IF treatment and Testing- Week of 4/23

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

This is a place for those of us who have already started TTC, but have started infertility testing and/or treatments. You can express your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on infertility. TTC can be a long journey naturally, then add in the difficulties associated with infertility, and it becomes a whole new ball game. The road to infertility can be lonely, frustrating, and complicated, so let's make this a place where we can vent, ask questions, and support one another. Feel free to resurrect this thread at any point in the week if you have something to say. Treat this as an ongoing conversation.

Diagnosis (if you've been):

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):

How are things going?:

Any questions?:

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility?

50Wife · April 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI - low count

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Waiting for my biopsy results. Hoping tomorrow!

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Could either be another ERA or an actual FET! Obviously hoping FET

How are things going?: Ok I guess. I'm just getting anxious to know what we're going to be doing these next few weeks. I'm tired, I feel like the past few months have really caught up with me this past week or two.

Any questions?:

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility?
Well, besides the fact that it sucks. Just how much actually goes in to it. My mom just keeps saying how she didn't realize everything women had to do for IVF before I started the process. Also, how mentally exhausting it really is.
Oh! And that it's not a guaranteed baby. A lot of people I've been talking to have now realized that hey, this may not happen. They've assumed that IVF = Baby

I want some input as well. I'm already "out" on social and everyone knows we're doing IVF. I'm going to add my own list of, "What to not say to someone going through IVF/Infertility" on my FB at some point this week. So far I have the following but I'd love any suggestions from you ladies to add to my list!

-Any sentence that starts with, "At least..."
-Just relax/stop stressing/take a vacation
-That you understand how I feel because you tried for 5 months before you got pregnant.

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@50Wife girl you are so right about the IVF=baby. I was convinced of that myself before *TW* my CP end TW* I think you’ve made so many great points and I’d love to see the feedback from others here! I would like to add to the list “you’re lucky, enjoy the time with your spouse now I wish I still had that”

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):
IVF #2

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):
microflare protocol for IVF

How are things going?
great, had monitoring this morning and I had 9 less than 10 on the right, 8 less than 10 on the left and one 11mm follicle. I’ve never had this many follicles before so I’m thrilled. Waiting for a callback today from my nurse with instructions, will update later

Any questions?: nope

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility?
How hard the whole process is physically, mentally, and emotionally. I also wish that people who do get KU easily would not take it for granted. Last thing I wish people would stop asking when you’re having kids, they may never know what’s really going on behind the scenes

darkstar42 · April 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, AMA

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): trying on our own

How are things going?: Things are going alright. We didn't make it to the IVF info seminar last week, so we're going to the one next month. I also had a conversation with my mom about IVF and she was pretty supportive. She tends to be anti-medical intervention, so I expected her to voice a lot of concerns, but she didn't, so that was nice. Still no idea if we're going that route, but it's good to have the support just in case.

Any questions?: Not right now.

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? I would like them to know how hurtful well-intentioned comments like, "Just relax" are.

@50Wife Fx so hard for good biopsy results tomorrow! For your list, how about, "you still have time," "don't worry, it took so-and-so three years...", "everything happens for a reason," anything about "god's plan", and related to the "just relax" comments, I got a "TTC is such a special time. You should just enjoy it!"

darkstar42 · April 2018

@50Wife I thought of another one! "Why don't you just adopt?"

tamalahoops · April 2018

@50Wife I'd like to add that once they've stopped suggesting that you just adopt, they start insisting that you will get pregnant as soon as you adopt.

Avrilmai · April 2018

Sorry I was mia last week, the week started rough and I just didn't have it in me...
@50Wife I hope you find a way to combat that exhaustion. I think sometimes the mental exhaustion is worse than being physically tired. So hoping you get good news very soon.
@beachbunnyxo123 I can't wait for your update. I'm so glad you're seeing a better response this cycle.
@darkstar42 ugh...just enjoy it. I hate that one. I'm glad your mom was supportive.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI #2 is in the books

How are things going?: right now, not so bad. I've got a bit of hope. I also have gotten over my little superstition. Last cycle I didn't want to call it IUI #1 bc I thought that implied that there would be more; now that we're on the second one it doesn't matter. I know this is an understatement and you ladies all know how this feels, but I just really want this to work...

Any questions?:

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? that it doesn't discriminate. it doesn't matter your age or your race or even your sex and there isn't always a reason "why"

KristoKekerooni · April 2018

Ya'll. I am so sorry, I really suck lately at being around. Some days I can come and catch up, other days I have to avoid here. Almost all days though I can't hardly post.

