@darkstar42 it seems the HSG experience varies. Mine was fine. Definitely strong cramps as they were doing it (it went from 0 to intense cramps in 2 seconds but both of my tubes were blocked) as soon as she was done, so were my cramps. I've heard plenty of ladies suggest ibuprofen prior to the HSG. I forgot to take something before so I took Tylenol when I got home just incase.
If I remember correctly there was a bit of spotting and make sure you put on a panty liner after bc everything that went in, will come gushing out!
Good luck! Let us know how you make out. All in all, I had a pretty good experience with mine.
@darkstar42 I feel like I've told this story a thousand times but it's been a while. Mine was pretty painful during but I've felt worse since. Most importantly though, poop before you go in. I had food poisoning and should have rescheduled because I pooped on my doctor during it. Super embarrassing and very uncomfortable. So def take some ibuprofen and a poop before you head to the doc.
Me: 31 Husby: 36 Married May 2014 TTC # 2 Since December 2021 Baby girl W born 2/2021 Our journey so far... (tw loss & infertility)
Diagnosis: Poor Egg Quality Working with an RE since March 2016 2 failed TI cycles 3 failed IUI cycles
IVF Feb - April 2017 23 eggs collected, 20 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI, 4 day 3 blasts, 3 day 5 blasts, 1 PGS normal Transferred 1 PGS normal embryo 4.12.17 BFP 4.21.17 MMC due to small gestational sac 6.8.17
Our adoption journey: 12.25.18 Agency picked and apps submitted! 5.1.19 Adoption on hold so we can buy a house! 1.1.20 Homestudy process started 3.14.20 First social worker visit 5.25.20 Homestudy Approved & Submitted to Agency
6.1.20 Surprise! Positive pregnancy test! Healthy baby girl born 2/10/2021
@darkstar42 you had me at corgi. I have three of them. I didn't have an HSG, but I have had an STP and a hysteroscopy which both are looking at your tubes and ute and I really didn't think either were bad. I feel like most of the girls here say they aren't bad, but every now and then you get someone that thought it was painful. Take two pain pills before hand (advil, Aleve, Tylenol) and you'll be set.
@wishiwaspreggo It Starts With The Egg. It's all about changes in your life to improve your egg quality.
@beachbunnyxo123 I think that video made rounds on the IF board a few months back during IF awareness week. Sob city.
32 years old (both H and I) Dating 7/2008 Married 7/2014 H Type I Diabetic TTC 1/2016
12/2016
mental break from TTC-NTNP
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL) 1/17/2017
SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility) 1/18/2017
STP tubes clear 2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements 6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility 7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm) 8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup 9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze 9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid 9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
@darkstar42 Welcome to the club no one wants to be a part of... that being said, this is an amazing group of ladies that are great sources of info and support.
As as the others said, the HSG varies from person to person. For me, both times, it was slightly uncomfortable (and I took an ibuprofen beforehand). Felt like a pelvic exam/pap. There is some spotting/discharge (dye) after, so bring a pad (they provided one for me, but it was practically a diaper). I went to work after and was fine.
@kiwi2628 Happy belated birthday! I agree - it would have been better for her to wait until after your birthday... Also, doesn't your insurance make you go through 6 IUIs before moving on to IVF? Have you decided to move on and pay OOP? Sorry if I missed something somewhere, or if I have this confused.
@zwink1 I'm so glad you and H have come to a decision! It must feel like a relief to know the plan and be moving forward. You'll be on your way soon!
@SailingMama I'm sorry you've been having a rough time of it lately. Do you have a plan for starting treatment, or are you just playing it month by month?
@wishiwaspreggo Hello there. You can sit with us. After several failed medicated cycles myself, I welcome anyone who has been there and done that. This stuff is not fun. I'd be so PO'ed if I were your DW. That is completely unacceptable.
@Hollyyyyy GL at the U/S on Friday! It's like waiting for Christmas and hopefully Santa came.
@leekat14 FX so hard for your egg retrieval tomorrow! I am sending you so much good juju.
@beachbunnyxo123 Hugs. I'm feeling all those feels too and you are really not alone. If you don't mind me asking, how much are the IUIs costing, and how are you responding to the meds? Good number of follies? Any side effects you don't like? Why are you afraid of the IVF meds? We could probably help you out with any questions you have there. Has your RE given you the odds for success through IVF? As for the job, I'm sorry you have so much job stress/hate on top of TTC. I totally get that. If you're miserable, it wouldn't hurt to look for a job. If you're OOP for IVF anyway, the worst that could happen is that you're still OOP for IVF, but you might find a job with awesome benefits. Others here brought up a good point about the appointments though. You'll want to consider flexibility and culture of the other job too. Feel free to PM me.
@darkstar42 Most people don't have any pain or only very minimal pain for the HSG, and it's a fairly simple procedure. If you do have pain, don't freak out though - it's okay and normal too! I was one of the rare few who had pain, and I was so unprepared for it, that it freaked me out. Take ibuprofen beforehand. Mine did hurt, but I just laid around and complained to DH and any residual cramping I felt was gone within 2 hours. @tamalahoops I still love your story.
Diagnosis (If you've been): NIR PCOS
Cycle/CD: who the hell knows
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Not really sure.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Treatment break.
How are things going? My cycle was cancelled on the 9th and I think I got AF on the 16th? It seems like it couldn't have come that soon, and it was so light (and lasted only a day), so I feel like you could barely call it AF. But I think that was it. On one of my other cancelled cycles, a similar thing happened where I got what I would call some serious spotting just a week after cancelling, but then AF never came, so apparently the spotting was AF. I guess it doesn't really matter any way because we're taking a treatment break this month and I don't cycle on my own, so I'll just call the clinic when I'm ready again.
I'm feeling very drained. That cycle was killer. The insurance companies who require 6 IUIs before IVF are lunatics. I don't know when we'll start treatment again. I need to catch my breath and get my head on straight.
Any questions?
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! I watched the movie Why Him? yesterday and it had some pretty funny parts.
@madspunk not 6 IUIs, 6 medicated cycles. We are on #4 now (3rd IUI), so if this doesn't work, our final 2 cycles will be just medicated, but even our RE is like 'these will very likely not work' so I am already mentally past them
@adirat I'm so glad I helped. @beachbunnyxo123 Trust me when I say that the shots arent as bad as I imagined. I freak out about every blood draw and have passed out after numerous injections...even falling off the table, naked at the drs office. I never imagined I would survive this. But here I am. 3 rounds of IVF and 2 egg retrievals tonight I counted 99 injections to date...
@madspunk I'm sorry you are on a break again @darkstar42 I'm sorry you find yourself here but this is the best group around. I'd never have made it this far without these ladies (and many others)
@kiwi2628 Oh, right! We've had this conversation before. I see what the plan is now. I think that's probably for the best. I really hope a medicated cycle works for you, but if not, you'll give yourself a bit of a mental break by not doing IUIs in the 2 months leading up to IVF. That way you can be in a good headspace for IVF!
@50Wife, I hope you have a good conversation with your Dr tomorrow!
