8/18/14 Hanging on to a Dream Check-in; come on in if waiting to cycle for any reason!

Twinkie0612 · August 2014

I'm going to make this an informal check-in since my computer doesn't always play nice with the bump.

How are things going? Any infertility updates to share?

QOTD: Inspired by our trip to the movie theater yesterday, what was the last movie you have seen? Any movies you are looking forward to?

tptbabe · August 2014

I guess I'll pop back in here?

So we got our test results back that we had done after our WTF appointment, and karotyping came back completely normal! Also, DHs DNA frag testing came back at 15.54%, which is pretty darn great if you ask me! (Especially because since finding this out, DH has been in a fantastic mood and hasn't been his usual super cranky self! Normally we get into an argument at least once a day, but in the week since finding out, NOTHING!) Of course this doesn't give us any answers as to what happened to our embryos, but I'll take any good news I can get

QOTW: Ender's Game. We borrowed it from the library over the weekend, and oh man, was it ever terrible! I'm not a sci-fi person to begin with, but even DH hated it. So glad we didn't pay any money to see it!

Twinkie0612 · August 2014

We had our appointment with Dr.KK last week. It was definitely informative. It looks like I have poor blood flow to my uterus (and maybe my left ovary). She also suggests that I get my BMI down into the normal range (right now I am at around 28 and need to get down to 25). They also took 18 vials of blood (fun when you have crappy veins) and I am still waiting on all of the results to come back.

I've been obsessively stalking my patient portal and some of my blood work results are coming in. It does look like I have slightly elevated NK cell activation (mine is 18.5% when it should be under 15%), which I was diagnosed with before IVF #2. They also checked NK cell numbers (not activation) and my CD19 (B cells) are elevated (15% when it should be under 8%), from what I read this may not be too much of an issue. I also have high cytokines (TNF alfa was 37% when it should be 30% or under), which is also an issue. Other than that everything that is back is normal, except my white blood cell count and neutrophils which are both high. These can be caused by a variety of things from infection, to stress, to auto immune inflammatory diseases like RA.

Two new diagnosis have been added to my patient portal. Blood Coagulation Disorder (not sure if this is just because of my decreased blood flow, I haven't seen anything in my blood work yet) and White Blood Cell Disorder. I am guessing right now my treatment for NK cell and TNF alpha will start with prednisone and will hopefully be controlled with that. If not I think she will recommend IVIG. From what I have read intralipids will not be a good option, it can lower NK cell activation, but can also increase cytokines. For the Blood Coagulation Disorder, I imagine she will prescribe baby aspirin and maybe lovenox.

QOTD: We saw TMNT yesterday and it was better than I expected. I am looking forward to The Hunger Games: Mockingjay part 1 this November.

sweetpotato123 · August 2014

@Twinkie0612‌ - glad your appointment went well and you're getting some answers.

@tptbabe‌ - awesome news! I always think it's a double edged sword- they can't find anything wrong but it still doesn't work. Ugh. Happy you got the great news and your OH is happy, too!

AFM- started lupron Saturday, go for baseline Thursday and start my first minivelle patch Sunday. I feel like we've been waiting forever, but now all of a sudden we're moving. Not real excited about the side effects though after reading that thread over the weekend.

QOTD- we don't go to the theaters much, but last time we did, we saw Malificent. I am super excited about the Giver. This was one of my fav books growing up.

CallaLily30 · August 2014

Hi ladies! I can't remember if I posted in the checkin last week or not but my beta was still positive at 5.5. I'm so frustrated that it is taking so long to drop. We are officially delayed until October now. I have another beta draw on Friday and I'm really, really hoping this is the last one but I've been saying that for the last 3+ weeks.

QOTW: I can't even remember the last movie I saw! I really need to get out more.

Jetta83306 · August 2014

Hello. I will be rejoining you. My last IVF cycle failed. We have our WTF appointment on the 26th. I am feeling really depressed and not very hopeful right now, but I know that I don't want to give up. Hoping my doctor will have some good ideas for next cycle.

QOTD: The last movie we saw at the theater was Guardians of the Galaxy.

sweetpotato123 · August 2014

Quick question- do I hang here until September actually arrives or do I only post now on the September sweet peas check in? Sorry for the confusion!

