IF Testing and Treatment w/o 12/17

kobrien827 · December 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 holiday beverage?

kobrien827 · December 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFFET

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just started BCP and will most likely start FET meds right after the new year.

How are things going?: Things are going pretty well! The bcp always make me feel a little blah so luckily I am only on them for 2 weeks this time. DH has been off alot more this month as he has a lot of days to use before the end of the year, which I am loving.

Any questions?: None!

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? Hot Chocolate

nitnat007 · December 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): on our own for now

How are things going?: Doing ok. Making small changes here and there and trying to get DH on board with them all. Keeping him on track with supplements is a challenge though. Not sure how I am going to do it while he is away come January.
I bought new floor cleaner this weekend and few other household items to make our toxin free switch. One step at a time.

Any questions?:

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? Give me anything with nog and Baileys in it. We generally make a big batch of Sangria too which is yummy.

nitnat007 · December 2018

@kobrien827 You guys are so close to your FET. That is awesome. And really great that YH has been off a lot too.

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@kobrien827 in past years, my DH has had so much PTO to use at the end of the year that he's taken all the Fridays off in December plus the days between Christmas and New year's. I always get lunch with him if he has off and I have to work. We don't have many chances to get lunch together during the work week!

@nitnat007 I keep DH on schedule too with supplements and such. When I traveled for work a few weeks ago he said he took stuff once. And I was gone for 2 nights! Sometimes I think his life would fall apart if I didn't hold him accountable for things!

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): letrozole was finished on Saturday, IUI #1 coming up. Gotta schedule the first midcycle US

How are things going?: good. Feeling the same as always. We'll see how I feel after the first midcycle US!

Any questions?: What are the chances I will O earlier than usual on the letrozole? Normal O is around CD17-19. The first US they want on CD12 (Thursday this week). I'd hate to do so many USs.

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? I enjoy hot chocolate year round and always like to have apple cider in the fall and early winter.

ruby696 · December 2018

Hey everyone, I was hoping I could jump in here, but please let me know if it's not an appropriate place for me.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained RPL. Just saw an RE for the first time.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Benched for 3 months.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Karyotype tests for me are MH are done and we're waiting on results. Saline sonogram to be scheduled next cycle.

How are things going?: Okay. I'm excited to hopefully get some answers. I'm 37, so IVF has been discussed as a possibility. My RE wants me on Clomid once I'm off the bench.

Any questions?: So many that I can't articulate. I feel like I'm moving into seriously unchartered territory. The thought of IVF is pretty overwhelming and not something I ever thought I would do or would need to do.

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? Champagne, hands down. It's a favorite year round drink, but it feels even more appropriate during the holidays.

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@ruby696 same, I never thought I would need to see an RE yet here I am. But to be honest, DH's parents took 4 years to have him and did IUI for his sister so I had a feeling any issues would be from his side. My RE considers us an unexplained case instead of MFI since his only issue is the 1% morph from his SA.

Question from me: when I called to schedule the midcycle US the lady on the phone mentioned that my RE was out of the office on the day I was told to schedule said US (for Thursday) and asked if it was okay for one of the nurses to do it which I said yes. An RN has always been the one to do my baseline US. So now I'm wondering, is it possible that an RN would do the IUI procedure or does that have to be done by the RE and are RNs qualified to determine that my follicles are the right size for the trigger shot?

nitnat007 · December 2018

@inthewoods23 I think I may have to set alarms for MH when he goes away, and then annoy him about it every day too. He is gone for 5 weeks and there will be a 4 hour time difference too, so it will be a challenge. I think the quitting smoking is my bigger concern though.
I have never done an IUI, but I know when I went through IVF all of my scans were done by an RN. This information was put forward to the RE for review, who made the call on meds or trigger etc. So I don't think I would worry about it. an RE will be the one to make the call at the end of the day, not the RN.

@ruby696 You are absolutely welcome come and post here! I am glad to hear you have started the process with meeting an RE and getting testing done. Hope that the clomid helps and your time on the bench goes quickly.

