If Testing & Treatment w/o 8/13

suzycupcake

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: Who is someone you really admire and why?

KristoKekerooni

@suzycupcake , how are you feeling about this new decision to move ahead with IVF? 
__

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI/RPL/Endometriosis, One Tube 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): *shrug* Guys. I SUCK at OPKs and TEMPING. Ya'll should see my chart. It's hard going back to that when you haven't done it for so long. 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nada, just HIO, I guess. 

How are things going?: Meh. I met with the OB to discuss post-op. I'm healing well. Apparently the endo wasn't severe at all. So the chances of me spontaneously getting KU and carrying it between now and the next ER is slim. But we are trying anyway. H actually got a job offer in his hometown (Suburb of Vegas), so we are probably moving within the next two months. It's enough pay that I only have to work part time, so I am probably going to try to get on with BOA or Starbucks for that IVF coverage... 

Any questions?: If anyone has experience with the coverage, shoot me some info.  

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why? Politics aside, I really admire Obama. Not even considering what "side" he is/was on, I think it really says something about his character that there was no scandals, no disrespect during his presidency. He treated everyone with kindness and patience. He worked very hard to be relatable and connect with every generation. Thanks Obama.

lulu1180

@KristoKekerooni I'm sorry the temping/OPKs isn't going well but also happy to hear that you are healing well after your surgery.  Did the OB mention if the endo could have caused the losses?  Also, I've said the same thing about Obama to DH that regardless what you think about his politics, at least there were no scandals surrounding his time in office

@emmasemm I hope your 2 embies made it to freeze today, looking forward to your update!

@Sparty18 What did you end up doing last week?  Did they drain the cyst and start the clomid or did you decide to wait another cycle?

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR/AMA, high prolactin

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI w/ clomid

How are things going?: meh, I keep going back and forth on whether or not I think this cycle was successful.  

Any questions?: For those who have used clomid before, did your ovaries feel mildly achy after O/IUI?  Mine have been feeling slightly achy on and off since last week and I'm wondering if this is normal or not

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why? I can't think of someone right now, I'll have to come back if/when I do

beachbunnyxo123

@KristoKekerooni wait he said the endo wasn’t bad? I thought it was everywhere and that’s why he has to take your tube? Congrats about the move and YHs job offer. That’s exciting!! How are you feeling about it? That’s a big adjustment! 

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained/poor responder 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):
WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): 
Waiting for AF to come so I can do my saline sono and biopsy and move forward again.

How are things going?: 
Okay, just getting antsy. Looking forward to the Fall and to being able to get things back into motion here the waiting is tough. 

Any questions?: you typically don’t ovulate the cycle post d&c right? Saw some CM the other day and was confused. Hcg levels were at 12 on Thursday so hoping AF comes any day now 

GTKY: hmm this is a tough one. I’m having a hard time thinking of someone specific but I will say anyone in media who puts a good healthy message out there and uses their platform for the good. 

beachbunnyxo123

@lulu1180 fx for you this cycle!!! Are you gonna test or do you have a beta scheduled?

@emmasemm hoping for a great update today!!

lulu1180

@beachbunnyxo123 My clinic doesn't do betas, I test at home and if I get a positive, call to schedule a beta.  I'm not sure if I'll test on 14 DPO or wait until AF is late.  We'll see how strong I'm feeling next week haha!

KristoKekerooni

@lulu1180 - He said the endo itself probably didn't, but the tube that was heavily affected and leaking might have... but then again, it wasn't always blocked, and he can't speak to how healthy it was before IVF. So basically, the endo might have affected things, but probably not. 

I don't remember my ovaries themselves being achey, but my whole entire abdomen was pretty achey. I was super bloated from it. 

@beachbunnyxo123 , it was everywhere-outer uterus, tubes, bladder, colon, etc... but they were only tiny spots dispersed far and wide... not like a ton dispersed. So, it's complicated. He said normally when things are dispersed "everywhere" it's covering everything. But mine is just like, tiny spots. So it's a giant shrug. Then again, he's "just" an OB. I really need a specialist. The only part that had a lot of endo was the right tube. But he made it very clear it's highly possible it wasn't that bad to begin with. Especially considering that multiple HSGs have shown it to be open, it might be that the endo just got really bad all of a sudden due to IVF and all the estrogen (since endo "feeds" off of estrogen). 

