Trouble TTC

TTC Check-in: 02/04/2019

Hello ladies! Hope only good things for us all this week!

As always, please double-check your name and confirm your Dx & Rx. (Please let me know if I forgot anyone). 

QOTW: Besides all of us hoping that we’ll have children, where else do you see yourself in 5 years? 

2018 BFP Hall of Fame:
lablover78 dx: PCOS, Compound Heterozygous MTHFR Rx: IVF
Tops-2: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: Metformin, Letrozole & TI
halfanewt: possible PCOS, MTHFR gene, slight MFI Rx: IVF
seethosestars: dx: DOR Rx: IVF + FET #1
Kim41313: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
soehlerk: dx: Unexplained Rx: Femara + IUI
Mlight28: dx Unexplained Rx: Clomid
SoonToBeMommaHowe: dx: Unexplained  Rx: naturally until IVF
honeybeebub: dx:septate uterus, MTHFR  Rx:  septum resection surgery, baby aspirin & progesterone
be08ryan:  dx: PCOS and AO Rx: Clomid
kiwielopingbride: Dx: Unexplained Rx: IUI
thothscribe81: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
kristimh80: dx: unexplained Rx: Injectables + trigger + IUI
BWhitta: dx: PCOS, low AMH and endo Rx: letrozole
Worldtravler0522 dx: PCOS/Unexplained Rx: IVF
Bababatty dx:Low Motility  Rx: IVF
funkykey dx: unexplained Rx: IVF

PAGING:

@aeb1116: dx: unexplained Rx: IUI
@allisona66: dx: waiting for testing
@amac2313: dx: unknown Rx: Clomid
@Asampson87: dx: unexplained + MFI  Rx: metformin + testing
@Bgreenfield10: dx: anovulatory PCOS, LPD Rx: Clomid + trigger
@Brooke4131: dx: Secondary unexplained Rx: in testing
@BenJay: Dx: PCOS/unexplained Rx. Metformin + supplements
@beec2421: dx: PCOS, hypothyroidism Rx: metformin, synthroid, clomid
@bbtobumpie - dx: irregular cycles, in testing. Rx: pending.
@ChristinaV2015: dx: blocked tubes, PCOS, endo + MFI  Rx: lap, OPKs + TI
@ChristenMA83 : dx: MFI Rx: IVF w/ISCI
@Charligirl28: dx: unexplained Rx: Clomid
@courtneyh2013: dx: MFI Rx: IUI + clomid
@drewsdarlin: dx: RPL, PCOS, Hashimotos, low vitamin D and Iron RX: ?
@echocharlietango: dx: Unexplained Rx: trying naturally
@emgem819 dx: PCOS, Rx: provera, femara + Bravelle
@emmasemm: dx: DOR & autoimmune Rx: IVF
@eranvo27: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: metformin
@floridanursegirl: dx: unexplained anovulation Rx:Metformin, IUI+Femara+trigger
@fluffybookworm: dx: Anovulation + insulin resistance Rx: Metformin + prometrium + testing
@hannahlce: dx: anovulatory PCOS Rx: metformin + letrozole
@Happyin14: dx: unexplained, RPL Rx: IVF
@inthewoods23 - dx:unexplained. Rx: IUI.
@jrm_14: dx: Adrenal/overian insufficiency, Borderline-low AMH, Low progesterone Rx: IUI w/ injectables.
@jmr1515: dx: Mild MFI/morph, fibroid  Rx: Surgery + TI
@kgabhart: dx: Unexplained/PCOS  Rx: letrozole + IUI
@Kate437: dx:anovulatory   Rx:Letrozole + trigger
@Knottie1467155066: dx: unknown Rx: letrozole + trigger + TI
@kls2016 - dx: in testing. Rx: pending.
@ladystout08: dx: unknown Rx: waiting for testing
@leafyarch: dx: MFI, no thyroid Rx: IVF
@linz36: dx: Low AFC, MFI  Rx: testing/IUI
@manhattanmama2: dx: unexplained Rx: IVF
@mirabelle33: dx: endometriosis/endometrioma, DOR, AMA, Rx: IVF
@meganttc3: dx: PCOS, unexplained Rx: waiting to test
@mrsjcrane: dx: unexplained Rx: femara + trigger + TI + 2nd HCG booster
@mighty-mouse: dx:pcos & HA Rx: provera/letrozole + trigger
@mackenzie07 dx: PCOS and Endo  Rx: metformin, letrozole, ovidrel
@MicahDahn: Dx: irregular cycles Rx: preparing for testing
@moloninge Dx:PCOS, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, fibroids. Rx:Metformin,Synthroid,IUI w/letrozole, ovidrel, and progesterone.
@mandasand: dx: low AMH  Rx:IVF (Lupron, Menopur + Follistim)
@Mythril: dx: PCOS (anovulatory) Rx:levothyroxine, metformin and femara + TI
@nurseerin2012: dx: unexplained Rx: letrozole + IUI
@oklahomak: dx: PCOS Rx: metformin/letrozole/estradiol/progesterone+ trigger
@PoeMasque: dx: unexplained Rx: letrozole with TI
@rachlee2010: dx: DOR Rx: IUI
@rmarble23: dx: MFI Rx: IVF
@Samanthaarielxo dx: anovulation Rx: still in testing
@sarah0985: dx: PCOS, possible blocked tubes Rx: Lap
@SM746830: dx: PCOS, blocked tubes Rx: Surgery, Clomid
@starlitfae dx: MFI & balanced translocation, thyroid  Rx: ivf with pgd testing
@SP128: in testing/unexplained
@serownarain: dx: in testing
@sarahven dx:anovulation and PCOS. Rx: femara
@sincethelastday -  DX: irregular cycles and low morph RX: Letrozole 
@sailorariel - dx: fibroids. Rx: fibroid removal surgery.
@wishing-and-hoping: dx: unexplained rx: poss. IVF
@prpl11butterfly dx: RPL rx: TI with progesterone

