TTC Check-In

StacyLH24 · November 2013

Good Monday morning all! I'm up late so thought I would get us going early. There have been several newbies posting recently. Please feel free to join us in this check-in!

What's happening with your journey this week?

QOTW: What are you thankful for (something you haven't mentioned in a previous thread)? Though this question has come up a lot recently, I find it fitting since Thanksgiving (in the US) is this week.

StacyLH24 · November 2013

I'm still feeling sore from the surgery. I'm planning to stay home today as C has Monday off as well. I'm still tiring out easily, so I'm ok with being home another day.

I spoke with one of the nurses at our RE's office on Thursday. She calmed my worries that my endometriosis would come back if we sit out another cycle. She said we've got 6-12 months before we need to worry about it again. We are getting the insurance approval to start using injectables from this point forward. It will increase our trips to Buffalo every month, but I'm hoping it will also increase our chances of making a baby. My post op is 12/4. We'll also have our injectable consult and teaching then as well. I'm hoping the new year brings us a BFP!

I just want to make a baby...

QOTW: We have gotten a few inches of snow this weekend. Whenever it is snowy, cold and windy, I am especially thankful for having a sound home. I'm also thankful for having a woodstove as it makes our home very cozy and warm.

trisholio · November 2013

Good morning everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend.

I think I am CD4 at this point. My cycle is a little jacked up this month and I am not sure why. I started spotting last Wednesday and Thursday, was a little heavier on Friday. I called my RE on Friday and they said to monitor it and we would count Friday as my CD1. I had my baseline appointment on Sunday and my RE said my lining was still a little thick. I usually only have a 4 day period, but I have a feeling I am going to have a longer lighter period. The other strange thing is that I am over a whole week early. I don't mind being early because we are hoping to get a BFP this month and that will be before Christmas. We are going to do our first IUI with our RE this month (hopefully) We have been doing at home insemination. We have a known donor and we are hoping that our schedule can work out so that we can just take the 'goodies' to the RE with us and have them do an IUI. We are very lucky that our donor lives nearby and our RE office is less than 10 minutes away.

QOTD: I am trying to remind myself this year to be thankful for my family. There is always a lot of emotions and drama between myself, sister, mom and aunts. We all live in the same city. But at the end of the day we love one another, we are always there when it counts. I am lucky to have people in my life that love me and are willing to fight with me. There are people that have no family. So even the days they are making me crazy, I try and remind myself I am lucky to have them :-)

wishiwaspreggo · November 2013

Hello friends! I am officially in the 2WW now! Boom!

A chart stalk would be most appreciated. I posted this in Trouble TTC but I thought maybe you folks would know a little something about this too. So here's the thing. I had a very low temp on Thursday (97.3 I think) and I went in for my u/s that morning and my follies were as follows: 1 @ 16.9 mm, 4 @ 15 mm. Considering during my last cycle I had follies that were 20, 22, and 24 mm and I STILL didn't ovulate I thought I had plenty of time. Well, come Friday my temp spikes to 98 (0.7 degrees higher) and I get a positive OPK. Told the doctor, she told me to shoot the HCG and come in on Saturday for IUI (I'd originally planned Sunday - thank God we decided to come in earlier, because I KNOW it would've been way too late).

I still worry I was too late, though. The temp spike is what's causing my doubts. Theoretically it looks like I may have already ovulated on Thursday. Isn't that when it happens, when your temp is its lowest and then spikes again?

But then why would I have had a positive OPK the next day? I thought the surge only happened 12-24 hours before ovulation?

What do you think? Was I too late? Or should I just disregard my temps this cycle because I took Clomid?

Sorry for the billion questions In any case, that's where I am.

QOTD: I am thankful for many things. I guess today I'm grateful for my warm, cozy home. It's a wonderful, peaceful santuary and I'm so glad I have C because she says God speaks to her in color (I think it's true) - which is why our home is so lovely.

shelly2314 · November 2013

My journey...well. I did just post a new thread so I can keep this one shorter. Today is the end of my TWW and we tested. Got a nice BFN! Awesome. AF is expected on Thanksgiving Day.

