IF/Testing Check-in Week Feb13th

heatherdubrow · February 2017

@TravelingCouple yes stalk me!! Ha I love it! I'll be watching you as well! I'm glad you got good answers and a plan you're happy with!

For me, I just never bring my kids. TW?My H was not present for my embryo transfer with our second child because he was downstairs in the lobby with our daughter. End TW But it was made pretty clear to me that the office frowns upon bringing kids.

TravelingCouple · February 2017

@wabash15 Thanks! This is the first time I've ever brought him, I've always had someone to watch him before. I'll be talking to my sister and closest friend about next cycle since it'll be a lot of office visits!

GiddyUp82 · February 2017

Hi Ladies,
I was active over the summer 2016 and, unfortunately, recognize some names here, so I am sorry that you are still here!
I took a few months off from all social media and the bump, but lately have felt the need to be able to talk to people about IF struggles... so I'm Back!

Quick back story: was TTC normally for almost a year when we talk to our PCPs about IF testing. We have done the full work up and a few months and procedures later, had the meeting today with our Fertility MD to get the plan...

Diagnosis (If you've been): Unexplained IF, Hypothyroid, possibly one blocked tube?

Cycle/CD: ??/2

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Just had "the plan" meeting with MD. Waiting for next cycle to begin "the plan" which is 3 cycles of IUIs before my insurance will consider IVF. My Fertility MD does not think IUI will work for us because my husband has "amazing sperm" (He's been on cloud 9 about it all day) She believes IVF is the only thing that will work. I will be doing Femara and a trigger shot along with the IUI.

How are things going? It was information over load today so my mind is swimming. I haven't cried, which I am pretty proud of myself. I feel at peace to have a plan going forward.

Any questions? Not yet. I have a big packet to read through from the fertility center. Just a little nervous

GTKY: Do you have any plans for valentines day? We both worked so we celebrated a few days early. We don't do it up for V day. We try to give each other little surprises every few weeks.

TravelingCouple · February 2017

@GiddyUp82 Welcome back although I'm sorry you have to be back.

I'm curious as to why your doc (RE right?) doesn't think IUI will work simply because of a great SA? They will be doing a sperm wash to inseminate the best sperm anyway so I don't understand their thinking.

Either way, I hope that it works for you and your stay is short.

JuneRoseRuby · February 2017

My RE also has a huge sign stating children should not be in the office, yet I have seen women with their babies in strollers in there and I definitely toss judgement. I get that life happens but it burns.

Update on the urology visit today. Curve ball, H has f'd up chromosomes... awesome. So he basically has some genetic information that has been translocated. The urologist has never seen this before...awesome again. So we need to go to a genetic counselor to figure out what all of this means. Of course increased risk of MC and chromosomal abnormalities in children. Great... So in the mean time, H is going to dope up on clomid to see if that changes the quantity of his sperm and adding supplements to change quality of the sperm. But all of this means if we do decide to do IVF with ICSI we now have to add in PGS. I think if the risks of MC and chromosomal abnormalities end up really high, we are going to have to really think about what we need to be happy and what really matters to us. ugh. I am just angry with life. We also told my parents what is going on and of course they were super supportive and want to help in anyway. So that was nice.

adirat · February 2017

@Juneroseruby Oh no... I'm so sorry to hear it was more bad news my friend

I can tell you firsthand that chromosome problems are scary as hell, but the genetic counselor I spoke to was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I hope you see someone who can give you a good idea of your chances and available next steps. Fortunately, in 2017 this tends to be an area we have a good scientific understanding of so you are able to understand your personal risk factors and percentages, and therefore make an informed decision.

You have every right to be angry. This SUCKS and you guys do not deserve to be dealing with it. We are here whenever you want to vent. I really hope you can find a good genetic counselor, as crappy as it is to be in this place. Hugs

heatherdubrow · February 2017

@JuneRoseRuby it seems like the awful just keeps piling up on you, friend. I'm so sorry for this latest update. I hope you can find a good genetic counselor to help you navigate this. Big hugs

TravelingCouple · February 2017

I'm so sorry @JuneRoseRuby and I echo that you have every right to be angry. I wish I could change it for you, it's not fair. So many hugs.

zwink1 · February 2017

@JuneRoseRuby I'm so sorry you have to deal with this, it really isn't fair. Hugs to you.

wabash15 · February 2017

@juneroseruby oh girl, I'm sorry you got bad news today. You and DH have the right to feel all the feels. We are hear for you as you discern what the right path is. Hugs and love your way

shortstack930 · February 2017

@JuneRoseRuby I'm so sorry for what you are going through!!

