IF Treatment and Testing Week of 10/21/19

NYTino24

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 current fashion trend do you just not understand?

NYTino24

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, RPL, LP defect / low progesterone, low morph?

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): beta this morning, which I know will be negative... I’ve got cramping, which I’m pretty sure means AF is coming 

How are things going?: Looking forward to Disney and hoping to have something else to focus on after the trip is over. It may get in the way of an IUI so I’m not sure if we will do a medicated TI cycle or IUI next time. 

Any questions?: After all of the crazy blood clots and fluid post O for me, would you push for a lower dose of Clomid (started at 100), ask to switch to Letrozole (also because it really affected my lining), keep things the same, or go off meds?

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand?
The sharp, pointy nails... yuck!

emeraldduchess

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained IF, unexplained RPL, possible luteal phase defect/low progesterone 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: I am ok. This last busted cycle hit me pretty hard because of the timing. *TW*

My SIL is visiting with my nephew and there was an impromptu family get together yesterday that included another infant in addition to my nephew. I did tear up, but I got through it and really enjoyed meeting and playing with my nephew. My MIL, FIL SIL and few of DH's aunts and cousins know a little of what we're going through so they were very kind. 

I am anxious about whether or not we'll really be able to go through with the IUI because DH and I have some pretty strict work commitments in the next few weeks.

Any questions?: Nope. I am calling the RE today to ask about monitoring with ultrasound and bloodwork. 

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? Buying jeans that are already ripped/the ripped jeans trend in general. 
Edit: spelling 

emeraldduchess

@NYTino24 good luck today. I hope that you and your doc can come up with a plan for the new cycle that works with minimal complications. 💚

jennifer_louise

@NYTino24 well I'll keep my fx for you today anyway, I'm hoping you won't need to worry about timing next cycle.

@emeraldduchess I'm so proud of you for making it through such a triggering weekend! ***TW"*** I will also have to meet a brand new niece at Christmas and I hope I can channel your strength. ***end TW ***.  IKWYM about the challenges of scheduling an IUI, but hopefully it works out for you.

Diagnosis: unexplained

Status: TWW

What are you doing this cycle? Letrozole + trigger + IUI + Progesterone

How are you doing? Alright. IUI #1 is done. I had a crying spree on the car on the way home from that (sorry, H). My RE will only do 3 IUIs for me, so only two to go unless we decide to do IVF after. I'm not feeling great about the IUI timing at all. Thankfully I believe insurance will cover everything but the sperm wash (although I did submit a claim for that, we will see) so it's not a huge waste of money if it doesn't work. Also, I'm not looking forward to the effect of Progesterone this TWW either. Sorry to be a mopey Myrtle. It was a hopeless kind of weekend. 

Any questions? Nope, not atm. 

GTKY: one fashion trend I've never understood is ear gauges. It seems like it would hurt if you got it caught on something and it also seems like you can't really go back to regular ears after. And one recent fashion trend I love (I know this wasn't part of the question, but oh well 😆) is colorful frames for glasses. I've been wearing glasses since age 5 and I've always been team bright frames. But now they're actually cool for adults, which I dig. 

feather_heather

@NYTino24 -  Sorry about the cramping. When are you going to Disney? I'm so jealous! My sister works there and I'm way overdue for a visit!

@emeraldduchess - Sorry about the weekend. I'm glad you were able to push thru and have fun with your nephew. I said this weekend that I might need to start blocking all the pregnant people on Facebook, because I'm starting to not be okay when I see all of their posts. 

@jennifer_louise - It's okay to cry! It's all so overwhelming and we can't bottle it all up forever! What are the side effects from progesterone? I'll have to use it as well this cycle.

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: Good! All my meds were delivered on Friday, so I spent some time over the weekend organizing them and watching all of the instructional videos online! Hate that they all have different instructions - pinch skin, don't pinch skin, leave in for 10 seconds, inject here, inject there... gosh it's overwhelming! I had my baseline ultrasound this morning, so now I'm just waiting for my RE to call to give us the go ahead to start tonight. 

Any questions?: Did you take the day after your egg retrieval off as well? My RE recommended it, but I really don't want to miss anymore work. I work a desk job, so I'd just be sitting at a computer all day anyways. 

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? - Athleisure with big hoop earrings - pick a lane.

kpearse99

@NYTino24 I would certainly ask about lowering your Clomid dose or about switching to Letrozole. It can't hurt to ask those questions.

