IF Testing and Treatment w/o 7/27

emeraldduchess · July 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: How do you feel about ice cream cake?

emeraldduchess · July 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained IF, unexplained RPL, AMA, ovaries are jerks

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF (benched this cycle)

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Starting hormone patches and some injections tomorrow for IVF! That reminds me I need to call them to double check my protocol. I will NOT screw this up!!

How are things going?: OK. I'm a little impatient, but I keep telling myself to trust my RE because she obviously knows what she is doing! I am a little nervous that things could get delayed again if there is another surge in COVID cases. The job search is a huge distraction. I have another interview this week, and I know I am lucky to be getting interviews at all, so I am grateful that this will be the 4th one.

Any questions?: No, I think I'm good.

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? I have very strong feelings about this. I like an actual layer of cake in there, not that crunchy stuff. And frosting that doesn't taste like chemicals (I'm looking at YOU, Carvel!).

inthewoods23 · July 2020

@emeraldduchess did you get some kind of schedule to make sure you follow your protocol? They'd give me a list and would write in dates. I always created my own calendar and filled it in. Was much easier to visualize. GL in your interview!

Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained, low morph

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW, but probably WFAF really.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): chugging along naturally.

How are things going?: house projects are back on our radar so I think that's keeping me excited for the future and makes for a nice distraction. DH wants to change our tub/shower to just a shower and me in wanna-be-future-mom mode was like nooooooo what will we bathe our kids in?? I didn't do showers until I was probably 8-10 years old. And then I looked up toddler bathtubs and saw there are collapsible tubs so I'm like, alright, that would work. I'm cool with not having a single tub in our house. Our kitchen sink is pretty large so that could easily be a small bathtub for the first couple months. Okay... I need to stop getting so ahead of myself.

Any questions?: nope!

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake?
I'm with @emeraldduchess on this one that the ice cream cake needs to have a layer of actual cake! Growing up this is what I always knew ice cream cakes to have but if you go to the store and buy one, the entire thing is ice cream!! That's not a cake people!!!

kpearse99 · July 2020

@emeraldduchess I'm so excited that this next chapter in your TTC journey is starting!! I agree, trust in your RE and just keep having faith! Distractions certainly help though!

@inthewoods23 I've always felt the same way about needing to have a tub in the house for kids. I didn't know they made collapsible tubs though, so that's pretty awesome!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Secondary Unexplained IF

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Who knows! Just WFAF, I guess!

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): NTNP, having fun and just trying to enjoy life!

How are things going?: Great except that DH got a little mad at me this weekend when I started talking to him about turning the 3rd bedroom, after construction is done, into an office for me/guest bedroom. He said he doesn't like how quickly I changed my mind about saving that room to be our nursery and now I'm all about making something else, and that he feels like I've totally given up on our dream of having a child. It's not that I've given up, of course I still hope for it to happen, but at the same time I don't want to keep saving that room and essentially "wasting the space" for something that very well may never happen (I honestly am not even sure if I'm ovulating anymore soooo???). All is good though.

In other news, over quarantine I have gotten myself in a really great workout routine and cooking really great and healthy meals for us. DH is down 35 lbs and I have finally lost those 10 lbs I gained from that one round of clomid 6-7 months ago! Construction is moving along nicely! They are supposed to be doing the plumbing lines today and/or tomorrow and then pouring the foundation by Wednesday! My yard is a disaster zone though haha and I know it's going to get worse before it gets better but the end result will be so worth it. Right now it's just nice to see progress being made, even if it's just a little at a time, on a daily basis.

Any questions?: nope

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? This is how I feel about ice cream cake....

However, I disagree with @inthewoods23 and @emeraldduchess - while I will still eat an ice cream cake that has a layer of real cake in it, I would MUCH rather eat one without the real cake. I want the whole cake to be ice cream and crunchies! I think putting a layer of real cake in it is cheating people out of ice cream!

inthewoods23 · July 2020

@kpearse99 I didn't spend the time to check how big they are, but seems like a great solution. I even asked DH if we could keep the spout in the shower to give us the option to fill up a tub or bucket with water. We'd just need to make sure we don't end up banging our legs on it. Ouch! lol DH and I also went through the same thing with the "would be nursery" room. We did actually clean up and organize that room the other weekend so we're making progress, but some time go he was refusing to do anything with that room because it was like giving up on having kids because we wouldn't be cleaning it to make it a nursery. Weird how common that is to have planned which room is going to be a nursery and then never doing anything with it because you've labeled it as the future nursery.

akoros · July 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, I suppose now RPL (TFMR and 2nd tri miscarriage). Waiting on further info

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF after my most recent loss/D&C

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I have a genetic counseling session on Friday, hopefully before that we'll get the Anora test results

How are things going?: Meh. As good as can be expected, I suppose. My husband actually sort of told his boss what happened, which is very unlike him (he's extremely private, and it's also a new job). I think it was a good thing, his boss picked up the hint very quickly and seems understanding. He also told him that the company provides emotional counseling (I'm guessing like an EAP), which is good to know.

Any questions?: Simple question: what's TAA? I think I know the other acronyms, but not that one.

