IF Testing and treatment 3/11

emmasemm · March 2019

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’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-))

kbrown2385 · March 2019

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained rpl

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): tww

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): We have a follow up appt on Wednesday. Hopefully we can come to some agreement on further testing and next steps after tw* last months loss.

How are things going?: I’m anxious about this appt. DH and I have discussed what we will be doing if the re doesn’t want to help us. I just want her to at least listen and try different routes vs just jumping to Ivf.

Any questions?: I don’t think so.

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-)) idk if I have a favorite musical.

emmasemm · March 2019

Diagnosis (if you've been): DOR AMA Autoimmune and a pesky fibroid (myoma)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO but pretty much benched

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Today had an MRI, start of next cycle is appointment at the fibroid clinic

How are things going?:
So the MRI today was interesting. They made me get up and empty my bladder again twice. With my IV in for the contrast... And I was total more than an hour to get all views they wanted. Longest one I’ve had. Luckily I’m not claustrophobic!!!
Results were interesting - yes I have a fibroid and it’s a pretty big one. As big as a normal bladder. And yes it’s on the “fundus” of my uterus. But no view showed it causing a misshapen uterus... and not invading the lining... however there were also a few unclear views. And he said it’s so big if I’m standing (or half sitting in the ultrasound chair) it might give a different view. He doesn’t think it should impact falling PG (as if it’s so easy to “fall”) but said would need closely watching in the last months. Plus it explains why I need to pee a lot as it is squashing my bladder to approx half normal size. He recommended to leave it until we’ve finished with family building. But said see what the expert at the fibroid centre says in a few weeks.
On a side note I now realized I have more than 1000 images of my uterus and ovaries from 2D and 3D ultrasounds, plus Hysteroscopy photos and now MRI pictures too. Thinking I should open them as an art exhibition ;-)

Any questions?:

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-))
For me it’s a close call between phantom of the opera, cats and starlight express. I’ve seen them all multiple times, in London, New York and Beijing! But I’ve seen Phantom in the end 5 times... so it wins

inthewoods23 · March 2019

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): finally had the blood test for IUI #3 and it was negative. Either we can try a 4th IUI or set up an appointment to go over the next step of IVF.

How are things going?: I'm really glad I took those HPTs on Thursday and Sunday because getting that negative today without those would have sucked. I was basically like "yeah ok" to the nurse when she was apologizing that it was negative. I'm used to it, you know?

Any questions?: What's the process like going from IUIs to IVF? Like, how long passed between your last IUI and first IVF procedure if you went from one to the next right away instead of taking a break? I wonder what kind of prognosis we have being unexplained. Also, what's helped you when you had to move on to IVF? What are some good resources I should look in to?

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-))
No idea. Haven't seen any musicals

hanshotfirst77 · March 2019

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): CD1

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): start BC tonite m, saline sono on Friday. Hopefully starting femara next week for a medicated IUI

How are things going?: ok. Glad this cycle is finally here. Eager to move forward. But still kinda sucks TW coping with loss milestones etc.

Any questions?:

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-))

im not really a huge fan of musicals.

ruby696 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 I don't want to keep repeating the same thing to you, so... hugs and good luck. You've got this!

@emmasemm Overy Art 😂. Seriously though, if your fibroid is that big, wouldn't you want it removed before you get pregnant so you don't have complications at 8 mos? Obviously your doctor knows better than I do, but that seems stressful!

@inthewoods23 I'm so sorry IUI #3 wasn't successful. I don't know much about IVF, but if you go forward with it, I hope the process goes smoothly for you.

@hanshotfirst77 Sorry you're dating with milestones. Those are always so hard. Good luck with IUI and I'm glad I'll have an "IUI buddy."

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained RPL.

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): The last days if being benched.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): FSH and estriodol on CD 2, plus an US. Hopefully IUI No. 1 mid-month.

How are things going?: Great! I started spotting, so CD 1 is around the corner. I'll be off the bench and starting to get things moving.

Any questions?: Not right now. I'm sure I'll have lots after my US (likely Friday or Saturday).

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-)) Wicked! I've seen it three times.

kbrown2385 · March 2019

@ruby696 I feel bad writing the same things over again, but I have nothing else going on haha.

celticknotfire · March 2019

@kbrown2385 good luck with your appointment Wednesday! FX for some answers and a plan

@emmasemm I would love to go to your art showing! It's great that you can find some humor through all the craziness.

