2018 BFP Hall of 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
soehlerk: dx: Unexplained Rx: Femara + IUI
Mlight28: dx Unexplained Rx: Clomid
SoonToBeMommaHowe: dx: Unexplained Rx: naturally until IVF
honeybeebub: dx:septate uterus, MTHFR Rx: septum resection surgery, baby aspirin & progesterone
be08ryan: dx: PCOS and AO Rx: Clomid
kiwielopingbride: Dx: Unexplained Rx: IUI
thothscribe81: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
kristimh80: dx: unexplained Rx: Injectables + trigger + IUI
PAGING:
@BWhitta: dx: PCOS, low AMH and endo Rx: letrozole
@Bababatty: dx:Low Motility Rx: IVF
@ChristinaV2015: dx: blocked tubes, PCOS, endo + MFI Rx: lap, OPKs + TI
@ChristenMA83 : dx: MFI Rx: IVF w/ISCI
@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)
@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
@Kate437: dx:anovulatory Rx:Letrozole + trigger
@SP128: in testing/unexplained
@eranvo27: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: metformin
@Charligirl28: dx: unexplained Rx: Clomid
@Brooke4131: dx: Secondary unexplained Rx: in testing
@fluffybookworm: dx: Anovulation + insulin resistance Rx: Metformin + prometrium + testing
@Asampson87: dx: unexplained + MFI Rx: metformin + testing
@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
@BenJay: Dx: PCOS/unexplained Rx. Metformin + supplements
@MicahDahn: Dx: irregular cycles Rx: preparing for testing
@moloninge Dx:PCOS, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, fibroids. Rx:Metformin,Synthroid,IUI w/letrozole, ovidrel, and progesterone.
@beec2421: dx: PCOS, hypothyroidism Rx: metformin, synthroid, clomid
@wishing-and-hoping: dx: unexplained rx: poss. IVF
@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.
@Bgreenfield10: dx: anovulatory PCOS, LPD Rx: Clomid + trigger
@serownarain: dx: in testing
@allisona66: dx: waiting for testing
@manhattanmama2: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
@mirabelle33 dx: DOR, possible endo Rx: TBD
@meganttc3: dx: PCOS, unexplained Rx: waiting to test
@mrsjcrane: dx: unexplained Rx: femara + trigger + TI + 2nd HCG booster
@mighty-mouse: dx:pcos & HA Rx: provera/letrozole + trigger
@ladystout08: dx: unknown Rx: waiting for testing
@leafyarch: dx: MFI, no thyroid Rx: IVF
@oklahomak: dx: PCOS Rx: metformin/letrozole/estradiol/progesterone+ trigger
@drewsdarlin: dx: RPL, PCOS, Hashimotos, low vitamin D and Iron RX: ?
@rmarble23: dx: MFI Rx: IVF
@courtneyh2013: dx: MFI Rx: IUI + clomid
@sarahven dx:anovulation and PCOS. Rx: femara
@inthewoods23 - dx:MFI. Rx: pending.
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?
Re: TTC Checkin 9/11/18
@BWhitta - I'm so glad things are progressing well! FX!
@ChristenMA83 - Congratulations on the weight loss! Amazing!
@inthewoods23 - welcome. I hope you find support on this board. Will you see an RE after seeing a urologist, or are you waiting for the urologist's take first?
Also, ps. I saw on the other thread - holy cow, your cousin must move fast on the conception!
@Bababatty - Has AF started? Are you prepping for your next FET?
AFM: Retrieval went ok - we have 6 fertilized eggs, and now I'm just waiting to see what makes it to blast, and then whether or not the blasts are normal. I hate, hate, hate this part. Keep your FX for me!
ETA: I saw this article in the WSJ today - so interesting. It's about CNY Fertility in Syracuse, which does IVF much cheaper than most clinics.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-fertility-clinic-that-cut-ivf-prices-in-half-1536589667
How's it going?
AFM, nothing new since my intro post. Trying to conceive since May 2016. Irregular cycles for me and low morphology for DH. RX: Femara once new cycle begins.
And definitely wish I could just travel more!
QOTW: Not sure how I would answer this. I love where we live, however, DH and I honeymooned in Iceland last year and DH has definitely expressed the idea of living there at some point in our lives because we absolutely loved it. Ideal vacations for us would be to places like Alaska, Canada, Scandanavia. Really any place we can be immersed in nature. We have lots of trees in our yard so we have a nice slice of nature at home.
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause
OMG 8 kids?!?! My first thought was: "Are they insane?" My second: "They must be so rich."
I know everyone is different but 8 really seems like a lot!
Spaced out like that seems more manageable. 8 kids under 12? Yikes
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause
I saw that article, and then forgot to read it (I’m in an open office so decided that might be weird). I’m curious why their costs are so low.
@sincethelastday Welcome!! Sorry you find yourself here, but glad to have you with us on this journey!
@inthewoods23 Welcome and good luck on Friday! Let us know what you learn! Also 8 kids in rapid order? That’s some Duggar-level reproducing right there! My mom talks about how hard it was to have 3 kids under 4; having 8 kids under 12 would not be any easier, I’m sure!
Sometimes I wonder if people who are able to conceive so many kids so quickly appreciate their fertility (I’m saying this in general; not about your cousin specifically). I’m just being bitter, lol. My RE was like, “I think you need to focus on just getting to 1.”
BTW I’m so jealous of your trees. I tried to convince DH that we could enjoy a non-urban life and he’s not buying it. At least I work near a park! I’m desperate to get out in the woods for more hiking this fall.
@BWhitta Hooray!!!!! I am SO excited for you! Good luck today!
@mirabelle33 Inquiring minds MUST know how your appointment went!
@ChristenMA83 Did you say you’d lost all your pre-IVF weight? Color me jealous!
AFM I started the Lupron last Thursday and it’s definitely making me irritable and impatient (sorry, DH), or maybe that’s PMS from this period that will.not.come. (I definitely whipped out an old Wondfo on Sunday. BFN of course.) I have a work trip at the beginning of October so starting to get a little stressed about FET timing. But mostly I’m stressed that even with a programmed cycle, my RE will cancel it for some hormonal issue that is out of my control. This is not something I was stressed about until it happened last cycle, so thanks for the curveball, Body!
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause
@funkykey 6 fertilized is great. Fingers crossed the progress well and are all perfect. I think the post-retrieval wait is the absolute worst.
@Bababatty I lost the 18 lbs I put on during IVF and all the related stuff, so I'm back to where I was in January. Now I can start on all the other extra weight I've been carrying around for years with no good excuse.
TTC History in spoiler Instagram
Married Oct 2007
TTC Since Oct 2010 - MFI Diagnosis 2012 (Morphology 1% + High DNA Frag)
IUI x2 in 2012 - BFN
IVF #1 Feb 2018 - 9 Retrieved - 8 Mature - 5 Fertilized - 2 Snowbabies - no testing
FET#1 March 2018 - BFP - MMC May @ 10w4d
FET#2 July 2018 - BFN
IVF #2 Nov 2018 - 10 Retrieved - 10 Mature - 8 Fertilized - 2 Snowbabies - no testing
@Bababatty sorry to hear about all those stresses you’re facing right now! As someone who hasn’t done IVF, the keeping track of all the processes and the different waiting periods sound so incredibly overwhelming! I hope everything falls into place timing-wise for you and that your cycle doesn’t get cancelled. How soon would you find out that it’s still a go?
@inthewoods23 hope your appointment on Friday with the urologist goes well! Yeah, waiting for appointments suck!
Also LOL to YH’s cousin. There is so much wrong with that FB Post!
@sincethelastday - welcome! Hoping the femara works for you!
Also, the bitter train is my favorite train:
@inthewoods23 - GL on Friday! Yeah, now that I think of it, my grandparents had a big family, but the kids were really spaced out. The oldest was 18 when the youngest was born. 8 kids under 12 actually is insane!
I was saying in another thread - there are lots of reasons I want to be a parent. One of the most superficial, ridiculous reasons is so I'm more free to judge other parents. Right now, it's like: "you can't judge until you have kids", which, I mean... Part of me gets it, but part of me is like: "Well, I'm a human, and I know character when I see it."
I don't know these people at all - AT ALL - but I think it would be very hard to have 8 kids without expecting the older kids to take care of the younger kids.
... See? I'm so ready to be a judgy mom!
@ChristenMA83 - great news! You are an inspiration! Honestly, I'm inspired. I'm too sore to go back to the gym right now - my ovaries are still feeling a bit tender. But I think I might be able to get back on the horse in about a week.
@Bababatty - I'm so glad to see your update. I've been thinking of you lots. Keeping FX for you this cycle.
Ha - in my relationship, my DH is the one trying to convince me to have a non-urban life, and I'm like: "Why?"
Just out of curiosity - do you feel like you've changed as a person since IF? I didn't, at first, but now I think I'm a totally different person. I think after our second FET failed, I really started to change. And DH, he was like: "No, I haven't changed." but I think he has too.
