April Infertility Check-In (SAIFW)

KRoseToes · April 2011

Sorry I?m late this month, I?ve been super-busy!

If you're new, let us know the basics - when did you start TTC, what is your diagnosis/suspicion, where are you at in the process/next steps? Please let us know if you have upcoming treatments, so we can check in with you on a more regular basis during that time. Also read this check-in often the first week it is posted so we can answer everyone's questions. (It seems prolonged to have someone ask a question in this post and not have it answered until next month's check-in!) Finally, if you have suggestions about what else should be included in the check-in or changes, throw them out there!

KRoseToes (December 2008)
Diagnosis - Severe MFI, Late ovulation, Short LP
Current status - Saving money for IVF/ICIS, researching adoption options.

MrsH_08 (October 2008)
Diagnosis - Late ovulation, short LP, don't produce enough follicles, low morphology
Current status ? Pregnant after IVF!

JDCSKF (TTC #2 - September 2006)
Diagnosis - Homozygous MTHFR, two copies of C667T, hyperhomocysteinemia
Current status ? Pregnant, used Lovenex from 6-16 weeks!

Mrs.Kiltlifter (2008)
Diagnosis - Severe MFI, non-obstructive azoospermia
Current Status - 8 IUI cycles and Mommy to boy/girl twins!

Purvalicious (May 2009)
Diagnosis - Polyp
Current Status ? Successful polypectomy in February, possible IUI this summer (How you doing? Any chance of a possible Hawaiian miracle ?relaxation? baby?)

WatchPot (TTC #2 - 2008)
Diagnosis ? Blocked tube
Current Status ? Starting IVF #1 (I see that you?re starting IVF, how are you doing?)

m&m823 (TTC #2)
Diagnosis - PCOS, Short LP
Current status ?Got pregnant after using Metformin, Now Mommy to 2 kids!!

xxbblueangel (March 2009)
Diagnosis - PCO on the ovaries, LH secretion syndrome, Androgen issues, very small uterus
Current status ? On a 3 month break to lose weight (Blue: We answered one of your questions from September in October. Let me know if you missed it and need the link to that post! How?s it going?)

N.CarolinaGirl (TTC #2 - October 2008)
Diagnosis - No ovulation despite LH surge, MFI
Current status ? Doctor suggested trying Metaformin (Anything new?).

tst1998 (June 2009)
Diagnosis ? Unexplained
Current status ? IUI (Have you moved onto IUI with injectibles yet?)

MrandMrs07 (October 2008)
Diagnosis ? Idiopathic infertility
Current status ? IUI #1 was BFN, starting IUI#2 (Where are you at in the IUI process? How are you doing?)

Angelinmind (September 2008)
Diagnosis ? Unexplained so far
Current status ? Variety of testing (So what?s the doctor saying about your test results so far?)

Theresab (Thinking about TTC #2)
Diagnosis ? Unknown, but endometriosis may contribute
Current status ? First child conceived on 2^nd IUI, with Femara and acupuncture; currently in the not preventing stage (Anything new?)

HopingForMyFirstBaby (April 2010)
Diagnosis ? Severe MFI
Current status ? Saving money for IVF/ICIS and researching clinics

Questions:
1) Where are you at in the process/what is your next step?

2) Did you know National Infertility Awareness Week is this month? It?s the last week in April. Do you plan on doing anything for it on blogs/Facebook/etc.?

3) What are you doing fun this month that is non-IF related?

4) Any vents/confessions?

5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies?

KRoseToes · April 2011

Questions:
1) Where are you at in the process/what is your next step? So, I went to an adoption info session last month at a local agency. It was pretty general information and a good first step. In a couple of weeks we're going to a one-on-one meeting with a social worker to get more personalized info.

2) Did you know National Infertility Awareness Week is this month? It?s the last week in April. Do you plan on doing anything for it on blogs/Facebook/etc.? I will probably put something low-key on Facebook and my personal (non-IF) blog. Also, my Department at work has an online newsletter for employees. There is a "Healthy Living" section that has articles about health, etc. I'm writing something about infertility. I'm kind of nervous because basically I'll be outing myself to thousands of employees (and coworkers) that I'm dealing with infertility. However, I look at it as a way to maybe educate a few people and get people to stop saying stupid things.

3) What are you doing fun this month that is non-IF related? I did the Mt. Si Relay yesterday - it was a really fun race. And I'm going to Austin, TX later this week for a long weekend. I'm meeting my Mom and sister there for a girls' weekend. I'm so looking forward to the warmth and food!

4) Any vents/confessions? Nothing right now, but I reserve the right to come back later.

5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies? I called to make an appointment with a urologist that specializes in MFI and couldn't get a solid answer on the costs, so I haven't made an appointment yet. I can't decide if I should call again to try to get more cost info and make the appointment with the urologist, or should I make an appointment with a new RE that specializing in MFI. I currently go through SRM, but both of these possible appointments would be through UW. Any thoughts about what is better - a urologist that specializes in MFI or a RE MFI specialist? This is all so stupid and I hate having to make these decisions. And they shouldn't be hard decisions, but with so much money involved, it just kills me. I feel sometimes like I'm paralyed in regards to IF decision-making.

Purvalicious · April 2011

Purvalicious (May 2009)

Diagnosis - Polyp
Current Status ? Successful polypectomy in February, possible IUI this summer (How you doing? Any chance of a possible Hawaiian miracle ?relaxation? baby?) I'm doing well and hoping for a little souvenir from Hawaii! I know its a slim chance, but we certainly tried We wouldn't know for another couple of weeks, of course, but my fingers are crossed.

Questions:
1) Where are you at in the process/what is your next step? If this cycle doesn't work, we're on to IUI probably in May or June.

2) Did you know National Infertility Awareness Week is this month? It?s the last week in April. Do you plan on doing anything for it on blogs/Facebook/etc.? I didn't know! One of my goals this year is to be more outspoken about it - there's no reason to be ashamed. I probably will note it on FB.

3) What are you doing fun this month that is non-IF related? Nothing special. Our big April event was Hawaii and it was simply amazing. I loved being with my family and relaxing by the pool!!

4) Any vents/confessions? I've been having lots of pregnancy/child dreams lately - the latest of which was about adoption. I know we're nowhere near that stage, but my subconscious must be obsessed with babies.

5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies? Nope, just good luck to everyone!!

tst1998 · April 2011

1) Where are you at in the process/what is your next step? We've decided to move on to IUI with injectables this month. I'm still waiting for AF, but tested this morning 15dpiui and it was negative so I'm sure it will come soon. I used Prometrium this month which has certainly worked wonders on my LP. It's normally 10-12 days. My RE is leaving for maternity leave (so Katherine... that might change your plans about seeing her!) so I'm thinking of changing RE's. If we end up needing to do IVF, I think I want to go somewhere that does a lot more of it than they do at the UW. I'm looking at getting a second opinion to see how costs compare, etc.

2) Did you know National Infertility Awareness Week is this month? It?s the last week in April. Do you plan on doing anything for it on blogs/Facebook/etc.? No, I still can't bring myself to out my IF to all my FB friends. My real life friends know, I think that's enough for me.

3) What are you doing fun this month that is non-IF related? We went out to Seabeck this past weekend to go oyster picking. It was a fun, rainy adventure. This week I'm going to San Diego for a conference. Hopefully I will be able to get away from the conference for at least a little beach time! Otherwise, not much.

4) Any vents/confessions? Not really. I was having a pretty hard time with this most recent BFN (assuming it remains a BFN) because one of my best friends just told me she was pregnant with #2. She knows we've been having a hard time, and has been great about everything. I just felt like I was being lapped, so felt added pressure that this last IUI needed to work. I feel better moving on to a new plan, but my patience is wearing thin. I don't know how much more of this I can handle emotionally.

5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies? Not at the moment.

tst1998 · April 2011

KRoseToes:

5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies? I called to make an appointment with a urologist that specializes in MFI and couldn't get a solid answer on the costs, so I haven't made an appointment yet. I can't decide if I should call again to try to get more cost info and make the appointment with the urologist, or should I make an appointment with a new RE that specializing in MFI. I currently go through SRM, but both of these possible appointments would be through UW. Any thoughts about what is better - a urologist that specializes in MFI or a RE MFI specialist? This is all so stupid and I hate having to make these decisions. And they shouldn't be hard decisions, but with so much money involved, it just kills me. I feel sometimes like I'm paralyed in regards to IF decision-making.

If Dr. Lin were still around, I'd say you could go either way. But since she is on maternity leave as soon as she delivers, which should be this week and won't be back until mid to late July, I'd probably go with the urologist. If there's anything that can be done to improve YH's counts, the urologist will be able to help with that.

And the urology department at the UW is great. They do a lot of work in MFI, and have a pretty amazing male infertility lab. So if anyone can help you guys, it would be them. I think the costs will be pretty comparable since the clinic fees would be the same for both doctors, and you would have the same testing done with both. Besides, if you went with the RE, YH would have to go to all his appointments in the Womens Health Clinic. That might be weird. Wink

WatchPot · April 2011

WatchPot (TTC #2 - 2008)
Diagnosis ? Blocked tube
Current Status ? Starting IVF #1 (I see that you?re starting IVF, how are you doing?)

Started Lupron on Sunday and although there is still a bit of anxiety around the injects, I'm doing them pretty well. Will take all the good thoughts and Bumpie vibes you can spare!!

1) Where are you at in the process/what is your next step? We start stims on the 22nd, I just want to fast forward 4 weeks and be out of the 2ww wait already!

2) Did you know National Infertility Awareness Week is this month? It?s the last week in April. Do you plan on doing anything for it on blogs/Facebook/etc.? I would not be comfortable with my parents knowing about this, at least until there is a baby to announce, so I probably will not say anything about it. I know, I'm chicken

3) What are you doing fun this month that is non-IF related? Other than trying to jam pack ever weekend full of fun.....not much! I am trying to stay as busy as possible but we need to stay close to home for monitoring appointments.

4) Any vents/confessions? Honestly one of the hardest part of this IVF so far has been my vanity. I don't like how I feel or how I look and I teeter between wanting to eat my way through the next 4 weeks and trying to squeeze every minute of calorie burning I can between now and ER. The Doc said low impact exercise only (light running), no more hot yoga and no more power yoga. I've been trying to find some proof somewhere that this is off base but nothing scientific tells me not to listen. I feel this is more of a conservative approach and I do want to do everything I can to make this successful, but how can I deal with the anxiety of the meds/shots/process with no vices to keep me busy?

5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies? Any IVF Vetrans that worked full time during IVF? How did you keep from going completely ape sh!t out of your mind crazy on your co-workers or people you work with on a daily basis? Yesterday I completely snapped at an unsuspecting individual and I want to blame in on the IVF but no on at work knows. Did you tell anyone?

WatchPot · April 2011

tst1998:

I'm still waiting for AF, but tested this morning 15dpiui and it was negative so I'm sure it will come soon. I used Prometrium this month which has certainly worked wonders on my LP. It's normally 10-12 days.

have you gotten a beta yet? I think Tiff had her BFP 15 dp IUI so it's not unheard of! (I know I'm enabeling you, just trying to stay postive!!)

KRoseToes · April 2011

tst1998 - Thanks for the info about Dr. Lin and your thoughts about the urologist. That info is very helpful. I also appreciated your perspective of pursuing IVF through someone other than UW. You and Purvy have had such good experiences there that I've been second-guessing my decision to stay with SRM. But since IVF will probably be our only option, and SRM has a good reputation for it, I feel good again about SRM being the rigt choice for us.

tst1998 · April 2011

KRoseToes:
tst1998 - Thanks for the info about Dr. Lin and your thoughts about the urologist. That info is very helpful. I also appreciated your perspective of pursuing IVF through someone other than UW. You and Purvy have had such good experiences there that I've been second-guessing my decision to stay with SRM. But since IVF will probably be our only option, and SRM has a good reputation for it, I feel good again about SRM being the rigt choice for us.

I think the most important thing is to feel good about your choice. That's why I'm looking at getting a second opinion. Who knows what we will end up doing if it comes to IVF, but I want to feel like I am making an informed decision.

MrsH_08 · April 2011

WatchPot:

Started Lupron on Sunday and although there is still a bit of anxiety around the injects, I'm doing them pretty well. Will take all the good thoughts and Bumpie vibes you can spare!!

1) Where are you at in the process/what is your next step? We start stims on the 22nd, I just want to fast forward 4 weeks and be out of the 2ww wait already!

2) Did you know National Infertility Awareness Week is this month? It?s the last week in April. Do you plan on doing anything for it on blogs/Facebook/etc.? I would not be comfortable with my parents knowing about this, at least until there is a baby to announce, so I probably will not say anything about it. I know, I'm chicken

I'm sending lots of good thoughts! It seems like this is a relatively short IVF cycle (I know, it doesn't seem that way when you're in it). I'm glad you didn't have to wait too long before starting stims. My second IVF seemed to take forever because it lasted 2 menstrual cycles. Are you giving yourself the injects? I couldn't do it, but I know lots of ladies do.

And I'm in the same boat with not telling family about IF. I definitely won't be making any IF announcements with family. My mother would make it all about her and how she didn't know about everything I was going through, and then she'd start snooping into my private life when it comes to TTC #2. Some day, maybe I'll tell my parents.

I don't have advice about dealing with coworkers. With IVF's, I wasn't working. But I was still working while doing IUI's and I never told anyone anything. I worked with all men in a very small office. We did talk about our personal lives a little, but not that personal. I hope you can find a way to muster through it.

theresab · April 2011

1) Where are you at in the process/what is your next step? Nothing new, this month is a bust. I'm trying to figure out when to start accupuncture again. Probably in June after our travels are over. I'm not going to force an end to breastfeeding yet, so can't go back to RE yet.

2) Did you know National Infertility Awareness Week is this month? It?s the last week in April. Do you plan on doing anything for it on blogs/Facebook/etc.? Nope, didn't know that. I won't be posting anything because only my best friend knows any details. We haven't shared with family.

3) What are you doing fun this month that is non-IF related? After the stress of cleaning/planning is over, I think Easter will be fun. We do a big egg hunt.

4) Any vents/confessions? It feels irrational to think about a 2nd baby when I am still up every 2 hours every night with the 1st, but I would like them close in age.

5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies?

theresab · April 2011

WatchPot:

WatchPot (TTC #2 - 2008)
4) Any vents/confessions? Honestly one of the hardest part of this IVF so far has been my vanity. I don't like how I feel or how I look and I teeter between wanting to eat my way through the next 4 weeks and trying to squeeze every minute of calorie burning I can between now and ER. The Doc said low impact exercise only (light running), no more hot yoga and no more power yoga. I've been trying to find some proof somewhere that this is off base but nothing scientific tells me not to listen. I feel this is more of a conservative approach and I do want to do everything I can to make this successful, but how can I deal with the anxiety of the meds/shots/process with no vices to keep me busy? 5) Any questions you'd like to ask the other ladies? Any IVF Vetrans that worked full time during IVF? How did you keep from going completely ape sh!t out of your mind crazy on your co-workers or people you work with on a daily basis? Yesterday I completely snapped at an unsuspecting individual and I want to blame in on the IVF but no on at work knows. Did you tell anyone?

Best of luck - thinking good thoughts for you!

I didn't do IVF, but didn't tell anyone at work about the IUI - I just left when I needed for appointments. I would just try to take sick time if you have it, if you need a break. ie "mental health day" Otherwise I would try to (externally) blame it on lack of sleep or something?

MrandMrs07 · April 2011

MrandMrs07 (October 2008)
Diagnosis ? Idiopathic infertility
Current status ? IUI #1 was BFN, starting IUI#2 (Where are you at in the IUI process? How are you doing?)

Hi Ladies! So great news...IUI #3 is a success! DH's "report card" was much better this time around, but I was SURE it didn't take because I thought I was having PMS symptoms but they turned out to be early pregnancy symptoms. I never ever thought after 2.5 years of trying that I would see that plus sign show up on my test. I wish all of you lots of luck in your fertility endeavors. I actually feel guilty that I'm pregnant because I know what it's like to see everyone around you get pregnant while you wait. I'm also very worried about miscarrying (of course, because I have to move on to something new to obsess about) but I'm trying to enjoy this. I truly wish all of you the best.

theresab · April 2011

Congratulations! H&H 9 months to you!

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