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 celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you?
me: 35 / so: 34 | ttc #1 since 9/2018
DX: MFI
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
Re: IF Testing & Treatment w/o 7/6
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Signing consent forms for IUI today!!
How are things going?: Another BFN today. I’m not really surprised, since it’s always negative.. but I was really hoping that I would be a unicorn and get KU right before IUI. I’m not really too sad about it.. I’m more relieved that we are getting ready to finally move forward with treatment! I’m just so done with trying on our own.. it’s been such a long road. I’ve decided if we can’t get in for the IUI right away, we’ll be trying a medicated cycle. Other than that, I’m just trying to enjoy summer as much as I can.. the weather has been so beautiful and has really helped with my mood!
Any questions?: No
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? Mary Berg from MasterChef Canada! Her cooking/baking always looks amazing plus she has such a fun personality!
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!
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): waiting for IVF.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I am doing the patch protocol, which means I am pretty much benched this cycle. I have to wait until my LH surge, then I start wearing a patch, then WFAF. After that is when I start injections. So it looks like ER won't be until end of July at the earliest. Knowing my stupid ovaries, it will more likely be August. I called the RE this morning and they explained the patch protocol to me a little more thoroughly. It's a more aggressive treatment and takes a little longer because they need to get my numbers back up. I really am grateful that they are so nice and patient with me at the RE.
How are things going?: Eh...I'm not doing so well at this moment. I was up most of last night feeling sick to my stomach/chest hurting because of the position we are in. I'll put the rest in a spoiler. *TW loss, LCs mentioned.*
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? Can I just have Mary Berry from "British Bake Off" make me a whole afternoon tea spread and dessert buffet? Let's go with that. I'm such a picky eater I feel like anyone else's talent would just be wasted.
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Natural FET
How are things going?: I was stunned on Sunday morning when I went to my CD10 baseline appointment and found out I had an 18mm follie (also on the left interestingly) and my lining was already at 10. I triggered last night, transfer is this Sunday.
Just to add to the wonderfulness that has been 2020, we had a VERY close call on Thursday night, when a tree fell in our yard during a freak storm. The dog and I had been outside for her to pee, and in the time it took for us to go upstairs to the second floor of our house the tree fell. We're very lucky that the damage was all to the outside, and no major house damage. It hit the roof gutter and bent it, and that's it. Our shed was destroyed, and it took down part of our neighbor's fence. We're very grateful that it wasn't worse, and cleanup has been going on full force.
Any questions?: Nope
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? Ina Garten all the way, preferably chicken (since it's Jeffrey's favorite) and homemade cosmos!
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 I am so sorry about the BFN but YAY for IUI! It's a great feeling when you drop off those consent forms. And I get what you mean. When you have a definite treatment plan, it takes some of the sting out of those BFNs.
@emeraldduchess Friend, I feel that so very much. Sending you so many hugs. I completely understand the feelings and the frustration. I vented to my SiL this weekend that all I feel is dread about our upcoming transfer (which may have been a mistake but oh well). TTC is not a happy fun process for us, it's just tears and pain and sadness. I'm glad your RE is going with an aggressive protocol, and I'm hoping so hard that this brings you your rainbow.
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 Glad you are okay and there’s no major damage. I’m sorry to hear that you’re feeling dread this time around. I totally get the feelings of hopelessness and sadness.. those feelings are completely valid! Sending hugs your way and rooting so hard for you for this FET!
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!
@emeraldduchess FX for no shenangians. Sending you lots of love
@mvt2003 oh my gosh I can't believe it's happening so soon already!! APRIL!! So glad you and the house are okay! Scary!! My body would be tingling with adrenaline for AGES if that happened to us! PHEW
Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, low morph
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I'm feeling too emotional to be funny here. Just back to basics
How are things going?: Just okay. Or just emotional like always. I don't know. I think I have a lot going on in my head about all of this. Like I'm worrying over it being July already and that we don't have much time left before I'd want to go back to trying a FET, which then leads me to worrying about that not working AGAIN. Sigh. I think I could really use some time to clear my head. Maybe DH and I can get away for a few days either this weekend or next. I want to go back to just being in the moment instead of thinking about everything else going on.
