IF/Testing Weekly Check-In 7/11

mrsdaddario · July 2016

Happy Monday Ladies! I want to try something new here. I've noticed that there are weekly check-in boards for TFAS, TTA/Benched, and Grads. However there is not a place for those of us going through infertility testing and treatment. Maybe there is not enough of us, but I think we should give it a shot anyway! If it takes off, great, I'll be more than happy to start these on Monday's. If it doesn't, then at least we gave it a shot!

***General TW that this thread can and will mention MC and loss.***

This is a place for those of us who have already started TTC, but have started infertility testing and/or treatments. You can express your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on infertility. TTC can be a long journey naturally, then add in the difficulties associated with infertility and it becomes a whole new ball game. The road to infertility can be lonely, frustrating, and complicated, so let's make this a place where we can vent, ask questions, and support one another. Feel free to resurrect this thread at any point in the week if you have something to say, and treat this like an ongoing conversation.

Diagnosis (If you've been):

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)

How are things going?

Any questions?

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait?

KirstinH88 · July 2016

I don't receive IF testing or treatment but wanted to stop by and say that I love that you are starting this weekly board. Hopefully enough ladies will participate and this will take off!

tamalahoops · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been):
Me: low progesterone
Husby: 2% morphology but with good counts and motility

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): tww

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)

We did our first iui this month.

How are things going?

Ugh. I need a hobby.

Any questions?

None at the moment!

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? Not to brag but I'm like...hella smart.

mrsdaddario · July 2016

Thank you for participating @tamalahoops ! How many days post IUI are you?

Diagnosis (If you've been): PCOS - DH all normal

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):   TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) We did Letrozole 7.5mg, trigger, IUI #2

How are things going? Bleak

Any questions? Anyone have experience with injectables?

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait?
My humor!

tamalahoops · July 2016

@mrsdaddario I am 5 dpiui. We did 10 MG letrozole for cd 3-8 and had one big fat follie on my left. I saw in tww that you haven't seen your RE, does that bug you? I've had an office sit down with my RE at every appointment. It's usually just a quick chat but it's super reassuring that she seems to know exactly what's going on at all times.

mrsdaddario · July 2016

Yes, it does bother me! I know the nurses are knowledgeable, as their the ones who see patients daily. But it makes me feel like the RE only has time for IVF patients, and IUI patients are not as important. I will advocate for myself though, as I want his opinion on moving forward. I'd say keep busy so your mind doesn't go crazy, but can we ever keep busy enough to NOT think about it? Doubtful lol

Megzb510 · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): no official diagnosis yet, but was told my ovaries look borderline polycystic, right tube is appearing blocked as well.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) testing cycle with a "Clomid challenge" as my RE calls it. I took 100mg Clomid from CD5-9

How are things going? I'm happy to be past the HSG and happy to have responded nicely to Clomid. We got some good follicles and O came right when the RE called it. So it's a relief to have things happening as they should. I said this in the TWW today but I'm so happy about O'ing sooner than CD36! We got so much time back. I am trying not to be BSC this cycle and remind myself we still just have a 20% chance. But the crazy is starting, I can feel it!

Any questions? I had crazy O pain yesterday, is that common with Clomid?

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? I am super honest and blunt. Sometimes it's good and sometimes it's not!

MandyBeeSLP · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): I don't have a diagnosis, yet. Hopefully it's still okay to post here. My first appointment is August 9th.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): I'm currently still posting in WTO, but I think I O'd this weekend so if my temp stays up I'll move to TWW tomorrow. CD 16 of cycle 15.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) We are doing what's in our power. DH has started taking cool showers, sleeping without a blanket, wearing boxers, not using the laptop on his lap; all the things that are supposed to help sperm. I started taking Vitex because my LP is variable, I've ranged from 6-15 days in the 6 months I temped previously.

How are things going? Meh. DH and I have had some emotional conversations because it is just getting me down a lot more than him. I feel like, although he is doing some things, the weight of it has been on my shoulders because I'm the one tracking my cycle and temping and knows when we are going to have sex and when we are out of the game this cycle and he's only superficially privy to all that information.

Any questions? Not really.

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? I have what my husband calls an "advocacy streak". If I am passionate about something or feel there is an injustice, I will fight for it even if it has nothing to do with me.

ETA: CD and Cycle #, because I liked @KristoB 's suggestion.

furbabymom2007 · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been):
"ovulation disorder" + minor issues with DH's SA (low progression, some agglutination)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):
WTO, cd 4, 2!d medicated cycle

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
Letrozole, follie scans, pregnyl trigger, probably, progesterone, time interfourse

How are things going?
ok, scan this morning showed 8mm follie both sides. Just waiting.

