IF Testing and Treatment w/o 8.17

emeraldduchess

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 are some good movies you have watched recently?

emeraldduchess

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained IF and RPL, AMA, ovarian shenanigans. 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): I guess technically WTO? Waiting for egg retrieval? 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF. It still feels surreal that we're doing this. 

How are things going?: Day 4 of stims and so far, so good. I've switched from the mixing needle to the Q-cap and it's much easier. I was having trouble getting all the liquid with the mixing needle, but with the Q-cap I don't loose any. I'm feeling a little fatigued and a little emotional, but so fair I am not feeling any crazy side effects.  

Any questions?: I had a large amount of EWCM yesterday. I don't know if I should call my RE about that or just wait until my blood work tomorrow and ask. They only have me on Gonal F and Menopur right now, nothing to prevent early O. 

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? I watched "Spotlight" for the second time the other day. It's not an easy movie to watch and it can be very triggering. *TW* The story follows the Boston Globe reporters as they investigate the abuse and cover-up by the Church in Boston. *End TW* It's definitely not a "feel-good movie" and you need to follow up with a silly rom-com or something afterward, but it's very well done and the acting is top-notch. 

legallykate

@emeraldduchess the EWCM may just be a byproduct of the higher than normal estrogen levels, I feel like I had way more CM than usual leading up to my ER. Did they prescribe Cetrotide or Ganirelix for you to start closer to the retrieval? And yes, team Q cap for sure.

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Did my HSG and now just waiting for CD1 to start my FET protocol.

How are things going?: Things are relatively good! I only worked a few hours this weekend (and none on Saturday!) so it's been really nice to give myself those breaks lately, I am feeling way less burnt out. I am super impatient to get going with my FET cycle but it seems like this is going to be a crazy long cycle since I am at CD19 with O nowhere in sight.

Any questions?: For those who have done an ER, was your following cycle a lot longer? I have read elsewhere that this is a common occurrence but would love any anecdotal data re: how much longer.

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? Oh gosh, I can't even remember the last movie we watched. We have been watching the TV show Selling Sunset and really enjoying that though! 

misshelen86

@emeraldduchess So glad to hear that stims are going well for you so far!! You’ve got this girl!

I’m not sure about the EWCM but it doesn’t hurt to ask.. is there a nurse’s line? I’ll definitely check out that movie!

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): NTNP... IVF next month! 

How are things going?: Great! We met with our RE on Saturday to sign our final consent forms and I received my protocol. Now I just WFAF. I’m feeling reassured after talking to our RE and telling her my concern that we will go through this and it might not even work.. she said that statistically we should get at least 1-2 embryos. She’s not one to sugar coat things so I feel a lot more hopeful now! I also let my manager know that I’ll be going through IVF next month and she was very supportive and said she will help me re-arrange my schedule if necessary. It’s like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders! 

Any questions?: Not right now! 

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? I really liked Poms, Stuber and Feel the Beat for some nice light-hearted comedy. 

emeraldduchess

@legallykate I don't know about the first cycle after ER being longer, but it makes sense. If that's the case, I'm probably in for an uber-long cycle. This last one was 41 days. Ugh. I have Cetrotide in my fridge, but they haven't told me to take it yet. Maybe after my blood work tomorrow they'll have me start. I also have Lupron, too.
I'm glad you were able to take a break from work on Saturday! 

@misshelen86 I'm so excited for you and your DH with starting IVF! That's great that your manager was so supportive.

misshelen86

@legallykate I don’t know the answer to your question but I’m excited that your FET is just around the corner! Glad you have had a bit of a break from work this weekend too. 

ruby696

*lurking*

Eta: tag

@emeraldduchess Good luck! I'm so hopeful for you and will be lurking like a creeper... ❤

@misshelen86 I only got 3 embryos. We did not do any testing on them and did a fresh transfer at two days. *TW* BFP in spoiler:

And we ended up with perfectly healthy twins. So don't worry if you only have a couple embryos and can't do any testing or need to do a fresh transfer. It can still work. ❤ Good luck!

kiki047

@emeraldduchess so glad stims are going well for you so far. I won't show you the photos of my menopur welts but I'm so relieved for you that it isn't so bad! I wouldn't be too worried about the EWCM, like kate said it's most likely your sky-high estrogen levels that are causing it. Sounds like they're just waiting for things to get going before you start the lupron or cetrotide. I was on lupron from CD1 until the day before I triggered but I know every clinic is different. 
@legallykate my cycle following my ER was short, only 23 days, but I also wasn't ovulating (and didn't for the 4 cycles following) but that's just me. The stims majorly messed with my PCOS hormones so it took me 4 months to get back on track. 
@misshelen86 that's so good that you're feeling reassured to have a plan, and that you'll have the support of your manager to help ease some of the scheduling stress too.   you've got this, friend! 


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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO - FET cycle

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): WELL, let me tell you about my weekend. My body is just messing with me at this point. Remember how I said the provera didn't work and I started BCP on Thursday? So I was 2 days into my pack and I started spotting a little on Saturday. Thought maybe it could've been because we were fooling around in the morning. By Sunday it was more than just spotting so I texted my RE. He said if it turned to full flow by Sunday night, stop the BCP and come in Tuesday for an ultrasound either way. And it did. so now he's going to try to work his magic and maybe, just maybe, our FET might be sooner than later. But who knows, my body's been playing tricks on me all along so first I need to have clear scans on CD3 and CD12. 

How are things going?: I'm confused and frustrated that my body is just doing whatever the hell it wants but trying not to dwell on the negativity and just go with it. Easier said than done, but at this rate it's just a wait-and-see game. 

Any questions?: I have a million questions for my hormones/ute on wtf she's doing in there but otherwise nope, not right now! 

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? I recorded The Man From UNCLE for MH to watch. I had seen it in theatres and liked it, and he really enjoyed it despite it bombing at the box office. *shrug* We haven't watched much else recently, trying to spend more time outside. I did record 'Loving' to watch later when we want something more serious. 

inthewoods23

@emeraldduchess glad everything is going well! My protocol had me taking lupron up to a certain day - maybe even up to the day I did the trigger. Cetrotide will keep you from ovulating and I think with that protocol you start taking that once your follicles get pretty large. I recall having lots of CM as well.

@legallykate I think it depends on the meds you were on during your ER. I can't really help with your question as I got put on BC right away to coordinate the timing of my FET a few months later. I can definitely tell you that after my failed FET I didn't O until CD40 or so, but it can take a while for Lupron to flush the system which prevents O. When I stopped all meds mid-cycle back in March it also took a month+ after stopping for me to O. I REALLY hope it doesn't take that long for you though!

@misshelen86 that's awesome that your manager was so supportive!

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): trying naturally, having a consult with our 2nd RE on Thursday!

How are things going?: I'm feeling back down in a slump. I think it's the conversations I've been part of lately. There's just always something that causes a physical reaction in me when I'm at my ILs. Also my MIL again forgets that I'm doing DF and GF right now and only remembered when I brought out the dairy-free ice cream container I brought from home (cuz obviously I can't have chocolate cake or cheesecake). Trying to stay positive since I'm 5DPO today and am hoping there's an embryo working its way out of its shell for implantation. Don't need any negativity right now

Any questions?: Mmmm no, but I should make my list of questions for the RE before I forget

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? Uhhhhh....... what even was the last movie I watched??

inthewoods23

@kiki047 Crossing fingers for you! I would feel both excited to get going but also frustrated! It's like our bodies are perfectly behaved when it doesn't matter but once it does, it decides to act weird.

emeraldduchess

@kiki047 uuuugggh. WTF to your body and hormones?? I hope your RE can work his magic and get you in for your FET sooner rather than later. Hugs to you. 

kiki047

@inthewoods23 thank you! My RE was totally unfazed by it, which puts me more at ease. I told him to treat my hormones like a hostile negotiation - don't assume they'll do the 'right thing' and never, ever turn your back for a second in case they pull some funny business.   I'm so sorry your ILs are so triggering. I totally understand that. FX you have a little embie in there who wants to get nice and cozy and settle in for the long haul.  

emeraldduchess

@inthewoods23 so excited for your second consult this week! I'm sorry you're feeling down again. That happens to me frequently after time with my in-laws, too. I adore my MIL and FIL but there are other family members who definitely require a lot of mental and emotional stamina. One in particular causes me major anxiety and my body goes into panic mode around them. 

optimisticoctopus

I hope it’s okay for me to join in here! I’ve been lurking for a couple weeks since DH and I decided with our RE to move forward with IUI...

@emeraldduchess I’m glad that everything is going well!! 

@legallykate sorry that it looks like it’s going to be a long cycle. Selling Sunset has been on my list to watch for a little while!

@misshelen86 yay for starting IVF! It’s so awesome that your manager is being understanding about everything. 

@kiki047 oh man the things our bodies do! FX that you are able to get in for your FET!!

@inthewoods23 that’s SO frustrating about your IL’s. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): no “official” diagnosis...but currently trying to reign in thyroid levels 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Today is my last day of Provera! Hopefully AF decides to come at a convenient time so we are able to get into our IUI next month. 

How are things going?: Mostly good, we’ve been a little emotionally drained as we are telling our families what is going on. No one even knew we were trying, so it was a lot to go through our whole history to get to the current status. We are having dinner with DH’s parents tonight and then taking a break from talking about it with others for a while. Also: I can’t figure out if I want AF to come right away or not ugh. We are going on vacation from Friday-Friday, and I just have this feeling that it’s going to end up coming on like Monday and mess with everything. The nurse I spoke to on the phone when I started the Provera seemed to think that we would be able to make any sort of timing work so I’m hoping that’s the case. 

Any questions?: Not at the moment. I feel like I’ll have a ton as we officially start the process though!

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? We watched Baby Driver last night and it was so so good!!

misshelen86

@kiki047 Keeping everything crossed that your can get in for your FET and your scans are good! 

@inthewoods23 Hoping everything goes well with your consult! So frustrating about your IL’s. I don’t understand how they can just “forget” that you are GF/DF. I have a few of those people in my life as well that I really need to limit how often I see them. 

akoros

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, RPL (1 trisomy, the other technically unexplained) -- side note, I hope it's ok that I'm here, since I don't know if "RPL" is really "IF" since it implies that I can get pregnant...that said, you all here have been immensely helpful as I go through testing to figure out what's going on. If it's inappropriate for me to be here let me know and I'll stop.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF, first one after my most recent loss, so anxious for it to show up so I can figure out where my cycle is

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Testing, have a follow-up on Friday with the MFM to go over the results. Based on my uneducated read of the lab reports they found heterozygous Factor V Leiden (not sure about Factor II or protein C, I thought that was on the order but haven't seen results come in), so I'm anticipating that the call will discuss the medications I'll need to take if I get pregnant again to avoid clotting issues.

How are things going?: Not bad, kind of anxious waiting for my period and the doctor's appointment, but in general doing ok. Finished my "testing" spreadsheet, so I have that all ready to go for Friday

Any questions?: None right now

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? Ford v. Ferrari was good (and I'm not a "car person"). We watched "Project Power" over the weekend on Netflix and it wasn't bad...predicable, but still fun. I also watched "The Kitchen," which was good for a little "female power". 

@emeraldduchess I haven't watched "Spotlight" yet (on my list), but a while ago did watch "The Keepers" on Netflix, which is a documentary about some former students trying to find a nun who went missing in Baltimore back in the '60s, which then gets into similar abuse issues. Definitely difficult to watch, but I thought it was good. Listening to the way the women talked about the power of the church in the Baltimore Polish community reminded me a lot of how my mother talks about her childhood (Ukrainian in Philadelphia), minus the horrible parts, which made it hit home a little. 

@legallykate Glad you were able to get some breaks! I remember having periods like that at work, it's exhausting. 

@kiki047 I'm sorry your body is being such a little punk. I hope you have good scans and can get some questions answered.

@inthewoods23 Good luck with your consult!

@runningoncookies It's so exhausting to talk over all that stuff, so hear you on taking a break. As much as we can we try to keep what's going on to ourselves

shoogapoff

@emeraldduchess EWCM is definitely normal and due to higher estrogen levels. If you think about it, normal estrogen at ovulation is like 250 or 300, and during stims, yours is likely to get into the thousands (mine was above 4000 by my ER), so you're bound to have some weird symptoms. I was worried about early O, since I O around CD 10 or 11 sometimes, but they were on top of things and I started Ganirelix on like the 5th or 6th day of stims, and no issues. 

@misshelen86 Yay for starting IVF soon. I'm glad your work is being supportive. I'm not one to talk at all, but like @ruby696 said, the numbers aren't the end-all-be-all of success (preaching to myself as well right now). 

@legallykate I haven't been tracking my O at all, but I feel like this cycle is going to go longer. I should be PMS'ing by now, and I am not at all. Now I wish I had tracked! 

@runningoncookies Welcome! I'm sorry you're here, but glad you're joining in. I also loved Baby Driver! Such a creative movie concept! 

@inthewoods23 I'm so sorry for the IL stress. Keep up those positive thoughts for your possible embryo implanting! I have everything crossed for you!

@kiki047 I'm sorry your body is not being predictable. FX for everything to work for a quick and successful FET! 

