IF Testing and Treatment Week of 1/20

kiki047

@misshelen86 YAY for having a surgery date!! So exciting!! And I try to tell myself that it's not like people are talking shit about us behind our backs, but it still feels a little gossipy when it's something we're trying to be selectively private about. I've mentioned it before but part of my hesitation to talk about it openly is to protect MH because he's been through this before with his ex and this is so triggering for him to have people constantly ask him "how things are going". Loaded question much? 
@tryingktogku oh yeah, I don't even go down the PCOS rabbit-hole. But speaking of which, I worked with my naturopath to regulate my cycles and I like to think it worked. My RE eventually put me on Metformin but for the 2 months I worked with my naturopath I had 2 normal-length cycles (though my RE still claims I wasn't ovulating). I can send you a PM with what we tried. 
@abarr723 it's possible to have PCOS without the cysts. It manifests in a bunch of different ways, which is another reason why it's so underdiagnosed. As for helping YH out with his performance anxiety, MH was the same way. For us it just helped to reassure him that it's a routine test, and whatever the outcome you're going to get through it together. I know some ladies "helped" their husbands get going and others (like MH) were shy and preferred to do it on their own. We sometimes forget that they feel the pressure too. We joke that it must be nice to have it easy and just have to jerk off into a cup but not everyone can just produce a sample on demand. 
@nitnat007 So many people rub my belly. It doesn't help that I've put on some weight lately too because of all the drugs (and depression) so they all actually think I'm KU.   so thankful for our TTGP community so we can come here and vent when we can't throat punch people IRL. 
@feather_heather Glad the hysteroscopy looked normal! That's good news. Your MIL sounds like my Mom. And when I asked her politely to please stop bugging me about it, she just goes behind my back and bugs MH about it instead. Her favourite line is "so how's Missy? She's mad at me again..." 

bluetickgal

@tryingktogku I‘ve been prescribed Provera 4 different times now and I’ve always gotten my period within 8 days after taking it, and as early as 2 days after. You take the pills for 10 days and should get your period within 10 days of the last pill. I was prescribed Prometrium once, but it didn’t work to bring on my period. *TW - this was an after loss cycle, so I don’t know if that had something to do with it or not. - End TW* I took Provera after that and got my period within 2 days of stopping. I feel like I had some weird muscle aches on Provera...and maybe some other symptoms, but to me it was worth it to get my period and be able to move on to the next cycle. 

inthewoods23

@nitnat007 omg both boys weigh more than Pinecone EVER did. They were around 150g when we took them home and now they're over double that weight! I'll have to get some new pictures soon so you can see their cute faces.

ETA: here's Basalt in one (my) hand. These hedgehogs are a 2 hand job for holding! I think they're going to be as large as a chinchilla or guinea pig!

flowntheloop

Diagnosis (if you've been): Had to reschedule my Femvue for next cycle due to sickness, so I won't have any clue until then!

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Just entering TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just doing the usual routine right now. OPKs up until I ovulated, now the dreaded TWW.

How are things going?: Trudging along as usual. Trying not to think about TTC too much or it stresses me out!

Any questions?: Does anyone here have issues with severe mood swings at the tail end or right after their period? I have been getting more extreme moods (usually lasting 24-48 hours) at that time, and I'm wondering if I'm having an estrogen dip? So ready to get bloodwork and the Femvue done!

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? I love where we currently live (off-grid and out in the woods), but I would honestly move a little deeper into the Southern Appalachians to even more remote areas. We have a couple of neighbors within half a mile, and I'd prefer they be even further away. Haha! *not a hermit at all*

flowntheloop

@mvt2003 That sounds miserable! I took chemical BC when I was 19, and I had to discontinue it immediately. I feI had constant migraines and felt like I was perpetually carsick! I've heard that it gets better for some people, but maybe you should contact your doctor if it gets worse or doesn't stop?

@nitnat007 I am so sorry to hear about your difficult holiday and failed transfer. I hope things improve for you very soon.

@misshelen86 Woohoo for taking a break! That is wonderful that you joined a support group and are pairing it with counseling. I feel you on this: "I stopped doing so many things I enjoyed because it’s bad for TTC"


@inthewoods23 We live with less people but still the responsibility (not sure we can escape the latter). And ahhhh Iceland is beautiful! I would love to visit! Also, my husband and I are dairy free (and low gluten). What are your favorite types of foods? Not sure where to even start on suggestions!

