Hello all, I haven't been on here for quite a while. I did a few rounds of clomid which resulted in nothing and now I have progressing endometriosis. I'm having surgery this Thursday to remove an endometrioma, burn of the endo, and possibly remove a tube. UGH. On top of all this, found out my AMH is 0.13. I'm 36 years old. What in the hell. RE said we could do IVF 2 months after surgery, but, she may not get many eggs due to the AMH. I'm almost ready to just give up. Why spend the money on IVF if there's not even a good chance it will work. Then part of me says, just try once, you only need one egg, you never know! I can't help but continue to feel like I'm forcing something that's not meant to be. I keep thinking I want to go to grad school, and maybe something is telling me to just stop this madness and pursue my degree. I don't even really know what I'm doing on here, pouring out my thoughts for everyone, but I guess I just need to talk it through with others who understand. Thank you for listening
I’m sorry you are going through all of this. My DH and I have done through trying times. Times you feel like the cards are stacked against you and nothing is going your way. I don’t have a good answer for you but we are all here for you. I hope you find peace in whatever direction you find yourself.
I’m sorry you’re facing all that. No one can make that decision but you guys, but you’re right—it only takes one. I’ve known a lot of people who end up with one embryo and have a successful cycle. Best of luck with surgery and thoughts to you during your decision making process!
This whole process is so hard. I really dislike the thought that "it's not meant to be." If some heroin addict can have a baby and some girl can leave her baby in an airport bathroom, than I don't think there's anyplace for "meant to be." Don't give up hope. For some of us it's just a longer journey but don't ever think that this is someone's way of telling you anything about whether you are meant to be a parent. This is a great forum with so many women (and a few men) that really understand what you're going through.
TTC since August 2014
Me: 41, Him: 43
DX: Unexplained secondary infertility
History: Multiple months of Clomid/Femara End of March 2015: BFP with Femara! Saw heartbeat at 5.5 weeks. M/C at 11 weeks Multiple more months of Femara IUI #1 with Femara and Follistem 75 units: BFN IUI #2 with Follistem 150 units: BFN Dec 2015: 1st IVF. 10 eggs retrieved with 8 eggs fertilized. 5 day transfer of two embryos with 2 frozen embies. BFN January 2016: FET #1 2 embryos: BFN March 2016: 2nd IVF cycle. 4 eggs retrieved with 2 fertilized. Quick two day transfer of both embryos: BFN April/May 2016 IVF #3. 11 eggs retrieved. 10 mature. 7 fertilized. 2 5AA blasts transferred 5/11/2016 BFN September 2016 IVF #4: 17 follicles growing, premature ovulation through Cetrotide. Retrieval cancelled. April 2017 IVF #5: 9 follicles growing, 6 eggs retrieved with 5 fertilized. Transfer of three blasts. BFN June 2017: IVF #6: 2 follicles growing, 5 eggs retrieved with 5 fertilized. Transfer of 5 3-day embryos. Chemical pregnancy. BFN Nov/Dec 2017: Donor egg cycle. 33 eggs retrieved, 26 mature. 26 fertilized.
@jenrn1216 This process is extremely difficult and there’s no doubt about it. There were many times I too wanted to give up, but the desire to have a child is so much stronger. It just takes some of us longer, but in the end we’ll get there. Remember, there are many ways to have a family!!
@jenrn1216 - I'm so sorry you're here. That AMH diagnosis in particular must have been a blow.
Good luck with the surgery this week - sounds like it's going to be a big one!
I'm not quite in the boat you're in - we have done IVF and did end up with some embryos. But we also have one failed FET under our belts, and as I prepare for FET #2, in the back of my mind, I'm thinking about what happens if it doesn't work out. Like, when do I give up?
I like all those miracle stories too. I like the happy endings and the women who say: "I just pressed on through heartbreaking loss and now I have a beautiful baby!" I want to believe that will be me, so that's why we're here - approaching our second FET. If that doesn't work, there's a chance we'll even try another round of IVF. I'm hopeful.
