Low AMH Level

mbradfo2 · February 2021

My update:
7 mature eggs and 4 fertilized so about what we had on our previous cycle. Hoping for at least 2 this time as well. We didn't have a huge issue with drop off after fertilization, so I'm trying to be positive! And DD is back to her old self today and chasing the dogs around the house!

JamieH2000 · February 2021

@mbradfo2- yay!! Come on embryos!! Remind me, are you doing a fresh or frozen transfer?!

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@JamieH2000
Frozen -- as long as we can get to that stage! My RE likes to do frozens over fresh since they seem to be more successful.

Day 3 update - 3 still going strong and looking good under the microscope. Hoping that we end up with 2 of those.

hopefuljj · February 2021

Hey ladies
Just playing major catch up here.
@mbradfo2 Excited for you lady!!!!! come on embabies!!!!

@andreamm31 LADY, WHAT the Actual F! Honestly, I'm glad you are taking news of all things insanity so one day you can see your story for a really intense book or movie or something. the cops better get these guys and straighten out this misunderstanding of WHO wronged them immediately. what a scary situation!

@LadyPotter oh wow, I had not heard of a sneak peek test, how interesting, they do say the older you are the more likely you are to have a girl which I do think is fascinating. I know one of my own egg failures was a girl but it was a chemical and the OE PGS normal boy was a negative, but now I wonder what gender my first DE PGS normal failure was.....I wonder if that was a boy...excited for your NIPT for gender confirmation!

@laurad75 - Bernie on that table, I can not! HAHAHAHAHHAHAH

@lrynwnab I am so so so sorry to hear about your miscarriage lady. Sending love. I pushed really hard to try blood thinners for one of my transfers with own egg...I did a repeat loss panel which is like 30 vials of blood or something crazy like that and my doctor said she didn't think it would help but I am homozygous for MTHFR and really wanted to try. It was not a successful cycle for me personally but I know many who have had success after adding it in.

Ladies, I think this website is finally working on a Mac again! I am SHOCKED, I can actually type on the computer! I had not checked for a while but considering it was broken for over a year I had little hope It would ever get fixed, but I am having a really hard time typing on my iPhone due to crazy joint pain/inflammation. Hoping that is because I ended up super hypothyroid and am adjusting my meds and not because I've developed an additional autoimmune disorder. It's been kinda crazy. but it is much less painful to type on a computer.
I'll try to check back much more frequently! I think of you ladies often!
I did finally write a letter to my donor, and we have been writing back and forth ever since, which makes me really really happy. She cried when she got my letter and I cried when I got hers, hahaha.

@JamieH2000
So glad you finally are cleared with your test results!! When is transfer again???

@lucyb1954
Thinking of you all the time lady!!! I can't believe how far along you are! Hoping you are feeling ok.....the heartburn nearly killed me during my entire pregnancy......ginger suckers (and I hate ginger) saved my life.

thinking of all you ladies!!!

andreamm31 · February 2021

@jamieh2000 thanks friend. I think my transfer is looking like it might be the week after. It all depends on how long it takes my lining....which typically takes awhile longer, but at least we will be close!

@mbradfo2. Yes, we do have a dog, the cute white fluff ball variety. He's the best! And yes, he barks whenever anyone comes to the door. But he was sitting right next to me when this event happened and our house is so sound proof, neither of us heard anything! But we do like his extra alarm that he provides. So happy to hear your daughter is feeling better! And cant wait to hear how those 4 embabies do! Grow babies grow!

@hopefuljj. I know, right? Sometimes I feel like my life is just a crazy book that if someone else read it, they would be like WTF? haha. None of the neighbors cameras got the license plate and basically they cant arrest anyone without a license plate. Stupid! But they know the other guy no longer lives here, so hopefully that is the end of that nonsense. And the old owner paid the landscaper and gave us $500 for the deductible for our car. We had 2 more cameras installed yesterday and my husband had them add a siren out front if any of our alarms are triggered. our neighbors are gonna hate us if we do it by accident. haha. Im so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well. I swear, MTHFR just wreaks havoc on our system. I know that is why my histamine is so crazy. I think because we don't Methylate well, and our methylation cycle gets out of balance, toxic things build up and we don't have the ability to detoxify and remove them. Do you see a naturopath or someone to help you navigate it?? Its so hard finding someone that knows this mutation well and can guide us. And I love that you wrote to your donor and you guys are connected now! that is so amazing!!! I love that part of your update soooo much!

