@lund Sorry for your news about low AMH. I have lurked the IF boards quite a bit and have seen people who have had success with lower numbers. I hope your conversations with your H go well and you have a plan soon xo
@adirat @haylsbayls. Yeee-hawww!!!! So gald to see you both in the game!!!
@lund (((hugs))) I was going to say, I think progesterone is just one of those "kitchen sink" things they like to throw at people, but it sounds like you have more big conversations ahead with YH... GL and hope you guys can come to a place you feel good about. ❤
@AlohaKumu. Ahh!!! So great to be on the schedule!!!! What a good feeling :) are they having you be prepared with donor backup then as well???
@LeilaK9288 our experience was a bit drawn out. First, we were seeing the Catholic Napro doctors, and we really didn't want to be pushed into ivf without exhausting our other options. We had a recommendation from the SA lab, but we waited to keep him as a second opinion after seeing the doctors our family doctor referred us to first...
The first one was a Catholic urologist he knew from school... except 1) he was actually more of an oncologist. 2) the first thing he said was basically, "yay TESE+ICSI!" so we were kinda like wut and 3) he was 2 hours away. But so he did the prostate exam and ordered labs and TRUS (transrectal u/s) to look for any blocked ejaculatory ducts. We went and did that while waiting for the f/u with the RU from his team, also 2 hours away.
When we met him, we didn't really like the first RU. He was completely dismissive of exploring any possibility of tube reconstruction or even checking for blockages etc. The FSH at like 11.1 he said clearly indicated NOA, (even though the "normal range" on paper is <12.4, aptly they do like to see it under 10), and while "lighting could have struck twice," in his opinion there was no point in even <i>looking</i> at the possibility of any obstructions bc his primary dx was NOA. He talked to us a lot about donor sperm. Like a lot a lot. He further ordered all the genetic tests, but we waited to draw those for our second opinion bc we pretty much figured this guy was not the doctor for us.
At our third urologist apt, the new doctor also did all the palpations etc. But he was the first to tell us he <i>didn't palpate any tubes</i>, if you can believe that. Okay, so what, exactly, was eveyone else feeling aound for!!!?!? Lol. So that was a bit of a shock. He ordered all the genetic tests and had us come back for another u/s in office, since his last scrotal u/s was from a few years prior and we only had the report and a fuzzy cdrom. When we finally came back, we discussed his genetic results, and he did the u/s. We discussed his treatment plan, and put him on Clomid to boost the chances of a successful retrieval (kinda at my request), either via TESE or MESA, depending on what he finds once he's in there. He will also be looking to assess the tube situation to determine the feasibility of a microsurgical tube repair. He ordered labs for 3-4 weeks out to check how the Clomid was working, and unfortunately the FSH was greatly elevated (27, I think), along with the T. So he's maybe less optimistic now about a tube repair working for us based on that, but we shall see.
We could have done his retrieval this month, but we found a way to get insurance in place, and pushed it back a month to July so it will be covered (instead of about $7,500 OOP). Meanwhile, I also got myself in for a consult in with an RE, in hopeful anticipation of doing IVF. Now I'm on their radar, I have a projected protocol/ loose testing/retrieval schedule based somewhat on finding sperm etc., so we have come a long way from our furst urologist apt back in October or November, whenever that was.
Honestly, even with a similar overall dx, everyone's journey is going to be a bit different, based on your doctor's approach, and what specific findings start to come back, once they get testing. But you will manage somehow bc each and every tidbit of information is a step in the right direction. :) fx super hard for you, it's "just" obstructive and they can perform a microsurgical fix!!! Dare to hope! ❤
@lund so sorry about the AMH results. I hope that you and your RE can figure out a good plan together. I know things probably feel pretty down right now, but try to keep your head up *hugs*
@beachbunnyxo123 glad that you are feeling good and have been able to feel a little more chill this cycle!
@kiwiw2628 girrlll I am sure I will do the same thing. It is def way early!
@TravelingCouple hope things go well for you today with your busy and crazy day!
Thank you all so much for the love and support! At this point I'm really confused because my RE's nurse is saying that my AMH number is within normal range.
To be fair, this is the range that the lab provides with the test: normal = 0.9 - 9.5 ng/mL
And the dimwit just confirmed that she is, in fact, referring to that. I feel like I'm dealing with an RE clinic that's stuck in the twilight zone or something.
But, BUT the good news is that after talking with DH last night, he's now totally willing to do IVF since we have some decent insurance coverage (after we meet our deductible). He used to be dead set against it, so that's definitely boosted my spirits!
