IF Treatment and Testing- Week of 10/29

beachbunnyxo123 · October 2018

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

Diagnosis (if you've been):

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):

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

How are things going?:

Any questions?:

GTKY: What is your favorite Halloween costume that you’ve dressed up as?

beachbunnyxo123 · October 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

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!

kobrien827 · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 Woo for your transfer!

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

blackhottamales · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 so exciting!! your transfer is so soon!

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 · October 2018

@kobrien827 I didn't have any side effects from the pill. I'm on lots now with the patches and i think my biggest side effect is drowsiness. Not debilitating, but i'm going to bed around 9:30 and struggling to get up 6:45. Normally I'm a morning person but it's just so hard to get up.

nomangos23 · October 2018

@emmasemm Thanks for the podcast reco - I learned so much! So awesome that your question was addressed - that's probably a very cool feeling.

@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!

crookshanks10 · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 Your transfer is so close! I hope the time flies for you! (:
@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!

nitnat007 · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 Whoop whoop! Let the FET prep begin. Super excited for you.

@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.

inthewoods23 · October 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): 1% morph, unexplained at this point

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.

Avrilmai · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 I'm so excited for your FET!!!! I love the rugrats costume. that is awesome, even better that it was actually your twin.
@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"

Swiftlet · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 Good luck!! Sending you all the positive vibes!

@Avrilmai Very exciting

@Blackhottamales We just finished Parks and Rec and it was delightful.

Sticking my head in with a tentative hello. I can't help but feel like I already know you all as I've followed along since joining here

I had a bit of a hiatus from TB but I figured it was about time for me to re-emerge and seek some friendly faces and support as no one in my "real" world knows we're having difficulty TTGP.

I have my first RE appointment next Tuesday and I'm feeling a mixture of worry and excitement. The office has already told me to expect about an hour of consult with my doctor, no testing or exam or anything the first visit. What little I have in the way of records has been faxed over, I've done my part of the paperwork (just waiting for hubs to finish his section). Now just the wait.

As for my favorite Halloween costume...in elementary school two of my friends and I made up the Three Blind Mice. It was cute

inthewoods23 · October 2018

@Swiftlet hello! I was a mixture of emotions myself after my 1st RE appt 2 weeks ago. We went home with a folder of some informational articles and after reading them I felt really good. I learned some things and have become more accepting of our situation. Everyone we spoke with during our appointment was really nice so I feel like we are in good hands and I hope you will be too!

Swiftlet · October 2018

@inthewoods23 thanks! I’m glad you left your appointment feeling more informed about things. I always feel better when I have a better understanding of things and a plan in place. Step by step!

Avrilmai · October 2018

@Swiftlet as I'm sure others will say, I'm sorry you find yourself here. This is the club no one wants to join. I don't know if you're looking for advice/suggestions for your first RE visit, but I'll give you some anyway.

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.

Swiftlet · October 2018

@Avrilmai any and all advice is much appreciated, thank you!

charmedlifex3 · October 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): Lupus with anticoagulant anti-bodies

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.

This weekend was especially hard. I saw a bunch of my "mom" friends - people who have children the same age as my son- and they are all having new babies. One had just given birth, another is due in December, another was talking excitedly about trying again - for her fourth. Then they turned to me "When are YOU having another!" - all the pokey "he needs a sibling! you need a little girl to spoil!" questions.
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.

It just put me in a bit of a tough head space, when I was still reeling a little bit from the second positive, so positive confirmation last week. I guess I hadn't realized how much hope I had invested in getting a negative on the antibodies back. Not only for TTC, but it also means I can't take birth control ever again, so it has some long term fertility implications as well, which I am still coping with to some degree. I wasn't really ready to air it in a public forum, and hadn't really figured out how to explain why I started nearly crying either.

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!

charmedlifex3 · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 That's exciting!! Good luck this week!

@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.

purplg8r · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 yay for getting the show on the road!!

@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!

