IF/testing check in - week of 4/3

Anna_1021 · April 2017

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: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)?

leekat14 · April 2017

Diagnosis (If you've been):
Endometriosis
Cycle/CD: cycle 16 dpo11

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): tww

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Clomid, trigger shot, the usual

How are things going? Eh. Tested trigger shot through yesterday. It is out of my system but I didn't take a test today. Also had a temp drop yesterday and today I slept bad so I didn't take it this morning....Trying to not be too hopeful or too down on myself.

Any questions?

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)?

I was an only child. My parents hid eggs outside and I would always be up at 5am looking for them!!!

laurad75 · April 2017

Diagnosis (If you've been): DOR

Cycle/CD: CD 22

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): waiting for AF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) We had an egg retrieval earlier this month that did not produce any viable embryos

How are things going? Sucky. It's going sucky. I'm looking forward to starting a new cycle and moving on.

Any questions?

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)? We celebrate Easter but I haven't participated in an egg hunt in a long time.

Anna_1021 · April 2017

Hey girls! Sorry for disappearing on you at the end of last week. I know I might sound like a broken record, but I had to work on the weekend from home too... Just meh. I already called up a meeting with my boss regarding our department's future, couse I can not do this much longer (at this point I do appr. 2 ppl's job, and they keep dumping stuff on me - to sum it up quickly. I love my job, and lately I've been seeing how I could contrubute even better, but I need some more help)

Diagnosis (If you've been): unexplained

Cycle/CD: ~20/cd6

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): wto, very much

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Soooo... we had the appt with the RE. Thanks everyone for thinking of me and the good wishes. Sorry again for dropping off the face of the Earth (see above).
The doc checked our results and the last tests, and he recommended to start IUI right away. Some of you might remember, I was afraid a bit that my next O is supposed to be on the Easter weekend. The doc said that he might be able to recommend a clinic where they do weekend IUIs. tbd. I, on the other hand am actually hoping that my follice will be 20 mm on Wednesday/Thursday (there is a chance) and the doc said they would give me the trigger at 20 mm. We'll see how it works out.
I also need to check with my insurance provider, if the cover IUIs. I am afraid that they don't, which puts extra pressure on success. As of success rate the doc was nice (I love how realistic he is, no BS, no false promises, he answers a direct question in a very punctual manner), but he did not give us too thick thread of hope to cling on. Maybe it is the best, but originally I thought that I would leave his office excited and relieved in a way - but that never came. I mean, I am happy that we are moving forward, I just don't feel that much of a difference emotionally. Maybe it is for the best. Although I am pretty sure I'll go crazy in the TWW again

How are things going? Oh, I accidentally put everything under the previous Q. See the last paragraph, pls

Any questions?

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)?

Well maybe this GTKY was a bit self-motivated. I'd love to know how you lovely ladies feel about it. I always see this in movies and thought it should be fun. Thinking about organizing one with friends this year

AFM: we did not have tradition like this in teh familiy, it is not that popular here. But it looks like so much fun

madspunk · April 2017

@leekat14 Hang in there! The TWW is so difficult to get through.

@laurad75 I really feel for you. It's tough when you're in that spot of TTC where you're just wishing time would go quickly so you can start new. Hugs.

@Anna_1021 I'm glad you are able to start IUI right away. I hope you are able to trigger before Easter. Also sorry to hear work has been so crazy busy for you. That added stress on top of the IF is difficult. Hopefully your boss listened to your concerns and is able to come up with a solution. I know it's hard just to let your boss know that type of stuff to - that what you've been given is too much for one person. Good for you for trying to get him/her to understand.

Diagnosis (If you've been): non-IR PCOS

Cycle/CD: month 15/cycle 5/CD 25

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO (kind of)

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Cancelling the cycle and waiting for AF. Over-responded to Gonal-F 150 iu. We were planning on doing TI.

How are things going? This morning I had 18 follicles measuring 13+, and most were 15+. Somehow, most of these popped up since Friday. They gave us the decision of cancelling or converting to IVF. We decided to cancel. We are still feeling hopeful that injectables + TI will work because ***TW*** it has worked before, though it resulted in MC. ***end TW*** It really sucks cancelling, but I don't think we are ready to move on to IVF yet, and if we wait 3 more cycles, IVF will be covered by insurance whereas it isn't covered now. I have a really high AMH so they have difficulty getting me to respond, and then once I respond, my ovaries go crazy, so I'm nervous this will keep happening, though I feel lucky that my results with IVF would likely be good because of this kind of response.

