IF Weekly Testing & Treatment w/o 2/7

optimistgardener · February 2022

This is a place for those of us who have already started TTC, but have started infertility testing and/or treatments. You can express your thoughts, feelings, and frustrations on infertility. TTC can be a long journey naturally, then add in the difficulties associated with infertility, and it becomes a whole new ball game. The road to infertility can be lonely, frustrating, and complicated, so let's make this a place where we can vent, ask questions, and support one another. Feel free to resurrect this thread at any point in the week if you have something to say. Treat this as an ongoing conversation.

Diagnosis (if you've been):

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA):

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

How are things going?:

Any questions?:

GTKY: What is your favorite birthday cake (for yourself, not to make for others)?

kiki047 · February 2022

@optimistgardener before I go any further, I read your updates from the weekend and first of all, uggghhh to that miserable PIO shot. It hasn't happened to me very often but the few bleeders I've had have been straight out of the special effects catalogue. I've had better luck when I stay up really high and further around the side of my hip, which has been my safe zone with very minimal bleeding. It's also a lot easier to reach since you're self-administering. How do you usually do them, are you standing or lying down? I like to lie down on my side, with the top leg bent and propped up over a pillow or blanket and that helps to keep the muscle more relaxed and not engaged. I really have no tips for those knots though, other than to apply gentle heat and just keep massaging the area. And try to avoid the area with the knot for subsequent shots because it will just keep getting bigger.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Vx5CGCGYRQ 

Image: https://imageserve.babycenter.com/13/000/424/je8nPqufL7sR7giZdfnpnnc2RBhJvf0g_lg.jpg

Also, that cervix wash thing sounds uncomfortable and weird. Thank god I've never had that done because usually it takes everything in my power not to pee in my RE's face when he's digging around in there. Most I've had is a swab to disinfect my cervix. Glad the transfer itself went well though! I hear you on the testing dilemma - take it from me who has only tested early once and been disappointed... my rule has always been never to test any sooner than 8-10dp5dt. So I can be sure that I could trust the results without question.

kiki047 · February 2022

Diagnosis (if you've been): The trifecta of PCOS, RPL/RIF and mild MFI

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFFET

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): FET # 6.

How are things going?: Not bad, all things considered. I don't go back for a lining check until Feb 16th (CD14), which seems way too lax and far away to me, especially since my last transfer was on CD14. But I also think if my lining isn't perfectly cushy by then there's really not a lot more I could do other than scrap the cycle because I'm already doing all the things. That'll be another long day for me with BW, US, PRP, and intralipids all scheduled on the same day.

Any questions?: A few...
I know timing for a medicated FET really doesn't matter that much because they're controlling all the parameters but do you think it makes any difference that a 5 day transfer on CD14 is like, unnaturally early even for early ovulators, and that maybe a transfer on CD21 is more likely to follow a more natural cycle timeline and therefore more likely to be successful? I'm a chronically late ovulator to begin with (when I'm not medicated), my normal is anywhere between CD16-19. I'm grasping at straws here, but my early transfer last cycle felt rushed even though my lining and everything else was more than sufficient.
Second Q, this is really more for @keikilove, did I read it correctly that your RE really thought that running was drawing blood flow away from your uterus? I thought exercise in general would be good to get blood flowing and raise your endorphins, etc, but should I not do things like cycling because it draws blood to my other major muscle masses and away from my core? I do both usually, a 20 min cycle and then a 5-10 min core class plus 10-15 mins of stretching or yoga, but where do you draw the line here?

GTKY: What is your favorite birthday cake (for yourself, not to make for others)? There's a bakery around here that makes a strawberry meringue torte and it's literally to die for. It's a sponge cake with a layer of whipped cream mixed with fresh strawberries and bits of meringue for a little crunch, then iced with more whipped cream and the outside crusted with meringue bits. I'm not really super into meringue in general (as in meringue cookies) but the textural element it adds here is divine, and the cake itself is so light and fluffy and not overly sweet. I ask for it for my birthday every year and it never gets old. But I'm also a sucker for a plain old vanilla sheet cake with extra frosting (corner piece please!), like the kind you get from Costco. It's so gross but it's so good.

acleverusername · February 2022

@kiki047 I'm afraid I'm not much good when it comes to answering your question. Have you ever had a modified natural transfer cycle?

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, Hashimoto's, and a slew of other things apparently... maybe even PCOS?; also sperm that doesn't ask for directions

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): TWW

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): I just got my Pregmune results back, hence why I'm posting here. Need your 👀 and 🧠s on this. Also trying TCM herbs this cycle cause apparently the Chinese have been using then for 2000 years to treat infertility so it's got to work, right?

How are things going?: Hey ladies! I'm coming out from under my rock to give you a bit of an update, mostly because today I received my Pregune report (Reproductive Immunology report) and it's interesting. I'm going to spoiler a bunch of screenshots for your consumption below.

Otherwise, I'm on Day 5 of mid-cycle bleeding (see my update in TWW if you'd like) and my acupuncturist tells me that the herbs I'm taking aren't known to cause mid-cycle bleeding (I'm 4DPO today and it started on O day). But maybe my body is just extra.

Screenshots... it's a LONG READ/SCROLL:

So, I guess starting with the good news:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/fx/lkp7vl65cstn.png

And then here's MH's and mine compatibility summary:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/b9/xa7rcb98npmn.png

^^ a few things to note here:
- Anti HY Immunity means that we'll be transferring our female embryos first, since if I generate an immune response against HY antigens would mean significantly lowered chances of subsequent live births.
- Anti-HLA Antibodies... apparently I have them and apparently they're associated with early MCs, obstetrical complications and secondary infertility. Basically, it means that my immune system can go on the fritz against paternally derived antigens. So, I would potentially need to take immune modulators for this.

Then we get to our individual profiles. Of course, MH is a picture of perfect health (semen analysis wasn't part of this report btw; we already had both the DNA sperm frag test done separately and his semen analyses have varied, but have mostly been good since taking all the vitamins.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/16/gifdolzzmmsr.png

^^ And like, of course MH is the one that had epilepsy as a child, and also had a Pulmonary Embolism in 2015, meanwhile, I basically have been healthy as a horse until starting TTC.

More on HY immunity and / HLA antibodies.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/bd/nb7wkql9b2nh.png

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/zu/r4csibi8iz1t.png

Now things start to get more interesting: thrombophilia

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/hn/psaiv2d1bu8v.png

^^ So I'm guessing Lovenox is in my future.

More fun stuff I'm high risk for:

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/q7/366z64ii694h.png

Now, let's revisit that PCOS diagnosis I had back in 2009, but then was disproven by subsequent labs. Apparently, it might be a thing? Of course, some of this info cannot be relied on because I was taking DHEA in prep for my retrievals because my androgens have traditionally have been VERY LOW. Like my testosterone had been at 5 in October 2020. And also given the not-so-great response in my 1st / 2nd IVF cycles, I chose to add DHEA to my protocol without getting my T, DHEA, SHBG tested. I stopped taking DHEA in mid-Dec, but unfortunately this was after my blood draws. But also, what's up with AMH of 5.55?

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/el/t7ppmn85wuzc.png

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/co/jtaaislbr8zt.png

And now let's talk about Leptin. WTF is it? Because both MH and I have elevated levels. Now, in December, when we did our testing, I was flirting with a BMI of ~25, and MH was solidly in the "overweight" range.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/m0/lh1c9nz4wn2e.png

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/wh/og5800uuk3u2.png

^^ Perhaps this is why his semen analysis have varied so?

Any questions?: Well, it's mostly helping decipher my Pregmune report. Also, like... 0 regrets having it done. I'm guessing that @keikilove and @inthewoods and maybe @kiki047 might be best people here.

GTKY: What is your favorite birthday cake (for yourself, not to make for others)? I don't do birthday cakes, and MH doesn't do birthdays. I'm also not a baker, and even if I wanted to get into it, I'm kind of limited owing to the fact that I'm not allowed, gluten, dairy, or eggs. Before all of this, with my Ex, I learned to make a kick ass pecan pie from scratch. And I also made some pretty great cupcakes. I am considering trying my hand at gluten/dairy/egg free baking, but haven't worked up the desire.

kiki047 · February 2022

@acleverusername I tried a modified natural transfer cycle once and spotted through the entire cycle and my lining never got above 6mm so we never did that again.
As for your results, whew, that's a LOT to unpack. I'm no expert on the immune side of things but from what little I have picked up -
- re: Thrombophilia/PAI-1 4G/4G, yup sounds like lovenox and BA are the gold standard for that
I will admit, I went cross-eyed when I skimmed this study but it was shared in the RI group and thought you would find it interesting/relevant
- re: Leptin, never heard of this before but a preliminary google search has come up with some interesting articles. I have no comment on it, other than a "hmm" and a good dose of curiosity
- re: HLA match, I think this is where @keikilove's extensive knowledge is needed.
- curious about the PCOS coming up again. I would think you're right on about the DHEA being correlated with the fact that you were supplementing at the time. As for the AMH level, I got nothin' but we know AMH levels can fluctuate, didn't @optimistgardener have some wide variations too? What was your AMH before? High AMH is also correlated with PCOS, for example mine is very high (9.4ng/ml)

optimistgardener · February 2022

Hang on guys this winds up being kinda just chatty, epic essay aimed at kiki.

@kiki047 dude my nasty pio shot lump looks like something out of a nightmare today. re: shot-giving strategy i often just stand and give myself the shot. sometimes i follow the @bumblebee0210 school, which is to hang your @ss over the back of a chair and then relax that haunch. i've thought about trying to lie down but, i dunno if this sounds weird, but i can't really figure out how i would relax my muscles adequately while doing that. maybe i'll experiment. thanks for the tip though on aiming high and outside. this one was the low-outside corner of the triangle they drew on my butt. and also thanks for the input on testing. i'm a mess about that whole train of thought, ugh.

Also Kiki can i also leap in on your question to @keikilove because this is something i've been giving a lot of thought to of late (being a habitual runner and also someone who mostly bikes to get around town and reliant on exercise to stay sane). spoilering for length.

my clinic gave me zero guidance re: limitations to my activity level. The RE just said go back to your normal life. Of course, keikilove had mentioned her doc saying no to running, so I went down a google/pubmed rabbit-hole. Here's what I glean: Early IVF patients were basically put on enforced bedrest, not even allowed to get out of bed to pee (bedpans only!) on the assumption that standing up might cause the embryo to fall out. This obvs has long since been dis-proven. But there's still a common belief that too much activity is bad. It turns out that there is only a very limited data on either side of this. Here's a study from 2021, though, that looks at pregnancy rates and # of steps taken 2 days after transfer has no significant correlation with transfer outcome (actually the numbers show those who took more steps were more likely to have a successful transfer, but apparently it didn't reach significance). I also recall seeing somewhere that women who resumed "normal" activities (whatever that means) were 40% more likely to have success than those who followed a bed rest prescription (but can't find source, sorry). Elsewhere (but again I can't remember where I saw this), I saw a guideline that post-transfer, one should try to keep one's heartrate below 140 (so, for me this means no jogging because my HR always winds up in the 150s+ even when jogging slowly), but doesn't rule out cycling and fast walking for me. I have no idea if this is based in medical data, but the heartrate guidance seems like a middle ground that I can deal with for the next few days. I'll get in some daily walks, keep riding my bike (albeit take it slow up the hills), and see what happens.

@acleverusername wow that report is a lot of info! I'll be curious how you wind up digesting it all/using your new knowledge. as for Kiki's thought about it being me who had the fluctuating AMH, while mine has fluctuated a little I believe it was @bumblebee0210 who had the remarkable AMH spike.

optimistgardener · February 2022

Diagnosis (if you've been): old

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): post-transfer waiting game

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

How are things going?: uh, i feel like i should probably be under psychiatric observation, but somehow i seem to still be able to deliver coherent lectures in class and cook myself meals, etc. so, good?

Any questions?: i thought i had trained myself to stop it with the pointless symptom spotting but i have not learned the lesson adequately, i guess. any tricks for staying off the google?

GTKY: What is your favorite birthday cake (for yourself, not to make for others)? So i asked this question because it is my birthday on Sunday and I am trying to decide if I want to make myself some kind of ridic birthday cake (i deserve a treat, this past few weeks have been intense). Anyway, I usually love me a really rich, dark chocolate cake with a similarly dark frosting. but I'm very open to suggestions on alternative possibilities. I would probably be very happy with a pecan pie birthday "cake," but that photo @kiki047 showed of the bakery's strawberry meringue torte looks so. freaking. good. not that i'm that good of a baker.

acleverusername · February 2022

@optimistgardener @ "I probably should be under psychiatric observation"; gonna miss you when you're off to your BMB! Can't help you with pointless symptom spotting since I haven't gotten to that stage yet. Also, thanks for going doing the PubMed rabbit hole for us. I too was wondering about the "no running" advice from Keiki's RE.

@kiki047 my AMH has been consistently in the 2-3 range previously.
Mar 2020: 2.30
Jun 2020: 2.38
Dec 2020: 2.68
Dec 2021: 5.55
Really effing strange.

caseys02 · February 2022

**lurking**

@optimistgardener @kiki047 @keikilove
So I asked in Oct about exercise I am a heavy 6-7 day a week worker outer, running, biking, lifting and boxing. My OB said as long as the avg heart rate over the entire time is below 145 it is ok. I spike to 190 sometimes doing hills, as long as it is not consistent and your body has been used to the same routine for awhile prior you will be OK. The heart at higher rates will pump only to wear its needed, lungs, brain, but not uterus. That's all.

optimistgardener · February 2022

thanks so much @caseys02! There must be a study out there somewhere that landed on that 140/145 heart rate range, but I've not seen it. Still, the logic makes good sense. Your weekly workout routine sounds intense! Boxing! Before I started on this TTC journey I was a martial artist but quit because I worried about getting regularly whacked in the abdomen and also because man, that sent my heart rate right through the roof. I also quit because I was moving around that time anyway and just never found a new studio. Someday I will return! I really miss it.

@acleverusername re symptom spotting it's the same beast that we've all confronted in the standard 2ww (and that has led our current Peggy, bless her crazy soul, to post toilet paper pix on the internet), but just amped up a fair few notches. Re: AMH levels I wonder if there's something different about the way the lab measures for it in this context. Like normally your AMH levels are probably done through your standard clinic/hospital network lab, but if these were done through a special lab, maybe they have different procedures?

caseys02 · February 2022

@optimistgardener I started kickboxing as a teen to help with depression and just stuck with it. Most of the time it's just me and a bag so no one punches back, but the daily workouts keep me sane honestly.

abjm0325 · February 2022

*lurking*

Can I pop in here and ask a question? If you'd rather I didn't, feel free to just ignore. I'm over 35 and been trying longer than 6 months so I think I technically might qualify for some intervention at this point *TW* although with a loss and CP so I'm not sure how that counting works. *End TW* I'm scheduling an appointment with my midwife to go over some next steps, but I'm not exactly sure what to ask/advocate for. I'm not sure I would be moving onto an RE (yet), so is there anything I can ask my midwife for or to do in the meantime? I'm requesting additional thyroid testing because my TSH was a little high, but other than that I'm kind of at a loss for what to be expecting.

fantasyflyte · February 2022

@abjm0325 have you had CD3 blood tests done at any point yet? That was the first step my obgyn did before we went to the RE. We also got a sperm analysis done to give us a fuller picture.

Personally, I'd say you should qualify as 6+ months and I don't think there'd be any issues with you floating the idea of an RE. But the initial testing may give you a good springboard to jump off from.

caseys02 · February 2022

@abjm0325 We went and got baseline work and sperm analysis done at 8 months with a RE. I didn't call my OB bc they were an ass to me and I was in the process of switching but couldn't get in until a few months later for a new patient appointment. If it's been 6+ months I would call your OB and get a baseline done to see what the story is and if they can assist you now with anything before you go to a RE.

acleverusername · February 2022

@abjm0325 I would start thinking about consulting with an RE. Depending on where you live, and what your insurance coverage is, it can take months to get an appointment. Then all of the testing could take another couple of months since some of testing can be done only at very specific points in your cycle.

Question: what has you hesitating about consulting with an RE now? Also, technically, with a loss and a CP, you could be considered an RPL case.

anniemarie887 · February 2022

some of my opening here is redundant from the weekly randoms thread - but it's like @abjm0325 read my mind. i'll be 35 this year, it's been 14 mos of trying and **TW 2 losses ** end TW. i've been reading this thread a lot more recently and kind of grappling with the idea that we may be starting down this path.

@kiki047 can you elaborate more about cycling? i've never heard that tbh. my OB has always been in the camp of "if it's what your body is used to, keep at it!" and kind of like now is not the time to suddenly decide to become an olympic weightlifter if that's not what you've been doing, but picking up new gentler things (yoga, walking, etc) is always a good idea.
@acleverusername i am a data nerd in all things, so while i don't know if i fully understand half of that report i think it's amazing to get that kind of knowledge about your body.
@optimistgardener thanks for pulling sources! from what i understand the 140 HR rule is one of those old, and not really backed by scientific data rules (of which there are many in the land of pregnancy, i could get on a soap box about the fear mongering that i think happens). also, for what it's worth i def vote treat yourself on the bday cake.
@caseys02 thanks for chiming in with what sounds like a similar mentality from your OB
@acleverusername i will say my OB doesn't consider a CP and MC a RPL scenario, BUT they support going to a RE after 6 mos once you hit 32 which is younger than a lot of OBs. she was happy to support me looking to a RE back in july if i wanted to.

that being said, i guess i am ripping the bandaid off here. we've hit our $5000 insurance deductible already (gah, that's so depressing) so i reached out to BCBS and confirmed that since we've hit our deductible we've got 90% coverage for fertility diagnostic services, and IVF with 4 retrievals. as long as i'm reading it all right. i filled out a contact form for shady grove fertility which has a good reputation from other people i've known to down this route, and actually missed a call from them already this morning. i'm not sure if i'm putting the cart before the horse as we await chromosomal testing

eta: ugh false, apparently they only comply with mandated IVF in Arkansas, Illinois and Massachusetts. Even tho my state also has mandated IVF coverage, so I’m pushing back.

optimistgardener · February 2022

welcome @anniemarie887! that sounds like fantastic insurance coverage! i vote use it!

fantasyflyte · February 2022

@anniemarie887 heck yeah, make the most out of that insurance coverage!

acleverusername · February 2022

@keikilove Good luck on your transfer today!!!

optimistgardener · February 2022

@keikilove sending all the best wishes and luck!

anniemarie887 · February 2022

@keikilove good luck!!

kiki047 · February 2022

@optimistgardener blerrggg to your PIO lump. Ugh, I'm so sorry friend, I've been there and it's the weirdest sensation to try to describe to anyone that hasn't repeatedly stabbed themselves in the butt with a 1 1/2" IM needle every day for weeks on end. It really is just trial and error so hopefully you find a position/method/injection site that works for you.

@acleverusername ah yes, optimist is right, it was @bumblebee0210 that I was thinking of. She has a point about the discrepancy between the labs/testing measures. I had my AMH done by my old RE in April but the new RE wanted to re-do it in his own lab in August so that he'd have a true baseline to go by. Yours is still a pretty huge leap but honestly, if you're not doing any more ERs at this point AMH isn't really much of an indicator of anything else so it certainly doesn't seem like something to be majorly concerned about.

@abjm0325 I know there's a concurrent discussion going on over in the Randoms thread about this but yes, by all means, please feel free to pop in and out to ask questions. I agree with what PPs have said about CD3 testing which would typically include a thyroid panel as well, and a semen analysis for YH. My OB also ordered a saline sonohysterogram, otherwise known as an SHG, which includes a pelvic ultrasound. Others have done an HSG instead, it really seems to just depend on the doctor.

@anniemarie887 I'm sorry you're finding yourself starting to go down the IF path, but I can assure you that you're in good company here. FWIW, I know a few people who used Shady Grove, MH and his ex-wife included, who had good things to say about them.

As for the activity question - @bows22 and I have been talking about this too, and @optimistgardener @anniemarie887 we're right there with you in the camp of just don't overdo it/no heavy lifting or taking up some wild new HIIT workout post-transfer but otherwise carry on, keep your HR below 140, and don't let yourself overheat. *TW* I had pretty significant bleeding because I had an SCH after my 2nd FET which ultimately resulted in a MMC, so I was on modified bed rest for 3 weeks. After that I just got it in my head that I had to do next to nothing during the TWW but I've been gradually letting myself let go of that notion because clearly that wasn't the key to a successful transfer after all *end TW*
My old clinic had a whole list of Dos and Don'ts following an embryo transfer like no baths, no hot tubs/saunas, no sex (I'll admit, we've disregarded this one once we had a BFP because I think it originally had to do with not wanting to introduce foreign bacteria close to the cervix after a procedure but 10dpt always felt safe), no activity more than a short walk, no heavy lifting, etc. My new clinic just said no hot tubs/saunas or anything that will raise my body temperature. Otherwise no discharge instructions whatsoever. We feel like common sense prevails here and just don't do anything too wild.

@keikilove thinking about you today and sending you happy, loving, abundantly fertile thoughts for your transfer!

bumblebee0210 · February 2022

ETA: *lurking*

@kiki047 @acleverusername. I did have wild fluctuation in AMH-- from 0.4 in January to 1.39 in August of the same year. Same lab, same doctors. I did supplement, but I don't know what changed. Weirdly, I had my best cycle right after that reading, so I wonder if even if it's random fluctuations, if those fluctuations are correlated with actual egg quantity/quality? Also-- doesn't TEW call it "always meandering hormone"? I mean 5.5 is high maybe it's the DHEA. (I was also taking DHEA when mine went up)

@optimistgardener. Why am I associated with the butt-hanging method? I feel like you told me to do that. PIO was actually the one shot I made my husband do, but I did really try to relax my leg... Also-- not to freak anyone out, but I *still* have weird tenderness from PIO shots, and I stopped them like 2 months ago.

abjm0325 · February 2022

Thank you all! I will definitely ask about CD 3 bloodwork and SA to get us started at least.

@acleverusername I don't have any IF coverage with my insurance, so I suppose I'm reluctant to pull the trigger to move to an RE. I know that is probably what I should start pursuing though as it may be a bit of a wait.

kiki047 · February 2022

@bumblebee0210 I still have a numb spot about halfway down my thigh that I can trace back to a specific point in my upper glute that is still a little bit tingly almost a year later (*TW* it started after I stopped PIO following my Feb 2021 transfer/MC). I still maintain that PIO is better than suppositories though. As bad as they are, I haven't reached a point where I'd rather go back to the pessaries.
I did also question whether AMH could be correlated with egg quantity, since we know that AFC can fluctuate wildly from cycle to cycle, so might AMH temporarily do the same if @acleverusername had a ton of follicles at that time?

walkawaynee · February 2022

@kiki047 I have no actual knowledge or advise on FET but your logic about timing makes sense to me. I am not a fan of fruit in my desserts (I love fruit on its own) but that cake looks pretty tasty!

@acleverusername I have no input on your report but I love that you got it done and find all the data in it to fascinating!

@optimistgardener I am sorry I missed popping in last week to wish you luck. SS is a dangerous rabbit hole, perhaps take up a new hobby for this TWW and when the Google urge arises, pick up your cross stitch (for example) instead!

@abjm0325 I agree with the others to at least get started with bloodwork and SA if possible through your current doctor. Also getting on the schedule for an RE (or 2) to have a consult and get to know them for the future isn't a bad idea as sometimes the wait can be long to get an appointment.