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@nitnat007 that makes sense! Thanks for the reassurance!

lulu1180 · December 2018

@inthewoods23 When I did my last IUI, it was done by a nurse practitioner if I remember correctly. It definitely wasn't an RE though. I don't think that's outside the realm of normal at all.

celticknotfire · December 2018

@inthewoods23 my scans are all done by an ultrasound tech and my IUI was done by a physician assistant. Even when my RE is out of the office she still reviews everything from home when it's needed that day. I have found a lot of REs do this because they know how important timing is for all of this.

@kobrien827 yes for having a plan but boo for BCP making you feel lucky but happy for time with YH.

@nitnat007 I have a weekly pill container for MH for all his supplements and I fill it every week. It makes it a lot easier when he can't remember if he took his pills or not. With the quitting smoking thing I found dum dum suckers helped me because it satisfied the oral fixation part of the quitting. For me the hardest part was more psychological than physical. It's hard but I haven't smoked in 10 years and MH for 5 years. To get him to quit I pulled a major b*tch move. We went to buy a new car and we didn't get the paymentwe wanted and I told him if he didn't smoke we would have been able to get a new car without any problems. It wasn't my best moment but the guilt worked in his case but I don't think it will work for everyone. Sorry for the novel!

@ruby696 I think we have all had the same feelings and some of which you can't even put into words! Being on the bench sucks but hopefully it gives you time to plan your next move.

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI with gonal, ovidrel trigger and progesterone

How are things going?: Slow but that's typical for a TWW

Any questions?: How soon did anyone test after their IUI?

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? Hot apple cider with carmel vodka

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@celticknotfire that's what my RE will have to do with my midcycle US on Thursday since they said she's not in that day. They did mention when we first did the consultation that all the RNs are qualified/certified or whatever on this stuff so I'm guessing they can perform it all just like the RE can.

grangerhp37 · December 2018

@kobrien827 So exciting that your FET will be here so soon!
@nitnat007 Good for you trying to cut out toxins. I got some glass Pyrex containers as a gift, so will be trying to use glass more for storage than plastic. I also switched my face wash to one that is supposed to be more "natural". It's definitely a bigger task to cut out all toxins - they're everywhere!
@inthewoods23 I'm excited for your IUI!! I hope all goes well with your U/S and you don't need to go back for a bunch of follow ups.
@ruby696 All are welcome

I hope that meeting with an RE is helping.
@celticknotfire FX for you with your IUI this cycle!!

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS, MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW (10dpo)

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): H's repeat SA is this Thursday. I scheduled CD3 bloodwork & ultrasound for next cycle on Christmas Day - the timing works out right before we leave town on the 26th as long as AF arrives on time. Hoping for first IUI at the end of January.

How are things going?: I'm really nervous for H's results. Despite my PCOS, we've had decent timing for the past 6 cycles so I feel like his count/morph is the only reason we aren't having any luck. And if his count is way lower than before (11mil), IUI can only be so effective...

Any questions?: I was told I didn't need to fast or drink lots of water before my CD 3 BW/US - is this normal? I had a TV U/S back in April and was required to drink 32 oz of water, but that also wasn't on CD 3.

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? I usually just drink wine, mostly red wine around the holidays, but I do enjoy sangria!

ruby696 · December 2018

@nitnat007 I bought lunch boxes from planet box, which are stainless. I love them and its nice not to have my food in plastic. Also, I bought beeswax food wrap and I dig it. It smells good and it's reusable. We switched out our laundry detergent and I make sure any canned foods have a BPA free liner. And FWIW, I'm not crunchy at all, and I still like this stuff and find it easy to use/buy.

@inthewoods23 Did you try clomid before letrozole? I've heard some pretty gnarly things about clomid and I'm wondering if I should request letrozole instead.

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@ruby696 nope my RE only uses letrozole. I don't think she ever prescribes clomid.

@dogmomma096 definitely be hydrated so they can get all the blood they need for your baseline blood work. This last baseline US I had the RN did tell me it is better to have an empty bladder for the US but not necessary. GL on YH's SA results!

kgg2241 · December 2018

*lurking* I want to participate here more regularly, but I've just been overwhelmed lately. Hopefully it is okay to jump in a little..

