A little late starting this week, but that's ok. Also sorry about all the line breaks. Not sure how to fix that.
QOTW: Are you a baker? What is your favorite thing to bake?
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.
@sincethelastday - dx: irregular cycles, low morphology. Rx: Femara
@sailorariel - dx: submucosal fibroids. Rx: potential surgery or medicated cycle
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: TTTC 9/29/18 Check-In
@mirabelle33 How did your appointments go with the RE and embryologist?
@funkykey Is there any additional testing or appointments before November or is just waiting now for when you can do the FET?
AFM: finished taking my first round of Femara. Only “side effect” I’ve had is a few days of spotting after AF ended which I’m hoping means it’s working. Now just TI and OPKs. Hoping I just get a positive OPK sooner than later. You’d think by now I would have learned some patience with this whole IF thing, but nope.
QOTW: I love to bake!! Some days I wish I could just quit my job and bake full time. I find it a major stress reliever. I don’t know if I have a favorite recipe; I really enjoy making these caramel apple cheesecake bars which are easy to make, but look more impressive than they really are lol
we are getting ready to go out of town for a wedding next week and I am looking forward to getting away..
QOTW: I’m a terrible baker because I hate measuring..great cook because I like tasting! I like doing it but in our almost ten years together my husband makes fun of me because I have only been able to make 2 batches of edible cookies!
QOTW: I like baking when I have the time for it. I'm mostly a brownie and cookie baker with the occasional banana bread or corn bread muffins thrown in there. Cakes are definitely not my thing! Most of my baking happens around the holidays.
AFM: got our information packet in the mail for the RE on Friday. Looks like the consultation fee is not covered by our insurance so I'm starting to go on an emotional roller coaster every time I think about how much this is going to cost us plus it has me thinking about how I'm going to be over the holidays with other pregnant people around. At least when it's the holidays we will have met with the RE at least once so maybe we'll have a game plan that will keep my spirits up!
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
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
@inthewoods23 welcome back! Yeah, the holidays can really suck sometimes. I’m pretty lucky that I don’t have any close, immediate family yet with kids, but even something as simple as a holiday TV commercial featuring a baby can p*ss me off! I hope you get a plan soon - is your initial RE appointment quite soon? I find just having a plan, even if it’s just one step closer to a bigger plan, can be reassuring.
@mirabelle33 what a lot you’ve got going on, not just in the IF realm of things!! Hope you get a chance to have a breather from some of the craziness of life! It sounds like once you’re on the rollar coaster of IVF it just starts right away with hardly any warning! And I guess like a rollar coaster it can be exciting and terrifying at the same time - or more than the other? Major FX for you during the upcoming weeks and sending only good, positive vibes your way!! Keep us updated!
And I really have no standard time of when I naturally O. Anywhere between CD 13-25 historically. I’ve already told DH that we’re going to be increasing the BD regardless of when I get the positive OPK and he sighed. Nothing takes sexy out of sex like ttc sex lol
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
AF is suppose to show up.. well like now or yesterday, but hasn't. Lately she shows up in the evening so I'm not holding my breath that some miracle has occurred since O was likely while I was traveling for work but we did BD before I left and after I came back so maybe... I'm hoping our RE appt is at a good time that we won't have to wait for a whole cycle to pass before starting anything. I must sound like a broken record, I keep saying how much I hate waiting!
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
Could my cycle be this delayed? Are my tests junk?
AFM I do like to bake... I once got myself a job as a baker in a local cafe (with no experience), it wasn't as fun as I thought it would be! but I do like to bake at home. Today I'm baking a brown butter cranberry banana bread.
TTC 21 cycles
All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium)
Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3
IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26
IUI #2 March 14, BFN
IUI #3 April 11, BFN
IUI #4 May 11, BFN
July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN
August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast!
October 2018 FET-BFN
November 2018 FET-TBD
TTC 21 cycles
All TI cycles BFN (with letrozole, ovidrel, prometrium)
Hysteroscopy + Polypectomy + D&C on 1/3
IUI #1 February 6, BFP 2/21, CP 2/26
IUI #2 March 14, BFN
IUI #3 April 11, BFN
IUI #4 May 11, BFN
July 2018 IVF, developed lead follicle, converted to TI, BFN
August/September 2018 IVF converted to freeze-all: 7 mature eggs; we fertilized 3 and froze 4. 3/3 fertilized and 1 blast!