More involved questions:
What are good questions to ask during my genetic counseling/MFM appointment? Right now they're focusing on identifying genetic/chromosomal abnormalities since my first pregnancy had T21 and there's no readily apparent reason for my late miscarriage (NIPT was fine, so they're guessing an even more random abnormality). However, what else should I ask about? A year-ish ago I did the standard "day 3" testing and blood panel (all normal, though AMH and vitamin D was on the low side of normal; I've since started taking D3 supplements so not sure if that's still accurate), and during my first pregnancy I did the NxGen testing which came back clear.

Speaking of Vitamin D, I have a very very stupid question that I kind of want to ask the doctor. When I had the blood panel we'd been trying for a year with no luck, and this was my second test result that indicated low Vitamin D (not quite at a deficiency, but lower than it should be). Since it seemed to be a persistent problem, I started taking ~100mcg of D3 every day, as I read that it can improve fertility and AMH (which was also normal, but low). Only a few months later I got pregnant, and similarly got pregnant again only a few months after we ended that pregnancy. It could be chance, but seemed like an odd coincidence. However, neither pregnancy was ultimately successful. Can the Vitamin D be encouraging pregnancies to "take" that shouldn't really start at all?

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? Going to disagree, I love the crunchies. That said, while I love ice cream and cake I generally don't like them together, so I agree that "ice cream cake" is not really cake. I just feel like the ice cream chills the cake to the point where I don't really taste it. That said, there is a local custard place here that uses real cake in their ice cream cakes, and I love it with the toasted almond flavor.

kpearse99 · July 2020

@inthewoods23 It is weird to have a room on "hold" like that and to not touch it, but I get it. I understand where YH is coming from though, and MH too for that matter. Especially given the fact that just a few months ago I broke down and sobbed when DH make-shifted the room into a temporary office for him until ours got completed in the shed, saying that I always assumed the next time we redid this room it would be for our baby. I think for me, at this moment in time, I'm ready to do something with it to help fully take my mind off of still trying, even though we are just "letting things happen" ya know? Not sure if I'm making any sense!! LOL I just need to allow my heart to feel OK.

@akoros I think it's great that YH shared some personal stuff. Our men don't often talk about stuff like this, instead they keep it all in, and that's not good for anyone. It's equally important they can talk about this stuff too. Also, the crunchies are the best part of an ice cream cake!! haha

bbrahmbhatt · July 2020

@emeraldduchess Good luck on your interview! Yay for starting your next round soon! FX for low COVID numbers in your area.

@inthewoods23 & @kpearse99 I know what you mean about the future nursery room. We had been leaving it sort of as a catch-all room, and I even refused to paint it when we painted the rest of the house in April. I said I didn't want to paint it, because we would *hopefully* just need to repaint it soon. We recently decided to clean it out, and we made it into a workout room for our Peloton. I think we both sort of felt both happy and sad about it at the same time.

@akoros I'm glad your husband shared with his boss. MH has been pretty private about our struggles, so I am usually glad to hear he has shared with a friend.

Diagnosis (if you've been): still unknown, TVUS, progesterone and SA normal so far

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): tracking, OPKs, timing, day 4 of Clomid

How are things going?: Ok, it wasn't really too bad on the Clomid until today. The nausea and reflux is REAL today. I couldn't even get down my coffee.

Any questions?: Can anyone tell me if the symptoms progress as the does of Clomid goes up? I would assume so, right?

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? This is apparently an UO, but I'm not a huge fan. I like to have a nice slice of fresh cake and ice cream on the side. I don't like no cake with my ice cream, but when there is cake in there it always tastes stale to me.

misshelen86 · July 2020

@emeraldduchess I hear you with the fears of Covid shutting things down. It sure puts a different spin on things! GL with your interview. So excited that you are starting the next phase in your journey!

@inthewoods23 Glad you are moving ahead with the house projects. What is the first one you are tackling? I love that you are thinking towards the future for when you have kids.

@kpearse99 I’m sorry that you feel like you may not be able to use that room as a nursery. I totally get what you mean though, it’s painful to keep a room sitting and waiting when you’re not really sure what your future holds. Sending you hugs

Glad to hear your construction is moving along!

@akoros Welcome to our group but sorry you find yourself here. Glad that your H’s boss was so understanding. GL with your genetic counseling. Just a friendly reminder, to please use a *TW pregnancy/loss mentioned

when mentioning pregnancy/losses as this could be triggering to other members.

@bbrahmbhatt Sorry about the clomid side effects! That sounds awful. Hope you feel better soon.

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Did our IUI on Saturday. We had a really low final count after the sperm wash. Results in spoiler

Pre-wash count 25 million/mL with motility 20%. TMC = 12.5 million/mL
Post-wash count 0.4 million with motility 80%

How are things going?: I’m trying to remain hopeful but at the same time I’m realistic that our chances aren’t very high that this will work (looking at about 2%). Our RE already recommended not trying any more IUI’s. I emailed the clinic this morning to see if I could arrange a quick phone appointment to discuss our next steps. DH and I have discussed it and we are sort of leaning towards taking a month off all treatment and then starting IVF in September since I have some more vacation time then.

Any questions?: Has anyone experienced such a huge drop in sperm count after the wash? I’ve googled the heck out of it and can’t figure out what went wrong. I expected a 30-50% drop.. not to be left with barely anything.

Also, has anyone done a natural start IVF? My understanding is you don’t use BCP to suppress before you start stims. This is what my RE mentioned doing.

