IF Testing and Treatment Week of 1/20

mvt2003 · January 2020

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: If you could live anywhere, where would that be?

mvt2003 · January 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I started BCP over the weekend, first stim cycle is officially begun!

How are things going?: I have literally never been on chemical bc for any length of time (in hindsight, I have Thoughts about this) and dang! First of all, I had no idea it would make me nauseous. I spent all of yesterday afternoon feeling queasy on the couch with seltzer. Second of all, this cycle's AF is insanely different than normal! Getting nervous about starting the process, but mostly anxious to get through the hard parts.

Any questions?: For anyone who's done BCP before - anything I should expect when I stop in a week or so? Does AF come immediately or does it take a few days?

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? Probably Orlando, close to Disney World! Especially after shoveling snow this weekend, that sounds pretty good to me!

nitnat007 · January 2020

@mvt2003 Oh yay! You are moving forward with your cycle. That is really exciting news. I have everything crossed for you. On the bc front, not so great that it is not agreeing with you. Hopefully that is a temporary side effect. It has been years since I have been on it, but when I have stopped it took a few days before AF would show up. And also I found my periods to be much stronger and longer on bc than off it. GL!

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, MFI (low morph, acrosome defect)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: I took some time off. The holidays were really hard on both of us and honestly I had a full on meltdown after the failed fresh transfer. I was really struggling, still am, but it just isn't quite as raw as it was a month ago. That on top of all the extra weight I have packed on has made me completely miserable. But we are both working on that too. We still have not gone back in for our follow up consult, and we will likely wait to see how this FET goes before going back in as nothing we hear now will change that outcome.

Any questions?:

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? Costa Rica! It has been so damn cold lately. Too much snow!

misshelen86 · January 2020

Morning ladies!

@mvt2003 Sorry you’re feeling so nauseous. Can you ask about going on a different BCP? I had a lot of issues with nausea and switched to Tricira-Lo which I found a bit better. So excited for you as you move forward on your journey! You got this!

Diagnosis: MFI

Status: WTO

What are you doing this cycle? Taking a break from tracking. I feel so much better already! We continue to wait for a surgery date for DH’s varicoceles. I will call again this morning to see if I can find out any news about when this will be happening.

How are things going? I joined an in-person support group and between that, this group and my counselling I’m starting to deal with all these emotions. I’m going to focus over the next few months on taking care of myself and living my life, instead of focusing so much on fertility. I stopped doing so many things I enjoyed because it’s bad for TTC. I think the waiting has been the hardest part for me, I just want to get started with treatment already. But I know that going through the surgery will improve our chances of success so I’ll continue to wait.

Any questions? Not right now

GTKY: Anywhere warm!! Especially right now when it’s so cold here! I would love to live in Hawaii or California.

misshelen86 · January 2020

@nitnat007 So sorry to hear that you are on the struggle bus. Hugs to you! Hope things get a bit better now that the holidays are over. Keeping everything crossed for your upcoming FET!

mvt2003 · January 2020

@nitnat007 Glad you're feeling better than you were, but I'm sorry it's all still so hard. Sending you so many creepy internet stranger hugs!

@misshelen86 I'm so glad you're getting in-person support and that stopping tracking all the fertility stuff is helping you. I hope there's a surgery cancellation so YH can get in!! I hadn't thought of asking to switch BCs, glad to know it might be an option! I'm going to push on since at this point I'm 3 days in and (knock on wood) the nausea is better today. If this transfer doesn't work and I have to do a FET, I'll probably ask to switch RXs if the nausea continues.

inthewoods23 · January 2020

@mvt2003 AF for me typically comes on day 3 of no BCP. For example if the last pill was taken in Monday AF would show by Thursday. Also what time of day are you taking it? Maybe it would help to take with food?

@nitnat007 the pain from a failed transfer is really hard. I took me weeks to feel normal. Do you know when your FET will be?

@misshelen86 glad all your counselling is helping! That's my goal this week to get my first appointment booked. But I'm also terrified that this is the worst time to start tackling these feelings 😬

Diagnosis (if you've been): LITERALLY unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): BCP

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): well, we're going to move forward with the diet change.... I'm so terrified it's not going to work. The RE said every time the switch is made they got pregnant and I have so much anxiety thinking "what if I'm that ONE person that becomes the first where this doesn't work". Appointment with a dietitian this afternoon to get tips and some help. We have a lot of gluten and dairy items so I'm like, can I cheat this week just so it doesn't get wasted? 😣

How are things going?: Something did not agree with me Saturday night so I went through the unpleasant experience of puking. My throat still feels a bit irritated from that. Woke up Sunday still not feeling super great but got better throughout the day. Didn't really get to anything I wanted to do yesterday like clean up the messes basically everywhere in the house. Cleanliness and organization always go out the window during robotics because we're busy 3 days a week. I might just be checking in for the next week or 2, but we'll see how that goes. I think that's just my depression talking.

