IF Testing and Treatment w/o 5/13

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: Got any fun summer plans coming up?

emmasemm

Sorry, last week was crazy as we’re in budget season (and I head a finance team...) so this week trying to post before the craziness overtakes me again! I did try to read and love-tit as much as possible.

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR AMA adenomyosis and some Autoimmune stuff thrown in the mix for fun

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO or waiting to start Lupron is more accurate...

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): CD21 (as long as I’ve ovulated by then) I start Lupron to try and get my uterus all calm and peaceful before planned FET in June.

How are things going?:
Ok, it’s a weird month really doing nothing at all - we can’t try as I start the Lupron, so no last minute miracle. 
In other news I’m down 11lbs in 3 weeks, so that’s encouraging. One revelation from following the SCD is that I have a very strong reaction to raw pineapple! Cooked (and puréed) it’s ok, but raw causes me to look within 4 hours like I have a basketball under my tshirt. So no pineapple core in the TWW for me. Puréed spinach makes me vomit was the other finding.
Our garden made some quite big progress - we now have the wall up for the new terrace - removal of the old flooring and backfilling of the whole bigger space should happen end of this week! I’ll do before and after pictures once it’s done!

Any questions?:

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up?
Yesterday we booked to have a weekend back with my family before FET.
Other than that it’s the garden work and all else depends on FET results... which I hate in one sense as it does confirm IF rules our lives right now, but on the other hand I’m not going to do anything to jeopardize the result... and if it’s negative you can bet I’m having all the saunas I can get!

inthewoods23

@emmasemm GL on your FET even though it's a ways away!

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): like @emmasemm, WT start meds - Sunday!

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

How are things going?: I'm trying not to think about June right now when my ER will be. My greatest fears are that I release all the eggs before the retrieval, or that we get nothing to fertilize. But we're doing ICSI so I have faith that will make it easier. Other than these thoughts things are good! We cleaned up our backyard in prep for the contractors to build the new deck and I'm getting so excited! We'll finally be able toaximize our use of the patio underneath!

Any questions?: Can I use FMLA for the ER? I've read they usually recommend like a day or 2 of bed rest after retrieval. I need to talk to HR about that right? My actual question is, what's the process to do that? How to I submit a request?

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up?
Might have a weekend of camping with some friends sometime, otherwise the big plan is a trip to northern WI which I've done with DH's family for the last like, almost 10 years. The last few have been half irritating because SIL gets moody every vacation for the last 4+ years and with her BF now with us it's even worse. But anyway... That's in July and I THINK it's before my FET.

nitnat007

**edit to add tag

@emmasemm Wow! That is amazing progress. Good for you! And really interesting finds with your food allergies too. I always find it so interesting figuring out our bodies and the reactions we have to certain foods, when we have gone years being completely oblivious to them. 
Can't wait to see your before and after pictures!

@inthewoods23 I am not sure how to handle the paperwork side of things, but I would definitely recommend taking a day or two off after retrieval. The day was essential. I went straight home and just passed out for the rest of the day (after MacDonald's that is). 
You will always need to show us before and after pictures when your deck is done!

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, MIF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): On our own

How are things going?: Not too bad. We had a decent weekend and mostly drama free. We did have SIL staying with us, who is special needs. So we were a little restricted with what we could do. But we managed to get some gardening done and hopefully will see some stuff starting to sprout soon. 
I also dragged my poor H to a bodypump class over the weekend. He has never been to a class that I taught, so it was time. The poor thing was doing the "handicap washroom" walk by yesterday afternoon lol. I think I have motivated him enough to start working out again though. yay!