@kiwi2628 way early. We've all been there! When your brain is shouting at you not to waste an HPT but you just can't stop yourself. Not dumb, just wishful. You're def not out for this month
@lund Sorry to hear about levels At least you and YH have some answers and can work to develop a plan with RE! Good luck!
@BusinessWife omg thank you for detailing your story! I think the worst part about this is "the unknown," so hearing you ladies share your stories at least gives me an idea of what to expect at these appointments, what questions to ask etc. Of course all the underlying causes for dx will be dramatically different and require different approaches and doctors all have their own method. When my RE talked to me about the SA's, he immediately began asking if MH had brothers or if we would be open to donors. I was like umm.. how about we see a urologist and figure out what's going on before even mentioning donors? It really bugged me.
@lund I'm glad he's on board with IVF as an option. You are having the worst luck with your RE's office! Remind me, there's no other options for an RE, right? Move back to CO, we have plenty here
Me: 28 | DH: 33 EDD: March 24, 2018 - angel baby at 21 weeks
@lund Glad you and YH are on the same page now! That's so important. Also we should exchange notes on how to deal with our less than ideal fertility clinics...
@lund That's great that YH is finally open to IVF! MH is pretty resistant to the idea (obviously we're a long way away from that since we haven't even done 1 medicated cycle yet, but we went ahead and discussed the options). Hoping that if the time comes I'll be able to change his mind, so it's encouraging to hear that YH had a change of heart about it. And definite woo hoo for insurance coverage!!!!!!!!!
@haylsbayls dude, moving back to CO would be the best thing EVER. If we do IVF I may actually have to look into Colorado RE's because I could stay with family, so the only extra OOP cost could be flights. Now you have the wheels in my head turning!
@vflux33 yeah, WTAF - effing RE's that have a monopoly in an under-served area are the actual worst.
@Pinky917 seriously! The worst part is that I almost feel bad for pestering the nurse so much, and she's being kind of a bitch. I sent her the information that I was using to interpret AMH, and she responded "the range we use is 0.9 - 9.5 ng/mL so your AMH isn't a concern at this time"
So a co-worker just saw the 7-inch tall Rx bottle of Metformin sticking out of my purse and asked what it was for. I said it was for "insulin resistance" even though I haven't actually been dx with insulin resistance as part of my PCOS. (Although I read a scientific article a few weeks ago that said they now think all women with PCOS, even those who don't test with insulin resistance, might have some degree of insulin sensitivity.) But really....who asks someone about their Rx medication? None of your business! Maybe I should've put this in WTF Wednesday, but I figure this board can relate more to the "I don't really feel like talking about my fertility issues right now k thx" feeling.
Also...Metformin bottles are comically large. If they put me on more Metformin, I'll have to buy the bottle its own purse.
@lund My nurse told me that my AMH was fine, as well as my AFC. Three weeks later st my follow up, I found out it wasn't. I felt like going to find her and shaking her. Like, I know something's not right. That's where we are here! I could've been doing my research for the last three and come in with the proper questions!! Sorry about the low AMH though. You'll find the plan that's best for you. Glad H is on board if IVF becomes an issue
@beanship yowza! That's sooo uncool. Ohhhh, you should buy a bottle of hemorrhoid cream and put it in her purse when she's not looking and then ask her what it's for.
Me: 31 DH: 32 Dating since: 11/17/2001 Married: 9/26/2009 TTC: June 2016
@LeilaK9288 ugh, so sorry for the gut punch. This IF stuff isn't for the faint of heart.
@beanship the next time anyone asks what a medication is for tell them its for the voices in your head. And then stare at them intensely for as long as they'll keep eye contact. Also, I'm pretty sure I have a lady-boner for you because you're kinda awesome.
@beachbunnyxo123 glad you're feeling relaxed when do you plan to test (how can I not ask???)?
@lund That's a big step for your DH to get on board with the IVF with your insurance coverage! Awesome news!
@BusinessWife They haven't specifically mentioned donor sperm to us again, but we are going to take a pause if we discover that DH doesn't have anything. There's no way I will be emotionally ready to move forward with any process for a few months if our retrievals aren't successful.