Any questions?

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)? We didn't have a tradition besides the regular Easter morning hunt around the house with just me and my sister. I've never participating in an Easter egg hunt as an adult, but I might if someone organized it.

hartmich · April 2017

@leekat14 I'm still rooting for you!

@anna_1021 It can be very disheartening to get to the RE and think that finally, you'll be getting some help, but then to hear the odds are still relatively low... it's really tough. Hang in there, we're all rooting for you! And we're here while you trudge through it all.

@laurad75 I think I'd use an even stronger word than sucky... so many hugs.

Diagnosis (If you've been): PCOS + MFI

Cycle/CD: 10/11

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) We are probably going to miss key days of FW since H will be out of town, but maybe that's a good thing that I won't put too much hope into this cycle before starting BCPs

How are things going? Eh okay, I've been so clean with my diet and was definitely hoping the metformin would make more of an impact on weight loss but so far, not really. I'm determined to stick with it though and hope my body is just slow to react (this has been the case before)

Any questions? Nah

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)?

I'm actually the 2nd youngest of 11 grandchildren on my mom's side so by the time I was old enough for Easter egg hunts, everyone else had kind of grown out of it. But my family is super fun, so one year the adults put money in the eggs... mostly dollar bills, but there were one or two that had $20 and then one that had $50. So picture a group of teenagers running around like idiots searching for these eggs. It was a blast!

We also did egg hunts with airplane bottles inside in college... good times.

wabash15 · April 2017

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

Cycle/CD: 12/13

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO last day... today should be O

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Letrozole, estrongen, trigger, IUI, progesterone, prayer

How are things going? OK, IUI later this morning. man I have been exhausted the last 2 days, I think its the estrogen since I have not been on this high a dose before... it is kicking my A**. andplusalso We decided to do the HCG trigger in the rump (since it was significantly cheaper and its not covered by insurance). I've done this med before with my last RE but I did it as 3 separate injections in my stomach... man my butt still hurts, I give you IVF ladies props. I did not sleep well last night, partially due to a cold I'm getting, my sore rump and waking up repeatedly thinking we were late for our IUI. I'm not sure why I'm so excited/nervous/stressed about this cycle. Maybe its because last time we had 4 follies we got our double rainbow... I really want another baby I just don't want my uterus to be a clown car (HOM). OK end DD thanks for putting up with that

Any questions? nope

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)? We don't but I think I might try to start something with the twins.

@hartmich I

your family's money in the egg tradition!
@laurad75 hugs girl. Are you going to start another round of IVF right away? If so is your RE going to switch up your protocol
@madspunk WOW that's a TON of follies. It sucks that you have to cancel though. hugs.
@anna_1021 GL with your medicated cycle
@leekat14 hang in there! your not out till your out!!

LoveInDC · April 2017

@leekat14 FX for your TWW!

@laurad75 Hugs friend No need to sugar coat it, sometimes things just suck. Hopefully AF shows and gives you a fresh start soon.

@Anna_1021 Sometimes being realistic is better than being hopeful. I’m glad you connected with your RE and that you have a clear path forward. Knowledge is power. Plans are comforting. It might not give you that short-term high, but it will probably help overall. FX for good news from the insurance company and for a good cycle!

@madspunk Hugs hugs hugs I’m sorry this cycle didn’t turn out as planned. FX you don’t have to change your plans anytime soon, but it’s great that insurance will cover IVF in the future if you need it.

@hartmich No way! I’m the 3rd youngest of 12 grandchildren on my mom’s side! When I was finally old enough, the older cousins weren’t allowed to play, so the mean ones would take the money out of the eggs and put the empty egg back. How rude!

@wabash15 FX for your IUI today!

Diagnosis (If you've been): Suspected PCOS. Waiting on BW to confirm and rule out thyroid or cholesterol factors.

Cycle/CD: 3 (month 6)/ 76

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): On Provera waiting for AF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Waiting for BW results on 4/17 to confirm Dx and map out a path forward.

How are things going? I’m off my post-Dx high. I cried a lot this weekend, but it was healing. What was hard was trying to explain PCOS to DH. He was trying to be so optimistic that he really wasn’t letting it sink in and it made me feel so isolated. On the other hand, I talked to my mom, sister, and MIL and they were all amazing.