The other day a friend of his was like: "My girlfriend wants to have a baby."
DH's first response (!) was: "How old is she?"
Friend: "34"
DH: "Yeah, now's the time."
He never, ever would have reacted like that before all of this. Never.
For me, some of the changes are good, but I think not all of them. I dunno. I feel like I'm a lot tougher now, and I put up with a lot less BS. I'm also less optimistic. I dunno.
@mirabelle33 - thinking of you! Sending you a big hug!
AFM: My six are still in the running. I'm expecting a drop-off this next couple of days, but hoping hoping hoping so badly for just one PGS normal embie. Just one. Keep your fingers crossed for me, please!
QOTW: Would you want to live where you vacation or just vacation more often? Right now I would definitely like to vacation more. I love traveling and there are so many places I want to go! But when we're older I could also see us wanting to live in one of the places that we've enjoyed the most on our travels.
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
*TW* A friend, who knows what we’ve been doing, told me she was pregnant the other week (via text, THANK GOD, because I definitely started crying). She could still tell I was upset and said she didn’t want me to be sad. I replied that sadness and anger are my default emotional state right now. And then I just got sadder because she said that made her sad because I used to be such an upbeat person. It hadn’t really hit me before that moment how much I had changed from an optimistic person to just a really bitter person. Without meaning to, I’ve also pulled away from a lot of friends, like DH and I are retracting into ourselves. And that makes me sad, too. (And now I’m tearing up because damn these hormones. I cry at everything.) As for DH, the first time I really ever saw him cry was when I told him our third transfer was going to be another CP. It’s sad to see your stoic husband dissolve into tears with you on the couch. Overall he’s handled this all much better than me. But he does yell things like, “She should just be happy she’s pregnant!” at the TV.
@mirabelle33 I’m glad the appointment went well! Shocking how much we learn just by going through IF—and by being part of these boards, I find. I just saw a friend on IG mention PCOS and I almost DM’d her to say, “Infertile? Let me pepper you with my knowledge and advice!” Even though I do not have PCOS, lol. I hate that everything is so cycle-dependent and it always seems like cycles are coming at precisely the wrong time. I hope your clinic has fast responses!
And no, I’d say my entire ER, from arrival to departure, took less than 6 hours. Maybe an hour or so in recovery?
QOTW Defitely vacation more!! Interestingly, my parents are actually moving to our primary vacation spot.
I'm so glad the information meeting went well! Excited for you to get started!
Um, OMG, I would be so mad if they told me that the "most common reason for failure was because the couple gives up". I hate that - I feel like it plays into the stigma that if this doesn't work for you, "you're just not trying hard enough", which is like one of the least compassionate, considerate ways of looking at this. If someone stops trying after 4 years and 2 failed rounds of IVF that they've gone $40K into debt for, I certainly don't think that their reason for failure is that they just "gave up". I'd be like: "Excuse me, have some empathy. These people are climbing mountains, and throwing that sh*t at them does not help."
Funny, I would say I'm both more and less self-involved and compassionate. I'm way, way less compassionate when people complain about trivial stuff, but way more compassionate about big stuff. I'm way more self-involved in terms of standing up for myself. I used to be more likely to suffer in silence when someone was kind of being a jerk, and now I'm way more like: "Screw you." I'm more likely to advocate for myself, whereas before, I might have seen that as more self-involved?
I feel more like a warrior now, if that makes sense. Like in the most realistic, grim sense of that word. I saw this article a while ago, and I disagreed:
https://www.thecut.com/2018/04/please-dont-call-me-an-infertility-warrior.html
She said: "We are warriors, fighting infertility. But this language implies that we are more in control of our narratives than we actually are, that if we “give it our all” we will achieve the “victory” that we deserve. This narrative, I believe, is a dangerous one."
But I guess I don't see warriors as people who are glorious and destined for victory. Soldiers fall almost as often as they win, you know? I associate that grim determination to keep going, and to fight even when being met with terrible odds, with being a warrior, at least on some level.
@Bababatty - I'm sorry about that experience with your friend. I'm pulling away a bit from my friends IRL too, which also makes me sad. I just feel like they cannot relate, like they have no idea. They know enough to know that they should be polite and considerate, but it's like it's really hard for them to comprehend the magnitude of what I'm experiencing, like how helpless and futile this seems at times. They're so convinced it's going to work out, and while sometimes I appreciate their faith, I'm also like: "Where were you when my last transfer failed?" It's like they just don't know how to handle that much suffering, and how to be supportive when I'm really, really down. Like so down that I can't get out of bed.
