@50Wife , NOT AT ALL. It's just the follicle count before you start stims, that's all. There are speculations you can make based on it, but they really don't mean much at the end of the day.
I'm feeling fine right now. Mostly.. numb? Like, my mind is too confused about whether I should feel anxious or excited, or scared, or hopeful, or what. So it's just like, Nothing. Except nauseous. That I do feel. Haha.
I think part of the reason is because I just have SO FUCKING MUCH going on right now, I don't have time to even decide what to feel. I was supposed to be mostly done with stims by the time my classes started, but since it started so late, I'm now trying to get into school mode while I am also trying to start stims, so I'm just overwhelmed. Ha.
I've heard cetrotide isn't that bad, except that the needles can be more dull than others, since they do come pre-drawn. So ice it well or switch the cap if you have one that lets you. Good luck!
Any tips for Follistim or menopur?
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
I don't have the school stuff going on, but I can only give you my IVF tips - I'm mentally taking it one needle at a time. Once it's over I literally cross it off of my calendar and then I'm back to whatever I was doing. I feel like it seems like this HUGE mountain but if you take one step at a time, it's easier. The other day I was doing dishes 2 minutes after my shot and I'm like wow...I got this. Two minutes ago I was doing a shot to get ready for IVF and now here I am, back to my regular night. See, no biggie. It kind of made me feel better. It made me feel like ok, I really do have this under control and can totally do it!
Menopur burns a bit going in, but it's fine a few minute after it's done. For me personally, I'm noticing the further away from my belly button I inject, the less it burns. I haven't found a way to make it totally painless though! I'm on that and Gonal F right now - the gonal is the best compared to menopur - no sting, no burn, needle is tiny so that's great. Hopefully the menopur is a bit easier on you! I googled menopur last night for some ideas on the burn - some women say to ice the area, but I'm not super convinced it would help bc the actual injection is fine - it's the medication that hurts so I'm not sure numbing the surface would help? If you try it, let me know! I'm in such a rush in the AM I don't have a few minutes to just chill with ice so I just deal with it burning. Others also said to mix it and let it sit for a while? That if it sits for a bit, it doesn't burn as much? Haven't tried that because again - constant rush in the AM. Good luck!!! You got this! Just take it one jab at a time
@50Wife , yeah, I have heard menopur burns, but I am taking meds at night, so I will try to ice it. We'll see what happens. I wouldn't think it would help either, but I will report back. I'm hoping after the first shots I will get a better handle on things. Right now it's an unknown, so I just need to get through the first set and take it from there.
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@50Wife Starting Cetrocide means your one step closer to the ER!! What are you nervous about? And that awesome that you’ve got lots of follies growing!! @madspunk I’m sorry for the BFN. @purplg8r Hope your body cooperates! @zwink1 like everyone else hoping it’s just too early! @darkstar42 Sending creepy internet hugs! Sorry. @halfanewt Really hoping for good news tomorrow! @Augusta108 4 weeks is around the corner!! And YAY for 6 pounds! That’s awesome! @RVAmom315 DUDE 191 mill?!?! SUPER SPERM! @shortstack930 Friday is so close! @Avrilmai Hoping those cysts are gone! @jrm_14 Congrats on almost 2lbs in a week! I really need to get my shit together this month with my healthy food intake you just inspired me! @dragonette505 Hey!!!! Day 2 after surgery just some cramping other than that nada! Plan on returning to work tomorrow. Less than a week to surgery, almost there! @AlohaKumu I would Totally ask your neighbor as long as you guys are close, if you’re not that may be a tad awkward but kinda funny @elothair welcome and sorry you’re here with us but happy to have you!
OMG how much activity in just a day! So here goes and apologies in case I miss anyone in the millions of posts!
@kristokekerooni I am convinced you got this! Like @50wife said, you will manage the injections one way or another. They don’t need to be your favorite activity every day, but you can make them as fun or boring as you want. Remember my “pulling down my pants in a layby” story...
@50wife you’re already sounding like a pro! One step at a time is really the best way I have found to manage this process (its only when the steps stop that I lose it... whilst I have a next step I feel more in control)
AFM I’ve moved from sobbing my heart out yesterday to pure unbridled anger today. Expecting to hit my hyperactive solution finding mode tomorrow, so have blocked a few hours in my calendar for calling clinics. I definitely scared a few people at work today, especially one guy who muttered “PMT” under his breath and will probably regret it for a *very* long time...
Me 43 DH 45 Married 12/2016 TTC #1 since 04/2015 AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis 7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Jun19 FET BFP, due date 7th March 2020, DD born Feb20
Sep17 IVF1 - 1ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high) May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality) Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst) Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality) Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH) Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Sep17 - Pergoveris 10-17 Sep, Orgalutran 15-18 Sep, Ovitrelle 18 Sep, ER 20 Sep for 2 follies, 1 mature egg, fertilized, ET 1x 2d 4-cell embryo 22/09, 05/10 BFN Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
@rallykat14@beachbunnyxo123 We're sticking with the same plan for this next cycle. I am responding better than I had been, so that's good. I think this will be our last IUI. Then (if it doesn't work), we'll probably go straight into IVF in March and FET in April if all goes well.
@emmasemm My cocktail drinking will be starting before the weekend ;-) I love that you know ahead of time your arc of emotions. Wishing you all the best with your calls to clinics.
@madspunk at least you are responding better and not having to waste cycles, but if you end up having to go the ivf route I might be transferring in april too.
Formally Leekat Me: 36 DH 38 Married Sept 2014 TTC Since Nov 2015 IVF Cycle 1 - 0 eggs IVF Cycle 2 - 3 embryos FET 1 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN FET 2 (transferred 2 embryos- BFN IVF Cycle 3 - 1 embryo FET 3 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN Donor Egg Retrieval 2/19/18 -4 embryos that didn't make it to freeze Donor Egg Retrieval 4/30/2018 - 6 eggs - 5 embryos frozen Day 3 FET 4 (with donor eggs) (transferred 1 embryo) -BETA 7/10 - BFN Hysteroscopy & Endo Scratch FET 5 (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos)-BETA 9/10 - BFN Final FET (#6) (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos) BETA 10/15 BFP!! EDD: June 24, 2019 Baby O born June 26, 2019
@KristoKekerooni how did last night go?? And just filling you in on my findings so far...last night I took my cetrotide out of the fridge about an hour before my shot and I honestly didn't even feel it! This morning (starting today and going forward it's a morning shot), I took it out only about 15 minutes before and it stung pretty bad, like alcohol on a scrape type sting. I'm going to try and wake up a bit earlier tomorrow and take it out of the fridge as soon as I wake up and see if that makes a difference but just wanted to let you know since you said you'd be starting that one soon.
And just me being a dumb ass. They have me halving my menopur going forward. So 2ml of saline to mix and only pull back 1 and then refrigerate the other 1ml left over for the next morning. They also gave me Q Caps to help with mixing - well apparently some meds hung out in that bc when I pulled it off, basically all of my remaining meds spilled out on my counter. Luckily I have 5 bottles of menopur left, which shoooould last me 10 days...but going this rate they won't lol
@emmasemm I’m sorry that all the emotions are coming up. And ew to your coworker what an ass! I’m sorry if i missed it somewhere but what’s been coming up for you lately? Did you test yet? I’m sorry if I’m making you repeat anything I’m on mobile and I try to stay up to date but it’s hard to scroll through. Hugs
Hey friends. Thanks for asking about me. It went just okay. The shots themselves were NBD. The menopur stung a tad, but overall, it was fine. I mixed and prepped everything just fine. I was going to do the shots myself because H works tomorrow and Friday night and won't be here to give them to me. But then I just couldn't do it. I was/am really down about that. I am not afraid of needles in any way, shape or form. When my friends and H were going through nursing school, I let them practice giving me saline shots, IVs, all that. I really don't care about it. But I hit this mental block about actually giving them to myself. I just couldn't. And so I totally broke down and H had to do it. I definitely feel like I failed, and that sucks. I expected to be able to breeze through it for the most part, and I hate that I struggled so much. So then I cried most of the night. I don't know what I am going to do when he works, but it probably means I will be driving to his work and letting him give it to me.
In other news, How fast do they hit you? I don't know if it was meds or just my emotional night, but guys, I am EXHAUSTED. I fell asleep during acu, which NEVER happens, and I am just DRAGGING.
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@KristoKekerooni girl I was EXHAUSTED. Not so much throughout the day just went I laid down! Slept like a rock and I never sleep like that. I kind of liked it actually but ever since my ER I’m back to my shitty interrupted sleep habits, ugh. And don’t be hard on yourself. None of this shit is easy by any means and regardless of if you ever give yourself the shots or not you are such a strong and brave woman!
@KristoKekerooni, ohhh, don't feel down on yourself. That mental block is the hardest part! H gave me mine through virtually all of my retrieval cycle, which probably helped when I had to do them solo. However, that mental block still hits from time to time. I had a complete breakdown last week and had to give myself a bit of a mental time out before i finally managed to do it.
You shouldn't feel bad in anyway that you weren't able to stick yourself with a needle, that's just basic self preservation!
@beachbunnyxo123 I go back on Friday! And @KristoKekerooni I agree with beachbunny! I've been DEAD at night. I was in bed my 9:15 last night bc I'm just so so drained! I facetimed my mom last night not long after my Gonal F shot and she's like stop yawning! You're making me tired!! And do NOT feel disappointed!! This shit is not easy. When I did my shot on my own, I went downstairs on my own to do it. Not sure if your H was there watching you and making you more anxious? I dimmed the lights a bit and sat on the sofa by myself and did it. It did take me a few deep breath and pump myself up a few times but couldn't do it. Finally I put the needle right where I was going to stab and looked away and just did it. If you can't do it, totally do not feel disappointed! This is all so overwhelming and I guarantee none of us ever expected to be giving ourselves needles. So fuck it - if you have the option to drive to his work and have him do it, then do it! Whatever you need to do to get those meds in, I say do it. Be proud of yourself for taking on IVF.
ndz2018 So glad youre feeling fine!!! I had my pre op yesterday so I'm almost ready to go! emmasemm boo boo.. so sorry...sending so many hugs! Its not fair. I'm like you.. always working a plan... and yes, make sure that lippy co-worker pays! KristoKekerooni I always took my shots right before bed so I could knock right out
@KristoKekerooni don’t be so hard on yourself, there is nothing easy about giving yourself shots! I still hesitate every single night before doing mine. If you feel more comfortable with your H doing it and can find a way for him to do it every night then I say go for it! IVF is hard enough without making yourself feel bad about that.
TTC History
Me: 35 DH: 34 Married 07/2012 DD born 07/2014 DD2 born 10/2018 DS born 10/2022
IF history: TTC #2 since January 2016 June-Aug 2017: 3 IUIs w/Clomid = BFN Sept 2017: Dx w/Endometriosis Oct 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN Nov 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN Dec 2017: pre-IVF testing Jan-Feb 2018: IVF--17 eggs retrieved, 13 fertilized, 9 frozen and 1 transferred on 2/10 = BFP on 2/19!!! EDD 10/29/2018 FET Oct 2021: BFP on 10/31! MC at 5 weeks FET Feb 2022: BFP on 2/15! EDD 10/29/22
@KristoKekerooni Don't get down about the shots. I really tried to give them to myself and just gave up. It was a bit of a relief when I decided I wasn't going to try any longer. Do you have anyone else that could help so you don't have to drive to H to have him do them? For me the cetrotide was the worst but pulling it out of the fridge to warm it up made a hug difference for me. As it gets closer to ER I was running out of space for shots that weren't bruised so my second and third cycles I tried to alternate sides and worked lateral to medial.
You've got this!!!!
Formally Leekat Me: 36 DH 38 Married Sept 2014 TTC Since Nov 2015 IVF Cycle 1 - 0 eggs IVF Cycle 2 - 3 embryos FET 1 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN FET 2 (transferred 2 embryos- BFN IVF Cycle 3 - 1 embryo FET 3 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN Donor Egg Retrieval 2/19/18 -4 embryos that didn't make it to freeze Donor Egg Retrieval 4/30/2018 - 6 eggs - 5 embryos frozen Day 3 FET 4 (with donor eggs) (transferred 1 embryo) -BETA 7/10 - BFN Hysteroscopy & Endo Scratch FET 5 (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos)-BETA 9/10 - BFN Final FET (#6) (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos) BETA 10/15 BFP!! EDD: June 24, 2019 Baby O born June 26, 2019
@KristoKekerooni I agree with the other ladies! Try not to be so hard on yourself this whole process is tough and just because you can’t give yourself a shot doesn’t mean you’re a failure it means you’re human! You’re doing AMAZING!! I too Felt way more comfortable with H doing them. Only reason I would give them to myself was Bc one night H had a holiday party so I made sure to try it while he was around , just in case I chickened out. If you can find a way for him to do them I say Go for it too!
@KristoKekerooni dont feel bad. I tried to give myself shots once (and this was with a teeny tiny insulin syringe, there was probably 0.25 cc of fluid, total, in the syringe) and I couldn't do it. My coworkers or husband had to give me every single shot, for IUI triggers and both my IVF cycles. Everyone has something they can't/won't do, whether it is IVF in general, or the shots, or PGS testing or a surrogate or what...and some people are lucky that they never find their stopping point- but everyone has a block about something in this process and that is perfectly fine.
I need you to repeat this to yourself, 'It is perfectly normal to not want to or be able to stab myself'.
Thanks for all the well wishes for the IUI everyone. It was an awkward day. The actual procedure went well. I cramped starting about 45 minutes later until I went to bed. Beta on the 2nd & 5th.
@emmasemm Ah hell no, I would not let a male coworkers asinine comment slip away. All the bugs & well wishes.
@50wife Mishaps happen. I had a very small amount of overflow left in my gonal pen last week. I didn’t even think about it being a possibility to use it, so I left it out of the fridge. When the IUI coordinator was like, and you’re going to use that left over tonight , I had the fear of Jesus in me that I ruined it leaving it out of the fridge. I have no clue why I thought wasting expensive leftovers would be an option.
@AlohaKumu Were you able to reach out to your neighbor?
@KristoKekerooni Cleary, there are so many things you cannot control about IVF & IF. While you cannot control needing shots, you can control your decision to have someone else do them. If it causes more stress to do them yourself, it’s absolutely okay to take the control and say, “I’m making this decision because there is no need to cause more anguish in this process.” Eta: I see what you’re saying about the mental block and feeling like a failure. I wonder if the pressure is off, and you choose and plan to have H do them, how hat would impact your ability to do them yourself or the way in which you view him doing them. Either way, I’m sorry it sucks.
A general note to everyone: don't EVER feel bad if you cannot inject yourself. It goes against every safety alarm our body has. I really don't think I could have done it at the beginning of this journey. It's only after months of having these injections and being forced to take over my shots that I'm at this point now. I still hesitate before every shot.
@halfanewt Thinking of you today. @zwink1 I'm sorry your early testing has you down. This process is such an emotional rollercoaster. @purplg8r I hope your body cooperates with you for a late O. @KristoKekerooni No matter how much knowledge we have ahead of time, it's totally different when you get thrust into the whole mess of IVF. Theory is very different than practice, as I learned as a classroom teacher! @50Wife Had some really good advice about taking it one needle at a time. I know it's hard not to think about the whole mountain before you, but each step will get you closer to where you want to be. @50Wife SO freaking stoked for you. I hope you get a whole carton of eggs from your ER. I definitely iced the area before the Menopur injections. I did help a bit. @beachbunnyxo123 I hope each of those three embies that continue to grow, grow, grow! @ndz2018 That's good that your surgery went well, but the vomiting sounds miserable. I hope you are feeling a lot better today. @shortstack930 Woo! Get this show on the road! @jrm_14 I hope you are feeling better after your IUI cramping and it's smooth sailing from here.
AFM I got a blood draw this morning. The doc wants me to increase my Estridol to two pills, three times per day. I hope that's not a bad sign. I still haven't asked my neighbor about the helping with the PIO shot next month, but I'm determined that I will before the end of the week!
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.
@zwink1 , @50Wife , @shortstack930 , @rallykat14 , @ndz2018 , @kiwi2628 , @jrm_14 , What the hell would I do without you people? Guys, Thank you for making me feel normal. I forget that all the IVF instagrams and all the journeys I follow don't show everything. because man, I see all these people talking about doing the shots and I'm just like, how? But like, at the end of the day, I don't think it's really about the shots. I have never been fearful of them. In all my anxieties about IVF, shots were never even on the list. I never thought twice about this part. So it was so out of left field when this hit me. I think it's really just everything hitting at once. Like, I'm pissed that we are here, at IVF instead of doing things the easy way. I'm so, so freaking sad that no matter how many tears, dollar bills, needles, and prayers we throw out there, there's still a good chance it won't work. And that freaking SUCKS. It's like, a HUGE culmination of 3.5 years worth of work. And so it's like reaching this climax, this crest of a hill I've been climbing, and I am *SO FREAKING CLOSE* to the top. But what if I get there and instead of seeing horizon in all directions, I see am even bigger mountain? What if it's not the culmination after all? I'm terrified of it not working.
Yeah... anyway.... sorry for the novel...
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@KristoKekerooni I know its terrifying how much can go wrong. Trust me, I get it. BTDT. Its hard to think about that at this point you have no control- its all up to your doctors and chance and for you, God (I say for you, because for me its the universe, I just dont want to presume my beliefs onto you). Its scary, and there is nothing to take away that fear, unfortunately. You just cant let it consume you. There was a video I posted on my IG of my H giving me a shot and the whole time I am going 'fuck fuck fuuuuuuuuck that hurts!', so while some people post the ugly, a lot of people only post warrior type stuff. And you cant be a warrior 100% of the time- you'll crash and burn. Just remember, you are stronger than so many people out there and you can do this!
@rallykat14 Yes - I am SO glad I'm not having cycles cancelled anymore! And I was thinking you might be doing an April FET too so maybe we'll be on the same timeline! We'll see though, I'm still unsure if I'm ready to put IUIs to bed. Any idea how your donor is doing? I feel like the ER must be getting close.
@KristoKekerooni do NOT beat yourself up about the injections. You are going through so much. And if this is the thing you can’t do, so be it. Do what makes you feel more “comfortable “ and if that’s driving to have your H do the injections then it’s worth it.
Okay,1st IF thread post. This is kinda hard lol. I apologize in advance, I haven't taken the time to read through the entire post yet, I will come back to read/tag later today. This is like ripping off a bandaid right?
Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Another non-O cycle and on CD 52 so... waiting for AF?
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nothing this cycle
How are things going?: Okay, so yesterday I had a 2nd opinion OB appt, we've hit the year mark of TTGP with numerous annov cycles and long irregular "fun". Well, technically we had a few NTNP cycles at first, but going by when my IUD came out it's been over a year. The appointment went really well. I really LOVE the new OB (even if she's super KU atm). I had a consult at another clinic back in November and I he wasn't awful but he kind of made me feel like an idiot that didn't know anything about TTGP. Maybe I was just more prepared this time, but I feel like the nurse and OB really actually listened to what I had to say, took time to look at my charts and information from this past year, and didn't just treat me like a silly newb that don't understand nothin' 'bout havin' no babiez. We came up with 3 options. 1) Continue to lose weight until May and see if my cycles naturally restart ovulation. 2) Start additional testing starting with an HSG and SA to rule out any other potential issues. 3) Try three medicated (with monitoring) cycles and if no luck continue on with more testing. TSH has previously been tested and is good. Hgb a1c is good. Blood sugars are good. Cholesterol could be better, but good. I'm not anemic. And have awesome blood pressure #boastingboutmybp Not gonna lie, I'm leaning towards option 3 at this point. No matter what, I'm still continuing with losing weight and the move more/eat less mentality. The idea of 4 more months of the same makes my heart sad (I know many of you have been dealing with your own journeys for far longer and I don't mean any offense in any way, shape, or form by saying 4 additional months is hard). I know in the grand scheme of things it's not that long. I'm just impatient to get things rolling. I'm calling my insurance today to find out if they'll even cover an HSG or SA and I guess it depends on what they say. I'm really glad to have some ideas/options but, maybe it's a pride?, accepting that , "I am classified under infertility is hard as hell". Again, I know PCOS compared to some other hurdles is like "bitch that's NBD, get over yourself" so please let me know if I'm stepping on toes. I feel like I don't quite belong anywhere even within TB right now Sorry for the pity party. But hooray, we have options!
Any questions?: Not right now, unless anyone has any sage-like advise. I know many of you go to an RE vs OB. I do feel comfortable, at least at this point, going through an OB.
GTKY: Tell me about a time you completely embarrassed yourself Oh goodness... Many times. I trip over flat surfaces often in public. One time that sticks out in my mind was puking all over a friends car after a night out downtown in college. That was not one of my proudest moments. Or falling down the stairs in a bar #grace. Or a less drunk story - the time I quite confidently told MH that there is no "a" in the word McDonald's. It's "Mc" Donald's, not "Mac" Donald's. Or the time when I referred to the IL/WI border as the WI/Chicago border. I can go on...
BFP 3/21/2020! OMG We're having TWINS! 4/17/2020 -------------------------------- LO arrived 11/9/2018! We have a baby! -------------------------------- Me: 33 | DH: 41 Married: March 2016 TTC #1/IUD out January 2017 PCOS dx January 2018 Medicated cycle 2.5mg Letrozole CD3-7 February 2018 BFP 3/10/2018! -------------------------------
TTGP December Siggy Co-Winner: Favorite Moments from Holiday Movies/TV
@lurvleybunchococonuts I'm sorry you see yourself here! I didn't post here for the longest time because I was super in denial, but the ladies on here are absolutely amazing and helpful!
Personally, if I were in your shoes - I'd at least do the testing now. It'll be out of the way and you have more of an idea as to what you're working with! Your hubby's SA might not look amazeballs so that could be something he could work on. If you don't want to do the HSG and whole nine yards right now, his is an easy test that I recommend just getting out of the way sooner rather than later.
Either way, good luck with everything!! It's all very stressful and can be super overwhelming but you've found some good company.
@lurvleybunchococonuts , First things first, Sorry you are here. I hate seeing new faces in this thread, because of all that it means. But let me be 100% clear, Yes, there are people here who have been trying double or triple what you have, but not a single one of us would say that another 4 months is NBD. If you can have a plan and do something, saving you four months, every one of us would say do it. I think all of us here are #TeamGetShitDone not #TeamWaitAndSee Because most of us have tried that method. And it's gotten us nowhere. Go get your testing done. An SA is normally between $75-150 out of pocket. That should be 100% your first step. If there is a sperm problem and PCOS, you need to get started ASAP on figuring out how to deal, since it takes several months of healthy habits to see even a slight change in numbers.
Not trying to bring you down, at all, because I know you have already been hit hard with the IF label that no one wants, just trying to give you all the details. Anyway, what does it hurt to do medicated cycles anyway? Nothing really. Chances are, if those don't work, naturally wasn't gonna work too hot either.
If I were you, my plan would be as follows: 1. SA 2. HSG 3. medicated cycle 4. medicated cycle 5. medicated cycle
And all the while keep going on your weight loss goals. TBH, Personally, I would skip the TI, and do medicated IUIs, but I am at the point where I wish I was more aggressive, so you do whatever feels right.
Oh, and don't sweat seeing an OB. Sometimes it's just more practical. Obviously you need to be confident in their ability, and that's what matters. You will know when it's time to move on. I see an OB even still, because the nearest RE is five hours away. So you're good. Just be informed and ready to challenge her if needed.
At the end of the day, always remember you CAN do this. If someone told me at year 1 I would still be playing this game, I would have laughed and said no way can I handle that. but look at me, I'm handling it. not gracefully, or willingly, or well, but you know, it's getting done. And you will get shit done too. I promise we will hold your hand through every single step.
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
TTC #1 since September 2014 Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI
(count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low
progesterone Check out my Infertility blog Check out my Infertility Instagram
Loss History (TW):
BFP: 3 May 2015, loss confirmed 4 June 2015 BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015 BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015 BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018 BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
TTC History (TW):
3 losses in 2015 Met with OBGYN in January 2016 Me: all clear, H: OAT November 2016: HSG = All
Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt
#1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17 December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC) Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA) FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018 May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus" FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo. BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019 Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two! Lost Baby A 02 July 2018 Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018 Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
Next Up:
TTC Naturally, possibly IUIs for remainder of 2018. ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@lurvleybunchococonuts Welcome to this amazing group of ladies. I agree with the above posters that we tend to be more on the aggressive side when it comes to testing and treatment. We have seen our sisters here deal with pretty much everything under the sun, so the more information you have, the better informed you’ll be to make the best decisions for you going forward. It’s tough to have to do this and be your own advocate at every step of the way, but that’s generally how the IF world goes. We are always here if you have questions or concerns.
AFM I was determined to ask my neighbor about the PIO this morning. I started the conversation by assuring her that I didn’t need a decision right now, but I explained that my doc wants me to start my shot soon and I feel really uncomfortable doing it by myself. I also offered to pay her for her help. Of course the bus came super early while I was asking her, so I had to awkwardly finish the conversation as we were boarding, but she did say she would think about it. Crossing everything she says yes!
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.
Anyway, @lurvleybunchococonuts I am sorry you find yourself here. I am with kristo though. I started medicated cycles the moment I hit 12 months because if I am normally working, by 12 months, I would have gotten pregnant, and at that point, I didn't wanna wait anymore. And here I am, 10 cycles later, still trying to Get Shit Done. I hope your stay is short, but don't feel weird about wanting to move forward. We are all here for you!
@lurvleybunchococonuts so sorry you’re here but wow the others already gave you awesome advice
I am definitely also #TeamGetShitDone and probably drive most people crazy saying do it do it do it, as the only thing I wish was that we started treatment and escalated intervention much much faster than we did.
So I would personally say go with @kristokekerooni ‘s suggestion.
I would also skip TI and do IUI if you don’t have financial limitations - and just in case you’re lucky enough to have some insurance coverage for IF, already check what your insurance requires before IVF (some policies require a certain number of medicated cycles before they will let you go to IVF - and some of those only count IUIs not TI cycles). Because you may as well do something to help and tick off some insurance requirements at the same time.
AFM I’ve called 16 different IVF clinics in 5 countries so far this week. Still have another 5 clinics to try again tomorrow as I couldn’t reach a real live person so far. Repeating all your sad info and tricky questions is exhausting. I’ve ruled out two clinics just because the staff on the phone couldn’t GAF to even try to answer properly. If I’m going to pay bucket loads of money out of pocket I expect to be treated like a princess - or maybe that’s a bit much to ask???
Me 43 DH 45 Married 12/2016 TTC #1 since 04/2015 AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis 7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Jun19 FET BFP, due date 7th March 2020, DD born Feb20
Sep17 IVF1 - 1ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high) May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality) Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality) Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst) Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality) Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH) Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Sep17 - Pergoveris 10-17 Sep, Orgalutran 15-18 Sep, Ovitrelle 18 Sep, ER 20 Sep for 2 follies, 1 mature egg, fertilized, ET 1x 2d 4-cell embryo 22/09, 05/10 BFN Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
@kiwi2628@AlohaKumu@KristoKekerooni@50Wife@emmasemm Oh my goodness, thank you guys so much for the love and warm welcome. You all are gonna have me crying lol. I want to say "you have no idea what your words mean to me," but actually... you ladies of all people do know. I know, no one expects IF, but sheesh... this is NOT what I was expecting when H & I were decided lets have a kid.
Thank you so much for your perspectives and suggestions! I have a message in to my insurance to see what they'll cover and then we'll go from there.
You all are wonderful! Now off I go to page 1 and to see what I've missed so far this week
BFP 3/21/2020! OMG We're having TWINS! 4/17/2020 -------------------------------- LO arrived 11/9/2018! We have a baby! -------------------------------- Me: 33 | DH: 41 Married: March 2016 TTC #1/IUD out January 2017 PCOS dx January 2018 Medicated cycle 2.5mg Letrozole CD3-7 February 2018 BFP 3/10/2018! -------------------------------
TTGP December Siggy Co-Winner: Favorite Moments from Holiday Movies/TV
@lurvleybunchococonuts Welcome and so sorry you find yourself here. I couldnt Agree more with what each and every one of these ladies have said. Get the tests done and out of the way this way you can rule what isn’t the problem. Personally, me, we were only trying for like 2 months when I knew something was wrong, call it a woman’s intuition or I’m 37 and was getting nervous lol. I called And made an appointment with the RE and guess what I am So freakin glad I pulled The trigger! H has MFI(low sperm and morph) and I “had” a septum in my uterus. I say Had Bc I had It removed Monday. If I didn’t feel something was off , guess what we’d still be trying naturally and getting absolutely no where so yes this is #teamgetshitdone . We did our ER back in Dec and just hanging around waiting to heal for a March FET. I personally wouldn’t wait on anything because if there’s a problem then those 4 months will be a waste of time. I’m really hoping your stay here is short.
@emmasemm Girl! 16 different clinics?!?? Wow you have the patience of saint and I 100% agree you should be treated the freakin queen of England with all the money you’re about to give them!
@AlohaKumu Good for you for asking her! I’m sure she’ll say yes. It’s going to take like 3 minutes out of her life. Well if it were me, I would definitely say yes!
All ya’lls responses to @lurvleybunchococonuts warmed my heart & comforted my own anxieties about jumping full force into treatment. I feel a lot of guilt for being on #TeamGetShitDone when I see someone else in my life that has chosen #TeamWaitAndSee for 2.5years. I feel affirmed doing what is right for MH & me.
@AlohaKumu The worst part is over! You asked. It’s out of your hands now.
@emmasemm Yes!!! You deserve to be treated like a princess because you are uh-mazing !. You deserve to be royalty because you have IF. People think it’s okay to not GAF about the potential customers in a shitty part of medicine? Awful.
@lurvleybunchococonuts hey lady, I'm sorry you find yourself here. You've gotten a lot of great advice already, and I may have missed it, but I'll add I would do the HSG before a medicated cycle. If you have a blocked tube no amount of medication to assist with ovulation induction is going to help and I would hate for you to waste time and money and put yourself thought those meds if you don't have to. #teamgetshitdone (as she waves from the bench)
@emmasemm ugh, what a frustrating experience. I don't think it is too much to ask, I mean if you can't be respectful to a potential patient on the phone they you're not worth my time/money
@lurvleybunchococonuts I’m sorry you have to be here but welcome. I think you should get testing going right away. An SA is easy and relatively cheap. And your OB should be able to find a way to code an HSG without using infertility in case you don’t have IF coverage too. (Check your insurance to see what’s covered!)
Re: IF Testing and Treatment, Week of 1/22
@shortstack930 so excited for you to move forward!
@madspunk big hugs
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
I'm feeling fine right now. Mostly.. numb? Like, my mind is too confused about whether I should feel anxious or excited, or scared, or hopeful, or what. So it's just like, Nothing. Except nauseous. That I do feel. Haha.
I think part of the reason is because I just have SO FUCKING MUCH going on right now, I don't have time to even decide what to feel. I was supposed to be mostly done with stims by the time my classes started, but since it started so late, I'm now trying to get into school mode while I am also trying to start stims, so I'm just overwhelmed. Ha.
I've heard cetrotide isn't that bad, except that the needles can be more dull than others, since they do come pre-drawn. So ice it well or switch the cap if you have one that lets you. Good luck!
Any tips for Follistim or menopur?
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
Menopur burns a bit going in, but it's fine a few minute after it's done. For me personally, I'm noticing the further away from my belly button I inject, the less it burns. I haven't found a way to make it totally painless though! I'm on that and Gonal F right now - the gonal is the best compared to menopur - no sting, no burn, needle is tiny so that's great. Hopefully the menopur is a bit easier on you!
I googled menopur last night for some ideas on the burn - some women say to ice the area, but I'm not super convinced it would help bc the actual injection is fine - it's the medication that hurts so I'm not sure numbing the surface would help? If you try it, let me know! I'm in such a rush in the AM I don't have a few minutes to just chill with ice so I just deal with it burning.
Others also said to mix it and let it sit for a while? That if it sits for a bit, it doesn't burn as much? Haven't tried that because again - constant rush in the AM.
Good luck!!! You got this! Just take it one jab at a time
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@madspunk I’m sorry for the BFN.
@purplg8r Hope your body cooperates!
@zwink1 like everyone else hoping it’s just too early!
@darkstar42 Sending creepy internet hugs! Sorry.
@halfanewt Really hoping for good news tomorrow!
@Augusta108 4 weeks is around the corner!! And YAY for 6 pounds! That’s awesome!
@RVAmom315 DUDE 191 mill?!?! SUPER SPERM!
@shortstack930 Friday is so close!
@Avrilmai Hoping those cysts are gone!
@jrm_14 Congrats on almost 2lbs in a week! I really need to get my shit together this month with my healthy food intake you just inspired me!
@dragonette505 Hey!!!! Day 2 after surgery just some cramping other than that nada! Plan on returning to work tomorrow. Less than a week to surgery, almost there!
@AlohaKumu I would Totally ask your neighbor as long as you guys are close, if you’re not that may be a tad awkward but kinda funny
@elothair welcome and sorry you’re here with us but happy to have you!
So here goes and apologies in case I miss anyone in the millions of posts!
@kristokekerooni I am convinced you got this! Like @50wife said, you will manage the injections one way or another. They don’t need to be your favorite activity every day, but you can make them as fun or boring as you want. Remember my “pulling down my pants in a layby” story...
@50wife you’re already sounding like a pro! One step at a time is really the best way I have found to manage this process (its only when the steps stop that I lose it... whilst I have a next step I feel more in control)
@beachbunnyxo123 grow grow grow little embabies!
@shortstack930 welcome to the crazy train! And I’m pleased you and @kristokekerooni kind of end up together for stims etc
@dragonette505 welcome back old friend! It’s good to have you hear dishing out your wisdom again!
@Augusta108 way to go on the weight loss! Feel free to share tips - especially those that work for us DORers!
@RVAmom315 you and your DH are the morph wizards!
@avrilmai come on cysts, Time to get out of here!
@jrm_14 hoping it all went smoothly today!
@rallykat14 it’s good you’re fitting in all the “admin” now so you’ll be full on ready for your transfer in a few months!
@Sailing_Mama being alone to test is rubbish. Hopefully though it’s good news and you have a chance to surprise him...
@AlohaKumu Sorry no PIO experience here, but I hope you find a solution you’re comfortable with.
@elothair I’m sorry you to see you joining us but welcome!
@halfanewt There was no way I wouldn’t test. I don’t know how you’ve done it. Fx it’s good news though when you get the official result.
@zwink1 @madspunk @darkstar42 How about we all vow to drink lots of cocktails at the weekend?
AFM I’ve moved from sobbing my heart out yesterday to pure unbridled anger today. Expecting to hit my hyperactive solution finding mode tomorrow, so have blocked a few hours in my calendar for calling clinics.
I definitely scared a few people at work today, especially one guy who muttered “PMT” under his breath and will probably regret it for a *very* long time...
Married 12/2016
TTC #1 since 04/2015
AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis
7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F
Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN
Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing
Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high)
May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality)
Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst)
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality)
Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH)
Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control
Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy
Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis
Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed
Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize
Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN
May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
Hope you're feeling ok!
@emmasemm I hope you can make some progress with your calls tomorrow and you can turn your anger into pure determination! Let us know how it goes!!
@beachbunnyxo123 I'm rooting for 3 perfect embabies!
@kristokekerooni GL with your shots today!
@emmasemm My cocktail drinking will be starting before the weekend ;-) I love that you know ahead of time your arc of emotions. Wishing you all the best with your calls to clinics.
Me: 36 DH 38
Married Sept 2014
TTC Since Nov 2015
IVF Cycle 1 - 0 eggs
IVF Cycle 2 - 3 embryos
FET 1 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN
FET 2 (transferred 2 embryos- BFN
IVF Cycle 3 - 1 embryo
FET 3 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN
Donor Egg Retrieval 2/19/18 -4 embryos that didn't make it to freeze
Donor Egg Retrieval 4/30/2018 - 6 eggs - 5 embryos frozen Day 3
FET 4 (with donor eggs) (transferred 1 embryo) -BETA 7/10 - BFN
Hysteroscopy & Endo Scratch
FET 5 (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos)-BETA 9/10 - BFN
Final FET (#6) (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos) BETA 10/15 BFP!!
EDD: June 24, 2019 Baby O born June 26, 2019
And just filling you in on my findings so far...last night I took my cetrotide out of the fridge about an hour before my shot and I honestly didn't even feel it!
This morning (starting today and going forward it's a morning shot), I took it out only about 15 minutes before and it stung pretty bad, like alcohol on a scrape type sting. I'm going to try and wake up a bit earlier tomorrow and take it out of the fridge as soon as I wake up and see if that makes a difference but just wanted to let you know since you said you'd be starting that one soon.
And just me being a dumb ass. They have me halving my menopur going forward. So 2ml of saline to mix and only pull back 1 and then refrigerate the other 1ml left over for the next morning. They also gave me Q Caps to help with mixing - well apparently some meds hung out in that bc when I pulled it off, basically all of my remaining meds spilled out on my counter. Luckily I have 5 bottles of menopur left, which shoooould last me 10 days...but going this rate they won't lol
@KristoKekerooni how did your first night of stims go??
@emmasemm I’m sorry that all the emotions are coming up. And ew to your coworker what an ass! I’m sorry if i missed it somewhere but what’s been coming up for you lately? Did you test yet? I’m sorry if I’m making you repeat anything I’m on mobile and I try to stay up to date but it’s hard to scroll through. Hugs
@50Wife when do you go back for monitoring again?
@ndz2018 glad everything went well!!
@beachbunnyxo123 Thanks! Back at work today. Still a little crampy but Advil helps.
In other news, How fast do they hit you? I don't know if it was meds or just my emotional night, but guys, I am EXHAUSTED. I fell asleep during acu, which NEVER happens, and I am just DRAGGING.
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
You shouldn't feel bad in anyway that you weren't able to stick yourself with a needle, that's just basic self preservation!
And @KristoKekerooni I agree with beachbunny! I've been DEAD at night. I was in bed my 9:15 last night bc I'm just so so drained! I facetimed my mom last night not long after my Gonal F shot and she's like stop yawning! You're making me tired!!
And do NOT feel disappointed!! This shit is not easy. When I did my shot on my own, I went downstairs on my own to do it. Not sure if your H was there watching you and making you more anxious? I dimmed the lights a bit and sat on the sofa by myself and did it. It did take me a few deep breath and pump myself up a few times but couldn't do it. Finally I put the needle right where I was going to stab and looked away and just did it.
If you can't do it, totally do not feel disappointed! This is all so overwhelming and I guarantee none of us ever expected to be giving ourselves needles. So fuck it - if you have the option to drive to his work and have him do it, then do it! Whatever you need to do to get those meds in, I say do it. Be proud of yourself for taking on IVF.
emmasemm boo boo.. so sorry...sending so many hugs! Its not fair. I'm like you.. always working a plan... and yes, make sure that lippy co-worker pays!
KristoKekerooni I always took my shots right before bed so I could knock right out
Married 07/2012
DD born 07/2014
DD2 born 10/2018
DS born 10/2022
IF history:
TTC #2 since January 2016
June-Aug 2017: 3 IUIs w/Clomid = BFN
Sept 2017: Dx w/Endometriosis
Oct 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Nov 2017: IUI w/Letrozole = BFN
Dec 2017: pre-IVF testing
Jan-Feb 2018: IVF--17 eggs retrieved, 13 fertilized, 9 frozen and 1 transferred on 2/10 = BFP on 2/19!!! EDD 10/29/2018
FET Oct 2021: BFP on 10/31! MC at 5 weeks
FET Feb 2022: BFP on 2/15! EDD 10/29/22
For me the cetrotide was the worst but pulling it out of the fridge to warm it up made a hug difference for me. As it gets closer to ER I was running out of space for shots that weren't bruised so my second and third cycles I tried to alternate sides and worked lateral to medial.
You've got this!!!!
Me: 36 DH 38
Married Sept 2014
TTC Since Nov 2015
IVF Cycle 1 - 0 eggs
IVF Cycle 2 - 3 embryos
FET 1 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN
FET 2 (transferred 2 embryos- BFN
IVF Cycle 3 - 1 embryo
FET 3 (transferred 1 embryo) - BFN
Donor Egg Retrieval 2/19/18 -4 embryos that didn't make it to freeze
Donor Egg Retrieval 4/30/2018 - 6 eggs - 5 embryos frozen Day 3
FET 4 (with donor eggs) (transferred 1 embryo) -BETA 7/10 - BFN
Hysteroscopy & Endo Scratch
FET 5 (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos)-BETA 9/10 - BFN
Final FET (#6) (with donor eggs) (transferred 2 embryos) BETA 10/15 BFP!!
EDD: June 24, 2019 Baby O born June 26, 2019
I need you to repeat this to yourself, 'It is perfectly normal to not want to or be able to stab myself'.
@emmasemm Ah hell no, I would not let a male coworkers asinine comment slip away. All the bugs & well wishes.
@50wife Mishaps happen. I had a very small amount of overflow left in my gonal pen last week. I didn’t even think about it being a possibility to use it, so I left it out of the fridge. When the IUI coordinator was like, and you’re going to use that left over tonight , I had the fear of Jesus in me that I ruined it leaving it out of the fridge. I have no clue why I thought wasting expensive leftovers would be an option.
@AlohaKumu Were you able to reach out to your neighbor?
@KristoKekerooni Cleary, there are so many things you cannot control about IVF & IF. While you cannot control needing shots, you can control your decision to have someone else do them. If it causes more stress to do them yourself, it’s absolutely okay to take the control and say, “I’m making this decision because there is no need to cause more anguish in this process.” Eta: I see what you’re saying about the mental block and feeling like a failure. I wonder if the pressure is off, and you choose and plan to have H do them, how hat would impact your ability to do them yourself or the way in which you view him doing them. Either way, I’m sorry it sucks.
@halfanewt Thinking of you today.
@zwink1 I'm sorry your early testing has you down. This process is such an emotional rollercoaster.
@purplg8r I hope your body cooperates with you for a late O.
@KristoKekerooni No matter how much knowledge we have ahead of time, it's totally different when you get thrust into the whole mess of IVF. Theory is very different than practice, as I learned as a classroom teacher! @50Wife Had some really good advice about taking it one needle at a time. I know it's hard not to think about the whole mountain before you, but each step will get you closer to where you want to be.
@50Wife SO freaking stoked for you. I hope you get a whole carton of eggs from your ER. I definitely iced the area before the Menopur injections. I did help a bit.
@beachbunnyxo123 I hope each of those three embies that continue to grow, grow, grow!
@ndz2018 That's good that your surgery went well, but the vomiting sounds miserable. I hope you are feeling a lot better today.
@shortstack930 Woo! Get this show on the road!
@jrm_14 I hope you are feeling better after your IUI cramping and it's smooth sailing from here.
AFM I got a blood draw this morning. The doc wants me to increase my Estridol to two pills, three times per day. I hope that's not a bad sign. I still haven't asked my neighbor about the helping with the PIO shot next month, but I'm determined that I will before the end of the week!
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.
Yeah... anyway.... sorry for the novel...
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
@beachbunnyxo123 yay for 3 embabies!
@ndz2018 I’m sorry you got so sick after surgery!
@shortstack930 it’s happening!!
@KristoKekerooni do NOT beat yourself up about the injections. You are going through so much. And if this is the thing you can’t do, so be it. Do what makes you feel more “comfortable “ and if that’s driving to have your H do the injections then it’s worth it.
Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Another non-O cycle and on CD 52 so... waiting for AF?
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nothing this cycle
How are things going?: Okay, so yesterday I had a 2nd opinion OB appt, we've hit the year mark of TTGP with numerous annov cycles and long irregular "fun". Well, technically we had a few NTNP cycles at first, but going by when my IUD came out it's been over a year. The appointment went really well. I really LOVE the new OB (even if she's super KU atm). I had a consult at another clinic back in November and I he wasn't awful but he kind of made me feel like an idiot that didn't know anything about TTGP. Maybe I was just more prepared this time, but I feel like the nurse and OB really actually listened to what I had to say, took time to look at my charts and information from this past year, and didn't just treat me like a silly newb that don't understand nothin' 'bout havin' no babiez. We came up with 3 options. 1) Continue to lose weight until May and see if my cycles naturally restart ovulation. 2) Start additional testing starting with an HSG and SA to rule out any other potential issues. 3) Try three medicated (with monitoring) cycles and if no luck continue on with more testing.
TSH has previously been tested and is good. Hgb a1c is good. Blood sugars are good. Cholesterol could be better, but good. I'm not anemic. And have awesome blood pressure #boastingboutmybp
Not gonna lie, I'm leaning towards option 3 at this point. No matter what, I'm still continuing with losing weight and the move more/eat less mentality. The idea of 4 more months of the same makes my heart sad (I know many of you have been dealing with your own journeys for far longer and I don't mean any offense in any way, shape, or form by saying 4 additional months is hard). I know in the grand scheme of things it's not that long. I'm just impatient to get things rolling. I'm calling my insurance today to find out if they'll even cover an HSG or SA and I guess it depends on what they say. I'm really glad to have some ideas/options but, maybe it's a pride?, accepting that , "I am classified under infertility is hard as hell". Again, I know PCOS compared to some other hurdles is like "bitch that's NBD, get over yourself" so please let me know if I'm stepping on toes. I feel like I don't quite belong anywhere even within TB right now
Any questions?: Not right now, unless anyone has any sage-like advise. I know many of you go to an RE vs OB. I do feel comfortable, at least at this point, going through an OB.