@Sailing_Mama I am so sorry about your stolen car. How horrible, and you guys already have so much going on. Unfortunately, I have no tips on dealing with the anger. I'm still working on it myself, and some days are definitely better than others. I feel like an emotional ping pong ball most days.
I'm sorry for the BFN @beachbunnyxo123, I'll be holding put hope for you tomorrow. I've been all over the TTC and job board this year and I completely sympathize. In the end, my choice was made for me, but I tend to try to pick one thing to attack at a time...if I have a choice. I hated my last job, and I'm much happier now that it's gone, but I'd be lying if I said that, there wasn't frustration in other areas of my life after the change.
@darkstar42 I'm sorry you find yourself here, but welcome. I agree with everyone else, each HSG experience is different. Personally, my experience was awful. It was incredibly painful when they were doing it, and I had shooting pains on my left side for hours afterward. BUT, it's done, I survived, and I'm glad that everything came out clear. I also went to work right after, so it wasn't debilitating by any means.
@50wife Thank you for sharing your experience! Sounds like I’ll
definitely take advil beforehand and bring a pad with me.
@tamalahoops Oh my! That’s quite the story! Advil and a trip
to the bathroom beforehand. Noted!
@JuneRoseRuby You have three corgis?! How awesome! They are
such adorable dogs. Thank you for sharing your experiences as well! I also have
a copy of ISWTE on hold at the library that I need to pick up. I’m looking
forward to reading it.
@RVAmom315 Thank you for the kind welcome! I’ve scheduled my
HSG for the afternoon, so I’ll be able to go home afterward, just in case. Good
to know that you felt well enough to go back to work though!
@madspunk Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m kind of
going in expecting pain, but hoping I’ll be one of the ones for whom this is
pretty painless. We shall see. I’m sorry you had such a rough cycle. Sometimes
a break can be the best thing.
@zwink1 Thank you for the kind welcome! I’m almost expecting
it to be painful, so I’ll be pleasantly surprised if it isn’t! Did you find out
right away that it was clear, or did you have to wait for a follow up visit to
get more information?
@darkstar42, I found out as soon as I was ready to have a conversation with my Dr. My RE came in right after to go over the xrays with me and explain everything.
@leekat14 GL today!!! Let us know how you're recovery is going and how everything went when you're feeling up to it! Thinking of you today
32 years old (both H and I) Dating 7/2008 Married 7/2014 H Type I Diabetic TTC 1/2016
12/2016
mental break from TTC-NTNP
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL) 1/17/2017
SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility) 1/18/2017
STP tubes clear 2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements 6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility 7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm) 8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup 9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze 9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid 9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
leekat14 We’re
going to the Food and Wine Festival at Disney… so drinking my sorrows away! Good
luck with the egg retrieval today!
@beachbunnyxo123 Sorry for the BFN. Also, that commercial…
ALL the feels. I love that it’s really publicly talking about this, but hate
that anyone has to go through this. A break may be exactly what you need. As
for the job and whatnot, I’d say to take some time to decide. They always say
after the death of a close loved one that you shouldn’t make any major
decisions (job, house, major purchases, etc.), so I’d make sure you’re on a bit
better ground emotionally before you make a big decision about the job. No harm
in applying to things though and see what’s out there and available. But,
thinking of you at this point in your journey and hoping you can find some
peace.
darkstar42 I took
2 Tylenol before my HSG as recommended, but I barely felt anything. *TW MC* To be fair though, when the
nurse was scheduling the procedure and told me all about what to expect she
said “Some women have lots of pain with this. ::glances at chart. Notices MCs, D&E, etc.::
But with your experiences, you shouldn’t have a problem.” I was like… great… thank you? *End TW* I have heard various
experiences though.
MC #1: D&C Oct 23, 2015 (7.5 weeks) MC #2: July 1, 2016 (5.5 weeks) MC #3: October 17, 2016 (CP) RE #1: RPL testing November 2016-January 2017 MC #4: Feb. 28, 2017 (CP) RE #2: Additional RPL testing March-November 2017 MC #5: January 2019 (6.5 weeks)
RE #3: More testing 2023. Egg Retrieval Sept/Oct 2023, 2 good embryos after PGT-A testing. Surgery for endometriosis January 2024 Lupron Depo March 2024. Benched 3 months.
FET #1: June 3, 2024 (failed)
Lupron Depo June 2024. Benched 3 months again before next FET.
I also had a painful HSG, but it was very short -- terrible pain for 45 seconds then it was over. You'll get through it!
I had an u/s this morning and no noticeable response to stims yet. I may have to increase my meds to get a response. I was pretty disappointed. While the meds are doing zero to my ovaries, they are giving me KILLER headaches so that's a delight.
@shortstack930 that's a tough decision to make about the surgery and how to pay for it. IMO I would probably use the IF benefit that way if you are able to get KU after you didn't pay out of pocket. You'd have to spend that money on one end anyway whether it was the surgery or IVF but I could see why you would want to do it the other way also. GL with the surgery!
@adirat ahhh you're stimming!!! Glad YH is stepping it up!
@rvamom315 welcome back! Also hoping that you are a SS this cycle!
@zwink1 I'm glad you were able to come up with a plan for moving forward!! Definitely a tough pill to swallow to jump right into it but we are here for you and you got this!
@sailing_mama so sorry to hear about everything that's been going on, that really sounds like a lot. As far as anger goes, yoga can be great but if the concentration is a challenge what about trying just regular exercise. If you ever need to vent about what's going on to release some frustration feel free to PM me anytime
@alohakumu sorry for all of the difficulty with getting things done and getting information. Hope all of the logistics go smoothly and quickly so you can move past that part.
@kiwi2628 Great count post wash. do you have another IUI today? Happy belated birthday! FX so hard for you this cycle!
@dpjennifer I definitely can relate to seeing returning bumpies for baby #2 and still chilling here. Hopefully you will move on from here soon!! Yay for vacation!
thanks you guys for all the support and kindness, I really appreciate it
@adirat I've been looking around on indeed and other places to see what's out there, even outside of the field that I work in. I'm definitely open to it. I feel like if I knew it would take this long to get KU that I would've left here a long time ago but now that we are close to IVF I'm worried about not having the same flexibility to leave and call out for monitoring and appointments and what not at a new job. it all really complicates things. Thank you for the reassurance about the meds!!
@50wife DH and I talked last night. We've done 3 IUIs and about 4 additional medicated cycles. I think at this point we are probably done with IUIs. I know some people move on to have success at IUI 4,5, or 6 but I know the chances decrease after #3 and since we are unexplained it probably doesn't make much sense for us to continue. I'm seeing a new RE now and he recommended us to move right to IVF but I didn't feel right not doing atleast 3 IUIs first. I'm sorry that you're going through this as well. For me the thought of IVF wasn't as scary as it is until we got closer to it. GL with your appointment today. Please let us know how it goes!
@wishiwaspreggo it's called It Starts With the Egg, a lot of women on here recommend it to work on improving egg quality.