My parents dealt with MFI TTC me and needed IVF, so when I mentioned that as the final step I could tell my mom really understood. My sister has never known anyone facing IF, so she treaded lightly, asked lots of questions, and was there to distract me. I wasn’t expecting to tell my MIL, but she is dealing with a health scare right now and it just felt right. She was so awesome about it and told me about her friends who dealt with IF and their success stories. She offered to go with me to my appointments, and I took her up on it. It will be nice to have someone with me.

Any questions? Calling PCOS-ers! Dr. Google is failing me. I keep reading conflicting things about types of PCOS. On one hand, I would fit non-IR PCOS (I’ve never struggled with my weight). On the other, I read that some doctors don’t believe in non-IR PCOS and think that the IR just hasn’t developed yet. There are all sorts of PCOS diet things that are supposed to help manage your weight and help your hormones, but would that even apply to me if my weight doesn’t seem to be affected by it?

GTKY: Besides the giant cousin one I was telling @hartmich about, my parents always did an egg hunt around the house. It was just me because my sister was too old at that point. The eggs would be in the cabinet or the piano bench. I would get either candy, pocket change, or a riddle that would lead me to a small present I would definitely do one as an adult and love planning them for my nephew now!

tamalahoops · April 2017

Diagnosis (If you've been): mild mfi, poor egg quality

Cycle/CD: month 24, cycle day - 9 days to transfer!

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): waiting, waiting, waiting!

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) FET of our only embryo

How are things going? Ugh. I didn't post much last week because I was feeling really negative. Don't get me wrong, I am so abundantly grateful for the embryo we have, but I can't help but feel so down that this is really our only shot at pregnancy. I am just so desperately hopeful that this is going to work and my life will stop being consumed by infertility. Also I am really not looking forward to PIO shots that start on Friday.

Any questions?

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)?

I don't remember doing easter egg hunts as a kid. As an adult I don't think I'd be into them either. Seems like a lot of running around.

lund · April 2017

@leekat14 FX for your! How long are your LPs typically?

@laurad75 ugh, so sorry you're going through this. Sending creepy internet hugs and good vibes for your next cycle

@Anna_1021 so glad you're moving forward with IUI! And, I agree that it's probably best that your RE was honest and didn't get your hopes up. FX so hard though!

@madspunk ugh that's a tough decision, but sounds like it was the right call. I suppose over-response is better than not responding well enough!

@hartmich good for you sticking with a clean diet! It can only help, even if your body is being slow to respond.

@LoveInDC I'm so glad you're getting great support from your family, even if DH isn't quite grasping the situation. In my experience guys just take longer to fully comprehend things like this. Glad you had a healing weekend

@wabash15 aaaaah so excited for you!!! But sorry about the anxiety, poor sleep, and sore bum. I'll be anxiously awaiting an update after the IUI!

@tamalahoops so sorry you've been having a rough time. FX so hard for this embryo, and I totally get wanting to get off the IF rollercoaster. *slight TW* I had a dream last night that I was KU, and in my dream i said to a friend "I have no idea what I'm going to do with myself now that I'm not consumed with IF and getting KU!" *end TW*

leekat14 · April 2017

@LuND typically 13/14 days...So by Thursday I'll know. I might take a test tomorrow because I have to go to the dentist and they might do xrays....

@wabash15 good luck today!!!

@hartmich I'm sorry your timing won't work out

It's so hard to know what to do. I feel like clomid/triggering isnt going to get the job done. None of it is covered by insurance so if I'm paying out of pocket shouldn't I just start the IVF process?

lund · April 2017

Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI (see siggy)

Cycle/CD: 10/17

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): O should've been this weekend or today. But, we're doing a more relaxed cycle, so I haven't been temping or using OPKs

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

How are things going? Actually pretty good! Thank to the advice of many of you wonderful ladies last week, I called to get an appointment with the OB that has IF experience. And, when making the appointment I found out that he's actually a RE! He splits his time between Fargo, Grand Forks, and Bismarck, and the Bismarck OB office (where I go) website had him listed as an OB with IF experience, which is incorrect

So, I have an appointment June 7th! I'm actually glad we have two months before the appointment because I think it'll take DH some time to get accustom to the idea of more testing and $$$. He's on board with moving forward, but wants to get a clear idea of what insurance will and won't cover, and our expected OOP amount. I'm not sure he'll ever get on board with IVF, so FX so hard that we don't get to that point.

Any questions? Don't think so. Trying to decide if we want to have DH do a repeat SA before our RE appointment, or just wait to see what he says. ETA I may wait until closer to the RE appointment to have DH do a repeat SA since he just finally quit smoking about a month ago and it may not positively affect his SA for another 2 months.