But, hopeful as I am, I'm also sane. I know the odds and the statistics, I also know that at some point, enough is enough. For all the women who press on and find success, there are many women who press on and just end up with more debt and heartbreak. I'm not in denial that those women exist, and that I very well could be one of them. So I do have limits. I'm not at them, yet, but they're there. And like you, I'm aware of other possibilities - being a mom looks like a lot of work, the reality is that my career may suffer, and I like my career. If this doesn't work out, as terrible as it will be, there's a whole world out there, and a lot of opportunity.
I do think you need to do what you're going to be able to live with later. If you're going to give IVF a shot, it's definitely not going to be easier when you're 38 or 40. If you think in your heart that you're going to look back on this a couple years from now and wonder "what if", then I'd give it a go, if you can swing it.
Good luck to you, and I'm sorry for your struggles.
@jenrn1216 I’m sorry you find yourself here and that you’re dealing with conflicting emotions. This process is awful no doubt, but I tell myself that I would NEVER regret trying (regardless of outcome), but I would regret not trying. That way if I didn’t get my baby at the end, at least I know I did all I could. I don’t want to wonder “what if” Good luck to you in whatever decision you make!
I'm sorry. I don't have the same situation but I wouldn't base your failed cycles on you. Clomid NEVER worked for me. It is just not the right drug for you. As far as the aMH goes I say do a round of IVF and see how that goes first. Hang in there..
Married: 5/09 ~ TTC Since: 10/10 ~ PCOS ~ Progesterone from 10/10 - 2/11 ~ HSG on 3/18 - Clear ~ Started Metformin 1000mg & Clomid 50mg 2/11 ~ Metformin upped to 1500mg 4/6 ~ 6/7 Now going to SG and put on Clomid, Ovidrel, Gonal F, Prometrium, Estrace ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP!!!!!! March 6th our little man was born.
6/17/13 - Ovidrel, Follistim, Prometrium ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP! March 17th our St. Pattys day baby arrived
10/29/17 - Started process for IVF, got pregnant & miscarried a 2nd time since summer. 2/22 started stims - Menopur, Gonal F, Cetrotide - retrieval 3/6 - , PIO, estrace 3xday - FET 4/18 = Beta 1: 616; Beta 2: 1342 = BFP
Agree with others. Clomid did nothing for me. If you are able to finance one round of IVF comfortably, I say go for it and see where it leads. Talk to the financial counselor at your RE office. Some offices have safeguards in place if retrieval and fertilization is a total bust
I'm really sorry you find yourself here. IF is a horrible battle - and what makes it worse is that it feels like it shouldn't be something we have to battle at all. Your post really resonated with me. I know some people are so confident and have the whole 'whatever it takes' attitude, but in reality that is not for everyone. As you say - there are other factors in your life to consider and ivf is a huge financial, time-consuming and emotional undertaking. I'm not trying to discourage you, I just recognise - and think you are being very honest and wise - to consider all possibilities. Some people still seem to think that ivf always work. The sad truth is that it doesn't. In saying that - I also had no response to Clomid - it's only one drug os don't think that is the end of the road. Would it be possible for you to see a counsellor that deals with these issues? Taking openly to someone other than friends and family can be a huge help - because your mind can be just full of too many choices and pieces of well-meaning advice right now. Whatever you decide to do, I wish you all the very best. Good luck
**History in Spoiler**
Me 39, DH 40 Married Oct 2010, TTC ~7yrs Seeing RE since Spring 2013 Clomid - no response Letrozole (6 months) 2015 Laperoscopy/Hysteroscopy in 2015 Puregon injectibles + trigger x5 in 2016 - all BFN Started IVF March 2017 - 25 follies, 9 eggs, 3 fertilised, 1 survived-> frozen due to hyper stimulation of ovaries FET May 16th 2017, BFP May 27th 2017, m/c @ 9wks IVF #2 February 2018 - 16 eggs, 8 fertilised, 3 frozen embabies Awaiting FET April 2018 - cancelled (cyst) FET May 2018, BFP June 2nd 2018, m/c @ 8wks FET October 2018 - BFN Final FET - late November 2018
jenrn1216 Hi there, I just wanted to echo some of the other posters' sentiments and support. I never previously thought that I would consider IVF because I didn't know the details of the process or details of the adoption process. After 2 1/2+ years of infertility and realizing that I could get on my DH insurance and have 75% paid for and looking at a lot of adoption resources, I realized this will be the less expensive and more likely path for us. So here we are in a first round of IVF.