@emeraldduchess I am glad you were able to enjoy your weekend still with family. I know what it's like to be nervous about the timing of the IUI, I had to worry about that the last two cycles and it's not fun. Let us know what they say about the Trigger and all of your other questions you have for your RE. I hope the timing works out just great for you!

@jennifer_louise Why do you feel like the timing was not great for the IUI? You did the trigger right? What was your blood work like on the day of the tigger?  I hope your side effects from the progesterone aren't that bad.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained IF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Increased letrozole to 7.5, Ovidrel and IUI #2

How are things going?: Much better than last week. I'm back to being in a really good frame of mind and being excited and hopeful that this cycle WILL be the one.  DH and I are getting away this week for a few days to Charleston, we leave Wednesday, so we are really looking forward that. It is much needed after last week's news. And it should be the very start of our FW so we'll get some good/fun timing in too, which is always a plus!

Any questions?: nope.

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? I agree with @nytino24 on the long pointy nails. I also don't understand the hairstyle where one side of the head is shaved and the other half is long. To each their own though!

nitnat007

*edited to add tag

@NYTino24 Still have FX for you and hoping that those cramps are something else. Sending hugs either way. 

@emeraldduchess I am so sorry to hear that. Those situations are so tough to be in. Hoping that you are able to navigate your work commitments and still have a successful iui this cycle. 

@jennifer_louise Everything crossed for you! I completely understand the financial woes. It weighs heavy on us too. Hopefully you wont need to worry about it too much. Hope YH spoiled you when you got home. 

@feather_heather Oh yay! You get to start tonight! Wishing you all the best. We are moving on to our second round. What meds will you be on? I found the injections to be fairly easy (although I did not do them myself). I did take the day after my retrieval off as well. See how uncomfortable you are leading up to it. I was extremely bloated so taking the day good. Good luck!

@kpearse99 Yay for fun trips! I hope that you have an awesome time away. You deserve it! 

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, MFI (low morph, acrosome defect)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): First round of meds wil start Nov 1st, then shots Nov 14

How are things going?: The weekend was a lot of painting.....again. I feel like that is all we do these days. But the house is starting to come together. Which has been a good distraction for me right now. I did send my friend an email and explained why I would not be able to attend her event. (Thank you to everyone for the advice). She was very understanding. 
MIL has also been very supportive and gifted us a bit of money towards IVF costs. Hopefully this will not come back to bite me in the a$$ later. 

Any questions?:

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? Super gluing your top lip up for fake duck lip?! What is with the youth of today. 

mvt2003

@NYTino24 so sorry, friend. I'm glad you have the Disney distraction! Disney is truly magical, and I'm so happy for you guys that you get to go! 

@emeraldduchess I'm so sorry this cycle has hit you so hard. I hope you can make the IUI work with your schedule this cycle!! I'm glad you were able to be ok throughout the weekend, being around brand-new LOs can be so freaking hard. 

@jennifer_louise I'm so sorry, friend. I'm keeping everything crossed for you on this IUI just in case. I know the feeling of hopelessness so well, and I'm so sorry. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): Does it count if I haven't seen the Dr yet? The SA came back, it's MFI as we expected. 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Benched for testing

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Testing, I'm going to try to move my doctor's appointment up now that we have the results.

How are things going?: Overall ok - my poor H got the results of his SA back at quite possibly the worst possible time. *TW for LO mention*  I was lining up at the starting line for my 3-mile race yesterday morning while he was solo watching our nephew (stressful for him, crowds of people etc., not exactly conducive to digesting lab results) *End TW* 

I don't have my own copy of the lab report so I'm going by memory here: morphology and motility is in normal range, but count is very low - 3.3 million. I'm assuming we're getting a Straight to IVF ticket. It's weirdly a relief to see that A. there are sperm! and B. there is a reason we're not getting KU, and we can most likely do something about it. 

Any questions?: Nope, now just being a crazy person and trying to plan my fall/winter race schedule around potential treatments. AKA MVT is BSC.  

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? I second @emeraldduchess and it's the ripped jeans for me - when I sit down in a pair of those I look like a busted open tube of biscuits! 

jennifer_louise

Ahhh @heather_feather the side effects on my prescription of Prometrium read like a dream: nausea, headaches, dizziness, weight gain, bloating, fatigue, vaginal bleeding, depression, confusion (?), vision changes. So far I would say I haven't had many, but it's only day 2. I was definitely tired last night, but that could have been unrelated.