@chiblackhawkie - rx: Clomid, trigger, and ti 

@cigaline dx: unexplained/MFI rx: pending 

@lg1218

@emily1052 - 

@Knottie1458606415  - Dx: unexplained rx: Letrozole + trigger + TI 

@estherjvb - Dx: endometriosis, hydrospinx on right fallopian tube Rx: surgery consult 

NEWCOMERS:To be added to the Weekly Checkin, please answer the following:

1.  How long have you been TTC?

2.  What is your diagnosis?

3.  What is your current Rx?

Re: TTC Check-in: 02/04/2019

  • Happy Monday 😑. Today I had to go for my 3rd attempt to do my genetic testing draw. 1st attempt was unexecuted and 2nd attempt the samples are MIA. I really need it to go through this time..... O was Fri and progesterone started Sat. I'm supposed to test at 15 days past + OPK but that's Valentines.... I'm debating on testing the 12 before DH leaves for 2 days so that we dont have bad news on VDay. I'll continue the progesterone until a follow up test that morning. At least I'll be expecting the negative at that point.

    QOTW I truly have no idea. I don't imagine it'll be much different then now. We legally cannot leave the state, I refuse to go far from my family anyway. We are both in jobs we love. I guess in 5 years we would just be in our forever home and making tons more money (since we are both waiting on promotions, likely within the year).
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  • @prpl11butterfly get that promotion girl woo!

    AFM, nothing new to report yet. Beta and progesterone testing on Friday. Picked a lunchtime appointment so I wouldn't have so much time at work being super sad or super happy. My guess is I'll get the call between 2 and 3 that day.

    QOTW: Besides all of us hoping that we’ll have children, where else do you see yourself in 5 years? I honestly see myself in a much better mental state and possibly be even more in love with DH. TTC has been hard especially with others around me getting KU no problem. Within the last year I've come to realize that I probably have some kind of anxiety disorder and possibly depression. DH has been such a trooper. I told him on Saturday that I think I need meds for anxiety which he's more opposed to than for. He's kinda worried how that might change me and I was like, do you really wanna deal with me like this all the time (this being me sobbing and looking like a total mess). And he said that's who he fell in love with 12 years ago 😭 every little good thing that happens to us makes our bond a little stronger
    *TW* History
    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC ended due to filing divorce

    **New relationship starting May 2024**

    Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
    Its Gonna Be May GIFs  Tenor
  • @prpl11butterfly - ugh, how frustrating that it’s taken 3 times now for this test! It’s so nice to be finally able to check off different tests being done, especially when it can take awhile or multiple tries to get done. I really hope you get a good response from it!! Also, FX for those promotions!!

