IF/Testing Check-in Week Dec 26

wabash15 · December 2016

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):

Cycle/CD:

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):

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

How are things going?

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...

Marley629 · December 2016

Hi guys! I had taken a few weeks break as I was benched and haven't had much going on but im
back and ready to give it my all before we start the Ivf process in feb!

Diagnosis (If you've been): DOR, Factor V, MFI

Cycle/CD: I think cycle 16, cd27

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): tww but was benched this cycle

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
it will be a natural cycle; continuing gluten/dairy free diet, 600mg COQ10, Vitamin D, pnvs, baby aspirin...DH does need to get into RE office to leave a sample
to freeze at some point and i need to tie up loose ends with my hemotologist.

How are things going?
things are going ok! Holidays and wedding planning have kept me very busy and the time is flying so I am grateful for this

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment?

Hmm I can't think of anything right now.

[Deleted User] · December 2016

@Marley628 I am so happy to hear you are finally very nearly of the Bench!!!
<img src="https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/1w/44bax20ao8wq.gif" alt="">

kyersten · December 2016

@Marley629 yay for almost being done with the bench!!!

Diagnosis (If you've been): tubal scarring

Cycle/CD: 20/7

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): benched

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) We are benched this cycle for 30 days because I have to get the rubella vaccine.

How are things going? I was emotional as usual on cycle day 1 - part of me hoped the HSG helped clear the way for me to get pregnant, part of me hoped for a Christmas miracle (to be planning on doing IVF and suddenly getting pregnant on our own)! But I'm okay and I'm looking forward to our benched cycle.

Any questions? Nope

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment... I felt like the whole HSG was just awkward - I don't know about the rest of you, but they put my legs so high in the air! Not the typical Pap smear position lol.

kaitlink33 · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): PCOS

Cycle/CD: 2/2 after break

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): I'm not even sure anymore....this cycle is so screwed up

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) treatment, but nothing this cycle. This is a natural cycle while waiting to see a new RE

How are things going? A lot better than I expected, I had a bit of a TTC meltdown earlier this month when I found out my old RE wasn't going to give me meds on top of other things that were going on with them. I just scheduled an appointment with my new RE though for the 6th of january so I'm excited for that.

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...
I don't know that I have any in particular, I just hate the exams/ ultrasounds while AF is around

LadyMillil · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained bleeding and MFI low morph

Cycle/CD: 25/CD19

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) I have to call to confirm my RE appointment

How are things going? I don't remember if I updated that I (finally) have an appointment with the new RE. We were referred in August and told it would be March/April before we would be able to get an appointment because there is only one clinic in the whole province and there are only 2 REs there (and one is retiring in the new year :S). Our appointment is Feb 28. Once I confirm we will go on the cancellation list so there is a small chance that we will be able to get in a little earlier.

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment... The lab that did the SA didn't give you the option to collect the specimen on-site. They wanted the specimen within 30 minutes of collection and were a 25 minute drive in good traffic from our apartment. I got the car warmed up and pulled up right outside our apartment building so DH could rush down after and we could rush to the lab. I drove like a madwoman and had the worst road rage.

KristoKekerooni · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): RPL, MFI

Cycle/CD: Cycle # 30, CD7

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) We have an appointment on Jan 16 with RE for SA, DNA frag, antral follicle, and IVF stuff.

How are things going?This is the crappy part of my cycle, I am always more grumpy and sad and hopeless during the WTO phase. So... not well. I am really struggling with the IVF. Not so much about doing it. I am so gungho. Gimme all the meds and let's get ish done. It's more "Oh my God I am dropping ~12K on a <40% chance." That's a really hard pill to swallow.

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...
*TW*
When I had my TV while I was having my third M/C she pulled out the wand and I queefed and splattered a bit of blood. it was disgusting.

KristoKekerooni · December 2016

@Marley629 - Glad you are getting to move on soon! Those in-between cycles where you do nothing are so hard.

@LadyMillil - Yay for new RE! Hopefully they can pull it together and make good things happen for you!

Aurora1973 · December 2016

Edited for clarity.

Diagnosis: DOR

Cycle/CD: 14 (8AL)/CD19

Status: TWW

What are you doing this cycle: This is my first full cycle on meds for my recently diagnosed hypothyroidism. Also, I'm taking CoQ10, fish oil, and acai supplements to help with egg health, and seeing a fertility acupuncturist. This is my second cycle of using progesterone cream after confirmed O (so starting on 3DPO), under the guidance of my acupuncturist. Last cycle it didn't arrive in the mail until I think 5 DPO, so I guess this would be the first full cycle of that, too. I did have a decent 12 day LP last cycle with it, so I'm hopeful that my LP will be good this cycle, as well.