AFM: They haven't got those guys that smashed up my hubbies truck. My hubby is starting to calm down and I convinced him to not bring a gun home, which makes me feel so much better. I had my baseline on Friday and I had started my estrogen on Thursday. Ive been on this before but not coupled with the prednisone, holy crap! The night sweats are insane, Im soaking my bed. And I feel so off...was having chest discomfort at work today and can feel myself throwing irregular beats, so I took some electrolytes because im pretty sure im sweating out my potassium and magnesium which is causing that. I keep getting crazy hot flashes and wearing my mask for 13 hours straight is really tough, my face gets sooo hot. Plus feeling like a crackhead with the prednisone. So this should be a fun few months! But I am happy to at least be starting and moving forward after so many months of waiting and inactivity. Looks like transfer will be closer to end of February depending on how my lining cooperates. It does feel nice to be back with my old clinic and how great the communication is and fast responses to every question. Its like coming home and it puts me at ease. Much much better than the communication with Utah Clinic.

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@andreamm31
We're down to the 3 embies right now but so far so good!

I guess I'm so used to my crazy alarm dog lol One of our dogs is -super- anxious and barks at every single sound, even a car door closing across the street, and often at things we don't hear until they get closer. She was a rescue who was abused by her first owners (we got her at 6 months old; she is a chow/golden mix who only weighed -14- lb due to malnourishment and was anemic due to tick and flea infestation. Her tail was also broken, probably slammed in a door. She didn't even know what treats or toys were when we got her; our other dog, one we got from a breeder as a puppy, had to teach her everything). Chows were bred to be guard dogs for Chinese emperors and she's definitely of that personality, and her anxiety basically just ups the ante so we rarely have anyone even approach our house without her alerting everyone. We've been through meds and behavioral therapy with her, but nothing has really seemed to help -- her fear is just so deeply ingrained because of her experiences in puppyhood.

Imajin99 · February 2021

@jamieh2000 & @andreamm31 happy to hear that your transfer will be coming up this month. Wishing you both all the best with the transfers.
@mbradfo2 - 3 embies this far, that is great. Keep going little ones!

JamieH2000 · February 2021

@mbradfo2- omg 3 is good!! Praying they are all freezeable!! Are you doing pGs too?

@andreamm31- this HAS the be your time. You deserve it sooo much. I really hope your lining cooperates and we can be transfer buddies.

@hopefuljj- always good to hear from you! I’m sorry to hear about your thyroid tho! But wow, you are able to write with your donor?! How did that happen. Amazing!!! Any thoughts on timing to try another transfer?!

AFM- baseline was good! We are only doing 10 days of estrogen this time, since my lining never seems to get thicker after the first check at 7 days. 4 days of progesterone. So transfer is in 2 weeks!

andreamm31 · February 2021

@mbradfo2 ughhhhh that breaks my heart your poor baby was ever mistreated. I just don't understand how anyone wouldn't love an animal unconditionally. I guess your alarm dogs barking is both a blessing and a curse!
Feeling so much hope for those 3 embabies of yours! Keep growing little ones!

@lmajin99 thanks girl!

laurad75 · February 2021

Yay @JamieH2000! Rooting so hard for you!!!

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@JamieH2000
FX for you! I think sometimes we can sorta "forget" how long and disappointing the IF journey is until we're back in the saddle; it's so easy to be positive about it when you're holding a sweet baby. So I hope this is an end to your disappointments and the start of a new chapter!

@andreamm31
May I tug at your heartstrings further?

That furry baby, who we call Juliet or Jules, was within minutes of being put to sleep when the rescue I got her from pulled her from the shelter. She was so shy and scared at the shelter that she was considered "unadoptable" and was scheduled to be put down first thing in the morning. The rescue got her with just minutes to spare on the 5 pm closing time. So she has quite the story!

The barking is something we're all used to now, so it doesn't bug us too much.

@laurad75
How are things going for you, lady? I forget when your due date is! Hope all is well.

@ladyp0tter
I hope you're surviving the gap between appts and all is going smoothly!

@Imajin99
Hope you are well too!