@inthewoods23 I am so sorry your IUI didn't work. I can't really say much as far as going from IUI to IVF because I was benched in between but right now there aren't too many differences. Prepare for more US/BW monitoring appointments when you start your stims. Since I did injectables with my IUI my RE said it will be similar with 4 monitoring appointments in 8 days but that varies on how you respond to the meds. If you didn't have a saline sono you may need one. Personally the two biggest differences I'm noticing is some more waiting to get started and the cost.

@hanshotfirst77 I'm sorry you are dealing with milestones as I know how difficult they can be. FX you are good to go for your IUI

@ruby696 That's great you are so close to getting off the bench! GL with your US

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFIVF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF hopefully soon.

How are things going?: So far so good just enjoying the wonderful waiting game we play with IF. Saline sono went well and the uterus looks good so that's a relief. Appointment with the RE on Wednesday and FX starting stims at the end of the month.

Any questions?: Not yet but I'm sure I'll have some soon!

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-))

I love Phantom of the Opera and always wanted to see it live but never was able to (or could afford to). I also like the other standards like Grease, Les Miserables, West Side Story, Chicago, Rent, etc. It's really hard to pick just one!

hanshotfirst77 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 I hope the appt goes well and they can start with something before the jump to IVF. I would think there has to be some lesser options for you guys.

@emmasemm I loled at your art comment. Too funny. I hope the fibroid really isn't going to cause any issues for you.

@inthewoods23 I'm sorry your last IUI failed. I don't have any experience with IVF, but I hope whatever you do next works! Fx

@ruby696 yes IUI buddies! Though I think mine might end up being more towards the end of the month cause of having to wait for the Saline Sono before starting femara. But fx for us both!

@celticknotfire Fx you get to start IVF soon! Good luck!

ruby696 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 Ha! I know what you mean. I feel like a broken record - I've been giving the same update for 3 months, more or less. FWIW, I don't think you're being repetative, I just didn't want you to think I was being disingenuous.

crookshanks10 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow!
@emmasemm Wow, that is a lot of uterus pictures!! I'm jealous of all the musicals you have been to!
@inthewoods23 Sorry to hear your most recent IUI was unsuccessful. I did 4 IUIs and went on to IVF. My clinic says 3 IUIs is giving it a fair shot of working. I did have a cycle break in between mine but only because I had to get a saline sono and a mock transfer done. If you've had an HSG within the last year, you likely won't have to do the saline sono. The mock transfer is simple and helps them determine the route for actually embryo transfer day. If you have any questions, feel free to message me (:
@hanshotfirst77 Good luck with your saline sono on Friday! I hope all goes well.
@ruby696 I'm happy to hear you're off the bench!
@celticknotfire I'm glad your saline sono went well and everything looks good! One less thing to worry about. Stims flies by... it's kind of crazy. If you have any IVF questions, I'm here!

Diagnosis (if you've been): LP defect, possible endo

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Hanging out at the moment

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Down regs for my transfer next month

How are things going?: So far so good. Only on birth control at the moment. I start Lupron injections Saturday.

Any questions?: N/A

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-)) I haven't seen any major musicals live that I can remember! I would love to see any of them! Someone get me to NYC! (:

nitnat007 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 Good luck tomorrow. I hope that you leave there with a clear plan and confident moving forward. *hugs*

@emmasemm Love the idea of ovary art. When I went in for my MRI I was in there close to an hour too. Ther really need to work on getting that thing to look more like the one in Grey's lol. It it far more roomy on the tv shows. That is quite the size to the fibroid. No wonder it is causing such issues. Glad that they feel like it is wont be a problem with ttc though and something you just have to keep an eye on moving forward. FX the specialist feels the same way about it.

@inthewoods23 I did not do IUI before moving to IVF, but I dont think you will have a waiting period. You should be able to start as soon as you are ready to, as long as your clinic is able to fit you in. GL

@hanshotfirst77 Sorry that you have to go through those milestones. *hugs* GL on Friday. Hope its a breeze.

@ruby696 Yay for being off the bench! I know how frustrating that can be, so any step feels like you are moving forward. Bring it on!

@celticknotfire That is great news that your sono went well. Hoping that you have a good meeting with the RE Wednesday and you are all set to get started.

@crookshanks10 Dang it, I totally missed all of your stim updates. How did things go? I need to look back and catch up. Rooting for you!