@adirat I keep wondering if I know you IRL because I spent my whole life on LI up until a year and a half ago. It always seems like everyone on LI knows each other through somebody

Bababatty · February 2017

@JuneRoseRuby Oh no! I am so sorry to hear you got this news! I understand how frustrated and sad you and H must be right now. Do you live in or nearish an area where there are urologists who have seen this? It might help to get an opinion from one of them, too. At least to confirm the treatment plan you have now is best? Thinking of you and hoping you get some better news soon.

laurad75 · February 2017

@JuneRoseRuby I'm sorry. Yet, another hurdle.

My RE does not have a sign discouraging bringing children (I wish they did) and once in a while someone brings their baby or small child. While I understand some people don't have a choice I hope they exhausted all the options before deciding to bring them along. Confession: Sometimes I stare at the children with a sad look on my face just to make the parents feel bad.

adirat · February 2017

laurad75 said:

@JuneRoseRuby I'm sorry. Yet, another hurdle.

My RE does not have a sign discouraging bringing children (I wish they did) and once in a while someone brings their baby or small child. While I understand some people don't have a choice I hope they exhausted all the options before deciding to bring them along. Confession: Sometimes I stare at the children with a sad look on my face just to make the parents feel bad.

@laurad75 You know I've been avoiding looking at them and pretending they aren't there...but I like your strategy better and I'm going to adopt it.

hartmich · February 2017

laurad75 said:

*snip*. Confession: Sometimes I stare at the children with a sad look on my face just to make the parents feel bad.

I love this. The first day I went for my consult and was a total wreck, there was this happy couple in there - they had obviously just gotten good news. I wanted to cry. I realize that this isn't their fault and that I have no idea what they've gone through but jeez... wait til you get to the parking lot.

@juneroseruby I have no words for you. I don't understand why things just keep piling up. I am thinking of you and your H and I hope somehow things work out for you both.

LadyMillil · February 2017

My last RE shared a waiting room with an OBGYN practice so it was always filled with pregnant women and newborns. The receptionist was great at trying to move you to an office to wait in asap.

There was a couple with a toddler at my new RE last week. The man just needed to sign some consent forms so there was no reason for the woman/toddler to be there (she didn't even say anything!) so I side-eyed that.

eggplantface · February 2017

@JuneRoseRuby I'm sorry for your bad news. I hope some changes will help improve things, or you can come up with a plan to still get where you want to be. I'm so happy to hear you told your parents and how supportive they are. I've been upfront with mine from the beginning and they've been a great source of support, minus their slight ignorance about how babies are made despite having kids

Welcome back @GiddyUp82! Your name does sound familiar. I'm glad you got through your testing! I have the same question as @TravelingCouple about why IUI won't work if sperm is awesome. Is that their backhanded way of saying "It's you"? It's good you have IVF coverage, even if you have to endure the IUIs first! Does your insurance also cover IUIs?

wabash15 · February 2017

Guys the hits keep coming... DH sat down to do our budget for the year last night, well it turns out he made a mistake in the budget last year and we overspent by 10+ thousand dollars last year. (we were getting some money from his grandmothers estate that was not supposed to be factored into the budget but was, so we had the money, we just don't have it this year). That means we have to cut way back unless DH finds a job that pays better because as it stands all the money he makes is going to daycare. It also means we can't afford fertility treatments.
So that's it we're done. Its going to be hard letting this dream go.

tamalahoops · February 2017

@wabash15 oh no! I am so sorry. It's such bullshit that these treatments cost so much. I'm sorry you're going through this.

@JuneRoseRuby I'm so sorry that you seem to have bad news piling up. I hope that your appointment with the geneticist goes well and provides you with a plan.

hartmich · February 2017

@wabash15 Oh no. That completely sucks. I know this isn't the best advice but if you are very disciplined and could find a way to decrease your spending, you could start a new credit card with 0% interest (usually only for the first year) which would buy you 12 months to save up and then hopefully pay off the card before the interest rate expires? I've seen a lot of talk about people doing this on IF boards since the costs are so insane. Also, FX so hard this IUI works and it won't even matter.

heatherdubrow · February 2017

@wabash15 I'm so sorry love! I'm rooting for you so hard that this medicated cycle was a success!!

kyersten · February 2017

@wabash15 and @JuneRoseRuby I am so sorry for the bad and discouraging news!