@kiwi2628 you know what sucks about my job? I've been there for 5 years and have never called out one single day all the years I've been here. Even with treatments if I'm late I'll let them know and usually they are okay. I work for a hospital so if you call out you get a write up (we get no sick days) like wtf is that? They are reinforcing people coming in a healthcare setting sick to not get written up if they call out so they don't have to deal with the scheduling issue. So now that I knew IVF was on the table I talked to my director who I've known for 7 years (interned before was an employee) and not to toot my own horn but I have been an extremely dependable employee for years to be able to tell her (I have plenty of PTO that I saved for this) that I may need to give her only 2-3 days notice (instead of 2 weeks) to take time off if we do IVF since it goes by monitoring and she handed me the number for FMLA "to protect my job". I almost walked right out and left forever then. Now I'm like let them fire me for calling out and I'll collect unemployment and pay for COBRA, assholes.
@madspunk My IUIs have been about $650 per IUI plus $100 for trigger shot each time and $20 for letrozole. Decided against injectables cause of risk of over responding and having to cancel cycle. With the letrozole I have had 1-2 mature follies each cycle so responding okay I guess but nothing absolutely wonderful. I just worry with the IVF meds about the risk of ovarian cancer and all the paperwork you sign when agreeing to meds. I've seen 2 REs and they both recommended IVF, we tried IUIs and meds+TI. I'm sure I'll have more questions so I really appreciate it. I'm sorry that you're having a hard time as well. 6 IUIs is ridiculous, you would think they would want to save money by just going with a more effective treatment. What are you thinking for moving forward after your break?
@beachbunnyxo123 That's unbelievable! I can't believe that they would treat you that way after so many years of dedication. What a bunch of jerks.
Also, I want to tell you something my RE said that reassured me about ovarian cancer -- I have an aunt who had stage 1 ovarian cancer (fortunately she is totally fine after a hysterectomy/oophorectomy) so I asked my RE about my risk since possibly that's in my family. He said that your risk of ovarian cancer is higher if you've never been pregnant than if you do IVF to get pregnant. That reassured me quite a bit.
@darkstar42 - I mentioned my HSG before but it wasn't too bad. The only thing that got to me was the setting beforehand. My RE had to do it in the surgical center downstairs from their office and when I got there they gave me a wrist tag with my name and date of birth. I thought to myself "The only reason I'd get a name tag would be if there was a chance I'd be too incapacitated to tell someone my name and date of birth. What is happening???" The nurse was curious about my high blood pressure after that lol... they said something about it being protocol and I had nothing to worry about. The OR setting really didn't help. Seeing my RE in scrubs (when she's usually dressed in business casual) and the big lights and the table of tools freaked me out like no other. Sarah McLaughlin was playing in the background and it just unsettled me further. But once I was saddled up and watched the ink flow through my tubes it wasn't bad at all. I just wasn't prepared for the somber OR experience. I thought it would be just like the IUIs in a regular room like it was no big deal and I worked myself up.
Anyway, hope it goes well and that your tubes are free and clear!
@beachbunnyxo123 WTAF? Ok that doesn't just suck, thats insane. I am so sorry your work atmosphere is like that. In that case, finding a new job would probably be a relief. Is all human healthcare like that?
@adirat bummer about the lack of response. Sorry. How much follistim are you taking?
32 years old (both H and I) Dating 7/2008 Married 7/2014 H Type I Diabetic TTC 1/2016
12/2016
mental break from TTC-NTNP
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL) 1/17/2017
SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility) 1/18/2017
STP tubes clear 2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements 6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility 7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm) 8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup 9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze 9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid 9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
@shortstack930 Good luck tomorrow lady I'll be thinking of you and waiting for an update! @adirat Sorry about the burning menopur I'm with you on the cycle #..I can't bring myself to actually count it up anymore. Hoping so, so, so hard that is it for you. @RVAmom315 I hope you're a SS, glad you had a great vacay! @zwink1 Yay for a plan! @50Wife I've been away from FF for a few days, but came back to see if you'd gotten your beta yet from your second IUI. I'm so sorry for CD2 I know the disappointment from an IUI cycle (and I was way more hopeful my second one too...) is a far fall. If you decide to do another IUI, I hope it's the last one you ever have to do! @tamalahoops Ugh, I'm sorry for AF. This shit blows. @Sailing_Mama So much love for you girl. Hugs. Huge hugs. I'm right behind you with Nov being our second year of trying so I feel you on the whole anger issue too. I wish I had an answer for you @wishiwaspreggo WOW I cannot believe the RE FORGOT about your DW with something so time sensitive. It amazes me how terrible so many RE offices are, the one I went to included. @kiwi2628 Fx for you in your IUI cycle! @leekat14 Today is ER day, right? How did it go? @beachbunnyxo123 Holy crap I'm bawling after watching that. I'm so proud of them for doing it in such a beautiful way too. Also, I'm so effing sorry for the BFN
Diagnosis (If you've been): Unexplained secondary IF
Cycle/CD: CD 10
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) Not a heck of a lot. Trying on our own with OPKs and I also started vitex. I took it years ago for 3 cycles when I was TTC, but my cycles were so out of wack back then it was hard to know if it made a difference. It seemed to delay my O. But it's probably the one thing I haven't tried again this time around so what the heck.
How are things going? I don't know...ok I guess. DH and I had a long conversation over the weekend and we've decided that we're not going back to the RE any time soon for more treatment. We are also closing the door (for now) on adoption as well. I've posted a little bit about how difficult it's been to adopt in NY and it really felt like I was putting all this energy into finding at least one avenue that would make sense to adopt, and every single door kept getting so obviously shut. Nothing felt right. I think it's in our future at some point, but I guess not now. My heart breaks putting the brakes on pretty much every avenue we have to growing our family, but nothing is feeling like the right move. We discussed that, for now, we'll focus on enjoying our new home and improving our physical and mental health. The difference this time around is, I don't even know when or if we'll be going back to anything. Every door we've opened feels miles away at this point. I'm really trying to be ok with where I'm at and just be grateful for what I do have, but it's hard. I'm planning to continue taking the vitex for 3 months and see if that helps to regulate my cycle and lengthen my LP without needing progesterone. I talked to my acupuncturist about it and she feels comfortable with that.
Any questions? Nah
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! A few of you were talking about Friends from College and I've watched the first 3 episodes..Keegen Key is hilarious. He had me DYING in the scene in the pilot where he has different voices when he's nervous
@juneroseruby I was on 150 IU, bumping up to 225 IU Follistim starting tonight. What did you take?
@travelingcouple Hugs friend, I wish there were an easier path forward for you. I hope the time to focus on your family and your health will really help!
@TravelingCouple I was just thinking about you earlier and wondering how things were going. I hope the Vitex does the trick for you! I get you on trying to be thankful for what I have, but it's also hard when you've always pictured your family a certain way with a certain number of children running around. I'm sorry it's been so tough, but I totally get it!