That’s quite the presentation your clinic offered - I wonder how much of a thing that is at other clinics? I hope you get your response from the clinic soon and that you don’t have to wait too long!
To be honest, hearing what you ladies go through with the IVF process, I really feel like I have no reason to be complaining about ttc. I think this is what has kept me from joining a group sooner because it feels like I haven’t really done anything yet, I haven’t started a treatment yet. But at the same time, I don’t feel like I belong in the just normal ttc camp anymore. For example, I have a friend who has been ttc for 4 months now and she complains constantly about waiting so long to get pregnant. And it drives me nuts because 4 months seems like nothing! But then I think that other people would say that being on Femara is nothing compared to other more intensive treatments. My intention was not to rant, but to say that I hope I can still be a supportive contributor to this group even if I’m a bit of a “freshman” when it comes to the whole infertility treatment world. Hearing back from you ladies and reading your posts have already made me feel so welcome and like I belong here, so a BIG thank you for that!!
And there ends my maybe cheesy post
As for the friends, so much yes! I had a couple good friends I talked to about it a lot and then I realized that the support they could give me just didn’t help because I’d moved beyond a need for simple optimism.
@sincethelastday Please don’t feel like you don’t fit in here. You definitely do! It happens that right now a lot of us are doing IVF, but people come and go from the board at all different stages. And we welcome all who are struggling with IF. Most of us started with medicated cycles or IUIs and can definitely relate to where you are. I was so intimidated by the IVF ladies when I first joined. It seemed so intense! But I really enjoy hearing about the different treatments different doctors propose and I learned a lot from reading about more intensive ART treatments. I ramble, but really I want to say that I’m happy to have you here, and really we can all use as many supporters in our camps as possible!
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
3 Losses, 8/16 11/16 and 6/2017
@BWhitta- that’s awesome about your friend’s warrior t-shirt!! How accurate you are with the whole meaning of courage!
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
Sometimes, I actually worry that I've been on this thread too long. I think: "Ok, maybe it's time for me to graduate myself to just plain old "Infertility Veterans" or whatever."
Anyway, rest assured, you can complain about TTC here all you want. I read an analogy somewhere that I liked - maybe some of us are deeper in the cesspool of IF than others, but we're still all in a cesspool, whether or not you're in up to your neck, or just up to your knees.
I hope your stay here is short! And for us old-timers, I hope we graduate soon!
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
Also that appointment screw up is totally something DH would also pull, and kudos to you for getting in faster! My therapist pushed me to be more assertive in similar situations; it’s so important because as she said, there are others that are being even more pushy than you. I’m truly impressed by your appointment-getting abilities!
@funkykey I think the situation you describe about complaining about ttc on here and then getting pregnant soon after joining is pretty spot on. I really hope we can all join that BFP hall of fame soon!! And the cesspool anology is hilarious, but also very true
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
Urologist checked DH for any physical problems. No vericoceles, so that's good. We went over the SA done last month. Numbers and motility are normal, morph is 1%. They like to see at least 4% but he said that's a subjective number so MFI isn't necessarily the problem.
He asked how long we had been trying and asked a bit about my cycle. My cycles have been anywhere for 28 days to 39 days since being off BC starting Feb 2016 and mentioned that I BBT chart and do the OPKs. I did mention that my cycles follow somewhat of a pattern in that it goes up and down. Like if I have a 30 day cycle my next cycle is typically a little longer, like 33 days and the following will be shorter (say 31 or 32 days). So while it's a bit irregular, I have a decent idea of when I should expect it. I didn't mention it in the appointment, but only 2 cycles have been 39 days (during months I know my stress was higher than normal), maybe 1 at 37, 1 at 28 and maybe 2 at 29 so typically it's between 30 and 33. He thinks we might just be too mechanical with when we BD. So we need less schefuling, more spontaneity. I told him my OBGYN gave us the recommendation to BD every other day between days 12-24 to cover the full potential window for O (my OB showed no concern for the range in cycle lengths). The Urologist did mention, with the 1 SA we've done, that we could look at IUI. He didn't think we need IVF. I had to ask him if we wanted to go the route of IUI what steps do we need to take and he only then did he give us a name of an RE.
DH and I agreed we should get with the RE. I'm tired of leaving things to chance especially since our situation makes it a little more difficult but not impossible. At least for #1 you know?