CallaLily30 · August 2014

@jetta83306 - Sending so many (((HUGS))). This whole IF process is unfair and heartbreaking. I'm thinking about you!

tptbabe · August 2014

@twinkie0612 - So glad your appointment with Dr KK went so well and you're finally getting some answers! 18 vials of blood must have been terrible, ugh How long do you have to wait for all of your results to be in?

@sweetpotato123 - Good luck with your FET! I don't know about for FETs, but I stopped posting on this check-in when I started priming? I'm good with whatever *you* feel comfortable with

@Callalily30 - I'm sorry it's taking so long for your Beta to go down It's not bad enough that you want it to go down, but having to drag it out must be torture! I hope it's at zero this week

@Jetta83306 - (((HUGS))) I'm sorry you're feeling so down right now. I hope you can get some good answers on the 26th! (Our follow-up is the same day, so I'll be thinking about you!)

Carol77B · August 2014

tptbabe I'm glad that your DH is less cranky due to the results! We just bought a used elliptical so I'm counting on that to cut down on my DH's crankiness. I'm sorry you didn't a clear fixable problem, though.

@Twinkie0612 I'm so glad you finally had your appointment and are getting some answers/confirmation and the beginnings of a path forward.

@CallyLilly30 I'm so sorry you have been delayed, it really is so unfair that you can't quickly move forward when you want to.

@jetta83306 I felt really depressed after my second IVF failed (I tried to pretend I was okay, and I really wasn't) and I didn't know when I would feel ready to try again, but I felt so good about the new plan recommended at my WTF I was about to get reengaged and hopeful and ready to try again. I hope you have a similar experience.

@sweetpotato123 I think that now that you have an active group you just post on there and hopefully won't be back on here in the future. Good luck!

AFM: Lots going on! AF started this weekend, so my body is getting back to normal, yay! DH has his appointment with the RE's preferred urologist tomorrow, so I'm very interested to hear how that goes (DH does not want me there). My RE wants me to repeat my CD 3 bloodwork and ultrasound and have another mock embryo transfer. Of course, I'm worried that means that they expect me to have bad results (I "passed" all the tests when I did them in October). And the mock embryo transfer is puzzling- does that mean my RE thinks that my ETs could have gone better? Had better placements? Since I've started a ton of supplements and lifestyle and diet changes recently, I told my nurse I wanted to wait until at least September to redo the tests to try and give things a chance to start taking effect. I'm aiming for IVF #4 in November. My nurse said my RE was still talking to the other REs about my protocol and my questions about HGH. So not sure when I might be an update, but maybe after my DH's test results are sent over.

QOTD: I also saw the new TMNT movie and it wasn't as horrible as I had feared! I appreciated the references the 80s cartoon. I dressed as April O'Neil for Halloween when I was 12, so my love goes way back

tweetyknicks · August 2014

No update regarding IF. I'm just waiting for the new RE appointment scheduled for 9/22 (unless there is an earlier cancellation).

DH and I are considering seeing a counselor for tangentially related reasons, though not directly for IF. We are not having serious trouble, but we've been run through the ringer since our wedding last spring. We agreed that there are a few things we'd like to smooth out to make sure they don't become actual problems.

I mentioned on another thread that I finally told my mom and brother about our IF treatments. Mom suspected something was up because I accidentally mentioned shots in a text I didn't realize she was part of. She uncharacteristically asked very few questions and didn't act concerned. I find this unnerving and I've felt uneasy since I talked to her.

QOTD: I don't remember the last new movie I saw. I watched the 2005 version of Pride and Prejudice last weekend because I was having a rotten day. I am also not up to date enough on what's coming out to look forward to any of it.

tptbabe · August 2014

@hoping4LO - Glad you found an acupuncturist you like! I've done in-home and in-office, and in-home really is just that much more relaxing!

@Carol77B - Good luck for your DHs uro appointment tomorrow! I've always gone with DH to his, but honestly, some appointments have been really awkward and I feel embarassed for him because of me being there? Hopefully they can work out a good plan for him! I'm not sure why they'd want to do another mock transfer? Are you OOP for them?