Any questions?: any good resources or recipes for gluten and dairy free meals?

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be?
Right now I just want to be away from people and responsibility 😩 In the woods sounds great right now 😆 living in Europe might be fun (specifically Iceland of course for DH). I like where we live currently though. Nice large yard but could use even more trees lol.

kiki047 · January 2020

@mvt2003 how long do they have you on BCP before starting stims? What day of your cycle did you start it? I started BCP right at the tail end of my LP but before I had even started spotting. They said ideally they would've liked for me to have a bleed but because of the timing they needed me to start right away (after POAS and having a beta to make sure I wasn't actually KU, how ironic). I was only on BCP for 10 days but I did eventually have a bleed during that time. Back when I was taking BCP as a contraceptive AF would arrive a few days after stopping. Hopefully you'll start to feel better soon as your hormones kinda level out.
@nitnat007 hi friend, welcome back. I almost did a flying-hug across the room when I saw your name this morning. Glad you took some time to process everything. Sending you all the positive vibes for your next FET.
@misshelen86 the waiting really is the hardest part. I was just talking about that on the weekend. Feeling like we put our lives on hold waiting for the next thing... can't plan anything too far in advance, what if _______? Happy to hear you're seeking some support to help process the emotions. I hope that helps. My teletherapy sessions have helped immensely. Which reminds me, I need to book another one soon.

From last week:
@inthewoods23 good luck with the GF and DF diet. I've done it, it's not easy but it's not as hard as one might think. Chronic inflammation is one of the hallmarks of PCOS and if you look up anti-inflammatory diets there are tons of resources out there. Glad you're able to get set up with a Dietician through your insurance, that should be really helpful. I really hope this does the trick for you. I ought to think about it too... (edited to clarify - I know you don't have PCOS, I meant I have PCOS so that's why I'm familiar with inflammation)

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO? I'm not really tracking but I should've ovulated over the wkd.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): WFAF so we can do our mock transfer/uterine biopsy scratch next cycle, and FET the following cycle.

How are things going?: I'm up and down. I find it so much easier to tell complete strangers or distant acquaintances about IVF/IF than close friends/family because there's so much less expectation there. I don't know how many people I saw on Sunday who gave me that excited/expectant look accompanied by a "sooooo, how are things going?!" At least 3 of them hinted that it's "time" to start thinking about having some babies. But we see some of these people all the time so I don't want to say something like "well we're doing IVF and this is really difficult to talk about" because then they'll just talk about us behind our backs instead. Meanwhile I told a client on the phone when she asked when we're having babies, because we only talk to her once or twice a year and who's she going to tell? I dunno. It's such a double edged sword.
Also, ***TW*** rant re: our nephew

My bitterness is still building over our nephew and how the family caters to BIL/SIL just because they have a baby. We're going away with the family in June and the entire trip is basically centered around them. They get to dictate which airport we fly into because one is 20 mins closer to the AirBnB and they don't want to drive 50mins instead of 30mins "with a baby" (he'll be 19mos by then). They got to pick where we stay because one of them had floors that looked 'too shiny' and SIL was worried about it being too slippery.... meanwhile the one she ended up picking has hardwood throughout and is full of stairs sooo... SMH.

And I know I'm just being overly sensitive about this one but they all went to the science center (7 adults and a 14mo old) over the weekend on a day that we already had a prior engagement so MIL messages us the night before to say "you're coming tomorrow, right?" and when we said no sorry we have a luncheon to go to she just said "oh....

" and hasn't spoken to us since. Is it just me? Am I reading into this too much? It's true, I go out of my way to not spend time with them but it fucking hurts. We played with him at dinner later but MIL didn't even acknowledge us all night.

Any questions?: Not right now.

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? Hawaii or Japan. DH would never want to live that far away from family but honestly there are days when I seriously consider it.

inthewoods23 · January 2020

@kiki047 that's interesting that you say that about PCOS because my AMH number was a little high (around 4.5) and some resources say above 4 indicates PCOS but my RE was like pish-posh that's normal. Plus they retrieved 24 eggs from me so maybe it is all connected to PCOS but I just don't have symptoms? I may HIGHLY consider the diet change again if this works and see if we actually can get KU on our own when trying for #2. Nothing would make DH happier than knowing the chance of having a boy is actually possible.

mvt2003 · January 2020

@kiki047 I started BCP on CD1, the nurse line had me confirm I was at full flow before I could take my first dose. I spotted for a couple of days before the flow started, so I was confident. I spoke with the weekend nurse, she said I needed to call in on Monday to let my RE's nurse know. I left a message this morning, they'll call me back to let me know how long to take it for. I assume I'll be stopped at CD10 since we haven't found any hormonal issues with me, and CD10 is a Monday, gives me some stim wiggle room for a weekday retrieval.