AFM - I had a RE appt this morning and we're going for IUI round 3 but this time I'll be on clomid. He basically gave us the choice of IUI w/clomid, or IVF. I'll switch to my insurance during our open enrollment next month so if this IUI doesn't work, we can do IVF come January. I still cannot believe that IVF is being throw around as an option for us. Like how did this become our reality? It just doesn't seem real, ya know? Other people have to do this to have a baby, not me. I'm ok with it I guess, I've come to terms with the fact that we might be doing this in a few months, but at the same time I'm still kind of in denial that this is what we're discussing.
@TravelingCouple I was just thinking about you earlier and wondering how things were going. I hope the Vitex does the trick for you! I get you on trying to be thankful for what I have, but it's also hard when you've always pictured your family a certain way with a certain number of children running around. I'm sorry it's been so tough, but I totally get it!
AFM - I had a RE appt this morning and we're going for IUI round 3 but this time I'll be on clomid. He basically gave us the choice of IUI w/clomid, or IVF. I'll switch to my insurance during our open enrollment next month so if this IUI doesn't work, we can do IVF come January. I still cannot believe that IVF is being throw around as an option for us. Like how did this become our reality? It just doesn't seem real, ya know? Other people have to do this to have a baby, not me. I'm ok with it I guess, I've come to terms with the fact that we might be doing this in a few months, but at the same time I'm still kind of in denial that this is what we're discussing.
Yes to everything you said. I get it, I totally do. I wish I could change the reality for all of us. Like, damnit, there should not be so many women experiencing such heartache to get the family they dreamed. It hurts my heart that any of us are still in this thread.
@adirat how many days of stimming have you done again so far? And how often are you going in for monitoring? Sorry about the headaches and minimal response hopefully the increase does what it should!
@kiwi2628 human healthcare lol love it. Glad to hear animal health care doesn't work that way! If DH and I decide to move onto IVF then I will probably stay put and just hope that they fire me haha how awful is that? You know what else? I am also not allowed to use them as a reference for job opportunities with other employers "it's a part of HRs policy". So now when I do get another job I have to ask my managers from jobs 5+ years ago to do it since current employer will only verify I worked here that's all. What a joke
@TravelingCouple what is vitex for? Hopefully that is a variable that positively contribute. That must've been a hard decision to make with YH about putting on the brakes and of course I'm hoping it works out for you anyways just in a different way
AFM beta results are in...negative. Womp womp. Should be getting my period today or tomorrow. Have already visualized polishing off the rest of the summer shandys in the fridge. Ugh.
Through the research I've done on Vitex and speaking to my acupuncturist/herbalist about it, vitex helps with hormonal balance. It's particularly known for helping with symptoms of PCOS (annovulation, amenorrhea) because it lowers estrogen levels and increases LH, helping ovulation happen in those who may not be ovulating at all. It also balances and increases progesterone production so it can help lengthen a short LP. I know there's mixed bag reviews on vitex on TB. Everyone has different reactions to it. I'm hoping it'll lengthen my LP since now I'm not taking the progesterone supplements anymore after O. I don't think it's something to be tried on the fly without speaking to someone who knows your cycle/medical history. It definitely cannot be used in conjunction with any IF drugs whatsoever. Since it's an herb, there aren't many scientific studies done on it. I did come across a few though while I was researching, including this one: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23136064
Spoiler for previous pregnancy mentioned:
The last time I took it, years ago, I was TTC DS. I took it for 3 cycles and it really did lengthen my cycles because my O was delayed (I can only assume from the vitex). But the month I stopped taking it, I got pregnant with DS. It's probably coincidental, but I'm at a point where I'm thinking...why the hell not?
@TravelingCouple I hope at least the next few months are relaxing for you. Hoping the vitex works too! @beachbunnyxo123 that's sucks about your job and unfortunately it's typical of jobs in health care. They would rather you come in sick that risk being understaffed or have to turn away patients. As bad it is also consider that with a new job benefits may take a while to kick in. Sorry about the bfn as well. @adirat sorry you are not having a response. I hope the increase in dose helps. I had headaches as well but it seems like it was from the Lupron mainly. It didn't last the whole time either. @darkstar42 Sorry you find yourself here but you are in good company. I hope your HSG went well. @JuneRoseRuby I'm happy that you are getting to start the IUI process now after all! @dpjennifer yay for vacay! And I feel you with the newbie threads. @kiwi2628 that's an awesome count! Your H deserves something special for that lol. @AlohaKumu hope you can get everything together so you can start soon! @Hollyyyyy GL on Friday! @wishiwaspreggo Sorry you find yourself here but you are definitely welcome. Glad you guys found a new RE after that experience! @Sailing_Mama sorry for all you guys have been dealing with. No one needs more to worry about in addition to all this. Sometimes doing something fun with DH and not talking about about anything IF related helps me a lot. @50Wife I hope your consult went well today. @shortstack930 good luck tomorrow!
Diagnosis (If you've been): MFI, DOR
Cycle/CD: ?/CD2
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): ?
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) IVF, awaiting FET now
How are things going? Finally got AF and had my first consult for my FET today. Apparently they are planning for transfer at the beginning of November. They want me to do BCP for 3 weeks then Lupron then estrogen patches then progesterone. I just feel like that's overkill for something my body does naturally anyway and I was told before that it would be around CD20 so something obviously changed. I expected the estrogen and progesterone but not the rest. I honestly think my clinic uses birth control to delay patients so they can schedule things at a more convenient time for them. At this point I'm tired of meds and would like to minimize them as much as possible. Apparently my doctor does not do natural transfers but hoping we can at least compromise and do less meds.
Anyway at least I finally found out the plan for my day 1 embies. They plan to thaw all then try to grow them to day 5 and hopefully implant one. If we are lucky enough to have some left over them we will re-freeze them.
Any questions? I think I asked this before but has anyone found a way to make this site work properly on an iPad. Stupid page keeps reloading and it is so annoying.
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! Drawing blank. Will update if I think of something.
I want to thank everyone who offered advice and shared their HSG experiences. I had mine this afternoon, and it wasn't too bad! Definitely some intense cramping with the dye injection, but it did subside quickly, and I'm fine now. Everything was clear, so that's one more thing to cross off the list!
@TravelingCouple Thank you for sharing that article on vitex, it's so interesting! I've been curious about it as well, and I think I'll talk to my acupuncturist and ob/gyn as well. @beachbunnyxo123 So sorry for the negative beta.
@safire3 I'm currently on BC and I know they want me to stay on it until I have my FET. It's a bummer to have to take a never-ending supply of meds, but they said the BC makes sure that everything is as calm as possible before retrievals and transfers. I hope all five make it to day 5 after the thaw!
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.
Okay, I am in a place where I can't do too much of this right now. But I am so glad I opened up this thread!
@shortstack930. GL tomorrow!!!!! Look forward to hearing how it goes... ❤ ivf is so expensive, I think you did the right thing hedging your bets. Worst case you are out the cash because you're pregnant without ivf? #winning
@dpjennifer @tamalahoops omg I am DYING! I am halfway through the video and I just have to say, I'm drawing on so much. I took two years of Ukrainian language in college. 3rd year? Dropped out. Bc reading actual Ukrainian literature, discussed in class in a room full of fluent Ukrainian speakers.... and me??? I only <i>WISH</i> someone had sent me to visit Ukraine! The mafia stuff reminds me of my trip to Beijing, as well as times hanging out with Portuguese gangsters in Toronto. I mean.... I never hung out with any actual criminals. Nope. Omg. Okay. I have to keep watching.
