Hello, let me introduce myself first..
For the first 30 years of my life, everything was smooth and worry-free. I was my parents’ most beloved child, found my true love in college, and happily married him after graduation.
At work, I was my boss’s most valued employee. Whenever I was in charge of a project, colleagues would inevitably say, “Oh, then I’m totally at ease.” I was constantly named “Employee of the Year,” with generous bonuses every year.
Later, I started my own business. Within just three months, I had broken into the market and started making money. By the fifth month, I was earning twice my previous salary. Growth was steady month after month. Right when the business needed more hands, I serendipitously met an amazing partner, and the company reached a whole new level.
Really, it seemed like at every step, whatever I needed, a pair of hands would always place it right in front of me, just in time.
My Two Girls: Ellie & Mia
Meet Ellie, My Firstborn
In 2020, my husband and I decided to have a child. After trying for over a year, we finally got the news in 2021 that a little one was on the way. In 2022, we welcomed our first child, Ellie. She made me a mother.
She is utterly adorable—big eyes, rosy skin, chubby little hands. Every time I look at her, I can’t help but give her a kiss. She is pure joy, and I love her more each day.
But as a first-time mom, I faced unprecedented difficulties. The postpartum tearing wouldn’t heal, and the pain was excruciating. Clogged milk ducts made my breasts hard as rocks. The severe sleep deprivation… And what was even more crushing was that, with zero parenting experience, I was clueless when faced with her unexplained wailing, night terrors, refusal to nurse, constipation, diarrhea, fevers… I desperately searched online, longing for one accurate, truly useful answer!
It was during this time that I thought, once I make it through this “dark” path, I must leave a light on for other new moms.
And Then Came Mia
Ellie had just turned one when I got pregnant again. In 2024, we welcomed our second daughter, Mia.
Completely different from Ellie, Mia is a great eater and sleeper. Although she had her fussy moments in the first two months, starting almost from month three, she became super easygoing. She feeds on schedule, gradually sleeps through the night, loves her solid foods, and adapted quickly when I had to stop breastfeeding due to mastitis.
This made me realize just how vastly different babies can be! It made me even more determined to write about my experiences.
Why I Had to Start This Blog
The Catalyst: A Life Pivoted
After Mia was born, my business also began to decline sharply. I had no choice but to close it and become a full-time mom. My work no longer involves Excel and Word, but instead revolves around changing diapers, washing bottles, making baby food, and managing household chores…
This has been a monumental challenge for me. All my past achievements seem irrelevant now. Managing two young children has brought me a sense of frustration I’ve never known before.
The Daily Reality
They are always fighting over things. When one is in my arms, the other immediately demands to be held too. When I try to cook, Ellie wants me to read her a book. When I attempt to load the washing machine, Mia has a diaper blowout, and I must drop everything to change her…
By the time I finish all that, I see the cup of hot coffee on the table has gone cold again. And it’s not until evening that I remember, “Oh my goodness, the clothes are still in the hamper, unwashed!”
Of course, being a mom is filled with happiness, but that doesn’t negate how hard it is.
My Promise to You
Because I’ve walked this path myself, I won’t just tell you how joyful motherhood is, like many websites do. I want to share my real, unfiltered experiences so every new mom can find a “companion” here.
I want to tell you: you are not alone. What you’re going through, I’ve been there too. Your breakdowns, your helplessness, your moments of losing control—I’ve had them all. You don’t need to feel guilty. This is just a small, necessary stretch of the journey for every mom.
My Hope for This Space
I really want to share my parenting experiences—not just the warm, glowing moments, but to honestly document the pitfalls I’ve stumbled into, the tears I’ve shed, and the “survival wisdom” I’ve scraped together in utter exhaustion.
The Goal: A Mom’s Toolkit
I hope this blog becomes a “mom’s toolkit,” filled not with vague theories, but with:
- Practical Tips: Like how to quickly figure out why a baby is crying, tried-and-true methods for dealing with clogged ducts, or how to efficiently manage the daily grind with twins (or two under two) solo.
- Pitfall Avoidance Guides: Sharing the baby products I regret buying the most, and those “game-changer” parenting hacks. Letting you know which parenting anxieties you can let go of, and which principles are worth holding onto.
- A Community for Moms: I hope my stories connect me with more moms like you. We can cheer each other on in the comments, share our own tricks, turning the storms we face alone into a journey we walk together.
The Bigger Vision
My previous career taught me to analyze data, solve problems, and optimize processes. Now, I’m applying all those skills to this new “position” of Mom. I want to prove that a mom’s value is absolutely not confined to the home. The mindset, resilience, and creativity we built in our careers can shine just as brightly—perhaps even brighter—in this more complex, long-term “project” of raising humans, and can even be transformed into a force that helps others.
My hope is simple: that every mom who opens this blog can let out a sigh of relief and say, “So it’s not just me.” Then, she can find a bit of practical info, a dose of comforting solidarity, and return to her sweet, chaotic mom-life with a little more confidence and a little less weight on her shoulders.
This road? Let’s walk it together.
Re: September/October IVF
Unexplained Infertility - but I am 40...Low AMH .30
7 - IUI (50mg-150mg Clomid) Feb - August 2016 all BFN
IVF#1 August 2016 (Antagonist protocol 4/5 eggs) Cancelled cycle
IVF#2 Sept 2016 (microdose luporn pro - disappearing follies, ONLY ONE, convert to IUI) BFN
IVF#3 November 2016 (4 ER, 3 F, 3DT)-BFP
IVF#4 March 2017 //EPP (10 ER (1 wonky so 9 ER) 7F, 3B (5AB, (2)5BB) PGS tested- ALL abnormal :'(
IVF#5 April 2017 // EPP (7 ER, 7F yes! 6B) 2/5 day 4/6 day - 2 PGS normal! yes!!
IVF#6 May 2017 // Antagonist didn't have time for Estrogen Priming...(4 ER, 3 F, 3B) (5AB, (2) 5BB) 2 PGS normal, yes!!
IVF#7 June 2017 // EPP praying this is it and then on to an FET!
Keeping my FX for you!
i haven't even started anything yet, so I could be in a similar situation, who knows. I am pretty sure my md makes us decide before we go forward with the cycle...
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
vGetting more nervous after my US as I have a bunch of follies 2 at 12 already, what is going on. My brain wants a baby so badly that my body is trying to keep up at the wrong time. They may force me to wait a cycle UGH who knows. Really have to see where my blood levels are at before they can really tell me anything.
With stemming I had one mature follie and baby follie on the right, today day 2 no drugs I think I'm up to 4 on the right, how does that even happen. I'd be happier if they were the same size but there's already 2 at 12, not feeling very optimistic....hopefully my blood work will be on point.
Unexplained Infertility - but I am 40...Low AMH .30
7 - IUI (50mg-150mg Clomid) Feb - August 2016 all BFN
IVF#1 August 2016 (Antagonist protocol 4/5 eggs) Cancelled cycle
IVF#2 Sept 2016 (microdose luporn pro - disappearing follies, ONLY ONE, convert to IUI) BFN
IVF#3 November 2016 (4 ER, 3 F, 3DT)-BFP
IVF#4 March 2017 //EPP (10 ER (1 wonky so 9 ER) 7F, 3B (5AB, (2)5BB) PGS tested- ALL abnormal :'(
IVF#5 April 2017 // EPP (7 ER, 7F yes! 6B) 2/5 day 4/6 day - 2 PGS normal! yes!!
IVF#6 May 2017 // Antagonist didn't have time for Estrogen Priming...(4 ER, 3 F, 3B) (5AB, (2) 5BB) 2 PGS normal, yes!!
IVF#7 June 2017 // EPP praying this is it and then on to an FET!
Diagnosis: Mild Endo, DOR (AMH of 1.5), Poor Quality Eggs/embryos, Displaced Window of Implantation (ERA Post Receptive)
March-May 2016: 1 TI and 2 IUIs- BFN
June 2016- Laproscopy- found/removed mild endo and confirmed only 1 normal healthy ovary.
August 2016- IVF #1 with Antagonist Protocol- Cancelled (2 lead follies), converted to IUI- BFN
Oct-Nov 2016- IVF #2 with Estrogen Priming Micro Lupron Protocol, 2 eggs retrieved, day 3 transfer of 1- BFN
January 2017- New RE, IVF#3 with Estrogen Priming Antagonist Protocol, 12 eggs, 8 mature, 6 fertilized, 2 day 5 early blasts transferred (none to freeze
May 2017- Sept 2017- Starting Donor Egg process! Waiting for donor to be available... and then she is pregnant at baseline
Oct 2017- Donor #2: 25R, 22M,18F, 12 blasts frozen! Fresh transfer cancelled due to thin lining with fluid
Nov 2017- Hysterscopy to remove polyp
Dec 2017- DE FET #1 on 12/8 on 2 perfect blasts- BFN and devastated
Jan-Mar 2018- ERA #1- Post receptive by 24 hours, ERA #2 RECEPTIVE with 4 days of Progesterone
Apr 2018- DE FET cancelled for lining issues
Jun 2018- DE FET #2 of two 1AA blasts- first BFP ever! Beta 10dp5dt- 378, Beta 14dp5dt- 2840, Beta 16dp5dt- 4035, beta 18dp5dt- 10916. Due on 2/20 with one baby after a vanishing twin
Baby Born born early @ 33.5 weeks due to Pre-e
Back for # 2!
I'm just on 150 (2 powders) of menopur (With Orgalutran to stop ovulation from Thursday).
Remember our protocols are determined based on a whole range of factors. My Dr thinks 150 will possibly be too much because I have high AMH and PCOS, but for others that would be a low dose.
I try not to do too much research, I feel like it just gets me worried. I research for a job so it's hard to resist, but I know without access to good medical journals it's hard to get up to date studies! I trust my Dr and he is clearly research focused.
Diagnosed with unexplained infertility
IUI #1- April '16 - BFN
IUI #2 - May '16 - BFN
IVF Fresh Xfer #1 (1 blastocyst) - Sept '16 - BFN
FET #2 - 11/8/16 (2 blastocysts) - Beta on 11/18
4 more blastocysts on ice
Hi ladies,
hope you've had a good weekend!
@hoping4success - I am on follistim and menopur. I also get headaches and Tylenol is a joke for me. I have had nagging headaches, but nothing that Tylenol and acupuncture haven't been able to help. My biggest complaint is the exhaustion. How are thing going, are you getting used to it?
@hopeful_mom - did your RE seemed concerned about the ultrasound? This whole IF thing is so frustrating and I can't help but feel pretty angry during this whole process. I know we're supposed to be positive, but it's been such a long road.
@nellin - how did the shots go? excited you are starting your stims.
@zoey1019 - I wanted this to happen so long ago as well. The waiting game becomes frustrating, but I know it will pay off one day! Glad to see you got your protocol and can't wait to see your timeline.
Sorry if I missed anyone. Good thoughts to each and every one of you..
AFM- I went to the doc on Saturday and my follies are growing kind of slowly. I go back in tomorrow morning for another US and BW, so hopefully some of the smaller ones are catching up. She is estimating my ER on Wednesday. Fingers crossed this really happens. I am definitely ready for it.
How is everyone doing on the shots?
***TW***
Married: May 2012
Me: 38 DH: 38
TTC since August 2014
BFP: March 2015
MC: April 2015 (9 weeks)
Diagnosis: DOR/Low AMH
Dec. 2015-50mg Clomid - BFN
Feb. 2016-IUI #1 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
April 2016 - IUI #2 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
May 2016 - IUI #3 = BFN
September 2016 - IVF round #1 = BFN
i didn't think it was going to happen but as of now day 1 shots are done. My estrogen came in low at 50 and dr thought it would be worth it to start. I was very nervous and chatted a bunch with the ivf nurse on all the what ifs as we guessed at my blood work. @JamieH2000 at first the suggested maybe bcp and I said no way!!! For me that's not an option with my low AMH and the issues I'm already having I don't see how it can help. I kno to trust the dr but glad we were on the same page. And I thank all of u for sharing ur thoughts and info!!
my protocol and dose is starting out much higher this round! So I'm really hoping for the best especially since this is the first day and I already have something. Microdose lupron 10ml morning and night /Gonal F 300/Menopur 300. Fx this will be what I need.
@Nellin @Hoping4Success stemming buddies it is
@Jsmorrissey good luck tomorrow hope ur follies are maturing nicely looking forward to an update!! I also had headaches almost everyday so I'm nervous the 4 menupar is gonna make it a bit tougher. I was crying last night just horrified listening to people's stories. I had to stop cause it's not good, I will say many had success it just took a minute for some so we must be patient.
@Monica54321 isn't it funny this is probably the first time in months u we're excited to see AF. First time I haven't cried getting it in months. Hope ur all clear and good and can get started!!