Any questions?
None right now

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait?

I am (usually) logical, also loyal.

KristoKekerooni · July 2016

@mrsdaddario - You are awesome for starting this. I am not a huge fan of the IF board, but this is perfect. You rock! Just a note, maybe we should also have a line for what cycle number it is? I know it helps me to see how many cycles other people have tried, and it's especially nice when someone gets a BFP and they're cycle number is up there!

Diagnosis (If you've been): Recurrent pregnancy loss (unknown cause) and sever male factor infertility (3 mill/mL, 9% morph, 38% motile, 18.6 mill total count in 6 mL)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO, CD2 of cycle 23

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Our first appointment with the reproductive urologist is tomorrow! It took forever to get in! We have been waiting for this since the beginning of May! We probably won't learn anything new at this appointment. From what I understand, it'll be orders for labs to check testosterone and all that, and maybe an ultrasound to check for varicoceles. So it'll still be a bit before we have answers, but it's a step. I'm kinda wanting to have a real conversation with the doc about realistic expectations. I need to know if the sperm problem is found to be something that will a. not have an answer (as in they won't find the cause), b. not be "fixable" or c, take a long time to reverse. If it's any of those I really just want to go straight to IVF. Obviously we still need to try and discover the root of the issue and fix it, but I am just so over the waiting game. I don't want to keep my whole life on hold for something that's maybe never gonna happen. I just want to move forward, even if it costs a lot of money.

How are things going? See my above venting.

Any questions? Anyone else have to deal with MFI? Has anyone seen an RU? Any advice, tips, heads-up?

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? Eeeek. I dunno. I doubt it's something good, it's probably like, my self-doubt. But I'll pretend it is a positive. I'd say I am very good with reasoning and deductive thinking. I guess that's why I am a scientist!

KristoKekerooni · July 2016

tamalahoops said:

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? Not to brag but I'm like...hella smart.

***QBF***

I laughed out loud at this. You go, girl. Own it. Flaunt it.

tamalahoops · July 2016

@KristoB husby has low morph but we've not seen anyone for it because our RE was pretty meh about it. He's made some lifestyle and diet changes that I'm hoping will help

mokay19 · July 2016

I really like this thread idea @mrsdaddario !

Diagnosis (If you've been): PCOS with anovulation/amenorrhea

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO... just like I have been for the last 10 months..

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) 5mg Letrozole, follicle scan on Wednesday, Pregnyl tigger if the medicine worked, TI

How are things going? Eh. I'm just counting down until Wednesday. Less than 48 hours until my scan. I'm nervous that I didn't respond for some reason so I'm anxious for the scan! I started OPKs over the weekend and they haven't changed at all yet but hopefully they'll darken soon!

Any questions? Not right now

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? My humor/sarcasm.

KristoKekerooni · July 2016

@tamalahoops- I've heard morph alone isn't such a big deal unless it's reaallllllyyyy severe. I'm glad your doc isn't concerned! That's good. Unfortunately we have a problem in every aspect and when we tried the lifestyle change it actually dipped lower... our doc isn't convinced a lifestyle change would make a difference anyway in this severe of a case.
Thanks for your input though!

Marley629 · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Diminshed ovarian reserve

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW, CD 6

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?). Waiting for AF or BFP; scheduled for hysterscopy on 7/28 to remove polyps in uterus

How are things going? I'm super anxious this cycle; I want to be a special snowflake and get my BFP before the hysterscopy.

Any questions? None right now.

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait?

my patience with people and my ability to turn a negative into a positive which Has led me to success with managing a large staff with various personalities

daisy62103 · July 2016

I'll join.

Diagnosis (If you've been): Nothing, unexplained. Everything checks out perfectly. Sorta wish there was something small to fix.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW, 9dpiui

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Clomid 5-9, Ovidrel + IUI

How are things going? I am not optimistic. My trigger is still showing up 11dpt, so my metabolism must absolutely suck.

Any questions? none

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? My big heart.

mrsdaddario · July 2016

@KristoB Yes that's a great idea!! I'll make sure to add that next week!

@Daisy621 Did you test your trigger last cycle? Did it take this long to get out of your system? How light/dark is it? At this point I'm wondering if it's not the trigger...? Any symptoms??

