Still At It - SUMMER 06' edition

[TazLuv]

Thanks, Jody - yes, this is my first cycle. Timing wise its just not working out too well - we haven't told our parents and my dad will here Saturday which is CD-20. I'm sure it will all work out. :)

[Chris~n~Jen]

Checking in again! As always I'm reading along but don't really have much to contribute. I have to say that I am learning a lot from you girls though.
I went in for my CD21 bloodwork on Saturday. Hopefully they'll do the right test this time so that I don't have to repeat it again. Other than that just waiting.

I did have a question that I thought some of you ladies might be able to help me with. I started a new thread in family planning but thought I'd post it here also since you all are so knowledgable and helpful. :D

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with these at home SA's? My doctor wants DH to take a SA but when I mentioned that he didn't currently have health insurance she said that she had heard of at home tests you can do. I found this one at Walgreens (http://www.walgreens.com/store/product.jsp?CATID=100702&navAction=jump&navCount=0&id=prod385425).
http://a1061.g.akamai.net/7/1061/5412/home/www.walgreens.com/dbimagecache/290514.jpg

Just wondering if it's something we should do or would it be better just to pay the out of pocket $$ to do the SA at the lab.


TAI!

[MrsR]

taz -- I triggered when my u/s showed a 19mm follie on CD16 but the first clomid cycle I was on, I did not trigger until CD18 and I am pretty sure I had a chemical pg that cycle -- so CD18 is still okay and my RE says what really matters is the size of the follie not what CD you are . . .

no time for other SOs as I have to run to the airport for a flight -- maybe when I get to the gate I will have time to log in (since I am getting there 3 hours before my flight :mad: )

Just a quick drop by to say that like suz I am going back to the RE on Wednesday to make sure I O'd . . .oh and my RE will not let me do a home pg test until 14dp trigger b/c of the HCG still in the blood -- I can call for a blood test 16 dp trigger but they do not automatically have me come in for a pg test . . . this is going to be a loooong 2ww, I can just feel it :rolleyes:

[TazLuv]

Thanks, MrsR - I just need to quit stressing about it, I'm sure that isn't helping me either! :)

[kazata]

ChrisnJen I answered you in your FP thread, the short answer is I'd go to a lab - but I also wanted to mention that different labs check different things - I'd find out beforehand what they check, for example, will they check morphology using the WHO standards, Kruger scale, or both?

****

Threadmistress I guess I need to update my stats:

Kazata
Me: 33
DH: 33
Charting and off BCP since March '04
TTC since July '04
Issues: Went to the ER twice with ovarian cysts. Cycles on the short side.
Testing: Confirmed ovulation by ultrasound, Progesterone 7 dpo was 9.9.
Post Coital was normal.
SA: High abnormal forms, morphology was 4% (kruger scale) (47% by WHO standards), count ok at 29 mil/ml, motility slightly low, after 30 minutes was: rapid, 41%, slow 5%, no progress 7%, not moving 47%; after 2 hours: rapid 32%, slow 6%, no progress 6%, not moving 66%
LAP on 7/27/06, right tube had congenital defect, was not attached to fimbria and formed hydrosalpinx. RE removed right tube.
I suspect that previous "cysts" may have been hydro tube.
Small amount of endo removed.

[lawgirl4]

just sending babydust to all of you, and an extra pinch to mrsr!!

[TazLuv]

Ok, just got off of the phone with the RE. One more injection of Repronex tonight and then will trigger with the Ovidrel tomorrow AM, BD Tuesday PM and Wednesday PM and start progesterone suppositories Thursday AM.

Next cycle (if there is one) we will do all injectibles - they don't think the Clomid is doing anything for me. Hopefully there won't be another cycle because I'm really starting to wuss out on these shots. :(

[skb]

Quick question for those ladies that have had the joy of taking clomid. When you say that clomid didn't work for you, what does that mean? I've always ovulated with clomid, mind you I also ovulate on my own. But I've never conceived while taking clomid. So did clomid work for me? I suppose it's done what it is supposed to do without helping me to achieve pregnancy.

Gosh, I want so much to take a vacation. But with a laproscopy likely this winter I don't want to be away too much from work. I read somewhere on the boards that somebody was advised no physical exertion for 2 weeks post lap, no lifting in excess of 3 pounds. If that's the case I suspect I will miss some time at work, plus more time when we move to IVF. So in other words, I can't take all my days now. Ugh!

Excuse me now I must go hot flash some more and get back to work!

[suzfuzsunflower]

skb - When I say that clomid didn't work for me, I mean that I did not ovulate with clomid. Other ladies may mean other things though...

taz - My RE wants the follicle to be at least 19 mm. before trigger.

MrsR - How many days past ovulation are you right now? I'm 3 or 4, depending on how it is calculated. This is going to be a long 2WW for me, too.

[MrsR]

suz -- I think I am 5 DPO. I assume I O'd on Wednesday of last week based on my temps, but the nurse at my RE's office says the drugs can throw your temps off. I have thrown my thermometer into a drawer for the rest of this cycle (I just can't help myself and I know I won't be able to throw it away for good).

skb -- I did O on clomid but I still say it did not work for me. I had such horrible side effects (no cm, very thin uterine lining etc.) so my RE said it was not the drug for me.

taz -- all my crossables are crossed for you!!!

lawgirl -- thanks for thinking of me -- I have been following along with you in the October mommies thread, I know you must have so much to do right now, so it makes me smile to know that you are still thinking of me. Hopefully I can move over to the "other side" soon . . .

[TazLuv]

skb, my doctor says it is making me ovulate but its not helping my eggs mature enough before I ovulate - that is why they're considering it to not be working for me. The only way they know this is because I've had three u/s in the last two weeks. One right as I started the clomid, one last Friday and another this morning. They saw the most growth from Friday to today when I was on injectibles, so they feel they are "working" for me, at least better than the clomid. We'll see if they really worked around the 31st when AF shows or I take a beta test. :)

I wish I had known this several cycles ago - I "wasted" four cycles on clomid.

[suzfuzsunflower]

Question:
For those of you who took ovidrel or an hcg shot to trigger....did it cause you to feel sick and have a headache? I have felt sick for the past 2-3 days, and it's too early to be a preg. symptom. Just wondering if it can be attributed to the drugs.

[MrsR]

suz -- last time I took my Ovidrel shot I had no side effects. This time I triggered Tuesday felt fine until Wednesday night and then TMI ALERT was nauseous and had diarrhea and then felt fine until Thursday night and then had the poops again . . . The nurse told me it could have been due to the surge in progesterone . . .

[suzfuzsunflower]

And how are you feeling now, MrsR?. I triggered one day after you, and didn't start feeling sick until Sat./Sun.

[MrsR]

And how are you feeling now, MrsR?other than a bit of heartburn which just came on about 15 minutes ago, I feel fine :rolleyes: . . .

[Jess71903]

Just a quick update on me- just got back from having my breast cyst drained. It wasn't the clear yellowish stuff they expected, but dark and bloody looking. She still said it was almost certainly benign, but it is being sent to the lab just to be sure.

I feel like AF is on the way. I am hoping if she is coming that she will go on and get here so I can get the lap ASAP. It will be easier to take a day or 2 off work in the first week of school, before I have a real schedule in place.

[skb]

Thanks ladies. I know at various times different posters had said that it didn't work for them so I was just curious. I guess it works for me is so far as follicles, ovulating, timing and lining....but still not pregnant!

suz----I always find that the HCG trigger increases abdominal distention significantly and generally magnifies any PMS type symptoms for me.

[pocahontas]

WOW KAZATA! We had our LAPS 2 days apart! :eek: Mine was 7/25. (Hope this is lucky for BOTH of us! :D )

Threadmistress I guess I need to update my stats:

Kazata
Me: 33
DH: 33
Charting and off BCP since March '04
TTC since July '04
Issues: Went to the ER twice with ovarian cysts. Cycles on the short side.
Testing: Confirmed ovulation by ultrasound, Progesterone 7 dpo was 9.9.
Post Coital was normal.
SA: High abnormal forms, morphology was 4% (kruger scale) (47% by WHO standards), count ok at 29 mil/ml, motility slightly low, after 30 minutes was: rapid, 41%, slow 5%, no progress 7%, not moving 47%; after 2 hours: rapid 32%, slow 6%, no progress 6%, not moving 66%
LAP on 7/27/06, right tube had congenital defect, was not attached to fimbria and formed hydrosalpinx. RE removed right tube.
I suspect that previous "cysts" may have been hydro tube.
Small amount of endo removed.

[Alioop12345]

HUGS to those in needs and HURRAYS for those hopeful girls as well. I have been avoiding coming in here. This was an unmedicated cycle and I didn't even temp. DH and I still tried...several times...I got a BFN this morning. This was the 17th cycle and I am wearing down. I may test again in 2 days if spotting has not started.

Threadmistress- here is my new plan. Estrogen, Gonal F, Viagra entire cycle, HcG, Progesterone injections instead of supps

Good luck to all ladies testing soon

[papergirl]

When you say that clomid didn't work for you, what does that mean? I've always ovulated with clomid, mind you I also ovulate on my own. But I've never conceived while taking clomid. So did clomid work for me? I suppose it's done what it is supposed to do without helping me to achieve pregnancy.




Here is what I am saying when I say that Clomid did not work for me. Pre-clomid I was already ovulating on my own so I was taking the clomid for the purpose of producing multiple eggs. That never really happened. The three cycles I did it I had one egg twice and two eggs once. The more eggs the better your chances should be to get pregnant. Clomid did not produce more eggs. My body already produced one and I was ovulating so basically the Clomid did nothing for me.

I am now on my 1st cycle of injectables and I have 5 eggs – 3 that appear good. So I am responding better to injectables, which is often the case with woman who do not respond to Clomid. I don’t regret taking Clomid because you can’t know what won’t work until you try it. I just wish I would have stopped at two round when it was obvious that it was not the drug for me. HTH!

[papergirl]

Ladies! I am on my first round of injectables and I have my IUI today. PLEASE keep me in your thoughts. I really want this to work. We have spent so much money this round which would not be too annoying if we did not have a vacation in 3 days and a closing today. I really hope this is it.

Jeggink – Big congratulations! It’s so great to see someone moving on.

Taz – My doctor’s like me to be at 20mm before I trigger.

Asha – It sounds like you had an informative visit with the RE. I am so happy to see you are getting more answers to your problems.

[jodylovesscotty]

I will be thinking about you today Bumble!

On the way home from summer school yesterday I stopped and picked up my arsonal of injectables (repronex), needles, etc. Boy did seeing that big bag scare me. I go in this afternoon for the first one (we will do together) and to learn how to administer and mix it myself. I was all excited, but now scared to death has hit me. The only thing I keep telling myself is that when I get pregnant I am going to have to do this anyway since I have Factor V Leiden which is a blood clotting disorder, I will have to give myself daily shots then. So this will just be practice and hopefully get us pregnant quicker than playing around with femara or clomid.

[jeggink]

jodylovesscotty I am hoping your 1st injection goes well. I just did my 1st one of the Heparin and it went well, didn't even feel the needle, very small & skinny. The only thing I felt was some burning from the meds after the shot, but it went away after a few minutes. I was shaking so bad with the nurse trying to will myself to give it to myself, but I just closed my eyes & did it, LOL. I think the anticipation is worse. Good Luck!

bumble Keeping you in my thoughts for a BFP!!!

[TazLuv]

Bumble - you are most definitely in our thoughts.

Jody - I psyched myself out with my first shot as well but you get used to it. My hardest time with the Repronex has been getting the cap off of the smaller needles without bending them - I have to ask one of the nurses if I'm doing something wrong. Good luck!

I'm going right now to give myself my Ovidrel - we'll find out on the 31st if this cycle worked. :)

[Chris~n~Jen]

Thanks guys for the imput on the at home SA. Looks like everyone is saying the same thing. We talked about it last night and we're just going to have a regular SA done. He's going to call a urologist (sp?) and see how much it is going to cost us out of pocket to get it done. He'll also have to figure out if his health insurance (which doesn't cover him for another couple of months) would even cover it at all. Then we'll make a decision about whether to do it now or wait until he is covered by insurance. :rolleyes:

Got the call from my doctor with my CD21 bloodwork results. I'm normal! My progestren level was 10.1. She said the normal range was 4.4-28. I'm glad to know I'm normal but was really thinking that this was the reason we haven't gotten preggo and was actually anxious to get some meds to "fix" the problem. Now I just have to wait and see what the CD3 estrogen says.

I hate all this waiting. :(

[kazata]

jess Sorry about the breast cyst. Glad you got it taken care of.

belle Glad that you are feeling positive.

pocahontas Wow, that was close. What did your lap reveal? What did they do while in there? Hopefully it will be the key for both of us. I'm trying to feel positive going forward, though it's hard after all this time TTC with nothing.

alioop Sorry about the BFN. :(

bumble Good luck this cycle!

jody I'm sorry you have to do the injections. There's a blood clot disorder that runs in my family, too (it's not Factor V, it's a different one, but thankfully I was tested and don't have the gene, but my cousins have had to do the heparin shots). Hopefully it will be as easy as everyone says and it will get easier with time.

Chris-n-Jen It's such a double edged sword, isn't it? On the one hand we want to be "normal" but on the other, we want to have a problem to "fix."

*********

ME: AF is in the house. This is a good thing. (It feels so weird to say that, but seeing as there was no possible way I was pg as we didn't BD after my lap, and I was ovulating on the side where they removed the tube anyway, I'm happy to be moving on with a "fresh" cycle.) I am trying to think positive and I actually feel like I *could* get pregnant, which is amazing, because I haven't really felt much hope in a long time. As long as I ovulate on my left side - where I still have a tube. I go in for an u/s next Thursday to see what side I'm o'ing on. So, send lots of leftie vibes.

[knoelani]

jody~ Good luck with your first shot! It really does get easier with time and practice.

Taz~ Good luck triggering and with the 2ww!

kazata~ I'm sending you leftie vibes!

jess~ I hope the results from the cyst come back clear. Good Luck to you.

Bellefior~ I'm so glad that you're feeling so good about the place that ya'll are at now. You're weekend sounds like a lot of fun and yummy food!

Well, for the first time in about 50 days, I actually have something to report. AF showed yesterday, I went in this morning for an u/s and no cysts, so we're clear (finally) to start a new cycle. I've ordered my meds and should get them tomorrow and also start them tomorrow. I'll go back on Sunday for a follie check. I'm just so happy that we can take action again instead of just sitting around and waiting for my stupid body to cooperate.

[jodylovesscotty]

I am back from the RE's. I did the first shot with help from the nurse. It was a breeze. The needle didn't even hurt. I guess it is good to have a little bit of flab! I have to take 2 vials of powder a day (150 units) until Sunday. On Sunday I have an ultrasound to see where the eggies are at and then they will adjust my doses if need be. Thanks for everyone for reassuring me that it wouldn't be that bad.

knoelani~ Glad AF made her appearance and that the next cycle is underway. Looks like we are on the same cycle! I hope this one is it for you:)

kazata~ Now that I have the dreaded first shot out of the way, I feel great. I know that I can do it now. Glad to hear you don't have the clotting disorder. I would have never known it had I not gone to the RE.

Chris~n~Jen~ Glad your tests came back normal! I lurk on the ttc w/charting thread and saw that someone told you a SA would be around $300. They must live in Hollywood or something. Everyone I have talked to (and DH's) were no more than $150. I don't know that I would wait for insurance if you can swing the money. As I found out, all my tests were fine and I was the one doing all the testing all the while it was DH's sperm that was the problem.

TazLuv~ Thanks for the reassurance. It wasn't as bad as I thought. I actually didn't feel anything until I shot the medicine in and that wasn't that bad either. Hope this is the cycle for you!

jeggink~ Glad your first shot went well! I guess once I get pregnant the heparin will be nothing after giving myself shots to get pregnant.

[pocahontas]

pocahontas Wow, that was close. What did your lap reveal? What did they do while in there? Hopefully it will be the key for both of us. I'm trying to feel positive going forward, though it's hard after all this time TTC with nothing.

ME: AF is in the house. This is a good thing. (It feels so weird to say that, but seeing as there was no possible way I was pg as we didn't BD after my lap, and I was ovulating on the side where they removed the tube anyway, I'm happy to be moving on with a "fresh" cycle.) I am trying to think positive and I actually feel like I *could* get pregnant, which is amazing, because I haven't really felt much hope in a long time. As long as I ovulate on my left side - where I still have a tube. I go in for an u/s next Thursday to see what side I'm o'ing on. So, send lots of leftie vibes.

They found Stage 1 (mild) Endo which they lasered off. That was it. (And I completely understand about being happy to start AF. Mine came 3 days early and I didn't even mind! :D I was just happy to "get the show on the road." LOL :p

[suzfuzsunflower]

Bumble - I hope that your IUI went well, and that you get good news in 2 weeks! :)

[looty]

Thanks for the welcomes! I guess I will just go ahead and join up since I am lurking here anyway. I will probably continue to lurk a bit until I have my next test (in about 2 weeks probably).

Me: Ali, 26
DH: John, 33
Married: May 26, 2001
TTC since July '05
Issues: Dh's sample showed coagulated sperm but dr didn't seem too concerned about it since everything else was good.
Testing:
6/06:Bloodwork for me, SA for DH
7/06:failed HSG

Chris n Jen~I just wanted to say that on our statement from the insurance they charged right around $160 for the SA.

Back to reading along (even though I may post more than I think right away).;)

[skb]

bumble You're in my thoughts for a successful IUI. The injectibles and IUI are sure to help! Positive vibes. Interesting stuff about the clomid. By your doctors measure it is not working for me either. I don't get it. My doc basically looks for 1 lead follicle not multiple follicles. My first round of clomid produced 2 large follies but one was annovulatory. My 5th cycle produced 3 large follicles but the extra targets didn't help. The remaining 3 cycles I am only aware of 1 large follicle at trigger time. Hhmmm.

alioop I know.....this just plain sucks. I've lost track of how many cycles it's been now...over 25 for sure. Who can keep track! But you sound like you have a good plan of attack. I know we all feel like going MIA at times because we just get sick of it all. Speaking of....where are you patience?

jess Hope you're recovering well. Even though you've been assured it's benign...must have been a bit scarey all the same. Take care.

kazata ****Leftie vibes from me too.**** Maybe we should change your screen name to south-paw :D Only us infertiles would know what it means!

jody Congrats on the shots.

Welcome aboard looty. I'll have to review your posts but what do you mean you failed your HSG?

[Patience]

skb I'm here. I haven't felt like posting because nothing is going on with me. I'm going through one of my "I'm-never-going-to-get-pregnant-phase-so-why-bother-being-optimistic" phase again. I've been reading along though.

Update on me: I think I O'ed last Tuesday (CD19 - kinda late for me since I started IF treatments), but judging by my temps, it doesn't look like a strong O. I kinda have doubts as to whether I've O'ed. I hope I'm not back to my annovulatory cycles.

My RE office called to tell me that I've been approved for an u/s for CD3 of my next cycle. After some discussion with my DH, we've decided to go forward with one cycle of Clomid+IUI and just pay everything out of pocket instead of waiting until my insurance kicks in next year. Unfortunately the timing won't work to do the IUI next cycle because we're going on vacation in early Sept. But hopefully I'll bring back a permanent vacation souvenir because I'm expecting to O during my vacation.

That's all for now. Before I forget, congrats to jeggink. Fingers crossed that this little one will stick. Happy and healthy pregnancy to you!

BTW, good luck to everyone in their 2WW. I'll be back with SO's when I'm in a better TTC mood.

One last thing, welcome looty!

[looty]

Thanks skb and Patience.

The thing that happened with the HSG is that when I went in to get it done my dr had a really hard time getting the dilator in (tried 5+ times before getting it in) and then after she placed that she still couldn't get the catheter in (even after 6+ times). She said she has never had that happen but that the dilator was difficult because my cervix was closed so strongly and that due to that and the catheters they had being too flimsy she couldn't do it. She tried many times and apologized profusely for not being able to get it done but said that she had tortured me enough and that a sturdier catheter would be too painful to use while I was awake.

I have 2 options. My first option is to try an HSG again next cycle but this time I would be sedated so she could use the bigger catheter and have more equipment available in the OR. My second option is to get a lap done. At this time I am leaning toward just doing the HSG first. I am kind of scared of getting the lap. The hard thing about the decision is that there is no right answer. I want to try to avoid a lap (but at the same time if that is what is going to help us get pg the fastest I want to do that). I am sure you all know how it is. My DH thinks that if we go straight to the lap it woud be like skipping a step and the timing isn't the greatest to take time off (the very beginning of the school year because I am a teacher). So I think we are going to do the HSG and then see if that helps anything first.

Okay that was really long winded...sorry!:o

[isign]

suz - I triggered on Fri. Sat I felt like crap, nausous, and kind of light headed. My injection site hurt for 2 days, and it didn't feel good to put pressure on that leg. Is that normal?

[jodylovesscotty]

Quick Question: For those of you who do injections. Do you have a trick to keep the red, hurt away? It didn't hurt when I did the shot, but a few hours later I got a red patch that is very tender around where I did the shot. Is this common? Any tricks to help avoid it?

[almostthere]

Almostthere
me: sarah - 28
dh: andy - 32
DD: Hailey - 3
married 6/2/01
started TTC #2 9/05
12/05 - Blighted Ovum - 9 wks
5/06 - Blighted Ovum - 6.5 wks
8/06 - Day 3 test came back elevated 12.1

I have been lurking for a while but guess it is time join since we have our first RE appoitment for on 8/28.

My history in 1995 and 1996 I had large bilateral ovarian dermoid cysts removed via laporscope, I was told some tissue was removed but what was left was healthy and should be fine. In 2002 after being married 6 months I started havinge extreme discomfort in the pelvic area and since some edometrosis was discovered in my first laps they put me on 5 months of lupron supression I was seeing a specialist then who felt that the pain was actually from adhesions from my first suregry, so we did a lap he removed the severe adhesions and he recommended we get pregnant then! To be honest we were not ready but without even trying we got pregnant with my DD.

Fast forward I have gotten pregnant 2x this past year the both ended in miscarriage due to abnormal chromosones. I also had a repeat of my dermoid cysts and had very involved surgery with the D&C in December. After my second miscarriage my doc and I decided we should do more testing - we got the devestating news on Monday night - my FSH level was 12.1 - not good at all.

They know think my the very limited tissue left has very porr egg quality and we may never get pregnant again with my eggs. He got us in right away with a fertility group as he believe my window is slim and he is and has been concerned about the return of my cysts and if they do they will probably remove what is left.

I am so overwhelmed as my research has shown this is not an easy problem to overcome as elevated FSH numbers do not respond well to fertility treatments.

Sorry for the lenghty first post, I have read through the thread and you all seem to know so much and i appreciate being able to be apart of this.

[TazLuv]

jody - that is the same feeling I got and after the soreness went away it itched. I have given myself five shots in the last week and have found that all my injection sites were the same.

[Jess71903]

Welcome, Almostthere! I hope your RE can give you some answers and you don't have to stay here long.

AF showed up, so I will be calling the Dr. today to schedule the lap. :(

[Chris~n~Jen]

Welcome Almostthere!

AF showed today. For some reason I wasn't really expecting it until this weekend so it really threw me off. So I'm not in a good mood at all.

I'll be going in for my CD3 bloodwork on Friday. Can someone tell me what is the most likely next step if CD3 comes back ok. CD21 was normal. I'm just trying to prepare myself for what might be the next step.

TIA!

[CTs_Punkin]

Almostthere
I also was diagnosed with high FSH (CD3 9.5 / CD10 14.4) and Premature Ovarian Failure. I was also given the basic bad news that there was around a 10% chance of ever getting PG with my own eggs.

However, at your age, please don't just give up. There are options. I am currently using acupuncture to try and bring my FSH levels down and hopefully make what eggs I do have left, healthier. I would recommend looking into this, as acupuncture actually has a pretty good track record when dealing with infertility.
Here is the link to the place I'm currently going to, but the information is really interesting and read the success stories... it's all quite promising.
http://www.thefertilitycure.com/

Granted, I'm not pregnant yet, but I really do believe that using acupuncture and western medicine will get me pregnant.

Sorry - off my soap box...