Me: 35 DH: 28 TTC since June 2016 Azoospermia diagnosis (zero count) Dec 2016 AZFc chromosome microdeletion discovery March 2017 Unsuccessful TESE for DH in August 2017 October 2017 IVF with donor sperm
29R, 24M, 16F, 2d5, 4d6 (6 embryos total) Only 3 could have PGS. 2/3 normal. 5 embies frozen 12/15/17 FET #1 (1 embryo)--CP 2/7/17 FET #2 (2 embryos)--BFN Chronic endometritis diagnosis May 2018
ERA Sept 2018--borderline receptive--12 more hours of progesterone Abnormal SIS Oct 2018 Repeat hysteroscopy Nov 1. Treated recurring endometritis. 12/4/18 FET #3 (2 embryos)--BFN Our journey has come to an end.
For future newbie reference, I've figured out how to make Fertility Friend work if you're just starting it at the end of a long cycle. Put your real last period in. It will then tell you to put in a more recent period to start tracking (because apparently FF thinks it's inconceivable for a woman to have 60+ day cycles). Go back one month or less from the current day and put in one day of a period as a fake "get-FF-to-work" period. Use the note function to make a note on that day reminding yourself that this was a fake period to make Fertility Friend work and reminding yourself to go back and remove the fake period once you start your next cycle.
Question: My OBGYN's office left me a message saying that it was time for my annual. I got a pap smear last year (and my OB says you only need them every 3 yrs now), and I think my RE has looked up my hoo-ha enough and taken enough swabs down there to determine that I don't have any infections. Do I need to have an annual? At this point, I feel like I might as well just save myself the $45 co-pay.
ETA: DH won't let me call the OB and ask whether I need to come in for the annual because he says I shouldn't call a business and ask them if I need to spend money there. So I'm asking you ladies.
@beanship Yeah, they changed it to every 3 years. I'd tell them thanks but no thanks unless you have an actual reason to get one so soon again (i.e. symptoms of cervical cancer or some other concern like that).
@lund Some docs are glad o get an IF patient with AMH at or above 1. There are many people who have been successful (with IVF ) at lower numbers. I think when they said normal they probably meant within a range of normal. And as they ladies have said. I had an AMH or 1.8 and my doc at the time said... not too shabby old lady! I then bought all the books (it starts with egg and How to improve egg quality) I did many of the things and its currently above 2 (2.3 I think at last check) I wont lie... I feel like a supplement devouring machine who only live to put the little pills down the gullet. But I hope itll be worth it. @beanship Your gifs give me life! lol We can call your pill pouches "fertility modesty pouches" lollolol @TravelingCouple Hope all is going or has gone well!!
@beanship your co worker sounds like a piece of work. Who the F asks about a Rx bottle they see randomly in someone else's purse?!? I can't stand nosy ass bitches. Sorry, I'm a bit cranky today.
Re: IF/Testing Weekly Check In June 26
*TW*
With both of my MCs I never got a positive test at 10 dpo. It's early, you're not out!
TW
@kiwi2628
Dating: 2/2007 Married: 4/2011
TTC #1: 9/2016
*TW*
BFP #2: 3/9/2017 - CP: 3/10/2017
08/2017: DH's SA = normal
08/2017: Low progesterone (4.6) all other BW normal
11/2017: HSG Clear; Pelvic Ultrasound Normal; and AMH, FSH, and Estradiol normal
12/2017: 1,000mg Metformin
12/2017: 50mg Clomid + TI = BFN
01/2018: 100mg Clomid + TI = BFN
01/2018: RE Consult
03/2018: 5mg Letrozole + 50 units Gonal-F + 500 μg Ovidrel + IUI = BFP #3: 4/1/2018 - CP: 4/4/2018
04/2018: 5mg Letrozole + Gonal-F + Ovidrel + IUI = BFP #4: 5/2/18
@lund (((hugs))) I was going to say, I think progesterone is just one of those "kitchen sink" things they like to throw at people, but it sounds like you have more big conversations ahead with YH... GL and hope you guys can come to a place you feel good about. ❤
@AlohaKumu. Ahh!!! So great to be on the schedule!!!! What a good feeling :) are they having you be prepared with donor backup then as well???
@LeilaK9288 our experience was a bit drawn out. First, we were seeing the Catholic Napro doctors, and we really didn't want to be pushed into ivf without exhausting our other options. We had a recommendation from the SA lab, but we waited to keep him as a second opinion after seeing the doctors our family doctor referred us to first...
The first one was a Catholic urologist he knew from school... except 1) he was actually more of an oncologist. 2) the first thing he said was basically, "yay TESE+ICSI!" so we were kinda like wut and 3) he was 2 hours away. But so he did the prostate exam and ordered labs and TRUS (transrectal u/s) to look for any blocked ejaculatory ducts. We went and did that while waiting for the f/u with the RU from his team, also 2 hours away.