BertieMeetsGertie · February 2017

@wabash15 oh girl, I'm so so sorry to hear this news.

@JuneRoseRuby I was really hoping the urologist was going to give you good news. I would seek out another urologist who might have more experience (if it's possible). Wishing you peace as you begin to think about next steps. This TTC stuff is no joke.

Bababatty · February 2017

@wabash15 NO!! I am so sorry!! That's horrible to have your dream crushed like that. I really hope this cycle is the one for you. It's complete BS how the insurance works (or mostly doesn't work) for this. Rooting for you so hard!

adirat · February 2017

@wabash15 Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear it. I have everything crossed for this IUI to be the one.

kaitlink33 · February 2017

@wabash15 I'm sorry to hear your news. Hopefully this is your month and you won't have to worry about it. Sending creepy Internet hugs to you.

Aurora1973 · February 2017

Wow, what a week it's been so far! I'm late to the party, but wanted to chime in while I can. Things have been just plain busy over here in Aurora Land...

@laurad75 FX so hard!!! So many hugs for you right now!

@adirat So glad that you are doing further testing and feeling better about things. It still sucks so hard to get news like that.

@JuneRoseRuby and @wabash15 I'm so sorry you got bad news. Hugs and hopes that there is something else you can do. My insurance doesn't cover IVF or IUI, so OH and I have ruled that out altogether, so I definitely understand the heartache!!

@GiddyUp82 I think I remember you! I've definitely been around a while myself. I'm sorry you have to be back here, but I'm still glad to see you. Welcome back!

Diagnosis: DOR, AMA

Cycle/CD: 16 (10AL)/22

Status: TWW

What are you doing this cycle: All the humping and supplements and herbs and acupuncture, plus I just started listening to "It Starts with the Egg" on Audible, and holy crap! I wish I had read this book months ago! Egg quality is probably my biggest issue, and I do all kinds of stuff for it, but there's a whole world of BPA and phthlates that has blown my mind. My acpuncturist has mentioned some of what is in the book, but this is a whole new level. I'm freaked out and hopeful all at the same time (doesn't that just sum up TTC and IF?!?). Now I really feel out this cycle!!

How are things going? See above. Plus, I've hit that place where fatigue of the whole process has set in. Yet somehow doing the things suggested in the book, plus planning our elopement (I've mentioned this a few places...OH and I are getting married next Friday!) is giving me something else to concentrate on.

Any questions: I don't remember, who was it who got improved AMH numbers from following "It Starts With the Egg"? You offer me hope, girl!!

GTKY: We just hung out with DSS and (later, just the two of us) FWNP for Valentine's Day.

ETA this sweet gif

Yes some of us are perfectly healthy Because having a lot of chub doesnt necessarily mean a person is in poor health or doesnt get enough exercise Some people build muscle mass easily some dont __ 12 Secrets Skinny-Fat People Have

Yes some of us are perfectly healthy Because having a lot of chub doesnt necessarily mean a person is in poor health or doesnt get enough exercise Some people build muscle mass easily some dont __ 12 Secrets Skinny-Fat People Have

adirat · February 2017

@aurora1973 Congrats on the elopement! Can't wait to hear about it. I am the one whose AMH increased. I can't causally attribute it to the It Starts with the Egg advice but I hope that was the reason and it'll work for you too.

hartmich · February 2017

@heatherdubrow This is an out of the blue question for you, but I know you've mentioned you have PCOS and have done IVF before obviously. Did you ever try IUIs? If not, was there a reason you went straight to IVF? Obviously I want to plan out of my entire TTC life before even getting in to see the doctor

TravelingCouple · February 2017

@wabash15 No, no..this is so unfair! I am so sorry. I am seriously praying so hard that this cycle is it for you and that you don't even have to worry about any more treatments anyway! I was just stalking your chart. Fx sooo freaking hard for you.