Any questions?:

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? Lots of hiking and camping is always on our list. As much outdoor stuff as we can manage. 

chichiphin

@emmasemm hooray it’s almost FET time!! Congrats on the weight loss! That’s awesome.
@inthewoods23 yay for starting meds - it’s almost time for you too!!! So exciting.
@nitnat007 glad the weekend was drama free and you got some stuff done in the yard - those are always the best weekends 

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): just had the check with the RE - 4 follies at 18, 16, 14, 14. Recheck is Friday 

How are things going?: good - I was very productive this weekend with house stuff. Did a mini bathroom remodel with light and mirror upgrade and some paint. I’m also feeling good about all 4 follies being nice sized - hoping more than one releases for more chances!

Any questions?: not today

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? Sanibel Island FL soon!!! Very excited to relax and do nothing for a week  

inthewoods23

Alright ladies, I just had my SHG and she said everything looks okay except that I have irregular lining. Before I go Googling like crazy... What does that mean???? I asked if that can make implantation difficult and her was response was that they don't know. Argh..

chichiphin

@inthewoods23 did she say why it is irregular? do you know what the thickness is?

inthewoods23

@chichiphin she kind of said something like I might not have shed everything, hence it looking not smooth. And that it's possible that it's just how it happens to look this cycle and maybe has been fine for other cycles

chichiphin

@inthewoods23 I'd be interested to know more - but obviously she's the doc and I am not. The reason I ask is that my last cycle I had an abrasion on my lining **TW** from my d&e **TW** and my RE had zero problems with this, as there are some REs who recommend an endometrial scratch to help the egg "stick" to the scratched endometrium, as the texture can provide some adhesion. Others may have more to offer though!

littleredm

@emmasemm That's awesome about the weight loss. I have a strong reaction to raw pineapple too! it triggers awful migraines for me, which sucks because I love pineapple.

@inthewoods23 I would ask your doctor if the lining would affect anything in the cycle. I wish I could be of more help. I think it's normal to have those fears about the ER. I'm starting to have them too about none of the eggs fertilizing if they get any.

@nitnat007 haha I bet you had fun with YH being in your class!

@chichiphin those sound like good sized follies! That's great that you have multiple ones. Your vacation sounds like so much fun and so relaxing.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Endometriosis, unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Hopefully testing and starting bcp but still waiting on my old RE to send my medical records to the new one.

How are things going?: I've been really sick with a cold the past few days and then got AF yesterday so kind of got hit with everything at once. I've been on the phone all morning back and forth trying to get my medical records sent over so that I can start treatment with the new RE. I'm really trying to have my ER in June but I'm worried things will be pushed back because of the saline sonogram. I've read that a saline sonogram should be done around CD 5 which will be coming up for me soon, but I have a cervical polyp that is scheduled to be removed by my OBGYN on the 22nd so I'm not sure if they will want to do the saline sonogram before that cervical polyp's been removed because they'll have to work around it to get in the uterus. (my IUI they had to do this, it's where I was told I had one.) I can't really ask about it yet though until they get the records from my old RE so they can assess what all I need.

Any questions?:

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? I think my in-laws are planning on going to the beach sometime in August but it's kind of unclear exactly when.

inthewoods23

@littleredm I think she's going to have me do another SHG before the FET to make sure it looks good. I think maybe being back on BC is throwing things off a bit. And she didn't flinch when I mentioned that I noticed I had a lot more small clots this last cycle.

I told her my greatest fears were releasing all the eggs after the trigger before we'd get to the retrieval procedure (she said this can't happen) and then my next fear after that is none of the eggs fertilizing (we're doing ICSI to which she said that won't happen either). Trying REALLY hard not to worry about these (probably) irrational things.

chichiphin

@inthewoods23 bc could be making your cycle funky... I hope that it is all sorted before the FET! 

inthewoods23

@chichiphin me too! Right now I need to worry about keeping my estradiol down. They want it below 60 before starting stims. Of all the BW I've had it's never been below 75, but the RN said the lupron and the BC will help drop that. And it's up to the RE if she wants me to start anyway if it's above that. Hoping things progress well 😬

And omg, I thought all these needles were going to suck, but they're all so short and tiny! The trigger uses the worst needle 😂

celticknotfire

@emmasemm getting close to FET time!  Awesome job on the weight loss!