When we met him, we didn't really like the first RU. He was completely dismissive of exploring any possibility of tube reconstruction or even checking for blockages etc. The FSH at like 11.1 he said clearly indicated NOA, (even though the "normal range" on paper is <12.4, aptly they do like to see it under 10), and while "lighting could have struck twice," in his opinion there was no point in even <i>looking</i> at the possibility of any obstructions bc his primary dx was NOA. He talked to us a lot about donor sperm. Like a lot a lot. He further ordered all the genetic tests, but we waited to draw those for our second opinion bc we pretty much figured this guy was not the doctor for us.
At our third urologist apt, the new doctor also did all the palpations etc. But he was the first to tell us he <i>didn't palpate any tubes</i>, if you can believe that. Okay, so what, exactly, was eveyone else feeling aound for!!!?!? Lol. So that was a bit of a shock. He ordered all the genetic tests and had us come back for another u/s in office, since his last scrotal u/s was from a few years prior and we only had the report and a fuzzy cdrom. When we finally came back, we discussed his genetic results, and he did the u/s. We discussed his treatment plan, and put him on Clomid to boost the chances of a successful retrieval (kinda at my request), either via TESE or MESA, depending on what he finds once he's in there. He will also be looking to assess the tube situation to determine the feasibility of a microsurgical tube repair. He ordered labs for 3-4 weeks out to check how the Clomid was working, and unfortunately the FSH was greatly elevated (27, I think), along with the T. So he's maybe less optimistic now about a tube repair working for us based on that, but we shall see.
We could have done his retrieval this month, but we found a way to get insurance in place, and pushed it back a month to July so it will be covered (instead of about $7,500 OOP). Meanwhile, I also got myself in for a consult in with an RE, in hopeful anticipation of doing IVF. Now I'm on their radar, I have a projected protocol/ loose testing/retrieval schedule based somewhat on finding sperm etc., so we have come a long way from our furst urologist apt back in October or November, whenever that was.
Honestly, even with a similar overall dx, everyone's journey is going to be a bit different, based on your doctor's approach, and what specific findings start to come back, once they get testing. But you will manage somehow bc each and every tidbit of information is a step in the right direction. :) fx super hard for you, it's "just" obstructive and they can perform a microsurgical fix!!! Dare to hope! ❤
TW
@beachbunnyxo123 glad that you are feeling good and have been able to feel a little more chill this cycle!
@kiwiw2628 girrlll I am sure I will do the same thing. It is def way early!
@TravelingCouple hope things go well for you today with your busy and crazy day!
[spoiler]
Me: 28 Him: 30
Married: 11/15/14
TTC: 02/2016
IF DX: MFI (low count & morphology) & mild PCOS
June 2016 BFP - MC @8w2d
August 2016 BFP - MC @6w1d
June 2017 - 50 mg Clomid + Ovidrel + IUI = BFP 7/6/17!!
Beta #1 = 422 (14dpo), Beta #2 = 810, prog - 12.3 (16dpo), Beta #3 = 5023, prog - 18.9 (20dpo)
[/spoiler]
To be fair, this is the range that the lab provides with the test: normal = 0.9 - 9.5 ng/mL
And the dimwit just confirmed that she is, in fact, referring to that. I feel like I'm dealing with an RE clinic that's stuck in the twilight zone or something.
But, BUT the good news is that after talking with DH last night, he's now totally willing to do IVF since we have some decent insurance coverage (after we meet our deductible). He used to be dead set against it, so that's definitely boosted my spirits!
Married: 2/1/2012
TTC #1 since August 2016
DH SA Dec 2016: Low count (11.7 mil total motile), 5% morphology, 73% motility
Blood work June 2017: AMH 1.1 (ugh), FSH 8.4, LH: 5.2, estradiol 28 pg/ML, progesterone 7.4
HSG July 2017: tubes clear
BFP 7/24/17 - EDD 4/5/2018
@lund Sorry to hear about levels
@beachbunnyxo123 happy birthday
@BusinessWife omg thank you for detailing your story! I think the worst part about this is "the unknown," so hearing you ladies share your stories at least gives me an idea of what to expect at these appointments, what questions to ask etc. Of course all the underlying causes for dx will be dramatically different and require different approaches and doctors all have their own method. When my RE talked to me about the SA's, he immediately began asking if MH had brothers or if we would be open to donors. I was like umm.. how about we see a urologist and figure out what's going on before even mentioning donors? It really bugged me.