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? Yes please!! That’s the best kind of cake!

kpearse99 · July 2020

@misshelen86 I meant to respond to your post over the weekend, I'm so sorry for the IUI experience that you had. IF you do decide to do another one I do hope that the experience is way different and more more relaxed, quick and easy going (as they tend to be). I think it's great that YH still wants to do another one after getting those results back. DH's count dropped with each one and he got more and more discouraged (part of the reason we decided to take a break from doing them) I think the pressure got to him each time which of course effected his sample. His supply never dropped that low but he did decrease by like half each time (40mil, 20mil, 10mil then back up to 19mil then back down to 10mil.)

That being said, I do think taking a month off would be great for both of you, IF this doesn't end up surprising you and working out (which I hope it does!!). Keep us updated on what the result of that conversation with your RE goes.

@bbrahmbhatt I'm sorry you're feeling side effects from clomid, I hope it subsides soon and doesn't linger too much!!

inthewoods23 · July 2020

@akoros welcome! We'd love to have your intro in our newbie thread so we can get to know you a little more

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/12754824/newbie-intros-w-o-7-27/p1?new=1
Most of us here in the IF thread haven't been pregnant yet so I don't think many of us will be able to help with what questions to ask, but on your question with the vitamin D, I don't think it's much of a factor. I mean, every doctor will basically say everyone isn't getting enough vitamin D every day but people have no issues with getting and staying pregnant despite that.

@bbrahmbhatt haha that's so true about ice cream cakes. It is VERY hard not to be left with hard cake because it gets so cold from the ice cream.

@misshelen86 looking back at our wash reports... it looks like we lost a lot for IUIs 1 and 2, but not has much as yours (we were left with 7 and 8% of the TMC after going through the wash). The 3rd IUI was much better at keeping about 29% of the TMC. I feel it's so hard to compare because it might all depend on the % motility with the original sample. I think the wash takes out anything that isn't moving or very poorly moving. Back when I watch YouTube videos learning about IUIs and IVF, I believe someone's doctor did mention they had gotten success with someone with only 0.5 million so it's possible! FX for you!

gingermama29 · July 2020

@emeraldduchess yay for things starting with IVF! I'm glad you've got interviews to distract you in the meantime though! Sending you all the positive vibes and good luck for this next interview!!

@inthewoods23 glad there's a collapsable tub option. Yay for house projects being back on the radar!

@kpearse99 I totally get where you're coming from. It's hard to live suspended in time waiting for things to happen. Hopefully you'll get KU this cycle and the decision will be made for you!!! And yay for successful weight loss! That has to feel amazing!

@akoros welcome! And that's awesome that YH's boss was so understanding.

@bbrahmbhatt sorry you're experiencing rough side effects. I hope they subside quickly.

@misshelen86 I'm sorry for the rough IUI experience you had this weekend. I'm keeping everything crossed for you. I'm glad you have a plan going forward though.

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Finishing my last BCP today!

How are things going?: I'll officially be off of BC as of 6:00pm today!!! Expecting AF Thursday or Friday and then it's go time!! Pretty sure this will be me as soon as AF is over 😂😂:

Any questions?: Nope

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake?
Give me all of it! Love it. Though I am intrigued by the idea of having a full layer of cake in it as mentioned above. I can only see that improving the experience.

inthewoods23 · July 2020

@gingermama29 That gif is the most amazing thing I've ever seen

In fact... since I'm almost always the initiator, I should say "how did you get this gif of me??"

kpearse99 · July 2020

@gingermama29 that gif is AMAZING!!! hahaha I can't stop laughing!!

bluetickgal · July 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS and Unexplained RPL

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): First monitoring appointment was this morning and I start Follistim injections tonight! Eek!!

How are things going?: Things are going well!! I was hoping for AF to show quickly after Provera, and that’s exactly what happened! It isn’t everyday that something TTC-wise goes in our favor...so we have to celebrate the small victories! Haha. CD1 was Saturday, so I called my RE this morning and got in for monitoring! He said my lining was nice and thin and my ovaries looked good! I had never had CD3 monitoring, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. He’s having me do 150IU of Follistim nightly, and I go back on Friday for another monitoring appointment! I’m anxious to see how I respond...hoping for around 3 good follies!!

Any questions?: For those that have done injectables, do you remember how many days you ended up having to do them? I usually ovulate around CD17 or so...but I’m hoping I’ll be a little earlier with the injectables!

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? I feel so good about it!! Haha. I think I’ve only ever had DQ ice cream cake, which I am a big fan of...the crunchies are so good! I’ve also made my own with layering ice cream sandwiches and whipped cream, drizzled with sauces (chocolate, caramel, or both), and that is so dang good too!

@emeraldduchess I hope you can get some clarity on your protocol before starting tomorrow! That’s exciting it’s time to start the meds!! Good luck with your interview this week!! Fingers crossed it leads to an offer!