@ruby696 My RE also only uses Letrozole. I did do several rounds of Clomid with my OB and I hated it. I hardly notice the letrozole (besides O pain), but on Clomid I was moody, had hot flashes, and had horrible headaches. I know everyone reacts differently though. I've also read that Letrozole is slightly more effective for those of us with PCOS. Not sure if you have that or not.

ruby696 · December 2018

@kgg2241 I don't have PCOS, my RE just wants to increase the chance of releasing a good, fully mature egg. I guess if I hate the clomid, I can ask to switch.

kgg2241 · December 2018

@ruby696 yeah I would try it out then. You might not notice any of those side effects, so it is worth giving it a shot.

b_1029 · December 2018

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: I selfishly was hoping I would be a SS and magically get KU last cycle so I didn’t have to start Clomid. Honestly I’m struggling with the fact there’s no baby/baby in the works here for Christmas when I thought there would be when we started TTC. Guess that just goes to show you that you can’t really plan this kind of stuff! It hurts my “needs to plan everything” brain. Also (sorry for the essay), I’m kind of pissed at my doctor. I messaged her a question on their app and she casually said “oh Clomid might not work as well for people with PCOS”...I was never told that was on the table? When I questioned that diagnosis, I got a snippy reply from her nurse that was along the lines of “well you have cysts (I was told I had 1 cyst) on your ovaries so it appears she’s leaning that way”. I had just had an appt with her to talk about my U/S and she never mentioned it? Not that a PCOS diagnosis would be the end of the world, but it would be nice to know.

Any questions?: Should I expect a later than normal O date on Clomid?

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? Hmmmm. Not really into a lot of them but I do like hot toddy’s (I guess that’s more fall though) and peppermint baileys in my coffee.
ETA that I’ll be back for tags once I’m in the office and have 2 screens!

lulu1180 · December 2018

@b_1029 I'm sorry, I can honestly say I know exactly how you feel; this is the third Christmas that I thought I would at least be KU if not have a baby and it fucking sucks. I'm sorry that your REs office isn't providing the service that you deserve and I hope that the clomid works for you. Hugs friend, please remember to take care of yourself

chichiphin · December 2018

@b_1029 I'm so sorry your nurse was snippy and I totally get your frustration with not being KU by christmas. I will feel the same if this cycle doesn't work out.
@ruby696 just like @kgg2241 I only had wicked O pain as a letrozole side effect - and one minor head ache the second day. May be worth the ask if clomid is bad.
@dogmomma096 FX for the second SA - and I had zero prep instructions for CD3 b/w and U/S, so you're prob fine.
@celticknotfire FX for you in the TWW!
@inthewoods23 my RE office said I would O 10-13 days post-day 1 of taking letrozole and I ended up O'ing on CD15 when I'm normally 17-19. Hope that helps!
@nitnat007 I hope YH can keep it up while he is away - I know that environment can be tough to keep up with good habits.
@kobrien827 enjoy the time with YH!

Diagnosis (if you've been): low morph / low progesterone

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): waiting? and IUI if this cycle isn't successful

How are things going?: Okay - my impending test day is Christmas eve

I also got this very strange voicemail from my RE's clinical trial office saying that my chart was on her desk and she was calling to ask me about participating in an IVF study.... ??? Sooo I'm waiting for her to call me back so I can be like - hey I think that is a mistake? who tf knows.

Any questions?: nah

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? My new favorite is from my holiday happy hour last night - it was burbon, lemon, orange, cayanne, and something else and it was soooo good.

b_1029 · December 2018

@kobrien827 that's so exciting that your FET is soon! That's so nice YH has been off and you've been able to spend some time with him. I remember feeling like crap on BCPs too, hope you feel better.
@nitnat007 kudos to you for making the switch to a toxin free lifestyle! Hopefully YH is able to keep up with his supplements. Guys are typically so bad about that stuff.
@inthewoods23 hope your midcycle U/S goes well!
@ruby696 FX for good results on your testing! I'm sorry you're feeling overwhelmed, I can't even imagine.
@celticknotfire I've never tried your drink, but that sounds really good! Giving me some ideas to get through the multiple Christmas parties this weekend

hopefully the rest of your TWW doesn't drag on too long and ends with a BFP!
@dogmomma096 hope YH's SA comes back normal. And man, what a way to start Christmas day! I hope all your test results come back great!
@lulu1180 thank you for your kind words as always

I can only imagine how you must be feeling. Hugs right back atcha! Also, the issue may be that I'm working with my OB's office right now. She said she would do 3 months of Clomid and then send me to the RE, even though she already sent a referral (to a different RE than the one that did all our other testing?). Idk, maybe she just wants to get rid of me haha.
@chichiphin keeping everything crossed for you that you get a Christmas miracle! Also, that drink sounds delicious!

lulu1180 · December 2018

crookshanks10 · December 2018

Tags coming up, once I can catch up! (:

Diagnosis (if you've been): LP Defect, Not so stellar semen samples

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF. 14dpiui was a BFN today. Moving on..

