IF Testing & Treatment w/o 6/8

mvt2003

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: How many US states have you visited? 

mvt2003

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: I really did not expect this update, but here we go! I went in yesterday for my first monitoring appointment (CD10) and my estradiol was already at 127, my lining was at 6.7, and I had an 18mm follie!!! I triggered last night, and FET is this coming Sunday! 

I guess my body was ready to get this started! I also talked to my nurse about MH being there for the procedure, and she said for me to call back on Thursday or Friday to check on that, since my state is starting to open back up and there may (she hinted that there will) be policy changes this week! Hoping so hard that he gets to be there! 

Any questions?: Nope!

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? Only 14!!!! MH and I have been chatting about wanting to take more trips recently, so that number will hopefully be going up! 

gingermama29

@mvt2003 yay!!!!!! So excited for you!!! FX YH can be there for it!

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): benched until August

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Taking BCP to balance hormones

How are things going?: I'm starting BC pack number 2 tomorrow. 1/3 of the way there! Crossing my fingers for no nausea this time around. I'm also hitting the 1 year mark of TTC this month, which feels so surreal to me.

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? 
I've been to 21. I don't know if I can officially count 4 of them cause we only drove through them but I count them cause I got out of the car in those states. 😂.  

inthewoods23

@mvt2003 YES I LOVE THAT GIF! Get it girl!! I should be right behind you O'ing in the next week or so.

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, low morph

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): back to basics, GF and DF diet, supplements

How are things going?: DH is so far on board with EOD. Which means we've only HIO once this cycle  should get another in today. I had a little bit of a tough day yesterday because apparently I'm not listening or understanding what DH is telling me. Yesterday he made his Peruvian steak meal and I guess he was mentioning that I had bought a package of flank steak and a package of sirloin steak which I had no idea about. And then I made all 4 ears of corn on the cob instead of 2 and it just really bummed me out because apparently that's not what I was supposed to do. Is my memory bad or am I just so mentally exhausted I can't even be in the present to register what he's saying? Or is he just bad at explaining things?? I wondered if we've both been victim to this "I thought what you said was the final decision" "no, I thought we never came to an agreement on that" kind of thing. I feel we have these conversations all the time where we toss around ideas without being like "yes let's do that" and the conversation is left open. It's a hot mess. I probably should have saved all this for the mental health thread 

Any questions?: no

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? *checks map* 24 states. And I did not count Indiana even though we drove through there on our way to Chattanooga since we only stopped for food and charging up the car. Nor did I count the 2 states I've been to just because I had a flight layover. I don't count that as visiting. If I did count all of that, it would be 27
ETA: ok somehow if I recount states it's 26, not 27 when you include just being physically within that state even if it's driving through.

thegirlwhowaited_

@mvt2003 that's very exciting! FX YH can be there.
@gingermama29 I'd say that counts! Your feet touched ground there.

Diagnosis (if you've been): technically unexplained, RE suspects endometriosis

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI, today is CD32.

How are things going?: Frustrated that it's been 17 days since the IUI with several BFN, but AF haven't showed. By now in my last IUI cycle AF had already showed up. I just want to be able to move on from another unsuccessful cycle.But at the same time I'm stressing out that if next IUI cycle fails that we have to talk about IVF and it's been so long since I researched anything I'm worried I'm just going to panic and stress out.

Any questions?: no

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? 19, seems so small now that I count them. I guess I need to do some more traveling  

inthewoods23

@thegirlwhowaited_ I take it you're not on progesterone right? Did you have a trigger shot with your IUI?

emeraldduchess

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained IF, unexplained RPL. AMA. My reproductive system likes to pull various shenanigans. 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): HIO, observing CM, OPKs, hoping for a miracle 

How are things going?: OK. I am looking for a new teaching job for the fall which is a distraction (don't worry, I wasn't fired!). I have some leads on new jobs already which is good. As soon as this cycle is over, I can call my RE and HOPEFULLY get the green light to start our IVF cycle! We have to pay for the embryo screening up front before they'll order meds. 

Any questions?: Nah. 

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? Not as many as I would like. I think 12? Not counting the ones I have driven through. 

bluetickgal

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS and Unexplained RPL 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Ummm...IUI day, so right in the middle I guess.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Letrozole (5mg), IUI, and Progesterone.

How are things going?: Hi ladies!! I’m going to try and be a much better participant this week! We had a really nice weekend and I’m hoping this week will be a little less crazy than the last couple of weeks! I had my IUI this morning and all went well! DH’s count was down with a hold of 1 day less than last time, but still really good! Count in spoiler...

Count - 41 million
Motility - 53% 

I’m feeling good about this cycle for some reason and trying not to let stress/worry creep in! We’ll see how long that lasts! 

Any questions?: None right now. 

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? 15 visited and I think an additional 4 or so that I’ve traveled through or only been at an airport. 

@mvt2003 that’s awesome, friend!! So glad your body is ready for this FET cycle!! Everything possible crossed that this is it for you!! That’s great news that the visitor protocols could change before Sunday so YH could be there, really hope that happens! 

@gingermama29 yay for being a 1/3 of the way done with BC...you’ve got this! I hope the nausea stays away this time! 

@inthewoods23 I’m sorry yesterday was a tough day! I hope you can talk about things and figure out a way to both be clear about when/how a decision is made. Maybe one of you just simply confirming by saying, “ok, so this is what we are doing, right?!, or that is/isn’t our final decision, right?!” And then over time, maybe that won’t have to be done as much...but even if so, no big deal if it helps you to both feel like you are clear about things.
@thegirlwhowaited_ I’m sorry for the frustration of being that far past IUI and getting negatives! Same question as @inthewoods23 , are you on progesterone that could be preventing your period? I hope you get different test results soon, or AF shows so you can at least move on to hopefully a successful cycle! 

@emeraldduchess good luck with the teacher job hunt! Glad you have some leads...and that your search is voluntary! ☺️ Hope you find a position that is the perfect fit for you!! 

kiki047

@mvt2003 ohhh my god friend, that's SO exciting!! FX YH will be allowed in, and everything continues to go smoothly. I've been silently rooting for you on the sidelines. 
@gingermama29 so sorry you're hitting that dreaded 1 year mark. I hope the BCP helps do the trick. I hated being on it. 
@inthewoods23 sometimes I also think DH is bad at communicating but then I know I also randomly tune out so we're both to blame. Sorry that's causing some stress.  
@thegirlwhowaited_ 17 days? Wow. How long is your LP usually? Are you on progesterone as well? 


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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Things are still closed in Ontario so I'm waiting for clinics to open back up to do a repeat SHG, then we wait for the lab to open up so we can do another FET. The RE clinic is open but the embryology lab is not. We're technically trying on our own but feeling very discouraged about it so MH has had some performance issues. 

How are things going?: Not great. Mentally we're struggling. I'm angry and bitter, and finding it hard to let go of those feelings so it's spilling over into other areas of our lives. The social isolation is nice on one hand because we're both so fiercely private, but it also really exacerbates underlying issues for both of us as we've always been the ones who keep our families together, and without us constantly checking in on them it's glaringly obvious that NOBODY takes the time to check in on us. 

*TW* PG mentioned

That, plus a possible sudden shotgun wedding in my family, has us feeling very vulnerable and alone. I honestly don't think I can handle the flurry of excitement over my cousin potentially having the first (oopsie) baby in the family when we're still healing from our failed FET, and when we've been trying for 31 months which is longer than their entire relationship.

Physically, my cycles have finally returned to normal after being off since my ER back in November. That makes me feel better going into another FET because I felt like my body was working against me that whole time, so hoping that with my hormones back in check it'll make for a more successful cycle. 

Any questions?: Not really, my only question at this point is for myself and MH. We have to decide if we want to start banking embryos before we transfer our 3rd (and last) one if this next FET doesn't work. Part of me feels like I want to have the safety net of having a few frozen for when we are ready to TFAS or third, because I can't fathom doing that with a LO. But at the same time, it kills me to think of how much that will set us back time-wise before we can do another FET. There's a small voice in me that says "oh but what if you don't even need IVF for your second?", but we know that's not going to happen. 

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? I think only 15 for this Canuck, but possibly up to 19 if you include the airport connections and the states I don't remember driving through on my road trips to Florida and Arkansas... 

*Edited for clarity.

inthewoods23

@emeraldduchess is your school year done now? I think our HS kids have finals this week or something. FX for that green light for IVF!