@hopefuljj
I would cry too! The gift she gave is just so immeasurable. Hope your little one is doing well :-)

AFM
Final report: 1 frozen day 5 (AB), 2 frozen day 6 (BC/BB).

I'm not too upset about the day 6's since I only got day 6's in my first cycle (and they obviously did just fine). I'm actually surprised at getting a day 5 since I'm so historically bad at producing normal, healthy embies. We're going to send them off for PGS testing. I hope to get 1 or 2 normals and pray it's the ticket to a happy little one!

laurad75 · February 2021

@mbradfo2 Congratulations on your 3 frosties. I'll be thinking of you while you wait for the testing results.

AFM (in spoiler)

All is well. I'm 20+4 today and due June 26 but scheduled for a repeat cs on 6/23. Anatomy scan was yesterday and everything looked great. She was not particularly cooperative so we only got one photo but all I care about is that she is healthy.

ladyp0tter · February 2021

@mbradfo2 - YAY for your frosties!! I'll be praying for the 1-2 normal ones for you!! Especially that day 5.

I am doing ok thanks for checking! I am able to hear the baby's heartbeat on my home doppler now, so that is helping me get through the time until my next appointment (2 more weeks still). I am now 10+4 today!

@laurad75 - congrats on the great U/S! I can't wait for that one so I can feel most confident!! It's scary always anyway, but every step forward is a positive one!!

claireloSC · February 2021

@lmajin99 - catching up but most will join BMB by due date bc they're the same weeks as you so same stage. Glad things have been going well and hope your NT went well. Did you get the pano?

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@ladyp0tter
My husband had to eventually confiscate (jokingly of course) my home doppler because I was getting a little obsessive about checking every morning and evening. I used so much of that u/s gel that I actually found a cheaper, easier to get gel that works about the same -- aloe gel for sunburns!

@laurad75
The girls are always difficult

My daughter refused to move into a position where they could get a good picture of her spine, so they had to push it off to the next visit (and of course I spent 2 weeks freaking out about neural tube disorders.

claireloSC · February 2021

Guys, once you stop PIO, how long till it's no longer tender? I haven't done shots for like 5 or 6 weeks and my butt still hurts a lot! Just curious if anyone has any experience to share. TY

laurad75 · February 2021

@claireloSC I think DS was about 6 or 7 months old when I wasn't tender anymore. I wish I was kidding. It takes a long time. Sorry!

andreamm31 · February 2021

@JamieH2000 thanks friend. I cant believe once again we will be transferring right around the same time. We deserve this girl! This is our time. We are no longer gonna be left behind!

@ladyp0tter I cant believe you are almost 11 weeks! Holy cow that went fast. Glad you are able to pick up the HB on doppler now for your own peace of mind

@laurad75 Congrats on being halfway there. So happy for you that everything is going well!

@mbradfo2 3! YIPPEE. Praying you get your normal embabies! And girl, you definetly pulled on those heart strings. your fur baby was 100% meant to be with you guys. Mine is also a rescue so I know that feeling of knowing you saved your little angel. We are so blessed with these little fur balls of unconditional love.

Imajin99 · February 2021

@mbradfo2 Great news, and thanks for checking in! I am doing well.
@claireloSC Thanks for the information, I will join the July group then. As for the PIO shots I believe I had some tenderness for about 2-3 weeks after but I got a large behind so lots of cushion in there so I guess it may have healed better. Hope all is well with you. I will have an update below in spoiler.
@JamieH2000 Excited for you, you got this girl!
@andreamm31 Hope the lining check goes well and you have your transfer date soon.
@ladyp0tter This is great, when are you going back in for the next scan? I am glad the doppler is working well and can help keep any nerves at bay.
@laurad75 Halfway there!! That is awesome. I am looking forward to my scan in next month.

AFM:

Things have been going pretty well for me, I hit the 16 week mark today. Time is going fast and slow at the same time. My NIPT came back inconclusive and most likely due to higher BMI and we were lucky enough to find out early enough so I could do the SIPH testing (Canada) - I believe in the US it is referred to as the QUAD. I will get the blood test results from the 2nd drawn blood next week. The NT scan and had a pre-anatomy scan yesterday just to make sure due to NIPT being inconclusive (in case there was another reason that fraction of DNA was too low in my blood to test) all have come back normal and baby and placenta are looking great and baby is measuring perfectly in all measurements and organs just the way they should be. It was bit nerve wracking to get the inconclusive but we have read it can be common for multiple reasons but especially due to higher BMI). Anatomy scan is in a month. I am lucky the OBGYN I chose is wonderful but also has an ultrasound machine in the officer so in each visit we can check on the baby. I still get nervous sometimes but also getting excited. We plan on sharing the news with extended family, friends and my work in the next week or so.

