possibility from the start just to keep him realistic). I'm obviously glad they are doing what's best for me and trying to get me a pregnancy, but I can't help but be upset and frustrated and pissed off. I thought I might be pregnant in like 3 weeks and here we are... Having to wait another 2+ months. 2 months should feel like nothing, but when you've been TTC for 3 years and waited 1.5 years to finally start this current cycle, it's just another let down. I seriously feel like I just can win...
@laurenc52 Congratulations on all those eggs! From what I know, the more eggs the more pain you're going to have. I'm sorry the pain was so terrible and glad it started to subside. A friend of mine who did IVF and had 20+ eggs retrieved developed OHSS and she said to watch out for breathing difficulty, which she had but was not warned about. Take care of yourself and get some rest! @funkykey Are you still having bad headaches? What are you allowed to take for headaches while stimming? *TW kids and mc - I'm so sorry for all those feels being brought up by your sister's second pregnancy. That is really tough. Even when you're really, truly happy for someone else to have a baby, it stings to hear that news. My sister had her first last summer. I lost my first pregnancy right around the time of her baby shower. There have been so many times I was hopeful that I would have a baby close in age to hers, but at this point my niece will be two years older, minimum. I want her to have the family she desires, but also have a painful anticipation of the day when she tells me she is pregnant with her second. end TW*
Thanks for all the kind thoughts guys. I'm feeling better today, but you know how it is. Some days, being IF sucks A LOT.
@mkr_0128 - whoa, what a day. I'd be bummed with that u/s report too, but maybe it was just that they're all so big now they couldn't see them! Maybe there will be surprise eggs when you do the retrieval! (That happens to people!)
The delays are really hard, I'm sorry you got that news. I think I mentioned earlier, that happened to me and I was totally devastated.
I know you know that you are working so hard to get these embryos, and that you want to give them the absolute best shot possible. It still sucks, though. Soooooo muuuuuuuucccccchhhhhhh waiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiinnnnnnggggggg.
@laurenc52 - 34?! Great news!!! Glad you don't have a blood clot, and also hoping for a good fert report!!!
OMG, you made me LOL with:I had to stop filling in my best friend on the process, as she thinks it's helpful to send me pix of her 7 month old all the time with captions like "it'll all be worth it in the end!" That actually made my husband laugh too. I don't usually mention things I read on here, but some of them are too good.
@blackhottamales - Great news! Keeping FX for your Thursday appointment and hoping that all looks good!
@zamora_spin - oh no re: your sister. That baby shower would have been brutal. My sister used to say things like: "I can't start trying before you get pregnant", or about waiting for me, and I had to put a stop to that. Like, "No, don't be silly. Don't wait for me. Live your life. IF can't dash both of our dreams!"
My headaches have largely subsided. Like @wishing-and-hoping, my headaches went away around day 5.
Also, wow, your friend going from 20+ eggs to one PGS normal is extreme. Good for her, but holy, what a ride that must have been! Hoping it stuck for her.
@suzycupcake - my husband and I are an example of a couple who would have saved money if we'd done PGS testing the first time. For us, the biopsy and testing costs are high, but not as high as 3 failed FETs plus an ERA.
@wishiwaspreggo - great news re: your follies! How was the ultrasound today?
Your comment made me think. A couple years ago, just when we started with our RE, we found out friends of ours, a lesbian couple, were seeing the same doctor as us. At the time, I remember feeling so self-conscious. When it came up, I was pretty emotional about it - just how painful the whole process was for me. Of course, by that point, I'd been actively TTC for more than a year. One of the women, she was being polite, but she clearly couldn't relate at all. I don't think she'd done one IUI yet. I guess I was just self-conscious because there I was, so emotional, and she was so bewildered by it. Like: "Why would you be upset?" you know? Polite, but cool.
Fast forward, and I think of that conversation often now. Their IUIs failed, and then 2 rounds of IVF too. I often wonder if she finally understands where I was coming from, now. For them, at some point, ART became IF treatment, but when they started, it wasn't - it was just TTC. Such a different experience!
@wishing-and-hoping - thinking of you and hoping you get good results tomorrow! For us, the biggest drop-off was between day 3 and day 4.
I hear you on the sister thing. I have a couple of sisters too, and they've all gotten KU-ed super easily, except me. I'm really torn about it. Sometimes, it sucks - like when you watch your sister get pregnant and she is like: "I hope we're pregnant at the same time!" and it doesn't work out. But sometimes, it's nice. I have friends who don't have sisters who are like: "Maybe I'm IF because I did this thing when I was a kid", or you know, just the sh*t that gets into your mind when you're dealing with this. Me, I don't have any of that. I feel confident that I didn't do anything. I'm like: "Nope, this is just bad luck. I ate the exact same things, did the exact same things, had the exact same childhood as these other women, have a similar lifestyle now, and they all got KU-ed no problem." Sometimes, having that concrete proof is nice.
Keeping FX for everyone over these next couple of days!
@funkykey you're right it's so devastating! I guess it happens probably more than I am aware of. I just hate always thinking "why me?" Though I don't want it to be any of us and wish we were all NOT in this situation in the first place!
I'm also so glad to hear I'm not alone in regards to my feelings when it comes to other people getting pregnant. Whether it's co-workers, friends on social media, friends in real life, etc, I just can't help but feel jealous obviously and a whole bunch of other terrible feelings. Luckily my sister is 8 years younger than me and I can't see her getting pregnant anytime soon, unless it's an accident... But I can't help but think at times she may end up pregnant before I do... I seriously cringe at times mindlessly scrolling through Facebook when I happen to see a pregnancy announcement, bump update, baby pics, whatever it is, and I usually end up just clicking unfolllow so I don't have to see any more! It sounds so ridiculous being upset by social media, and I've definitely deactivated for a good awhile cause I would make myself so upset. But that sad part is, it's not just social media, it's commercials, TV shows, movies, work, grocery stores, malls, parking lots... Freakin everywhere. I feel like I'm constantly reminded of our infertility and surrounded by babies/pregnancy. I really struggle most days and it's a terrible feeling having to feel this way. So to anyone else feeling the same way, you are not alone either
@laurenc52 - Holy smokes, 34 eggs!!!! I can't imagine how your ovaries feel! I've been over here whining about the swelling and discomfort from my 13 follicles. That's awesome though, surely you'll get a yield of strong embabies from your retrieval
@blackhottamales - Glad to hear your follicles are growing well and that there are plenty of them! That's a great feeling when the doc says you're responding well. I'm with ya on the loose pants camp. I'm wearing slacks that feel like sweatpants. Luckily you can't tell unless I lift my shirt.