Any questions?: No
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? The only celebrity chef I can really think of right now is Gordon Ramsay (Ramsey?). I attempted one of his breakfast recipes and failed miserably so maybe he could make that for me so I can actually enjoy it instead of having to eat burnt potatoes
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
@emeraldduchess You don't sound like an entitled brat or a debbie downer. These are your feelings and they are REAL and they are HARD. You are entitled to feel however you feel, so let it all out to us whenever you need to. We get it. I think that it's natural for people, especially family members, to feel something along the lines of sadness (I don't know if it's necessarily pity) for those that they love when they are struggling with something as hard as this. I am sure they all know how badly you want it, and I am also sure that they know it's not any one person's fault. The sadness they will show towards you is natural and and while it will be there, it will also fade away and won't last around forever. IF, and that's a big IF, IVF doesn't end up giving you your rainbow I am confident that you and DH will find your new normal way of life and will continue to adjust, just like you have after every other struggle you've hit these last 2 years. It's all just a lot to take at the moment, and it's not something you need to focus on at the moment. Just keep trying to take it one day at a time, lean on us and your RE and YH and try to get in the right head space for your transfer.
@mvt2003 that's terrifying that it happened just within moments of you getting in the house! I am so grateful you weren't outside while it happened and that you weren't hurt! Also, how the heck did you trigger already?! I'm shocked, as I am sure you are too, haha! Come on twins embies!!!!
@inthewoods23 I think it's a great idea for you two to get away for a few nights or even for one night to just be together and clear your head(s). I really hope you can make that happen.
Diagnosis (if you've been): Secondary Unexplained IF
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Trying without trying!
How are things going?: Honestly, I am doing really well. After deciding together that we are just going to have fun again and live our lives without putting TTC above everything else and to just take whatever comes our way, we had an incredible weekend with some hot HIO sessions hahaha We joked around that we felt like we were teenagers again
Also, Hamilton is now available to watch on Disney + and I watched it twice over the weekend. DH said he'd watch it with me too so we'll watch it sometime this week. I may be obsessed! haha
Any questions?: nope
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? ummmm Gordon Ramsay, all the way!!! I love that man! haha
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.
I found these socks on Etsy and I'm thinking of getting them to wear for my ER and transfer. I also have some rainbow ankle socks that I bought for my (cancelled) IUI back in February.
@kpearse99 So happy to hear that you’re in a good place now that some of the pressure is off. That sounds so refreshing to be able to live your lives without all those expectations and the stress of TTC. I’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for you and keeping everything crossed there is a surprise just around the corner. Thanks for reminding me, I need to check out Hamilton!
@emeraldduchess Those socks are so pretty! I think you should go for it!
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!
I love that you and your DH are just enjoying life right now! I miss the days of HIO just for the hell of it. LOL!
@misshelen86 Sorry about the BFN but yay for starting IUI and for nice summer weather, I agree that helps so much with mood.
@emeraldduchess I am so sorry you are feeling bad about where you are at. I don’t think you sound entitled at all, we’ve been dealt some seriously crap hands and it is only natural to be mad/sad about it. I am trying to stay super positive about IVF because it also makes me physically ill to think about it not working. I hope the patch gets you to where you need to be and fast so you can move forward with your ER.
@mvt2003 Everything crossed for you for Sunday! That is crazy about the tree, I am so glad it didn’t do more damage.
@inthewoods23 I think some time away with YH would be amazing if you can swing it. I hate the feeling of racing against time and just wanting to be KU already so so badly, and it’s so hard not to let the process take over your mind.
@kpearse99 I’m so glad to hear you are in such a good place and are enjoying time with YH. Hamilton is so good, I watched on Saturday night and would totally re-watch!
Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, DORStatus (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Egg retrieval
How are things going?: I know a couple of you have commented that things seem to be moving fast for me with treatment but I didn't really feel that way until I found out yesterday my clinic wanted to bump up the ER to this month and skip the priming cycle. Now I am like holy eff this is moving fast! I am feeling super intimidated by all the meds that are getting delivered today, I am hoping when I go in for my baseline sono this morning they are really good at explaining to me the protocol and how to inject the drugs and everything because it feels very overwhelming.