    @inthewoods23 - that sounds like good planning to me with picking the appointment time that you did; I would totally be the same way. Really hoping for you and hope these last few days before Friday aren’t too unbearable with the waiting! Also, I think I would echo what you said with the 5 years down the road and growing closer to DH. I think and hope that IF has made us closer and have really been focusing on our relationship since we don’t have kids to focus on. Also hope you find a solution for your anxiety and depression that works for you, whatever that solution may be!  <3

    AFM: not much. Got a positive OPK today and then the TWW wait will begin. We’ll be doing one more round of Letrozole and then will be meeting with our RE for next steps, most likely IUI. Otherwise, been having a pretty crappy day so far. All of a sudden Facebook has been flooded with “bump pictures” today and I just noticed three employees at my work are expecting. And then, the cherry on top, a coworker was talking about the kids at the day care (my workplace has an internal day care for employees and they will take them for “outings” around the building) and I made some comment that whenever I see them they give me these funny, shy looks like I’ve grown a second head. My co-worker then proceeded to say, in front of a bunch of other co-workers, “that means you aren’t ready to become a mom, you’re not yet mom material.” I know he was teasing, but it felt like such a blow. I awkwardly laughed it off, but then other co-workers started saying stuff like, “Yeah, you don’t understand until you become a mom,” etc. I just wanted to crawl under the table and disappear. If only they knew I’ve been ready for more than 2 and a half years now. Sigh, I just want this day to be over   :/
  • @sincethelastday omg that's the worst! Seriously, ever kid/toddler is shy around people they don't know. *TW* my boss sometimes brings in his DD for a short period of time and she's always hiding behind his legs when he brings her around to say hi to peole, and that's even to people she knows!

    Your story makes me want to pull a hood up over my eyes and curl into a ball
    *TW* History
    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC ended due to filing divorce

    **New relationship starting May 2024**

    Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
    Its Gonna Be May GIFs  Tenor
  • @inthewoods23 - yeah, totally! It was just such a strange comment to make. And the whole “you’ll understand when you’re a parent” comments. Oh my gosh. I hate those. I understand that life changes when you become a parent, but I hate how dismissive some parents are with people who don’t have children. Like just saw on Facebook a friend complaining about how tired she is coming home from a long flight and this other friend commented, “Wait until you have a kid and then you can complain.” Like, who made them the “tired police” who can tell someone whether or not they can feel tired or not? Sorry for being in such a bitchy mood, it just has not been my day. Ugh. 
  • Hello all

    Aaaaah! Just typed a long reply and some of it's disappeared due to the tagging business. OK I'll start again...

    Sorry for being AWOL last week. I've been getting in late and didn't manage to find the time or the energy to get on the computer in the evenings (I find it awkward replying on my phone) even though I was planning to reply all week... 

    @prpl11butterfly how frustrating re the tests. I hope you get that sorted soon. It's great though that you both love your jobs - not many couples can say that! Good luck with the promotions. Coming from outside the States, I'm puzzled by you not legally being able to leave the state - how does that happen?

    @inthewoods23 Really feel for you on the anxiety/depression front. (What an amazing response from YH!) I had some difficult experiences at work a few years ago which left me with quite severe anxiety for a while. I got to the point where I wondered if I had generalised anxiety disorder. Don't know if I did, but things did get gradually easier and I started to get back some of my confidence (still tend to be on the anxious side though). I also work as a health professional (not a doctor), so end up seeing people with mental health struggles quite often and trying to help them get the services they need, which is pretty tricky. Don't know what services are like near you, but in the UK/France they are pretty patchy. Hope you can find a good doctor to advise you about the meds, which is not an easy decision. Whatever you decide, if you can also find some 'wellbeing approach' that works for you (mindfulness/CBT/positive psychology etc.), I think that will be most likely to help you feel better in the long term. I listened to a mindfulness exercise on my ipod every day on the way to work for a while and it definitely helped me get through a dark period. Keep meaning to get back to it. It's maybe not for everybody, but there's so many different approaches now feel sure there's something for everyone...

    @sincethelastday can't believe your coworkers! How DARE they? Feeling quite angry with them on your behalf. Frankly, saying that to anyone who's over 25 is not admissible. It's quite staggering how few people consider the possibility that people without kids or actually pregnant might be trying (quite hard) to have them. No one's ever said anything that bad to me, but frequent remarks along the line of 'Wow, you have 5 kids, how amazing (to a colleague)... oh, I really want a kid at the moment... don't you?' (to me) from my 24 yr old co-worker. I just shrugged my shoulders. 

    AFM : I ovulated today! Woohoo. Feeling quite positive still about this cycle despite not seeing any real EWCM this FP. Really hope that's not a problem because we were quite good on the BD front, with ovulation conveniently happening just after the weekend. Meeting the fertility clinic people on Wednesday (don't know if they equate to an RE exactly?) - not quite sure what to expect, can't say I'm actually looking forward to it as still somewhat in denial that it's not happening naturally. It'll be good to get their perspective on our results though and come up with a plan I suppose. 

    QOTW : in 5 years I dream that the rubbish tip that is our new garden (we moved house in November) will actually be looking a bit like a garden. I hope we'll be a little more financially secure (the house came with a studio we were planning to let straight away but we've lots of unforeseen problems to sort before that can happen) and will have built an extension so we actually have some space for the dreamed-of children :-) What was your answer to QOTW @sincethelastday

  • @cigaline there was a rumor at work back in October that I was PG (I think I may have mentioned this recently). 4 days before my first RE consultation. Their reasoning? Because I was glowing and hadn't talked about trying to have a kid for a while. Big ol' nope, not even close.

    I just might, with the one coworker who keeps making small comments about it, tell him he owes me a big apology. The even funnier thing is I know he had mentioned once that they had seen a doctor at 1 point because of trouble conceiving but he has 2 older daughters from a previous marriage. Like dude, you should know without me even needing to dodge all your comments. I don't want to say too much to him when he makes the comments because I donct want people at work to know wecre going through IF treatments. I don't want anyone to know until after.

    As I always say, this is a journey between DH and myself. No one else. I really hate when people hyper focus on me constantly asking how I'm feeling or if I'm okay. I'd rather be left alone. I'll let them know after the fact.
    *TW* History
    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC ended due to filing divorce

    **New relationship starting May 2024**

    Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
    Its Gonna Be May GIFs  Tenor
  • @inthewoods23 I think the lunch appt was a good call either way. Fx for you! I hope you can get YH to understand the reason for the meds. You need to be in a good ment state and if non med treatments don't help, you tried and meds should be the next step.

    @sincethelastday wow. People seriously suck. I often wonder if it would be better if IF was more openly discussed. Why does it have to be a personal medical issue) People are open about cancer and such treatments (hell even addiction is more publicly talked about), why not IF?

    @cigaline I'm sure with some TLC the garden can be everything you want! Sorry your studio has been giving you issues. I'm a landlord also and sometimes it's a lot... Re my inability to leave the state... TW children mentioned:

    We have custody of our 10yo neice. We would have to go to court to get permission to move and since her mom is still involved (has her e/o weekend) we would be denied. We've been looking at houses and even though we are 5 min from the state line, houses there are out of the question without going to court. Even though they are lower priced then similar houses in our town.
  • @prpl11butterfly FX for Friday, I always tested before beta to soften the blow because it was always a crap shoot when my clinic would call :(

    @inthewoods23 i think it’s incredibly powerful that you recognize your anxiety, I love that your DH loves you no matter what, but you also have to maintain your own inner peace. One thing to know about anxiety meds is that they are help “reset” your thought patterns and give you a mental break while you work with a therapist on coping skills. The goal is always to wean off of meds as you feel more confident in your ability to cope (or when the acute stressor is over). Can you tell I’ve been there? ;) 

    @sincethelastday I don’t care if your coworker was joking, that is a horrible thing to say to anyone. And just rude. I am also incredibly angry on your behalf. On the flip side (I am going to try not to offend anyone, but I probably will): *TW* until you have a kid, you really don’t have a clue what it’s like. Especially the sleep deprivation (and I worked night shift in an ER). I have spent most of my life working with kids and before I had my DS it was my job to go to the homes of new parents and coach them in infant health and parenting (I’m a nurse). I absolutely cringe when I think about some of the educated, yet garbage advice I gave them. I’m not saying this to put you in your place, but so that you will be kind to yourself when you have a baby and it doesn’t go at all as planned. You won’t imagine being able to go even one more minute without sleep, because it will have been 9 months of waking up every 40 minutes, but you will survive and you will be doing an amazing job :) *TW* 

    AFM: O day yesterday, but no meds this cycle so not really expecting anything. 