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@Imajin99

The old adage in medicine is "when you hear hoofbeats, don't look for zebras" -- it's more common for anomalies in testing to be explained with common, run of the mill, non-serious reasons (BMI, IVF affecting alpha-fetoproteins, testing inconsistency, poor blood sample, etc) than for them to be caused by a rarer condition. IVF is another reason the NIPT can come back inconclusive (it also affects the QUAD screen). So I wouldn't get too worried just yet if everything else looks good!

claireloSC · February 2021

All great to hear @lmajin99!

Thanks so much @laurad75! Good to know. Crazy, but good to know. My poor behind, lol.

JamieH2000 · February 2021

@mbradfo2- come on PGS results!! we are all cheering and waiting anxiously for GOOD news for you. When would you start transfer prep?!
@lmajin99- glad everything is looking good and they are monitoring closely! Its scary when a test is inconclusive, but it sounds like things are going really good

So happy for you!!
@laurad75- wow half way?! and a girl?! congrats my dear friend, you deserve this rainbow soo much!!
@andreamm31- yes- this has to be our time. Its been a long journey, and we want to join everyone on the other sides

Hows your lining looking?!

AFM- i started estrogen on Monday and had a check today Lining is already at 9.2, which is thick for me, so I'm just praying that it can stay this thick until my next check on Wed. Then we start PIO on Thursday, with transfer on Monday. I'm sorry i've been MIA. I am doing my best to just not think about all this stuff as much as possible this time.

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@JamieH2000
Woo! 9.2 is good! I don't think I ever got above 8.5 on my scans so fx for you!
We should have the PGS results next week (I might be obsessively calling the lab...) and then based on them, we'll determine next steps. I'm so glad to be off meds for at least a little bit right now.

Got my second covid shot this week on the 9th! It feels sorta exciting...as for side effects -- I got the moderna one, started with arm tenderness the evening after I got the shot (I got it around 3 pm, so a few hours later). The next day I was just relaxing on the couch and thought, "Huh, I feel funny." Touched my forehead and I was burning up! Checked my temp with the kiddo's thermometer and yep, fever. It was the first fever I've had since...grade school? I felt pretty crappy and fatigued the rest of the day, but the fever broke that evening and I was feeling much better the next morning. Already feel normal again except for some slight tenderness at the injection site. I'm totally beat today, but I think it's a mixture of me spending the day either chasing a toddler or trying to get some a program for work to run properly with some modifications. I almost had it at one point but still having issues with it recognizing input from bluetooth devices. -ramble-

lucyb1954 · February 2021

Hiyeee my friends! I'm so sorry I've been MIA. Life has been busy (though no baby yet, no worries, but I'll put the update in a spoiler.) I am always so glad to check in on this board and see how my ladies are doing and just grateful for all the support you all have lent me over the last couple of years.

@JamieH2000 Woot! 9.2! That's a great first scan, lady!!! I'm sure you're happy with that, and I'll be thinking about you and crossing everything that lining stays awesome and trilaminar. Totally understand just wanting to take your mind off of things -- you've had a super rough year and been through a lot. Do what you need to do for you.

@mbradfo2 Woot for you too! Sounds like you had a great cycle (for low AMH ladies!) and rooting for those embies to come back normal.

@laurad75 Time flies! Craziness! Can't believe you're so far along...I haven't checked the PAIF board in awhile either so I need to check in with other ladies, but I'm glad to hear that you're trucking along.

@andreamm31 O.M.G. I cannot believe the craziness you have been through, I just read your story and I can't believe it! Good lord. What next?!?! Any news on arrests or anything? That's absolutely terrifying, I'm so sorry! Even though my little rescue dog buddy was only 14 pounds, honestly it always made me feel better to have him around because I knew he would bark at everything and at least give me a few minutes heads up if I needed to call the cops! Especially because my SO is a geologist and there are times he is out in the field for days/weeks. I miss my little buddy so much

I also didn't realize that you and L. shared a donor -- I'm sure that feels scary, but def makes me wonder about her DHs sperm. I think about you often and am always rooting for you!!!

