IF Testing and Treatment w/o 9.28

ramzlau · September 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: What is your favorite cartoon character and why?

legallykate · September 2020

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

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Stuck in the longest FET prep cycle ever.

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Maybe FET? Who knows.

How are things going?: Y'all I am STILL in lining limbo. I went in on Wednesday and my lining had only gone from 6.6 to 6.7 and my clinic will not transfer if its less than 7. So I stopped my oral estradiol and started injections and patches and am still doing the vaginal pills too. I am on DAY 32 of estradiol, and I don't go back until Thursday. My RE insists that it doesn't matter how long it takes if we can get my lining to 7 but I just have zero hope for this cycle. I think if no improvement by Thursday we will call it off and I will do Gonal instead next time since my lining seemed to actually respond better to that when I did my ER (it got to 7.5 and in less time than this) and I had less side effects on that too. I guess the good news is I am feeling better side effect wise and MH has been a rockstar with the butt shots, I barely feel them. And work has calmed down, hallelujah, so the timing could actually work out well for FET next week if my ute will finally get its shiz together.

Any questions?: Nope.

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? Does Lisa Simpson count? I always admired how she kept her head on straight and took pride in her smarts despite growing up in a ridiculous family.

ramzlau · September 2020

@legallykate Sorry your lining is still not there. You are so close! I hope this week has better results. And Lisa Simpson totally counts!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI #5

How are things going?: Just waiting and holding off testing as long as possible. We have open enrollment for insurance this week, and I am tempted to test before making the selection since a negative this cycle will mean IVF and higher medical costs.

Any questions?: NATM

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? Tom of Tom and Jerry was always my favorite growing up. I guess he just made me laugh!

misshelen86 · September 2020

@legallykate You are so close! Hope your lining is ready to go on Thursday!

@ramzlau FX for you!! I’m really hoping this cycle was a success for you, but if not then I’m glad you have your back up plan!

Diagnosis (if you've been): MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Just finished IVF.. PGT results in 3 weeks!

How are things going?: Great! I am back to waiting, which I always find the hardest part. But I think the waiting is easier this time because we had a good outcome so we are likely to have at least a few embryos that test normal. Also, we are getting so close to being able to move ahead with FET.. hoping for November! I’m back to my regular work schedule this week and have been keeping busy with cooking and working on a paint by number. Hopefully this 3 weeks flies by!

Any questions?: No

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? Snoopy! I just think he’s so cute and makes me laugh.

legallykate · September 2020

@ramzlau Fingers crossed so hard for you whenever you decide to test!

@misshelen86 We got our PGT results back WAY sooner than they had said we would, so I hope the same is true for you! Yay for November FET!

gingermama29 · September 2020

@legallykate ugh that is so frustrating about your lining. Crossing everything that your body gets itself together and you can do your FET next week!!

@ramzlau crossing everything for you that you get your BFP this cycle!! ❤️

@misshelen86 I'm so happy about your embryo results! Everything sounds very positive! I hope these next 3 weeks fly by for you!!

Diagnosis (if you've been): PCOS

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): trying naturally again

How are things going?: Pretty well. I'm hoping I'll O soon but so far, no real signs it's coming yet. This cycle is definitely going to be longer than my last, but hopefully not as long as my cycles have been before BC. I'm starting to mentally prepare myself for the possibility of needing to do medicated cycles soon. I've got this cycle and next to try and get KU on my own before I'm supposed to call my OB for the next step.

Any questions?: No

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why?
Hmm I don't know that I've ever really thought about this before. I don't know that I have a favorite character but I can safely say the Simpsons is my favorite cartoon. My family quotes and references that show constantly - it is very much a family favorite and holds a lot of nostalgia.

feather_heather · September 2020

*lurking*

@legallykate - I also had lots of issues getting my lining to respond to meds and thicken for transfers. We ended up doing a mock transfer cycle with an endometrial biopsy after 2 failed transfers and even though my lining was at 5mm (before starting PIO) the test showed my lining was receptive. Placing the rest in a spoiler because TW PG mentioned:

For my third transfer my lining was only at 5.19mm when we started PIO (I know PIO thickens the lining a little too - but my office doesn't do a final check before the transfer). My office aims for an 8mm so I was doubtful to say the least. Third transfer worked and one of the two embryos transferred stuck.