I'm in total agreement with you about the "telling" piece. We had a conversation this weekend about limiting some of the flow of information because now people we are close to will start asking for updates. It's way easier for me to tell the ladies I'm friends with at WW about IVF than my girlfriends. **TW discussion of LOs below:

Also, your experience with your nephew is very very similar to mine. My nephew was the Second Coming in MH's family. (And privately, I can tell you I do not think it was good for him. He literally at any given moment had the undivided attention of 6-8 adults

) MH was always the favorite son, but the minute Nephew was born, MH was the afterthought, and he did struggle with that for quite a while. Everything had to be catered to BiL and SiL because they had Nephew, even stupid stuff like they were allowed to park in the driveway because they had a LO, and MH and I had to just try to find on street parking. I struggled pretty hard with that too. I can offer some hope though! 1. Nephew is now 5, and the catering has gotten much less. 2. Once Niece was born, there was weirdly less obsession if that makes sense. Having there be 2 LOs very much took the pressure off things. Also, your science center story? I have about 15 of those stories. You're completely not alone!

kpearse99 · January 2020

@mvt2003 holy moly this is really real for you!! It’s happening!!! ♥️♥️♥️

@nitnat007 welcome back, friend! I’m glad you took time for yourself. I know you took that really hard, understandably so.

@misshelen86 I think it’s wonderful you want to focus on yourself and doing things that you love or want to do. You are so right that we give up so many things to TTC but at some point you just need to be able to live your life even while trying.

@inthewoods23 ugh I’m sorry you were so sick this weekend. A stomach bug is going around and it does take some time for you to feel fully better after having it. I hope the appointment goes well with the dietician today!

@kiki047 I’m Sending you hugs!! Lots of hugs!! It is easier, to some extent, to tell strangers about what you’re struggling with but I also find comfort in sharing with some of my close friends. Even if they don’t know what we’re going through exactly they are then sympathetic at least and I empathic.

Diagnosis (if you've been): secondary unexplained IF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): 50 mg of Clomid (first Clomid cycle after 4 letrozole cycles), trigger, IUI #5 and progesterone after IUI.

How are things going?: ummm okay, I guess. Had my monitoring appointment this morning and i have 3 follies growing, two on the left and one on the right. He said my lining was looking good but he didn’t say how thick. Things need to “cook” a little more, as my biggest follie was at 16.5mm so I go back on Wednesday for another appointment and the IUI should be on Friday. All of that is good but I am so bloated from the Clomid. I’ve gained 5lbs in water weight and I don’t like myself right now because of it but I know it’s from the hormones and that it’s only temporary. Sigh

Any questions?: Do you ever feel like you’re not fertile?? That’s how I feel right now, for some reason. 😕

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? DH and I were actually talking about this the other day! I’m not sure of a specific place I want to live but when we retire we would love to live in a place that’s close to a town but far away enough to be somewhat secluded. I want a big covered porch with a porch swing and rockers so i can sit outside during rain storms!

mvt2003 · January 2020

@kpearse99 FX for Friday, friend!!!! Sending you alllll of the good fertile vibes!

@inthewoods23 I'm taking them in the morning with my breakfast, since that's when I take my vitamins. The nausea showed up at like 2pm yesterday, keeping my FX it doesn't come back today! I'm so sorry you felt under the weather, it's so hard when you have to start the week like that too!

Just got the call from my clinic, BCP is going for 10 days in total, stopping it a week from today. Then I start BW and monitoring on Thursday 1/30, with stims probably beginning that night!

emeraldduchess · January 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained IF, unexplained RPL, possible luteal phase defect/low progesterone

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): One more cycle of letrozole, trigger shot and TI before we regroup with the RE.

How are things going?: OK. I am in that spot of my cycle where O is at least a week or so away, so I my ttc anxiety is pretty low. I had my baseline ultrasound this morning (had to go into the city for it), so I'm just waiting for the ok to start letrozole.

Any questions?: No, I think I'm ok.

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? I like my New England home, except when we get bad snow storms. I do love England, so maybe there?

emeraldduchess · January 2020

@mvt2003 so excited for you that stims are starting!! I think when I was on BC it would take a few days for my period to start. I also remember they were heavier on BC.
@kiki047 I can relate to feeling like an afterthought, too. Lots of hugs to you. I'm sorry people always seem to think you have baby news to share. Now that DH's family knows we've had losses (and some know we're in treatment), I get that expectant look, too. I have said several times that IF treatment isn't magic, but they don't get it.
@nitnat007 I am so, so sorry friend. I wish I could find the right things to say. I am crossing everything that your FET goes well!
@misshelen86 I hope the support group helps. IF brings such a unique mixed bag of emotions and no one gets it unless they've been there. FX that your can get your H's surgery scheduled soon!
@inthewoods23 good luck with your consult with the dietitian. That's great that you have that resource! I'm sure it will be a tough change, but crossing everything that it's the answer.
@kpearse99 grow follies, grow! FX SO hard for you, friend!