Also tho, if anyone is watching Mindy Project on hulu, there's a new ivf plotline starting up that is so far pretty glossed over and not super accurate, but it's Mindy project, so I want to see if it goes anywhere... *typos / grammar
@beachbunnyxo123 I can't believe your job is so insensitive to the time off you may need for IVF. That would make me so mad after working there for so long with no sick days. I'm not sure what our plan is next. Probably IVF as well. I've had 3 cancelled cycles and 3 medicated plus TI cycles. We really wanted to try IUI before IVF, but I am challenged by overstimming. We might try for one more IUI cycle but convert to IVF if I overstim. Still deciding... Sorry for the BFN. Enjoy those shandys.
@TravelingCouple That's such a tough decision to put the brakes on treatment and adoption, but you are so strong for doing it. All the treatments and going through adoption take strength, but stopping and focusing on yourself takes a whole lot of strength too. I hope you and YH enjoy a beautiful fall in your gorgeous new home, and that you find lots of ways to improve your physical and mental health. If you ever need to talk, feel free to PM me. I'm working on my physical and mental health too as all of these failed treatments have left me pretty depressed.
@safire3 How long did it take you to get AF after the retrieval? Sorry you're on more meds than seems necessary. Hopefully the RE can explain why.
@adirat wow yeah, 150 doesn't seem like a lot. I have a high AMH and I was on 225. I know that @BusinessWife was on 300 and bumped to 400. So I wouldn't be too worried you didn't show any signs of stim yet, I think the bump in meds will help!
@safire3 I can't use the bump on my iPad at all. So frustrating. I only use it on desktop. So glad you have a plan for those little day one frosties of yours!
32 years old (both H and I) Dating 7/2008 Married 7/2014 H Type I Diabetic TTC 1/2016
12/2016
mental break from TTC-NTNP
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL) 1/17/2017
SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility) 1/18/2017
STP tubes clear 2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements 6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility 7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm) 8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup 9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze 9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid 9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
Yeah, for me they started at 300. I think I was at 300 for 6 days? Then went up to 375 for 2 days maybe, and then the last day was at 450. This cycle, they started me right off at 450. Tonight will be my 7th day stimming, and I've been at 450 this whole time! My amh was not even that low either, like 2.69 or something
@tamalahoops poo-ing is one of the things I insist on before a procedure... I don't know if I have ever poo-ed (I imagine they don't tell you if you do it in your sleep... ) but so sorry that happened!
Sorry I was MIA last cycle.... it was just rough on me and the bump runs so slow and stresses me out!! lol Diagnosis (If you've been): AMA, DOR
Cycle/CD: 2
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO/TTA (in advance of ivf))
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?) estrogen priming
How are things going? crampy af
Any questions? nope
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! Saw Dave Chappelle at Radio City last month
@dragonette505 It was mortifying at the time, when they took out the speculum the nurse was like "welp little bit of everything coming out." Now its my favorite infertility story.
Me: 31 Husby: 36 Married May 2014 TTC # 2 Since December 2021 Baby girl W born 2/2021 Our journey so far... (tw loss & infertility)
Diagnosis: Poor Egg Quality Working with an RE since March 2016 2 failed TI cycles 3 failed IUI cycles
IVF Feb - April 2017 23 eggs collected, 20 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI, 4 day 3 blasts, 3 day 5 blasts, 1 PGS normal Transferred 1 PGS normal embryo 4.12.17 BFP 4.21.17 MMC due to small gestational sac 6.8.17
Our adoption journey: 12.25.18 Agency picked and apps submitted! 5.1.19 Adoption on hold so we can buy a house! 1.1.20 Homestudy process started 3.14.20 First social worker visit 5.25.20 Homestudy Approved & Submitted to Agency
6.1.20 Surprise! Positive pregnancy test! Healthy baby girl born 2/10/2021
Re: IF Testing & Treatment Week of 9/18
If I remember correctly there was a bit of spotting and make sure you put on a panty liner after bc everything that went in, will come gushing out!
Good luck! Let us know how you make out. All in all, I had a pretty good experience with mine.
Married May 2014
TTC # 2 Since December 2021
Baby girl W born 2/2021
Our journey so far...
(tw loss & infertility)
Working with an RE since March 2016
2 failed TI cycles
3 failed IUI cycles
IVF Feb - April 2017
23 eggs collected, 20 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI, 4 day 3 blasts, 3 day 5 blasts, 1 PGS normal
Transferred 1 PGS normal embryo 4.12.17
BFP 4.21.17
MMC due to small gestational sac 6.8.17
Our adoption journey:
12.25.18 Agency picked and apps submitted!
5.1.19 Adoption on hold so we can buy a house!
1.1.20 Homestudy process started
3.14.20 First social worker visit
5.25.20 Homestudy Approved & Submitted to Agency
6.1.20 Surprise! Positive pregnancy test!
Healthy baby girl born 2/10/2021
@wishiwaspreggo It Starts With The Egg. It's all about changes in your life to improve your egg quality.
@beachbunnyxo123 I think that video made rounds on the IF board a few months back during IF awareness week. Sob city.
Dating 7/2008
Married 7/2014
H Type I Diabetic
TTC 1/2016
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL)
1/17/2017 SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility)
1/18/2017 STP tubes clear
2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation
H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements
6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility
7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm)
8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup
9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze
9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid
9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim
October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
As as the others said, the HSG varies from person to person. For me, both times, it was slightly uncomfortable (and I took an ibuprofen beforehand). Felt like a pelvic exam/pap. There is some spotting/discharge (dye) after, so bring a pad (they provided one for me, but it was practically a diaper). I went to work after and was fine.
TTC #2 - August 2016
MFI
IUI #1-3 BFN
BFP 4/21/18 MMC 6/11/18
@kiwi2628 Happy belated birthday! I agree - it would have been better for her to wait until after your birthday... Also, doesn't your insurance make you go through 6 IUIs before moving on to IVF? Have you decided to move on and pay OOP? Sorry if I missed something somewhere, or if I have this confused.
@zwink1 I'm so glad you and H have come to a decision! It must feel like a relief to know the plan and be moving forward. You'll be on your way soon!
@SailingMama I'm sorry you've been having a rough time of it lately. Do you have a plan for starting treatment, or are you just playing it month by month?
@wishiwaspreggo Hello there. You can sit with us. After several failed medicated cycles myself, I welcome anyone who has been there and done that. This stuff is not fun. I'd be so PO'ed if I were your DW. That is completely unacceptable.
@Hollyyyyy GL at the U/S on Friday! It's like waiting for Christmas and hopefully Santa came.
@leekat14 FX so hard for your egg retrieval tomorrow! I am sending you so much good juju.