@inthewoods23 glad you have been working on some house projects! Those are always a nice distraction! Glad you also figured out a solution for the no tub situation! Saw your chart in TWW...it looks so promising! Fingers crossed so hard for you!! 🤞🏻

@kpearse99 I hope you all can come up with a good compromise for the room! It is so hard when you decide to do something different with a room that has been set aside as a nursery...but utilizing it now doesn’t mean that it won’t be a nursery down the road! I’m so hopeful that it will be!! It’s so awesome that you all have been able to keep up the healthy focus and have seen such great results! Yay for getting rid of that stupid Clomid bloat!! Good riddance!!
@akoros welcome, but sorry you find yourself here...and so sorry for your losses! TTA stands for Trying to Avoid (since we have ladies that are benched for various reasons from time to time).
@bbrahmbhatt so sorry the Clomid side-effects are hitting you so hard! I didn’t necessarily experience increased side-effects with higher doses of Letrozole...I can’t speak specifically to Clomid though, because I only did the lowest dose. I hope the side-effects go away soon for you though!

@misshelen86 I’m glad you are remaining optimistic and I so hope you are on the right side of that 2%!! I hope the phone call with your goes well and you all feel good about next steps! I’m glad you and YH are on the same page though...IF this cycle doesn’t work out!

@gingermama29 yay for being done with BC today...I know you have to be so excited about that! Lol, that gif is hilarious!! Sounds like you ready to leap right off the bench, I love it!! ☺️

kpearse99 · July 2020

@bluetickgal it's also not every day that we pray for AF to arrive during this TTC journey

When's your next monitoring appointment? Do they do more monitoring with injectables than with Letrozole?

bluetickgal · July 2020

@kpearse99 so true, AF is usually very unwanted! Next monitoring is this coming Friday! They do them every 3-4 days, which I am very happy about going from the 1 only with Letrozole! The nurse at one point told me it was to avoid a Jon & Kate Plus 8 scenario! Thank you...we want babies, but please not 8 at once!! 😬😬😬

kpearse99 · July 2020

@bluetickgal oh I love that!!!! So great that they are doing more monitoring appointments!

Yea I don't want 8 at once either.....

Image: https://media.giphy.com/media/cMALqIjmb7ygw/giphy.gif

legallykate · July 2020

@emeraldduchess Woohoo for starting your cycle! FX Covid stays under control where you are. GL on your interview, it is indeed impressive you’ve gotten so many, hopefully this one is the perfect fit!

@inthewoods23 I am definitely team just shower, I stupidly insisted on a soaker tub in addition to our walk in shower when we reno’d our bathroom and I have taken maybe 5 baths.

@kpearse99 Damn girl I am impressed with your cooking/workout success for you and YH, I wish you could come cook for me and motivate me, haha. Totally get how you are feeling about the room too, hugs.

@akoros I am sorry for your loss. I am glad YH mentioned something to his boss, I am very pro men discussing family matters at work to further normalize work/life balance for everyone.

@bbrahmbhatt Sorry about the Clomid symptoms, I hope it gets better and not worse for you. Can you take anything for the nausea?

@misshelen86 I guess I did a natural start IVF? I didn’t do any type of suppression, and I think I would skip it again if I do another retrieval, I don’t think the lack of suppression hurt me any.

@gingermama29 Dying at the GIF, I needed that laugh today! Yay for being done with BCP!

@bluetickgal Yay for starting your cycle! I did injectables for 11.5 days (triggered on the night of day 12) starting on CD3 and my ER was then on CD16, which is right around when I usually ovulate.

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, DOR

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Did my ER

How are things going?: I was having a very Monday-y Monday with a lot of chaos and annoyances but things are looking up this afternoon finally. We did end up with one day 7 blast so we have three frozen blasts total and allegedly they are all good quality so we will see what happens with PGT, it is going to be a long 7-10 days. I am also waiting for a call back from my doctor/nurse to discuss the plans (if any) for this cycle. And I am still waiting on AF despite it being my second full day of cramps. Lots of waiting going on here, lol.

Any questions?: Did anyone else do their HSG between retrieval and transfer? That has always been the plan, but can you even do the HSG in the same cycle as the transfer or would that necessarily mean just doing the HSG this cycle and then hopefully the transfer next cycle? I am making myself confused again.

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? Love it! I like ice cream way more than cake so if I have to have cake it might as well be mostly ice cream.

inthewoods23 · July 2020

@bluetickgal yay AF

GL with your injections!

@legallykate congrats on the day 7 blast! Did they give you the actual grades or just that they're good quality? I got my results in 7 days so hopefully you gets yours quickly too! I had a saline sono between ER and transfer. My clinic always has me on BC for a period of time (min 18 days) before the actual transfer cycle so it has to be scheduled prior to the start of the transfer cycle. You'll probably do the HSG on your upcoming cycle and then move into the transfer cycle.

kpearse99 · July 2020

@legallykate That's great news on the day 7 blast!! So happy you have three frozen now! FX for great news from the PGT!!

legallykate · July 2020

@kpearse99 Thank you

@inthewoods23 Thanks friend! They said the 5 day was a BB and the 6 and 7 were CB and BC which don't sound great, but they have told me repeatedly that they "do not use the standard grading scale" and "have never given an AA" so who knows.

The nurse just called back and got me all excited because she was at first like "Dr. ___ okayed you to transfer this upcoming cycle, so call us on CD1 and we will bring you in for a sonogram and start your estradiol!" but then I asked about the HSG and she was like "ohhhhh never mind, we will need to do that and hold off on the FET until next cycle." Which I guess is smarter anyway while waiting on PGT results but anticlimactic womp womp. Also they are having me do progesterone suppositories instead of PIO injections apparently, which will make MH very relieved.

inthewoods23 · July 2020

@legallykate I think I've seen ladies with success with all of those grades! My RE is the same. She basically said a 5AA grade was unheard of or impossible. Strangely my embryos had B and B+ grades so our best was a 5(B+)(B+) which I took to mean it was nearly perfect?

shoogapoff · July 2020

@emeraldduchess Yay for starting meds finally! You'll do great!