I'm glad your office is at least willing to try other methods of meds to thicken the lining (mine was not). Just figured I'd share my experience with a thin lining so you know that not all hope is lost - I know how frustrating it is!

legendairymomma · September 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): infertility

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): a whole lot of nothing special

How are things going?: really shitty. I just got off the phone with insurance and they cover NOTHING for infertility. Not even diagnostic testing so I will have to pay out of pocket for bloodwork and an HSG. Neither of which I can pay for. I suppose I just have to keep trying naturally and decide when is the time to give up. I am honestly trying to not cry at work.

Any questions?: nope.

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? Betty Boop. She can and is literally anything she wants to be.

ramzlau · September 2020

@misshelen86 Hope you get the results sooner than later, because waiting is never fun. But in the meantime I hope you enjoy a slower pace without all the appointments and meds.

@gingermama29 Hey lady! Missed you the last few weeks, but saw you lurking so was assuming you were getting into the groove with school. Hope your anxiety has stayed down. Will keep my fingers crossed for an O soon.

@legendairymomma I hate insurance, I feel like there is always exclusions for everything. That being said, ours covers $0 for infertility as well. They do cover diagnostic testing for other things though. So they have covered some of our expenses because on OB or Urologist bills as family planning instead of IF. Talk with your doctors billing office, you aren’t the first in this situation and I have found them to be the most knowledgeable at getting things covered. Also our RE is very adaptable to the situation, and has lots of backup plans for situations like this. Don’t give up hope yet!

optimisticoctopus · September 2020

@legallykate I so hope that your lining gets where it needs to be!! Just a little bit more!

@ramzlau FX that this is your cycle!

@misshelen86 I hope the time passes quickly for you and that it’s more good news!

@gingermama29 FX that you O soon! Sorry it’s looking like it may be a longer cycle. Hopefully not TOO long!

@legendairymomma oh I’m so so sorry to hear about your insurance. That’s so awful. Hugs to you.

Diagnosis (if you've been): no diagnosis

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): IUI

How are things going?: Pretty good. Started Clomid on Saturday and have had some hot flashes and am breaking out like crazy. This morning I had some nausea until I ate something which is annoying because I can’t eat for an hour after taking my levothyroxine. But really nothing I can’t handle so far! DH is so sweet and already told me that we can put the tower fan on my side of the bed tonight (he sleeps hot and needs the fan blowing on him basically year round). I was on the phone for 30 minutes today trying to figure out insurance issues with the mail-order pharmacy for my Ovidrel. They must’ve typed my member ID wrong when I talked to them on Friday, so hopefully it is all figured out now.

Any questions?: not right now!

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? I also love Snoopy!! He’s so cute!

ramzlau · September 2020

@runningoncookies I hope you get your ovidrel shot figured out. For your levothyroxine, I used to take it at night instead of morning when I was feeling sick in the morning and couldn’t eat yet. I know Clomid isn’t forever, but if the queasiness persists just something to keep in mind to ask your RE. Good luck this cycle!

keikilove · September 2020

Well, I’m still here friends. Thank you for the well wishes & positive energy you sent while I was away last week💗 Will try to keep this short:

The embryo transfer went well. I felt great & super positive, and after a few days I started having distinct implantation cramping. This continued for 2-3 days, followed by a heavy full feeling; I thought this might really be happening this time. Then one night I went to bed, felt hot all night, and before I even opened my eyes I just knew it was over. I took my temp and it was just over 99. Then I got a different kind of intense period cramping like my body was trying to kick the embryos out. This is the same pattern I’ve noticed with my last few IUIs: I could feel them working (implantation cramping) and then as soon as my temperature hit 99 everything would just stop, followed by these intense period cramps that signal that things have ended. Then I don’t get my period for a week due to the effects of progesterone supplementation. I have had suspicions that the high temperature was an indicator of a reaction to implantation (separate from the temp increase caused by progesterone). But doing the embryo transfer was the first time I could be absolutely sure timing-wise that this is what I was experiencing. My body is rejecting the embryos either because they are poor quality or because they aren’t being recognized as “friend” by my immune system. Since we didn’t have enough embryos to test, I’m still not sure what the issue is. So I accepted that it didn’t work, drank some wine, spent a little time being frustrated & bummed out, broke my healthy diet for a couple days, then immersed myself in the internet & lining up next steps—of which there may be many.

Plan B: MH & I have bloodwork this morning, then I have an appointment with a specialist who understands Immunologic Implantation Dysfunction. He also believes that women with AMA/DOR are often given the wrong protocol for IVF. Hopefully he will give me a new & different protocol today that might result in more eggs next time.

Plan C includes an alternative treatment called LIT that helps the body recognize the embryo (and husband’s foreign DNA) as “friend” and not “foe”. We will have to get it outside the country. It’s offered in Mexico & Canada (you have to be a resident of that province to get it in Canada so that’s not an option.)

Plan D is a new (backup) IVF clinic that does a process called DuoStim. They do two egg retrievals back to back with only about 10 days off in between. They are very affordable. This way I will hopefully get enough embryos to test and figure out if the issue is poor quality eggs, poor quality embryos, or actual implantation dysfunction. I have all of these appointments lined up already for the next couple of weeks.

Plans E & F: If we get quality embryos but they still won’t implant then we will consider surrogacy (was never in our plan). If we get no good embryos then we will finally accept it and move to adopting out of foster care (was always in our family plan). So I feel somewhat settled knowing we have a long list of possibilities before this chapter comes to an end.

@legallykate So sorry about the lining saga. Hopefully tomorrow’s appointment will settle things once and for all! Glad that your work craziness has slowed down a bit.

@ramzlau FX that IUI #5 did the trick! That is crazy timing with making your insurance selections for next year.

@misshelen86 FX that these 3 weeks of waiting go by fast! I’m SO happy that you got such good results from your retrieval. What a relief for you & YH!

@gingermama29 Glad things are going well for you. Hope your body does what it’s supposed to do on its own!

@legendairymomma I’m sorry things feel so crappy right now. Dealing with insurance stuff is so frustrating. As others have said, see if another doctor will code things differently. My OB put certain tests as “irregular cycle” or other things like that to get them covered instead of putting them under an infertility diagnosis. Try to not stress too much, it will all work out eventually.

@runningoncookies Hope everything goes smoothly for the rest of this IUI cycle. Insurance is such a headache!

Edited for TB’s glitchy spacing.

[Deleted User] · September 2020

@keikilove (((So Many Hugs))) I am just crushed for you right now. It sounds like you have taken some time to process and come up with an über thorough game plan. ❤️ You are a true warrior. Will continue to be rooting for you, no matter what direction your path may take! 🙏🙏🙏

keikilove · September 2020

@BusinessWife Thank you so much for the support. IF is a b*tch!

inthewoods23 · September 2020

*lurking*
@keikilove sending you lots of love and hugs

I was hoping your absence was good news, but I see instead you were busy putting an amazing game plan together! Your persistence for success is amazing. I will be lurking and watching, cheering you on!

optimisticoctopus · September 2020

@ramzlau good point! I’ll have to keep that in mind. I didn’t feel as nauseous when I woke up this morning, but had a whole other slew of symptoms all day (grogginess, headache, full day of hot flashes). I’m hoping the morning queasiness won’t come back too bad!