Any questions?: I wouldn't even know where to start with all my questions
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? I can't believe no one has said Bobby Flay, I have such a crush on him lol.
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 I've already done the completely-normal-and-in-no-way-obsessive thing of checking the EDD for this transfer, and it puts me in March again!!!!! I completely understand all the overly emotional ways our brains mess with us, and approaching any sort of self-imposed deadline is a huge trigger. FWIW, I've been very much in my own head about this FET not working AGAIN, and I keep reminding myself that even with genetically normal embryos sometimes they just don't implant. I had a very difficult time on Sunday, and contemplated taking a cycle off just because seeing another negative feels inevitable and so scary, but I circled myself back around to the mantra of "the time will pass anyway" and it's better to be trying something/anything than nothing.
@kpearse99 Sweet friend, I am so happy that you and YH are feeling more connected and less controlled by TTC. I hope so hard that just living your life brings you your rainbow, but I know that you're going to have so much happiness either way. Your words to @emeraldduchess are so spot on, and I appreciated reading them as well.
@legallykate I completely empathize with the overwhelmed feeling - I had three months to wrap my head around it, and I still felt overwhelmed, it's completely normal. I'm so thrilled that you get to get this ball rolling though! So much of IVF/IF is "hurry up and wait" that it's nice to see something coming quickly! You'll do amazing with your first round of shots tonight, just breathe deeply, remember to sterilize, and it will be over quickly. If you have any specific questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
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 I'm sorry you didn't get your pre-IUI BFP, but I am glad you're able to move forward with treatment!
@emeraldduchess I'm sorry for the delays, and for the struggles with your emotions. I think those all sound like perfectly reasonable feelings to have. It's scary to think about all of the what ifs. FX you get to do your ER soon!
@mvt2003 I'm so excited for you!! And OMG about the tree! That sounds so scary! Glad you are okay!
@inthewoods23 I hope you and YH can get away soon. Where would you go?
@kpearse99 I'm glad you and YH are able to enjoy one another and enjoy this time. That is so important!
@legallykate Girl, you and I are a day apart on our IVF journeys! I am right there with you on feeling a little overwhelmed!
Diagnosis (if you've been): blocked tube, AMAStatus (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Starting stims for IVF!
How are things going?: Today is CD 1, so I called and scheduled my baseline ultrasound for tomorrow morning. My meds are being shipped to me and will arrive sometime tomorrow, for my first injection tomorrow night! I can't believe it's really happening!
Any questions?: Not yet, but I probably will when the meds come.
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? I used to have a crush on Jaime Oliver, so I guess I would say him. I also think it would be fun to try Gordon Ramsay's food.
@shoogapoff Oh yay so exciting! Let me know if you want to compare notes on protocols/injections/etc. My very short summary of my first day is that the Menopur injection is a little sting-y but the Gonal-F isn't bad at all, and watching a billion online videos until you are comfortable in advance with how to administer them is the way to go. MH hates needles even more than I do so he helped me prepare them but I injected myself, but I think if I have to use the backs of my arms (if my abdomen and thighs get sore) I will need him to do them so he will have to suck it up lol.
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): WTO
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Letrozole (7.5mg), IUI#3, and Progesterone. Monitoring appointment is tomorrow (CD15).
How are things going?: Things are going pretty well! I’m anxious to see how I responded to the increased Letrozole dose at my monitoring appointment tomorrow...I’ve had some increased hot flashes, but otherwise I haven’t noticed anything different. I’ll be asking specifics about number & sizes of follies this time around, especially since this will be our last monitoring and I want to make sure I would be ok to continue with the increased dose and I’m not over-stimulated with it! I’m still in the hopeful, but not too hopeful camp this cycle! I have comfort in knowing that if it is not a success, we will move ahead with starting the adoption process...while hopefully still trying on our own with meds.
Any questions?: None.
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? Oh man, I’d be happy if any of them wanted to make dinner for me! Haha. I’d probably go with Gordon Ramsey as long as he didn’t yell at me! Could I have some dessert that Mary Berry makes for @emeraldduchess as well?!
Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained, RE suspects endometriosis
Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO, AF started yesterday and I had 2 BFN over the weekend.
