IF testing and treatment w/o 2/17

emeraldduchess · February 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: What song always puts you in a good mood?

emeraldduchess · February 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?): IUI#2

How are things going?: Not great. DH refuses to have another talk about IVF, which is our next step if this IUI doesn't work. I thought he was on board but now he keeps saying he doesn't want to spend money on IVF without a guarantee. I don't think he understands that we have to put everything in motion right away to get approval from insurance. He thinks we still have plenty of time, despite my telling him that I'm 38 and our window is closing. This is not going to end well, I am sure there will be a pretty big fight over this. His indecision is the reason we waited so long to ttc in the first place. I just don't get why, when we have such good coverage, he is getting all pissy about copays.

Any questions?: Nope.

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? I love "Shake it Off".

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/yITRaXaeigt2M/giphy.gif

bluetickgal · February 2020

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

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

How are things going?: Pretty good...AF was a bit of a jerk this cycle, so I’m glad she’s basically gone! This is our last TI cycle before IUI, so I’m hopeful but trying not to get too hopeful! If we need you move on to the next step, we will!!

Any questions?: None right now.

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? I don’t really have one specific song...but I really enjoy listening to classical music, it just relaxes me!!

@emeraldduchess I’m so sorry you are having such a difficult time with next steps and getting DH on board!! I so hope you all can work it out without a big fight...sending positive vibes your way!! 💜 Better yet, let’s hope this IUI is it for you and you won’t even have to think about those next steps!!

@mvt2003 sending all the positive vibes your way!! 💜 Hoping for a perfect transfer!!!

misshelen86 · February 2020

Hi ladies. Sorry I haven’t been posting in a while. Work was really busy for the last few weeks. I’m going to try to get back into this again.

Diagnosis: MFI (bilateral varicoceles)

Status: WTO.. AF just started

What are you doing this cycle? DH has his varicocelectomy tomorrow morning. Please keep everything crossed it doesn’t get cancelled. Our healthcare system is in a horrible place right now and many surgeries are being cancelled.

How are things going? On the struggle bus right now. I hate that we have now had 18 failed cycles and just recently got answers and a plan. I’m so ready to just be able to move forward with treatment. My hopes aren’t high that the surgery will be enough and I hate that we have another 3 months wait to see if DH’s counts improve. We finally came out to a few more people about IF, which felt good to get it off our chest but they don’t really get it. I just feel more alone than ever right now.

Any questions? Not right now

GTKY: Queen “Don’t stop me now” or Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber “I don’t care”

@emeraldduchess I’m so sorry for the stress between you and YH. Have you considered a counselling session to sort out both of your feelings on IVF? We had to do a mandatory counselling session when we registered for IVF and we both found it very helpful.

@bluetickgal Hopefully this cycle is the one! Sending you all the positive vibes!

misshelen86 · February 2020

@mvt2003 Thinking of you today and hoping for a successful transfer!!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/x8/gn8784j3hl5u.gif

emeraldduchess · February 2020

@bluetickgal sorry AF was such a witch this cycle. I am crossing everything that this is it for you! 💙
@misshelen86 we can sit together on the struggle bus, friend. So many hugs. I hope your DH's surgery goes as planned tomorrow and that he has a speedy recovery. 💜

Well, DH told me that he doesn't think IVF will work because nothing else has worked. Doesn't matter what I am telling him right now. He wants the RE to just fix whatever is wrong with me and to guarantee that IVF will work. Doesn't work like that, H. Doctors CAN'T give guarantees or make promises. She's not a magician. He's not listening to a word I am saying about the genetic screening, either. I really hope this is just an overly emotional reaction on his part because otherwise our TTC journey is going to be over after this cycle.

shoogapoff · February 2020

@emeraldduchess I'm so sorry for the conflict with YH. I have been there with MH for sure. The uncertainty of TTC adds so much extra stress to our relationships. Its not for everyone, but counseling has helped us.

@bluetickgal I have everything crossed that this is it for you!

@misshelen86 I'm sorry you're feeling so alone and frustrated by all the waiting. I hope YH's surgery goes well and the wait time for results goes by quickly.

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TTA

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): This is my last week of bcp. I haven't heard from my dr yet about IVF being approved/not. I may try to call today.

How are things going?: Life has been really hard in general. I'm having problems at work, some extended family health concerns, unexpected financial issues, etc. Mentally, I'm not doing great, and I'm sorry for not posting much here. I'm thinking of making some pretty major life changes (quitting my job, maybe quitting my profession altogether) and it all feels really overwhelming.

Any questions?: None.

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? Anything by ABBA. Its just such cheesy, upbeat music, and it reminds me of my childhood.

manillabar · February 2020

Hi everyone, first time here

Diagnosis (if you've been): Still in the workup process

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): testing. So far both H and I have had bloodwork done, H did his SA, and tomorrow I have my HSG. I also need to make an appt with an endocrinologist to start meds for my thyroid. My labs aren't exactly abnormal, but not optimal for conception/pregnancy

How are things going?: Just waiting to finish up the workup, I guess. The RE suggested that if everything works out ok then we may be able to start treatment once my next AF comes. So I think I've just been feeling anxious to make sure we get all our ducks in a row ASAP.

Any questions?:

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? anything *NSYNC!

@misshelen86 I hope your husband's surgery goes well! Sorry that you have to wait 3 months to see whether it helps, but hopefully it will be worth it.

@bluetickgal glad AF is gone, and I sure hope this is your cycle!

