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: Not sure if we've done this one before: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE.
Re: IF Testing and Treatment w/o 5/25
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Ladies, I have big updates: We were supposed to do another IUI this cycle. My CD1 was last Saturday, so I should have called on Monday to start treatment. But I woke up Monday morning, and I just couldn't do it. I just had a feeling that this wasn't right. (Full disclosure, our insurance runs out at the end of this month, and that would put us losing benefits literally days after any possible IUI. I felt a little weird about that.) So I didn't call. We are doing things on our own this month. BUT, one thing I haven't mentioned on here is that right before COVID-19, we had applied for an IVF clinical trial at a different clinic in our area. Things weren't moving forward because of the virus, and I sort of assumed the trial would get postponed indefinitely or cancelled. But, I found out on Thursday afternoon that it's moving forward! So I am just waiting to go in for an antrical follicle count. If that looks good (they want at least 14, eeee!) they will consent us for the clinical trial and we will move forward!
How are things going?: I am feeling hopeful for the first time in a long time. I'm so nervous that my AFC won't be high enough, and I am praying the number 14 literally all day long. But I feel good about this step.
Any questions?: I know my original RE did a scan on me to look at my AFC, but he didn't give me a number. I just remember him saying things looked "good". Do other people remember their doctor giving a number? I don't know why this clinic isn't going off of my AMH for my ovarian reserve.
GTKY: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE.
I am not a fan of ketchup. Or brownies. But I really like sauerkraut. My mom caught me eating it out of the jar when I was a toddler!
Diagnosis: MFI
Status: WTO
What are you doing this cycle? Trying on our own
How are things going? So DH couldn’t get in for the more specialized SA, but the lab opened up so he went for a regular SA. I’m hoping we will get enough info from this one to make an informed decision. We have our phone appointment with our doctor next Monday to get the results! I feel like we are so close.. if she suggests waiting any longer I may have a break down. Otherwise, things are going well. Tomorrow is my birthday, which I have mixed feelings about since I was really hoping I’d be in a different place by now.
Any questions? Not right now
GTKY: I hate pickles!
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 FX you get good results and can move forward too!
Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, low morph
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): all natural plus some supplements
How are things going?: not bad, just wish we would be actively working on things around the house. Trying not to think too much about the weird cramping at 9dpo with a temp drop at 10dpo. I have never had post-O temps be as low as they are. My sure fire indicator of the TWW was all my temps being above 98 or just below at like 97.9. I've had 1 temp above 98 so far. This is weird.
Any questions?: nope
GTKY: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE.
Nutella, I have a huge dislike of hazelnut flavors
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 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
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 #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 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
@misshelen86 happy birthday! Hope you can do something fun to celebrate today. FX for good results on Monday and a clear plan moving forward!
@inthewoods23 sorry for the mind games in the TWW. Hopefully AF will stay far away!
Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): benched for 3 months
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Taking BCP to balance hormones
How are things going?: It's been a challenging week mentally and nausea has continued intermittently; it looks like that can last for the first 1-3 packs. I've been in a weird head space since I started taking BCP again and not feeling entirely like my normal self. I imagine it's partly due to all the hormones, combined with feeling depressed about having gained back the weight I lost again and struggling to find the motivation or energy to eat better and start working out again. I've forced myself to take some walks this past week which has helped my mental state but it's stupid hot this week so I don't see walks happening for a few days. I'm so not made for hot weather.
Any questions?: Nope
GTKY: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE.
I can't actually really think of anything. I'm not a very picky eater. If we're talking beverages though, it's tea.
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Last cycle before FET!
How are things going?: I'm trying to stay focused on my FET. I'm pretty sure I'm out for this cycle already (not that I had much hope, just trying to give myself whatever slim chances I had) so I'm mentally on to next month. I'm on my "goodbye tour" of some of my favorite things that I will be limiting or eliminating after FET until beta (wine, runny eggs, deli meat) so that helps a bit haha. I'm trying to finish my quarantine wine by FET, so that's a fun goal to have.
