IF Testing & Treatment w/o 8.30

Re: IF Testing & Treatment w/o 8.30

• laura-kay member

  August 2021 edited August 2021

  Diagnosis (if you've been):  Unexplained
  
  

  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  right at CD1…
  
  

  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  Break because of vacations, but decided to do one more IUI plus superovulation while we continue to look at options.  

  
  

  How are things going?:  I’m feeling pretty hopeless / sad right now.  I’m turning 38 in a few weeks, and it looks like my cycle is coming right on time.  This is my last cycle that had a chance to get me pregnant prior to me turning 38, which often is a pivotal year in infertility treatments.  I never thought I would be here.  
  
  I think I am close to the end of my journey…and I hate the thought of it ending without becoming a mother…
  
  

  Any questions?: Any possible non-official fertility suggestions from anyone besides the standard things that the RE doctor would suggest?  
  

  
  

  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl?
  Night owl all the way!

  Report7 Reply
• optimistgardener member

  August 2021

  @laura-kay just saying I feel ya and i'm so sorry. i may or may not be finding myself in a similar position (and i'm already well into being 38, so...). it really seems to come down to how long it feels sustainable to continue flinging yourself at the wall. regarding age, as all of our experiences on here demonstrate, for some people that decline in fertility begins earlier, for some later. 35 or 38 or 40 are all just average points in a soup of individuals' numbers and experiences. your particular trajectory on that slope of fertility is impossible to know, but likely does not follow exactly the average slope. i guess what that means is, don't let that external calendar be the decision-maker, but rather your inner sense of what feels like the right thing.
  

  History

  I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.

  Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35

  5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN

  Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
  

  Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.

  May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
  

  MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus

  In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
  

  Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
  

  April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.

  July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
  

  July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining

  Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN

  RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
  

  Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
  

  Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
  

  Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
  

  May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.

  July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal.
  Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
  Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
  Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
  May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
  July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
  Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
  From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
  Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
  July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
  

  Report4 Reply
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• tinfoilhats member

  August 2021

  Newly returned to the bump recently.
  
  Diagnosis (if you've been): unexplained infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, uterine septum (surgically removed), one ovary removed due to a teratoma
  
  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): CD15, so possibly just starting TWW. I had no +OPK yet this cycle, so it's hard to know for sure.
  
  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): OPKs and regular sex. I have my first phone consult with CNY Fertility tomorrow. VERY EXCITED! I think we'll end up moving forward with IVF.
  
  How are things going?: Very grateful for getting a consult at CNY quickly. Usually that takes 5-6 months, but I called last week and got one this week!
  
  Any questions?: All the IVF/med questions, but hopefully will have more clarity on those after tomorrow's consult.
  
  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl? Morning person here, no coffee needed!

  Report4 Reply
• optimistgardener member

  August 2021

  @tinfoilhats heeeeeeey fellow one-ovary-haver! this is totally my lucky week in terms of finding some compatriots in my various ttc-journey peculiarities. how long has it been since your ovary was removed?
  

  History

  I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.

  Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35

  5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN

  Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
  

  Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.

  May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
  

  MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus

  In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
  

  Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
  

  April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.

  July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
  

  July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining

  Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN

  RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
  

  Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
  

  Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
  

  Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
  

  May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.

  July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal.
  Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
  Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
  Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
  May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
  July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
  Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
  From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
  Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
  July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
  

  Report3 Reply
• tinfoilhats member

  August 2021

  @optimisticgardener Hi!! My laparoscopy to remove the ovary/tumor was in December 2016. Now I just have lefty. How about you?

  Report1 Reply
• optimistgardener member

  August 2021

  @tinfoilhats I'm a righty and have been that way since a couple of days after I was born (way back in 1983). I'll be curious to learn more about what your RE says about your situation and recommends for stimulation,etc.
  

  History

  I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.

  Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35

  5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN

  Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
  

  Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.

  May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
  

  MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus

  In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
  

  Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
  

  April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.

  July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
  

  July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining

  Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN

  RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
  

  Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
  

  Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
  

  Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
  

  May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.

  July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal.
  Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
  Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
  Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
  May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
  July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
  Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
  From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
  Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
  July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
  

  Report2 Reply
• acleverusername member

  August 2021

  @laura-kay *sending you all the hugs* I am sorry that you're feeling that you're at the end of your journey. It sounds like IVF is not a route you'd like to go down. My only suggestion would be to seek out a functional medicine doctor. They're not cheap, but it might be the missing piece in getting pregnant naturally. 
  
  @tinfoilhats welcome back to IF thread on TB, the shittiest, but most supportive club ever. I can't believe you were able to get a consult with CNY so quickly! Good luck tomorrow. Looking forward to hearing how it goes. Ask any questions you have once you've had your consult. We've got quite the knowledgeable crew here. 
  
  @optimistgardener when do you start teaching? 
  
  

  Diagnosis (if you've been): Officially: unexplained (aka a big middle finger from the medical world); Unofficially: Hashimoto's, wandering sperm, AMA. 
  
  

  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO 
  
  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  had our post-ER consult last week, now just riding out this cycle naturally (will likely be our last one ever...) and then back to a retrieval next cycle
  
  How are things going?:  Good-ish! This is likely going to be a novel, so I'll likely spoiler a bunch of stuff: 
  
  I also had a GREAT follow-up convo with our doc last week. So, it turns out that one of our embryos is actually a low-level mosaic (chrom: 21). However, the the genetic testing company the clinic uses (Natera), doesn’t have a mosaic section. It just provides a confidence level, but they're all listed in the "Normal" section.
  
  So, we've decided to go ahead with another retrieval next cycle (skipping this cycle to allow my body proper rest). With only 2 euploid embryos, I'm just not sure that we'll get the 6-7 euploid embryos we'd feel comfortable with for our family size. Plus, insurance really incentivizes fertilizing exiting eggs with another retrieval. 
  
  In terms of stim plan, we're basically going to do the same protocol as last time (so, a mid-luteal protocol). I figured – if it's not broken – don't fix it. Sure, it'd be nice to get a few more of my follicles responding, but considering I've proved to be an excellent study of "quality over quantity", but I'm comfortable with rince-repeating. The only adjustment my RE wanted to making is lowering my starting dose from 300 to 225, but we negotiated and agreed on still starting with 300, and dropping to 225 earlier (on Day 4 vs Day 7). We'll keep HGH and PICSI as part of the protocol even though he doesn't think it does us much good. But once again, I'm not going to touch anything that's worked so well in the past.
  
  And finally, MH and I did some "back of the envelope" calculations, and – if all goes well with our retrieval in October (which let's face it, it may not) – then we'll likely be doing a transfer early in the new year. Which sounds a horribly long time away, but I've learned that rushing things only causes more delays. 
  
  More details about each of the above in spoiler. 

  On genetic testing results: 
  The doc said that, in his experience getting those results from Natera, 1/13 of the transferred embryos that implanted had confirmed trisomy 21. He's offered us the option to re-biopsy and re-test the day before a potential transfer; another genetic testing company offers 24-hr turnaround time. I just wasn't sure if he also meant that the embryo would be kept unfrozen at the same time? I dunno... how long does an unfrozen embryo survive before it needs to be transferred? Thaw-biopsy-refreeze-rethaw apparently reduces the embryo's viability by 10-15%, so we don't necessarily want to do that. Anyways, this wouldn't be the embryo we'd start with so it's moot point to think about what to do with it. 
  
  On how silly insurance companies are:
  Progyny has this smart cycles system. It would cost 0.5 of a smart cycle to fertilize, biopsy, test, and freeze existing eggs. And it only costs 0.75 of a cycle to do an IVF freeze-all round. And fertilizing existing eggs along with an IVF freeze-all round is an additional $550. So, I essentially save 0.5 of cycles, which I can then use for 2 transfers (each transfer is 0.25 of a cycle). Makes no sense to me, but I don't make up those rules; I just follow them. 
  
  On our transfer plan: 
  We also agreed on doing a "mock modified natural start" cycle, just to make sure my hormones are at the right levels. My clinic doesn't believe in medicated FETs (at least not to start with); they like to harness the power of the body to do the hormone production (E2/P4). When talking about ERA and Receptiva Dx, the doctor doesn't feel those tests have enough unbiased research to make them worthwhile. In the case of ERA, he's mentioned that he's aware that the company has opted to not publish findings contradictory to their testing. And in the case of ReceptivaDx, he mentioned that those tests are very sensitive to the lab environment and have demonstrated inability to reproduce the same test results. I definitely know that the ERA test is controversial; but I haven't really dug into ReceptivaDx. We also discussed putting me on BCP before a transfer, to "quite things down" so that my ovaries don't respond to Letrazole like they usually do... by producing a follicle ready to ovulate in 10 days or less which doesn't give any time for lining to develop. And I'll also likely be taking Endometrin to make sure progesterone levels are adequate. Overall, happy with this plan. 
  

  
  Any questions?: Noppers
  
  

  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl? I've been an early bird since birth and I like it fine that way. I do have to go to sleep at around 9:30 though. Haha. My dog turned out to be an early bird too. Very convenient!
  

  MY CHART

  TTC History
  TTC#2
  

  Me: 40.5; MH: 39 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
  
  

  
  TTC #1
  

  Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
  2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
  07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
  07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
  07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
  08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
  09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
  10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
  11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
  01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
  02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 
  03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
  04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
  04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
  05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
  05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 
  06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
  07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
  08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
  09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
  11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
  12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
  01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
  02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
  03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
  05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 
  06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
  07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023

  
  

  Report1 Reply
• optimistgardener member

  August 2021 edited August 2021

  @acleverusername So glad you had a good follow-up with your doc. It sounds like a workable plan is beginning to form! Thanks for all the deets on your transfer plan. I'm interested to hear the doc's opinion about the receptiva and ERA stuff. I've read a bit about those tests and have always had question about them.

  To answer your question, I start in late september, but we recently learned that our first few weeks will be online.
  

  spoilering because long and also covid stuff in case anyone is over reading about it.

  i'm torn between cursing, because i am really not excited about having to learn how to navigate zoom teaching as a newb when everyone else has been doing it for 18 months already (my last time in a classroom was spring of 19 in those innocent days of yore), and being grateful that i actually work for a university that cares enough about its employees and students to make hard decisions. Covid rates are really high in our region, and the idea is that the extra few weeks online will allow the university to push students and faculty to get vaccinated, so that when we return to campus only vaccinated students will be allowed to remain enrolled in in-person courses. the extra few weeks online will also hopefully allow our regional hospitals to try to get past their current situation (which is dire) without a bunch of covid-positive college kids adding to their difficulties.

  Diagnosis (if you've been):  old, one ovary, bad eggs
  

  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  technically post ovulatory, i think, but really benched.
  

  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): i'm going to be bench-warming for a very long time. I'm being a good girl and taking my supplements.
  

  How are things going?: just fine. i have a family member visiting and so i'm extra busy, which is good? i guess? and i am freaking out about work-related things. I think i commented over in the benched thread this morning that it's very weird to experience a natural cycle again after many months on either birth control or stims. I think(?) I ovulated yesterday, on a freakishly early CD10. I hope that does not repeat itself next month because such an early O day really weirds me out.
  

  Any questions?:  Not for now.
  

  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird all the way. My mom used to come in and shame me if I wasn't out of bed before 7 every day, and as a result I've never been able to sleep much past 6:30. Apart from all the guilt I apparently haul around about respectable wakeup times, I really enjoy being up before everyone else, and having an hour or so to drink coffee and read the internet and feel no obligations to anyone or anything before the rest of the world wakes up.
  

  History

  I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.

  Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35

  5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN

  Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
  

  Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.

  May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
  

  MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus

  In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
  

  Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
  

  April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.

  July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
  

  July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining

  Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN

  RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
  

  Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
  

  Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
  

  Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
  

  May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.

  July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal.
  Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
  Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
  Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
  May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
  July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
  Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
  From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
  Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
  July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
  

  Report2 Reply
• mokay19 member

  August 2021

  Diagnosis (if you've been):  PCOS
  
  

  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  TWW!!
  
  

  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  Gonal-F, Ovidrel, progesterone
  
  

  How are things going?:  Well TB wouldn’t let me log in last week to comment... it let me read but not comment anything! So my update from the past week....
  The Gonal-F worked! I took 50 units a day from Friday through Thursday and developed 1 and maayyybe a second that could have caught up. My lining finally thickened up and gave the trilaminar look that it was lacking after both oral med rounds. I triggered late on Thursday and I start progesterone tonight! 

  I hate how antsy that I get to test even though I know I’ll only show the trigger for another 7-10 days 😂
  
  I just started my new position this week so I’ll be busy getting adjusted to this new company and new role!
  
  

  Any questions?:  natm
  
  

  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl? Early bird all the way. 9pm is late and 6:30am is sleeping in for me. I’ve been more of an early bird since college, but my jobs have always been in manufacturing so I haven’t had a job that starts after 7am!

  Report4 Reply
• britters314 member

  September 2021

  Diagnosis (if you've been): Unexplained, possibly endometriosis   
  
  

  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  WTO
  
  

  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  Just had our consultation. Unfortunately we can’t do testing this cycle because of a vacation, so we’ll have to wait for my next cycle.
  
  

  How are things going?: It’s weird to be back here. We took a few years off of TTC to pursue adoption instead of IF treatment. I became okay with the fact that I might never get pregnant, so it’s just kind of weird to consider the possibility again.
  
  

  Any questions?:  Have any of you had a hysteroscopy? I had an HSG when I did testing a few years ago, but this time my doctor wants to do a hysteroscopy. No idea what to expect in terms of pain level, recovery, etc.
  
  

  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl? Not really either, but more of an early bird than a night owl.

  Report2 Reply
• optimistgardener member

  September 2021 edited September 2021

  hey there @britters314 welcome! my RE did a hysteroscopy for me in January. I imagine that it is different for every woman, but I was impressed by how easy it was. I told the doc I have a super sensitive cervix (I had to get a cone biopsy a couple of years back after an irregular pap smear and i screamed bloody murder through that), so he gave me a numbing shot in advance and I didn't feel anything at all. He let me watch the video as he looked around, which was pretty cool. There wasn't really any recovery to speak of for me. I didn't take any medication and I was good to drive myself home a few minutes later.
  

  History

  I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.

  Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35

  5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN

  Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
  

  Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.

  May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
  

  MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus

  In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
  

  Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
  

  April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.

  July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
  

  July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining

  Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN

  RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
  

  Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
  

  Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
  

  Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
  

  May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.

  July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal.
  Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
  Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
  Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
  May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
  July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
  Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
  From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
  Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
  July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
  

  Report1 Reply
• mokay19 member

  September 2021

  @britters314 I remember you from back in 2015/2016! How did the adoption journey/process go? I looked into that a few years ago and was amazed at how crazy it seemed! 

  
  

  I have had two hysteroscopy procedures. My clinic puts you in the twilight anesthesia during it so I was essentially asleep during it and didn’t have any notable pain during recover. Just a day or two of average cramps. 

  Report2 Reply
• acleverusername member

  September 2021

  @optimistgardener same about being awake before everyone else. I also love getting up that early on the weekends and by the time 12pm rolls around, I've already been hyper productive and can slow down. It's an amazing feeling. Did you confirm ovulation? I would agree CD10 is freakishly early. Btw, I've been thinking about you and was wondering... could sperm have played a role in your failed IVF cycle? 
  
  @mokay19 yay! So happy that gonal-f worked! What's your new job? I like to say I'm an early bird, but hearing someone say that "6:30 is sleeping in for me" just puts me to shame! There's something weird with being up when it's still dark outside. 
  
  @britters314 welcome back to TB. May I ask why you didn't consider fertility treatments the last time around? I hope the IUI process works for you. Is the hysteroscopy going to check fro endometriosis? 
  
  
  
  

  MY CHART

  TTC History
  TTC#2
  

  Me: 40.5; MH: 39 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
  
  

  
  TTC #1
  

  Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
  2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
  07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
  07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
  07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
  08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
  09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
  10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
  11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
  01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
  02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 
  03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
  04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
  04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
  05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
  05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 
  06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
  07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
  08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
  09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
  11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
  12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
  01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
  02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
  03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
  05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 
  06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
  07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023

  
  

  Report1 Reply
• optimistgardener member

  September 2021

  @acleverusername I thought about that also. I know that my sperm bank has very high standards in terms of the quality of sperm they'll accept, but just to be on the safe side I'll choose a different donor for my next attempt. I've also been mulling over the thing people often say about over-stimulation damaging egg quality. I am not convinced that this is actually a thing, and am also hesitant to ask for a reduction in my dosage since the doc seems happy with them and I'd prefer not to reduce my recruitment rates, but still... I wonder. Especially since I stimmed so very fast.
  

  History

  I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.

  Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35

  5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN

  Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
  

  Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.

  May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
  

  MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus

  In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
  

  Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
  

  April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.

  July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
  

  July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining

  Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN

  RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
  

  Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
  

  Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
  

  Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
  

  May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.

  July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal.
  Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
  Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
  Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
  May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
  July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
  Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
  From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
  Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
  July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
  

  Report0 Reply
• mokay19 member

  September 2021

  @acleverusername I’m working as a quality engineer at a manufacturing facility! And I have a weird enjoyment in being up before the sun 😂

  Report1 Reply
• keikilove member

  September 2021

  Hi friends. Tagging while off of wifi so hopefully my comments are still relevant when I get back on wifi & this thread updates. 

  
  

  @laura-kay I am so sorry you’re feeling so down about your timeline. It is definitely a hard feeling to sit with when you fear that the end is near. I’ve been right where you are, and the ladies here picked my spirits up when I thought there might be nowhere left to go TTC-wise. @optimistgardener has a good perspective: the statistics are what they are, but that doesn’t mean you fall smack dab in the center of those statistics. And I surely don’t want to be annoying or dismiss your concerns, because your perception is your reality. But rest assured that many many women are only just beginning to have their children around ages 38-40. I’ve heard that the biggest drop-off in female fertility in general is after the 42nd year. So you have time!💕 Please refresh my memory: are you doing IUIs with your OB or an RE? If you have an RE there are many things they can check for to see what might keep you from having success naturally if IVF isn’t an option. Have you had much testing? (Endometriosis, endometritis, silent endometriosis, fibroids, polyps, whacky hormone levels, blood-clotting mutations, PCOS, MTHFR, and checking the shape/health of the uterus and tubes with SHG, HSG, and hysteroscopy—these seem to be the most common things to get tested for first before going really deep.) Vent and ask away here about anything—we are here to support each other through these tough times.💗
  
  @tinfoilhats Welcome! I’m so eager to hear how your consult went with CNY! They were one of my top options when I’d run out of insurance coverage for IVF. But my consult with Dr.Kiltz turned out to be really surprising: 40 minutes of straight lecture about how I’d never ever be successful unless I switched to his BEBBI Keto diet. He really turned me off. However, I hear that lots of women have success once they switch to keto, and many have success at CNY. I ended up at a comparably-priced clinic in Mexico that feels very personal (just across the border from San Diego). I have a friend that also went to CNY for quite some time without success and now goes to the clinic in MX. Many American women go there and have success after not having good results in the US. Also, it’s closer to me than any CNY location. What general area of the country are you located?
  
  @acleverusername Hooray for an awesome post-retrieval follow-up! It sounds like you have an excellent plan in place for your next steps. I’ve heard others talk about the Smart Cycles and I can’t quite get my head around it.🤪 It sounds like you’ve figured out the most cost-effective way to take advantage of your insurance coverage. I’m glad you understand it! Also, your protocol sounds really good, like you and the doc are covering all your bases. It’s great to hear that you & YH are on the same page with your transfer timing. Exciting stuff! 

  
  

  @optimistgardener Whew, I hear you on ALL of your teaching concerns! It’s so real. I support teachers and school leaders, and WHOA is it a stressful time! The learning curve with switching to online is certainly an adjustment, but hopefully not as steep as you’re feeling right now. FWIW, I spent this summer coaching new teachers via Zoom and after the first week it started to feel very normal. They were very forgiving of my tech issues that happened at first as I was learning to navigate multiple screens and show various slides, media, etc. Then I ironed out the kinks with more practice and time online (feel free to PM for any tips, seriously). I hope you will start to feel some ease once you get into the practice of it.💗Sending you *good juju* because it is definitely daunting to think about at first!
  P.S. I’m so glad you’ve found some new friends in TTGP this week with shared similarities.☺️ It’s always such a nice feeling to have others who completely understand your particular situation.
  
  @mokay19 Hey there, welcome back! TB does that to me too with not being able to comment. I finally figured out that it’s usually because I’m logged in on another device so they block me from commenting on a secondary device. But sometimes it’s just that TB platform sucks.😆 Hooray that the Gonal-f worked!!! Hoping all good things for you. And good luck with the news job this week! 

  
  @britters314 Welcome back to you as well! I hope you’re able to enjoy vacation and not worry too much about what’s coming next with TTC. As for your question: I’ve had 3 hysteroscopies. The very first time I was scared because I’d never been put under before. But my local RE insisted that it can be a bit painful and that it wasn’t anything I wanted to be awake for. So my first two hysteroscopies were under anesthesia. I didn’t remember a thing and didn’t have any pain afterward. The most recent one I was not put under. My new RE said she knew me and how I responded to things, and she believed I was tough enough to do it without anesthesia. (Plus, they only have a certain number of recovery beds outside of their OR, and her schedule was packed that day with procedures that would require anesthesia and space for people to be monitored in recovery after coming out of anesthesia. So she wanted to get me in and out, which she did. Like OptimistGardener, I got to watch the whole thing on the screen and it was fascinating.) Anyway, it felt like a lot of pressure—similar to period cramps—but not unbearable or exactly painful. I had no pain when it was over and walked out without assistance. 

  Report3 Reply
• britters314 member

  September 2021

  @acleverusername We did consider fertility treatments the last time around, but at the time I had been diagnosed with POTS and with all the testing and treatments for that, I was really just sick of doctors. But I've now been un-diagnosed with POTS. Turns out it was just asthma with really weird symptoms and it's all under control now that I'm on asthma meds. And yes, the hysteroscopy is to check for endometriosis. I had actually never considered the possibility until my doctor said something (I do have painful periods and my sister has endo). So I guess we'll see!
  
  @optimistgardener @mokay19 Thanks for the feedback on your experiences!

  Report1 Reply
• keikilove member

  September 2021

  Diagnosis (if you've been):  RPL/RIF, elevated Natural Killer cells & activity, HLA/DQ Alpha match, several blood-clotting disorders, AMA, DOR. 
  
  

  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):  TWW! 
  
  

  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?):  Just transferred two beautiful Day 3 embryos yesterday! Feeling very positive.💕It’s been a wild ride this cycle. Long story, so will spoiler it in the question below. 
  
  

  How are things going?:  Things are going as well as can be expected considering the rollercoaster of a ride we’ve been on for the past month. I am so so grateful to be able to report out that MH’s complete cancer test results came back and we got the best possible news in a bad situation: we caught it early, thank Goddess! It’s isolated to one area and the doctor thinks it will be completely cleared before Christmas. MH starts chemo this week, so the fact that we were able to squeeze in a transfer is pretty amazing. Also, we had to thaw and transfer embryos from my cycle in July because this most recent retrieval last week was my worst ever. So glad we had some good-looking embryos frozen! Lots more details if you’re interested. Get comfy, it’s long, hahaha: 
  

  I had to fly to my RE in MX for my final monitoring appointment early last week. We weren’t sure what day the retrieval would be and we weren’t sure if there would be enough days in between for MH to give a sample to be frozen for the unknown future. We thought this trip would be either his final chance to give a sample to freeze before chemo ruins his sperm, or if it was too late he’d simply be my traveling companion for my final IVF cycle. It turns out our doctor felt super hopeful because she saw 8 eggs at that U/S and felt confident she could get 6 mature on retrieval day, which she scheduled for Saturday. Then we told her about MH’s recent cancer diagnosis and asked if there was enough time for him to give a sample that day and still have a good sample for the retrieval. She said that was an excellent idea. So MH left his sample, the doctor did a Neupogen wash in my uterus to help the lining grow and to hopefully support my body in allowing implantation, and then we flew back home. I triggered the next morning and we got right back on a flight to MX that night for retrieval this past Saturday. 

  
  

  We felt super happy because the doctor did indeed retrieve the 6 eggs she had predicted. That was my best number so far. The next two days we still had 4 left so we felt very reassured. MH had to fly home for work so I kept him posted. However, yesterday in the waiting room I knew something was wrong with the scheduled transfer because they made me wait a long time to speak with the doctor. After several hours went by I knew it couldn’t be good news. Sure enough, she said that I only had 3 eggs left and they were slow developing. I asked to push them to Day 5 just because (the 7-cell is the only one with a chance). Then we decided to unfreeze two of my little beauties from my best cycle and transfer them instead of the freshies. After that I was lucky enough to spend the day with a friend also going through treatment at the clinic. It was invaluable to talk with a person IRL who also has a DQ Alpha match, has done LIT, sees the same RI & RE. The time spent with a new friend was a real treat.💕

  
  

  Once everything was quiet last night I started reviewing everything I’d done in the cycle that could’ve led to such a terrible result with the current retrieval (picking apart my protocol and every sip of decaf coffee or alcohol,  as we are known to do). I did go rogue and take Letrozole all the way through stims to trigger shot, which might have overstimulated my eggs with FSH, but highly unlikely. I know MH stopped taking Clomid and many of his other supplements because his cancer doctor had told him to stop everything during treatment. I wondered if he should’ve continued everything until the final moments before treatment starts.  

  
  

  Then it finally hit me: I got my Covid vaccine in July right after my best cycle  ever! This recent retrieval on Saturday was my first cycle since being vaccinated. My NK cells and cytokines shot up after the second dose in early August— indicating an immune response to the vaccine. I will never know if the vaccine is what led to such weak eggs, or if it was the cytokines flare, or my increased letrozole usage, or the fact that I had to stop all my immune meds for most of July and half of August to let the vaccine do its thing, or if it was just a bad crop of eggs.🤷‍♀️ I’m trying to just let it go and be satisfied with where we are in this very moment. I’m PUPO! and should just enjoy it. My flight home today stopped in Honolulu so I was able to get another IVIg infusion too and catch a later connection home. I’m doing everything I can to support this transfer.🤞🏽 

  
  

  I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I did ask the doctor about potential next steps. I reminded her that this was supposed to be my last egg retrieval ever—I just hadn’t considered that it could go so wrong. She said it is completely reasonable to try one last DuoStim cycle. She said that science and statistics say that it will take 13 embryos to get one healthy one. She explained that my current retrieval counts toward that number (I’ve gotten 10 with her total that have survived to this point) so I still have 3 embryos to collect/create in order to hit the stats. She reminded me that I still have 4 perfect-looking Day 3 embryos on ice too, so 2 more transfers. She said I’m not crazy or pushing too far if I want to try one more DuoStim cycle after this, if needed. But she did say “And then stop. No more. It’s good to set boundaries with this stuff.” So that is where things sit. I’m just hoping and praying that we don’t even have to think about any more cycles.💗🙏🏽💗

  
  Any questions?:  I had some but can’t remember right now. Will come back to this later this week. 
  

  
  

  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl? A night owl all the way! I’m so shocked by all of you early birds! I definitely enjoy being up a bit earlier than the world to enjoy a quiet cup of tea and check the internet. But I absolutely despise having to be at work early—which is the nature of the beast in education. It feels so uncomfortable to my body to have to be up early and report somewhere. I like to stay up until 11 or midnight, and then wake around 7 am. WFH suits me much better than reporting to a location.  

  Report9 Reply
• acleverusername member

  September 2021

  @keikilove OMG so many things happening in your life! I can't believe you're PUPO!!! I will have every conceivable part of my body crossed for you for this transfer. And I'm so happy you got some _positive_ news about YH. Once again, everything crossed that your doctors is bang on and the cancer will be gone by Christmas. Just really really really really happy for you, regardless of the poor egg retrieval results (and it does sound like there were a bunch of things that could have caused it.) So glad that you have an option for another DuoStim, but I hope to God it won't be needed. 
  

  MY CHART

  TTC History
  TTC#2
  

  Me: 40.5; MH: 39 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
  
  

  
  TTC #1
  

  Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
  2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
  07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
  07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
  07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
  08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
  09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
  10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
  11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
  01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
  02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 
  03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
  04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
  04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
  05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
  05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 
  06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
  07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
  08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
  09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
  11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
  12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
  01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
  02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
  03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
  05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 
  06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
  07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023

  
  

  Report3 Reply
• mokay19 member

  September 2021

  @keikilove thinking about you and all the craziness that you have going on! Congrats on being PUPO and great news that the doctors caught YH’s cancer early...  Still hoping and praying for effective treatment!

  Report1 Reply
• laura-kay member

  September 2021

  @optimistgardener @acleverusername @keikilove
  
  Thank you!  Responses below due to its length.
  
  

  @optimistgardenerThank you for your encouragement!  I feel for you as well - and for each one here that is getting to that point of questioning what to do next - if anything.   It’s emotionally exhausting, and definitely a roller coaster in the ups and downs.  
  
  I am debating on what to do.  Maybe I won’t completely give up, but just try an alternative approach - trying to find the root cause (after trying the IUI + superovulation one more time).  
  
  @acleverusername I am taking a look at functional doctors.  My parents go to one.  She doesn’t specialize in infertility though.  I think there may be a functional MD nearby that specializes in both functional medicine and NaPro technology.  His methodology includes looking for the underlying reason for infertility and treating the cause.  I’ve never met anyone that went to him though, and my parents really like their doctor.  The doctor even said she could get me past the waiting list since my parents are patients there.  She offered to have a conversation with me, so I may at least do that.  Having a functional doctor though that also specializes in functional treatment of infertility may be even better though.
  
  @keikilove I’m so glad they caught your husband’s cancer early!  

  
  

  I am going to an RE.  I went to an ob gyn first, and they did most of my testing, including a diagnostic laparoscopy.  I had a wide array of tests, but they botched up some of them.  Early on, we asked my RE about continuing to find the reason, but he said the treatment options likely would be the same no matter the cause since we ruled out a few things like locked tubes and PCOS.  Maybe it will be a different answer now though since we told him that IVF isn’t an option for us.  I trust his tests a lot more than the tests of my Ob Gyn.

  
  

  We did find that my husband’s sperm isn’t ideal…the RE said it was good enough to get me pregnant, though there were some motility issues.  Maybe we can try treating that to get it to ideal conditions…and treat other things of mine that aren’t ideal?  I’m not sure what they are but there has to be some cause, even if it wasn’t found easily, right?  If it truly is unexplained, then it just must not be medically known at that point for that particular issue…we don’t just become infertile for no reason.  On the other hand, I have somewhat low AMH.  The doctor said it wouldn’t impact my treatments, and I’m not sure if there is anything to do to help it.
  
  I know…I’m rambling now . I just have a lot of thoughts going around my head.

  Report2 Reply
• acleverusername member

  September 2021

  @laura-kay is YH taking any supplements? If not, I can give you the regimen MH is one; it's greatly helped with his motility and concentration. Also, if you're OK doing virtual visits, then you should look into finding a functional medicine doctor who specialized in infertility. This is the resource I used to find mine: https://www.ifm.org/. 
  

  MY CHART

  TTC History
  TTC#2
  

  Me: 40.5; MH: 39 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
  
  

  
  TTC #1
  

  Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
  2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
  07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
  07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
  07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
  08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
  09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
  10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
  11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
  01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
  02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 
  03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
  04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
  04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
  05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
  05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 
  06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
  07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
  08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
  09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
  11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
  12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
  01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
  02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
  03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
  05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 
  06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
  07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023

  
  

  Report1 Reply
• laura-kay member

  September 2021

  Thanks!  I’ll take a look at the providers at that link.  Yes,  if you could provide his regimen that would be great!  Thanks!

  Report0 Reply
• inthewoods23 member

  September 2021

  Hey friends! I'm finally not working in our office this week so here I am with a late check in.
  
  @laura-kay I'm sorry that you're having a tough time. No one ever wants to have to throw in the towel. I think you have some great suggestions by others in this thread to keep your dreams in sight. 
  
  @tinfoilhats how did you consult with CNY go? Hope you have a great game plan!
  
  @acleverusername the end of the year should go by pretty fast with so many holidays coming up. The new year will be here before you know it! Plus I'm sure it will be nice to be able to spend the holidays being more chill before gearing up for your next retrieval.
  
  @optimistgardener I'm the same about waking up early. It's great to have the "me" time while it's calm and quiet. Plus I also feel like there so many extra hours in the day just by waking up closer to sunrise.
  
  @mokay19 hope you're enjoying the new job! And yay for finally being in the TWW!
  
  @britters314 my hysteroscopy was done with my being put under anesthesia. Granted I also had a possible polyp removed so my procedure wasn't just exploratory. I was back at work the next day but I continued to bleed for 2 weeks. I was actually worried that I wouldn't be able to tell between post-op bleeding and AF. But no, I could totally tell so it wasn't an issue for figuring out CD1 of my FET cycle. The most heavy bleeding was maybe 3+ days and all days after that was pretty light but not spotting.
  
  @keikilove that's really awesome you may be able to do another DuoStim cycle. But even more important is that YH has a great prognosis! What a major relief in addition to transferring some beautiful embryos.
  
  

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

  Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW
  
  

  What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Nothing at this point. The fun starts next cycle but I do still have to make sure I have all my medical records forwarded and fill out the health history form.
  
  

  How are things going?: Pretty good! It's been quite the busy work week and TGIF! Also super happy for the holiday weekend that I've totally forgotten about. Nothing exciting is going on this weekend so hoping I can use the time to catch up on things and get the house maybe cleaned up.
  
  

  Any questions?: nope
  
  

  GTKY: Are you an early bird or a night owl? I like to call myself an early bird because I like when I'm up early when things are quiet outside and DH is still asleep - but that doesn't mean waking up early is easy! lol. So technically I'm probably a night owl because it's easier for me to stay up late than it is for me to wake up. I have no problem waking up if the sun is shining into our room. The last couple days have me thinking I should start setting my sunrise alarm clock so the room is lit up when I want to wake up. That way I can have more early mornings on the weekend

  *TW* History:
  

  Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
  
  TTC #1 since 7.2017
  Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
  
  IUI #1-3 | all BFN
  IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
  FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
  RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
  FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
  2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
  Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
  TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
  
  Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
  Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
  Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
  Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
  BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22  | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
  DS born 7.19.22 after induction
  
  
  TTC #2 begins 6.2023
  Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
  Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
  Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
  Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
  Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
  Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
  Repeat labs in 8 weeks
  Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
  TTC put on pause

  Report6 Reply
• bumblebee0210 member

  September 2021

  Was not going to update this week since nothing is happening, but I'm procrastinating at work, and the paternity peggy is back! So here I am. 
  
  @keikilove. Congrats!! I' sorry the last duostim crapped out, but hopefully you are KU and it doesn't matter. My doctor is very big on the "cycle-to-cycle variation" answer to all questions, and while it's really unsatisfying I am guessing she is probably right most of the time. So don't blame yourself or overanalyze the bad results. And good news on YH!
  
  @laura-kay. I'm sorry you're feeling so down-- another route to think about is Chinese medicine. I am hesitant to recommend it fully because they will tell you to do a bunch of things (cut out gluten, wear socks, etc) that are not really evidence-based but anecdotally they have a lot of success with "unexplained". And I agree you're not that old! It might be worth looking into  inflammation/auto-immune issues, as well as sperm. 
  
  @acleverusername. That sounds great that you guys have a plan in place (and also really good that your doctor told you about the mosaicism-- esp with T21, it's a lot to consider). Sounds like we will be on similar timelines. I am *really* hoping that this duostim is my last ER cycle, and we can transfer toward the end of the year. 
  
  @britters314. Hi! I had a hysteroscopy in June and  my clinic did full anesthesia, similar to an ER.  For me it was suuuper easy recovery (just like sleepy from anesthesia) but they also didn't find anything, so that could be why. 
  
  @mokay19. Great news the injectibles worked!! Fx.
  
  @tinfoilhats Welcome! Eager to hear about the CNY visit, esp as a fellow RPL-er.
  
  
  AFM:  Not much to report over here. On my last week of birth control before starting duostim (didn't do EPP for duostim even though it's standard because it didn't seem to do much for me last time, and the timing worked out better this way). Have my baseline next Tuesday and if all looks good I'll start stims Saturday. @acleverusername
  we might be cycle buddies for my second stim cycle...
  
  

  TTC History
  

  TTC #1 Sep 2017-Sep 2018 
  BFP 11/30/2017 | MMC 12/31/2017
  BFP 6/22/2018 | CP 6/27/2018
  BFP 10/5/2018 | EDD 6/14/2019
  Baby girl born 6/19/19
  
  TTC #2 May 2020-November 2021
  BFP 7/18/2020 | MonoDi Twins | MMC 9/10/2020
  BFP 11/7/2020 | CP 11/9/2020
  RE Consult January 2021 | Dx "borderline DOR"/RPL
  IVF with PGT:
  Standard Antagonist:
  ER #1 3/27/2021 7R | 5M | 3F | 2B | 1 PGT-A Normal, 1 low-level mosaic
  ER #2 4/22/2021 10R | 7M | 3F | 2B | 0 normal, 2 aneuploid
  ER #3 5/19/2021 2R | 1M | 0F
  Estrogen Priming Antagonist:
  ER #4 7/10/2021 5R | 4M | 3F | 1B | 1 PGT-A Normal
  Duostim  (Standard Antagonist):
  ER #5 9/22/2021 13R | 11M | 8F | 5B | 2 PGT-A Normal, 1 low-level mosaic, 2 aneuploid
  ER #6 10/9/2021  9R | 6M | 4 F | 1B | 1 aneuploid
  FET #1  11/5/2021 | EDD 7/24/2022
  Baby boy born 7/19/22
  
  TTC #3 since May 2023 (ntnp)
  IVF Started Fall 2023 (Standard Antagonist)
  ER #7 10/6/2023 | 9R | 6M | 5F | 3B | 2 aneuploid, 1 high-level mosaic
  ER #8 10/31/2023 | 5R | 4M | 3F | 1B | 1 PGT-A Normal
  FET #2 11/27/23 | CP (bHCG = 8)
  FET #3 planned Jan 2024
  
  
  
  

  Report4 Reply
• mokay19 member

  September 2021

  @bumblebee0210 “paternity Peggy” 😂😂

  Report1 Reply
• acleverusername member

  September 2021

  @bumblebee0210 Added "paternity peggy" to my notes for best of TTGP 2021. Thank you for coining that monicker. It's perfection. 
  

  MY CHART

  TTC History
  TTC#2
  

  Me: 40.5; MH: 39 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
  
  

  
  TTC #1
  

  Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
  2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
  07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
  07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
  07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
  08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
  09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
  10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
  11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
  01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
  02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 
  03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
  04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
  04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
  05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
  05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 
  06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
  07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
  08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
  09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
  11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
  12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
  01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
  02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
  03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
  05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 
  06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
  07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• acleverusername member

  September 2021

  @inthewoods23 how did the long weekend sneak up on you?! Also, I really hope that you get all your records transferred in a timely manner to the RI.
  
  @bumblebee0210 I suspect I'll be starting my stims sometime in the first week of October so maybe we _will_ be cycle buddies! Also, my doctor is also "cycle-to-cycle" variation drone... But I really like him. Lol. 
  

  MY CHART

  TTC History
  TTC#2
  

  Me: 40.5; MH: 39 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
  
  

  
  TTC #1
  

  Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
  2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
  07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
  07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
  07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
  08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
  09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
  10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
  11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
  01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
  02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 
  03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
  04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
  04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
  05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
  05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 
  06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
  07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
  08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
  09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
  11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
  12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
  01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
  02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
  03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
  05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 
  06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
  07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• inthewoods23 member

  September 2021

  @acleverusername I don't know lol. Either September just crept up so fast or all the physical labor I did moving things from our (mostly) empty warehouse to a dumpster for half a day on Tuesday and for 2 hours on Thursday made me forget that it's a holiday on Monday. And possibly because I have a couple other things to look forward to in September that I completely glossed over the fact that we have the holiday.
  
  I think I have the majority of my records uploaded to the portal. I was able to download all the visit summaries from my RE's portal and things like the SA's, IUI, IVF reports and embryo results were part of the paper copy of my records I requested last year when I went to get that second opinion so I was able to scan those with my home printer to make a digital copy. I'm debating whether or not I should get the records from that 2nd RE since nothing really changed. Although it might be beneficial to have the test result that I wasn't immune to measles since that may have played a part in conceiving last year (do I need a TW for that?). I don't have access to that RE's portal anymore so I'd have to request access again. I still need to call the RE for images/films from my HSG, saline sono etc if I can get them. Those types of things aren't available in the portal.
  

  *TW* History:
  

  Me: 34 DH: 36 | Together since 2007 | Married July 2016
  
  TTC #1 since 7.2017
  Dx: low morph (1%), ANA positive, low decidualization score, high TSH and testosterone, histone antibodies
  
  IUI #1-3 | all BFN
  IVF #1 | 6.11.19 | 24R, 17M, 15F, 6B, PGT-A tested - 5 normal, 3 girls & 2 boys
  FET #1 | 9.10.19 | BFN "I know you, but we've never met. I'm with you, but I don't know your name"
  RPL, Receptiva, & ERA testing | all normal/negative, recommended going on gluten and dairy free diet for next FET
  FET #2 | 3.31.20 | Opted to cancelled due to pandemic, continued diet and tried naturally over the summer
  2nd Opinion with another RE | 8.20.20 | Not immune to measles (received 1 dose); SA results similar to 2 years ago; decided to move forward with FET #2 redo at start of next cycle
  Surprise natural BFP! | 9.22.20 | MC 10.23.20 at 8 weeks
  TTCAL naturally | starting 11.22.20
  
  Initial consultation with Reproductive Immunologist | 9.14.21
  Decidualization score biopsy | 10.1.21 | abnormal - low score of 1; endometrial scratch recommended and progesterone supplementation
  Saline sono | 10.15.21 | normal
  Bloodwork | 10.21.21 | high TSH, high testosterone, positive for anti-nuclear antibodies and histone antibodies, high protein S, multiple genetic mutations
  BFP! | 11.3.21 | EDD 7.14.22  | biopsy provided same effect as endometrial scratch; added supplemental progesterone and estrogen, prednisone, levothyroxine, and MTX Support to maintain pregnancy
  DS born 7.19.22 after induction
  
  
  TTC #2 begins 6.2023
  Consultation with RI | 6.6.23
  Saline sono, endometritis biopsy, skin & eye check | all normal
  Labs | high TSH, Factor XIII mutation, high %CD56
  Follow up | 8.8.23 | prescribed metformin, prednisone, plaquenil, and levothyroxine
  Repeat labs after 3 weeks on meds
  Follow up | 11.9.23 | Green light!, increase in prednisone, added lovenox
  Repeat labs in 8 weeks
  Follow up | 1.16.24 | Green light continues
  TTC put on pause

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• bows22 member

  September 2021

  just dropping in with some tags and an update to share 🙂
  
  @laura-kay sending hugs your way. I’m so sorry. I hope that deciding next steps ends up not being necessary because this cycle works❤️

  
  

  @tinfoilhats welcome!
  
  @acleverusername I’m selfishly disappointed that you aren’t expecting to transfer until January, but glad things are progressing for you!
  
  @op@optimistgardener my LP was 7-8 days last cycle so I’m with you in hoping cycle craziness goes away quickly 
  
  @mokay19 so happy to hear your cycle ending up working out! good luck holding out on testing!
  
  @br@britters314 I’ve had 2 hysteroscopies and was put under for both of them but was able to go to work the next day no problem 
  
  @ke@keikilove  holy cow! PUPO! I’m so excited!!!!
  
  @in@inthewoods23 oh wow that wait time for your RI appt went fast! “The fun begins” 😆
  
  

  
  

  AFM, I had my biopsy on Wednesday and got the results today. I think there are still pieces of polyp in there (which my RE told me to expect because she swabbed my entire uterus pretty much so any small pieces left behind would show up) and I’m not sure what it all means but I do know what “the specimen is negative for evidence of hyperplasia and malignancy” means and I couldn’t be more relieved.  
  

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• optimistgardener member

  September 2021

  @bows22 fantastic news! so happy for you.
  

  History

  I am doing this on my own. Left ovary and fallopian tube removed due to cyst/necrosis just after birth. Right ovary and tube still purport to function.

  Began TTC in Aug '18 @ age 35

  5 or 6 (or 7?!) cycles using frozen donor sperm, ICI. All BFN

  Mar-Jun '19 IUIs, all BFN
  

  Began process of referral for RE in spring of '19, blood tests confirm low AMH (.54) but all else is good.

  May '19 HSG shows open tube, but ultrasound suggests fibroids
  

  MRI in June '19 confirms two large fibroids, one growing through wall of uterus

  In June '19 I move from California to Oregon, disrupting my insurance, referrals, etc. 5 months spent piecing it all back together.
  

  Nov. '19 attempted myomectomy (vaginal approach) failed. 2nd surgery using laparoscopic method in Jan '20 is successful.
  

  April '20 --> June '20, natural IUIs, all BFN.

  July? saline ultrasound and bubble test demonstrate open tube
  

  July '20 clomid cycle cancelled for thin lining

  Aug-Oct, 3 femara cycles, all BFN

  RE referral. While waiting to set up an appointment Nov-Jan,I continue with natural cycles and ICI, using a known donor, BFN...
  

  Jan '21 more bloodwork, AMH is worse (.30), FSH high albeit not catastrophic at 13.2. hysteroscopy all good. "looks cozy!" says the RE.
  

  Feb '21, injectables (menopur, novarel), iui, BFN (doc said the frozen donor sperm sample had the "best numbers she'd ever seen!")
  

  Mar '21, injectables, iui cancelled due to lack of follicles, converted to at home-insem. BFN
  

  May '21, first IVF round cancelled due to cyst.

  July '21 IVF: standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 7; 6 days of stims. 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature, 5 fertilize, 4 made it to blast. 3 are 4AB, 1 is 4BB. PGT-A results all abnormal.
  Oct '21 somewhat improved AMH (.51) and significantly improved FSH (8.9). Maybe it's all the pills I swallow.
  Dec -21, standard antagonist. 225menupur/225gonal-f/cetrotide/5000u trigger, AFC 5; 11 days of stims. retrieval yields 5, 4M, 2 reach day-6 blast (4AB & 4BB). 1 low-level mosaic (chr. 3 deletion), 1 complex abnormal.
  Feb '22 FET (low-level mosaic): CP.
  May '22 egg retrieval, lupron flare protocol. HGH priming for 1 month before stims; md lupron 20/20u daily; menopur 225, follistim 225, 10k trigger after 8 days of stims; AFC 10; 13 retrieved; 10 mature; 8 fertilized. All frozen at 2PN for later thaw, grow, and biopsy.
  July '22 egg retrieval same protocol: 9 days of stims; AFC 8; 10 retrieved, 8 mature, 4 fertilized and frozen.
  Sept '22 ER same protocol: AFC 10; 12 retrieved, 11 mature, 11 fertilized.
  From the 3 retrievals, 7 survived to day 5-6 blastocyst, from which I have 2 normal embryos!
  Jan 20, Fully medicated FET, baby aspirin, dexamethasone, acupuncture, and as much woo as I can stand (which isn't very much). BFN.
  July 23, Natural FET + baby aspirin. BFN.
  

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• mokay19 member

  September 2021

  @bows22 great to hear it’s negative for hyperplasia and malignancy! Hopefully you hear from your RE soon about what it means to have pieces of polyp still!

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• acleverusername member

  September 2021

  @bows22 OMG best news ever!!! (minus the polyp debris of course; what's the plan there?) Also at being selfishly disappointed at my not transferring before Jan. 
  

  MY CHART

  TTC History
  TTC#2
  

  Me: 40.5; MH: 39 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #2 ... preparing as of March 2024
  
  

  
  TTC #1
  

  Me: 36, MH: 34 | Met 02/2009 | Started Dating 08/2017 | Married 02/02/2020
  TTC #1 02/2020 - 07/2022
  2009 | Dx PCOS; likely a misdiagnosis
  07/14/20 | Dx Hashimoto's Thyroditis
  07/21/20 | 1st RE appointment
  07/2120 - 08/20/20 | so much testing; no signs of PCOS
  08/20/20 | Dx Unexplained; AMA
  09/08/20 | IUI #1 Clomid + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  09/30/20 | Urology consult; more testing required
  10/2020 | Clomid + OPK + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  10/26/2020 | Starting 2nd IUI cycle, with Letrazole and with a new RE / different clinic
  11/03/2020 | New Dx "poor egg quality"; IUI cancelled in favor of Trigger + TI + Prometrium | BFN
  11/26/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Menopur) + Trigger + Prometrium | BFN
  12/20/2020 | Combo IUI (Clomid + Gonal-F) + Trigger | IUI Cancelled due to thin lining; TI only | BFN
  01/14/2021 | Combo IUI (Letrazole + Menopur) + Trigger | BFN
  02/06/2021 | Switched to a new RE (TEW) ; trying naturally until we complete additional testing 
  03/14/2021 | Hybrid Double IUI, with Zymot (Letrazole, Gonal-F) + Trigger + Endometrin | Ovulated 4 mature eggs but still a BFN ☹️
  04/07/2021 | Natural cycle while we regroup | BFN
  04/09/2021 | Employer announces fertility benefits starting 05/01/2021! | Search for a new doctor who accepts insurance
  05/10/2021 | New RE consult & plan for IVF
  05/13/2021 | Mid-luteal IVF cycle #1 interrupted; had to get cancer genetic screening done to make sure I didn't have the same SDHA gene mutation as MH. 
  06/10/2021 | Aygestin priming IVF cycle #1; opted to Cx after 9 days of stims since only 5-6/12 follicles responded
  07/26/2021 | Attempt #2 at IVF cycle #1 (mid-luteal start): 8 retrieved, 8 MII, 6 fert (1 PN3), 3 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 3AA, 3AA, 6AB; 3 euploid
  08/09/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC | Shockingly, a BFP! EDD: 5/25/202 | CP at 4w4d
  09/23/2021 | IVF cycle #2 (mid-luteal start): 14 retrieved, 13 MII, 11 fert, 5 Day 5 & 6 blasts: 2 x 3AA, 2 x 3AB, 3BB; 2 euploid
  11/12/2021 | IVF cycle #3 (mid-luteal start): cancelled due to ovaries being on vacation
  12/20/2021 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + Pregmune Immunology Testing; BFN
  01/22/2022 | Rest cycle / unmedicated TTC + understanding uncovered immunological issues; BFN
  02/18/2022 | Mock transfer cycle! ERA, ReceptivaDx, EMMA/ALICE; start Prednisone to address NK activity
  03/16/2022 | Final, "Hail Mary" super-ovulation + TI cycle before FET; BFP! EDD: 12/21/2022 | MMC 05/08/2022
  05/20/2022 | D&C; recovering... 
  06/21/2022 | Trying naturally until October 2022
  07/21/2022 | BFP! EDD 04/02/2023; 👦🏼 born on 4/5/2023

  
  

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• bows22 member

  September 2021

  @acleverusername she said that even if it came back with a polyp reported that we are ignoring it, because she knows they got them all. But there is some more wording in the report that Google seems to think is all normal but I’ll feel better when I hear it from her that nothing further is needed before IUI. She said as long is it didn’t say “atypia with displaysia” that we could try on our own and I’m CD11 so 
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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