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): This was IUI4

How are things going?: I'm optimistic with moving on to IVF. Ready to get the show on the road, but glad I can enjoy the holidays beforehand.

Any questions?: IVF consult on 1/2. Any advice?

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? Hm, wine or hot chocolate with Bailey's in it!

Swiftlet · December 2018

@kobrien827 ooh, coming up pretty soon! I hope then BCP don’t mess with you too much.
@nitnat007 Five weeks is a long time! I hope he can set an alarm or something to keep up with everything.
@inthewoods23 fx for the first IUI!
@ruby696 I hope the time passes quickly while benched. I feel you in the uncharted territory bit...
@celticknotfire fx

@dogmomma096 I was told not to fast. Then my prolactin was high and I had to go back for a fasted sample. So I’d say fast anyway, but that’s me.
@lulu1180 big hugs to you

@crookshanks10 I really admire your resilience. I know it’s got to be tough but you always project this steadfast nature and just keep swimming!

AFM,
Diagnosis (if you've been): high prolactin?, blocked R tube?

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): we have our consult with the geneticist on Christmas Eve- they’ll go over the results of our genetic screening BW. We’ll have to talk to them on the way over to dinner with my family so hopefully no bombshells there...

How are things going?: Feeling pretty slow right now. I’m really struggling to get the damn SA scheduled :P I know it should be simple but hubs schedule makes it nearly impossible and it’s the last piece of the puzzle we need before scheduling our next meeting. I’m going to have to have him take off work or something silly.

Any questions?: none for now.

GTKY: What is your favorite holiday beverage? Probably a peppermint mocha from Starbucks. I treat myself to one every year

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@Swiftlet GL with your genetic screening! Hope you get nothing but negative for those results! I told our RE that getting a negative result was the best negative I had ever gotten and the only one I'd ever been happy about.

crookshanks10 · December 2018

@kobrien827 What a way to ring in 2019, with a FET!! (: So exciting!
@nitnat007 I want to go more toxin free as well! It's crazy how many things we use around the house and on our bodies! EEK!
@inthewoods23 I was usually a late ovulator and clomid/letrozole did push my O date up to the normal CD14/CD15! I think a CD12 scan is good! Advice I do have is even if they tell you not to do OPKs, do them. 2 cycles I started surging on my own and had to move up the trigger/IUI!
@ruby696 Champagne is THE BEST! So festive (:
@celticknotfire Your holiday beverage sounds super yummy!!
@dogmomma096 I hope you and your DH get good results from his repeat SA. I know how stressful that can be. Here's to hoping you won't even need that IUI cycle (:
@b_1029 EEK. Sorry to hear about that interaction with your doctor's office. That's very unnerving. Also, I was a late ovulator and clomid had me at a CD16/CD17 O date.
@chichiphin FX for you this cycle!! The TWW is always so brutal. I hope the holidays make is pass quicker.
@Swiftlet Aw, that's so nice of you to say! I am trying! I hope you get good news in regards to your BW!

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@crookshanks10 I do O on my own so maybe I should start checking with OPKs just to be sure I'm not surging! I'll start tonight when I get home

chichiphin · December 2018

@crookshanks10 I'm sorry friend

but I am glad you are excited and hopeful for IVF.

grangerhp37 · December 2018

@b_1029 I completely understand how you are feeling

My family is going on a trip across the country after Christmas, and back when we first started trying I thought I might not be able to fly because I was magically going to get KU right away. Now the trip is here and I'm not even a little KU. The holidays just keep reminding me of all the family traditions that I can't wait to continue with a LO of our own.
@crookshanks10 I'm so sorry, friend