@bluetickgal nice count! Your suggestions is what I'm thinking to get DH and I on the same page with each other. I probably need to check with my therapist and confirm it's okay for him to join my next appointment. I think DH needs to hear some stuff from her.

@kiki047 my heart breaks for you  for multiple reasons! I hope you can get to your FET soon.

kpearse99

@mvt2003 I love this update of yours!!! And that GIF is spot on!!! Having YH be there will you will just be the cherry on top of this perfectly timed cycle for you!! Everything is falling into place exactly as it should!!

@gingermama29 August will be here before you know it!!

@inthewoods23 I've noticed my memory has been pretty shotty lately too! I've forgotten my debit card pin a few times when trying to use it these last few weeks... forgot about something I put in the toaster oven and have also forgotten about things DH has told me or asked me.... so you're not alone!! 

@thegirlwhowaited_ I'm also wondering if you're on progesterone too?  Will your RE bring you in for bloodwork to confirm? I developed a cyst after my last medicated IUI cycle which delayed AF from arriving for 2 weeks, we only discovered it from my blood work with my estrogen being so high. 

@emeraldduchess that's exciting that you're looking for new teaching jobs and that you already have leads!! 

@bluetickgal that's a great count!!! I so so so so hope this is IT for you!!! FX

@kiki047 oh friend, I've been thinking about you a lot lately and I was hoping you were in a better frame of mind. Good news is that your cycles have finally regulated! I would keep focusing on that good-ness as time has really allowed your body to regulate itself again and maybe it just needs a little more time for the timing of everything to be perfect and exactly what you need for this next round to stick. I love you friend and I'm always here for you!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Secondary Unexplained IF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): PNV, HIO, OPK, Tracking CM and Preseed

How are things going?: Things are going good! We are approved for our construction loan so we can finally start the addition on the house at the end of this month!! Woohooo!! I am so excited to have more space! By the end of the summer we should have a brand new master suite with a walk-in closet and mater bath, a new expanded and covered front porch and the addition of a foyer in the front of the house (since currently when you walk into the house you enter the living room)! I'm so excited!!

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? I love this one!! Let's see.... I believe 21!

gingermama29

@inthewoods23 sorry there is a disconnect in communication. I know how frustrating that can be.

@thegirlwhowaited_ I'm sorry for the frustration of being this far past IUI and getting BFNs. I hope you're able to move on soon with this cycle (or get a BFP!).

@emeraldduchess good luck with the hunt for a new teaching job! Hope you find the perfect fit for you! FX you get the green light for IVF!

@bluetickgal yay for IUI day!!! Crossing everything for you!!

@kiki047 I'm sorry for everything you're going through. I hope you can do your FET soon.

@kpearse99 yay! Glad you got your construction loan approved. 

bluetickgal

@kiki047 I’m so sorry for everything you are going through right now...this sucks and is all so unfair! Sending all the hugs and positive vibes your way!! 💜 That is good news your body/cycles seem to have regulated! I hope you and YH feel good about whatever decision you make with banking embryos...that is a tough call for sure! 

@inthewoods23 that sounds like a great plan! I hope YH and your therapist are both on board with that! 

@kpearse99 thanks, friend! Ah, that’s awesome about the construction loan!! So many changes...I’m sure it’ll be awesome once it’s all complete! 

@gingermama29 thanks, friend!! 

thegirlwhowaited_

@inthewoods23 @bluetickgal @kiki047 @kpearse99 I am on progesterone, but even with the progesterone last IUI AF came. I did clomid CD5-9, trigger shot (ovidrel) on CD13, IUI CD15, progesterone started CD18. My LP hasn't been regular this time around of TTC. I did blood work this morning to test hCG and progesterone. Assuming if it's negative they'll tell me to stop the progesterone today.

@gingermama29 thanks

kpearse99

@thegirlwhowaited_ It's certainly the progesterone keeping AF from arriving... once you stop that she'll show her face within a few days.

inthewoods23

@thegirlwhowaited_ like @kpearse99 said, once you stop the progesterone AF should arrive in a few days. I think it could depend on what level your progesterone gets to during the TWW and just how quickly it drops.