Just checking in - FF says it thinks I actually O'd.... but I'm not putting all my eggs in that basket. I'll have to wait for the next couple days to actually see if that's true or not... Although if I did infact O - it will be the first time naturally in over a year.

Congrats Jeggink - Sending you lots of sticky vibes!!!

[suzfuzsunflower]

Nurse just called. I did not ovulate.

I am really upset.

[jodylovesscotty]

suzfuzsunflower~ I am sooooo sorry:(

[Freckles]

Suz~ I am so very sorry that this cycle didn't workout for you. You deserve so much more. I hope you have a meeting with your RE to determine what the issue might be at this point. Keep the faith!!! {{{HUGS}}}

[TazLuv]

suz, I'm so sorry - I hope they can figure out why and set a plan for the next cycle. :(

Bellefior - sorry you're dealing with insensitive people again - they just don't get it.

[kazata]

skb Lol at "south-paw." :D

almostthere Welcome to our group! Sorry to hear about your dx, I hope that you can get some useful info. and get some encouragement here.

CT's punkin Wow! I hope you did O. How much acu have you done so far? I hope it's helping!

suz I'm so sorry. That just plain sucks. I hope they can figure out what is going on and come up with a new plan. Hugs.

belle I'm constantly amazed by your stories. Sorry you have to deal with all this crap. That's just stupid, there are so many things that aren't "fatal" that are covered by insurance. So, yeah, um, every time your co-worker goes to the doc it's for a life-threatening illness, wow, your co-worker must be really sick. I guess she's lucky insurance decided to pay for her births, I hear those can be pretty expensive, and usually not life-threatening. I mean it was her choice to get pregnant, right? :rolleyes: Gah, I can't believe anyone would tell you it was your "choice" to have infertility issues. Yeah, right!!!!

[suzfuzsunflower]

Hey. I have been given 2 options:
1.) Start a new cycle. Up the medication.
2.) Do more testing.

Doctor thinks that the medication was the wrong dosage. They were so worried about me over stimulating that I may have been on too low of a dosage. They said that even though I had a large follicle, the egg may not have been mature or it may not even have had an egg in it (does this sound right to you all?).

They are recommending trying another cycle with the same meds. just doubling the dosage. That means twice the cost. :( They are confident that is the problem and it isn't hormonal. What would you all do?

BTW, my progesterone was under 1. That's way too low to have ovulated, right? I had some spotting this afternoon. I'm glad that I received my phone call earlier today or I would have thought that it was implantation spotting and would have been excited. :(

So...I just wanted to make sure of something with you all....since you all know so much....with my progesterone being so low, there is no way that I ovulated, right? I didn't ovulate early, right?

[looty]

Welcome almostthere! Sorry to hear your diagnosis and I hope that you are able to find something that will help you get pg with your own eggs.

Sorry about AF Jess. Good luck with the lap. You'll have to tell me how it is.

Oh no unexpected AF is worse than normal AF Chris n Jen. I don't know the next step. Sorry I can't answer more. I'm still learning like you.

Sorry to hear that you did O Suz. I hope whatever you try next time works better. I am still learning a ton so I have no idea about you question. Sorry.

It seems like you have some of the most unsupportive people around you Belle. I can't believe some of the things people say to you. They are lucky they are still alive.

[Freckles]

Suz~ Progesterone 7dpo: A level over 5 probably indicates some form of ovulation, but most doctors want to see a level over 10 on a natural cycle, and a level over 15 on a medicated cycle. So, you didn't ovulate. I know in the past when I was on clomid my follicles would just grow into cysts, and therefore I never ovulated on clomid. I know you were told at one point you had a follicle of 30mm---that is the size of a cyst instead of a follicle carrying an egg. As to increasing the dosage on the injectables...I think that is probably a good idea, so you can grow more and better follicles from the get-go. I had to have my dosage increased each IUI cycle until they got it right. I actually had to switch from Follistim to Gonal-F as well.
Lots of *~*~babydust~*~*

[jodylovesscotty]

Tazluv~ How long did the big, red, hurting sore last? I just gave myself my second one and this time I soaked in the tub (RE recommended it) afterward to see if it helps.

suzfuzsunflower~ I would up the dose as well and try again. I know when I took 50mg of clomid I might as well as not have taken it because it didn't do anything different than my body already did. It wasn't until I took 100mg that it did something. What med. are you taking and how much?

[suzfuzsunflower]

The day just gets better and better...just talked to insurance and they won't pay any of my meds. I really thought that I had read in the insurance handbook that they would (but they are trying to say they don't have to pay on some technical language crap) :mad: . So we will not get any of the $600 we spent this cycle on medication back. And if we have to double the dosage, we will not get any of the over $1000 on meds. back.

So I don't know if there will be another cycle right now. I am very bummed.

[jnshanna]

Oh man, Suz. I'm so, so sorry. Insurance SUCKS! :mad: Hang in there. I wish I had something to say that would make you feel better. {{Hugs}}

I know I don't post as often as I should but I'm always reading along and sending positive thoughts to you all.

Fancy seeing you here, looty. ;) I wish you didn't have to join but it's a good choice. These ladies have so much info!

Sorry about AF Jenifer & Jess. :(

How rude of your coworker, Bellefior! I can't believe that. You've been encountering a lot of rude people lately. Grrrr.

So, update on me. I had my blood work done and it turns out I have PCOS. I'm getting a glucose test done this weekend and then I'll start Metformin. In 6 weeks I'll get re-checked and DH will also get a repeat SA then and we'll go from there. If DH has a sperm count this time (PLEASE!) I'll start Clomid too and hopefully I'll ovulate and we can at least do an IUI if we can't conceive on our own. I was pretty bummed about having PCOS at first but now that I've let it sink in and I've met with my dr I feel much better about things. I can deal with it now. At least it's something that I can fix with meds.

Threadmistress, could you please update my stats? Thank you! :)

JnShanna
Me: Shanna (30)
DH: Jose (31)
Married: October 1, 1994
Charting since: August 2005
Off BC: July 2005
Issues:
11/12/05 first known anovulatory cycle (2 others since)
05/26/06 SA - abnormal, zero sperm count (DH started Clomid every other day to increase testosterone)
07/07/06 Confirmed Clomid is working and is increasing testosterone - Continue with Clomid (Will repeat SA in 3 months)
08/11/06 Diagnosed with PCOS
08/20/06 Glucose 2 hour fasting test
08/21/06 Start Metformin (500mg 1st week, 1000mg 2nd week, 1500mg 3rd week, 2000 4th week)
What's next? In 6 weeks, repeat SA and bloodwork for DH and repeat blood work for me.

[Jess71903]

Seems like it's been a rough day in the SWH thread!

Suz- I am so sorry you didn't O and that you have this decision before you, now complicated by stupid insurance. I don't know how technical the language is that you are talking about, but you might want to call and talk to someone else and see if you can't get another answer (and get it in writing!). I don't really know how all of that works, but I know sometimes they tell you "no" hoping you won't push it.

Bellefior- is this the same crazy lady that is always making stupid comments to you? Sounds like she needs a good punch in the face! How is anybody that stupid and insensitive!!! And why is it any of her business???? I always say I wouldn't wish infertility on my worst enemy, but I am thinking it's too bad we can't wish it on her! You know, if it keeps up, you might talk to your boss about it and see if you can't at least get out of earshot of her (I guess depending on how big your office is).

Jen- Oh, surprise AF sucks!!!! I kinda had the same thing happens, since I thought I O'd later than FF said. CD 1 for me too!

amostthere- I am sorry your Dx doesn't hold good odds, but like the other ladies said, don't lose hope! These ladies know more about it than I do, so I will let them go with the advice!

CTs- I will have to check out that link. I am all about alternative medicine. I went to an herbalist a while back and he gave me and DH stuff. I think DH's worked for a vericocele-he no longer has pain, but mine for thyroid support did not do anything to raise my temps. I should go back to him if the lap shows nothing and see what he says.

me- just got a call from the Dr. that the labs on the fluid aspirated from my breast showed nothing abnormal. YAY! I kinda knew it, but it's a relief.

I called to try to schedule my lap today but my Dr. got busy and didn't get a chance to look at my stuff before the end of the day. Thursday is her surgery day, and I wanted to get it done really early in my cycle as to not miss O due to sex restriction after the proceedure, but it looks like that won't happen. It will probably be next Thurs, which will be CD 9, so unless the surgery pushes back O, this month will be a bust for sure. I did find out that my insurance will pay for it though, so that's good. I am so impatient. I feel like I can't sit out 1 cycle. It's taken 14 so far, so I don't know why 1 would be that important to me, but it is. You girls talking about having to wait until January to continue treatments or whatever are so strong! I don't think I could do it!

[TazLuv]

jody, I was only sore for a day or so and then it switched to the itch. I'm sure it will get better. I don't even notice the one I gave myself yesterday today.

suz, there aren't even words for your frustration I'm sure - I'm so sorry!

[suzfuzsunflower]

Hi Ladies. I really appreciate the support that I have received from you all today. I'm so glad that I have a place to come and find out information and to share this journey.

I have read all of the posts today...but being that it is almost 8 p.m. and I am still not ready for the kids to come back to school tomorrow...I really need to be working on school stuff. I have been so distracted today, and have had a really tough time working.

I just wanted to post to thank you all...and to also tell you all that I am not going to "roll over and die" on this insurance issue. I re-read my policy, and I think that they should pay the amount that it says. So I'm going to call back tomorrow. They may not change their minds, but I'm not going to let this go without at least giving it my best shot!

[knoelani]

suz~ I wanted to chime in too...I'm really sorry that the prog. levels showed that you didn't o. Hopefully next time with an upped dose it will work. The insurance sitch sucks, I'm sorry you had to deal with that on top of everything else.

On other news...my husband is a dork. He's always given me my trigger shot (because it goes in the butt cheek), but has never paid much attention to the rest of the shots. I kinda discouraged him from doing them, knowing that I travel so much and I need to be comfortable doing them. Anyway, tonight as I was pulling everything out of the fridge to get ready, he got all excited and asked if he could do it. So I had to show him how to load the cartridge, check for air bubbles, and how to hold the skin and do the injection. He quickly did it, acting like a little boy before Christmas. Very strange, wierd, and cute all at the same time!

I hope everyone is doing well!

[Jess71903]

khoelani- HAHA! That's probably how my DH would be too! He is an RN and reaches for my hand sometimes, and I think "aw, how sweet. he is going to hold my hand" but no, he is tapping the top of my hand feeling for my veins. He says he is practicing!

Not much going on with me. Still dont know when I will have my lap. You know,when my Dr. told me about what the next step could be, she explained it to me as, I could have an HSG, lap, or do both at the same timeI think it was suz that told me that she probably explained it to me that way, but that she would probably be looking at my tubes during the lap, not actually having 2 separate proceedures. Well, I called yesterday to tell them I wanted both the HSG and lap (since that's how she explained it to me) and they put the info on her desk. She sent a note back that said "which one" and wasn't in the office today for them to tell her what I meant, so I still won't know until at least tomorrow. I am hoping all of this stalling won't put me out of the schedule for next week. I have decided I can fudge a little on the sex restriction and maybe the proceedure will delay O and we will still have a chance this cycle.

[knoelani]

Jess~ That's funny about your dh. It's got to be frustrating to not know what the RE meant, hopefully that'll get cleared up tomorrow. Cute puppy, btw :)

[Asha]

jess - do you mean having to abstain/use protection with an hsg? i would not fudge that restriction at all. they have this policy in place because if you do get pregnant from having sex the hsg will cause you to lose the pregnancy. they want there to be no chance that you are preg. during an hsg. i know it stinks to have to wait another cycle but it is a safety precaution.

[Jess71903]

Asha- No, I am talking about the restriction they put you on after a lap (I think to prevent infection). I know I wouldn't want to be pg when I get the HSG. Since I was working under the impression that I would have whichever proceedure before O, I wasn't worried about abstaining before the proceedure. Now I am not sure, though, since they didn't call me today and they closed at noon :mad: (I just called and found that out). They make me so mad!

knoelani- Thanks! Your puppies are cute too! :p

Bellefior- I am proud of you for joining the support group! I am sure it will help you deal with the IF issues.

[kazata]

Belle I've been to the peer-led support groups sponsored by Resolve, but not to the professionally led groups. I think it's pretty helpful, it's basically just a group of women who tell their stories or ask questions/provide answers/support. It's also a nice way to get recommendations for local clinics, counselors, doctors or acupuncturists, and think about different options, etc. In that way it is similar to what this board offers, but I enjoy some of the personal interaction too. I think the difference with the professional led groups is that they have some training in counseling and incorporate that as well. Good luck, I hope it helps you!

Jess It sounds like if a lap is scheduled this cycle it would be on CD9 (my RE did his surgeries on Thursdays too), CD2 would have been too early (they won't do it during AF because your uterus looks different at that time), and they want to do it before O, so CD16 will be too late. As far as the sex restriction - my RE never specifically mentioned "no sex for x days" to me, but my abdomen was very swollen for about 4 days after the lap - I don't know, maybe it's just me, but when it hurts to laugh, or to sit up, I'm not thinking about sex, either. I was happy to just take it easy and let my insides "heal" for a bit.

[kazata]

Belle sounds like a good plan - I'm actually curious as to the professional led groups - I think that they could be very helpful. But for me it was just the opposite - the peer led group was 5 minutes from my house - couldn't be more convenient, whereas the professional ones are farther away.

[Jess71903]

kazata- thanks for the info. I read through the lap thread and it seemed like several ladies said their dr.s said no sex for 2 weeks ! I had heard one week. Good to know that's not necessarily the case. I know we won't if I don't feel like it, but I would like to think we would have a chance, too.

[suzfuzsunflower]

Hi ladies. First time in here in 2 days. I'm usually in here daily (if not multiple times per day). Still feeling down about everything. Still reading along...

I think that DH and I are going to wait one cycle for more treatment, b/c I found out after talking to my doctor that I somehow have never had my FSH checked. :mad: RE said that it's b/c I'm so young, that it would be very unlikely that I would have high FSH and be in premature ovarian failure/perimenopause/whatever. I'm a little upset that this has never been done, as I believe that it is an essential part of the fertility workup. I am not happy with my RE right now!!! BUT...I don't really have a choice in RE's...

So I'm going to get my FSH checked once I take the provera for a period. I don't think my RE is going to be happy, b/c the dr. wants me to go straight into a treatment cycle and just up the medicine. I don't want to go through this again and not have it work at all.

Do you all think I am doing the right thing with getting it checked? For those of you with high FSH, what were your symptoms? Did you ever ovulate on your own?

Our insurance is still being a pain, but it looks like we're having a little progress.

[SAI Ladies]

Updated to Here!

Congratulations, Jeggink!

Welcome looty and Almostthere!

Many of our graduated members have had their babies. Their stats have been updated if you would like to view.

[almostthere]

suzfuzsunflowe - I have just joined and am in a bit of a funk myself so not able to do good shout outs but have been reading along. Just so you do not worry overly much, having a high FSH number for me is most likely correlated to my numerous pelvic surgeries and removal of cysts from my ovaries. I really did not have traditional symptoms as I ovulate monthly between 14-19 days my regular doc felt that alone meant we did not need to worry. However after my second miscarriage we both decide to be on the safe side to check it. Looking back know I have very scant menses - so they are regular but maybe 1-2 days long, never heavy. Also my ovulation date is moving forward - so my cycles are shortning. I also have very bad ovulation pain starting from like day 3-4 of my cycle - which my doc says could be because my brain is starting early to work on getting my ovaries to produce eggs. I also have alot of pain because I have little tissue left and it is small so if a follie is big it hurts the tissue as it expands.

Sorry this was so long. I also think you should def have it checked as it is a easy, non invasive test which can help determine what you will best respond to in terms of fetility treatments. I know it is hard to sit one more cycle out and even though you are young I think it is very important.

[knoelani]

suz~ I think that it's smart to want as much information as possible, especially before you move forward with what may not be the right meds and spend the money again. If you want your fsh level checked before another cycle then by all means have your dr check the level and then move forward with either a more informed outlook or a perhaps a little more relief that there isn't another problem. You're the patient, don't let your dr push you into another cycle without the test if that's not what you want. I hope you're doing better today.

[isign]

I have a quick question - I am 7DPO ( I think) and I am running a low fever. Can I take advil or anything?

[pocahontas]

kazata- thanks for the info. I read through the lap thread and it seemed like several ladies said their dr.s said no sex for 2 weeks ! I had heard one week. Good to know that's not necessarily the case. I know we won't if I don't feel like it, but I would like to think we would have a chance, too.
You may have heard right just depending on what RE you go to 'cuz mine said 1 week after my lap for no sex also. Everything else was 2 weeks (i.e. exercising, heavy lifting, etc.)

[suzfuzsunflower]

I have a quick question - I am 7DPO ( I think) and I am running a low fever. Can I take advil or anything?

My doctor said that only take tylonel (spelling incorrect...) when you may be pregnant.

[jodylovesscotty]

suzfuzsunflower~ I hope that the blood reveals something that will help the doctor out.

I just got back from the RE's again. He upped my dose of repromex to 3 vials (225 IU). I go back on Tuesday for a repeat ultrasound. I had 4 follicles that were over 12mm!

[GA_GAL]

Hi Girls,

I feel so bad for being a slacker when it comes to this group, but I spent the summer out of town, relaxing, and trying not to think about our infertility struggles. I have to say that it was nice to have worry about giving myself injections, follicle scans, etc. Now that I'm back and ready to proceed, I feel that I have a new outlook on the entire process.

DH and I had a consultation with our RE before starting treatment again. She suggested I try Letrozol days 3-7 with Menopur injections days 5-8. I felt this was going to be taking a step backwards (since I was only doing injections before...at a much higher dose), but every time I've done menopur it hasn't worked for me...or worked too well. I always end up producing too many mature follicles and then am not able to do the ovodril shot for risk of high-order multiples. Since I've had the summer to not be stressed out she thought Letrozol might work for me. They thought my stress level could have been affecting my fertility. At the beginning of my testing I had elevated cortizol levels (DH and I moved states for his job, I had to quit my job, find another one, search for a home in an over-priced market, live in a hotel room for 2 months...the list goes on and on). Being a type-A personality, stress is just part of my life, but I'm really trying to work on it. In addition to my regular workouts, I've been taking yoga and have even thought about acupuncture. Have any of you tired that? What were your experiences like?

Anyway, I had my cycle day 9 follicle scan this morning and there seemed to be 2 follies measuring about 11 mm each. After b/w results, they told me to do two more nights of meopur and I'll be back for a second follicle scan on Tuesday. I hate having to keep going in (I'm a teacher and it is so hard to be late to work) but thankfully I was able to get a very early apt.

Threadmistress, could you please update my stats

GA GAL
Me:25
DH:25
Married: 12/03
TTC:9/05
HSG: all clear
1/06-2/06: testing
3/06: Menopur injections and trigger shot, BFN
4/06: Cysts on both ovaries
5/06 - menopur injections and trigger shot, BFN
taking the summer off to de-stress and re-group
8/06: Letrozol and Menopur injections

I'm trying to catch up on the SO, and I promise as time goes along I'll be better about it...

jodylovesscotty: Sorry if I missed this on an earlier page, but are you planning to do a trigger shot? Will your RE let you do it with 4 mature follicles?

knoelani : I can totally relate to you! On my first cycle with injections, I let my DH give them to me. He LOVED it for some odd reason. His parents are both in the medical field and I think it stems from that. He travels a lot for work so I ended up having to give the injections myself, but do this day he asks if he can give them to me!

suz: Hopefully the testing will give you some more insight as to what is going on and you're RE will be able to make a better treatment plan moving forward from here. I noticed you said you were a teacher, too. I teach 1st grade. Is your principal understanding when you have appointments?

Almostthere: I'd be interested to hear more about your acupuncture. I've thought about trying to for my stress levels, but somehow think it would add to my stress!?!

[gymwidow]

Hi ladies. Sorry I went MIA for a few days. Hectic week, and lost my internet connection at home for a bit, but I'm back!

Not much to report. We had our IVF class last Tuesday. It was long and not very exciting. I already knew about all the drugs and the schedule since I was already at the end of my "prep" month and I knew how to give myself most of the shots. We did learn how to mix the HCG and do the PIO shots. Everyone's eyes got huge when they saw the PIO needles! The nurse kept repeating that the really big needle is only for withdrawing the med from the bottle. All the guys got to practice stabbing a dummy in the butt, and DH has been practicing on me ever since with the Lupron shots. Unfortunately his first night doing it he managed to hit a blood vessel and gave me a giant bruise on my belly, so he got really upset about hurting me. I had to reassure him that I really hadn't felt it at all and the bruise doesn't hurt, and he's now getting more used to it.

I finished the BCP last Monday (woohoo!), started spotting on Wednesday, and got AF for real on Thursday. It wasn't a bad AF at all, maybe because of the Lupron. I'm basically done now and am ready to get started! I had some trouble connecting with my RE's office, so I didn't make it in for CD3 b/w and u/s on CD3, but it's not a big deal since I'm still taking Lupron, so I'm going in tomorrow on CD5. I expect all will be fine and that I'll get to start my Gonal-F shots tomorrow night. I'm so ready!

Asha, yeah, with tubal issues, IUI won't do any good. It sounds like you have a good plan for going forward. It sucks that you have to wait, but you're right - your situation sounds like it will be much better then.

jody, great news on the injectables and all those follies! I've never had a red patch appear where I've given myself a shot, although I do find the injection site sometimes itches for a bit afterwards.

skb, Clomid "worked" for me, too, in that it got me to ovulate. But I also never got pregnant on it. So I'm a successful failure. ;)

suzfuz, I never had any s/e from the Ovidrel or HCG triggers, other than one month I was a little tender on the side of my butt where they shot me up. I'm so sorry you didn't O this month. :( With a level of under 1, I don't think there's really any chance you had O'd. Even if you O'd early, your prog. level would have been higher than that. I'm glad you're fighting the insurance people! Can't you have your FSH checked on CD3 of your next cycle, which would be before you'd start treatment anyway?

Jess, I'm glad your cyst is gone now and that it wasn't anything bad! I understand about not wanting to wait any cycles out. "Wasting" an entire month on BCP last month made me crazy, even though I knew it was for a good reason. I hope this month isn't a bust for you.

Bellefior, I'm glad your mock transfer didn't hurt! I second your letter to a co-worker, although I'd amend it to say "dear good friend". We had a friend last week sit there at lunch and lecture us as to why IVF should not be a covered treatment because it's not like it's "necessary" or anything. DH shut him up quickly because he saw how upset I was getting. What a jerk!

Alioop, hugs.......

bumble, I hope this is it for you!

kazata, leftie vibes to you!

knoelani, yay for a fresh cycle!

looty, welcome, officially! :) I think doing the HSG first is a good idea. Less invasive = better!

Patience, it sucks that you have to pay for it all, but I'm glad you'll have a chance to do an assisted cycle. I hope your vacation is one you will REALLY remember forever!

almostthere, welcome. High FSH isn't the greatest diagnosis, but there are still options! I hope you have a good first appt next week. Go prepared with a list of all your questions so you make sure you get all the answers you need.

jnshanna, sorry to hear about the PCOS diagnosis, but glad that you're doing okay with it. It's a very treatable disorder, so hopefully everything with your DH will check out and you'll be able to start meds that will get you Oing and pregnant!

isign, you can only take Tylenol. No Advil, Aleve, or anything ibuprofen or aspirin based.

GA Gal, I love acupuncture. I find it very relaxing. I think it de-stresses me, and it also helps me to know that we're doing just a little something extra to help the Western medicine along.

[jodylovesscotty]

GA_GAL~ Yes, my RE will let me trigger with that many follies. We are hoping there are more eggs for hubbies sperm to attack. However, he did have to warn me about multiple births. Wouldn't your RE let you trigger with that many?

[MrsR]

Hey ladies, I am still here, I just have been reading along with no time to post replies :(

Anyway, I FINALLY got my b/w results back from last Wednesday (the RE's office sent them out to be run by Labcorp so that insurance would cover it but they did not come back until this morning -- I am not really sure why a progesterone test took over 48 hours to do but, oh well . . .). Anyway, my progesterone level was 19. I spoke to the nurse and she said they want anything over 3 so, yay, I worried all weekend for nothing (I was afraid that if the IUI did work but my progesterone level was low, I could have had problems . . . ). Anyway, I can test at home on Wednesday -- fingers crossed b/c I am having a ton of FPS (my boobs are killing me and I am tired *all* *the* *time*) -- the nurse told me that it could happen b/c of the trigger shot, but jeez. . . I just want this 2ww to be over.