kiki047 · January 2020

@inthewoods23 I'll post more about the diet stuff in the other thread, hopefully the baking/crafting thread is ok to hijack to talk about that kinda stuff. Unexplained is the best/worst kind of diagnosis because everything feels like a crapshoot in the dark when you don't have any answers, yet it leaves the door open for the future because you never know what might change. I so hope that reducing inflammation might tip the scales for you, now and down the road when you're TFAS!
@mvt2003 MH's family has the same driveway rule. It just never ends. Maybe some of the bitterness comes from also feeling like when it's our turn, are we going to have some of those same privileges? Because they're still going to have a LO when we have ours so who gets the driveway? These are things that keep me up at night. But WOO HOO about starting stims at the end of the month!
@kpearse99 I feel like that every day. Like somehow there's a difference between IF and not being fertile at all. Because IF is a scale, right? Anyone that has difficulty conceiving over 6mos for AMA or 12mos for everyone else falls under the IF umbrella. But I get what you mean about feeling like you're just not fertile. Sometimes I think I have a hostile womb so nothing wants to grow in there. My daily affirmations and positive thoughts don't work. I'm sorry you're feeling that leading up to your IUI on Friday. We're all here cheering you on, even when you feel hopeless yourself.
@emeraldduchess I'm glad things are generally ok for the time being. I am thankful for those points in the cycle that allow for a bit of breathing room.

I thought of a question. What can anyone tell me about AMH levels? I saw on my chart that my AMH came back at 66.9. That seems like insanely high to me. My RE kinda brushed me off because he says it doesn't matter now that we have frozen embies and we know the protocol worked so FX it'll never need to mean anything. But I've gone down the Dr Google rabbit hole and it still seems a little ridiculous. From what I've gathered, it's just a symptom of my PCOS?

nitnat007 · January 2020

@misshelen86 That is really great that you are getting so much support, and that it is helping. I have been looking into going to see a counselor too. It really didn't hit me until this last cycle how hard it has been. Also, hope that they give you some good news on YH's surgery date. FX.

@inthewoods23 Think the FET will be for the beginning of March some time. So it gives me a couple months to try and get myself geared up for it. The diet, the gym and the mental health.
Which, that is me every time I start a new diet. "There are these 6 chocolate bars and two boxes of cookies here.....these need to be gone before I start the diet tomorrow!" Truly hope that the diet adjustment is that magic piece you are missing. Keep us posted.
Also, how are the little spiky boys doing?

@kiki047 Hi friend!

I think I tend to agree. Telling strangers is a lot easier than telling those close to you. The questions become endless, and it ends up being there main focus. It all of a sudden becomes the new "hows the weather" conversation, and generally when you are doing you best to completely ignore the entire subject too. Share with whom you feel comfortable and when.
The nephew story is too much. It is not just you, there is definitely some favoritism going on there that is not healthy. Hope that things change there. *hugs*

@kpearse99 Yay for three follies. Hope they keep growing nicely for you and that things line up well. The hormone weight is a killer. Get some stretchy pants so you dont hate yourself too much.

@emeraldduchess Thank you friend. Appreciate that.

Glad to hear that things are going well for you and that you are on schedule for this cycle. FX!

bluetickgal · January 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS & Unexplained RPL

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Letrozole (5mg), TI, & Progesterone after O.

How are things going?: Doing pretty well! I’m back on the being hopeful but trying not to be too hopeful train! I’ve been enjoying the long weekend with DH and trying not to stress too much about this cycle...whatever happens happens, but I’m also really hoping this is it! Haha. I’m starting OPK’s today...I don’t enjoy limiting water and trying to get a 3-hour hold, I usually chug water all day! But, I know it’s necessary to help better pinpoint O so I know when to start progesterone. Just another part of the process that will hopefully lead us to our end goal!

Any questions?: None right now.

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? With this cold weather lately, I’m tempted to say somewhere tropical...but I really do like experiencing all the seasons! Fall & Spring are my favorites though...so I guess if there is somewhere that had only those 2 seasons, I might be ok with that!

@mvt2003 yay for the stim cycle starting...that’s so exciting! So sorry the BC has given you some nausea though, I hope that doesn’t continue!!

@nitnat007 so happy to see you back, but so sorry to hear you’ve been struggling! Sending so many hugs your way!! 💜 I’ve got everything crossed that this FET is a success for you!

@misshelen86 I’m so glad you are taking this time to focus on yourself and just living!! I hope you get a surgery date soon so you can move forward!

@inthewoods23 so sorry you were sick over the weekend...hope you get to feeling better soon! I hope the meeting with the dietician goes well and you find some fairly easy substitutes and are able to make the dietary changes to fit your lifestyle! Fingers crossed that this works for you!!