Every cycle could be a little different. Even type of progesterone will have different effects. For me, on progesterone suppositories I'd get AF 3 days after stopping. With the progesterone injections it took my body a full week to bring on AF.

thegirlwhowaited_

@kpearse99 @inthewoods23 Thanks for the insight. I'm doing suppositories. I just emailed my nurse/coordinator to see if they have my results and if I can stop the progesterone. If it's also a BFN like my home test, then I'd rather just get to moving on.

manillabar

@mvt2003 omg I'm so excited for you! I hope they'll be able to let your H be there with you

@gingermama29 yesss, 1 month down, 2 to go. you got this!

@inthewoods23 my H and I have similar arguments often. I try to be deliberate about clearing up what decisions have been made/what we've agreed on, but we still have trouble sometimes. Plus it's up to him to be clear as well.

@thegirlwhowaited_ sorry for the BFNs at home. I agree with @kpearse99 the progesterone is likely keeping AF at bay

@emeraldduchess good luck with the job hunt!!

@bluetickgal that's still a pretty great count, hope this is the one for you!

@kiki047 ugh I am so sorry, that is so much to deal with at once. And so much to think about for the future! I hope the embryology lab opens up soon so that you can move forward.

@kpearse99 wow a new master suite with walk-in and bathroom! Sounds like a dream come true!

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR, high(ish) TSH, low morph

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): synthroid, Follistim + ovidrel + iui

How are things going?: sorry for being MIA last week. I was having a really tough week mentally/emotionally. With work, last cycle being a fail, and everything going on in our country I have been drained. I'm trying my hardest to be present and focus on all aspects of life and work but it has been hard. I probably also need to visit the mental health thread. On the plus side, my dose of follistim was increased for this cycle and so far it looks like I'm responding better to the new dose.

Any questions?:

GTKY: How many US states have you visited?  not enough! I think 12

kpearse99

@thegirlwhowaited_ I totally understand the feeling of just wanting to move on!!

@manillabar I'm sorry you had a bad week last week I really hope this week turns around for you. We are all here for you, friend hugs!

kiki047

@emeraldduchess sorry I missed your update, I kept getting distracted while I was typing mine so missed a few above me. Good luck with your job hunt! And that's super exciting about hopefully getting the green light to go ahead with the IVF!!! That's huge!! So excited for you!
@bluetickgal those are great #s for YH, FX for your IUI!! Keeping everything crossed for you!!
@inthewoods23 thank you friend, I know you know all about the waiting game and triggers. Our RE suggested we could also go GF/DF while we're waiting for things to open back up and we had every intention of trying, but honestly all of our comfort foods involve dairy and/or carbs so we cut back a lot but it just isn't happening. I have so much admiration for you, not only for sticking with it but for embracing it!! 
@kpearse99 sigh, thank you darling. I wish we were in a better place too. I think our good days are more frequent than before, but our lows are deeper and more painful. I tried opening up to a few people but what we get back is a lot of ignorance and "pleasantries" as I call them, the usual 'oh it'll happen for you when you least expect it' or 'don't give up hope, you're still young you have lots of time', etc etc. But I am SO excited for your renos to start! They sound amazing. Hope you take lots of before/after pics. 
@thegirlwhowaited_ I'm so sorry for the BFN. Progesterone doesn't delay my AF, she stubbornly always shows up no later than 14dpo but as PPs have mentioned, it does usually prolong the LP until you stop taking it. 

*edited because TB cut off the last part of my post. 

inthewoods23

@manillabar sorry you had a tough week! You're always welcome in the mental health thread!

@kiki047 I so hear you on all the good foods! My mom bought me this cinnamon raisin loaf bread from a bakery in Chicago that is one of my absolute favorites and it's been sitting in my freezer ever since just waiting to be eaten man I miss the good breads. I found a REALLY good GF pasta so that has helped so much with those meals! The diet honestly got a lot easier once I found good versions of all the staples. Some stuff I've just found "eh" substitutes, but I'm making do with it until I can bring back the real stuff.

abarr723

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): this cycle I should hopefully be having my hysteroscopy and getting these polyps removed! Just waiting for AF so I can give the office a call

How are things going?: things are crazy. I have Been so busy with school, just passed midterms. 5weeks left and I will be done with school! DH has been working a lot, he's on the emergency response team at his prison, so they have been getting called in for riot control, that's been nerve wracking. There was a night last week where rioters broke into the mall and looted, set cops cars and fire and basically terrorized the city, and then their were threats to do the same at two other malls, so it has been a very high alert situation here. I'm hoping everyone is well and safe where they are! 