@mkr_0128 - I'm so sorry to hear about the setback, I know waiting is so frustrating. I was frustrated when I was ready to start and was told I had to wait another month before I could even get on BC. I can imagine it's upsetting when you get your eggs out and find out you have to wait for FET. It sounds like it's for the best though! Much better to wait a month and have a higher chance of success. You're in good hands with your doctor.
@funkykey - Yes, how I experience IVF as a lesbian is definitely different than how straight women experience it. I never had the expectation of having sex to get pregnant. I think when you're expecting natural relations with your husband to yield a baby, it becomes emotional having to resort to treatments. I know I would be much more distressed if I had the expectation that my wife and I could conceive with just timed intercourse (obviously not a possibility but I can empathize!). I know when I started IUI I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I did a natural cycle thinking "This will be so easy!" since I was taught in high school that one drop of sperm landing on your thigh will get you pregnant immediately. Ha. I wish on graduation day they pulled us into a room and were like "Lol just kidding, you have a 20% chance of getting pregnant any given month if you're having regular unprotected sex but you'll probably be fine if you just take your birth control pill at the same time every night, or at least use condoms." Anyway, now I know.
So my update: my follicles all grew 2 mm and the nurse found a 13th hiding in the back of my left ovary. She says there may be a couple more but she didn't want to dig too hard to avoid hurting me and said the doctors can push harder when I'm under GA since I won't feel it. That's a lovely mental image. Anyway, I stim today and add Cetrotide one more time, take a morning dose of Gonal-F tomorrow, and then trigger tomorrow night at 9 pm. I go in for egg retrieval on Saturday morning at 9 am. Then they'll gather and inseminate my eggs and put them in the nifty INVOcell device, which I will carry around for 5 days and then transfer day on Thursday! In a week I will be PUPO
Just got our fertilization report...They ended up finding an extra egg so of the 35 total retrieved, 10 were fertilized through normal IVF, and 11 were fertilized through ICSI (total of 21 fertilized). Now we have to wait until next Monday to see how many make it to cryo.
I feel like this whole process has been going from one wait period to the other, which is painful for those of us that want immediate gratification.
I want to thank everyone again for the support! You have all been lifesavers, as I find it very uncomfortable to talk to people who just don't understand all of this.
@wishiwaspreggo thanks I'm trying to think of it that way too... Just have to keep plugging along unfortunately! That sounds like you're getting close! Next Thursday will be here before you know it and you'll be onto your last wait
@laurenc52 that sounds so promising! Hopefully you can do something this weekend to pass the time!
Hi ladies, just letting you know that I've been lurking. I've been super busy and taking a slight break from tb. The only update that I have is my RE agreed to forego all of the tests to post cycle to eliminate stress for me, as long as I get them done before transfer. I am going to go ahead and pay out of pocket for the clinic to check my thyroid and prolactin during my ER cycle just in case I need to go on levothyroxine again to avoid having to postpone transfer next cycle. So right now, I'm just waiting for af to come. I've been having a lot of pelvic pain over the last few days. Idk what's going on, but I really hope it calms down in time for ER. Maybe af coming will fix it. It could just be things I'm eating lately.
I'm over here rooting for you though and love reading your updates every day!
People think we become mothers when we give birth but the truth is we become mothers the moment we start calling our babies to us in our thoughts, dreams and prayers. Some paths are short and some are so long that you can easily forget where you were headed.
How I feel all of the time. My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI Back on Levothyroxine FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt, 1st Beta on 7dpt 93 2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule. Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017 New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN
@suzycupcake that's nice you can wait on the tests a bit! Anything to lessen the stress is a relief hopefully you won't have to postpone the transfer and paying extra money out of pocket will be worth it!
well, just heard from the embryologist. none of them are at blastocyst stage yet. one of the embryos is at morula stage and the other two are "about a day behind" in development. now, we give them until day 6 (tomorrow) and pray for a miracle...
TTC History in Spoiler
Me: 29 DH:34 TTC 21 cycles All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium) Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3 IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26 IUI #2 March 14, BFN IUI #3 April 11, BFN IUI #4 May 11, BFN July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast! October 2018 FET-BFN November 2018 FET-TBD
I did a natural cycle thinking "This will be so easy!" since I was taught in high school that one drop of sperm landing on your thigh will get you pregnant immediately. Ha.
100%, before we were TTC, one time we were playing fast and loose with the contraception, and DH was TERRIFIED that a drop of sperm on my thigh would get me pregnant.
If only we'd known...
@mkr_0128 - how are you feeling? Have you had your ER yet? Feels like you've been stimming for a while - not sure if I missed your ER or if it'll be so soon?
@suzycupcake - I hope AF hurries along so you can get your cycle started! Or not, if you're really busy. It's such a pain keeping track of all the medications and appointments. Blargh. But regardless I'm happy you're able to cycle this month.
@wishing-and-hoping - Thinking of you and looking forward to an update! FX your embies are growing strong.
I took my last Gonal-F shot this morning. I swear I can hear my ovaries screaming every time I plunge the meds into my belly. Very glad that's over. Tonight is trigger shot night. I've been warned that the ovary pain increases from the HCG so that's something to look forward to. Gonna go get me some more Gatorade here in a bit. I'm already getting sick of the flavor. Any suggestions on alternative drinks? Does coconut water do the same thing basically? I've heard that before but I know I need the potassium as well as the sodium. Something about the follicle fluid constantly flushing itself out. I don't know, I'm not a doctor lol... but other palatable suggestions that do the same thing as Gatorade would be welcome.
@wishiwaspreggo DH couldn't find the one flavor of gatorade I like at the store so I had some weird ones but i found putting some ice cubes in made it more palatable. GL with your trigger tonight and hope you don't have ovary pain!
