TTTC Checkin 03/06/2018

GoldenKeys · March 2018

Hello everybody,

Congratulations to any BFP's and hugs to anybody who needs one... updates for the last two weeks are in this post. Ugh I really, really hate missing the weekly post am working on a backup plan so we don't miss any more checkins.

Congratulations to @Kim41313 and @seethosestars for graduating!

How is everybody doing?

2018 BFP Hall Fame

lablover78 dx: PCOS, Compound Heterozygous MTHFR Rx: IVF

Tops-2: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: Metformin, Letrozole & TI

halfanewt: possible PCOS, MTHFR gene, slight MFI Rx: IVF

seethosestars: dx: DOR Rx: IVF + FET #1

Kim41313: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF

PAGING:

@BWhitta: dx: PCOS Rx: letrozole

@Bababatty: dx:Low Motility Rx: IVF

@ChristinaV2015: dx: blocked tubes, PCOS, endo + MFI Rx: lap, OPKs + TI

@emgem819 dx: PCOS, Rx: provera, femara + Bravelle

@hoffmanr7: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF

@jmr1515: dx: Mild MFI/morph, fibroid Rx: Surgery + TI

@mackenzie07 dx: PCOS and Endo Rx: metformin, letrozole, ovidrel

@mandasand: dx: low AMH Rx:IVF (Lupron, Menopur + Follistim)

@Mlight28: dx Unexplained Rx: Clomid

@MrsM00re87: dx: DOR PCOS, low morph Rx: Femara + TI

@Mythril: dx: PCOS (anovulatory) Rx:levothyroxine, metformin and femara + TI

@rachlee2010: dx: DOR Rx: IUI

@Samanthaarielxo dx: anovulation Rx: still in testing

@sarah0985: dx: PCOS, possible blocked tubes Rx: Lap

@SM746830: dx: PCOS, blocked tubes Rx: Surgery, Clomid

@starlitfae dx: MFI & balanced translocation, thyroid Rx: ivf with pgd testing

@funkykey dx: unexplained Rx: IVF

@Worldtravler0522 dx: PCOS/Unexplained Rx: IVF

@notamyrtle: dx: unexplained Rx: IUI + injects

@MountainLady: dx: Unexplained Rx: Letrozole + IUI / possible IVF

@Kate437: dx:anovulatory Rx:Letrozole + trigger

@SP128: in testing/unexplained

@honeybeebub: dx:septate uterus, MTHFR Rx: septum resection surgery, baby aspirin & progesterone

@eranvo27: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: metformin

@brittlefebvre: in testing

@Charligirl28: dx: unexplained Rx: Clomid

@kristimh80: dx: unexplained Rx: Injectables + trigger + IUI

@SoonToBeMommaHowe: dx: Unexplained Rx: naturally until IVF

@Brooke4131: dx: Secondary unexplained Rx: in testing

@fluffybookworm: dx: Anovulation + insulin resistance Rx: Metformin + prometrium + testing

@Asampson87: dx: unexplained + MFI Rx: metformin + testing

@soehlerk: dx: Unexplained Rx: Femara + IUI

@hannahlce: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: metformin + letrozole

@emmasemm: dx: DOR & autoimmune Rx: IVF

@floridanursegirl: dx: unexplained anovulation Rx:Metformin, IUI+Femara+trigger

@aeb1116: dx: unexplained Rx: IUI

@Happyin14: dx: unexplained, RPL Rx: IVF

@amac2313: dx: unknown Rx: Clomid

@nurseerin2012: dx: unexplained Rx: letrozole + IUI

@Knottie1467155066: dx: unknown Rx: letrozole + trigger + TI

@thothscribe81: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF

@BenJay: Dx: PCOS/unexplained Rx. Metformin + supplements

@MicahDahn: Dx: irregular cycles Rx: preparing for testing

@kiwielopingbride: Dx: Unexplained Rx: IUI

@moloninge Dx:PCOS, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, fibroids. Rx:Metformin,Synthroid,IUI w/letrozole, ovidrel, and

rogesterone.

@beec2421: dx: PCOS, hypothyroidism Rx: metformin, synthroid, clomid

@wishing-and-hoping: dx: unexplained rx: IUI

@echocharlietango: dx: Unexplained Rx: trying naturally

@kgabhart: dx: Unexplained/PCOS Rx: letrozole + IUI

@linz36: dx: Low AFC, MFI Rx: testing/IUI

@jrm_14: dx: Adrenal/overian insufficiency, Borderline-low AMH, Low progesterone Rx: IUI w/ injectables.

@ChristenMA83: dx: MFI Rx: IVF w/ISCI

@Bgreenfield10: dx: anovulatory PCOS, LPD Rx: Clomid + trigger

@serownarain: dx: in testing

@allisona66: dx: waiting for testing

@manhattanmama2: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF

@mirabelle33L dx: weak ovulation, possible LPD, AMA Rx: Injectables + Ovidrel + TI

@meganttc3: dx: PCOS, unexplained Rx: waiting to test

@mrsjcrane: dx: unexplained Rx: femara + trigger + TI + 2nd HCG booster

NEWCOMERS:To be added to the Weekly Checkin, please answer the following:

1. How long have you been TTC?

2. What is your diagnosis?

3. What is your current Rx plan?

QOTW: What advice would you give to someone new to IF?

Bababatty · March 2018

Hi all! 7DP5DT here. My beta is on Thursday.

We ended up with 4 other embies to freeze, so pretty happy with that. Any suggestions for kicking this yeast infection that’s cropped up? I called my nurse today and can only use Monistat externally until the beta. Boo. Perhaps more yogurt even though I have some every day?

QOTW Ooo good question. If they hadn’t already seen an RE, I’d suggest getting a referral from their OB and calling insurance to confirm coverage options. I was pleasantly surprised by what mine covers.

But emotionally I’d tell them to get off social media, find a hobby/distraction, find a good therapist or therapy group, and try very hard to avoid punching anyone that tells them to just relax. I’d also say it’s ok if you can’t be around pregnant friends/babies. It doesn’t make you a bad person.

emmasemm · March 2018

@bababatty good luck for Thursday! As for the yeast infection, the only things that ever worked for me were canestan pessaries and tablets. I guess they’re not safe in TWW.

AFM Trying on our own this cycle and still WTO. But got hopefully the last of the testing done today - although to do it we have taken an international flight as a day trip. Just to have blood drawn. I hope this is the height of insanity needed to get to the target result. Results will not be for a few weeks, though results from clotting panel etc expected this week. I have the week off work to write my thesis and have a doctors appointment every day...

QOTW Research, research, research. Make contact either IRL or online with ladies going through IF with similar diagnoses and at varying stages of treatment. If something doesn’t feel right, ask right there right then. Trust your gut. Only you and your DH know when you’re ready for what, don’t be pushed too hard or held back by anyone else. Get copies of all records and tests and procedures straight away each time, read them, question what you don’t understand. Write down your questions before each appointment and write in the answers during the appointment (it’s amazing what you remember/forget the minute you’re 3ft outside the consultation room). Only do more tests if the outcome will change your course of treatment - if you’ll need IVF anyhow, then don’t waste time and money on testing things that IVF overcomes. Do what you need to protect your heart - un-friend, decline invites

ChristenMA83 · March 2018

@bababatty So exciting, beta is getting close. Fingers crossed for you.

AFM: I'm just waiting for transfer 3/20 - so no news on the IF front.

QOTW:
If you don't like the first RE you go to, there are other options.
Work to understand insurance coverage. Fertility Lifelines was awesome at helping me understand coverage and work with my insurance...wish I would have known that 5 years ago.
Research and understand your diagnosis before proceeding with treatment - the first RE we went to had us waste two cycles on IUI that shouldn't have been recommended for our diagnosis - even by conservative insurance standards.

BWhitta · March 2018

@Bababatty FX FX FX!!!!!!!!! Are you taking a probiotic? Taking those for a couple days usually helps me...also, you can actually put one right on up there...but unsure if that’s acceptable before your beta!

@emmasemm I cannot believe that about the international flight

I hope you get a lot of great results from all of your tests and that you can try to enjoy your week off!!!!!!

AFM, my appointment with the doctor to go over all of my results is tomorrow and I am reeeeeeeeally nervous. I’m also expecting AF any day now so I’m very moody and hangry, haha. The hardest part (but also probably the best part) is that it’s basically impossible to binge on junk food, which I would normally do. I’m three weeks into the diet and am down 12 lbs! It took a while to get used to it and for the scale to really get moving but now it seems to be dropping really quickly and I feel pretty great. Really really praying that he has some sort of clear picture and plan of action for us tomorrrow...if it’s more of “we can’t really say why you keep miscarrying” I’m going to lose my mind. All I want is to be pregnant and at the same time that is what I am most afraid of.

Bababatty · March 2018

@emmasemm An international flight for bloodwork?? That is quite the story you'll have to tell about everything you've gone through! That definitely must be a record for most amount of effort exerted for testing. Enjoy your week off and good luck with your thesis!

@BWhitta Wow that diet sounds REALLY effective--at least in the weight loss department but hopefully in the TTC department, too! I can't wait to hear what your doctor says today. I really hope you get some good answers on what might be going wrong and how they can address it. Thank you also for the tip on the probiotics. I'll definitely ask about that. I'm feeling better today, so hopefully I'm fighting it off.

I also have an update *TW*

So it would appear that I am pregnant !!!! Yesterday afternoon I got an email from my RE telling me that if I took an HPT, I'd probably be very happy (they did two rounds of bloodwork this week prior to the beta, but I just assumed it was testing progesterone levels). Best email ever. Cue freak out. I took an HPT when I got home and that second line showed up right away and so much stronger than the one during my CP. Tomorrow is my real beta and obviously now I am SUPER STOKED.

BWhitta · March 2018

@Bababatty I am crying happy tears for you in my RE’s waiting room!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful and kind thing your doctor did!!!!! Yaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!!!!

wishing-and-hoping · March 2018

@Bababatty as I read your post I just got the biggest smile on my face. that is so amazing.

soehlerk · March 2018

@Bababatty I'm so happy for you!!! That's amazing!!!

AFM I'm 11 days past IUI, 13 days past the Ovidrel. Today is the day AF was expected to arrive. **TW*** I got 2 squinters this morning. The first one was a brand I don't normally use (Clearblue) so I thought it was a fluke, but then I got one on the First Response. I'm trying to rationally tell myself that it could still be the trigger shot. I just shot an email to the RE to see when the earliest is that they'll let me come in for blood work--hopefully tomorrow. I know they always tell you not to test too early, but who actually listens to that? Here's hoping the next 24 hours go quickly. ***TW over***

QOTW: Give yourself grace. Honestly, I'm one of those people who is always early to everything, has to be prepared for all possibilities, doesn't like to seem emotional or like I don't have it together. But IF is a loss--if it takes 1 year or 10 years, it's a loss of simplicity, a loss of hope. You have to give yourself time to ride the waves of grief--sometimes that will mean politely bailing on a baby shower or not discussing your IF with your pregnant friend (no matter how good her intentions) or letting yourself do something a little reckless like getting a tattoo or going on an adventure. Find things that make you happy and schedule them in for the days following each month's anticipated BFN. That way you have something to keep your mind off things and keep you looking forward.

Bababatty · March 2018

@soehlerk !!!!! OMG I am so hopeful for you!! I really hope your RE gets you in quickly and confirms a BFP!!!

Thank you, ladies, so much! You made me tear up!

emmasemm · March 2018

@bababatty oh wow! That has to be the best email ever!!! Keeping everying crossed for you!

@soehlerk oooooh! Fx they let you go for that BW tomorrow and it confirms what the HPTs show!

mirabelle33 · March 2018

@Bababatty Aw so happy for you!! That must have been an amazing email to receive and so lovely of your doctor to send it. Fx for a great beta tomorrow!

@soehlerk Sending lots of hopeful vibes for your doctor to confirm the tests were positive!!

@emmasemm Sorry you had to go to extreme measures for testing, but at least it's done with and now you have time to focus on your thesis while waiting for the results. I hope you can enjoy your week off despite all the doctor's appointments!

@BWhitta Waiting for AF and a follow-up appointment at the same time is no fun at all. Fx the time goes quickly for you and that you leave tomorrow with a clear path for moving forward. But great news about your weight loss on the new diet! I'm sure it must be very encouraging and self-empowering to see results like that so soon. I hope they will lead to success with TTC as well

AFM, in the midst of the TWW crazies over here. I was feeling pretty calm until Sunday night and then my nerves started to kick in. I am not a POAS addict and with my short LP, I almost never reach an acceptable test date anyway. If I make it through the weekend, which is unlikely, I will probably test on Monday.

QOTW: What advice would you give to someone new to IF? Everyone has already given GREAT advice and I don't know if I have much to add. So I will just emphasize trusting your gut instinct and being your own advocate. Push for testing and definitely educate yourself as much as possible. Also, finding some kind of support from others going through the same thing is crucial and will help with feeling less isolated and alone. Finally, don't put your life on hold for TTC and make sure you have other goals you're working towards at the same time.

funkykey · March 2018

@Bababatty - Aaaaaaahhhhhh!!!! AWESOME NEWS!!!! FINALLY!!!!!!! Best email ever is right!!! Looking forward to your update tomorrow!!

@soehlerk - really hoping that these squinters are the real deal! FX for you!

@emmasemm - Ha, I may soon join you on the international flight for bloodwork. LOL. How did you like the clinic? Have you officially switched then?

@ChristenMA83 - that transfer will be here before you know it! Are you transferring 1 or 2?

@BWhitta - hoping your appointment goes well today!

@wishing-and-hoping - how are you feeling?

AFM: This last failed transfer really hurt. I mean, it always hurts, but this one really threw me for a loop. We had our WTF appointment with our RE, and I kept thinking: "I've been doing everything you've said for 18 months and I'm still not pregnant. Every single thing you've told me to do, and still nothing."

I asked some pretty tough questions, and I was pleased with my RE's responses. He's convinced that we just had the bad luck of transferring 2 bad embryos in a row - he said that's the most likely scenario, and that we'll get pregnant with one of these last two. But to rule out other issues, we're going to do an ERA next, and then another transfer in April. We talked a fair amount about reproductive immunology, and while I'm not ready to be put on blood thinners or anything yet, I was glad to hear his take on it, and to have the conversation.

We also talked about the possibility of transferring our last two embryos in April. I'm really debating right now (thus my asking you @ChristenMA83). I'm weighing the risk of premature birth against the risk of having to suffer through two more failed transfers. This last failed transfer was heartbreaking, and having to go through that twice more? Ugh. But I don't want to be impatient and put our children at risk. It's a big decision for me.

QOTW: Don't be afraid to advocate for yourself. Speak up.

BWhitta · March 2018

@funkykey I am heartbroken for you. You are a warrior for sure and I am glad that you were able to have such an honest conversation with your doctor...I am horrible in there with the doctors, haha, my brain is always going a mile a minute and I think of 17 questions as soon as I get in my car! Really thinking of you guys as you decide on your next steps forward. I'm afraid I'm no help on IVF advice (yet, anyway)

AFM, my update with the RE was overwhelming, to say the least. Next step will be surgery to remove endometriosis (so I guess you can add that to my DX @GoldenKeys). I have never had the pain from endo but he said with my hypoglycemia and low estrogen, he's not surprised. The only other answer for my low AMH (1.1...another DX, haha) would be endometriosis, so we're going in! I'm a little nervous about it, but happy to actually have something fixable!

Along with that, he was shocked by my low estrogen. He said I am basically menopausal, he's starting me on estrogen today and he said to expect to feel like a completely different person...so I'll update you guys on that soon, haha. My stress levels are also through the roof, my hypothalamic or whatever is dysfunctional? Haha. He asked if I am Type A to which I quickly said "no, I'm pretty laid back" and my husband cleared his throat and said "she's Type A." Haha. The doctor said obsessive thinking is usually an ear mark of this dysfunction and a big stressor and I was like oh, yeah, that's me.

So, for now my treatment plan is to have the endometriosis removed, start on estrogen, stick to this diet to get my blood sugar under control....and remove all stress from my life! Easy, right? Oh, also, no exercise...which is awesome because that is usually how I got rid of stress, haha. So I am going to download some meditation apps and schedule a slow flow yoga class and take my dogs for a leisurely walk

The surgery should be sometime soon, waiting for the scheduler to call me...then he said we should be able to start trying right away. AF is due any day now so I am guessing we will start on the next cycle, sometime late April! He said we will start out with stimulating drugs and injectables and timed intercourse, then go from there. Of course my DH was deemed a "super sperm" again.

I am super overwhelmed and was extremely emotional during the meeting. I brought up Endo with my first RE on our very first visit and he completely dismissed it. He also never tested my estrogen, my AMH, or my hypothalamic function. So while I am so grateful to be where we are now...I cannot help but grieve for the last two years. When the doctor finished and I was crying my husband said, "Dr. Fox, I just think Brooks needs to hear this...from everything you've seen, is there any reason you think that Brooks won't be able to have babies?"

The doctor laughed and said, "no."

funkykey · March 2018

@BWhitta - OMG! I think this all sounds like good news!

But I too would be very upset and totally heartbroken. I mean, all those losses, all that trying, and being ignored like that. So glad you're on a good course now, but I too would need time to process and grieve!

xoxo

kiwieloping · March 2018

Hi ladies, I've been MIA since December. Glad to see there have been a few BFPs/graduations.

So quick summary on my last 2 months: My clinic was closed for the holidays and not accepting Day 1 calls until Jan 2. My wonderful luck had me with my first Day 1 for this plan on their first day on holidays and then my next cycle started on Dec 31. Argh! Then my next cycle started right when we left for a one week vacation. Long story short, I just finished my diagnostic/timed intercourse cycle. The good news: everything is still working down there

I had 9 total follicles this cycle (without any medication), ovulated, blood work all good. The bad news: we still are not any closer to knowing anything about our IF. DH had another SA because our FS wanted an updated test at their lab (last test was here at a local lab). Have not received results yet. Our next apt isn't until the first week of April. At that point I think we will be doing a few rounds of IUI while we wait on the list for IVF. The most frustrating part of this (other than no baby obviously) is that I have had to take a tonne of time off work and travel so much because the closest fertility clinic is 450 km away from where we live. This was 5 trips in less than 3 weeks (8 hr drive roundtrip) for JUST this diagnostic cycle. So finding out zero new info is frustrating. But I'm focusing on the positive

But here's one for you: during my last u/s the tech said "oh were you inseminated?" I said "no" and then she said "did you have intercourse?". I said yes we did two days before per the instructions. She said "oh! You did a good job!" But then wouldn't say anything else. Wtf does that mean???

QOTW: What advice would you give to someone new to IF? Try not to let people get to you because most people really do not know how to treat/act/deal with infertility and people are going to say some dumbass shit to you. They don't mean to be insensitive (I hope? lol) but unfortunately you have to hold in that urge to punch them in the throat when they tell you about their friend's cousin who "as soon as they stopped trying they got pregnant!".

Edited to add:

kiwieloping · March 2018

@funkykey so sorry about your news. Fx for your April transfer. Did your RE recommend 1 at a time or 2 next time? I totally understand your thinking about considering two next time.

@BWhitta sounds like you have some solid forward steps in the future and with a better Dr. PS. I totally get out of the office and think of a million questions. For my next apt I am bringing a list of my questions and not leaving until I get to ask them all

meganttc3 · March 2018

@Bababatty I am so happy for you!
@soehlerk my fingers are crossed for you! I hope to hear good news soon.
@BWhitta I'm glad you are getting answers and I just have to say that was super sweet of your hubby to ask. I honestly don't think mine would have thought of that. What diet are you on? Is it Keto? That's what I'm doing.

AFM: So basically I just feel like I'm going crazy. The RE put me on provera to force a cycle since mine are ridiculously long and he wants to get testing done. My cycle started. I called the doc and they said since I hadn't finished my provera this doesn't count and to call back when my next cycle starts. So basically I have had a wonderful visitfrom AF for the past week and get to look forward to another one.

mirabelle33 · March 2018

@funkykey I'm sorry it was so tough for you this time around and for the heartbreak. Your doctor sounds very hopeful and I think it's good that he wants to do an ERA next. Fx crossed that your transfer in April is successful!

@BWhitta I can understand you being totally overwhelmed by your appointment. That was a lot of information to take in! Sounds like you have a very loving and supportive hubby though

Really hoping this treatment plan works for you. I too suffer from anxiety and obsessive thinking and fully support your plans for yoga and meditation. I started meditating regularly back in September and although it's definitely not a "cure," it has really helped me to redirect my thoughts when they start going astray.

@kiwielopingbride I'm new here, so I don't think we've "met", but just wanted to say that I had similar bad luck with scheduling during our initial round of testing, so I know how frustrating that can be. Ugh. Glad you're back on track now. Also what a weird comment from the u/s tech! I'm definitely curious to know what was meant by that ...

@meganttc3 Sorry you are having a rough time

ETA new information

Well, it looks like I'm out this month. AF appeared out of nowhere about an hour ago. I'm not totally surprised of course, but I had a lot of different things going on this TWW (re less PMS symptoms than usual and almost no cramping, which I always have before AF) and I really thought there was a chance this could be the one. Now I have a bunch of new not KU "symptoms" to add to my ever-expanding list

Sad and pissed.

So this means we're halfway through the 4 cycles of injections + TI before moving on to the RE and most likely IVF. For those of you that have been there, how do you stay hopeful for the last two cycles while also mentally preparing for the next step? Oh and if it doesn't work this time around, we'll probably have to skip April due to a planned trip to the US. I'm not happy about this, but I'm also really homesick and want to see my family.

ChristenMA83 · March 2018

@Bababatty SO excited for you!! YAY!

@soehlerk fingers crossed for good bloodwork results, very promising.

@emmasemm ekk on a flight for bloodwork, that does not sound like fun.

@Bwhitta good luck with the surgery, sounds like the RE was able to give you more information and active steps so that's good. I can't believe your first RE didn't test estrogen & AMH - that's like the first thing they ever did for me. Hugs to you and such high hopes for what's to come.

@meganttc3 so frustrating on AF, hopefully this next cycle comes and goes quickly.

@funkykey We have two in the freezer but we'll just be transferring one. This is our first cycle and DH is absolutely terrified of twins (he'll be staying home with our future little one as he's a freelance artist). My RE also prefers to transfer just one. Personally I feel like I'm giving each embryo a better chance if I transfer one at a time - even if there's more opportunity for failed transfer.

I'm optimistic about this cycle, but very grounded. With only two in the bank, the lower than anticipated ER numbers and having not done PGS - I totally expect and am setting money aside to go through another egg retrieval this year. Hope for the best, plan for the worst game plan. And for me, leaning on the plan will help emotionally when things don't go well. But like I said, I'm staying positive, not down and out at all, but planning helps relieve stress for me.

wishing-and-hoping · March 2018

@kiwielopingbride I have no idea what that could mean?!?!?

@mirabelle33 sorry for AF... I agree, the curious symptoms are the worst. Get your mind and heart so invested.

@soehlerk and @Bababatty let us know the latest, ladies! Rooting for you

@funkykey thanks for asking. I am feeling a lot more detached from the cycle this time around. I guess just because I brought extra baggage with me on this time around. Have my mid-cycle scan today... I am not super hopeful a) because it's day 11 and I'm never ready at day 11 and b) since CP kinda throws off your cycle, I'm wondering if things will be totally off this time and it'll be a bust. We'll see. Maybe I will feel more "normal" (you know, totally consumed by all things cycle and fertility and baby related - that was my "normal" before

) how are YOU feeling, friend?

soehlerk · March 2018

***TW**** Got another BFP, a bit darker this morning. The RE said the earliest they'll test me is tomorrow (13DPO), so I'm going in at 7:30am for blood work, and they'll get back to me later that day. I'm off work tomorrow (working on some final house-closing stuff), so I'll probably update you all next week. This still doesn't seem real, and Google is not my friend right now.

I truly appreciate all your encouragement!

Bababatty · March 2018

Thank you all!

*TW*

I just heard back from today's beta and my HCG is 81, which the nurse says they're happy with.

Back on Saturday for more! My RE already said he doesn't think a CP Is likely, but of course I stress anyway because of last time. (My beta was 52 that time, so I'm already doing better!) But I always need something to worry about, lol.

@soehlerk HOORAY!!! This sounds so promising and I cannot wait to hear about your results tomorrow!

@Mirabelle33 I'm so sorry about that B AF for showing up! We did 6 IUIs and I'll be honest, by the last two I was just going through the motions and had very little faith anything other than IVF was going to work. This was a major change of heart for me, because when our first IUI failed I had a complete breakdown about how I was never going to do IVF and we were never going to have kids, etc. etc. At the start of our treatments, IVF felt like hitting a nail with a sledgehammer, but I think knowing that we had exhausted every single option made it seem less intense.

@funkykey I am also really heartbroken for you!! It's so much work and effort--mentally, physically, financially--and then to get nothing is absolutely the worst feeling. Everytime I go through a transfer, I think, "Do I even have the energy to do this again if it comes down to it?" It's just...ugh, there are no good ways to describe it, but I hear you and you have every right to be angry/sad/however you want to feel.

I'm happy you were able to get in with your RE again so quickly and that you're pleased with his response. I would never have thought to ask about reproductive immunology--you've definitely done your homework, and you're being a great advocate for yourself. Do you think you'll also get a second opinion?

RE: the number to transfer--FWIW my first RE was going to have us transfer two after our two failed cycles (which necessitated another IVF cycle since we just had the one left) because he felt that after two it was time to get aggressive. We brought this up to our current RE during our second opinion appointment, and he said he felt it was still a bad idea given my age (34) and the risks associated with twins. He's also very risk averse and successfully scared me out of it (DH remains on the fence, but he's not the one having visions of high risk pregnancies, bed rest, preemies, and NICUs). In the end, I trusted my new RE more (hence why we switched, lol) and we went with one from a completely new IVF cycle. I realize those are two very opposed opinions, but hopefully it lays out some of the theories and risks.

@BWhitta First, I can't believe your first RE tested NONE of those things. WTF? I thought that was all standard testing. And to disregard Endo? It's shocking how many doctors disregard Endo as a possibility, but I'd have thought that OBs and REs would be the ones who would at least believe your concerns about Endo and investigate. I am so sorry you had to deal with that for so long before finding this new RE, who sounds wonderful and on the ball. Second, YH is so sweet to ask that question, which I also would fail to ask, probably. I am really glad to hear that your RE is so confident in your ability to have children. It sounds like you have a really great doc and a great plan going forward.

@kiwielopingbride Welcome back! OMG to the horrible timing with the holidays. The wait...it is the WORST! Also, I am very confused by your u/s tech. Can you even see anything after insemination (of any form) on an u/s? I'd think if you could, they'd be using u/s during IUIs. But I know very little about this.

@meganttc3 BAH! So will your next "cycle" come sooner because this isn't a "real" AF?

funkykey · March 2018

@mirabelle33 - I'm sorry about AF.

@ChristenMA83 - Sounds good.

@wishing-and-hoping - really hoping you get good news this time!

@soehlerk - great news!!! Congratulations! I have a good feeling about this one!!!

@Bababatty - Wonderful!! Congratulations!!

Yeah, it's a complicated decision for me. I definitely wouldn't have considered it with my first two transfers. And maybe the unexplained diagnosis has affected me too. All through the clomid cycles, because our numbers were so big and there was "nothing wrong", we were worried we'd end up with a multiples, and nada. That, coupled with the two failed transfers of our strongest, best-rated embryos, makes me think a multiple pregnancy is highly, highly unlikely. (DH and my RE are more conservative, though.)

Ah well. I have a few weeks to actually decide. I thought we might do another round of IVF if this last transfer failed, but now that I'm there (and the transfer did fail), I think I have the energy for one more test and one more transfer, and then I'm going to take a break for a while.

SoonToBeMommaHowe · March 2018

Hi Everyone,
I haven't checked in in a long time and still consider myself on a much needed TTC hiatus but I saw your update @bababatty and need congratulate you! Awesome first beta, so happy for you!!

wishing-and-hoping · March 2018

@Bababatty and @soehlerk so glad your good news is continuing!
Well AFM, stupid timing is killing us again - had my day 11 scan today, had (3) 15's, a 13.5 and a 12.5
My RE is out of town tomorrow and we're out of town this weekend. His recommendation would have been to come in Saturday for ultrasound, but since we're out of town, that's a no go. Since there were so many around the same size, he's worried about multiples without a second scan. So, looks like we'll be sexing the old fashioned way this weekend and then another ultrasound Monday AM though I assume I will have ovulated by then. Bleh.

mirabelle33 · March 2018

@wishing-and-hoping thanks

Yeah because my symptoms were so unusual, for the first time in over half a year I actually googled the due date and got myself all excited (even though I know better). Made it so much worse in the end.

@soehlerk good luck with your beta today! Fx crossed so hard for a good result

@Bababatty thanks for sharing your experience. I have the feeling that I'll be mostly going through the motions these last two cycles as well with a little bit of hope thrown in of course. I'm super happy for you and hope that number keeps going up and up!

AFM, yesterday just kept getting better and better. Went to my OB's office to pick up my prescription for more meds and my doctor won't be there next week for the first scan so I have to go somewhere else for the scan and then come back to her office to go over the results, but with her assistant or nurse or something (I don't understand the word they're saying to me in French). I saw him once last summer and he both totally freaked me out about long waiting lists for IVF and shamed me for waiting so long to TTC. So yeah I feel pretty good about seeing him for this. Then when I called the lab for the scan, they first told me there was nothing available on the date I needed and then said the only time is at 8:15am. Because I have to go to another lab for my blood test and I need to get there by 7am to have the results that afternoon, I will be running all over the city next Friday morning (on public transportation no less!). Oh and for one last piece of excitement, my DH and I are going out of town today for the weekend and I was super stressed that the meds wouldn't be delivered to the pharmacy on time this morning. But thankfully DH is getting them right now. Phew! Thanks for reading this rant (if you've made it this far)!