@kpearse99 I constantly worry about being infertile. T_T I also hate NOT knowing what is going on inside my body every month and I am ready for some friggin' answers.

I may come back later for more tags.

kpearse99

@flowntheloop I understand the hating part of not knowing what's going on inside your own body. One of the biggest things I love about having to go see a RE is the monitoring appointments. Even though I feel like I'm not fertile this month, the ultrasounds show otherwise  So I really just need to chill out! I am ready for you to get some answers too, my friend!

AFM - Had my 2nd monitoring appointment to check on those follies and they kept growing!! Woohoo!! I have a dominate follie on my left side at 20mm and another one there that was like 14mm or something. And then I had a few smaller ones on my right side. With the letrozole (7.5mg) I produced more mature/dominant follies but they were always just on one side. Now with the lowest dose of clomid (50mg) I've produced follies on both sides but only one main dominant one. It's interesting how the drugs work differently. Just waiting for blood work to confirm everything but I should trigger tonight with the IUI on Friday morning! 

kiki047

@flowntheloop that is SO cool that you live off-grid! Are you feeling better after your sickness last week? Hopefully the testing gives you some answers. My mood swings tend to happen on the last day of my LP and/or CD1 or 2. 

inthewoods23

@flowntheloop wish I could help on the mood front but I'm pretty sure I'm just a mood swinging grump year round 😆 your current living situation sounds like a dream! I would love that. I think ideally we'd like to be completely off grid too, but that's definitely for some time in the future. DH and I are big on chicken and salmon. The real issue is finding items that are okay for eating out! At home and such it's pretty easy knowing there are lots of options for swapping ingredients, but esting out is a different story. I got lucky on Monday finding a delicious sounding salad where I could pick my dressing (balsamic!) and just ask for no bleu cheese!

kpearse99

IUI is officially on Friday morning!!  I freaked out for a moment because they originally wanted it to be Saturday morning so that my lining could have another day to thicken up, which I know would be ideal, but I can't get out of teaching dance this Saturday since the parents get to dance with their little ones. As the teacher, I have to be there for that. So they checked with the RE again and called me back and he said he thinks my lining is good and will be fine for the IUI on Friday morning.  So we are all set, thankfully....although I have to be honest and say I feel like this IUI is already slightly doomed due to my sh*tty lining.  But, FX anyway, right?

ramzlau

@flowntheloop I get super emotional before my period instead of after, especially on the progesterone pills. I almost cried today telling a manager that I hope her team grows this year. 🙄

@inthewoods23 omg! They have grown so much! So cute! 

@kpearse99 FX for Friday! I don't think I saw where you mentioned what your lining is at? Do you know? Or is it just the fear because of being on Clomid? 

Thanks for the encouragement ladies! 2 days until test day and I go back and forth every hour. haha.

emeraldduchess

@flowntheloop I usually get very moody one or two days before my period whether or not I am on progesterone. 
@kpearse99 so excited you got the green light for IUI on Friday!! Crossing everything for you!
@ramzlau FX for your testing on Friday!

nitnat007

@feather_heather Anticipated FET is beginning of March. Glad to hear you enjoyed acupuncture. It is really relaxing and good for a nap. 

@inthewoods23 Love them!! And that is a LOT of growth since you got them. Saw the pic in randoms. Adorable! They really do seem to have their own personalities. 

@kiki047 Speechless that people touch you. Even if you think they are KU, you still don't just do that. And I hear you, I have picked up weight too and I am sure that I looked like I was carrying for a while too. Just the hormones! Or the extra cookies.....Glad it was over the holidays so we were hibernating. 

@flowntheloop Sorry to hear you had to reschedule. Hope that the time flies by for you. And that you are feeling better. 

@kpearse99 Great check up. Rooting for those follies to keep it up. Come on Friday!!

flowntheloop

@inthewoods23 LOL! I feel you on the year-round grump. Unfortunately this is beyond grumpiness and is threatening my mental health. I'm glad it is usually short-lived but I have some extreme depression (with self-destructive thoughts) for that 24-48 hours. I already have PMDD (a rough time in the week up to my period start), so yay for this extra stuff going on.

@emeraldduchess Before my period is a different story. I have an entire week of mood swings and fatigue there (PMDD). Then a little break when I start...leading up to this extreme depression for 24-48 hours after my flow stops.
@nitnat007 Thanks. It would be nice if I didn't have to go at all next month! Still crossing fingers despite the low chances!
@kiki047 Feeling much better! Thank you so much for asking.