@nitnat007 what is this supergluing your lip thing? I am so out of touch, never heard of it at all!! But Omg, sounds ridiculously dumb. 

@mvt2003 congrats on your race, but I'm sorry for the dx on YH. That must have been hard to diges for both of you. If it's straight to IVF for you, I hope it works out fast! 

@kpearse99 they didn't do any BW for me at all after CD2. I have a feeling that the Ovidrel worked really quickly for me and that the IUI was too late. MH said that next time I should ask for BW or ultrasound to verify the timing (are either of those a thing? How do they work?)

kiki047

I have a million things to do today before my boss is off for the rest of the week but I didn't want to miss the opportunity to do my check-in before this thread blows up! Hi ladies! I'm back from my honeymoon (which was amazing!), starting my week off on the wrong foot with CD1 and a whole lotta crying (because obviously I had my hopes up that I'd be a SS IF'er who would miraculously get KU on their honeymoon even though it's basically impossible at this point) and even though I've mostly just been lurking TB for the last few months I'm not ready to quit just yet! 

@NYTino24 GL today, will be thinking about you! 
@emeraldduchess Hopefully the stars will align for the timing to work out for the IUI. I'm sorry for the triggering wkd but glad you got a little bit of bonding time in. *TW* I also had to see my nephew yesterday a mere hour after AF reared her ugly head but thankfully there were enough people around that nobody really noticed that I hardly even acknowledged him *end TW*
@jennifer_louise *hugs* crying after an IUI is perfectly normal in my world. I'm sorry you don't have a good feeling about it already. FWIW, I didn't find that the progesterone affected me much as my charts looked basically exactly the same and other than a few hot flashes I felt fairly normal. But I know everyone reacts differently. Also, re: ear gauges, AGREED, my cousin and his gf have them and they look ridiculous. 
@feather_heather wow things are really happening! That's exciting! re: the athleisure and hoop earrings, I never would've thought of that one but now that you mention it, yes! What is that?! 
@kpearse99 so excited for you and YH to get away for a bit. I've been wanting to go to Charleston for a while now too. Hope you have the best time! Also, you're adorable, I love that you added the "to each their own" to the GTKY haha. I say that, but I'm definitely still judging them. 
@nitnat007 hopefully the end of painting is near and the house will start to feel more complete soon. It's tough when you're doing it yourself and having to just keep plugging away at it. That was nice of your MIL for the financial gift, hopefully that's all it was... a gift. As for the glued duck lip... I didn't even know that was a thing and now I'm like WTF.
@mvt2003 I'm so sorry for the bad news on the SA. I don't know if this has been mentioned before but could YH get a referral to see a Urologist or specialist? Has anyone talked to him about the possibility of varicocele? If morph and motility are normal but low count is the issue it might be worth ruling out. @rikiteacup would be a good one to talk to about that, her H had the surgery. 


Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS, some MFI 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Hopefully our 3rd IUI before IVF next year (so letrozole + trigger + IUI + progesterone) 

How are things going?: Well, today is technically CD2 if I count last night's bleeding as CD1 so I'm wallowing. Just called in my day 1 notification to schedule my baseline appt for tomorrow and otherwise just feeling generally hopeless. I had such a good feeling about this cycle, because who wouldn't want to get KU on their honeymoon after 22 months of trying? PSA: relaxation doesn't get you pregnant, folks *end sarcasm* 

Any questions?: We're prepared to move on to IVF after this IUI and my doc said generally we probably have to wait 2-3 months before we can start our ER cycle because of scheduling (on his part). Does that mean we'll be benched during that time or would we just keep doing what we're doing until then? 

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? In addition to everything already mentioned (there have been some really good ones), pants worn beneath the buttcheeks isn't current because it's been around for a while but is one of my biggest pet peeves. And I really dislike glasses with no lenses in them. I wore glasses from age 8 until two years ago when I had lasik done and I think glasses as an accessory are so pointless. Just put clear lenses in them at least! 

kiki047

@jennifer_louise instead of editing my last post I'll just respond here. Being Canadian things are a little different at my clinic because the monitoring appts are all covered by our provincial health insurance but my RE does CD3 monitoring and then at least every other or every 3rd day until my follicle(s) is at or around the size they want to trigger. I would think at the very least you would go in CD3ish and then at least one more time to see where you're at before you trigger. I typically O a little later but for those who ovulate early (like @b_1029) timing the trigger and O and IUI can be more stressful than it needs to be. 

kpearse99

@nitnat007 I bet your house is coming along nicely! I'm glad you followed your heart/gut and emailed your friend about her event then past weekend and I am even more happy that she understood completely. That's a good friend right there.  And amazing news from your MIL!!!

