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: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as?
Re: IF Treatment and Testing- Week of 10/29
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):
FET!!! Woohoo!
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):
tonight is my last night of BCPs and then I go for baseline on Friday and start my FET meds! Yay! Transfer is on 11/21
How are things going?:
good! So glad it’s finally here and I’m excited to start!
Any questions?:
nope
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as?
i have a twin brother, a few years ago we dressed up as Phil and Lil from the rugrats. My husband was Tommy and a couple others were the rest of the characters. I sowed all the costumes, everyone looked great!
Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): on BCP, estrogen priming starts Saturday, stim starts 11/17
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF
How are things going?: Things are going well so far. Just anxious to get things started. I am not a patient person so all this waiting is not the best.
Any questions?: I could google but I am trying to stay away from dr. google during this process.. For those on Estrogen to start, any side effects?
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? I was Michael Myers one year, complete with the full mask and (fake) knife. I scared so many people
Married: 08/2016
TTC: 10/2017
IUI #1-3 BFN
IVF 11/2018- 23 eggs retrieved, 16 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI with 7 embryos making it to freeze
FET #1 02/2019 BFN
FET #2 4/19 BFP!!!!! EDD 1/4/20
Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI & left tube blocked
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFET
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): FET tomorrow
How are things going?: good...i'm all the feelings right now. nervous, excited, anxious. I'm just doing everything the doctor says so i leave it up to protocols and let whatever happen, happen. I'm pretty good at not stressing over things when there is a plan and i follow the plan.
Any questions?: What are your favorite funny movies/shows. I'm more of a drama than comedy person, so i need some things to keep me smiling and laughing tomorrow and Wednesday.
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? I was (let's be honest...still am) a chubby girl, so i got to wear this orange dress when i was 7 (that my mom wore when she was 19 in the 70's) i was dressed as a flower child and had flowers in my hair. I loved it.
@blackhottamales eek!! I'm keeping everything crossed for you this week!! Have you seen The Big Sick on Netflix? Very cute, RomCom and I think semi-true to life story?
@kobrien827 Hoping no side effects! Do you have a transfer date?
@beachbunnyxo123 Yay! That's only a few weeks away! What a cute costume idea, I loved Rugrats as a kid.
Diagnosis (if you've been): RPL, High prolactin, hypothyroidism
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO but benched
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): MRI was last Thursday so doctor should be calling with results today or tomorrow. I guess we will determine the for forward plan then.
How are things going?: Not great. I'm having a lot of meltdowns and have been feeling ALL of the emotions lately. I can't even point to one specific reason why I'm struggling.
Any questions?:
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as - I dressed up as Miss Piggy in full length sequin gown, blown out curls and pearls. It was fun!
@kobrien827 All of the waiting is the worst in TTC! I hope the time goes by quickly for you as well! Have you seen the new Halloween movie? It was really good!
@blackhottamales Best of luck tomorrow with your transfer! (: (: So excited for you!
@nomangos23 Sorry you've been having a rough patch here lately. Hopefully you get some answers from your MRI.
Diagnosis (if you've been): LP defect
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Femara + Trigger Shot + IUI #3
How are things going?: Good! I have my mid-cycle ultrasound on Thursday and I'm hoping for at least 2 follicles! Adding in progesterone so I really hope that helps.
Any questions?: Anyone have any advice for progesterone suppositories? I start them 2x a day 3dpo. Great fun.
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? Went as Amy Farrah Fowler with my DH as Sheldon. Loved that one!
@kobrien827 I don't have any advice on the estrogen front, but I am on Suprefact and it is definitely giving me some side effects. So I fully sympathize with you right now. Patience is also not my strong suit, FX that time passes quickly for you.
@blackhottamales OMG the time is here! So excited for you!! I agree, you have done everything you can for the best outcome, it is just time for you to sit back and relax now. For shows, "Life In Pieces" on Netflix is funny and light hearted. If I think of some others I will pass them along.
@nomangos23 I hope that you get those results back quickly and that it is good news as well. The waiting on these things is never easy so the melt downs are completely understandable. You are not alone. We are here if you need to vent! *hugs*
@crookshanks10 FX for your ultrasound Thursday and that the new protocol is exactly what you need
Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, MFI Acrosome defect
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Wherever that place is that has simultaneous menopause and AF.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF stims starting Thursday.