@emeraldduchess I hope the IUI works so you don't have to worry about it but I'm sorry that your husband is not interested in talking about IVF. I think @misshelen86's suggestion of counseling definitely sounds like a good idea if he's open to it.

looeeze · February 2020

Hello everyone, I've been lurking for a while. And now here I am. Very grateful this group exists and very sorry that it needs to. Thanks to @ramzlau for the invite in the newbie board last week.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Diminished ovarian reserve/function and low morph/low motility

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO technically

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Clomid cd 5-9, triggered last night (day 11), IUI #2 tomorrow morning, progesterone during TWW

How are things going?: Feeling okay. I didn't let myself get my hopes up for the first IUI but it's harder to temper my expectations for this one. Also Clomid makes me a mood swinging monster.

Any questions?: Both last cycle and this one, I responded very quickly to the Clomid. Last month on cd 10 I had two follies at 20 and 24, and this month on cd 11 at 22 and 24. My RE says it's not uncommon for ppl with low ovarian function to respond this way (and that my E2 and lining looks find) but it makes me nervous that I might be triggering before any eggs are actually mature. Anyone has any insight, am I worried for no reason?

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders, it's mine and my bff's "song" and has been for 20 years.

@emeraldduchess Hello! I'm sorry you and your partner are fighting about this. My SO is sort of being the same about potential IVF; he doesn't want to talk about it until we "need" to. I hope you get to have a real conversation about it soon- or better yet, that this IUI works for you.

@bluetickgal Hi there. AF can be such a bear sometimes. I hope that this cycle is it for you!

@misshelen86 Hiya. I hope YH's surgery happens and is successful, and ugh I'm sorry your healthcare system is having so many challenges. That would be so frustrating.

manillabar · February 2020

@shoogapoff sorry, it definitely sounds like there's a lot going on. I've been dealing with major work drama lately too so I definitely get it. And then I find myself wondering if I'm nuts for still TTC on top of all this mess, lol. I hope whatever decision you end up making improves your life in a big way.

@looeeze unfortunately I don't have much experience about triggering early in the cycle vs later but I'm hoping if it were a big issue that your RE would have brought it up. Crossing my fingers that tomorrow's IUI works for you!

pom9207 · February 2020

@bluetickgal sorry AF was being a jerk this cycle. Human body is such a mystery; it’s only when I started fertility treatment and monitoring that I realized how much each cycle can differ from one another!

@shoogapoff sending hugs your way

I hope everything goes well from now on. Can you try calling insurance on your own? I have UHC and they give me my prior authorization case # that I get to check the status everyday. Waiting is always the hardest...

@misshelen86 hi! Thinking of you. Everything crossed for you that YH’s surgery goes well tomorrow.

@emeraldduchess so sorry friend, I can relate... MH’s indecision delayed our TTC journey too. I just knew it may take us a long time so wanted to start sooner. I have cried, screamed, begged him, yelled at him, and nothing worked. It’s only after he had some talk with his friend that he finally willing to start trying...

@looeeze hi welcome! Good luck with this IUI! I ovulate myself around day 15-day 17, but with Clomid they trigger me at day 12 or 13. And your follicle sizes are great! I wouldn’t be worried about triggering too early in this case

@manillabar hi welcome! Hope tomorrow’s HSG is nbd!

pom9207 · February 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained infertility

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF Freeze All — egg retrieval tomorrow!!

How are things going?: I didn’t really get a lot of noticeable side effects until yesterday... I started losing appetite, feeling nausea, had a little, just a little difficulty urinating etc. DH joked that I get to experience what pg feels like. He is not wrong, my E2 was 5800 yesterday!

Any questions?: any suggestions on what to bring to an egg retrieval?

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? I have been playing a happy tune called “banana breeze” when doing injections

bluetickgal · February 2020

@misshelen86 thanks, friend! Everything crossed that YH’s surgery doesn’t get cancelled and that everything goes perfectly tomorrow! I’m so sorry you have been on this roller coaster for so long! I hope the next few months fly by so that you can get back on another roller coaster that is only uphill (meaning all positive)!

@emeraldduchess thank you!! I’m so sorry YH is struggling with the uncertainty! I also wish that we could all just be “fixed” and get to our THB’s...it seems so unfair that it isn’t how it works! I hope YH will open up about the possibility of IVF if that is necessary!

@shoogapoff thanks lady!! I’m so sorry for everything you have been going through...sending hugs & positive vibes your way! 💜 I hope you get some good news about IVF soon! And if leaving your job/profession is the right thing for you, I hope that process goes smoothly!

@manillabar @looeeze welcome! So sorry you both find yourselves here, but you found a wonderfully supportive community!
@manillabar I hope the rest of your tests give you some answers and you can get started on treatment this next cycle!

@looeeze I hope this IUI is it for you! I’d say if your follies & lining are good, you shouldn’t worry about it being earlier in your cycle! There are lots of ladies here that have experience with monitoring and may have some better insight than me though!

@pom9207 thanks lady! Yes, the last few cycles with progesterone have been pretty light for me but this one was kind of brutal! It is crazy how inconsistent things can be from cycle to cycle! Everything crossed for a smooth ER tomorrow with lots of little eggies to freeze!!

keikilove · February 2020

@emeraldduchess I’m sorry for the tension between you & YH. That is so frustrating. Hopefully focusing on right now & IUI #2 will help keep you in a positive mindset. If it works you don’t need to worry about IVF, & if it doesn’t work maybe YH will be ready to face the need for IVF. It sounds like he needs to hear the specifics from the Dr, unfortunately. Hang in there—it sounds really tough right now.💗

@misshelen86 So sorry that you’re feeling so alone right now. We are hoping right along with you that the surgery stays on schedule & is a success!