@kiki047 so sorry for the feelings surrounding your nephew & the way your SIL/BIL seem to use him as an excuse to get their way! That sounds totally unfair! I hope you can find a balance with deciding who to tell and when about your journey! I find it much easier talking to you all about it, and that is why none of our family knows anything that we have been through at this point!
@kpearse99 I’m glad your RE said your lining is looking good! Hopefully your appt on Wednesday shows good progress and you will be a go for the IUI on Friday!! Sorry for the bloat...that can’t be comfortable!! Your retirement plan sounds wonderful...and actually very similar to what DH and I have in mind! We want some land so we feel like we are “in the middle of nowhere” but we still want to be close enough to town so it’s not super inconvenient! And yes, I want a wrap around porch so we can sit outside and drink our coffee while enjoying a hopefully beautiful view!

@emeraldduchess I’m glad you are in the less stressful point of your cycle! I hope your baseline went well and you can start meds and get things going!

kiki047 · January 2020

@nitnat007 that's exactly it, it's totally a 'how's the weather' conversation expectation. I know that's what everyone means when they say "so how are things going with you?" They don't mean how's work, they mean "things (in your uterus)" wink wink nudge nudge. Sometimes followed by a glance down to my belly and then raised eyebrows and a smirk, or the more blatant ones actually rub my belly. Those are the ones that get a snarky "I'm a barren old hag and I've paid many doctors lots of money to make us a baby in a test tube if you really must know" kind of answer. I have told about as many people as I've kept it from, so it totally just depends on my mood and how they choose to approach the subject.
@bluetickgal I'm so thankful to have all of you to talk to about everything. There is no way I could confide our feelings about nephew to anyone that knows them. It's not even him, we love the baby, it's everyone else's attitudes around things to do with him. Some of it is definitely jealousy, hard to see others take advantage when they have everything we can only dream about. Glad you're doing ok so far this cycle. FX for you!!

mvt2003 · January 2020

100% seconded about being completely uninterested in making my fertility a "how's the weather" conversation! @nitnat007 @kiki047 !!!! That's absolutely what I'm trying to avoid. MH and I had the conversation this weekend about being more vague with others about dates for things so we don't get people asking for updates.

shoogapoff · January 2020

@misshelen86 I'm so glad you've found some support. I have an in-person support group too, and counseling. I don't know how I'd deal with this otherwise. And I'm glad you're trying to still live your life. Sometimes I feel guilty that I'm not following a super-strict fertility diet, or doing daily fertility yoga, etc. But I can't let this be the center of my universe. It's hard.

@nitnat007 I'm so sorry for how hard things have been lately. This is the world's longest roller coaster, and sometimes we just need to "get off the ride" in whatever way we can. FX this upcoming FET is the answer for you!

@mvt2003 I have no advice about BCP, except to say I think that's a pretty common side-effect. I don't know if it would help to change when you take them in the day?

@bluetickgal Any fun plans for this long weekend?

@kpearse99 3 follies is awesome! I was on a bunch of gonal-f this cycle, and really only had 3 really good follies at my IUI. So I'm jealous! :

@kiki047 I'm sorry about the stuff with your nephew. You're not being too sensitive. It hurts to feel like a 2nd class citizen for being childless, no matter who is making you feel that way.

@inthewoods23 You might have said this before, but I'm curious about why your doctor is recommending the diet change. Is it something they feel could benefit all women dealing with IF, or is it to target a specific possible diagnosis?

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, blocked tube

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI #3 (gonal-F, letrozole, trigger, and now progesterone)

How are things going?: I've been really bloated and uncomfortable since my IUI, and I'm thinking I might have mild OHSS. I know I should probably ask my doctor, but I'm stupidly worried that will mean they'll back off my medication dosage next cycle (if we need another), and I would rather just power through this. I think as long as I'm not in excruciating pain, it's okay to just deal, right? Otherwise, I'm walking that fine line of optimism and cynicism that I think we all know so well.

Any questions?: See above.

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? The beach- either the Pacific Northwest, or somewhere overseas, like the coast of Thailand. I love the water.

kiki047 · January 2020

@shoogapoff the bloating and discomfort sounds familiar, sorry you're experiencing all of that post-IUI. I thought maybe I had some mild OHSS after my ER too, even though I was on a really low dose on a long agonist protocol, the symptoms lined up. Try drinking gatorade, make sure you're urinating normally (as in regularly) and you aren't gaining weight rapidly (like more than 2lbs a day). I was told that I shouldn't even drink water, only gatorade. The symptoms took about 2 weeks to subside but they did eventually go away. FX you won't need to do this again and the meds are doing their thing!

misshelen86 · January 2020

@inthewoods23 I hope you get that appointment booked! Counselling has made such a difference for me. Especially now that I’m actually taking her advice! GL with the diet change. I am GF due to celiac disease (diagnosed just 6 months ago). If you are looking for any specific GF recipes let me know.. I usually just make the same things as I used to but substitute for GF ingredients.

@kiki047 Yes it’s the putting things on hold that has been so hard. Glad your teletherapy has been helpful for you! I agree that it’s so much easier to talk to strangers that have been there and can relate. I worry too that people would talk about us if they knew. I’m sorry you’re still having family drama to deal with.. I can’t even with your BIL/SIL..

@kpearse99 So glad things are moving along and hopefully your follies are ready for Friday. Sorry you are so bloated but I’m glad you are able to remind yourself that this is all temporary.

@emeraldduchess FX so hard this is your cycle! Glad the TTC anxiety is low and hope it stays that way.

@bluetickgal Glad things are going well for you! Such a hard balance between having hope but not *too much* in case you get let down. Rooting so hard for you that this is the cycle that works!

@shoogapoff Don’t feel guilty that fertility is not the center of your universe. That’s how it was for me and now I can see how unhealthy that was! I think you should probably mention your concerns to your dr just to be safe. Hope the discomfort goes away soon!

*Update: DH has a surgery date!! It will be in 1 month! Which means we could be ready to start treatment (either IUI or IVF depending on the repeat SA) in 4 months! So happy we are finally moving forward!

mvt2003 · January 2020

@misshelen86 Fantastic news!!!!!

inthewoods23 · January 2020

@misshelen86 yay!

@shoogapoff idk, it's kind of weird because I don't think I eat too much gluten or dairy to begin with. Like I'm not chowing down on bread every day. I've read up on articles that say gluten and/or dairy can cause just enough inflammation to make pregnancy difficult, but also the dietitian had never heard of it so 🤷‍♀️ to be fair though, DH and I don't eat the healthiest so maybe that really is a factor. But I also think part could be my own mental state and issues that does allow me a fairly regular cycle, but prevents implantation or something. OR it could just be that the first embryo just didn't want to stick and there is no issue at all. Again 🤷‍♀️

@nitnat007 spikey boys are good 😄 they both weigh more now, at only 12 weeks, than Pinecone ever did! So we're expecting these guys to be pretty big!

@mvt2003 hmm I would think your timing would be fine with your BCP. For a period of time I was taking them around 9pm at night and I'd wake up nauseous. Maybe your stomach is just too sensitive in the AM?? 🤷‍♀️

emeraldduchess · January 2020

@kiki047 people actually rub your belly? WTH? I would respond by asking them if they want to keep their hand. That's so over the line in my book.
@shoogapoff I'm sorry about all the bloating. It really sucks, the side effects of all the meds. I hope it goes away soon!
@misshelen86 woohoo for a surgery date!!

thankfullyamama · January 2020

@mvt2003 I got my period day 3 after I stopped the BCP pill also and my flows were always much heavier!

@nitnat007 so so sorry for all these hard emotions right now. Hopefully with time (and steps foreword) you’ll get through it without it having long lasting effects

@misshelen86 good for you for taking the necessary steps forward to help deal with all the ups and downs and roller coaster of emotions we face with TTC and troubles TTC. I have my first every therapy session at the end of the month to work on stress reduction. It takes a lot to recognize and ask for help but I don’t know a single person who has ever regretted it

i@inthewoods23 do yo guava any idea of What diet changes are they asking you to make? I know it’s hard but I’ve been gluten/dairy/sugar free for two months now and it gets better after u detox from all the crap lol

@kiki047 from my experience even telling close friends/family about my PCOS diagnosis I wish I would have been more selective. I just got tired of all the “when are you going to have babies” so I kind of told everyone like well I have PCOS so it’s been a bit difficult and again in hind sight I wish I only told that I knew would provide true emotional support because now some members are clearly talking about it to each other

@b@bluetickgal it’s okay to be hopeful it’s better than the opposite! And positivity breeds positivity!

thankfullyamama · January 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): ??? CD 67

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): waiting to get into an OB, probably switching up the protocol with my naturopath in February. May introduce Berberine and Saw Palmetto

How are things going?: my DH is not officially travelling for work (1 week there 2 days home, 2 weeks there 2 days home then there for 2-3 months straight) so I feel like I’ve been benched by two things lol however I’m looking at taking this time to try my very best and regulate my cycle naturally before turning to conventional medicine

Any questions?: anyone know anyone who successful regained control of their cycle with PCOS with diet/exercise and not with clomid/progesterone/BCP etc? I’m hanging on to a sliver of hope

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? Right where I d because I love my home and all four seasons

inthewoods23 · January 2020

@tryingktogku she just wants me dairy and gluten free. I should probably do less sugar too TBH. And girl when TF is your cycle going to end!!

thankfullyamama · January 2020

@inthewoods23 well I hope the diet Changes are your miracle worker! They say food is Medicine! And lol who knows. I’ve never wanted to bleed so badly before

ramzlau · January 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): Endometritis

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): gonal F, trigger, IUI, progesterone, all the vitamins

How are things going?: Reaching the point in the TWW where I am starting to doubt

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? I really like where we live now, if anything just a bit more in the country. Just wish family was closer!

