IF Testing and Treatment Week of 12/10

zamoraspin · December 2018

I have to come back for tags but just wanted to say we did the transfer today and it went smoothly. Hoping for the best, DH and I are both cautiously optimistic. I think the RE (not mine) expected more giddiness and asked whether we had celebration plans and I kind of burst his bubble with, "mmm, gonna watch some comedies and then go to a meeting."

purplg8r · December 2018

@AlohaKumu I love that!!!

@celticknotfire waiting is definitely horrible—and the 2ww makes it worse!

@zamora_spin I’m so glad everything went smoothly

nomangos23 · December 2018

@zamora_spin

Swiftlet · December 2018

@crookshanks10 Thinking if you these next 14 or so days! Fx

@zamora_spinI think cautious optimism is the perfect approach

crossing everything for you. Did you end up watching any Parks and Rec?

inthewoods23 · December 2018

I'm realizing now I never updated here about my appointment today!

All was good on the US. No cysts. They checked my vitamin D today since they forgot the first time. My results were dangerously close to requiring a prescription vitamin D. Just a smidge above so I'm ok to just take 6000 of vitamin D. Also began the letrozole. 5mg total I believe

Midcycle US is scheduled for next week Thursday (20th). Things will hopefully work out with Christmas since they're closed that day. Normally O is CD17-19 and CD15 is Christmas. FX I don't O too early.

This leads me to my question... For those of you who have used letrozole, did it make you O earlier in your cycle and by how much?

emmasemm · December 2018

@purplg8r @zamora_spin also sending the two of you lots of

nitnat007 · December 2018

@oklahomak Thank you for that! I think I will follow your advice on replacing things as they finish up. I did a little browsing around the grocery store yesterday and there are definitely options available, I just have to decide which ones are the most cost effective, and which actually work for us. I think the personal hygiene products may be the most difficult for me. And yes, glass is way prettier than plastic!

My RE doesn't do AMH either. I questioned him on this yesterday. They feel that by doing FSH and AFC u/s that they are getting pretty much the same information and doing an additional test is not helpful. In our case it would be an OOP expense so we are ok with not adding it at this stage.

@jrm_14 Thank you. Slowly but surely the transition will happen. I also need to get DH on board with some of them too, which may be tricky. Fortunately he doesn't really do any household cleaning, so that will be the easier one.

@emmasemm The bench is a horribly lonely place I found. But know that we are all still here cheering you on, and missing you. I appreciate the thoughts, we are definitely going to keep fighting. One step at a time.

@Swiftlet Sorry for the crappy HSG and that you may likely have to do another. Do you have a date when you will meet with your RE and discuss?

@inthewoods23 Oh, glad that they picked up the Vit D being so low and you are able to supplement quickly. Great news on their being no cysts and getting the all clear. FX that O day stays on schedule and doesn't make an early appearance on you.

@Avrilmai How are you holding up? Sending you sticky vibes.

@purplg8r Thanks friend. Oooh so excited for you. Will be refreshing like crazy on Monday.

@celticknotfire Rooting for you! Hope this cycle does the trick.

@chichiphin Not sure if other ladies have answered this for you yet. Yes follicles can get too big and then they die off and disappear. FX that this does not happen for you and you are able to catch the lucky one right when you need to.

@crookshanks10 Sending you sticky vibes girl!

@zamora_spin Yays!! So excited for you, although I completely understand your cautious optimism, but know that are are all so hopeful for you.

AFM The our WTF appointment yesterday went largely as we had expected, but also a little "rocky" or at least that is how I felt about it. MH felt that there was nothing that he was not already aware of or expecting.
The short version: We have a big sperm issue. And won't necessarily be able to change the outcome with doing another cycle and the option of donor sperm was put forward.