Any questions?: how the heck is everyone!!!  I miss you all, I wish I wasn't so busy and had more time to chat! I do need to make more of an effort to check in with you ladies! But I do think about you all! 

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? I think 16, if I counted correctly?? 

@mvt2003 yay! I'm happy for you friend! 

@inthewoods23 I think you may just be exhausted! Don't be too hard on yourself! 

@emeraldduchess I hope you are able to find a  job like! And FX for the greenlight for IVF!!

@kpearse99 yay for new projects!! 

@kiki047 I'm sorry you both have been struggling! I hope you are able to find peace. I know it's a struggle when it feels like no one is paying attention to you. And I know the feeling of family members getting KU by accident when their relationship is shorter than the length of the pregnancy. I also have a cousin who this happened to, she is due very soon. It makes me upset because she already has a kid that she barely takes care of. I feel the pain I do. If you ever want to chat I am always available to listen. 

@manillabar i hope you're feeling better this week!!! 

@bluetickgal yay for your IUI! I hope this is it for you!!! 

keikilove

Idk how I got stuck in the box! 

@abarr723 Hooray for school being so close to finished! Sorry for the stress you’ve been under. Hope YH is handling it ok. 

@manillabar I’m sorry you’ve been feeling drained—it’s totally understandable. I hope this week goes a bit easier on you! I also think about checking in on the Mental Health thread sometimes. It’s usually when life is crazy & hectic, but then I don’t find the time to participate in yet one more post. But it would probably be the best one to join in on. 

@kpearse99 Wow, all those house changes sound super exciting!! You guys sure have been busy making it into something new! Glad you’re feeling so good lately.😊

@kiki047 It’s great that your cycles have returned to normal! But I’m sorry for the other things that feel like bummers. I can totally relate to what you said about always checking on fam but nobody checking on you. We have the same dynamic and it sucks. I hope that will shift for us both soon. Good luck with the decision of the banking embryos! That’s a tough one.❤️

@bluetickgal Hooray for IUI! I pray this one is successful for you🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽 Keep up that good attitude, hope it pays off for you in 2 weeks! 

@emeraldduchess Best of luck with the job search, FX that you find the perfect fit! So exciting that you can start IVF soon! Sorry that you have to pay for embryo testing up front (we are in the same boat). Hopefully it’s not too painful for you. 

@thegirlwhowaited_ I agree with the previous comments, it’s the progesterone keeping AF away. Hopefully once you stop it will take just a couple/few days to normalize. 

@inthewoods23 Yay for being in the same page with EOD! But sorry for the tough day and arguing about forgetfulness it not listening. That happens around here too, way too often than I’d like to admit. Hang in there and it sounds like you have a good idea for addressing it. Good luck! 

@gingermama29 I hope you feel that time is going quickly—1/3 of the BCP already done! I really hope this next round doesn’t make you sick. Best of luck with it!

@mvt2003 OMG, this is the best news!!!! Your gif captures it perfectly Hahahaha! I’m so happy for you. Everything crossed & good vibes sent that this timing is truly perfect.🤞🏽❤️🙏🏽

kpearse99

@keikilove Thanks, friend!! I think the small remodeling projects DH and I have taken on together during quarantine (the living room re-do, the office re-do, tree removal and replacing with a new tree.... and soon the addition) has really opened my eyes to how how DH must have been feeling these last 2.5 years living here in a house that I used to live in with my ex. DH has been amazing and supportive about how this is the best place for us, and he's never really said anything about it bothering him, but I have had the pleasure of watching him feel like this is really his house now over the last three months. It's been really nice!

@abarr723 Girl, you don't have to apologize for going MIA every once in a while (says the girl who also apologizes for going MIA every once in a while  ) You have been so so busy, it sounds! And being done with school in just 5 more weeks is AMAZING!! Those week are going to fly, friend, and it will feel so good to be done! You should be so proud of yourself!

thegirlwhowaited_

@abarr723 That is very nerve racking, I hope YH stays safe! And "woohoo" for almost being done with school!

@keikilove Thanks, I didn't take the suppository progesterone last night and AF came promptly this morning.