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): waiting for CD 1 to start prepping for FET! 

How are things going?: Everyday has it's ups and downs. I keep googling about chances of success, and/or generally comparing myself to others. Some days I feel really good, like this is GOING TO WORK, and others I feel like I'm delusional and that my RE's office is probably talking about me as this really sad case that has no chance of working.

Any questions?: I think we're doing a "natural" transfer (i.e. no BCP or Lupron to delay ovulation). Does anyone know if that means I'll probably transfer 5-6 days after I ovulate naturally? I'm just curious about that timing, and worried that since I ovulate early we might not have a good enough lining in time. 

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently? Does Hamilton count as a movie? I also watched Eurovision on Netflix. It's silly, but I kind of loved it.

inthewoods23

@kiki047 others freaking out is so helpful! Like ok, they have no concerns so I shouldn't either phew

@emeraldduchess ugh yes, so much mental and emotional labor. With SIL complaining about having to wear a mask at work and her BF talking about guns again I was so IRKED.

@runningoncookies welcome! I never bothered to talk to family about our IF. I don't like people poking for updates. It would just make me more anxious. I think AF came for me within 3 days of ending Provera (I only had 6 pills instead of 10). Hope AF doesn't butt in on your vacation

@misshelen86 I don't think MIL will remember unless I specifically state it to her. For my SIL's birthday dinner they tried finding a DF ice cream for me after I mentioned not having the cake. They couldn't find any at the store they were shopping so I brought my own store bought GF cookies for my dessert. I just went ahead and did the same this time 😒

@akoros I've never been in your shoes, but I believe RPL does fall in the IF category. Some of your stuff may be better asked in the loss thread though

@shoogapoff yes with natural transfers they'll monitor for when you ovulate then transfer the embryo 5 days later. I wonder if they can give you something to help build your lining?

shoogapoff

@inthewoods23 I THINK they are going to give me estrogen and PIO ahead of time, but I am honestly not sure. Protocols vary so much from person-to-person and clinic-to-clinic. It's kind of crazy!

optimisticoctopus

So we had “the talk” with my IL’s last night and while I nearly had an anxious breakdown before we got there overall it went okay. They have promised to not ask us any questions and just be there for support on our own terms if/when we ask for it. They are really pushing us to tell DH’s siblings, which I think we will get to eventually (we’re all very close). We told them a handful of times that we need a break from talking about everything and they finally seemed to be (a little) receptive to that. 

@akoros GL on Friday! My RE told me I will have to be on blood thinners when I get pregnant (baby aspirin and lovenox) to avoid any clotting issues. I already take the baby aspirin since all my doctors say it won’t hurt. 

@shoogapoff keep trying to stay positive!!

emeraldduchess

@runningoncookies I'm glad that talking to your IL's went pretty well. It's good that they're being supportive. I go back and forth between telling my IL's exactly what we're dealing with. They know we've had 2 losses and have been kind about it, but I am not sure how much they will understand or sympathize with the IVF process. I hope that your IL's will also respect your boundaries!

@akoros of course you can hang around here. RPL does fall under the "IF umbrella".  I watched most of "The Keepers" as well (I don't think I finished it, though). That series as "Spotlight" definitely hit home since I grew up in a very Irish Catholic family and attended Catholic high school. 

@shoogapoff I am so excited for your FET! I am on the "hope vs. doubt" roller coaster myself. You can sit with me.  

AFM, I only had blood work this morning, no ultrasound. I'm on day 5 of injections and the bloating and cramping has begun. Fabulous. Hopefully the stims are working their magic and I can get in for my retrieval sooner rather than later. 

I bought a new, loose-fitting-yet-professional-looking dress to wear in case I have any in-person interviews pre or post ER. 

akoros

@runningoncookies Glad the conversation went well! It can be really tricky, my parents are very different from in in-laws, particularly in how they've handled our struggles. My mom is the type to check in and talk about it (unless I say I don't want to), whereas my in-laws avoid it at all costs. I think the avoidance is more them trying to respect our privacy, but at times I'm not sure if it's actually that it upsets them and makes them uncomfortable. 

legallykate

@misshelen86 Yay for getting everything signed and being ready to move forward! That’s awesome that your manager knows and is supportive. We got more embryos than expected with my levels so FX that’s the case for you as well!

@kiki047 Sorry your body is sending such mixed signals but FX it means you get to move forward with your FET sooner versus later.

@inthewoods23 Sorry your in laws are causing you additional stress. Hopefully this will be your cycle and you won’t end up needing the new RE, but I hope the consult goes well regardless!

@runningwithcookies Welcome, although I am sorry you find yourself here. These ladies have been so great and supportive to me as I made the leap into IF treatment. MH doesn’t feel comfortable talking to his family about any of this at all which is so weird for me since I tell mine everything, every time we FaceTime with his mom I feel like we are lying to her. But I also get it not being pleasant to talk about a lot so a break from talking about it sounds like a great plan.

@akoros Hope your call goes well on Friday and the MFM has some answers/ideas for you.

@shoogapoff I think if you are on estrogen your lining will be good even if you ovulate on the early side. I am super confused about my protocol too. I hope we both get to CD1 and get to get started soon!

No major updates from me, I finally got a peak OPK yesterday so I think I am probably ovulating today and then I'm hoping for a short LP, lol. 

optimisticoctopus

@akoros haha I had to have a follow up conversation with my mom yesterday where I explained to her that when I said “I don’t want you to check up on me” I actually meant it!

@legallykate yay for O!! 

ramzlau

In the waiting room for IUI! We are doing back to back IUIs this cycle. It has been a crazy week! 

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO starting TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Did Clomid, Gonal F, Estrace, and doing back to back IUI today and tomorrow! 

How are things going?: we had a snafoo about the gonal f on Friday/Saturday, but recovered and got back on track. Ultrasound on Monday showed 3 follies at 15 on right side and one at 12 on left. Held our breath Monday night that the 4th wouldn’t grow and cancel our cycle. Ultrasound Tuesday showed 2 follies at 20 and one at 18 and the one on the left stayed 12! Triggered last night and doing IUI this morning. 

Any questions?: I know back to back IUIs don’t increase your chance of getting KU if you are doing intercourse with IUI, but I am wondering if it does if the aggulation has a negative effect on sperm and the wash improves this? 

GTKY: What are some good movies you have watched recently?  Ha, I don’t know if I have watched any movies since May. Last one was the new Star Wars. 

Be back for tags later! 

emeraldduchess

@ramzlau good luck!!

inthewoods23

@shoogapoff well, whatever they do, I hope it's all the right things for your little embryo!

@runningoncookies happy to hear your talk went well. I don't think I could ever have that serious of a conversation with my family. I think that comes from my past of feeling like they haven't supported me like they should have. You should be able to tell everyone on your own time.

@emeraldduchess I'm so surprised they wouldn't want to do an US to check follicle growth. What if they need to boost or drop your meds??

@legallykate the one time to hope for a short LP lol. I love when we get a little backwards here. Gotta love getting excited for AF.

@ramzlau good luck!

emeraldduchess

On today's episode of Emerald's Ovarian Shenanigans: my estradiol is up around 1700, and according to today's ultrasound, one ovary is responding while the other needs a kick in the butt. According to the nurse it's fine, they reduced my meds, added Cetrotide, and I go back tomorrow. I am already over the meds and the bloat, so I hope I can have my ER sooner rather than later. Plus I REALLY want my McDonald's fries. 

inthewoods23

@emeraldduchess gotta bust out the Jurassic Park gif for your follicles!

I finally picked up my own copy of my records today and well, looking at DH's sperm analysis, the IUI wash reports, and the sperm info noted on the day of egg retrieval, I don't know what to say other than WTF.

His concentration for the analysis was 2.4mL, but all the IUI wash reports say he started with 1.1-1.4mL??? I mean, I guess his volume could be more because we abstained longer before his SA (it was well over 5 days). But the other interesting fact was that morphology was listed on the ER report and it was 6%! His SA from 10 months prior was only 1%.

Man I'm so glad we're doing this 2nd opinion. I really would love to know what his SA would say now!

ramzlau

@inthewoods23 Wow! What a turn around from 1% to 6%! Hoping that means good things for this cycle, and yay for YH for whatever he has been doing to make the change. 

@emeraldduchess Seriously why do our ovaries like to have a mind of their own. I hope tomorrow gives better results from the trailing ovary! 

emeraldduchess

@ramzlau the ovarian shenanigans are nothing new. I figure this isn't unusual in IVF land and I am already on an aggressive protocol, so my RE will figure it out. I just want to get to my retrieval already. 

legallykate

@ramzlau I have never heard of back to back IUIs before, FX it went well today, sending you all the May hype vibes!!!

@inthewoods23 Lol right? IF treatments turn everything so topsy turvy that now I cannot wait for AF to show! That’s amazing that YH’s numbers improved that much. Hope your appointment goes great!

@emeraldduchess One of my ovaries responded way faster than the other too. Sounds like you are responding really well overall if your E2 is that high. Hope your ER is soon and very fruitful!

emeraldduchess

@ramzlau good luck today with IUI 2! 
@inthewoods23 good luck at your consult today! Let us know how it goes!

As for me, I had more blood work and another ultrasound this morning. The nurse said that overall I am responding very well and that my ER could be as soon as Sunday. Eek! I do have to go into the hospital 36 hours ahead of time for a COVID test. I'm a little nervous about that, I heard it's not very pleasant. DH also has to collect his sample at home, drop me off for my ER and pick me up after it's done. I'm upset he won't be able to be with me through this, but I understand. COVID isn't going away anytime soon, so we'll have to deal. 

Edit: spelling 

inthewoods23

I'm so nervous about this appointment that I felt the need to put more deodorant on 😆

Wish me luck!

bbrahmbhatt

*lurking*

@ramzlau I hope everything went well with IUI today! FX so hard for you!

@emeraldduchess Aah, it's here already! FX for you on Sunday!

@legallykate yay O! Come on short LP!! I hope you get to FET soooon!

@shoogapoff I'm keeping everything crossed for your upcoming FET! The roller-coaster of emotions is always so hard! You're doing great though, we are all so strong.

@inthewoods23 sending out good vibes for your appointment today. Keep us updated! 

ramzlau

@inthewoods23 You’ve got this! 

@emeraldduchess Yay for a date for ER! I had to do Covid test and so did H for this cycle. He said it wasn’t bad, they started using smaller swabs so it wasn’t painful for him at all, for me it was enough to make my eyes water but nothing horrible. 10 seconds each nasal and then you are done! 

@legallykate Hope AF shows soon! 

@runningoncookies You are brave for having that convo. It isn’t easy, but hopefully it helps relieve some stress from questions. 

inthewoods23

Well.... I didn't leave the appointment with the warm and fuzzies as I had hoped. I should learn to keep my head out of the clouds.

To sum up:
-we have a 5% chance of conceiving every month
-IUI chances of success would be 10-12%
-now that we are healthier compared to when we last did IUIs, we may have a better chance of success compared to back then
-we will run baseline stuff again next cycle since it's 2 years old and reconvene to decide what to do. An IUI or 2 may be worth trying before just transferring a 2nd embryo
-stay on the diet since it seems to make me feel better

We also talked a bit about mental health (why I didn't leave the meeting feeling upbeat). I think getting on medication may be a huge factor in helping us succeed. I've read that things like depression and anxiety can prevent implantation even though everything else about the reproductive system works properly.

So we will see...

emeraldduchess

@inthewoods23 I'm sorry you didn't leave with a warm-fuzzy feeling, but it sounds like the new RE has a plan. It makes sense to do another set of baseline tests, I'd be interested to see what they say after you've been going GF/DF. I know the mental health talk can be hard to hear. I live with anxiety and depression as well and I do take medication for it. Feel free to PM me any time, I am happy to tell you a little more about my experience.

inthewoods23

@emeraldduchess thanks, YGPM 

optimisticoctopus

@ramzlau hoping the IUIs went well...keeping my FX for you!!

@emeraldduchess yay for an ER date!! Hopefully the COVID test isn’t too bad...at least it’s for something exciting!

@inthewoods23 sorry that the meeting didn’t give you the feelings you had hoped for. It seems like it’s a lot to take in. Hopefully redoing the testing continues to give you more answers!

Welp, AF showed today! Which I am simultaneously annoyed and excited about. Excited because we can finally move on from this cycle, but bummed because it came at like the actual worst time. Because we are leaving early for vacation tomorrow and will be gone for the week, they can’t get me in for monitoring, so no Clomid/IUI for me this cycle. Ugh. I’m trying to talk some positivity into DH that we will just try naturally this cycle and keep our fingers crossed. For those who have had an-O cycles, do you normally ovulate around your “typical” time the next cycle? This is the first one I’ve ever tracked so I’m feeling a little clueless!

emeraldduchess

Random question for the IVF ladies. Do any of you wear contact lenses? Can I wear contacts during my ER because I won't be 100% under anesthesia? Or should I just wear my glasses? I'm worried about them getting lost at the hospital. My vision is terrible without them and I will absolutely be walking into walls on my way out if they get lost.  I should really look into getting that laser surgery.