Diagnosis (if you've been): AMA, DOR, procrastination, block headed sperm, unruly thyroid

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): Prep cycle for IVF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): Prep cycle for IVF. New RE has me taking a progesterone only bcp along with Bromocriptine (Parlodel) which was the mystery B word I was trying to decipher) and Metformin during prep this cycle.

How are things going?: I met with the IVF coordinator today to go over my calendar and OH MY what a difference in how things are handled from this clinic compared to my last one. She spent 45 minutes on the phone with me going over every medication, date, what to expect, it was amazing!

Any questions?: NATM

GTKY: What is your favorite birthday cake (for yourself, not to make for others)? I am not a fan of cake in general but if I had to pick it would be white cake cupcakes with chocolate frosting. That being said my mom always buys me a Dairy Queen ice cream cake for my birthday so I am partial to it for the sentimental value.

acleverusername · February 2022

@optimistgardener @bumblebee0210 - I think I might have mentioned the butt handing method as something I heard on @tashblasi's IGTV show?

@optimistgardener @kiki047 @bumblebee0210 well, PubMed to the rescue. Apparently DHEA supplementation can greatly affect AMH levels.So there. Also, yes TEW calls AMH "always meandering hormone", but generally she says that when ppl say "my AMH in June was 1.47 and now it's 1.08."

@anniemarie887 while Shady Grove is a large and well known clinic, they also tend to be a bit of a "factory", preferring doing the same thing over and over again, even when results don't justify repetition. I recently had a friend who did 2 ER cycles there, got good amount of eggs (12-14 mature each retrieval), but 2-3 blasts that all ended up abnormal. When she tried to get her RE to make change, her RE categorically refused telling her that she just needs to do more cycles. They also don't use HGH (Omnitrope) for egg quality in older patients. My friend then went and consulted with CCRM and the treatment there was like night and day... so she got away from SGH as fast as she could. Moral of the story: don't just consult with 1 doctor/clinic. And don't forget to ask questions not just about the treatment you'll get from the doc, but also the treatment you'll get from the clinic.

optimistgardener · February 2022

omg super active board today. gonna try to catch up.

@abjm0325 considering that there doesn't seem to be a problem with sperm finding egg, i suspect your opening round of tests would more likely be bloodwork related than structural. But even with open tubes, you might still want a quick poke around to make sure you don't have a fibroid or similar making implantation more difficult. they can probably check that out at the same time as they do a CD3 antral follicle check. make sure you get "CD21" (really 7 days post O) bloodwork as well to check in on your progesterone level.

@anniemarie887 i just saw your edit that they're going to try to fight you about the IVF coverage. omg i hate insurance so dang much. fight the good fight! i hope you win!

@bumblebee0210 you'll always be associated with the butt-hanging method™ in my book. I swear you're the one who suggested it.

@walkawaynee hi!👋 good to see you! so glad you're getting better vibes from the new clinic!

acleverusername · February 2022

@optimistgardener how's the symptom spotting going?

@shortstack930 did you have any more lining checks leading up to your transfer tomorrow?

optimistgardener · February 2022

@acleverusername progesterone is a monster. that is all i will say.

shortstack930 · February 2022

@kiki047 that cake looks so good!!

@acleverusername wow that report is so detailed! Do you have an appointment with the RI to discuss everything and make a plan? No more lining checks for me but I've been chugging pomegranate juice!

@optimistgardener it is hard not to SS after a FET because with the progesterone it makes you have all the symptoms!!

@abjm0325 I agree with everyone else that you should qualify to see an RE or at least get some testing at the OB. And I second what Clever said about possibly having an RPL diagnosis.

@anniemarie887 definitely use that insurance if you can!! I'm sorry you're here, but you are very welcome!

@walkawaynee I'm so glad you're having such a better experience with this new RE office and I'm excited for your IVF cycle to begin!

@keikilove I hope your transfer went well for you yesterday!!!

