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 languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn?
Re: IF Testing and Treatment week of 6/29
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO, I guess? No AF yet but BFN this morning around 14dpo, so...yeah.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Hopefully starting IVF! I paid the lab fees for PGS testing and they're going to resubmit us for approval. Hopefully it will be fast and we can start ASAP. It felt very weird giving them my credit card # for the payment. Like I was putting down a deposit on my future LOs.
How are things going?: OK. I'm not nervous about starting meds, just ready to get the show on the road. I have a lot going on outside of TTC to distract me, i.e. my job search. I didn't get the job I interviewed for last week so I am a little disappointed, but the principal who interviewed me couldn't have been nicer about it. They want to keep my resume in case anything else opens up, so that's a good sign. It's only the end of June, so I have time to find something. Unfortunately so many school systems have to make cuts, so there are hundreds of teachers applying for each job.
Any questions?: No, I don't think so. The nurses at my RE's office are supposed to call me between now and Wednesday about getting started.
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? First language is English, and I can speak conversational Spanish (35% fluent according to Duolingo). I would like to learn ASL, French, Dutch, and Japanese.
Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, low morph
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): trying on our own for a few months
How are things going?: pretty good. Not feeling bad at all about this past cycle not working. Don't need a due date right in the middle of chaos. Last cycle was just barely around that 3 month mark of DH being on his supplements to help out his sperm so maybe there wasn't quite the improvement we need. I'm more hopeful about finding success in the next 3-4 months. After that, we might consider going back to doing a FET.
Any questions?: nope
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? English (obvs), a small amount of Spanish since I had 5 classes of that back in high school but I've forgotten most of it at this point. I'd love to learn German, ASL, and maybe some of the Scandanavian languages
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
@inthewoods23 Glad you are feeling okay about last cycle and good about things going forward!
Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, DOR
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Testing before starting IVF next cycle.
How are things going?: Not bad. I finally got my CD3 results back (they magically found them) and my AMH went up from .74 last cycle to 1.02 this cycle which seems somewhat significant and 1.02 actually seems on the low end of normal for my age but the nurse made it still seem really low so I am confused. I have been eating really well and taking a ton of vitamins from It Starts With the Egg so I'm almost thinking I can just improve my egg health enough to conceive naturally? But I figure doing an ER and hopefully having some embryos frozen still makes the most sense since I am not getting any younger.
Any questions?: Not really. Waiting to hear what the doc thinks I should do for my protocol (birth control versus Estradiol) and then I might have some.
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? I can only speak English, I took Latin instead of Spanish in high school and seriously regret it. I would love to learn it someday. And my husband is Jewish so I am constantly on the fence about converting which would require learning some Hebrew.
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+
@inthewoods23 glad you're at peace about your last cycle and the timing. FX for success on your own in the next few months!
@legallykate glad you finally got your results back. When do you expect to hear from your doctor regarding BC vs Estradiol?
Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): benched until August
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Taking BCP to balance hormones
How are things going?: Pretty good so far. I'm finishing my second pack of BC today and expecting AF Thursday. I'm trying to keep positive. Only one more month on the bench to go! I'm really looking forward to being done soon.
Any questions?: Nope
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn?
English, obviously. I took 6 years of French in school and remember quite a bit of it - I'd call myself conversational in French, but definitely not fluent by any means. I can read it and understand 90% of it and figure out the rest through context.
I can comfortably sing in French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Latin but I wouldn't say I could speak them; I took diction classes for those languages in college (I was a music major with a vocal concentration) so I'm comfortable with sung pronunciation of the words (which is different from spoken pronunciation) but definitely don't speak those languages.
I started to learn German at one point and would LOVE to actually learn it. I'd also like to learn Spanish as my brother's wife is from Spain and that's her first language. ASL would be really cool to learn too!
@gingermama29 now you can REALLY count down the days being on your last pack. The less pills you see the closer you are! Are you for sure done with BC after this or is there possibility they might have you continue?