KristoKekerooni · October 2018

Hi friends. I know I haven’t been around, but I wanted to post a mini update. I met with a new RE today. We met with a new RE today. I walked into the appointment worried I would have to fight and advocate for what I needed done. I wasn’t ready for it. I’m tired. And I don’t want to fight anymore. To my surprise, the doctor immediately took charge and is pretty confident he knows exactly what’s wrong, based on our history alone. We do need some blood work to confirm, but this seems to be an answer... not one we like, but an answer nonetheless. The doctor thinks it we have an alloimmune issue. Basically, everyone has two DQ alpha genes, one they inherited from their mom and one they got from their father. If william and I have one matching pair, then we will have what’s called a partial match. If both of our pairs match each other’s we have a complete match. If our embryo has a matching pair, when it’s put back into the uterus, an immune response will be generated, natural killer cells will be activated, and these cells will attack the embryo, resulting in the embryo either not implanting, or dying shortly after implantation. If William and I have a partial DQ alpha match, then only one pair matches. When reproduction occurs, sperm donates half of the chromosomes, and the egg donates the other half. If we have a partial match, there is a 50/50 chance that the matching gene will be the gene donated. This means any embryo we transfer has a 50% chance of being miscarried, and 50% chance of being carried to term (with extra help from meds, as explained later). If William and I have a complete match, then any embryo we have will illicit a response and cannot and will not survive. If this is the case, we must opt for donor speed, gestational carrier (surrogacy), embryo adoption, or traditional adoption. Conceiving and carrying a biological child is impossible. To further complicate all of this, the uterus “remembers” his sperm, in a sense. So even if we place an embryo that does NOT contain a matching gene, my immune system Is still on high alert. To circumvent this, extra medications are taken to suppress the immune system. It might take a few chances to get the dosing right, but if done correctly and paired with a non-matching embryo, we have a good chance of carrying a child to term. TL;DR All of this basically mean that while we might very soon have an answer, it’s not what we wanted to hear. It is extremely likely we will have more miscarriages before we are successful, if we are. We have to get some testing done and then have some conversations about how far we are willing to go. As always, thanks for the love and support.

celticknotfire · October 2018

Hello all I posted in the newbie thread over the weekend and I think this may be where I belong.

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS, AMA, "primary anovulatory infertility"

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.

celticknotfire · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 good luck with your upcoming FET!

@kobrien827 I totally understand about not wanting to wait because I'm not always a patient person either. Good luck on your IVF!

@blackhottamales That's awesome you have a plan in place. Good luck!

@nomangos23 This process is so emotional sometimes it's hard to determine exactly what is setting things off at any given time. I can't imagine dealing with all of this and the health problems you are facing as well.

@crookshanks10 My only advice on the progesterone suppositories is to stock up on liners. I don't know what color yours are but mine were red so if yours are too don't be alarmed if you see some red discharge.

@nitnat007 That's so great you are close to starting stims. Good luck!

@inthewoods23 I took letrozole for two cycles but I didn't respond so I don't think I'll be much help. I did notice fewer side effects than with Clomid

@Avrilmai FX for good PGS results!

@Swiftlet I totally understand about the mixture of emotions. I'll echo everyone else in recommending writing down any questions you may have. For my first appointment I was a little overwhelmed and I was happy I had written down my concerns and questions otherwise I would have forgotten some things.

@whatsbumpinpumpkin I am so sorry you are dealing with all of this right now.

@purplg8r That is so cute you wanted to be Rainbow Brite to spread happiness!

@KristoKekerooni I had no idea that was even a thing. I am amazed by your strength.

lulu1180 · October 2018

@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

crookshanks10 · October 2018

@nitnat007 Thank you! (:I hope you're having some better days after a not so good weekend.
@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

FX for a better cycle coming!
@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!

kobrien827 · October 2018

@blackhottamales Good luck today!! I am watching New Girl on Netflix right now and it is hilarious. I am also a huge fan of friends which always makes me laugh.
@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?

Avrilmai · October 2018

@KristoKekerooni It is so good to hear from you. That sounds like a great experience with the new RE. I'm glad it exceed your expectations. Finding an answer can be such a relief. I hope you get the answers soon and that baby in arms.
@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.

lulu1180 · October 2018

@kobrien827 Yep, the headaches are from the clomid.