@beachbunnyxo123 Hugs. I'm feeling all those feels too and you are really not alone. If you don't mind me asking, how much are the IUIs costing, and how are you responding to the meds? Good number of follies? Any side effects you don't like? Why are you afraid of the IVF meds? We could probably help you out with any questions you have there. Has your RE given you the odds for success through IVF? As for the job, I'm sorry you have so much job stress/hate on top of TTC. I totally get that. If you're miserable, it wouldn't hurt to look for a job. If you're OOP for IVF anyway, the worst that could happen is that you're still OOP for IVF, but you might find a job with awesome benefits. Others here brought up a good point about the appointments though. You'll want to consider flexibility and culture of the other job too. Feel free to PM me.
@darkstar42 Most people don't have any pain or only very minimal pain for the HSG, and it's a fairly simple procedure. If you do have pain, don't freak out though - it's okay and normal too! I was one of the rare few who had pain, and I was so unprepared for it, that it freaked me out. Take ibuprofen beforehand. Mine did hurt, but I just laid around and complained to DH and any residual cramping I felt was gone within 2 hours. @tamalahoops I still love your story.
Cycle/CD: who the hell knows
I'm feeling very drained. That cycle was killer. The insurance companies who require 6 IUIs before IVF are lunatics. I don't know when we'll start treatment again. I need to catch my breath and get my head on straight.
Any questions?
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! I watched the movie Why Him? yesterday and it had some pretty funny parts.
@madspunk not 6 IUIs, 6 medicated cycles. We are on #4 now (3rd IUI), so if this doesn't work, our final 2 cycles will be just medicated, but even our RE is like 'these will very likely not work' so I am already mentally past them
@madspunk I'm sorry you are on a break again
@darkstar42 I'm sorry you find yourself here but this is the best group around. I'd never have made it this far without these ladies (and many others)
Edit because I wasn't done
@Sailing_Mama I am so sorry about your stolen car. How horrible, and you guys already have so much going on. Unfortunately, I have no tips on dealing with the anger. I'm still working on it myself, and some days are definitely better than others. I feel like an emotional ping pong ball most days.
I'm sorry for the BFN @beachbunnyxo123, I'll be holding put hope for you tomorrow. I've been all over the TTC and job board this year and I completely sympathize. In the end, my choice was made for me, but I tend to try to pick one thing to attack at a time...if I have a choice. I hated my last job, and I'm much happier now that it's gone, but I'd be lying if I said that, there wasn't frustration in other areas of my life after the change.
@darkstar42 I'm sorry you find yourself here, but welcome. I agree with everyone else, each HSG experience is different. Personally, my experience was awful. It was incredibly painful when they were doing it, and I had shooting pains on my left side for hours afterward. BUT, it's done, I survived, and I'm glad that everything came out clear. I also went to work right after, so it wasn't debilitating by any means.
@50wife Thank you for sharing your experience! Sounds like I’ll definitely take advil beforehand and bring a pad with me.
@tamalahoops Oh my! That’s quite the story! Advil and a trip to the bathroom beforehand. Noted!
@JuneRoseRuby You have three corgis?! How awesome! They are such adorable dogs. Thank you for sharing your experiences as well! I also have a copy of ISWTE on hold at the library that I need to pick up. I’m looking forward to reading it.
@RVAmom315 Thank you for the kind welcome! I’ve scheduled my HSG for the afternoon, so I’ll be able to go home afterward, just in case. Good to know that you felt well enough to go back to work though!
@madspunk Thank you for sharing your experience! I’m kind of going in expecting pain, but hoping I’ll be one of the ones for whom this is pretty painless. We shall see. I’m sorry you had such a rough cycle. Sometimes a break can be the best thing.
@leekat14 Thank you for the kind welcome!
@zwink1 Thank you for the kind welcome! I’m almost expecting it to be painful, so I’ll be pleasantly surprised if it isn’t! Did you find out right away that it was clear, or did you have to wait for a follow up visit to get more information?
Dating 7/2008
Married 7/2014
H Type I Diabetic
TTC 1/2016
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL)
1/17/2017 SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility)
1/18/2017 STP tubes clear
2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation
H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements
6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility
7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm)
8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup
9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze
9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid
9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim
October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
leekat14 We’re going to the Food and Wine Festival at Disney… so drinking my sorrows away! Good luck with the egg retrieval today!
@beachbunnyxo123 Sorry for the BFN. Also, that commercial… ALL the feels. I love that it’s really publicly talking about this, but hate that anyone has to go through this. A break may be exactly what you need. As for the job and whatnot, I’d say to take some time to decide. They always say after the death of a close loved one that you shouldn’t make any major decisions (job, house, major purchases, etc.), so I’d make sure you’re on a bit better ground emotionally before you make a big decision about the job. No harm in applying to things though and see what’s out there and available. But, thinking of you at this point in your journey and hoping you can find some peace.
darkstar42 I took 2 Tylenol before my HSG as recommended, but I barely felt anything. *TW MC* To be fair though, when the nurse was scheduling the procedure and told me all about what to expect she said “Some women have lots of pain with this. ::glances at chart. Notices MCs, D&E, etc.:: But with your experiences, you shouldn’t have a problem.” I was like… great… thank you? *End TW* I have heard various experiences though.
MC #1: D&C Oct 23, 2015 (7.5 weeks)
MC #2: July 1, 2016 (5.5 weeks)
MC #3: October 17, 2016 (CP)
RE #1: RPL testing November 2016-January 2017
MC #4: Feb. 28, 2017 (CP)
RE #2: Additional RPL testing March-November 2017
MC #5: January 2019 (6.5 weeks)
RE #3: More testing 2023.
Egg Retrieval Sept/Oct 2023, 2 good embryos after PGT-A testing.
Surgery for endometriosis January 2024
Lupron Depo March 2024. Benched 3 months.
FET #1: June 3, 2024 (failed)
Lupron Depo June 2024. Benched 3 months again before next FET.
FET #2: September 2024 (failed)
FET #3: December 2024 (failed)
#BitterHagPartyOf1
TTC #2 - August 2016
MFI
IUI #1-3 BFN
BFP 4/21/18 MMC 6/11/18
I also had a painful HSG, but it was very short -- terrible pain for 45 seconds then it was over. You'll get through it!
@shortstack930 that's a tough decision to make about the surgery and how to pay for it. IMO I would probably use the IF benefit that way if you are able to get KU after you didn't pay out of pocket. You'd have to spend that money on one end anyway whether it was the surgery or IVF but I could see why you would want to do it the other way also. GL with the surgery!
@adirat ahhh you're stimming!!! Glad YH is stepping it up!
@rvamom315 welcome back! Also hoping that you are a SS this cycle!
@zwink1 I'm glad you were able to come up with a plan for moving forward!! Definitely a tough pill to swallow to jump right into it but we are here for you and you got this!
@tamalahoops sorry for AF friend, hugs
@sailing_mama so sorry to hear about everything that's been going on, that really sounds like a lot. As far as anger goes, yoga can be great but if the concentration is a challenge what about trying just regular exercise. If you ever need to vent about what's going on to release some frustration feel free to PM me anytime
@alohakumu sorry for all of the difficulty with getting things done and getting information. Hope all of the logistics go smoothly and quickly so you can move past that part.
@hollyyyyy GL with your US Friday!
@kiwi2628 Great count post wash. do you have another IUI today? Happy belated birthday! FX so hard for you this cycle!
@dpjennifer I definitely can relate to seeing returning bumpies for baby #2 and still chilling here. Hopefully you will move on from here soon!! Yay for vacation!
@leekat14 GL today!! keep us posted, fx so hard!
@juneroseruby GL this cycle glad that the US and BW look good!!
@madspunk It totally is like Christmas haha! Hopefully I actually O by then
@beachbunnyxo123 Thank you!
thanks you guys for all the support and kindness, I really appreciate it
@adirat I've been looking around on indeed and other places to see what's out there, even outside of the field that I work in. I'm definitely open to it. I feel like if I knew it would take this long to get KU that I would've left here a long time ago but now that we are close to IVF I'm worried about not having the same flexibility to leave and call out for monitoring and appointments and what not at a new job. it all really complicates things. Thank you for the reassurance about the meds!!
@50wife DH and I talked last night. We've done 3 IUIs and about 4 additional medicated cycles. I think at this point we are probably done with IUIs. I know some people move on to have success at IUI 4,5, or 6 but I know the chances decrease after #3 and since we are unexplained it probably doesn't make much sense for us to continue. I'm seeing a new RE now and he recommended us to move right to IVF but I didn't feel right not doing atleast 3 IUIs first. I'm sorry that you're going through this as well. For me the thought of IVF wasn't as scary as it is until we got closer to it. GL with your appointment today. Please let us know how it goes!
@wishiwaspreggo it's called It Starts With the Egg, a lot of women on here recommend it to work on improving egg quality.
@kiwi2628 you know what sucks about my job? I've been there for 5 years and have never called out one single day all the years I've been here. Even with treatments if I'm late I'll let them know and usually they are okay. I work for a hospital so if you call out you get a write up (we get no sick days) like wtf is that? They are reinforcing people coming in a healthcare setting sick to not get written up if they call out so they don't have to deal with the scheduling issue. So now that I knew IVF was on the table I talked to my director who I've known for 7 years (interned before was an employee) and not to toot my own horn but I have been an extremely dependable employee for years to be able to tell her (I have plenty of PTO that I saved for this) that I may need to give her only 2-3 days notice (instead of 2 weeks) to take time off if we do IVF since it goes by monitoring and she handed me the number for FMLA "to protect my job". I almost walked right out and left forever then. Now I'm like let them fire me for calling out and I'll collect unemployment and pay for COBRA, assholes.
@madspunk My IUIs have been about $650 per IUI plus $100 for trigger shot each time and $20 for letrozole. Decided against injectables cause of risk of over responding and having to cancel cycle. With the letrozole I have had 1-2 mature follies each cycle so responding okay I guess but nothing absolutely wonderful. I just worry with the IVF meds about the risk of ovarian cancer and all the paperwork you sign when agreeing to meds. I've seen 2 REs and they both recommended IVF, we tried IUIs and meds+TI. I'm sure I'll have more questions so I really appreciate it. I'm sorry that you're having a hard time as well. 6 IUIs is ridiculous, you would think they would want to save money by just going with a more effective treatment. What are you thinking for moving forward after your break?
Also, I want to tell you something my RE said that reassured me about ovarian cancer -- I have an aunt who had stage 1 ovarian cancer (fortunately she is totally fine after a hysterectomy/oophorectomy) so I asked my RE about my risk since possibly that's in my family. He said that your risk of ovarian cancer is higher if you've never been pregnant than if you do IVF to get pregnant. That reassured me quite a bit.
Anyway, hope it goes well and that your tubes are free and clear!
@leekat14 - FX for you!!!
Dating 7/2008
Married 7/2014
H Type I Diabetic
TTC 1/2016
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL)
1/17/2017 SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility)
1/18/2017 STP tubes clear
2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation
H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements
6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility
7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm)
8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup
9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze
9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid
9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim
October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
@adirat Sorry about the burning menopur
@RVAmom315 I hope you're a SS, glad you had a great vacay!
@zwink1 Yay for a plan!
@50Wife I've been away from FF for a few days, but came back to see if you'd gotten your beta yet from your second IUI. I'm so sorry for CD2
@tamalahoops Ugh, I'm sorry for AF. This shit blows.
@Sailing_Mama So much love for you girl. Hugs. Huge hugs. I'm right behind you with Nov being our second year of trying so I feel you on the whole anger issue too. I wish I had an answer for you
@wishiwaspreggo WOW I cannot believe the RE FORGOT about your DW with something so time sensitive. It amazes me how terrible so many RE offices are, the one I went to included.
@kiwi2628 Fx for you in your IUI cycle!
@leekat14 Today is ER day, right? How did it go?
@beachbunnyxo123 Holy crap I'm bawling after watching that. I'm so proud of them for doing it in such a beautiful way too. Also, I'm so effing sorry for the BFN
Cycle/CD: CD 10
Any questions? Nah
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! A few of you were talking about Friends from College and I've watched the first 3 episodes..Keegen Key is hilarious. He had me DYING in the scene in the pilot where he has different voices when he's nervous
@travelingcouple Hugs friend, I wish there were an easier path forward for you. I hope the time to focus on your family and your health will really help!
I get you on trying to be thankful for what I have, but it's also hard when you've always pictured your family a certain way with a certain number of children running around. I'm sorry it's been so tough, but I totally get it!
AFM - I had a RE appt this morning and we're going for IUI round 3 but this time I'll be on clomid. He basically gave us the choice of IUI w/clomid, or IVF. I'll switch to my insurance during our open enrollment next month so if this IUI doesn't work, we can do IVF come January.
I still cannot believe that IVF is being throw around as an option for us. Like how did this become our reality? It just doesn't seem real, ya know? Other people have to do this to have a baby, not me.
I'm ok with it I guess, I've come to terms with the fact that we might be doing this in a few months, but at the same time I'm still kind of in denial that this is what we're discussing.
@kiwi2628 human healthcare lol love it. Glad to hear animal health care doesn't work that way! If DH and I decide to move onto IVF then I will probably stay put and just hope that they fire me haha how awful is that? You know what else? I am also not allowed to use them as a reference for job opportunities with other employers "it's a part of HRs policy". So now when I do get another job I have to ask my managers from jobs 5+ years ago to do it since current employer will only verify I worked here that's all. What a joke
@TravelingCouple what is vitex for? Hopefully that is a variable that positively contribute. That must've been a hard decision to make with YH about putting on the brakes and of course I'm hoping it works out for you anyways just in a different way
AFM beta results are in...negative. Womp womp. Should be getting my period today or tomorrow. Have already visualized polishing off the rest of the summer shandys in the fridge. Ugh.
@beachbunnyxo123 I'm so sorry about your beta
Through the research I've done on Vitex and speaking to my acupuncturist/herbalist about it, vitex helps with hormonal balance. It's particularly known for helping with symptoms of PCOS (annovulation, amenorrhea) because it lowers estrogen levels and increases LH, helping ovulation happen in those who may not be ovulating at all. It also balances and increases progesterone production so it can help lengthen a short LP. I know there's mixed bag reviews on vitex on TB. Everyone has different reactions to it. I'm hoping it'll lengthen my LP since now I'm not taking the progesterone supplements anymore after O. I don't think it's something to be tried on the fly without speaking to someone who knows your cycle/medical history. It definitely cannot be used in conjunction with any IF drugs whatsoever. Since it's an herb, there aren't many scientific studies done on it. I did come across a few though while I was researching, including this one: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23136064
Spoiler for previous pregnancy mentioned:
@beachbunnyxo123 that's sucks about your job and unfortunately it's typical of jobs in health care. They would rather you come in sick that risk being understaffed or have to turn away patients. As bad it is also consider that with a new job benefits may take a while to kick in. Sorry about the bfn as well.
@adirat sorry you are not having a response. I hope the increase in dose helps. I had headaches as well but it seems like it was from the Lupron mainly. It didn't last the whole time either.
@darkstar42 Sorry you find yourself here but you are in good company. I hope your HSG went well.
@JuneRoseRuby I'm happy that you are getting to start the IUI process now after all!
@dpjennifer yay for vacay! And I feel you with the newbie threads.
@kiwi2628 that's an awesome count! Your H deserves something special for that lol.
@AlohaKumu hope you can get everything together so you can start soon!
@Hollyyyyy GL on Friday!
@wishiwaspreggo Sorry you find yourself here but you are definitely welcome. Glad you guys found a new RE after that experience!
@Sailing_Mama sorry for all you guys have been dealing with. No one needs more to worry about in addition to all this. Sometimes doing something fun with DH and not talking about about anything IF related helps me a lot.
@50Wife I hope your consult went well today.
@shortstack930 good luck tomorrow!
Cycle/CD: ?/CD2
Finally got AF and had my first consult for my FET today. Apparently they are planning for transfer at the beginning of November. They want me to do BCP for 3 weeks then Lupron then estrogen patches then progesterone. I just feel like that's overkill for something my body does naturally anyway and I was told before that it would be around CD20 so something obviously changed. I expected the estrogen and progesterone but not the rest. I honestly think my clinic uses birth control to delay patients so they can schedule things at a more convenient time for them. At this point I'm tired of meds and would like to minimize them as much as possible. Apparently my doctor does not do natural transfers but hoping we can at least compromise and do less meds.
Anyway at least I finally found out the plan for my day 1 embies. They plan to thaw all then try to grow them to day 5 and hopefully implant one. If we are lucky enough to have some left over them we will re-freeze them.
Any questions? I think I asked this before but has anyone found a way to make this site work properly on an iPad. Stupid page keeps reloading and it is so annoying.
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! Drawing blank. Will update if I think of something.
@TravelingCouple Thank you for sharing that article on vitex, it's so interesting! I've been curious about it as well, and I think I'll talk to my acupuncturist and ob/gyn as well.
@beachbunnyxo123 So sorry for the negative beta.
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.
@shortstack930. GL tomorrow!!!!! Look forward to hearing how it goes... ❤ ivf is so expensive, I think you did the right thing hedging your bets. Worst case you are out the cash because you're pregnant without ivf? #winning
@dpjennifer @tamalahoops omg I am DYING! I am halfway through the video and I just have to say, I'm drawing on so much. I took two years of Ukrainian language in college. 3rd year? Dropped out. Bc reading actual Ukrainian literature, discussed in class in a room full of fluent Ukrainian speakers.... and me??? I only <i>WISH</i> someone had sent me to visit Ukraine! The mafia stuff reminds me of my trip to Beijing, as well as times hanging out with Portuguese gangsters in Toronto. I mean.... I never hung out with any actual criminals. Nope. Omg. Okay. I have to keep watching.
Also tho, if anyone is watching Mindy Project on hulu, there's a new ivf plotline starting up that is so far pretty glossed over and not super accurate, but it's Mindy project, so I want to see if it goes anywhere...
*typos / grammar
Sorry for the BFN. Enjoy those shandys.
@TravelingCouple That's such a tough decision to put the brakes on treatment and adoption, but you are so strong for doing it. All the treatments and going through adoption take strength, but stopping and focusing on yourself takes a whole lot of strength too. I hope you and YH enjoy a beautiful fall in your gorgeous new home, and that you find lots of ways to improve your physical and mental health. If you ever need to talk, feel free to PM me. I'm working on my physical and mental health too as all of these failed treatments have left me pretty depressed.
@safire3 How long did it take you to get AF after the retrieval? Sorry you're on more meds than seems necessary. Hopefully the RE can explain why.
@safire3 I can't use the bump on my iPad at all. So frustrating. I only use it on desktop. So glad you have a plan for those little day one frosties of yours!
Dating 7/2008
Married 7/2014
H Type I Diabetic
TTC 1/2016
1/10/2017 initial appt with RE (all BW results WNL)
1/17/2017 SA DX Virtual Azoo (3 sperm 0%morph 0%motility)
1/18/2017 STP tubes clear
2/1/2017 initial appt with Urologist
2/15/2017 DX H Robertsonian Translocation
H is on clomid and Theralogix Supplements
6/26/17 repeat SA: 47 sperm 0% morph 13% motility
7/26/17 IVF Consult, repeat SA (4 sperm)
8/21/17 Starting IVF cycle with Donor Sperm backup
9/1/17 ER ICSI PGS: only 2 donor embryos made it to freeze
9/13/17 Started cycle for IUI with donor and clomid
9/27/17 IUI canceled for overstim
October Plan IUI with donor and low dose clomid
Sorry I was MIA last cycle.... it was just rough on me and the bump runs so slow and stresses me out!! lol
Diagnosis (If you've been): AMA, DOR
Cycle/CD: 2
Any questions? nope
GTKY: Share something hilarious you've enjoyed reading/seeing/hearing recently! Saw Dave Chappelle at Radio City last month
Married May 2014
TTC # 2 Since December 2021
Baby girl W born 2/2021
Our journey so far...
(tw loss & infertility)
Working with an RE since March 2016
2 failed TI cycles
3 failed IUI cycles
IVF Feb - April 2017
23 eggs collected, 20 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI, 4 day 3 blasts, 3 day 5 blasts, 1 PGS normal
Transferred 1 PGS normal embryo 4.12.17
BFP 4.21.17
MMC due to small gestational sac 6.8.17
Our adoption journey:
12.25.18 Agency picked and apps submitted!
5.1.19 Adoption on hold so we can buy a house!
1.1.20 Homestudy process started
3.14.20 First social worker visit
5.25.20 Homestudy Approved & Submitted to Agency
6.1.20 Surprise! Positive pregnancy test!
Healthy baby girl born 2/10/2021