No Surprise Here...

MJC1116

Just as expected, NOT PREGNANT was staring right back at me this morning when I tested 14 DPO. RE said to test today and stop progesterone/wait for AF if it was negative. I debated continuing with the progesterone and testing again on Saturday just in case 14 days wasn't quite long enough. With DD, I didn't test + until 4 days after I missed my period, but since I wasn't charting/using OPK, I have no idea when I ovulated.

So it looks like we will start some sort of injectible with IUI in mid-June. I'm guessing that Follistim? Or something like that? Anybody who has done this type of treatment before, could you shed some light on the experience? I'm not too thrilled about my husband injecting me (I refuse to do it), and above that I'll more nervous about side effects. (I think DH is worried about emotional outbursts... more than what he's already seen without meds lol). And how the IUI experience? I'm thinking of continuing acupuncture with these procedures.

My chances of conceiving, according to RE's statistics, go from 4% to 18% with this procedure. She thinks the ace in my pocket is my age, but I'm not sure what to think or feel. I don't want to be too optimistic and hopeful, but I don't want to go into it thinking negatively. 

Thanks for any insight!! 

mlamping

I am so sorry! That sucks. Are you considering IVF? I am not sure how your insurance is, but my RE told me that between injectable IUI and IVF the chances are much higher with IVF and you do the same meds. 

 

Just a thought, in any case, best of luck  

huskermama

Sorry about the BFN!  I think we can all relate to how devasting it is to get  "no" month after month.

We just finished our second round of treatment with injectables and had our IUI this last Sunday so I am currently in the dreaded 2ww.  I'd have to say I was pretty fearful of the whole process but it really isn't that bad IMO....just mind over matter.

My first cycle was spent trying to figure out the proper amount of meds and what it would take to get my body to respond. This last round I was on 150 mg (2 vials) of bravelle a night for 10 nights starting on CD3, followed by a trigger and the IUI about 33ish hours later. 

Before we could even begin with injects our RE's office made us attend a class where we learned about IUI and IVF and got to practice injections on little plastic squishy, flesh-colored squares that were meant to mimick buns   My DH does my injections but I think other meds that come pre-mixed and need refrigerated come in pens (like an epipen) and can easily be self-injected into your thigh

I haven't noticed any effects from the bravelle, but probably more so the trigger (HCG) and the progestone I'm on now to help keep my levels up in case we are pg. Don't think I've been overly hormonal (although DH might disagree) just typical stuff similar to AF symptoms...some cramping, sore bb's, back aches, etc. For me also the trigger shot did hurt...not really the shot itself, but afterwards whichever side I received the injection on was really stiff and sore and felt like I had a deep bruise.

As for the IUI itself, also not too bad in my experience.  Maybe a little uncomfortable, but very similar to a pap and over in 2 minutes. Then just rest for a few and go about your day. The first one I didn't feel a thing, but this last one did take a bit more of a toll.  Lots of tight cramping and difficult to walk. TThey say cramping is normal, but I had twice the follies this time so I think it was more related to ovulation than the IUI itself.

 Sorry for the long post, but I hope this is somewhat helpful and best of luck!

MJC1116

Thanks so much for all of your information! It was really useful and I will keep this post handy for when we start. I don't feel as nervous.

 

We have discussed IVF, but I think I'm a little more on board with the idea than my husband. DH has recently just come around to exploring help. I am having my FSH/AMH tested again tomorrow, so we will see how dire my situation is. If it's pretty grim and looks like time is really of the essence, then we might consider IVF a little more.

tryingyetagain

Sorry to hear you got a bfn.  Ugh, I hate that every month.  It's so disheartening.  But I always feel better once AF rears her ugly head, and I can start a fresh new cycle.  I hope your new plan helps you feel better too.

I've had two IUIs, but both were with Letrozole (not injectibles).  I did, however, trigger with both and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be.  With the first one, I ended up having to inject myself because DH had to work that night.  The second time, I opted to go ahead and do it myself again even though DH was home.  I just made sure to lie down immediately afterwards, in case I got lightheaded, which I did a little!  But it wasn't nearly as bad as I had built it up in my head!  And I'm one of those people who used to pass out at getting shots!

Good luck with your IUI.  FX for you!

mrsbnlmel

I'm so sorry about the BFN. It is just so trying month after month. If this cycle is a BFN for us we are moving on to injectables too. Sounds like we might be in a similar situation. With my AMH IVF would probably be ideal to stop wasting time but w/o insurance coverage for IF, it just isn't a possibility for us. My best friend did an injectable IUI cycle and didn't think it was too bad at all. I want to believe her but I'm totally nervous too!

I have done IUI with the trigger like pp and it is really no big deal. Don't be worried about that part at all.  

Huskermama- thanks for all that info. It's super helpful!  

MJC1116

Thanks... it's gotten to the point where the days before the end of the 2WW are actually worse than getting AF. At least in getting AF, there's no more wondering. It's pretty definitive. But, it still hurts to see that bfn. You think I'd be immune to it by now with all the bfn's I've gotten these past 18 months.

 I have to admit I'm jealous that you have a BFF who is going through the same thing. I am sorry that both of you are going through IF, because I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy, but you are so lucky to have someone who understand what it's like to go through this awful experience. My bff  is the most fertile person I know, and I love her to pieces, but it's hard to not be insanely jealous at her good fortune. 

Thanks for the supportive words. I am starting to feel more optimistic. The lack of insurance coverage is definitely a huge issue. The testing alone was expensive. I can't imagine spending 10K on something that may not work... but then I can't imagine spending 9K on 3 cycles of IUI and then having to move on to IVF.

DH and I just bought our first house this past December, so money was super tight since pretty much all of our savings went into the down.  Not really a good time for IF costs, but we found out yesterday he got a well-deserved raise and bonus, so hopefully that will help defer some of the cost. I just hope we don't collect too much debt!