@inthewoods23 I wouldn't worry too much about ovulating early because they monitor so closely for that.  Your are doing a FET right?  They will check your lining before so that should help.

@nitnat007 that is too funny about YH!  Drama free anything is always nice too.

@chichiphin sounds like you have some promising follicles!  It's too bad you have to wait until Friday.

@littleredm that sucks about your old RE is dragging their feet sending your records.  I would imagine that removing your polyp would make it easier to do the saline sono because they do have to pass a catheter through the cervix.  Also my RE scheduled my sono later in my cycle because it cannot be done while you are still bleeding.

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFFET

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I just had my "nurse talk" this morning and I get to stop BCP on the 21st.  If AF doesn't start (which I don't think it will) I have an US on the 24th and start my estrace and aspirin that day.  My next US is 06/07 and if everything looks good I start decreasing the estrace and start prometrium and PIO.  I am so happy that my PIO is only every 3rd day!!!  Tentative FET date is 06/12.  So the plan is 20 days from the baseline US to transfer! I do not have to take Lupron since I do not ovualte on my own.

How are things going?: I'm so happy things are finally starting to move forward after being stuck in limbo for so long!  This past week MH and I have done some work on the house (like so many others!) because I told him I can't be stripping paint and painting when I'm (hopefully) KU.  We got our back porch water sealed and the railing painted and it looks so much better.  Also I finally have him working on the bedroom and closet doors he took down when we bought the house 2 years ago!

Any questions?:

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? IVF has depleted any savings for vacations but we thought about renting a cabin for the weekend depending on how the FET goes.

emmasemm

@celticknotfire oooh you will be about a week ahead of me for FET!
And does your DH also like to start jobs and then move onto the next one before he’s finished? Mine is a devil for that... 

@littleredm I guess they would prefer to remove the polyp one cycle then do the SHG the next one but if they got around it for our IUI they should be able to for the SHG. Normally they want to do the SHG (or any other evaluation in your uterus) before you ovulate in a cycle so there is no risk of you being KU. When I did my ERA I had to do an HCG blood test the morning before and a pee stick test on that morning so the clinic could prove I was not KU... I mean after 4 years it was highly unlikely but they still needed to check.

@chichiphin wow you did have a busy weekend! And those follicles sound awesome! 

@nitnat007 sounds like we were all busy in the garden this weekend. And I do feel for your DH - how has he managed to never go to one of your classes before?! 

@inthewoods23 ok so the golden rule of IVF is the things you freak out about go fine and things you never dreamed of happen!!! Hopefully you’ve got an experienced RE who knows what she is doing and remember she does this week in week out with dozens of women every month.
Here a bit more info on your worries and questions in a spoiler as it’s gotten huge.
Do feel free to pm me if you’re freaking out any time. 