How are things going?: I am not gonna lie, this weekend was rough. I was one super cranky biatch from hell. I had cramps from hell and moody as anything. My poor H could do nothing right and I know this because he didn't do anything right!
A little bit anxious but I am so ready to get to Thursday and get started.
Any questions?:
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? We didn't actually celebrate Halloween back in South Africa when I was growing up so dressing up wasn't really done. But we did have a fancy dress party once and I went as a punk rocker. One of my older sisters friends put blue food coloring and some sort of glue in my hair to try and give me a mo-hawk. So much glue, but it was fun.
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): this is our last cycle of naturally trying before my blood work and planning
How are things going?: Feeling good. Might be on a work trip next week and debating if I should bring a HPT with me. If it's not meant to be naturally I'm really looking forward to having a plan to make it happen!
Any questions?: has anyone been put on letrozole even though they ovulate on their own? What benefit does that have? I think the RE might put me on letrozole right away after my blood work has been done but she might have said that at our consultation because I was hoping we could try an IUI next month meaning we would move way faster than normal. I've calmed down a bit since then so if we don't do anything for this next cycle I'm okay with it.
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? For a number of years I dressed up as a bride although when I was that young I considered myself to be a princess, not a bride. The dress was white and there was a veil. I don't really dress up so I don't really have a favorite, but I definitely had that bride costume for a few years.
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
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 ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
@kobrien827 wishing you much luck this cycle. I completely understand the anxiety that comes with IVF. We're here if you need anything.
@blackhottamales GL tomorrow! I'm really liking The Good Place right now and I think the first 2 seasons are on Netflix. Also Parks and Rec which is on Netflix and Hulu and Brooklyn 99 on Hulu (all three shows have the same creator/producer)
@crookshanks10 liners are your friend with it comes to progesterone suppositories. Also, do it before bed and give yourself a little extra time in the AM to insert it and then lie back down for a few minutes.
Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained (officially), low AMH, AMA
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): hopefully prepping for an FET in the next couple of months.
How are things going?: excellent. Got the final report on our embryos from IVF cycle #2 and we have 2 that have been biopsied and frozen. They were both graded well, so FX the PGS comes back with good results.
Any questions?:
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? I'm so lame when it comes to halloween costumes. as a child I was a witch for like 5 years straight because it was "easy"
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
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
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 ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
Write down any and all questions you may have, bring them with you, and don't be afraid to ask them! And if you're not sure what the doctor is referring to or is using too much jargon ask for it to be explained. They are the expert you are the novice in the field, but you are the expert on your body and your experiences. My initial visit was the doctor talking/giving a lot of info (a lot of it I already knew from these wonderful ladies, but it was good for my DH to get the info too.) She then asked if we had any questions. And we went through and she answered the questions I had one by one. I hope it goes well.
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Temping and Charting, waiting on Nov 14th for my appointment with my specialists.
How are things going?: Really struggling actually.
TW in the spoiler - Really. Don't open this if you are in a bad way - TW on my TW
- Other people's babies, pregnancies, people asking snoopy questions, previous child mentioned.
Super awkward to be fighting back tears trying to explain the complexity of lupus on fertility in the middle of a little kids halloween party.
My closest friends either already know what is going on, and / or are in different stages of life so it (thankfully) is not something I run into super often. I just feel awful I am avoiding my son's friends because their mom's and siblings are hurting my heart right now.
Any questions?:
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? My first name is Allison, so I was Allison in Wonderland one year!
@kobrien827 No experience with that, so just solidarity on the crazy med side effects! I hope they don't impact you too much
@blackhottamales Good luck tomorrow! I swear I am nervous for you, so I can only imagine how you feel! Eek, so exciting!
@nomangos23 Sometimes you don't need one reason to be struggling - it can be all the reasons. Sending love and strength your way.
@crookshanks10 That costume is amazing. My husband's nickname at work is Sheldon because he kinda is. He is an engineer, and super awkward and shy. He's gotten better since we've been married, but some days ... whoa.
@Avrilmai Don't knock "easy" costumes. I had grand aspirations of making costumes this year. Nope. I didn't even buy them in a store. I ordered them online. And, actually my husband is a reindeer because christmas "costumes" were cheaper.