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: Things were really hectic for a while there. Between office relocation, snow storms, FIL and MIL stuff, ears needing stitches and travel plans, we are finally settling into a "new" version of normal. Although its still a slightly warped version. TTC has been put on the back burner, although MH is still optimistic that we could still be lucky on our own. I have lost all optimism on that front unfortunately.

Any questions?:

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-)) Goodness, it has been so long since I have seen one that I can't even recall what we saw last. Need to get to the Shakespeare in the Park this summer though.

inthewoods23 · March 2019

@crookshanks10 thanks! You may see a PM from me later 🙂

kbrown2385 · March 2019

@inthewoods23 Sorry for the bfn.

@hanshotfirst77 good luck with the saline sono on Friday!

@celticknotfire Glad your saline sono went well! Hopefully your re appt does as well!

@crookshanks10 Hopefully things calm down a little for you soon.

b_1029 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow and you're able to get some answers / a solid plan to move forward. Let us know how it goes!

@emmasemm wow that is quite a fibroid. Do you have any pain at all? LOL to your art exhibit. Like others have said, I love that you're able to keep a sense of humor through all this.

@inthewoods23 so sorry for the BFN

I hope whatever you all do next goes well.

@hanshotfirst77 sorry for the milestones coming up. I hope your sono on Friday goes well and you're able to start Femara!

@ruby696 woo happy last bit of being benched! I'm glad you're finally able to move forward

@celticknotfire I'm glad your sono went well and everything looks good. Good luck at your appointment tomorrow!

@crookshanks10 happy to hear everything is going well! Keeping everything crossed for you next month.

@nitnat007 I was wondering where you've been! Sounds like a crazy last few weeks. Glad things are more chill now. How's your FIL doing?

b_1029 · March 2019

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): on our own, RE appointment 4/5

How are things going?: fine. I’ve accepted that we won’t be conceiving without help so this cycle is basically just a placeholder until we go to the RE.
ETA - I also feel like I’m in a weird limbo right now. I feel weird participating here since I don’t feel like my IF “qualifies” because I’m not actively doing any treatment and did a bunch of testing several months ago 🤷🏼‍♀️ But we’re on cycle 18 now.

Any questions?: I’ve done 1 round of clomid (with my OB), but what’s typically “step 1” when working with an RE? Medicated? IUI? Medicated + IUI? I just have no idea what to expect.

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-))
Phantom of the Opera (2x) and Wicked (once)! I saw both in Chicago. I also love Cats (saw once in Chicago)

kobrien827 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow!
@emmasemm wow an hour MRI! You go girl. Id be anxious like hell.
@inthewoods23 I'm sorry #3 was negative. Between my beta for IUI#3 and my egg retrieval for IVF was 8 weeks. Some couples do take a break in between but we decided to just go for it to not waste time and my next cycle. I watched alot of youtube videos on stims and injections since that was the part I was most nervous to start. Good luck!
@hanshotfirst77 Keeping my fx crossed for this upcoming cycle!
@ruby696 Wicked

Good luck at your u/s!
@celticknotfire Keeping my fx for your ivf cycle and stims! How exciting to get started.
@crookshanks10 Do you have a date yet for your transfer next month? This is our cycle!
@nitnat007 Sorry things have been so crazy lately! I hope things calm down soon so you can focus on TTC

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFFET

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): In limbo, waiting to start FET prep

How are things going?: Things are okay- Went last week to recheck my TSH to make sure it had dropped to normal levels with the thyroid pill but it is still too high so they increased my dose and wait three weeks to recheck. That was a blow since I realized it will most likely be mid/late April at least for our next FET so a 2019 babe is out of the question. I hate the wait game.

Any questions?: None this week!

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-)) Wicked for sure! Seen it twice. It is so expensive or I would have seen it more.

ruby696 · March 2019

@kobrien827 Ugh, sorry you're waiting. Waiting is the worst.

@b_1029 Eh, I feel like many of the ladies on this thread (myself included) are waiting for appts before treatment gets underway. Don't feel weird about posting here.