NamelessAria · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): None yet.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO? (got extremely questionable dotted CHs this morning)

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Testing. Having blood drawn on 7DPO to check all the various hormones, thyroid, and everything for the RPL panel.

How are things going? I hate this limbo where I know something is probably wrong but I have no idea what and I can't start treatment yet. I'm so ready to have answers already and I just started this whole process.

Any questions? I guess my question right now is... since I'm supposed to have blood work on 7DPO and my chart is giving me extremely questionable CHs saying I'm 4DPO now, do I go ahead and schedule blood work for 3 days from now? What if my temps and everything are still ambiguous in 3 days? Do I just tell them I may or may not have ovulated I'm not sure? I know these probably seem like silly and obvious questions I just want to mess this up.

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? I usually get told it's my compassion so I guess I'll go with that even though I don't feel like the most compassionate person.

MrsBinPA · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Diagnosis (If you've been): RPL. Unexplained based on all the RPL testing I have had done, but they think that maybe I have an immune issue as the genetics of my last loss were normal. I also have a prolactinoma, which hasn't been an issue for getting pregnant & they say wouldn't be the likely cause of my losses.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Month 19, Cycle #2 TTCAL- TWW CD 20/ 6 DPO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Clomid 100mg CD2-6 + timed intercourse. I O on my own so no trigger. The rest of my treatment plan will start whenever I get another BFP.

How are things going? Meh. They are going OK. The due date of my second loss was this past weekend which is never a fun thing, but I am happy to have it behind me. I have moments where I feel very pessimistic that I will never have a successful pregnancy. Not having a real answer with clear, tested and approved treatment can be unnerving. Right now I am starting to feel increasingly frustrated with my life revolving around RE visits and TTC, but also super anxious to get another BFP to test the treatment plan to see if something will finally make it passed week 6.

Any questions? Totally random, but I am curious. Do others find that women at the RE office are super unfriendly? We're all there for the same reason and I often have to wait a long time for the doctor and no one talks to you. I finally had someone talk to me 2 weeks ago and it was so refreshing. She was also an RPL patient so we exchanged numbers. It's been nice to have an IRL contact going through the same kind of thing.

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? I love taking care of others, lending an ear, shoulder to cry on, whatever.

daisy62103 · July 2016

@mrsdaddario I didn't trigger last month so I have no idea. My Dr office didn't tell me how long ovidrel could stay in my system or anything. Google is conflicting - some say up to 10 and others say up to 14dpt. It's the lightest it's been since I started testing it out. Same lightness as yesterday, not getting darker, so assuming it's the trigger still. No real symptoms. Ugh.

LadyMillil · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Me - ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding, DH - MFI, low morph (2%)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO Cycle 19, NTNP

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) NTNP until IVF. Have had 3 failed medicated IUIs and 2 failed medicated cycles

How are things going? I've finally got a move date so I'm calling my RE for a referral to the new clinic

Any questions?

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait? I'm a smart introvert

@NamelessAria They will likely tell you that you should go in on CD21. It looks like you sometimes have a slow rise pattern so if you're temps are still up in 3 days I would think there is a good chance you are 7 DPO and should go in. My OB told me that if CD21 fell on a Sunday it was okay to go in a CD20 (6dpo) or CD22 (8dpo) and it wouldn't make a huge difference.

mrsdaddario · July 2016

@MrsBinPA I haven't had the feeling that the women at my office are necessarily unfriendly. But I have gotten the feeling, loads of times I've been there, that everyone is super on edge. Which is probably because we all are lol. I've also noticed all walks of life there. Women my age, all the way to women who are quite a bit older. I just want to know everyone's stories! But I don't ever feel comfortable enough to talk to anyone, as everyone waiting is always nose deep in their phones. Plus the wait time is so quick, there would be no real time to make a bond. Also, I know the feeling of life revolving around appointments, and the next step. I wish it didn't feel like that.

@NamelessAria I wish I had some answers to your questions. Unfortunately I'm of no help in this particular situation. I'm glad the ball is finally rolling for you though!

@Daisy621 I see, that is such a mind trip! Ugh, I'm sorry. I'm keeping my fingers crossed so hard for you!

MelissaM090 · July 2016

I think this is a great idea @mrsdaddario!

I'll fill out the form later but I'm at my ob/gyn's office waiting for my second follicle scan this month and ahead of me are two VERY pregnant women who evidently know each other and are having a grand old time complaining about their pregnancies.