Long version: The Acrosome defect is one of the higher ones that our RE has seen before and feel that this is what caused our embryos to start stalling around the day 3/4 mark. I was concerned that there was a bigger issue with quality of my eggs, but was assured that the egg does its work in the first couple of days (which mine did) and then the next few days is when we rely on the quality of the sperm to take over and keep the embryo forming and transitioning to blast. They are not convinced that this is something that we will be able to overcome, so are hesitant on encouraging us to do another cycle just yet. I was glad that they were not going to just push us into another one and not address any changes, solutions beforehand. They threw out the option of us using donor sperm though. Maybe starting another cycle and then judging on his sperm quality, maybe doing half with DH's and half with donor, as a backup. Or, possibly doing the entire cycle with donor.
For now, DH is in the process of quitting smoking, about 80% there. Which may or may not help our situation. We will also add some supplements for him. I will do my best to clean up my diet and do the best I can for my egg quality and prepare for a potential second cycle. In the new year, we will do another SA and then we will take our next steps from there, based on those results.
We did talk about supplements and DNA fragmentation and a few other tests etc and we asked all the questions that we could and felt that they were very receptive and understanding with those. So overall we felt comfortable with the meeting, just not necessarily with the news.
Not going to lie, this was a really tough pill to swallow. I am still not entirely sure where MH's head is with it and how he feels about using a donor. I truly understand his resistance, however my heart hurts too, as he does TW/ have a son from a previous marriage. And I am so grateful that he does have that already. Whereas this would be my first and I am not ready to walk away from possibly of having my own THB./TW
Lots of processing to come.

Avrilmai · December 2018

@oklahomak my RE said that the low AMH didn’t necessarily mean that I couldn’t get pregnant, but that if I decided to go to IVF we would have to be very aggressive in the protocol. I did go to IVF and did 2 retrieval cycles. Each cycle ended with one euploid embryo.

@nitnat007 sorry to hear the appt wasn’t as smooth as you had hoped. That is a tough thing to have to deal with. Hoping you find a way to process all of that and to find some peace as well. It is a lot to take in; give yourself some time.

@chichiphin ah, that makes more sense. I knew I was missing something.

@zamora_spin I’m so flipping excited for you. So happy things went well.

AFM, thanks for checking in on me ladies. I really appreciate it. I’m holding up and doing okay and just working on staying distracted until I get to the beta. Waiting for that call is going to be so difficult!

chichiphin · December 2018

@crookshanks10 thinking of you during this TWW!
@zamora_spin yay I'm glad the transfer went smoothly!!! FX
@nitnat007 I am really glad that your clinic is not just pushing forward without addressing potential alternatives. I think it is great that YH is going to quit smoking fully. I really hope that this will show improvement

also I can't imaging what is going thru YH's mind right now, but I hope he can find peace with the use of donor sperm if it comes to that.
@inthewoods23 My RE told me yesterday that they expect O 10-13 days after the FIRST day you take the pills. So that could be your window. I'm looking to be right on target for that, even tho my normal is CD17-19 as well.

AFM - my OPK is basically positive! The lines are the same color, so by tonight the test line should be darker. THANK GOODNESS. My lower abdomen feels so full and big, HIO last night was uncomfortable. I'll be calling the RE to discuss the remaining HIO schedule.

kiki047 · December 2018

I'm late to the party again this week so I don't think I can catch up on tags either.

@purplg8r @beachbunnyxo123 @AlohaKumu @Avrilmai- Congrats to all the transfers this week, keeping my FX for betas!!
@chichiphin my follies are on the giant side now too, also not triggering. I don't use OPKs tho because my LH levels are already elevated w/PCOS. Waiting to hear back from the clinic for today's results, c'monnn O!
@nitnat007 hope your appointment went ok. Thinking about you. Switching out laundry detergent was another big one for me. Plain white vinegar is a great alternative to fabric softener.

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS, an-ovulatory, possible MFI (19mill, 66% motility) - waiting for 2nd SA

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Supposed to be a diagnostic cycle but it's turned into a monitored cycle with letrozole + TI

How are things going?: I have my U/S this afternoon with the specialist to check out the 5.9cm "mass" they found on/near my left ovary. It's most likely just my fibroid, but my RE is concerned because 1. it's almost twice the size it was in April, 2. it's blocking my left ovary on the scans so altho my tubes are clear, they want to make sure it isn't interfering with anything, *TW* 3. if it isn't a fibroid he threw around some scary terms like possible TOA/TOC or worse, ovarian cancer. I don't think I'm really processing it right now so I'm just in denial. MF is coming with me to my appointment just in case.

Any questions?: Is there such a thing as a follie that's too big? I'm measuring 24mm, 22mm, and 18mm today, lining at 8mm. As of yesterday I still hadn't surged so I'm really hoping it'll be today.

GTKY: What is your favorite way to spend an evening alone? Laundry, cuddle with my kitties (or the dog, who takes precedence if he's home) and watching my DVR'd shows that MF doesn't watch (these days that's The Voice, Madam Secretary and FBI).

chichiphin · December 2018

@kiki047 the board is so busy this week - but some people mentioned there is "too big" and they can not release after a period of time, and I also received a PM about this too. However - I called my RE in a panic yesterday and they said they are a-okay with a follie around 30mm

zamoraspin · December 2018

Thank you all for the well wishes and LTs! I'm sorry to anybody I missed!