Anyway. I'll be better this week.

TW-
Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI//RPL

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Who tf knows.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nothing this cycle. I guess next cycle I should be doing another HSG. Or SHG. Or something. I go back and forth about actually doing it. It's 100% OOP. And I don't know if it's really necessary. I know it's a good idea, but ugh.

How are things going?: Some days are better than others. It's hard because there are a lot of people around me pregnant. I'm starting to see more people announce pregnancy in the month I would be due, since we are hitting the 10-12 week point. Someone yesterday posted an announcement of the exact day I was due and it was a dagger.

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? I wish I could just make people stop for a second. Like not just immediately apologize or say one of the stupid platitudes. But like, really stop, sit, and think about it. I think people are so focused on response, they don't stop to consider. Like. Just sit back, and imagine, for one moment, what it would be like to yearn for something so hard, you physically hurt. What it would be like if the kid you are yelling at right now never existed. Or if she did exist, but you lost her in the womb. What would your life look like?

I also would like people to fuck the fuck off because I am allowed to be sad for as long as I damn well please. There isn't a set grieving period, and I am still allowed to be sad.

Just once, I would like a fertile person to tell me it's okay to cry.

nitnat007 · April 2018

@50Wife FX for those biopsy results. And hope that you start to feel better soon.
@beachbunnyxo123 Yay follies! Those are great numbers.
@darkstar42 So glad that your mom was supportive!
@Avrilmai FX for IUI#2!
@KristoKekerooni Sorry things have been tough. See all the pregnancy announcements and ultra sounds on FB have been hard lately this side too. And then I walked in to get my haircut last week, and my hairdresser is very clearly expecting as well. Punch to the gut. *hugs*

Diagnosis (if you've been): still testing, AMA, low morph

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Waiting on MRI

How are things going?: Just trying to enjoy having DH home right now and not worry too much about the anything else.

Any questions?:

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? I haven't been here nearly as long as so many of you brave women so I do not have too much to add. As of now the biggest frustration is people just assuming we haven't actually done our research on it all, or haven't bothered starting with testing. Thanks, don't need you to treat me like a child, we just need your support and maybe a bit of sympathy.

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@darkstar42 glad to hear that your family was supportive. Hopefully you don’t need to take that route but it’s good to know they support it!

@Avrilmai I really want this to work for you too! Hoping that you’re able to find some peace during the TWW as tough as that is!

@KristoKekerooni hi friend, been missing you and thinking about you! I’m sorry things have been tough and you are hurting. I agree with the points you made. Even if people did take a second to try and think about it it’d be better than nothing but they still wouldn’t get it. Ugh. Hugs

@nitnat007 I’m sorry that I don’t remember but what are they checking for with the MRI again?

AFM my nurse called, estrogen levels are good and I go back for more monitoring on Wednesday. I also start my HGH today so I’ll be at 4 injections a night plus an extra needle stab to get the overfill for every drop of my pen. I’m super thankful and happy to be responding much better to this protocol!

madspunk · April 2018

@50Wife I'm hoping you get some good biopsy results and the okay to proceed with a FET!
I would add to the list "Maybe once you have a baby, your body will fix itself." Getting pregnant is not going to "cure" my infertility. I have a medical condition.
Also "You're young. You still have time." This is not helpful. I want a baby now (and I wanted one more than 2 years ago). And whether I try for a baby now, or in 5 years, I'm still going to need to do fertility treatments.

@beachbunnyxo123 That's a lot of follicles! Things are looking good for you!

@darkstar42 I'm glad your mom was supportive!

@avrilmai Not calling it "IUI #1" in the hopes that it will give it good juju to be "the only IUI necessary" is something I would totally do. Are you testing out your trigger?

@KristoKekerooni Yes, yes, yes. I wish people would just stop and think too. And I'm going to try to do that more when I run into someone who is having a problem. Not concentrating on the response, but just concentrating on being there with the person and trying to understand what they're going through is so important.
Sorry to hear that the HSG/SHG is OOP. Have you discussed it more with the RE to see how critical they think it is?