@mvt2003 wow, I am so sorry for those results, but you are right - it's good to know that he has sperm and that there is a reason behind all of this.  How is YH holding up from the news?

@jennifer_louise I would absolutely ask for them to do more monitoring. I'm surprised they aren't since you are on medication, how do they know when you are Oing if they aren't monitoring you or how big your follies are?  I go in on CD12 for blood work and ultrasound. They look at my follies to see how many and what size they are at and if they are under 18mm we wait and come back in 2 days for another ultrasound and more blood work. Last cycle I went in on CD12 and CD14 and was told to trigger on CD15 for the IUI on day 17. I would certainly ask about being monitored more.

@kiki047 I am so happy you had an amazing time on your honeymoon, even if it did not end the way you wanted it to. I'm sorry about CD1. I hope you get to do one more round of IUI before moving onto IVF - I would think you would still be able to try on your own while you are waiting for IVF to start though, but I'm not 100% sure.  And I agree with you on the stupid pants below the butt thing!! How is that even comfortable?!?! I always just want to walk up to them and pull them all the down 

rikiteacup

****lurking****

@mvt2003 This count doesn't = a straight ticket to IVF. The next step for your H is to do another SA in a couple months. If it is still bad, I'd recommend seeing a urologist specializing in fertility. The urologist will try to find out why his count is so low. Depending on what is causing the low count, it could be fixed.

My story is very similar to yours so far. My H's first SA (October 2018) was at 3 million and some change. Also good morphology and motility. His family doctor suggested a repeat SA in December to see if the first one might have been a fluke. In the meantime, he wore loose underwear, reduced his caffeine/alcohol intake and took FertilAid pills with Count Boost and Motility Boost. Second SA in December was better but still not good at 8.9 million/ml. He saw a urologist at the end of January 2019. The urologist saw right away that he had a varicocele. All the veins in his left testicle were varicose pulling the testicles too close to the body. Blood flow was also altered causing too much warm blood to stay in there. The temp was way too high for sperm. The urologist also ran a complete hormone panel and everything came back fine. He wasn't too concerned his hormones were the issue since his morphology and motility numbers were good.
Anyway, the urologist told him he could get a varicocele repair surgery since he had a grade 3 out of 3 varicocele (he doesn't do surgery on grade 1). He told him there was a 70% chance this surgery would fix his count for good. My H had the surgery in early April 2019. I graduated from TTGP in June 2019 after 14 cycles TTC. His first SA post surgery was last July. Even though it was still early (doctor told us it could take 6 to 12 months to see any improvement) his results were great. He no longer has low count.
I hope my anecdote encourages you to explore more options. There may be a solution.

misshelen86

@NYTino24 I hope you have such a good time at Disney! For me, I’d probably take a month off the drugs and discuss with my Dr about either lowering the dose or switching to letrozole. Whatever decision you make will be the right one for you. 

@emeraldduchess Sorry about the poor timing but glad you made it through. I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been. I hope things work out for IUI this month!

@jennifer_louise Yay for being done with IUI #1. Now the dreaded TWW. Glad to hear that insurance will cover most of this for you. Keeping everything crossed for you!

@feather_heather So exciting to see you move forward with IVF. Hope this does the trick for you!

@kpearse99 Glad you are having a better week and you have a trip coming up to look forward to!

@nitnat007 Glad to hear the house is coming together and that your friend was understanding. So nice of your MIL to gift you some money towards IVF. That’s great that your friend was understanding about why you couldn’t go. It’s nice to see that you have such caring friends/family.

@mvt2003 Sorry about the SA results but glad you have some answers. Hope you get in for your appointment soon.

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

 Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  TWW

 What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I have CD3 bloodwork this week and HSG next week.. DH has 2 SA’s and a bunch of genetic bloodwork.. then meeting with Dr to discuss all the testing on Nov 18th 

 How are things going?: Things are going okay. Sometimes I feel hopeful and other times just hopeless and depressed. I have a counselling appointment tomorrow, so hopefully she can help me sort through all these decisions I have to make and help me deal with all the emotions. 