Any questions?: Nope
GTKY: Not sure if we've done this one before: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE. I'm actually a very un-picky eater, there's very little that I don't eat, the only thing I will pick off of food is raw onion. I just don't love that. I love a lot of unpopular foods like olives and pickles, but probably the most unpopular thing that I love (and limit myself to once a year because it's full of sugar) is real Moxie soda. It's 100% a New England thing, and it's a VERY polarizing beverage. My dad loved it and used to drink it, so I was raised to drink it. My mom thought it was disgusting, and so does MH.
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
@misshelen86 So hopeful to hear about YH's SA results. Sending you so many good vibes for that! I feel you about the bday thing, mine is coming up too and I'm not excited for it.
@inthewoods23 FX for you!!!! Also, this has been such a good time to get all those lingering projects started/accomplished!
@gingermama29 I feel your pain, I loathed my BCP for IVF, I was nauseous the entire time. I did read that if you're nauseous you can ask your dr to switch your RX, unless the one you're on was specifically chosen to help with your hormone levels?
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
@mvt2003 Yay for last cycle before FET! I’m so excited that you’re so close and I love your goal to drink all the wine now while you can!
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!
@mvt2003 FET hype!! chug chug chug
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 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
@misshelen86 fingers crossed for a good SA and happy birthday! Hope you're able to do something fun.I know what you mean about hoping you're in a different place. I always set these milestones (both TTC related and otherwise) and it is not fun to reach it and realize you're not where you want to be. I hope you're able to experience some peace and appreciation for where you are and that this coming year brings everything you were hoping for!
@inthewoods23 I love nutella, but I can see what you mean. Hazelnut has such a distinct flavor. I'm still hoping AF stays far away!
@gingermama29 my H hates tea too lol. I'm sorry about all the side effects from the BCP. It can take a while to get better, but I sure would hate for you to suffer through all three months! I agree, maybe your doc can change them if it doesn't get better in the next week or so
@mvt2003 I like the idea of the "goodbye tour!" So excited for your FET. I can't believe June is almost here!
Diagnosis (if you've been): high(ish) TSH, low morph, apparently DOR (according to my chart lol)
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): synthroid, follistim+ovidrel+ IUI, now prometrium
How are things going?: not bad, my progesterone was low so they've started me on prometrium. Man am I tired all the time! lol
Any questions?: none atm
GTKY: Not sure if we've done this one before: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE. Ugh I second pickles, I can't even stand it when it touches my food because it always leaves that pickle taste behind even after you remove 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
I'm always up for trying flavors of pickles. I guess you could say my uncommon food like would be vinegar. Salt and vinegar chips are the BEST. We have a jar of habanero pickles. 1 spear, maybe 2 are enough for me, but it had been in the fridge for the longest time before I opened it back up to have one a couple weeks ago and it was HOT. I think I was convinced I was KU last cycle just because I thought my taste buds had changed, but I wouldn't have called it an aversion. I'm guessing it just gets hotter the longer it sits in the vinegar.
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 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
Diagnosis (if you've been): Diminished ovarian reserve
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I guess just hoping for a miracle.
How are things going?: Not great. We had our first appointment at the fertility clinic yesterday and the RE said there is less than a 1% chance we will conceive naturally (per cycle) so we have some hard decisions to make before CD3 of the next cycle.
Any questions?: I guess my main question is just how do you make any of these decisions? I can't even begin to wrap my head around deciding between the different treatment options (or just giving up, which is seeming like as valid an option as any), and it just seems like the risk of making the "wrong" choice when my ovarian reserve is already "diminished" is so high.
GTKY: Not sure if we've done this one before: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE. I like most foods but I am weird and do not really crave sweets/baked goods, like I couldn't tell you the last time I ate a brownie or cookie. I can't think of anything weird I love either.
Me: 37, MH: 38; Married August 2017
TTC #1 October 2017: BFP on 12/1/2017, DD born 7/24/2018 @ 37+1 after induction due to preeclampsia
TTC #2 January 2020: AMA, dx with DOR in May 2020
IVF July 2020: 16 eggs retrieved, 14 mature, 12 fertilized, 3 blasts, 2 PGT-A normal
FET 10/7/20: BFP on 10/12/20!!! (EDD 6/25/21); First beta 10/16/20 (9dpt): 148; Second beta 10/19/20 (12dpt): 621; Third beta 10/26/20 (19dpt): 4732; Fourth (and final!) beta 11/2/20 (26 dpt): 22,000+
@manillabar yeah, if nausea persists after this pack, I'll probably call my doctor and see about switching, but I figured I'd give it a little time. Also send me all your pickles! I love them!