@nitnat007 I'm glad things are settling down for you. It seems like husbands are usually overly optimistic/blissfully unaware. Its endearing and annoying.🙂

@crookshanks10 Me! I'll take you! *waives hand wildly* I love NYC and haven't been in years. *sigh*

crookshanks10 · March 2019

@nitnat007 I didn't really update during stims because it was such a grueling/emotional process for me. Not many follicles led to serious negativity. We ended up with 2 embryos and hope to do a FET soon! I hope things have calmed down a bit for you (:
@b_1029 Thank you! I did 3 rounds of clomid before going to an RE. With the RE I did 4 medicated IUI cycles then went to IVF. They may want to do some testing as well for you.
@kobrien827 No FET date yet! I'm pretty much in the dark at the moment lol. All I know is I start Lupron Saturday and I'll be on that about a week? No clue what's after that! I hope you and I are on the other side soon sister!!

Does anyone else have a TTC instagram? (:

inthewoods23 · March 2019

Been through enough emotional turmoil in 1 day to cover a lifetime.... But after another discussion in the middle of the work day with DH, we're going to try 1 more IUI, then IVF.

His biggest concern is the cost, but he's also worried about timing. If transfer isn't going to happen until April that puts us in the middle of the robotics season so we might just end up having a break for a few months before we transfer anything (probably good for my mental health anyway). Sucks, but we also need to take care of ourselves.

b_1029 · March 2019

@crookshanks10 nope but I've been stalking some!

@inthewoods23 I'm so sorry today has sucked, but I'm glad the two of you agreed on a plan moving forward. Hope you're able to treat yourself to something nice today

emmasemm · March 2019

@crookshanks10 yes you can add me if you want - you’ll find me under peggysemm

ruby696 · March 2019

Well I got the call from my RE and I start Clomid in two days. We'll check follies next Friday and decide when to trigger. I'm so excited that so much is happening so quickly after doing nothing for three months 🤗

littlesheep123 · March 2019

@kbrown2385 good luck with your appointment!
@emmasemm glad that you are not claustrophobic! Hopefully MRI wasn't painful
@inthewoods23 sorry for the bfn. Good luck with whatever comes next!
@hanshotfirst77 sorry you have to cope with loss milestone. hope you feel better
@ruby696 congrats on getting off bench! I am excited for you

@celticknotfire glad your saline sono went well

FX for your RE appointment
@crookshanks10 wow embryo transfer! hope the FET date will be set soon
@nitnat007 snow storm! Stay warm

@b_1029 Good luck with your RE appointment! I have the same questions as you.. my OB also practice infertility treatment at her office; what she suggested me to do next is a medicated IUI cycle. I was like should I just do an medicated cycle first...
kobrien827 sorry you have to wait! hope your TSH drops to normal

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I did my saline sono last Thursday (CD 6).
How are things going?: Not bad.. but not great. I was still bleeding a little on CD5, so I called my OB. OB said it should be okay, and I took my antibiotic & motrin prior to the procedure.
Oh man, the procedure was not so painful but pretty scary. *TMI* OB said my cervix opening was too small, so the catheter can't pass through... She then used a couple of dilators on me. I was scared to death when my OB said to me "hmm we may need to use anesthesia on you if the smallest dilator can't go through" *end TMI* The entire procedure took about 40 mins. My OB said my tubes are open & my uterus looks normal. I asked her how many follicles I have on each side, but didn't really get an answer from her... She only pointed me to my biggest follicle.

Any questions?:Wondering if I should ask for a day 3 ultrasound (AFC)? Also I am still spotting as of now (CD11); not sure if I should refrain from sex until I stop spotting. I don't want to waste this cycle, but most importantly I don't want an infection...

GTKY: What’s your favorite musical and have you seen it performed live? (If so where and how many times ;-))

Not into musical. I have only been to the Lion King

kbrown2385 · March 2019

My appt went really well. I think I brought in enough scientific backed data that my re actually listened to me. I’ll be getting an endometrial biopsy to check for Endometritis tomorrow. I have bloodwork to check my thyroid as well as vitamin deficiencies. Dh will be getting a sperm analysis and once that’s all done we will start clomid with monitoring. Very happy with the appt and glad we have next steps instead of jumping straight to Ivf.

celticknotfire · March 2019

Update: appointment with the RE went well and we are still on track to start stims at the end of the month. She's deciding between two different protocols for me because it took so long to get one follicle for the IUI. I have my nurse appointment next week and will get med schedule then. We are happy with the way the appointment went because Monday we found out MH's grandmother passed away so its been a little tough.