@hopefuljj so good to hear from you friend! Sent you a DM awhile back, I'm sure you are so busy with your LO! She is just a doll, and I love that she has cheeks for days!

@Imajin99 I owe you an email! Been meaning to write you back. Feeling optimistic for your test results this week as all else has been going so well for you! I'm sure it's terrifying to have to wait, esp after all you've been through so far but I'm definitely thinking about you and feeling hopeful!

AFM

Oh lordy, things have just gotten really busy! I'm 35 +2 today. I have NSTs twice a week plus my regular appts with my OB and then yesterday I had some high blood pressure readings so I was in labor and delivery for evaluation for several hours. Luckily all tests came back normal, baby girl is consistently looking active and kicking about. Literally my blood pressure has at least been good this whole pregnancy and I'm super hoping it stays at least in the okay range. If not they will induce me at 37 weeks which is in....10 days! When they told me that I was like BUT WE DON'T HAVE A NAME YET! THE NURSERY ISN'T READY! I HAVEN'T SENT THANK YOU NOTES FOR ALL MY BABY SHOWER GIFTS! SHE CAN'T COME YET!
So seriously, just hoping that things stay pretty normal because I'm also worried about finishing up a few things at work before she comes. I'm also having some super big time anxiety, I'm just so scared of taking care of an infant and worried about doing things wrong. We've worked so hard for this and I'm just absolutely terrified something else will happen. I'm sure IF totally causes some of this PTSD, like you just get so used to things going wrong and being shitty that you have a hard time climbing out of those thoughts.

andreamm31 · February 2021

@JamieH2000. Look at that lining being a super over achiever! Jealous mine is being quite as cooperative.

@lmajin99 Im so happy all your scans look good despite the inconclusive, but that is good info @mbradfo2 gave you.

@claireloSC sorry about your poor behind! Im a big bubble butt type of girl too, so mine has handled it like a champ...but I really only did PIO for a month or so before I stopped.

@mbradfo2 Hopefully those results come back sooner rather than later and surprise you so the wait isn't as long. Mine came back pretty fast I felt like, in about 7 days I think.

@lucyb1954 Oh my god girl, how on earth are you already 35 weeks!! That seems like it flew by! I cant believe she could be here in as little as 10 days! Holy cow! Im just so over the moon happy for you friend! And I know it must be so anxiety provoking now that everything you worked so hard for is about to be a real life tiny human. Don't worry about the nursery...she will be with you for the first few months anyways. Focus on what you absolutely need to get done and if you have extra time, take care of that....or enlist the help of a masked up friend or 2 to help you. Keep that stress down and hopefully your BP cooperates. Thinking about you all the time!
And no, no arrests were made. We don't think they have enough evidence to do that.

AFM: My lining is just under 7mm at 10 days. This has been my typical for all my transfers and ERA. But last time I did get my lining about 9 so Im praying by next Friday I am looking thicker and I am trilaminar so at least I got that going for me. I am adding in hot packs to my belly to promote blood flow and added in L-Arginine and my aspirin early. If my lining looks good next Friday, we start Progesterone Saturday and transfer would be 25th, just 3 days after @JamieH2000. Anybody know any other tricks to promote blood flow to uterus for thicker lining? Im getting acupuncture weekly and reiki.

Also, we found out that my friend who shared our donor got her autopsy back and the baby had major cord and placenta problems, with strictures, abnormal length cord and very poor blood flow. Her son (her genetics and husbands sperm, in her body) had the same problems and was born as a micro preemie. This baby was our donors egg and her husbands sperm in a surrogate so the only common denominator is her husband. She feels a lot of relief knowing that the baby passed before she had to endure another traumatizing NICU stay and possibly her dying later on and suffering. It also helped me to feel better about these eggs and realize Im not destined to repeat the same issues with my baby. So that has helped.

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@lucyb1954
If it makes you feel better, I couldn't remember the last time I held a baby before my daughter was born. I had never changed diapers or fed a baby, let alone be responsible for one! Fortunately, babies are pretty forgiving and even if you screw up something, it's not the end of the world! Your pediatrician should be able to give you some advice and pointers when you have questions about anything (even if it's not specifically medical -- pediatricians know about sleep, soap/lotions that are best, recommendations on soothing techniques, etc. The only thing you won't get a pediatrician to tell you is what car seat or crib is the best or how to use them! My dad says it's because they don't want to endorse a product and they don't want to be responsible for your decision or usage with something as highly regulated as a car seat.)

My daughter was a 35 weeker and change due to pre-eclampsia and we had absolutely NOTHING ready. Lean on your village as much as you can -- my mom did a Target run while I was in the hospital with baby and got us baby essentials like diapers, wipes, bottles, thermometer, first aid kit, baby care kits, some swaddles and onesies; my sister loaded up a big bag with hand-me-downs from when her girls were babies (tons of burp cloths!); my aunt had her church group set up a schedule to deliver hot meals to us for the first two weeks (and I got a nice gift basket from them with a bunch of useful baby stuff). My sister had given us a pack n'play for my shower and we set it up and used it as primary baby sleep spot for the first month or so until we had a crib set up (DD absolutely HATED the bassinet I ordered). I also do recommend getting a boppy pillow since it has so many uses. I would let DD nap on it in my lap while I watched tv or something; I used it to help her stay propped up for bottle feeds so my arms wouldn't die of fatigue, etc.

Also I'd recommend picking up the AAP's book "Your Baby's First Year" -- it's full of practical advice about everything from picking a pediatrician to what to do when baby has a fever or is teething.

tangerine32 · February 2021

Hi, I'm new here. I've been reading a bit and I introduced myself in the main thread but I hope I belong here. I am 37, my husband is 39 and we've been ttc for about 1.5 years. I have low AMH (.3) and low AFC-- I think it was 4. I just completed my first IVF cycle, which unfortunately did not go well. We had only two eggs, but neither were able to be fertilized -- one aneuploid and one never matured. Next cycle will start later this month with estrace priming, HGH and I'm now taking a mouthful of supplements. My doctor has already raised the donor egg idea. My brain knows that is where we are likely headed but my heart is going to require more proof. If any of you have any advice on the process of starting to think about DE (or any good articles/blogs), I would be appreciative!

I am trying to read up on your stories. I sort of feel like I walked into a party in which everyone knows everyone and I am trying to meet people quickly

If I have messed up on the rules on the board, please let me know.

I will be hoping for good lining and successful transfers for you, @JamieH2000 and @andreamm31

@hopefuljj, that's so nice that you communicated with your donor. Hope open is the process?

Imajin99 · February 2021

@tangerine32 Welcome to the thread! I think as you go back through some of the previous pages (yes I know its long) you will see the journey many of us have taken over the last few years. Feel free to ask any specific questions you may have. Sorry to hear about the cycle you had, hopefully the next one if you decide that produces better results. They always say the first IVF cycle really helps give your Drs insight on how you respond to meds and which meds and 2nd cycles tend to do better when adjustments have been made.

Nice to see everyone's updates and hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day! I appreciate the words of encouragement and I did receive my results Friday afternoon:

Happy to report that the quad test shows me low risk for everything they had tested. This is really helping me get over some of the nervousness I have been feeling and hoping I can enjoy the pregnancy more.

andreamm31 · February 2021

@tangerine32. You are definetly in the right place! Welcome and don't ever feel like you came in late or anything like that. Some people have been on this thread for years, and some are newer, but the common theme is we are all here to support each other. Your numbers sound a lot like mine, except the 2 eggs we retrieved the 2 times we did IVF were terrible quality and we couldn't even fertilize them. Coming to the conclusion of donor eggs was one of the hardest thing I ever went through. It was a major grieving process. I went on disability for 6 weeks to process everything. I could not stop crying. It was rough. But that was about 15 months ago and now I feel so much better about my choice, although I know I will always grieve the loss of my genetics, I can still move forward knowing this is how we will finally get our babies. I follow this amazing women on instagram who are Donor Egg Mama influencers. One is Definingmum, expecting anything, and another is dani_repsch. They regularly share other donor egg mamas accounts, so I follow quite a few. Fertility IQ also has some good info.
But I honestly had to try my 3 rounds of IVF to know I did everything I could to make sure my eggs were not gonna work....so I totally think going for this next round is a good idea, because even if you don't get any eggs, you will know in your heart and mind that you did everything you could to try. Wishing you so much success and if you have any questions, please ask! And thank you for the well wishes. Praying this is my time as well.