We decided early on that we will have a child (or two) no matter how that comes about. He is older than me and we were good friends first and he liked me for a long time. On our first date he told me he wanted to get married and have children and that he thought that chance had passed but saw that he had a new opportunity for a family. I knew that was what I wanted too. For us there remains no question. BUT there is absolutely nothing wrong with not being sure. There are a lot of other lives and I have some friends who have decided not to have children for various reasons that have very fulfilling lives with more time, more money, and more travel. You would not want to regret not trying IVF but it is also an intense process. I would recommend you take some time to consider your options and outcomes and make sure that if you do go in to it that it is what you both really want. Of course most of us on this forum know we want children but it's okay not to feel that way too. The best thing you can do is figure out your truth and then live it, whatever that looks like!
Thank you so much for all of your honest, heartwarming replies. It really helps!! I've definitely done some soul searching the past few days and @roisis I definitely agree with you that I should see a counselor just to help me be at peace with whatever happens. I have decided to go ahead with 1 IVF cycle because I also agree with what many of you said, I don't want to always wonder "what if". Luckily, my employer offers a 60% discount on IVF and my cost would be $5,600. I can't really justify not doing it when I know others spend much more than that.
With all of that said, no matter the outcome, I have decided I will live a fulfilled life no matter what. If I have a child, great. But if not, I am actually excited to think about the weight that will be lifted and to finally be able to feel free again. I'm tired of living cycle to cycle, wondering if this will be the one. I just want to spend time with my husband, maybe buy a timeshare with all the money we will save not having kids. Who knows!! I just want to know that I have done everything I could to try, and if it doesn't work, then so be it. There are so many opportunities in this life, and being a mother is not the end all, be all of my existence.
Thank you, again for all of your support. It really means so much to know there are people out there who understand.
I completely understand where you're coming from. Several months ago when I finally went to an RE, all of my tests where coming back normal, until the dreaded AMH. It was .29. I researched and researched A TON. And I found women who had started taking CoQ10 (or more powerful ubiquinol), and DHEA, along with Vitamin D, and in 2 months raised my AMH to .628, which is still low, but I'm 41 going on 42 and that number should be going down, statistically speaking, but I raised mine! Also, recently I started researching Acai supplements and how it increases your IVF success. You can look into it. It's from an IVF clinic in Colorado, and they saw success rates in the Acai group at 80%. Also, eating Avocados is supposed to help, as well. I know how hopeless it feels, but don't let it get you down. As long as there's hope, you keep going!
Thank you @libellula28! I'll do some research on the place in Colorado. Like you, I have done a ton of research and I have found that low AMH doesn't mean it's over. I still do have hope, I just struggle some days and wonder if it's all worth it. My RE only took one tube during surgery, and while we are still going to try IVF, she said I shouldn't lose hope of conceiving naturally, because it can still happen. I plan on doing more acupuncture leading up to the IVF, as well. Good news is if I don't produce enough follicles when we start on the meds, she can cancel and I won't have to pay for a full round. So, at this point, I'm recovering from surgery and going to do all I can to increase my chances of success in a few months. Thank you!!!
@jenrn1216 Definitely late response, but Clomid didn't do anything for me either. & I'm glad you've done your research! Definitely keep your head up. Definitely recommend IVF. I'm praying for a speedy recovery! FX for you!
Hi @jenrn1216! I can totally understand where you're coming from and how you're feeling. No one can tell you what to do and how to proceed with this journey, because it is hard and it takes a toll on you. I've been there. Many of us here have been there. I'd love to share my story even if it gives a tiny bit of hope...so TW ahead...