1. Ovulating before trigger - I was freaked about this too especially as I took triple triggers. The ideal window is 34-38 hours after trigger. Too early and they won’t b able to get the eggs (they stick to the side of the follicle instead of floating in the fluid) or a larger portion will be immature. Too late and they might be overmature or you can theoretically ovulate some or all. Ovulating all is very rare if you’re in that window. Most people if they don’t get many eggs find its because they needed a bit longer, not less time. Most REs schedule your ER 36 hours after trigger exactly so they are in the middle and they also still have an hour or two to spare in case they are running behind on the morning itself. If you’re late on their list for the day they might give you a time 35 hours after but they will expect a delay and you probably end u going down at 36 hours. 
2. No eggs fertilizing. First thing, with a 10+ egg retrieval zero fert is extremely unlikely with close to normal sperm. Even using standard IVF. But that first time they just don’t know and so ICSI is for most people playing it safe. With ICSI fert rates are 100% though - in actual fact there is not much difference in % to standard IVF, but the population is skewed because those doing normal IVF typically don’t have any sperm issues whereas those doing ICSI do. So if you adjust for that yes ICSI is better for fert in most cases. It is still possible to get zero fert with ICSI, though extremely rare. No matter what anyone says you will be so on edge until you get the fert call. We all are. There are also some cases where ICSI makes it worse - if you have very poor quality or fragile eggs, or if you have some hidden sperm issues (here it seems eggs are better at selecting the best sperm than the embryologist!). But with your diagnosis ICSI would be the go to for your first round in any clinic. Like it or not, first IVF rounds are sometimes more diagnostic than we would like.
3. Your lining - as you’re planning to freeze all it doesn’t matter this cycle. As long as your ovaries are quiet (as seen on US matched with that low estrogen level) then thats fine. I would certainly ask them to repeat either the SHG or do a Hysteroscopy (I had two fully awake) to double check you haven’t developed a polyp or anything like that. And yes whilst there is a thought that a small (very very small!) scratch in your uterus either from a scratch, or a biopsy, could possibly help implantation by triggering the immune response on the other hand you don’t want any large areas where it’s not possible for an embryo to implant - just in case it picks that exact spot and then can’t do what it needs to do. 
4. Your estrogen level - yes the BC (depending which one you’re on - I assume it’s a combined pill with estrogen and progesterone) and the Lupron should help bring that down. That will give you the best possible response to the stims.
5. Time off after retrieval - 6 out of 7 times I was great by the time I went to bed the day of the retrieval. You have to take that day off as you have either sedation or anesthesia. You can’t drive or do anything dangerous. No bungee jumping ;-) I did fly home that evening even. The next day I went back to work. During my procedure they put in a rectal pessary which gave prolonged pain relief and this was enough, I didn’t take any other painkillers.
But! One retrieval was not so smooth! I had thought OHSS was only for those with millions of follicles, but apparently not (remember I only had max 4). Because of that I wasn’t really on the lookout for it - and we had already done 5 easy retrievals so i was lulled into a false sense of security. That time immediately after I felt very uncomfortable and was more bloated not less than before. We went back to the hotel and I was sick for about 12 hours. We had to extend our stay another night as there was no way I could travel. The next day we travelled back - in hindsight I should have waited another day. We had my blood drawn to check estrogen levels before we flew. They came back very high. The next two days I worked from home, then we had weekend (I wasn’t feeling up to going rund the supermarket even) so I was pretty much a week out of action. 
So it really depends how you respond and even then each cycle can be different. I didn’t need meds or fluid draining but it was a rough few days.

chichiphin

Tbh I was hoping @emmasemm would come thru for you @inthewoods23 and she totally did haha 

inthewoods23

@chichiphin seriously I think @emmasemm just became my BFF 😄

@emmasemm thank you! That was so helpful to get my mind back into focusing on what's immediately ahead of me and to have faith in the process! My RE said they do retrievals 35 hours after trigger.

Fun fact, the nurse and the RE as they were setting me up for the SHG made a comment that they're trying to figure out the logistics of having 3 egg retrievals TODAY. Not like, for this week, but all today. Omg lol.

littleredm

@celticknotfire I'm so happy that you are getting to move forward! So exciting. FX that everything goes according to plan and no more holdups.

@emmasemm I read all of the information in the spoiler and even though it was for @inthewoods23 I found it really helpful too! Thank you!

madcouplewithabox

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just not really thinking to much about the current cycle. DH starts a new job in June so we will have insurance again. Kind of anxious to see what types of things will be covered.

How are things going?: just very blah. 

Any questions?: not anything right now.

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? I’m going to Ireland in August:)

celticknotfire

@madcouplewithabox not going to lie so jealous that you are going to Ireland!  I hope you have so much fun and maybe have some luck of the Irish

madcouplewithabox

@celticknotfire it’s on the top of my travel bucket list❤️❤️ So flipping excited. 

keikilove

@emmasemm Even though you said you’re oddly doing nothing this month, it sounds like a lot! Your garden work makes me wish we had space for a real one. Hope all goes well in this month leading up to FET! 