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)? We did Easter morning egg hunts when my sister and I were little, but I've never done one since.

ETA one and once are't the same, and I left out some info

tamalahoops · April 2017

@LoveInDC I love that your mil offered to go to appts with you. Thats amazing. RE appointments can be so isolating and lonely.

@wabash15 My bff has 2 sets of twins. Her life is nuts but she handles it really well. Fx you hit the lottery twice!

@madspunk Dang! All the follies! It sucks to cancel a cycle but unless you're trying to get a TLC special I think thats the best choice. Fx for a better outcome next cycle!

@laurad75 so much love goes out to you. Its definitely sucky. When can you start stims again?

laurad75 · April 2017

Thanks for the support everyone.

@wabash15 My next cycle will not be medicated just to hit the reset button. We are meeting with our RE next week to discuss what went wrong and what we will do next cycle. I want him to change the protocol but I don't know where we will go from here.

hartmich · April 2017

@lund Remind me again what your doc said about your H's first SA results? Your siggy says 26 mil, which I was told by my RE above 20 mil is normal?

@loveindc I went down the same rabbit hole regarding non-IR vs IR, but I decided I didn't care because I found studies that showed Metformin helped to lower miscarriage rates in both types, so I figured that means they don't truly understand how it all really works yet.

lund · April 2017

@hartmich hey lady

My doc said that 40mil+ is normal, meaning that DH's was about half of normal. And, by Kruger strict methods, morph above 15% is considered normal, so his is low. I've done a ton of research on this, and some say that 5%+ morph is normal, and some say 15%+ is normal. I asked my doc and he reiterated that 5% is low. HOWEVER, the doc I'm referring to is an OB, and I've heard from multiple people that RE's usually have a different perspective on SA results. So, maybe the RE will think that my DH's SA was fine... but by then we'll be on our 12th cycle TTC, so it won't hurt to move forward with other testing.

vflux33 · April 2017

@laurad75 Really sorry that's shitty. Hopefully the new protocol will yield different results.
@Anna_1021 Hopefully you're follicles will do their thing earlier in the week so you don't have to worry about the weekend/holiday thing.
@madspunk Sorry you had to cancel this cycle, but it sounds like you made the right decision given your history and situation. Hopefully you won't have the same issue again next cycle.
@hartmich Missing the FW is so annoying but I guess if it lowers your stress prior to starting BCP that isn't as bad. GL with your diet--I know it can be so hard to make good diets work. I'm back and forth on a diet for awhile now and coconut flour has helped me a lot.
@wabash15 Sorry you had such a rough night--I also have trouble waking up from paranoia when I have an important event the next day. FX really hard for your IUI today (and that it doesn't result in a clown car--made me laugh so hard).
@LoveInDC My parents also struggled with IF for 8 long years before finding a solution and it is so, so helpful to talk to them about it (especially since no-one else I know IRL has gone through it). I hope you get some answers regarding diagnosis soon.
@tamalahoops I left the bump for 5-6 months because I was feeling negative, so I totally get not posting when you're feeling like that. It's too bad you only have one embryo but if it works then it'll all be worth it. FX for you and GL with all the stress!
@LuND That's so great you can get to an actual RE without a ton of travel! I'm sure that must take down the stress level a lot. I don't know a ton about MFI, but I think if you do anything to increase his count between now and June such as increased exercise or supplements that might be early enough to see results in a new SA so if I were you I'd go for it--it doesn't cost much and it can't hurt.

Diagnosis (If you've been): I'll just say "ovulation disorder" by way of uncooperative pituitary gland
Cycle/CD: 13 months 11 cycles/ CD 45

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) currently last unmedicated cycle then Clomid and IUI

How are things going? OK. We had good timing but I'm not hopeful about this cycle and I kind of want to get on with the next cycle and move forward at this point.

Any questions? Probably something will occur to me later but for now I'm good. You guys were very cool with answering my questions the last 2 weeks.
GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)? Nope, I'm a Jew so we had Passover Seder instead, which involves significantly less chocolate, sadly.

hartmich · April 2017

@lund OH yea, I would definitely be talking to an RE if I were you and I'm so glad you're doing that! Since 26 mil is kind of borderline, maybe for your H's peace of mind (and yours?) getting a second SA done could show higher numbers and make you both feel a little better!

