Infertility Treatment & Testing w/o 9/17

rallykat14

@KristoKekerooni much love my friend

I am also a PM away for anyone.  I can't really bring myself to do updates ...this will be my last attempt, transferring the two donor embryos.  I'm the boss now and I'm just doing estrace and progesterone ...no other drugs. No IVs, no bullshit. It's either going to work or not and then I'll move on with my life.  If anyone has questions about IVF, donor wggs anything at all just PM me . I'm here and rooting for you

crookshanks10

@rallykat14 Thinking of you and hoping so hard for you friend. 

jrm_14

@emmasemm Met w/ the RE yesterday & he drew additional RPL labs including for APS (some had already been done). He is pretty sure most of what is going on is related to immunology. 
TW-loss

Interestingly, both IUIs that resulted in pregnancy, I had high dose prednisone injections during TWW. 

So, if immunology is the issue- there’s arguments to continue with another IUI for now, adding in/switching a few meds. I had my AMH redrawn, too, simply for my own curiosity what is has done in the last year. 

My new rheumotologist strongly supports switching biologics as data is now showing the one I was on has  more impact on egg growth & development as well as IF/loss. I’m so effing bitter that no one in the last 16 years (since I was diagnosed)
 ever had the conversation with me how rheumatoid & associated meds may impact reproduction (until the point I brought it up). I don’t know if I would have made other choices, but I feel like I had that opportunity to decide taken from me. 

-Dear Diary post over-

sparklingdiamond

@zamora_spin Yay for the good report!

I went in for another check today and they are growing so slow. Biggest one was only 14. Then 2 around 13.5.  Lining is 7.13 so still not in the right place either. Waiting on them to call and tell me next steps.

madspunk

@beachbunnyxo123 It's so hard to have patience, and I give you major props for taking your time with everything.
@jrm_14 How did the appointment go? It's so hard to decide when to move onto IVF. I wanted to make sure DH and I were fully ready and on the same page before we did IVF too. It took time to get there...
@nitnat007 Sorry for your meltdown, but glad you got to enjoy some good times with the other wives too. 
@lulu1180 That's a lot of stuff you have going on! When does DH find out about the job?
@suzycupcake I have no other ER preparation advice, but to find things that take your mind off of the ER. Especially while waiting for the reports to come back after the ER, you'll want some kind of distraction.
@purplg8r The FET prep is pretty boring isn't it?
@Sparty18 I'm glad you got an appointment with another RE. That's frustrating that you might have missed your window this cycle. That's strange your RE was dismissive about it. Most want to trigger you once you have a follie around 18mm on Clomid. I'm surprised he/she didn't at least say that they wanted you to come in for monitoring earlier.
@KristoKekerooni Congratulations on your husband's new job! That's awesome you'll have flexibility now in where you want to work. Take all the break you need. We're here for you for whatever you need.
@emmasemm Happy belated birthday! Rooting for lucky #7!
@zamoraspin That's great! Monday is soon! 
@rallykat14 You do whatever you need to do too. I'm rooting for you always.

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WF FET

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

How are things going?: My FET is Monday! The time prepping for FET went by really quickly, which I'm grateful for. Now I just need to get through the weekend and get that embryo in me!

Any questions?:

GTKY: My style is probably closest to traditional. I wouldn't call it modern. Maybe a little chic. I'm not a big decorator, so my house probably looks kind of plain. It takes me forever to decorate a room.

LJMoon6

@crookshanks10 I’m glad the other ladies could help calm your nerves about the IUI timing. Are you taking progesterone during your LP to help lengthen it? What were the instructions from your RE about when to test and when to stop taking it?

@jrm_14 I’m so angry for you about the meds. You’ve been through so much and then this to boot. Have you decided on doing another IUI then? I hope the switch is exactly what you need. I’m so optimistic that this will be it for you.

@lulu1180 Coming to terms with IF has been a long time coming. It’s so hard to admit there’s something wrong when everything seems to be just fine. It’s frustrating and scary. I’m sorry you’ve been having a hard time. When will you find out about YH’s potential new job?

@nitnat007 Thanks for sharing about YH’s in-depth SA. I’m slightly worried about that too with MH. He had a basic SA done last January that came back with 5% morphology, which is still considered ok but right on the border. Everything else was fine. I know that these numbers can vary from day to day so I worry about what the next one will be. His primary defect was with the head. So now hearing your story I’m even more worried.

@suzycupcake It’s so hard to tell if the symptoms you’re having are from the meds or your condition. I have the same problem too. I was having some pretty bad headaches that I think I’m going to chalk up to the clomid. I also had an overly emotional moment the other day. I was just laying down into bed after working a 10 hour day, with a 1 hour commute each way, and making a big dinner (basically had zero down time the whole day). 5 minutes after laying down my dog throws up in the bed. I get up and start cleaning it, no big problem really. 10 minutes later I’m laying back down with fresh clean sheets and blanket…. And she throws up again. I go downstairs to grab the cleaning supplies and just start bawling. My husband finds me in the kitchen 5 minutes later wondering what’s going on. Thank the lord he stepped up and cleaned the whole thing for me.

