IF Testing and Treatment w/o 3/18

inthewoods23

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: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them?

ruby696

Diagnosis (if you've been): Early stage DOR.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI#1. My last dose of clomid is tonight and US on Thursday. FX for mature eggs.

How are things going?: I was pretty bummed last week when I got my FSH results and found out I only had six follicles. I'd convinced myself my RPL was unexplained, but nope. I'm just getting old. I don't feel old and it's thrown me a little. But choosing to move forward with IUI and keeping hopes/expectations low.

Any questions?: I forgot to ask my RE if we still had to use protection. Anyone who's done IUI, is there any reason we need to abstain before/after the procedure?

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them?  MH has the best smile. The best. It's the kind of smile that makes you smile. 

marebear15

@ruby696 - At least now you have a reason for the RPL, but that hurts that it's something that there's no fix for. FX for some good eggs!

Diagnosis (if you've been): None yet

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): My insurance doesn't cover anything with regard to infertility, so I'm trying to be careful what I do with the OB. I'm planning on getting my annual done, and seeing if he'll do a full hormones check for irregularity or something. Maybe he'll even do a 7dpo progesterone check for spotting before my period. 

How are things going?: Surprisingly I'm pretty calm about hitting this milestone. Maybe it's because I can finally get testing without feeling like I'm jumping the gun. 

Any questions?: Are the CD3 and 7dpo progesterone tests the first ones normally done?

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them? I love DH's beard. It just makes him more handsome 10x. 

inthewoods23

@ruby696 my protocol was to BD the night of the trigger, then abstain for 2 days. DH provided his sperm the morning of the IUI, procedure done 2 hours later, then they recommend BD that night.

If your US on Thursday shows your follicle(s) are ready then they'll probably tell you to BD Thursday night and abstain Friday.

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF consultation on Thursday

How are things going?: Today has sucked for various reasons but we're doing good otherwise. DH is still stressing but I think when 1 thing stresses him, every other thing will too. We found out that we got a 20% coupon in the mail for Bonefish Grill that expires at the end of the month so date night soon!

Any questions?: after this consult, we'll probably be told to call again at the next CD1 to actually start the IVF process right? Or could it still start soon if I haven't O'ed yet? Probably a dumb question, but I'm always thinking about our timing.

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them?
I have a lot of favorites....DH has a nice round rush, his eyes are amazing - brown around the pupil and green/hazel around the outer part of the iris. He has eyelashes that any woman would die for (very long) and he's got a really thick head of hair (again jealous). I just love his whole face. 😊

ruby696

@inthewoods23 Thank you, that makes sense! It seemed weird to not put in a little extra effort and to just rely on the IUI... 

@marebear15 If progesterone is not your issue, you might want to consider maca. I used to spot for three days before my period started and now I hardly spot at all. Red maca is supposed to regulate hormones and it's a food, not a supplement. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

ETA: wrong emoji! 

marebear15

@ruby696 - Is red maca the same thing as maca root? Doesn't that help with libido as well? 

kbrown2385

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained rpl

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): tww

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): waiting for results of bloodwork as well as the biopsy from last week.

How are things going?: things are ok. Just hoping we get some answers from this round of testing.

Any questions?: nope 

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them? This is going to sound weird, but dh’s face is slightly crooked. I say slightly because it’s not noticeable at all. It makes for a crooked smile and I just think it’s adorable. I also love when he’s got a little bit of scruff, like 2 or 3 days without shaving. He’s required to shave everyday so it’s rare he has it. I think it suits him.

celticknotfire

@ruby696 My RE had us abstain after the trigger and then BD the night of the IUI and the next day.  Their logic is to get the best quality and quantity of sperm for the IUI. 

@inthewoods23 I guess it depends on how your RE's office works.  I know most require some time of BCP to try and level everything out.  Does your office do batching?  My office, like some others, try and get all IVF patients on the same schedule so they can plan on doing ER in the same few days.  Do they require any additional testing you haven't done yet? 

@marebear15 From my experience and research the CD3 labs and US are the starting point for all treatments/diagnosis.  The US is important because finding out your anteral follicle count is a good indicator of your ovarian reserve in addition to the blood tests.  But every doctor is different.  My insurance doesn't cover any treatment related to IF but does cover testing for diagnostic purposes. I had to ask very specific questions to find this out because they aren't always forthcoming with stating what they cover.

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS, anovulatory, AMA

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFIVF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): We are finishing up the last few steps to hopefully start stims next week!

How are things going?:  I talked to Cooper Genomics today and set up my account for PGS. I only have one more appointment which is a nurse meeting and giving them a boatload of money.  It's starting to get real so I'm getting really nervous and excited and a bunch of other emotions.  Last week was really tough with MH's grandmother passing.  MH went home to go to the funeral Saturday and stopped at my daddy's grave and played the bagpipes for him.  **TW** He also went to ask him to look over our baby we lost in January**end TW**.  It was a gesture that meant a lot to me and I will never be able to thank him for that.

Any questions?:  How many days did most of you stim before your ER?  For my IUI with injectables I did 12 days so I'm guessing it will be similar but I'm not sure.

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them?  There are many things about him that I (and others) notice.  He works out a lot and has an amazing body: 44 inch chest with a 34 inch waist, big arms and a nice butt.  The other thing I love is his beautiful, clear blue eyes with long lashes.

inthewoods23

@kbrown2385 your scruff comment reminds me that my DH has 1-2 small patches of gray in his hair and there's a few hairs in his scruffy beard/mustache that are also gray and I just go crazy over them. I think he's going to get hotter with age when he gets more gray!

inthewoods23

@celticknotfire that's a good question! I'm not sure. I hope we don't have to wait too long!

marebear15

@kbrown2385 - I love looking at the scruff too, but do not enjoy kissing it!

@celticknotfire - I hadn't heard of doing the US as first thing; thanks for the info. My insurance doesn't cover any testing, meds, or treatment of IF, but I'm not sure how much I can get my OB to code as just general women's health. 

kbrown2385

@marebear15 lol that’s why I only like 2 or 3 days worth of scruff. Anything longer irritates my face.

ruby696

@marebear15 Yep. I take it in capsule form. Make sure you get it from a reputable source. Should be from Peru.

@celticknotfire I'm tearing up in my office reading about YH. Sweet isn't the right word, but I have all the feels for you. 

@kbrown2385 FX you get your test results back soon!

celticknotfire

@inthewoods23 I hope you don't have to wait too long either!  The waiting with IF sucks!!!!

@ruby696 He's a really amazing man.  I was bawling when he told me what he did.

@kbrown2385 Did they give you any idea when your test results would be back?

kbrown2385

@celticknotfire they said it could take about 2 weeks for the biopsy results, maybe sooner but it all depends on how fast the lab works. What yh did is just beyond. Made me tear up a little 

littlesheep123

@ruby696 Good luck with IUI! My OB said before IUI, abstain for 2-3 days should be good.
@marebear15 First tests we had were CD3 blood tests and DH's SA analysis. The 7DPO progesterone test. All my blood work were done at free standing labs (Quest or LabCorp). They were actually really cheap
 
Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): starting TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I did saline sono last week

How are things going?: We've decided to give ourselves another two cycles before IUI. After my saline sono I kept spotting until CD14. OB said if just minimal spotting it's okay to BD. Weird enough that my bleeding stopped right after we BD...

Any questions?: nope.

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them?
DH has very smooth skin...

kbrown2385

My RE just called and said pathology came back for the biopsy. No Endometritis was found. Now on to a sperm analysis and monitored cycles with clomid. 

inthewoods23

@kbrown2385 that's a great result! Hope everything continues to look good!

ruby696

@kbrown2385 What a relief!! Will you be doing an IUI or TI with the clomid?

@littlesheep123 Good luck this cycle!

kbrown2385

@ruby696 we will be doing TI for now 

flinstone-2

I've been coming and going on this thread because half the time I feel I belong here and the other half of the time I talk myself out of it. But today has been a rough day so I'm going to try and contribute more because I know it's where I belong. 

@ruby696 I like the way you describe YH smile. Made me smile reading it! FX for you and mature eggs!

@marebear15 insurance sucks. I know ours will cover diagnostic things, but nothing further so basically I might get to know what’s wrong but not get one lick of help to fix it.  My OB did a full hormonal work up on me because i was not having any periods outside of the “normal” postpartum/fully weaning window. However, those weren’t day 3 since I wasn’t having any cycle days. I’m sure there is a way to work it out to get insurance to cover it. 

@inthewoods23 bonefish grill is so good! I’m sorry today has sucked. I hope this week gets better for you. 

@kbrown2385 I’m glad there is no endometritis! 

flinstone-2

Diagnosis (if you've been): Hypothalamic Amenorrhea/ maybe more? 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Second round of letrozole starting tomorrow.. 

How are things going?: things suck right now. My LP was 7 or 8 days on my first round of letrozole and my OB called to tell me she's going to refer me to an RE because she really doesn't know what else to do for me. I asked for one more chance on the letrozole while I wait for the referral and she agreed. She then called me back a few minutes later and said she chatted with an RE friend of hers who said to bring me in exactly a week later (not just CD21) for a progesterone test and if it's <20, supplement with progesterone. I appreciate her helping me and going above and beyond to ask her friend. I just was crushed that she is already given up even though I KNOW an RE would be way more suitable and helpful. 

Any questions?: I feel like every time I get bad news, my period starts or something IF related happens I burst into tears and get emotional for the rest of the day. DH doesn't know how to handle it and I don't know if my reaction to be so sad is appropriate or an overreaction. I'm guessing a lot of women are emotional regarding fertility and it's fair to have all the feelings? 

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO. DH has pretty blue eyes! 

ruby696

@flinstone-2 I think you'll be really happy once you see an RE. I really didn't want to see one because it made it all so much more real. But I feel SO much better.now about my treatment plan and I know my OB was really not equipped to give me the treatment I needed. If you do end up seeing an RE, I hope you'll have the same experience. Hugs. 

kbrown2385

 @flinstone-2 I think it’s great your ob is aware of her limits and wants to get you help from more knowledgeable people. The step from ob to re is intimidating, but I hope you breathe a sigh of relief once it happens. From experience, I was happy to move on for further testing.

emmasemm

@ruby696 don’t be too discouraged with your lower reserve - six follicles is still a good number and plenty to work with. What was your FSH again? 

@marebear15 I did all my initial testing with my OB - they had a list from one local RE clinic of all the tests to do so they could send them with me when they referred me and that helped speed things along pretty fast once we got to the RE. Maybe yours can do something similar. Baseline labs and US (get the pictures printed to take with you), plus the 7dpo blood test should all be able to be done anywhere and it would also give you a hint if there is anything you particularly want to ask the RE when you go there. Like @littlesheep123 said don’t forget to get your OB to send your DH for an SA. Half issues are male factor...

@inthewoods23 answer is it depends... it depends what CD you are now... depends what protocol they plan as some start in LP... depends if they “batch” patients... depends if you can be very fast with all paperwork and any mandatory teaching sessions... 
I had one friend who from the consult where they decided to do IVF took 4 months to start... yet I started stims 2 weeks after our appointment... 
Do it at the speed that is right for you both.

@kbrown2385 good news no endometritis- did your blood work also come back? 

@celticknotfire hope your appointment went well and wow your DH is a real keeper

@flintstone-2 sounds like you have a great OB - even if you are referred to an RE it might be your OB can do some of the more routine things eg monitoring - that way hopefully she can code things your insurance will pay for, you’re with someone you like and she gets to learn a bit more too

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR AMA Autoimmune stuff and a nice juicy fibroid

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): technically benched I guess

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Investigating the fibroid monster growing within 

How are things going?: I feel like I might have an alien explode out of me at any moment... this scans with contrast could probably appear in a sci fi movie... otherwise wishing the weeks away until we see the specialist for fibroids in 2 weeks time. The final report did also show mild endometriosis and adenomyosis, but not so much you would do anything about the endo as I’m pretty asymyptomatic and just lucky the adenomyosis looks also mild and again I have no real symptoms to speak of as there is nothing to do for that until we’re done with IF treatments...
Mostly waiting for my ERA results with great anticipation as the radiologist also agreed having a very thick lining very early could suggest it’s also working slightly differently after the first progesterone so he would not be surprised if my window of implantation is a bit off.
Had an exhausting week last week as ran a 2 day conference for my whole team who flew in from their normal locations to all come together. This week lots to do but a little less “entertaining” on the cards - 2 full days are a lot even for an extrovert... nothing to do with the bar only staying open as long as I was there (as I was paying), so of course two very very late nights! 

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them?
Oh gosh definitely his eyes - especially with that wicked twinkle in them ;-)

marebear15

@kbrown2385 - If you give it like 2 weeks, the hair starts growing down and gets really soft (well, my DH's that is). Beard oil helps too. 
So happy to hear your good test results!

@ruby696 - So not Amazon? lol. Is it at like a health foods store?

@littlesheep123 - We normally use Quest and it's a cheap copay, so that might work! Thanks.

@emmasemm - We don't have the money to go to an RE right now, so I'm hoping it's something my OB can fix like progesterone. But that's great that they can just send the test results over if we go to an RE in the future.

ruby696

@marebear15 YGPM

ruby696

@emmasemm FSH is 11.8, so creeping up. It's not terrible, but it's higher than my RE wanted to see it.

celticknotfire

@emmasemm I am so sorry you are going through all of this.  Hopefully the ERA can give you some good info and you can get the best time frame for transfer.

@marebear15 I think your plan of getting your testing done with you OB is a good one so they can code it in a way that doesn't get flagged for IF.  When  you go to an RE it's pretty obvious even though they treat more than just IF related issues.

holly321

Diagnosis (if you've been):  unexplained, possible RPL (molar pregnancy doesn’t seem to count) I also have autoimmune issues that I worry may be an issue.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  I see my obgyn in 2 weeks since their office does some fertility stuff, I plan to start with them for some testing and such, mostly because I can walk to their office from work.  But, from looking at my insurance coverage, it does looks like will have coverage, so that’s a good sign. 

How are things going?:   Really, really crappy.

Any questions?: none at this time

GTKY: what's your favorite physical trait on your SO (dreamy eyes, a cute butt, gorgeous smile, an amazing head of hair, etc.) or is there a particular thing they wear that really makes you swoon over them?
his arms.  I love the way they feel.

will be back later for tags

flinstone-2

My OB referred me to an RE. Should I be shopping around for options, or just go with whom she recommends? The only reason I ask is because their office is going to take 1 hour to 1.5 to get to and I'm not sure I want do that several times a month. I also told a friend of mine I had to pay for a consultation and insurance may or may not cover it but it would be $270 OOP. She did IVF last year and said she would never have paid a dime for an initial consultation. I just want to make sure I'm doing the right thing!

inthewoods23

@flinstone-2 I went with the 1 person that was recommended to me (they're the only one within this medical group anyway). If you don't like the idea of the commute maybe at least check for closer options just to make that easier on you. I'm lucky that our clinic is about 25 minutes from my house and about 10 minutes from where DH works. If I had to travel an hour each way that would get tiring very quickly. Especially if you're doing IVF and have the monitoring during stims (my RE said I would come in every other day during the week). That's a lot of time spent in the car!

AFM, my consultation went great! Got a papercut on the info folder they gave us, but it was good! We'll start the process once I have my next AF in April. ICSI and embyro testing will be done. My clinic doesn't do fresh transfers so the earliest for the FET is going to be sometime in July so I'll be sticking around here for a few months at least 🙂

For now... Time to relax since we're just waiting!

ruby696

@flinstone-2 My OB gave me two referrals and I went with the closer,  brilliant, but completely lacks bedside manner, choice. I did have to pay OOP for the consult and for everything else. A few hundred bucks is nothing in the long run, especially if it results in a baby. Just my two cents.

@inthewoods23 I'm so glad your consultation went well and you have a plan! 

AFM: I have an US at 10:00 to check eggs. Hoping for a couple mature ones and REALLY hoping I don't have to trigger until this weekend. I have a conference all day tomorrow that I can't get away from, but I'm wide open after that. 

chichiphin

@inthewoods23 I'm so happy your consultation went well - I'll be stalking you 100%
@ruby696 fx for lots of big ones (but not too many to cancel!)

kbrown2385

@ruby696 fx for a great ultrasound!

flinstone-2

@ruby696 @inthewoods23 thank you two for your input. I'm going to at least call around and see what other options are proximity wise, but will probably go with the referral. 

ruby696

Okay, so I have one 20mm follicle ready to go (an underwhelming response to clomid, according to my RE with no bedside manner 😒). IUI likely Saturday. 

ETA: words

crookshanks10

@flinstone-2 I would see what all clinics are near you and research their success rates/reviews and go from there. I did have to pay for my IVF consultation and my clinic is 2 hours one way, but it's the best clinic in the state, so to me, it was worth it.
@inthewoods23 Yippie! I'm glad you have a game plan (: I don't think my clinic really does transfers either. I feel like many are going towards FETs only. Here if you have any questions!
@ruby696 I think a 20mm follicle is wonderful! That's a perfect size. GL with your IUI! (: 

inthewoods23

@ruby696 1 egg is all it takes! GL!

celticknotfire

@inthewoods23 that's great that your consult went well!

@ruby696 I only had one follicle on clomid and my RE was happy about that so don't be too upset.  Good luck!

@flinstone-2 I went with the RE office that had the best reputation.  I can't find it now but there are sites that show clinic's success rates for IVF and it breaks it down by age.  When I have some time tomorrow I'll try and link them.

AFM; I had my nurse appointment today to start IVF.  Also had to write the big fat check and that one hurt.  As long as anesthesiology approves me Monday I start my injections on the 28th!  I have to have a special appointment with them because anesthesia and I don't always get along so they want to review everything but I don't anticipate any problems.  Because I am a slow/poor responder to previous medications she is starting me at a higher dose of Gonal than normal.  It's a process but one I am more than ready to start! 

celticknotfire

I found the website that has success rates if anyone is interested it's https://sart.org/clinic-pages/find-a-clinic and it has a lot of good info for anything related to IVF.  I hope everyone that hasn't reached the point of IVF has success but for those of us headed down that path I hope this helps!