@legallykate I'm so sorry your appointment brought bad news. Sending hugs. Did the RE have a suggestion for where to begin or recommend a specific course of treatment?
@gingermama29 Thanks friend!!! I'm doing an unmedicated FET, so next CD1 I call in the office and we get the ball rolling! If my cycle is regular, my best guess is I'll be transferring around June 19!
@inthewoods23 I'm going to need to hire you to be my personal hype man
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
Me: 37, MH: 38; Married August 2017
TTC #1 October 2017: BFP on 12/1/2017, DD born 7/24/2018 @ 37+1 after induction due to preeclampsia
TTC #2 January 2020: AMA, dx with DOR in May 2020
IVF July 2020: 16 eggs retrieved, 14 mature, 12 fertilized, 3 blasts, 2 PGT-A normal
FET 10/7/20: BFP on 10/12/20!!! (EDD 6/25/21); First beta 10/16/20 (9dpt): 148; Second beta 10/19/20 (12dpt): 621; Third beta 10/26/20 (19dpt): 4732; Fourth (and final!) beta 11/2/20 (26 dpt): 22,000+
I will also say living on the other side of my egg retrieval, IVF feels much less overwhelming. It absolutely felt dramatic and huge to start, but once the retrieval was done, everything felt more manageable. I even feel like if I *had* to (FX though obvs) I could do another retrieval cycle.
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
@mvt2003 I'm pretty sure I started the hype trend back in August/September anyway. HYPE FOR ALL! March Madness hype now right?
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 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
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
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 | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC put on pause indefinitely
@misshelen86 I hope this week goes fast for you so that you can get some answers/results on Monday!! also, I hope you had a wonderful birthday because you deserve nothing less than that!!
@inthewoods23 I sure am hoping that this different TWW means something wonderful is ahead!!! FX
@gingermama29 ugh the BC hormones are not the best and they are certainly causing you to feel the way you've been feeling lately. I hope you adjust to it sooner rather than later. Hang in there!
@mvt2003 June is going to be here SO SOON, friend!!!! I love that you're getting yourself mentally prepared and physically prepared already! You're doing all the right stuff
@manillabar Girl, progesterone is no joke when it comes to making you sleepy!!
Oh @legallykate I am so sorry you've found yourself here But you are in the right place because it's filled with the most wonderful women who are the most supportive. How do I make decisions that are right for us? Honestly, it's hard. Very hard... BUT I come here and I ask the advice of all these amazing people who have experience or knowledge or advice and I combine that with what my RE has told me and what my heart and gut - along with MH - feel is right.
Diagnosis (if you've been): Secondary Unexplained IF
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO - If it's even going to happen this cycle
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Trying on our own
How are things going?: My OPKs are confusing as hell and I'm getting really frustrated! It's CD 18 and they've been mostly dark the entire time but also go back and forth between lighter and darker but they are mostly classified as "high fertility". I haven't had a peak yet though. I just started getting sooooome fertile CM yesterday and today though so maybe? I have a strange feeling this will be an an-O cycle but who knows. It is what it is and quite frankly, I'm over it hahaha Not in a bad way, I just feel like I'd rather not put in all of this effort in the OPKs just to keep seeing the same thing over and over.... but I'll finish this cycle with them and then decide next month if I want to do them again or not.
Any questions?: n/a
GTKY: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE.
Why is everyone hating on pickles?!?! They are the greatest!! haha - I'm not too picky of an eater but I do hate onions. I LOVE brussel sprouts though!!
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.
Me: 37, MH: 38; Married August 2017
TTC #1 October 2017: BFP on 12/1/2017, DD born 7/24/2018 @ 37+1 after induction due to preeclampsia
TTC #2 January 2020: AMA, dx with DOR in May 2020
IVF July 2020: 16 eggs retrieved, 14 mature, 12 fertilized, 3 blasts, 2 PGT-A normal
FET 10/7/20: BFP on 10/12/20!!! (EDD 6/25/21); First beta 10/16/20 (9dpt): 148; Second beta 10/19/20 (12dpt): 621; Third beta 10/26/20 (19dpt): 4732; Fourth (and final!) beta 11/2/20 (26 dpt): 22,000+
Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained IF, unexplained RPL
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): BBT, OPKs, HIO, observing CM. All that jazz.