    QOTW: I would love to have less debt in 5 years, but my guess is we will be starting expensive IF treatments soon, so we will probably be in even worse debt :( we both love our jobs and will both continue to get raises, so at least that will help. 
    Me: 39 SO: 36

    Dx: low progesterone, possible DOR - officially "unexplained"

    TTC#1 since November 2015
    9/16/2016 IUI#1 - BFN
    10/12/2016 IUI#2 - BFN
    1/21/2017 Clomid/IUI#3 - BFN
    March 2017 IVF: BFP! (beta#1 191, beta#2 378!) - it's a boy! DS born 12/6/2017

    TTC #2 since July 2018
    May 2019 IVF #2: BFP! (beta#1 346, beta#2 646) - vanishing twin at 8 weeks. Baby B still going strong - due 2/8/20!
    Pregnancy Ticker
  • First off, thanks for all the “got your back” support that you ladies have provided in regards to the comments I received at work! I really don’t know what I would do without this community of support and a place to just vent with women who just get it! 

    @cigaline - you and I really are riding the same cycle as I think you ovulated the same day I did! I hope your appointment goes well today (or already went well depending on what time it is right now in France and what time your appointment was). If so, how’d it go? Any game plan on next steps? I also know what you’re talking about regarding still denying things aren’t happening naturally. There are days when I just can’t believe that I’m dealing with infertility. I know it’s ridiculous to think, but I still sometimes think that maybe I’m not trying hard enough or doing things right like using OPKs the right way. Deep down I don’t believe this, but it’s like my mind is trying to find some explanation for this besides infertility. What I’m trying to say is that I think feeling that way is totally normal and hope you continue to find support here and anywhere else that you need! 

    In regards to the QOTW, I would also like for our yard to be better maintained and just some minor renos around the house being done. And have less debt ugh.

    @inthewoods23 - totally get where you’re coming from regarding not wanting people at work to know and only having people know after the fact. It’s a tricky road on figuring out who to tell and how much to tell. I’ve told some people about my IF and really regretted it after their response, but I also have found some good support from other friends. With work, sometimes I wish that people did know just so they could stop with the comments, but I know I really won’t tell anyone. And that’s really annoying about your coworkers thinking that you’re pregnant and being kind of teasing with it. If they only knew what you’ve been through and going through. 

    @prpl11butterfly - there was a thread on here a little while ago about IF needing to be more “out there” in public and well known. There was some interesting discussion because a lot of people want to keep it private, but then how do we make it more well known if no one talks about it? I think the testimonies from public figures/celebrities who have been through IF help break some of the stereotypes and taboo around IF. I really hope that I’ll be more open about it if I end up with a baby. I don’t know though if I would ever talk about it if I didn’t end up getting pregnant. Overall, I think couples need to do what’s best for them whether that’s being more private or public with their IF and hopefully it won’t be such a hidden issue in the future.

    @PoeMasque - no offense taken at all! Although I’m not a parent, I get that life changes when you have kids and I know that the expectations I have right now about being a mom are probably totally wrong lol. I just don’t like when certain moms have dismissed my own life experiences just because I’m not a parent. Like, “you haven’t really grown up until you’ve had kids,” or “your life is so easy right now - wait until you have kids.” I think it can be relative and individual based. There are some people who definitely “grow up” once they had kids and others who are definitely not as mature as childless adults. I think it’s one thing to comment on your own life experiences to inform others (which you’ve done) and another to tell others about how they should feel about their life, especially when we can’t ever know completely what others are going through or have gone through in life. Hope this makes sense and isn’t offensive to you! Thank you for the encouraging words! 