 Any questions?: Did anyone tell their employer what they are going through? I’m really worried that I may have to miss work because of appointments and I kind of want to give my boss a heads up... but at the same time that scares me since I don’t know how understanding she will be.

GTKY: Definitely agree with @NYTino24 about the long pointy nails. Also I don’t understand feathers on shoes or jeans. 

misshelen86

@kiki047 Glad you had an amazing honeymoon!! FX 3rd time is a charm! Sorry you have to wait a few months if you go the IVF route. I’m not sure, but I would think you could keep trying.

mvt2003

Thank you so much @rikiteacup YGPM

mvt2003

@kpearse99 thank you, friend. He's still processing it, I'm never too certain what's going on in that head of his until he decides to share with me! I'm hopeful that we can still make this work in some capacity (it might be treatable!) or if he can't pursue treatment (which may be something we have to deal with, he's lost a good amount of weight in the last year but certainly not enough to bring him to where they want him to be, it's an ongoing process) then we'll still have options as he continues his weight loss. 

@kiki047 If I hear "just relax" one more time, I will show them exactly what the opposite of relaxation is So glad you had an amazing honeymoon!!!! The RE practices I'm evaluating now both have reproductive urologists on staff, so that is absolutely going to be a component of our lives going forward! 

meri-mac

@NYTino24 Keeping Fx for you. Disney sounds amazing! Have a great trip!

@emeraldduchess Sorry about the unpleasant surprise, but I'm glad your extended family was supportive. Hopefully, a IUI work around can be negotiated.

@jennifer_louise We all need a crying spree every now and again. Sending all the good thoughts and hopes your way!

@feather_heather So exciting! We are in the same boat except you are a few days ahead of me. My injections start later on this week! DH is coming with me so we both know what the heck is going on. Fx!!

@kpearse99 Glad you have recovered and are looking forward to this cycle! What a perfect time for a trip as well. Enjoy yourself. Hoping this cycle is the one for you!

@nitnat007 I didn't even know the super glue duck lip was a thing. What is wrong with people?!

@mvt2003 Woohoo for answers and a plan!

@kiki047 So sorry, friend. That sucks. Plaster that PSA everywhere you can. I had visions of being pg the month after we got married because we had such good timing and it was my first vacation in 3 years. At least the honeymoon was nice

@misshelen86 Such a good call seeing a counsellor about this. It can be very overwhelming at times and an unbiased perspective works wonders. I recommend talking to your boss about it, provided she can be discreet. It could make things easier for you. If she is unpleasant about it, you can make plans around work.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained sub-fertility

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: Not too bad. Last day for BCP is tomorrow then baseline BW & US. Excitement is slowly growing. PLUS, curling is on.

Any questions?: Nothing yet.

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? I agree with all of the ones thus far. The ear gauges always gross me out. I'm struggling to think of a different one. I don't pay enough attention to trends, I guess.

NYTino24

Quick update: negative beta. Progesterone dropped in half again to 7.5. AF should be here in a couple of days. On to cycle 11. Back for tags later!

inthewoods23

@NYTino24 enjoy Disney! I know the thought sucks that the trip could interfere with another IUI, but sometimes the break is a good thing. FX your test was just wrong (at the same time who are we kidding) 😔

@emeraldduchess getting together with family is both a blessing and a curse *tw*

Was around my niece this weekend and of course everybody is just infatuated with her which can be annoying. It both hurts but is nice not to have attention on us. Can't be too mad, she's cute as a button. Now if only my uncle would stop the damn duck noises!

@jennifer_louise FX the TWW goes fast and the IUI does the trick!

@feather_heather you'll get the hang of the meds in a few days time. I did not take the day after the ER off. In fact, I was feeling well enough to go out for burgers with my dad and sister that evening 😆

@kpearse99 woohoo for FW while you're away! I'm hoping my ovaries finally kick in soon so our weekend away in a few days starts the FW. I can only hope 🙂 enjoy Charleston!

@nitnat007 that's awesome that your MIL gifted you some money!

@mvt2003 the most relieving part of an SA is just hearing that there IS sperm. I definitely had that worry back then!

@kiki047 Happy to see you back! ugh, don't we all wish it just took a honeymoon to get KU! I was benched on my wait for the ER cycle because they put me on BC. You might be too. 