Twinkie0612 · August 2014

@tptbabe My follow up to discuss the blood results is September 4th, but many of the results have already been posted to the patient portal.

Carol77B · August 2014

@tptbabe OMG! Thank you so much for asking that question. I just realized that I would be OOP for the mock transfer, since when I did it before it was part of my IVF cycle (there's a flat fee I pay as I'm OOP) and I would be in between cycles if I did it next month. I will need to talk to them about that- can't see why they couldn't wait on that until after we start the next IVF cycle in November, unless they expect to discover something we might need to treat?

Spring78 · August 2014

Hi all.

We got the results of our tests from my MMC last week. We now know why we lost the pregnancy, at least. Trisomy 21. I knew it is the cause of Downs, but I had no idea that 3/4 of Trisomy 21s end in miscarriage. It appears to have been the totally random kind of Trisomy 21 (not a translocation or anything indicative of problems with our DNA). The odds just get higher the older the egg - though it happens to young mothers, too. The good news is that this loss has no bearing on my ability to carry a pregnancy and our FET protocols seemed to be good. Just profoundly bad luck. I have my follow-up next week. We'll see how the HCG levels are doing then, but our hope is to try another FET in October. @Callalily30, looks like we might be cycling together again, if everything goes according to plan. Fingers crossed, anyway.

QOTD: We saw Guardians of the Galaxy yesterday. I would not claim it is a good movie in the sense of classic cinema greatness, but I will say it was ridiculous amounts of fun. Exactly what I needed yesterday! DH and I both enjoyed it immensely.

O2girl · August 2014

Hi ladies :-h

So we are moving forward slowly but surely.
I have an SHG and mock transfer for the week of sept 5
Then an endometrial biopsy for implantation the week of sept 25th........
Then it is looking like an FET on October 3rd if all is going well with my uterus.

QOTD:
We haven't seen any movies lately.... And I cannot for the life of me remember the last one I saw.

CML11 · August 2014

Just in limbo now waiting on AF since IVF #1 failed. Frustrated and disappointed is pretty much how I'm feeling. I have a f/u appointment with the RE to discuss where we go from here. And why can't it be done via phone? A mid-day appointment means more time that I have to get off from work, because that goes over so well.

I just keep thinking maybe if she would CONSIDER doing a 2ET, maybe one would have stuck. Just venting.

RunCC37 · August 2014

Hi girls

My appointment with Dr. KK is on Wednesday. I am so excited that it's finally here, but at the same time I'm getting more and more nervous. I am so afraid that she will find something that only offers me false hope. I can't completely explain it, but the gist is that I don't trust my ovaries anymore. Regardless, I'm marching on because there's only one way to find out!

QOTW: We watched Divergent from the RedBox two nights ago. It was pretty good, though I wouldn't have gone to see it in the theaters. I haven't read the book, but I've heard it is much better than the movie. Maybe I'll read it sometime!

chicory · August 2014

I've been a poor contributer since coming over to this board, but lurk daily. Not much to say here, just waiting to hopefully cycle in October if my cycles and coworkers vacation schedules cooperate. (I think my status in the regular check-in says IVF in Sept, but it will be at least October now.) QOTW: We watch movies so rarely so I honestly can't remember, but DH and I are working our way through Friends from the beginning as neither of us ever saw the entire series.

Justone13 · August 2014

I will be moving on to the Sweet Peas Group ... I feel like it was such a short visit here... I feel kind of sad about it because you ladies are awesome! @carol77b at least your husband wanted to go by himself... When my DH went I had to go with him and you know what he did? The (female) urologist asked to examine him ... I attempted to escape the room to give him some privacy... nope he stood right in front of me and dropped his drawers w/ the doctor standing right there... NO SHAME!! All I could do is shake my head!

zeynsom · August 2014

I am back, ladies! I was supposed to get my IVF cycle started today but my hopes were short-lived. I have a cyst and only two microfollices despite no BCP this time around. So, it is really crappy! They did not want to put me on BCP because I only have two follicles (and they are afraid to oversuppress me as if I am not already way over suppressed). We will wait for the next cycle. Good news is that my E2 came back low, which suggests that my cyst may be mild and temporary. I strongly suspect that it is because of the DHEA.