Everyone is making me feel like a weirdo with this new symptom. *brain is screaming "WTF is wrong with me?!" I noticed it happening around 9 months ago (when I think I had my first CP/early loss) and it has been pretty consistent every month.

kpearse99

@ramzlau it was just under 7mm - and they like it to be at least at 7mm. 

@flowntheloop goodness, you are not a weirdo for having this new symptom. If you're feeling it and experiencing it, then it's really. Have you mentioned it to your doctor (You may have already said that you did, and I apologize if I don't remember)? It's interesting that it started after your first CP...maybe it's fear and anxiety it's going to happen again?

flowntheloop

@kpearse99 Thanks. I have not mentioned it to my doctor yet. I'm terrible about letting important things slip my mind during appointments (I get pretty nervous).

It definitely isn't anxiety or fear; I struggle with those on a daily basis, but this is completely different. This is a symptom that creeps up on me without me even realizing what hit me. I only put it together that it might be hormonal (a possible estrogen drop) after logging it in my calendar and seeing the pattern emerge month after month. Maybe it was there even before that CP and I didn't realize? I have a history of depression and a heightened sensitivity when it comes to hormonal changes already. My husband and I just struggle a lot during this time as I am inconsolable and cannot snap myself out of self-hating/self-destructive thoughts. I feel like an absolute crazy person (even moreso than when I'm going through PMDD)

kpearse99

@flowntheloop I understand being nervous to ask certain questions when you're at the doctors. Do you have an online portal or an email address you can use to communicate with them? Maybe you would feel more comfortable mentioning it and asking questions over email communication or online communication than asking in person or over the phone. The part about you having self-hating and destructive thoughts really concerns me, my friend. I really think you need to make it a priority to talk to your doctor about it, even if it is initiated through an online portal. 

flowntheloop

@kpearse99 I will bring it up at my appointment for sure. I just found this! There is a Post-Menstrual Syndrome!
https://www.wellandgood.com/good-advice/pms-after-period/
https://sporteluxe.com/so-postmenstrual-syndrome-is-a-thing-and-it-sucks/

mvt2003

@flowntheloop I second @kpearse99 to send a portal note to your doctor. I've discussed my pre-period anxiety with my NP before, and the thought was that at that time it was not a good idea to medicate me for the whole month when I had anxiety for the 3 or 4 days leading up to my period and moodiness during my period, but if that changed we would discuss it. At this point, I think it's taking up enough of your life that it's time to pursue some assistance with it. Please know we're here to support you on this! 

I can say being on BC for my IVF has been incredibly eye opening - I have literally never had a period before where I wasn't irrationally irritated during it. MH told me I was bubbly the other night, and I NEVER am during my period. (He calls it PM versus RM - which stands for Period MyFirstName versus Regular MyFirstName). Hormones are a b!tch!!! 

kpearse99

@flowntheloop wow!!! 100% mention this and all of your thoughts and feelings next time you are there! When is your appointment again?

kpearse99

@mvt2003 PM versus RM          I'm dying that YH calls you these names!!!! 

flowntheloop

@mvt2003 @kpearse99 Thank you so much for your concern and understanding. It has definitely become disruptive! My next appointment/Femvue will be 6ish days after my CD1 (estimated feb4), so it should be right around the time that these symptoms are present. Maybe my bloodwork that day will also shed some light on the situation.

My hormone sensitivities are ridiculous, and I wouldn't doubt if something is off. I worry about ever becoming pregnant! T_T Will it be too much for me emotionally?  Is it even possible if I have some imbalance? Would PPD be an issue? I mentioned my sensitivities to my RE--and how I'm terrified of ovulation-inducing medications (I've heard horror stories about mood swings).

kiki047

@kpearse99 yay for IUI tomorrow!! Hopefully your lining continues to thicken over the next few days before implantation would otherwise happen because it doesn't sound 'thin' by any means which was the worry on clomid. FX FX! 
@inthewoods23 love the newest pics of the spikey boys! Basalt with his little pear-shaped slump on the couch is adorable. He reminds me of Pusheen cat when he sits like that lol. 
@flowntheloop you're most definitely not a weirdo! I'm also really sensitive to hormonal mood swings. Worrying about what I'll be like with pregnancy hormones takes up a lot of my time too. Sometimes when MH does something irritating and I'm really crabby I'll snap at him like "you better not do that when I'm KU or I might actually bite your head off". It'll be really interesting to see what your b/w shows. But definitely bring it up with your doctor! 
@mvt2003 PM vs RM I snorted. Well glad to hear something positive has come of you being on BCP lol. Did the nausea eventually go away? 

mvt2003

@kiki047 Hahaha happy to help! The nausea is better overall, but this AF has just been wacky. I keep having breakthrough bleeding, which I knew would be possible but it's kind of irritating haha. 

bluetickgal

@inthewoods23 my goodness, those spikey boys are so darn cute...and getting very big!
@flowntheloop I’m so sorry you had to reschedule your Femvue because of sickness! That stinks having to wait a whole cycle! I hope you are able to talk to your doctor about the mood swings and figure out if something can be done to help! 

