IF Testing/Treatment w/o 1/4

fitzfizz

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: If you had to name one book you would read over and over, what would you pick? 

acleverusername

Diagnosis (if you've been): hypoandrogenic PCOS, AMA, MFI (morphology 2%), suspected poor egg quality

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I have 2 appointments scheduled this week with our current clinic: one to discuss IVF as next steps (Wed); the other is to sign consent forms for IVF (Fri). I want get the logistics out of the way, and be ready to start in Feb since I'll likely order my meds from overseas given that they're so much cheaper. That means we're skipping a cycle, and trying to decide if we want to try 1 more gonadotropin-only IUI. Also working on having a consult with Egg Whisperer as I've decided if we have to pay out of pocket, we might as well go with the best RE there is; and she's definitely it (she has the highest reviews on FertilityIQ; she's expensive as füçk but I also think she's our best chance at needing only 1 cycle. But, I also realize that she's not a miracle worker, so... 🤷‍♀️

How are things going?: It's actually going pretty well! I've gotten over being pissed off my thin lining/futile cycle by putting thoughts down on paper (kind of journal style, but not quite). I'm feeling "at peace" about the next steps. 

Any questions?: Yeah, actually I have a big one: how are you keeping track of your fertility journey so far? I have most of my blood results, test results, saved as digital files on my computer and have a folder (with subfolder) where everything's organized in a way where I can easily access it. However, I've also heard of people doing the old "pen and paper" approach: a 3-ring binder with all their files in there. What do you currently do / don't do? Any best practices you can share? I'm generally a very organized person, and especially when it comes to very important things, I try to always improve. 

GTKY: If you had to name one book you would read over and over, what would you pick? Harry Potter for sure. 

fitzfizz

*lurking* 

@acleverusername I was legitimately wondering why you weren’t already seeing the egg whisperer, so I’m glad it sounds like you are finally going to get a consult! Regarding organization, my thought from the other side of the consult is that paper is going to be helpful. When I have a complicated patient, it is unbelievably helpful when they have prior records/labs/imaging in an organized file on paper that I can look through. Digital is fine at home, but way too often someone brings digital records and I can’t open them. Paper is so much easier for the doctor. 

acleverusername

@fitzfizz Ah, it's so good to have a provider opinion on this. Thank you infinitely! 🙏🏻

krash_

@acleverusername thank you for the mention of FertilityIQ! I just went down a rabbit hole looking at ratings on there compared to the Dr's that are in-network for insurance. Debating if I should switch to a Dr that's in-network before we get too far along in this process. But switching seems like it would create a delay. Maybe I should get a consultation scheduled at another clinic while still doing treatments with my current dr. As far as documenting things, I have nothing. I don't have access digitally to my charts at my RE so and they haven't provided paper copies. I might have to ask for a copy of everything especially if I am going to try to switch. 

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Letrozole + TI

How are things going?: meh. Just waiting to test on Thursday and beta on Friday. I don't have much to update right now. 

Any questions?: NATM

GTKY: If you had to name one book you would read over and over, what would you pick? Idk, I have never read a book more than once. 

laura-kay

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained infertility 

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Started off as IUI with injections but changed to time intercourse with injections 

How are things going?: Very emotional and stressed right now.  I’m not handling things well.

Any questions?: NATM

GTKY: If you had to name one book you would read over and over, what would you pick? I love so many!  It is hard to pick

krash_

@laura-kay sorry you're not handling things well right now. I hope you can find some self care to distract you during this TWW, maybe reread one of those books from the GTKY or go for daily walks. Hugs 

acleverusername

@krash_ I think you’ve got the right idea about continuing to do treatments while looking for someone else. That’s my approach. But only as long as you agree with the treatment plan tour current doc has for you. I’m sorry you’re not feeling enthusiastic about this cycle; I know the feeling well. I’m basically just waiting for my period to start. 

@laura-kay girl, I’m sorry you’re struggling; it sound like your Christmas visitors had a negative impact on your emotional well being. Sending you non-creepy virtual hugs; it’s really the best support I can offer. Do you have an option to take some time off and do some self-care type of activities as @krash_ suggested?

laura-kay

Thanks!  I’ll try to do some self care and pull out some of those books.  I started to do a little journaling last night when I couldn’t sleep so hopefully that will help as well.  

quiltandknit

Diagnosis (if you've been): not yet

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO 

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Testing this cycle to start our workup.  I did my CD 3 blood work which looked okay (at least to me, haven't discussed with my dr yet).  Next week DH does his SA and I have an HSG/TVUS scheduled.

How are things going?:  Feeling hopeful that we can discuss options soon and hoping the rest of our testing looks good.

Any questions?:  none ATM--I'm lurking and reading a lot, just trying not to get overwhelmed.  The community here is so knowledgeable so thank you all for being so open.

GTKY: If you had to name one book you would read over and over, what would you pick?   Ohhhh so many!!  I have read the Harry Potter series a million times, and also love Gretchen Rubin's books, especially The Happiness Project.

quiltandknit

@acleverusername good luck with your consult!  I'd also recommend bringing paper records, they are far more easier for healthcare providers to go through quickly!

@laura-kay +1 for journaling.  I have a planner that I use for gratitude and affirmations morning and night.  It sounds silly but just putting my thoughts on paper helps me re-frame when I'm struggling.  A good hot bath, glass of wine, and doing my nails helps too!

@krash_ hope your testing goes well.

acleverusername

@quiltandknit Welcome to the IF thread, though I'm really sorry that you find yourself here. Good luck with next week's testing; those 2 tests will give you lots of answers. We do have a lot of collective knowledge here, and if at any time you're feeling overwhelmed, just ask a specific answer, and I'm sure someone will have an answers or will know / can summon someone (a grad) who'd have it. Thanks for your recommendation re: paper records. As I mentioned to @fitzfizz, it's so helpful having health care provider's perspective on this. 

laura-kay

Well, I’m out of the two week wait and into a break from treatment. We are skipping this cycle.  We need a break emotionally and physically.

acleverusername

@laura-kay I'm really sorry to hear you weren't successful. I think taking a break makes sense if you're feeling exhausted like that. Sending you positive vibes, hugs of support. Don't forget to invest in self-care. Sharing a bit of inspiration that came with a purchase that arrived recently: