IF/Testing Check-in Week of 10/3

KristoKekerooni · October 2016

2.4-2.6 total for the sample? or per mL, or 2.4-2.6 total motile?
Mine has 38% motility, 13 Normal forms, 3.1 sperm count. after doubling.
We were told unless total count reaches minimum 30 for the entire sample, we weren't candidates for IUIs, so our only real option, unless something crazy happens, is IVF. But we also don't have insurance coverage for IF-related stuff, so we turned down stuff.

Forgot to tag,
@Bababatty

BaileyM321 · October 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Unexplained secondary (+ mostly-blocked left tube + low morph)

Cycle/CD: cycle 12 / cd 11

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Femara + Trigger + IUI (??? see below) + Progesterone

How are things going? Today, badly. This is my first treatment cycle and we've only begun to wrap our brains around the process and accept that we have to involve a lab and not just end up pregnant "the traditional way". Which I realize is silly, but it's been a big emotional adjustment. So today was my first follicle check ultrasound.
I have two mature follicles, an 18mm on the right and a 17mm on the left (the mostly-blocked side). So I left the morning ultrasound appointment thinking we were on track for a trigger tomorrow evening and an IUI on Friday morning.
Then this afternoon my phone rings.
My RE has had some sort of major medical emergency and will be on a leave of absence from the practice. The clinic is in the process of finding a replacement/stand-in doctor, but they won't have one for awhile. She's the only doctor at the practice.
We can have the IUI done on Friday by a nurse practitioner we've never met (and who does not usually do IUIs), while the clinic scrambles in disarray around us -- which really exacerbates all of our worries about the process! You don't really want to think "chaos and disarray and people who don't usually do this job" about the clinic that does yours (and a bunch of other people's) IUI...
Or we can cancel this cycle and start completely over next cycle with the new fill-in doctor. Whichever we choose, we won't be seeing the RE we've worked with so far (and love) again any time soon.
I'm so devastated. I hope everything with her is OK, of course, and it sounds like whatever happened is way more devastating for her than for us patients, so I'm not trying to sound selfish. I feel awful for her. But it's our very first cycle of this and we've been emotionally struggling with it anyway, particularly with anxiety about it, and now this, and I'm really struggling with accepting that this happened after the long process of getting here.
I don't even _believe_ in things being "meant to be" or not. But I feel like the universe is waving red flags at me that this isn't meant to be and I need to stop, and I just can't shake that fear today, because seriously what are the chances?

Any questions? Those of you that have had IUIs before: would you be comfortable having an IUI on the week that a major shuffle liked this happened at your clinic, with a new nurse practitioner who doesn't usually do IUIs and who you've never seen before? I guess I want you guys to tell me I'm being silly for worrying about this...

GTKY: In the spirit of Halloween and spookiness, have you ever had an extraterrestrial or other worldly encounter? I don't think so. But @ReesaAnne16, your amazing story gave me chills! It has all the makings of a great short story -- write it!

(Edited because words are hard.)

wabash15 · October 2016

@baileym321 I am so sorry to hear of the unexpected chaos at you're RE's office. It is a huge shake up during an already stressful process. If it makes you feel any better, the IUI itself is very straight forward. DH will drop of his sample and they will process it in the lab (this is done by lab techs and not your RE). They bring you in the room show you the sample to confirm its DH's. You lay back and they insert a very small catheter through your cervix, inject the sample and away you go. The whole process takes 5 minutes or less. Occasionally its a bit tougher to thread it through the cervix but there are a few "easy" things they can do to remedy the problem. Anyone with medical training can do the physical IUI. It is not as drastic as your experience but the clinic I went to if you had your IUI on the weekend you got whichever RE was on call, so twice I had someone I had not met before. Again creepy internet hugs and I'm so sorry you are facing this choice.

DungeonTrollMel · October 2016

@BaileyM321 I am so sorry for all the stress right before trigger. Honestly with the IUI, it takes about 3 minutes max to do and then you lay around for 20. I would much rather have someone I didn't know just inject the sperm than waste a cycle with 2 good follicles. It's honestly just like getting a pap done. I was terrified of pain and issues and it was a breeze.

But it I did cry because of the stress of not getting to do things the "traditional" way. That's normal

Elyse1384 · October 2016

@BaileyM321 sorry about the additional stress, but as others have said it is quick and straightforward. I've had nurses at my specialist's office do the IUI before without issue. At the end of the day, so what puts you most at ease.

JDW0325 · October 2016

@BaileyM321
ugh how frustrating! Sorry! And hope everything is ok with RE

i agree with everyone else. It's a quick and "easy"
i personally wouldn't waste a cycle with two big fat follis!

mrsdaddario · October 2016

@BaileyM321 Wow that is so frustrating! Obviously the RE can't help whatever happened, but sheesh! You'd think the office would already have a plan B for situations like these. Here's a kicker. I've never had my RE do my IUI's. In fact, I've only seen "my RE" twice in the six months I've been going to the office. There are nurses who take blood, nurses who do the IUI's and I think only two of which are actual NP's. Like the other ladies have said the IUI is pretty quick and mostly painless. I say mostly because I have a stubborn cervix that has been problematic to find in the past. My first IUI was a freaking breeze though and she was done in under five minutes. Ultimately you need to do whatever you're comfortable with, but like others have said, I wouldn't waste a cycle with good follicles. Even if one is in your blocked tube side.

Bababatty · October 2016

@KristoB Ah sorry for not clarifying. 2.4-2.6 million total motile. His total count has never been called out as a problem; at the SA his total count was just over 30 million (17.9 million/mL). (If I'm calculating right, he actually had about 3 million total motile at the SA.) I honestly can't remember what the total count was at the two IUIs because everyone's concern was the motility and I didn't make a note. Our RE originally said if we didn't get more than 4 million total motile at the first IUI, we should consider IVF. But he changed his tune at a follow up appointment and encouraged us to keep trying IUIs and see a urologist. I'm fine with that since insurance is covering the IUIs. We'll probably take a break from IUIs after this next one depending on what the urologist wants to do.

@BaileyM321 Oh wow, I'm so sorry about the chaos at your clinic! As long as you are confident in your clinic's ability not to mix up your H's sperm with someone else's, I think you could proceed--and if you're not, definitely find a different clinic, haha. My clinic has a bunch of RE's and I've never had the same one twice for IUIs. I agree with others it doesn't necessarily matter who does the actual insemination.

vintageandrea90 · October 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): None yet - First RE appointment Nov 2

Cycle/CD: 8/CD 9

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) OPKs, BBT....sex....anxiously awaiting our apppointment

How are things going? OK - I just want some answers.

Any questions? I may not even belong here yet, but my GP wanted to get the ball rolling because it can take months to get an appointment. 2 years NTNP and 8 months TTC...only Oing about 25% of the time from what I can tell. I was wondering what I should know before my first appointment and anything I can do to prepare? Any advice?

GTKY: In the spirit of Halloween and spookiness, have you ever had an extraterrestrial or other worldly encounter? Well, I'm a spiritual person...so I can say I've had many encounters not of this world

ClaireCF · October 2016

@BaileyM321 I'm so sorry for all the chaos! The last thing you need is added stress on this process, and you're not being selfish at all it's completely understandable. I once had to see the other doc in the same practice for an U/S and had such terrible bedside manner and I was more upset about that than the results so I get it. That being said, I think I would be ok with a NP doing the IUI. I've only had one so far so this isn't based on a ton of information, but it was a relatively quick and easy procedure so I'm sure she could handle it. If you're not comfortable, you could consider triggering and just trying on your own this cycle, as opposed to completely scrapping it, and then adding IUI next time.

@vintageandrea90 welcome! I suggest keeping a notebook or somewhere to write questions that pop into your brain before the appointment, because I am never able to remember everything when I go there. I hope your RE is able to help you figure out what's going on!

britters314 · October 2016

@viabug I know some people have already given you responses on support groups, but I thought I'd chime in. My church has an infertility support group and I don't know how common it is for churches to have those, but you could always look around in your area. I highly doubt you would need to be a member of the church to join the group. As a bonus, you probably wouldn't have to pay anything to attend.

Elyse1384 · October 2016

@vintageandrea90 - welcome. OK so I'm kind of a crazy person and actually printed out for my specialist a quick overview of all the things I noticed were off (length of cycles, anovulatory cycles, etc). It helped me to have the facts written down so I wouldn't forget anything or find myself having waste time going back though any dates in my phone/notes/etc. I would ask questions about recommended workups on both you and DH (if he hasn't had anything yet), timelines for testing and procedures and questions about their clinic. Best of luck!

britters314 · October 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): none yet

Cycle/CD: cycle 15, CD 8

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

Bloodwork: I did bloodwork on Monday for prolactin (a re-test) and free T3 & T4. I'm still waiting on those results.
HSG: Just got this done today - both tubes are clear!
We're also trying Mucinex during my FW and H is supposed to re-do his SA, but he keeps saying he doesn't have time so we'll see

How are things going?
Pretty good. Holding onto hope that the HSG cleared out any cobwebs and/or the Mucinex helps H's sperm get where it needs to be this month.

Any questions?
After bloodwork, HSG, and SA, are there any other tests typically done before starting treatment?

GTKY: In the spirit of Halloween and spookiness, have you ever had an extraterrestrial or other worldly encounter?
Once when I was living alone in college, I woke up and went to the kitchen and there was spaghetti sauce spilled on the counter that wasn't there when I went to bed.

YesOuiCan · October 2016

Thank you for the support the other day, @pretzel2plus1, @britters314 and @persnickity! My husband and I will be on vacation next week and agreed to have a better discussion about whether we'll wait another month or not.

@britters314, YAY for clear tubes! So happy to hear that! I am right there with you on "holding out hope that the HSG cleared out any cobwebs."

That is pretty much the exact image I have in my mind this month. It's like spring cleaning for the uterus, right?!

@viabug, I feel you on the three week wait... sometimes my LP is randomly as long as 16 days instead of my usual 13, and it's so frustrating. I hope your long cycle comes to an end soon!

@JDW0325 I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope your stay here is short and sweet!

@BaileyM321 Gosh, your RE issue sounds frustrating; I'm sorry you're in this situation. I know you've had lots of responses already from people who have had IUIs, and I have NOT, but I have had catheters through the cervix multiple times which my RE tells me is just how the IUI works, and it is so simple and fast. Nurse practitioners are very well trained; I'm sure yours would do a perfect job even if she doesn't do this exact procedure regularly. I know my limited experience isn't as helpful as others', but wanted to offer my support and positive thoughts for you.

vintageandrea90 · October 2016

Thanks @ClaireCF @Elyse1384...I'll keep those in mind!

Elyse1384 · October 2016

@britters314 I hope you get your bloodwork results soon. I remember having to retest my prolactin a few years back since it was "too high". Just another added stress you don't need!

AFM - I'm eager to receive the outcome of my FET tomorrow (beta in the AM). If I get good news, I don't plan to post about it in the Grad thread given I've only been here one cycle (despite it being a 3 month process/stay - damn PCOS and insurance delays). So if that is the case I want to say I've enjoyed/appreciated having you ladies to chat with about our IF journies. I will be lurking and pulling for you all! If I get a BFN, I hope you don't mind my wallowing here for a bit before jumping back into next week's thread as I brace for that wench AF.

furbabymom2007 · October 2016

I haven't been around much this week due to work and storm prep (we are in the impacted area) but a quick update:

follicle scan this morning showed the lead follie was 20mm on the right, with two smaller (17 and 12 ish i think off the top of my head) on the left. The doc decided that i would trigger tonight and the IUI is tomorrow around noon. I am sooooo glad it wasn't schedule for friday as the weather is going to be a little dangerous on friday.

So tomorrow i will go to the IUI and then come home and hang out waiting for the hurricane :-) what a week!

persnickity · October 2016

I'm going to be ghosting for a bit. Going through a really rough time right now. We had to put our oldest dog down yesterday due to an emergency. Could use some hugs right now. With CD1 right around the corner, I'm also trying to decide if we should put off the IUI a month to give time to greave/come to terms with the loss.

JDW0325 · October 2016

@persnickity
I am so sorry! Big fat super hugs coming at you

laurad75 · October 2016

@persnickity I am so sorry. You do what is right for you but maybe having the IUI done will give you some hope for happier days to come. Hugs to you.

mrsdaddario · October 2016

@persnickity Oh I am so, so sorry. We had to put our old girl down in June, I know how very heart wrenching it is. Your mental and emotional health is of the utmost importance and that maintaining it should always be a priority. Do what is right for you. So many hugs.

wabash15 · October 2016

@furbabymom2007 fx you can tell your little he/she was conceived during a hurricane!

@persnickity i am so sorry for the loss of your dog. they are family and it is so devastating when they pass. big creepy internet hugs.

gravcass · October 2016

@persnickity I'm so sorry. Sending giant hugs your way!

KristoKekerooni · October 2016

@vintageandrea90 - Hey girl. Sorry you have to get the ball rolling.

With Me first RE appointment, it was pretty much just a fact-gathering mission. So I walked the RE down my pathway and explained everything (of course, I had a few losses that I had to explain). Once I told her everything I knew about myself and DH, she recommended a couple tests to get done before my next appointment. Mine wasn't super interested in seeing my charts, though she did ask about my temping, OPKs, etc. and if I was ovulating. She trusted that I could tell from charting so long and took my word for it when I told her I was confident in my ability to ovulate. Definitely don't stress about the first appointment. Like I said, nothing really happens but questions. I did push her a bit because I had an idea already we were gonna have to do IVF, so I pushed about costs, timing, etc, but I don't think she would have naturally volunteered that information.
Good luck, and big hugs!

ClaireCF · October 2016

@britters314 yay clear tubes! @YesOuiCan I laughed out loud at spring cleaning for the uterus! So good.

@Elyse1384 I hope you got good news this morning!! If not we will grudgingly welcome you back. FX!!

@furbabymom2007 Woo! Good luck with the IUI! Stay safe in the storm!

@persnickity I'm so so sorry for your loss. Hugs.

ReesaAnne16 · October 2016

@persnickity I'm so sorry, it is never easy to say goodbye to an old friend, especially unexpectedly. Thinking of you

pretzel2plus1 · October 2016

@persnickity I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. They really are family. Please take as much time for yourself as you need. Thinking of you today.

YesOuiCan · October 2016

Oh, @persnickity, I'm so sorry. What a heartbreaking time for you. Hugs to you.

gravcass · October 2016

@KristoB I'm in Missouri too!!

KristoKekerooni · October 2016

@viabug .... what did I say that told yo I live in Missouri...? Crrepppyyyy. haha. JK. Mostly. That's awesome. what part?

Edit.... Just kidding I totes said I'm from Missouri. hahaha

magnolia131 · October 2016

**lurking** @persnickity I am truly sorry for your loss. I think sometimes the hardest thing about the loss of a pet can be the lack of understanding/sympathy from others who might not understand how deep of a bond a pet can have with its human. I hope you are able to find things to take comfort in right now. ((hugs))

vintageandrea90 · October 2016

@persnickity I'm so so sorry. We had to put our boy down in June unexpectedly, he was totaly fine one day and very sick the next. We couldn't prepare. I know how it feels, it's so heart-wrenching. Sending hugs your way

@KristoB Thanks for your input! I'm still at the very beginning of this journey, and might not even have any issues....I can't even begin to imagine what it's been like for you - so thanks so much for your advice!

KristoKekerooni · October 2016

@vintageandrea90 stress/pain/impatience/whatever still sucks no matter what point in the process you are. It just sucks, period. Especially getting to the point where you need extra help. It just sucks. Hugs, girl. (Also, you say you're at the very beginning, but I hope you're at the end and just don't know it!)

gravcass · October 2016

@KristoB I'm in the St. Louis area:)

KristoKekerooni · October 2016

@viabug - Oh cool. My RE is up there. I'm down south of Springfield.

gravcass · October 2016

@KristoB That's where I was originally from

A lot of my family still lives out that way.

KristoKekerooni · October 2016

@viabug - Small world, eh?

persnickity · October 2016

Thank you so much for the hugs and support! Very much appreciate it.

BaileyM321 · October 2016

I've been MIA due to being swamped at work but wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to @wabash15, @DungeonTrollMel, @Elyse1384, @JDW0325, @mrsdaddario, @Bababatty, @ClaireCF, @YesOuiCan and anyone else I forgot for all the sympathy and support about the medical-leave chaos at my RE office right before trigger. You all helped me feel much better and made it an easy decision to go ahead with the IUI. I triggered on Wednesday night and had the IUI early this morning with the NP, who was wonderful. My DH's dropoff was only 30 minutes before the IUI so he got to just stay, which was nice. And now we wait.

(Ovidrel is a ... something impolite, by the way. So many side effects that mimic pregnancy exactly -- seems cruel! Other than that, though, I'm feeling good today. So much better than the other day.)

@persnickity So sorry. You're in my thoughts. I've been there, and I grieved more than for some people I've lost. I don't have much to offer other than it's okay to grieve, and it will get better slowly.

@furbabymom2007 Fingers crossed for you!

wabash15 · October 2016

@BaileyM321 I am so glad you made the decision to go through with the IUI and that it was a positive experience for you. Fx that this is your cycle.

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