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
@inthewoods23 I'm glad you're feeling good.
@gingermama29 I'm glad your bench time is almost over.
Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained, RE suspects Endometriosis
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI w/ Clomid, Ovidrel, and Progesterone suppositories.
How are things going?: Fine. I finally got my test results from CD 3 when my RE wanted to see my FSH again. 7.3 so I guess that's fine. I almost get annoyed when all my tests come back "fine". I hate not having some kind of answer as to why I can't get KU on my own. Otherwise I'm just trying to keep busy and not go buy a stick to pee on. I think if this cycle ends in a BFN we may take a few months off before we talk about IVF with my RE again.
Any questions?: nope.
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? English and German (a little). I learned German in high school and college, but I've not had many chances to use it. I'd like to learn Italian or French, but I'm very intimidated by learning new languages. Especially if I don't have a reason to use it frequently.
@inthewoods23 it's so so so damn good reading about how you're feeling lately!! Will you guys get DH's count redone?
@legallykate I'm glad they finally found those results! AMH confuses me too - like @inthewoods23 said it's such a toss up and I feel like every RE is different.
@gingermama29 Yes for only one more month being benched!! It's going to go so fast!!
@thegirlwhowaited_ I totally understand you feeling annoyed when all the test results come back normal or fine. I mean, it's great one one hand, but on the other hand you're still left wondering why the hell you can't get KU then!
Diagnosis (if you've been): Secondary Unexplained IF
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): FINALLY back in the WTO! After 50 days AF finally showed up, geeesh! Def. think last cycle was an an-O cycle.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Like @inthewoods23 we are trying on our own for the summer...but, without full blown "trying"....because I just can't anymore right now. I'm done with OPKs and I'm done with tracking and I'm done with finding creative ways to get both of us in the mood for timed and planned sex.... I just want to enjoy my husband and spontaneity!
How are things going?: Good! Better than last week! I'm just mentally ready to just focus on so many other things than just TTC. At this point, I just want to enjoy life and make my own rainbows instead of just always waiting around for one to magically happen, ya know?
Any questions?: Anyone else uber excited for the release of Hamilton on Disney + on Friday?! @emeraldduchess
and @gingermama29 ?!!!!? I'll be listening to the album all week in preparation for the big event!
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? English. I took 5 years of Spanish between High School and College and while I was really good then, I barely remember anything now. Although, if I ever need to ask where the library is in Spanish I am all set!
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.
@thegirlwhowaited_ I'm sorry for the frustration with the test results. Having no real answers is so hard.
I was just thinking this morning about whether we'd do a repeat SA. I don't think our insurance covers it though so it was like $200!
@thegirlwhowaited_ I get what you mean about everything coming back normal. The "unexplained" diagnosis sucks.
@gingermama29 FX you don't need to go back on BC!
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
@gingermama29 only twice?! hahaha
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.
@inthewoods23 I'm so hopeful for you! Hitting the 3 month mark with supplements is exciting. They're finally kicking in! FX you see the results of that effort!
@legallykate I'm sorry your AMH is confusing. How old are you, again?
@gingermama29 Yay for another French-speaker!
@thegirlwhowaited_ I get that feeling too. I am a little worried I am going to find out that my tube is actually fine, and that the issue is my egg quality etc. and that I won't have success with IVF. It's strange to want something to be wrong with you, right?!
@kpearse99 I feel you on wanting the spontaneity. This cycle I didn't take any OPKs and didn't pressure MH to HIO since we're starting IVF next cycle. It felt good to just do stuff if we wanted to!
Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, blocked tube
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Hysteroscopy and mock transfer went well. MH has his SA this Friday for the clinical trial. I am supposed to call on CD1 for baseline ultrasound and stims! CD1 should be sometime next week!