@misshelen86 I gave a generic "I'm going to be having a lot of medical appointments for a health issue. Don't worry I'm not dying" to my boss only. I really wish I had said something more like "it's not serious" but can't change the past! Be as detailed or generic as you want.

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained/MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO/waiting for my damn ovaries to do anything haha

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): all testing came back normal this cycle 🤷‍♀️ just waiting for the next cycle

How are things going?: had a good, recharging weekend spending part of Saturday with family. Had beef jerky made for our road trip to TN! Can't wait for our mini vacation! Even though that means needing to leave before the sun rises just to get there at a reasonable time in the evening!

Any questions?: Any ideas on what I can do to get my ovaries to do something? OPK lines still basically nothing. They're sleeping. Hoping we can get a FW this month but looking like a big fat nope!

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand?
Definitely agree on the long nails. I always do my typing with the tips of my fingers so even slightly long nails drive me crazy when my nails scrape on the keyboard. I can't stand typing on a keyboard or a phone with the pads of my fingers.

Otherwise, I don't understand fashion that's just plain not practical. I saw a picture yesterday of a purse inside some kind of rectangular plastic case that also had a strap to carry it. Like what the heck why would you even need that for your purse? A purse for a purse???

And to add to that - massively high heels.

nitnat007

@mvt2003 Having results helps, because now you can put a plan in motion and move forward. The fact that there is sperm to work with and there are no other issues, is huge! Hopefully you will get time to process some more and get that appointment moved up. 

@jennifer_louise @kiki047 @meri-mac It is ridiculous. They may as well be eating Tide Pods. 

@kiki047 I feel like the painting is never going to end. But stepping back and looking at things has definitely made it worth it. Just very long winded. I am so sorry that you are back here though. Be easy on yourself right now!

@kpearse99 Thank you. I felt much better about not going, especially with her being so understanding. As soon as I saw pictures posted online, I knew that I made the right call. I would have been a mess. The house is definitely starting to take shape now. 

@misshelen86 I hope that your appointment tomorrow helps you process things and you are able to make the decisions that you need to. As for letting work know, I chose not to. I took vacation days where needed or said it was medical and had no questions. This was a personal choice though as I did not want to share. 

@NYTino24 Sending hugs 

@meri-mac Whoop whoop! Lets get this started!

@inthewoods23 Being in limbo must be so frustrating. Did the RE say that he would give you something to jump start your cycle if it has not started on it's own soon?
Second the non-practical fashion choices. Outfits that you can't sit down in etc. Just why??

For anyone who is interested in duck lips:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLbRfW3OHMA

meri-mac

@inthewoods23 Yay for normal testing!! So glad your weekend was restful and insanely jealous of your pending roadtrip. They are so much fun! Who is in charge of the tunes? 

kpearse99

@inthewoods23 I'm excited for you to get away for a little mini trip too - you really need it and deserve it and it will be so good for you both! I hope your ovaries get their ish together too so you can start your FW!!! Come on ladies!!!

@NYTino24 I'm sorry that your gut was right about the betas I look forward to the rest of your update though on how the talk went for what you'll do next cycle... lower dose of clomid? letrozole? no meds? You were on progesterone supplements, right?

@meri-mac I bet your excitement is really starting to kick it into high gear! I think we are all excited for you!!

inthewoods23

@nitnat007 no, they've only mentioned that it can take a month to get back to normal. I might message them and ask come the first week in November about jump-starting the cycle. All my apps say AF is due early next week so we'll see.

@meri-mac well, it'll be tunes from DH's phone most likely but I'll be the one to change the album's when they end. We plan on switching drivers every few hours though.

@kpearse99 maybe I need to whip out my Jurassic Park gif to get them going 😂

jennifer_louise

@kpearse99 oh sorry for the misunderstanding. They did a CD10 ultrasound to check my follies (found 2 >18mm) and then took the Ovidrel that same day. They noticed fluid near my ovaries which I guess indicates that O is somewhat near. However, they didn't do an ultrasound of BW on the day of IUI to determine if I was ovulating or if I already had. I am not sure if that is even possible, but it would be great to know if the timing worked out. All I can do now is hope my body responded as expected to the Ovidrel. And BTW- all my FX for your IUI this time around!!