@Aurora1973 I think I'm going to check out It Starts With the Egg that everyone's talking about

hartmich · February 2017

@aurora1973 At first I was super overwhelmed with It Starts with the Egg and was like "F this, I can't throw out all my makeup and hair products." But I started with not using plastic containers/water bottles anymore - that was easy. Then I did some research and found most of my makeup is phthlate-free... so that was awesome. I just ran out of shampoo and conditioner and body wash, so I found some at the store labelled phthlate-free and am starting to use that. So in conclusion, I was totally freaked out and against it but it really wasn't that bad. I'm sure there are more things to replace but as I run out of products, I will take them one at a time.

heatherdubrow · February 2017

hartmich said:

@heatherdubrow This is an out of the blue question for you, but I know you've mentioned you have PCOS and have done IVF before obviously. Did you ever try IUIs? If not, was there a reason you went straight to IVF? Obviously I want to plan out of my entire TTC life before even getting in to see the doctor

@hartmich we did several rounds of clomid and TI. Then letrozole and TI. When it came time to do IUI my H's sperm count was low with poor morphology. We did some things to improve it and then went to do another try for IUI and I responded too well to the letrozole. Like 6 eggs so we cancelled it. It didn't matter anyway because the SA was still unfavorable. Clomid was no longer an option either(I started having vision changes on it). So our RE said it was time for IVF. I responded really well with IVF(almost too well, I had raging OHSS...out of work for 2 weeks and developed a pleural effusion) and got TW 36 eggs, 23 survived, 14 became embryos that grew to day 5.
End TW

A lot of friends IRL who have pcos have had great success with IUI. We just never even really got there. With our MFI, IVF with ICSI was just the more realistic option.
And I think it's great to do your research and plan ahead before you see the dr!

hartmich · February 2017

@heatherdubrow Thank you! I appreciate you sharing your story. Since we seem to have MFI (low count with 2% morph) and PCOS I'm just trying to mentally prepare myself for what they may recommend. I sort of think they'll say we can try IUI if we want, but I just don't know if that even seems like it's worth the time/hope/disappointment if IVF is out there. Although, they may recommend a repeat SA to see if the numbers are still low before they recommend anything one way or the other. I am just not a fan of waiting.

heatherdubrow · February 2017

@hartmich yea the waiting is awful. By the time we started ivf I was sooooo ready! Especially since our insurance covered nothing so I wasn't a fan of continuing to waste money. When is your appointment?

TravelingCouple · February 2017

I just got off the phone with both pharmacies.. one has my Femara ready for pick-up. The specialty pharmacy is shipping my HCG trigger to arrive tomorrow. We are armed and ready for next cycle as our first medicated cycle. As of right now we're going to do TI rather than IUI but we'll see how we feel as it gets closer. Still waiting to even O this cycle..

Question - for the trigger shot, did you do it yourself or have your DH do it? When the RE told us about the shot, DH pretty much freaked out thinking about needing to give me a shot in the butt. I told him it's no big deal, but he's freaked. I have several friends who are nurses, but they don't know what we're going through so I'd rather DH just do it. Just wondering what everyone has done?

laurad75 · February 2017

@Aurora1973 You're getting married! Oh honey. So fun.

I really liked It Starts With the Egg because it gave me concrete things I could do/ change that could possibly help us. We already through out all our BPA stuff and I started using a lot more non-toxic products. I also started taking the supplements she recommended but I don't think I started any of that early enough to make a real difference. We will see what happens in round 2.

So, out of my 3 fertilized embies only 1 made it to freeze and that will be PGS tested. In the meantime we have decided to do another ER next month to hopefully get a few more viable embryos. With my DOR it just makes sense to try and bank some more to increase our odds and maybe even give us the option for a second baby.

I feel like I should probably get back on a healthier diet to prep but I'll start that next week.

heatherdubrow · February 2017

@TravelingCouple I think I did it myself...but I'm s nurse.
If he's really freaked out either so it yourself or ask one of your friends?
Im so excited for you to start your medicated cycle!! Wishing you so much luck!

wabash15 · February 2017

@TravelingCouple I always do my own trigger shots...

wabash15 · February 2017

@laurad75 I'm so glad you've got a plan moving forward and your going to try again! Is your RE going to switch up your protocol?

TravelingCouple · February 2017

Thanks @heatherdubrow @wabash15 Is it just stick it in and push (heh)? I was watching a video on the RE's website and it looks like you put the needle in, pull the syringe back to check for air?? and then push all the way in. I'm not sure why they're adding an extra step. But if it's just stick the needle in and push the syringe..I can handle that myself I think. I did pass out the last time I had blood work done, but I think this'll be different.

IF/Testing Check-in Week Feb13th

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