*****TW*****
We were trying for a few years naturally before turning to clomid as my doctor at the time promised me it's a miracle pill that everyone gets pregnant on. 7 months later on clomid and we still had no baby. We turned to IUI's and failed at that 3 times as well. We finally decided to go forward with IVF. My very first retrieval cycle, we had 19 eggs. 3 days later we had 11 eggs. By day 5, we only had 3. Those 3 were sent for PGD testing. I got the call with the results that we only had 1 viable embryo after the testing (2nd came back undetermined and 3rd was missing a chromosome). I still remember sitting at work and crying at my desk because I just lost all hope that this would ever work. We ended up transferring that 1 embryo and now have a 13 month old baby boy. If this community taught me anything, it was to not give up hope. We all have our story and we all go to great lengths in this process. But it CAN work. If today is not your day, there's always tomorrow and the day after. This community is amazing and offers so much support. We'll be here to cheer you on whatever you decide to do
***History & TW in Spoiler***
***bfp & child warning*** TTC - since 2014 7 rounds of Clomid - BFN IUI #1 - October 2015 - BFN IUI #2 - November 2015 - BFN IUI #3 - December 2015 - BFN IVF #1 - March 2016 Retrieval #1 - April 2016 FET #1 - May 2016 - BFP!!! DS - Born January 2017 Trying for baby #2... FET #2 - January 2018 - BFN No more embryos left; switched to a new RE IVF/Retrieval #2 - January 2019 IVF/Retrieval #3 - March 2019 FET #3 - April 2019 - BFP!!! - DD: Born December 2019 Trying for baby #3... FET #4 - October 2021 - BFP!!! - Due June 2022
I hear ya, girl! I've felt the same way on a number of occasions during this crazy journey, but don't give up hope! Since you've decided to move forward with IVF, I would highly recommend starting DHEA (75 mg) and CoQ10 (400 mg) ASAP and ask your RE about using growth hormone (HGH) with your cycle. I upped my CoQ10 dosage from 200mg to 400mg for my third IVF cycle and used HGH and it was our most successful round to date yet in terms of egg production. Also, start acupuncture. It helps tremendously with the stress. Good luck!
@libellula28 RE said we could start in 3 months. I'm starting Acai supplements based on what I found from that study you mentioned!
@Knottie60076601 I'm actually starting the CoQ10 and Acai supplements tonight and I've been doing acupuncture for a couple of months now and have to say I am a bit obsessed with it lol! It completely relaxes me!!! I'm a ball of stress to begin with, so I figure even if it doesn't help in this department, it helps in so many other ways! I need to get on the DHEA, haven't looked into that yet, thank you for all the tips!!! Do u happen to have low AMH, as well?
@Knottie60076601 I'm sorry to hear that, but my RE always says it's just a piece of the puzzle and it's not the only thing they look at in terms of how successful they think this will be. She always gives me hope, she's actually pretty amazing that way! If you don't mind me asking, how many cycles have you done and on average how many eggs do you get? How much of a difference did you see in egg production after you added the vitamins? Just curious
@jenrn1216 Doesn't that study just give you so much hope?? And 3 months is perfect! You will have some beautiful eggs! Definitely add in the DHEA and Vitamin D. I take iron, vitamin D, and vitamin B, in addition to the Acai and CoQ10. My RE says adding in 3mg of Meletonin at night is supposed to help as well. My lunch bag to go to work must sound like I am distributing pills on the down low!! hahah.
@jenrn1216 Please don't start taking DHEA without having your testosterone levels checked AND talking to your RE. DHEA is a hormone and supplementing it can have consequences. I have seen some good results on this forum from women who have taken it, but it is something that you should be careful with.