@mvt2003 That sucks that the BC is making you nauseated. Hope it passes quickly!
@nitnat007 Welcome back! Hope you find some new hope for this FET!
@misshelen86 Yay for a surgery date!
@kpearse99 I hope your follies keep doing their thing and this cycle is the one!
@shoogapoff I hope you feel better with the bloating and the uncomfortableness soon!

Back for more tags later.

abarr723 · January 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS, however after this week’s ultrasound I’m not sure since they said my ovaries look normal. 😠

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO I guess. Giving it one more good Ol’ high school try before our follow up with the RE on the 29th. Today is CD 10.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): this week DH is going to submit his swimmer sample. Fingers crossed that it looks good.

How are things going?: things are going. I’m feeling better than last week. Hopefully this mood sticks around.

Any questions?: I think hubby is nervous about giving a sample, he’s been putting it off a little bit, and said he was unable do it. Luckily he is able to do it at home and then we can bring it to the lab. I guess my question is, how I do I get him to relax about it?

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? It would definitely be somewhere on a beach. I LOVE the beach! Thankfully where I currently live, there’s a beach 30-40 minutes in any direction lol

kpearse99 · January 2020

@emeraldduchess I am so hoping you won't need that regrouping appointment with your RE!!

@nitnat007 I'm wearing leggings today dressed up with a nice sweater and boots

Jeans are too uncomfortable right now

@bluetickgal I'm taking a page from your positive and hopeful attitude today! I gotta get myself back to being pumped up! haha I'm glad you had such a wonderful weekend with YH!

@shoogapoff I had one IUI cycle where I was really bloated after too. You're not alone! Surprisingly, I seem to respond really well to the letrozole and now the clomid... I just need a damn sperm to meet one of those eggs

I hope this IUI with the gonal is the ONE for you!!!

@misshelen86 Thank goodness you finally have a surgery date!!! Woohooo!!! I can't believe how long it took for this date to get made, but it's finally made so you can finally move forward!!

@ramzlau The doubting is the worst!! I'm not even in the TWW yet and I'm already doubting this cycle. Ugh! Hang in there!

@abarr723 I hope the SA results come back with good news for you and YH!!

nitnat007 · January 2020

@bluetickgal That is a good place to be, although one of the hardest. Hopeful, but not too hopeful. Good luck with getting the opk's done. I will be very hopeful for you this cycle!

@kiki047 Excuse me, say what now? People have rubbed your belly? Those people deserve to be throat punched. Regardless of what is going on, people should absolutely not be doing that! I have told a few people close to me that we are going through IVF, but when some ask now I just blow it off with a "don't want to talk about it" and they keep quiet pretty quickly. This FET I don't think I am going to tell anyone. I think this one is just on us to go through alone. You ladies will get my venting instead.

@mvt2003 Totally support this. Vague is better for sure. Gives you the option of sharing or not. See how you feel at the time. I told a gym friend and every time she saw me, she would ask me what stage we at and when my next appointment was. It got a bit much, since I was seeing her almost every day!

@shoogapoff I think being bloated is normal. It is the pain and getting the sudden increased bloat, that is the cause for concern. Hopefully that settles down for you quickly though. Rooting for you!

@misshelen86 Yay! That is amazing news on the surgery. Hopefully the time flies for you.

@inthewoods23 They are bigger already? That is crazy. When are they considered to be full grown? I will have to see if you posted pictures recently.

@tryingktogku Holy cow! That is a seriously never ending cycle! And a really insane travel schedule as well. MH travels too, and there are times when we are faced with the same issues. It is really frustrating when ttc. Hope something gives soon.

@ramzlau Keep the hope alive! GL!

@abarr723 Getting them to relax is a tough one. I just reminded MH about how many times I have had to give a show and to how many people. At least he can take care of business himself and in private. The results will show what they will show. It is completely out of your control right now and it is a necessary step in moving forward. GL with results.

@kpearse99 I basically lived in legging while stimming last cycle. No pants were going to be zipped up with that bloat! Comfortable and stylish!

feather_heather · January 2020

@mvt2003 - Bummer! Maybe if you have to do BC again you can ask for a different kind?

@nitnat007 - Sending you love and positive thoughts! When will your FET be?

@misshelen86 - Yayy! So glad you guys have a surgery date!!

@inthewoods23 - Going DF and GF is actually alot easier in today's day and age then it was 10-15 years ago! DF and GF alternatives are widely available everywhere you go now! I'm allergic to milk, and developed that allergy when rice milk (gag) was the only alternative. We use almond milk for all of our baking and cooking, I use a coconut milk creamer for coffee, and eat almond milk or coconut milk (preferred) yogurts. Bewarned - most vegan cheese is disgusting! I can have goat's milk and sheep's milk however, and you can get alot of types of cheeses made from these now! There is GF oatmeal, GF flour, GF bread/breadcrumbs, and lots of GF snacks. I also try to be mostly GF just because I feel better when I am - and after reading your doctor's orders I'm going to be more strict about this! For dinners we usually just have a protein with a veggie, and then eat leftovers of that along with a small amount of rice for lunch.

@kiki047 - I agree that I find it easier to open up to some people because I know I'm not going to see them often and they aren't going to keep bugging me about it. We ended up telling my MIL because we had to do a shot while she was staying with us, and now she will not leave us alone. DH is at his wits end with her constantly nagging and asking how it's going.

@kpearse99 - Yayy! Fingers crossed for you this week! Omg your future porch swings sound heavenly!

@emeraldduchess - I'm glad you can relax and enjoy the next few days without worrying about things! I'm not sure that I've ever met a fellow New Englander that says they like living here (whilst in the dead of winter) I want to move far away where it's warm and sunny - but ask me again in July when I'm down the cape and I may have changed my mind haha

@bluetickgal - Somewhere with just fall and spring sounds amazing!

@shoogapoff - After my ER I only drank gatorade (no water) - I think your body needs to extra salt to absorb and get rid of all the extra fluid! I hope the bloating goes down soon!

@tryingktogku - Ugh sorry to hear that AF still has not shown up and that your DH is going to be travelling so much. My longest cycle I had was 65 days, so hopefully yours will come to an end soon!

@ramzlau - FX for you!

@abarr723 - Glad your feeling better!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Endometriosis, borderline PCOS, unexplained IF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF - Biopsy Cycle

How are things going?: I had my hysteroscopy on Friday and everything looked normal and I had my first acupuncture appointment on Sunday night. I did feel relaxed afterwards, but I feel the same way after a facial ... so I guess we'll see how I feel after a month of weekly appointments.

Any questions?: nope

GTKY: If you could live anywhere, where would that be? I started watching Siesta Key this weekend (because I love me some trash reality tv) and now I want to live there! It is so gorgeous!

bluetickgal · January 2020

@kiki047 thanks lady!! I totally get the jealousy...I feel it every time we are around our nieces/nephews! We love them, but sometimes it’s hard to be around them and know that we just can’t/don’t have that right now! I’m hoping with everything in me that all of our times are coming so very soon!!

@shoogapoff we had a pretty lazy weekend, but had date night on Saturday (dinner & bowling) which was so fun! So sorry you are dealing with the bloating, I really hope it’s not OHSS! I’m being optimistic for you and thinking you will not need another cycle!! ☺️

@misshelen86 thanks friend!! Yay for getting a surgery date! I know that has to be a wonderful feeling to be moving forward again!

@tryingktogku that stinks about YH’s travel schedule...and that AF hasn’t shown still. Hopefully she does soon and you can move on to the next cycle!

@ramzlau so sorry that doubt is creeping in...I’ve got my fingers crossed for you though!

@abarr723 I hope you get good results from the SA and that this last cycle before the RE follow-up is it for you!

@kpearse99 yay for being positive/hopeful! I have a good feeling about this cycle for both of us, cycle buddy!

@nitnat007 thanks lady...I appreciate the extra hopefulness!

@feather_heather so glad your hysteroscopy went well on Friday! Glad you felt relaxed after acupuncture...the thought of all those needles doesn’t give me a relaxed feeling, but I bet it really does feel good!

inthewoods23 · January 2020

@abarr723 tell YH to think about nothing. That's apparently what my DH does 😆

@nitnat007 I'm not sure. I'll need to check! I keep thinking they're done growing but that's only because they're as big as Pinecone ever was. We may still have a few months for growth!

@feather_heather hey now, isn't nrice milk what is used for horchata? That stuff is pretty tasty! Like non-alcoholic Rum Chata lol. You're so right though that there are lots of options. I just stopped at the store to pick up some Evol brand frozen meals to have for my lunch this week. Easy! And some apple cinnamon granola that sounded delicious lol. If DH and I both feel benefits from this I may keep a few things going beyond the months I need to. RE wants me on the diet through the first trimester. 🤞

feather_heather · January 2020

@inthewoods23 - I've never heard of horchata, but I just may have to try it now! I hated rice milk so much growing up that I used water in my cereal instead of milk! haha I'm glad you were able to find some stuff today!!

kpearse99 · January 2020

@feather_heather Water in your cereal??!!! What??!! I would have just eaten the cereal dry!! haha That's impressive!

inthewoods23 · January 2020

@feather_heather it's a Mexican drink. I think it's primarily rice milk and cinnamon.

Also not my own experience but someone else's - do NOT use Rum Chata in place of milk in your bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch 🤣

feather_heather · January 2020

@kpearse99 - I did, but missed eating cereal that gets a little soggy

@inthewoods23 - hahaha omg that would make for an interesting morning!

thankfullyamama · January 2020

Just a question for anyone who has had to have their period medically induced what did your provider prescribe/ how was your experience?

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