@kpearse99 everything possible crossed for your IUI tomorrow...hoping for a perfect lining and that nice big follie being ready & waiting! 

@ramzlau crossing everything for great news tomorrow for you!! 🤞🏻

ramzlau

Apparently I have no idea what day of the week it is because I don’t test until Saturday or Sunday. It was hopeful thinking the week was passing by quickly I guess lol. 

@kpearse99 Definitely think that lining will be well past 7 by tomorrow! Good luck! I hope it all goes swimmingly! 

@mvt2003 oh man, I have never been on birth control, but if it means less emotional swings I may consider it after we stop TTGP. No one has called me bubbly ever in my life. 

emeraldduchess

Good luck today, @kpearse99! 💚💚💚

kpearse99

Thanks, gal pals!!! You sure do know how to make a girl smile while she’s waiting for her spermies 🤗😂🤞🏼💜💜💜

misshelen86

@kpearse99 Good luck!!!

kiki047

@kpearse99 hope you've got a winning spermie in there this morning!!   swim swim swim!

kpearse99

@kiki047 oh man that GIF!!! I am hoping and praying and crossing everything that we have a Phelps or a Lochte among those swimmers because poor DH's count and motility were down...again.  big sigh. I really think the pressure of needing to "perform well" is really getting to DH. We started out so strong at 40mil and 80% and then have been decreasing every since and this time we were at 10 mil and 50% motility. He said he knew it would be low because he was "having trouble getting in the right mindset". I knew he was struggling this morning to produce the sample too. I started to cry in the waiting room before the RE came in. Here we were about to go have our 5th IUI done and I wasn't feeling confident about my lining and now he, who is usually the rock, wasn't feeling confident about himself or his swimmers. He tried to cover it up and keep things positive by saying he'll drink for two when he takes me out for Valentine's Day dinner and I tried to jump on the positive train too by saying that those are the strongest and most determined 10 million swimmers ever and that they won't take no for an answer! But I know deep down we are both not feeling confident that this is going to work. And that sucks. It all just sucks. I suggested that maybe it's time we take a break and he just brushed it off by saying it's not something we needed to discuss in that very moment.

So come on Phelps and come on Lochte .... give us a gold medal embie, please!!

keikilove

Ladies, I’m sorry I haven’t been able to participate lately! I haven’t been able to get on the site almost at all this week, I understand lots of us have had tech issues? Anyway, I’m finally able to access TB & will get caught up on the weekend. But right now I’d like to ask for positive thoughts. I’m going under anesthesia for the hysteroscopy shortly & feeling very nervous. Prayers appreciated! 

kpearse99

@keikilove thinking of you and sending you so many wonderful and positive vibes!!!

mvt2003

Sending @kpearse99 serious Michael Phelps vibes, and @keikilove all of the positive and healing thoughts for today!  

bows22

@keikilove thinking of you!! And praying that  everything goes smoothly

inthewoods23

@kpearse99 if this works I dare you to use the name Michael 😆 go swimmers go!

kpearse99

@inthewoods23 I don't know about the name Michael but the fetus's nickname will surely be Phelps while it's cooking in my olympic ute!    

inthewoods23

@kpearse99 💯 🥇🏆 top notch in his highly competitive field lol!

bluetickgal

@kpearse99 fingers crossed so hard that there was a Phelps amongst them!! 

@keikilove sending prayers and all the positive vibes your way!!! 💜

kiki047

@kpearse99 oh friend, sending you so many hugs today. This is some heavy stuff we're dealing with and everyone is feeling the pressure. I am so hopeful that you've got a little Olympian in there fighting its way to the finish line. Also, y'all need to follow @embryostories on IG. https://www.instagram.com/p/BuB1VdkBN_W/ 

@keikilove good luck darlin! Hope the procedure is smooth and painless. FX for good news.  

emeraldduchess

Good luck, @keikilove!! 💜💙💜