@keikilove I’m so sorry that happened with your transfer. It really does sound like you’ve put together a thoroughly great plan! I’m rooting for you so hard!

keikilove · September 2020

@inthewoods23 Thanks so much, friend.❤️My RE’s nurse called me to schedule the follow-up WTF appointment: she insisted on repeating several times that patients are quite fertile after failed IVF due to all the “boosting” meds & that several patients recently got pregnant naturally after failed transfers. So I’m hoping I can be like YOU, you special unicorn, & get KU naturally before the next round of IVF. (That’s if the LIT treatment can work quickly enough to allow my body to accept the embryo.)

krash_ · September 2020

I have been lurking here hardcore and taking in all of the valuable information. I don't want to be inconsiderate but I just checked my chart and it listed infertility on my "problem list" so I guess I go here now

Diagnosis (if you've been): Blocked tube

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Had my HSG last week and my OB confirmed that my right tube is blocked as it appeared on x-ray at my appointment. Still haven't gotten the test results from radiology in my chart though

MH's SA is scheduled for next week

How are things going?: I'm feeling frustrated that the feedback I have gotten from my HSG has been "you can still get pregnant with one tube!" I would like more information about how my ovary on my good side is performing and what our next step are. I know the SA will add a vital piece of information as well but it would be nice if my OB will call me back and just discuss my fertility with me. We are coming up on 12 months so maybe they will take us more seriously after that arbitrary benchmark has been met but we have met our deductible so it would be good to try to get more testing or treatments in before the end of the year.

Any questions?: none at this time.

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? Elsa, she's a bad b*tch!

keikilove · September 2020

@runningoncookies Thank you.💗

@krash_ So sorry you’ve had to join this club. I hope your doctor will get back to you soon for a thorough discussion of the situation. It may be too soon to hear right now, but I’ve definitely hear plenty of success stories from women with one healthy tube. Others here have dealt with a blocked tube, unblocking tubes, just one ovary, etc. Hopefully they will chime in to give you more insight.💗

ramzlau · September 2020

@keikilove Oh what an update! I was hoping your silence was a good thing. You are so fierce and brave for following up with a killer plan. I hope you are that SS! It can happen!

@krash_ Sorry you find yourself here now. I will say that if you go down IUI path, you have so many ultrasounds you will get to know your ovaries performances better than you can imagine. Although they always seem to have a mind of their own as well. Just knowing you have a blocked tube explains so much of the long TTGP period, and I hope something as simple as some FSH meds help you produce follies on the correct side! Hope your stay here is short!

[Deleted User] · September 2020

*lurking* @krash_ I'm sorry you find yourself here. It is my understanding, even one tube can still make its way over to the ovulating side and scoop up the egg from the other side; LSS everything is smooshy and moves around in there. Don't lose hope! 💖

legallykate · September 2020

@gingermama I hope your cycle isn’t too long and that it is successful so you don’t have to move to medicated cycles. FX!

@legendairymomma I am so sorry about the lack of insurance coverage, that is ridiculous that they don’t even cover basic testing. I hope you can work something out like @ramzlau suggested.

@runningoncookies Yay for IUI, hope the hot flashes and breakouts stay tolerable and the nausea was just a one time thing.

@keikilove Ugh I am so sorry about your transfer. But I’m so impressed with your plan and fighter spirit. I am rooting so hard for you.

@krash_ Sorry to hear about your tube and the lack of helpful information about it. Hope you can get some more answers and testing done this year (or that things happen naturally and you don’t need to).

babyfeverbeliever · September 2020

@legallykate That lining is so, so close! Hang in there.

@ramzlau I totally understand on the open enrollment. Picking the wrong plan can mean WAY more out of pocket than you had planned.

@misshelen86 FX for you to be able to do you FET in November! Things have seemed to be going so well, I'm feeling confident for you.

@gingermama29 How great would it be to get KU naturally this cycle and not even have to worry about next cycle? FX for you!

@legendairymomma So sorry about the news on your insurance. At the fertility clinic I use, they have a special fund that people can apply for it they don't have insurance coverage/can't afford treatments. Maybe you could look into something like that in your area?

@runningoncookies I also had to spend a long time on the phone with the pharmacy for my Ovidrel. It was a long wait to actually talk to someone and it took forever to get all the details. However, now that I have ordered it a couple times they have most of the info saved and it's been better each time. Hopefully this last order is really the LAST!

@keikilove I am so, so sorry to read this update. However, you sound like you have done everything you can to figure out what the issue is and come up with a plan to move forward. I admire you for that, there's so much information to take in and you are so organized! You mentioned adopting from foster care has always been in your plan - it's also in mine. I have a bleeding heart for those kids that are in terrible situations due to no faults of their own. My husband and I actually have an orientation scheduled in October to become certified, since that can be a lengthy process. Wishing you the best of luck with EVERYTHING!

@krash_ Sorry you had to join this discussion, but I'm hoping you won't be here long. Finding out that the tube is blocked is actually very helpful information to make a game plan to be successful in the future!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Letrozole + Ovidrel + TI, Digital OPKs

How are things going?: Had a baseline ultrasound last week to make sure I had no cysts and looks like my follicles from last month are dissolving on their own, so that's good news. I have a midcycle on Friday to see what kind of follicles I'm working with this month. FX for something good!

Any questions?: Nope...except for constantly asking myself how infertility can be UNEXPLAINED. Makes it so hard to come up with a plan.

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? I am going to go with Donald Duck. He's angry and bitchy and I relate to him often.

acleverusername · October 2020

I've been procrastinating with posting this week since work's been so crazy and boy oh boy... there's a lot to catch up on.

@legallykate I am so sorry that your lining still isn't where it needs to be. Hopefully there will have been some progress by tomorrow. 🤞🏻
@ramzlau wow; the open enrollment is timely. Hopefully you can get a sense of whether or not you'll need additional coverage. I really failed with my insurance this year with all the infertility testing & other services.
@misshelen86 I hope that you'll get those results sooner than in 3 weeks. Waiting is really hard. I'll be hoping/praying that you get many good quality embryos.
@gingermama29 I said it in the dailies but I'll say it again here: I really really hope O shows up soon!
@legendairymomma I am so sorry about your insurance; mine covers up to diagnosis of infertility which helps, but that's not where the bulk of the cost is. I hope that your OB/clinic can try the tricks that @ramzlau suggested. *Hugs*. I have faith that you will get KU'ed.
@runningoncookies It sucks that you're reacting to Clomid like that. Hopefully the side effects won't continue once you're done with your prescription. Has your doctor suggested Letrazole? I've heard that there are fewer side effects with it, though ultimately I think it depends on your body (i.e. I have almost no side effects to Clomid.)
@keikilove Oh how bummed I was at reading your update.

I was really hoping that we'd have a hat-trick of TTGP announcements. I am truly impressed with your plans and backup plans. I have learned so much from you on this forum. You truly are an inspirational IF warrior. 🍍Plans B & D look really promising. A friend with DOR is in the process of doing 3rd back-to-back stim cycles and each time she's gotten more follies / more eggs.
@krash_ bummed to see you here; hopefully you can get all your testing done this year. Have you reach out to an RE yet?
@babyfeverbeliever Hopefully Friday will reveal a few good follies and that this cycle is the one for you! Also, re: unexplained diagnosis... I've learned that unexplained really means "based on what we know, there's no reason you're not KUed; but we don't want to investigate further because that will cost more, more time will pass, and the treatment path will likely be the same."

acleverusername · October 2020

Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Immunology panel for me; urology consult for MH; Clomid + OPKs + TI