For the ladies familiar with progesterone, I'm thinking I should ask my RE on Thursday what my progesterone levels were yesterday morning. Last IUI AF came even with using progesterone suppositories 2x a day and this cycle AF came after not using it last night. Would that make you think the levels aren't high enough? I know the test results would be the ideal confirmation, I'm just wondering how much I should question it with my RE.

*edited: spelling error

mvt2003

@thegirlwhowaited_ I definitely think you should mention it, because it does sound like your dose might be too low if AF is coming even while you're on progesterone. That being said, I've read that one of the drawbacks of the suppositories is that it does not give an accurate blood level, because it's administered almost directly to the uterus, rather than PIO which has to travel. Your doc may want to up your dosage, or start adding in PIO. 

*edited because I made a spelling error that would literally haunt me. 

shoogapoff

@mvt2003 That's so exciting! So, dumb question, are they scheduling the FET based off of when your body seemed ready to ovulate on it's own (hence the 18 mm follie and trigger shot)? I never looked into how they decided when to schedule FETs, but I guess that makes sense! 
@emeraldduchess GL on the job hunt! That does sound like a good distraction, and good timing with school being out! 
@inthewoods23 We are state-visiting twins! I'm curious how many of our states are different, since I think you and I are from very different parts of the country!
@gingermama29 Yay for being almost done with BCP. I still cringe every time I think about having to go back on them, so props to you!
@thegirlwhowaited_ I don't have an answer for the progesterone question, but just to weigh in: I have never had AF not come even with progesterone suppositories. Not sure if that means we're in similar boats, but my RE wasn't worried about it. 
@bluetickgal That count sounds really good! That was post-wash, right? 
@kpearse99 So exciting about the home addition! That will be really nice for you. I hope we get to see pics!
@kiki047 I'm so sorry it's been hard for you. I'm sorry for the lack of family support. I have felt similarly a lot of times with my own family. *hugs*
@abarr723 That sounds scary with YH's job! These are crazy times we are living in. 
@manillabar I second what others have said about it being okay to take breaks from here. I also feel guilty when I'm not very present, but sometimes I just don't have it in me to handle one more thing on my plate. Self care is important!

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Waiting for CD 1 to start pre-IVF testing! I should be starting any day now, so I am anxiously awaiting the green light. 

How are things going?: Things are going well. I have been much more motivated to do all the pro-fertility things that I should have been doing this whole time. I finally made the switch to half-caf coffee yesterday, in anticipation of weaning off completely, and have been limiting my alcohol intake. I am diligently taking all the supplements that I let sit on my shelf most days, and am trying to eat more whole foods. It feels good and manageable since I know there is an end in sight. 

Any questions?: I guess not many of us have had hysteroscopies, but I am just still nervous about it. Some things I read said that you get local anesthesia for diagnostic hysteroscopies, and sometimes they give you medicine to help you relax. I'm not sure if my office is doing that, and I am scared it's going to be really painful. My HSG was traumatically painful, and that seems more routine than a hysteroscopy. I don't really have a question. I just wanted to vent my fears!

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? I just did a quick count, and I think it's 24. 

inthewoods23

@shoogapoff here's my state list 

Alaska, Washington, California, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, North Dakota, Kansas (flight layover), Oklahoma, Texas (I think. This would have been when I was really young), Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana (drove through with food stops), Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New York, Vermont

mvt2003

@shoogapoff Thanks! It's not a dumb question at all! My RE is doing a natural transfer with minimal meds for this FET, so we follow my body's natural ovulation. Since we know I O regularly, they just monitored me for signs of O, and had me do a trigger so they could time the transfer date. Basically, we're tricking my body into thinking that the 5 day embryo they will put inside me on Sunday got created today. I'm glad you're feeling good and making positive changes! (I always add now that if you're including fish oil in your vitamin routine, make sure you stop it a couple of days before retrieval because it's a blood thinner!) 

@abarr723 Come on, AF! Sending you all the AF vibes to get this new cycle started and get those polyps out! 

@manillabar I'm so sorry you're been feeling so drained, hopefully this cycle is it!!! 

@kpearse99 I am so freaking jazzed about your house renovations! You guys have been putting in so much hard work, and I'm so glad YH is feeling like he's getting to put his own stamp on things!!

@kiki047 you know I'm always on your team, and I'm always here for you. I wanted to address your question too - I also get a little stressed thinking about TFAS with the embryos we have left, and the idea of going through another ER with more stress in my life and a few years older does make me nervous. I'm trying not to buy trouble though, as my mom would have said, and keep working with what we have. 

@bluetickgal That count is awesome!!!!! Hoping so hard that this one is it!!!!!!

@emeraldduchess Woo hoo!!! Come on, July!!!!  

@inthewoods23 You're not alone with absentmindedness and miscommunications - I've been dealing with it for a while, I think it's just stress! This too shall pass! 

@gingermama29 WOO HOO to being 1/3 done with BCP!!!!!! 

emeraldduchess

@thegirlwhowaited_ I think I remember you from when I started here back in July '18. If I remember you graduated soon after I joined. So welcome back!
@kiki047 so many hugs, friend. 💚

I will try to be back later today or at least this week. I'm taking a short break from report cards to say hi! Friday is our last official day. Then there's packing up. Ugh. Fortunately most of materials in my classroom were things I inherited from other teachers so I can leave most of it there. Only taking what I own! 

shoogapoff

@inthewoods23 That's awesome! Okay I bolded the states that I have also been to and then added my extras at the end: 

Alaska, Washington, California, Nevada, Montana, Arizona, North Dakota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, New York, Vermont

Plus I have been to: Oregon, Utah, New Mexico, Wyoming, Colorado, Alabama, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts 

thegirlwhowaited_

@mvt2003 @shoogapoff thanks, I'll bring it up to her on Thursday at my next baseline and see what she thinks.

@emeraldduchess I certainly remember you, I graduated in Sept '18. It's nice to see someone familiar, but I also wish I didn't at the same time. I hope you get your miracle. 

legallykate

Just catching up here, this thread moves so fast!

@mvt2003 So awesome that you don’t have to do more monitoring, crossing all the things for you for Sunday!

@gingermama29 Yay for pack 2, hopefully you won’t have any symptoms this month or they won’t be as bad. Sorry about the 1 year mark

@inthewoods23 Sorry you and YH are having communication troubles, MH and I get into bad patterns like that sometimes where he accuses me of not listening and I accuse him of mumbling, etc. I think it is easy to have those difficulties when both parties are under a lot of stress. Hope you are able to discuss it and get back on track.

@thegirlwhowaited Sorry for the BFNs and lack of AF, I am in the same boat now (also on progesterone) and it is so frustrating.

@emeraldduchess Good luck with the new job search, is it even harder right now with schools not really knowing for sure how things will be in the fall? FX you get the green light on IVF!

@bluetickgal Yay for the good count and FX this is the cycle!

@kiki047 Sorry things are tough for you and YH. The family stuff is really hard right now and it must be so frustrating that clinics are still shut down there. But yay for your cycles being back to normal.

@kpearse99 Congrats on the loan approval, that addition sounds amazing!

@manillabar Hopefully the higher dose will do the trick. I feel you on being drained. Be gentle on yourself.

@abarr723 That sounds really scary with YH’s work, sorry you have that stress right now. Hope things work out with getting the polyps removed.

@shoogapuff I hope the hysteroscopy isn’t too bad, would your doc give you something for nerves if you asked?

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Still TWW technically

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Waiting to repeat CD3 testing. On progesterone so CD1 is delayed.

How are things going?: Not great. I'm mentally ready to move forward with IVF but emotionally I'm still struggling with it. And with the demands of my job, having to time everything right and go in for testing and monitoring and triggering and all that seems like it will be a logistical nightmare, especially right now with everyone expecting you to be at home and available all the time. Half of me hopes my updated CD3 test results will be like surprise you are fine, jk on the DOR thing, but the rest of me wants the results to be like nope you for sure won't conceive without IVF, let's go. It's a weird mental conflict. 

Any questions?: Not right now but I am sure I will have a million as I start the IVF process soon. 

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? I think 25? 

keikilove

The week is moving lightning fast, I’m gonna jump back in here real quick & come back this evening for anything I missed.

Diagnosis (if you've been): RPL, Elevated NKCells & Activity, blood-clotting disorders, AMA

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just did CD3 testing for backup clinic. Anxiously awaiting those results to see if my blood results still come back normal, and what my latest AMH number is. @legallykate I totally get hoping that somehow the numbers will be “in normal range” this time around! 