@inthewoods23 House projects are always a good distraction. I have decided to reorganize our house while I wait for PGT results. I bought some pretty bins etc and I am going to tackle our linen closet first!

@kpearse99 That is such a hard balance. We got rid of our guest bed when we first started TTC, thinking that the guest room would become the nursery. The other day a friend asked if we wanted their old guest bed, and we said yes, because at this point, we have an empty room for no reason. But it does make me sad to have reached that point of going back to it just being a guest room.

@akoros welcome, but sorry you find yourself here. I don't have any insight into your questions, but I hope your doctor can provide good clarity for you!

@bbrahmbhatt Sorry for the bad Clomid side-effects. I only did one cycle of Clomid, and I don't remember having issues. Hopefully they go away soon!

@misshelen86 I didn't do any suppression before my IVF cycle. I was really glad, because I have major problems on BCP. I don't really know why they decide to do one way or the other, though.

@gingermama29 Love that gif! FX that this cycle is it for you!

@legallykate Yay for having another blast! So happy for you!

@bluetickgal FX for you, that the Follistim does exactly what you need it to!

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just waiting for PGT results.

How are things going?: I mean, it's horrible. I'm trying to keep busy while I wait for the PGT results. I feel like such a failure that I only got one embryo out of IVF. Like, the most-invasive infertility treatment didn't even work well on me. I asked MH what we would do if this embryo doesn't work out, and he said we'll decide that when we need to. But I'm already looking at embryo "adoption", because if my egg quality is an issue, then I think that's our next best option.

Any questions?: Not at the moment.

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? I love it, in pretty much all forms!

avidlyuks36 · July 2020

Hi Ladies!

Apologies for the radio silence -- I've been blessed with a few interviews so I was gearing up for those last week. I thought it was perfect timing since I'm in TWW purgatory. I'm insanely bloated and hoping it disappates soon....my skirts are a bit too tight these days despite losing 6 lbs.

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained infertility

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI with clomid and HCG trigger

How are things going?: things are going well. I know the trigger is out of my system and I plan on testing either Wednesday (Day 10) or Friday (Day 12) -- I'm leaning towards Friday but we shall see.

Any questions?: For the ladies that have done IUIs with clomid and trigger -- did you feel the trigger shot and clomid made you feel bloated? I've done 1 round of IVF and 3 FET and never felt this way before and I used the same trigger each time.... (i had two follicles on the right ovary -- the left tube is blocked if that matters)

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? Like @emeraldduche I like the ice cream cake with real cake inside

acleverusername · July 2020

Goodness gracious, this is a happening place to be! I hope I haven't missed anyone in my tags:

@emeraldduchess starting meds, yay! (says no one ever outside of IVF)? And no, you will not screw it up. Good luck with your interview this week. I hope you can bag this one and put this behind before the IVF injections start.

@inthewoods23 you're OK with no tub in the house?! Get out of here! It's on my "must have" if we ever buy a house. I am currently having to contort myself in our small tub whenever I take a bath, but I just gotta have my baths. Also, how big is your sink that you can fit a baby's bathtub (even the collapsable kind) in it?

@kpearse99 Woohoo for eating right and losing all that weight, both to you an YH! 35lbs... that's really incredible! Have you found that you're becoming a better cook / trying to cook new things? (I've found that.)

@akoros I am so sorry for your losses. I hope the genetic counseling will give you some clarity. Have you had a multiple loss panel done yet?

@bbrahmbhatt I hope the Clomid side effects clear up soon. Did your doctor give you the option of Clomid vs. Letrazole? I've read elsewhere that side-effects w/ Letrazole aren't as bad, but maybe it's just a matter of how your body responds to it. Can you take anything for the headache? I.e. Tylenol?

@misshelen86 How many IUI's did you do in total? I am still so very sorry about your terrible experience on Saturday. In terms of sperm count, is YH doing anything (i.e. supplements, exercise) to increase sperm production / motility?

@gingermama29 🤣🤣🤣 at your spoiler. Good luck to YH!

(Also LOL'ing at @inthewoods23's comment about it.)

@bluetickgal good luck with Follistim! I hope you get a few nice follies out of that, and hopefully more than that! FX for you.

@legallykate yay for another blast! I hope the PGT testing goes well. FX for you. All that waiting... sounds like another day of TTC! Stupid question: why do you need to do an HSG with transfer? I though that only checked for blockage in tubes which is not part of the equation for you any more?

@shoogapoff sending you all the comforting thoughts I can muster. I hope hope hope the embryo comes back genetically correct. YH has the right approach, but those kinds of words would do me no good if I were in your shoes; I'd be wracking my brain, planning for what's next.

@avidlyuks36 good luck with testing, whenever you decide to do it! FX for you.

acleverusername · July 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): no "official" diagnosis where TTC is concerned but lots of options to pick from: PCOS, luteal phase defect, an u/s in 2016 showed evidence of adenomyosis...