QOTW: What are you thankful for (something you haven't mentioned in a previous thread)? I am thankful I have a week off so I can get myself together from the disappointment

StacyLH24 · November 2013

@shelly2314 - Sorry to hear that you got a BFN

@wishiwaspreggo - I'm not good with all the temping and charting stuff. I experimented with temping when we were in the TTC prepping stages, but never actually did enough of it to know what was happening. I used OPKs for the first two cycles, which drove me a little crazy. Third cycle I used Ovidrel, which helped me be much less stressed as I didn't need to figure out on my own when the surge would be.

Do you have an u/s done the same day as your IUI? That is protocol for my RE's office. This way they can see if I have already ovulated or not and how large the follicles are if they are still there. First cycle I had already ovulated (follicles were gone), second cycle I had not and third cycle I had probably just ovulated as the follicle was still there, but was misshaped.

All of this being said, please remember that it turns out I never had a chance of getting pregnant anyway, due to my endometriosis. I don't want anyone looking at what I've done so far and base any thoughts for yourself on it.

StacyLH24 · November 2013

@trisholio - I hope working with your RE makes all the difference for you! Maybe that's all you need to get your BFP

healz413 · November 2013

Things seem to be going well so far with us for our IVF cycle. We are at the clinic this morning for my day 4 of stims check. M is on day 4 of estrace and will return to the clinic Saturday for her suppression and lining check.

My AFC is 26. (It was counted at 16 on Friday but I was hoping it would go up. Friday was actually technically only day 1 of my cycle and I have had an AFC around 26 in the past).

I have been on 150 of gonal f since Friday and 75 of repronex. They are increasing me to 225 of gonalf starting with today's dose and I come back on Thursday for my next check.

They measured a total of 6 follicles today that are between 5 and 8 mm. It is still early especially with me starting on the lower dose of gonalf so I expect we will have a better sense of how it is going on Thursday.

QOTW: I'm thankful for protein bars that allow me an easy snack while doing my high protein and low carb training plan. And I'm thankful that we got away to the spa this weekend and didn't get in an accident in the snow. Which reminds me that I'm also thankful for winter tires which we now have for the first time.

doodah1013 · November 2013

Hello Everyone!

We are feeling a bit refreshed after a long week of sadness and anger. We had a great Sunday, including an uplifting morning at church, and some great no-holds barred complaining (including wine and cookies) with @trisholio and her wife G. It was so nice to get to say "THIS FRICKING SUCKS." and have some say "I FRICKING KNOW." instead of when you talk to people who haven't struggled with TTC who say.... "oh... I am so sorry you are having a hard time..." I really hate being pitied.

So anywho... what is going on with us? We are totally done working with the OBGYN's office and the more we think about it, the madder we become (because we should have made this decision the first time they told us to come in for an IUI when you feel it is right in your heart...). But hey, you live and you learn. We are meeting with a real live RE (whoop whoop) who has high IVF success rates and is only minutes from our home, on Dec 5th... Just waiting for the appointment feels like a TWW. Right now we just want to hear our options, and see where we go from here! I feel a little bit of hope for the first time in a while, and that is a welcome change.

Thinking of everyone in their TWW and also to those who are still struggling with the process. Also... still super pumped for @healz413 and @manada . Sending any luck we would have used for ourselves this cycle (which we are sitting out) to you guys.

Manada · November 2013

Ah the hormones!

The Estrace is starting to hit me. I had a bit of a crying spell after the clinic today because I was super uncomfortable with the way the nurse was like "I want to watch you" (mix the meds & give H her shot) --- but then she stepped in and was all "I'll just do this to get it going faster..." and moved all the stuff around so I couldn't do it the way I normally would have. It was frustrating, and felt condescending - and I didn't like it at all.... so I cried when we got outside. possibly some hormones there.