EDD: March 24, 2018 - angel baby at 21 weeks
@vflux33 yeah, WTAF - effing RE's that have a monopoly in an under-served area are the actual worst.
Married: 2/1/2012
TTC #1 since August 2016
DH SA Dec 2016: Low count (11.7 mil total motile), 5% morphology, 73% motility
Blood work June 2017: AMH 1.1 (ugh), FSH 8.4, LH: 5.2, estradiol 28 pg/ML, progesterone 7.4
HSG July 2017: tubes clear
BFP 7/24/17 - EDD 4/5/2018
EDD: March 24, 2018 - angel baby at 21 weeks
Dating since: 11/17/2001
Married: 9/26/2009
TTC: June 2016
EDD: 5/14/2018
EDD: March 24, 2018 - angel baby at 21 weeks
Married 9/2015
TTC #1 6/2016
Dx Unexplained IF 6/2017
Clomid + Ovidrel + IUI 7/2017 - Cancelled (overstimulated)
Letrozole + Ovidrel + IUI #1 - BFN
Letrozole + Ovidrel + IUI #2 -BFN
Letrozole + Ovidrel + IUI#3 - BFP! EDD July 15 2018
Baby Girl H - July 22 2018
@Pinky917 seriously! The worst part is that I almost feel bad for pestering the nurse so much, and she's being kind of a bitch. I sent her the information that I was using to interpret AMH, and she responded "the range we use is 0.9 - 9.5 ng/mL so your AMH isn't a concern at this time"
Married: 2/1/2012
TTC #1 since August 2016
DH SA Dec 2016: Low count (11.7 mil total motile), 5% morphology, 73% motility
Blood work June 2017: AMH 1.1 (ugh), FSH 8.4, LH: 5.2, estradiol 28 pg/ML, progesterone 7.4
HSG July 2017: tubes clear
BFP 7/24/17 - EDD 4/5/2018
@lund I am so happy your H is on the IVF train! And I also vote CO!
Also...Metformin bottles are comically large. If they put me on more Metformin, I'll have to buy the bottle its own purse.
@beanship Who does that?? Some people have no sense of common courtesy. I do love your business idea though...
Dating since: 11/17/2001
Married: 9/26/2009
TTC: June 2016
EDD: 5/14/2018
@LeilaK9288 ugh, so sorry for the gut punch. This IF stuff isn't for the faint of heart.
@beanship the next time anyone asks what a medication is for tell them its for the voices in your head. And then stare at them intensely for as long as they'll keep eye contact. Also, I'm pretty sure I have a lady-boner for you because you're kinda awesome.
@beachbunnyxo123 glad you're feeling relaxed
Married: 2/1/2012
TTC #1 since August 2016
DH SA Dec 2016: Low count (11.7 mil total motile), 5% morphology, 73% motility
Blood work June 2017: AMH 1.1 (ugh), FSH 8.4, LH: 5.2, estradiol 28 pg/ML, progesterone 7.4
HSG July 2017: tubes clear
BFP 7/24/17 - EDD 4/5/2018
@BusinessWife They haven't specifically mentioned donor sperm to us again, but we are going to take a pause if we discover that DH doesn't have anything. There's no way I will be emotionally ready to move forward with any process for a few months if our retrievals aren't successful.
TTC since June 2016
Azoospermia diagnosis (zero count) Dec 2016
AZFc chromosome microdeletion discovery March 2017
Unsuccessful TESE for DH in August 2017
October 2017 IVF with donor sperm
29R, 24M, 16F, 2d5, 4d6 (6 embryos total)
Only 3 could have PGS. 2/3 normal. 5 embies frozen
12/15/17 FET #1 (1 embryo)--CP
2/7/17 FET #2 (2 embryos)--BFN
Chronic endometritis diagnosis May 2018
ERA Sept 2018--borderline receptive--12 more hours of progesterone
Abnormal SIS Oct 2018
Repeat hysteroscopy Nov 1. Treated recurring endometritis.
12/4/18 FET #3 (2 embryos)--BFN
Our journey has come to an end.
ETA: #shepersisted
ETA: DH won't let me call the OB and ask whether I need to come in for the annual because he says I shouldn't call a business and ask them if I need to spend money there.
@beanship Your gifs give me life! lol We can call your pill pouches "fertility modesty pouches" lollolol
@TravelingCouple Hope all is going or has gone well!!