I am glad that you are looking forward to IVF and hope you get your BFP soon!
@Swiftlet When I asked over the phone whether I needed to fast or drink a certain amount of water for the US, they told me no. But then when I looked at the paperwork for my RE, it said that CD3 bloodwork is a fasting draw, so I guess I'll fast that morning just in case. You'd think they would be consistent! Good luck getting your H's SA scheduled! I was worried about scheduling mine because I didn't want it to fall at the end of my FW, since you need to abstain for 3-5 days before, but then I ended up O'ing early so we could've actually had it done a week earlier.

ruby696 · December 2018

@crookshanks10 Sorry about your BFN, but I'm glad you're excited to move onto IVF. Maybe some champagne to celebrate? Any excuse works for me!

@Swiftlet Good luck with your geneticist - hoping you get good news for Christmas!

@chichiphin Maybe your RE decided you would be a great candidate for a study that would involve free IVF for you! That's my dream anyway - free IVF. Pretty sure I'm going to have to let that one go.

@b_1029 Good luck with Clomid. I'm heading in that direction myself, so I'll be creeping around, lurking to see how it goes for you.

@dogmomma096 I hope YH's results on the repeat are good and you have one less thing to worry about. FX for IUI in January!

Swiftlet · December 2018

@dogmomma096 oh sheesh, yeah you’d expect they’d be consistent!

After the fact (when I was googling the crap out of “hyperprolactinemia” haha) I found that many places recommend fasting. If any of those values can be affected by fasting vs not, why not just have it fasted to start with? I’d rather fast in the morning than get poked again, yanno?
@inthewoods23 thanks lady

I hope it’s all normal too since we don’t have any known issues in either family. But if my brief time in the IF world has taught me anything it’s that nothing is guaranteed, right?!

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@Swiftlet of all the stuff they test for, they said 80% of the time a child has one of these diseases/disorders/mutations, the parents nor anyone in their family had any idea they were carriers. Something like that. So you never know! They only tested me for the screening because if I'm not a carrier of anything then there's no possibility of our kids having any of the diseases/disorders although I think they can still be a carrier if they get it from DH, but they'd only test him if I was positive for something.

inthewoods23 · December 2018

Midcycle US update -

2 follies on the right side measuring 12mm and 13mm. I got in for a 2nd US on Christmas Eve morning. If they're above 20mm then we'll do the trigger that night and go in on the 26th for our first IUI

I'm excited!

Swiftlet · December 2018

@inthewoods23 woo! Go little follicles, go!

b_1029 · December 2018

@crookshanks10 sorry about the IUI but I am glad you're optimistic about IVF! I hope your consult goes well in January. Wish I could give some advice for you! And that's good to know about O date. I'm usually between CD11-13, so I'll be interested to see if it gets pushed back at all.
@Swiftlet I hope you only get good news on Christmas Eve and are able to schedule YH's SA! Annoying that it's being so difficult.
@dogmomma096 I totally agree with you on Christmas traditions! I'm trying to start new ones this year with the hope next year we will have a LO to share them with. FX it happens for both of us!
@ruby696 thank you! So far I am just a little nauseous and have a bit of a headache, but not bad (but I've only taken it once, so I'll keep you posted haha)
@inthewoods23 that's great news about your midcycle U/S! FX for a Christmas baby!

inthewoods23 · December 2018

Rooting on my follies like...

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/nz/6pbnnml6gl9z.gif

Can't not post this when talking about our follies

Swiftlet · December 2018

Should be coming up on a positive OPK tomorrow and ovulate Christmas Eve. I need to confess somewhere my silly hope that I got some sort of magic from my HSG, even when I know that’s very unlikely. Part of me wishes my optimism would just croak already. How awful does that make me? I wanted to pop in and give you all a big internet hug because I really appreciate having such an understanding group of people to turn to when I need to get these feels out

nitnat007 · December 2018

@Swiftlet Not silly at all!! We all were there, all wish to be the special snowflake and have that little bit of magic make it happen for us. I am sorry that hasn't happened for you, but do not give up hope. You got this! FX that your O stays on schedule and things go smoothly.

Swiftlet · December 2018

Thank you @nitnat007

inthewoods23 · December 2018

@Swiftlet yeah I thought the HSG would increase our chances since they say fertility increases during the following 3 months post exam. Nope...

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