  • Hi everyone,

    For everyone who is struggling this week, I hope it starts getting better. Sorry I missed last week. I returned to work after the 35 day shutdown and was struggling to get caught up and back into my routine.

    prpl11butterfly I hope your third test is/was successful. I know it can be frustrating when things don't work out quite as expected. Good luck on the promotions!

    sincethelastday Sorry to hear about your co-workers comments. So many people don't seem to think before speaking. It can be really upsetting, alienating, and frustrating. I know you're having a difficult week, but hang in there.

    cigaline Good luck with your cycle.  I hope your appointment with the fertility people goes well and that you start getting some answers.

    AFM I have some updates from a couple weeks ago. Preliminary US showed a large cyst. I think it has been there in various sizes since I first went through this treatment. This time around, it is too big to continue treatment. Instead I was put on BC to help shrink it quickly, so nothing will happen this month. At least it gives me a break from the worrying that accompanies the hurry up and wait.

    In addition, yesterday my DH got the results from his second SA  (first was about a year ago at another facility which came back fine). This one came back very different. He only has 10% motility and 2% morphology. Together, they make TTC nearly impossible even with ART. His Rx is to start on some vitamins, including fertileblend for men, do some blood work for further Dx, and to give up all toxins (alcohol, caffiene, smoking, etc.). Then we re-test in 2-3 months and go from there. 

    QOTW - Not sure exactly where I see myself. MY DH job here ends in a year. I hope we find something closer to family and friends back east and closer to the eastern forest that I love. It would be nice to own a home and improve our gardening skills. So many things about living in the rural west have been challenging for me.



    Me 35, DH 33
    Married 10/2016
    TTC since 11/2017
    dx: unexplained infertility
    SA, HSG, bloodwork all fine
    3 cycles clomid, 3 BFN
    Sep 2018 -  referred to RE
    Nov 2018 - ovarian cysts, no treatment
    Jan 2019 - letrozole+trigger shot+TI, BFN
    Feb 2019 - hoping to continue treatment

  • Hello again! 

    @Knottie1458606415 Sorry to hear about the cyst and the SA results. DH hasn't had great results either, so I can appreciate how disappointing that is. Is the 10% the fast and slowing moving ones together? (The way it's calculated is not always the same...) There are an awful lot of parameters that can affect those numbers such as the abstinence period and also BD activity leading up to the test. DH got pretty similar results about 2 years ago (around 10% motility if I recall right) when the abstinence period was 5 days. His most recent test was after only 2 days and the motility was a lot better, around 25. I found quite a helpful website with information about male issues:  https://www.maleinfertilityguide.com/semen-analysis-when-where-why-and-how
    It sounds pretty tough for YH to give up all those things in one go. How is he feeling about that? If it were me I'd have to plan some fun things to do to make up for all the deprivation!

    @sincethelastday pretty cool to be on the same cycle :-) Finding the 2WW tougher than usual as for some reason (don't ask why) I've been telling myself this is a lucky cycle. 

    Re the appointment at the clinic, it was pretty positive in the end. The gynaecologist was really nice, looked at all our results and said, 'well, all the hormones have come back as pretty good; the SA isn't great, but it's not disastrous, and after the test of migration survival they're quite good. I'm pretty confident for you!' which was nice. She seemed to think it might happen naturally, but if not, she suggested 2 cycles of IUI before 'upgrading' to IVF (which I was pretty happy about). DH had to dash off to catch a train for an overnight work trip, so we haven't yet had time to digest the discussion together. At any rate, we both have to redo certain tests that have to be within 3 months for IUI, so that's the next thing to do before going back. 

    @PoeMasque I'm sure you're right about the tiredness (although it is slightly alarming to hear as someone who seriously cherishes their sleep...!) but at the same time completely agree with @sincethelastday that the fact of being a parent and thus being able to compare pre with post-parenthood challenges doesn't justify belittling other 'child-free' people's struggles. It's kind of like saying to someone who's experiencing serious illness, 'ah but wait till you have to deal with bereavement'..?? 

    @prpl11butterfly Sorry to hear about the problems of having to stay in one state, that sounds frustrating with the house price situation. It seems surprising that the child's mum would object to you moving if she knew you were only going 5 minutes across the border? Unless she is deliberately trying to be difficult. But apologies if it's a sensitive subject, didn't mean to be indiscrete and feel free to ignore my comment if you prefer!