TTC History in Spoiler
Me: 29 DH:34 TTC 21 cycles All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium) Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3 IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26 IUI #2 March 14, BFN IUI #3 April 11, BFN IUI #4 May 11, BFN July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast! October 2018 FET-BFN November 2018 FET-TBD
@wishiwaspreggo Good luck with the trigger tonight! I did both Lupron and a low, diluted dose of HCG, but I did not find the ovary pain to get that much worse. It will be over before you know it! As for the Gatorade, UGH it is the worst! My doctor wants me to drink at least 32 ounces of Gatorade every day, and had me start as soon as I started stims. He told me he wants me to basically continue until AF, so it'll be like 3-4 weeks of 32-40 oz of Gatorade on a daily basis. Gross. They did tell me that coconut water/electrolyte water can also help. I have been alternating between Gatorade, Body Armor (a sports drink made from coconut water that is very good), and coconut water throughout the day. The only reason I'm continuing to drink at least one 20 oz Gatorade daily is that it definitely has a much higher level of sodium than either of the other two, which I know is supposed to be good. With a history of kidney stones, I am trying not to even think about the havoc I am wreaking on my kidneys. Keep it up, you're almost there!!
AFM...had to go back to work today. Thankfully my ovaries are feeling better, but I have the worst bloating ever!!! IVF coordinator said its normal and should subside by AF, but omg, AF can't come soon enough!
@Bonniebonsall How are things going? Have you started your STIMS?
@Laurenc52 Sorry to hear about the OHSS risks and all that gatorade. I thought things word get better after ER but now I'm worried it'll get worse. Although, they don't tell me my E2 levels and i haven't had to start drinking gatorade or increasing sodium intake yet so maybe it's ok. 21 fertilized!?! wonderful and fx they all make it to freeze. Hopefully work provides some nice distraction for you as you wait for Monday. Are you doing anything fun this weekend?
@mkr_0128 I'm so sorry it was a hard day. You're such a trooper for driving all that way, I would go crazy. I agree the wait is agonizing, 2 months feels like forever right now. It's so hard when people are like "that's so soon" It's not soon when you've been trying for so long! When are going to trigger?
@funkykey so glad your headaches have subsided. how is everything else doing? Also--i definitely used a Plan B once with my husband when we were still early dating and i wasn't on BCP yet, if i had only known.
@wishiwaspreggo I had to go and research INVOcell--i had seen you discuss is a few times previously but that is a really interesting process. Yay for the last Gonal F shot! GL with the ER!! can't wait to hear the results.
@suzycupcake I've been thinking about you. I'm glad your RE is helping reduce the stress with limited tests. I hope AF comes soon and i'll be waiting for your updates.
@wishing-and-hoping I'm so sorry for the yesterday and i'm hoping today is better. FX for you and your embryos.
AFM Largest on follicle on the left is 17 and on the right is 16 so they are all growing, so this means i'll go in again tomorrow. I haven't heard from the nurse for my daily update yet, but i'll probably have to go to the pharmacy again tonight and get another Gonal-F pen or two. And maybe find out about my trigger--i haven't purchased the noveral yet--i'm too cheap.
Rant in spoiler because it's longish and i'm venting:
I had an emotional stupid moment this morning that has since ruined the day. I got all my stuff for injections and put it in the bathroom as normal. DH was up a little earlier than normal so we were overlapping in the bathroom. My cetrotide took a little extra longer to mix and by the time I got to my menopur shot my ice cube had melted. DH was brushing his teeth walking around the kitchen so I asked him to grab me an ice cube. He wouldn't do it, mumbling something about not having clean hands. WTF dude. I'm naked in the bathroom, sure i'll set down my injection, grab a towel, walk to the kitchen and get my own damn ice cube. Of course then i was angry and upset and had tears in my eyes as i did the menopur shot. Then DH was annoyed that i got emotional over an ice cube. Obviously--it wasn't the ice cube it was the fact that i asked for help and he couldn't even help me for a second when he was right there and it wasn't even out of his way. Then he was annoyed and left for the day "have a good day" as he walked out the door. Which of course made me cry because we almost always give each other kisses before leaving and i knew he was annoyed. I need to move on because it's not worth a fight and even more discussion but it still pisses me off.
@wishing-and-hoping - Ugh, it's bad enough having to chug sports drinks without having the flavor you at least kind of like! Sorry to hear that. I understand. One time I picked up what I thought was fruit punch but turned out to be strawberry flavored. It tasted like the antibiotics they give you as a kid. Disgusting.
@laurenc52 - FWIW my ovaries hurt less on my Gatorade regimen. I drink 48-64 ounces during the day, with a few large glasses of water mixed in to dilute the sugar. I was researching to see if anything is comparable and while it's good to drink coconut water or electrolyte enhanced water, you still need the sports drinks. Gross.
@blackhottamales - I've heard OHSS gets worse after retrieval but clears itself up over time. That's why doc is having me do the Gatorade cleanse now so it won't be as bad once the procedure is over. But I dunno, time will tell. Hey, I'm glad your follicles are growing nicely! That's awesome! The cost of meds is outrageous, I don't blame you for waiting to buy as you need. I was scared I'd have Gonal-F leftover and feel like I wasted money but I ended up using everything but the overfill.
Sorry about your argument with your H I would be annoyed, too! I mean shoot, you can just rinse the ice cube off in the sink, what the heck. It's so important for spouses to be supportive during this time. I got upset with my W for pushing me to do yard work with my ovaries swollen and achy, especially after the nurse told me to take it easy. As a woman I expected her to be a bit more understanding but then I've never felt anything like this myself (naturally since I've never stimulated the ever loving hell out of my ovaries). Solidarity, my friend. Surely he'll apologize to you when he gets home tonight.
@blackhottamales Thank you I'm still not happy about it, but I've had to come to terms with waiting a bit longer unfortunately. Your follicles sound great so far! It sounds like you may be ready to trigger soon always feel free to vent away!! I would be annoyed too in that situation, they certainly should help us out when they can, especially something so simple as washing his hands and getting an ice cube! I totally get the feeling of not wanting to argue about extra stuff though. Hopefully venting on here and just letting it out helps! I certainly have had my flip outs at hubby over some minor stuff lol.
