IF Testing and Treatment w/o 5/25

shoogapoff · May 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: 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.

shoogapoff · May 2020

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

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!

misshelen86 · May 2020

@shoogapoff That’s great news you can move forward with the clinical trial! Glad to hear you have hope again.. hold on to that! My Dr. Gave me my AFC but only after I asked what it was! She looked at both AMH and AFC.

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!

shoogapoff · May 2020

@misshelen86 FX for your virtual appointment next Monday and that you get the green light to move forward! Happy Early Birthday! I know the feeling that birthdays can bring about, but I hope you are able to enjoy and celebrate.

inthewoods23 · May 2020

@shoogapoff That's so exciting that you can move forward with IVF!! That's interesting that they would do the scan but not actually tell you what your AFC is. My clinic has screens next to the examination tables so you can watch the US. FX for 14+!

@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

misshelen86 · May 2020

@inthewoods23 What kind of things are you wanting to work on around the house? Ugh I hate those cycles where something is different and then you overthink everything. Are you planning to take a test or WFAF?

inthewoods23 · May 2020

@misshelen86 finishing painting our kitchen, landscaping stuff, and finishing the wooden wall planks in our bathroom. I don't plan on testing. I've been holding on to 1 remaining FRER. Besides that I have a dollar store test and an unopen box of digitals which are obviously less sensitive.

gingermama29 · May 2020

@shoogapoff that's such exciting news about the clinical trial! FX for you and a 14+! Any idea when you'll go in for the AFC?

@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.

mvt2003 · May 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

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.

mvt2003 · May 2020

@shoogapoff SO exciting!!!! Sending you so many good vibes, and repeating the number 14 over and over again. I don't think I ever got a formal AFC, my baseline ultrasound for my ER cycle just said 10 on each side in my patient portal, which I feel like was kind of a placeholder number?

@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?

misshelen86 · May 2020

@gingermama29 Thanks friend! I had a lot of issues with nausea and other symptoms when I was on BCP. I tried a few different ones, so maybe that is an option for you? The one I had the least amount of side effects on was Tricira-Lo.

@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!

inthewoods23 · May 2020

@gingermama29 hope you can find the right stuff to bring you into a good head space. We're stupid hot (and humid!) here too and as much as I would love to hang around outside it's too gross.

@mvt2003 FET hype!! chug chug chug

manillabar · May 2020

@shoogapoff how exciting about the trial! When will you go in for the AFC? My RE didn't tell me my AFC but it was reported on the portal.

@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.

inthewoods23 · May 2020

@misshelen86 @manillabar I'm very disappointed in all y'alls dislike of pickles. How. Dare. You. haha

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.

legallykate · May 2020

Hi all. Hoping it's okay if I jump in here. This is all very new to me and I am a bit overwhelmed by the whole new set of acronyms and everything, but I will do my best to be a quick study and catch up on where everyone is in their journey.

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.

gingermama29 · May 2020

@mvt2003 yay for FET so soon! Enjoy that "goodbye tour!" Do you have a date in June yet? I'm not sure if my doctor chose this BCP specifically for hormone levels but I figured I'd at least give it a pack and see how I felt.

@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?

mvt2003 · May 2020

@legallykate I'm so sorry the call was difficult and the news wasn't great. That being said, I (and really we all) know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel when you start along this road, and we're all here for you. In terms of decisions, you just start making them one at a time. What options did they give you? Are they recommending you go straight to IVF? If you're on Instagram, I would recommend taking a look at FabFertility - she's the instagrammer I've mentioned before whose AMH went down drastically then popped back up.

@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

legallykate · May 2020

@gingermama29 @mvt2003 Thanks ladies, I really appreciate the support and your knowledge (although I hate that you are both on this same road). The doctor did seem to think going straight to IVF made the most sense but I think was worried he would sticker-shock us (DH in particular) away so he said we could try a couple rounds of IUI first and see if we "get lucky." But since the problem is my ovarian reserve/egg quality and there is no known issue with DH's sperm, I just don't see how IUI would make that much a difference for us. My insurance does cover one round of IVF so I am tempted to just go for it, but it also does seem like a really dramatic step so it's tough to make that call. I am getting another round of CD3 testing so maybe it just makes sense to wait and see how that looks and put off the decision another cycle.

mvt2003 · May 2020

@legallykate You're probably correct that IUI wouldn't make that much of a difference, and I think you should probably do another round of CD3 testing (I'm pretty sure you have to do an HSG or SHG before IVF anyway, so that knocks you out for a cycle, unless you've already done one of those and I forgot?). In the meantime, I would start bumping up the supplements for egg quality (can't hurt, right?) and start prepping for a cycle. If your insurance covers one cycle (which is amazing!) you want to maximize it.

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.

inthewoods23 · May 2020

@legallykate I'm so sorry you didn't get good news at your appointment. @mvt2003 hit the nail on the head that going through this is so overwhelming in the beginning. It will be a roller coaster of emotions, but this group is such a godsend with support and helping navigate the world of IF. I didn't start using TB until we had gone past a year so you can imagine my "walk" in here like a lost child not knowing anyone but hoping for help. I got welcomed with so many open arms. We are here for you anytime you need help!

@mvt2003 I'm pretty sure I started the hype trend back in August/September anyway. HYPE FOR ALL! March Madness hype now right?

mvt2003 · May 2020

@inthewoods23 Oh look here you are!

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/xT1XGGwZo05NueiuC4/giphy.gif

inthewoods23 · May 2020

@mvt2003 I need to share that with DH

kpearse99 · May 2020

@shoogapoff You know what, friend - you always need to follow what your gut and your heart is telling you to do because they know things that we don't and that's exactly what you woke up doing on Monday. I am proud of you! It sounds like there are some great things coming for you!!!

@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!!

legallykate · May 2020

@inthewoods23 @kpearse99 Thanks ladies. @kpearse99 That is super frustrating about your OPKs, I would be over it too.

emeraldduchess · May 2020

Hi ladies!

I had to take a little mental break but I'm (sorta) back! Still busy and exhausted as heck from trying to teach from home. I'm basically working 7am-7pm with the occasional podcast/snack/tea break to maintain my sanity. Unfortunately all my work involves looking at a computer screen. I still won't be able to be around as much as I want until the official end of school in a few more weeks, but I'll pop in when I can. 💚 Especially now that I can get to the board on my phone.

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.

pom9207 · May 2020

Hi @legallykate, sorry you find yourself here, but welcome! Agreed with what @mvt2003 said, it’s so overwhelming in the beginning, but you will just need to take it one step at a time. I just told myself “if other ladies can do it, why can’t I?” And that helped a lot mentally.

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...

shoogapoff · May 2020

Thanks, ladies. I am excited about the possibility of a clinical trial. I actually just got off the phone with the RE and we talked through things a bit. I think I will go for my AFC at the beginning of next cycle. So, a couple more weeks!

@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!

keikilove · May 2020

@pom9207 CONGRATS on your FET!!!! So exciting! Please keep us updated😊💓

Back later to fully participate!

pom9207 · May 2020

@shoogapoff so excited for you on the possible clinical trial! And hope you will be the numerator of success percentage on their published paper

@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!

@inthewoods23 sorry for the post O mind games, but I am glad you are working on house project to distract yourself. I love pickles too! I think salt and vinegar chips are 👍🏻

@gingermama29 really hope the side effects goes away soon!

@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.

manillabar · May 2020

lol I don't understand you ladies, so many of you love pickles, and @legallykate doesn't like sweets and @emeraldduchess doesn't like shrimp or coconut (both of which I LOVE) but I guess that means we could all eat together because you can all have what I don't want and I'll have all of what you don't want

@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.

mvt2003 · May 2020

@pom9207 Congrats on your FET!!!!!!! Sending you nothing but good thoughts for implantation!!!!

@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.

keikilove · May 2020

@mvt2003 Such a great update! Woohoo!

And on your dad’s birthday too?! And yours the next day?!💓💗💓

keikilove · May 2020

Finally really jumping back in here!

@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 am providing a lot of detail here to try to ease your worries, Kate. I really hope this isn't hurtful to any other members here who have struggled with IF issues different from mine, and who would give anything to see a positive test.

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.

Edited to fix a million typos.

keikilove · May 2020

@shoogapoff, love this GTKY this week, very entertaining!

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!

legallykate · May 2020

@pom9207 Thanks so much, and yay for the FET and perfect embryo!!!

Thanks @manillabar those are all good things to consider.

@keikilove YGPM

gingermama29 · May 2020

@kpearse99 sorry your OPKs are so confusing this cycle. Hopefully you get some clarity soon. Oooh and agreed about brussel sprouts! Yummm! Racially the way DH prepares them!

@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!

pom9207 · May 2020

@keikilove yay for NK levels coming back normal! I did stims for 8 days total, which is relatively short! I have heard people doing stims from 8-14 days. I think it depends on how soon the leading follicles reach roughly 18mm diameter.

bluetickgal · June 2020

Hi ladies!! I’ve been a terrible bump friend this week...please forgive me! We went to visit family the past two weekends and work was absolutely crazy last week! I’m going to try and do much better this week if at all possible!!

@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!

@mvt2003 love the “goodbye tour” of the things you are giving up! Enjoy every bit of that quarantine wine before then! FET prep is so close...and I’m loving all those signs!! 💜

@manillabar I’m glad they checked your progesterone and they are supplementing you now! Fingers crossed so hard for you!

@legallykate I’m so sorry that you find yourself here...but you are among some of the most supportive women ever!! I hate that you got that news, but I’m glad you have some options! These decisions are so hard!! For us, DH and I discuss them and come to what we feel is the right thing for us together...although I definitely lead the conversation! I hope you feel good about whatever you decide to do...and I don’t think there is a wrong choice, you just have to go with what you feel is best for you all!

@kpearse ugh, that stinks the OPK’s are being so confusing still! I hope you got some clarity and that this is not an an-O cycle!!

@emeraldduchess so sorry work has been so much...but glad you are nearing the end of the school year now! I’m so sorry that the last negative hit you so hard...it’s weird how some hit harder than others, even if you are somewhat expecting it already! I hope this is your cycle...but I’m glad you can look at the silver lining of not having to ask off work if you move on to IVF in July!

@pom9207 woohoo!! So happy your FET went well...and you had a perfect embryo transferred! Everything possible crossed for amazing news coming very soon!
@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!

IF Testing and Treatment w/o 5/25

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