I'm sitting here trying not to glare at them.

mokay19 · July 2016

@MrsBinPA I noticed that people will actively not make eye contact with each other like it's embarrassing to be there or something... We're all there for the same reason so I wish they would at least smile and wave so I don't feel like I should feel awkward haha

@Daisy621 I have my FX for you that it isn't still the trigger! That's my worst fear about using the trigger is that I'll get my hopes up! FWIW, my sister had a positive test at 11dpo after using the trigger and her doctor told her that if it didn't go away by the next day, then she should get a blood test.

MrsBinPA · July 2016

mokay19 said:

@MrsBinPA I noticed that people will actively not make eye contact with each other like it's embarrassing to be there or something... We're all there for the same reason so I wish they would at least smile and wave so I don't feel like I should feel awkward haha

EXACTLY THIS! It's totally weird right?!

mokay19 · July 2016

MrsBinPA said:

mokay19 said:

@MrsBinPA I noticed that people will actively not make eye contact with each other like it's embarrassing to be there or something... We're all there for the same reason so I wish they would at least smile and wave so I don't feel like I should feel awkward haha

EXACTLY THIS! It's totally weird right?!

Yes! I'm definitely jealous that you got someone's number from there to hopefully have someone to talk to IRL about the same stuff at the RE.

eggplantface · July 2016

@tamalahoops @KristoB (and anyone else dealing with low morphology): H had 1% morphology at his first SA; the RE redid the test and it went up to 2%. RE was also very "meh" about that, he said because it had increased in the second test. His count was above 80 million for both tests. I read that morphology is subjective, depending on the eyes doing the test, and the guidelines have changed recently, but do you have any more information about why the docs are "meh" about low morphology? After our appointment I was doing math to figure out what it all means in terms of how many good swimmers there are...

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/5yLgoceFO3BdJW1zvFu/giphy.gif

LadyMillil · July 2016

@eggplantface Abnormal morphology doesn't necessarily mean that the sperm can't fertilize an egg, which is why REs are sort of meh about it if count and motility are good. I've seen 2 different REs at my practice. One says that they see no difference in success rates of IUIs with low vs normal morph, and studies I've found have supported this. The other RE says that morphology has no impact on pregnancy success rates if everything else is normal in both partners.

NamelessAria · July 2016

MelissaM090 said:

I think this is a great idea @mrsdaddario!

I'll fill out the form later but I'm at my ob/gyn's office waiting for my second follicle scan this month and ahead of me are two VERY pregnant women who evidently know each other and are having a grand old time complaining about their pregnancies.

I'm sitting here trying not to glare at them.

Ugh this is the worst. I got stuck in an elevator when I went to my RE appointment with a very pregnant lady and her mother. The pregnant lady spent the entire time whining about how hard pregnancy is and her mother was all "Oh I know honey. It's the worst. But just hang in there and it'll be over soon and you'll have a beautiful baby girl to cuddle! Maybe you should tell your doctor how tired you've been?" I'll be honest I probably did some glaring. If looks could kill and all that. I tried not to but.. ya know....

I really wish my RE office wasn't next to a very busy OB/GYN office.

KristoKekerooni · July 2016

@eggplantface
Exactly what @LadyMillil said. It hasn't been shown to matter all that much unless combined with the other factors... but even then, it's more the other stuff they are concerned about.It sounds like your RE isn't concerned-with good reason! 80 mill?! Holy cow. There are plenty of good guys in there to get the job done. When the sperm is created, the man's body is focused more on quantity and not quality, so it's totally normal that most sperm don't look good. The more there are, the better. Remember that not all sperm exist for the purpose of inseminating the egg. Sperm all have different "jobs." To "fight" the female body from attacking the sperm, to fight other male's sperm (if present), etc. So the healthiest sperm make it to the egg, while the less healthy sperm help those "leaders."
I would suggest watching "The Great Sperm Race" if you are interested in how exactly it all works. It's super informative and uses great analogies to make it easier to understand.

whiska · July 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Infertility (for trying 12+ cycles without success)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
HSG was this cycle so we're still on TI for now.

How are things going?
Good. It's like I got one good cry out on Tuesday and this has been the most bsc- and sadness-free TWW I've had in a while.

Any questions?
None right now!