Unexplained Infertility - but I am 40...Low AMH .30
7 - IUI (50mg-150mg Clomid) Feb - August 2016 all BFN
IVF#1 August 2016 (Antagonist protocol 4/5 eggs) Cancelled cycle
IVF#2 Sept 2016 (microdose luporn pro - disappearing follies, ONLY ONE, convert to IUI) BFN
IVF#3 November 2016 (4 ER, 3 F, 3DT)-BFP
IVF#4 March 2017 //EPP (10 ER (1 wonky so 9 ER) 7F, 3B (5AB, (2)5BB) PGS tested- ALL abnormal :'(
IVF#5 April 2017 // EPP (7 ER, 7F yes! 6B) 2/5 day 4/6 day - 2 PGS normal! yes!!
IVF#6 May 2017 // Antagonist didn't have time for Estrogen Priming...(4 ER, 3 F, 3B) (5AB, (2) 5BB) 2 PGS normal, yes!!
IVF#7 June 2017 // EPP praying this is it and then on to an FET!
@Jsmorrissey Anger can be a very healthy emotion! It really sucks that we have to deal with this and it's OK to be pissed off about it!
@Hopeful_mom@Jsmorrissey Thanks! First menopur shot last night went well. No side effects yet... I'm in NZ and it's night time so I'm just gearing up for second shot.
hi ladies,
Happy Monday!
update -
I will have my ER on Wednesday and the transfer on Monday 9.19. I had 15 total Follies, 3 are too small, so hopefully the 12 will be enough to transfer at least 1 or 2. FX'd!
***TW***
Married: May 2012
Me: 38 DH: 38
TTC since August 2014
BFP: March 2015
MC: April 2015 (9 weeks)
Diagnosis: DOR/Low AMH
Dec. 2015-50mg Clomid - BFN
Feb. 2016-IUI #1 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
April 2016 - IUI #2 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
May 2016 - IUI #3 = BFN
September 2016 - IVF round #1 = BFN
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
@Jsmorrissey - that is great news! FX for Wednesday and can't wait to hear how it goes. It definitely give me hope that I could maybe get 10+ eventually too! I just started DHEA this weekend on my RE's reco and based on what I have read and examples like your results, I am really hoping this will help my follie count!
I just got my official protocol note and its called the Schoyer Microdose Lupron Protocol. I still have to get my next period and then wait for a postivie OPK, so just trying to be patient until October...
Diagnosis: Mild Endo, DOR (AMH of 1.5), Poor Quality Eggs/embryos, Displaced Window of Implantation (ERA Post Receptive)
March-May 2016: 1 TI and 2 IUIs- BFN
June 2016- Laproscopy- found/removed mild endo and confirmed only 1 normal healthy ovary.
August 2016- IVF #1 with Antagonist Protocol- Cancelled (2 lead follies), converted to IUI- BFN
Oct-Nov 2016- IVF #2 with Estrogen Priming Micro Lupron Protocol, 2 eggs retrieved, day 3 transfer of 1- BFN
January 2017- New RE, IVF#3 with Estrogen Priming Antagonist Protocol, 12 eggs, 8 mature, 6 fertilized, 2 day 5 early blasts transferred (none to freeze
May 2017- Sept 2017- Starting Donor Egg process! Waiting for donor to be available... and then she is pregnant at baseline
Oct 2017- Donor #2: 25R, 22M,18F, 12 blasts frozen! Fresh transfer cancelled due to thin lining with fluid
Nov 2017- Hysterscopy to remove polyp
Dec 2017- DE FET #1 on 12/8 on 2 perfect blasts- BFN and devastated
Jan-Mar 2018- ERA #1- Post receptive by 24 hours, ERA #2 RECEPTIVE with 4 days of Progesterone
Apr 2018- DE FET cancelled for lining issues
Jun 2018- DE FET #2 of two 1AA blasts- first BFP ever! Beta 10dp5dt- 378, Beta 14dp5dt- 2840, Beta 16dp5dt- 4035, beta 18dp5dt- 10916. Due on 2/20 with one baby after a vanishing twin
Baby Born born early @ 33.5 weeks due to Pre-e
Back for # 2!
@zoey1019 I see you had an appt on Friday with your RE. How did it go?
@JamieH2000 - since this is the first time I have done IVF, I had no idea what a good number would be, so I believe we can achieve it. I do believe DHEA has helped my AMH, so stick with it, so long as your doc continues to want you to.