@lulu1180 I'm rooting for you and YH this IUI cycle.

@chichiphin How are you liking season 2 of Marvelous Mrs. Maisel? I've watched the first episode of season 2 but that's it. Glad the OPK is almost positive!

@beachbunnyxo123 What Christmas movies did you watch? I watched Love Actually on Sunday while I wrapped presents, and also did a run through several terrible-wonderful Netflix original films such as "A Christmas Prince" or something like that.

@oklahomak As others have said it's totally normal to feel jealousy when you are struggling. Please be kind to yourself and don't judge yourself for it. I guess I do find it odd that an RE wouldn't test AMH just in case, but you are young.

@alohakumu Have you listened to Up and Vanished? I've been loving My Favorite Murder but have listened to a lot of episodes and I started Up and Vanished. Different vibe but also true-crime genre. I'm not that far in yet but I've heard Georgia and Karen reference it.

@inthewoods23 I hope YH's day off lines up well! With fertility stuff it always seems like the timing is so hard to predict!

@b_1029 I'm so sorry you are feeling alone. It's so normal to feel that way. Please know that we are all here for you, and also that there are probably people you know who have been through something similar or are going through it now. It's so hard to talk about so people often don't, but it's a lot more common than you would think and IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT!

@emmasemm Thinking of you, friend.

@swiftlet It's a great idea to make a question list. Good luck, it's hard to wait for all those initial tests.

@kobrien827 I'm glad you're getting a break. I hated that we had to put the FET off so far, but at the same time I do really think ER wreaks havoc on the body and it's good to let everything reset.

@nitnat007 That thread aloha bumped up is great for natural home/beauty products. I also learned something really helpful after probably 8 months of trying to be phthalate, etc, free -- Whole Foods has a policy that prevents them from selling things with certain chemicals, including phthalates. This has made it a lot easier to shop when I need things like shampoo, etc. I'm so sorry that the news is not better and that you are having to consider a donor. Maybe you guys can talk about it again when he's processed some.

@purplg8r How are you holding up?

@celticknotfire I think it's impossible not to SS, especially when you're in treatment. Good luck! Do you have a beta date or will you test at home?

@crookshanks10 Good luck in your TWW!

@avrilmai I hope the time is passing ok. I'm nervous and excited for you!

@kiki047 Good luck this afternoon. Let us know how the appt goes when you feel up to it. I think it is possible for a follicle to get over mature, but it's not likely if you aren't on something that's suppressing ovulation (like during a stim cycle). I've heard sometimes follicles can release as large as 30 mm. I’m sure that's not comfortable though.

Also, on the GTKY question, apparently we all do pretty much the same thing when we're alone - watch stuff that our partner isn't into! DH often has a poker game on Thursday nights so when it's on I watch Grey's Anatomy and other shows he teases me about.

chichiphin · December 2018

@zamora_spin I only have three episodes left sooo.... 😈

Swiftlet · December 2018

@inthewoods23 I hope the timing works out such that you don't need anything done on Christmas. Glad no cyst and that the vitD supplement should be enough for you

@nitnat007 Oh man. That is a lot of very heavy information to discuss all at once. I was going to ask what YH's feelings are on everything but it sounds like he needs some time to process right night, which is totally understandable. I hope you're able to keep communicating well as you digest all of what you discussed with your RE

We don't have a date yet, still waiting on the rest of all of our testing to come back before we sit down with her again.

@chichiphin Yay +OPK!

@kiki047 Thinking of you today with that follow up scan. I really hope it's nothing scary but glad YH will be there for support either way. Keep us posted.

I'm feeling frustrated because of scheduling for hubs' SA. There are so many detailed constraints that are making it really tough to schedule - timing of the sample (at least 3 days from last intercourse, no more than 5), appointment needed just to drop it off, no more than 2hrs after collection (hubs goes to work at 4:30am, hour long ride in to work, clinic doesn't open until 7:30am, etc). And the days that WOULD work for us are already "booked". Ugh.

celticknotfire · December 2018

@nitnat007 I'm sorry you didn't get the news you wanted but having a plan seems to help. Good luck to YH with quitting smoking because I know it is not easy.

@zamora_spin My clinic wants me to do a HPT after 15 days and call with the results. Honestly I will be taking a HPT before 15 days because I am that weak.