How are things going?: I was super nervous that we would be cancelled due to COVID. I'm in Texas, and elective procedures are being cancelled all around the state. My clinic put out a statement that they are stopping IUIs right now, but continuing with IVF, so we should be good, especially since the clinical trial has to have all participants started by August. Fingers crossed!
Any questions?: Not yet. I'm sure I will next week!
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? I speak French because I lived there for 2 years, and I learned a little Khmer when I lived in Cambodia. I would love to learn Spanish for my job (lots of Spanish speakers in Texas), and Hebrew just because it would be cool!
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.
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Letrozole (7.5mg), IUI#3, and Progesterone
How are things going?: I’m actually feeling good this week...of course the short week helps with that! I’m excited for this cycle, hoping the increased meds will be a game changer! I’m really hoping this last IUI will do the trick...but I’m also trying not to put too much stress/worry/pressure into this cycle either! If this cycle is not a success but we see good results with the increased meds, I’ll go back to meds/TI only at the higher dose...if I respond “too well”, I’ll go back to the lower dose of 5mg since we won’t be monitoring after this cycle. We have also decided that if this cycle is not a success, we will reach out to an adoption agency to get things rolling on that (at the very least, get all the information we need to hopefully start the process by the end of the year). I know adoption isn’t really discussed much here, plus this is long-winded...so I’ll put it in a spoiler.
Any questions?: None right now.
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? English of course, and I was also a Spanish minor but I’ve sadly lost most of it! I can understand it much better than I can speak it though! I would love to learn ASL as well!
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.
@bluetickgal that's awesome that you found a good agency! FX for good results with the higher dose of letrozole!
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
@gingermama29 Yay for being almost done with BC! That’s so cool you can speak/sing all those languages, I’m seriously jealous. The RE's nurse called back today and said I should give them a call on CD1 (rude! jk) and then I will start using OPKs and start on estrogen pills when I get a positive OPK. She said they were considering having me start OPKs today (which did not make sense to me since I am 4dpo) but since MH still has to go get his SA (on Monday) we would just do it the other way. I should really ask more questions, but I am always just absorbing/processing and then think of questions when I get off the phone.
@thegirlwhowaited Glad your results were good but I can see that being frustrating in itself. I hope this is your cycle!
@kpearse99 So glad AF finally showed. I am super excited about Hamilton! We haven’t seen it yet and I am guessing this is the closest we will come anytime soon.
@shoogapoff So excited your clinical trial is getting going. I am in Texas too but my clinic says they can still do everything since they do it all in house and not at a hospital so FX for both of us that the surge here doesn’t screw us up. I am 36 so no spring chicken but also young to have such a diminished ovarian reserve.
@bluetickgal Glad you are having a good week! I hope the extra meds do the trick but also think it is awesome that you are talking about moving forward with adoption I would really love to adopt at some point too but H is not super keen on it
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+
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Benched for another 4-8 weeks.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): TTA
How are things going?: We ended up firing our RE about a month ago. Someone from her office called to yell at me about missing an appointment I didn’t have and lectured me about not emailing the office to keep them appraised of our treatments even though we had phone calls and texts with the RE directly. We had many problems with this RE about wrong medication, miscommunication between her and her staff, and no test results being discussed. So we are on the hunt for a new RE while being benched. I hate that I feel we are back to square one with a new RE when I think we only have two medicated cycles left, but it is what it is.
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn?
Native English, conversational Arabic, limited Spanish and ASL
I would like to improve my Arabic and maybe learn Italian.
Holy crap about your RE situation. I'm glad you followed your gut and left them. That's insane the way they were treating you and how the communication was so horrible. I know it's not ideal to start over but it's what is going to be for the best.
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.
@ramzlau thanks lady!! I would love any advice/resources from people that have gone through the process, so that’s a great idea to check the archives! Unfortunately the Adoption board here is not active at all right now! Once we start the process, I’ll probably jump over there and see if anyone else is lurking and would like to participate. I’m so sorry you went through so much with your RE’s office, but good for you for moving on from them!! I hope you are able to find a new RE quickly and that 1 or 2 more medicated cycles is all it will take!!
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
@shoogapoff I'm glad your treatment isn't canceled. I'm in TX too and I'm thinking even if this wasn't our last IUI before discussing IVF that we'd be benched again. My RE's office hasn't sent anything out about stopping treatment. They follow guidance from ASRM and they haven't announced a recommendation to stop treatments yet, but with cased on the rise I'm expecting it again.
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Heading into another transfer cycle
How are things going?: Thank you all for the support last week, having a second transfer fail was incredibly difficult. I've had a lot of emotions to process, and as you all know, one of the hardest parts of IF is that the trauma just keeps getting compounded. MH changed over the money we had put aside for a Peloton to be our embryo PGS testing fund instead. We hope we don't need to retrieve again, but at this point I'd rather have the money put aside so it's one less thing to worry about.
We just had our WTF call with our RE, and I feel positive coming out of it, we're starting back up again immediately. She's comfortable with us transferring two this time, which is what MH wanted to do. Mentally, he feels better putting two in now knowing we have 1 left after that. We discussed an ERA and additional testing, she will do that if this one fails. I'm starting monitoring on Sunday, and we're going to get this cycle going. It was helpful that she personally did the transfer this time, she said everything was perfect, including my lining.
Any questions?: Any grads out there with experience transferring two embryos? I feel that since I have had two failed transfers at this point, the chance of both implanting are slim, but I guess it doesn't hurt to see if anyone else has done it?
GTKY: What languages can you speak? What languages would you like to learn? I spent my formative years learning Latin, a dead language that is no longer spoken. I took 5 years of it in high school, and then another year of it in college. It has been very helpful though learning other languages. I also did 4 years of French classes, but I am no longer conversational in it. I did take a German class in college and holy hell did I dislike that language and my professor, so that was a big bust. (This is why I will literally never use my degree, fun fact. I have a degree in Classics, and most of the original scholarship was done in German.)
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 I'm so sorry this job didn’t work out, hopefully you find a good fit soon!! I’m so excited that you’re getting started!!! I do think clinics are prioritizing ERs whenever possible, so I’m keeping you in my thoughts!!!
@inthewoods23 I’m keeping everything crossed for you guys that diet and supplements can get the job done!!!!
@legallykate I’m glad your AMH has bounced back a bit! It really isn’t a static number, but it’s nice to see it improve! Do you know your protocol yet?
@gingermama29 SO excited that you’re almost done with BCP! Being off the bench will be amazing!
@thegirlwhowaited_ I totally understand the frustration with getting “normal” test results! If your RE suspects endo, are they recommending a lap?
@kpearse99 We’ve had this convo numerous times, but I so agree with you I am ready to just enjoy my life and not worry about POAS. I’m glad you guys are just going to go with the flow this summer, I think it will be rejuvenating.
@shoogapoff SO excited for you to start stims and get this show on the road!!!! Keeping my FX for you for this cycle. Is your clinic freestanding or part of a hospital? I’ve found that here in MA my freestanding clinic picked things up again a bit quicker than some of the hospitals.
@bluetickgal Friend, I am keeping all the things crossed for you, and hoping so hard. I’m so happy you have a solid plan moving forward no matter what. And as we’ve talked about before, the end goal is a family, no matter how we get there.
@ramzlau I’m so sorry your clinic was not great, and I’m so happy you’re moving on. I do think sometimes a practice is just not a good fit for us, and it’s not a bad thing to advocate for yourself. I’m not sure where you’re located, but hopefully you have good options!!!
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
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.
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
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.
@inthewoods23 I'm so happy you're feeling good about everything and hopeful about the next few months. I was completely fine with my BFN on Monday too because I know it's another cycle closer to our rainbow (even though it feels like that's still a long way away). I think I remember the Spanish show you're talking about! "Destinos", maybe? We also watched "La Catrina" which was really funny (not written as a comedy, the acting was just really bad).