So... we might just be really bad at timing. And we're both engineers I guess that means our dx is unexplained. Hopefully we can get with the RE soon!
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause
1. TTC for three years now.
2. So far the only Rx is submucosal fibroids, had one surgery which didn't remove them all.
3. Waiting to see if my doctors recommend a second surgery or move on to medication while continuing TTC.
Good luck to everyone with your journeys, it will take time for me to get to know everyone and I am still learning all of the terms and nuances of this board. But I will cheer you all on!
My DH also has 1% morphology and had the same type of urology appointment quite a while ago. The urologist pretty much said to not bother doing anything further with him and just go straight to an RE. He even said that morphology isn’t a huge factor in the whole IF affair, so I found that quite hopeful (sounds like your urologist is saying a similar thing).
And I totally know what you mean about not wanting to leave it up to chance anymore! I found it such a relief once we had a treatment plan as it felt like I had even just a little more control than I did before. I hope you find a similar relief! Keep us updated!
The urologist mentioned that vitamin C can help improve numbers so I think I'll be keeping up on getting DH to take a multivitamin just to help a little bit. Also that the RE might look into prescribing me something to make my cycles a little more regular, but we'll see of course.
I feel more optimistic now that we've been through the appointment. Unfortunately, per my app, my next O date is while I'm gone on a business trip next week so we'll see if we have a chance this month. Last time I was suppose to O while on a business trip I O'ed a few days later than expected according to my OPKs so my O dated ended up being a day after I got back!
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause
That was the first thing my RE do was prescribe me Femara to hopefully regulate my cycles. Sounds like we may be in a similar boat. I was shocked that my DH started taking Omega 3 with me, so that was a pleasant surprise as it supposedly helps with creating healthy sperm. With all the pills, tests, and treatment processes we women go through on this journey, it’s only fair our partners join in with taking a vitamin, etc lol.
Hope everything works out timing wise with your business trip and O as well! I swear we all become experts with timing and waiting.
Tbh, I bought it and read it and thought she seemed a bit kooky (and maybe a little self-righteous), but I tried a bunch of the stuff anyway. I miss our plastic tupperware.
@inthewoods23 - OMG, I hate that advice! "Have more spontaneous sex". Everyone who says that, it makes me think that they never had to TTC for more than 8 months. They have no idea.
I'd definitely, definitely, definitely make an appointment with the RE! FX you get in soon!
@sailorariel - welcome. I have a fibroid, but it's not submucosal so apparently should not affect fertility. That said, lots of women have them- you may be able to find some history on the infertility thread, just about fibroids in particular. Have you had the other IF testing done? Ie. your husband's sperm, your AMH level?
AFM: I have 4 frozen embryos! Now just waiting for PGS results, should be about two weeks. (That's right, another TWW).
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
Welcome to the new ladies! @sailorariel @sincethelastday
@mirabelle33 Eek! the ball is rolling for you now. Way to advocate for yourself and get your appointment moved in. The supplements are going well. The only side effect I've noticed is extreme dry-mouth every morning. My insurance requires I have Day-3 labs done within 6 months of treatment. I'm a looking forward to doing that next month and seeing if the diet and detox have changed my results any from earlier in the year.
To answer the question has infertility changed you, we've been dealing with this since 2012 but not actively seeking treatment the whole time. I don't remember myself before facing infertility. The last year has made me a little less naive. I will admit I thought IVF would be a slam dunk for us and we ended up with a snowball of disappointment. DH is very sensitive and is still dealing with the emotional aftermath of the MC. He hides it well but it pops to the surface occasionally (but this isn't a change for him - he's always been way more sensitive than me). I think our IVF has made him more open to alternatives (sperm donor, adoption, embryo adoption) and maybe made me a little less open to them because I'm very mission-driven and I feel like we've started something and I want to "Win". I know that's a dangerous sentiment, but it's the way I feel. We've said this fall will be our last egg retrieval, so if that isn't a success then I'm going to have to redefine "winning" for myself.
TTC History in spoiler Instagram
Married Oct 2007
TTC Since Oct 2010 - MFI Diagnosis 2012 (Morphology 1% + High DNA Frag)
IUI x2 in 2012 - BFN
IVF #1 Feb 2018 - 9 Retrieved - 8 Mature - 5 Fertilized - 2 Snowbabies - no testing
FET#1 March 2018 - BFP - MMC May @ 10w4d
FET#2 July 2018 - BFN
IVF #2 Nov 2018 - 10 Retrieved - 10 Mature - 8 Fertilized - 2 Snowbabies - no testing