How are things going?: It's going alright. Meh. We had the Urology consult today. Dr. was really nice; he's the Director of Reproductive Urology at UCSF so he must know what he's doing. 🤞🏻To make a long story short, basically next steps for MH is another SA, an ultrasound, and a physical exam with the NP. The doc also reviewed MHs previous blood test results and said that Clomid wouldn't be a treatment he'd prescribe since MH's total testosterone is fine (it's his free testosterone that's on the lower end of normal). One interesting fact the doc shared with us is how inaccurate SAs can be if done by a clinic that's not used to doing them. He said a study was done where a sperm sample with 38mil TMC was sent to various labs across the country for analysis. The results came back anywhere between 3mil to 300mil. All that to say, he said that MH's SA from June might not be accurate and hence why he needs a redo. We'll have another f/u with him once all the testing is complete.

Any questions?: I finished my Clomid prescription last night, and I'm already starting to get very uncomfortable feeling in my ovaries. Also today when I wiped, I had pink spotting (i.e. not period blood spotting). Someone on the other forum mentioned that spotting might be due to rising estrogen. I freaked out thinking it might be a cyst. Has anyone ever had that happen? Today is CD7. Either way, I emailed the clinic and asked to come in for an u/s on CD10.

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? Stewie from Family Guy; because of the snark.

babyfeverbeliever · October 2020

@acleverusername Totally agree on the unexplained part. And I'm kind of okay with not running a bunch of aimless tests but I do still find it strange that there's nothing obviously wrong and it can still be so difficult to get KU with such closely monitored cycles (numerous ultrasounds, "perfect" timing, etc.). Just a waiting game it seems. I have not had the spotting you're referring to...did you hear back from the clinic on doing an ultrasound yet?

acleverusername · October 2020

@babyfeverbeliever totally understand how getting KU'ed still eludes us given everything being so controlled. As another online friend said, fertility is an art, not a science. I exchanged a couple of emails with the RE clinic this AM and they basically said "u/s not necessary; fresh spotting is normal; but you can come in if you want to... we wanted to limited your OOP expenses". Anyways, I'm opting to self-pay for the peace of mind. My appointment is Sat AM.

optimisticoctopus · October 2020

@babyfeverbeliever I got it all figured out with the Ovidrel and it’s currently sitting in my fridge so that I get to think about stabbing myself with a needle every time I make dinner lol! Good luck with your u/s tomorrow!!

@acleverusername no, we haven’t talked about Letrozole yet. I’ve definitely heard that the two can affect you differently though. I would be willing to do another round of Clomid if necessary as long as it’s doing what it’s supposed to do! Which I feel like it is? I also took my last dose last night and have been very aware of my ovaries today haha. I’m glad your clinic is letting you come in to check out the spotting. Hopefully it’s nothing and you feel better knowing! Also, that is super interesting about how much a SA can vary based on who does it...

acleverusername · October 2020

@ramzlau for your IUI, do you have a "package" price you pay? Or do you pay for u/s, blood tests, as needed? I just got the pricing for u/s and any blood tests for this cycle (if they're needed) and I'm a bit shocked at the cost of u/s. Included pricing in spoiler.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/dt/t27zddiyu9g3.png

ramzlau · October 2020

@acleverusername I pay as needed, but those do sound higher than mine. Ultrasound is $230 and blood tests are $25 for the draw and $85 for the testing no matter how many tests they run. So usually my CD3 and CD11 is about $340 each. IUI is $170, and now Covid testing is $230. Around $1000 per cycle by the time you toss in any random tests that come up.

legallykate · October 2020

@babyfeverbeliever Hope the midcycle went well today!

@acleverusername Hope the appointment tomorrow goes well and provides reassurance!

AFM, my lining actually got a little bit thinner (went down from 6.7 to 6.4), but my estrogen was sky high (3000) and my RE thinks maybe my lining just will not ever get that thick (although it did get to 7.5 on stims). So he gave us the option of either moving forward with a transfer with my suboptimal lining or canceling and trying a Gonal cycle at a later date. After doing a ton of research and soul searching, we decided to move forward and hope for the best, so I started Crinone this morning and scheduled my transfer for next Wednesday!

kiki047 · October 2020

*lurking* @legallykate boy do I know that feeling!! Go get 'em girlfriend, you got this!! FX FX!!

acleverusername · October 2020

@ramzlau lol - I know you don't even go here now - but just wanted to sulk about our pricing so much. Thanks for validating that these prices are insane.