***TW***
Married: May 2012
Me: 38 DH: 38
TTC since August 2014
BFP: March 2015
MC: April 2015 (9 weeks)
Diagnosis: DOR/Low AMH
Dec. 2015-50mg Clomid - BFN
Feb. 2016-IUI #1 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
April 2016 - IUI #2 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
May 2016 - IUI #3 = BFN
September 2016 - IVF round #1 = BFN
Will be thinking of you for ER!
@JamieH2000 the only time when AF is welcome! Hope she arrives soon!
@JamieH2000 October will be here before we all know it!!
@Nellin I am so glad that you got to get started with yoga! I think its a great fit especially with us ladies doing IF treatments
AFM: Well ladies I have finally received my protocol and calander for ER and ET. So I will be doing a Lupron trigger and with that trigger it will be a Freeze all so transfer won't be until Nov. but I am currently on BCPs and I take my last pill on Monday 9/19. I have my first monitoring appointment on 9/22 and then start stims on 9/23. My coordinator thinks that I am looking at an ER no later that 10/4 depending on how everyone is growing. FX that I can get some good follies!! @JamieH2000 I actually started taking DHEA a few weeks ago too, hoping it will help get me some good quality embryos this round!!
IVF ER 5/5/2016
23 eggs retrieved; 15 mature; 8 developed to embryos; 6 frozen day 5; 2 frozen day 6
Transfer canceled OHSS
FET #1 6/2/2016 transferred 2 embryos
Beta #1 6/15/2016 BFN
FET #2 8/1/2016 transferred last 2 embryos (lost 4 in the thaw)
Beta #1 8/12/16 BFN
IVF #2: Started stims 12/2
ER #2 12/14/2016; 16 follies retrieved, 8 fertilized to day 1, 4 frozen day 5, and 1 frozen day 6
Praying my frosties are strong through the next thaw FX
FET # 3 2/07/2017 2 embabies thawed 2 embabies transferred
2/14/2017 *TW* First ever BFP
Beta #1 2/20/2017 277 Beta #2 2/23/2017 8,945...did I hear you right!
3/10/2017 One beating heart HR 168!! So very happy
3/10/2017 Official graduate from Jones Institute for Reproductive Health!! Couldn't help but cry
6/8/2017 Anatomy Scan proves ITS A GIRL!
10/30/17 An angel was Born; Riley Charlize 7:50 AM my heart is so full
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
Married June 2012
TTC #1 since Oct 2014
March 2016: IUI#1 w/ Clomid, Ovidrel, Progesterone, Estradiol - BFN
April-May 2016: treatment on hold due to bad thyroid levels, adjusted meds
June 2016: IUI#2 w/ Clomid, Ovidrel, Progesterone, Estradiol - BFN
July 13th: IVF consult
August 2016: IUI#3 w/ Femara, Ovidrel, Progresterone - BFN
Sept/Oct 2016: IVF + ICSI
@meli123k hi there, sorry the IUI didn't work out hopefully this will be the magically trick for us both!! good luck!
Joslynj11 best of luck for your upcoming cycle!
Is everyone doing ICSI? Anyone doing regular? Curious on others thoughts, pros and cons. - thanks!
Unexplained Infertility - but I am 40...Low AMH .30
7 - IUI (50mg-150mg Clomid) Feb - August 2016 all BFN
IVF#1 August 2016 (Antagonist protocol 4/5 eggs) Cancelled cycle
IVF#2 Sept 2016 (microdose luporn pro - disappearing follies, ONLY ONE, convert to IUI) BFN
IVF#3 November 2016 (4 ER, 3 F, 3DT)-BFP
IVF#4 March 2017 //EPP (10 ER (1 wonky so 9 ER) 7F, 3B (5AB, (2)5BB) PGS tested- ALL abnormal :'(
IVF#5 April 2017 // EPP (7 ER, 7F yes! 6B) 2/5 day 4/6 day - 2 PGS normal! yes!!
IVF#6 May 2017 // Antagonist didn't have time for Estrogen Priming...(4 ER, 3 F, 3B) (5AB, (2) 5BB) 2 PGS normal, yes!!
IVF#7 June 2017 // EPP praying this is it and then on to an FET!
@Hopeful_mom - No ICSI for us (or PGD). Our clinic only recommends ICSI for MFI (and PGD for women over 35).