@kiki047 welcome back, friend. 💜 I'm so glad you had an epic honeymoon but as always Boooo to AF for ruining the end of it for you. Idk about being benched before your ER but it seems like you may as well keep doing what you're doing if you want to. I believe @inthewoods23 was on BC but I think that was between her ER and FET?

@NYTino24 hugs, friend. 💜 💜 💜 

@meri-mac so exciting that it's getting real for you!

@misshelen86 I did not yet tell my employer about our status. And yes, I randomly leave work regularly for RE appts. It hasn't impacted my work yet because I only work 32 hours/week and my work encourages a flexible balance between work and life. Also thankfully, my IUI fell on the weekend. However, forany who's work is not super flexible, it may be necessary to have that hard convo. Good luck, friend!

@inthewoods23 I'm sorry your ovaries went on vacation this time around. Hope your FW comes fast, or at least you can move onto a new cycle? Also, I don't get ridiculously high heels either. Why destroy your feet like that? Feet are so important!!! 

feather_heather

@nitnat007 - I'll start Gonal-F tonight, and then I also have leuprolide, cetrotide, and chorionic gonatropin injections (not sure when I take all of those??? lol). Ughhh not looking forward to the bloating. I was planning on bringing my bridesmaid dress to be altered soon, and then I realized that I should probably wait that out a few weeks for that very reason!

@jennifer_louise - Ohhh lovely - guess I should read up on the side effects of mine

@kiki047 - Welcome back from your honeymoon! 

@misshelen86 - I told both of my bosses. First it was just "I'm dealing with infertility and I have lots of appointments", but now that we are moving on to IVF, and I'll have even more appointments and have to take time off from work for those (and likely miss mandatory night meetings), plus a day or two off for both the egg retrieval and transfer, I decided I wanted to be open with them. They were very understanding and excited for me. 

@meri-mac - Yay!! Excited to have someone doing it at basically the same exact time!

@inthewoods23 - hahaha sounds like we would be bff's. After my first heart surgery (in high school) I made my mom stop at panera on the way home from the hospital because I wanted a sandwich and cinnamon bun lol

shoogapoff

@misshelen86 I told my boss about treatment just so she would be aware that I might need time off on short- notice. But my employer is very supportive. 

@kiki047 So glad your honeymoon was great! Welcome back (though I'm sorry you're still here).

@mvt2003 I'm glad you have some answers, and hope you get a clear plan. 

@nitnat007 I'm glad your family is supportive of your IVF. I know it can be weird to take money from people, but it's just the season you're in right now. 

@inthewoods23 Sorry your OPKs aren't coming back positive. I'm in the same boat of being frustrated with my body, so I feel ya!

@meri-mac FX for everything to go smoothly!

@kpearse99 Have so much fun in Charleston!

@feather_heather So excited for your IVF to start. FX you get the green light!

@NYTino24 and @emeraldduchess The stress of timing for IUI really gets to me too. Of course, all of my worrying has been for nothing since we have yet to make it that far, but I stress every month that my appointments won't line up with work commitments or going out of town, etc. It's things like that that make this process so maddening!

@jennifer_louise FX this IUI is it, and you don't even need to consider other IUIs or IVF! Although I understand the worry of running out of options. You are allowed to be mopey Myrtle!  

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, Blocked tube

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): ??? On CD 32, with no AF in sight. 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): If AF hasn't shown by Friday, they want to test my hormones, since my cycle is normally 23-26 days. Eventually the goal is letrozole, trigger, and IUI.

How are things going?: Aaaaaagh! I feel like my body is rebelling against me. After 2 cancelled IUI's, can't I catch a break?!

Any questions?:  I don't understand what is going on. When i took clomid 2 cycles ago,  i had minimal side- effects. When I took estrogen, it didn't bother me at all. Now I'm a raging B and feel like everything sets me off. Anyone else have this happen?

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? Hmmm...I'm pretty much a "too each his own" kind of person when it comes to fashion. But if I had to pick...I guess, mom jeans. Like, the really high waisted, awkwardly baggy in the butt kind. I just think there are so many more flattering cuts. But if you like it, go for it!

kpearse99

@jennifer_louise I get it now - my RE doesn't do an ultrasound or bloodwork the day of the IUI either - which I didn't understand why, so I plan on asking why at my next appointment. I also plan to ask if they can at least do blood work the day of the IUI, because I'm curious how all of my numbers look. Maybe it's worth asking for you too?