@Swiftlet I am sorry you are here, but glad you found us! I have been here about a month? now I think. These women are a wealth of support and knowledge. I second what was said about writing things down, bringing someone with you, and I think prior to an appointment is the one time I do google - and I write down a list of questions. I have been through a LOT of specialists getting to my diagnosis, and the first appointment is as much and interview for them as anything else. If you leave feeling like they are willing to work with you when you have questions, ideas about your treatment, etc - that will likely (hopefully) be what you are experiencing as you continue. If they take the "I am the doctor, I am seeeew busy, just trust me, you are in good hands" approach... in my experience - get another opinion, and better to find that out after appointment one or two than ten and not getting anywhere,
@inthewoods23 I feel like if you don't bring a test, you might drive yourself crazy symptom spotting, and that is not fun. If you don't - would you be able to get one while you are there, or is it one of those trips where you fly into a hotel for a conference and don't have a car? Because if it's the later I would bring one.
@nitnat007 A friend and neighbor of mine actually recently moved back from South Africa, she was working there as a lawyer. It sounds like a beautiful place.
@kobrien827 waiting is one of the worst parts! I haven’t had any side effects from Estrogen
@blackhottamales I’ll be thinking of you tomorrow!!
@nomangos23 hopefully you’ll hear from your dr soon and can get some answers
@crookshanks10 make sure to wear a pantyliner and know that your discharge will be whatever color the pill is.
@nitnat007 yay for getting started on stims! The time will fly by! (At the time, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, it does)
@inthewoods23 I ovulate on my own, but usually around cd22-28 so they put me on letrozole to O earlier.
@Avrilmai I’m so so excited for you!!
@Swiftlet welcome although I’m sorry you have to be here. Like @Avrilmai said, don’t be afraid to ask questions. And find out how you can contact them if you have more questions (because you’ll think of more later!)
Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, mild pcos
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): starting progesterone on cd16
How are things going?: fine
Any questions?:
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? My favorite was the Rainbow Brite costume my mom made me when I was 4. I would wear it even wasn’t Halloween because I would tell my mom that I wanted to spread happiness. But I dressed up as some weird things—the tooth fairy, a bottle of nail polish. I still love to dress up and dress up for all the runDisney races!
Diagnoses: RPL, Endometriosis, MFI (count, morph, DNI, DNAS, multiple bilateral subclinical varicoceles), low progesterone
Check out my Infertility blog
Check out my Infertility Instagram
BFP: 15 August 2015, loss confirmed 23 August 2015
BFP: 16 November 2015, loss confirmed 22 November 2015
BFP: 18 July 2016, loss confirmed same day
BFP: 04 March 2018, loss confirmed 23 March 2018
BFP: 12 June 2018, TWINS; D&C 06 July 2018
Met with OBGYN in January 2016
Me: all clear, H: OAT
November 2016: HSG = All Clear!
January 2017: H tested again, High DNA fragmentation and stainability
February 2017: Clomid + TI + Progesterone = BFN
March 2017: Clomid + HCG + IUI + Progesterone = SA/wash: zero count on attempt #1, <1,000 on attempt #2= BFN
Varicocele Embolization- 5 May 17
December 2017 SA: Zero improvement after embolization
January IVF- 25 retrieved, 11 mature, 8 fertilized, 3 frozen day fives (3AA, 3AA, 3AA), 1 frozen day 6 (5BB), 1 frozen day 7 (3CC)
Three PGS normal (3AA, 3AA, 5BB), one inconclusive (3AA)
FET #1: 27 February 2018, 3AA & 5BB, one stuck! BFP 04 March 2018.... Loss confirmed 23 March 2018
May 2018: SHG/SIS = all clear "beautiful uterus"
FET #2: 04 June 2018, 3AA PGS normal embryo, 3AA PGS hatching inconclusive embryo.
BFP: 12 June 2018, EDD 20 February 2019
Ultrasound, 25 June 2018: There are two!
Lost Baby A 02 July 2018
Baby B not growing, D&C 06 July 2018
Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, chromotubation: 23 July 2018: blocked right tube, heavily inflamed, covered in endo. Removed right tube. Removed more endo from uterus, tubes, ovaries. Endo remains on bladder and bowel.