Diagnosis (if you've been): NIR PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI with injectables

How are things going?: I'm a combination of sad, scared, overwhelmed, and excited that I might be starting the IVF process in 2 weeks! Two weeks! I'm sad that we are really about to do this. I'm sad none of the 9 freaking treatment cycles I did with the RE worked. Up until a few months ago, I didn't think we would really have to do IVF. I'm scared it won't work. I'm overwhelmed with all the calls I'm going to need to make to get things sorted with insurance. But I'm excited that we are doing a new treatment that will give us a much better chance of getting KU than anything we've done before. There's a lot of emotions going on, not to mention I'm still feeling a little hopeful that this IUI worked. I have taken to watching fertilization videos and videos of the beginning stages of embryo development in the hopes that my body takes a cue from the videos.

Any questions?:

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? I wish people knew that it's a really long, tiring process wrought with difficult decisions. I feel like most people think you're diagnosed as infertile, and then you just have to decide when to do treatment and you'll have a baby. I wish they knew that it's usually a lot of tests and treatments before something finally works, and that sometimes nothing works.

purplg8r · April 2018

@50Wife so hoping you get those results soon! For you list add, “I’ll pray for you.” Or “ stop trying and it’ll happen”

@beachbunnyxo123 those are great numbers! How are you feeling? Also, are all your injections at night or do you have some in the morning too?

@darkstar42 I’m so glad your mom was supportive!

@Avrilmai if superstition makes you feel better, then I’m all for it! Glad you still have some hope.

@KristoKekerooni don’t apologize. Take the time you need.

@nitnat007 any fun plans with your H?

@madspunk I’m excited for you to be trying a new treatment soon but still have my FX for you that this IUI worked

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, mild PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): soon to start IUI #3

How are things going?: waiting for AF. Every other cycle on progesterone, I started AF on 14 dpo. This is my first cycle on estrace too so I’m assuming that’s what’s holding it off (yesterday was 14dpo and I got a bfn so I stopped taking the meds)

Any questions?:

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? Really how much goes into it. Money, drs appts, medicine, injection, tears, stress. All of it

jrm_14 · April 2018

@KristoKekerooni Take what you need, give when & what you can. People suck & you’re completely allowed to flip them the middle finger when they imply (or probably directly tell you) there is a limit on grief.

@darkstar50 It can be nice to assess the potential support ahead of a stressful IF decision. It seems far more stressful to have the unknown support at the time of hypothetical IVF.

@beachbunnyxo123 Yes! People who tell us to enjoy having time before kids piss me off. They’re usually the ones in the next breath telling us we aren’t getting any younger

@Avrilmai I completely get the IUI#1 superstition.

@nitnat007 The testing portion is a difficult wait. How are you managing?

@madspunk I typed that same thing out about after treatment your body will cure itself earlier today & had not posted yet!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Autoimmune/ovarian-adrenal insufficiency/MFI issue/LPD/unlucky

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): On our own plus prometrium. With the next cycle, we will do another injectable IUI cycle.

How are things going?: Decent. I have a rheumatologist appt tomorrow and am dreading recanting the last 3 months. Particularly, I am nervous about their judgement about another cycle less than 3 months post-MTX. However, rheumo days mean I spend time with my sister! I also have a therapy appt tomorrow I am half looking forward to, half dreading. Detangling your thoughts is hard work!

Any questions?: Not right now.

GTKY: “Oh! So&so did IF treatments & then got pregnant when their baby was 2 months because they thought they were still infertile!” Is not helpful.

“You have NO idea how much your life change when you have a kid. You’ll be so much different.” GREAT. Because I don’t want to live like this anymore.

“What will you do if you have twins? Or worse- triplets?!” Uh, love them?

Honestly, I don’t much care for awareness days/weeks/month. Show me some action. Even a simple Kleenex to cry on, or an evening of watching a friend’s kid with ASD, or a meal for someone with cancer goes a long ways rather than a social media post by someone whose life is not directly impacted. IF is still a rather secrecy shrouded health issue, so I cut it a bit more slack. Awareness isn’t nearly as much there for IF.

nitnat007 · April 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 They found an abnormality when I went in for an ultra sound. Possibly irregular blood flow to the uterus. Doctor wouldn't say much and they would not release the report to me either. Waiting on a date for that still. So glad to hear you are responding well. FX for you!
@madspunk Such exciting times ahead of you. I hope that your body picks up on all those cues from the videos!
@purplg8r No real plans atm since he is not very mobile. I am going to take Friday off and just spend some time with him and we will do a date night that doesn't require a whole lot of walking. Sorry for the BFN, but hope that AF comes soon so that you can start your next cycle.
@jrm_14 I am frustrated right now. Everything just takes so long to get done and I have a strong feeling that the MRI is not going to be done within the month and they have lead me to believe and I am going to end up paying out of pocket for it anyway. And potentially not even having any answers from it either. I hope that your therapist appt goes well and it is way less dread than you anticipate. Untangling ones thoughts can be rather daunting, however extremely refreshing too. Ride the waves of emotions. *hugs*

Augusta108 · April 2018

Egg retrieval update from me: we got 6 eggs! There was a little bit of stress because DH had trouble with his part of things, but fortunately we had frozen a sample ahead of time and they think we should be okay.