How are things going?: Ok. The last BFN was expected but hit me in a weird place. Just ready to move on and starting to feel like I never will. I called the RE's office to check in and the earliest I will be able to start IVF would be July. I guess the good news is that if I won't have to ask for time off because it will be summer.
Any questions?: Nah.
GTKY: Not sure if we've done this one before: Name a popular food that you just do NOT like! Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE. I don't like shrimp and I think coconut is vile. I'm ok with coconut flavored rum, though. I love olives. Even on pizza. Come at me.
i will come back for more tags!
Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): FET
How are things going?: I did FET on 5/26! Lining was good at 9.3mm. My progesterone was sorta high according to my google search, but I decided not to worry about it for now. My RE said the embryo transferred is “perfect”
I was not as emotional as I thought I would be though. I went for the transfer by myself, while DH was waiting outside. The doctor actually allowed him to come in, but he said he would rather stay outside to reduce possible source of contamination/cause distractions. I am trying to withhold the urge to test early until one day prior to my beta day (scheduled next Thursday)
GTKY: I hate pumpkin latte and cherry flavored candies/soda...
*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
@inthewoods23 Girl, you and I have the same tastbuds! Love vinegar in all forms.
@gingermama29 BCP hit me more than any fertility meds ever have. I feel for you!
@pom9207 Congrats on the FET! So exciting! FX for you!
@emeraldduchess I'm sorry you've been having a hard time. I definitely get that some BFNs just hit harder than others. July will be here before you know it!
@kpearse99 Thank you so much, friend! I'm sorry your OPKs have been so frustrating. I am having similar frustrations with my temp. I got an AVA watch-thing finally and my temps have been super weird around ovulation. Oh well. I am also a lover of brussel sprouts!
@manillabar Thanks so much! I'm sorry you're feeling tired. Hoping it's a good sign!
@mvt2003 Love the idea of a farewell tour of food etc.! I am definitely going to do that too!
Back later to fully participate!
@keikilove thank you so much for the love friend! 💕 I will keep you guys posted!
@misshelen86 happy belated birthday, and I hope you had a good one! Hope next Monday the SA comes back normal, so you can get it going!
@mvt2003 I did the same “goodbye tour” to my favorite food! Specifically hot and spicy food lol... I had Cajun style crawfish the weekend prior to my transfer 😂
@manillabar really! My side effect from progesterone is not tiredness, but reduced bowel movement...😳
@kpearse99 pickle lover here too! Sorry about the confusing OPKs. Maybe just BD EOD!
@emeraldduchess it’s a good thing that you won’t need time off to do IVF! I hope time goes by quickly and July will be here soon.
*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
@pom9207 I'm glad your FET went well!!! I have everything crossed for you! It's so funny how many different side effects the progesterone can have. I haven't had any BM issues yet but I definitely feel like I need to add a midday nap to my schedule lol
@legallykate welcome, though I'm sorry you find yourself here with us. Everyone else had great advice. For us, our plan was partially dictated by my insurance but it was also what my RE was suggesting. I have to have 3 IUIs before moving to IVF. I think your chances of success, insurance coverage, and finances are all important factors. Plus by the time we met with the RE, my H and I were both ready to move forward with whatever she said, as long as it wasn't "keep trying on your own" I have been told that also number of children desired is something else to keep in mind. If you want more than one child, then another benefit to IVF is potentially banking embryos for the future with your current eggs as opposed to the possibly diminished quality in a few years when you're ready to try again.
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
@emeraldduchess I'm so very happy you get to start in July, friend. When do you start BCP? Have they given you your protocol?
@kpearse99 Hoping so hard that you get a clear surge sooooooonnnn!
AFM, just got the call back from the RE that we are clear to begin my FET prep! I go in for monitoring on June 7, which makes me feel all the things. My dad would have turned 75 that day, and the next day I turn 35. I'm hoping it's a sign from the universe.
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
And on your dad’s birthday too?! And yours the next day?!💓💗💓
@shoogapoff SO excited for you for the clinical trial! What an amazing blessing
@misshelen86 It's good that YH was able to get in for some kind of SA, even if not the specialized one. I hope you get clear answers from your doc on Monday! And Happy Belated Birthday!!! I hope it was a good one
@inthewoods23 Sorry the house projects have been making you stressed. We have some of that here too. (Well, MH is stressed at my mountain of clothes on the bedroom chair and messy closet.) I just keep taking deep breaths and knowing that I will get to it as soon as some other things calm down. I hope that you are able to tackle them w DH too and alleviate some of the anxiety that unfinished projects can create.
@gingermama29 Ugh, sorry you have had that ongoing nausea. BCP is so gross, what a necessary evil. Hope you start to feel better soon or are able to switch to an effective kind that doesn't make you sick!
@mvt2003 Love your food choices of pickles & olives. What is wrong with other people, right, manillabar? Whenever I'm back in New England I'm going to search out this Moxie soda you speak of just to see what it tastes like, and whether your tastebuds are crazy. Ha. Also, you have the best gif game ever!
@manillabar The progesterone exhaustion is NO JOKE! I hope your body starts getting used to it soon. When I first started taking it I was soooo exhausted all the time AND having hot flashes. Nothing like getting a peek into what menopause must feel like...
@kpearse99 I hope the OPKs made things clear for you last night/today. And YAY for our love of brussel sprouts! YUM!
@emeraldduchess Hang in there! So good to hear from you, and to know that the end of your school year is finally in sight!/ I'm sorry the last BFN hit so hard. But very excited for you that you can continue treatment in July! I know that it feels far away right now, but it will be here before you know it (as everyone here told me when I was sad about late June being the earliest option--and they were right!). And it will be so nice that you can pursue the next step without having to worry about work. What a relief! (P.S. Coconut shrimp is one of the most delicious combos in the world. )
@pom9207 Our tastebuds must be sisters hahaha. I don't like pumpkin latte either, and anything grape-flavored candy or soda is so nasty to me...
@legallykate Well, shoot, I'm so sorry you've had to join us here, but you are most welcome, of course. It is extremely overwhelming in the beginning. How to make these treatment decisions when facing IF? It's freaking hard! I consult MH a lot, and he is always like, "Let's do everything! We will leave no stone unturned!" Even when I'm sick of it and want to throw in the towel, he says he knows it's going to happen for us very soon. That's kept me going through the past 19 months of IF treatment. This is my opinion on AMH: don't panic! More details for you below.
TW: PG & loss mentioned
I found out my AMH was already low (below 1!) and had diminished ovarian reserve when I started this process with my first RE--- and she tried to rush me into IVF immediately. However, I'd just experienced a natural PG/late loss that made me feel that I could get PG on my own & I couldn't understand why she'd push me to do IVF. She also mentioned during my first U/S with her for CD3 workup that she could see 3 antral follicles on my left and 4 on my right. So I didn't feel too overly worried about diminished ovarian reserve. She just wasn't listening to me telling her that I knew something else was wrong with me. I wanted her to do RPL (repeat pregnancy loss) testing even though it was my first loss; I asked her to check for all the mystery things, etc. She wasn't that agressive and I didn't feel heard by her. I felt in my bones that IVF with her would fail.
After a few months I switched to a new RE, who said my AMH is exactly where it's supposed to be for my age and that it doesn't mean anything as long as I still have eggs left, because it only takes ONE. She did say IVF was a good choice because it's the only way to test the quality of my eggs and determine if that's really the problem with my repeat losses. But my insurance at that time denied IVF because I was able to get PG on my own. I have tried natural cycles just doing Timed Intercourse, and I've done 4 natural IUIs without any meds over the past year and gotten PG many times in the past 19 months. They just haven't stuck yet. Because of my positive experience with IUIs I encourage people to try that first because #1, it is SO affordable (mine cost anywhere from $150-$400 each, all Out-of-Pocket) and #2, because it's minimally invasive. YH just gives his sperm, they wash it, and then the doctor inserts it into you. Easy peasy! I had an excellent experience with IUI: all 4 of my procedures were initially successful--without any stimulating meds and with very low AMH. So we have determined that I likely have an implantation issue where my body fights off the embryo.
