IF Testing and Treatment w/o 4/15

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: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep?

celticknotfire

I guess I'll jump in and hopefully I can keep up with the responses!

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): IVF/FET

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just had my ER on Friday so next step in FET

How are things going?: We got 9 eggs, all were mature and 7 fertilized!  So now we wait for the next report.  I'm still pretty sore but the bloating in starting to go down so that will help.  My abs feel like I did a super intense ab workout.

Any questions?:  If my ER was on Friday would Tuesday be the day 5 update?  I'm asking because the nurse said something about getting an update on Saturday from the genetic testing and that didn't make sense to me.

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep? Sadly I don't use a lot of apps on my phone.  Amazon, my portal for all my doctors (like my chart), Pinterest, Uber eats, Google maps

kbrown2385

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained rpl

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): wfaf

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

How are things going?: I just go the call this morning that the SA was normal and it’s a go for clomid this cycle. I’m super nervous about it 

Any questions?: I don’t think so

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep? Kindle, internet browser, Google maps, my bank and texting. 

ruby696

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Follostim, IUI #2, progesterone. 

How are things going?: Okay. I had my CD7 US yesterday and had one giant follicle, so they're having me trigger tonight. It seems really early, but E2 confirmed it's not a cyst. I only had one good follicle after taking Follistim, so I'm pretty bummed that my body is just not responding the way I'd hoped. Silver lining is i don't have to worry about a canceled cycle, I guess.

Any questions?: No, not today.

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep?
1. My bank app
2. Password keeper
3. Texting
4. Google
5. Fitbit

ETA: changed apps - how did I forget texting??

chichiphin

Is it okay if I sit with you guys?
@kbrown2385 I'm glad the SA result was good for clomid this cycle, but I am sorry that you are WFAF now  
@ruby696 what size was the follie? I'm really glad it isn't a cyst. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): LPD & MF issues

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: good so far - going in tomorrow to check on the big follie i have going on and see where we are at. I have a feeling I'll be Oing super early this cycle. 

Any questions?: not today

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep?
Mail 
Texting 
Instagram
Pandora
uhh... I guess my dog walker app for our dogs? lol

ruby696

@kbrown2385 So glad YH's SA was normal. Clomid wasn't that hard on me. Hopefully you'll do fine on it.

@chichiphin It was 20mm yesterday. Part of me still thinks it's a cyst, but logically, I know my RE wouldn't go forward with IUI if it was, so I'm just trying to have faith in the process.

chichiphin

@ruby696 I totally get that line of thinking - so they know if it is a cyst or not based on E2? Like if it is too high or low?

kbrown2385

@ruby696 I’m surprised it’s already that big. it’s so early! Fx this works for you!

@chichiphin fx the follicle is nice and juicy (🤢)😆

ruby696

@chichiphin Yes, exactly, although they didn't tell me what the result was, just that it wasn't a cyst. I was so sure it was a cyst when I left, that I didn't even have my head together enough to ask questions when they called later. 

@kbrown2385 I know, it's making me pessimistic already. Why can't any of this be easy??

chichiphin

lol @kbrown2385 I'm going to name it lucy lucy apple juicy 

ETA: sorry for the awful RHOBH reference lol

marebear15

@celticknotfire - FX for those seven lucky eggs!

@kbrown2385 - Good news about YH SA. Hopefully Clomid isn't too bad for you and works!

@ruby696 - Wow that is an early trigger! FX this is the one that works for you.

@chichiphin - What size does a follicle have to be to trigger? Just think, a quicker trigger is a quicker cycle!

Diagnosis (if you've been): None yet

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Talking to my OB about ordering a progesterone test this cycle, and a full workup next cycle. DH has a GP appointment this week to discuss an SA.

How are things going?: Pretty good! I'm glad I waited another cycle before testing. I wasn't mentally ready for it last month, plus we had all that cardiology appointments and scares, and I'm glad I didn't have all of this on top of it. Now I'm excited about getting some tests run and hopefully some answers.

Any questions?: Does anyone else have to do everything for IF OOP? What were you able to get covered under general testing and what wasn't?

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep? Facebook, Instagram, Chrome, Calendar, Weather? I'll probably change my mind later.

chichiphin

@marebear15 If my OB ordered anything, it was all covered under general medical care. I even can see an RE and get it covered as general medical care as long as I don't do an IUI or IVF. I can be monitored for TI with meds and it is all covered. You might want to call insurance and ask about that specifically. AFM - my last monitored cycle I didn't trigger & my follie got to at least 28mm with no issues, so I certainly have runway! 

marebear15

@chichiphin - My insurance specifically states that no IF related expenses are covered including diagnosis, treatment, and medications. It's that diagnosis part that's worrying me. 

kbrown2385

@chichiphin I’ll take all the references haha

inthewoods23

Ok, maybe I should have made the note that you don't need to include messaging and phone apps since those are the basic workings of a phone lol!

@celticknotfire so exciting to have all those eggs! Are you doing the FET right away during your next cycle?

@kbrown2385 glad you have a normal SA!

@chichiphin I would much rather O early than to be waiting forever. Hope everything looks good when you get it checked out next!

@marebear15 I haven't looked too much into the details of what has been covered for us. I think all our USs got covered so I'm guessing that was considered general testing stuff.

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): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): BCP since the clinic is in a down period, then IVF stuff next month

How are things going?: good. I look forward to a light AF being on BCP this month which is nice since I'm just about out of all my pads and tampons

Any questions?: My ER is scheduled for mid June (estimated date is 6/11). FET the following month in July but we have a vacation 4 weeks after and I'm super worried we're going to have to modify our vacation to accommodate a transfer. Can I take BCP for a few days to push off my cycle by a few days?

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep?
1. TB since this mostly how I bump
2. Facebook
3. Reddit
4. FF or Flo
5. Wordscapes game (gotta have some entertainment)

emmasemm

@inthewoods23 you might be able to do it with a progesterone only to slightly alter your cycle dates if that’s all you need. But one thing I learnt about treatment cycles, whatever you plan for your body will time it differently!

@marebear15 glad you’re moving forward with testing and feeling good about it

@chichiphin fx for Lucy Lucy apple juicy!

@ruby696 wow that is quite early - maybe you might benefit from some light estrogen priming to line your follicles up better and prevent an early lead follicle in case this cycle doesn’t work. Early recruitment is typical of DOR.

@celticknotfire 7 is fantastic - and day 5 would be Wednesday. If the clinic is doing PGT-A in house they certainly could have results by Saturday. Some even offer testing early day 5 (if the embryo is already made it to blast) and results by day 6 so you can transfer it without having to freeze!!! 

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR AMA autoimmune adenomyosis

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TTA

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Had a polypectomy, follow up with RE on Wednesday

How are things going?: Recovery from the surgery last week was a bit tougher than I expected. Today was the first day with no fresh blood. I think this was partly because they opened my cervix to 8.5cm!!! Like holy moly! 
I have a follow up with my RE on Wednesday to discuss what to do about the adenomyosis.

In other news one of my team just completed the Boston Marathon in under 3.5 hours!!! 
And now ***TW for PG family mention***

My sister called yesterday to tell me she is pregnant with number 2. She already has a 2yo. My brother has 3 from 2-8. They all conceived within 3 months of trying each time.
I’m happy for her, but like ahhhhhh. How can they all be so fertile and me so infertile...
She was sensitive when telling me without overdoing it, which did help as much as possible in the situation.

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep?

Hmmm... so assuming I could use google maps within Chrome or Safari... then I wouldn’t need google maps or instagram or TB etc separately..

WhatsApp 
Calendar/Mail
Music
Camera
Shazam 

ruby696

@emmasemm I'm sorry your recovery has been harder than you expected. And sending hugs re: your TW. 

I'm assuming if I trigger at CD8, a potential egg is probably not mature. So this cycle feels like a waste. Ugh.

emmasemm

@ruby696 the maturity is basically governed by the size of the follicle at the time it gets the LH surge (or the fake one from the HCG trigger) - so if your follicle is big enough then it’s absolutely possible.

ruby696

@emmasemm Thank you for that. It's hard to stay hopefully when your body is so uncooperative.

ruby696

@emmanemm YGPM

chichiphin

@emmasemm I’m sorry for your TW. That’s wild
how much you were dilated - hopefully recovery gets easier from here on out. 