@inthewoods23 @nitnat007 @celticknotfire@chichiphin You ALL are making me feel so much FOMO with all this talk of house & garden improvements! Sounds like so much fun (that I have no energy or time for!). 

@littleredm Hope they get all the paperwork straightened out for you ASAP. That’s the worst. 

@celticknotfire Yay for forward movement, almost there! Hope everybody here gets KU this summer😊

@madcouplewithabox Also so jelly of your trip to Ireland! Enjoy that SO much! (And also feeling very blah right along with you. Sorry.)

AFM, sorry I’ve been in & out recently. Insanely busy time at work & some unusual negative thoughts kept me from posting much lately.

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, DOR, blood clotting issues, autoimmune stuff

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO but RE benched us because she had to repeat some testing so not really 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Seeing the new RE tomorrow w MH. It’s his 1st time at any of these appointments. We are finally doing his SA. 

How are things going?: Very blah.  RPL bummers got the best of me the last couple months or so, lots of doubtful thoughts pushing their way to the surface. I’m usually an eternal optimist so not used to the negative outlook. 

Any questions?: Anything we should be asking the RE as a couple? I have a feeling that we are headed toward IVF w PGS testing since we can’t be sure that my RPL isn’t due to old eggs (along with everything else). Anything regarding this that we should be asking? Thanks in advance! 

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? Just hoping to catch my breath and really relax a bit! It has been an insanely busy few months. TTGP & trying to treat autoimmune stuff simultaneously has been a full-time job on top of my real job. I know you all get it. 

celticknotfire

@keikilove I'm sorry you are dealing with so much right now. Hopefully this new RE can answer some questions and develop a treatment plan that works for you and YH.  I'm very fortunate that MH goes to all my appointments and I have found just having him there makes me more comfortable and he helps remember anything I may forget.  You are a tricky case because of the autoimmune and clotting disorder so I would ask questions specifically related to your conditions.  The first thing that comes to mind is what changes to the standard IVF protocol can they make to give you the best possible chances.

begging4abump

@emmasemm I’m looking forward to those garden pictures! I guess you won’t be planting any pineapple or spinach out there. It’s crazy what can really get our bodies angry! I hope your uterus finds all the calm and peace! 

@inthewoods23 It sounds like you’ve been dealing with extra worries lately, so I hope all of @emmasemm’s info and advice brought you some peace. I hope your dr gives you more insight soon about your lining too.

@nitnat007 that’s awesome that you had YH out at the class you teach. How long did that take to happen? I took mh (fiancé at the time) to a jazzercise class and I LOVED every minute of it. In fact, the only other guy there was the instructor’s husband.

@chichiphin Yay! I’m glad you’ve got multiple follicles to watch, and that sounds like a pretty great bathroom upgrade! It’s so nice when multiple things are headed in the right direction!!

@littleredm I hope the paperwork makes it to the right hands soon. That sounds so frustrating to deal with! I hope the timing works out. I think my re paperwork asked for the sonograms to be around days 7-10, but I my re was on vacation and I had a few procedures jammed into one week, so I had a saline tubal perfusion on cd13, an hsg on day 15 and the camera thing the next day, which is also when the re took a biopsy, so maybe there’s hope you won’t have to wait another month, but I really don’t know. Hang in there! I have such a hard time with having to keep moving the timeline in my head too, but I hope you won’t have to!

@celticknotfire I’m glad to hear that you’re excited about your plan! Also, I’m super jealous that you’re taking care of your peeling paint. That’s on our very long list of things to do. We also keep talking about how we should replace our asbestos siding and a million other projects...and we’ve lived here for over 4 years. 

@madcouplewithabox I hope your insurance turns out to be great! Oooh an Ireland trip sounds fantastic!!