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait?
My best I think is decisive, but strongest is probably independent.
I can't go along with a crowd without figuring out why first, I'm not impressed with titles or status, I can't read something without fact checking it for accuracy (Lord help me, as every election cycle gets worse), I'm most comfortable working alone because I really really like to do things my own way, I do not like meddlers or people who try to get in my way. Those people get ignored.

aammyy33 · July 2016

I'm that awkward eye averted phone starer at my appointments! This probably stems from the fact I'm still working with a Gyno, so very few patients are probably going through what I am. Most of them are having Paps, getting birth control or pregnant (of course this is a total assumption on my part). Also I know I shouldn't be, but I AM embarrassed to be there. So most of my time in the waiting room is spent trying to hold it together as I worry about how my scans are going to go and attempt not to cry.
Ok that got sad real fast...

eggplantface · July 2016

@LadyMillil @KristoB Very interesting....thank you so much! I did watch The Great Sperm Race when I first started TTC and it was an eye opener, but I must've not paid much attention to the morphology part. I was too distracted by the sperm killing fields in the vagina....eesh....It's a wonder the human race survives at all...

KristoKekerooni · July 2016

@eggplantface - I'm not sure if there was too much about it in the video. The site I watched it on had supplemental resources, and I believe I read a lot of stuff from those. But AGREED. Crazy we exist at all.

mrsdaddario · July 2016

@aammyy33 Oh that made me sad for you!! Don't feel bad though, it seems some of us are in bummer town this week anyway lol.

LadyMillil · July 2016

eggplantface said:

@LadyMillil @KristoB Very interesting....thank you so much! I did watch The Great Sperm Race when I first started TTC and it was an eye opener, but I must've not paid much attention to the morphology part. I was too distracted by the sperm killing fields in the vagina....eesh....It's a wonder the human race survives at all...

Besides killing sperm, it also helps to keep your vagina healthy. Semen helps make the vagina "safer" for sperm. In addition, your hormone fluctuations during your cycle actually make your vagina/uterus more hospitable to promote conception during the LP. However, that actually makes you more susceptible to infections to compensate. The balance between keeping you healthy and allowing reproduction to actually occur is fascinating. I study STIs and the vaginal immune system so I have a weird fascination with vaginas

whiska · July 2016

Aw @aammyy33 sorry it can be so tough. I am also not a big fan of looking at other people at the obgyn's (or RE's) office. Mostly because I'm a jealous b and I'm convinced that everyone will get ku long before me.

Also my posts always seem to get real sad real fast so you're not alone! "I'm doing great this week and feeling good! Except for sometimes I think about x, and that leads to y, and I wonder why I'm here at all and why I can't make my DH a father when he would be so good at it... and now I'm crying." [deletes last paragraph, writes more happy stuff]

LadyMillil · July 2016

I missed the Re/eye contact talk. My RE shares a waiting room with 3 OBs and a MFM. The waiting room is always filled with pregnant women. I always sit on the couch facing the RE desk with my back to the rest of the room. The RE does have a very small private waiting room and the receptionist is really good at moving patients from the shared waiting room to the Private one as soon as its free so you have less time waiting with the pregnant women.

eggplantface · July 2016

LadyMillil said:

I study STIs and the vaginal immune system so I have a weird fascination with vaginas

You and my husband both! Ba dum chick...

jmr1515 · July 2016

Great idea @mrsdaddario! I was very active on this board from July-January but found it emotionally draining posting daily. I've been participating on the TTTC board recently but I'm happy I found this!

Diagnosis (If you've been):
Mild MFI (3% morph). Docs almost say unexplained since DH has great count and motility. I can't believe all the other ladies dealing with morph issues! It's so frustrating that so much is not known about it!

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):
TTA. DH and I avoided this month since we're going on a trip early next month. We'll be trying again next month for CD13

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
I had my HSG, U/S, and bloodwork (all normal). Just waiting for a referral to the fertility clinic now which will take several
months. Doc said he might trial me on Clomid which wouldn't be until September probably.

How are things going?
Since I've taken a more laid back approach I have been so much less stressed about the whole situation. I don't temp anymore but I have very regular cycles and over the last year it's become quite clear when I ovulate.

Any questions?
@furbabymom2007 I don't know much about agglutination. DH's SA said agglutination was present but my doc said its not a concern. Should I be concerned about it?

GTKY: What do you think is your strongest personality trait?
Humour! I love to laugh!

furbabymom2007 · July 2016

@jmr1515 my doc basically said agglutination means the sperm sort of stick to each other. She said it could make it harder for Sperm to reach egg. The analysis said his number was 5-10% and they want it to be less than 5%. If the agglutination is the only concern, then maybe alone it's not a problem?

We had a comment on the SA that said "borderline low rapid motility, borderline low morphology and increased agglutination. Patient may benefit from IUI or other assisted reproductive techniques".

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