Now we are finally approved for IVF and I can't wait to see what my egg quality is! That will be the final piece of the puzzle, hopefully. Yes, I feel like a lot of time has been wasted, but I've also had the past 19 months to research, try various treatments, and use process of elimination to figure out what my best treatment plan will be as we approach IVF. So it's not actually time wasted: it's all been a valuable learning process. Hope this helps even just a tiny bit during this overwhelming beginning down this path.
Diagnosis (if you've been): RPL, Elevated NK cells and activity, blood-clotting disorders, AMA
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I am so excited by my bloodwork this week! My Natural Killer Cells are monitored monthly by my RI: this week they all came back in NORMAL range instead of elevated!!! And right before the possiblity of egg retrieval, so I am feeling very relieved! I am not on most of the Reproductive Immunology meds anymore except for one for the elevated NKs, and synthroid/levothyroxine to keep my thyroid numbers low for conception. I added a lot more fish oil this month to make up for the meds I'm not taking (to help lower inflammation) and I am so thrilled that it seems to be working!
How are things going?: Pretty well, considering the above. Plus, I had my consult with the new/second option RE clinic if my first IIVF try with my current RE doesn't work. I am very excited by that as well because they recommended another Reproductive Immunology treatment that I don't have access to in my current state. So I am feeling hopeful today!
Any questions?: What was your timing for starting stims before ER? Do you do the meds for a week? 10 days? Thanks!
GTKY: Popular food that you just do NOT like? I love almost all food. But it's a hard NO to Basil & Starbucks coffee (too f-ing strong, tastes like burnt wood & gasoline!). When I do order Starbucks it has to be decaf, and only 1/4 of the normal amount of decaf coffee, cut with 3/4 cup milk.
Bonus points if you name an unpopular food you LOVE. Brussels Sprouts--yummy!!!-- and cooked liver and onions. Takes me back to my childhood!
Thanks @manillabar those are all good things to consider.
@keikilove YGPM
Me: 37, MH: 38; Married August 2017
TTC #1 October 2017: BFP on 12/1/2017, DD born 7/24/2018 @ 37+1 after induction due to preeclampsia
TTC #2 January 2020: AMA, dx with DOR in May 2020
IVF July 2020: 16 eggs retrieved, 14 mature, 12 fertilized, 3 blasts, 2 PGT-A normal
FET 10/7/20: BFP on 10/12/20!!! (EDD 6/25/21); First beta 10/16/20 (9dpt): 148; Second beta 10/19/20 (12dpt): 621; Third beta 10/26/20 (19dpt): 4732; Fourth (and final!) beta 11/2/20 (26 dpt): 22,000+
@emeraldduchess sorry for all the emotions with the BFN. July will be here soon though!!
@pom9207 yay for your FET!! So exciting!!! Crossing everything for good news this week!!
@mvt2003 so exciting!! Sending so the positive vibes for your appointment! I like the significance of the days.
@keikilove thanks friend. Glad your blood work looked good! Sounds like you've got a great plan going forward!
*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
@shoogapoff that is so freaking exciting!! I’m so glad you listened to your gut and now you will get to proceed with the trial!! Fingers crossed so hard for 14 or higher!! 💜
@misshelen86 happy belated Birthday!! I hope you had a great day, I totally get the mixed feelings though!! I hope you have a good appointment tomorrow and get great results from YH’s SA!! Fingers crossed for you, friend!
@inthewoods23 so sorry you are back to WTO...but I’m hoping for great things this cycle for you!! Hopefully you can get going on some of the projects around the house soon...maybe tackle one at a time and it won’t seem so overwhelming!
@gingermama29 sending hugs your way, friend!! 💜 So sorry you are in a weird head space, and the BCP can’t be helping!! I hope the next few months fly by for you...and the heat stays away so you can get more walks in!
@keikilove that is such great news about your NK cells being in the normal range!! So happy your consult with the backup RE went well and they recommended some new treatment that you didn’t have access to before! I am so hopeful for you too!