Question: Has anyone used Cooper Genomics? I have to set up an account with them and I don't know if I should just call or if I can do it online.

ruby696 · March 2019

To all the ladies who took clomid, did you take it at morning or in the evening. I'd planned on taking it in the morning, but now I'm wondering if sleeping through side effects might be better?

charmedlifex3 · March 2019

Hey everyone, I am checking back in. Hoping against hope to be able to be more active soon. Even just getting a timeline to get off the bench would be amazing...

Crazy things have been happening on my end. What had been diagnosed as lupus with anticoagulant antibodies actually turns out not to be lupus at all - I still have the anticoagulant antibodies, but there is a heart condition which can mimic the symptoms of lupus, and the same antibodies are tied in. The rhematologist was reasonably those antibodies are the culprit in some of my fertility issues - my losses, and erratic periods.
I have TWO holes in my heart. So firmly riding the bench until I get surgery to correct this. No idea what the healing time the doctors will dictate before a pregnancy, and I will need to take aspirin still for the duration. I did talk to my cardiologist team about pregnancy after all of this, and they said it would be possible. Hanging onto that hope.
And - yay no lupus!!!! Trying to balance the fact it turns out my condition has something close to a cure, which will make TTC and carrying a child much more possible against the very scary, very real spector of open heart surgery between me and a baby.

lulu1180 · March 2019

*lurking*
@ruby696 When I took clomid, I got some really nasty headaches; the first cycle I took it in the morning then the next cycle I thought I would try to take it in the evening before bed to try to avoid the headaches and (for me) it didn't make a difference. However, you may have no side effects whatsoever from the clomid so it may be a moot point; it definitely affects everyone differently!

b_1029 · March 2019

@whatsbumpinpumpkin I’m glad it’s not lupus! Do you have any when you’d get the surgery?

@ruby696 I took it at night after @lulu1180 ‘s guidance. I felt like crap while taking it but didn’t have any headaches or real adverse side effects while on it, I just didn’t feel like myself.

kiki047 · March 2019

*lurking*
@whatsbumpinpumpkin whoa, that's huge news! So glad it's not lupus and that it is entirely treatable with surgery, but that's still a very scary hurdle to have to jump before you can get back on track with TTC. Sending lots of good wishes your way!!

ruby696 · March 2019

@lulu1180 and @b_1029 Thanks - I've decided I'm definitely going to take it at night. I start today, so I guess I'll see how it goes.

ruby696 · March 2019

@whatsbumpinpumpkin I'm sorry you have to have heart surgery (scary!), but holy yay that you don't have lupus! That's fantastic news!

kobrien827 · March 2019

@ruby696 I took my clomid at night. I didnt get the headaches like some others but did have night sweats.

inthewoods23 · March 2019

Well, here goes nothing! I scheduled the appointment to talk to the RE about IVF. Now I can't wait for next week Thursday 🙂

hanshotfirst77 · March 2019

I had my Saline Sono today and all looks good. They also counted bloodwork and U/S from today as my baseline. I'm starting Letrozole/Femara on Monday!

ruby696 · March 2019

I heard back from my RE re: labs. My FSH is 11.8. And my AFC was 6. So that's awesome.

ETA: words

inthewoods23 · March 2019

@ruby696 sorry for the not so great news 🙁 did your RE say anything about your results?

I have kind of a dumb question. I got a letter the other day reminding me that my annual exam is due in a few months. Should I even bother with that if I'm in the middle of IVF stuff? Does that screw up the process being examined?

ruby696 · March 2019

@inthewoods23 She said I have a 30% less chance of getting pregnant than other women my age (38) do.

I would skip the annual just because I'm tired of people being up in my business. But if you have a history of abnormal paps or haven't had one is a long time, you probably shouldn't skip it. I don't think it would mess with IVF, but call your RE first and have it done soon

celticknotfire · March 2019

@ruby696 I'm so sorry that sucks!

@inthewoods23 I would ask your RE at your appointment because at my office you need to have a current PAP with cultures done before you can start IVF. They just did it before the saline sono so everything could be done at once. But obviously every office is different.

kristimh80 · March 2019

*lurking* @inthewoods23 As someone that's gone thru IVF, I wouldn't bother with it. I didn't last year when was in the midst of IVF. What you do for IVF, usually shows everything and if there was an issue, it would come up on your sonograms, bloodwork, etc. I doubt it would really screw up anything really, but IMO it's just something extra you could avoid

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