Diagnosis (if you've been): Endometriosis

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WTO sorta

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): FET tomorrow!!!

How are things going?: I started on PIO every three days and endometrin suppositories twice daily the other day and TMI but holy discharge!! I'm happy not to be doing shots every day but this is kind of gross. My supervisor at work is super supportive and rearranged my schedule so I did my three shifts already and have 7 days off now to take it easy after the transfer. DH's boss is being a dick and told him that he needs a doctor's note to be off tomorrow. She actually wanted him to come back to work after the transfer and he was like uh no.

Any questions?: NATM

GTKY: What is your favorite birthday cake (for yourself, not to make for others)? I've made a chocolate 3 layer cake from scratch a couple of times for DH's birthday and it is SO GOOD. I also make the chocolate frosting from scratch and sprinkle the edges with mini chocolate chips. We usually slice it and freeze it after.

optimistgardener · February 2022

@shortstack930 what do you think is the secret to your amazing chocolate cake recipe? asking for science, and for myself.

acleverusername · February 2022

@shortstack930 wow... does YH's boss know what you're going through? Like, wtf? Afm, yes, I have plans to discuss the report with TEW (my RE; not RI) next week!

shortstack930 · February 2022

@optimistgardener probably the excessive amount of sugar in it LOL

@acleverusername yup and she knows about *TW* the MC we had after our FET in October *end TW* so she's just an asshole and doesn't care. I can't wait to hear what TEW says about your results!

anniemarie887 · February 2022

@kiki047 **TW for miscarriage talk** my ob without me even asking was like you are going to overanalyze everything you did, every workout, everything you ate over the last 2 mos and question if that caused this and i can tell you that you didn't make this happen. human minds are so cruel to us when this stuff happens tho***END TW*** also thanks for the +1 re shady grove, they started here in maryland and truthfully i forget that they're quite large now
@acleverusername thanks for sharing that, good info to know. i know a few women here in maryland who started with johns hopkins and switch to shady grove with more success. ccrm has a location in northern va, but with traffic it can take 2 hours each way for a 40 mile drive.
@optimistgardener they are suppsoed to have an answer for me tomorrow, can you send me some of your optimism my way? bc i am not feeling it for this
@Shortstack06 it's also like 10x worse that YH boss is a woman, she sounds like a total troll. also its none of her business why he needs time off, that's intrusive. eta: GOOD LUCK today!!!

eta: i did wind up making an appt w/shady grove, it's mid march. i've got my OB f/u next week, so i can always cancel the SG appt if i want to. went this morning and had 6 vials of blood taken: A1C, thyroid, lupus, and a bunch of clotting disorder stuff. posting more over on ttcal to try and keep the mess i'm living in relevant.

acleverusername · February 2022

@shortstack930 good luck on your transfer today! I hope all that POM juice made your lining nice and thick and welcoming for the embaby!

optimistgardener · February 2022

@shortstack930 thinking of you today! i hope it goes smoothly and that you feel good about it all!

keikilove · February 2022

@shortstack930 Just jumping on to say best of luck for a smooth and happy transfer today!💕

mambo5-2 · February 2022

Hi... I'm new 👋

Diagnosis (if you've been): post vasectomy and RPL

Status (WTO/TWW/TTA): WFAF

What are you doing this cycle? (Testing? Treatment?): We will be starting testing. We are looking at a post vasectomy pregnancy, mixed with RPL and history of a micropremmie.

How are things going?: We just had our RE appointment who was wonderful. We will be doing IVF likely but testing first. The RE was amazing and validated that I likely should have been worked up for RPL 5-6 years ago because *TW 5+ losses is too many especially at 25.

Any questions?: not yet I'm sure I will. We just really opted to move forward with IVF and testing.

GTKY: What is your favorite birthday cake (for yourself, not to make for others)?

Pink Champagne is my favorite.

acleverusername · February 2022

@keikilove OMG girl... are you gonna make us wait even longer for your update?! LOL. I'm dying over here!

acleverusername · February 2022

Welp... my first "getting lapped" experience. I knew it was bound to happen though.

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