How are things going: Not too bad. We're still FWP as much as we can during the FW and hoping for the best. My post-O temps have been higher this cycle. It's good to see improvement from everything I'm doing.

Any questions: Nope.

GTKY: When we went to do OH's second SA (which has been a comedy of errors since we ended up doing three!!), we had a bit of a challenge in collecting "the specimen". I didn't think it was at all funny then, but I totally giggle about it now that we've had a successful SA with great results.

I "helped" as I always do in these situations. We were in this tiny room that had a horrible bench seat, and he resorted to pulling the pad off of it and laying on the floor so that we could actually get things going. When the moment of truth arrived, I did not have the cup in the best position, and like half of the specimen shot over it and on to the mat. It was not my finest hour. Thankfully, they had wipes in the room, so I cleaned it up as best I could. I still feel bad for whomever used that room next; it also reminded me of how many other people may have had the same problem.

Image result for shudder gif

TravelingCouple · December 2016

@Aurora1973 what type of fish oil do you take? The one I was taking went WAY up in price on Amazon so I'm looking for another.

Diagnosis (If you've been): low progesterone

Cycle/CD: 14/27

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) I'm on progesterone and I think it's working so far! My post O temp is much higher than all my previous cycles after DS. No dip yet and I'm at 9dpo.

How are things going? Good, of course I'm way too hopeful this cycle and will have a huge crash if AF shows. BFN this morning but I know it's early.

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...
I passed right out at the RE after my CD 3 fasting blood work. All the nurses were trying to wake me up and fussing over me after I did. It's not a surprising thing for me but I haven't passed out in a while.

Aurora1973 · December 2016

@TravelingCouple You know, I've been meaning to run it by my acupuncturist/herbalist, but I've been taking the Trader Joe's brand. The main thing that might be different is that she has me on a pretty high dose...I take 4 of them!! I do it twice a day, so 2 at a time, but it's a lot. I think she had me at 4000 milligrams, but they are 1200 apiece, so I'm going over. I need to run that by her, too...

ETA: it's these:

https://www.traderjoes.com/fearless-flyer/article/2841

TravelingCouple · December 2016

@Aurora1973 thanks!

wabash15 · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained, AMA, factor V (hetero)

Cycle/CD: 8/23

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

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

How are things going? OK, marching through the TWW waffling between maybe I'll be a SS and get KTFU and IF brain that it won't happen with out help. Now that we are through christmas I am at peace with weaning, so hopefully we can start our first medicated cycle in febuary because I don't think we will be done by new years day when AF is supposed to come

Any questions? nope

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment... one US I had to fart, I tried to hold it in, but I totally crop dusted the RE... he was very nice about the whole thing. Also DH has a special "I'm going to knock you up" dance (with his cloths on), and the nurse came in in the middle of it before one of our IUI's we got a good laugh

Marley629 · December 2016

@LadyMillil yay!! I'm glad there is an end in sight!!

@wabash15 I have factor V (hetero) as well. I have to call my hematologist tomorrow to find out if he wants me on lovenox throughout the IVF process or just post partim as I was with DS1 (natural pregnancy) did your RE mentioned being on lovenox at all while ttc? My Hemotologist threw a big fit when I proceeded with clomid so I'm sure he's going to be thrilled about moving forward with IVF.

ETA: CD1 Today...which I'm actually happy about. Off the bench! Hey batter batter!!

wabash15 · December 2016

@marley629 TW*** my last RE wondered if it was the cause of my loss (I was only diagnosed post loss), so moving forward we did baby aspirin after IUI and then throughout my successful pregnancy. I have heard a lot of docs who are not so concerned if you are Hetero but more so if homozygous. My MFM was not excited about being hetero and let me continue the baby aspirin because it made me feel better to make sure I was doing every thing could but he did not feel it was necessary. I discussed it with the new RE last week and we talked about lovenox but she did not think it would be necessary and but that out of an abundance of caution we would do the baby aspirin again. My RE did question me extensively about weather or not I had ever had a clot, I have not so I think that has something to do with it. If I had had a clot I think they might have pushed the lovenox. I also do not see a hemotologist.

madspunk · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: month 10/cycle 3/CD 25

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) letrozole + trigger shot + TI + PNV + baby aspirin

How are things going? No ovulation on 5 mg letrozole or 7.5 mg. I am doing 10 mg of letrozole and going in next week for an US. If that doesn't work, we'll cancel this cycle. When I go in next week to do the US, the RE is also going to do more tests, and I'm terrified that I have some other kind of condition.

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...
Bumping into a distant relative at the fertility clinic...

zwink1 · December 2016

@kaitlink33 it's great that the new RE was able to get you in so soon!