JuneRoseRuby · April 2017

Diagnosis (If you've been): Severe MFI, Robertsonian Translocation

Cycle/CD: 17/2

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): NTNP

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) H is on Clomid. SA in May

How are things going? I had a really sad night last night. Over the weekend, I went to my parents' house because my brother and his family were in visiting with their 6 month old. My mom had gotten out all of our old baby blankets and wash cloths that she still has, and our one remaining baby spoon, and I couldn't believe how hard it was for me to see my family holding the baby in my old baby stuff. I sobbed a real ugly cry last night for myself because after 17 months TTC I should have a baby wrapped in those blankets and I should be watching my parents dote on my baby.

Any questions? nada

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)? No Easter egg traditions. I told H we should do one for our dogs this year since we can't seem to get KTFU

I was MIA since Thursday last week, so I wanted to tell you @heatherdubrow I am so sorry and I hope you had all the bubbles. I am thinking of you. HUGS.

@laurad75 I am so sorry too, I hope your new plan gives you hope.

@madspunk I am so sorry for the canceled cycle.

@tamalahoops I am so excited and hopeful for you!

lund · April 2017

@vflux33 Thanks! Yeah, DH quit smoking about a month ago (was supposed to have quit about 3 months ago... don't get me started *eyeroll*) and I've been forcing supplements down his throat lol. He could still stand to lose some weight and exercise more, so we're working on that as well. Saving money on RE treatments and/or IUI is a good motivator for him to adopt a healthier lifestyle

I may wait until closer to the RE appointment to have DH do a repeat SA since he just finally quit smoking about a month ago and it may not positively affect his SA for another 2 months.

@hartmich yeah I'm so glad that this doc is an actual RE, since I didn't think there was one within a 275 mile radius. I'm anxious to hear his perspective on the SA and our situation. (repeating myself because I was dumb and didn't originally put this in my post) I may wait until closer to the RE appointment to have DH do a repeat SA since he just finally quit smoking about a month ago and it may not positively affect his SA for another 2 months.

wabash15 · April 2017

@tamalahoops its totally understandable your feeling the way you are. So much is riding on what is hopefully one amazing little frostie. Fx so hard for you and big hugs. I know we could handle twins again somehow but we might loose our minds a bit if it ends up being 3+...
@lund I am so damn happy that your able to see an RE at your office!!! as for the SA I don't think it could hurt to repeat it prior to your RE appointment so that you have more information on your first visit.
@loveindc hugs, sorry it was a rough weekend.
@laurad75 hopefully a cycle off of everything will do you some good if nothing other than the mental and physical break. hugs
@vflux33 TW** last time we got KTFU before we had our first US I had a recurrent dream that it was triplets. I told my DH that if my uterus had turned into a clown car he was going to become a SAHD! There were only 2 in there. I don't think that it helps that I stalk the PAIF board and there are two new mammas on there that are pregnant with triplets and quads and one of the regulars was pregnant with triplets but it looks like it will end i a twin pregnancy. End TW**

[Deleted User] · April 2017

@leekat14 FX for you, but I understand your emotional need to not put pressure on this, so *hugs*
@laurad75 Sending you all my good vibes. I'm so sorry for what you're dealing with. Are you doing more IVF? Do you guys have a plan for how many you would ultimately want to do? Sorry if this question is overstepping.
@madspunk Sorry for the hyper stim. PCOS really effing sucks in that way. I DO think it will help with IVF, but I hope you don't need it. I've read something about how PCOSers can have lower quality eggs because the body focuses on quantity over quality. Have you heard that? Not sure if it's true or not. I've been reading It Starts With The Egg and taking daily supplements to try to improve egg quality for this reason.
@hartmich yay for clean eating! I personally advocate (whenever possible) to not actually weigh yourself. I would suggest just eating super clean, exercising regularly, taking your Met, and just let that be enough. I think scales can give you bad readings depending on time of day, timing of your cycle, quality of scale... and it ends up really messing with people's heads. I think scales are evil.
@wabash15 FX for your IUI today!!
@LoveInDC First, *Hugs*. Second, I'm happy you have such wonderful women in your family! Don't ever hesitate to lean on them as hard as you need to. As for NIR PCOS I think it's total BS what you read about it "not existing". But this is also why it will be SO important for you to get your 3 hour glucose test - insist on it if they don't give you that specific test. Every single test i've ever had (I've had a lot in my life) for insulin shows that my body is completely fine. My RE actually complemented me on passing it with flying colors. I do not, have not ever had a problem with insulin and I'm nearly 30. The midwives, the OB, and the RE have all three immediately diagnosed me as NIR PCOS and if all three of those agree then I would say that's enough for me. That being said, you CAN have IR PCOS and not struggle with your weight. Again, this is where that 3 hour glucose test comes into play. So important!
@tamalahoops Sending you big hugs, lady.
@LuND Woohoo for getting in with an RE!