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): finalizing our infertility workup: blood tests for both YH and I, HSG for me on 7/30, and we're both doing genetic carrier testing. I also currently have a pelvic MRI scheduled for 8/11 to figure out if adenomyosis is really a thing but am first checking to see how much it is and if insurance will cover it.

How are things going?: I am literally freaking out about the HSG. I've heard that it's uncomfortable at best, and painful at worst (i.e. if there is blockage). I have a prescription for Toradol to take 30 min prior to procedure. When we talked to the RE last week, she asked lots of questions about my appendectomy (I had a ruptured appendix at the age of 5) and now I've gone down the rathole of looking up research articles that show a clear relationship between pelvic surgery and blocked tubes. In any case, I will know a lot more on Thursday at 3:30pm than I do now. But I'm definitely very worked up about this.

Any questions?: Not a question; rather an admission of my latest "duh" moment. The RE wants MH to do some blood workup, so she sent him the lab slip. I looked at it and seriously had an "are you sure these weren't meant for me?" moment. She's testing his LH, Estradiol, FSH, Prolactin, along with Testosterone. I legit had no idea men had those same hormones! (Well, I knew about Estrogen / Testosterone, but not the others.)

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? I feel... indifferent. I don't eat enough of it to have an opinion. I like ice cream though! Salted caramel goodness... come to me. 🤤

acleverusername · July 2020

GD!!! And now I'm thinking about our delicious wedding cake. Not a great thing to think about while Whole30 is in progress.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/s0/bzyoyg6gqhnc.gif

inthewoods23 · July 2020

@acleverusername we don't have a master suite so the bathroom is shared by all bedrooms. We currently just have your typical alcove shower. I think I measured it once - the kitchen sink is like a foot and a half at least in all directions so it holds a ton of water. An infant could easily fit in it. I didn't take anything prior to my HSG for pain management (they didn't mention doing it) and for me it was both uncomfortable and painful. Both were open but they really shove that stuff in there and our tubes are not that big. Plus my OB had issues with the catheter so I essentially went through the process twice of them inserting it.

@shoogapoff are you considering embryo adoption or just donor eggs? I'm crossing all fingers and toes this week for you.

akoros · July 2020

@inthewoods23 Thanks, I'll check that thread out

@legallykate I agree. He only really talks about stuff with me, which is fine, but I've found it to be a little easier to tell some people. Strictly speaking it's no one's business, of course, but in practice people seem to like knowing when something serious is happening and tend to be more supportive and understanding.

@acleverusername No, I haven't (didn't know about that), thank you! I'm sure it'll come up, but will write that down just in case so I can be sure to ask about it.

kpearse99 · July 2020

@shoogapoff Friend, I can't imagine how you're feeling right now. The good news to try and focus on is that one is better than none. You have one special little magic bean there just waiting to bring you a lifetime of happiness! I will continue to hope and pray and send positive vibes your way.

@avidlyuks36 Hmmm.... I know I've felt bloated with maybe 2 out of my 5 IUI cycles but one was with clomid and one was with letrozole. I think each cycle is different to be honest, even with a trigger and meds.

@acleverusername I am certainly trying new recipes and I'm loving it! I don't know if my cooking skills have improved but I also don't think I've ever been a bad cook to begin with (at least DH always tells me how great everything is, so hopefully he's not lying haha) But I am enjoying having the time to cook more often and cook better meals since I'm WFH! My HSG wasn't bad at all, but from what I gathered from this thread my RE seems to do it different than others. He's explained to me the way that other RE's do it and how he doesn't like doing it that way because it's more invasive. Mine really just felt like a regular pap. I kept waiting for the "bad" part and then before I knew it he was done.

legallykate · July 2020

@acleverusername I think they require everyone to do the HSG before transfer because certain issues with your tubes (like blockages causing leaking) can still affect implantation even though they are bypassing the tubes and putting the embryo right in your uterus, so they want to fix that before trying to implant any of your embryos.

Somewhat related question though, why does MH have to also take antibiotics before my HSG? Isn't it just so he won't transmit anything to me sexually? Because they also said not to have sex between CD1 and when I have the procedure so it's confusing.

emeraldduchess · July 2020

So many people sharing my strong ice cream cake opinions! I feel validated. LOL

@inthewoods23 we have that "would-be nursery" room too that we won't do anything with just yet, too. We do really need to clean it out and organize it, but for some reason I think it would be harder staring at an empty room. I didn't get an official protocol for my meds from the RE just yet. I think they want to see how my baseline looks after AF arrives. I started the estrogen patch this morning and I am supposed to change it every other day until they tell me to stop. It's a good thing I called yesterday to check in, because they changed my protocol from patch and injections before stims to just a patch. Not that I was going to just start sticking myself with needles. So now I need to call them on Thursday if I'm still WFAF. My LP was usually only about 12 days without progesterone, so it could be any day.

@kpearse99 glad that construction is coming along well! That's so exciting. We're hoping to do some minor work in our house soon (new bathroom fixtures and such). You will have to share some of your healthy meal recipes!

@akoros I'm glad your DH opened up to his boss a little about what you have been through. So often people focus on how we are doing after a loss or during IF, but not our partners. The only person who has ever asked how my DH is doing was my former boss. I hope that you get your test results soon and that you get some answers.

@bbrahmbhatt those Clomid side effects sound really lousy. I hope yesterday was the worst of it and you feel better now!