@bluetickgal Good luck with this cycle!

@shoogapoff So sorry for all the heavy things going on at once! If you’re able to and have a good plan, I hope you’re able to quit the stressful job. There’s nothing worse than getting up everyday & dreading the place you’re going to be all day everyday.

@manillabar & @looeeze Welcome to both of you! It’s not a fun club to be in but at least we have each other to commiserate with. Looeeze, best of luck with IUI #2 tomorrow!

@pom9207 Oh wow, egg retrieval time already!! Best of luck tomorrow!

ramzlau · February 2020

Will be back for tags!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Chronic endometritis, elevated prolactin (resolved), elevated tsh (resolved)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Letrozole 5 mg for 5 days, dexamethasone, CoQ10, PNV, aspirin, vitamin D, folate, ovidrel, progesterone, IUI #3

How are things going?: I am hopeful because of the added steriod. Hoping it helps calm any inflammation from the endometritis. And trying to get stuff done off my yard work list that requires heavy lifting, etc during the WTO weeks, to help pass the time. Ultrasound on Friday!

Any questions?: Not right now.

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? I have a happy playlist that has stuff from Pharrell Williams, Colbie Callat, Mark Ronson, The Action Band, and others. It is light, airy, and something I can crank up and sing at the top of my lungs.

abarr723 · February 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO, follicle check Wednesday to hopefully get the OKAY to trigger!

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): 2.5mg Letrozole, Ovadrel for trigger and IUI #1!

How are things going?: things are pretty good, I was in a funk after finding out about the polyp, but I'm better now after coming to terms with it! I was afraid I was going to get weird side effects from the letrozole, thank god I have not, I had a headache the second day, but I feel like that was more caffeine withdrawal (I'm trying to cut back in coffee and by body does NOT like it.

Any questions?: none as of right now

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? This is a hard question because I love music! I might have to really think about this and report back!

abarr723 · February 2020

@emeraldduchess I'm so so sorry you and DH are not on the same page. Don't let your age scare you, I work in a maternity hospital and I see women of all ages from all walks of life having babies! But I can empathize, I often feel like my time is running out and I'm 31, so I can only imagine how you must feel. Hopefully you both can resolve this without it ending in a fight. Also, you said you have very good health Insurance, why is it that he's worried about cost? Also, I see you mentioned that hopefully this is just a freak out on his end. My H had a freak out when we found out we were going to have trouble getting KU. He had no interest in Pursuing treatment, and after some time he came around and all he can talk about now is how he can't wait for us to be pregnant. I hope YH comes around. ❤️

@bluetickgal peace out AF! I was the same way with out last "natural" attempt. I definitely did not get my hopes up, and here I am on my first IUI cycle. Fingers crossed for you!

@misshelen86 im sorry what?! 18 cycles! I can not believe it took them that long to figure it out! But i and so very glad you finally have a plan and I'm double crossing everything that surgery doesn't get cancelled!

@mvt2003 so hopeful that today went well for you! Get some rest and make those little emby's comfy!

@looeeze welcome to the group! I'm still fairly new here as well, but everyone has been so welcoming and it has been so nice to have people who understand my feelings! It sounds like you're responding great to your clomid, the size of the follies sound good as well. This is my first medicated cycle, so I don't have much input as far as if you're triggering too soon, but I'd have trust in your doctor!

@shoogapoof I'm sorry you're going through such a rough time, I hope things pick up for you!!

@pom9207 hooray for egg retrieval! I can't wait to hear how many they get!

[Deleted User] · February 2020

*lurking*

@looeeze GL tomorrow! I did ask my RE about it back in the day, because my cycles would trend towards the shorter side too, and she said it's no problem whatsoever. If those follicles are maturing quickly, great! If they take a few more days, so be it! As long as lining and all the other hormone levels are looking good, they will proceed, because they are looking for all those factors in concert.

As an example, with my cancelled cycle, lining was in range, looking good; we started PIO, but my progesterone didn't rise, so they called off my transfer. (I know IVF is different, but j/s as an example. Point being, they will most def CANCEL as cycle if things are not looking favorable, rather than waste everyone's resources.)

But for my natural cycles I triggered on CD11 in September, CD10 in early Nov, and CD11 in late November. 🤷 It happens!

(((Hugs))) Rooting for you, love! ❤️❤️❤️

keikilove · February 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): RPL, High Natural Killer Cell count & activity, Blood-clotting disorders, AMA, DOR

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Benched

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Recently did a hysteroscopy & HSG, followed by uterine MRI & 3-D scan. Did more bloodwork. Awaiting results.

How are things going?: OK. Trying to find things to distract myself in this waiting period. There’s plenty of work, of course, and taxes—all the fun stuff😉. Currently busy planning an upcoming work trip that I’m trying to turn into an extended vacation.

Any questions?:

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? Classics like “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley, “Golden” by Jill Scott, so many other songs!

mvt2003 · February 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW, baby!

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

How are things going?: Thank you so much sweet friends for all of your love and support yesterday. We did our transfer yesterday morning, it was one of the coolest things we've ever seen. Our clinic has a no photo or recording policy, but I do wish we could have videoed the screen of the embryo "going in" (the air pocket). I keep looking at our embryo photo, it still almost feels like a dream.