October 2018 FET-BFN
November 2018 FET-TBD
@sincethelastday - nope, we're just waiting. We're going on vacation for a couple of weeks. I planned it just in case all our embryos were abnormal. Luckily, that didn't happen.
@mirabelle33 - awesome news that you can finally get started! Sending your ovaries all my good vibes!
@courtneyh2013 - before we started clomid/IUIs, my cycles were all like 28-31 days. Once I started the IUIs, with clomid, my cycles were all over the place. Since the IVF drugs, it's been worse - I've had anywhere from 26-36 day cycles! Not sure if that's what's happening to you, but it's not unheard of for the drugs to mess up cycles.
I've actually always thought it was one of the crueler parts of IF. Like, by the time I get to day 34, even if my HPTs have been negative, part of me is like: "Well, maybe. Maybe they're wrong. Maybe this time I'm KUed". Only to see spotting like 2 hours later. Ugh.
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
1. How long have you been TTC?
Feb 2016
2. What is your diagnosis?
PCOS, anovulatory
3. What is your current Rx plan?
From Feb 2016-May 2018 I was on Progesterone & Metformin while we casually tried. Never for a positive OPK. Added Femara (CDs 3-7) + Estradiol (CDs 10-12) with US CD 12 in June 2018. June & July - 2.5 mg Femara; August & September - 7.5 mg Femara; Still no positive OPKs with biggest follicle ever measuring 11mm; October - trying 10mg Femara if AF ever shows up. Currently CD 39 with no signs (and a trash can full of BFNs).
If AF doesn't show up next week, calling to see if I can try something different. Anyone else go through this?
QOTW: Only for charity auctions and other obligatory baking events Trying to stick to PCOS diet, so baking is out for me for now!
[edited because I said BFP instead of BFN... I wish!]
@bababatty - Have you started the acupuncture/what are your thoughts on it? I'm so interested in this! How did it end up going at the clinic?
@sincethelastday - Did you end up getting your positive OPK? I can't imagine what it is about all the IF talk that makes husbands feel like the BD is so clinical It's the same for us.
@kls2016 - Good news from your DH's SA? I know this is a newbie question, but how long had you been TTC before your OB/RE recommend a SA? Ours still hasn't asked for one since my issues are so obvious, but wondering how this works typically.
@inthewoods23 - Is this your first experience with an RE? Your appointment is getting closer! FX AF shows up soon (or just visited!) so you can start fresh at the consultation.
@mirabelle33 - Have you done the Menopur before? Sending you all the good vibes!
RE consultation appt is on the 16th so about a week and a half away! Any tips y'all can give or any questions that would be good to ask? Never been to an RE before. What should I expect?
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
Hooray! Agreed, day 1 is always awful but at least it's a new start!
& I'm, in the same boat. I'd love to hear any thoughts about the initial consultation with an RE! My first appointment is the 29th. Finally decided it's time to leave my OBGYN, even though we love him.
< br>still waiting for AF to show up. What’s strange is I have always had cycles 25 to 27 days and last cycle was 31 days..today I’m on d 32 and still no AF yet. Took a HPT 2 days ago and BFN so I am now just waiting around for her to show up! Wonder what could be lengthening my cycle all the sudden? Waiting for d 1 so I can book my HSG! Also we are at a wedding this weekend in the mountain and I want to drink copious amounts of wine to drown my non KU sorrows. We we finally go a call about DH’s SA today. It appears all of his numbers were slightly lower than the recommended so my OB wants him to go to a urologist before we move forward with anything else. Will post the numbers when I get home..we are visiting family out of town this week and so I won’t get the results until then. Off the top of my head I remember morphology is 3 and total amount was 13.2 mil. Bummer. What is everyone’s experience with urologist if any?
also got my first appointment with the RE December 28. We will be getting a packet in the mail. I just feel like we aren’t getting enough monitoring or “priority” from our OB so want to try something else.
He asked me a few questions about my cycle and what tracking I do, if any, and said we could possibly benefit from IUI. He didn't think we would need IVF which was nice to hear. He was the one that recommended trying for a few more months being less "mechanical" with our BDing or to see the RE if we wanted. Obviously I'm not willing to wait so we booked an RE appt as soon as possible.