@keikilove Girl, I am so sorry you’re feeling down. Being benched is so hard. I’m glad YH is coming to the appointment. I went to a couple without mh, but having him there really helped, so hopefully this next appointment sets things off in a more optimistic direction. I’ll be thinking of you!

begging4abump

Diagnosis (if you've been): endometriosis 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): tww, benched

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I had my laparoscopy last Tuesday. The RE was able to remove some adhesions in order to move one Fallopian tube back in place and the other tube mostly got cleared out by “power washing” it while the other one was clamped. I have my follow up tomorrow.

How are things going?: ok. I’ve spent some time trying to understand my new diagnosis, but I feel like I’m really no closer to understanding it. Also, I’m not someone who asks for help much, so while the lap wasn’t a super intensive surgery, it was surgery, and I did need to lean on mh and my mom hard for a couple days. I’m hoping that I didn’t strain anything too badly with my hardheaded-wanting-to-do-things nature. I’m a little nervous for the check up. I’ve been spotting since the procedure, but nothing that’s on the list for “call the dr right away if” so hopefully tomorrow I’ll get some reassurance that we’re ok and on track.

Any questions?: nah 

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? We’re vaguely talking about camping one weekend next month and we’ll be joining my family in the outer banks in July. 

chichiphin

@begging4abump I'm glad that the laparoscopy was able to remove some things and your tube is cleared out. hopefully this is what you need and you're recovering well - gl at the check up. 
@keikilove I'm sorry for the stress of it all. perhaps the SA will shed some light on the situation, and you might want to ask if the sperm could have any DNA issues that could be a factor with RPL. I forget - did you ever do cytogentics or karyotyping?
@madcouplewithabox omg I am SO jealous of Ireland. It is on my bucket list as well!!!

madcouplewithabox

@keikilove that sounds like so much to deal with at once! And it’s so ok to have feelings of doubt and to question things. Just all part of the process that goes with IF crap and you have a lot on your plate right now:( sending tons of hugs your way!

@begging4abump Needing help when you’re an independent person is soo frustrating and I’m glad you have people around to help you through that. Hopefully you can get that sense of self back. I had to laugh at your your description of “power washing”. But it does help me understand what you’re describing. Have fun on your camping trip! 

celticknotfire

@begging4abump your lap sounds promising!  I can totally relate to your frustrations about having to lean on someone for help.  GL with your follow up!

littleredm

@begging4abump It's always tough when you have to lean on others for help. It's definitely surgery. try to take it easy and not push yourself too hard.

@madcouplewithabox oh wow Ireland is a dream destination of mine! I hope you have a wonderful time!

@keikilove I'm sorry you've been dealing with so much. It can be so easy for those negative thoughts to creep in during this process. I hope that speaking to your RE gives you new hope and a plan to move forward that you feel confident with.

So all paperwork has been sent and it looks like I'm going to be starting birth control tomorrow for 2 weeks and then stims/monitoring for IVF. I still haven't had a chance to talk to the nurse on the phone though so I still need to ask about the SHG test and whether that's possible or if it'll push us back. She's supposed to call me tomorrow. I'm so excited to be moving forward but also kind of terrified.

inthewoods23

@littleredm the SHG shouldn't push you back. I started BC again last week Weds on the 8th and was told to schedule my SHG after AF (no bleeding allowed when this is done) but before starting lupron. It should be part of your calendar/protocol for this round.

nasah15

Hi Everyone. I'm not sure where to post at this time but I feel this is where I would belong. I used to be active a year ago on the daily threads but kind of disappeared as I felt so mentally exhausted of the whole TTC process. I have however been lurking here for a while now.
 In short me and my husband don't live together as he works in another city but we meet up every weekend. We tried TTC for a year and nothing happened so started the process of testing. Just found out recently that I have a blocked left tube, hydrosalpinx. Previously I had been having some intermenstrual bleeding and my OBGYN was concerned about polyps/fibroids. She did a pelvic USG which showed a hemorrhagic cyst on the left and then said I should get a HSG as well which then showed the blockage but no polyps or fibroids. She has referred me to a RE but its been 2 weeks and I haven't heard anything from the RE office. I've just been so sad over this diagnosis and not knowing what caused the blockage or what the way forward is. I feel its probably endometriosis as I don't know what else could explain the blockage. Anyway I hope it is ok with you ladies if I join in here.

begging4abump

Hi, @nasah15. I’m a newbie myself when it comes to this IF stuff. I’m sorry you’re going through so much right now. Getting half answers and then waiting is so stressful! Have you called the RE to see if they’ve seen the referral? If they don’t respond to you in a couple days, maybe you could get your gyn or gp to refer you to someone else. I hope you get some answers soon!