AFM- I'm on my way home from my ER. Everything went well I think. They told me this morning I had 26 follicles that were size 12+, and they retrieved 16 eggs. I will get a call tomorrow with how many are mature and fertilized... Then I won't get a call until Wednesday with how many made it to freeze.... I'm trying to be cautiously hopeful, as I know numbers can drop very quickly! (I know I had a good amount of follicles in the 12-15 size range, so if some of those smaller follicles yielded some eggs, I'm guessing alot of those ones won't be mature ones).
@wishiwaspreggo - just reading this again - wow, you are so so close to ER! Awesome! Last time, I actually found I was more uncomfortable just before the HCG than I was after.
@laurenc52 - that is a great fert report!!!! Hoping lots make it to cryo!
@blackhottamales - oh man, I have had my fair share of moments like that during IF. Last round, DH and I had a few scuffles about, in hindsight, ridiculous things. It's a stressful and emotional time. Hang in there! Sounds like you have a pretty good marriage, if you are always giving each other kisses when you leave for the day. I'm sure you will brush this off an laugh about it in the future.
AFM: Update this morning. Looks like we might get about 10 eggs, and that my retrieval will be Sunday or Monday. Going in for another ultrasound tomorrow.
we got 1 blast!!! will respond more later since we've had some activity on our board!
TTC History in Spoiler
Me: 29 DH:34 TTC 21 cycles All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium) Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3 IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26 IUI #2 March 14, BFN IUI #3 April 11, BFN IUI #4 May 11, BFN July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast! October 2018 FET-BFN November 2018 FET-TBD
Look it’s a sign ladies! Btw, idk how anyone uses the bump app I just downloaded it today horrible !
People think we become mothers when we give birth but the truth is we become mothers the moment we start calling our babies to us in our thoughts, dreams and prayers. Some paths are short and some are so long that you can easily forget where you were headed.
How I feel all of the time. My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI Back on Levothyroxine FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt, 1st Beta on 7dpt 93 2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule. Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017 New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN
@wishing-and-hoping - Hooray for your blast!!!!! I'm so glad you have a good one
@suzycupcake - Ew, are those love bugs?? I see those all over Florida during mating season when we go on vacation. Oh well, if it's a good omen I'll take it!
Thanks, @northbeach3, for the recommendation. I've been mixing Smart Water with my Gatorade and Powerade to make it more palatable while still getting the electrolytes!
Took my trigger last night! I wanted my W to do it because I didn't think I could reach my backside comfortably but she gave me a shot once and it was awful. She pushed the needle in/pulled it out slowly so I could feel every millimeter of it moving into my muscle it felt so gross... I figured I've given myself enough shots in the belly that I can manage a shot in the hip so I bucked up and did it myself. Glad I did because I know what it feels like and how to manipulate the needles so I don't feel them as much. Besides, I better figure it out with needing to take PIO. I think I'm going to alternate hips and the tops of my thighs so each spot only gets hit once every 4 days.
So tomorrow is ER day!!!! Feeling fine so far after trigger, no increase in pain or pressure yet. We're going to stay the night with my parents tonight since they live 15 minutes away from my RE's clinic. That way we won't have to worry about the commute in the morning, plus TW - they can watch our 3 year old.
I'll keep y'all posted on the results once I'm out of recovery and carrying my INVOcell device
So sorry I have been MIA! Life got super busy there for a second. Quick update on where I am at. I started stims yesterday and I'm ngl I didn't even feel it! They were the easiest shot ever. My pro tip from my nurse was to let the Menopur sit for 15 mins after drawing it up and then ice. It was easy peasy! My DH did them for me while I closed my eyes and I had to ask him repeatedly if he actually stuck me because I could barely feel it. From my baseline appointment they saw 19 potential follicles so I am very hopeful! Also I am a plus size PCOS girl so I have to keep my BMI under 40. And am currently sitting at 38. So I'm going to eat extra careful while on the stims so not to gain much weight. Next appointment is 9/9 to check on my progress.
Thank you all for your support--it was a stupid argument and even though DH didn't apologize (i think he's actually said "I'm sorry" once in our time together) his actions showed his feelings and made it up to me.
@wishiwaspreggo I can't believe you did that yard work! I had mentioned casually at my Sunday appointment that i needed to mow the lawn and my nurse was like "you can't do that". It is a good reminder that our spouses can only show us sympathy and can't really have empathy. I'm so grateful for this forum! GL tomorrow and way to go on giving yourself the trigger!!
@mkr_0128 Fx crossed for your call today--so wonderful they were able to retrieve 16 eggs! How are you feeling today?
@funkykey I think you and i are in the same spot--still waiting if retrieval will be Sunday or Monday.
@suzycupcake your picture was hilarious--it's definitely a sign. Also I agree about the bump app. I almost exclusively respond when i'm on my laptop and then lurk on the app.
AFM Got the call yesterday from the nurse that i had 6 mature follicles. My first thought was 6?!?! why am i so bloated? but then she went on to say they call mature >14mm and i have over 40 total follicles and lots that were 11 and 12. I'm very grateful but also a little worries now regarding OHSS my E2 was said to be getting closer to 3,000 so i might not trigger with HCG. Another appointment tomorrow. The clinic closes at noon today so i'm hoping I'll get a call soon with the newest update. Also--i tried to wear jeans today...um...no, just no.
@wishiwaspreggo good for you for doing it! I'll be taking PIO too for my FET and since I didn't have to trigger intramuscularly I'm still terrified! Ugh, wish I would have only needed to do it once vs having to do it daily when I get to that point! Good luck at ER tomorrow, can't wait to hear!
@riathewolf 19 follicles at baseline is awesome! Yay
@blackhottamales thank you! I was happy with 16 after getting such roller coaster news the last few weeks. I feel perfectly fine actually, I only took a half of a pain pill last as a precaution, and nothing since! I was going to not work today, but I got a call that I could come in (I'm subbing right now) so I decided to go in cause I felt fine, and let's be real, I need money...