[Patience]

So I'm a successful failure. ;)

I like that term. I think I'll start using it too. Hope you don't mind, gymwidow. Hey, we gotta find something to amuse us during all of this right? :)

GA_GAL I've been doing acupuncture since October. After every treatment, I'm much more relaxed and I almost always sleep better afterwards. So, give it a try and see if it will de-stress you.

[gymwidow]

MrsR, good news! Fingers and everything else crossed for you.....

Patience, lol, I don't mind at all. Silly as it sounds, but I remembered that phrase (or something like it) from the movie Apollo 13! They used it in relation to the failed moon landing, but successful trip home, but I figured it applied perfectly in this situation, too! ;)


Not great news for me today. Even after 2 weeks on 10 units of Lupron daily, my estrogen level is high and I'm not fully suppressed. So I'm on 10 units for 3 more days and go back on Thursday for another round of b/w and u/s. I know it's not *bad* news, but I was all psyched up to start tonight and feel so disappointed that it's being postponed. At least now that I'm not starting yet, I don't feel bad about downing a can of Diet Coke. I need that caffeine to get rid of this headache!

[suzfuzsunflower]

I need someone to take over as threadmistress please.

I have only been threadmistress for a short amount of time, but I feel that I need to step aside and allow someone else to take over. DH and I have talked, and we are going to step away from medical TTC for an indefinate amount of time. We always thought that we would move on to IVF if injectables didn't work, but we are finding ourselves feeling pulled towards adoption. And so that is our plan for right now. We are going to research for a month or so, and then submit our application. We have some dear friends who adopted from Russia and had a very good experience, and we are thinking of doing the same. So for now we are moving on towards adoption, but may try to TTC in the future. I feel at peace with this decision, so I know that it is the best decision for us at the moment.

I will continue to check up on all of you, and wish you all the best. You are a wonderful group of woman, and I have been fortunate to have you all for support. I hope that your wish for children, either biological or adopted, will happen for you all soon. Good luck to you all. :)

I will miss being an active part of this thread.

And with that being said - please PM me if you are interested in taking over as threadmistress! :)

[suzfuzsunflower]

And our new threadmistress will be....

isign!

Please join me in thanking isign for agreeing to take over as threadmistress! Again, I wish you all the best, and I'll continue to read along from time to time! You all deserve to have your wish for a child fulfilled - and I hope that it happens soon! Let's get some BFP's in here soon! :D

Always cheering for you all...

isign - PMing you with thread information soon!

[SAI Ladies]

Thread is updated...and handed over to isign!

[jodylovesscotty]

suzfuzsunflower~ I am sorry to see you go, but at least it is on your terms. I wish you all the best and please do stop in and give a shout out!

isign~ Thanks for taking over.

[Patience]

suzfuzsunflower Thanks for your hard work as threadmistress. I wish you and your DH the best in your new path towards parenthood. I must confess that I've checked out the international adoption boards also. Please update us when you become a mother.

isign Thanks for taking over!

[GA_GAL]

suzfuzsunflower: I'm so happy that you and your husband have reached a decision you both feel comfortable and confident with. I'm sure that feeling "at peace" with your decision will make it a lot easier to move forward in your journey towards adoption. Please keep us posted!

MrsR: hope those FPS continue and you're 2ww passes quickly!

jodylovesscotty: My last two cycles I had 4-6 large follicles and instead of taking the Ovidril shot, my RE had me do Lupron instead. She said it would help me have more of a "regular/natural" ovulation...meaning maybe releasing only 1-2 follicles instead of all of them.

Patience and gymwidow: I'm really excited to look into acupuncture a little more. I read through the acupuncture thread on the FP board and can't believe how many people have had success with it. I guess now I need to find one near me that treats infertility.

I have an apt. first thing in the morning, so I'm keeping my fingers, toes, and whatever else crossed that the two follicles from Sunday have continued to grow...and that the others have stayed small so that I can take the Ovidril. I think I've also convinced DH to do an IUI this cycle. We haven't done one yet because his SA was fine, but if it is going to help increase our odds I'm all for it and he is too!

[knoelani]

suz I'm sorry to see you go, and without a bfp, but I am glad that you two have reached a positive decision together. I wish you much luck in your adoption journey and in the future. Keep us updated on your journey.

isign Welcome to the group & thanks for taking over as threadmistress!

[jnshanna]

I'm sad to see you go, Suz, but I'm glad that you and DH have come to a mutual agreement and that it feels right. I'll miss your posts! Good luck to you on your journey to motherhood. :)

Here's an update for my "issues" section, isign. Thank you! And congrats on being the new threadmistress.
Issues:
11/12/05 first known anovulatory cycle (2 others since)
05/26/06 SA - abnormal, zero sperm count (DH started Clomid every other day to increase testosterone)
07/07/06 Confirmed Clomid is working and is increasing testosterone - Continue with Clomid
08/11/06 Diagnosed with PCOS
08/20/06 Glucose 2 hour fasting test - Passed
08/20/06 Start Metformin (500mg 1st week, 1000mg 2nd week, 1500mg until next RE appointment)
What's next?
9/15/06 Repeat SA for DH
9/24/06 RE appointment for me

[kazata]

suz We're gonna miss you around these parts. I wish you all the best in your adoption journey. I'm glad that you are at peace with this decision and that you and your DH figured out this is what you want to do.

isign Thanks for stepping up as threadmistress.

GA-GAL Wanted to add that I am really enjoying acupuncture as well. Definitely helps to relax you. If nothing else, it forces you to just relax/rest for an hour and have some "you" time. Hope that you can find a good one in your area!

*****
Me: Had acupuncture yesterday, and we focused on "left ovary" points. I go in on Thursday for an u/s to see which side I'm ovulating on - hopefully the acu. works and it will be the left - in which case we will try naturally this cycle.

[Freckles]

suzfuzsunflower~ http://www.chittielounge.com/forum/images/smilies/goodluck.gif with the adoption process. What an exciting time for you! http://www.chittielounge.com/forum/images/smilies/hug2.gif

SAI Ladies~
http://www.chittielounge.com/forum/images/smilies/dust.gifhttp://www.chittielounge.com/forum/images/smilies/pink_babydust.gif

[Jess71903]

Congrats on your decision, suz! We will miss you, and will be thinking about you as you begin the adoption process!

isign- thanks for taking over!

I called my dr's office AGAIN today and told them I had been trying to schedule this thing a week and I wanted to know what was up. The receptionist said that the schedule girl said she had me in for next Thursday if that was ok with me. This has all made me decide to start looking for another dr. that will pay some attention to me. I am suck of this. I am thinking I may email all of my local friends and see who they recommend.

[isign]

Acupuncture - I am really interested in this. Could someone share their experiences and what exactly they do?

[almostthere]

Acupuncture -

I had my fisst consult and treatmeant last Monday and i was fascinating. When I explain it it will sound hooky but I really believe what she way saying. The thought behind it is that it gets your blood flowing better and encourages better, stronger ovulation from that and healthier egg maturation. Basically each person is different but for me she felt my pelvic region was cold and i had alot of stagnit blood from previous surgeries and the idea was to get the blood moving. Also each region is ruled by a differnt governing organ so for th ovaries it isthe kidneys and we want them to function better so less coffee etc that slows them down.

she did not have me take any herbal supplements for know just suggested i increase my folic acid from 800 mg to 1600 mg - which can never hurt. i really enjoye dthe experinec though would not say I was totally relaxed. I did ovulated the day of it though and had a nice temp jump the nect day.

sarah

[kazata]

Jess Sorry that you are so frustrated with your doc's office. Is there any way that you could switch to an RE? I found that things flow so much better with an RE, you get all the monitoring, they are open 7 days a week, you get instant feedback, etc. etc. Plus, since you want to go the lap route - with an RE you might have somebody more experienced with the surgery and specific fertility issues, better able to recognize problems as well as fix them and hopefully keep any negatives to a minimum (ie scar tissue). I know that you want to get the show on the road - if you end up switching doc's you should still be able to get an HSG this cycle - and that shouldn't have to be scheduled on Thursdays for your doc as it isn't surgery and I can't imagine your OB would be the one doing it anyway, as its a radiologist (I think). That way you will at least be doing *something* this cycle - and you will have a better idea of what could be going on. I assume that you have had ultrasounds in the past and they didn't see anything problematic on those?

isign There's a thread about acu experiences on the family planning board. Basically your acupuncturist will ask you a bunch of questions, check your tongue and pulse and then treat you for any deficiencies. As almostthere mentioned, it is supposed to get the blood flowing better and focus energy on the reproductive organs. I can't explain it very well, but if you have specific questions let us know.

[gymwidow]

suzfuz, thanks for being our threadmistress! I think it's wonderful that you're pursuing adoption and I wish you all the best with that. I can't wait to hear that you've finally become parents!

isign, thanks for taking over!!! I love acupuncture. I find it virtually painfree (other than a mini-pinch when some of the needles are inserted) and I just picture it getting everything flowing to the right places so that we will succeed. As I understand it, the goal is to use the needles to stimulate certain areas of the body and the flow of blood within it. The needles can bring different results based on where they go. My acupuncturist has been focusing on getting an increased supply of blood to my girlie organs to get them working. Last night I told him we need them to shut down instead! He modified my usual treatment, so hopefully I'll get better news tomorrow after my next b/w and u/s.

GA GAL, IUI is so easy, I definitely think it can't hurt to add it to your regimen. It can only increase your chances, IMO. Good luck!

jnshanna, sigh, more waiting, huh? I hope the time till your next appointments goes fast!

kazata, good luck tomorrow!

Bellefior, I think that sounds like a perfect solution. I'm glad you have that peace of mind. It's so important while dealing with all this craziness!

Freckles, thanks! Rolling in it now............

Jess, good idea! I can't imagine going through all of this with an office as unresponsive as that! I hope you find a better one soon.


Nothing going on here. I'm anxiously awaiting my next monitoring tomorrow. My doc said if I'm still not fully suppressed, we may have to stop all meds and take a couple of weeks off and then try a different protocol. I REALLY don't want that. Please keep us in your thoughts tomorrow!

[jodylovesscotty]

gymwidow~ I will be thinking good thoughts for you and keeping my fingers crossed that it will be this cycle!!!!

I just called my RE and he gave me great news. Today is my last day of shots!!! I have to do my shot today (back down to 2 vials) and then do my two trigger shots at 6:00. Then I go in for IUI tomorrow morning and Friday morning! I have 4 good follicles so hopefully this cycle will work; what a great anniversary present it would be!

[gymwidow]

jody, thanks, I'll be thinking of you, too. Four follies is great!!! :)

[isign]

Thanks for the info on acupuncture. The last time I check (few months ago) there wasn't anyone in my area.

Jody - I hope this is your cycle!!

Question - this is my first cycle with clomid & monitoring (2nd with clomid). I only had 1 follie - 17MM. Is that good, ok, average? The tech said that my right didn't look like it was doing much of anything, but my left had the 1 follie. The Dr (who I saw briefly) said I looked ok, and said I'd ovulate 24-26 hours after the trigger, and then left. I waiting for progesterone test results from monday. They had gone home at 3 yesterday and I've heard nothing today. I am so new at all of this that I have no idea what should be going on. Should I have them look into the reason why the other ovary isn't working? The RE is almost 2 hours from here and I don't want to go that way, not yet.

[looty]

I only have a minute but I just wanted to say that I am still reading along but don't have a lot to add. Thanks for taking over though, isign!

I am on CD 3 now and I have an HSG and a hysterscopy scheduled for next Tuesday. I was planning on just doing the HSG but my dr said that since I am already going to be sedated (need to be due to the one that didn't work before and needing a 'firmer' catheter) that I should just go ahead and get the hysteroscopy. I said go for it. When I went for the info, I was shocked to see that there is no intercourse for 4 weeks!:eek: I guess I get to relax this cycle which isn't a bad thing, but I wish that relaxing could still include bd'ing. Oh well!

My question: Is the hysteroscopy any more painful than the HSG? Also I didn't think to ask but does anyone know why there is such a difference in the amount of time that bd'ing is prohibited between the 2?

[GA_GAL]

isign: I'm no expert, but from my experience I think that is totally normal. I've had friends who have taken Clomid and I believe the goal is to help you have a "normal" ovulation cycle (in which you just have one or two follicles growing to the mature size and being released). From what I can tell, those of us who take the injections are the ones who end up with multiple follicles. However, like I said, I'm no expert.

jody: Congrats on your 4 follies...hopefully this will be the month for you!

Bellefior: Glad you and your DH have come up with a good plan that you are both happy with. I feel like having a plan in place and knowing what the next steps are going to be have helped me tremendously...instead of just hoping for the best and not being sure what lies ahead.

Jess71903: Hopefully you can get some answers from your dr. office and at least get an apt. scheduled. I know that must be so frustrating. I agree with kazata in at least looking into a RE office. I was very reluctant at first because I didn't want to admit that I really had fertility "issues," but after seeing how great they are with scheduling, getting me in early AM, returning calls, answering questions, etc. I wouldn't got back!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I went on Tuesday for my second follie scan and had another follie "grow" and show up at about 12 mm. Now I have 3 all about that size. They are afraid that what happened on my last few cycles will happen again...over-stimulation and too many follices to trigger. I did no meds last night and only a half dose tonight (not really sure that it will do anything for me). I go in tomorrow morning for another follie scan. Hopefully the 3 they measured the other day will have continued to grow, but I'm expecting to have to continue with the injections for a few more days. We'll see...

[skb]

Nothing exciting for me. Just in the 2ww. 6th and final clomid cycle. I'm beginning to feel like a senior member of this thread :( :rolleyes:

I wanted to thank suz for being threadmistress. Best wishes to you and your dh with the adoption process. Take care.

Also, thanks to isign for taking over. All I can tell you about the clomid and tracking is this....My doc looks for one dominant follicle. Out of 6 cycles there has been a couple occasions where I had more than one mature follicle. That is why I asked a few pages back about what was meant by, "clomid didn't work for me." You may find the answers helpful.

looty I have had both a HSG (actually 2)and a hysterscopy. I found the HSG very painful. During the hysterscopy I had conscious sedation and was feeling no pain. I'm not sure what you mean about the bding. But any other questions about the hysterscopy let me know.

I have some cathcing up to do but on first glance....hello patience...glad you're not MIA afterall.

Sorry have to dash...............

[jjsanner]

(Cross-posted from the charting thread)

Hi ladies.

Real quick....I know some of you temp vaginally vs. orally. My question is whether the vaginal temps are higher than oral temps?

I **think** I o'd on CD 12 due to CM and general o pains, but I wasn't temping (this is a completely non-medicated cycle) and I didn't do OPK's this month. I started temping around CD 16 (vaginally) just to verify that I had o'd, and the temps were within my normal (oral) post-o range. However, three days ago I got a 99.0. I figured mabey I was experiencing a low grade fever, figured temp would come down the next day. Well, yesterday it was 98.8 and today again it was 99.0. In my past two pregnancies I never had temps that high. I tested yesterday (at what I thought was 11 DPO) and BFN. So now I'm thinking that my vaginal temps are substantially higher than my oral temps and mabey I didn't o until CD 21. I should add that I have never made it past 12 DPO without spotting, so I am officially late if I did indeed o on CD 12. Oh, and I havn't gotten very much sleep that past three days due to a crazy work schedule, although I did get three consecutive hours.

Thoughts?

[kazata]

Just back from the RE's office. Ultrasound showed a follicle on the left side. :D Yippee! So either the acupuncture worked, or my mind "willing" me to O on the left, or everybody's powerful leftie vibes, or it was a fluke, but who cares - it's on the "correct" side (can't say "right" hee hee). The only slightly negative was that the follicle was already at 18 mm (I think it might have been 16 something by 18 something), which means that I could O as early as say tomorrow - and we haven't bd'd the last couple days (I'm only at CD10). I hope that I don't O until the weekend - that way we can get a couple sessions in.

gymwidow Thinking of you - hope that you got good news at your u/s this morning as well.

jjsanner Hmmm - I can't remember if vaginal temps are supposed to be slightly higher or lower - but I know that it will vary from oral temps. Sorry I can't be more helpful.

GA-GAL Here's hoping that you don't overstimulate and just the three follies you have will continue to grow.

[Patience]

kazata Yay for the left side follie! You and your DH need to get busy! ;)

[gymwidow]

isign, 1 follie is good. That's the whole point of Clomid - to get you to O w/o having too many follies. The other ovary isn't necessarily not working, it just didn't produce the follie that fully matured this month. Next month (if there is a next month, which hopefully there won't be!) you may find that you produce a mature follie from the right instead!

looty, yikes, that's a long time! I hope they both go well and that you get some answers.

GA GAL, three is a magic number, so tell that body of yours to stop there! I hope you can trigger soon.

skb, how many DPO are you? I hope this 2WW passes quickly for you and ends with some great news!

jjsanner, I have no idea about vaginal temping. Sorry!

kazata, that's great!!! Go home and get some action now!


As for me, well, you have to give me this - if I do something, I give it 100%! Now that my body has gotten the hang of ovulating, it does not seem to want to stop. The Lupron is failing to suppress my production of FSH and my estrogen levels are continuing to go up and I am producing follicles.

Basically, my body REALLY sucks.

We have to wait now and see if I will produce a follicle that will mature and be ready to ovulate. I'm continuing to take the Lupron for 4 more days and will return to the doc on Monday for another round of b/w and u/s. If my estrogen goes down, then great, we can start the stims and continue on with this cycle. If it continues to rise and I have a mature egg, then we will trigger ovulation, wait for my next period, and then start again with a different type of suppression drug. Either way, we're looking at a delay of several weeks before we get anywhere near an ER or ET.

I am so upset. I know it's just a delay, but we've been trying so long and been through so many treatments and had to wait this long to just to get off the damn BCP and now to be told that we have more weeks to wait is really hard. We had planned our next few weeks around this, and now it's going to get hard because later in September we get really busy and stay that way for a while. I'm so frustrated with my body and with Mother Freakin' Nature and with having to just sit around and do nothing and not be able to control anything. :(

Sigh. I can't wait to go home and drown my sorrows in ice cream.

[GA_GAL]

gymwidow So sorry to hear you are feeling down in the dumps and frustrated about all of this. I feel the same way!

This morning I had my follie scan and the nurse was so positive...she said my lining was good, and I had one dominate follice (about 16.5 mm) on the left side with several others at 12-13 mm. She said it looked like I would probably trigger tomorrow (Friday) and then come in for the IUI on Sunday. I was so happy to know this worked for me and felt that even if I didn't get pregnant this month, I could still try this treatment option again.

Well this afternoon they called me at school to say that my estrogen levels droped dramatically (from over 100 to below 20) and they aren't sure why since they saw the good follie this morning. They also went ahead and tested my progesterone and she said that it was very low and that I had not ovulated yet. She said they are going to try and salvage the one good follie that I had this morning, that I should take a full dose of the menopur as soon as I got home and then another 1/2 dose later on this evening, and come back in tomorrow morning for another follie scan. I'm just so frustrated that my body won't do what it is supposed to and that just when it looks like things are working, they go down the drain. I'm trying to stay hopeful that tomorrow's scan will show something positive, but it is so hard being on this emotional roller coaster and I'm so sick of feeling this way. I just want to be pregnant and have a baby.

Hopefully I'll have a good update tomorrow afternoon...

[gymwidow]

GA GAL, I am so sorry. You can have some of my estrogen! My level should be below 75 and today it was 257! (up from 133 only 3 days ago) Wouldn't it be that nice if we could share? ;) I'll think lots of positive thoughts for you.


I forgot to add before that my RE said if I do end up ovulating next week, that DH and I should go ahead and BD and try naturally. He said it can't hurt! DH was very happy with this news. I haven't been in the mood much to BD lately, so I think he'll take whatever he can get!

[Patience]

gymwidow & GA_GAL Hugs to you both! I'm so sorry it's so frustrating for you guys. I'm hoping your situations will improve and your cycles won't be wasted. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[Jess71903]

Hi ladies!

gymwidow and GA_Gal - I am sorry your ovaries aren't cooperating! I hope things will even out and both of you can get your baby soon!

kazata- as always, thanks for the great reply. Another CC lady gave me the name of an RE group nearby. They also do regular OB/GYN stuff, so if I do go to them, I could leave my dr's office all together (YAY!). I plan to call them tomorrow and see if they have room for a new patient and ask some questions. I was resistant to going there because it is a little over 45 minutes away and like an hour and 1/2 from work, but I have decided that my care and comfort with a person whose job it is to look at my hoo ha and get me pregnant is worth the drive.

[skb]

gymwidow Yikes!! I hear you. Delays, delays. By time I get to IVF it will be close to 3 years for us....assuming we are able to go forward with IVF. To me, it seems as though you are coming down the final stretch...over this hurdle and you're almost there. Stay tough!

kazata You must have threatened your left ovary! I've told my hubby to pep talk his swimmers since I've done such a wonderful job providing targets.......but to no avail. Next time I'll have to try a little intimidation. Geesh....once there is a good egg and good sperm you'd think the rest would be a no brainer! :confused:

I'm half way through this wait.

[TazLuv]

Hi ladies - I've been MIA for that last few days because my parents are visiting and I'm in the boring 2WW anyway. Today is 9 days past trigger so I continue to wait. I'm still taking the progesterone suppositories. The only symptoms I have are very sore breasts and my lower abdomen area is very tender, I'm assuming both of these are because of the progesterone but we'll see.

I don't have time for SO's but will try to come back and catch up after my parents leave on Sunday - I hope everyone is hanging in there.

[Patience]

skb Good luck during your 2WW. Maybe this last cycle on Clomid will be your last cycle for a long time. Fingers crossed.

TazLuv Have a great weekend with your parents. Fingers crossed for you too.

Me - AF arrived first thing in the morning. Great start to my Friday and weekend. :rolleyes: I called my RE and scheduled an u/s for Monday. I'm also doing some bloodwork in preparation for my Clomid+IUI cycle.

[knoelani]

kazata YAY for the follie on the left side! I hope you and dh get a chance to make the best use of the target :)

gym Our bodies really are unpredictable and crazy aren't they? I'm so sorry that you continue to have to wait and see, best of luck to you and hopefully your body will start cooperating.

ga_gal Do they have any idea why the estrogen droped so much and so quickly? I hope everything went well this morning!

skb How's the wait going? I'm sending good luck vibes your way.

taz I hope you're having a good visit with family, good luck with the rest of the 2ww!

patience I'm sorry AF showed, hopefully this next cycle will be it for you!

As for me, still waiting for my follies to be ready. This has been an expensive cycle with using much more meds than I ever have, but hopefully it will be worth it. I go back in tomorrow morning for another check and I'm really hoping that she'll say to trigger on Sat and then do the IUIs Sunday & Monday, but we'll see.

Hope everyone is having a good Friday!

[GA_GAL]

knoelani: No idea why the levels dropped...they said during "dysfunctional cycles" that tends to happen. I know what you mean about the meds getting so expensive. I hope that your follies are ready!

Patience: hope AF doesn't put to much of a damper on your weekend.

TazLuv: Here's to a quick couple of days for you so that you can finally test and get out of the 2ww. My inlaws and my pregnant sister-in-law are coming to visit us in two weeks...can't say I'm exactly thrilled to see her.

gymwidow: sharing some of your estrogen would be great! I wish they could figure out a way to do that.

I didn't have good news yesterday. My follie scan showed a lot that were around 12 mm and 3 or so that were about 14-15 mm. My estrogen level stayed the same (very low) so they cancelled this cycle. I'm just very frustrated that nothing seems to be working and that I have to keep going through the emotional toll each month. I really am not sure how much longer I can do it. IVF has been suggested to me a lot because I produce so many follies, because I'm young and the chances would be really good, and the outcome of becoming pregnant would more likely occur. I've been working my way up to thinking about it more and more and after this, I'm ready. I just feel like even though it is expensive and I could do more rounds of this to see if it works, I'm just not up for it. The same thing happens each month and I can't/don't want, to do it again. The only problem is that my husband doesn't totally agree that we should move to that yet. I just need him to give me this...for my happiness, health, and sanity. We need to sit down and really talk, so hopefully I'll be able to have him see my point of view and agree to it.

Meanwhile, I've got to wait for my period to start (usually doesn't start on it's own) and then most likely wait out a month for these follies that will turn into cysts to go away...sigh.

[jodylovesscotty]

GA_GAL~ Sorry you had to cancel your cyle. Is it because of the low estrogen or the number of follicles?

knoelani~ Hoping the meds worked for you and that you are getting your IUI done this weekend:)

TazLuv~ Hope you come back in and give us a BFP update. The one thing I noticed different than the regular med. symptoms when I was pregnant is that my nipples really hurt,not just BB's.

kazata~ That is great that your ovary listened:)


As for me, I had my IUI's done on Thursday and Friday. Today (Sat.) I went in to make sure I ovulated before I start my wait. He said 3 out of the 4 eggs dropped and that the 4th one is still there (I saw it on the screen). So now I start back on the yucky progestrone suppositories and I go back on Sept. 7th for my test. So now I just sit and wait, but at least my belly gets a break from all the shots.

[knoelani]

ga_gal~ I'm really sorry your cycle got cancelled and that they don't have any answers to Why! I hope you and dh got a chance to talk about all this...none of it's easy.

jody~I hope these IUIs were the last ones you need to have! Good luck during the 2ww!

Still no IUIs for me, I have two good follies but they wanted to let them grow for a little bit more. I go back tomorrow for another check, hopefully we'll be ready then!

[gymwidow]

Patience, thanks. I am glad that we at least can try naturally this month. It doesn't feel so much like a wasted cycle that way, especially after losing out on last month b/c of the BCP. I'm sorry to hear about AF, but hopeful that the IUI will work for you this month!

Jess, thanks. I hope you can get into that new practice!

skb, thanks, you're right, this hopefully is just the last little hurdle and then we'll be getting somewhere!

TazLuv, I hope you had a good visit with your folks. How are you doing? When will you test?

knoelani, how are you? I hope you saw some nice mature follies today!

GA GAL, I am so sorry. I know just how you feel. We could have done another IUI or 2, but the emotional roller coaster was just too much for both of us. IVF is a huge scary expensive step (my ins. covered everything up to now, but not IVF), but I think we were both a little relieved when we decided to do it. Now if only we can get to it already!

jody, good luck waiting through the 2WW!


CD12 here for me and it looks like I'll be triggering tonight. Hmph. I had an 18.6 mm follie on my right ovary and another 4-5 that were in the 12 mm range. Just waiting for my estrogen b/w to come back, but by the looks of my insides, it'll probably still be high enough for them to have me trigger and O. Figures! I met with a nurse to go over the mixing of the HCG again and DH is prepared to give me the shot tonight. We'll go ahead and BD tomorrow night and Wednesday and see if we can make a miracle baby happen. If not, I'll wait out my next AF (no progesterone supps this time) and go in on my next CD3 and hope to start then.

The RE explained it to me this way: Lupron is an agonist, meaning it initially causes your brain to make FSH and estrogen, and then in its second phase, it's supposed to make the estrogen levels drop. My brain seemingly never got the second message, so my estrogen continued to go up. Next time we'll go with an antagon protocol, using antagonists. Those drugs don't first stimulate the making of the hormones, they suppress only. So if I go in on CD3 next time, without having taken Lupron or anything else before that could stimulate my body into making follies, I should be able to start right away on Gonal-F, and I guess the other suppression drug. At least this means no more BCP! Yay for that!

Given that I usually get AF about 12DPO, I estimate that my next CD3 will be 2 weeks from Wednesday. And if I respond as well as I usually do to the stims, then ER will probably end up being right about the time my DH is supposed to leave town for a business trip in September. Sigh. Oh, well, we'll deal with that when we get to it!

[TazLuv]

Ok, I went back a few pages and tried to catch up enough to do SO's but I just can't - I'm sorry, I'll keep up now.

gymwidow, I hope your body starts cooperating - I know how frustrating that can be.

GA Gal - ((((hugs)))) I hope things are getting better for you, I'm at the same point - I'm ready to just be pg as well.

Patience - here's hoping that a fresh start is what you need.

knoelani - I know what you mean about expense - DH and I looked at that yesterday and we're looking at almost $1,000 for this first cycle of course luckily there are some expenses that won't repeat if we have another cycle of drugs, tests, etc.

jody - I hope your waiting goes fast. Having a "real" 2WW is great, but frustrating.

*************
As for me...still just waiting. I'm so glad my parents were here last week, it made the first week go fast, of course getting into the refrigerator for suppositories twice a day and then heading to the bathroom probably seemed a little odd for them. I plan to test Thursday or Friday AM if AF hasn't shown. I triggered on the 15th so we DTD on the 15th & 16th so I figure Thursday/Friday is a clear 14 days and should be positive if its going to be. I'm having no AF symptoms (today is 13 dpt) but I'm also not really having any PS. Yesterday morning while laying in bed I noticed some mild cramping - not regular AF cramps, just strong enough to notice them. My boobs are still very sore but as long as I don't push on them, they're fine. :p We'll see, I'm trying not to get my hopes up because if AF does show I don't want to be disappointed, although I know I will be.

Ok, back to work - I hope everything is going well for everyone else, it seems like we're at least making some progress with a lot of the SAI ladies.

[skb]

bellefior You just don't seem to be able to escape it!

tazluv I've often thought these types of situations call for a mini-refrigerator in the bedroom. Glad you had a nice visit. Happy testing this week.

gymwidow Gosh. Agonists, antagons, supression...all this stuff. Interesting although it seems a tad complicated. But your RE obviously has it covered. I hope it goes smoothly from here.

knoelani Grow follies, grow.

jody 3 targets sounds pretty good. I'm having a good feeling for you.

gagal So frustrating. I agree, maybe it's time to have a little chat with dh. I'm sure if he realizes you mental sanity is pending he may reconsider. I'm hanging out waiting too.

************************************************** *******

As for me....still waiting. Not too hopeful given the cramps I've been having this past week. Spent the weekend cooking and entertaining. I make quite a Martha or Rachel or somebody much to my suprise. Also went ahead and booked two vacations! Figure if I have the fall off I might as well take advantage of the freedom from TTC and get the heck out of here. I was hesitant taking time off now given all the time that may be required to travel for IVF. Yup, a major commute involving air travel. But finally decided screw it. I need it for the mental sanity factor. Then there is the money factor and again I decided to cross that bridge when I get to it. So I will have 1 week away with dh and 1 week visiting family. Hopefully the rest will fall into place in the new year.

[Jess71903]

Hi ladies.

gym- YAY for no more BCP! I hope the drugs work this time and your body cooperates!

bellefior-I am floored by the number and magnitude of stupid people that you work with. Bless your heart for putting up with it day after day! I think you need to implement an infertility awareness seminar at your workplace and make it mandatory.

skb- sorry about the waiting. I am glad you scheduled those vacations, though. I am all about taking care of your mental health! Where are you going with DH? We haven't yet decided where to go next year.

Fingers crossed for you, taz!

knoelani- grow, follies, grow! I hope they are big enough tomorrow!

Copied from my journal:
No word yet from the fertility group. I did finally get a hold of my dr., though, and I am feeling a little better about the lap. The nurse called me back and I asked all of the questions I needed to ask. Turns out that I am having the HSG+lap. I am not sure if they will do the actual sonogram part or just shoot dye and see if it comes out where they can see it with the scope, but I am glad it's getting done. I am still planning to switch dr.s but I am fine with going ahead with Thurs. now.

[knoelani]

gym~ We really are on the same time table this time. Good luck and hopefully you won't have to worry about your dh's trip!

taz~ I'm still sending you good vibes for the rest of your 2ww!

Bellefior~ Your co-workers never cease to amaze me. You are wonderful for being able to put up with and deal with all the crap they give you.

skb~ Oh the follies grew alright! Thanks for the follie vibes. Good for you for booking your trips and for taking the time for yourself and dh. Hopefully the trips will be babymoons :) Major commute for IVF? How far do you have to go?

jess~ thanks for the follie grow vibes from you too :). Is your lap this Thursday? Good luck and I hope they don't find anything and that the healing process is easy for you.

Well my follies grew alright, I have a total of 10 with 6 in the 16-22mm range. We triggered tonight and will go in tomorrow am and Wed am for IUIs. Now we just need DH to have great numbers and we're in business!

I hope everyone else is doing well!

[jodylovesscotty]

Just wondering if anyone had their husbands do the repromedix tests? My DH had it done so I was just curious.

[suzfuzsunflower]

Stepping in for a moment....my husband had the tests done. What type of test did your husband have?

[CTs_Punkin]

Just wanted to check in

Just had my BL U/S today to try and do an IUI this cycle, but I have a very stubborn cyst on my left side that just won't go away. So the Dr has perscribed BCPs for me this month to see and try and get it to go down.

So that's kind of depressing... but at least I know how long my cycle will last :) I have to talk to my acupunturist about this, as I'm not sure if this will effect my treatment....

Hopefully it will go away and we can move forward next month.

[kazata]

CTs punkin Ugh. Sorry about the cyst. So annoyed for you.

belle Glad that the consult was helpful. Everything she said makes perfect sense to me, but it sounds like it was really important for your DH to hear it too.

jody I've never heard of the repromedix test - what is it?

knoelani Wow - lots of follies! I hope that you can find one of those targets! Good luck to you. I'm hoping for good numbers from your DH too.

Jess Glad that you were finally able to talk to the nurse. I wouldn't worry about having both done at the same time, if that's what they are doing - I had a tubal dye study done during my lap. Good luck and I hope everything goes well and you have a quick recovery! Make sure DH pampers you for a few days after.

gymwidow Good luck! Hopefully you won't have to worry about anything in September! :D

tazluv Hope you're not going crazy in the 2ww! Good luck to you - we could use some bfp's in here!!!

skb Good for you scheduling vacations - the mental sanity factor definitely comes into play.

[jodylovesscotty]

suzfuzsunflower~ He had the male factors/male sperm function tests. They are called the SDD and SDFA.

kazata~ They have all kinds of tests, but the ones of the sperm, from what I understand will show if the sperm is even able to get you pregnant.

[GA_GAL]

jodylovesscotty : Glad to hear your IUI went well. Hopefully your 2ww will pass quickly.

gymwidow : I'm in the same boat. Our insurance has paid for almost 80% of everything so far, but won't cover IVF if we go that route. However, I'm hoping they'll cover a lot of the meds, since I've been lucky so far. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for your "miracle baby" to happen. You just never know...

TazLuv : I'm glad the first week went fast for you. Having people around is a constant distraction for me. Hope the next few days pass quickly for you and that you get your BFP on Thursday or Friday!

Bellefior : Sorry you have to deal with insensitive idiots! Some people just have no idea. Your meeting for the social work consult sounds very interesting. I am glad you heard some reassuring things about the way you are feeling and the emotions you are having. I never could have imagined that dealing with infertility would be such a struggle and strain on our marriage. I know how I feel is "normal" because I'm on here reading all the time, but my DH doesn't always seem to understand that I'm not crazy. We've talked about possible seeing someone or talking with a counselor who deals with infertility.

skb : What a great idea to go on some vacations! I did that this summer when I was taking time away from treatments and it was the best thing I could have done. I decided that I couldn't stop living my life just waiting to be pregnant. I just relaxed, visited with friends and family, and had fun! I really think it helped me gain a new outlook on things and get rid of some of the stess. Hopefully it will do the same for you.

Jess71903: Good luck with your lap. on Thursday...keep us posted on how you are feeling after.

knoelani: hope your IUI went well today. My friend had one this morning, too!

CTs_Punkin: Sorry you have to wait out a cycle. I know how frustrating that is when you are ready to just get on with the next try.

whew...OK, I think I got everyone. Now for my latest...

I started light brown spotting yesterday (Mon.) in the afternoon and it has continued all day today. This is usually how AF starts, but the only thing is that this seems WAY too early for me to start since I was still going in for u/s and b/w last week before they cancelled this cycle. I should start in about 1 1/2 weeks. My first thought was, "what in the world is going on now," but then had a glimmer of desperation/hope thought, "maybe this is implantation spotting." You all tell me what you think and if I'm totally crazy...you won't hurt my feelings or crush my spirit. I'd rather know your honest opinions.

I went in last Tuesday for my u/s and everything was coming along nicely and my b/w was still good. Then on Thursday my b/w showed my estrogen had lowered (which I guess would normally mean I'd ovulated), but they also tested my progesterone that showed I had not ovulated. Could it have been too early to get a higher level reading on the prog. test? I think before I've gone in 7 dpo for the progesterone test. If (and I mean a BIG IF) I did ovulate on my own between last Tuesday and Thursday then today would be 6-7 dpo. Would that be the right timing for implantation spotting? Ugh! I don't even know why I'm doing this to myself. I guess I'm hoping that since we've pretty much decided going forward with IVF that some miracle will happen and we won't have to.

To look on the bright side, even if it is just spotting leading up to AF, at least I won't have to wait a few more weeks. I normally have to take something to bring AF on and this way we can get moving forward with whatever treatment is next. I have a consult scheduled for next Wed., so hopefully she'll be able to tell me where she thinks we should go from here.

[knoelani]

Bellefoir That's great that your consult went to so well and that both you and dh were able to take something away from it. It's also wonderful that the social worker validated the feelings too!

CTs_punkin~Sorry you had a very stubbon cyst! Hopefully it will go away soon!

ga_gal~ IF you had just ovulated the day before having the progesterone tested, it's possible the numbers would be on the low side and not have risen yet. I just don't know for a fact. You are right though, CD 21 or 7dpo tests are usually the progesterone test to verify ovulation becuase the level does rise with the lp part of the cycle. Good luck to you!

IUI#1 is complete, dh had good numbers and we'll go for #2 in the morning.

[TazLuv]

Bellefior - I'm SO sorry you are having to deal with all of these idiots! People never cease to amaze me. Glad to hear your consult went well, it is sometimes nice to be validated from a good third party.

skb - I think a vacation is a good thing, we all need to get away once in a while.

Jess - glad to hear you're more comfortable with the lap now. I haven't had to have one of those, my HSG was uncomfortable at the time, like really bad cramps but I was fine a couple of hours later.

knoelani - 10! Holy crap! I don't think my RE would let me trigger with that many, her comment is "that is how you get on tv" - I hope you get a good ONE (or two) out of those. ;)

CTs - here to a fast month for you and that the darn cyst goes away!

GA Gal - if you really think you could be 6-7 dpo, then yes, it could be implantation spotting but I've never had any so I'm probably not the best person to offer an opinion - here's to hoping that it is.

***************
Me? Still waiting - using all of my restraint to not test tomorrow AM. I know if its negative I'll force myself to buy another test and test Thursday AM so I might as well wait, right? We'll see if I hold to that. I was hungry ALL day - munched on everything I could find in my desk, so much so that after about 1/2 of my dinner I was full. Several times today I went to the restroom just positive AF had shown but no sign of her yet. My boobs are also not as sore as they had been so I'm not sure what is up with that either.

Ok, I'm going to stop analyzing - I hope everyone else is doing well. :)

[Jess71903]

Hi all! I feel like crap today and my head is all swimmy, so if I make no sense, please forgive me!

Thanks to everyone for the good wishes. I am more afraid now that it will all be normal and I still won't know what's up, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Bellefior: I am glad you found the counseling so helpful! I am not to the point that you are, and DH has been wonderful for the most part, but I think sometimes it takes a "professional" telling them that this obsessed person living with them is normal for them to believe it.

CTs Pumpkin- Ugh, sorry about that stuborn cyst! I hate that you have to sit a cycle out...I fretted about that too, thinking that maybe, this would magically be "THE" cycle, you know?

GA_GAL- I am afraid to say anything either way! I *hope* it's implantation spotting, and it seems possible since it is so early. That it's brown is good, too, since that's old blood. Fingers crossed!

Nothing new for me today. Just hanging out!

[Patience]

TazLuv Hoping you'll get good news in the next day or so.

knoelani Yay on the good numbers for your DH. Good luck on your second IUI tomorrow!

GA_GAL I don't know what to tell you. Does the level of estrogen drop if implantation occurs? I have no idea about this, so I'm just throwing it out there. I hope you do get your miracle baby!

CTs_Punkin That sucks about the cyst. Definitely tell your acupuncturist about it. Maybe he/she can divert energy towards shrinking the cyst so you can get started on a fresh cycle. Good luck.

Bellefior That's wonderful you were able to talk to a neutral third party about all the frustrations you're facing. I think we all need that.

Ok, that's all the SO's for now. I'll be back later...

[gymwidow]

TazLuv, thanks. I hope you're getting through this week okay. It sounds like your parents were there at the perfect time to help distract you. I've got everything crossed that you end the week with good news!

Bellefior, good grief. Hugs to you! I'm glad you had a good session yesterday with the social worker. That's great that she was able to validate a lot of your feelings in front of your DH. It's amazing how they won't always listen to us, but when the same information is given to them from a third party, it all of a sudden becomes more acceptable somehow.

skb, I would definitely say the word "complicated" applies. I've learned more about anatomy and physiology in the last few months than I did in an entire year in the class in high school! Yay for upcoming vacations! That's a great way to spend your "off season."

Jess, thanks! I'm glad you're feeling good about Thursday and I will be thinking of you and hoping that it goes well and you have an easy recovery!

knoelani, ooh, a cycle buddy! Let's hope that this 2WW ends in good news for us both!

jody, I'm not sure what the tests were called that they did on my DH. He had 5 different SAs and they tested for all the regular stuff, plus cultures, but I don't know if those were them.

CTs Punkin, I am so sorry. Delays like that can be so hard on us.

kazata, thanks, I hope so too!

GA GAL, exactly, stranger things have happened! All my meds for IVF were covered, and I know that's happened for another friend of mine who didn't have IVF coverage, so if you need that, I hope you get the same thing! Can you go back for another blood test to check your progesterone and see if you did O? Progesterone goes up pretty quickly after O (the release of prog. is what causes your temp to rise, and that occurs usually w/in 24 hours after O), so they should have been able to tell last week. But as you said, you never do know.


We did trigger last night - wow was that scary at first. I knew it wouldn't really hurt, but I never paid much attention to the needle when the nurses would give me the shot at the RE's, so seeing it up close gave me a few moments of freak-out. But other than a little pinch when it first went in, I really didn't feel a thing. DH did great and I'm so proud of him.

We had planned to BD tonight, but DH got all pissy and started complaining about being "forced" into having sex and how there's no fun in it when it's planned and blahblahblahblahblah. I have to say, I'm really annoyed with him (so much so that I then couldn't fall asleep and am now downstairs on the computer at 12:30 in the morning). Seriously, there are times when I'm just not in the mood either, but 95% of our sex life for the last 2 months, since our last IUI, has been just for fun with lots of spontaneity and plain old enjoyment. Our days of sex-on-a-schedule are basically over, but this month I feel like we were given a gift of being able to try naturally one last time before we jump all the way into IVF for real. And Mr. I-can't-even-type-the-name-I-have-in-mind-for-him-because-it-would-just-get-censored pulls this act?!?! He asked if we could just do it in the morning instead and I said fine, but really, I would have preferred it tonight. I didn't want to push him into doing something he really wasn't into, so I just rolled over and pretended to go to sleep. I'll let him know tomorrow how hurt and disappointed in him I am.

Anyway, the nurse said if we don't get lucky naturally, then I might have a shorter-than-normal LP, which is actually fine by me because that means we can start over just a little bit sooner. I'm really dreading having to wait another 2 weeks, wondering if perhaps we got our miracle, or just doing nothing and waiting for things to start up again.

In good news, my doctor's office re-coded my last 3 monitoring visits so that they can be submitted to my insurance company. So our prepaid IVF cycle is intact and ready to use next month. That's a relief!

[Patience]

gymwidow I'm so sorry. I hope your DH will realize how upset you are and make it up to you. Doesn't he realize that it takes two to make this happen? Hugs. Hey, that's great about your doctor recoding your monitoring visits! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you on your last cycle before IVF. Come on miracle baby!

jodylovesscotty I hope your 2WW is going by quickly. Feeling positive, right? :)

skb Should I be calling you Martha instead? ;) Hooray on the 2 vacations! You definitely deserve the time off to rejuvenate before IVF. Have a great time on both vacations. Your talk about freedom from TTC to do other things has reminded me of when I first started TTC. I was worried about being pregnant when my friends were planning a ski vacation a couple of months after I started TTC. Little did I know that things don't happen like I planned. Now I just plan my vacations and just see what happens.

Jess71903 I'm glad you got some answers about what the doctor has planned for you. I've never had a lap, but I did have a HSG a couple months ago. I took a couple of Advils an hour before (like many SAI ladies suggested). I did have some cramping during and after the procedure, but nothing intolerable. I hope you will a relatively painfree experience with the HSG+lap on Thurs.

Me - Had my u/s on Monday. RE said my ovaries looked good. Also went for my bloodwork (retested FSH, LH, etc.). I guess the RE wanted a new baseline. I'm going back next week to discuss the results. A little bit of good news, I finally got the booklet for my work insurance benefits. It appears that my work insurance does cover 50% of IF treatments (excluding IVF), so I'm switching back to my insurance beginning next year. By saving on some treatment costs, if we have to go to IVF, then it won't be such a big financial hit next year.

[gymwidow]

Patience, thanks. I'm glad you got some good news about your insurance benefits! Every penny saved is helpful.

Bellefior, thanks. I try to give DH advance warning so he knows and is prepared, and also so he doesn't accuse me of trying to seduce him only on the "good" days. I know he was tired last night, but I don't think that qualifies as a valid excuse anymore! I'm glad your DH is getting better at understanding. That will help you so much.


DH and I did talk this morning and we're good. We both said how we felt and understand what the other is feeling and thinking. We did get a BD in this morning (always a nice way to start the day :) ) and we will again tonight - we're agreed.

But, things just get better and better. I got a call today from my RE's office, informing me oh-so-casually that after taking my HCG shot on Monday, I should get AF w/in 4-6 weeks and that I'll likely have to postpone my IVF cycle until the end of October! (First of all, weeks?!?! I questioned that and she said, "oh, or sooner." Uh, yeah!) It turns out that the embryology lab is closing from Sept 26 - Oct 20. I thought they had closed in July and that I was fine for a while, but they actually had just opened back up in July after having been closed in June. So, if I don't get AF by Sept. 10, I'm postponed again until the end of October. AND even if I get AF by Sept. 10, there's no guarantee I'll get in for this cycle since they're really booked up.

Since I typically have really short LPs, even while taking progesterone supps, I'm hopeful that AF will show up within the next 10 days and I'll be okay. Otherwise, I just don't know what we'll do. We have a family wedding on Oct. 21 and are supposed to go out of town the next weekend, and then are throwing a huge party on Nov. 4. We could postpone a cycle till after that, I suppose, but then we get bogged down with Thanksgiving, when we're supposed to be out of state with family. And besides all of that, I just can't handle more delays! I am so tired of endless dr's appointments and shots and drugs and emotions and I just want to be done with this. Today a friend of mine is giving birth to her second child. I remember when she announced her pregnancy back in January. We had just found out our second medicated cycle had failed and I was really upset. DH kept comforting me by telling me that we'd be pregnant ourselves by the time she gave birth, and here we are with no end in sight.

Sigh, sorry to be such a downer today. I'm just feeling sorry for myself and trying to hold it together long enough to get some work done and then hopefully leave a little early. I think it's a good day to go home and snuggle with my dog and watch movies in bed.

Hugs to all.....

[isign]

Just a quick post - AF arrived today. I did O, but Dr said my lining was really thin. It's been a rough summer for us, and so we are going to take time off till Jan. Dh and I need some good, non-scheduled BD time :) I don't have maternity coverage and don't plan on paying for a year just so I can be covered, and only 1/2 at that. We spent about $500 (which is still low for some) on this cycle so I figure if we can put that away everymonth till Jan, and then for the next 9 + month after that, we'll be ok.

I'll still be around and unless anyone has any objections, I'll continue as threadmistress.

[kazata]

Gymwidow Oh boy, do I hear you on the DH thing. I can completely relate as that seems to happen way too often in our house. I always try to keep myself from getting upset - because I know if I do, there is no chance, and even if I can convince him at that point, it seems like it is almost impossible for him to, uh, "finish." But then I end up getting so upset inside that it just eats away at me. I know it's not good for our relationship - and of course it eventually comes out, which puts even more pressure on the whole thing and makes it even more uncomfortable. Anyway, I think we've all been there at some point, scheduled BD can really suck! Hope that you at least got some this morning.

[Patience]

gymwidow A big hug to you! Why does it seem like it's always hurry up and wait when it comes to IF treatments? I really hope AF won't take 4-6 weeks to start, so you can get started on IVF. I'm sending you AF vibes now (can't believe I'm saying this to any of the SAI ladies). Another hug coming your way for dealing with the birth of your friend's child. I went through a similar experience and it sucked. :( But I have high hopes that all of us will see the light at the end of the tunnel and we'll finally become mothers. One last thing, yay on making up with DH.

isign Thanks for continuing being our threadmistress even during your TTC break. I hope the next four months will be less stressful for you and your DH.

Bellefior Wow, the unprofessionalism exhibited by your DH's urologist's office is astounding. ITA with you on going to a second RU for better bedside manners. Good luck.

[GA_GAL]

Bellefior: so sorry about the unprofessionalism you experienced. Hopefully, getting the second opinion will turn out to be the best thing you and DH ever did. Also, I'm glad everything is better with your DH understanding what you are going through. I think it is just so hard for them to truly get all of the emotions we are facing with infertility. Any progress should be celebrated!

isign: Thanks for continuing as threadmisstress. I just took a 2 month break away from tcc this summer and it was the best thing I could have done. I wasn't worrying about the everyday stresses that go along with it and I really was able to relax and just have fun being a couple. Hopefully this fall and the holiday season will do the same for you.

gymwidow: Sorry you are feeling so down today. I know that scheduling dr. apts, worry about medications, shots, etc. is all not fun. It's hard to feel like you are stopping your life to deal with infertility issues. Planing vacations, outings, etc. around apts. and injections is a pain in the a$$ and not fair to us. I do the same thing with setting "goals" for myself as to when I'll be pregnant. I find it easier to get through the day-to-day knowing that I'll be OK if I'm pregnant by...whatever date I choose. Right now I'm looking to Christmas, but we'll see what happens. I hope that if you are not pregnant this month, that your timing will work out and AF will visit soon.

Patience: Glad you were able to get all of the insurace stuff figured out. I wish all insurace would wake up and cover treatment, but hopefully you'll be pregnant before long and you won't have to worry about it for much longer.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As for me, I am pretty sure my spotting was just leading up to AF starting very early. I'm not complaining though because I'll be able to get started on the next cycle a lot earlier.

I had scheduled a consult for next week, but they called me today and said if we could come in, my dr. would be able to meet with me today (I was off of school because of the "tropical storm" so it worked out perfectly). DH was able to come with me and I had my ovary check (had a few cysts) and then had the consult. My RE said I'm walking a tight-rope. If too high of a dose, too many follies and if too low, then nothing happens. She said if she were me, she would suggest trying 1 more cycle with injections. She wants to try a different dose this cycle to see if I can produce the right number of follies. Then, if it doesn't work I think we've decided to go on to IVF. I have to think that this dose will be the one and that I will be able to have a good IUI cycle. If not, I will move forward knowing that I'll have a very good chance of getting pregnant with IVF.

I have to take bcp for a week to reduce the size of the cysts, and go in for the cyst re-check next Thursday. If all looks good, I'll start with 125 IU of menopur for 6 days and go from there.

We have unmarried, single friends coming in town for the holiday weekend, so that will be a nice distraction.

[knoelani]

ga_gal~ That's great that you were able to get in for the cosult today! Sounds like a good plan and hopefully this one will work for you.

taz~ Only the mature follies will actually release so we're looking at 6 tops, not 10. If it were any more than that my RE would cancel the cycle. I defiantely don't want to be on the news for concieving 10 babies! How are you feeling today?

gym I hear ya on the sex on demand and the strain it all puts on both us and our dh's. I'm glad that you two talked it out and got some bd'ing in :)
That's crazy about your office being closed and possibly having to postpone. Hopefully you'll get your miracle this time and won't have to worry about it.

patience~ that's great that your insurnace will cover 50%!

isign~ I'm sorry AF showed. Hopefully you and dh will be able to enjoy this break and start fresh in the new year. Thanks for offering to continue to be the threadmistress!

Bellefoir~ WOW the insensetivity and unprofessional nature of these people is amazing. It really does confirm your desire to seak a second opinion and the importance of having good skills with patients. Hopefully things will only continue to improve from here.

As for me IUI#2 is done and we're on to waiting. I go in for my beta on the 13th.

Hope everyone is having a great night!

[TazLuv]

Well ladies, I'm out! Brown spotting started yesterday so I tested this morning, BFN! So I have my new plan from the RE office they're not putting me on clomid this month, we're using something else - I'll have to look it up and post later what it is. I think Clomid is part of my problem so I'm willig to try anything else. Hopefully AF shows today, tomorrow at the latest b/c I'm supposed to have a CD 1, 2 or 3 u/s but Saturday - Monday is a holiday weekend and Tuesday-Wednesday I'll be out of town.

I'll come back for SO's later - hope everyone is well, surprisingly I'm ok right now.

[TazLuv]

gymwidow – sorry you went through that, glad things are better now. I’m sure this situation is taxing for all of us and our DH’s and sometimes are worse than others. Glad to hear your doctor’s office is helping you out with the insurance a little.

patience – glad to hear you also got some good insurance news!

isign – enjoy your break, I think after a while we probably all need one.

bellefior – you just can’t win, can you? But at least the new office sounds SO much better!

GA Gal – glad you have a plan, good luck with the next cycle

knoelani – here’s hoping your 2WW goes fast!

I hope everyone is doing okay!

[gymwidow]

isign, sorry to hear that AF showed up. I hope the break is good for you and I'm glad you'll be sticking around with us!

kazata, yeah, that's what happened to me - I just let it eat at me. Unfortunately, it ate me into losing an hour of sleep! Oh, well, all is good now.

Bellefior, so annoying!

Patience, I was so surprised to hear a nurse tell me it might take 4-6 weeks following O to get AF. I mean, in PCOS women it's not unusual to have long cycles like that, but I thought it was pretty much a given that once you ovulate you get AF within a couple of weeks. And since I triggered on Monday, we know I ovulated yesterday! Anyway, I share your high hopes for us all. Someday we'll all have a GTG IRL so our kids can play together! :)

GA GAL, I've done that lots of times. I'd really like to be pregnant by the time I'm 30, but I'm very quickly running out of time on that one. I had wanted to be a mom by 30, but once that "deadline" passed, I changed it. I'm glad you could get in for a checkup yesterday and glad that you have a plan in place now. I hope this dosage is the just-right one for you!

knoelani, thanks, I hope so too. I'm glad your IUIs are all done and am sending lots of good wishes that they did the trick. 2WW, here we come!

TazLuv, thanks. I'm so sorry that you got AF. I hope the new drug brings you the results you want!


Nothing doing here. We BD'd again last night and I'm now 1DPO. Boring, boring, boring! :rolleyes:

[TazLuv]

So here is new plan - today is CD-1.

-Baseline u/s CD-2 or 3
-112.5 units Gonal-f CD3-7
- CD8 Blood test & u/s
- then we go from there based on those tests on when we'll trigger with Ovidrel and do the timed intercourse.

Luckily this timing works ok because I'm out of town Tuesday/Wednesday (CD6&7) and CD14 is my DH's birthday so that will make him happy ;)

Gymwidow - here's to hoping your 2WW goes by fast!

[Jess71903]

Hi ladies. I am too behind for SO, but I did want to let yall know about my lap today.
Copied from my journal:
Well, the lap is over and I am at home. I am still groggy, but I feel pretty good. All went well. I am a little sore at the incision sites (1 tiny one in my belly button and one tiny one in my pubic region) and I had some cramping when I woke up, but that's gone now. My dr. told DH that I don't have endo and things mostly looked good except for a little blockage in my left tube. She said she tried to push the dye in and it came back out at her instead of going through easily. She said she thought it was just a mucousy thing. I hope that flushed it out and we are good to go. She said the next step is post-coital and IUI, but I think we are going to give it a few months first. The more people we talk to, the more we hear it took a year to 18 months or so for them to get pg...I asked DH where these people were the year before we started TTC so we could have started earlier. I feel like now I have done what I can do and I am more at peace with it, for now anyway.

[Alioop12345]

I too am too far behind for SO's. I am on CD11 and had B/W and an U/s today. Even with the viagra twice a day, my lining was only 6.3 or so...I am so discouraged and getting tired of spending the money and having a goopey im my underwear all the time if it's not doing the job. I had no mature follies though so the lining has some time to thicken up before we trigger. I just feel so discouraged. Sorry for being a downer.

[Patience]

Alioop12345 ((Hugs)) I wish I knew what to say to make things better. :( You are not alone in feeling discouraged because I know all of us have been down that road at one point. You said that the follies have not matured fully so there's still a chance that your lining could be thick enough when the follies are ready. Fingers crossed for you. There's still hope!

Jess71903 That's wonderful that you don't have endo. I do hope that the blockage was flushed out by the dye. There's all these stories about women getting pregnant after a HSG. Maybe you'll be one of them.

TazLuv Sorry AF showed. But on the bright side, if you O on CD14, then it'll be a birthday your DH will never forget. ;) Let's hope your treatment plan will be successful.

gymwidow Having a GTG for our kids would be great because that would mean we will finally realize our dreams of being mothers. Hope your 2WW will fly by.

knoelani How's your 2WW? I hope I will see a lot of good news in here after I return from my vacation (yes, that means you!).

GA_GAL Injectables are tricky, aren't they? Did you ovulate on your own before the injectables? How about on Clomid? I'm scared that I will overstimulate on injectables since I responded to Clomid. It freaks me out sometimes to think about all the stuff we put our bodies through to get pregnant.

****
Here's something I've been thinking recently:
For those of you in your 30's, do you ever think about whether you would have gotten pregnant easier in your 20's? I got married when I was 30 so I wonder if I've messed up my chance at becoming a mother by waiting until my 30's to have kids. I know many women have become first time mothers in their 40's, but what if I'm not one of them? What if my chance came and went during my early to mid twenties? I envy women who can become mothers naturally without all the medical advances. I'm thankful that I live in an age where I could get pregnant with the help of medical professional (sounds romantic, doesn't it? :p ), but sometimes I wonder how the other side lives.

[CTs_Punkin]

Delurking to comment to Patience

I got married when I was 32 and am now dealing with premature ovarian failure. I sometimes think about what it would have been like TTC in my 20s - but I know that deep down I wasn't ready yet. I know people say you're never really ready, but I disagree. I woke up one day and was like... "Nope, I'm ready to settle down, and start a family" I met my DH very shortly after that! So No, I don't think I would change it. I treasure the memories I have from those years, although I was a pretty emotional wreck... so now that I'm older & settled, I think I made the right decision in waiting until my 30s....

Sorry for that long winded thing.

HTH??

Have a good labor day weekend everyone!

[TazLuv]

Well ladies I have to take a cycle off - I went in for my baseline u/s this morning and have too many cysts they think due to over stimulation last month. So I'll wait until 9/27 if AF doesn't show we'll test and then take the provera to bring her on.

I'll probably be around less because I'm going to try to really take the month off from all aspects of it - after 15 months maybe this is what we need.

Thanks for all the kind words and support, this really is an amazing bunch of ladies.

[kazata]

Jess Thanks for checking in! I was thinking about you yesterday. Glad that you don't have endo, and everything went mostly well. Hopefully the dye did "flush out" the tube - I've also heard of lots of people getting pg the month after an HSG. Do you know if the dye eventually went through? (I know you were probably out when the doc talked to DH - at least that's how it was for me and my DH didn't know what follow-ups to ask, or exactly what the doc was talking about, so the report I got was a bit confused until I got to speak to the doc the next day). Glad that you only needed the two incisions and nothing major was done - sounds like your recovery is going really well! Also, remember you can get pg with only one open tube - at least that's what everyone keeps telling me. ;)

Taz Sorry about AF showing up AND about the cysts. I completely understand about needing to step away from this thread - it does really bring TTC into the forefront of your mind on a daily basis and sometimes you need to take a break from all things TTC.

Patience Yeah, I've thought about it. But I wasn't in the right place in my life at that time, yeah, we could have started trying a year earlier, right when we got married, and maybe we should have, but that's not where we were at the time. And, perhaps it's a bit easier for me now that I have my diagnosis as it appears that perhaps I was unable to get pg with my hydro tube, now that it's removed, hopefully I can. I guess the only regret is maybe not getting it diagnosed earlier - and I know that I took a really long time to pursue treatment/tests, but I wasn't emotionally ready earlier, so that's the way it is. If I go through another six months or year not getting pg now, I may feel different, but at the moment I'm feeling positive so I guess I'm answering in that way. ;)

alioop I'm sorry about the lining. What does the doc recommend? Have you thought about trying acupuncture? I know one of the things they do is help the blood flow increase which should help the lining. Just a thought, sorry if you've already been there done that.

ME: In the 2ww and it's killing me. I haven't had "real" hope in so long, that I am feeling very anxious this 2ww - it's only 6dpo and I'm going crazy. Keep trying to convince myself it's okay if I'm not pregnant, but I sure can't stop thinking about it.

[GA_GAL]

Bellefior: so glad your workup is complete. I hope the long weekend gives you time to relax and reflect on your future treatment...hopefully this will be it for you!


kazata: Here's to you staying calm during your 2ww. Hope it passes by quickly!

TazLuv: we'll miss you around here, but totally understand taking a step back for a while. Sorry you have to wait this cycle out, but hopefully it will pass by quickly.

PatienceI didn't ovulate on my own, so that is what we are working for. Comid/Letrozol didn't work for me, so the injectables are the only other thing before moving to IVF. I either under or over stimulate so I'm praying this dosage will do it for me and I can just get to the ovulation part. Even if I'm not pregnant, knowing this works would give me hope.

Jess71903: Glad the lap went OK and that you are feeling at peace with everything. I really believe that less stress is a huge benefit when trying to TCC.

gymwidow: Hope this boring time passes quickly for you. I'm glad I'm not the only one setting little deadlines for myself. I really feel like it helps me break up the long tcc journey.

As for the question about starting to tcc earlier (in your twenties), I don't think it would have made any difference for me. I'm in my mid-twenties (25 right now) and am still dealing with all of the same issues. I think that it is hard no matter what age you are. I know a lot of people tell me that I have plenty of time and that it is a good think I figured out all of these problems/issues now. I guess that is one way to look at it and I'm happy to know that I do have "time" on my side. However, that doesn't make it any easier to face the fact that I'm having so much trouble getting pregnant. I do feel very jealous of my friends who just end up pregnant without having to deal with fertility drugs, appointments, etc. I just keep reminding myself that when everything falls into place and I do get pregnant, that it will all be worthwhile.

[jodylovesscotty]

GA_GAL~ I keep telling myself the same thing. When we finally do have a baby it will mean so much because of all we went through to get one.

Bellefior~ Glad to hear everything is in place:)

TazLuv~ Sorry to hear you have to take a cycle off. Maybe it will do you some good. I am thinking about doing it for my own mental health if this is not our month.

kazata~ Good luck to you! I am in the 2ww wait with you. When will you find out? I go on Thursday.


Update: I am just sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for Thursday to come. That is the day I get my pregnancy test from the RE. I am feeling very positive this time. Comparing last month to this month: I have sore BB's (did last time too). Have sore nipples (didn't have this last month, but did the month I got pregnant). Feel crampy at times like AF is coming though I know she isn't because I am on progesterone. So trying to stay positive. I am calling the insurance company on Tuesday to find out how much money we have left for infertility for the year. So we can make a plan in case we need one.

Hope everyone has a nice, relaxing, holiday weekend:)

[Jess71903]

Do you know if the dye eventually went through? (I know you were probably out when the doc talked to DH - at least that's how it was for me and my DH didn't know what follow-ups to ask, or exactly what the doc was talking about, so the report I got was a bit confused until I got to speak to the doc the next day)....Also, remember you can get pg with only one open tube - at least that's what everyone keeps telling me. ;)


I don't know if it eventually went through or not, and you are right about being out of it and DH not asking questions. I told DH later that it made me feel a little better knowing that it was more like we had been TTC for 6 or 7 months than a year since I basically had like 1/2 as many chances as someone with 2 open tubes. I do feel better about it now.

ME: In the 2ww and it's killing me. I haven't had "real" hope in so long, that I am feeling very anxious this 2ww - it's only 6dpo and I'm going crazy. Keep trying to convince myself it's okay if I'm not pregnant, but I sure can't stop thinking about it.

I hope you can relax a little and that this will be your last 2WW for a while! Fingers crossed for you!

Just wanted to update before I take off from the weekend. I spoke with the RE's office today and our workup is complete :D !!!!!! It now gets submitted to the committee to determine our protocol and we need to take care of the financial details, but when I talked to the nurse, looks like we could possibly be ready to start by October, November at the latest!

YAY for getting things underway! I know that's a huge relief!



Update: I am just sitting here twiddling my thumbs waiting for Thursday to come. That is the day I get my pregnancy test from the RE. I am feeling very positive this time. Comparing last month to this month: I have sore BB's (did last time too). Have sore nipples (didn't have this last month, but did the month I got pregnant).
I am sorry you have to wait so long to find out, but I am glad you are feeling "positive":p . I hope your signs are right!


Well ladies I have to take a cycle off - I went in for my baseline u/s this morning and have too many cysts they think due to over stimulation last month. So I'll wait until 9/27 if AF doesn't show we'll test and then take the provera to bring her on.

I'll probably be around less because I'm going to try to really take the month off from all aspects of it - after 15 months maybe this is what we need.

Thanks for all the kind words and support, this really is an amazing bunch of ladies.

I am so sorry things haven't worked out this month. I know it can be frustrating, but I am glad you are able to look at it as "what we need" as far as taking time off. I understand feeling like you need to break from CC too. I hope next month works out better!


K, that was the first time I used the new quote feature! I like it! Just sitting here on my couch, taking it easy. I am less sore today. It's kinda nice to be taking time off. I don't have as much to stress about.

Somebody apparently asked if we wished we had started TTC earlier (I will have to go back and read). Even though I am in my mid 20s (27- isn't that still mid?). I do wish we had started earlier. We waited until we were absolutely completely ready for a baby to be here (just like we do everything- getting a pet, buying a car or a house.) We could have started a year earlier and if we had gotten pg right away, we would have been ready by the time I gave birth. As it is we didn't start TTC until we were ready for a baby to actually be here. I have to try sometimes not to be bitter at DH for this as it was his misgivings that put off TTC. His being so great through all of this testing and stuff has made it easier, though.

[jjsanner]

Well ladies, I am typing this from our hotel in Vegas. I flew over this morning for my cousins wedding this afternoon and will be flying back early tomorrow morning. Very quick trip.

Anyways, I woke up this morning and took a test......and guess what? It was +! I'm still not sure what DPO I am because I started temping vaginally this month and my temps were **WAY** higher than normal. The second line came up right away and is much darker than the one was when I had my miscarriage back in Feb. so I am cautiously optimistic. Of course I still won't beleive it until I get the beta results back, and really until we have the ultrasound and see the heartbeat. I am trying not to get my hopes up beacuse I really don't think I can handle another miscarriage. Oh, and FWIW, this was another unmedicated cycle, but my first cycle back on the metformin. I think that is the trick for us.

Anyway, just wanted to share the news. For those here who have been trying awhile like we have, please don't give up. This was our 15th cycle actively trying, and after the tests and the medication and the doctors visits, I was nearly ready to give up myself. So glad we didn't. :D

[skb]

Congratulations to jjsanner on your BFP. What a nice way to begin the weekend! Don't forget to update your stats when you're ready!

************************************************** *******
As for me. Currently hanging out in my 27th cycle anticipating AF and my final kick to IVF. We'll see. I'll be back to check up on the rest of you later!

[Jess71903]

Huge congrats, jjsanner!!! I know you are cautious but I am so excited for you! I love to see "long haulers" get good news!

skb-I hope you're wrong about AF!

[CTs_Punkin]

CONGRATULATIONS JJSANNER!!!

How fantastic to start the weekend like that. Lots of ~~~ Sticky Vibes ~~~ coming your way!!

[Patience]

Congratulations jjsanner! Sending sticky vibes your way.

TazLuv Sorry about the cysts. I hope your break from TTC will be exactly what you need. Please come back when you get good news, ok?

CTs_Punkin Like you, I'm more settled and ready to be a mom in my 30's. Unfortunately my baby isn't ready for me yet. :( But I keep telling myself that everything has its time and place. I just have to remind myself to be patient because that time will come.

Bellefior That's too bad about not being able to take advantage of your DH's insurance to pay for IVF. Hindsight is 20/20, isn't it? I wish I had stayed on my insurance after getting married because I wouldn't be paying out of pocket for treatments. Hopefully you won't need more than one IVF cycle.

kazata I have the same regret about not getting diagnosed earlier. I was in denial about my fertility issues until my 9th month of TTC. Oh well, nothing I can do to change that now.

GA_GAL I hope your RE will find the right dosage for you soon! And you're right, it's not easy for any woman who's going through IF whether you're 20 or 40. You get the "you have time" comments while I get the "you're not getting any younger" comments. :rolleyes: I wish everyone can get educated on what it's like to go through IF and offer words of support, not useless comments won't help us get pregnant.

jodylovesscotty Maybe this is the cycle for you? Crossing my fingers for you on Thursday.

Jess71903 My DH was like your DH when I first brought up the subject of TTC - he wasn't ready. We had originally planned on waiting 2-3 years after marriage to start TTC, but after some discussion about the timing of pregnancy and our ages (we're both in our 30's), I was able to convince him that we should start sooner than later. I don't think we were both 100% ready to be parents when we first start TTC, but there's no doubt that we are 200% ready now.

skb Even though you're ready to write off this cycle, I'm going to be positive for you and wish that AF won't show this month because you'll get a BFP. :)

[Alioop12345]

Congrats JJSanner!!!!

[SAI Ladies]

Congrats to jjsanner!!!!


updated to here!!

[knoelani]

CONGRATS JJSANNER!! Great news and wishing you sticky vibes and a wonderful 9 months and beyond!

[skb]

Threadmistress could you please update my stats.

me:31
dh:33
10/04: TTC
03/05: hormone levels, ultrasound, SA normal
11/05: HSG uterine abnormality
12/05: MRI Dx septate uterus
01/06: septate resection
02/06: HSG uterine cavity normal
04/06-09/06: 6 cycles 50mg clomid/follicle tracking/HCG trigger/timed intercoarse no pregnancy
Waitlisted for IVF consultation 2007

Well that was my fighting effort with clomid. I'm happy to be rid of it. I will schedule a follow up with my doctor. But my understanding is that we are on our own until at least the new year when we will begin consultation for IVF.

patience Thanks for being positive. You know how it is...I really didn't expect number 6 to take given the the stats. Although I'm happy to have finished with clomid I have mixed feelings on the next step....if that will be anymore useful.

tazluv I guess I'm sort of on a break too. Funny how there is relief, disappointment and uncertainty all at once. Onto cycle 28!!!

jodylovesscotty Hoping this is it for you!

To answer the question: I do not wish that I had begun TTC in my 20s. I was in school for the majority of it and was not married. I have my health, my education, a good career, financial security and a wonderful marriage. We have a nice home and have enjoyed alot of travel. So I do not regret the choices I have made and cannot ignore the blessings that life has provided us thus far. With that said, family is very important to us. But with "primary unexplained infertility" it's difficult to assess if anything would be different for me/us if we were able to TTC while I was still in my 20s. I will say this.....I am happy I started this *process* at age 30 as opposed to older. Athough I had hoped to have a baby at age 30, I will be just as happy at 35!

[Alioop12345]

I'm really upset. Went to the RE's this morning and this cycle has to be cancelled. I had WAY too many mature follies and my lining was too thin. I am beyond upset. We will probably not get to use meds next cycle because I am sure that I will have cysts.
I had 5+ follies over 20mm and my lining was 7.7

[Jess71903]

Alioop- I am SO sorry! will you get to TTC "naturally" this cycle? I don't know much about it, but it seems like if you had 5 mature follies, you could have a chance with it. (???) Wishing the best for you!

[jodylovesscotty]

Alioop12345~ Sorry to hear about your cycle. Why does this ttc thing have to be so difficult.

skb~ Hope the next step works better for you than Clomid.

Congrats jjsanner! Nice to hear of someone getting good news:)

This morning I had a tiny bit or red spottting, but nothing since then. Of course I had a terrible meltdown to DH. It is such a downer to go through all we go through; meds, shots, many doctors visits, etc. for what seems all for nothing. I think I would be ok if I didn't have symptoms like last month. And I know it isn't over till its over, but I am throwing my optimism out the door. And if AF shows earlier than Thursday we may have to sit this cycle out since DH will be on vacation next week. Why can't this be easy???:mad:

Also while I am at it can you please update my stats:
July 06 IUI BFN

[kazata]

CONGRATS JJSANNER!!!!!! Woo-hoo! Sending sticky vibes your way. I hope this is the beginning of a wave of BFP's in here.

Alioop Hugs, I'm so sorry.

Jody Sorry about the spotting. How many dpo are you?

[gymwidow]

TazLuv, I'm so sorry. I hope this month goes by really quickly for you.

Jess, I'm glad everything went well and hope that you're healing nicely. Good news on no endo, and hopefully the HSG cleaned things out a bit for you!

Alioop, I am so sorry. Was it the follie # that made them cancel, or the lining? Are they allowing you to trigger? Maybe you can try naturally? I can imagine how horrible you must feel and I am sending you lots of hugs...........

Patience, well, I'm still in my 20s (for just a little longer), so I don't think about it a little differently. For a lot of us, I don't think age has as much to do with it as we think sometimes. Obviously, some issues are age-related, but just because starting earlier might have meant we'd be able to avoid some physical or physiological problems doesn't mean we were more ready then. For us, we waited years to get married because we wanted DH to be done with school, and then we waited to TTC until we bought a house. So that put us where we are now. Yeah, I would've liked to have done those things sooner than we did, but because we did things they way we did, we're in a better position now to deal emotionally and financially with the challenges we face. I hope that made sense!

kazata, how are you? I hope your 2WW hell isn't as bad today!

GA GAL, oh, those little deadlines help. For me, I break everything up. This IVF cycle has been the same way - I counted the days on BCP, then the days till I started Lupron, then was counting the days till I could start stims. That's why this what-if situation is making me nuts. I have no idea when I'll be able to start anything else. I have a lot of those jealousy issues, too. In the last week, 2 of my friends had babies and one other announced her second unplanned pregnancy. My brain just keeps crying "When will it be me?"

jody, I've got everything crossed for you!!!!!!!! I hope the spotting was nothing to worry about.

jjsanner, that is AWESOME! Congrats to you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

skb, I'm sorry. I hope the next few months off are good for you in other ways, or alternately that you're able to get a faster consult!


6DPO here and having mild panic attacks about "what if" I don't make the cutoff for the next cycle. I really don't know how I'll handle having another 6-week delay. The last 6 weeks have been hard enough. I'm sure I will, if I have to, but I really don't want to have to go through the disappointment and heartache of waiting even longer. I've been spotting since 1DPO, but that's typical and I'm sure it's not anything AF-related. Yet. This is one time I think I'll be relieved if/when AF shows up less than 10 days after O! For now, I'm imagining FPS (mild cramps and mildly sore boobs) and daydreaming of how awesome it would be to call up my RE and tell him "nevermind about the IVF!" ;)

[SAI Ladies]

Updated to here!

Bit of business - we have to start a new thread when we hit 1000 posts. Do ya'll want to wait till the end of Sept, or do you want to wait till it is 'officially fall' which is, I think, Sept 22, which is close to the end anyways. Let me know what ya'll want to do.

[GA_GAL]

Bellefior: I totally understand how hard it is to hear about family members or close friends who are pregnant. My in-laws are coming to visit this weekend, including my sister-in-law is who is pregnant. I haven't seen her since they told us (she lives on the other side of the country) but I know the entire weekend will revolve around them and their baby...I'm not looking forward to it. I'm glad you are feeling a since of peace and calmness...I have to believe that is a good sign and can only help you as you go into your IVF cycle. I hope this will be the one for you.

gymwidow:Will this be your first IVF cycle? I would love to hear that your FPS are real and that you can make that great call to your RE! Keep us posted.

jodylovesscotty: Sorry about the spotting, but you never know...hopefully things will still turn out good for you this cycle and you won't have to worry about DH being out of town. I have those concerns, too because my DH travels SO much for work. I'm always fearful that I'll need him to be home and he won't be here. So far it has all worked out, but it is a pain to have to plan around his business travel schedule among other things.

kazata : I agree with you in offering congrats to JJSANNER and would love for this to be the first of a lot of BFP here.

JJSANNER: Keep us posted after your beta

Alioop12345: I'm so sorry your cycle was cancelled. That just happened to me a few weeks ago and it really stinks. You get so excited and have your hopes so high that this will be "the month" just to have them crushed and to not even get a chance at getting pregnant. I often have too many mature follies too. Can I ask you what type of meds you are taking? I've been trying menopur injections and they haven't gotten my dose right yet to produce just the right number of follies, but I'm hoping this next time will do the trick. If not, it's on to IVF for us.


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
I go in on Thursday to make sure my cysts have reduced in size then stop bcp, wait for AF, and start up with injections yet again...

Threadmisstress, could you update my stats...

GA GAL
Me:25
DH:26
Married: 12/03
TTC:9/05
HSG: all clear
1/06-2/06: testing
3/06: Menopur injections and Lupron trigger shot, BFN
4/06: Cysts on both ovaries
5/06 - menopur injections and Lupron trigger shot, BFN
8/06: Letrozol and Menopur injections, cycle cancelled due to decrease in Estrogen levels
9/06: Menopur injections and planned trigger shot/IUI

[jjsanner]

Well ladies, I started spotting this evening...It's not looking good. I think it's done. I should get Monday's beta results tomorrow, and they will still have me do a second draw tomorrow morning, but I know what the answer will be. I am beyond devastated. Why does the good Lord keep testing my strength? I'm not sure if I can get through....

[skb]

jjsanner I hope you are wrong. But if you are not, you WILL get through. Hopeful for you.

gagal A fresh start may be the ticket. Shrink stupid cysts...shrink by Thursday!

bellefior I've been surrounded by pregnant friends, coworkers and family for the past several years. There are repeat offenders during my TTC time frame. Yup. Not to mention I am auntie to twins (absolute blessings)...so I guess I win :p . Just kidding. I think Resolve sounds as though it will be quite helpful for you.

gymwidow I vote for the "nevermind about IVF"...for me too.......you'll make the cutoff.

jody Just say NO to spotting, ugh. This sucks. My girlfriend always tells me that I will have a baby. She is an ObGyn with a special focus in infertility....so she should know. That's what makes it easier if there is such a thing. You will have a baby.

alioop Sorry to hear your cycle was cancelled. NO cysts allowed!

************************************************** ***
OK ladies it seems as though the last couple days have been shite to alot of us. Gosh darn.....we can do this.

And on a happier note...I didn't have to start clomid this cycle and already I am feeling lighter!!!!

[almostthere]

I feel bad that I joined and then sorta dropped out, I had another miscarriage this weekend. This one was early more a chemical pregnancy. I am so frustrated as according to the RE I do not have a infertility issue but one of unexplained repeat pregnancy loss. I feel like life is sorta passing me by as all my other friends have moved on to second, even third children. My DD keeps getting older and I wonder by the time we have, if ever another how far apart will they be - will there be any relationship or more like two families in the same house.

As to starting earlier, we had my DD when I was 25 which I think was very early in our circle of friends or family and I am so grateful we did because while I am young my issues are affected by age - however after her I kept putting off a second and I am so mad at myself that I thought I could just planned it out whenever I wanted. I was so busy planning little did I know I had no control.

bellefior - I know what you mean my best friend and sister-in-law are expecting their first when I should have had the baby frommy second miscarriage, I cried so hard when I found out and it has put alot of strain on my parents trying to tip toe around me. I can't decide if I appreciate everyones sensitivity or am tired of being poor Sarah. For me having my DD obvioulsy helps, I have an even harder time with friend having more as I see this sibling relations I may never be able to give my DD.

jjsanner - I am think good thoughts for you and wishing you the best.

I am sorry to those who cycles got cancelled - I think feeling so out of control about your own body is one of the hardest parts of this process.

[papergirl]

Ladies, I have been a bad poster and even worse at staying in tune with everyone. Forgive me, as life is just too damn busy right now. We just got back from vacation last week. It was with the family so nothing great to speak of. I was scheduled to get AF 3 days after our trip, and on our anniversary, but life had other plans for me. I ended up getting my period ON vacation, which was totally unexpected and devastating. At first I handled it like a trooper but by day two, and the last day of our trip, I was a crying mess. For any of you who have taken a cruise you know how debarkation involves a slew of people rushing off the ship – like hundreds of people. Imagine me in this massive crowed with the biggest, darkest sunglasses crying publicly. By the time I made it to the cab I was hysterical. Seriously, looking back it’s rather amusing but at the time it was so upsetting. That was our first round on injectables and I really thought they would be our miracle drug.

When we got back home we had an RE visit, which just happened to also be on our anniversary and on the day we got keys to our new home. What an odd day. The visit was a surreal experience. I have always liked the fact that my doctor is aggressive and straight to the point but I was still taken back when he said at this point he suggest we do IVF and does not recommend any other procedures. Whoo, not what I was expecting. I guess in my ideal world, the one I don’t live in, I had thought that maybe he would suggest another round (or two) of injectables and tell me how he knew they could work for us. Bye, bye my surreal life.

And that is where we are now. I think we will try at least one round of IVF but not for a while. Because I would like to take some time off when we do the procedures we would not start until December and I am fine with that. We have so much going on that I feel great being in this state of not doing anything and not worrying if this will be it. I’ve checked back into my old life, pre-TTC, and I love it.

I have also committed myself to not researching the topic of IVF. We were given a booklet to read and we will. I will also snoop in the IVF thread here on CC because I do want to be informed but for me being informed has a line, which I don’t want to cross. It will make me batty and consume my thoughts when all I really want is to be – if that makes sense.

In all this there is some good news, our insurance pays for IVF so all we need to cover is our co-pay, our portion of the meds after insurance and the anesthesiologist. My rough guess is that all this will come to $1k for one round which is great and completely doable for us.

Well, this post has become way too long and I apologize.

jjsanner – I hope the spotting is just one of those things that happen on the road to a healthy pregnancy and have no real bearing on the matter. If that should not be the case, we are here for you. Having m/c myself I know how hard it is and I can’t imagine ever going through it again. It’s a huge fear of mine and I pray that you do not have to go through this again.

Almostthere – I’m sorry for your loss and hope you will be getting test done to see what the cause of the m/c’s are.

[papergirl]

OK, so I just have a tad more to say and really it’s just me making some minor complaints that maybe some of you will understand because no one else seems to.

- I wish those who get pregnant easier would understand that some people are not programmed that way. BD every day up until ovulation and putting my legs in the air is not the solution to my problem. Changing doctors probably won’t solve it either since I am seeing someone who is considered great in their field and highly respected for getting the job done. Instead, understand that some of us have it harder… we ARE seeking the next best steps and recognize that the solution is not as simple as you think it should be. Heck, it isn’t even as simple as I want it to be.

Damn it! There was something else itching my brain, which I seem to have forgotten.

[Chris~n~Jen]

Sorry I've been MIA. Still reading along as always but not much going on with me. My estrogen and progestrone both came back normal. DH is scheduled for his SA on the 20th. My doctor was out sick last week so I haven't had a chance to talk to her about what the next "step" is. She is supposed to be in today so if I don't hear from her in a couple of hours I'm going to call in. I'm on CD22, af is due to show this weekend. This cycle I have taken a break from charting so I have no idea what's going on with my body. My bbs are pretty sore today and I was super emotional/irrational yesterday, both of these are signs of AF so I'm not getting my hopes up to much.

I have to say that even though I don't post in here much, I feel so much more comfortable in this thread. You ladies are all so knowledgable and I'm just soaking up all the knowledge. I still like the charting thread but my heart breaks every time we have a new member join during their 2WW and then end up preggo. This seems to be a tread over there. :(

jjsanner ~ You are in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sending you all the sticky vibes I can.

almostthere ~ So sorry for you. Big {{{Hugs}}}. Try not to be so upset about the age difference between DD and your next child. My brother and I are almost 6 years apart and we are super close. When he was born, I decided he was my baby and mothered him are entire childhood. We were super attached. It might be a different bond, but there will still be a bond there. So try not to worry.

bumble ~ I am so sorry that AF had to ruin the end of your vacation like that. I hope you are able to stay calm. Good luck with your IVF decision.

I'm running out of time to do more S/O's.

[skb]

Hi bumble. Eesh. Actually you and I are sort of at the same spot. We just finished 6 cycles of clomid. Our doctor is not recommending injectables. We have been referred for IVF and are now waiting for our first consult. There is a wait list for the consult into January 2007 and then an additional wait if IVF is deemed appropriate. I hope to enjoy the *break* as you mentioned and return to my pre-TTC life (as much as that is possible anyway). I can picture the cattle call as you left the ship since I've been on a cruise. Glad you can laugh about it now. Take care.

almostthere Very sorry about your miscarriage. I read your name, almostthere, and wish this was true for all of us. Sometimes it just feels like an uphill race where you try to convince yourself the finish line is almostthere. Take care.

bellefior Good article from Resolve. Almost tough to read in a way. Gee I hope IVF isn't as slim as a shot as they point out. I really would prefer to think of it as a sure thing!

[gymwidow]

Threadmistress, I think the first day of fall is a good new-thread-start-date. Also, can you please update my stats to read:

Treatment:
Clomid - 11/05-3/06, last 3 with IUI
natural ovulatory cycles - 4/06, 6/06 (with IUI), 8/06
Gonal-F - 5/06, 7/06, both with IUI
IVF - 9/06

Thanks!

GA GAL, yes, this is my first IVF cycle. I was supposed to start last month, but that cycle got canceled because I didn't respond to the suppression drugs and ended up ovulating on my own! I hope your appointment went well today.

jjsanner, I'm thinking positive thoughts for you and hoping that the spotting is nothing!

skb, that would be a dream come true! Yay for no Clomid!!!

almostthere, I am so sorry. Many hugs to you.....

Bellefior, that's a good way of looking at the situation. I have to remind myself often to stop and be thankful for all the wonderful things I do have in my life.

Bumble, many hugs to you as well. I'm sorry that you had to go through all of that in such a public place. If you have any questions about IVF, feel free to ask me. I've done a TON of reading on it and am about to experience it all.

Chris~n~Jen, I hope you were able to get in touch with your doc. Do you have a plan in place? I agree about this group; these women are great, as are the TTC girls, but it's a lot easier here. I still lurk in TTC and am happy when I see a BFP announced, but it is hard to see a lot of first-time-tryers get their good news while we're still struggling along.


Well, I have some good news. Yay. My IVF coordinator called me this morning to talk about my next cycle. It seems the chick who called me last week and got me all freaked was totally WRONG about everything she told me! The lab isn't closing on 9/26; it's closing in October. 9/26 is the date after which they're not starting anyone on a new cycle. So I have until 9/23 to get AF. And since I'm already 8DPO, I'm not worried about making that cutoff! I'm expecting to have full-blown AF (am spotting now and have been for a week) by early next week and hope to start stims by the middle of the week.

Here's my new protocol:

CD2 - b/w and u/s; start stims (200 mg Gonal-F 2x per day)
CD6 or so (when I have follies nearing 14mm) - start Antagon

Then just ER and ET and progesterone. No more Lupron, since that didn't seem to work. If I start stims by Wed., then I figure I'll be having the ER probably just about the exact same time that DH is supposed to go out of town on business. Hmph. Oh, well, we'll figure that out when we get there. He's got someone ready to cover for him, and my mom is on standby to come and be with me in case he's here for the ER and has to fly out right after. We'll see what happens.

Anyway, I'm very much relieved with the knowledge that I won't have to wait another six weeks. Now I'm getting all nervous and excited again. I'm so glad it's already Thursday and that the weekend is almost here!

Side note: I found out yesterday that my RE's office is going to start charging money to attend their weekly support group. It's been free since they started it in July, but now it will be $50 per person and $90 per couple. I sent an email to the patient coordinator, head of finance, and the therapist herself expressing my extreme disappointment that they felt the need to do that and got an email back from the patient coordinator saying that she was sorry and would try to "work something out" for me so I could still attend. I doubt I will, though. It just bothers me that they would do that. It's not like we don't pay them enough as it is. I think they can throw in one hour-long group talk session a week!

[jodylovesscotty]

Sorry no SO's right now, just a quick update.

Had my RE appointment and as I thought, not pregnant. Actually there were still some cysts from the meds that we have to take of now. So this cycle we are on birth control and then on day 21 start Lupron so my ovaries can go back to normal. It will be a nice mental break for me this month. Then the following month I think we will try another cycle with meds. This time we will tweak with my meds since I had a high LH level which made my body want to ovulate really early that is why I did IUI on day 11. He said we need to slow it down next time to get it close to perfect. Then if we are not pregnant that cycle we will take off the following one and do laproscopy just to rule out endometrosis then all the tests they can do will be done. And if we are not pregnant by the end of the year we will IVF in January (when our insurance money starts over). We did get some good news though. DH's repromedix tests came back and they were all normal! His sperm can make a baby that will proceed past the first trimester!

Threadmistress Please Update:
8/06: Repronex/Ovidrel/IUI ~ failed
9/06: Birth Control and Lupron

[skb]

gymwidow Very excited for you! Boo hiss about the support group fee. Honestly.

jodylovesscotty Well it looks like it could possibly be me, you and Bumble IVFing in the new year....that is, if we're not pregnant before that time. Hopeful.

[gymwidow]

jody, I'm so sorry. I hope this month off is good for you physically and mentally. Hugs to you...........

skb, thanks!


True to form, my LP was incredibly short and the spotting I've had since 1DPO last week turned into AF by yesterday afternoon. I went in this morning for b/w and u/s and everything was "perfectly normal" so I'm starting stims tonight - 225mg of Gonal-F once a day. DH starts his antibiotics tonight. My next monitoring appt is Monday morning. I'm figuring ER the week of 9/18. Yay!

[jodylovesscotty]

gymwidow~ That is great news! I hope that all works out well for you!

[kazata]

Just a quick update - AF showed on Saturday, so I'm onto another cycle. I completely expected AF, but it still hurts. I think I got a bit depressed yesterday, feeling like I'm never going to be a mom. It took me so long to accept that I had a fertility problem, now that I finally did, and it's been confirmed, it's hard to sit back and wait again. I know logically that now that the right tube has been removed, my chances have been improved, and we can try naturally for a few months before doing something more aggresive, but now that I'm on the testing/treatment train, it's emotionally draining to pull the brakes again and go back to just waiting it out. I want something to happen. I'm frustrated with the "wait and see" approach, because we won't even know if I'm ovulating on the left side or right side, so if nothing happens, we won't know whether we even had a chance to begin with. But on the other hand, DH seems to want to wait for a few months. And logically, that makes some sense. Anyway, I'm obviously in a bit of emotional turmoil. I went to a Resolve support group over the weekend, but there was a really low turnout - only two women, and I didn't get the positive support out of it I usually get. Instead, I felt like they were trying to convince me that IVF + ISCI is the only way to go due to DH's low morphology, and to just stop wasting time. I don't want to waste time, but I don't know that I'm all the way there yet, either. *shrug*

[skb]

Hey kazata. I can totally relate. When I finished my 6th round of clomid I was met with some mixed emotions because I knew we were in for a bit of a break. Relieved to be done with clomid, impatient about the pending waitlists, excited to have life wihtout treatment, confused whether or not I should be pursuing other treatment in the meantime. My DH asked me the *when* should we be having sex this month. I said, *whenever we want* ;). Now that I am into this cycle I'm a bit more settled. But when AF started at the end of last cycle, I sounded similar to you. Realistically it is very unlikely that we will conceive on our own after 2 years. The statistics just aren't in our favour. But at the same time I know....I must wait for my initial consult, wait for a laproscopy and wait again if IVF is appropriate for us. That will take us well into 2007. So I guess the best I can do is pace myself and enjoy my time *off* because the real *work* has yet to begin! You'll figure the when, where and how of it all as you're ready too. Take care.

[gymwidow]

jody, thanks, me too!

Bellefior, that's great! It's nice to know they're willing to help.

kazata, hugs to you. I'm so sorry. Take your time with all of this. Everyone moves at their own pace. I found it surprisingly easy to accept our IF diagnosis, but I would not have been able to jump right into IVF without first having tried everything else I could think of. Even after all our cycles and IUIs I still had a hard time accepting that IVF was the only thing left. Keep talking with DH and hopefully you can come to an agreement about how long you should wait before taking the next step.

skb, hi!


Monitoring this morning showed about 4-5 follies around 10mm and some smaller ones. My b/w came back fine and I'm staying on my same dose of 225mg Gonal-F, once a day, for now. I go back on Wednesday for my next appointment. In the meantime, I have acupuncture tomorrow night. I also scheduled massages for Wednesday and Friday. Those will probably be my last till after ET, so I want to get at least two in!

Saturday night we were out to dinner with friends and were going straight from there to a birthday party, so I had to give myself my shot in the bathroom of the restaurant. I felt like a little druggie, shooting up before going partying! :rolleyes:

[jessied1025]

Can I join???

Stats:
Me: 28
DH: 29
Married 10-03
TTC: 9/10-05
Off BCP: 7-05
Charting: 11-05
Known Issues: None that are diagnosed. However, from charting I seem to have short LP's w/spotting.

It looks like AF is going to make an appearence once again. This will mark 12 months of TTC. :( Today I scheduled an appointment to meet with an OBGYN to discuss fertility testing. It is scheduled for October 2nd.

Through charting I have noticed that my LP's are short, usually around 9 to 10 days. Included with this is spotting. Sometimes I will spot earlier and sometimes a later, it just depends. My periods are also fairly light and only last a couple of days. I am lucky that they are not painful.

Also, throughout this year I have dealt with irregularity (constipation) before ovulation. Last month I met with a GI doctor who has me on daily fiber supplements (citrucel) and glycol (which keeps my stool soft). The first cycle with this new regiment went pretty well. I still has some irregularity and pain before Oing, but nothing like the past.

Since I am new to the fertility testing world I do have one general question:
DH and I are still on separate insurances, due to cost savings. His company pays it in full and I only have to pay $20...I know dirt cheap! Also the insurance companies go through 2 different clinics. When it comes testing the both of us how will the insurance work out?

Thanks.

[skb]

gymwidow Back at ya! So far so good heh. Plus two massages to boot. You seem to be doing well managing all of your appointments....not to mention the drugs! I often invision myself standing in the lunch room with all of the men I work with while I attempt to "shoot up." Hah, I used to try to invision how I was going to use a breast pump! Oh well, first things first. You take care.

Welcome aboard jessied. Gald to hear you have booked an appointment with an ObGyn. Perhaps you'll have some answers regarding the spotting and luteal phase length in the near future. Sorry, I can't help you out with the insurance question.

[GA_GAL]

jessied1025: Welcome! I just reached the year mark of ttc too, and it has been tough to think we've been trying that long. However, a lot of people have been at it for a lot longer. I hope that meeting with your OBGYN will offer a lot of answers. As far as the insurance question goes, I'm not really sure. I ended up staying on my DH's because it covered a lot more. I think for testing purposes it might not matter as much, but after you find out whether the problem is with you or with your DH,and what treatment you'll try, you might be better off looking into who's covers more and go with that one if you can switch. Like I said though, take this with a grain of salt because I really am not sure.

gymwidow: Glad everything went OK at your apt. and it sounds like everything is going well. I know what you mean about feeling like a druggie. I had to do a shot in the bathroom at the airport before boarding last spring and was sure security was going to confiscate all of my needles and syringes.

kazata: So sorry to hear how you are feeling. I know I've been there and it is so hard. I've been dealing with depression too, but have to keep reminding myself to stay positive as much as I can. I know for me taking a little break away from tcc helped a little...hopefully it will for you, too.

Bellefior: I'm glad to hear everything sounds like it is ready to roll. I'm sure it makes you feel good to know your in-laws will help financially, if needed.

jodylovesscotty: Sorry to hear about the cysts...that always happens to me. I hope this break will be nice fore you though and help you get a new outlook on the next cycle.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++

I went last Thursday and my cysts are gone. AF showed up yesterday, so I will begin injections tomorrow. I'm hoping that the 125 IU will be the right dose for me. DH and I are going to the monthly IVF seminar Wed. night given by my clinic. I want to be prepared to move right into IVF, if needed.

My in-laws were here this weekend including my sister-in-law who is pregnant. They find out the sex on Wed., so of course there was lots of baby talk. I was prepared to tell them about our struggles, but the opportunity never really came up and I didn't want to bring anyone down. I know it would have turned into a big crying fest for me and wasn't really in the mood. I just keep thinking that hopefully we'll be pregnant soon too and we can join in their excitement.

One thing, DH mentioned offering to fly out where they live and help do the nursery (or at least help his brother paint, put up chair-rail, etc.). I told him he was more than welcome to go, but in no way would I be offering my decorating services or even be near there. If I was pregnant, of course, but I just know that would be WAY to hard because I long to do my own nursery. Thought it was very nice of DH, but hurt me because I felt like he didn't consider how I might feel.

[SAI Ladies]

UPDATED to HERE!!

Welcome jessied1025! I hope your stay here is short.

I want to thank the PP who posted the RESOLVE article about ettiquette. DH and I have been struggling with insensitivity, particularly in my family. He's upset that we keep having to find things to explain how we feel.

[gymwidow]

jessie, welcome. I'm sorry you had to make the move to this thread, but I know you'll find lots of support and answers here. I hope your first appt gets here fast so you can get started with the testing! For insurance, my DH and I are on the same, but I know that when he did his testing through my GYN's office, his tests were submitted under my name so that we didn't have a separate copay. Same for all our IUIs and SAs at the RE's. The only time he had to pay separately was when he saw the urologists and when he had his own b/w done at my RE's office. Ask at the doc's how they work that and they'll probably be able to tell you better than we can since they should know the particulars of your policies. Good luck getting answers!

skb, I have a calendar above my desk and one on the fridge at home where I write down all the appointments. Tonight I think I'm going to try acupuncture with my DH's ipod. I had a hard time relaxing last time (prob. b/c the room was so freezing) and I'm hoping some good calming music will help.

GA GAL, yup, so far so good. I hope this week goes by fast. I'm ready to get to the ER already! That's great that your cysts are gone. I hope this round of injections is your last! I'm sorry you had to spend so much time with a pg SIL this weekend. I can imagine how tough that must've been.


I'm starting to feel the effects of all these stims. I've taken 900mg in 4 days (the most I'd taken before was 550mg over a week) and already I'm feeling bloated and uncomfortable in the ovary-region. I hope we see a lot more on the u/s tomorrow b/c it sure feels like there's a lot going on in there! ;)

[kazata]

Skb, Gymwidow and GA-GAL Thank you for your posts. It helps tremendously just to know that somebody out there understands what I am going through. It's such a rollercoaster of emotions - and they always seem to be the worst for me right after AF and right around O. I am so thankful for this group.

Jessied Welcome to the group. Sorry that you have to be here, but you are in good hands. As for the insurance - for us, my DH used his own insurance for his testing.

gymwidow Hope that the acu is more relaxing this time. That's a shame the room was so cold - funny to me b/c the treatment room always seems warm to me, maybe b/c my acu uses heat lamps. Your "druggie" story had me cracking up, even though I know it must have been really awkward for you. Oh the stories we have!

GA GAL Yay for the cysts being gone! Sorry that you had a hard time with the family. I think we all understand how tough it is to see a close family member pregnant and the family excited. It's kind of cute that your DH wants to go help with the nursery, but that would be way too hard for me too.

[jessied1025]

Thank you for the warm welcome!! It is greatly appreciated.

So I called my insurance company today to determine my coverage: Here is what is says in the excluded coverage area: "Infertility services which are not for treatment of illness or injury (i.e., which are for teh purpose of achieving pregnancy). The diagnosis of infertility alone does not constitute an illness."

From that statement my guess is nothing will be covered, even the blood work, SA and other testing.

Tonight I am going to check with my DH and see what his insurance would cover. If it covers more than mine it might be worth while to switch to a family plan if needed.

Sorry, but I don't have time for any s/o's. Maybe tonight or tomorrow.

[kazata]

Jessied It doesn't necessarily mean that nothing will be covered. My insurance does not cover infertility treatments, but it does cover diagnosis (testing) at 50% - this includes office visits and ultrasounds at my RE. On the other hand, blood work has been covered 100%, even though they say I have a 50% copay on fertility diagnosis, but for some reason labwork gets covered 100%, so you might have some coverage. The stuff that isn't covered for me is treatment, which includes IUI, IVF, etc.

[Chris~n~Jen]

Thanks gymwidow for asking about me.

I'm getting super pissed at my gyn office. I was waiting to hear back from my doctor (she is actually a midwife so not sure what you call her). Anyway, last week I call the drs office again and they tell me that she isn't working out of that office anymore. So I leave a message for someone/anyone to look at my chart and call me and tell me what the next step in the process will be. Nobody calls. Two days later I call again and have to leave another message. Nobody calls. I finally talked to someone who told me it was up to me to pick which doctor I wan't to use. I said "whichever one will be available the soonest to go over my chart with me." Still nobody has called me. :mad: I'm going to have to call again tomorrow and raise a stink. It's just so frustrating. The other issue is that DH has his SA scheduled for next week. Since he doesn't have insurance (currently) the urologist office said they would send his results to my gyno and I can go over the results with her so that we didn't have to pay a doctors visit out of pocket. Well I don't even have a name of a doctor to tell them to send the results to. I'm so freakin frustrated. Also my company just switched insurance and I'm pretty sure I need a referral to go to a specialist. If it weren't for that, I'd just schedule an appointment with a RE now. :mad:

Ok, gotta question for you all. I remember reading in a thread somewhere that there is a phone number that you can call and they will help you figure out what your insurance will pay for in regards to infertility. Can anyone help me find that number? With the new insurance I'm clueless and I'm just not sure how to go about figuring out what they will pay for.

[jjsanner]

Well ladies, I'm back :( . As I posted before, I started spotting last Tuesday evening, and AF showed up on Friday. My HCG was 50 on 14 DPO (Monday) and down to 21 on 16 DPO (Wednesday). I go back in tomorrow for another blood draw to make sure my levels are back down to zero. We are debating meeting with the RE to start testing to determine why I keep miscarrying. We are taking a break, at least for the next few cycles before starting the meds again.

[Alioop12345]

I feel really bad that I haven't been keeping up here. I am just feeling so down. I am really trying to stay positive but it is just so hard. This last cycle was # 18...my ovaries were overstimulated (8 mature follicles) and my lining never got above 7 so the cycle was canceled. I had to meet with the RE to discuss the plan and he is only letting me do one more cycle before he suggests moving on to IVF. I am so upset because I don't feel like he's given the Gonal F/Viagra much chance... I've only had 3 cycles with both meds together and this last one was cancelled...so only 2 cycles that had a shot in PG. Anyway, sorry to be so wordy....I am not sure if we will be moving on to IVF or not. I am just going to try and stay positive for this next cycle....which most likely will not happen untilmid-late Oct at the earliest as I have so many cysts that this cycle starting next week will be out.... I am also going to be adding acupuncture...any one have experience with this?

Also, anyone else have experience with what their docs have recommended for thickening up the lining? I am on 4 mG oral estrogen starting at CD1, viagra supps starting at CD3, Gonal F 150 cd4-? and then I continue the viagra all cycle, along with progesterone injections after ovulation.

TIA

[Alioop12345]

I am so sorry JJSanner BIG (((((HUGS)))))))

[GA_GAL]

JJSanner: I'm so sorry to hear your news. I was thinking about you yesterday since we hadn't heard from you in a little while. I hope your break will allow you to figure out what is going on with your body.

Alioop12345: Sorry you are feeling the way you are. I have been in your shoes and go through periods of feeling very down and then feeling OK. I'm kind of in the same place as you as far as treatment goes, too. I have one more cycle to try injections and then we move on to IVF. I'm not sure where I read this, but I remember hearing that, in most cases, 3 cycles on one medication gives a good indication of whether or not your body will respond to the meds correctly. As far as thicking your lining, I've never done this, but I know my RE sometimes will recommend baby aspirin. I'm not sure at what point in the cycle though.

Chris~n~Jen: I can't believe how unprofessional of your gyn office is being. That's just ridiculous. I hope that when you call tomorrow you really let them understand how badly they are treating you.

jessied1025: Don't always rely on what the insurance company says because their wording can be very tricky. Our insurance said they would cover 80% of the testing to find the cause of infertility, but no treatment. However, they have ended up covering b/w for all my treatments, up to 3 u/s within a 21 day period, and most of my injectable meds with only a co-pay.

[jessied1025]

JJSanner I am so sorry! (((HUGS))).

Alioop I am so sorry to hear about your frustrations. I don't know too much about treatments as I am just meeting with an OBGYN next month to probably start testing. Hang in there.

Bellefior Glad you were able to get things organized and make the arrangements for the IVF. I hope AF comes as schedule and you get keep this moving. Take Care.

Nothing new here. I marked today as CD1 as my spotting has been a bit heavier and my temp is near the cover line. I probably could have marked it a couple of days ago, but the spotting never stayed heavy enough throughout a day to mark is as AF.

[gymwidow]

Had my second check today and have good news and not-so-good news. The good news is that I have 10 nicely developing follies around 14mm and my lining is already over 7mm. My RE said he's been taking a conservative approach with my meds since my past history shows my tendency to hyperstimulate. (I've only been taking 225mg once a day instead of the typical twice a day.) He said he'd rather take it slow and get 10-12 good mature follies than get 20 or 30 less developed ones and risk me getting OHSS. Which makes sense, although of course I want moremoremore to hopefully better our chances! He said right now he would guess that my ER will be Monday, but that we'll know better after my next check on Friday.

The not-so-good news is that he got the results back from DH's last SA. You may remember that my DH's SAs came back with widely varied results. A culture showed a high level of white blood cells, which is not supposed to happen. So he met with a RU in August and gave another sample then, which was sent out for some newfangled fancyschmancy high-tech testing. The results came back a couple of days ago and they weren't great. Evidently DH's sperm have some DNA abnormalities. Fragmentation or something (I have to go google). Unfortunately, my RE couldn't tell me too much. First, he's not a RU and isn't as familiar with the male workings as with the female. Second, these are really new tests and there's not a lot of data out there on them to compare with. He said this may be why we haven't gotten pregnant so far, but it also may be nothing to be concerned about. The RU still recommends we go forward with this cycle and thinks that we still may succeed. My RE said this may just lower my chance of success from about 65% (he had rated my chances very highly based on my age and level of response to the meds) to about 50-55%. So still good. But the problem is, they won't know when they choose the sperm for ICSI whether the sperm they choose have the DNA problems. Those problems can't be seen by the regular washing and selection process. The sperm would have to be sent out for analyzing and obviously that doesn't work when you need them right away for fertilization. We may be able to tell as the embryos develop. The RE stressed that this is not terrible news and that we shouldn't lose hope. But he felt that he needed to share it with me, and of course I'm glad he did. I always feel that it's best to have as much info as we can. DH took the news okay, I think, but of course has a ton of questions. We've asked to have the RU call us to go over it better and hope to hear from him soon.

I'm having a very "Why me?" kind of morning now. It just feels like we keep getting hit with one thing after another. Treatment, new treatment, bad test results, new hope, another failed treatment, move to IVF, IVF gets postponed, start IVF again, now this. I'm trying to get all of this out now so I can get back to positive thinking but I worry that that won't happen and I don't want to spend this entire cycle thinking like it's useless and a waste of time and money and emotions. Not to mention the bloating and pain and everything else. I'm trying to keep perspective, hell, yesterday my best friend found out she'll never be able to get pregnant at all, so at the end of the day we still have hope and a chance and that's good. Gotta keep that in mind.....

I'll be back for SO's later.

[kazata]

jjsanner I'm so sorry to hear your news. Sending lots of hugs to you.

alioop Sorry you are feeling down. I don't have experience with thin lining, but thought I'd also heard the baby aspirin suggestion - something about increasing the blood flow to the uterus. I think adding acupuncture sounds like a great idea - I know that they can focus on the blood flow to the uterus as well. Just make sure you find somebody familiar with treating infertility.

gymwidow I'm sorry to hear about the SA issue. I don't know a lot about it, so I'm sorry if I'm off-base, but it sounds like you might be a good candidate for PGD when they do the IVF + ICSI. I know there was a woman in my local resolve support group who underwent unsuccessful IVF, and when they did a second round they did the PGD testing, and it turned out something like 8 out of 10 of the embryos had a genetic abnormality, they implanted the other two, and she became pregnant. I don't remember her exact details, but I think it was determined to be an issue with her DH's sperm. Without the PGD they would not have known. Anyway, maybe it's a possibility for you? I know it costs an extra couple thousand dollars, but it's better than having to do another round of IVF...

[gymwidow]

kazata, all those damn hormones really do make us crazy! My treatment last night was much better. I just have to remember to not let him put me in the last room on the right; he used a heat lamp in there once for me b/c it always seems freezing in there. But last night was great and I was so relaxed I think I actually fell asleep for a bit! Thanks for the PGD info. I'll ask my RE if it's something that we should consider in light of the SCSA results.

jessie, I agree, the exclusions language is usually overbroad. See if you can get the list of procedure names and code numbers from the doctor, then you can check one by one to see if they're covered.

Chris~n~Jen, oh, that is just wrong! Call 'em back and refuse to hang up until they get you a dr's name and an appointment. Your GYN should be able to order DH's SA and if they're anything like mine, put it under your name so it's covered by your plan and copay.

jjsanner, I am so sorry. Meet with the RE - like I've said, I always think it's better to know what's going on so you can deal with any potential problems.

Alioop, hugs to you. I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. I don't have any experience with thickening up the lining, but I have been doing acupuncture since June and I love it. It's relaxing and it can't hurt our chances any, but can only help, so I feel it's worth it. If you have any IVF questions, feel free to ask or PM me. We're in our first cycle of it now.

Bellefior, that's awesome!


So, my RE and DH's RU have conferred and both are leaning towards ICSI still, but they're presenting our case to the rest of the partners and will get more input before they make a final decision. I think that if we get a good number of eggs at the ER I'm going to ask that they try to fertilize a couple the traditional way, just in case and just to see what happens. My RE is going to call me after he meets with the rest of the REs and we'll discuss.

In other news, I'm starting Menopur and Ganirelix tonight. Two powders of the Menopur and one prefilled syringe of the Ganirelix. Thankfully they're both still sub-q shots. So, three shots tonight and tomorrow night and then back again for another check on Friday.

[pocket]

It’s been a long time since my last update. I’ve been lurking, but feeling too discouraged to post. I know we all feel hopeless from time to time, but it’s been very bad for me lately. Our anniversary was at the end of August and now it has been three years since we started trying. Increasingly I find it hard to believe that we will ever conceive a child. This causes massive fights with Pita who thinks my bad attitude is a fertility factor.

My cysts persist. I’ve been back and forth every week to have a u/s and estradiol and have kept up the lupron every day. But nothing has happened. The cysts are still the same size and don’t seem to be budging at all. Today Pita and I went in together to see Dr. N. He is so nice! Anyone who needs to go to SF Kaiser, try to get Dr. Nachtigal. He said that with PC ovaries, the long Clomid treatment can cause cysts and that sometimes they take a long time to go away because I don’t cycle. So they gave me Lupron Depot which is a big Lupron shot that I take once a month. And now we wait again. We do this for three months with a checkup once a month. After three months if it’s not resolved then they send me to the Fremont ivf clinic for an aspiration. On the bright side my fibroids seem to be shrinking from the lupron, and Dr. N says he’s not even worried about it at all at this stage. I’m going to try and treat this Lupron Depot stage as a break. I’d like to try and lose some weight, and exercise more regularly. I’d like to try not to think about it all the time, and feel so terrible all the time. I’ve given up coffee, white flour and sugar. My dad offered to pay for treatments I can’t afford, so I am going to ask him to pay for acupuncture.

[papergirl]

Pocket – There you are! I think Pita and my husband are secret friends. Fred has told me my poor attitude is part of the problem but I say – whatever. In 17 cycles of trying more then half of those were with a great attitude and lots of hope but it didn’t work.

And add me to the group of people needing to drop some pounds, which I feel the need to do more so now that we might do IVF.

JJSanner – I’ve been thinking of you, a lot. I am so sorry to hear that you have suffered another m/c. I hope you get some testing that will in return give you some answers. I can’t imagine trying for so long only to m/c multiple times. It is a HUGE fear of mine. Take care of yourself.

Gym – I’m sorry you are on such a crapper rollercoaster. I will keep you in my thoughts and hope the end result makes it worth the ride.

Jess – Welcome! I hope your stay isn’t too long. Coming in here I just knew I would be in and out. MONTHS and cycles later I am still here – but hey, the company is great.

Belleflior - Good vibes for your upcoming cycle.

Kazata – Sorry AF showed. That is always the worst for me.

……

Nothing to report on my end. We really are doing nothing. I probably O’d already and the two times we had sex this cycle were probably too early and if they weren’t then they were still a bust cause we used condoms. You know, sometimes I just can’t be bothered with the “mess” of sex (hence the condoms).

[Chris~n~Jen]

Thanks girls. I've been so sick this week and I just haven't even felt like calling that stupid doctors office. I'm just so aggrivated and frustrated and on CD3 of our 13th cycle. I feel like after so many cycles we should be a little farther along in the whole testing thing, but I really feel like we are just back tracking.

So I have a kinda what would you do type of question for you all.

Some background..... Chris just started a new job and his insurance won't kick in for another 6 weeks. My job just switched insurance companies plus all the problems I've been having with getting ahold of my doctor. So I've been thinking about changing doctors. I am also potientially changing jobs soon and will then again be switching insurances.
So Chris and I were talking last night about maybe holding off on any more fertility testing until he gets his insurance. He'll then put me on his policy and we'll be able to start fresh with a new doctor. I'm nervous about doing more testing now just to have to switch doctors and possibly do it all over again. Chris is scheduled for his SA next week and we are paying out of pocket for it and I don't even have a doctor to tell them to send the results to so that we don't have to pay for a doctors visit to go over the results with a urologist. So we're thinking of cancelling it and just waiting until he is covered. The downside is that I can't stand the thought of having to wait another 2 cycles before we start trying to figure out what's going on. I just dont' know what to do all this insurance crap is just really confusing and frustrating. So what do you all think?

Alioop ~ Sorry you are feeling so down. I don't have any knowledge on accupunture but would like to hear what other say. I wonder if this is something that you can get insurance to cover???

Bellefior ~ Yay for finalizing the process. I'm scared and excited for you!

Jessied ~ Welcome to the other side. Although I can't say I'm happy to see you here. :( Your AF sounds like mine. It's usually always so light that I could almost call the whole thing spotting. :rolleyes:

gymwidow ~ {{{BIG HUGS}}} to you! So sorry you were feeling down. I hope your spirit is up a bit more today.

I’ve been lurking, but feeling too discouraged to post.
Yep, this is me too. That and the fact that I don't usually have much to say, since nothing seems to be going on with me. :rolleyes: I hope you really can relax and try not to stress to much during your Lupron Depot break.

bumble ~ I totally understand about not wanting to deal with the mess especially when you know nothing is going to come of it.

Thats' as far back as I can see to do S/O's. But Hi to everyone else.

[Jess71903]

I've found that now that the workup is done, I feel a certain sense of calm has come over me (people have actually commented on it). I just didn't realize how stressful all the testing has been until it was completed. I'll also be starting one of the Resolve support groups next week and feel good that I'll actually be in a group with other women where we can talk face to face, even though you all as my on line support group have been terrific. I'd never have been able to keep my sanity for this long without you!

I think you said this a long time ago, but I am glad you are feeling calmer about stuff. Now that the lap is done, me too!

I think it's done. I am so sorry! I hope they can figure out what's going on to make you lose these pregnancies.

I feel bad that I joined and then sorta dropped out, I had another miscarriage this weekend.
I am so sorry for your loss, too!

JJ sending thoughts and prayers your way and hoping that the spotting turns out to be nothing.

Almostthere sending hugs and prayers your way too.

You know they say that God never sends you more than you are capable of handling, but going through this you really do have to wonder sometimes. What I've often wanted to say to the man upstairs is "God, I know you don't give me more than I can handle, but occassionally, clue me in to let me know what is going on will you???"

Hubby and I talked a little more about his cousin whose wife is expecting her second, and I came to the conclusion that I wouldn't want to switch places with her because of the way cousin is. He has a gambling problem, likes to drink, has a few other "addictions" that I won't mention, and likes to go to Vegas with just the guys--DH has heard all about how those Vegas trips play out, not a pretty picture. Except for maybe the kids, absolutely nothing would make me want to be walking in her shoes.

I feel this way too, about being clued in. I am too much of a control freak, and I need to learn to let that go. Also, I am glad you can look at your DH's cousin in this light. Makes it a little better, anyway.


And that is where we are now. I think we will try at least one round of IVF but not for a while. Because I would like to take some time off when we do the procedures we would not start until December and I am fine with that. We have so much going on that I feel great being in this state of not doing anything and not worrying if this will be it. I’ve checked back into my old life, pre-TTC, and I love it.

I have also committed myself to not researching the topic of IVF. We were given a booklet to read and we will. I will also snoop in the IVF thread here on CC because I do want to be informed but for me being informed has a line, which I don’t want to cross. It will make me batty and consume my thoughts when all I really want is to be – if that makes sense.
Totally makes sense. I am like you. when something major is coming my way I have a tendency to over-research and let it consume me. This goes for everything from buying a new car, to all things TTC. I hope the mental break will be good for you and your body will be fully prepared for the IVF.

Oh, and the last bit of news. MIL called my DH up, said she wanted to help, and offered us some money to do so. ... Better late then never, right? ... But at least both sets of parents have offered and the resources are there if we need to do this a second time--hopefully we won't have to.
I hope you don't have to either, and I am glad your MIL finally offered to help!

The good news is that I have 10 nicely developing follies around 14mm and my lining is already over 7mm.
YAY!

The not-so-good news is that he got the results back from DH's last SA. ...Evidently DH's sperm have some DNA abnormalities.
I'm sorry about this but I hope your dr. is right and it won't matter.

I'm having a very "Why me?" kind of morning now. It just feels like we keep getting hit with one thing after another. Treatment, new treatment, bad test results, new hope, another failed treatment, move to IVF, IVF gets postponed, start IVF again, now this. I'm trying to get all of this out now so I can get back to positive thinking but I worry that that won't happen and I don't want to spend this entire cycle thinking like it's useless and a waste of time and money and emotions. Not to mention the bloating and pain and everything else. I'm trying to keep perspective, hell, yesterday my best friend found out she'll never be able to get pregnant at all, so at the end of the day we still have hope and a chance and that's good. Gotta keep that in mind.....

I'm sorry you are having that kind of time. I think it goes in cycles. I am feeling ok right now, but i was in a crappy mood a couple of days ago. Anyway, I hope this all works and you won't have to worry about TTC anymore.

Pocket and Jen- I am sorry you guys are so down right now.



Me- I had my follow- up appt after my lap today. Copied from journal:
Now on to my appointment. It went much better than past appointments with her. She actually spent time with me and I asked all the questions I could think to ask and I feel like I know something now. She showed me the pics from my lap, which was cool. She said that one tube was blocked just on the very end by the ovary and not all the way down. She said I can get that fixed surgically by an RE if I wanted to, but that I could still get pg without the surgery. She said that my ovaries are behind my uterus and close enough together that it's possible that even if I O on the blocked side that the other tube could catch the egg and I would still have a (smaller) chance that month. She told me that we can give it a few months if we wanted to and then try Clomid just to "strengthen" the egg and give us a better chance. I am not sure how I feel about that yet. I would rather not. She also said we could do a post-sex (I hate the word "coital!) test to see if my CM is killing the sperm and if so, try IUI. She said we would to u/s to see which side I would O from and we could decide not to if it was from the blocked side.

At this point we are going to just see what happens for a couple of months and hope that the whole dye through the [good] tube thing will help make me extra fertile. Next we will probably do the post- sex test and go from there. She did give me Prometrum to take CD 14-24 to try to take care of the 4 days of spotting I have pre-AF.

[looty]

Just popping in here since I haven't been in for a while. I apologize but I had a serious illness and death in my family that took all my attention away from TTC (which is one good thing about a bad situation).

I talked to my dr yesterday and she recommended beginning Clomid or Clomid + IUI. We haven't made any decisions yet but I know for sure the IUI is at least a few months away. I am just not ready to do that yet. Clomid is still kind of scary to me. I know many of you ladies have taken it, so for those of you who have, could you tell me what kind of side effects you had and such? Thanks!

[looty]

Oh yeah, and thread mistress could you add this to my "list."

8/06 HSG and hysteroscopy: normal

[polkadot]

HI everyone...i havent been here in a while...but just wanted to let you know looty...that I did two rounds of Clomid...the first was 50mg...i had a mild headache the days I was taking it and that was about it...BUT i didnt O on it...the 2nd round was 100mg....I didnt have any headaches at all but I did O...I just got my BFP this morning but I wanted to let you know not to be afraid of Clomid...it worked for me :D

[Asha]

hello to everyone. i've been lurking bc i've been busy processing a lot of stuff, but i'm still here and rooting for everyone.

just needed to respond to pocket. i think our dh's are very baffled by infertility. they are trying to find reasons and explanations for something they don't know very much about. so they just grasp at whatever seems logical to them. my dh was doing this too, and it would make me so angry bc i thought he was blaming me for our infertility. he would blame everything from my very mild alcohol consumption, lack of prayer, and needing to relax. i think also our dh's want to fix the problem and help out bc they feel a loss of control, so they are trying to find solutions that they can control. i point blankly asked my re to explain to dh about the real issues with fertility and what can really cause infertiliy. he explained to dh that my drinking a few glasses of wine a week will not cause infertility, and that our infertility is caused by damage to my reproductive system. after that, my dh stopped really grabbing for "logical" explanations. it hasn't made him feel any better about our infertility bc i think he is suffering as much as me over this, and it is sometimes hard for me to recognize that bc i am usually throwing my own pity parties. though, it has helped our relationship bc there are no more of these fights over the "cause" of our infertility.

conrats pokadot!

[CTs_Punkin]

Wow Polkadot - you were pretty casual with your announcement of a BFP!!!

CONGRATS!!! How exciting!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~STICKY VIBES~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's about time some good news came in here!!!

[jnshanna]

Coming out of lurkdome to say CONGRATULATIONS Polkadot!! I'm so very happy that you finally go that BFP that you so deserve. I'm sending lots of sticky vibes your way. :)

I've been pretty negative about TTC lately too so I've tried to stay quiet. Maybe when we start the new thread I'll feel more refreshed. ;)

[papergirl]

Looty – I didn’t mind the Clomid. My biggest issue were the hot flashes but then again, I hated them because it was summer + hot flashes and that = hell.

Polkadot – Congratulations! All the best to you.

Jnshanna – Awww, now I’m feeling bad cause I always post bummer stuff. Like I don’t even think twice that I am complaining or being negative.

[kazata]

CONGRATS POLKADOT!!!! Just tried to sneak that announcement in, eh? Wonderful news, which is much needed in here.
~~~~Sticky vibes to you ~~~~

[gymwidow]

pocket, ugh, I am so sorry to hear that. How frustrating. I think your plan for this time "off" is a good one. I kept trying to lose weight in between cycles, but usually only had a couple of weeks and I never felt like I accomplished anything. I hope that your DH gets a little better about making comments like that. Doesn't he realize that they don't help any!?!

bumble, thanks. These roller coasters we're all on suck - way too many lows and not nearly enough highs!

Chris~n~Jen, that's tough. If you did the tests now and you then switched docs, I'm not sure you'd have to repeat them. I did all my tests with my GYN and the RE didn't have me repeat any of them. So, if you're covered under your insurance, I'd say go ahead and do the tests now. I hate wasting time, also, and wouldn't want to wait. Can you ask your GYN if they can order DH's SA under your insurance so you don't have to pay out-of-pocket for it?

Jess, I'm glad you had a good appointment with your doc and got a lot of answers. How come you don't want to try the Clomid? I hope the Prometrium takes care of that spotting!

looty, I'm so sorry that you had all that stuff happen. I wasn't bothered by Clomid at all. I had hot flashes at night and basically just slept in shorts and a tank top with no blankets (in winter). But that was it. I O'd every time on it.

polkadot, look at you, sneaking that in there. That's fabulous!!!!!!

Bellefior, I'm so happy that the support group was so beneficial to you! Good luck finishing up everything at work.

Asha, hi, I hope you're doing okay!

jnshanna, hugs.....


We're almost there! This morning's u/s showed about 10-12 follicles ranging in size from 14mm - 17mm, plus a couple of small ones that are trying to catch up. I'm staying on the same 3 meds tonight and go back tomorrow morning for what will hopefully be my last checkup. The doc says that it's very likely that I'll trigger tomorrow night and have the ER on Monday.

In happy news, my RE agreed to give me a prescription for Tylenol with codeine for after the ER. Yay drugs!

The RU that DH saw called us at home last night to go over DH's test results. He said it's not as bad as some may think. The test is more of an indicator of problems than anything else, and now that we know the results, this is the most likely explanation for why none of our previous attempts worked. He said that there are only a few studies out there about this kind of info since it's still relatively new, and most of those are done on very small samples (40-50 men) and are often designed to produce the results the scientist expects to see. He said that most studies show that fragmentation does not affect the ability of the sperm to fertilize the egg, nor will it have any impact on the health of the embryo or future babies. He thinks that we still have an excellent chance of success with IVF.

Also, DH's motility this time came back at 73%, which is his highest ever (his motility is sometimes good, sometimes not). The morphology is still borderline, though, so after discussion with our RE, who conferred with a couple of other REs about us, we're going to go forward with ICSI on all our eggs. We paid a lot for it, so we might as well get our money's worth!

[looty]

Just have a quick second to post but wanted to thank you all for your opinions on Clomid. Glad to hear that it isn't bad. We haven't made a decision yet but any extra info is helpful.

Plus sending Polkadot a huge Congrats!:D

[polkadot]

thanks girls...

Looty i do think that clomid is what helped us...I never Oed on my own...so this cycle I oed on day 15....I guess it worked!!!:D :D

thanks again girls!!!

[pocket]

Clomid did not work for me. I took it 4 times – 50 mgs, 100 mgs, 150 mg, 150 mgs. All unmonitored but I used OPK the last two and didn’t O. Side effects – headaches, hot flashes, anger, moodiness, forgetfulness, anxiety, ovarian cysts, fibroids.

[skb]

looty Who called it a successful failure? Clomid 50mg for 6 cycles with follicle tracking and HCG trigger. Ovulated every time (ovulated on my own anyways), some cycles more than 1 mature follicle. But no pregnancy as a result. Side effects....weight gain, abdominal tenderness/bloating/distention, hot flashes which became less intense with each subsequent cycle, possible headache, you'd have to ask Dh about moodiness (maybe some). All and all not that bad but I am still really glad to be done with it. Seems to be a common low level fertility treatment.

[pocket]

Oh yeah, weight gain, let's not forget that one!

[jnshanna]

Aw bumble, don't feel the least bit bad about venting here on my account. That's what this group is for. :)

[jodylovesscotty]

Congrats Polkadot!

looty~ I took clomid for 3 months prior to my m/c. We had tried for over a year and never got pregnant. I got pregnant on my 3rd cycle of 100 mg. of clomid. I do ovulate on my own though. However it ended in m/c. The only symptoms I had was the little weight gain. I had no hot flashes, headaches, nothing. So I think that depends on each perrson. Good luck at whatever you choose. It is difficult to know you need help, but once you accept and embrace it, its not so bad.

[GA_GAL]

Congrats Polkadot! Hopefully you will be the one to get the ball rolling and we'll see a lot more BFP around here.

pocket I'm glad I'm not the only one who has experienced weight gain. That has been one of the most frustrating things for me.

gymwidow: I know you are happy to almost be at your ER point. Glad the RU feels you'll have a great chance with IVF and I'm sure that doing ICSI on all the eggs will only increase the chances that you'll be announcing a BFP soon!

Bellefior : I'm happy that you had such a great experience with your Resolve group.

Chris~n~Jen : I know how frustrating dealing with insurance can be. I'm not sure that if Chris went forward with the SA that is scheduled if they might want him to do one that is more updated when you start with a new doctor? I know it is hard to wait, but it might be better to do so until you have your new insurance worked out.

Jess71903 : Glad you got to really talk with your dr. and ask all the questions you had. Hopefully your "seeing what happens for a couple of months" will prove to work for you!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++
I'm still taking the menopur shots and go in tomorrow (Sunday) for my first follie scan and b/w.

[gymwidow]

GA GAL, oh, I've had weight gain. I didn't attribute it to Clomid entirely - my eating habits weren't always the greatest after we started IF (comfort eating) and I didn't gain a lot until I started on the injectables. But I am up 20 lbs in the last year and a half (since going off BCP) and I can't wait to be able to lose it! I am SO VERY happy to be on the cusp of our ER. Now I just need the next day to go by fast so it can be here already! I hope you saw good results at your appt this morning. :)


We're on for Tuesday! Yesterday's u/s showed that I only had two follicles over 18mm and the rest were still around 17mm. So I took the same doses one more time last night and went in again today to see that I have 10 mature eggs over 20mm and a few smaller ones hanging around. I take my trigger shot tonight at 10 pm and return tomorrow for a last round of b/w and u/s pre-ER. The ER is scheduled for 10 am on Tuesday. I'm very happy about the early time! I'll post an update ASAP after we get home.

[GA_GAL]

gymwidow: I skipped Clomid altogether and went straight to the injectables and totally attribute my weight gain (about 10-12 lbs.) to the meds. My eating habits stayed about the same and I am still working out on a regular basis. It's frustrating because I want to loose the weight, but my RE told me not to loose too much weight or exercise excessively, because when I was in college and too thin, my periods stopped altogether. I'm stuck in the in between area right now. I feel like if I'm pregnant, I won't care about the weight, but right now I'm not pregnant, so I want to feel skinny. I'm so happy that your scan is showing so many mature follies! That is so exciting and hopefully you'll have lots of healthy embryos. Have you and DH decided how many you will transfer? Will you freeze the others?

My apt. went well this morning. I had one dominate follie that was 13 mm, which is the largest I've ever had at cycle day 8. I think this dose seems to be working for me. I do two more nights of the meds and then back for another scan on Tuesday morning. If all goes well, it looks like I could be doing my trigger shot and IUI later this week!

[gymwidow]

GA GAL, oh, yeah, working out became a PITA once we started treatment. I stayed with my regular routine until we started IUIs, and then my RE had me take at least 2 days off after each one IUIs, and once I started injectables he told me to take a week off after. Other than that, though, I stayed with it pretty well. But now it's been forever since I've been in a gym. I can't wait to get back into it! My RE will only transfer 2 embryos, unless they're not looking very strong, in which case he'll put back 3. We're going to freeze any other viable ones we get for future attempts. I'm glad you seem to be doing well this cycle and hope that your next scan tomorrow shows even better results!

So, as of this morning, we have 19 follicles! 11 on the right and 8 on the left, most measuring mature or close to it. I got my ER instructions and we're all set! Today is the most uncomfortable I've felt - Saturday was bad after spending a couple of hours in the car, but today it's actually painful. Too much pressure! I'm at work now, but think I'll head home early and get myself horizontal in bed!

[Chris~n~Jen]

gymwidow ~ Yay for so many good follies. I'll be waiting to hear your update. Good luck tomorrow. Hopefully you can get home and off your feet soon.

GA_GAL ~ Fingers crossed for a good scan for you tomorrow.


cross posted from the charting thread.....

Not much happening with me. CD7 and just waiting for this weekend for the BD fest to begin. I did finally get ahold of someone at my doctors office. They were super apoligetic about their lack of communication with me. She gave me the list of all the doctors that were available for me to choose from and then gave me a brief description of them each. She was actually pretty detailed, as in Dr. So&so is our busiest doctor handeling the most patients right now, he also has a pretty thick accent. Then Dr. Yada-yada is a female. She is our youngest doctor and has two small children herself. So on and so forth. So at least I feel like I already know something about the doctor I choose. The nurse also told us to go ahead with Chris's SA and if we haven't heard from the office about the results by the end of the week then to call them first thing Monday. So it looks like Chris is keeping his Wednesday appointment. I'm actually getting excited again. Feels like the ball is rolling again. We'll deal with the insurance issues when they come up and just transfer our files if needed. So I feel much better about TTC then I have the last couple of weeks.

[GA_GAL]

Chris~n~Jen: Thanks! I hope to be able to report good news on here tomorrow evening. I'm glad you finally heard from the drs. office. It might help to make your decision about a doctor knowing all of that extra info. So happy you are feeling positive again. :-)

gymwidow: I'm always wondering how much is too much as far as exercise goes. I'm hoping to do an IUI later this week, so I'll have to ask tomorrow about what they suggest. I'd rather be on the safe side and not do too much. I also read somewhere (I think on my RE's website) that after an ET you shouldn't exercise (jog, aerobics, etc.) until you find out of you are pregnant or not. I'm wondering if they ask you to not do that for IVF, should you also not do it during a regular 2WW after an IUI. My thinking is that they don't want to disrupt the chance of implantation, so I'd rather play it safe and go easy for a few weeks. Sorry you are in pain, but I guess you don't want to complain with 19 mature follies! That is awesome. Good luck tomorrow morning for your ER. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

[looty]

gymwidow~That's great that you have so many good mature follies. I hope this is it for you.

Thanks again to everyone who gave me their opinions of/ experiences on Clomid. I know it is different for everyone but it is good to know the real life possibilities.

After talking to DH this weekend, we are going to hold off on the Clomid for one cycle and then jump right into it. Of course we are hoping the clean out was enough.

[la_bride_2004]

gymwidow Just peeking in, and thought I'd post to you. High sperm fragmentation and low counts were our issue. I wanted to let you know there's actually an entire Yahoo group dedicated to it- PM me for more info.

The tough part of DFI is that your embryos can look perfect and even grow to 6 day blast. The problem comes somewhere around implantation time, about 5-12 days out of the lab. Unfortunately, PGD will not detect male factor DFI issues- I am sure your RE will tell you this.

We were the "worst" case scenario- we had significant fragmentation. I have seen people on that Yahoo board who have had success with IVF with more borderline levels, which it sounds like that's the category you are in.

Sounds like you have a great crop of healthy follicles- I'll be sending you good retrieval vibes!

HTH!

[jessied1025]

Hey Ladies,

I don't have much time to post...I have so much work to get done before I take a couple days off next week.

Nothing new here...CD6. At least AF was a heavier this month than past months. But the amount of spotting before and after has me concerned. Thankgoodness I will be seeing a doctor in about a week and 1/2 regarding my issues and not being pregnant yet.

[gymwidow]

Chris~n~Jen, thanks! I'm glad that you finally got a good response from your doc's office and that you're on your way with the testing. It feels so good to be doing something, doesn't it?!

GA GAL, my doctor told me it's best to just take it easy for a couple of days following a Clomid-IUI, but to take more time off after an injectables-IUI because with the higher level of stimulation the ovaries are more fragile. With IVF, I was told nothing but walking or swimming and today after my ER they basically told me not much of anything till after my pregnancy test. I agree with you - better safe than sorry, and I'd rather not do anything that would make me wonder later "what if I hadn't...."

looty, thanks, I hope so too! Yay for you guys making a decision. Hopefully you'll never need the Clomid.

la bride, thanks for sharing that with me!

jessie, I hope you get some answers next week!


Success! We got 13 eggs today and they were ICSI'd this afternoon. The procedure went fine - my favorite RE after my own did it - and the thing I was most worried about (getting the IV) was not too bad. I remember them asking me my name and stuff and then feeling the meds go in and saying something about how the doc was right about feeling it pretty quickly and the next thing I knew my recovery nurse was bringing DH in and asking me if I wanted apple or orange juice.

So I'm home, watching t.v. in bed with my cat snuggled up against my side, waiting for DH to bring me my ice cream dinner. I napped for 2 hours this afternoon, and will read junky magazines and watch t.v. all night. :) I've got a little cramping, but it's not that bad and I have good drugs to take if they get any worse. I'm still planning to stay home tomorrow and will go back to work Thursday. ET will be either Friday or Sunday.

We'll get our fertilization report tomorrow and I'll let you all know how we did!

[looty]

gymwidow~I hope you get a good report tomorrow. Rest up and enjoy your ice cream dinner. My kind of dinner by the way!

[jodylovesscotty]

gymwidow~ Good luck with everything! I am thinking only positive thoughts for you!

looty~ Good luck on your decision. You should always do what you are comfortable doing. It is a difficult process mentally so I wish you much luck:)

I am still waiting for next Friday to start the Lupron. It seems so funny to be on BCPs, in my mind it kinda defeats the purpose. I know though that it is for a good reason.

[Jess71903]

Hi ladies! I have missed too much to do many SOs, but just wanted to check in. I was out of town on a long weekend for a continuing ed conference.

I can't wait to hear how things go for you gymwidow! I hope this is the only time you will have to do all of this!

Jen- glad you feel better about the whole Dr. situation. I know that is a load off!

looty- I hope you don't have to worry about the Clomid and the HSG did the trick!
I need to update my stats....threadmistress, please add

laparoscopy 8/21/06 showing blocked left tube
put on Prometrum CD 14-24 to reduce spotting pre-AF
SWH for a couple of months before moving on to Clomid and/or IUI

I am at CD 6 and not really thinking much about it. I started taking my prenatals again after "boycotting" for quite a while.

[GA_GAL]

Jess71903: Glad to have you back!

jodylovesscotty: I always think that about BCP...it just seems backwards when the goal is to get pregnant.

gymwidowI'm so happy to hear the ER went well and that you came out feeling good. 13 eggs is great! I know you probably can't wait to find out about the fertilization. Enjoy your rest at home and your icecream...I'm jealous. :-)

jessied1025: Hope your dr. will be able to offer you some answers.

I had my second follie scan today and I seem to have one that is almost mature (14.5-15 mm) and just a few that are lagging behind (11-13 mm). My b/w came back good so I do two more nights of the menopur, take my trigger shot on Thursday and IUI on Sat!!!! I'm so excited because this dose of medicine really seems to be working for me. This will be the first time in all of my medicated cycles that I've actually produced the right number of follies to be able to trigger. I'm staying hopeful this time will be the one, but if not, I'm trying to remember that at least we found the right dose of meds and we can try this again without moving to IVF, yet.

[suzfuzsunflower]

Hi everyone. I wanted to update on my situation.

I left this thread a month ago to begin adoption. My DH and I had given up hope that we would have biological children. For the past week I have felt ill. I decided to take a pregnancy test on a whim yesterday and it was positive. Very positive. I got three positive tests yesterday. :)

I am happy, but also scared. I'm going to beg my OBG or RE to see me today for bloodwork and hopefully an ultrasound. I have no idea how far along I am.

Just wanted to let everyone know since I was a member of the thread for so long.

[jodylovesscotty]

suzfuzsunflower~ I am so happy for you!!!! You deserve it:)

GA_GAL~ Hoping that the follies look good and you are ready for your IUI this month! I will be keeping everything crossed for you.

[Alioop12345]

Many congrats suzfuzsunflower! Happy and Healthy 9 onths to you! What a wonderful surprise!

[skb]

Congratulations suzfuzsunflower!!! That is a very exciting update and clearly a surprise to you. What a nice surprise! Geesh, the only thing would be now you are one of those stories. You know the ones, "our friends had given up on having their own children, and as soon as they began adoption proceedings...it happened!" Funny but good for you and your DH!!! Let us know how things are going and have a healthy/happy pregnancy. I'm off to drop out of this thread too ;) :)

Kidding....will be back to check up on the rest of you.

[suzfuzsunflower]

I would like to be graduated!

suzfuzsunflower
Me: 25
DH: 25
Married: 08/09/2003
TTC: March 2005
Known Issues: PCOS, male factor (low morphology)
clomid (50 & 100 mg) - did not ovulate
SA 5/06 - 1% normal sperm - count 125 million
repromedix 6/06 - 96.1% of sperm able to fertilize eggs
7/06 - Bravelle/trigger/IUI (15 mil) - did not ovulate
8/06 - moving on to adoption
9/06 - pregnant!
Due: 05.29.06

I confess that during the past month even though I "left the thread" I really didn't....I have been reading along, and I will continue to do so. I hope that you all have your happy ending with TTC soon.

[kazata]

Holy Crapola! CONGRATULATIONS SUZFUZSUNFLOWER!!!!! What exciting news!!! I'm ecstatic for you and sending you a load of ~~~~~sticky vibes~~~~~~
I confess, I had the same thought as skb - that you will now be one of "those" stories. :D ;)

[Chris~n~Jen]

Huge Congrats suzfuzsunflower! What a wonderful suprise for you guys!

[GA_GAL]

Congratulations suzfuzsunflower!!!! So happy for you and what an amazing story you will have to tell. I'm sure this is proof that if we could all just relax a little and not be so stressed out about TTC, it might help things along. That's 2 BFP's so far in the past two weeks...let's keep them coming!!!

[pocket]

Congratulations suzfuzsunflower!!! Hooray!

[gymwidow]

looty, thanks, it's my favorite food of all!

jody, thanks. BCP does feel so strange, especially after all that time of trying so hard. When do you stop taking them?

Jess, thanks, me too!

GA GAL, thanks! Yay for follies and triggering! Lots of luck for Saturday.....

suzfuz, OMG, that is so awesome! Your story is the kind that inspires everyone to never give up. I am thrilled for you and wish you the happiest and healthiest nine months and more!


My RE called yesterday afternoon while I was napping and told us that of the 13 eggs they got, they were able to "work with" 12 of them. He said he was really pleased with those numbers. Today the lab called to tell us that 8 of our 12 fertilized. I was a little disappointed (I wanted all of 'em!), but they said that anything over 50% is considered great and they were thrilled with our numbers. We're tentatively scheduled for our ET at 2:20 on Friday; I'll get a phone call before 11 am that day letting us know if we're still on or if we're getting moved to Sunday or Monday. In the meantime, they said they'll call tomorrow with an update, and I should feel free to call them if I need anything.

[looty]

Congrat suzfuzsunflower! That is great news and I was another that thought about the fact that you will be anotehr story, but I am so glad you will be. :D

Good luck to GA_Girl and Gymwidow!

jodylovesscotty~I have thought about possibly being put on bcp due to cysts and such and I think it would be hard on you. I had to take a month off due to the procedures I had done (well we thought we did but it may have been a miscommunication problem) and it has seemed like this month has dragged on forever!

I am hoping for the same for you Jess! I haven't been taking my prenatals this month either. Once I get Af I will start them again.

[suzfuzsunflower]

Holy Crapola! CONGRATULATIONS SUZFUZSUNFLOWER!!!!! What exciting news!!! I'm ecstatic for you and sending you a load of ~~~~~sticky vibes~~~~~~
I confess, I had the same thought as skb - that you will now be one of "those" stories. :D ;)

I had those same thoughts as well - that people might use me to perpetuate the myth that if you "just adopt, you'll get pregnant" or "just relax and it will happen." I know that I hated to hear all of that. I don't think that relaxing can correct a medical condition (although stress might make things more difficult). I really think it's a miracle that DH and I got pregnant.

Thanks for the congratulations, everyone!

[SAI Ladies]

Congrats Suz!! I'm so excited!! That's such a positive note to end this thread on! I'm am working on the new thread and will have it up and running by the end of the day!

[SAI Ladies]

Ok Ladies, our new thread is open and ready for BFPs!!

Fall 2006 (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25092)