@KristoKekerooni I'm sorry IVF has got you down. H and I were actually having a conversation about exactly that on the way home last night. It really is a tough pill to swallow.

@Marley629 woohoo for being officially off the bench!

@TravelingCouple H and I use the same TJ's O3s as @aurora1973 and I like them. I also haven't cleared them with the RE yet, though.

Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI, (I'm also apparently borderline hypothyroid, which my OB and I sort of suspected based on prior unrelated blood tests).

Cycle/CD: 13/34

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW but I was spotting yesterday and that means AF is imminent in the next couple of days.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?)
Right at this moment, nothing. This cycle was sort of dead space.

How are things going?
Eh. My non-TTC life is not going as planned so that's put a damper on things. This chart is just a complete disaster and I ended up saying screw it because it's a lost cause. Back to the drawing board next cycle. We have an appointment on the 11th with the RE we selected, so I'm happy to be moving forward. From what I understand it's primarily meant to be an info gathering and planning session, so hopefully we at least get a direction.

Any questions? Nope.

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...
I haven't had anything too bad so far. The only thing I can think of was the time I didn't realize they'd want a urine sample at one of my blood draws. My first attempt was virtually non-existent (probably because I had peed just before heading to the lab). I ended up having to sit with the very sweet and friendly lab techs for about 15 minutes drinking a little can of apple juice. Attempt number 2 was much more successful.

jmr1515 · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): submucosal fibroid- Removed 12/12/16. Mild MFI (morph)

Cycle/CD: 19/4

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Letrozole 5mg CD 3-7, TI

How are things going? I usually have anywhere from 2-5 days of spotting before AF but i had that pesky fibroid removed and ZERO spotting. I was surprised when AF arrived Christmas Day but I was happy that the spotting finally stopped!
I'm a little nervous going into the new year since I'm definitely more hopeful that it can happen naturally for us.

Any questions? No

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...

I guess just having a ton of gross brown spotting during my pelvic ultrasound

lund · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): MIF - low count, low morph, good motility

Cycle/CD: 6/24

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) natural cycle. But DH seems like he's doing well with quitting smoking, and is taking FH Pro.

How are things going? Pretty good, I guess. It may be coincidence, but DH has had a much shorter "recovery" time between BD, which COULD be related to the vitamins. We have an appointment on Jan 6th with my OB to discuss options, referrals, etc. Although, I'm pretty sure it'll end up going like this:

Us: So, can we try the lifestyle changes and have a repeat SA in March before moving forward with other testing?
OB: sure.
Us: Ok great. We'll call you in March.
OB: Sounds good. I'll send you the bill for this appointment.
Us: Neat.

Any questions? Not right now.

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment...

I haven't had a ton of invasive or embarrassing testing (although I agree that US during AF is super fun), but DH had to submit his sample in the lab because we live 75 minutes away. They didn't even have special rooms for collection, so some embarrassed older lady showed him to an exam room and said "ok, just make sure to lock the door so that no one walks in while..... well.... you know."

___________________________

@LadyMillil @KristoKekerooni @aurora19 @wabash15 your GTKYs had me bursting out laughing in my office

Oh the joys.

jmr1515 · December 2016

@LadyMillil can I ask what province you live in? I've been reading your comments the last few weeks (ie. the snowstorm on Christmas day) and it sounds like we may be either in the same province or live nearby . I'm in Manitoba.

LadyMillil · December 2016

@jmr1515 I'm also in Manitoba

jmr1515 · December 2016

@LadyMillil I thought so! I'm on the waitlist for the fertility clinic- happy to hear you got in early, not so happy that there are so few REs!

RunsUponATime · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): Nothing yet, just started the testing process. So far I look ok and DH has his SA in a couple of days.

Cycle/CD: 15 (but 2-3 we had to take off for zika related concerns), CD18/4DPO

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Testing, if everything looks ok then I'll start Clomid next cycle.

How are things going? Not pregnant, so not great. But I've developed a protective layer of sardonic bitterness, so things could be a lot worse.

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment... Not much yet, but we somehow managed to screw up the abstinence period for DH's SA and completely missed the window. I called the dr to ask if we should reschedule, but they said 2.5 days should be fine if we got busy that evening. To which I texted DH, "dr says 2.5 days is fine. Put on your party hat, little buddy!"

[Deleted User] · December 2016

@RunsUponATime TTC is so romantic, isn't it??? ;)

@LadyMillil. SOOO so happy to hear you have an appointment scheduled! Hallelujah!

laurad75 · December 2016

Diagnosis (If you've been): DOR

Cycle/CD: 10/1 - OMG Cycle 10

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): starting BC tonight

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) This will be my first IVF cycle. I start bc tonight; for for bw and us tomorrow and then start meds in a couple of weeks.