Great update @lmajin99, what a relief!! So happy for you!

laurad75 · February 2021

@tangerine32 Welcome! I challenge you to find a more supportive and loyal group on this website than the Low AMH squad.

I was a little older than you (41) when I started IVF but I did three egg transfers (all busts) before I was ready to move on to donor egg. Actually I was ready before the third cycle but felt like we had to give it one more try. You will know when you are ready.

@andreamm31 Do you do femoral massage? I swear when I started doing it a few times a day (recommendation from my acupuncturist) my lining did so much better. Here is a link to instructions if you've never done it. (link)

andreamm31 · February 2021

@laurad75. No, I haven't tried a femoral massage! That article was great! Im going to do it. Makes sense! I do a womb massage. Funny story, I keep my oil (which was made for me by a doula and has herbs in it) by my bedside and last night when we came home from a visit to the zoo, we found it all empty on the ground and chewed up by my little furbaby Teddy! I was so bummed, as it was specially made for me, but I know I can probably make my own massage oil for it. We were so freaked out because it was a lot of oil and he clearly ate all of it. I was shocked he didn't have diarrhea or throw up from it. No symptoms yesterday or today, not even the runs! SHOCKED! hahahah. Ill attach a picture of the culprit so you can see why I couldn't stay mad at him.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/yx/g4n3fw1idl9b.jpeg

c-town18 · February 2021

tangerine32 - Welcome! *TW* I am a DE mom and currently 33 weeks pregnant with #2. I think it's way more common than any of us realize (I just read that DE now accounts for 5,800 babies born each year). You can see my background in my hidden siggy; there was a lot of heartbreak and trauma that lead us to using DE. I was a case that every RE said could go either way, it wasn't impossible with my OE but after 3 retrievals I had gotten no PGS normals embryos and had suffered two devastating M/Cs and I was done with it. I found a proven anonymous donor that we really liked and ended up with 8 PGS normal embryos which is more than we will ever need. I gotta say, for me there was a lot of "what ifs" and regrets (what if I tried one more OE cycle, what if I switch clinics or protocols, why didn't we start trying to have kids sooner, etc.) and those doubts and questions didn't just automatically disappear once my son was born (even though he's perfect and I love him more than life itself); it took time but now I'm totally at peace with the decision and wouldn't have it any other way. I was very nervous about how our families would react to the news but they all took it wonderfully and it didn't make any difference to them which was a relief. I think it's important to feel like you've given it a legitimate try with your OE's first, it will help to minimize the "what ifs" a bit if you do end up going with DE. Also, how does your husband feel about the possibility of DE? Mine was very open to it early on, so that kind of got the ball rolling more quickly than if he had been hesitant; and once I realized that we had a back-up plan in case my crappy eggs kept failing, it was like a weight was lifted off of me, there was way less pressure. *End TW*

JamieH2000 · February 2021

So good to hear from you @c-town18, @lucyb1854, lmajin99, and @laurad75

glad things are going smoothly!! It made me realize how many babies are coming soon for all of this group!!!

@mbradfo2- i am SO waiting and checking to hear good news for you!! come on PGS report!! this winter is long and cold and we want some happy news this week!!

@andreamm31- another thing you could try for your lining is pomengranite juice! I'm really hoping for good news at your next check in! is it friday??

@tangerine32- the others have shared great advice, but welcome! My story is long and in my signature too. Now that I have my DE son, I mostly have peace with the whole decision. I know he was met for me, but i do get sad that we will have to think about the genetic piece forever. I couldn't love him anymore and i just wish i could forget about that part because he is 100% mine. BUt i know its important for him to know his story. we are here for any questions!

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@tangerine32
Welcome! I've been on this journey since 2012, but we were fortunate enough to have our baby girl in 2018; now we're back for round two. Your journey thus far sounds very much like a good friend of mine from tumblr who had similar results during both of her IVF cycles and ended up moving onto donor eggs -- and now she has a little boy. She had to go through IVF just to try her own eggs before she felt ready to move to donor. I haven't been there myself, but I know going donor is always a difficult decision and it's alot to process/grieve.

@Imajin99
I'm so glad the old adage held true for you -- just horses! I think with each day and week that passed (and sorta getting used to good news rather than bad news) made me able to feel a little bit more joy about being pregnant. I don't think the anxiety ever really goes away, but you gradually become more comfortable as time goes on and start to anticipate delivery (with excitement).

@andreamm31
LOL. I'm also surprised he didn't get a tummy ache! I wonder if it tasted good...not that it matters

AFM
Called the office to see if anything came in yet -- of course not! They said to call back tomorrow. I'm starting to get really antsy about things, so I'm trying to distract myself as much as possible with projects at home. Also got an email yesterday that my Zulilly order shipped IN ITS ENTIRETY. Not sure how to prepare my husband for the huge box that will be arriving...they were just having some really good deals

tangerine32 · February 2021

Thank you @laurad75, @JamieH2000 and @c-town18 for your stories. It's nice to read about how you came to your DE stories. it sounds like grieving that genetic connection may never be entirely done, even if you're so over-the-moon happy with the baby in your arms from a DE!
To answer your question, @c-town18, My husband has been supportive... almost too supportive, though if that's a thing. I think he doesn't quite realize the gravity of the situation and is looking at this more like he wants to get going on the path that is likely to be successful and out of this IF funk. (He also has a close friend who was unable to carry a pregnancy so I heard the "at least..." line. I DID cut that off right away) That is frustrating but he's not pushing me in any way. I think he doesn't really know how to deal with it but we'll have to address it soon.

@andreamm31, thank you for the advice, and your pup is adorable! Who could stay mad at him?!

@mbradfo2, hoping you hear something soon!

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@tangerine32
I am getting so anxious! The worst part about being home full time now is that I don't have much to distract me from my thoughts during the day! So I'm just trying to ignore my phone, but it's really hard XD XD Barely got any sleep last night.

Ugh, I hate the "At least" rationales, but I understand where they come from. I think men really struggle with stuff like this since they always want to fix things (my husband is a computer engineer so I get the double whammy). So if he can't fix IF, he tries to fix you (i.e. make you not sad). Honestly, during the whole IVF process, I'm the lead. if I need his help with something or him to go to an appointment, he'll do it but he really prefers to be hands off because he just doesn't know how to handle the emotions. It actually used to make me very nervous that he would be hands-off once we did get a baby and not being interested in her/him, but after DD was born, he did a complete 180 and is the best dad ever. I guess everyone that has to handle things how it works for them.

mbradfo2 · February 2021

Update (late! I fell asleep at my desk!!) --
2 pgs normal girls...!! The 3rd embryo came back as inconclusive which the embryologist said is most likely due to a poor sample. So he resampled it and sent that over to the lab yesterday. We should hear those results next week. I have a telemed visit with my RE today to discuss next steps. Not sure if this cycle is a wash or not since I started my period yesterday -- I forget at what point you need to start the various meds. Either way, likely looking at a FET of one of the girls (it feels strange to say that) in the next month or two, and then go from there. Since these are going to be our last shot, I sorta want to cover all the bases -- any extra testing you guys might recommend or should I just be confident with our plan as is because my first transfer was successful?

tangerine32 · February 2021

Woot, @mbradfo2! That's such great news! What did your RE say about how quickly you can plan for the FET? Are you going to do one or both?

ladyp0tter · February 2021

@mbradfo2 - YAY!! 2 girls! Praying that 3rd one is normal too!! I think day 3 is when most things "start" on a cycle as for baseline and decisions so I don't think this month would be necessarily out unless they wanted you on something else sooner, but I was able to jump right in after my last failed cycle. I was calling the clinic like a crazy person because I started early on a Saturday of course so it was hard to get a hold of them to plan an appointment for Monday/Tuesday. But it all worked out!

mbradfo2 · February 2021

@ladyp0tter @tangerine32

I'm still sorta in disbelief. Maybe I will have my two little girls after all.

The telemed yesterday went well. Doc said we could do the baseline today if I wanted, but I ended up declining since I have no one to watch DD on such short notice and she can't come with me. DH is scheduled to be at the office today and my parents are on vacation. So I'm just chilling for right now and trying not to think about transfers. We'll start on my next cycle and he's doing the same protocol as he did with my first FET since that was a success.

I also got a picture of the embies in my mail today -- my clinic sends embryo pics to hopeful parents in a little card with a note of encouragement. It's a sweet touch.

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