GTKY: Tell me about a time you completely embarrassed yourself
Oh goodness... Many times. I trip over flat surfaces often in public. One time that sticks out in my mind was puking all over a friends car after a night out downtown in college. That was not one of my proudest moments. Or falling down the stairs in a bar #grace. Or a less drunk story - the time I quite confidently told MH that there is no "a" in the word McDonald's. It's "Mc" Donald's, not "Mac" Donald's. Or the time when I referred to the IL/WI border as the WI/Chicago border. I can go on...
--------------------------------
LO arrived 11/9/2018! We have a baby!
--------------------------------
Me: 33 | DH: 41
Married: March 2016
TTC #1/IUD out January 2017
PCOS dx January 2018
Medicated cycle 2.5mg Letrozole CD3-7 February 2018
BFP 3/10/2018!
-------------------------------
Personally, if I were in your shoes - I'd at least do the testing now. It'll be out of the way and you have more of an idea as to what you're working with! Your hubby's SA might not look amazeballs so that could be something he could work on. If you don't want to do the HSG and whole nine yards right now, his is an easy test that I recommend just getting out of the way sooner rather than later.
Either way, good luck with everything!! It's all very stressful and can be super overwhelming but you've found some good company.
But let me be 100% clear, Yes, there are people here who have been trying double or triple what you have, but not a single one of us would say that another 4 months is NBD. If you can have a plan and do something, saving you four months, every one of us would say do it. I think all of us here are #TeamGetShitDone not #TeamWaitAndSee Because most of us have tried that method. And it's gotten us nowhere.
Go get your testing done. An SA is normally between $75-150 out of pocket. That should be 100% your first step. If there is a sperm problem and PCOS, you need to get started ASAP on figuring out how to deal, since it takes several months of healthy habits to see even a slight change in numbers.
Not trying to bring you down, at all, because I know you have already been hit hard with the IF label that no one wants, just trying to give you all the details. Anyway, what does it hurt to do medicated cycles anyway? Nothing really. Chances are, if those don't work, naturally wasn't gonna work too hot either.
If I were you, my plan would be as follows:
1. SA
2. HSG
3. medicated cycle
4. medicated cycle
5. medicated cycle
And all the while keep going on your weight loss goals. TBH, Personally, I would skip the TI, and do medicated IUIs, but I am at the point where I wish I was more aggressive, so you do whatever feels right.
Oh, and don't sweat seeing an OB. Sometimes it's just more practical. Obviously you need to be confident in their ability, and that's what matters. You will know when it's time to move on. I see an OB even still, because the nearest RE is five hours away. So you're good. Just be informed and ready to challenge her if needed.
At the end of the day, always remember you CAN do this. If someone told me at year 1 I would still be playing this game, I would have laughed and said no way can I handle that. but look at me, I'm handling it. not gracefully, or willingly, or well, but you know, it's getting done. And you will get shit done too. I promise we will hold your hand through every single step.
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
AFM I was determined to ask my neighbor about the PIO this morning. I started the conversation by assuring her that I didn’t need a decision right now, but I explained that my doc wants me to start my shot soon and I feel really uncomfortable doing it by myself. I also offered to pay her for her help. Of course the bus came super early while I was asking her, so I had to awkwardly finish the conversation as we were boarding, but she did say she would think about it. Crossing everything she says yes!
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.
#TeamGetShitDone
Anyway, @lurvleybunchococonuts I am sorry you find yourself here. I am with kristo though. I started medicated cycles the moment I hit 12 months because if I am normally working, by 12 months, I would have gotten pregnant, and at that point, I didn't wanna wait anymore. And here I am, 10 cycles later, still trying to Get Shit Done. I hope your stay is short, but don't feel weird about wanting to move forward. We are all here for you!
I am definitely also #TeamGetShitDone and probably drive most people crazy saying do it do it do it, as the only thing I wish was that we started treatment and escalated intervention much much faster than we did.
So I would personally say go with @kristokekerooni ‘s suggestion.
I would also skip TI and do IUI if you don’t have financial limitations - and just in case you’re lucky enough to have some insurance coverage for IF, already check what your insurance requires before IVF (some policies require a certain number of medicated cycles before they will let you go to IVF - and some of those only count IUIs not TI cycles). Because you may as well do something to help and tick off some insurance requirements at the same time.
AFM I’ve called 16 different IVF clinics in 5 countries so far this week. Still have another 5 clinics to try again tomorrow as I couldn’t reach a real live person so far. Repeating all your sad info and tricky questions is exhausting. I’ve ruled out two clinics just because the staff on the phone couldn’t GAF to even try to answer properly. If I’m going to pay bucket loads of money out of pocket I expect to be treated like a princess - or maybe that’s a bit much to ask???
Married 12/2016
TTC #1 since 04/2015
AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis
7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F
Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN
Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing
Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high)
May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality)
Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst)
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality)
Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH)
Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control
Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy
Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis
Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed
Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize
Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN
May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
Thank you so much for your perspectives and suggestions! I have a message in to my insurance to see what they'll cover and then we'll go from there.
You all are wonderful! Now off I go to page 1 and to see what I've missed so far this week
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LO arrived 11/9/2018! We have a baby!
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Me: 33 | DH: 41
Married: March 2016
TTC #1/IUD out January 2017
PCOS dx January 2018
Medicated cycle 2.5mg Letrozole CD3-7 February 2018
BFP 3/10/2018!
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@emmasemm Girl! 16 different clinics?!?? Wow you have the patience of saint and I 100% agree you should be treated the freakin queen of England with all the money you’re about to give them!
@AlohaKumu Good for you for asking her! I’m sure she’ll say yes. It’s going to take like 3 minutes out of her life. Well if it were me, I would definitely say yes!
All ya’lls responses to @lurvleybunchococonuts warmed my heart & comforted my own anxieties about jumping full force into treatment. I feel a lot of guilt for being on #TeamGetShitDone when I see someone else in my life that has chosen #TeamWaitAndSee for 2.5years. I feel affirmed doing what is right for MH & me.
@AlohaKumu The worst part is over! You asked. It’s out of your hands now.
@emmasemm Yes!!! You deserve to be treated like a princess because you are uh-mazing !. You deserve to be royalty because you have IF. People think it’s okay to not GAF about the potential customers in a shitty part of medicine? Awful.
@lurvleybunchococonuts ❤️❤️❤️❤️
@emmasemm ugh, what a frustrating experience. I don't think it is too much to ask, I mean if you can't be respectful to a potential patient on the phone they you're not worth my time/money
@AlohaKumu way to be brave! hope she says yes.
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
@AlohaKumu I hope she says yes!!
@emmasemm wow! That’s a lot of phone calls!