PrettyPalomino

Diagnosis (if you've been):  First RE appointment tomorrow

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW (with BFN today, 14DPO)

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nada. Expecting AF today/tomorrow

How are things going?:  **TW** Hello I'm new(ish) here! I'm on about cycle 24 of TTGP. Our first appt with an RE is tomorrow. I wish I had started the process earlier but I didn't even realize how much time had gone by with DD keeping me busy. I have mixed feelings. I wanted so badly for my "kids" to be close in age, and on the flip side I feel guilty/ungrateful that one isn't enough. 

Any questions?: I have NO idea what to expect in our initial consultation tomorrow. The welcome package says they may run tests (including physical, blood work, pap) but AF is due today/tomorrow so I don't know if there'd be anything worth testing at this point in a cycle, and they prob won't be able to do the pap. Anyone remember their first ever appointment?

GTKY: Got any fun summer plans coming up? This summer, we are attempting camping with a 2.5 yr old! It's either going to be epic or an epic fail.

chichiphin

Hi welcome @PrettyPalomino. If you start AF today, they could in theory run CD3 Bloodwork tomorrow. My RE will do it day 2 or 3 of the cycle. They can also look at your AFC that early with a transvaginal ultrasound. 

Also the TFAS thread may be a good place too, as mentions of LO is welcomed there. 

inthewoods23

@PrettyPalomino have you done any testing with your regular OB? My initial RE appointment we discussed those a little bit (his SA, my HSG exam). I also had to fill out a couple pages of medical history that we went over. For my RE, you have to start with CD3 BW and US. Once they have that info you'll have a follow up with them to discuss what they feel is the best course of action. There may be a bit more to discuss since you already have a LO too.

There's a Secondary IF board on TB as well but I'm not sure if it's active, same with the TTTC (trouble trying to conceive) a Sibling board.

PrettyPalomino

Thanks @chichiphin & @inthewoods23I'm glad it won't be a total waste of time! Didn't know they would check things in first week of a cycle so that's great, it'll feel like something's getting done. Also, I will take a look at those boards

It's a bit different in Canada, your relationship with the OB ends when baby is born and you go back to your family doc, who usually can't do a thing about infertility and you just get referred to a RE. I have no idea if it's me or him or both of us. Fingers crossed it's simple and easy to treat...

chichiphin

this cycle is already making me crazy. as mentioned in the randoms, I've already rearranged schedules to HIO because I convinced myself I was O'ing early. I'll probably force MH to HIO tonight when he's back from a work trip to make sure we have everything covered. My RE monitoring appt is tomorrow though, so we can get some answers as to where these follies are at - they def haven't released yet though because I can feel all four of these suckers still

celticknotfire

@chichiphin it sounds like you have everything covered just in case.  FX for a good US tomorrow and to ovulating soon so you can get some relief!

inthewoods23

You guys, my IVF brain is not working.

This morning I saw that FF is giving me a FW that starts this weekend and I started panicking about O'ing before starting Lupron on Sunday and that means no eggs to retrieval and no future FET, etc.

And then I remembered I'm on BC.... 😆

madcouplewithabox

@inthewoods23 you’re my fave 🤣. Sorry for the  unnecessary freak out you had to go through. ❤️❤️❤️

inthewoods23

@madcouplewithabox I will happily tell all the funny happenings during this process if it's welcomed 😄

I shall call it My Brain on IVF