@legallykate so happy this chapter in the saga is almost over for you. Will be rooting for you for the next few days leading up to the FET. So exciting!!!!!!!!!!!

ramzlau · October 2020

@acleverusername I will commiserate that and lurk here whenever needed!

@legallykate Keeping everything crossed for you after this long of waiting!

keikilove · October 2020

@legallykate FX so hard for you! I pray that you can have the same positive outcome that Kiki experienced! That's a hard choice but I'm sure you felt that you couldn't just sit around wasting more time. The waiting game is the killer in all this...And thank you for your uplifting words.

@babyfeverbeliever I hope your mid-cycle appointment went well today! Hopefully you are working with some good follicles, FX! I don't believe on the 'unexplained" diagnosis either--it's just a matter of not all possibilities have been explored yet.// Thank you for your kind words as well. It is so nice to talk to another person who also has a passion for the kiddos in foster care. It's so heartbreaking to think of kids growing up in a system--without families. My parents had a ton of kids, yet they still took in my foster sister when they found out that her bio-dad was abusive. I figure if they could do it with a house that was bursting at the seams, so can we. (Except not until after I get on top of this IF stuff because this is a full-time job in itself!)

@acleverusername Thank you for your positive words! I don't feel particularly inspirational or like a warrior really--more like a pitbull with a bone, hahaha. But I do like sharing the info I find out in case it can help anyone now or in the future who may stumble across these topics.// I am glad that you both had a good experience with the new doc. That is very interesting what he told you about the potential inaccuracy of SAs.// I hope the pink spotting has gone away. I wanted to add that your IUI costs do seem high. Each one I had was only about $300 all inclusive OOP. It increased by $100 if I added hCG trigger, but otherwise was very affordable. I sent you a PM with more details about affordability.

I never officially did this this week, so:

Diagnosis (if you've been): RPL, Elevated Natural Killer cells & activity (mostly resolved), 3 blood-clotting disorders, AMA, DOR, suspected Immunlogical Implantation Dysfunction (IID)

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO naturally, lining up next round of IVF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): We are trying LIT this cycle. It takes 3-6 weeks to work and multiple appointments. I have been mostly MIA this week because I have been trying to line up all the testing we need and coordinate all the travel for our upcoming doctor appointments. It is proving challenging, as we will land into one city at 9:30 pm but all rental car places are closed at 8 pm due to COVID etc. This will keep me busy this weekend...

How are things going?: Busy & challenging. But I feel very hopeful!

Any questions?: Has anyone here (or lurking/graduated) had friends do LIT or tried it yourself? Did it help? Any negative outcomes?

GTKY: What is your favorite cartoon character and why? No idea. Spongebob is pretty hilarious.