How are things going? I woke up to a ferocious (carefully chose that particular description) CD 1 when I wasn't even sure if I had O'd. I was okay and taking my usual Pollyanna approach to disappointment but then H was giving me a hard time because I apparently wasn't excited enough about a dinner date tomorrow and I had a melt down. I'm really sad and very scared that I will never be a mom. I try so hard not be to negative but I also have to okay with getting emotional during the tough times.

Any questions? can someone pass the wine please?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment... I can't believe I don't have an answer for this. I am notorious for putting myself in embarrassing/ awkward situations.

tamalahoops · December 2016

@laurad75 I start stims 1/16! When do you start??

Diagnosis (If you've been): Ovulatory dysfunction, mild mfi (low morph)

Cycle/CD: Umm I think I'm cycle 18 now? Dunno. A lot.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): On bcp for our first IVF round

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Our first IVF!

How are things going? So excited to get started. We're doing a freeze-all cycle so its going to be a long process. I have been lurking because I've been in limbo waiting to get the IVF ball rolling. I'm happy to answer any IVF questions including out of pocket costs because lets be real, thats the scariest part.

Any questions?

GTKY: what is your funniest or embarrassing testing/ treatment moment..

I am mostly posting to tell this story (which I think I have told before)..... I got really bad food poisoning the night before my HSG and didn't realize it. So I went in with a sick belly and ended up pooping on my doctor.

laurad75 · December 2016

@tamalahoops Yikes for your pooping story. I'm not sure when my stims will start. I start bc tonight and they will begin working on confirming my insurance coverage next week. My nurse said it will be around 2 weeks so probably around the same time as you. It will be nice to have a cycle buddy who is also on their first round.

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/14rEJREdvkfx1m/giphy.gif

tamalahoops · December 2016

@laurad75 Yay! Cycle buddies!

wabash15 · December 2016

@laurad75 I'm sorry for the unexpected and ferocious CD1. Hugs. Maybe this is also the Pollyanna in me but have faith you will be a mom, it will just be a different road than you though when you started this process. I am sure its a bit scary but its also really exciting that your taking this step, the odds are so much better than IUI.

Image: https://media1.giphy.com/media/DXYPtZf4qnaxO/200.gif#16

@tamalahoops congrats on getting your first cycle started Fx that all goes well.

RunsUponATime · December 2016

@BusinessWife Oh man, don't I know it.

@tamalahoops That story is amazing. They see so many patients I bet everyone starts to blend together. But I bet your doc remembers you!

madspunk · December 2016

@tamalahoops that story is hilarious!
@laurad75 wishing you luck with your insurance!

lund · December 2016

Hey ladies, I finally got ahold of DHs actual SA results. Any MFI veterans have insight? Anything jump out aside from the basics? It seems relatively straightforward, but I'm no expert.

LadyMillil · December 2016

Count per mL is low but that volume is huge which means the total count is likely fine. Morph is low but they used Kruger strict which has a more stringent definition of what is normal, which may not actually correlate to a functional difference - ie the sperm may have a slightly longer tail making it abnormal by Kruger strict but it still is capable of fertilizing an egg. The other method of determining morph (WHO 5th Ed) considers 4% to be normal morph and is based on actually achieving pregnancy.

eta tag @LuND

lund · December 2016

@LadyMillil thank you so much for your input! So, maybe it's not as bad as the nurse made it sound?

ETA: is 11.7 total motile on the low end? They don't give a range of normal.

LadyMillil · January 2017

@LuND It seems like there is a per mL missing on that total motile number, because it doesn't make any sense. If total count is 234 million and motility is 73% then a whole lot more than 11.7 million should be motile

lund · January 2017

@LadyMillil it seems the 11.7 mil total motile is based off of the 5% morphology.... the only reason I think this is because 5% of 234 is 11.7. But if only 5% of his total count had normal morphology, and then his motility was 73%.... I'm not sure 11.7 mil total motile is accurate

LadyMillil · January 2017

@LuND That makes sense I guess. I really think that total motile is missing the bigger picture though. Hopefully your doctor will be able to shed more light on the results but I don't think it's as dire as the nurse made it seem. They want 80 million sperm total to be normal, and there's 200+ million there, and 73% of them are swimming, which is great!

Here's a good link on morph and the different ways "normal" is determined
https://fertilitylabinsider.com/2011/09/sperm-morphology-krugers-strict-vs-who-criteria-whats-the-difference/

lund · January 2017

@LadyMillil thanks so much for your help and for talking me through it. I'll update after our doctors appointment on Friday.

IF/Testing Check-in Week Dec 26

Re: IF/Testing Check-in Week Dec 26

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