Trying to Get Pregnant
emeraldduchess
member
IF testing and treatment w/o 2/17
emeraldduchess
member
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?
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?
Re: IF testing and treatment w/o 2/17
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".
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!!
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!
TTC since 9/2018
10/19- First RE visit
2/20- DH had surgery for bilateral varicoceles
7/20- IUI with 5 mg letrozole- BFN
9/20- IVF. 9 eggs retrieved, 9 mature, 8 fertilized with ICSI, 7 blasts, 4 PGT-A normal
11/20- Mock transfer/ERA
12/20- FET #1- transferred one 4AB- BFN
3/21- FET #2- transferred one 3AB- BFP! Due Dec 2021
12/21- Baby girl born!
TTC since 9/2018
10/19- First RE visit
2/20- DH had surgery for bilateral varicoceles
7/20- IUI with 5 mg letrozole- BFN
9/20- IVF. 9 eggs retrieved, 9 mature, 8 fertilized with ICSI, 7 blasts, 4 PGT-A normal
11/20- Mock transfer/ERA
12/20- FET #1- transferred one 4AB- BFN
3/21- FET #2- transferred one 3AB- BFP! Due Dec 2021
12/21- Baby girl born!
@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.
@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.
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.
Married: Oct 2015
Baby G born June 2017
TTC#2: July 2018
BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21
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.
@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!
Married: Oct 2015
Baby G born June 2017
TTC#2: July 2018
BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21
@misshelen86 hi! Thinking of you. Everything crossed for you that YH’s surgery goes well tomorrow.
@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!
*TW*
Married: 09/16
TTC #1 08/18
~2019~
IUI #1 #2 #3 with letrozole cancelled
Natural cycle IUI #4 10/19 BFN
First RE visit 11/19
Clomid 50mg + IUI#5 11/19 BFN
Elevated prolactin dx confirmed 11/19
Clomid 50mg + IUI#6 cancelled
~2020~
IVF #1 ICSI+PGT-A 02/20
32R 19M 14F 7B 7 PGT-A normal
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps 3/20
FET 05/20 BFP! beta #1 9dp6dt 443.8; beta #2 11dp6dt 1212
Baby has a heartbeat! 6w5d HB 128
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
*TW*
Married: 09/16
TTC #1 08/18
~2019~
IUI #1 #2 #3 with letrozole cancelled
Natural cycle IUI #4 10/19 BFN
First RE visit 11/19
Clomid 50mg + IUI#5 11/19 BFN
Elevated prolactin dx confirmed 11/19
Clomid 50mg + IUI#6 cancelled
~2020~
IVF #1 ICSI+PGT-A 02/20
32R 19M 14F 7B 7 PGT-A normal
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps 3/20
FET 05/20 BFP! beta #1 9dp6dt 443.8; beta #2 11dp6dt 1212
Baby has a heartbeat! 6w5d HB 128
@manillabar I hope the rest of your tests give you some answers and you can get started on treatment this next cycle!
@bluetickgal Good luck with this cycle!
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.
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!
Dx: 1/2020 Borderline PCOS
Rx: Femara &Trigger with IUI
IUI#1 2/26/2020- BETA 3/11 (AF arrived 3/11)
3/20/2020- Benched due to COVID-19
@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!
@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!
Dx: 1/2020 Borderline PCOS
Rx: Femara &Trigger with IUI
IUI#1 2/26/2020- BETA 3/11 (AF arrived 3/11)
3/20/2020- Benched due to COVID-19
@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! ❤️❤️❤️
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!
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.
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
@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?!?!
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
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.
@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!!!
@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
Dx: 1/2020 Borderline PCOS
Rx: Femara &Trigger with IUI
IUI#1 2/26/2020- BETA 3/11 (AF arrived 3/11)
3/20/2020- Benched due to COVID-19
@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.
IVF Cycle #1 February 2020 4 embryos frozen, 1 fresh transfer = CP
FET #1 Natural Cycle March 2020 CXL'd due to Covid-19
FET #1 Natural Cycle June 2020 - CP #2
FET #2 Natural Cycle July 2020 - BFP!!!!!! Beta #1 = 273
June Signature Challenge - Favorite TV Quotes
@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 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!
@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!
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.
@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
@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
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
*TW*
Married: 09/16
TTC #1 08/18
~2019~
IUI #1 #2 #3 with letrozole cancelled
Natural cycle IUI #4 10/19 BFN
First RE visit 11/19
Clomid 50mg + IUI#5 11/19 BFN
Elevated prolactin dx confirmed 11/19
Clomid 50mg + IUI#6 cancelled
~2020~
IVF #1 ICSI+PGT-A 02/20
32R 19M 14F 7B 7 PGT-A normal
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps 3/20
FET 05/20 BFP! beta #1 9dp6dt 443.8; beta #2 11dp6dt 1212
Baby has a heartbeat! 6w5d HB 128
for my results.💕 I will keep you all posted when I know more.
@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.
@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.
@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
@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!
BFP: 10/27/2011 | EDD: 6/30/12
DS born 6/28/12 via C/S
TTC #2: September 2018
Me: 36 | DH: 39
Mirena removed 9/13/2018 after 6 years
BFP 11/11/2018 | MC @ 5.5 weeks on Thanksgiving
July 2019 - Diagnosed with Secondary Unexplained IF
August 2019 - 2.5 mg of Letrozole = Never Ovulated so Trigger and IUI were cancelled
9/30/2019 - IUI #1 (5 mg of Letrozole + Trigger) = BFP but Betas showed CP @ 4 weeks
10/28/2019 - IUI #2 (7.5mg of Letrozole + Trigger) = BFN
11/25/2019 - IUI #3 (7.5mg of Letrozole, Trigger + Crinone after IUI) = BFN
12/24/2019 - IUI #4 (7.5mg of Letrozole + Crinone after IUI) = BFN
1/24/2020 - IUI #5 (50mg of Clomid + Trigger + Crinone after IUI) = BFN and an Ovarian Cyst
3/2/2020 - Taking a break to reset/NTNP
11/1/2020 - At peace with where things are in life and are no long actively TTC. Whatever happens will happen and it will all be okay.
@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!
@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!
Married: Oct 2015
Baby G born June 2017
TTC#2: July 2018
BFP #2: 2/6/19 MC 3/14/19
BFP#3 from IUI #2: 6/30/20 EDD 3/9/21
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
TTC #1 since 7.2017
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause
@bluetickgal it's definitely more the right side, but I can sometimes feel it on the left! It's so interesting!
Dx: 1/2020 Borderline PCOS
Rx: Femara &Trigger with IUI
IUI#1 2/26/2020- BETA 3/11 (AF arrived 3/11)
3/20/2020- Benched due to COVID-19