@zamora_spin Those numbers sound great!!

@sparty18 The acceptance of IF has been really hard. I’m glad to hear I’m not alone. That’s why this place is so great. Ugh I would be frustrated with your RE too. I’m glad your getting a second opinion.

@kristokekerooni I’m glad the move across country when well for you. I’m glad you’re taking a break for yourself but I know you will be missed around here.

@emmasemm I always love reading your updates. You are such an incredibly strong lady. I have everything crossed for you that this cycle will get you some healthy and beautiful eggs. Lol at your cushion addiction.

@rallykat14 I’m rooting for you so hard. I’ve been following your journey (I know, creepy) and you’ve been through so much.

@madspunk Your FET is coming up so fast! Monday will be here before you know it!

 

Update: I’m so over going to my OB for this. She put me on progesterone because of some spotting before AF every month. Extra progesterone isn’t supposed to hurt anything so I was fine with it. But I do know that supplementing it doesn’t help much either. Anyways, she also wanted to test my progesterone levels mid LP which doesn’t make sense to me. Won’t the values be off because of the supplement? Pretty much my question is what’s the point/what knowledge can we gain from testing this. I had the test done anyways and my values were in the 50s ng/ml! I then asked when I should stop taking it if/when I get a BFN. She said to keep taking it till I get to CD40… that would be 24 dpo. That seems way too long to me. Any thoughts ladies? I know, I know, I need to get my butt to an RE. I’m so over this.

purplg8r

@KristoKekerooni we will miss you but you definitely have to do what’s right for you!  I hope your move went well!

purplg8r

@emmasemm hopefully this cycle will have great results!

@zamora_spin Monday will be here soon!

@rallykat14 I’ll be Pming you!

@jrm_14 that’s really frustrating. I’d be mad too. 

@sparklingdiamond remind me what day of stims today was

@madspunk it is so boring!  I was going in for follie  checks every other day plus acupuncture twice a week before my ER. I feel like I need to be doing something!

AF started today so I called my RE and my appt isn’t until Monday.  So I think that pushes my FET back a few days 

crookshanks10

@LJMoon6 I was not put on progesterone. Clomid and Femara both lengthen my LP so maybe that's why they didn't. I did do the 21 day blood test or whatever at one point and it was normal. You and I have pretty much been on the same journey. I did Clomid 3x with my OB and working with an RE now is life changing. Hopefully you won't even need an RE though (:  I definitely understand your frustrations.

Update: I have been spotting for 3 days and my temp did drop .2 today so, I'm expecting AF either today or tomorrow. Looks like IUI #1 was a fail. On to the next.

Sparty18

@crookshanks10 I'm sorry you are feeling out, hugs.  

@suzycupcake Hope all goes well at your check today.

AFM, had my 3dpiui progesterone check today and it was 26.74.  Glad that it at least confirms one of the monster eggs ovulated, but still not holding out much hope for the quality.

lulu1180

@suzycupcake Thanks friend.  It’s so frustrating when things don’t go the way they should.  Especially in our situation.  GL at your appointment today!

@zamora_spin Thanks friend .  Thanks for the recommendation on DHEA, I did some searching and it is often suggested for women undergoing IVF and especially those with DOR or those with a general quality issue.  There is also a section on it in ISWTE and I briefly read that as well…she says to make sure to get the micronized DHEA.  I’m going to wait until the start of the next cycle just so that I don’t waste money on the off chance that this cycle is successful (although, let’s face it, I’m not holding my breath).  Thank God for 2 day shipping!  What brand do you use?

@purplg8r Wow, I can’t believe it’s almost here!  I hope everything looks good at Monday’s appointment and you get a slightly firm-ish date for your FET!

@Sparty18 I hope the second opinion appointment goes well and you feel better about their procedures than your current RE; although I hope you end up not even needing that appointment.

@sparklingdiamond Sorry things aren't moving quite as quickly as you would like.  I hope they pick up a bit soon!

@KristoKekerooni I’ll certainly miss you on the board for your knowledge and your sense of humor.  You are an amazing person and one of the strongest Warriors I’ve had the pleasure of interacting with on these forums.  I hope this break is just what you need and that the change and just remember that whenever you decide to come back, we will be here waiting for you.  So much love, friend.

@emmasemm I’m glad you had a great birthday!  I hope this ER gives you the results that you need and that you can finally move on to FET

@rallykat14 You know I miss seeing you around these parts, but I totally get spending less time on here.  I hope that this approach is what does it for you, but if it doesn’t, I hope that you get the closure you need to move on

@jrm_14 I’m sorry for the frustration over your meds.  I feel like so many doctors don’t think beyond their own scope and how decisions can affect their patients beyond this. 