ER#2 ~Jan 2019
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Benched as of yesterday
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I was doing Clomid, Estrace, Ovidrel trigger, and prometrium but now benched.
How are things going?: Honestly not great. I went for my CD 3 blood work yesterday so I could start this next Clomid cycle and my estrogen level was almost 900 so my RE wants me to start BCP and sit out this cycle. With the level being that high and my PCOS she's concerned about a possible cyst. We've just started month 15 of trying and I was already nervous and this set-back is not helping. I just kept telling DH I'm sorry and he told every time it's not my fault. There's a lot of guilt on my part because his SA was great but my ovaries won't cooperate.
Any questions?: I've taken Clomid for 4 cycle and Femara for 2 (I didn't respond) but I don't want to take Clomid again. It thinned my lining which is why we started the Estrace and now this. Am I being unreasonable to tell my RE I want to try something different? We are both 36 so time really isn't on our side.
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up As a kid I loved wearing my dad's old army fatigues and going as a solider. As an adult I dressed up as an oompa-loompa one time for work and my patients loved it.
@blackhottamales That's awesome you have a plan in place. Good luck!
@beachbunnyxo123 Holy crap, it’s almost here!! I’m so excited for you, I’m keeping everything crossed that this leads to your take home baby!
@kobrien827 The waiting is the worst part of IF. So much of the process is hurry up and wait. Do you have anything planned to help distract you before then?
@blackhottamales Good luck today!! Sending all the sticky vibes your way!
@nomangos23 I’m so sorry you’ve been struggling recently; I’ve had more than one breakdown (or near breakdowns) where I couldn’t pinpoint exactly why it was happening. This process takes so much out of us emotionally; it’s ok to feel all of those feelings.
@crookshanks10 GL at your appointment on Thursday! Based on past cycles, when do you think you’ll trigger?
@nitnat007 I can’t believe it’s already here and you’re starting your IVF cycle! I swear it was just a few weeks ago that you decided to move on to IVF!
@inthewoods23 I haven’t been put on letrozole, but whether your RE uses clomid or letrozole/femara, it helps your body to develop and release better quality eggs and sometimes your body releases more than one egg, which increases chances
@Avrilmai I’m rooting for your two little embies, friend! I hope the results come back quickly!
@Swiftlet I’m sorry you find yourself here, here’s a thread that covers testing Q&A and you can always ask us and we’ll be more than happy to help in any small way we can
@whatsbumpinpumpkin I’m so sorry that you had to deal with all of that. The one thing I have learned dealing with long term IF is that you should never feel bad for doing (or avoiding) something to help your mental health. If your friends press you again, just respond (in a very snarky tone) that you have been trying but you’re infertile and not as lucky as all of them to have it happen quickly/easily.
@KristoKekerooni I’ve been thinking about you friend; I’m glad to hear that although it wasn’t what you wanted to hear, your new RE may have found the answer. And even moreso that he has a plan that will hopefully lead to a baby in your arms. I’ll send continued good thoughts your way, we’re here whenever you feel the need to stop in and update us.
@celticknotfire I’m sorry for the set back. Unfortunately, I’m only aware of clomid and femara/letrozole being used to help induce ovulation. How thin was your lining on clomid? I actually found something yesterday that said women with a 5mm thick lining had the same success rate as women with a 9mm lining; so as long as it is not seriously thinning your lining, it actually doesn’t make as much of a difference as people think (link: https://www.shadygrovefertility.com/blog/treatments-and-success/asrm-2016-sgf-study-examines-lining-thickness-and-its-impact-on-letrozole-with-iui-pregnancy-rates/)
Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA/DOR, high prolactin
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI with clomid
How are things going?: Ugh, unfortunately the headaches came back (thanks for asking last week @nitnat007 and @zamora_spin) starting on Thursday last week; I forgot how bad they really are. The IUI info my RE sent me before my first cycle said that there were other options so I’m going to message her office and see if I can try something else. I don’t think I can deal with these headaches a third time
Also, I have no idea what’s going on with my body. I got what could be a +OPK but I’m not convinced it is and I have had pretty much no EWCM (other than a tiny bit mixed in with some creamy/sticky last week on one day). So I’m just going to continue to POAS and HIO just in case. I figure the worst case scenario is that we end up doing TI instead of IUI; which is nearly the same thing since they don’t do any monitoring anyways
Any questions?:nope
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? Can I pick this year, even though it hasn’t actually happened yet? Me and some friends from work are dressing up as the Golden Girls for the annual costume contest they have at my office
"It's time to try defying gravity."