Heading to grab some breakfast now and then relaxing at our hotel for the rest of the day!

It is kind of funny, when we started this cycle I decided 6 was my optimistic but still realistic number of eggs to hope for...and that’s exactly how many we got!

KristoKekerooni · April 2018

@madspunk , Ugh, the doctor is really pushing for it. But then again he's one of those that treats everyone like a number, so he probably pushes it because on paper it needs to be done, even if in reality it might not. Major eye roll. I just decided to do it. Whatever. What's another thousand after I've already spent 20+?

50Wife · April 2018

@Augusta108 Yay! Can't wait for your next update. Hope you can rest up and just relax and enjoy your day today. I've got everything crossed for you for nothing but good numbers moving forward!
How are you feeling??

Augusta108 · April 2018

@50Wife, not feeling too bad so far! Definitely a little crampy and sore but I haven’t needed to break out the Tylenol with codeine yet. We’ll see how things go as the morning progresses!

50Wife · April 2018

@Augusta108 Take it easy - do you have a heating pad? That was my best friend!

Augusta108 · April 2018

@50Wife, yes, we just got back to the hotel and I’m all settled in with my heating pad!

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@nitnat007 oh that's right I was asking you about that last week. Any idea when they're going to do the MRI? I'm still surprised they were able to see something on a US like that.

@madspunk i hope this cycle works for you and that you will not need IVF but I'm glad to hear that you have a plan in place regardless! I remember feeling the same way, just hoping we wouldn't have to get to taking those steps or making those decisions but I'm glad that we did. It definitely brings up all the emotions and feels though. If you ever need to talk I'm a PM away!

@purplg8r I take 1 injection in the morning and 4 injections at night. I added HGH last night and felt crappy today but overall I've been feeling good. I was late to my monitoring appointment yesterday and did an injection while I was at a red light, zero shits given. Definitely have become desensitized to needles and inecjtions. Also, my nurse has always said that estrace can delay AF, it never happened to me but it could be possibly. I'm sure AF should be there soon if you stopped the estrace and progesterone. Sorry that you're in waiting limbo

@jrm_14 hoping your therapy appointment goes well today and glad that you're getting support for yourself with how hard IF can be. Let us know how the rhemautologist appointment goes, GL!

@augusta108 Yay!!! congrats!! so happy for you and have my fx for a great fert report tomorrow! Glad you had the backup sample frozen!! Are you doing ICSI and PGS testing?

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@kristokekeroonidid he say why it was needed besides the fact that it's been over a year? The hsg just checks to make sure your tubes are open other than that it doesn't see anything more than the saline sonogram would see right? I had my HSG last March so I'm overdue as well but my doctor hasn't mentioned anything.

Augusta108 · April 2018

@beachbunnyxo123, we’re doing ICSI but no PGS this time. The hope is to do a fresh 5 day transfer on Sunday...assuming we have something to transfer! Eek, so nerve-wracking.

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@Augusta108 ah so exciting!!!! Keep us posted!!! Will you get the fert report tomorrow? Do they update you on embryo status or not until the day before?

Augusta108 · April 2018

@beachbunnyxo123, we get the fertilization report tomorrow and then they don’t update us until Transfer Day! They gave us a long spiel this morning about how important it is not to disturb them...which I totally get, but still, so stressful.

lulu1180 · April 2018

@50Wife I hope you get your biopsy results soon and are able to move on to FET next cycle! As for your question, I would add

-don’t tell me how lucky I am not to have children because “insert asinine reason here.” I would gladly give nearly anything to have to wake up early, have little money and less time just to have that baby in my arms.

-don’t tell me that you know it will happen for me some day because you don’t know that and you can’t promise me that all this will end with a child.

-don’t tell me about your sister’s hairdresser’s cousin’s friend who went through IF and came out on the other end or stopped trying and it happened for them because their situation has no bearing on mine

@beachbunnyxo123 Yay for great first monitoring appointment today! I hope this continues and you get amazing results! Keeping fingers crossed tomorrow monitoring shows those follies going strong!