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@Swiftlet why can't clinics just be open 24/7?

@celticknotfire yeah, good luck holding off! My LP isn't even that long, of course I'm gonna know before the 15 days are over, am I right? I need to check when they'll do the blood test after my IUI. I think it's 15 days too

purplg8r · December 2018

@inthewoods23 letrozole did make me O early but I used to O anywhere from cd 19-28ish. My iuis were in cd 17, 14, 20

@emmasemm thank you!

@nitnat007 I’m sorry the appt was rocky. It’s a lot to take in. Hopefully you and H can have a good talk and make a plan.

@chichiphin yay!! FX for a +opk tonight!!

@kiki047 how did your appt go?

@zamora_spin ok. Really bad insomnia though. It’s taking me about 2 hours to fall asleep and then since I’m trying to be good and drink more water, I have to pee in the middle of the night and then it takes forever to fall back asleep (this morning I couldn’t). I’ve been good about not stressing during the day, but come bedtime, I can’t help it. How are you doing?

@Swiftlet ugh. Why do you have to have an appt if you’re just dropping off?

charmedlifex3 · December 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): Lupus

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO,

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): More testing, following up with a new obgyn. Not a great experience with my old one.

How are things going?: Not great - CD1 I guess you would call it, *tw* (MC, BFP)

I had a faint positive a few days ago - very very faint. It disappeared, and now I am bleeding, about a week later than I would have been for a "normal" period. - Not that anything is normal. I am thinking it's a chemical pregnancy. I called my old OBGYN and she said my case is too complex for her to feel comfortable handling, (This is the one who recommended my husband get a vasectomy) So I don't really even have a doctor to go to about it.
I hadn't gotten too excited, I didn't even tell my husband, because I knew with the antibodies and having barely started the treatment this was possible, likely even...

I put a call out to one about an hour south with great reviews, including for infertility issues - so hopefully she will be up for more of a complex case. I also plan to touch base with another recommended by a few friends, an hour the other direction. Bonus - both do VBACs which is what my rhematologist is reccomending if we ever get there.

Any questions?:

GTKY: What is your favorite way to spend an evening alone? taking a bath with a glass of wine and a book. My husband works nights, so this happens more than I will admit to.

nomangos23 · December 2018

@whatsbumpinpumpkin

Sending love my friend. Crappy response from your doc but I'm glad she admitting she's not good enough to treat you. You deserve the best doctor

charmedlifex3 · December 2018

I will try to get to everyone, apologies in advance if I miss someone.

@lulu1180 Good luck with IUI #2!

@chichiphin It seems like this journey is full of fits and starts, but I hope you get good answers from you monitoring!

@beachbunnyxo123 So glad everything went well! Praying for you! PUPO.

@oklahomak Hi! I've been hiding for a week or so.

@AlohaKumu I would be peeing on all the things. I lack willpower

@inthewoods23 Ah! Yay for starting your treatment plan!

@Avrilmai Total type A here too. Makes me good at my job, but this kind of stuff I struggle with. There isn't a color coded spreadsheet to fix it.

@b_1029 I hope it goes well for you! I do know someone who had great luck with it.

@Swiftlet So sorry about the results.

@kobrien827 Like a little mini vay-cay for your body. Lol. enjoy your time having your body back for now.

@nitnat007 Hope your appointment goes well!

@purplg8r Waiting is so hard!
@crookshanks10 I know, it's hard not posting monday - Full house these days!

charmedlifex3 · December 2018

@nomangos23 And I get it, it's not like there is anything to be done at this point, and it probably was legitimate she told me to inform my rheumy, but ...
I think emotionally I might need to hang out on the bench for a few months, put some space between all of it and trying again. I know my rhematologist said "as soon as possible" but my emotional and mental health factors into "possible" too.
That'll give the blood thinners several weeks to work too, so win all around

KristoKekerooni · December 2018

Hi friends. I know it’s been a while, but I wanted to let you guys know I think I’m out for good. We’ve exhausted all testing options and nothing can be found. My doctor recommends against pursuing pregnancy, saying our only really option is a gestational carrier, which we can’t afford for now. We may consider it in the future, or perhaps adoption. But that’s all in the distant future for now.

I’m checking out of TTGP for the foreseeable future, but I adore each and every one of you and I wish you guys the best.

As always, you can find me on the gram.

b_1029 · December 2018

Thinking of everyone getting their betas today!

kiki047 · December 2018

@b_1029 me too! I just popped in to wish everyone luck with their betas today!