What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nothing I guess. My RE won't let us do another IUI she wants us to have another consult with her about IVF, but I'm just not sure I'm ready to take that step.
How are things going?: Not good. I'm upset about AF and feeling like I'm at a dead end. It's been 9 months trying this time around and I'm frustrated. I'm unsure about IVF because of the large upfront costs, I'm concerned about the hormones as I had horrible headaches with 150mg of Clomid, and honestly I'm worried about putting so much down ($ and hope) to just be disappointed/let down again. I haven't scheduled my consult with my RE yet. I have my annual pap next week with my OB so I'm going to see what she thinks before I schedule that consult. Although I'm not sure how objective of an opinion I'm going to get seeing as how my OB and RE are really good friends. I think I'm considering benching myself this month and not even try on our own. Maybe I just need a break and time to think.
Any questions?: nope.
GTKY: What celebrity chef would you choose to make a dinner for you? Scott Conant can cook me a steak and a bowl of pasta any time
@emeraldduchess I'm sorry you're feeling like that. I can relate to having in-law's like that. I've honestly been thinking about avoiding mine for the same reasons, but I know that isn't fair to MH. I'm glad that you're having a pleasant experience with your RE's office though.
@mvt2003 that's amazing news from your baseline! FX this is the cycle! Crazy about the tree, too! I'm glad no one was hurt.
@inthewoods23 I think it would be a great idea to get away. *hugs*
@kpearse99 I'm very happy that you enjoyed your weekend and are enjoying YH without stressing out.
@bluetickgal I hope things go well this time. FX your IUI is successful!
@bluetickgal Thank you so much! My ultrasound looked good, so we're officially a go! The giant box of meds was super overwhelming at first, but its okay now. To answer your question: the study requires PGT-A, so we'll have to do that. I'm not complaining. It's something I would have probably wanted to do anyway, so it's nice that it's covered.
FX that this dose of letrozole does the trick for you!!!
@shoogapoff Yes, friend! It really really is happening!!! So glad everything looked good yesterday and that you were good to start! FX
@bluetickgal eeeek can't wait for the update on how your monitoring appointment went!! I really hope the increased dose shows something for you!!
@thegirlwhowaited_ I know you were on clomid but did your RE every have you try letrozole? There's typically way less hormonal side effects with that drug.
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 I hope your appointment goes well and you are responding amazingly to the increased dose!
@thegirlwhowaited Does your RE just have a rule about 3 IUIs or what is the reason for not letting you do another? With the price difference I think it’s kind of crappy that she is pushing you towards IVF if you’d rather try IUI again especially with your history.
@shoogapuff Hope your first injections went well! I was intimidated by the Menopur too but after the first time the mixing is super easy. I wish they all had the pens though!
@kpearse My appointment was good, I didn’t get much face time with my doctor because he was also covering for his partner, but I got to sit with one of the nurses for a long time and she was great at explaining everything.
Overall right now I feel good about my protocol and prospects but the most overwhelming part is just trying to balance all the monitoring appointments and blood draws with work without telling anyone at work what I am doing (because I would rather them not know there is a possibility I might take leave sometime in 2021 until it is way more than just a possibility). I did have to tell one partner that I am on medication that requires monitoring on a specific day because he asked me last minute to be his second chair for a depo on Friday and I have my blood draw and ultrasound Friday.
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 She brought it up last time at my baseline, but she really prefers Clomid. If we have another follow-up/consult appointment with the RE I may ask if we can do one more IUI with Letrozole and see if anything happens.
@legallykate Their practices policy is 3 IUI's and then discuss IVF. I think because they don't want a lot of patients to spend so much towards their infertility life time max and then not be able to to IVF. Which I understand, but my insurance has a $20k lifetime max on fertility benefits. If we have another follow-up/consult appointment with the RE I may ask if we can do another IUI with Letrozole and see if anything happens.
@kpearse99 yeah girl! I'm so glad to hear you're doing well!!
@legallykate I got lucky with my IVF monitoring appointments. They were MWF during the work week and I lucked out (sorta!) that I had a week of full day training in a town an hour from me. One of the nurses was able to come in early on those days to get me in at 6:45 so I could be out the door at 7 and make it to my training on time. I can't think of a good excuse other than just being vague stating you have a check up with your doc. GL!!
@mvt2003 dammit MARCH lmao. Ruining our BMB buddy plans!! But I'll take any BMB at this point.
@shoogapoff I wouldn't sweat the amount too much. It gets a lot easier the more times you do it! I felt much more confident with the IVF meds by day 3.
@bluetickgal that blows about your follicles!! Come on little guys! I wonder if that's normal for things to go slow at increased doses?? Frustrating!
@thegirlwhowaited_ sorry for all the emotions! It is so tough when deciding if moving to IVF is the right answer. Hugs
DH and I talked a bit about possibly doing a vacation. We might not end up staying somewhere, but we're considering going to some marsh land about an hour north of us next week Thursday and spend the day there looking at the wildlife. Then Friday we'll spend time cleaning up the house. I certainly wouldn't mind changing his mind and spending one night out somewhere. But I have the request in for the PTO! I definitely was dealing with some burnout earlier this week.
I'm also really glad I had my next therapy appointment yesterday because it was primarily discussing IF (she had gone through it too but MFI I think). DH was bumming after the weekend cuz *TW* niece *end TW* and that clearly weighs on him heavily. On some level I know it affects me too and I think I try to keep it out of my conscious head as a way to cope. It all came together yesterday that I just need to come to terms that all this stuff is going to be going on around me and that's okay. If I need to be sad about it, then be sad about it. We'll get through it. And with that, we finally got started on the HIO yesterday even though I had to drag him to the bedroom when he wasn't in the mood, but I got that to change pretty fast
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
So. Much. YES. to this, friend!!!!!
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.
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
*Edited to add question for @shoogapoff.*
She is a therapist who specializes in infertility counseling. She posts really good thoughts about infertility trauma, and normalizes this experience. I put two examples of her posts in the spoiler below. They might be really big, so I apologize if the formatting is weird:
Instant follow
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
When I looked on my insurance's "preferred meds/brands" list, Pregnyl wasn't even covered so I paid $100 some for it for the IUIs but used a different trigger that was covered for the ER and that cost was... $40 or $50?
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
@thegirlwhowaited I am not familiar with Letrozole but I think trying another IUI with a different protocol makes sense. We only jumped right to IVF because of my diagnosis, I would have loved to give IUI a try (or many tries) if it had made sense for us.
@bluetickgal I am sorry about your appointment yesterday, I will be sending you major follie growth vibes this weekend!
@shoogapoff How’s it going, cycle buddy? When do you have your first monitoring bw and u/s?
@inthewoods23 Even a day of wildlife sounds so nice, but I hope you get an overnight vacay too! I am glad therapy seems to be helping so much and that you and YH seem like such a great team in this fight.
AFM, I had my first monitoring appt today (after 3 days of stims) and was happy with my Estradiol level but disappointed there weren't many visible follies yet. Trying to keep in mind that it is super early and I usually have a long follicular phase so I am probably a slow grower. I'll take the injections over the mindf*ckness of IVF any day though
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+
Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
IUI #1-3 | all BFN
IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22
DS born 7.19.22 after induction
TTC #2 begins 6.2023
Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
Repeat labs in 8 weeks
Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
TTC ended due to filing divorce
**New relationship starting May 2024**
Surprise BFP!! | 9.7.25 | EDD 5.11.26
@mvt2003 Thinking of you & sending all the positive vibes your way!💓😘💗😊🙏🏽 I totally get what you’re saying about your mindset. Can you do some mantras to shift your thinking? I’ve read women’s successful updates who say they spoke their positive outcomes into existence by repeating very specific mantras everyday, such as “My embryos are beautiful, healthy, and chromosomally normal. My womb is a welcoming nurturing environment for my perfect embryos.” Not sure what you think of stuff like this but just wanted to offer it up. I’m going to have to try something like this to shift my current mindset as well. Wishing you all the best!💗💗💗
@legallykate & @shoogapoff Thinking of both of you too & sending all the rest of my positive vibes!💗🙏🏽💗🙏🏽💗 Praying that everything goes perfectly with both of your cycles.