AFM:

Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS

Cycle/CD: 13/23

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Either TWW or I didn't ovulate so WFAF.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Waiting this cycle out - starting BC for IVF next cycle.

How are things going? I'm just super proud that I haven't started spotting yet. The past few cycles were extremely short and I started spotting super early.

Any questions? Nope

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)?
Nope - we were boring. Just a basket. Easter was never really that big of a deal in our house. H and I are not even a little bit religious so I would never participate in things like this.

vflux33 · April 2017

@JuneRoseRuby So sorry about your day. That sounds very upsetting. Many creepy internet hugs to you.

@wabash15 Ha! Oh man, I have not checked out the PAIF board and now I might have to go freak out while lurking there so thanks but no thanks for that!

@antoto Yay for no spotting! I feel you on the not religious bit. I was raised Jewish but I married an agnostic who was raised Baptist-- we don't come down on other folks for their beliefs, but we don't really mess with the holidays ourselves.

vflux33 · April 2017

@LuND Quitting smoking is tough. BUT will be easier to start exercising without all that crap in his lungs!

laurad75 · April 2017

@antoto Thanks. Yes, we will continue on for sure. We are just taking a cycle off from meds and then getting right back to it.

kiwi2628 · April 2017

Hey guys! I am both very sad, but also excited to be here. I am P & G right now, I will be back later

Diagnosis (If you've been): n/a

Cycle/CD: 9/1

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Going to the RE for the first time this week

How are things going? Honestly, I didn't even sweat last cycle. I knew it wasn't gonna happen since it hasn't happen, so I am mostly really excited to go to the RE and try to get some answers (and hopefully solutions!)

Any questions? Ok, so my first RE appt is Wednesday. Any questions I should ask or anything I should do or know ahead of time?

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)?

Hell yes I would participate! We always had the golden egg in my family, which wont you an extra prize. We also did our easter egg hunt inside because after our hunt, we would go outside. All our neighbors were around our age so our parents his eggs in all the yards in the neighborhood and all the kids on our street participated in a massive, multi-house hunt. I loved it!

[Deleted User] · April 2017

@LuND I've always thought it was weird how nearly every doc/RE has a different opinion on SA results. For our IUIs H had SUPER low post wash count but the RE was completely unphased by it. I'm still bothered by it. This is why I'm insisting on ICSI when we do IVF. Also I'll admit that I'm weirdly looking forward to seeing how your H's SA might change with quitting smoking, taking supplements, and getting healthier.

[Deleted User] · April 2017

@JuneRoseRuby Oh girl your post hit me with all the feels. I am so sorry that your weekend went that way. Both of my sisters have LOs. Watching your parents coo over your sibling's kids is honestly a really specific kind of hurt.

hartmich · April 2017

@antoto I know it's just so hard when the scale can be so motivating! Even if I just saw a drop due to water weight or something but nope, my body is literally the worst when it comes to that. I remember before my wedding, every time I'd go in for alterations they'd need to take the dress in more and more each time, but my scale wasn't budging (and was actually going up). It's just harder to see that kind of change in my body now when I'm already in my fat clothes (i.e. leggings)

Hopefully you can get this cycle outta here soon so you can start the BCP.

tamalahoops · April 2017

@JuneRoseRuby Ouch, what a tough weekend. My parents saved nothing of mine (womp womp) so I'm glad I won't go through that. Do you think your mom has some stuff stashed just for you? I know my mil has all of my husband's special stuff, including the outfit he went home in, saved for us.

lund · April 2017

@kiwi2628 so sorry you're here, girl. But, I think it's great that you're moving forward with a RE appt. FX you get answers and are KTFU in short order!