Bababatty · March 2018

**TW**
Well, it’s another CP. I just don’t even know what do. This just sucks. A lot.

funkykey · March 2018

@Bababatty - OH NO!

F*ck. I'm so sorry.

emmasemm · March 2018

@bababatty oh no, I’m so sorry

mirabelle33 · March 2018

@Bababatty Oh nooooo, I am so sorry. You're absolutely right, this does suck. A lot. Say it and feel it as long as you need to

kiwieloping · March 2018

@Bababatty oh no so sorry! Sending you hugs.

meganttc3 · March 2018

@Bababatty I am so sorry! I wished I was there to give you a hug but know you will be in my thoughts.

ChristenMA83 · March 2018

@Bababatty so sorry

Hugs to you

wishing-and-hoping · March 2018

@Bababatty I'm so sorry. That's awful. I'm sorry that you're going through this again. The fact that we have to go through it at all just seems unnecessarily cruel. I wish I had answers for you as to why we have to endure these things.

soehlerk · March 2018

@Bababatty I am so sorry, friend.

***TW*** Beta was 35 on Friday, and it's 164 today. All signs are good. Ultrasound on 3/27. I don't want to be too hasty, as I know thing don't always continue smoothly...but I know personally I don't love hearing about pregnant people's happiness on an infertility board (even if I am happy for them). Maybe we can tentatively graduate me? **TW***

I will keep thinking about you all. Thank you so much for the encouragement.

SoonToBeMommaHowe · March 2018

So sorry @Bababatty

mighty-mouse · March 2018

Hi Ladies, first time checking in for me. Have been diagnosed with pcos and HA. First 2 rounds of provera/letrozole I had no response at all. Just had another round, still didn't get a period but my oestrogen levels finally increased and I grew a follicle. Next blood test showed I never released an egg so still a big fail. Next round will be trying a trigger shot. I guess it's still progress right?

wishing-and-hoping · March 2018

@mighty-mouse yes that is progress. I know it's slow, and it sucks that each round takes a whole MONTH but we're all in that cycle boat with you one way or another.

@soehlerk that is a great report! I am so happy for you. I know you had considered this to be your final go at IUI - which makes it all the more sweet.

@Bababatty I am thinking of you. I know (for me) having a CP, it was a mix of shock and sadness. I can imagine on the second time through it there is a good bit of anger mixed in there. I hope you are doing okay processing it all.

AFM, had another ultrasound yesterday. 17, 16, 14, 14 with a lining "the best he had seen it" at 11.5, so I triggered late last night and will IUI tomorrow morning. It's weird because they measured 3 15s last Friday. I guess one was measured incorrectly - or can they shrink? Idk. Also it seems like such slow growth, but it worked out because I thought we would miss our window for IUI being out of town this weekend. Feeling grateful to have the chance this cycle.

Worldtravler0522 · March 2018

Popping in for a quick update.... So I'm going to see a recurrent miscarriage specialist next month in Chicago and my current RE suggested I see an immunologist. We have an appointment scheduled with one but not till July. I have two embryos left one normal and one questionable but my RE suggested I transfer that one too if the normal one doesn't work. I've decided that these two are it, once we go through those I'm done trying. My SIL offered to be a surrogate but her crappy husband said no so that's out and in the state I live in paying a surrogate is illegal so I have my doubts I could find one on my own. After we're out of embryos we might consider adoption but I'm really not sure I'm 100% there yet.

*TW* I'm still struggling to make peace with everything and it's been especially difficult because we found out that my BIL's meth head wife is pregnant with their 8th and 9th child.... They are barely 30 and she doesn't work so yeah that's cool. I'm just overall feeling really angry. Sorry for the grouchy post but I wanted to drop in for an update.

funkykey · March 2018

@Worldtravler0522 - I'm glad to see your update! Sorry about the meth head wife. Ugh, this is so unfair.
Not sure if you saw, I just had an FET fail. After, I did a fair amount of reading - perhaps even at the fringes of IF - and had a few questions for him about Reproductive Immunology. I mostly just read: "Is Your Body Baby Friendly" (Alan Beer).
I'm not at a stage where I'm ready to do those treatments (the blood thinners and everything), but my RE was open to trying different things eventually. He said it's kind of a shot in the dark, but if (heaven forbid) I have a couple more fails, it's a shot I'm willing to take, and that he will support.
Anyway, mentioning that now so you know - that immunologist might help, and it seems some REs are open to the more experimental treatments, like about the NK cells and whatever else.
Wishing you all the best! xo

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