@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.

zamoraspin · October 2018

@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.

crookshanks10 · October 2018

@zamora_spin Thank you! You would think they would come with an applicator, or am I just being extra? I suppose the more I do it the better I'll get haha. The things us women have to do!! I'm glad you're getting better sleep now a days (:

beachbunnyxo123 · October 2018

@kobrien827 estrogen is a beast but try not to get too scared it’s totally manageable and you do get used to it and adjust. For me I was never hungry on it which was kinda cool but kinda sucked. I did estrogen pruning before both of my IVF cycles as well

@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

glad you’re finally getting some answers and I like this new doctor already

@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!

lulu1180 · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 Yep, they don't monitor if you generally O on your own. So I just do OPKs and call them to schedule when I get a positive.

inthewoods23 · October 2018

Thanks ladies for all your input!

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!

tamalahoops · October 2018

@zamora_spin I was lurking in ttcal and didnt want to hijack the thread to post this...

Season 3 of serial is out now and its soooooooo good. Also +1 for the mfm reccomendation.

zamoraspin · October 2018

@beachbunnyxo123 We are going to try a natural cycle transfer. My RE says studies don't show a difference in success rates between natural and medicated but the clinic sees a slight bump for natural cycle transfers. I like the idea because I won't need to do PIO. I'm supposed to stop BCP on 11/17. No firm date after that because it will depend on when I ovulate but my RE and nurse think something like 12/7 - 12/10. I feel like the unknown is how my body will respond to being on BCP for 6 weeks... I'm hoping it wakes back up quickly. I'm also not sure whether to expect ovulation based on when I have a breakthrough bleed or from my first day off BCP so hopefully that will become clarified.

zamoraspin · October 2018

@tamalahoops Ooo. Now that I hear an endorsement of season 3 I will have to listen. MFM is my current obsession. Are you a true crime junkie? I didn't think I was and then I took a hard look at my podcast and documentary choices and realized I'm at least a novice level true crime junkie...

Avrilmai · October 2018

@zamora_spin I'd love for my timing to line up w/you and @purplg8r !
@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.

kobrien827 · October 2018

@zamora_spin The plan is fresh and freeze any remaining. I am also on Isibloom BCP and havent had issues with insomnia but definitely having the vivid dreams. I didnt think to connect the two, thank you for that! Do you have a timeline for this cycle? Sounds like we may be close, I have 14 days left to take the bcp, not that I am counting or anything

tamalahoops · October 2018

@zamora_spin yasss I have always been a true crime junkie and I am obsessed with mfm.

emmasemm · October 2018

Sorry going to post and run today, will try to be back for tags tomorrow

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...

blackhottamales · October 2018

I’m just on my phone now so I’m sorry for the lack of tags. You all are amazing and thanks for all your support. Transfer went well, my E2 was low (167 and should be over 300) so I have to add estrance orally twice a day. Progesterone was good.

@emmasemm I’m so sorry you had to cancel this cycle after everything. I hope you get some rest and the trigger shot helps.

celticknotfire · October 2018

@lulu1180 The first time (after I demanded a monitored cycle) my lining was 3.4mm and this last time it was 7.8 so I was happy with that. We added Estrace this last time so I think that's what made the difference. Thanks for the link I always love learning as much as I can about this whole process. I totally understand about the Clomid headache and I am grateful mine weren't too bad. Hopefully they can give you some alternatives.

@Avrilmai I am so lucky to have a supportive DH to help me/us through this. You are so right about being a team!

@zamora_spin No they didn't do an U/S and I'm not sure why. To be honest when the nurse called I was in such a state of shock I didn't even think to ask. I have an appointment with my RE on 11/28 so I'm going to ask about it then.

@beachbunnyxo123 We have been doing TI for now but I'm going to ask about IUI because I feel something needs to change. The only thing I don't know is if it'll help because there were no problems with DH SA.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome. I lurked for a long time and I learned so much from all you wonderful ladies and I am so grateful to you all.

beachbunnyxo123 · October 2018

@emmasemm oh no I’m sorry to hear that. Are you still thinking of doing one more retrieval or are you gonna address the thyroid and move to transfer? You are a real champ I have no idea how you did back to back cycles like that!!

@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.

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