@shoogapoff we missed you, lady!!  I agree with the mom jeans and I also don't understand why scrunchies and chokers have made a come back!!  Are you on anything right now that would be making you lash out at everything? 

shoogapoff

@kpearse99 Aww, thanks! Totally agree on the scrunchies and chokers! And no, I'm not on anything right now. I guess the same hormonal imbalance that is making my cycle extra long is making me overly emotional? *shrug*

NYTino24

@jennifer_louise I’m sorry you aren’t feeling confident about the IUI. Hope it works out! The ear gauge thing seems like self mutilation to me...
@emeraldduchess Hugs, lady!
@shoogapoff Do they have plans to unblock the tube before moving forward with treatment? I feel like it’s the skinny 20 somethings who wear the unflattering high waisted acid wash jeans, and I laugh because we were stuck in that stuff when it first came out...

NYTino24

Someone in my FB news feed posted this and I think it pertains to all of us here.

jennifer_louise

@shoogapoff were you tracking or charting anything this cycle? Any idea when you O'd? Hope you get some answers quickly!!

@NYTino24 Thanks for sharing that. ❤️

@kpearse99 I think you're right, it's worth asking for extra monitoring! If you have any success with it, let me know!

Also, progesterone ladies. I think the goal of progesterone is to thicken the lining? Should I be prepared for a horrendous AF? 

NYTino24

@jennifer_louise I would say it’s more to prevent early break down of the lining. I haven’t noticed any difference in thickness. In fact mine was much thinner on the Clomid + progesterone this cycle. I usually have a very thick lining and lots of bleeding. 

emeraldduchess

@jennifer_louise I'm sorry you're feeling so down about this IUI cycle. So many hugs. 💚 I am sure I will cry after mine, too. This whole process is such an emotional hell. 

@mvt2003 so sorry that the SA results weren't wonderful. Lots of hugs to you and your H while you process everything. 

@shoogapoff ugh, stupid meds and their stupid side effects. Hope everything calms down! I thankfully haven't had major mood swings but the fatigue and bloating on the progesterone is no picnic. 

kpearse99

@shoogapoff I think the fact that you are not on any meds but have been the last few cycles could be the reason your cycles are little off now. And why you could be more emotional than usual.

@NYTino24 that is beautiful, that you for posting that. Its exactly what I needed to read this morning

jennifer_louise

@NYTino24 thanks! Did your LP lengthen? Mine is about 11 on average but varies. My RE seemed to expect the LP would basically last until I stopped taking the progesterone (14dpiui unless BFP). 

kiki047

@jennifer_louise I normally have a 13 day LP and I still had a 13 day LP while on progesterone then 3-4 days of very persistent spotting and a 5 day period. My friend with LPD (under 10 days) didn't get her period until 2-3 days after she stopped the progesterone, whenever that was. I think it really depends on how well your body processes it too since we know progesterone is notoriously difficult to absorb. 

b_1029

Hiiii I’m back. I have a lot to catch up on and will come back with tags soon. Just want to say @keikilove and @kpearse99 i am so, so sorry ❤️❤️

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): letrozole (went back down to 5mg) + trigger + IUI 

How are things going?: ummmm well I cried through my entire ultrasound yesterday if that tells you about my mental state atm. I was very over tired from the wedding weekend and just generally frustrated, then the RE asked how I was feeling about everything which just opened a can of worms (tears hah). I had 3 follies (20, then I don’t remember if the other 2 were 19, 18, or 1 of each) and triggered this morning at 5:30. IUI is scheduled for 1 pm tomorrow. I’m sort of freaking out because one of the things the Re said yesterday was she typically recommends that we start talking about IVF after 3 IUIs and I’m just like oh cool already on 2. I just need to get out of my head. 

Any questions?: nope 

GTKY: What current fashion trend do you just not understand? So many... the first one that comes to my mind is platform sandals/shoes in general

edited, can’t type 

emeraldduchess

@b_1029 welcome back! I was just thinking about you and wondering how you are. Lots of hugs, friend. 

kpearse99

@b_1029 oh, how I have missed you, my friend!!!! It's okay that you released all of that out during your u/s yesterday. You obviously needed to do that, so it's good that you did. Yay for triggering today and IUI tomorrow!!! FX for you that THIS is the ONE!!  I'm curious - Why did you drop down to 5mg of letrozole? I don't remember - were you producing too many follies on 7.5?