I'm feeling okay about the move. I really, really hate Vegas, but it will give us a better opportunity for IVF. One, because of the insurance coverage I will have if I get on at BOA or Starbucks, and two, because traveling to an RE will include driving across town, not flying across the country. 

Alos, ovulation post D&C depends on how fast your HCG goes down. My HCG this last round was down to zero within days of the HCG, and I still ovulated... but I also had my "period" bleed at the same time the D&C was being done... So basically, after your D&C, once your HCG hits zero or close to it, you will bleed again (though probably not a lot since your lining is already gone) and then you start your real cycle with ovulation. I would assume the EWCM you saw was because your hormones are all wonky. 

beachbunnyxo123

@KristoKekerooni oh okay I see. Well I’m still glad you’re trying regardless especially since it can’t hurt. And as always you know I’m rooting for you  what does BOA stand for? I know Starbucks has coverage wasn’t sure what the other place is. And that makes sense about the ovulation. I wasn’t expecting to because I figured you can’t when your hcg levels are still high but yeah that threw me off. And yes for a local RE that is amazing. Hoping this is an answered prayer and an open door for you to get access to local care and insurance coverage for treatment and that it all works out in your favor. 

@lulu1180 I wouldn’t be able to wait! What day was your IUI again? 

lulu1180

@beachbunnyxo123 I'm 7dpiui; I've never been a chronic/early tester and seeing the stark white test was almost always worse than CD1 for me

rallykat14

Diagnosis (if you've been): 
Endometriosis and low amh
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): waiting 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): 
Will do a transfer of two frozen donor enbryos
How are things going?: eh. Kinda glad AF is taking her time.  I'm not really interested in starting this cycle.  But if I don't then the endo scratch and seizure were all for nothing

Any questions?:

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why?

@lulu1180 I hope this wait isn't too long!!!! Interesting that they don't do betas, I wonder why....

TB isn't helping me tag and I don't have the patience this morning

emmasemm

Thanks @beachbunnyxo123 @lulu1180 - I was a bundle of nerves this morning.

@beachbunnyxo123 come on AF - Your Ute has things to do!

@kristokekerooni Oh wow! I mean the one thing about Vegas area is that there are always things to do! And yes sooooo much easier to see an RE!

@lulu1180 personally, and some may think I’m mad, I would suggest to test at 14dpo and then every day until AF shows or you see a positive. I don’t get the whole non beta thing. I mean it’s a simple cheap blood test. Do they at least tell you which brand of test with which sensitivity to use on which date? If not you can always get a private blood test just to not drive yourself crazy peeing on everything and wondering if a line is there or not

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR AMA and autoimmune stuff on top

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Not Quite sure how to answer - luteal phase but no TWW as all my eggs were taken, none were but back and I’m not priming (yet) 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): We had retrieval number 6!

How are things going?:
So...drum roll... both embryos were frozen this morning on day 3! Woohoo! And they were really good quality, dividing perfectly on time, very little fragmentation. Absolutely text book. 
The embryologist had a good long chat with me as she wanted to make sure there was nothing else we had done differently this time as they are interested in this huge improvement in quality as it might help them treat other patients. Basically we decided it could be the fact we went back from ICSI to IVF, it could be the MDL protocol, the build up of HGH over the three cycles or just pure luck. 
This means we now have five embryos frozen, two good quality, three low quality. All day 3.
So first not all might make it to blast, at my age (only a month until I’m 40) the euploid % is not high and of course they have to survive the thaw first of all... with all this in mind we are taking a week to think if we want to do another retrieval “whilst things are going well” or if we move now to transfer. 
My health, time and money are the biggest considerations. Three back to back retrievals (including international travel) does take its toll on your health, your days off balance and your bank account! Then again a cycle of donor eggs would cost us a lot more if these five don’t work out.

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why?
Oh Obama is a really good choice. I always felt like he handled the presidency with grace and poise, rational, calm, caring, “real”. I’d like to have him around in a crisis. I also loved the photos of him and Michelle talking to Prince George when they visited London some years ago. 
The person I admire most however is my Grandfather. Today is his 93rd birthday. He was just a teenager when forced to fight for Germany in the Second World War. Was caught straight away and lived as a prisoner of war. Afterwards whilst waiting to return to Germany he met and fell in love with my grandmother. Despite the language barrier, the unbelievable hatred towards the Germans in England and being alone he was determined to make it work for the love of his life. He had been top of his class in school and destined to study in a prestigious university before the war - however he took a job in a factory sweeping floors to start working in the UK. Over the years he worked hard and retired as manager of the factory and still receives gifts and cards from his former employees every year. He has a wicked sense of humor, loves chocolate and a sneaky whisky. He has lived the past 20 years with limited speech following a stroke and his mobility lessens every year but still insists on doing everything possible for himself. I definitely get my stubbornness from him! 

emmasemm

@rallykat14 oh I am feeling so reluctant to start FET too... it’s been a still stressful but different kind of stressful bubble doing only retrievals. Like the biggest pressure is off. 

thegirlwhowaited_

@KristoKekerooni I'm horrible at temping and remembering OPKs, although alot of times I get home in the afternoon and then conveniently remember I should have done an OPK as I'm flushing... 

@lulu1180 I have everything crossed hoping your IUI is successful!

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, possible endometriosis

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO, CD1 (womp womp)

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

How are things going?: Emailed my RE's nurse to set up an ultrasound for CD3 and get things moving for doing IUI this cycle. Last we discussed my RE wants to do 100mg Clomid CD5-10, a trigger shot, and then progesterone cream after the IUI.

Any questions?: Not right now. Keeping track of @lulu1180 's questions from her IUI.

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why?
This is going to sound cheesy, but my older brother. He has such great charisma. He's that guy everyone is/wants to be friends with. Very easy to talk to and very sweet to everyone he meets. He is so much more easy going that I am. I don't have the same chill as him. He's also very very smart and artistic. 

lulu1180

@emmasemm I got so super excited reading your update just now, it was hard not to squeal in excitement for you!!   Yes to both embies making it to freeze!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  GAH, I'm just so damn excited on your behalf!!  Good luck making the decision on what to do next, I agree it would be a little difficult on deciding how to move forward.
As for the non-beta; first of all, the clinic does give instructions to test at home on 17 dpiui so at least they give some direction.  But I have a feeling that part of the reason they don't do it is because they likely do a pretty large number of IUIs there but I can't say for sure.  It is one of the disadvantages of going through a large hospital system; but unfortunately I'm not sure that there would be a doctor that's not connected to one of the 3 major hospital systems in the area

thegirlwhowaited_

@Sparty18 I'm curious if you had the cyst drained on Friday and started the Clomid? 

Avrilmai

@KristoKekerooni wow, that is a lot of change. I really hope that the move and a new job are just want you need. As always, rooting for you. And like others have said why not try on your own? the opks and temping are hard to get back into, I realized a while back I had just forgotten to temp a few days. Hope that new thermometer is working out and taking some of the pressure off of you to have to record everything. You're doing what you can. 
@lulu1180 FX this is it. I agree on the testing. My clinic doesn't do betas for IUI either, so I just waited the 15 days and then tested. Do they have you on progesterone or anything?
@beachbunnyxo123 sending you much love. I hope you get to move forward soon. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained (w/a low AMH)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): IVF cycle

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): this week is more stims, with an ER likely this weekend or early next week. 

How are things going?: AHHHH. I've got that general abdomen ache that comes with inflating ovaries and I'm anxious/nervous. I'm on some pretty high dose meds and my nurse said that we shouldn't expect a lot. I get into that thinking about probability and numbers and if we start out with a low number of eggs are we going to get to a PGS normal embryo at all. It is such a roller coaster. I'm trying really hard to not get too stuck in that kind of thinking. 

Any questions?: Any one have any jokes? I could use a distraction that is also funny.

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why? personally, my grandmother, she is from a generation where you had to get your father's permission to do anything, but she is independent and strong willed and loving. As far as someone that everyone would know...I'll have to think on that. 

lulu1180

@Avrilmai This is more cute than funny, but should at least make you smile

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQiiNGllGQo

zamoraspin

@Avrilmai This video of a dog who stole a GoPro is pretty hilarious.
https://www.facebook.com/usatoday/videos/543682082743651/
@beachbunnyxo123 Both times my body seemed to treat the D&C as AF and I O’d that cycle - seemingly after hCG was down to 10 or lower. 

Avrilmai

@zamora_spin that video was great! 
@lulu1180 that was just so sweet. it definitely made me smile!

Looks like I missed a few people too. 
@emmasemm I'm so excited for your 2! I hope you get to really enjoy this week with your DH. 
@thegirlwhowaited_ hope things go well. if you have any questions feel free to ask. a lot of us have been there. 
@Sparty18 add me to the list. what did you decide? how are you doing?

suzycupcake

@Avrilmai https://www.facebook.com/2086910844916043/videos/2090435511230243/

@lulu1180 I'm still rooting for the unicorn count! Did you test out the trigger? Any time I took stims, my ovaries felt achy, more so with clomid. It is completely normal. It's like steroids for our ovaries. 

@KristoKekerooni Glad to hear that you are healing well. I hope that this will be a polished lady parts situation. I know that you hate it in Vegas but I hope that it being your husband's home town will mean a nice distraction for you and that you will find a great RE. You mentioned that the tube could've been leaking. Are you talking about when unhealthy fluid could've been flowing back into the uterus? Thanks for tagging my update on the other thread. I think I'm feeling a bit more empowered lately. I received more confirmation during my last bfn before I knew this cycle was an-o. While waiting and hoping the test would turn positive, I realized that my desire to be pregnant and get a take home baby was greater than my fear of giving birth. And I know that if I keep being the reason to stay away from ivf, I will regret it for the rest of my life. I have a lot of regrets and I don't want this to be one of them, even if it doesn't work. 

@beachbunnyxo123 Fall is a great thing to look forward to. What do you love about it the most? I miss it as soon as it leaves every year and the entire time until it comes again I'm sorry that you find yourself still waiting. I hope that it won't be much longer  

@emmasemm May I ask why you gies don't do fresh transfers? You grandfather sounds like he's a hoot and that's so sweet they send him stuff every year. I'll bet it is so fascinating to sit and listen to him. 

@rallykat14 I think I hear you saying that you're just not feeling it this cycle and it feels crappy. I get that. Please do something nice for yourself. Hugs  

@thegirlwhowaited_ It doesn't sound cheesy. I think it's really sweet that you admire your brother. It sounds like you have a good plan with your RE for this cycle. How are you feeling about it? I do that too flushing and remembering I didn't do an opk. The more practice you have at it, you will find a rhythm. For me, it's smu after 10am and early evening around 6pm making sure I didn't drink a glass of water and haven't gone for a least a couple of hours. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): pcos

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): I'm doing something. 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Still just new RE consult on Wednesday at 1. 

How are things going?: I need to send my records to this place because I'm not printing out every page there ever was. I hated it when they said on the phone it's not necessary to send anything ahead of time and just bring it with me to the one hour appointment. If I'm gonna pay $400 for a consult, then the doctor better be damn sure to read my shit BEFORE I come in there. I mean, how can you possibly come up with a plan or give me any kind of a real second opinion in one hour when there is a year's worth of records to look over???

Small mini vent. I'm breathing now. I really need to make the extra effort to trust this time. I can't keep doing what I've always done. I push to advocate for myself so much that it ends up causing so much stress when I've done treatment in the past. I need to decide what's important and what isn't. Find a balance...

I told my husband that I'd really like it if we could plan something relaxing to do for treatment this time. Like go somewhere to get away, do things to reduce stress, etc. 

Any questions?: Would anyone be open to typing out their protocol for me to see what an ivf cycle looks like? Just what I would possibly be having to do daily. Unless you think doing that adds unnecessary stress. Maybe it's better to ask how you find a balance. 

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why? I really admire my husband. He always has so much energy and works tirelessly to accomplish things. He has taught himself everything he knows and has had great careers because of it. He is on his fourth career already. Every year, he looks for a way to rise above and does it every time. He is a brilliant man and I'm so proud of him! 

thegirlwhowaited_

@Avrilmai Thanks, I'll be sure to post if I think of any questions. I feel like there isn't much to plan until I have my baseline appointment.

@suzycupcake I'm feeling pretty good about it. My baseline appointment is Thursday morning. I'm a little nervous to see how I react to Clomid form all the bad side affects I've heard people have. 

I agree your doctor should be familiar with your file/history before your appointment. Also, my RE showed us their recommended protocol for IUI and IVF, so I hope someone has one they can share.

zamoraspin

@kristokekerooni I'm glad you're healing well. I hope you are that SS that gets ku with a take home baby in between IVF attempts. It's hard to be motivated about charting. I love both of the Obamas and think they are great role models. I'm sorry for all the change but I hope it brings you guys closer to all of your goals. Would you go to Sher if you moved to Las Vegas?

@lulu1180 The couple cycles I did clomid my O pain was worse than usual (both sides, whereas usually it is only on one side) both before and after O. I'm hoping this is your cycle. I am an early tester myself, but I know you have a lot of restraint.

@rallykat14 I'm sorry you're not feeling up to starting this cycle. That is totally understandable. I hope AF gives you a little more time.

@emmasemm Totally psyched that you have a good store of embryos and that you got two this cycle. That is a really hard decision to know whether to do another retrieval now. Has your dr given you a rough estimate of percentage of euploid embryos to expect? Am I remembering right that you might unfreeze to biopsy and do PGS, or will you transfer the Day 3s as they are? That is an amazing story - I can see why you admire your grandfather.

@avrilmai I'm sorry about the aches and the anxiety. I think it's impossible not to worry about the things you're worried about. I can think of a couple of pp'ers who've only had a few blasts but still ended up with one or several PGS normal. I hope you have good quality even if not huge quantity.

Diagnosis (if you've been): RPL

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFIVF

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

How are things going?: Waiting on word about scheduling/protocol from my IVF nurse… who I emailed twice last week. I'm going to call the clinic tomorrow and try to schedule the appt to sign our consents and do the remaining bw because it's been several weeks since she said she'd find us appts for those last few things... It's so frustrating, I have generally good experiences with my clinic but of course the one nurse that is not responsive is now my IVF nurse. All I know is I'm supposed to start stims September 7.

Any questions?: I'm trying to direct my anxiety towards things I can control by getting together some of the little things I'll need for stims. I've ordered an over the door clear shoe organizer because I've read those are nice for organizing needles and supplies. I've also ordered little bandaids, gauze pads, and alcohol wipes. I have a heating pad. What other supplies do I need for stims that I could go ahead and buy? Like most people I’m a little anxious about the injections - I know I can do it and I'll get used to it but did anyone use a topical numbing agent? If so which one?

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why? I've always admired Sandra Day O'Connor, the first woman appointed to the SCOTUS. She went to law school and started a legal career when that was unusual for women. I heard her speak once and if I recall correctly she said the only job she was initially offered out of law school was as a legal secretary. At one time she was arguably the most powerful justice on the Court because she was the center and the swing vote. I don't agree with all her decisions but I do admire her. 

suzycupcake

Update: Af finally decided to show. Thank goodness. I called the clinic and asked if there was an email address I could send my previous records to prior to the appointment. She was glad to give me the RE's direct email address so it seems the last person I spoke to who said I should bring them to the appointment instead was not the rule. I'm very happy that I calmed myself, made the call, and asked politely. When we go on Wednesday, that will be cd3 for me so hopefully I can get a baseline u/s too to start treatment right away with whatever plan he gives. If not, I'm going to be okay with waiting until next cycle. 

suzycupcake

@Avrilmaihttps://www.facebook.com/iaintdoinit/videos/ You have to click and watch some of these. 

lulu1180

@rallykat14 I’m glad you’re getting just a little respite with AF taking her time; I hope the scratch was all you needed and this upcoming cycle results in your take home baby!

@thegirlwhowaited_ I don’t know about you but I know at the beginning of this cycle it felt so good to feel like I was actually doing something.  I hope this IUI is all you need!

@Avrilmai I’m sorry you’re getting stuck on that line of thought; remember that you (and your RE) are doing everything within your power to give you the best results possible.  You chose this RE because you trusted their judgment so now you just have to keep trusting that they do know what will give you the greatest chance at success.  Good luck friend, you know we’re all rooting for you!

@suzycupcake I didn’t trigger, it was just clomid and then I went in for the IUI after I got a +OPK; I’m glad you and YH are on the same page about moving forward and you are comfortable with the plan this new RE has for you.

@zamora_spin Ugh to your IVF nurse.  I hope she gets her ish together soon and you get the last of your needed appointments set up.  Can you message your RE directly and ask for another nurse or is it too late to change?

nitnat007

@KristoKekerooni Getting back into the swing of charting again is hard. I don't miss temping at all. Hope that you find your groove quickly and that with everything you have been through, you have some good ju-ju trying on your own.  

@lulu1180 Everything crossed for you on this cycle friend!

@beachbunnyxo123 Come on AF! Hope she arrives soon so you can get started. 

@rallykat14 Sorry you are feeling down about this cycle. I hope that AF gives you the time to feel like you are ready. *hugs*

@emmasemm Squeee!! That is fantastic! So glad that your two made it. That is amazing and you have a few frozen. Really happy for you. And your grandfather sounds like a wonderfully inspirational man. 

@thegirlwhowaited_ Sending you lots of positive vibes for this cycle. Hope that you don't get any of the horrible clomid side effects along the way. 

@Avrilmai Hope that you are able to distract yourself with something over the next while. Be kind to yourself. Good luck. 

@suzycupcake It sounds like you are way more confident about your next steps which is so good. I hope that your meeting with the new RE goes well tomorrow too and that you are able to get your cycle started. And I agree, they should definitely be reviewing our information before the appointments, annoys me when they don't. Let us know how it all goes. 

@zamora_spin Well that is just annoying. I really hope that the nurse gets back to you and gives you some info. I know that I would be very anxious without having those answers before going into a cycle. FX!

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): On our own until Sept 7th

How are things going?: Things have been so busy in other areas of life that I haven't really had the chance to think about ttc too much lately. I did manage to get in for that HSG last week though, both tubes are open. So we are going to keep giving it our best effort until we get in to see the RE in Sept and see what his suggestion on next steps will be. I am still concerned that the adenomyosis is playing a bigger role than anyone is giving it credit for, but will see. 

Any questions?:

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why? I will have to think about this one, but definitely agree with the Obama's being wonderful role models with just about everything they do. 

KristoKekerooni

@beachbunnyxo123 , BOA= Bank of America. Are you going into another transfer right away or are you taking a cycle or two or ten off?

@emmasemm - Definitely always something to do! Different from the midwest in that places are actually open past 10 PM. Haha...GREAT news about your little embryos!! You have have a lot to think of in the coming days. I don't envy the decisions you have to make, but I stand behind you and your choices 100%. I wish you peace.  

@thegirlwhowaited_ , YES. It's like, I am peeing at 9 PM before going to sleep and then; *flush* and "Oh, shit"

@Avrilmai et al, we will be trying on own our in the meantime, but the fact is, we still have other issues. H still has OAT issues... so the chances of us getting KU on our own are pretty slim, still. But that's why I am *attempting* to OPK and temp this cycle. 

@suzycupcake , Lord, I really hope I can be a SS and get KU between IVFs... wouldn't that be something? Yeah, so the OB who did the surgery said there was definitely fluid leaking, but it's not like they could really tell what is is? But he said since I had just had a D&C and I didn't have anything going on, he said it wasn't good. Even a little leak could change the entire pH and kill everything. YES, GIRL! Ride that empowered feeling as long as possible. YOU ARE A GODDESS THAT CAN DO ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING! I am so glad you hit that moment of realization. It's hard to live a life with regret. Baby steps. First, let's get you KU. Then let's keep you KU. Worry about the birthing process later. Way later. But I 100% feel you on trying to trust the docs and the process. It's SO hard to trust, but it's also SO hard to be so active and be in control and on top of everything. It's definitely not fair that there is such an expectation and reality of advocating and making sure you receive adequate care. 

@zamora_spin , Sher is the top of the list when we get to Vegas, but it really depends on who takes the insurance, who can get me in, distance, etc. We will probably end up doing a consult with everyone that takes my insurance and then going from there. RE, your upcoming stims- girl. You can DO this! I would recommend these. I bought two. One I would heat and wrap around my refrigerated meds to warm them up. The other I would keep frozen and use it to numb the area. I would make sure you are prepped for after ER. Get yourself come coconut water, stool softners, etc. Some people get backed up with stims, so it's good to have on hand. Beyond that... I think you really have everything you need. Don't sweat the stims. It's honestly not that hard. The key is to go quick. If you hesitate with the needle, it's gonna hurt. Just jab it on in. I never found I needed any numbing agents. Most of the time I hardly felt the needles, if at all. OH! I wouldn't wear tight jeans or anything that will rub on the area you are injecting. it'll make the bruises WAY worse, and will make it hurt a touch more. Opt for either low rise, super highrise (as in, over the bruises), or just a loser fit (which you will want anyway once the bloat sets in). 

thegirlwhowaited_

@suzycupcake I'm glad they took your history before and seem like the doc will have read through before Wednesday. I'm also happy it'll be your CD3 so hopefully they will do an u/s. My new patient appointment with my RE they did blood work and an u/s that first appointment, but they had only drawn AMH before the appointment. Hopefully your new doc will do both for you.

@nitnat007 Thank you. I hoping it won't be too bad. I usually have pretty high tolerance with medication side effects, but that has changed a little the older I've gotten.

@lulu1180 I do feel a little better about proactively planning something that will be better chances of working that what the last 14 months have been, but I'm still a little upset about AF. I'll feel better once Thursday comes and AF should be gone and I'll have my baseline appointment. I still have some questions for my doc about how they do things and what to expect. I think DH is much more excited about the IUI. He's already told his bosses that he will need to suddenly take a day off around the last week of August. A lot of the guys he works with have gone through IUI before with their wives so that is helpful for him. 
I know you mentioned at one point that you took ibuprofen I think while taking the Clomid because of headaches. Is that what your RE told you to take? I know a lot of women/doctors recommend Tylenol over Advil/ibuprofen because the anti-inflammatory can effect ovulation, but I guess may not be an issue if you are taking the Clomid?

lulu1180

@thegirlwhowaited_ The only instructions they gave re: ibuprofen was not to take it once you get a +OPK and for a couple days after.  Otherwise, it was fine to take while still on clomid.  Although at the end there ibuprofen wasn't doing anything for the headaches so it didn't make much of a difference

thegirlwhowaited_

@lulu1180 Thanks. Tylenol usually works better for headaches for me unless it's sinus pressure, but I'll keep that in mind depending of what/if any side effects I feel from it. I'm lucky enough to work half my weeks from home and I have the option to stay home more days if I need to. I've also already told my boss what is going on and she's very supportive because she did IUI (I think) 16 years ago to get pregnant with her twin girls. Surprisingly, as MH and I have been more open about our process and where we are, we've found a lot of people we know have used IUI to conceive. It's made this process feel more "normal" and helps me not feel like "what is wrong with me" so much.

lulu1180

@thegirlwhowaited_ I haven't found as many people who tried IUI but I have had some people tell me that they struggled with IF as I've opened up.  It's a bit of a double edged sword to me because I'm happy to know someone IRL that struggled but at the same time my heart breaks that the person had to go through this and they know the heartbreak that I do to some extent.  Unfortunately, as I've opened up about it, I also still get insensitive comments; you take the good with the bad, I guess.

Sparty18

@lulu1180 @thegirlwhowaited_ @Avrilmai Thank you for checking in.  After discussing at length on Thursday, we ultimately decided to drain the cyst and proceed with Clomid.  I had several questions for my RE before he actually did the procedure and he was very reassuring about everything, so I decided to trust him.  The aspiration itself really wasn't terrible.  I'm glad my RE was against anesthesia for it as it truly isn't necessary.  It was painful at times and cringe-worthy when you thought about it, but it was fast and not much worse than a sono/HSG.

lulu1180

@Sparty18 Thanks for the update!  I'm glad you felt comfortable moving on after having a discussion with your RE and that the procedure wasn't too bad!

thegirlwhowaited_

@Sparty18 I'm glad it wasn't that bad! I really hope this IUI works for you. I also really hope you never have to deal with cysts or having one drained again.

@lulu1180 Unfortunately, most of the insensitive comments have come from my aunts (my mom's half sisters). They are significantly younger than my mom, closer in age to me and my brother. *TW* They both think because they had successful pregnancies at 35 that I will too and that I should just keep waiting. It's so infuriating. I just don't talk to them anymore about where we are on the journey. 

purplg8r

@KristoKekerooni I’m glad the move will help out with IVF insurance and travel!  Have you researched doctors there yet?  And I completely agree with you about Obama

@lulu1180 Keeping my FX for you! 

@beachbunnyxo123 come on AF! I never thought I’d be hoping for that same thing as well! (But @rallykat14 I hope it takes its sweet time for you)

@emmasemm yay!!! That’s such great news!  And you have a really hard decision to make! 

@thegirlwhowaited_ sorry about AF!  Hugs!

@Avrilmai so I’m totally not a funny person. Sitting here trying to think of a joke but can’t!

@suzycupcake good luck on Wednesday!  As far as stims, I took Menopur cd2-cd12, Gonal F cd2-cd11, Cetrotide cd 7-12, Lupron Trigger cd 12, and retrieval cd 14 (all this started after 14 days of bcp and bleeding 4 days later)

@zamora_spin every time I think about your nurse, I get so frustrated for you!!

@nitnat007 I’m glad the HSG went well and everything was clear. 

@Sparty18 I’m glad the procedure wasn’t too bad for you!

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, mild pcos 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  nothing right now. 