Something else I wanted to share was that I had my tele-consult with Dr. Sher, who is renowned in the IVF world. I am happy that he gave me a new IVF meds protocol that he believes will work great for me. He said my estradiol numbers were excellent and that I should have had at least 12 follicles to retrieve in my last round based on that indicator.
He is an RE but is also extremely familiar with RI, as he helped pioneer some of the current RI practices. He said that "80% of miscarriages and chemical pregnancies are due to chromosomal abnormalities. But when a patient has had them repeatedly, 80% of the time this indicates that the eggs are good but there is an immunology component involved." He also said that secondary infertility is very common, and usually happens after a woman has 1 or 2 healthy pregnancies. He said that the woman's body begins to build up a reaction to her husband's DNA during those successful pregnancies. Then her body has launched such a heightened attack on his DNA that successive pregnancies are sabotaged earlier and earlier by the natural killer cells. They keep the embryo from being able to implant properly, or they attack the placenta roots so there isn't enough blood flow to the embryo. This manifests as late losses sometimes, often early losses, then chemical pregnancies, then no pregnancies at all, leaving the woman to think she is infertile. This is exactly my pattern.
It made me think of some other members of this forum so thought it was worth sharing (@kpearse99 @capnjackharkness not sure if this sounds interesting to you). He recommends getting the HLA/DQ Alpha match test from ReproSource to see if the patient & partner have DNA matches. Dr. Sher has a blog online with tons of info about all kinds of things. he responds daily to questions from across the internet if anyone here wants to ask him anything.
(A part of me is furious because I almost got this DQ Alpha match test a year ago but a specialist told me there was no reason to, as the treatment is the same: IVIG or intralipids. And even @pom9207 had asked me about this on this forum but it took this long for me to fully explore it. Oh well, live and learn!)

babyfeverbeliever · October 2020

Hi all! I’ve had a crazy busy day but wanted to update you that I had 3 mature follicles on the right and none on the left today. Right sizes were 22.5, 19.5 and 18. Triggering tonight...fx!

acleverusername · October 2020

Oooooh! Those are nice follicles @babyfeverbeliever! I hope this is your cycle. FX.

keikilove · October 2020

@babyfeverbeliever Those follicle sizes sound great! FX that this is it!🤞🏽

gingermama29 · October 2020

Finally coming back for responses. Sorry friends.

@runningoncookies sorry about all the side effects from clomid. So sweet of YH to give you the fan though!

@keikilove I'm so sorry friend. I'm glad you've got a lot of backup plans though. Sending hugs 💕 wishing you luck with the LIT!

@krash_ sorry you find yourself in this thread but also welcome! Hopefully YH's SA will be good! Sorry you're feeling frustrated about a lack of helpful information.

@babyfeverbeliever yay follies and starting your trigger! FX for you!!

@acleverusername glad you're urologist has a good plan. Hopefully he'll get better results! That's so crazy about the discrepancy in SAs.

@legallykate that's frustrating about the lining but I'm crossing everything for you in your transfer!! Sending all the positive vibes your way!

acleverusername · October 2020

@keikilove so is the LIT cycle just injections? You're not actually trying, right? (If I understand correctly). And then next month you'll do another ER? I have so many questions! How is the protocol from Dr. Sher different from your clinic? Also, what's your fertility meditation source?

@gingermama29 (and everyone really) I've actually been doing some digging trying to find the study he cited and I believe it's this one. I have some issues with the information of this article, but I suppose this is the most important conclusion to be drawn: "The reported lack of accuracy and standardization can make it difficult, if not impossible, for physicians to interpret semen analysis results or to compare results obtained from different laboratories." Anyhow, having a 2nd SA from the same lab will be telling.

My u/s today showed 2 good sized follies (21mm and 16mm) + 2 smaller ones (10mm). This explains why I've been feeling extra uncomfortable this cycle vis-a-vis last one (I only had 2 follicles last time). The NP who did my u/s is expecting that I'll get my LH surge tonight (doubt it; my RHR is still pretty low. It usually starts to surge the day of 1st +ve OPK).

As an aside, I always find it funny when the doctor tells you to "have intercourse". They are quite literally "doctor's orders!" 🤣

keikilove · October 2020

@acleverusername Glad to hear you have some good follies this cycle! FX that this will be it for you! Agreed about “doctor’s orders”.😄 AFM, we will try anyway. I can’t bear to waste a cycle—who knows, maybe by some miracle my body will respond to LIT immediately? Yes, LIT is just injections. We will meet with the new IVF doctor too, who will tell me when we can do the next ER. I’m hoping next month if this month doesn’t work for us naturally. I used meditations from youtube: Bettina Rae is awesome, and I liked Jackie Brown as well. I also enjoyed the meditations here: https://youtu.be/RRd0LLNxNNQ

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