That said - H and I were given a copy of the Circle+Bloom IVF relaxation cds from a friend who just did IVF and listened to it last night while lying in bed. It was nice for us to do together, all cuddled up - and it put us both right to sleep so that was good. I'm not sure I would pay the $60 for them outright, but I recommend it if you're thinking about it.

@wishiwaspreggo -- I am pretty sure you ovulate within about 12-24 hours of your temp spike - it's not right on it, definitely after it. Sounds like your timing should be okay for an IUI. It might be a tad late for an ICI, but IUI saves the sperm a ton of time swimming.

pauljl · November 2013

Currently counting down to my fertile window....approx 1 week to go ! Excited for the insemination. Not excited for the TWW that will follow. ( I'm the least patient person I know. And anxiety runs high!) Trying to enjoy the ride as much as possible. I'm thankful for all my family. But today, I'm especially thankful for my brother in law. He is helping us to have a family. Such a selfless act.

StacyLH24 · November 2013

@Manada & @healz413 - Sounds like things are moving along nicely! I'm very hopeful for you that this will work out.

@doodah1013 & @firstcomeslove - I'm glad to hear you have decided to see a RE. I hope it makes all the difference in your journey as well.

@pauljl - I think we would all agree that the TWW is anything but fun!

Amber&Reva · November 2013

@wishiwaspreggo both IUI's I got were done the day after my temp spike and both times when I went in the nurse doing the IUI said based on CM it was timed perfectly. I hope this helps.

2MamazInSeattle · November 2013

Hiya! Well I'm in NYC for a work trip with lupron and patches in tow. I love my little Japanese thermos....the ice I put in it at 5am Saturday in Seattle is still going strong! My lining check is on Wednesday, and then a week later is our FET on Dec. 5th (@doodah1013, big day for you two too!).

I'm so happy we decided to do a frozen egg cycle with new donors if this one doesn't work. Takes the pressure off...and, that, coupled with lots of work travel, holidays, and busy work I've barely obsessed at all on this cycle! Maybe that's the ticket.

QOTW: I guess in light of all that, I'm grateful to be able to afford another cycle, though it means some debt I know we can take care of it in a reasonable timeframe. Its not fun to think about (just paying off our first cycle a year later) but at least its an option. I truly feel lucky for that.

lamaitresse · November 2013

@2Mamaz - what Thermos is this?! Thinking it would make a great xmas gift for Smurf... especially if it is that good!

Tomorrow we have our next hospital appt with our FS. I don't really know what to expect, other than we'll be discussing my surgery results and what steps to take next. Smurf is a bit apprehensive, but she usually is just before any kind of medical appointment. Fortunately, she really likes our FS and he always does a great job of calming her nerves. Which is a good thing, because I rely on her to take notes etc... whenever I'm there, I'm just like "BABIES! CAN I HAVE A BABY YET?!" and Smurf asks all the smart questions. LOL

StacyLH24 · November 2013

lamaitresse said:
whenever I'm there, I'm just like "BABIES! CAN I HAVE A BABY YET?!" and Smurf asks all the smart questions. LOL

Yes...this! When we go, I do all the talking, but still, I just want to make a baby!

GoaliesWife123 · November 2013

Hello my friends! I haven't had a chance to read everyone's updates yet, but wanted to send my update before I went to bed tonight.

Today started with a visit to the acupuncturist and she actually saw my chart for this cycle (see-saw chart temps!) and changed her course of treatment. She was very happy about this and realized that changing things should do some good. She changed my herbs to something that works to get the liver and heart working together (or something like that), rather than a kidney thing. I'm happy we are making progress.