Diagnosed with unexplained infertility
IUI #1- April '16 - BFN
IUI #2 - May '16 - BFN
IVF Fresh Xfer #1 (1 blastocyst) - Sept '16 - BFN
FET #2 - 11/8/16 (2 blastocysts) - Beta on 11/18
4 more blastocysts on ice
@hopeful_mom - we are doing ICSI without PGD testing. But like others have said my doc highly recommends it because I am over 35 and my AMH was so low. My DH has no MFI issue. Apparently, the outer shell of the follicle is tougher to get through the older you are or the lower AMH you have, so I would have chosen this option no matter what. If you trust your RE, I don't really see a downfall of doing it... Lastly, don't worry about when you started taking pills, you are doing it now. It will only help. It sounds like every RE feels differently about DHEA. I haven't gotten a BFP so who knows if it worked, but I definitely do not feel it hurt.
@meli123k - welcome! exciting that you are moving along.
@zoey1019 - yay! Let us know when they give you your schedule.
***TW***
Married: May 2012
Me: 38 DH: 38
TTC since August 2014
BFP: March 2015
MC: April 2015 (9 weeks)
Diagnosis: DOR/Low AMH
Dec. 2015-50mg Clomid - BFN
Feb. 2016-IUI #1 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
April 2016 - IUI #2 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
May 2016 - IUI #3 = BFN
September 2016 - IVF round #1 = BFN
This is my 2nd go round at IVF as I did 1 fresh and 2 FET last year with no take home baby. I hated my doctor so I switched and so far so good with this next one.
We're dealing with PCOS, mild endo and mild MFI. I just started my first BCP last night on day 3. My doctor wants to try a more aggressive approach this time... a little nervous to see how this will go. But excited over the prospect!!
We did ICSI at our old RE and will be doing it again!
FX to everyone!!
@Hopeful_mom WE did ICIS and we will be doing it again as we have mild MFI as well. I spoke to the Dr about PGS and he thinks with my age it really isn't necessary. He thinks the protocol switch is what is going to do it for us! FX
IVF ER 5/5/2016
23 eggs retrieved; 15 mature; 8 developed to embryos; 6 frozen day 5; 2 frozen day 6
Transfer canceled OHSS
FET #1 6/2/2016 transferred 2 embryos
Beta #1 6/15/2016 BFN
FET #2 8/1/2016 transferred last 2 embryos (lost 4 in the thaw)
Beta #1 8/12/16 BFN
IVF #2: Started stims 12/2
ER #2 12/14/2016; 16 follies retrieved, 8 fertilized to day 1, 4 frozen day 5, and 1 frozen day 6
Praying my frosties are strong through the next thaw FX
FET # 3 2/07/2017 2 embabies thawed 2 embabies transferred
2/14/2017 *TW* First ever BFP
Beta #1 2/20/2017 277 Beta #2 2/23/2017 8,945...did I hear you right!
3/10/2017 One beating heart HR 168!! So very happy
3/10/2017 Official graduate from Jones Institute for Reproductive Health!! Couldn't help but cry
6/8/2017 Anatomy Scan proves ITS A GIRL!
10/30/17 An angel was Born; Riley Charlize 7:50 AM my heart is so full
AFM - kind of a sucky weekend/Monday. The RE's office was supposed to call Saturday with my Day 5 results and didn't. Nor did they return my call Saturday or Sunday until yesterday. I understand your weekend hours are different but don't tell me you are going to call with some pretty important results and then not. To top it off we only had 3 of our 10 embryos make it to blastocyte stage. They will be shipped off to Genesis Genetics for PGS testing tomorrow and we will know next week if any are viable. The wind was totally sucked out of my sails and now, like always, back to a waiting game. Boo.
Me: 37, DH:39
August 2016: Started Stims 8/22
September 2016: Egg Retrieval 9/4 | 13 Mature Eggs | 10 Fertilized | 3 Blastocytes | 1 PGS Normal Embaby
November 7, 2016: FET - BFP!
EDD 7/25/17
Zoey Alexis born 7/25/17 @ 12:39 PM | 7lbs 14oz | 19 inches
Hi ladies! I have added myself to the tracker... I added a 3rd beta. Hope that's okay!
@PCOSat25, it looks like we are on the exact same protocol.
I have had 3 betas so far at 7dp5dt, 9dp5dt, and 12dp5dt. Things are not looking good. Two more this week, and I am praying for a miracle. I hope I can be one of those success stories someday when someone googles "low beta success stories." I have googled this far too many times in the last week.
TTC since April 2015- low AMH, low Morphology
Clomid~ Feb2016-Apr2016, BFN x 3
Natural ovulation IUI June2016, BFN
IVF #1 08/26/2016- 4 eggs mature, 4 fertilized normally, 1 made it to transfer
Fresh Transfer 08/31/2016, BFP.. Miscarriage 17dp5dt
IVF results were hard to handle, wanted to attempt IUI a few more times
Medicated IUI (Gonal-F, Ovidrel trigger) Oct2016
BFP 10/20/2016!!!! Beta 1 (10dpiui) 16.9: Beta 2 (11dpiui) 42.23: Beta 3 (14dpiui) 282
ChristinaV2015 - welcome!! I really hope this time is your time and can't wait to hear how your cycle goes. Best wishes!
@Hopeful_mom - We have mild MFI potentially (numbers and motility is amazing, but morph is only 2% and should be 4%), so our RE reco'd doing ICSI. Even if she didn't, I was going to insist on it since its not that much more and at least then we know they are fertilizing (especially since I don't expect many eggs). I have always wondered if fertilization issues were part of our problem, because despite lower AMH, I ovulate regularly just fine and after 15 months of trying on the right day (with 3 IUIs), something has to be not working and I think its either fertilization or implantation.
byrneme - I am sorry, I totally get how that would really disappointing. I think that is ridiculous they didn't call you and I would not be pleased either! FX that the 3 embryos are normal and they stick when you do your FET!!
BabyBuckWay - Sorry for the low betas
that must be soo hard. I really hope it works out! Do you have any frozen embryo's left?
Diagnosis: Mild Endo, DOR (AMH of 1.5), Poor Quality Eggs/embryos, Displaced Window of Implantation (ERA Post Receptive)
March-May 2016: 1 TI and 2 IUIs- BFN
June 2016- Laproscopy- found/removed mild endo and confirmed only 1 normal healthy ovary.
August 2016- IVF #1 with Antagonist Protocol- Cancelled (2 lead follies), converted to IUI- BFN
Oct-Nov 2016- IVF #2 with Estrogen Priming Micro Lupron Protocol, 2 eggs retrieved, day 3 transfer of 1- BFN
January 2017- New RE, IVF#3 with Estrogen Priming Antagonist Protocol, 12 eggs, 8 mature, 6 fertilized, 2 day 5 early blasts transferred (none to freeze
May 2017- Sept 2017- Starting Donor Egg process! Waiting for donor to be available... and then she is pregnant at baseline
Oct 2017- Donor #2: 25R, 22M,18F, 12 blasts frozen! Fresh transfer cancelled due to thin lining with fluid
Nov 2017- Hysterscopy to remove polyp
Dec 2017- DE FET #1 on 12/8 on 2 perfect blasts- BFN and devastated
Jan-Mar 2018- ERA #1- Post receptive by 24 hours, ERA #2 RECEPTIVE with 4 days of Progesterone
Apr 2018- DE FET cancelled for lining issues
Jun 2018- DE FET #2 of two 1AA blasts- first BFP ever! Beta 10dp5dt- 378, Beta 14dp5dt- 2840, Beta 16dp5dt- 4035, beta 18dp5dt- 10916. Due on 2/20 with one baby after a vanishing twin
Baby Born born early @ 33.5 weeks due to Pre-e
Back for # 2!
@christinaV2015 - Welcome back! I am sorry you find yourself here again. Keep us updated with how everything goes.
@byrneme - I am so sorry, that would have totally ruined my weekend as well. have you spoken to them since? have the offered anything? I am send good vibes out for the 3 embryos to come back normal and healthy!!!!
@BabyBuckWay - I am also sorry to hear about your low betas. Let us know how the next beta round goes. I am sure this has been so hard on you
***TW***
Married: May 2012
Me: 38 DH: 38
TTC since August 2014
BFP: March 2015
MC: April 2015 (9 weeks)
Diagnosis: DOR/Low AMH
Dec. 2015-50mg Clomid - BFN
Feb. 2016-IUI #1 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
April 2016 - IUI #2 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
May 2016 - IUI #3 = BFN
September 2016 - IVF round #1 = BFN
@hoping4success - yay! It sounds like things are still progressing, you still have a time for more growth!