Over 40!? That sounds great! I'm sure you will have an increase in "mature ones" if you have lots right under. My E2 Definitely went up my last 2 appointments, from 2,700 to 3,800 I think... So they switched me from triggering with HCG to lupron. I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow!!
AFM- I got my day 1 update post ER. They retrieved 16 eggs yesterday, and they told me all 16 were mature, and 14 fertilized (through icsi since we are using donor sperm). I'm hopeful we will have a few that make it to freeze, but I won't hear back until Thursday (after they have frozen what's left), so here's to a stressful upcoming week waiting to hear...
@mkr_0128 - The needle actually hurt much less than I expected! It's really long and kind of thick so that freaked me out, not gonna lie. But after the little tinge I always feel when I pierce the skin there's no pain at all. It just glides right in and as long as you can stomach watching the needle sink all the way to the base it's no trouble. I think the oil itself is kind of hard to inject so my RE told me to get a heating pad and gently warm the oil-filled syringe, do the injection, and then set the heating pad on your injection site and massage a bit to distribute the oil. Hopefully that helps! You can do it!!
Hey, 14 fertilized is great!!! I know it's so hard to wait for the 5 day report. Not knowing is such an awful feeling. I hope you find ways to fill the time so the next few days fly by!
@blackhottamales - 40 follicles!!! Dang! Yes, surely you'd think a few more than 6 would mature by the time you have retrieval.
I didn't mow the lawn or anything lol... I did some weed whacking but I still didn't want to do it. It took me all of 15 minutes. I'm just being a brat. I admit to hamming up the pain a bit to get out of stuff but I'm trying to be a trooper. Mostly it's just getting up and down that hurts. I'm really looking forward to getting these eggs out of me so I don't have to worry about it anymore. Even if the pain and bloating is still there at least I know the worst has passed.
I took a few hours off my Gatorade and I regret it now. The flavor - yuck!!! But it makes me feel so much better. It will all be over soon and I can't wait!
I don't know if it's the hormones or the mental strain but I am so tired and grumpy. I had to run an errand for work and a lady was walking too close behind me so I stopped, turned around and asked if I could help her with something. She took a few steps back and apologized.
Hi, I have not posted before but joined in anticipation of a September egg retrieval, and have been laughing and crying reading the posts on this thread. I'm 35, two years ago DH and I had a great time trying to conceive for a few months, then I got a laparascopy that showed stage 4 endo and useless tubes. ... Obgyn told me I could have two kids by IVF and then a hysterectomy, and put me on Lupron depo without add-back, which oughta be illegal. Near instant menopause (temporary). Now I have a great RE. In spite of good-for-my-age AMH, etc, I don't produce many mature eggs. First cycle, 7 antral follicles, I grew a dozen eggs, 5 were retrievable, 2 mature and fertilized with ICSI, 1 blast. ICSI because endo eggs have harder shells. Froze blast because my progesterone went too high. I learned that "immature" eggs in my case, don't need more time, they just weren't able to push out the second polar body (extra chromosomes). Second cycle, we upped my meds to the highest dose of FSH plus lupron, 8 antral follicles, grew 17 eggs, retrieved 11, 4 mature and fertilized, 2 snowbabies. This cycle I added melatonin and myo inositol supplements and was really excited to see if they would double my percentage of mature eggs. We are banking embryos because we want a houseful of kids, and as few embryos as I make now, I am better off not taking a year off. Do all of your clinics get you First Steps or Compassionate Care pharmacy discounts? That has helped a lot for me.
Re: September 2018 IVF ER
dx: PCOS, low progesterone; 2 MMC
Sept FET 2018 Spreadsheet
Jan 2 2018 - 1st IVF cycle - 9 retrieved, 7 mature/fertilized, 1 5d transfer + 5 untested snowbabies
Jan 19 2018 - Fresh Transfer #1 one 5dt; BFP 1/25/2018; EDD 10/7/2018; MMC at 8w3d; D&C 3/6/2018
May 16 2018 - FET #1 one 5dt; BFP with 4 betas (6.5, 24.3, 165.5, 2250) - EDD 2/1/2019; MMC at 6w; D&C 6/20/18
Sept 17 2018 - FET #2 one 5dt; BFP 38.9 7dpt, 167 9dpt - EDD 6/5/2019
(3 untested embryos remain)
@funkykey all the hugs, my friend! I’m sure that’s hard to deal with and I’m so sorry. I expect it to be hard for me as a lesbian but I can empathize. Many lesbians get pregnant from 1-3 IUIs. We were never so lucky and it’s just that much harder now that we’re a little older.
So yesterday at my appointment I unknowingly had a chat with a gal from my INVOcell Facebook group! It was funny to see her comment on something and recognizing her face.
Also... Cetrotide stings like a mofo! And the needle is thicker than what I use for FSH. Ugh, and tonight I had to do my first shot but I went out of town so I had to lock myself in a bathroom and mix
the medication myself like a mad scientist. I was flustered trying to figure out which needle was
for what and the powder took a while to dissolve. And then it hurt going in. Not fun times.
TTC 21 cycles
All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium)
Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3
IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26
IUI #2 March 14, BFN
IUI #3 April 11, BFN
IUI #4 May 11, BFN
July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN
August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast!
October 2018 FET-BFN
November 2018 FET-TBD
@wishiwaspreggo I didn't find the actual cetrotide liquid to sting too bad, but omg it definitely stung after. I also got a red mosquito bite looking welt that you could clearly see where the liquid was spreading. I found that it helped to do it a little lower than my belly button, and then I would ice the area after for a few minutes. The redness and stinging usually went away after an hour or so. Wasn't expecting that!
Just had my ER this morning...they got 34 eggs! Now we have to wait until tomorrow to find out how many fertilized, and then my RE doesn't let us know any more info until day 4 or 5. Praying for a good fertilization report.
I was expecting some minor cramping after ER after reading everyone else's stories, but ended up with pretty severe pain on my right side that radiated down my thigh. The RE had us rush back in due to concern for blood clot, but turns out it was probably the ligament in that area that wraps around the ovary. The pain was taking my breath away, but thankfully has since subsided.
@laurenc52 WOW 34 eggs. fx you get let's of embryos out of those! I'm sorry to hear about the severe pain but i'm glad it wasn't a blood clot and the paid has subsided. Rest easy. I forget are you doing a fresh transfer?
AFM
I just got a call with my update--more stimming for me. The good news is they are all still growing and i have lots the largest is 14.5mm and then a lot at 11mm. And my estrogen doubled (I wasn't given the amount) since Sunday so the Dr is happy about that and that they are all growing and making progress. Starting cetrotide again tonight and continue until trigger. looking at a trigger probably on Friday or Saturday. But all depends on Thursday's appointment. Starting to feel quite bloated and uncomfortable--wore my "baggy" pants to work today and I swear they are so tight right now.
And i've decided to basically go day by day with the medicine through a (semi) local Walgreen's that carries infertility meds (and is open 24 hours a day). I'll get enough for tonight and tomorrow and then see what Thursday's appointment brings. Those gonal F pens are just too expensive to purchase extra.
@blackhottamalesThank you for the tip on the menopur and ice! I’ll definitely be using that when I start menopur. So glad your follicles are growing and that you're making great progress towards your ER!
@suzycupcake I was supposed to start Gonal F on Friday, but my progesterone was still too high, so it got pushed back. I got my period on Sunday so I’m hoping that did the trick to bring my progesterone down! I also had a corpus luteum cyst at my appt on Friday, which they said was nothing to be concerned about, but I think that might have contributed to the high progesterone? I don't know -- it's all so complicated! Hoping the cyst doesn't affect things too much. I go in for another baseline tomorrow, and hopefully will be able to start tomorrow night.
@funkykey Thinking of you and sending hugs! I think we can all relate -- when you're dealing with infertility it seems like everyone you know is getting pregnant so easily and quickly. And somehow it makes it even harder when it's someone that you love. Hoping that this is your month!
@laurenc52 Welcome! And congratulations -- that’s a ton of eggs! Will be thinking of you and hoping you get a great fertilization rate, and that the pain goes away completely!
@blackhottamales sounds like you're making great progress!
I've had an emotional day today already. I had my blood and ultrasound this morning. Still 9 follicles that are 16+ as of right now. A little disappointed with that since I had 9 yesterday... But trying to be hopeful that I still get a few to day 5 or that a few more grow into the better range in the next 2 days. I had to wait around for 6 hours for the doctors to be done and meet and discuss everyone's numbers (I live about 2 hours away and didn't want to go home and back...) because they weren't sure if I was going to trigger with HCG or Lupron. Finally got the call that they were going to have me switch to lupron, so I had to go back to the hospital to pick it up before going home. They think that will be better for me based off my E2 levels from today (3,800) and number of follicles. So I'm relieved it's an easier injection and feeling excited. Drive home- within 5 minutes of getting home 2 hours later, I get a call from a doctor. My progesterone level from my blood this morning is too high (2.4) and that decreases the chance of a pregnancy working. They will be freezing all our embryos and we will be doing a FET at end of October/beginning of November when the next cycle is. (I didn't know this could happen until I read some of you ladies posts on here, I did tell DH this was a possibility from the start just to keep him realistic). I'm obviously glad they are doing what's best for me and trying to get me a pregnancy, but I can't help but be upset and frustrated and pissed off. I thought I might be pregnant in like 3 weeks and here we are... Having to wait another 2+ months. 2 months should feel like nothing, but when you've been TTC for 3 years and waited 1.5 years to finally start this current cycle, it's just another let down. I seriously feel like I just can win...
Never pregnant
Azoospermia
10-23-18 Failed Micro TESE Surgery
https://brokenparents.com/
@funkykey Are you still having bad headaches? What are you allowed to take for headaches while stimming? *TW kids and mc - I'm so sorry for all those feels being brought up by your sister's second pregnancy. That is really tough. Even when you're really, truly happy for someone else to have a baby, it stings to hear that news. My sister had her first last summer. I lost my first pregnancy right around the time of her baby shower. There have been so many times I was hopeful that I would have a baby close in age to hers, but at this point my niece will be two years older, minimum. I want her to have the family she desires, but also have a painful anticipation of the day when she tells me she is pregnant with her second. end TW*
@mkr_0128 - whoa, what a day. I'd be bummed with that u/s report too, but maybe it was just that they're all so big now they couldn't see them! Maybe there will be surprise eggs when you do the retrieval! (That happens to people!)
The delays are really hard, I'm sorry you got that news. I think I mentioned earlier, that happened to me and I was totally devastated.
I know you know that you are working so hard to get these embryos, and that you want to give them the absolute best shot possible. It still sucks, though. Soooooo muuuuuuuucccccchhhhhhh waiiiiiiiiiiiittttttttttttttttiiiiiiiiinnnnnnggggggg.
@laurenc52 - 34?! Great news!!! Glad you don't have a blood clot, and also hoping for a good fert report!!!
OMG, you made me LOL with: I had to stop filling in my best friend on the process, as she thinks it's helpful to send me pix of her 7 month old all the time with captions like "it'll all be worth it in the end!" That actually made my husband laugh too. I don't usually mention things I read on here, but some of them are too good.
@blackhottamales - Great news! Keeping FX for your Thursday appointment and hoping that all looks good!
@zamora_spin - oh no re: your sister. That baby shower would have been brutal. My sister used to say things like: "I can't start trying before you get pregnant", or about waiting for me, and I had to put a stop to that. Like, "No, don't be silly. Don't wait for me. Live your life. IF can't dash both of our dreams!"
My headaches have largely subsided. Like @wishing-and-hoping, my headaches went away around day 5.
Also, wow, your friend going from 20+ eggs to one PGS normal is extreme. Good for her, but holy, what a ride that must have been! Hoping it stuck for her.
@suzycupcake - my husband and I are an example of a couple who would have saved money if we'd done PGS testing the first time. For us, the biopsy and testing costs are high, but not as high as 3 failed FETs plus an ERA.
@wishiwaspreggo - great news re: your follies! How was the ultrasound today?
Your comment made me think. A couple years ago, just when we started with our RE, we found out friends of ours, a lesbian couple, were seeing the same doctor as us. At the time, I remember feeling so self-conscious. When it came up, I was pretty emotional about it - just how painful the whole process was for me. Of course, by that point, I'd been actively TTC for more than a year. One of the women, she was being polite, but she clearly couldn't relate at all. I don't think she'd done one IUI yet. I guess I was just self-conscious because there I was, so emotional, and she was so bewildered by it. Like: "Why would you be upset?" you know? Polite, but cool.
Fast forward, and I think of that conversation often now. Their IUIs failed, and then 2 rounds of IVF too.
@wishing-and-hoping - thinking of you and hoping you get good results tomorrow! For us, the biggest drop-off was between day 3 and day 4.
I hear you on the sister thing. I have a couple of sisters too, and they've all gotten KU-ed super easily, except me. I'm really torn about it. Sometimes, it sucks - like when you watch your sister get pregnant and she is like: "I hope we're pregnant at the same time!" and it doesn't work out. But sometimes, it's nice. I have friends who don't have sisters who are like: "Maybe I'm IF because I did this thing when I was a kid", or you know, just the sh*t that gets into your mind when you're dealing with this. Me, I don't have any of that. I feel confident that I didn't do anything. I'm like: "Nope, this is just bad luck. I ate the exact same things, did the exact same things, had the exact same childhood as these other women, have a similar lifestyle now, and they all got KU-ed no problem." Sometimes, having that concrete proof is nice.
Keeping FX for everyone over these next couple of days!
I'm also so glad to hear I'm not alone in regards to my feelings when it comes to other people getting pregnant. Whether it's co-workers, friends on social media, friends in real life, etc, I just can't help but feel jealous obviously and a whole bunch of other terrible feelings. Luckily my sister is 8 years younger than me and I can't see her getting pregnant anytime soon, unless it's an accident... But I can't help but think at times she may end up pregnant before I do... I seriously cringe at times mindlessly scrolling through Facebook when I happen to see a pregnancy announcement, bump update, baby pics, whatever it is, and I usually end up just clicking unfolllow so I don't have to see any more! It sounds so ridiculous being upset by social media, and I've definitely deactivated for a good awhile cause I would make myself so upset. But that sad part is, it's not just social media, it's commercials, TV shows, movies, work, grocery stores, malls, parking lots... Freakin everywhere. I feel like I'm constantly reminded of our infertility and surrounded by babies/pregnancy. I really struggle most days and it's a terrible feeling having to feel this way. So to anyone else feeling the same way, you are not alone either
I feel like this whole process has been going from one wait period to the other, which is painful for those of us that want immediate gratification.
I want to thank everyone again for the support! You have all been lifesavers, as I find it very uncomfortable to talk to people who just don't understand all of this.
@laurenc52 that sounds so promising! Hopefully you can do something this weekend to pass the time!
I'm over here rooting for you though and love reading your updates every day!
My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI
Back on Levothyroxine
FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid
FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway
Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt,
1st Beta on 7dpt 93
2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule.
Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017
New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI
IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P
BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine
IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN
TTC 21 cycles
All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium)
Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3
IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26
IUI #2 March 14, BFN
IUI #3 April 11, BFN
IUI #4 May 11, BFN
July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN
August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast!
October 2018 FET-BFN
November 2018 FET-TBD
@wishiwaspreggo - you said:
100%, before we were TTC, one time we were playing fast and loose with the contraception, and DH was TERRIFIED that a drop of sperm on my thigh would get me pregnant.
If only we'd known...
@mkr_0128 - how are you feeling? Have you had your ER yet? Feels like you've been stimming for a while - not sure if I missed your ER or if it'll be so soon?
TTC 21 cycles
All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium)
Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3
IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26
IUI #2 March 14, BFN
IUI #3 April 11, BFN
IUI #4 May 11, BFN
July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN
August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast!
October 2018 FET-BFN
November 2018 FET-TBD
AFM...had to go back to work today. Thankfully my ovaries are feeling better, but I have the worst bloating ever!!! IVF coordinator said its normal and should subside by AF, but omg, AF can't come soon enough!
@Laurenc52 Sorry to hear about the OHSS risks and all that gatorade. I thought things word get better after ER but now I'm worried it'll get worse. Although, they don't tell me my E2 levels and i haven't had to start drinking gatorade or increasing sodium intake yet so maybe it's ok. 21 fertilized!?! wonderful and fx they all make it to freeze. Hopefully work provides some nice distraction for you as you wait for Monday. Are you doing anything fun this weekend?
@mkr_0128 I'm so sorry it was a hard day. You're such a trooper for driving all that way, I would go crazy. I agree the wait is agonizing, 2 months feels like forever right now. It's so hard when people are like "that's so soon" It's not soon when you've been trying for so long! When are going to trigger?
@funkykey so glad your headaches have subsided. how is everything else doing? Also--i definitely used a Plan B once with my husband when we were still early dating and i wasn't on BCP yet, if i had only known.
@wishiwaspreggo I had to go and research INVOcell--i had seen you discuss is a few times previously but that is a really interesting process. Yay for the last Gonal F shot! GL with the ER!! can't wait to hear the results.
@suzycupcake I've been thinking about you. I'm glad your RE is helping reduce the stress with limited tests. I hope AF comes soon and i'll be waiting for your updates.
@wishing-and-hoping I'm so sorry for the yesterday and i'm hoping today is better. FX for you and your embryos.
AFM
Largest on follicle on the left is 17 and on the right is 16 so they are all growing, so this means i'll go in again tomorrow. I haven't heard from the nurse for my daily update yet, but i'll probably have to go to the pharmacy again tonight and get another Gonal-F pen or two. And maybe find out about my trigger--i haven't purchased the noveral yet--i'm too cheap.
Rant in spoiler because it's longish and i'm venting:
@blackhottamales Thank you
AFM- I'm on my way home from my ER. Everything went well I think. They told me this morning I had 26 follicles that were size 12+, and they retrieved 16 eggs. I will get a call tomorrow with how many are mature and fertilized... Then I won't get a call until Wednesday with how many made it to freeze.... I'm trying to be cautiously hopeful, as I know numbers can drop very quickly! (I know I had a good amount of follicles in the 12-15 size range, so if some of those smaller follicles yielded some eggs, I'm guessing alot of those ones won't be mature ones).