We also had our first visit with the RE today. My first impression was "eh" but the moment I met the actual RE and not just the techs, I was impressed. The doctor came in and sat close and we went over my history. She is almost certain that I'm not ovulating on my own regularly, based on my temps and other signs, and was very encouraging that despite all of the negatives about PCOS, my ovarian reserve may be better than other women my age. She recommended CD 3 blood work and a sonohystogram on CD 6 or 7. She is completely aware that we are cash paying and assured us that she would not order any tests that are not necessary and this was very comforting to us! So CD 3 blood work and the test for the uterine cavity and tubes and then she would like to start clomid on CD 3. She would then like to do a CD 13 ultrasound to see how I react to the clomid. If I react well, we will do our at-home ICI's using the soft cup. If I don't react well, we may need to go with Ovadril, which I have mixed feelings on.

Overall I feel pretty good about our plan. I am really looking forward to seeing some numbers when I get my blood work done. We may try again in December, but that will depend on the sonohystogram and clomid results.

On a different note, I have a large bump in my armpit that is very, very red and painful. Acupuncturist believes it may be an infected gland, and needs to be looked at asap. The problem I am having is that I can't get an appointment with my doc and I'm not sure I will be able to get in with a dermatologist this week. What would you do? DW thinks going to the ER is risky because of their lack of knowledge, but it hurts so much that I don't know if I can wait. Opinions?

Thank you for listening! If any of you have had the sonohystogram, I'd love to hear your thoughts on what it is like. I'm a little nervous.

StacyLH24 · November 2013

@Goalieswife123 - it sounds like your RE visit went well and gave you some options.

As for the bump, if it is really causing a lot of pain, I would say go to the ER or an urgent care center if you have one. They may at least be able to give you an appropriate medication to help in the meantime.

I did not have a sonohystogram, so I can't offer anything on that. I had a HSG before we started back in July. While it showed that I had a "dip" in my uterus, as my RE called it, turns out that dip was actually a septum. It was worse than my RE originally thought. I'm confused why it didn't show as worse on the HSG and plan to ask about that during my post op next week. For either test, a fluid is going into your uterus. It wasn't a pleasant experience for me, during or after. It wasn't unbearable, but I definitely had cramping and was uncomfortable. That lasted during the test and for a while after.

StacyLH24 · November 2013

@2Mamaz - It sounds like you are doing well. I'm glad that you're able to make a plan for another cycle if necessary and that it seems to be bringing you peace. FX that you won't need it after all

.

trisholio · November 2013

GoaliesWife123 said:

Hello my friends! I haven't had a chance to read everyone's updates yet, but wanted to send my update before I went to bed tonight.

Today started with a visit to the acupuncturist and she actually saw my chart for this cycle (see-saw chart temps!) and changed her course of treatment. She was very happy about this and realized that changing things should do some good. She changed my herbs to something that works to get the liver and heart working together (or something like that), rather than a kidney thing. I'm happy we are making progress.

We also had our first visit with the RE today. My first impression was "eh" but the moment I met the actual RE and not just the techs, I was impressed. The doctor came in and sat close and we went over my history. She is almost certain that I'm not ovulating on my own regularly, based on my temps and other signs, and was very encouraging that despite all of the negatives about PCOS, my ovarian reserve may be better than other women my age. She recommended CD 3 blood work and a sonohystogram on CD 6 or 7. She is completely aware that we are cash paying and assured us that she would not order any tests that are not necessary and this was very comforting to us! So CD 3 blood work and the test for the uterine cavity and tubes and then she would like to start clomid on CD 3. She would then like to do a CD 13 ultrasound to see how I react to the clomid. If I react well, we will do our at-home ICI's using the soft cup. If I don't react well, we may need to go with Ovadril, which I have mixed feelings on.

Overall I feel pretty good about our plan. I am really looking forward to seeing some numbers when I get my blood work done. We may try again in December, but that will depend on the sonohystogram and clomid results.

On a different note, I have a large bump in my armpit that is very, very red and painful. Acupuncturist believes it may be an infected gland, and needs to be looked at asap. The problem I am having is that I can't get an appointment with my doc and I'm not sure I will be able to get in with a dermatologist this week. What would you do? DW thinks going to the ER is risky because of their lack of knowledge, but it hurts so much that I don't know if I can wait. Opinions?

Thank you for listening! If any of you have had the sonohystogram, I'd love to hear your thoughts on what it is like. I'm a little nervous.

Here is an article about the sonohystogram, it is exactly my experience with having this done. I wanted to share it to help anyone who has this done.

https://voices.yahoo.com/a-patients-perspective-expect-during-your-823457.html

GoaliesWife123 · November 2013

Thank you, @trisholio! I just read the article and frankly it seems like it will be painful but it needs to be done. Right? :-)

2MamazInSeattle · November 2013

GoaliesWife123 said:
Thank you, @trisholio! I just read the article and frankly it seems like it will be painful but it needs to be done. Right? :-)

I think everyone is different. I had two of these and they were nothing. Maybe 5 minutes of the highest little cramps after. Wait and see, but for me they were totally nbd's.

wedinpitt · November 2013

hi all! i'm pretty new to thebump and am new to posting here. currently with AF and once i ovulate next (probably in 1.5 weeks!), we're trying our very first at-home AI! we are using NW cryobank and in the last week, have ordered the childhood photos as well as expanded profile from our chosen donor. it's so exciting! we have all of our supplies and are ready to go.

two quick questions for you seasoned women:

1 - when using frozen sperm, is it advisable to use pre-seed? why or why not? any tips appreciated!

2 - i've read so much conflicting information and i am no expert... when using frozen sperm and just one insemination per cycle, should we plan to inseminate 12 hours (or some other time frame??) past the +OPK? this *detail* my biggest concern right now because i know frozen sperm doesn't live/swim as long!

QOTW: i'm going to keep my answer related to TTC. i am thankful for figuring out that since i have a regular cycle and it's always obvious from my chart when i've ovulated, that i have STOPPED taking my temperature much past day of ovulation. it's a nice break and helps me not to focus on this too much... which can lead to obsession real fast! taking my temp for less than 2 weeks a month is awesome!

AandStilltrying · November 2013

Sorry I'm late posting. Been a crazy long week for a short one! We are now in the 2nd half of our 2ww. We will test next Tuesday AM. Eakkkk!!!! Help send positive vibes! Ready for number 7 to be IT!

Leaving for WV at 6am to be with family. We were supposed to leave tonight at 5:00...but decided not to risk it in case we have precious cargo with us. Should be a fun trip with good distractions. Tomorrow is also my moms 65th birthday. It's not very often that I get to be home with both of my sisters too!!! Also gonna go venture out with the crazies for some Black Friday shopping!!! My best friend of 20 years and I have a tradition of going out each year. Can't wait until I have a lil one to buy for.

I'm thankful for friends and family to make me laugh in even the hardest times!

Good thoughts for the last stretch of our 2ww.

AandStilltrying · November 2013

Too funny!

drive safe!!! Hoping mountains aren't too bad when we come across them.

StacyLH24 · November 2013

@wedinpitt - I'm not sure about using pre-seed. All of my IUIs have been preformed in my RE's office. If you think it might help, I say go for it.

As far as timing... ovulation usually takes place 12-24 hours after the detection of your surge. I've heard that frozen sperm are only good for 24 hours after unthawing. I'm not sure there are any of us who used frozen sperm at home. There are several using (or have used) fresh sperm at home and others using frozen sperm with the assistance of their RE's office.

redrockmama · November 2013

Just thread crashing to respond to @wedinpitt: You might want to use pre-seed if you don't have very much cervical fluid. I used mucinex the time that we got pregnant, the other times we didn't use anything. Also, we used frozen sperm at home and inseminated 12 hours after the positive OPK, the try that worked. It does vary by person though, some women ovulate sooner after a surge than other and some a lot longer. I think 12 is what most folks do though. Good luck. Feel free to PM me with any other questions about frozen sperm at home.

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