@madspunk We’re hoping he finds out today.  He interviewed just over 3 weeks ago, then 2 weeks ago HR called him and said they’re still doing interviews but he’s still in the running and he should hear something in a week or two.  He’s planning on calling early this afternoon if he doesn’t hear anything this morning.  Also, I can’t believe your FET is finally here!  It feels like you started the process so long ago!  Good luck Monday!

@LJMoon6 See my response to madspunk above . Also, I think I’ve given you the “get your butt to an RE” lecture before so I’ll spare you now lol

@crookshanks10 Sorry for the spotting

AFM,

I had my therapy appointment yesterday and I think it went well.  She requests that patients give it 3 sessions before deciding if it’s not working out.  If I were to decide that, she would help me find someone who is a good fit.  I do like her so far and after getting information on my history/background, she plans to work on setting goals and slowly working toward them. 

zamoraspin

@lulu1180 So I failed to get the micronized memo. This is the one I got: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005TP4H/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 
There are definitely a bunch on Amazon that are micronized. I wanted to make sure to get 25 mg pills so that I could take the 75 mg I needed, and spread out the pills if needed (for me, I've just been taking them all at once in the morning). I've heard some reports it makes people tired, but those people are also stimming, so. 

lulu1180

Update: DH didn't get the job so it's back to the drawing board I guess...

suzycupcake

Hey @lulu1180 Yay for getting your first appointment out of the way! That's like the hardest step, imo. It's good she wants to set goals for sessions. I had a T once that let me flail about for a couple of years. We need goals dammit! Sorry that your husband didn't get that job. It's so frustrating for that to happen when so much time has been invested in the process. 

@emmasemm Happy belated Birthday! And thank you for monitoring advice. Phew it really helped me at my appointment this morning  

@madspunk Yay for FET! I'll bet it feels like a huge relief. I'll be over here rooting for your embie on Monday. Like you, it takes me forever to decorate a room. Once you do, do you typically want to switch it up after a short period of time or do your choices stick for a long while?

@sparklingdiamond Any updates?

@crookshanks10 So sorry  We are here for you  

purplg8r

@crookshanks10 I’m so sorry. I feel like that first iui fail was the hardest because I was hoping that all I needed was a little intervention.  Hopefully the second works for you. 

@Sparty18 FX for you!!

@lulu1180 I like that your therapist asks for a few times so you don’t make a  rash decision and also that she’s willing to help you find someone else if need be.  And I’m sorry your H didn’t get the job.  That stinks. 

madspunk

@LJMoon6 My clinic also tests progesterone levels mid-cycle. They want to make sure its in an appropriate range. If it's still low, they might increase your dosage. Continuing to take progesterone until CD40 though... that seems crazy!! I can't think of any reason you would do that.

@crookshanks10 You're not out until you're out, but sorry that it's looking that way right now. 

@lulu1180 Sorry your H didn't get the job.

nitnat007

@suzycupcake So glad to hear that you are doing well with all the meds and those follies are growing. FX for you next week. 
@zamora_spin Will be thinking of you early next week! Those are great follie numbers. Keep us posted on how you are making out. So exciting!!
@purplg8r So much waiting. Hope prep is going well. 
@Sparty18 Sorry to hear you are going through that, so frustrating! Keep advocating for yourself and I hope that they listen to you. I think I would be uncomfortable with that too,  I am glad that you are looking into working with someone else. 
@sparklingdiamond Sending you positive vibes! Hope that your lining thickens up enough for you. 
@rallykat14 Sending you so much love and support. You are such a warrior! *hugs*
@KristoKekerooni So nice to see you here. Take care of yourself and know that we are all sending you all the love all the time! *hugs*
@emmasemm So glad to hear that you had a great break and wonderful birthday! We missed you around here. 
@madspunk MONDAY!!! Yay! Rooting for you!
@LJMoon6 Happy to answer any questions that you have, although I am not nearly as knowledgeable as some of the other ladies here, but happy to share what I can. 5% isn't that low though, so try not get too freaked out by that. As long as the count is still high. Waiting until 24dpo seems a little crazy. I hope they change that up for you somehow, like tell you to stop it way before then. 
@jrm_14 I am annoyed for you! Sigh....flip a desk! 
@crookshanks10 I saw your update yesterday in the IF board. So sorry friend! *hugs*
@lulu1180 Sounds promising. I hope that it works out well for you and that you are feeling better already. 

suzycupcake

Questions for you ladies; Is it normal for an RE to not check E2? Mine hasn't done lab work once throughout this entire ER cycle. The Nurse says he very seldom does and determines dose/trigger based on follicle size. I'm a bit concerned because I got mild OHSS with just 50mg of Clomid in the past. I have a big cyst right now that he says he will drain during ER. Chances are it was already there prior to starting stims and if he had just done a baseline u/s, BUT... if he can drain it, then I'm good with it. 

For hydrating and drinking electrolyte water, does 16 oz of electrolyte enhanced coconut water (NOOMA brand) and a few glasses of water a day sound about right? I also got some whey protein (21g) powder packets to make smoothies with.