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
@mirabelle33 how’s the Estradiol going so far - are there any common side effects with that drug? Also has AF showed up yet so you can continue the ball rolling? Still sending you good vibes!
@Bababatty thinking of you!
@kls2016 my DH’s urology app was pretty similar to @inthewoods23. He pretty much just recommended seeing a RE. Do you have an appointment with the urologist yet? That’s great that you already have your RE appointment all booked - one thing done! And sorry to hear about your BFN - it just sucks every time doesn’t it?!
@oklahomak Yes, I did get my positive OPK a few days ago (CD 15). I have a urine test on CD 24 to see if I ovulated, but I’m hoping/thinking I did going off of the positive OPK. I’m currently on 2.5 mg of Femara (this is my first round). My RE said there was probably a 11% chance each cycle that it would work for us, which seems low to me, but I’m really just trying to put both hope and worry out of my head for the TWW (we’ll see how successful I am with that). I really hope you find a dosage or medication that starts working for you - sounds like you’ve been on quite the frustrating trip so far with the meds!
@oklahomak @inthewoods23 regarding experience of initial RE appointment, I’m sure everyone’s experience is different, but I can share a little about our experience. The RE took down notes on our ttc journey, asked questions about our overall health, and then promptly ordered more tests lol. It was a full year since our referral went in to the RE by the time we were actually seen, so she wanted a bunch of the same blood work repeated, another SA, blood work for DH. And I had not yet had a HSG so I had to get that done (which took another 3 months before actually getting a spot for it to be done). It sounds like you both won’t have to wait as long to get seen, so hopefully you won’t have to repeat any tests and can go straight to discussing a treatment plan. Overall, it wasn’t as nerve wracking an experience as I was anticipating and I think that’s partly due to really liking our RE so far and just knowing that we’re getting more attention/help on this journey. I would recommend having a notebook with you when you go just to have any questions written down and so you can write down the answers you get. I’m really bad at remembering medical details/prescription dosages, etc, so writing it down can be helpful. And ask as many times for clarificafion or more details around something as you need - I’ve asked my RE the same question a few times in the same appointment because I wanted to be sure I was understanding. That’s part of their job is to answer questions so I say ask away!! Lots of good luck on your first appointments and keep us updated on how they go!
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
Otherwise, the FET went fine. The full bladder thing always stresses me out--like what if I fill it too much and then I'm so uncomfortable! We transferred a 5-day hatching blast; I don't know the grade but the RE said it looked good. Thank you all for the well wishes!!
@mirabelle33 OMG I am so excited that you're getting started!! HOORAY!!!! How is everything going so far?
@oklahomak Welcome! I'm sorry you find yourself here, but this is a great group. I haven't gone through the same situation as you, but I think you're right to call about changing your protocol. It's definitely not working, it sounds like! As for the acupuncture, so far all it's helped me relax and it may or may not be making my cramps lighter at the beginning of my cycle. It's so hard to tell if that's because of the acupuncture or because I was exercising/dieting too hard and f'd up my cycle (which I did the cycle before this one). This is the first FET I've done while doing acupuncture, so if I get a BFN or CP I'll say it was probably not worth it but I'll keep trying, and if I get a BFP, I'll be singing its praises from the mountain tops, lol. Are you thinking about doing it?
@inthewoods23 and @oklahomak Good luck with your RE appointments! Ditto what others have said--write down all your questions in advance and try to take notes. It's really a run through of your TTC and medical history and then a set up of the tests your RE wants to run--or a review of any test results you've already done. I was nervous going in and it was actually a really relaxing experience because you get to talk so much about yourself and REs I've found are generally compassionate people.
@kls2016 We worked with a urologist who specialized in MFI (referred by our RE) for about a year. In fact, we have a follow up appointment with this week because we haven't seen him in a year and I'm concerned that our CPs may be related to DH's MFI (even though my RE says the literature doesn't support that theory). He doesn't know about any of our CPs. Anywhoddles, our urologist reviewed all of DH's SA's (I think there were 3 or 4 by that point because we'd done multiple as well as done some IUIs so there were counts from those). He also tested DH for varioceles, and then prescribed Clomid for six month to combat DH's low testosterone and motility. That helped with both issues but not so much the getting KU part and it gave DH heart palpitations, so we stopped that when we started IVF. If you can find one, I definitely recommend a urologist with a knowledge of IF. Ours was affiliated with another fertility clinic.