@antoto Yeah, from what I've read, each doc's opinion on SAs seem almost entirely anecdotal to their experience. I mean, I'll be glad if the RE isn't concerned about the previous SA, but if I'm still not KU it doesn't really matter lol. Haha I'm incredibly curious too! I'd make him do another one now and then again in May if it were possible for him to collect the sample at home. But, alas, I'm trying to spare him superfluous awkward doctor's office masturbatory experiences

vflux33 · April 2017

@kiwi2628 I had my first RE appointment a few weeks ago and had a page of typed notes with a bunch of questions in it that I thought would be relevant, but when it came down to it the RE had a specific direction she was already going in the appointment with a long quickly spoken explanation/spiel and there was very little room for questions. I was expecting more questions re: family history, but there were a few. The appointment went by fast--my RE does a vaginal US in her initial consult, I had already had most of the basic blood taken through my OB, and my RE also has a policy of getting a SA done prior to the appointment so we already had some sense of direction too, meaning that we knew, as she had not so politely stated to MH by phone that "I'm the problem" because his SA was normal and my ovulation pattern is all over the place. She gave us a ton of info at once and although I trust her judgement and feel good about our plan, I remember thinking that very little felt specifically tailored to me/our situation. I brought my recent printed chart thinking I would show it to her but never even showed her because it didn't feel like there was room for questions about that when it came down to it. Maybe other people have had different experiences, but I guess, based on mine, my point is: if you have 1 or 2 really important questions specifically about your medical history, write them down beforehand, and be prepared not to have the opportunity to ask as many questions as you think you will. Also make sure to tell the RE all vitamins and supplements you're taking because mine told me some stuff about that I didn't expect (she told me I was taking too much vitamin D and that it cause birth defects in such high amounts, said not to take Vitamin C, said to quit cod liver oil because it has too much vitamin A and that can cause birth defects too). Sorry for how incredible long-winded that was--hope you get something out of it! Probably would be shorter if you ask me in 6 months, but right now it's still fresh in my mind.

[Deleted User] · April 2017

@LuND Sorry I keep tagging you LOL. But I just looked at your convo about morph. I think the reason why there is discrepancy on this is that because it's a percentage it's more dependent on the total count. Like if someone has super high count than 5 % is totally fine, but if they have super low count then it isn't. According to my RE (who uses W.H.O 4th edition) total motile sperm in a sample is normal if there's at least 20 million motile sperm in the sample. Also according to the Kruger Strict Criteria average morph is normal if it's 5% or greater. So if your H has at least 20 mil motile sperm and also 5% or greater then it's likely the RE will say your H is fine.

Edited to clarify sources.

Editing again because every darn time I Google it I find different results. F it. According to some sources my H is also considered low count, and in others he's not. Whatever. I guess you'll see what your RE says!

lund · April 2017

antoto said:

@LuND Sorry I keep tagging you LOL. But I just looked at your convo about morph. I think the reason why there is discrepancy on this is that because it's a percentage it's more dependent on the total count. Like if someone has super high count than 5 % is totally fine, but if they have super low count then it isn't. According to my RE (who uses W.H.O 4th edition) total motile sperm in a sample is normal if there's at least 20 million motile sperm in the sample. Also according to the Kruger Strict Criteria average morph is normal if it's 5% or greater. So if your H has at least 20 mil motile sperm and also 5% or greater then it's likely the RE will say your H is fine.

Edited to clarify sources.

Tag away!

And this totally makes sense! Here's my DH's full results (I think our saving grace is that his volume is HUGE)
In spoiler box because the pic is huge:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/2t/a7byj9pfk0bp.png

LoveInDC · April 2017

@tamalahoops My MIL is a saint. I am so grateful that we live so close. FX so hard for your embryo. It only takes one. Just make sure to take care of yourself too during all of this

@LuND Thanks That’s so awesome you stumbled on an RE!!! Any reason why you think DH would be against IVF? Is it just the money?

@hartmich The more I read about PCOS the more I learn that no one knows anything. No one knows what causes it or for sure how to treat it. No one knows what are symptoms and what are causes. It makes me wonder how anyone can be so optimistic or positive of a course of treatment. If there are lifestyle changes I can make that will help, I want to do them, but I don’t want to turn my life upside down for no reason.

@vflux33 I’m sorry you’re still in limbo with your Dx. Hopefully you fall on the right answer and GKTFU sooner rather than later.

@JuneRoseRuby Hugs hugs hugs for such a bad night/weekend. I’m sorry things aren’t working out on the timeline you imagined. FX you get your take home baby soon.

@wabash15 Thanks friend!

@antoto Thanks for all the love and support, especially on last week’s thread. I will add the 3 hour glucose test to my notes and bring it up at my next appointment. I am so excited for your IVF next cycle!!! Can’t wait to root for that sticky bean

@kiwi2628 I’m so excited for your first RE appointment! FX it’s a good fit and you and YH feel confident with their plan forward.

lund · April 2017

@LoveInDC it's mostly the money. I'm pretty sure that if IVF cost $200 DH would be like "sure why not" lol.