@celticknotfire somehow I missed yours - that’s a great number!!!

ruby696

@celticknotfire I missed you too - I'm sorry! But hey, great news on your ER!! When is your FET? Also, I would think Tuesday or Wednesday might be your day 5 update (depending on what they consider day 1). Definitely not Saturday. The nurse must have been confusing that with something else.

celticknotfire

@kbrown2385 that's so great YH's SA came back normal.  FX Clomid is exactly what you need!

@ruby696 that's crazy you have a follicle all ready to go.  I guess one is better than multiple and a cancelled IUI.  It's my understanding that a high E2 can indicate a cyst so that might be what they are referring to.  I don't have a date for my FET yet just instructions to call on CD1.

@chichiphin FX for your US today! 

@marebear15 Unfortunately I am OOP for all IUI and IVF treatments but my insurance does cover diagnosis and some monitoring.  Could your OB code it as a cycle abnormality?  By definition an RE does more than fertility so as long as they don't use the code of procreation or infertility in theory your insurance would cover it.  However it does get into a gray area for some as far as ethics.  But since you do have an irregular cycle I don't see why your OB can't do some initial testing.

@inthewoods23 That is so frustrating your clinic can't start you sooner but at least you are getting the show on the road.  I tried to schedule everything for this ER and for the FET but honestly I've given up!  Did you ask your RE about traveling after your FET?

@emmasemm Holy dilation!!!  Hopefully you are over the worst part of your recovery and onto some answers and a plan.  Sorry about your sister that's a tough situation. 

Both of my sisters got pregnant (twice each!) after only trying for 1-2 months so I completely understand how you feel. 

chichiphin

Update - lining is at 7.5mm and Lucy lucy Apple juicy is v juicy at 22mm on cycle day 7. Waiting for bloodwork & then getting our timing schedule, but based off of last time it’s looking like O will be thurs/fri. Recheck on Friday to make sure I ovulated. 

chichiphin

@ruby696 so it seems we are CD/Follie twins this cycle. I did ask my RE how he felt about me O'ing before CD10, and he said as long as it is the right size, he isn't worried - so I'm fx everything for yours!!

ruby696

@chichiphin Thank you for that! I triggered last night, so O tomorrow. FX for us and our giant follies! 

chichiphin

@ruby696

begging4abump

Hi, I hope you guys will have me over here.

Diagnosis (if you've been): none yet; I had my initial re visit a month ago, freaked out a bit, and after seeing that this cycle is a bust, decided to go back for all the recommended testing. We’ve been trying since May 2018 without any success.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): spotting limbo until af officially arrives...I had 5 days of spotting before af last cycle. I’ve got my temp plummet now though, so hopefully today is officially cd1.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): cd3 blood tests, saline tubal perfusion, endometrial biopsy

How are things going?: ugh. Well, not great, feeling a bunch of self-pity and I don’t like the idea of being benched this cycle, but I am constantly worried that I need something to be fixed, so I’m just trying my best, like everyone else. Also, mh is high anxiety about everything right now, so that’s taking its toll. 

Any questions?: does anyone have much info on stp? My internet searches are coming up light. Any advice or tips in general with stp or biopsy tests? I can’t determine if I want dh there or if he should save his pto.

GTKY: If you could only keep up to 5 apps on your phone, which would you keep? Bump, maps, ff, Ibotta (I’m a couponer), camera

@celticknotfire I hope your abs are feeling better by now!
@kbrown2385 I’m glad you made it out of limbo, though of course I would have hoped for a different end result for you. I’m hoping to follow your lead! 
@ruby696 sorry the timing wasn’t as expected, but Fx for you and this follicle! 
@marebear15 you seem like you’re really on top of things. I’m glad you’re feeling good. I keep thinking about you and your family and all the craziness that you had last month. I’m glad to hear that things are settling down. Good luck with setting up those appointments. 
@inthewoods23 glad to hear things are going well. I hope your vacation timing works out. I’m so tired of postponing vacations because I don’t know what my body will be doing at that point. 
@emmasemm I hope you’re feeling better and that your follow up goes well today!! And sorry about the rough tw. I’m glad ys’s approach was better than most at least, but I know that doesn’t take away the hurt.
@chichiphin glad to hear things are moving along well! I hope you get your confirmation on Friday!

I’m pretty anxious about putting my foot in my mouth since a lot of these procedures and meds are new to me, so please do not hesitate to let me know if I misunderstood or overstepped in any way. 

kbrown2385

@begging4abump welcome! I’m sorry you find yourself having to go through testing, but I hope you find answers. Everyone is super knowledgeable here and I’m sure will be able to help with any questions you have. 

For the endometrial biopsy, I was grossly underprepared for it. The dr related it to a Pap smear, and I felt it was so much more than that. I know everyone is different, but it hurt more than just some cramping. I actually yelled (and swore 😬) at the dr. I was fine afterwards and didn’t have any spotting or bleeding but it’s not something I’d want to repeat. I’m not sure about the stp. 

begging4abump

Thanks, @kbrown2385. I also was given the comparison to a Pap smear, so good to know. 

inthewoods23

@begging4abump we were all new to testing and REs at one point, you're fine! It's a lot to take in! I'm still occasionally freaking out over costs of IVF meds but it will pass. I hope you and YH can calm your anxieties to help you get through this! We're always here if you need us.

How could I forget the camera app? It's the only way I take photos now! Might need to revise my list!

begging4abump

Thanks @inthewoods23. I think with all the Peggies lately, I’m on high alert for pushing buttons. It took an embarrassingly long time to write my post here.
Sorry for the stress over med costs. For me, I think knowing that stuff is going to be expensive is one thing, and then seeing actual numbers is nerve racking. I hope those sites help you out with finding some deals, and that the stress calms down regardless.

ruby696

Question to the group: TW re tests

Eta: spoiler 

 about how long does it take for the hCG from the trigger to get out of your system? I'm trying to figure out if I can test before betas

emmasemm

@ruby696 in spoiler as talk of tests 

It depends what dose your trigger was and how fast you personally break down HCG.
I have done 5000, 7,500 10,000 and 15,000 triggers! 
With the 5,000 I had the problem that testing the next morning I could hardly see a line and it was totally gone the next day. But this was a sign I needed a stronger or different trigger.
With 15,000 I could see one clearly first two days and a squinter still five days later.
But I know other people with 5000 don’t see the line completely fade for 5-8 days!
So you can only really be sure if you test asap after trigger every day and then watch it get fainter before it gets stronger again.

celticknotfire

Looks like my FET is going to be pushed back to June now.  Yesterday morning started in the emergency room  with severe right, lower abdominal pain.  After some tests my day ended in the OR with a right ovarian torsion.  But I got to be the honor of being my RE's first torsion case related to stimulation.  I wasn't at risk for OHSS and had even lost all the fluid weight I gained so they don't know why I was so special.  At least they were able to keep it laparoscopic and save the ovary. I've learned there is no planning on anything except the unexpected when it comes to IF

chichiphin

@celticknotfire oh my goodness!!!! I am SO sorry but I am so happy they could save the ovary. Please take care of yourself & rest up friend 

ruby696

Oh my gosh @celticknotfire! How scary! I'm glad they were able to save yourbovary and I hope you're feeling better.

inthewoods23

@celticknotfire oh my gosh! Glad things turned out okay! Yikes!

nitnat007

@celticknotfire Holy Cow! That sounds really painful. I am so glad to hear that you are ok and that they were able to save your ovary. Speedy recovery! 

kbrown2385

@celticknotfire wow! Glad you’re ok and they were able to save your ovary! Hope you’re recovering ok today. 

emmasemm

@celticknotfire oh no! I hope you’re ok and recovery will be as easy as possible.
I know it doesn’t really help but I personally know 11 people who’ve had that - and none of them had IF treatment - sometimes it seems to just happen. 3 of them lost the ovary, the others not. Good you could keep yours!