@sincethelastday Good luck with the TWW!!
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
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
@inthewoods23 I’d ask about what their test and treatment plan might look like given the information they have on you, what prognosis might look like, how they prefer to communicate (my first clinic I could never reach my RE directly, my current clinic my RE handed me his business card—although I try not to bother him with emails and instead pester his nurse), does he or she have a dedicated nurse that you’ll be able to communicate with, what timing looks like on getting test results and a follow up appointment, etc. it’s an intro appointment so I’d focus on familiarizing yourself with the RE and how the practice works. If you have a suspected diagnosis, you could ask what his or her experience has been with said diagnosis.
@mirabelle33 Dear lord, 45mm?! On the plus side I am glad that you can still proceed with stims! So does this mean you don’t have DOR and the endometrioma was messing with your hormones? Not sure how this all works.... Good luck with your menopur! Everything crossed that your cycle is smooth and successful!!
*TW*
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
@mirabelle33 - what a crazy sounding US experience!! Sounds mainly good though, especially with getting some more definite answers and if the DOR isn’t as severe as initially thought! So happy that you can continue to move forward! Are they still estimating around Oct 15th for a retrieval?
AFM: It seems like I caught @Bababatty ‘s cold via online support board interaction lol (just kidding of course ). So that’s been crummy! I’m more worried about DH because he has caught it and is going to be leaving the country for 5 weeks for work on Saturday and I’m worried about him feeling really sick for this work placement. And I’m just not looking forward with him being gone that long - I hate living alone, even though the company of my dog helps lol. Anyways, have the urine test tomorrow and just continued waiting. I really haven’t been thinking about it much because it doesn’t feel that much different from all our regular times trying compared to the much more rigorous process of say IUI or IVF. So, yeah, not much to report - thanks for continuing to ask though
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
@Bababatty so excited for you but I understand the feeling all too well! Saying a prayer and crossing my fingers that we will both see our rainbow baby this time.
DX: PCOS/Unexplained Infertility/MTHFR Mutation
TTC since December 2014
Fresh Transfer: Gonal, Menopur, Cetrotide. ~ Chemical Pregnancy
FET #1: 1st Beta- 3,792~ 2nd Beta- 4,227~ BFP ~ Miscarriage at 8 weeks
FET #2: 1st Beta 207~2nd Beta 235~ BFP~ Miscarriage at 6 weeks
FET #3: 1st Beta 18~ 2nd Beta 44~BFP~ Miscarriage 5 weeks
FET #4: 1st Beta 50~ 2nd Beta 97.7~ Miscarriage 6 weeks 5 days
FET#5: 1st Beta 29~ 2nd Beta 109~ 3rd Beta 227~ 4th Beta 661~ Miscarriage 5 weeks 3 days
Miracle Natural BFP Estimated Due Date June 2019~ God is good
2 snow babies
As this is the first round of Femara for me, my RE wanted me to do a urine test on CD 24 to see if I ovulated or not. I’m pretty sure I did going off of the +OPK, but it’s just to determine really if they’ll need to up my dosage or not if I didn’t ovulate this time around. Considering how many OPKs I’ve used over the past years, I feel like an expert at peeing in a cup!
@Worldtravler0522 How incredibly exciting!! Major FX that this is the one!!
And thank you, all! This weekend cannot pass soon enough—which I HATE to say because I LOVE my weekends!
DX: PCOS/Unexplained Infertility/MTHFR Mutation
TTC since December 2014
Fresh Transfer: Gonal, Menopur, Cetrotide. ~ Chemical Pregnancy
FET #1: 1st Beta- 3,792~ 2nd Beta- 4,227~ BFP ~ Miscarriage at 8 weeks
FET #2: 1st Beta 207~2nd Beta 235~ BFP~ Miscarriage at 6 weeks
FET #3: 1st Beta 18~ 2nd Beta 44~BFP~ Miscarriage 5 weeks
FET #4: 1st Beta 50~ 2nd Beta 97.7~ Miscarriage 6 weeks 5 days
FET#5: 1st Beta 29~ 2nd Beta 109~ 3rd Beta 227~ 4th Beta 661~ Miscarriage 5 weeks 3 days
Miracle Natural BFP Estimated Due Date June 2019~ God is good
2 snow babies
7 medicated cycles (see above) = BFN
@Worldtravler0522 what a nice surprise! That is awesome news!
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