Oct 16: Spontaneous BFP | m/c @ 9w1d (massive SCH) | D&C Apr 17: IUI #1 = BFN May 17: IUI #2 = BFN Jun 17: IUI #3 = Late BFP (18 DPO) | NMC 17Jul17 @ ~6w Aug 17: IUI #4 = Cancelled due to premature ovulation | TI = BFN Sep 17: IUI #5 = Cancelled due to overstimulation (10+ follies) Nov 17: IVF #1 = Cancelled due to non-IF related health issue | TI = BFN Dec 17: IVF #1 = Puregon 200, Menopur 75, Orgalutran, Suprefact trigger due to OHSS risk | 22R, 18M, 16F, 10B frozen Feb 18: FET #1 (medicated) = BFN Mar 18: FET #2 (natural cycle) = CP (beta 1: 54; beta 2: 0)
Apr 18: FET #3 (natural cycle) = cancelled due to missed ovulation
Apr 18: FET #3 (natural cycle) = BFP! Beta 1: 201 Beta 2: 585 Beta 3: 3254 Beta 4: 9715
U/S 19May - one bean measuring on track with a HB of 125! EDD: 07Jan2019 Team Green My Rainbow Baby Boy born 03Jan2019
@tosh24 thanks for looking out. I looked into it, but haven't started it because I read it should be taken under a physician. I am going to talk to RE about it at my post op in a few weeks.
@libellula28 the study is fascinating and definitely keeps the hope alive Thanks for mentioning melatonin, I have read that can also help! Do you think vitamin d 400 is good enough? That's what's in my prenatal vit.
@libellula28 & @jenrn1216 would you mind sharing which acai supplements you bought? I'm trying to get some too, but all of the options on Amazon seem to say they're for cleanses or weight loss...
@jenrn1216 I highly recommend checking out Garden of Life Vitamin Code raw prenatals. You can get them on Amazon.
People think we become mothers when we give birth but the truth is we become mothers the moment we start calling our babies to us in our thoughts, dreams and prayers. Some paths are short and some are so long that you can easily forget where you were headed.
How I feel all of the time. My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI Back on Levothyroxine FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt, 1st Beta on 7dpt 93 2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule. Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017 New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN
I bought mine at Walmart, but I am thinking about buying some from vitaminworld. You're supposed to take a high-dose and from what I could gather, that was 1,000 mg a day. Mine are 50 mg which is definitely not even close.
@jenrn1216 Hey there! How are you feeling post surgery? How's everything going?
People think we become mothers when we give birth but the truth is we become mothers the moment we start calling our babies to us in our thoughts, dreams and prayers. Some paths are short and some are so long that you can easily forget where you were headed.
How I feel all of the time. My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI Back on Levothyroxine FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt, 1st Beta on 7dpt 93 2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule. Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017 New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN
@suzycupcake hello! I'm 4 weeks post op today and feeling great! I go back to RE next week. In the meantime, I decided this waiting is driving me crazy and I need to focus my energy elsewhere. I was accepted to grad school and start my journey to be a nurse practitioner next month! I can't keep putting my life on hold. Still going to try for a family, it's just not going to consume me anymore! I really feel like I'm heading down the right path, wherever that takes me!
So sorry to hear what you're going through. I felt this way a few times during my journey to pregnancy (9 weeks pregnant today). We had unexplained infertility and did 3 rounds of IUI and finally got pregnant on our second IVF. I was 32 when they did egg collection. Still have 2 6-day embryos frozen. Would you consider an alternative like donor eggs?
@buggles01 congrats on your pregnancy!!! My RE talked to us about donor eggs, but it's a tough concept for me to wrap my head around. I don't know that I could go through life knowing the child isn't my own, and then having to tell him or her they came from a donor would just be awkward. It's just something I don't think I'd ever be completely ok with. I would adopt before DE. And even then, the costs associated with adopting can be astronomical. It's a position I never thought I'd be in, so these decisions are just sometimes very overwhelming to me! So overwhelming that many times I just want to be done with it and move on with my life. Sorry for the long response.......I tend to ramble lol
So had my follow up with RE today and she was VERY optimistic that we can get pregnant naturally over the next few months. It was refreshing to see her so positive about it!!!! So, giving it a go and fingers crossed!! It feels great knowing I'm not at the mercy of drugs and ultrasounds for the next few months, such a relief!!! And if it doesn't work, onto IVF. Glad I have a solid plan now. Good luck to all!!!
Re: So discouraged, when do I just give up?!
Multiple months of Clomid/Femara
End of March 2015: BFP with Femara! Saw heartbeat at 5.5 weeks. M/C at 11 weeks
Multiple more months of Femara
IUI #1 with Femara and Follistem 75 units: BFN
IUI #2 with Follistem 150 units: BFN
Dec 2015: 1st IVF. 10 eggs retrieved with 8 eggs fertilized. 5 day transfer of two embryos with 2 frozen embies. BFN
January 2016: FET #1 2 embryos: BFN
March 2016: 2nd IVF cycle. 4 eggs retrieved with 2 fertilized. Quick two day transfer of both embryos: BFN
April/May 2016 IVF #3. 11 eggs retrieved. 10 mature. 7 fertilized. 2 5AA blasts transferred 5/11/2016 BFN
September 2016 IVF #4: 17 follicles growing, premature ovulation through Cetrotide. Retrieval cancelled.
April 2017 IVF #5: 9 follicles growing, 6 eggs retrieved with 5 fertilized. Transfer of three blasts. BFN
June 2017: IVF #6: 2 follicles growing, 5 eggs retrieved with 5 fertilized. Transfer of 5 3-day embryos. Chemical pregnancy. BFN
Nov/Dec 2017: Donor egg cycle. 33 eggs retrieved, 26 mature. 26 fertilized.
Good luck with the surgery this week - sounds like it's going to be a big one!
I'm not quite in the boat you're in - we have done IVF and did end up with some embryos. But we also have one failed FET under our belts, and as I prepare for FET #2, in the back of my mind, I'm thinking about what happens if it doesn't work out. Like, when do I give up?
I like all those miracle stories too. I like the happy endings and the women who say: "I just pressed on through heartbreaking loss and now I have a beautiful baby!" I want to believe that will be me, so that's why we're here - approaching our second FET. If that doesn't work, there's a chance we'll even try another round of IVF. I'm hopeful.
But, hopeful as I am, I'm also sane. I know the odds and the statistics, I also know that at some point, enough is enough. For all the women who press on and find success, there are many women who press on and just end up with more debt and heartbreak. I'm not in denial that those women exist, and that I very well could be one of them. So I do have limits. I'm not at them, yet, but they're there. And like you, I'm aware of other possibilities - being a mom looks like a lot of work, the reality is that my career may suffer, and I like my career. If this doesn't work out, as terrible as it will be, there's a whole world out there, and a lot of opportunity.
I do think you need to do what you're going to be able to live with later. If you're going to give IVF a shot, it's definitely not going to be easier when you're 38 or 40. If you think in your heart that you're going to look back on this a couple years from now and wonder "what if", then I'd give it a go, if you can swing it.
Good luck to you, and I'm sorry for your struggles.
TTC #2 - August 2016
MFI
IUI #1-3 BFN
BFP 4/21/18 MMC 6/11/18
Married: 5/09 ~ TTC Since: 10/10 ~ PCOS ~ Progesterone from 10/10 - 2/11 ~ HSG on 3/18 - Clear ~ Started Metformin 1000mg & Clomid 50mg 2/11 ~ Metformin upped to 1500mg 4/6 ~ 6/7 Now going to SG and put on Clomid, Ovidrel, Gonal F, Prometrium, Estrace ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP!!!!!! March 6th our little man was born.
6/17/13 - Ovidrel, Follistim, Prometrium ~ IUI #1 7/2 = BFP! March 17th our St. Pattys day baby arrived
10/29/17 - Started process for IVF, got pregnant & miscarried a 2nd time since summer. 2/22 started stims - Menopur, Gonal F, Cetrotide - retrieval 3/6 - , PIO, estrace 3xday - FET 4/18 = Beta 1: 616; Beta 2: 1342 = BFP
Married Oct 2010, TTC ~7yrs
Seeing RE since Spring 2013
Clomid - no response
Letrozole (6 months) 2015
Laperoscopy/Hysteroscopy in 2015
Puregon injectibles + trigger x5 in 2016 - all BFN
Started IVF March 2017 - 25 follies, 9 eggs, 3 fertilised, 1 survived-> frozen due to hyper stimulation of ovaries
FET May 16th 2017, BFP May 27th 2017, m/c @ 9wks
IVF #2 February 2018 - 16 eggs, 8 fertilised, 3 frozen embabies
Awaiting FET April 2018 - cancelled (cyst)
FET May 2018, BFP June 2nd 2018, m/c @ 8wks
FET October 2018 - BFN
Final FET - late November 2018
We decided early on that we will have a child (or two) no matter how that comes about. He is older than me and we were good friends first and he liked me for a long time. On our first date he told me he wanted to get married and have children and that he thought that chance had passed but saw that he had a new opportunity for a family. I knew that was what I wanted too. For us there remains no question. BUT there is absolutely nothing wrong with not being sure. There are a lot of other lives and I have some friends who have decided not to have children for various reasons that have very fulfilling lives with more time, more money, and more travel. You would not want to regret not trying IVF but it is also an intense process. I would recommend you take some time to consider your options and outcomes and make sure that if you do go in to it that it is what you both really want. Of course most of us on this forum know we want children but it's okay not to feel that way too. The best thing you can do is figure out your truth and then live it, whatever that looks like!
With all of that said, no matter the outcome, I have decided I will live a fulfilled life no matter what. If I have a child, great. But if not, I am actually excited to think about the weight that will be lifted and to finally be able to feel free again. I'm tired of living cycle to cycle, wondering if this will be the one. I just want to spend time with my husband, maybe buy a timeshare with all the money we will save not having kids. Who knows!! I just want to know that I have done everything I could to try, and if it doesn't work, then so be it. There are so many opportunities in this life, and being a mother is not the end all, be all of my existence.
Thank you, again for all of your support. It really means so much to know there are people out there who understand.
I completely understand where you're coming from. Several months ago when I finally went to an RE, all of my tests where coming back normal, until the dreaded AMH. It was .29. I researched and researched A TON. And I found women who had started taking CoQ10 (or more powerful ubiquinol), and DHEA, along with Vitamin D, and in 2 months raised my AMH to .628, which is still low, but I'm 41 going on 42 and that number should be going down, statistically speaking, but I raised mine! Also, recently I started researching Acai supplements and how it increases your IVF success. You can look into it. It's from an IVF clinic in Colorado, and they saw success rates in the Acai group at 80%. Also, eating Avocados is supposed to help, as well. I know how hopeless it feels, but don't let it get you down. As long as there's hope, you keep going!
*****TW*****
We were trying for a few years naturally before turning to clomid as my doctor at the time promised me it's a miracle pill that everyone gets pregnant on. 7 months later on clomid and we still had no baby. We turned to IUI's and failed at that 3 times as well. We finally decided to go forward with IVF. My very first retrieval cycle, we had 19 eggs. 3 days later we had 11 eggs. By day 5, we only had 3. Those 3 were sent for PGD testing. I got the call with the results that we only had 1 viable embryo after the testing (2nd came back undetermined and 3rd was missing a chromosome). I still remember sitting at work and crying at my desk because I just lost all hope that this would ever work. We ended up transferring that 1 embryo and now have a 13 month old baby boy. If this community taught me anything, it was to not give up hope. We all have our story and we all go to great lengths in this process. But it CAN work. If today is not your day, there's always tomorrow and the day after. This community is amazing and offers so much support. We'll be here to cheer you on whatever you decide to do
TTC - since 2014
7 rounds of Clomid - BFN
IUI #1 - October 2015 - BFN
IUI #2 - November 2015 - BFN
IUI #3 - December 2015 - BFN
IVF #1 - March 2016
Retrieval #1 - April 2016
FET #1 - May 2016 - BFP!!! DS - Born January 2017
Trying for baby #2...
FET #2 - January 2018 - BFN
No more embryos left; switched to a new RE
IVF/Retrieval #2 - January 2019
IVF/Retrieval #3 - March 2019
FET #3 - April 2019 - BFP!!! - DD: Born December 2019
Trying for baby #3...
FET #4 - October 2021 - BFP!!! - Due June 2022
When are you thinking of doing the IVF?