AFM, I'm not ovulating on my own, my two biggest follies turned into cysts (30mm+). I still have a few more in the 18-22mm range but waiting to hear back from my RE's office on what he wants to do next. As of yesterday since this was supposed to be a diagnostic cycle and not an actual treatment cycle, he's inclined to just take a "wait and see" approach without too much more intervention to establish my baseline then we throw everything at it next month with letrozole + trigger + progesterone.

ETA: My u/s on Wednesday went well - it's just a growing subserosal fibroid that's sitting in a funny spot that blocks my left ovary on the scans. They confirmed it is, in fact, attached to my uterus and isn't interfering with my ovary or tubes. My left ovary is also way higher than the right side so it hides behind the fibroid, which is why it appeared to have been an ovarian mass at first. Feeling relieved about that, but honestly more crushed that this cycle is turning out to be a bust.

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@kiki047 glad to hear you got some good news on your latest US. Hope you can put this busted cycle behind you and look forward to the next one

b_1029 · December 2018

@kiki047 started writing this morning but never posted. I'm so glad to hear you don't have an ovarian mass! And I'm so sorry about this cycle

AlohaKumu · December 2018

Hi, friends. Our FET was not successful, which means the time has come for me to end my journey. It has been a hard two years, but this community has been one of the best things I could have ever asked for during this time.

I truly don’t know what I would have done without you amazing ladies. There are so many I wish I could hug in real life. You have been my strength when I have had none of my own left. You have given me faith and grit in my darkest hours. You have helped to lighten my load when I could not carry it on my own. For you, I am eternally grateful from my bottom of my heart. I had hoped to tell you all of this in a grad post someday, but it is not meant to be. I know it is time to start a new chapter of my life.

I know we have lots of results coming up, so I will be checking the grad thread periodically. I may pop in to say hello every once in a while. I might even flame someone if there’s a juicy thread on a day I log in. But for now, it’s time to say aloha. Until we meet again.

[Deleted User] · December 2018

My heart hurts for you, my friend. ❤ @AlohaKumu. Please be kind and gentle with yourself this holiday. I know it is going to be a tough one for both of us this year. I just wish I could give you the biggest hug right now, and have a good ugly-cry together. Seriously, sending you so much love.

nitnat007 · December 2018

@AlohaKumu oh my friend, my heart just breaks for you right now. Be kind to yourself and do all the things you need to do to feel everything you need to. We are going to miss you here on the boards. Thank you for always being such a strength for all of us.

emmasemm · December 2018

@alohakumu oh my heart is breaking for you too. I wish you all the very best and especially the strength you need over the next days, weeks and months.
If you’re ever in Germany let me know

Swiftlet · December 2018

@AlohaKumu I am truly sorry to see you go. Giving you the biggest internet hug and wishing you an amazingly next chapter. You deserve it

chichiphin · December 2018

@AlohaKumu my heart is breaking and I am so so sorry. I’ll be thinking if you and sending you strength and healing. Take it easy these next few weeks and be kind to yourself ❤️❤️❤️

celticknotfire · December 2018

@AlohaKumu I am so sorry for you and YH. Take time for yourself and I hope you find some way to help heal as much as you can. I wish you all the best

rallykat14 · December 2018

*dirty lurker*
@AlohaKumu I'm so sorry my friend. I'm so angry that this wasn't successful for you. You have been such a vital piece of this board and I know you supported me through some of my darkest days. I wish the best for you

tamalahoops · December 2018

@AlohaKumu so many hugs friend. I will miss you tons and tons. Please pop in on us if you can. I wish you nothing but the best in the future.

lulu1180 · December 2018

@AlohaKumu I'm angry and heartbroken for you friend. I'm sorry that this is the end of your journey, I'm sad to see you go in this way. Please feel free to pop in on us when you feel up to it. Sending creepy stranger internet hugs your way

crookshanks10 · December 2018

@AlohaKumu I'm so sorry. I wish it would’ve been a better outcome. I’m thinking of you and wish you the very best for whatever your next chapter may hold. ❤️

kobrien827 · December 2018

@AlohaKumu I'm so sorry friend. Please take care of yourself and best of luck to you in the future

leilee101 · December 2018

@AlohaKumu I haven't posted on this board in quite some time but wanted to pop in to say how terribly sorry I am that this has not worked out. You have been such an amazing support for me and so many others, and I wish you nothing but the best in wherever this life takes you. Sending you so much love

IF Testing and Treatment Week of 12/10

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