@lamaricelita88 - I would try not to stress too much about it. My ER is tomorrow as well and they told me to take the Lupron the same time I do every night, unless the Lupron was your trigger? if so, you may want to contact your RE to see, since that has to do with when they want you to ovulate. How many follies do you have? Are you doing a 3, 5 dt or FET?
***TW***
Married: May 2012
Me: 38 DH: 38
TTC since August 2014
BFP: March 2015
MC: April 2015 (9 weeks)
Diagnosis: DOR/Low AMH
Dec. 2015-50mg Clomid - BFN
Feb. 2016-IUI #1 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
April 2016 - IUI #2 100mg Clomid + Ovidrel = BFN
May 2016 - IUI #3 = BFN
September 2016 - IVF round #1 = BFN
So nothing new with me...I'm old and running out of eggs! I'm thankful I'm in the military ivf program but at the same time, I have to wait longer because they have limited resources. I think all in all it will take 3 months from when I got the call until I have my transfer.
I'll keep everyone posted once I get my calendar.
TTC: April 2013
DOR: AMH .3 - 1.31 (it varies); FSH: 5.1
Clinic NMCSD
IUI #1 July/Aug 2016
IVF #1 Sep/Oct Microdose Lupron Protocol - IVF cancelled only 1 follicle
IVF #2 Feb/Mar Antagonist protocol w/estrogen priming - 0 eggs retrieved (empty follicle syndrome)
Donor Egg Cycle as soon as we find a match
Me:31 H:31
DX: MFI - 1% Morph
12/16 -IVF #1 - Antagonist Protocol w/ Lupron trigger
ER - 11 retrieved- 9 mature - 7 fertilized - 3 sent for PGS on day 5 - No normals (1 XXX Embryo - may use in future)
3/17 - IVF #2 - Antagonist Protocol w/ HCG trigger
ER- 13 retrieved - 11 mature - 8 fertilized - 2 sent for PGS on day 5 -2 Normal
FET #1 - 5/16/17 - BFP! - Beta #1 5/25 - 156 - Beta #2 5/30 - 2562 - Beta #3 6/1 - 5191!
Never had a BFP so and who knows what my eggs look like!
@byrneme that's terrible they didn't call! I get annoyed enough that my clinic doesn't pick up the phone on the weekend but they do return messages quickly (they don't have admin staff on the weekend). I would be putting in a complaint about that!
@Hoping4Success @mandasand it's great that you are both responding. I'm trying not to compare myself to everyone with fantastic follicle counts! My doctor always says, all we need is one to make it through!
@byrneme - Sorry your weekend was ruined my weekend, I wouldve been distraught as well!! I went in for my us this weekend and tried to think of the questions that i wanted answers too so i could ask them in person. They usually have an emergency number you could call...not that they would have your results. You should let them know you're not happy with how they have handled things! Hoping your 3 embryos are super stars and perfect and ready to go!!
@BabyBuckWay - I can't imagine how hard this has been on you, so sorry to hear about your low betas. Hoping things start to rise for u! good luck, sending good vibes your way!!
lamaricelita88 good luck hope all works out!!
JamieH2000 i'm with you 100% i keep wondering the same exact thing!! I also feel its either fertilization or implantation. I've ovulated regularly all my life so the fact that it never happened on its own was so surprising to me to begin with. I've got a decade on you so now just being old is a problem in itself for me
I've had champion swimmers for my IUI and then a dud round too...OH would kill me hearing that but neither worked. the 65mil, or the 3 mil WISHED it had!!
Unexplained Infertility - but I am 40...Low AMH .30
7 - IUI (50mg-150mg Clomid) Feb - August 2016 all BFN
IVF#1 August 2016 (Antagonist protocol 4/5 eggs) Cancelled cycle
IVF#2 Sept 2016 (microdose luporn pro - disappearing follies, ONLY ONE, convert to IUI) BFN
IVF#3 November 2016 (4 ER, 3 F, 3DT)-BFP
IVF#4 March 2017 //EPP (10 ER (1 wonky so 9 ER) 7F, 3B (5AB, (2)5BB) PGS tested- ALL abnormal :'(
IVF#5 April 2017 // EPP (7 ER, 7F yes! 6B) 2/5 day 4/6 day - 2 PGS normal! yes!!
IVF#6 May 2017 // Antagonist didn't have time for Estrogen Priming...(4 ER, 3 F, 3B) (5AB, (2) 5BB) 2 PGS normal, yes!!
IVF#7 June 2017 // EPP praying this is it and then on to an FET!