How are things going?:  going. Started Provera on Friday but pretty sure I O’d yesterday or today. Staying on Provera and just hoping AF comes soon. 

Any questions?:

GTKY: Who is someone you really admire and why? My mom. She is amazing. She battled and is a survivor of cervical cancer. She used to be a pediatric nurse and is now a lactation consultant (she set up a milk bank so moms who can’t BF but want to use milk instead of formula can). Everyone, of any ages, loves and adores her.  

suzycupcake

@purplg8r Thank you! I'm glad the provera situation is being worked out. I have tears when I read about your mama  

@KristoKekerooni and @nitnat007 Thanks friends  

@thegirlwhowaited_ Thank you. You know, I meant to tell you and @lulu1180 that a hot pad works really well to for stim pain on a low setting if you are nervous about ibuprofen. I mean, there's nothing wrong with just sitting there with some wine and a hot pad, and not doing a damn thing until it passes girlwhowaited, I hope Thursday's appointment brings you good follie news! Lulu, I forget, when are you testing??? Saturday?

@Sparty18 wh000 girl, no anesthesia? Badass.... I'm glad that's over and you can move forward. 

@nitnat007 For some reason, I thought we already knew your tubes were open. Maybe you told me that in a pm. My brain.... yay for open tubes! I hope that the visit with the RE goes really really well and that you jive well. 

lulu1180

@suzycupcake Not until Monday at the earliest and possibly not until Wednesday.  My average LP is 15 days and I can't bring myself to test early; seeing that stark white test was always harder for me than the onslaught of CD1

lulu1180

Also, GL as your RE appointment today @suzycupcake

KristoKekerooni

@purplg8r - I have looked into a few docs, but I think we will honestly consult with all three main ones and just go from there. I am so burned out on shitty docs. Speaking of, I had my WTF appointment, finally. 

Loss mentioned

It was a bunch of crap. First, doc didn't even look at all the documents I sent him AND specifically emailed him, asking him to review before our appointment (D&C pathology report, pics of endo, operative report from lap, pathology from tube removal). His first comment was "well you should have done PGS testing" and I told him I did. and then it was "Well it's only one loss, so just try again, it happens" and I'm like, uhhhh... no? I've had a like a million? And so he said basically try, try again. There is "no reason" sometimes, and the only thing I can do is to keep trying and "eventually" it will work out. And then he started in about my weight. 
We discussed the endo a bit and then he said "oh, you had a hydrosalpinx, so that's why you had all those losses. You should be good to go!" and then I pointed out that less than two months previous to that, my tube was open and fine and he said, "no, your OB probably wasn't paying attention when he did the first HSG" but like. I have had two in the last two years. By two different doctors. There is no way both of them missed it. But whatever. He said nothing about the estrogen from IVF "feeding" it and making it worse. 

So in other news, I had posted after my surgery on a facebook endo board I joined. Dr. Braverman (who apparently is in the group?!) commented on my post and encouraged me to make an appointment with him, because multiple losses, declining in gestation (which mine sorta have, though not exactly), is very indicative of immune issues. So I went ahead and put in a request for a consult. I got this email:

So... even testing is like. REALLY expensive. And maybe I am misunderstanding, but it seems like I have to pay all that OOP and then submit for reimbursement. So most likely I will need to wait till the new job happens.. I just can't spend that much when we are trying to move. 

rallykat14

Well AF arrived and I have baseline testing Thursday morning. Guess I'm starting this up again.  Not into it.  TW saw my cousins pregnancy announcement this week and it put me over the edge . End TW

I have so much more anxiety for this cycle.  We put a lot of money behind it, we are transferring two of the last 4 donor embryos and there are three IVs which I'll need Valium to get through which adds more stress .  I don't think I have it in me to do anything beyond this cycle even with two left on ice . 

lulu1180

@rallykat14 I'm so so sorry you're dealing with all that anxiety friend.  So many hugs sent your way, your post honestly makes me want to cry for you right now.  I hope this cycle is it for you and that the scratch was just what you needed.    I'm just a PM away if you need to talk (or rant/vent/etc)

@KristoKekerooni Your WTF appointment really pissed me off!!  It clear that not only did the RE not read the documents you emailed to him, but he obviously didn't read your file either.  I understand that some of these clinics see thousands of patients, but he can at least give you the time and attention that you truly deserve!  I hope that you're able to find some kind of answers and that one of the REs you interview is a great fit and is able to help you get your take home baby.  Hugs to you as well, friend