@misshelen86 I don't know if my IVF protocol would be considered a "natural start", but I am using an estrogen patch rather than BCP. Obviously I'm not feeling anything right now since I have only had it on for two hours, but that might be a question to ask your RE. I am still keeping my FX that this IUI worked for you!

@gingermama29 OMG that gif...dying!

Hooray for no more BCPs!!

@bluetickgal good luck with the injections! I was surprised at how easy the trigger shots were. I'm glad I went through a few medicated cycles before starting IVF. Now I know I can handle giving myself shots! I hope you get good news at your next monitoring appt!

@legallykate that's great news about your 7 day blast! I hope the time waiting for the PGT results goes by faster than you expect.

@shoogapoff I am sending you all the hugs and positive vibes for your embryo! I think you're smart to look ahead at embryo adoption and other next steps, just in case. Your DH sounds a lot like mine. He doesn't want to think about next steps unless he absolutely has to.

@avidlyuks36 I did letrozole for my IUI rather than Clomid, and I never felt bloated on that. Hope you get great news when you decide to test!

@acleverusername I had a hycosy rather than the HSG, and I remember it was uncomfortable and hurt when the balloon inflated, but not to the point where I was writhing in pain. It felt like very intense cramps and the pain went away when the procedure was finished. I took ibuprofen before the procedure as well.

legallykate · July 2020

@shoogapoff You definitely should not feel like a failure, regardless of what happens with PGT testing you didn't do anything wrong! I am so hopeful for you that your blast passes with flying colors and ultimately ends up implanting and sticking, but I also think it doesn't hurt to research other options to take the pressure off of waiting for testing. Big hugs.

acleverusername · July 2020

@akoros here's a good article that explains what a multiple loss panel is.

@inthewoods23 thanks for sharing your HSG experience. I'll just have to suffer through it and focus on it giving me more answers than I have now.

@legallykate honestly don't know why YH has to take antibiotics. Our RE didn't tell us anything about that. But we have been told to abstain until the procedure (and I hear that I won't want to do anything for a few days after either.) Well, technically the info sheet says "no unprotected sex" so I specifically asked and the person scheduling the test said "I wouldn't". Lol. I HAD to ask...

bbrahmbhatt · July 2020

Hi ladies! Thanks for all the well wishes, I am feeling quite a bit better today.

@acleverusername and @inthewoods23 I have been wondering about a HSG too. I asked my OB if we should do it before or after the Clomid trials, and she wanted to wait on it because of our prior loss. Did the symptoms go away pretty quickly after the test, or did you feel crummy the rest of the day?

@legallykate congrats on another healthy blast! FX for an uneventful month and then a successful FET!

@shoogapoff I'm so sorry for what you're going through. But it is definitely not your fault, and you should not feel like a failure. Sending you good thoughts that your results will be great.

akoros · July 2020

@acleverusername Thank you! Going to bookmark that page.

acleverusername · July 2020

@bbrahmbhatt I'll report back on my HSG experience after Thu.

bluetickgal · July 2020

@legallykate ok thanks, glad to hear it was pretty similar to normal O for you. Yay for getting a Day 7 blast! I hope the next week flies by and that your PGT comes back with great results for all 3! That stinks you can’t do the HSG and transfer in the same cycle, but hopefully that will give you some time to relax before transfer!

@inthewoods23 thanks, friend! Injections are going well...only bruised with the first one so far! Haha.
@shoogapoff thanks, friend!! Sending so many hugs your way!! 💜 But you are not a failure, at all!! It is so unfair that what works for some people, doesn’t always work as well for others! I have everything possible crossed that your embryo is absolutely perfect and will lead to your THB!! I understand YH wanting to wait to see if you need to look at other options...but if is going to help your stress level to see what other options are out there, I say go for it!

@avidlyuks36 good luck with testing this week!

@acleverusername thanks, friend!! Sending you calming vibes for you HSG tomorrow...hope all goes well and it is quick & painless!

@emeraldduchess thanks friend! I agree, I’m glad I had done the trigger shot a couple times before starting the injectables cycle! The Follistim pen is super easy to use, but it’s definitely different than the pre-filled trigger shot. Glad I was eased into it with that though! Hope your IVF protocol is going well so far!

keikilove · July 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): RPL, Elevated NK Cells & Activity(mostly resolved), Blood-clotting disorders, AMA

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO? Gearing up for Egg Retrieval again! Happy dance!!💃🏼

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): So, the egg retrieval that got cancelled last week actually only got delayed by a few weeks. I’ve been back on BCP (a lower dose without so many nasty side effects, thank gawd!!) and just got our schedule for moving ahead with ER. Re-do of the baseline U/S next Tuesday. FX it all looks clear at that time, no runaway follicles!!🙏🏽🙏🏽

How are things going?: Great! Feeling so happy & hopeful! I feel like the delay actually bought us some time to look into a few other things that’ve been on my mind, such as how to order & time the IVIG that I will need after transfer if we get healthy embryos. Also, we were finally able to get MH a prescription for Valtrex to knock out any hidden infections in his sperm. We don’t know if he has any (“hidden”), so no doctor would prescribe meds. But one dr I spoke to said “For sure, do all the meds to knock out hidden infections: do anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial.” Then he sent in the prescriptions. So we are both on antibiotics for the next few weeks...

