TTC Check In

ball.and.chain · August 2013

Good morning!

This is the weekly check in for those who are trying to conceive or in the planning stages. How are things going this week?

QOTW: We've had a few cooler days lately and it has me craving fall, which is really just around the corner. What is your favorite things about fall? Anything in particular you are looking forward to this year?

ball.and.chain · August 2013

Nothing says "first day back from vacation" like getting up at 5:15 for early morning blood work and vag cam at the clinic. But it is CD3, and my RE wanted to re-run CD3 blood work as well as other things. I am so grateful I finally got my period (and only 6 weeks after D&C as opposed to the 8 weeks it took last time), I don't even care.

Last week I logged in to my clinic's patient portal to check something and saw that half of my loss panel tests had come in. I haven't discussed them with my RE yet, but based on Dr. Google, Dr. 2Mamaz, and another friend (both of whom have had an RPL panel), it looks like things are basically normal. Still some more tests to go (they will draw that blood today), and probably a hysteroscopy. I am making peace with the idea of transferring two embryos, and now that we are back from vacation I am feeling refueled and motivated to get myself back together (eating healthy, exercising, losing some weight, getting some stuff done around the house that I likely wouldn't do while pregnant).

QOTW: I love fall weather, so that's a big one. I love the foliage around here, too, and I love apple season. We go up to Maine to make cider every fall, which is one of my favorite family traditions and something I'm looking forward to introducing my kid(s) to.

GoaliesWife123 · August 2013

Good morning, friends.

@Ball.and.chain I'm happy to hear things are moving along quickly. You will be in the miserable 2ww before you know it!

As for me: Things here are going well. DW and I were crazy and tested with a First Response test on CD 9 and it was negative (duh!). We inseminated at like 9 pm, so technically, I wasn't even 9 DPO until like 9 pm last night. Just for kicks, we tested with an OPK to see what that would say ( I am CD 27). To our surprise, we saw a screaming positive OPK....then another and in total, 5 positive tests (4 different brands). We don't have a clue what this means.

We tested again this morning with OPKs and got another 3 dark positives. We decided not to test with HPT until Wednesday (12 DPO). I have never ovulated that late. Ever.

Why am I confused? Well, my symptoms are more pregnancy/AF feeling than ovulation. I took OPKs on 7 and 8 DPO and they were negative. I have had a ridiculous amount of eggwhite CM since the day after we inseminated and through 6 DPO. Again at 8 DPO. If there is anything I know, it's my CM and this has NEVER happened before. I've been exhausted, which is also unusual for me. I started smelling worms in our filtered water (gross, right?!), low back pain and nausea.

It's confusing and frustrating, but what can you do? To answer this question (which will come up): yes, I am temping, but I am not giving much weight to my temps this month. This month started really crazy and on top of it, I've missed my alarm more than once for temping in the morning!

It's all very intense, but I'm giving it to a higher power because there is literally nothing else we can do to change it. Either I'm pregnant or I'm not and sooner or later, we will find out either way. If we need to try again, we will try again.

I'm just thankful for the all of your support, even in my craziness! As for fall, I LOVE FALL! I'm looking forward to my second wedding anniversary, cider mills, smells, cooler temps, crisp air, backpacking, hiking.....I love fall!

trisholio · August 2013

@ball.and.chain, thanks for the chuckle vag cam. I have had one appointment with my RE where I haven't had to take my clothes off, and we arrived for that appointment I made sure to point it out and make a joke about it. We have to keep a sense of humor thru this I guess

Anyhoo, I am on CD 7, and on Clomid for the 5th and final day. I am very excited to have a monitored cycle this month. I will be going back to my RE for an ultrasound and trigger shot on Friday, then doing ICI at home this weekend. Super excited!!!

QOTD: I live in Ohio and love fall weather!! I love gatherings on our patio around the fire pit, the cool crisp air, football season and the turning of the leaves are beautiful around here. The part I hate about fall is that it is closely followed by winter :-(

ball.and.chain · August 2013

GW, I have read that OPKs can detect HCG bc LH and HCG are chemically similar. Maybe try another FRER? Either you are pregnant, you have a bad catch of OPKs or you ovulated much later than you thought. GL!

GoaliesWife123 · August 2013

Thanks @ball.and.chain. I have read that as well. I have never ovulated this late and I am using 4 different types of opks, so that rules out a bad batch. We're not going to use another hpt until Wednesday and see what happens. If I don't get AF before then, and it is still negative, I will consider the possibility that I ovulated on CD 26.

Thank you!

healz413 · August 2013

Manada is spotting this morning, so if it turns into a true CD1, we will head to the clinic tomorrow. The plan is two (or three?) more IUIs with Clomid and then if/when those don't work, on to IVF with me in November/ December.

We haven't done an IUI since April which feels like forever. We are trying not to make too big of a deal about the IUIs this time so that they won't consume our lives so much and so that we won't be quite as devastated if/when they don't work. Hopefully knowing that we have a plan for IVF and that these are "bonus" IUIs because we'd already purchased the sperm, will make it easier. We will see.

QOTW: I love the first sweater of fall. I love that I can buy good, fresh apples. I love fall's comfort foods.

keepsawaythenargles · August 2013

Well...we had a set back with my blood work. My sugar is too high as is my thyroid, which I didn't know were issues. So I have to get in with my PCP (next month) to get that on track. K and I have started a low sugar, carb, fat diet to get healthier and try to lose weight which will hopefully help with the issues. K has known thyroid issues and her A1C was higher than it should have been too. My RE doesn't want to see me until those are under control, so we're looking at late this year or early next year. It bums me out because I feel like now I'm trying to rush through the next couple of months to get to that point, but I don't want to hurry through life so it's sort of frustrating. Hopefully we'll get all of this taken care of sooner rather than later.

QOTW: I LOVE fall! I love going to the cider mill, I love chilly weather, and K and I already have a trip planned to my alma mater for Homecoming which has been our tradition for the last couple of years. I can't wait!

aud+rey · August 2013

I am sitting at the RE now, hoping for good news about my lining. I think if all looks well we will start P in EO on Thursday and transfer next Tuesday. If not, I guess they will keep me on my current meds and see how it all looks later this week. I am terrified my FET will be cancelled. I hope it isn't, but I guess we will just have to wait and see.

QOTW: I live in Texas, so I am simply excited about less than 100+ temperatures every day! I am in East Texas, so we don't have a whole lot of leaves changing seeing as pines don't change

I am ready for the smells of the season...those yummy earthy smells that make a house smell so inviting!

doodah1013 · August 2013

A and I had another tough, emotional weekend. After 7 months of trying, we just feel so frustrated. (Which makes me feel whiny when I think of some of your all's journeys...). We spent the weekend with A's parents and sister, who has a beautiful 10 months old. I love Baby H so much... But when she's around literally all we do is watch and talk about her. We spent Saturday morning garage sale shopping for baby things for H and then we came back and watched her play with them... And talked about how cute she is. By the end of the weekend it was unbareable... Just a costant reminder of this struggle.
On the flip side, some of the time I felt like everything was going to work out and this is our journey, and to continue to be patient. Then seconds later I would decided we would NEVER have a baby and we should give up trying.
Honestly, I am not used to emotions like this. I am pretty calm, level headed, laid back kind of guy, who is always touting an optimistic outlook. Could these emotions be a Clomid side affect? I just finished up the Clomid last night, and am starting to wonder if it is affect my emotions... Anyone else experience this?
In other news, looks like we will be IUIing again this time next week. Hope everyone else is feeling hopeful and at peace today
(Reading my post back, it sounds like one gigantic mood swing...)

QOTD: Fall is our favorite. Period. I love everything about it: Football, leaves, campfires, hoodies, caramel apples and most importantly Halloween. A and I also will be celebrating our 4 year anniversary in October and our 1 year wedding anniversary. Bring it on!

StacyLH24 · August 2013

Not much new to report here. I'm having a CD 12 ultrasound on Friday. Last cycle I had one on CD 10 and the follicles were a little smaller than they wanted and my lining was also a little thinner than what is ideal. Hopefully waiting the two days will make a difference. Then we are looking at our first IUI next week.

QOTD: Fall is my favortite season. C and I will celebrate our first wedding anniversary at the end of September. We live in Western NY so the leaves will be beautiful and the snow won't be far behind. I love Pumpkin ice cream and pumpkin donuts. We are fortunate to have a place called Pumpkinville near us where they make their own baked goods, cider, and much much more.

healz413 · August 2013

doodah1013 said:

A and I had another tough, emotional weekend. After 7 months of trying, we just feel so frustrated. (Which makes me feel whiny when I think of some of your all's journeys...). We spent the weekend with A's parents and sister, who has a beautiful 10 months old. I love Baby H so much... But when she's around literally all we do is watch and talk about her. We spent Saturday morning garage sale shopping for baby things for H and then we came back and watched her play with them... And talked about how cute she is. By the end of the weekend it was unbareable... Just a costant reminder of this struggle. On the flip side, some of the time I felt like everything was going to work out and this is our journey, and to continue to be patient. Then seconds later I would decided we would NEVER have a baby and we should give up trying. Honestly, I am not used to emotions like this. I am pretty calm, level headed, laid back kind of guy, who is always touting an optimistic outlook. Could these emotions be a Clomid side affect? I just finished up the Clomid last night, and am starting to wonder if it is affect my emotions... Anyone else experience this?

I have never taken Clomid, but I can identify with the emotions and the emotional swings you are feeling. This process is so difficult and exhausting and frustrating. Hanging out with the babies/kids we know and love can be such a mixed bag for me. Sometimes it is a great escape from the stress of TTC, sometimes a reminder of what we're working so hard for, sometimes a reminder of all our failed attempts to get pregnant, and sometimes just outright depressing. And sometimes it is all four of those things in rapid succession.
If nothing else, though, the Clomid may heighten your emotional reactivity/sensitivity, which may make you feel these emotions in different ways than you're used to. Just guessing with that one.
Best of luck to you and firstcomeslove on this cycle!

2MamazInSeattle · August 2013

Hi all!

Last Wednesday was our official WTF appointment after failed FET#1, and basically we decided to move forward as planned with FET #2 on Sept. 16th. We reviewed and decided to stick with the same protocol since I did implant both with our fresh cycle and FET#1. We also decided to stick with 1 embryo - again, I did get pregnant both times.

One other decision we made was to do the Lovenox shots for the first 16 weeks of the pregnancy. I'm not thrilled, but it's a middle of the road approach to the low antithrombin III activity my bloodwork showed. Everyone (my RE and J) seemed to feel good about it. It brings a little peace of mind if nothing else.

I'm trying to just be mellow this time. I think I put so much on this last try, that it was just TOO much. So, not to be ambivalent - but rather to just try to let it all unfold. I am going to do acupuncture again, and I've barely drank alcohol and only went back to split-shots after this last one - so basically it'll just be getting back to decaf, and a little bit of diet tidying to be ready.

It is hard to be hopeful since we're 0 for 2; however, I am reminded this is a 50% success rate deal - which means the other two should both be winners! Or, at least I can tell myself that.

healz413 · August 2013

2MamazInSeattle said:

It is hard to be hopeful since we're 0 for 2; however, I am reminded this is a 50% success rate deal - which means the other two should both be winners! Or, at least I can tell myself that.

YES! Here's to TWO WINNERS!

KH826 · August 2013

Hi everyone - glad to read everyone's updates! 2mamaz- glad to hear that you have a plan and Sept 16th will be here before you know it! Goalieswife- fingers crossed for you! Those positive OPKs sound promising! Ball.and.chain- welcome back from vacation. Thanks for the chuckle about the vag cam! Doodad & Firstcomeslove- I am so sorry that things ave been so challenging for you two, and that you have been experiencing the roller coaster of emotions. I can relate to that feeling. I hope that this cycle is it for you two - I will be thinking of you and sending you positive vibes! Everyone else - glad to hear those who are making progress and have next steps identified... For those with set backs, sending you all supportive thoughts! As for me... Today was our nursing consult and mock transfer. We start Lupron injections on Sunday the 18th, finish BCPs on the 24th, and will start Stims on the 31st. ER will likely be the week of Sept 11th depending on how I respond to Stims... We watched videos on how to administer the shots, and talked to the nurse for about2 hours about the protocol.... Lots of info. The mock transfer was ok. They struggled with the catheter again. Story of my life. Apparently my cervix is crooked and that is why it is so hard to get the catheter through. They also told me I have to drink a ton of water before the transfer so that my bladder can be as full as possible. Apparently that will help with placing the catheter. So that's the update. I am glad I took the day off from work today. I am feeling exhausted after 3.5 hours at the RE's office.

Jazibel · August 2013

6DPO, in the middle of our TWW.... I've been sick though and then Kaden got sick, so it has been a crazy last week. But we did 3 ICI's the day before O, O day and the day after. Fingers Crossed. I am telling myself no testing until Friday or Saturday. Trying to keep a positive outlook and not get too much into my head. But yes, I have been on Fertility Friend and googling sign and symptoms.

QOTD: It feels like Fall in San Francisco, it's foggy and cold again today. EV and I didn't bring a lot of warm weather clothes with us so I am in need of more wool socks and sweaters for sure. Knowing that we're moving back to the island in a few weeks is dampening the excitement for Fall, usually one of my favorite seasons, but one which will likely be passed over this year.

GoaliesWife123 · August 2013

@2Mamaz, it sounds like you are happy with your most recent decision and I wish you the best. I see my acupuncturist once per week and honestly, I would give up so many other things before I would give up these visits. Enjoy these moments and know that if it wasn't the right decision, you wouldn't have chosen it!

GoaliesWife123 · August 2013

@KH, thank you! I'm sorry you had such a long day, but I'm so glad to hear you feel like you are understanding everything you need to know!

lbugher · August 2013

Hello, ladies. I'm going in for an ultrasound on 8/20 to check my eggs out and then I'll get a trigger shot if my follicles are ready. I'm sending a sperm sample to my doctor's office to be delivered on Monday. I'm frustrated that this is happening right in the thick of my busy time because I really need to be focused on my work - but taking a little time here and there to take care of this will be worth it, I hope. Why couldn't my stupid period wait 5 days?? It sure took long enough to finally arrive. Wish it took a little longer. *grumble*

In any case, fall is my favorite time of year! I'm looking forward to not having sweat dripping down my face and neck. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, I drip water like a friggin' faucet. It's my least favorite thing about my body. I sweat like a dude. It's so gross. So yeah, cooler weather and beautiful fall leaves - bring it on! Should be a lovely autumn since we've had so much rain. Last year's leaves were brown and crumbled to dust because of the drought, but I think this year Mother Nature will give us a nice show

firstcomeslove2013 · August 2013

Hey all! Doodah filled everyone in on our weekend. It is frustrating when my parents ooh and aah over Baby H but I feel bad because sometimes I feel that I do the same. I am looking forward (with caution) to another IUI and I am hoping that we can remain positive.

To Healz and KH- You guys are so supportive and wonderful. I don't know what I would do without you. I find it so odd that you can feel so connected to people without even knowing them! You are the best!

QOTD: Fall is the end all and be all for us!!! We love it so much! The leaves, the smells, campfires, hoodies, caramel apples, scary movies and of course Halloween. As C mentioned we are also celebrating our 4 year anniversary and our 1 year wedding anniversary.

ball.and.chain · August 2013

Apparently the fall thing was a hit!

@trisholio - good luck this weekend!

@healz413 & @Manada - I totally want your minds to get blown by one of these "bonus" IUIs. You never know!

@Melissa61788 - I'm sorry about the setback. Always frustrating to be on the bench, but it's sometimes nice to have an opportunity to get things in order before you start. Sounds like you are already on top of that.

@aud+rey - I'm sorry about your lining! I hope you don't get cancelled, but if you do, I hope your RE has a good plan in place for next time.

@doodah1013 and @firstcomeslove2013 - Sounds like a rough weekend. Don't feel whiny...6 tries is a lot! I feel like that was when things started to get really emotionally difficult for me. I didn't have mood swings on Clomid but I think a lot of people do. Just do your best to be mindful of it and keep on truckin'!

@StacyLH24 - good luck on Friday.

@2MamazinSeattle and @KH826 - looking forward to our September IVF pregnancy pact. Everybody's doing it!

@Jazibel - keep us updated.

@lbugher - timing never fails to be bad for these things. It's either too early or too late!

KH826 · August 2013

@ball.and.chain - I like the sound of that! Nothing would make me happier than to be pregnant with you two wonderful ladies!

kristi&p · August 2013

Nothing too much to update. Here we have our mid cycle check this Friday hoping all goes well there. After this cycle I think we are headed for a little break. I will be looking in to a new donor, ours had gone from $435 each IUI vial to $625 and this is our 5th IUI so if no BFP then I think that its time to look for a new donor. Also dont want to be over stressed during holidays with ttc so we will see how this cycle goes. I feel bad with putting a pause on TTC but SO is very supportive.

Love love love fall I love everything from the colors, to the smells, I love baking, apple picking wearing sweaters I just cant get enough of it. I love that its the start of the festive season where there are many family gatherings.

Danni_Girl · August 2013

DW and I have started looking at profiles of donours, and we found the one we wanted. Then found out that the profile is inactive. Which is very upsetting because this donours baby picture looked very much like my DW`s brother when he was young. We are trying to find a donour that has his traits in hopes that the baby will look like myself and DW.

Ah well.. guess we will just have to keep looking.. wow, what a process.

QOTD: I love fall!! Nothing better than hoodie weather.

irandaann03 · August 2013

we did our last at home insemination last night so let the tww begin!!! lol. as for fall I love love love Halloween. Its the holiday I decorate like crazy for and countdown to!!!

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I'm 35, DW is 33
Together since Dec 2007
Married since 18 June 2011

TTC #1
1st IUI - trigger, 9 July 14 at midnight, IUI - 11 July 14 at noon - BFP!!
10 Dec 14 - Lost our Baby Girl to Hydrops & Cycstic Hygroma due to Turner Syndrome
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2nd IUI - hoping to try for our Rainbow in the Spring

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Re: TTC Check In

I'm 35, DW is 33Together since Dec 2007Married since 18 June 2011

TTC #11st IUI - trigger, 9 July 14 at midnight, IUI - 11 July 14 at noon - BFP!!10 Dec 14 - Lost our Baby Girl to Hydrops & Cycstic Hygroma due to Turner SyndromeTTC #22nd IUI - hoping to try for our Rainbow in the Spring

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I'm 35, DW is 33
Together since Dec 2007
Married since 18 June 2011

TTC #1
1st IUI - trigger, 9 July 14 at midnight, IUI - 11 July 14 at noon - BFP!!
10 Dec 14 - Lost our Baby Girl to Hydrops & Cycstic Hygroma due to Turner Syndrome
TTC #2
2nd IUI - hoping to try for our Rainbow in the Spring