TTC since 2015 - low ovarian reserve
March/April 2017 IVF #1 - 2 eggs retrieved - 2 fertilized - 0 blasts transferred/frozen
May/June 2017 IVF #2 - 2 eggs retrieved - 2 fertilized - 1 blast frozen
July 2017 FET - BFN
October 2017 IVF #3 - 7 eggs retrieved - 6 fertilized - 2 transferred - 1 blast frozen - BFN
February 2018 - FET - BFN
@Knottie60076601 I'm actually starting the CoQ10 and Acai supplements tonight and I've been doing acupuncture for a couple of months now and have to say I am a bit obsessed with it lol! It completely relaxes me!!! I'm a ball of stress to begin with, so I figure even if it doesn't help in this department, it helps in so many other ways! I need to get on the DHEA, haven't looked into that yet, thank you for all the tips!!! Do u happen to have low AMH, as well?
TTC since 2015 - low ovarian reserve
March/April 2017 IVF #1 - 2 eggs retrieved - 2 fertilized - 0 blasts transferred/frozen
May/June 2017 IVF #2 - 2 eggs retrieved - 2 fertilized - 1 blast frozen
July 2017 FET - BFN
October 2017 IVF #3 - 7 eggs retrieved - 6 fertilized - 2 transferred - 1 blast frozen - BFN
February 2018 - FET - BFN
https://drgeoffreysherivf.com/potential-downsides-dhea-supplementation-preparing-ivf-take-risk/
*TW loss and children mentioned*
Apr 17: IUI #1 = BFN
May 17: IUI #2 = BFN
Jun 17: IUI #3 = Late BFP (18 DPO) | NMC 17Jul17 @ ~6w
Aug 17: IUI #4 = Cancelled due to premature ovulation | TI = BFN
Sep 17: IUI #5 = Cancelled due to overstimulation (10+ follies)
Nov 17: IVF #1 = Cancelled due to non-IF related health issue | TI = BFN
Dec 17: IVF #1 = Puregon 200, Menopur 75, Orgalutran, Suprefact trigger due to OHSS risk | 22R, 18M, 16F, 10B frozen
Feb 18: FET #1 (medicated) = BFN
Mar 18: FET #2 (natural cycle) = CP (beta 1: 54; beta 2: 0)
EDD: 07Jan2019 Team Green
My Rainbow Baby Boy born 03Jan2019
@libellula28 the study is fascinating and definitely keeps the hope alive Thanks for mentioning melatonin, I have read that can also help! Do you think vitamin d 400 is good enough? That's what's in my prenatal vit.
My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI
Back on Levothyroxine
FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid
FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway
Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt,
1st Beta on 7dpt 93
2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule.
Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017
New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI
IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P
BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine
IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN
I bought mine at Walmart, but I am thinking about buying some from vitaminworld. You're supposed to take a high-dose and from what I could gather, that was 1,000 mg a day. Mine are 50 mg which is definitely not even close.
My 7 Year Journey ***Tw in spoiler***
IVF #1 - September 2018; Follistim, Menopur, Cetrotide & Lupron/HCG combo trigger; PGS; ICSI
Back on Levothyroxine
FET #1 - October 2018; cancelled, all PGS aneuploid
FET #1 - November 30th, transferred anyway
Wondfo BFP 5dp5dt, CB Digi 6dpt,
1st Beta on 7dpt 93
2nd Beta on 10dpt 510!
TTC #1 since 2011. Tried for 5 years before we knew there was a one year rule.
Diag w/MS 2016; w/PCOS & IF 2017
New RE 2018; PCOS diagnosis taken away, IF due to ovary adhesions, but prev. RE insists PCOS IF
IUI
IUI #1 July 2017 w/100mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #2 October 2017 w/50mg Clo+trigger; BFN; benched w/big cysts
IUI #3 February 2018 w/5mg Femara+trigger; low P
BFP February; mc March; Subclinical hypothyroid started Levothyroxine
IUI #4 March 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Medicated cycle & TI April 2018 w/7.5mg Femara+trigger; BFN
Tried several cycles on our own; all BFN