Last time, I actually found I was more uncomfortable just before the HCG than I was after.
@wishing-and-hoping - any updates? FX!
@laurenc52 - that is a great fert report!!!! Hoping lots make it to cryo!
@blackhottamales - oh man, I have had my fair share of moments like that during IF. Last round, DH and I had a few scuffles about, in hindsight, ridiculous things. It's a stressful and emotional time. Hang in there! Sounds like you have a pretty good marriage, if you are always giving each other kisses when you leave for the day. I'm sure you will brush this off an laugh about it in the future.
@mkr_0128 - GREAT NEWS!!!
AFM: Update this morning. Looks like we might get about 10 eggs, and that my retrieval will be Sunday or Monday. Going in for another ultrasound tomorrow.
will respond more later since we've had some activity on our board!
TTC 21 cycles
All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium)
Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3
IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26
IUI #2 March 14, BFN
IUI #3 April 11, BFN
IUI #4 May 11, BFN
July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN
August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast!
October 2018 FET-BFN
November 2018 FET-TBD
My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI
Back on Levothyroxine
FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid
FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway
Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt,
1st Beta on 7dpt 93
2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule.
Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017
New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI
IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P
BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine
IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN
hi @wishiwaspreggo. My doc recommended mineral water and water with electrolytes. Trader Joe’s carries both and I recommend this mineral water:
Gerolstiner
https://goo.gl/images/4UXSXc
dx: PCOS, low progesterone; 2 MMC
Sept FET 2018 Spreadsheet
Jan 2 2018 - 1st IVF cycle - 9 retrieved, 7 mature/fertilized, 1 5d transfer + 5 untested snowbabies
Jan 19 2018 - Fresh Transfer #1 one 5dt; BFP 1/25/2018; EDD 10/7/2018; MMC at 8w3d; D&C 3/6/2018
May 16 2018 - FET #1 one 5dt; BFP with 4 betas (6.5, 24.3, 165.5, 2250) - EDD 2/1/2019; MMC at 6w; D&C 6/20/18
Sept 17 2018 - FET #2 one 5dt; BFP 38.9 7dpt, 167 9dpt - EDD 6/5/2019
(3 untested embryos remain)
So sorry I have been MIA! Life got super busy there for a second. Quick update on where I am at. I started stims yesterday and I'm ngl I didn't even feel it! They were the easiest shot ever. My pro tip from my nurse was to let the Menopur sit for 15 mins after drawing it up and then ice. It was easy peasy! My DH did them for me while I closed my eyes and I had to ask him repeatedly if he actually stuck me because I could barely feel it. From my baseline appointment they saw 19 potential follicles so I am very hopeful! Also I am a plus size PCOS girl so I have to keep my BMI under 40. And am currently sitting at 38. So I'm going to eat extra careful while on the stims so not to gain much weight. Next appointment is 9/9 to check on my progress.
@wishiwaspreggo I can't believe you did that yard work! I had mentioned casually at my Sunday appointment that i needed to mow the lawn and my nurse was like "you can't do that". It is a good reminder that our spouses can only show us sympathy and can't really have empathy. I'm so grateful for this forum! GL tomorrow and way to go on giving yourself the trigger!!
@mkr_0128 Fx crossed for your call today--so wonderful they were able to retrieve 16 eggs! How are you feeling today?
@funkykey I think you and i are in the same spot--still waiting if retrieval will be Sunday or Monday.
@wishing-and-hoping WONDERFUL NEWS!!! YAY!
@suzycupcake your picture was hilarious--it's definitely a sign. Also I agree about the bump app. I almost exclusively respond when i'm on my laptop and then lurk on the app.
AFM
Got the call yesterday from the nurse that i had 6 mature follicles. My first thought was 6?!?! why am i so bloated? but then she went on to say they call mature >14mm and i have over 40 total follicles and lots that were 11 and 12. I'm very grateful but also a little worries now regarding OHSS my E2 was said to be getting closer to 3,000 so i might not trigger with HCG. Another appointment tomorrow. The clinic closes at noon today so i'm hoping I'll get a call soon with the newest update.
Also--i tried to wear jeans today...um...no, just no.
@wishing-and-hoping CONGRATULATIONS!!
@wishiwaspreggo good for you for doing it! I'll be taking PIO too for my FET and since I didn't have to trigger intramuscularly I'm still terrified! Ugh, wish I would have only needed to do it once vs having to do it daily when I get to that point! Good luck at ER tomorrow, can't wait to hear!
@riathewolf 19 follicles at baseline is awesome! Yay
@blackhottamales thank you! I was happy with 16 after getting such roller coaster news the last few weeks. I feel perfectly fine actually, I only took a half of a pain pill last as a precaution, and nothing since! I was going to not work today, but I got a call that I could come in (I'm subbing right now) so I decided to go in cause I felt fine, and let's be real, I need money...
Over 40!? That sounds great! I'm sure you will have an increase in "mature ones" if you have lots right under. My E2 Definitely went up my last 2 appointments, from 2,700 to 3,800 I think... So they switched me from triggering with HCG to lupron. I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow!!
AFM- I got my day 1 update post ER. They retrieved 16 eggs yesterday, and they told me all 16 were mature, and 14 fertilized (through icsi since we are using donor sperm). I'm hopeful we will have a few that make it to freeze, but I won't hear back until Thursday (after they have frozen what's left), so here's to a stressful upcoming week waiting to hear...
Second cycle, we upped my meds to the highest dose of FSH plus lupron, 8 antral follicles, grew 17 eggs, retrieved 11, 4 mature and fertilized, 2 snowbabies.
This cycle I added melatonin and myo inositol supplements and was really excited to see if they would double my percentage of mature eggs.
We are banking embryos because we want a houseful of kids, and as few embryos as I make now, I am better off not taking a year off.
Do all of your clinics get you First Steps or Compassionate Care pharmacy discounts? That has helped a lot for me.