Married 6/11/16
TTC Since 6/2016
12/2016 RE appt; 1/2017 SA & HSG results - all normal
3/2017 Dx Hyperprolactinemia; 5/2017 Prolactin levels normal; 8/2017 Low Ovarian Reserve
8/2017 TTA for personal reasons; 10/2017 NTNP; 12/2017 Re-start TTC
7/2018 Clomid+IUI
11/2018 Letrozole+TI
12/2018 Letrozole+IUI
2/2019 NTNP
5/2019 Stopping all TTC efforts; living Childfree
@inthewoods23 I am currently on Letrozole and I have always ovulated on my own. It's better than Clomid in my opinion in regards to side effects, so I'm glad they're going to put you on that. (:
@Avrilmai Thank you for the advice! I'll definitely leave extra time in the morning! I hope your PGS results come back good!
@Swiftlet YAY! I'm so excited you have your first RE appointment coming up! I felt SO much better leaving my appointment and I think you will too. Definitely keep us updated!
@whatsbumpinpumpkin Allison in Wonderland.. that's so cute! I love that your husband is a Sheldon. He's the best!!
@purplg8r That's good to know! I freak out about everything, so it's good to have a heads up! I bet your bottle of nail polish costume was a hit! That's original
@KristoKekerooni Thinking of you friend. You are such a warrior!
@celticknotfire Sorry to hear you're benched this cycle
@lulu1180 Thank you friend! I will likely trigger Thursday night and have my IUI Saturday morning! I LOVE that you and your friends are dressing as the golden girls haha. LOVE THEM!
@nomangos23 Tentative ER for 11/30 but could change with how I respond to stim. I'm sorry to hear you are struggling lately.. take extra care of yourself during this time.
@crookshanks10 Hoping the progesterone is the thing that is missing for you. Keeping my fx!
@nitnat007 Good luck for stims starting on Thursday! Are you nervous at all or just wanting to get it started?
@Avrilmai Do you have an idea when your PGS results will come back? Hoping for good news!
@Swiftlet Welcome! Good luck at your appointment next week. I would recommend going in with any questions you may have. Our doctor answered alot of our questions and I felt better leaving there.
@whatsbumpinpumpkin Welcome as well! People suck and sometimes dont know questions they might seem as innocent are hurtful. I'm sorry you are going through that.
@purplg8r Glad to hear you didnt have any side effects from the Estrogen. I am hoping I have the same luck!
@KristoKekerooni Thank you for updating us! I am so sorry to hear you are going through that. Although it might not be the answer you wanted, I hope you find peace knowing you are beginning to have answers. We are here for you!
@celticknotfire Welcome! I am sorry you find yourself here but this is a great group of supporting women.
@lulu1180 I have nothing to distract myself, which is making it worse! Work is super slow. I think I am going to try to get into a show on Netflix, just dont know which one! Are you having headaches from the clomid?
Married: 08/2016
TTC: 10/2017
IUI #1-3 BFN
IVF 11/2018- 23 eggs retrieved, 16 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI with 7 embryos making it to freeze
FET #1 02/2019 BFN
FET #2 4/19 BFP!!!!! EDD 1/4/20
@kobrien827 the results take about 2 weeks.
@lulu1180 is femara an option for you? those headaches sound miserable.
@celticknotfire I'm sorry you find yourself here, I know it is hard, but remember you and your DH are a team and it is not your fault. (Your DH is right!) I also understand not wanting to sit out, but if there is a concern for cysts, it is better to get those taken care of now and not feed them. I always think it is important to advocate for yourself and have the conversations with your doctor.
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
@Avrilmai I hope so; I know the literature they sent me when I told them I decided to move forward with IUI said "If side effects are severe, alternative medications are available." So I'm assuming they mean femara. But from what I gathered they don't seem to use it as a primary option because it's not technically approved by the FDA to be used for infertility even though it is incredibly common.
"It's time to try defying gravity."