@darkstar42 It’s amazing when you have supportive people around you and even more so when it’s someone that you didn’t expect to be supportive.

@Avrilmai I’m sorry last week was rough for you, I hope this week is better and you are able to find a way to stay sane during this TWW.

@KristoKekerooni Girl, don’t ever worry about apologizing for not being able to comment. You have always been so supportive in your time here, you have every right to go hide in a corner and ignore the rest of the world for as long as you need.

@nitnat007 I think the most annoying thing when you tell people you’re struggling is when they give you some suggestion and you know you’ve tried pretty much everything at this point

@madspunk I’m sorry you’re feeling all the feelings about moving on to IVF but at the same time happy that you have a plan in place that will give you the best chance at getting your take home baby!

@purplg8r I’m sorry for the BFN, I hope AF shows up soon so you can move on with IUI #3

@jrm_14 I hope your appointment went well and you got little or no judgement from the rheumatologist. I’m happy you at least will get time with your sister as well as therapy to help you work through your frustrations with IF

@Augusta108 YYYYYEEEEESSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! So happy that you ended up with your optimistic number! I can’t wait to hear the fert report and will be waiting on pins and needles for the next update!

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, DOR, hyperprolactinemia

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO, CD1 ugh

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Trying on our own for about 3 more cycles

How are things going?: Eh, I’m not too surprised today is CD1 but I was till holding out the tiniest bit of hope that maybe this cycle was somehow different than the myriad previous cycles and would end better. I’m trying not to feel all the feelings and wallow in my own self-pity but I’m not sure I’m winning that battle; and it doesn’t help that I woke up at 3:30 am and couldn’t get back to sleep.

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? How emotionally draining it is

emmasemm · April 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR, AMA, autoimmune crap on top

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO - CD0 as it was 5pm

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF#4!!!

How are things going?:
TL:DR Stressed, excited and ready to start despite a few bumps in the road already.
Long version in spoiler.

WOW the last week was stressful. Could we get all the medication sorted, would we even be able to get it, needles not arriving with drugs, AF not arriving on any day corresponding to my potential O (Sat or Mon). Still not here this morning. 14 BFNs since Saturday because I thought it would magically make AF appear. Still no decision on dosage of blood thinners and steroids. Sigh. Talk about winging it at the last minute...
But tomorrow is now CD1, baseline scan and BW on Thursday morning now. Fx my FSH is not too sky high to start stimming.
Tonight DH is getting his lesson from me on how to mix and inject all our new wonder drugs. We’re soooo rock n roll!
Relieved and excited AF is here so we can call CD1, but nervous for first baseline in case they say to wait this cycle.
Oh and it’s budget time at work, so me and my team are working around the clock to deliver on top of all the normal stuff.

Any questions?: Tips for managing the uncertainty of ER date when you’re a travel patient and need to be at the clinic for last monitoring on trigger day morning, but need to stay until the day after ER as they don’t want you to fly the same day, but you can’t take vacation as it’s peak season in the office?
(Though as we’ve gone through a carve out, a merger, a reorg and a restructuring in the last 1.5 years it feels like every month is peak...)

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility?

So so many of you already mentioned such great things. I’m going to spoiler as it got a bit long!

IVF does not equal baby.
IVF is not a walk in the park - and it’s not a single event. It’s a culmination of planning, prepping, stimming, retrieval, Waiting for fert and growth reports and if you’re lucky transfer and HCG test. It’s a marathon not a sprint.
Do anything to piss me off during the wait from ER to ET and do not be surprised if you get a strong reaction. Like a giant mushroom cloud or enough tears to flood a decent sized island.
Trying for 3/6/9 months does not equal IF or going through IF treatments.
Knowing someone magically got KU the month before their IVF cycle, or suddenly after 200 years of trying etc is not an acceptable response to give.
Sending links to stories of celebs having babies in late 40s+ is not helpful - in all likelihood they used donor eggs but will never say. And probably paid a small fortune to do it.
Yes I know we haven’t done as many changes to our house as we’d planned 2 years ago, but we prioritized our cash for building a family.
Getting married does not equal having a baby in the next 12 months. Do not overlook people for jobs because of it. You don’t know their story.
If I hold a baby, do not feel the need to comment that I should have one too, or that it suits me, or ask if it “makes me broody”. I’ll probably feel like wanting to break your nose if you do and you’ll be lucky I can’t (because I’m holding the baby).
Relax and let natures take its course is NOT GOING TO WORK for many people (eg MFI, blocked tubes, desynchronous implantation window, lack of ovulation etc) - offering that advice is insulting

@augusta108 huge huge huge congrats on your six eggies! I’m keeping everything crossed for your fert report and for transfer day. I forgot you were also traveling for your ER and ET. Any hints very welcome.
Also when did you freeze the sample? We want to freeze one “just in case” too but they won’t let him give one within five days of our ER and we can’t just drop in before then. Different country and all.

@jrm_14 hope you have a good Rheuma day with your sister. And I both smiled and frowned at your “unlucky” in your dx. Luck is unfortunately a big part in all this. We can help our odds sometimes and you’re doing all you can to help yours. Fx this cycle is the one.

@purplg8r Did AF show up? I had a 16 day LP this cycle, but I think mine was due to stress. Neither progesterone nor estrace has made any difference to my LP length so far - I have a feeling my ovaries and Ute are as stubborn as me!!!

@madspunk ooooh watching videos to send subliminal messages to your body I didn’t try yet, and as I’m team #doallthethings I’m going to try that too. Maybe I can find some about follicles growing nice healthy eggs, or ovaries growing 10 eggs. A girl can dream!
And get used to the stress and million calls and things to do. At times you will wonder if you will manage it. But you will. Somehow you just manage it. And when you need support, just reach out.

@beachbunnyxo123 I’m so pleased you’re having a better response this cycle! It is so true that the first cycle can be a test to learn more about what tweaks are needed. I’ve also got a lot more shots this cycle and hoping they work some miracles.

@nitnat007 will it be much faster if you pay for the MRI? We weigh up the time, cost and stress (and as well for me that every month my ovaries shut down more and more...) when we decide to do extras OOP. Or like now our entire cycle in another country all at own cost...

@kristokekerooni I’m so sorry there are so many triggers around you all the time. Take the time, feel everything you need to. And regarding an SHG/HSG/Hysteroscopy or anything else.
***TW MC***

I was told if we have a miscarriage they would want to do one before another transfer to check nothing left behind etc

@avrilmai you should want this to work! That’s completely right! Sending you lots of fert and sticky vibes!

@tamalahoops good to see you drop in! People forget you only hear about the exceptions, not the majority...

@darkstar42 I’m so pleased your mom was supportive. Whatever you do in the end it’s great to know she won’t cause you more stress by being against it.

@50wife I’m waiting anxiously for your results! Keeping fingers and toes and everything crossed!

nitnat007 · April 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 I just received a call today and MRI is set for May 8th!! I am still uneasy about it too. Especially since they would not give me the report to read myself. Hopefully MRI results will come through quickly.
@Augusta108 YAYS! Such awesome news. Every crossed for you on the report!
@lulu1180 I am sorry for CD1 and for the rough time. Be kind to yourself and I hope that you get a great nights sleep tonight!
@emmasemm Private clinic would be able to get me in within a couple days, but OOP. Doctors office just called a few hours ago though and we are scheduled for May 8th. We definitely would have paid for it if it had been any more than a month. The stress is absolutely not worth it. You are so right. What a journey you have had this cycle. Sending all the positive vibes your way!

Augusta108 · April 2018

@emmasemm, we froze the sample about two weeks ago and our local clinic shipped it here to the clinic they partner with for the actual procedures. The idea was that the frozen sample together with today’s would give them a good amount to work with, but I guess we’ll just have to hope there were six good ones in what we had. I definitely am glad we did the frozen sample even though insurance didn’t cover it!

I wish I had some good “managing IVF-related travel” tips for you, but our travel is much easier than your situation since we do live within a few hours driving distance of the clinic. We’re mainly doing the hotel for convenience/comfort rather than absolute necessity. I’m sorry you have to deal with all this logistics stress on top of everything else!

thecoldbothersme · April 2018

I've been MIA for a while. The failed FET in January hit me pretty hard, then for other reasons we had to take 2 cycles off. But we are back at it! I have been lurking once or twice a week all this time and I'm sorry so many of you still find yourself here.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): FET (second attempt) done this AM. Trying to just chill and not be a giant stress ball this cycle. I exercised a lot running, walking, weights, and cycling during the last 2 cycles on the bench, and it felt so nice to "be me" and back to working out.

How are things going?: Again... just trying to chill this cycle. We have a lot of big things planned this summer. Nothing I can't do pregnant, but will be more enjoyable if I wasn't. So trying to focus on that if this cycle doesn't work out again.

Any questions?: Nah, after the second transfer I'm feeling like an old pro. sigh....

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? That its OK to TALK ABOUT IT! So many people will gingerly approach the subject and I'll just lay it all out on the table (I have little to no filter to begin with), but I want to make sure people know there is SO MUCH involved in IVF. People think its just a trip or two to the doctor (thats of course conveniently located, ha!) and then boom... baby! Everyone was so shocked when round one didn't work. I try not to get to snarky with people, because I am genuinely flattered when people approach me on the topic.

thecoldbothersme · April 2018

@50Wife - some of my infertility favorite responses I've gotten...
1. "Oh my neighbor's cousin (or insert random distant acquaintance) had to do IVF with those shot things in her belly, so I understand what you're going through."
2. "Just adopt...why does it have to be YOUR baby?"
3. "I'll carry your baby! I loved being pregnant!" (gee rub salt in the wound why don't you?)
4. "Trust me... pregnancy sucks. You aren't missing anything" (yeah, just missing that little human prize at the end)
5. "That's weird, but you've been pregnant before." (yeah 5 years ago and *TW* - miscarried at 13 weeks right after we did the cute FB announcement. thanks for the reminder, I ALMOST forgot. *end TW*)
6. "Why do they have to check you so often?" or "Why are they always taking your blood?" (because...science. I'm kinda banking on it)
7. "Who's fault is it?" (umm no ones! %&#$ off!)
8. "How long will you try for?" (as long as we damn well please, last I checked it isn't affecting your life, so why do you care)
9. "You should time it for a spring, summer, fall baby (or whatever month people find best)" (because of course on top of everything else, I'm going to factor in when little spawn might show up. I'm more concerned with when my uterus is accepting new customers)

(True Story) - Girl comes up to me at kid's birthday party "My sister mentioned to me that you are doing IVF and I should talk to you because we've been having trouble..." story boils down to her CRYING and hugging me because she wasn't prepared to not be successful on their SECOND MONTH OF TTC NATURALLY! So yeah, I consoled the girl, when I really wanted to punch her. (nicely)

madspunk · April 2018

@August108 I'm rooting for your 6 eggs!
@KristoKekerooni Ugh, I'm sorry you have to do it again. Do you have to travel for it or can you do it near home?
@beachbunnyxo123 Thanks

@lulu1180 Sorry for CD 1. It's okay to feel all the feels and wallow a little.
@emmasemm I'm continually impressed by you. Even though there's still stuff to work out, I'm excited today is CD 1 for you! Time to grow those follies! I'm sorry I don't have any advice for being a travel patient. I can't remember if you've mentioned this, but does your employer know about the IF treatments?
I bet you can find some YouTube videos about growing nice healthy eggs! It certainly can't hurt to watch.
@thecolddoesbotherme You are a saint for consoling that girl. I would have told her to get a grip FFS.

Augusta108 · April 2018

We got the fertilization report and it’s not great. They could only do ICSI on three of the eggs and only one egg fertilized. I guess we just have to hope that one is a fighter...Feeling pretty down right now.

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@lulu1180 so sorry about AF friend. I know you mentioned you’re trying 3 more cycles. Hoping you won’t have to think about a back up plan but do you say that because you have a backup plan in mind?

@emmasemm yasss glad you’re finally getting started! When are you scheduled to start your injections?

@nitnat007 oh good I’m glad that it’s scheduled! Hopefully the time passes quickly for you!

@thecolddoesbotherme that’s so exciting that you had your FET! Wishing you lots of luck this cycle! Do you have any more embryos frozen? How many did you transfer this cycle?

AFM At monitoring this morning I had 6 follicles between 10-13mm and then a bunch right behind at 8-9mm. So thankful!! Waiting for call with BW results.

tamalahoops · April 2018

@Augusta108 so sorry for the poor response. Fingers crossed for your fighter!

lulu1180 · April 2018

@thecolddoesbotherme That girl definitely deserved a throat punch and a healthy dose of reality! I'm sorry you had to deal with ignorance like that with everything you have going on.

@Augusta108 I'm sorry you didn't get the news you were hoping for. I will be keeping my fingers crossed that is the little embie that could!

@beachbunnyxo123 Yay for another good monitoring! We decided we are going to do an IUI with my cycle in July so it's about 3 more cycles on our own before then.

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@lulu1180 oh that’s great!!’ Obviously hoping you won’t need it but glad it’s there for backup just in case!!! You’ve been so patient thoughout this process! I give you a lot of credit!!

@Augusta108 I’m so very sorry to hear that news. I will be thinking of you and your little embie that it’s a strong fighter!!! Did your doctor say anything about maybe doing a 3 day transfer instead of a 5 day?

leilee101 · April 2018

@50Wife hoping your biopsy report comes back with a thumbs up to move forward.. Keep us posted today!
@beachbunnyxo123 those numbers are amazing!! Grow follies groww
@darkstar42 so glad your mom was supportive, and don't even get me starting on the "just relax comment".. because relaxing will magically make my H's body start producing sperm. Why didn't we think of that earlier??
@Avrilmai good luck in your TWW girl!
@KristoKekerooni I've been thinking about you and hope you are taking care of yourself. Don't ever apologize for being in pain, or angry, or anything in between. These are your feelings and this is your life and you are allowed to feel however you want to, for as long as you need to
@nitnat007 glad you got a date for the MRI! May 8th is just around the corner.. another kind of TWW I suppose
@madspunk hoping this cycle works for you but glad you have a back up plan.. and practice with all those injections!
@purplg8r sorry for the BFN... has AF showed up yet? Do you find the estrace lengthens your cycle at all?
@jrm_14 GL at your therapy .. it's definitely scary anticipating it, but honestly therapy has been one of the only good parts for me in this whole process so far. I hope you find some benefit as well
@Augusta108 ugh so sorry for the poor response.. one is better than none, and hoping that it's the little embie that could

@emmasemm good luck with this cycle! keep us posted on your baseline blood work.. hoping everything looks good to start it up. Seems like you've had enough bumps in your road recently damn
@thecolddoesbotherme welcome back and good luck in your TWW! and YES @ allll your responses. Some people are total idiots
@lulu1180 Sorry to hear about AF rearing her nasty head, that's always such a sting and a reality slap

Diagnosis (if you've been): Azoo

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):holding pattern (BCP) for IVF#1

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF cycle numero uno

How are things going?: So excited and anxious to get started. All the meds were delivered last week (holy needles batman) and instructed to stop taking BCP on 5/1 and go in for baseline BW & U/S on 5/5. Hopefully everything looks good so I can start stimming that night! I have meds to stim for 10 days so assuming ER will be week of 5/14, assuming everything goes as planned (which of course, does it ever?)

Any questions?: Just any advice for a first timer would be helpful.. anything you wish you knew before your first IVF cycle?

GTKY: in honor of NIAW which started yesterday, what is one thing you would like others to know about infertility? All of the responses on here are sooo much yes. But mostly (as a few of you have mentioned) just how much goes into the process - emotionally, financially, physically. The difficult decisions that have to be made and all the struggles that go on behind closed doors. It's actually amazing to me how little is known about the whole process, but then again I didn't know jack about it until I had to go through it

beachbunnyxo123 · April 2018

@leilee101 my advice is to be gentle with yourself throughout the process and as tempting as it can be, don’t compare your results to others! Everyone responds differently and trusting your doctor is important as well as advocating for yourself when it’s needed. Also, self care!!!! My first IVF cycle was torture because I was so anxious and stressed every day whether I had monitoring or not about what my results were going to be. Make sure you’re being good to yourself and take support from others however you can get it! GL!

emmasemm · April 2018

@nitnat007 oh that’s great that they fit you in so soon now!

@madspunk no my employer does not know. And telling them is not an option unfortunately.

@lulu1180 sorry for CD1

@leilee101 you got good advice from @beachbunnyxo123 but I would also say take it step by step. Day by day. Don’t think too many steps ahead, focus on what you need to do for the immediate next step. Everything will happen in its own time.
If you have questions ask them. If you think of them when you’re not with your nurse or doctor, write them down otherwise you forget them. If you didn’t quite catch what they said, how many follies, what size etc ask them to repeat. Don’t be shy. Don’t be afraid to ask everything.

But my post today is mostly for @augusta108
I am sending you the biggest of hugs.
If you need someone, just reach out.
Definitely ask them about the possibility of an earlier transfer.
I’m rooting for your embie to grow grow grow
But I know these next days will be like hell on earth waiting to hear

nitnat007 · April 2018

@Augusta108 Sending you all the positive vibes and feels. So sorry to hear your news and rooting so hard for your one little egg to take. *hugs*

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