We transferred yesterday morning, then spent the day together. We stopped by his parents' house ostensibly so he could drop off something for his dad but really so he could see his mom. Then we took a ride out to where my parents are buried, and then went to my childhood house and took a walk with the dog. After lunch at McDonald's, we went to see Knives Out. All in all, a pretty solid day. I woke up this morning with some pretty intense cramping, hoping that's just normal

As of yesterday morning, I had 3 additional embryos going into the freezer, and they have 4 more that they're letting go to Day 6 to see if they catch up, I'll get a phone call with the final freeze today today. I'm hoping one more of the 4 does catch up, I'd love to have 4 in the freezer. I'm telling myself I'm a super slow runner, maybe my embies are taking after me.

I'll be back for individual tags, but wanted to get this update up ASAP this morning.

Any questions?: Has anyone dealt with post-transfer cramping?

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? This is easy - Gloria by Laura Branigan. My dad and I used to play the tape in his car all the time, and it never fails to make me happy.

mvt2003 · February 2020

@emeraldduchess oh friend, I am thinking of you so hard. I totally empathize with YH’s desire for a guarantee of a THB, and I hope so hard that you two can get on the same page. Sending you

@bluetickgal Thank you so much for all of the positive vibes, friend. I felt very loved going into yesterday! Hoping so hard that this cycle is it for you, friend!

@misshelen86 Oh sweet friend, I’m sending you so many hugs. I hope YH’s surgery goes well today. I’m hoping so hard that this is the fix you guys need!!! I also completely understand coming out, only to feel more alone. No one truly understands this hell unless they live it.

@shoogapoff I’m so sorry things are so hard right now, I’m hoping so hard that IVF is approved!!!

@manillabar Welcome! I’m so sorry you find yourself here, but we’re always here as a resource. I hope everything goes well today!

@looeeze Welcome! I’m so sorry you find yourself here too! Hoping that your IUI goes well!

@pom9207 Good luck today!!!! You’ve got this!!! I’m rooting for you! The bladder difficulties were a huge surprise to me, I’m sorry you’re experiencing them too! ☹

@ramzlau Hoping this cycle is it!!!!

@abarr723 Good luck with IUI!!!

@keikilove Dang lady, you are just having all of the fun lately!!! Work AND taxes, how lucky can one girl be?!?!

whitealbum29 · February 2020

@emeraldduchess I'm so sorry your H is being so difficult about this. You've waited and dealt with his indecision for long enough, it sounds like! IVF is out of reach for so many people because of cost, and with coverage as good as yours he should be happy to take advantage. I hope IUI #2 works and it won't even be an issue.

@bluetickgal - I hope this TI cycle does it!

@misshelen86 - I'm so sorry you're struggling, I hope the surgery goes as planned and you get good news about his count in 3 months! I can totally relate to the feeling of trying for so many months and taking so long to get answers. We didn't really get serious about testing until we were at about 18 months (there was some foot-dragging...not from me!

) and it was so frustrating.

@shoogapoff I hope you get good news re: IVF from the doctor! Sorry you've hit some bumps in the road, I hope some things get resolved very soon!

@manillabar hope the rest of the workup goes well!

@looeeze I don't have insight on the follicles but hope the IUI goes well!

@pom9207 Good luck with the ER!

@ramzlau hope the steroid works!

@abarr723 I hope the follie check gets you good news tomorrow!

@mvt2003 So excited for you, this TWW is going to feel almost as long as one of my own! (Thanks for the distraction while I'm benched!!)

It sounds like you had a perfect day afterwards, so special to go visit your parents where they are buried after your transfer. I loved Knives Out! One of my favorite recent movies.

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained so far but still one thing left in workup (HSG)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): benched till late March for Zika precaution

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Still hemming and hawing over getting HSG

How are things going?: Pretty good, we got a more detailed report of SO's SA and his numbers were really high (I don't know if they were higher than average for ALL men who are in normal range, or if a lot of men who are in normal range are where SO's numbers were [does that make sense??]) -- but I think it gave him a boost of confidence.

Any questions?: Not really!

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? Having a Party by Sam Cooke - the live version.

feather_heather · February 2020

@emeraldduchess - I'm so sorry that your DH is not on the same page as you right now.

Have you guys met with the doctor to discuss IVF? Perhaps that would help him understand the process better, what to expect, etc, and make him feel more comfortable with the idea of it.

@bluetickgal - Fingers crossed you don't even have to worry about an IUI!

@misshelen86 - I hope your DH's surgery went as scheduled today and that all went well!

@shoogapoff - I'm so sorry that you have so much going on all at once. I hope that it all works out, so that you can get back into a better place mentally. Sending positive vibes your way

@manillabar - Hi welcome! I hope your HSG went well today!

@looeeze - Good luck with the IUI today!

@pom9207 - Ahhh good luck with your ER today!!!! Praying for great news for you!

@ramzlau - I hope the steriod helps! Did you also do a course of antibiotics for the endometritis? I have my biopsy and I'm almost hoping for that to be found - because my doctor said it's solved with a simple course of antibiotics. Maybe I shouldn't be hoping for that (I just want some sort of answer as to why).

@abarr723 - Hope your follicles are responding well!

@keikilove - I conned my husband into a full laundry room renovation to distract me and keep my mind occupied! haha

@mvt2003 - I'm so so happy to hear that your transfer went well!!!

Sounds like you guys had a great day altogether! Fingers crossed for more good news today about your frozen embryos!!

@whitealbum29 - haha my DH always gets a confidence boost after each time he had to provide his sample lol My HSG was very simple and painless!

Diagnosis (if you've been): endometriosis, borderline PCOS, unexaplained IF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): I don't really fit in any of these this cycle

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IVF - Biopsy scheduled for Thursday

How are things going?: I'm a raging hormonal lunatic. Cannot wait to get this biopsy over and come off of all this estrogen. Also DH admitted to me this weekend that he feels inadequate because we're childless, and it took all of my strength not to break down sobbing at the dinner table. We talked more about starting looking into the adoption process soon, because we know that can take a long time.

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? B*witched C'est La Vie

abarr723 · February 2020

@mvt2003 so excited things went well! When I first started working at my hospital, I actually started in the fertility center, so I know exactly what you mean about how cool it is to see the transfer in action! Hopefully the cramping is little embie getting comfy and snug!! 🤞🏽🤞🏽 @whitealbum29 do glad to hear H's SA was good! MH got a boost of confidence from his as well. When the nurse called with the results, she told me to not let it go to his head 😂 @feather_heather im so sorry YH feels that way. I feel like sometimes we forget that this all has an impact on them as well. It's nice that you're both open to a plan B. Hopefully you will have a little bean of your own though! AFM- random question. Those who have taken letrozole or similar ovary stimulants. Have you ever felt like you can almost feel the follies growing? I know that probably sounds dumb, but idk how to explain it! It's a very different sensation. Not like mittleschmerz at all. But someThing is definitely happening.

mvt2003 · February 2020

@whitealbum29 I do think it might be worth the expense to have the HSG and get the whole picture, but I do understand the back and forth about it! You've got some time to decide though!

@feather_heather sweet friend, I have so many hugs for you. I'm so so sorry things are hard. I'll be thinking of you Thursday.

@abarr723 Yes, you can absolutely feel a difference in your ovaries when they're growing. I was 3 days into stims, and *TW* picked up my 2 year old niece, and immediately was like "nope, that does not feel correct, I'm going to not do that again." I picked her up again this weekend, totally fine.

looeeze · February 2020

@BusinessWife Thank you so much

I'm sure you're right, they do look at all those factors. Appreciate your support and friendship very much!!!

@shoogapoff Those are really big life decisions to contemplate, I hope whatever you choose is a positive change for you. Did you get any info back on whether IVF is approved?

@manillabar What is left to finished your workup? Sitting in that "waiting" period can be so rough, I hope it goes by quickly for you.

@pom9207 Happy ER day! FX for you.

@abarr723 Grow follies grow! That caffeine withdrawal is real, I struggle with it too.

@keikilove Ah, work trips that can get extended into vacations are the best!! Where you going?

@mvt2003 hi! I'm rooting so very hard for you! Glad yesterday went well.

@whitealbum29 hahah I'm glad YH got a little confidence boost. Our RE told us this morning that one of her patient's husbands had been taking meds to boost his numbers and his last sample was good- he started singing "the boys are back in town"

@feather_heather Seeing spouses be vulnerable about this is so hard, on top of all the hormones. I'm really sorry and I hope your biopsy goes well.

whitealbum29 · February 2020

@abarr723 LOL at your nurse! Maybe that's why our practice didn't automatically give us a full report with all the numbers until we asked for one...gotta keep the men humble

@mvt2003 I agree with you! Thinking about how we could make it work...

@looeeze - Haha your H!

@feather_heather Hugs to you and your H...it's so hard to go through this with someone you're so close to and to have to cope with your own emotions while also hoping they're doing okay. Hopefully it was at least a little helpful to get that feeling out into the open instead of bottling it up!

bluetickgal · February 2020

@ramzlau hope the steroids help and your US goes well on Friday! Fingers crossed this is your cycle!

@abarr723 thanks lady!! I hope your follie check goes well on Wednesday and you’ll be triggering soon! Glad you haven’t had bad side-effects from Letrozole...I don’t get too many, some headaches and night sweats, but that’s about it. Yes, I definitely feel follie growth leading up to O! Most of the time just on one side, but some cycles it has been on both!

@keikilove thanks lady! Hopefully you can keep your mind off things by staying busy! I say focus on that work trip & totally extend it into a vacation if you can!

@mvt2003 thanks friend! Ah, I’m so happy to hear that the transfer went so well...and your whole day sounds perfect!! I hope a couple of those embabies catch up, but that sounds great to have at least 3 to freeze! Fingers crossed so dang hard that this is it for you, friend!! 💜💜💜
@whitealbum29 thanks lady! I’m glad you got good SA results and it gave your SO a boost in confidence! ☺️ Hope you feel good about whatever decision you make regarding the HSG!

@feather_heather thanks friend!! I hope the biopsy gives you answers and the best way to move forward with the next transfer!! That breaks my heart for you and YH! Sending so many hugs your way!! 💜 I’m glad you were able to have a good discussion about the future and other options though! DH and I had a similar discussion a while back, and it was so good to see that we both have a similar idea of what we see as next steps (including adoption) and when we will move on to those!

keikilove · February 2020

@mvt2003 SOOO excited for you!!! FX that the cramping is a super positive sign!🤞🏽💕 PS: Your fave happy song is my favorite running song! It has the best beat & energy😊

@whitealbum29 Congrats to you & YH on that great SA result😄 Love the comments re: his confidence. Good luck deciding on the HSG—it’s tough when money is involved. FWIW: I had an all-clear SHG right before I switched to my current RE, so we delayed the recent HSG. I wish we hadn’t waited to do it.

@feather_heather Lucky you with the laundry room! I’d love some home reno projects to pass the time. And hang in there with the hormones. These memes are to (hopefully) make you laugh!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/yt/786t613cdc0r.jpeg

@abarr723 I haven’t done any medications for stimulation yet
so can’t comment specifically on that, but I don’t think it sounds weird at all. This whole TTGP process definitely made me much more aware of my body & what each phase of my cycle really feels like.

@looeeze Hope all went perfectly with the IUI today! My work trip is taking me to the UK—hooray! So I’m trying to extend it into a European vacation.

feather_heather · February 2020

@keikilove -

those are spot on!

pom9207 · February 2020

@ramzlau hope the added steroid does the job!

@abarr723 Thanks! yay for IUI #1! And glad there are no side effects from letrozole

@mvt2003 Was thinking of you! Glad it all went well, and wow you had a busy day yesterday

Everything crossed for you!

@keikilove Thank you friend! I hope the test result comes back soon and you get more answers. Ah tax season! We scheduled a tax consulting early next month, so I have excuse to not thinking about tax right now

@feather_heather Thanks! I am sorry your husband felt that way... IF is such a mental challenge for both parties. I hope the biopsy this Thursday goes well and the next transfer gives THB!

@whitealbum29 Thanks! Way to go swimmers

That’s great YH has great SA results! MH for some reason was super confident about his SA even though some parameters are just broader-line normal lol...

And thanks for all the well wishes!! I just came back from my ER. I drank 3 bottles of Gatorade already! I am feeling good now, no bloating, no pain whatsoever. They got 32 eggs! We will know how many of them are matured later today, and fertilization report is tomorrow. Since we are doing a Freeze-All cycle with PGT-A, now is the waiting game! I will try to be patient

keikilove · February 2020

@pom9207 Aaaaaaahhh, 32 eggs! Congrats, and fingers crossed that many were mature and will fertilize!🤞🏽 Thank you for the kind words
for my results.💕 I will keep you all posted when I know more.

emeraldduchess · February 2020

@pom9207 wow, 32 eggs?? That's amazing!

@shoogapoff lots of hugs to you, I am sorry things are so tough right now. I hear you on the work stuff. We recently had a really awful situation at my workplace too and I am pretty certain that was the last straw.

@manillabar and @looeeze welcome! I'm sorry you find yourselves here. This is an amazing and supportive group and we'll be here for you every step of the way. I seriously don't know what I would do without these ladies.

@keikilove thanks, friend. Again, I am so sorry you're dealing with more testing. I hope that your results give you some answers.

@ramzlau crossing everything that the added steroid is the missing puzzle piece for you!

@abarr723 glad you're feeling good so far on the letrozole! This is my 5th cycle with it and I haven't had any issues. FX you respond well! DH's issue with the copays is that he is afraid we'll spend around $2,000+ out of pocket (more if we do PGS screening) and it will fail. He deems every unsuccessful medicated cycle a waste of money, so by his logic, we've already wasted several hundred. I don't see it that way, but I'm much more realistic about IF than he is. I think he assumed that once we completed testing, we'd have clear answers and BAM, we'd be KU right away. This has definitely been a "freak-out" as you say, because once I explained to him that the PGS testing is to ensure we transfer good quality embryos, he calmed down. He's still weary of it, so I'm making him watch a whole bunch of YouTube videos.

@mvt2003 I am so happy everything went well and that you had a nice day with your DH after the transfer. Snuggle in, little embryo!!

@whitealbum29 guys get suck a boost of confidence when they get good SA results. MH was totally grinning from ear to ear when the RE said his numbers were excellent.
I gave him that same argument about taking advantage of IVF coverage when so many people don't have this option. I also told him that we're in a state with very high success rates, so we need to do everything we can.

@feather_heather I am so sorry you're feeling like such a hormonal mess right now. So many hugs to both you and your DH. I can relate to that "inadequate" feeling. *TW* DH's family is so child-centered, we have gone to family events where no one really talks to us because we don't have kids and therefore they assume we have nothing in our lives to talk about. And frequently, the conversations we DO have end up being about about DH's sister's kid. Because, you know, our lives should revolve around someone else's offspring. Eyeroll. *End TW* Unfortunately DH couldn't go to my last RE appointment because he had a work meeting that he couldn't miss. I didn't think she was going to launch into IVF info, otherwise I would have asked her permission to record it.

kpearse99 · February 2020

Sorry I'm so behind this week! We had a pretty busy family day yesterday (that also included a much needed nap) and today I couldn't get on TB at all while I was at work...ugh! But I'm here now!

@emeraldduchess wow, I don't know what to say other than I am so sorry you're in this position. Why do men drag their feet with this? Is it because they don't fully understand everything? Is it because they aren't the ones putting their bodies through all of this and experiencing all of these hormones? Is it because they can produce sperm for their entire life, basically, and our eggs have a shelf life? I feel like it's all of these things and it's not necessarily their fault, but an open and honest discussion needs to happen and they can at least be willing to have that talk. I hope he comes around, and soon, so you guys can talk this all trough.

I wonder if he would understand better if he heard all of this from the doctor, and not through you? You know when there is a really angry customer at they won't listen to a word the employee is saying but the second a manager talks to them and tells them the exact same thing the employee just told them, they are totally fine and understanding.

@bluetickgal I'm finally on!! haha Ugh, no fun about AF being a jearky-jerk! What is with her lately?!

Oh, @misshelen86 I've been thinking about you lately

Just know, that even though you may feel alone, you always have us. We are always here for you and we always understand what you're feeling. I hope everything went smoothly today for YH and that this really works!! I know it sucks to have to wait even longer, but you've made it this far so you can't stop now.

@shoogapoff Girl, I think it's time to put your happiness and well being first. If you are unhappy with your job, you can always find another one. I think that with you starting to think of these big changes it's the first step in the right direction. I hope you get some clarity soon.

@manillabar I hope you're able to start treatment next cycle and that the timing of everything works out!

@looeeze welcome!! I responded super well to letrozole too! I hope today's IUI went wonderfully!!

@pom9207 So glad everything went beautifully today!!! 32 eggs??!!!! That is INSANE and AMAZING!!!!

@ramzlau I so hope adding that steroid in does the trick for you!! Come one US, show good things!!

@abarr723 Letrozole generally has fewer side effects than clomid! It's a much gentler drug. So glad it's not making you feel wonky!

@keikilove Girl, you better turn that work trip into an extended vaca - you need it and you deserve it!!!

@mvt2003 You day sounds AMAZING!!!! I love that you did all the things together yesterday after the transfer. This update warms my heart so much!

@whitealbum29 That is wonderful news about the SA results!

@feather_heather Oh friend! That breaks my heart about YH. I often wonder if this is how MH feels, or many of our husbands here, but I guess it's a pretty natural feeling. I'm like you though, it would bring me to tears to actually hear him say that. I would much rather deal with the pain and sadness all on my own than to hear him doing it too, ya know?

Phew! That was a lot

Diagnosis (if you've been): Secondary Unexplained IF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): I'm not sure anymore hahaha I am pretty sure I'm still in the TWW just WFAF...see below for the rest of the update

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just finished our 5th IUI cycle (failed) this time with clomid. This upcoming cycle, once AF decides to finally appear and this cyst goes away, we are just NTNP... time to take a break and reset.

How are things going?: Well... as you can see I am still WFAF. I reached out to my RE this morning because I'm still crazy bloated (gained another freaking 2lbs last week which puts me at gaining 7 pounds in one cycle.... I'm over it and I hate it and I made @bows22 and @bluetickgal promise to yell at me if I even think about getting on a scale until after AF has come and gone!) They said that I could be nearing O and to just keep drinking fluids and hopefully the bloat will go away soon. So in a few days they went from telling me AF would appear in about 2 weeks to now telling me I could be O'ing. WTH?! I've decided to just stop thinking about it.... but it still sucks!

Any questions?: Has anyone else, that's had a cyst before, had crazy bloating and water retention like this?

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood? Best Day of My Life by American Authors and Brand New by Ben Rector - I am BIG on listening to music that fits whatever mood I'm in but these two songs can lift me right up!

ramzlau · February 2020

So much to catch up on! Sorry if I missed anyone!

@kpearse99 I did have bloating with mine, but I chalked it up to the bc, so who knows. Walking or moving has helped reduce the bloat as well as someone on here mentioned electrolytes helping, so I did Nuun and Gatorade. It seemed to help. Oh and I read that cysts can be from low potassium, so I ate bananas too lol. Hope you get some relief soon!

@pom9207 Wow 32! Fertilize little ones!

@feather_heather Yes! And I totally get just wanting any answer that can be solved! We did a round of antibiotics on our first IUI. Since they are usually pretty strong (I was on doxycyclone) and they can cross the placenta, my RE has me do them on CD3 through IUI day (so sometimes not a full 10 days). Unfortunately or fortunately because it is painful, they do not test to see if it is resolved, they just assume that it would help. That is why we are trying the steroids this cycle. I personally think the endometritis has maybe affected my left tube, so keeping my fingers crossed that eventually my right ovary will join in the effort here. Hugs to you and your H. IF is so demoralizing when it should be just like any other medical problem. Hope getting it off his chest brings some healing there.

@whitealbum29 Have you considered getting the HSG just the cycle before you get off the bench? I have heard there is a slightly higher success rate for a few cycles following an HSG. I don't have a link for you though. Just might be the push to get you over the line to a THB.

@mvt2003 That sounds like a great day! And yay for having a few more in the freezer, hope a few more make it too. I usually have post IUI cramping, so I would guess IVF transfer you would expect as well.

@abarr723 Normally I just have 1 lead follie even with letrozole, clomid or gonal f, the only time I have felt uncomfortable is when I had a cyst that was a 38, so equivalent of 2-3 follies, so I can imagine that you feel it!

@keikilove haha like @feather_heather I have been doing home and garden reno projects the last few weeks and roping my H into them with me for a distraction. We planted a lilac bush, lavender bush, ripped out some succulents, patched some sod, cleaned out the garage (hung ladders, peg board), and worked on sanding and staining our staircase. All just this weekend lol. Hope you find some fun stuff to do!

@looeeze Welcome! Yes as BusinessWife said, my RE has never had concerns about having a shorter FSH phase, sometimes on the meds it is as short as 10 days for me, when normally it is 14-16 until ovulation. My RE prefers the eggs to grow fast and steady rather than as long as 16 days (there is a theory that egg quality deteriorates with time). Her benchmark is at least 18 in size and usually has me trigger a few days after to make sure that it gets up to at least 20, so it sounds like your follies are a good size! So as long as lining is good, we just go with it!

@emeraldduchess I am sorry that you and YH are not on the same page (or at least not ready for the next step together). There have definitely been times that either MH or myself haven't been ready for the next step, whether that was seeing an RE, starting TI cycles, starting IUIs, starting medicated IUIs, etc. IVF is a big step and a lot of money. It helps to remember that we are both human with our own baggage and emotions and fears, to try to give each other space to get comfortable with what the next steps for us are, and to try our best to communicate these things to the other. My mantra has been, take the next step when you are ready, not when the world, or the friends, or the biological clock, or even the RE is dictating it. Sometimes we have needed a therapist to help us figure out how to approach the next step in a way we were both comfortable or how to have some patience for the other to catch up, so as a few have said, it might be worth going for a few sessions just to talk it through without all the triggering emotions of the what ifs. I know how painful this process can be, but it can also build some incredibly strong foundations for the future. Hugs friend.

@manillabar Sorry you find yourself here, but welcome! I hope your stay is short, especially considering your RE sounds like they are ready to get the ball rolling. Best wishes for getting those ducks in a row. Ask any and all questions you want as you work through them. The massive amount of info at the beginning of diagnosis can be hard to navigate, but this community has been such a great source of encouragement and knowledge to me!

@misshelen86 Hope the surgery went well! FX the results are much improved! Sorry you feel more alone than ever. It is hard to find those who understand and have been through it IRL. I hope you find your tribe to support and encourage you through the next few months of waiting!

@shoogapoff Thinking of you!

@bluetickgal FX you are a SS that gets KU on the last TI cycle! It could happen!

manillabar · February 2020

Thank you for the warm welcome everyone! My HSG was done today, and it was kind of uncomfortable but manageable. The resident said definitely one tube was open, probably both, but it was hard for him to say for certain because they were close together. My RE should have the official read from the attending by tomorrow, so we'll see.

@looeeze I think today finishes the stuff on my checklist for the workup. I was waiting to hear back about my H's SA, which was mostly normal except for low morphology, but apparently it's still ok enough for IUI. And I'm hoping to get in with the endocrinologist for my thyroid this week. I hope your IUI went well today!

@feather_heather sorry to hear about how your H has been feeling. My H has expressed similar thoughts to me. I think it's also hard because there are so many groups for women (here, on FB, etc) but less for men, which makes him feel even more isolated.

@mvt2003 I am keeping my fingers crossed for you! Hoping the cramping is a good sign.

@pom9207 whoa super ovaries! Hoping you get some good news tomorrow!

inthewoods23 · February 2020

Hi ladies, sorry for being MIA for half a week. Might go back to lurk mode for the rest of the week.

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, low morph

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): waiting

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): FET in 6 weeks, gluten and dairy free diet

How are things going?: There's a lot that has happened in the last 5 days...
1. Friday was an aggravating shit show at work. I left our holiday party early that afternoon because I was so upset. Sure enough I start losing it walking to my car in the parking lot. Called the new therapist that afternoon but they seem to close early on Fridays so I couldn't schedule an appointment.
2. Took a mental health day on Saturday instead of robotics because Friday's feelings carried into Saturday. Did some cleaning which was great and finally shoveled our driveway from the snow that we got from the previous Sunday.
3. Super busy Sunday with our practice event we hosted at the school. My grandpa also passed away overnight.
4. Called the therapist on Monday and have an appointment scheduled for March 12th, yay!
5. I finally posted my big IF FB post and have gotten so much good feedback. A coworker had even come up to me today and I was in a good mood and shared a few things with him. He and his wife are actually considering adoption which is so wonderful. I didn't appreciate my MIL's text message this morning of "hang in there you two". Cue gag and eye roll. I find that to be a pathetic and weak statement of support. Idk.
5. Attended grandpa's wake today and have the funeral tomorrow. Decided to also take Thursday off for bereavement even though we plan on going home tomorrow. I also did it in case people decided they needed say something to me about my post. I was very anxious about today as DH had to stay for a bit and couldn't come down with me. Scratch that... Now he might be coming down tomorrow morning. Life and plans just keep getting ruined 😩

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: What song always puts you in a good mood?
Nobody But Me by The Human Beinz but there are many other songs

ramzlau · February 2020

@inthewoods23 So sorry for your loss! It sounds like you have a lot of emotional stress right now. I hope you have the support you need and not just empty platitudes.

keikilove · February 2020

@inthewoods23 I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you & your family are able to find some solace in gathering together to celebrate your grandpa’s life. I’m sending up prayers for your heart & your spirit right now.🙏🏽♥️ Friend, I hope March 12th gets here so quickly for you to unburden yourself. And please do lean on us as much as you need in the meantime.💗

abarr723 · February 2020

@mvt2003 yes! Certain things just feel so weird. I'm normally a stomach stomach sleeper, and I could not get comfortable on my stomach to save my life. And yes it was right around day 3!

@bluetickgal it's definitely more the right side, but I can sometimes feel it on the left! It's so interesting!

@emeraldduchess I can understand where he's coming from. Men are much more cut and dry than women. Hopefully you can help him to understand that in the end it will NOT be wasted money, because you'll have a little bub of your own, and all the hard work and disappointment wasn't for nothing!

@inthewoods23 I'm so sorry that you're having a rough week! Loss can make any situation shittier. Take that bereavement and Just have some you time! Relax, get a pedicure, massage, something! Treat yourself, and get back into the daily grind refreshed!

bluetickgal · February 2020

@pom9207 32 eggs...that’s wonderful!! I hope you get a great fertilization report today!!

@kpearse99 yay for finally getting on! Haha. I hate that you are still dealing with the bloat...but I hope as soon as that cyst is gone, the extra weight will just melt away! Yeah, AF hasn’t been so nice to me, and I’ve had the extended spotting again this cycle...oh well, such is life I guess! I hope she shows for you soon, but is not a jerk!!

@ramzlau thanks friend! I’m not holding out too much hope of being a SS at this point...but I’d be totally ecstatic if that happens!

@manillabar that’s good news that the HSG went well (sorry it was uncomfortable though)...hopefully you get the full report from your RE soon and all is clear!

@inthewoods23 I’m so sorry for your loss and for everything else you are going through right now! Sending so many hugs your way! 💜 I’m glad you have the appointment scheduled, and I hope it gets here quickly for you!! Know that we are all here for you too!

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