Married 6/11/16
TTC Since 6/2016
12/2016 RE appt; 1/2017 SA & HSG results - all normal
3/2017 Dx Hyperprolactinemia; 5/2017 Prolactin levels normal; 8/2017 Low Ovarian Reserve
8/2017 TTA for personal reasons; 10/2017 NTNP; 12/2017 Re-start TTC
7/2018 Clomid+IUI
11/2018 Letrozole+TI
12/2018 Letrozole+IUI
2/2019 NTNP
5/2019 Stopping all TTC efforts; living Childfree
@beachbunnyxo123 It's getting close! Let us know how baseline goes on Friday. I hope this cycle is all smooth sailing for you! You have been so patient.
@kobrien827 There is such a ridiculous amount of waiting involved in IVF. Are you planning fresh transfer or freeze all?
@blackhottamales Congrats on being PASP! Fx. I hope it went well yesterday.
@nomangos23 I'm sorry you're feeling all the feels. Honestly I have found that happens to a lot of us after loss and with all the waiting with testing. It feels like every day that passes makes you further behind. Did you get your results yet? I hope you get an all clear.
@crookshanks10 Good luck at your u/s! Let us know how it goes. I second the suggestion of panty liners for the progesterone suppositories. I also tried to put my evening one in right before bed, and it seemed to kind of… absorb better that way. I've also heard of the tip of lying down after putting them in in general, but that can be hard to accomplish in the morning unless you can get up and put it in and then lie back down. Also just shove them up there as far as they will go next to your cervix. You'll become very acquainted with your own anatomy!
@nitnat007 You've got this lady! Good luck starting stims. The first night is the most nerve wracking and then it will get better.
@inthewoods23 Yes, sometimes letrozole or clomid is used for patients who ovulate on their own. They can create a "stronger" ovulation and/or multiple follicles (more common with clomid) thereby increasing chances. I'm not sure how much TI + meds alone increases pregnancy rates in folks who ovulate on their own, but IUI sometimes does help folks who otherwise are unexplained.
@avrilmai I hope you're PGS results come back fast! I am also hoping you will be on track for a transfer around the same time as me and @purplg8r.
@swiftlet Hello and I'm sorry you are here but you will get great support. I recognize your sn for sure.
@whatsbumpinpumpkin I'm sorry you had that experience. People just don't get it. Hugs.
@kristokekerooni Wow. I feel like this move has put you in contact with the RE you need. I'm so sorry that the likely diagnosis is not more positive. I will hope that you have the lesser match so that a full biological child is possible for you and William. This is not meant to push you in a direction in any way and may be something you are aware of but if you decide to go donor route (sperm, egg, embryo) I have read that when a woman carries they contribute DNA that contributes to the epigenetics of the baby. I know that's not the same but women who have had to go donor embryo/egg have told me they found that helped them to come around to their decision to do donor embryo or egg. I’m sorry that you may have to face further hardship and choices. I'm glad you are finally in good hands.
@celticknotfire I’m sorry you're having to take a cycle off. Did they also do a u/s to look for a cyst? I hope things clear up for you.
@lulu1180 I'm so sorry that you are having such severe headaches. I would definitely ask to switch to a different med next time around. I think clomid can have a cumulative effect too so that it gets worse each time. Argh. Please take care of yourself and feel better.
AFM My various ailments are resolved and my WBC is headed back up. I'm counting down the days when I can go off of BCP and we can get started (18 more days…). I figured out something that might be helpful to others who go on BCP -- I'm on Isibloom which includes a standard mix of estrogen and progestin. I was taking it at night and having trouble with insomnia and vivid dreams. I switched to taking it in the morning and now my sleep has improved a lot.
GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as? When I was a kid I liked to do combo costumes (very demanding) so one year I was a Princess Fairy Lamb. I wish I had the picture. My mom made the costume and it was really cute.
@blackhottamales how did it go today? What meds are you on for your FET protocol?
@nomangos23 keep us posted when you get your results! Sorry you’re having a tough time
@crookshanks10 pantiliners will be your best friend!! Those things are messy!
@nitnat007 how are you feeling about starting stims?
@Avrilmai yay friend that’s great news!! Fingers crossed for good PGS results! When will you know next steps?
@Swiftlet good luck next week! Sorry you find yourself here but this is a great group of knowledgeable and supportive women!