Any questions?: Not right now, maybe once we start injections next week.

GTKY: How do you feel about ice cream cake? Ok, I’m gonna get struck down on the GTKYs this week lol. But I just don’t care for ice cream cake. Haven’t had it in years... Maybe I like it with the crunchies? I surely don’t like it with hard frozen cake in the middle. It’s not yummy enough to remember any details haha.

@emeraldduchess Yay for starting injections! How did the first ones go yesterday? And best of luck with the interview this week!

@inthewoods23 Congrats on all the house projects. It’s such a good feeling making progress like that. As for the tub, my strong opinion is that you will WANT one when you have littles! Can you imagine putting them in the collapsible one until they’re 8-10 years old?😬

@kpearse99 Sorry for the tension with DH. I get both of your perspectives. It’s a tough one.../ Congrats in the exercise & weight loss! That’s awesome.

@akoros I’m so sorry for your losses. It is devastating. I have been through a 2nd tri loss as well, with no definitive explanation. I’ve spent the last 21 months trying to find answers. Please message me anytime you want to talk. Also, if you’ve had 2 late losses this is a red flag: you may want to consider a Reproductive Immunologist. They suspect that things like blighted ovums and Trisomies combined with other losses are all indicators of an immune issue with pregnancy. Of course, there are many reasons for late losses. You will also want to ask you doctor to run all the blood-clotting disorder tests (Factors 1-13), as these are often responsible for clots that cause losses in the second & third trimesters. Also ask for APS & ANA testing. Last, your thoughts about vitamin D are right on: many studies show that women with low Vit D have trouble conceiving or have miscarriages at higher levels than those who have normal levels of Vit D. It is common to take 10,000 units a day to get your levels up to normal, then maintain it with 4,000-5,000 daily units. That’s what I’ve been advised to do and it’s worked great. Here’s a resource about the basics of Reproductive Immunology (click on the multiple tabs to learn more.) I’m happy to help with any questions. https://www.immunologysupport.com/do-i-have-an-immune-problem.html

@bbrahmbhatt Sorry the Clomid was doing a number on ya! Glad to see your update today in another thread that the symptoms have subsided!

@misshelen86 I’m sorry that you’re not feeling great about the IUI. That is a drastic drop, but that motility number is great! Hopefully that one strong swimmer found its way!🤞🏽 As someone else mentioned, the wash clears away all the dead & slow-moving sperm. Did YH do a long hold before giving his sample? That was one reason MH had a drastic drop between his original sample & what we were left with. It sounds like a good idea to take a month off & work on sperm quality. Does YH take supplements? Ubiquinol, folate, zinc, resveratrol—all those things can help with sperm count & quality. Personally, if you still have time, I’d try working on that first, then try one more IUI since they’re so cheap & easy. If those sperm results still aren’t good, then maybe move on to IVF at that time? Of course, you’ve been waiting a long time for a plan to move forward, so my opinion is really just that.😉😊

@gingermama29 Woohooooooo, you made it to the end of BCP!!! Congrats!

@bluetickgal Yay for injections! This is for another IUI, right? FX for 3 follies!

@legallykate Congrats on the Day 7 blast too! I replied over the weekend before your update posted saying that you were disappointed, and I think my reply must’ve seemed totally tone-deaf. (It’s been taking me a couple hours to finish my tags in between other responsibilities, and I’ve been missing people’s updates while I try to finish. Sorry about that!) I’m sorry you didn’t end up with what you wanted over the weekend, but thrilled to hear this final update!! Three is great! FX that testing shows that all 3 are great to transfer.🤞🏽 Also, yes, I’ve heard that HSG between retrieval & transfer is totally normal. Same with the antibiotics. Just wanting to keep all possible infections away to ensure a good environment when transfer comes around.

@shoogapoff I’m sorry for the stress & doubt you’re feeling while waiting for PGT results!☹️ Hopefully all comes back perfect and it’s the Golden embryo for transfer. In the meantime, have you read It Starts With the Egg? There are many things you can try to improve egg quality. My RI puts everyone on Metformin, even if no PCOS, because it helps so much with egg quality. My TE does the same with Ovasitol for the same reason. Sorry if you’ve already done all of this & my comments aren’t helpful. Donor eggs are another good option if you & YH agree on that route. It’s so tough, but FX you don’t have to get to that decision because everything works out with the embie you did get!💗

@avidlyuks36 Hopefully this TWW can fly by for you! I never did Clomid with my IUIs but, yes, I had one time that the bloating was terrible after the trigger shot. Should go away within a couple of days.

@acleverusername My HSG was completely simple, painless, & quick. I think I had a tiny bit of spotting & cramping afterward. Maybe just take a pain pill beforehand. Good luck with it tomorrow! (Funny you should mention that about male hormones: I literally just had the same experience of learning about those over the weekend!! I had no idea MH had many of the ‘female’ hormones we associate w TTC. Learn something new everyday...😄)

emeraldduchess · July 2020

@keikilove I am so excited that you're gearing up for ER again! No injections for me yet. I have to wait for CD1 and then they'll do a baseline and tell me when to start. For now I just have the estrogen patch. I feel very bloated and crampy today but I think it's just pre AF symptoms.

Interview went pretty well, but you never know what they are looking for. They said they were going to make their choice pretty quickly so at least I won't have a long wait.

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