Now the question is do I go with the cycle next month (and freeze all) or wait until Dr. KK appointment. The thing is, Dr. KK appointment will be maybe 2-3 days after ER. I am wondering whether I'll be cutting to close to Dr. KK appointment.

I am also getting very concerned about my follicle count. I think I am getting to a point where I have to make a decision to continue to try my own eggs vs. moving to donor eggs. I am seeing a therapist starting tomorrow so I am hoping that I can make peace with whatever I decide.

Carol77B · August 2014

@zeynsom that really sucks, I'm sorry. You do have a hard decision. I totally understand your urgency in moving forward. Do you have reason to believe that Dr. KK's recommended treatment would improve your eggs/embryos? Or do you think it would just be treatement to help get you/keep you pregnant? If I thought I might get better/more eggs I would wait to cycle until after the appointment.

I think deciding to see a therapist is a great idea. I hope you find it very helpful. I've started thinking about looking for one, too.

zeynsom · August 2014

@Carol77B Thanks for the message. The thing is Dr. KK may indeed improve egg quality (although I think she will be helpful more for implantation than egg quality) but I believe that immune treatments do not help with egg quantity. And, that is my main issue right now. Time is running out. Although I am 34, my mother and her aunts had their menopauses around the age 36 so I really need to act fast if I want to use my own eggs.

The good thing though is I got a call from Dr. KK's office today and because of a cancellation they changed my appointment to next week! That is one month before the previous one. My follow-up is on Sept 30. So, hopefully things will move fast with her and I can cycle soon (but probably won't happen before November).

Therapist was great too. Although I should say that she is not a real therapist but a nurse practitioner who tries to help people more holistically. But even one hour today helped a lot.

Carol77B · August 2014

That is great news about the sooner appointment @zeynsom! I hope it keeps you moving forward quickly and Dr KK comes up with a concrete treatment plan that works for you. If you do cycle in November we might be cycle buddies, since that's the timeline I'm working towards.

Sounds like you've found someone great to work with. I had something similar with my former acupuncturist, but she retired and I don't have quite the same connection with her replacement (even though I think the treatments are better with the new woman, go figure!)

Rocky7611 · August 2014

Hi everyone!! I never thought I would say that I'm excited for my surgery (which will b tomorrow, Thursday)! But it keeps us on tract for being a September Sweet Pea (which I still need to figure out how to add the badge)!! I got AF right on time (thank god!!). If I didn't we would b waiting a whole other month because of my RE's Vacation!!

QOTW: The last movie I saw in the theater I think was Godzilla (totally DH's pick)!

RunCC37 · August 2014

@zeynsom‌ - sorry to hear about your situation... Sounds kinda familiar to mine! I just had my initial consult with Dr. KK today. If I were you, I'd wait to see her before doing a transfer. As far as banking embryos, go go go!! If it were me, I would do it now while you can, then freeze them for a FET after any issues found by Dr. KK are resolved. My situation might be a tad different in that I refuse to invest in anymore IVF with my eggs unless the quality has a significant chance of improving. It's complicated but feel free to PM me if you want to talk

UPDATE: I had my appt with Dr. KK today! Short version, I have blood flow issues to my ute. Ironically the blood flow to my ovaries is just fine. Go figure. Now we have to hang tight until our follow up on Sept 29th to get the complete results, Dx and Tx plan. Check out my blog if you want to read more (link in siggy, sorry no clicky! I'm mobile!)

RunCC37 · August 2014

Hugs @Jetta83306‌

tweetyknicks · August 2014

Update re: IF...

I got a cancellation appointment and it sounds like we can head into IVF after I get my next period. I expect that will happen within 2-3 weeks. The new RE says he'll use an antagonist protocol for me, probably starting with 2-3 weeks of BCP. I need to read up on that now. I guess I'll join the October group when it forms since my ER/ET will probably be in October, right?

zeynsom · August 2014

Thank you @RunCC37 My Dr. KK appointment is moved up to next week! Yeay! I am meeting with my RE on Monday, talking with Karen Pace on the phone on Monday, and seeing Dr. KK on Friday. It will be hell of a week!

RunCC37 · August 2014

wowzers @zeynsom! Good luck next week!!

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