@whatsbumpinpumpkin I’m sorry you’re experiencing all the feels and emotions. I hope you get some answers soon. What type of specialist are you seeing? I wasn’t sure if it was specifically for lupus or not
@purplg8r so are they having you start progesterone after this AF? Sorry I’ve been a little confused what is their plan with that?
@KristoKekerooni hi friend! So happy to see you here
@celticknotfire are you just doing TI or IUI? You could try injectables instead but there is a higher risk of multiples
@lulu1180 when do they decide when to do your IUI is it off of when you get a positive OPK? Sorry for the side effects that’s sounds brutal.
@zamora_spin any idea of FET date or protocol yet?
whoa ladies I am super proud of myself just reread this thread and responded all on mobile. That was tough!
"It's time to try defying gravity."
Married 6/11/16
TTC Since 6/2016
12/2016 RE appt; 1/2017 SA & HSG results - all normal
3/2017 Dx Hyperprolactinemia; 5/2017 Prolactin levels normal; 8/2017 Low Ovarian Reserve
8/2017 TTA for personal reasons; 10/2017 NTNP; 12/2017 Re-start TTC
7/2018 Clomid+IUI
11/2018 Letrozole+TI
12/2018 Letrozole+IUI
2/2019 NTNP
5/2019 Stopping all TTC efforts; living Childfree
I cantc keep up with all these posts! Hopefully I'll have time at some point to get up to speed with where everyone is at! Sounds like a busy week for everyone!
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
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 ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
Season 3 of serial is out now and its soooooooo good. Also +1 for the mfm reccomendation.
Married May 2014
TTC # 2 Since December 2021
Baby girl W born 2/2021
Our journey so far...
(tw loss & infertility)
Working with an RE since March 2016
2 failed TI cycles
3 failed IUI cycles
IVF Feb - April 2017
23 eggs collected, 20 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI, 4 day 3 blasts, 3 day 5 blasts, 1 PGS normal
Transferred 1 PGS normal embryo 4.12.17
BFP 4.21.17
MMC due to small gestational sac 6.8.17
Our adoption journey:
12.25.18 Agency picked and apps submitted!
5.1.19 Adoption on hold so we can buy a house!
1.1.20 Homestudy process started
3.14.20 First social worker visit
5.25.20 Homestudy Approved & Submitted to Agency
6.1.20 Surprise! Positive pregnancy test!
Healthy baby girl born 2/10/2021
@beachbunnyxo123 waiting for AF, last cycle it took about a week and a half. I'll then go for a baseline. I'm trying to stay optimistic, but after my first IVF I had 2 cysts. But if they plan for bcp to prep for the FET cycle, that would be the same thing to "treat" the cysts, so I'm hoping I'm not delayed a month.
@crookshanks10 someone here,(maybe @jrm_14) ordered an applicator from Amazon.
TTC#1 10/2016
TTC/IF:included medicated cycles, IUIs and 2 rounds of IVF with 1 embryo each.
BFP finally in 12/2018
TTC#2 06/2021
planning FET
"Some days are diamonds, some days are rocks,
some doors are open, some roads are blocked"
Married: 08/2016
TTC: 10/2017
IUI #1-3 BFN
IVF 11/2018- 23 eggs retrieved, 16 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI with 7 embryos making it to freeze
FET #1 02/2019 BFN
FET #2 4/19 BFP!!!!! EDD 1/4/20
Married May 2014
TTC # 2 Since December 2021
Baby girl W born 2/2021
Our journey so far...
(tw loss & infertility)
Working with an RE since March 2016
2 failed TI cycles
3 failed IUI cycles
IVF Feb - April 2017
23 eggs collected, 20 mature, 14 fertilized with ICSI, 4 day 3 blasts, 3 day 5 blasts, 1 PGS normal
Transferred 1 PGS normal embryo 4.12.17
BFP 4.21.17
MMC due to small gestational sac 6.8.17
Our adoption journey:
12.25.18 Agency picked and apps submitted!
5.1.19 Adoption on hold so we can buy a house!
1.1.20 Homestudy process started
3.14.20 First social worker visit
5.25.20 Homestudy Approved & Submitted to Agency
6.1.20 Surprise! Positive pregnancy test!
Healthy baby girl born 2/10/2021
We just talked to the doctor and finally decided to cancel this IVF cycle.
I just wish we’d done it a week ago...
We have one 20mm, a 14mm and a 6mm follicle. We need follicles over 24mm to get mature ones so no chance to get more than one as if the 14mm is ready then the 20mm will be fried...
Will trigger to avoid an endless cycle, and of course we will give ourselves a chance with some unicorn dust ;-) though chances are super low as I also had my annual thyroid testing today - and TSH is down to 0.16... it’s always been above 0.8 before which was low but stable. Now I need an appointment with my family doctor to get some meds ASAP...
Biggest problem with my follicle development is the two blood and tissue filled sacks left over from last cycle. They have both stayed around 15mm and take up more than half of my left ovary... We’re hoping the trigger might “pop” them if not we might have to have them drained... and need to navigate the next cycle to avoid the annual lab closure...
Married 12/2016
TTC #1 since 04/2015
AMA, DOR (AMH 0.65, AFC 2-4) and autoimmune issues (RA, APS), low TSH, adenomyosis
7 retrievals, 3 transfers
Nov17 IVF2 - 1ER, 0F
Jan18 IVF3 - 3ER, 1F, 1ET, BFN
Feb18 - second opinion and additional testing
Apr18 IVF4 - cancelled (E2 too high)
May/Jun18 IVF4 - 4ER, 0M, 1F, 1 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - 5 ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (not best quality)
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - 4ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen day 3 (good quality)
Aug/Sep18 IVF7 - cancelled (cyst)
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - 3ER, 3M, 2F, 2 frozen Day 3 (excellent quality)
Oct18 IVF8 - Cancelled (cyst and too low TSH)
Oct18-Jan19 bringing TSH under control
Feb19 ERA and hysteroscopy
Mar19 Investigation for fibroid and adenomyosis
Apr19 adenomyosis confirmed, polyps removed
Jun19 FET after 2 months Lupron, autoimmune protocol, transferred two day 3 frozen embryos
Nov17 IVF2 - Pergoveris 2-14 Nov, Orgalutran 5-14 Nov, Ovitrelle 15 Nov, ER 17 Nov for 3 follies, 1 mature egg, did not fertilize
Jan18 IVF3 - Pergoveris 30 Dec - 8 Jan, Orgalutran 5-8 Jan, Ovitrelle 9 Jan, ER 11 Jan 3 eggs, 2 mature, 1 fertilized, ET 1x 4d 12-cell embryo 15/01, 24/01 BFN
May/Jun18 IVF4 - Rekovelle 25-29 May, Menogon 30May - 2Jun, Zomacton 25 27 29 31 May and 2Jun, Cetrotide 30May - 3Jun, Gonasi 3Jun, ER 5Jun 4 eggs, none mature, two matured overnight, 1 fertilized with ICSI, Frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jun/Jul18 IVF5 - Rekovelle 21-24 June, Menogon 25Jun-3Jul, Puregon 4-5Jul, Zomacton 21 23 25 27 29 Jun, Cetrotide 25Jun-5Jul, Gonasi 6Jul, ER 8Jul 5 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 but not good quality
Jul/Aug18 IVF6 - Rekovelle 26-29 Jul, Menogon 30Jul-7Aug, Buserelin 26Jul-7Aug, Zomacton 26 28 30 Jul 1 3 Aug, Gonasi 7Aug, ER 9Aug 4 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized (normal IVF), 2 frozen day 3 good quality
Sep/Oct18 IVF7 - Menogon 19-30Sep, Buserelin 19-30Sep, Zomacton 19 21 23 25 27 Sep, Ovitrelle 1 Oct, ER 3 eggs, 3 mature, 2 fertilized with ICSI, 2 frozen day 3 excellent quality
Fav Quote: The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return
@emmasemm I’m so sorry you had to cancel this cycle after everything. I hope you get some rest and the trigger shot helps.
@blackhottamales glad everything went well today!!
@celticknotfire many people do IUIs without MFI. They wash the sample and put it right into the uterus so that can help in itself MFI or not. If anything meds plus TI were a waste of time for us since we knew I was already ovulating regularly so the meds were doing what I already was. Maybe talk to your doctor and see what they’d recommend! It definitely couldn’t hurt, especially if your insurance would cover it. If you do move to the big guns with injectables I would do an IUI over TI.