    Right better stop there... have a good weekend everyone. Do any of you find the @username link really problematic?? When I press return I sometimes do that twice by accident which I think is what deletes the previous paragraph. That's happened to me about 3 times now and I'm getting a bit paranoid!



  • @cigaline I think the problem you're experiencing with the link and going back is related to when drafts are saved. I'm not sure if I would chuckle or raise an eyebrow to the comment "the SA isn't great, but it's not disasterous" if I were in your seat. Like "....thanks?" might be my response but at the same time there's some humor to it.

    We did get a larger quantity of motile sperm for IUI #2 and I'm sure it helped that we BDed before the date we did the trigger. The first time we hadn't BDed since the previous fertile window when we did the trigger.

    I test tomorrow around lunch. My nerves have been tingling all day at the thought. FX this IUI is the one!
    *TW* History
    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC ended due to filing divorce

    **New relationship starting May 2024**

    Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
    Its Gonna Be May GIFs  Tenor
  • @Knottie1458606415 - sorry to hear you didn’t receive the greatest of news at your appointment! Did they offer any potential game plan besides the vitamins, etc.? Really hoping the regime YH will be on improves his future SA stats. As others have said, it seems like SA results can really vary depending on time taken, etc., so I’m hoping for you that YH gets higher percentages next time! 

    @cigaline - I’ve been there before where I’ve been really hopeful with a particular cycle for no particular reason. There’s no rhyme or reason to how we feel sometimes is there? I really hope though that this is your lucky cycle!

    So, do you have an estimate of how long the retesting will take before you start IUI? A month, couple of months? I know over here it can take awhile to get all the tests done and processed, so I hope you don’t have to wait long!

    I haven’t had issues with the username function, but I do find the app a bit glitchy sometimes (I primarily use my phone). It’s not the first time I’ve heard of users having difficulty with it though. 

    @inthewoods23 - hoping so hard that this is your cycle and that you’ll get good news today!!! Will be thinking of you! 
  • Update: nope

    Sigh, WFAF to start IUI #3.
    *TW* History
    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC ended due to filing divorce

    **New relationship starting May 2024**

    Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
    Its Gonna Be May GIFs  Tenor
  • @inthewoods23 - I’m so sorry to hear this news! It’s so unfair! Like so, so unfair! Do whatever you need at this difficult time and we’ll be thinking of you!  :(<3<3
  • Not sure any of you can help with this question, but let's say IUI #3 doesn't work for us so we move on to IVF. What goes into preparing/moving to that? Can we do it right away at the next cycle after IUI #3?

    I'm not sure what to search for to find this kind of information.
    *TW* History
    TTC #1 since 7.2017
    Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies

    IUI #1-3 all BFN
    IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
    FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
    RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
    FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
    2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
    Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
    TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20

    Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
    Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
    Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
    Bloodwork | 10.21.21 high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
    BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22 B) | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
    DS born 7.19.22 after induction


    TTC #2 begins 6.2023
    Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
    Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
    Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
    Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
    Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
    Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
    Repeat labs in 8 weeks
    Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
    TTC ended due to filing divorce

    **New relationship starting May 2024**

    Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
    Its Gonna Be May GIFs  Tenor
  • @inthewoods23 - I really wouldn’t be able to say as I’m not in the spot you’re at right now, but I can’t see why you couldn’t move on to IVF soon after IUI. I know some clinics do an info session for couples before they start doing IVF. Sorry could be more helpful, but I’m sure your RE would be able to let you know for sure.
  • @cigaline Thanks for the info. I didn't realize there could be so many parameters. They didn't say if the 10% was slow and fast together. Sometimes I don't know enough to even know what to ask. I think the abstinence time was 3 days. DH is doing ok giving things up so far. I think he's more upset about taking vitamins. Hopefully we can keep up the new routine. 
    Me 35, DH 33
    Married 10/2016
    TTC since 11/2017
    dx: unexplained infertility
    SA, HSG, bloodwork all fine
    3 cycles clomid, 3 BFN
    Sep 2018 -  referred to RE
    Nov 2018 - ovarian cysts, no treatment
    Jan 2019 - letrozole+trigger shot+TI, BFN
    Feb 2019 - hoping to continue treatment

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