How are things going?: Crazy. I started a second gig last week to make the money to pay for embryo testing. Then I got the blessing of an old gig calling & seeing if I could start on that contract this week. So I’m juggling 3 jobs and working very hard to keep everything straight & not stress out!! 

Any questions?: Just wondering about PGS/PGD testing in general: how long does it take to get results, what’s the grading system, etc. 

GTKY: How many US states have you visited? 28 that I’ve spent time in, not counting all the airports and road trips through certain states. If I count those I think I hit 35 or so.... This was a fun question to think about. 

inthewoods23

@keikilove from ER to PGS results was about 2 weeks. They gave the fertilized eggs until day 6 before biopsy and freezing, then maybe 6 days later I got the call. The clinic might tell you it will take 2 weeks to get results, but could be less.

abarr723

@kpearse99 LMAO I always feel like I need to apologize! Not trying to ghost my peeps!

@everyone thank you for the concern about DH, it's definitely not easy being a law enforcement wife. Thank god he comes home safe daily. 

@keikilove damn girl! 3 jobs! Look at you hustle! Get it girl! 

Update: AF arrived last night! Called the clinic this morning, I will be having the polyps removed either Monday or Tuesday!! 🙏🏽🙂

bluetickgal

@manillabar thanks lady!! I’m so sorry you have been struggling! Sending so many hugs your way! 💜 That’s good news about your meds being increased and that you seem to be responding better! Fingers crossed this is your cycle and things will start turning around! 

@kiki047 thanks, friend! I really appreciate it!

@abarr723 thanks lady! Sorry things have been so crazy, but that’s awesome you are 5 weeks away from being done with school!! Sorry AF showed, but I’m glad you can move on and have those polyps removed! I’ll be thinking about you, hoping/praying that all goes well! 

@keikilove thanks, friend! I’m going to try my best to keep the positivity going! Hope you get good results from the CD3 testing! That’s great about the extra jobs to pay for embryo testing...hope it doesn’t get too stressful with 3 jobs though! 
@shoogapoff thanks, friend! Yep, that was post-wash. It was a pretty significant drop from last time, but I think we just got super lucky with those numbers (but I encouraged the 1 day less hold so we would have better timing otherwise)...not like the great count mattered enough last time anyways. 
@mvt2003 thanks, friend!! I’m crossing everything and hoping so hard that this is your cycle too!! Come on March!!! 

@legallykate thank you! Here’s to hoping for great CD3 results! I’d say getting there emotionally is half the battle! I hope you can figure out all the logistics and it won’t be too stressful! You’ve got this and know that you have a huge support system here! 

bluetickgal

@shoogapoff sorry friend, I totally missed responding to your info in the constant scrolling up & down while posting! 🤦🏼‍♀️ That’s great you have been doing better with everything to prepare for IVF! I did the half-caf switch a while back, and found that I don’t miss the extra caffeine...hopefully it’s the same for you! Could you call and ask what your clinic does as far as meds/anesthesiology for the hysteroscopy...that way you can mentally prepare, either way? I’m so sorry that you had a traumatic experience with the HSG, but I’m hoping the hysteroscopy will be a breeze for you and will get you that much closer to your take-home baby!! 💜

shoogapoff

@bluetickgal Thank you! I feel funny asking a million questions because I have already been emailing a fair amount related to the logistics of the actual clinical trial. But today was CD 1, so I just called and left a message with my research coordinator so we can get started, so when she calls me back, I will probably just ask her about what to expect with the hysteroscopy. 

manillabar

Thanks for the kind words everyone, I really appreciate this community so much

@abarr723 glad things are moving forward with the polyp removal! hope things have quieted down where you are

@legallykate definitely know what you mean. On the one hand, no one really wants to have any kind of IF diagnosis, but on the other hand, if it means you can get closer to the end goal, then let's get this show on the road! I hope your results are helpful in moving things forward for you

@keikilove how do you like the new clinic?

@shoogapoff I'm so excited for you to get started with this clinical trial! very cool! Hope you get some reassuring answers about the hysteroscopy

I'm hanging in there on my end. I get so confused sometimes with these follicle scans because it seems like some of them appear or disappear (ie, yesterday I had one the doctor said was 20mm and then today apparently the largest one I have is 17mm so who knows?) so I've stopped trying to predict the next move and am just waiting to hear what the doc says to do next.