[Deleted User] · April 2017

@LuND DANG that volume tho!!! LOL and yeah I think since he has less than 20 Mil motile sperm in the entire sample that would for sure be low - at least with my RE. I really do believe that you will see some improvement with his lifestyle changes though! So it's great that he's willing to make those changes, even if it took a while.

vflux33 · April 2017

@LoveInDC Thanks, but I'm not expecting a more specific diagnosis at this point (though I could get another one, especially since I haven't had my tubes checked yet). A few weeks ago I was confused about a term my RE used, but have concluded it doesn't have an actual name. I understand how it works enough to be satisfied moving forward with our plan. Thankfully, my RE is optimistic so I'm trying to hang onto that and leave questions about what to call it behind.

LoveInDC · April 2017

LuND said:

@LoveInDC it's mostly the money. I'm pretty sure that if IVF cost $200 DH would be like "sure why not" lol.

Walking out of the RE like:

Image: https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2016/03/31/635949902457511832380581315_635949893406801675-826025298_200.gif

^^^^ Ideal world right there.

magnolia131 · April 2017

Diagnosis (If you've been): PCOS, MFI (mildly low count)

Cycle/CD: 16/31

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Repeat testing earlier this cycle (SA & bloodwork), waiting for second opinion on treatment from a new RE, tracking BBT/CM, a bunch of supplements, Metformin, working with a Dietitian.

How are things going? I finally meet with my new (and good lord willing final) RE this week! I've waited for over a month but this doctor is known for their good bedside manner so I'm hopeful to finally get some answers on certain things that were not adding up with my last RE.

Any questions?

GTKY: Do/did you have Easter egg hunt traditions in your family? Would you participate in one as an adult with friends (or even strangers)? As a child my parents would do Easter egg hunts in our backyard with plastic eggs/candy. I'd also do one with my church. As an adult, we alternate between families for Thanksgiving/Easter each year. I usually put together Easter Baskets for whomever we are celebrating with that year. Michael's and Target's Dollar Spot make it easy and fun to throw together!

@Anna_1021 I'm glad you seem to like your RE! I know what you mean with cost adding pressure. It's hard not to feel that way. I'm sorry that you are not overly hopeful but as you said, sometimes a level head can be advantageous with the crazy challenges IF throws our way.

@madspunk I'm so sorry that you had to cancel. I think your reasoning for waiting for IVF is sound, especially given the considerations for insurance coverage. It definitely is not a step you want to take before feeling fully ready.

@hartmich Your egg hunts sound like so much fun! Our Easter this year is all adults so I may consider your airplane bottle in plastic egg idea for the Easter baskets I'm making!

@wabash15 I hope your IUI goes well! I'm sorry you are feeling all the feels right now but I still have my FX so hard for you!

@LoveInDC It's totally possible that your inclination towards having non-IR PCOS is correct, however I think this can only be confirmed with bloodwork. I am of normal weight and spend much of my life being underweight, but my BW from my 3 hour glucose test placed me in the range for Diabetes and my BW showed IR. **TW** I was bulimic throughout my adolescence and my doctor seemed to believe my IR and blood sugar levels could be an after effect of that **end TW** That is not to scare you or to say my story is yours- it's obviously not. I would, however, recommend stepping away from Dr. Google as much as possible and see what your BW says. I do hope though that you're correct and your PCOS is of the non-IR variety. I'm really happy to hear your family was so supportive!

@tamalahoops FX for your embryo. I'm so sorry you're having a rough time.

@LuND I'm so happy you have an appointment! I agree that sometimes a little time between next steps can be beneficial for our sanity, even if the waiting can be so hard some days. I agree with @vflux33 that there's no harm in seeing what you can do to improve DH's count between now and then. This could also help you feel like you guys are still taking some steps while you wait for your consult.

@JuneRoseRuby Big hugs. That would get me in a dark and twisty place. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that trigger and hope you can do something nice for yourself to take your mind off things this week.

@kiwi2628 Best of luck with your RE this week! I hope they can help give you some answers.

LoveInDC · April 2017

@vflux33 They were calling it "pituitary pause" right? Or something like that? I guess in some respects knowing the cause is better than having a name for it. Either way, I'm glad you have a way forward with some optimism. FX so hard for you.

IF/testing check in - week of 4/3

Re: IF/testing check in - week of 4/3

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