@legallykate my AMH bounces around too. When I first had it done, it was just under 1, then a few cycles later it went up to around 1.4, then back in March it plummeted. But the RE's office hasn't said anything about it, so who knows. I agree with everyone, I think it's definitely a toss-up and different REs have different opinions.
@gingermama29 woohoo for moving another cycle closer to being off the bench!! I love that you can sing in so many languages.
@thegirlwhowaited_ OMG I hear you on the repeated "fine" test results. The "unexplained" diagnosis sucks. Something is obviously off, the doctors just can't figure it out. So damn frustrating.
@kpearse99 LOVE what you said about making your own rainbows. That should be printed on a coffee mug or something. Postings for teaching jobs don't usually take off until mid-summer in this area, too. What's being posted now is usually already spoken for (many principals have someone in mind before they start interviews) and the posting/interviews are really a formality. Usually what is posted in late July/August is a true vacancy.
@shoogapoff looks like we might be IVF buddies! I called the clinic this morning because it's CD1. They're double checking the protocol with my RE (patch or no patch), then calling in the meds. I drop off all the consent forms tomorrow morning! So glad that your clinic is continuing IVF and that you won't be benched!
@bluetickgal FX that the increased dose does the trick for you! Either way, that's wonderful that you've got a plan in place and are looking into different adoption agencies. However your rainbow comes to you, it will be amazing and your LO will be SO loved!
@ramzlau Sorry about your RE, I think you made the right call and hopefully it won’t be like square one since you can transfer all of your history over.
@mvt2003 I am glad the WTF call went well and you are getting right back to it again Sorry I am not the only one who took years and years of Latin lol. Looks like I will start monitoring with OPKs on CD1 and then start on oral estrogen (estrogen priming?) when I get a positive OPK. The nurse said they were doing a more aggressive approach because my egg retrieval score was below average
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+
@kpearse99 to add to @mvt2003's comment, their determination of whether you're pre or post receptive is whether or not your progesterone level is within the right range. Not to be confused with the Receptiva test I had at the beginning of the year - that's basically testing for inflammation in the lining aka, a really mild form of endo. Took me a while to not get them confused.
@mvt2003 yay happy to hear everything went well at the appointment! Is the PGS testing fund only if you have to go through a 2nd ER? Let's take April by storm!
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
@legallykate Interesting! I hadn't gone too deeply into researching the estrogen priming protocol, it makes total sense though!!!
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
@mvt2003 Thanks! Ours is freestanding, and technically not in a county that has mandated stopping elective procedures (though it's right on the edge of one that HAS mandated that), so I am hopeful we'll get to keep going. I'm glad your clinic is being supportive of moving forward in a way that feels right for you. FX so hard for you!!
@thegirlwhowaited_ Thanks! I hope you don't get cancelled too!
@ramzlau I am sorry your clinic was so terrible. We had some pretty awful experiences with our previous clinic, but the one we are at now for the clinical trial has been really good so far.
@legallykate Thanks! FX for both of us that Texas doesn't mess with our fertility treatments!
@bluetickgal Thank you so much! And thank you for sharing your thoughts about adoption. MH and I have always planned for adoption or foster care to be a part of our story, even before we knew we had IF. It is a long road, but if it is on your heart, I hope you get to make it a reality whenever the timing is right.
I know with the genetic testing we did in the early stages with the RE - the one to check if we (or really just I) were carriers for anything - there was some weird thing that either you could pay X price or you could attempt at running it through your insurance to see they would cover any of it (as it usually isn't). If it gets denied then you pay some other price. It was weird because the "your insurance denied covering this" was... cheaper somehow? I don't recall now. Apparently my insurance did cover ALL of it which was really nice. So bizarre what they will and will not cover. Maybe it counts as a pre-existing condition thing?
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
@mvt2003: