TTC at 35+: Age Is Just a Number! Part 2

[pocahontas]

I know we aren't quite at 1,000 posts in the old thread but hey...no better time than the present to start up the new one! The former threadmistress and I noticed there were a lot of INactive people still listed in the old thread. So we are starting the list from scratch. Please POST YOUR STATS IN RED so we can add you or update your old ones.

This thread is designed for all women 35 or BETTER who are TTC. Let's get our new roll call going! :D

MEMBERS

APhiJill (Jill)
Me: 41
DH: 48
Married: 12/11/01
TTC since: Had a missed m/c on 12/12/06. Started TTC again in July 07. One failed IuI in March 08. Taking a TTC break and will be doing another IuI in July 08

Constance
Me: 38
DH: 33
Married: 2003
TTC: Sept 2006

Ellybelle (Elaine)
Age: 41 (42 in January, yikes!)
TTC: Not preventing since 5/06, actively ttc-ing since 7/06 (though bad timing hindered us last month).
Charting?: No, but I have fairly regular cycles and check CM.
DD: Sofi, born 11/03

Hangin'in
Me 39
DH 29
TTC since Oct '03
2005 - 3 failed IUI, donor egg speech
09/06 - graveled with doc to try IVF..... no go. Considering other options, while not preventing.....

JaJacobsen
Me - 41
DH - 42
Married - 5/2005
No children
Known issues: Me - pituitary tumor, endometriosis (laparoscopy/hysteroscopy 6/2007)
DH - varicocele (dual ligation 3/2007).
2 failed IUIs using follestim/ovidrel in 2/2007 and 3/2007

JennZ
Me: Jenn 37
DH: Kyle 40
married: 7/2000
TTC: 1/2007
other children:
DD- 10/02
DS1- 12/03
DS2- 2/06

Jlo2be
Me: 43
DH: 41
Married: 2002
DS: born 5/1/04
ectopic pg 11/04, mc 12/05 (6w5d)
TTC #2. HSG shows blocked right tube. Trying for IUI

Julesp313
Me - Julie, 35
DH - 40
TTC: December 2004
Known issues: High FSH (11.2)
Miscarriage - December 2005, 6wks
IVF July 2006 - ended in suspected ectopic pg, methotrexate-induced miscarriage at 6wks
Now - charting and trying to stay hopeful

Maxicat
Me: Kim (38)
Dh: Just Dh (46)
Diagnosed: High FSH (highest 55) in 2003, and Endo in 2005
Mommy to Lauren (10/16/06)

melissafromnc
me: Melissa (41)
DH: Eric (38)
TTC: Since 1/03
m/c: 1/04 (ectopic resulting in loss of one tube)
m/c: 4/06 (second ectopic pregnancy. 2 doses of meth. still ruptured. lost remaining tube)
3 failed fresh ivf cycles, one failed fet, many failed iuis
diagnosed with high fsh
currently pursuing donor embryos and starting to think about adoption

Miel
Me 41
DH 36
TTC since September 06
FSH is 12 & Graves Disease

nycgirl1998 (Michelle)
Me: 38
DH: 39
Married: 10/31/1998
Charting: have not started this yet
TTC: 09/07 or thereabouts

OCNative
Me 41
DH 36
Married 8/2003
TTC since - well, not not trying, but really trying since mid 2006
2007 - hysteroscopy
6/20007 - 1st IUI - with injectibles (Follistim/Ovidrel) - Failed

[pocahontas]

Margiepgh
Me: Margie, 43
DH: Ken, 39
DS, David Connor, 12/18/03
TTC#2 since 11/04
M/C at 12 weeks, D&C on 9/8/05 (Trisomy 21)
Issues: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, age!!
BFP: 12/07
EDD: 9/08
IT'S A GIRL! Lauren Nicole born 7/17/08 weighing in at 4lbs 9 oz. and 18 in. long.

CTs_Punkin
Me - 36
DH - 38
Married - 11/2004
TTC - 1/2005
Issues: Premature Ovarian Failure
4/06 - Diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure
10/06 - Clomid/IUI - BFN
1/07 - moving on to IVF w/ Donor eggs
2/07 - Waiting for Donor Match
8/07 - IVF w/ donor eggs - BFP!
EDD - May 22, 2008
Gabriel (aka GTT) is here. Born...5/13/08
Time of birth: 10:48pm
Weight at birth: 7lbs 11oz
Length at birth: 20 3/4"

Pocahontas
Me: 37
DH: 34
Married: Sept. 3, 2005
Charting: 12/05
TTC: 02/06
Known issues: Endometriosis
7/06-Laproscopy
Oct 06 to Feb 07-4 IUIs (some with clomid, some with follistim)- unsuccessful
May/June 07-IVF#1-BFP!
EDD: 2/23/08
Baby Boy "Sparky" born at 24w 4d (November 7, 2007) due to PROM and with us 27 minutes

bottleored
me: Caroline (39)
DH: Paul (43)
TTC #1: Since 1/04
6 failed Clomid cycles (up to 150mg)
tubal recanalization for blocked tube 2/05
started injectibles 6/05
Jackson David arrived on
Tuesday, 6/20 at 12:31 am
weighing 9 lbs, 7 oz,
21.5" long.

Brink
Me: Tina (36)
DH: Dan (37)
DD: Aimee - 9/25/05
Married: 6/26/04
BFP: July
Pregnant!!EDD: 3/19/07 (will be earlier for scheduled C)
ADD: 1/31/07
Katherine (Katie) Louise and Kristi Anne arrived weighing in at 3 lbs 15 ozs and 4lbs 7 ozs and measuring 17.5 in and 16.45 in respectively!

catgirl1007
Me: 36
DH: 36
DD: 10/8/04
Married: 10/25/03
Devin Patrick is here!
ADD: 11/10/06 10:40 pm
Weight and Length: 8lbs 11oz 21in

craftgenius
Me - 36 years old
DH - 38 years old
Married - 8/16/2003
Had fibroid surgury 1/11/2005
TTC since 5/1/2005
Claire Simone arrived on 8/18/06 at 5:58 pm 5 lbs 6.6 ounces and 19 inches long.

jesseybell
Age: 35
married 5/21/05
OBC: 7/1/2005
History of endometriosis and a DES Daughter
Elizabeth Kemp, August 7, 2006, 9 lbs 3 oz, 20.5"

kimmiebride
Age: 40
TTC: Since 8/02
m/c 11/24/05
Pregnant!! EDD: 03/31/07
Joshua Michael was born at 9:12AM on 3/3/2007 weighing 4lbs 12 ozs.

Mermccau
Me: Meredith - 36
Husband: Sean - 32
TTC: Last BCP taken on March 12th, 2005
BFP: March 2006
Pregnant!! EDD: November 9th, 2006
Connor is here but we have no stats! :confused:

mobox
Maureen: 36
David: 36
OBC: 4/05
TTC: 6/05
BFP: 4/10/06
Samuel Lee is here! Born December 5, 2006 weighing 6 lbs 10 ozs at 19 1/2 inches long!

Stars
Me: 39
DH: 34
Diagnosis: High FSH and the boyz have Motility issues
IUI #1 with low stims: Success, DS born 7/14/04
TTC: Officially off pill 11/05 and waiting to see what happens
Pregnant!!
Emma Sophia is here arriving at 1:01 pm on 2/9/07 weighing 7 lbs 15oz and measuring 18 1/2 inches.

Wendalah
Me: Wendy, 36
DH: K., 38
Married: 6/14/03
TTC: 9/06
BFP: 03/07
It's a girl: Audrey Leigh
Birthdate: 11/25/07
Time of birth: 2:55 p.m.
Weight at birth: 7lbs, 13oz
Length at birth: 20.5 inches

CHEERLEADERS - Bubbas, tsmom, Fireside Girl

[pocahontas]

"Infertility for Dummies"
"The Infertility Cure: The Ancient Chinese Wellness Program for Getting Pregnant and Having Healthy Babies" by Randine Lewis
"The Zygot Chronicles" by Suzanne Finnamore
"Inconceivable" by Julia Indichova
"Birthing from Within" by Pam England
"What You Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause: Balance Your Hormones & Your Life from 30 to 50" by John R. Lee
"Exercising Through Your Pregnancy" by James Clapp
"Expecting Miracles On the Path of Hope from Infertility to Parenthood" by Christo Zouves, MD
"Secret Thoughts of an Adoptive Mother" by Jana Wolff

[constance]

constance

Me: 38
DH: 33
Married: 2003
TTC: Sept 2006

Thank you for starting/continuing this thread, Pocahontas.

[margiepgh]

Pocahontas - Thanks for starting the new thread. I just sent a PM to a mod asking for the old thread to be closed.

I'll be lurking and sending encouragement for more BFPs soon. :)

[Fireside Girl]

I just wanted to stop by and let people know Braeden was born 08-31-06 @ 11:39 A.M. He weighed 7 lbs 11 oz, 21 inches long...

We are all doing well, and I'm completely in love with him. He is not a vigorous nurser though so he's having some issues with his weight, even though we are supplementing with expressed breast milk.

Anyone know how to post a pic?

Pocohantas,
Can you switch my status from graduate to cheerleader. Thanks!

Bonnie

[pocahontas]

WELCOME CONSTANCE!

CONGRATS FIRESIDE GIRL!
UPDATED

[Kimmiebride]

Welcome Constance, and CONGRATS to Bonnie & Timothy on their new arrival!!
Kimmie

[stars]

I hope that margie doesn't mind me posting this...

I wanted you guys to know that she lost her baby today at 12 weeks. Our hearts are with her and her family at this time.

[melissafromnc]

margie-I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss. Thinking of you so much.

[pocahontas]

OMG! Margie, I am so sorry. :( Please take all the time you need because I know this is a difficult period. We will be here for you when you come back.

[Kimmiebride]

I posted in the other thread as well, but in case you don't go there for obvious reasons, please know that you and Ken are in my thoughts.
So, so sorry...
Kimmie

[Fireside Girl]

Margie,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your husband are in my thoughts.

Kimmiebride and Pocohantas,
Thank you for the congratulations!:)

[constance]

Margieph, I am so sorry for your loss.

Firesidegirl, Congratulations on he birth of your son, Braeden.

Kimmiebride & Pocahontas, thank you for the welcome.

[pixielou]

margie i am so sorry to hear about your loss. it's just lousy. take care of yourself, dh, ds. and remember that you didn't do anything wrong. big hugs.

~pixie

[Fireside Girl]

Constance,
Thanks for the congratulations and welcome to the thread. All the people on this thread are very supportive. I hope you get your BFP soon!!!:)

[ellybelle]

I'm so sorry, Margie. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

[wendalah]

I am joining the Sept. 06 TTC thread and this one now too :)
Me: 35
DH: 37
Married: 6/14/03
Charting: Have not started this in earnest yet
TTC: 9/06

[pocahontas]

Glad to have ya WENDALAH...I'll put up your stats.

[margiepgh]

Copied from Pregnant at 35+ thread:

I'm sorry that I haven't been up to posting until now, but I wanted to stop by and thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. I had a D&C last Friday, which wasn't horrible since I was under IV sedation. The OB ordered pathology testing on the fetus, which will take about 6 weeks, so hopefully we'll have some answers by my follow-up appointment. My favorite OB did the procedure, which brought me alot of comfort. The first several days were pretty rough after hearing the news, but the happy times are starting to outnumber the sad ones. My son has been my greatest comfort. When he saw me crying he brought me tissues, gave me a hug, and gave me his Barney to hold.

We're on hold for about 3 months but, in spite of my age, we plan on TTC again. I'll be visiting from time to time to check on all of you.

[Bastille]

Margie -

I am so sorry for your loss, it is such heartbreaking news.

The image of your son taking care of you with his Barney is priceless and so sweet. May you and your husband find some solace in each other and your precious son. God Bless you all.

Christina

[Bastille]

Bonnie -

Belated Congratulations on the birth of your son. What happy news.

All the best to you and your family!
Christina

[pixielou]

maggie continue to take care of yourself. and enjoy the pampering from ds! he sounds like a real great kid! you'll be back on the ttc bandwagon before you know it.

******************************
i know i'm probably supposed to be posting over in the preggo thread, but i just don't do pregnancy threads.

i just wanted to share our good news. our amnio came back completely normal and we are having another little girl. we are just awaiting word from the fetal cardiologist regarding the heartbeat issues we were having - though his last report was that he could not find anything wrong.


~pixie

[Fireside Girl]

Wendalah,
Welcome to the thread! I hope you get your BFP soon.

Pixie,
Great news about the amnio results. Here's hoping you hear from the fetal cardiologist soon.

Christina,
Thank you for the congratulations!:)
Are you cycling anywhere?

[pocahontas]

CONGRATS PIXIE! When are you due?

[Jill1228]

Pixie, Congrats
Margie, I am sorry for your loss :(

I guess since it is officially OTL/TTC I should sign on again

APhiJill (Jill)
Me: 39 (will be the BIG age in December)
DH: 47
Married: 12/11/01
TTC: OTL now (not trying and not preventing)

Right now I think I might be at the end of the 2 ww

If y'all don't mind, can I pick your brain about my cycles?

CD 30...so we wait


I have been keeping up with my cycles for over a year now. When CD1 starts, I log the first day of the menstrual period and how long the last cycle was



Here are my cycles from June05-August 06 (number is the length of days of the last menstrual cycle). I stopped taking the pill last May or early June

6/30/05 began keeping track of MP. 6/30 is the first day of the MP

7/30/05 30 days

9/3/05 35 days

10/13/05 39 days

11/12/05 30 days

12/18/05 36 days

1/17/06 31 days

2/8/06 23 days WTF?

3/10/06 30 days

4/10/06 31 days

5/17/06 38 days

6/16/06 30 days

7/25/06 40 days

8/23/06 29 days



My average cycle length was 32 days. I am kinda interested on where that 23 day cycle came from

Thoughts?

[pocahontas]

Adding your stats, JILL! (although I am not abbreviation savvy enough to know what OTL is. :( )

[Jill1228]

OTL-open to life. Not trying but not exactly preventing it either

[melissafromnc]

pixie Congrats on great amnio results and another daughter!!! I think that's just fab.

wendalah Welcome to the thread and best of luck to you! I think we have a few friends in common over on LJ and here.

margie You've been much in my mind. Thinking of you.

I know I haven't been posting much but would love it pocantas if you'd add my stats. I'm another year older so I guess I should update, huh?

melissafromnc
me: Melissa (41)
DH: Eric (38)
TTC: Since 1/03
m/c: 1/04 (ectopic resulting in loss of one tube)
m/c: 4/06 (second ectopic pregnancy. 2 doses of meth. still ruptured. lost remaining tube)
3 failed fresh ivf cycles, one failed fet, many failed iuis
diagnosed with high fsh
currently pursuing donor embryos and starting to think about adoption

I suppose I have some ttc news myself. We're trying to work our everything to proceed with our donor embryo cycle. I've got an appointment with my RE on Monday afternoon to discuss the protocol and such. We're finalizing the contract with the donors and then need to schedule many more appointments.

I'm toying with the idea of trying to cycle in October but more realistically it will be January (we have a three week trip to Thailand planned for December for a friend's wedding and to help us survive our would-have-been due date from the last ectopic). I'm pretty freaked out at the chance of a cervical ectopic, it's incredibly rare but I have a friend who's currently dealing with that. That's the only kind of ectopic I can have now so with my horrible luck it's got me thinking. Anyway, I'll know more after Monday's appointment.

[Jill1228]

AF arrived this morning..that hussy!

[melissafromnc]

It breaks my heart to come here and share this news, and I hope pixie doesn't mind but I have a feeling she isn't up to this right now. She recently found out she lost the baby. I know we'd all like to send her our love and our thoughts. My heart goes out to the pixie family.

[Kimmiebride]

Pixie... honey, I am so sorrry. Sending you and your family my love and sympathy.
Kimmie

[pocahontas]

OTL-open to life. Not trying but not exactly preventing it either

Thanks ma'am...I learn a new one everyday! :D

[pocahontas]

UPDATED TO HERE! Glad to have ya back MELISSA!
Pixie I am so sorry to hear this. :( Please take care.

[Fireside Girl]

Pixie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please take care of yourself.

Melissa,
I think waiting til January sounds like a good plan. I'm very hopeful this works out for you. "How soon is now?" keeps running through my head.

APhiJill,
Sorry the hussy made an appearance!

[stars]

pixie BIG HUGS to you, I am so very sorry for your loss.

[Jill1228]

Pixie, I am sorry for your loss :(

[tsmom]

Pixie -- So sorry - thinking good thoughts for you,take good care of yourself.

[ellybelle]

Pixie I'm so sorry to hear about your loss.

[Bastille]

Pixie -

Although nothing I can say can take away your pain, I wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family. I am so sorry you have to go through this.

N- best to you, R and A.
Hugs,
Christina

[ellybelle]

Just wanted to add my stats while I'm here:

Name: Ellybelle (Elaine)
Age: 41 (42 in January, yikes!)
TTC: Not preventing since 5/06, actively ttc-ing since 7/06 (though bad timing hindered us last month).
Charting?: No, but I have fairly regular cycles and check CM.
DD: Sofi, born 11/03

I'm definitely much more nervous about everything this time around. I think that's part of why we (paradoxically) waited so long before ttc-ing again.

[tsmom]

YEAH Elly :) - Hope S has a playmate real soon!

[pocahontas]

UPDATED TO HERE.
Welcome back ELLYBELLE!

[Jill1228]

Hope everyone has a successful October. I bought the ovulator kit...gotta see if my girls are working. I have been on the pill for so long

[Hangin'in]

somehow I missed the new thread....

DH and I are still TTC, but we aren't doing ART right now..... I called my doctor last month to see if I could force the issue with IVF, since my insurance would cover it now, but he wasn't optimistic at all..... in fact his most favorite phrase during the conversation was "if you insist" and it was followed by "very very very slim chance".

So, here are my condensed stats.....

Me 39
DH 29
TTC since Oct '03
2005 - 3 failed IUI, donor egg speech
09/06 - graveled with doc to try IVF..... no go. Considering other options, while not preventing.......


Margie and Pixie I'm so sorry to hear your news.

Fireside congratulations!

[pocahontas]

WELCOME BACK HANGIN'IN!

UPDATED.

[jlo2be]

Well no wonder I stopped getting notification on this thread. I didn't know there was a new one. I know I've been MIA lately but I'd still like to join. :) Here's my updated stats:

Jlo2be
Me: 43
DH: 41
Married: 2002
DS: born 5/1/04
ectopic pg 11/04, mc 12/05 (6w5d)
TTC #2. HSG shows blocked right tube. Trying for IUI

(x-posted from my LJ)

We've started the ball rolling on TTC #2. I've been charting and I got my GYN to refer me to the RE that I saw the last time. She (the GYN) warned me that he wasn't much on personality the last time I went to him but I didn't find him annoying at all. Well I've changed my mind. Let me explain. Both Ernie and I went for our round of tests. E to get his boys checked and me to get the requisite blood work and and HSG. Well apparently the ectopic pregnancy that I had back in Nov. 04 left a mark because my right tube is completely blocked. That was a shock to me as the last time I had the HSG (before I got pg with Chris) everything was fine. He said the other tube is fine though so it's not a show-stopper (obviously not since I've gotten pg again since the ectopic). What annoyed me is the fact that the RE seem to be obsessed with telling me that I'm 43 years old. You know as in, "well you know the chances of getting pregnant at 43 are pretty slim". Or, "the incidence of miscarriage at 43 are...fill in the blank". Or, "we could do the IUI. It won't hurt but you know, your 43 so it might not help either.". Yeah. I get it. I'm 43. But you know what? I was 43 when I walked in your office and I'm pretty sure I'll be 43 when I leave, so just get me pregnant and I'll worry about the rest. Whatever. On a brighter note, Ernie's boys are good swimmers and my hormone levels were excellent so the quality of eggs is still good. Unfortunately, my body chose this month not to ovulate so it was kind of a bust. We'll try again next month and if all signals are go (and I'm ovulating from the left side) we're gonna do the IUI. I'm getting the baby bug pretty bad now and my ovaries a twitching like mad so I hope we have success. It only took one round of IUI last time to get Chris so I'm hopeful (but you know I was only 40 then and now I'm - you guessed it - 43!). :rolleyes:

Margie and Pixie I'm really very sorry.

Congratulations Fireside!

[ellybelle]

jlo2beHello again! Good to see you again.

That's annoying about your RE. I mean, it's not like you are hoping for something impossible or anything. It really does happen, and the fact that everything else (aside from the blocked tube) is fine is in your favor. But there really is a tendency towards that "gloom and doom" talk, which I don't think is necessary if a woman is realistic but optomistic.

As for me, looks like a chemical pregnancy this month. Had a few positives followed by a negative yesterday, and AF today. At least I can get "back in the saddle" next month!

[pocahontas]

WELCOME BACK JLO2BE!
UPDATED.

[jlo2be]

I'm sorry about the chemical pg, Ellybelle. That sucks. Good luck next cycle.

Yeah my RE is the chairman of the department so he pretty much thinks his crap doesn't stink anyway. He has this whole routine that as he's talking to you he rolls his chair back to his files and hands you 'relavent' reading material to punctuate what he's talking about at the time. Lots of stuff about the difficulties of getting pg after 40, raising a child after 40, you name it. I got all the same stuff last time too but I guess I'm a bit more sensitive to it this time. I remember him being pretty surprised how well the IUI took last time too and the last thing he said to me as he walked out of the door at our last appointment before he released me to my OB - when I said I was coming back to him for the next one he said, "Don't wait too long". :rolleyes: Anyway he might be short on personality but he's good and gets results and that's all I care about. :)

Thanks Pocahontas

[pocahontas]

Hmm...maybe he and my RE are brother and sister because she is definitely more "matter of fact" than warm with the bedside manner. She knows her stuff but it still is a tad annoying.:rolleyes:

Yeah my RE is the chairman of the department so he pretty much thinks his crap doesn't stink anyway. He has this whole routine that as he's talking to you he rolls his chair back to his files and hands you 'relavent' reading material to punctuate what he's talking about at the time. Lots of stuff about the difficulties of getting pg after 40, raising a child after 40, you name it. I got all the same stuff last time too but I guess I'm a bit more sensitive to it this time. I remember him being pretty surprised how well the IUI took last time too and the last thing he said to me as he walked out of the door at our last appointment before he released me to my OB - when I said I was coming back to him for the next one he said, "Don't wait too long". :rolleyes: Anyway he might be short on personality but he's good and gets results and that's all I care about. :)

Thanks Pocahontas

Anyhoo, this is a sidenote question since many of you ladies have experience with IUI and/or IVF. I am a little confused about my insurance coverage (BS/BC) and I figure perhaps one of you can clarify this for me. I was told I have coverage for "3 attempts per live birth". That's exactly how it was put. So I'm sitting there scratching my head wondering if that means if 3 attempts don't result in a birth I am no longer covered? And if one of those attempts results in a birth I am covered for another 3? And lastly does that lump IUI and IVF together or is it 3 attempts at each one. Does anyone one else's insurance spell this out more clearly? I was a little lost. :confused: Thanks in advance.

[Jill1228]

Who all has used Ovulation Predictor Kits?

I took a pix of the lines on the test today. The left one is supposed to be as dark as the right one. Is it just me or is the left one still lighter?

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/APHIJill/surge.jpg

Dunno if I am ovulating so I am using the predictor kits

I think i haven't reached the surge...better luck tomorrow

[melissafromnc]

Wow, so many oldtimers coming back. It's always good to see hangin'in and jlo. So sorry about the recent chemical pregnancy, ellybelle.

jlo2be Not to engage in more doom and gloom talk and I'm sure you probably already know this but the chance of a second ectopic is pretty high so make sure you get monitored very closely. Since I've had 2 ectopics I tend to freak out about this. Everyone on this board has a higher likelihood of having an ectopic just because of our age but those of us unlucky enough to have had one have more than doubled chances of having a second. Hope your doc continues with his good results quickly and you're soon on your way to #2.

pochantas I'm surprised your insurance just says '3 attempts per live birth' so I think you should call and ask for more info. Much more info. Usually if you have ivf coverage, that's what's limited to a certain number of times. Often insurance will also have a lifetime max for fertility related stuff (like 10k or 25k). If your insurance doesn't have that, it ROCKS. If it really is any 3 attempts per live birththen my advice would be go straight to ivf, do not pass go, don't even think about iuis. Your chances at ivf are always higher than iui (best odds for iuis for anyone are about 15%, even youngsters with great eggs while ivf can be 25-50% depending on embryo quality yada yada, and taking age and such into account it can be much lower--check out your clinics stats at the CDC website). You also get soooo much more info in general from ivf about egg quality, fertilization, embryo quality. You don't learn a lot from any iui cycle. My only regret in this whole journey is not going to ivf more quickly. 3 attempts per live birth means if you want 2 or 3 kids you'd get that many attempts each go round. Of course, you should also check with your insurance to see if they exclude any ivf patients (based on age, fsh level, other diagnosis, etc).

aphijilll I found OPKs to be incredibly hard to read. The target line has to be AT LEAST as dark as the control line. Sometimes it will be even darker. I often had to use 2 tests per day because you can miss the surge. It did help to do 2 tests fairly far apart. I ended up getting a fertility monitor (that I passed onto margie) and that was sooooooooooooo much easier. I know they are pricey but you can get used ones on ebay or other places and I thought they were well worth the cost because it was so much easier than opks (or even temping).

A little birdy told me one of our group recently had a very nice cycle and is in the 2ww. Thinking of you bastille.

And always thinking of margie and pixie. And everyone else.

I think I'm still on track for an ED cycle in January. I've redone my infectious disease testing (yes, for those counting this was the 4th time for that), and we're nearly done with the contract. Next up: psychological screening. Three appointments. Them, Us and All together. At least the cycle part will be easy-peasy.

[pocahontas]

pochantas I'm surprised your insurance just says '3 attempts per live birth' so I think you should call and ask for more info. Much more info. Usually if you have ivf coverage, that's what's limited to a certain number of times. Often insurance will also have a lifetime max for fertility related stuff (like 10k or 25k). If your insurance doesn't have that, it ROCKS. If it really is any 3 attempts per live birththen my advice would be go straight to ivf, do not pass go, don't even think about iuis. Your chances at ivf are always higher than iui (best odds for iuis for anyone are about 15%, even youngsters with great eggs while ivf can be 25-50% depending on embryo quality yada yada, and taking age and such into account it can be much lower--check out your clinics stats at the CDC website). You also get soooo much more info in general from ivf about egg quality, fertilization, embryo quality. You don't learn a lot from any iui cycle. My only regret in this whole journey is not going to ivf more quickly. 3 attempts per live birth means if you want 2 or 3 kids you'd get that many attempts each go round. Of course, you should also check with your insurance to see if they exclude any ivf patients (based on age, fsh level, other diagnosis, etc).

Hey MELISSA...yeah, I found the whole thing really interesting and my accupuncturist said she is not surprised that an insurance company would be so "vague" about stuff so they can cut you off at the knees the minute you think you're covered. She was being cynical but so right because as soon as I think I'm clear on what's covered I'm sure I will have missed something and get a bill. I do know in reference to what you said that their max is $100K which sounded pretty nice...but I asked about the 3 attempts and whether that was just IVF or just IUI and it seems they just lump it all into the IF catagory which sucks because they are soooooo not the same thing. :rolleyes: I'll be in my RE's office next week so I'm gonna talk to the receptionist who called and spoke with my ins for more clarification because I'm sure she gets these types of questions all the time and I know she will do a much better job of explaining than they did.

[jlo2be]

Thanks, Melissa. I know about the increased chances for another ectopic. I aleady knew, but it's another thing the RE was sure to tell me. If I remember from the last time, they did monitor me really closely so I'm sure they will this time should we be blessed enough to get pg again. I'll make sure of it. Thanks again, though for looking out. :)

[stars]

Just catching up on you girls, can't get rid of me that easy ;)

It is so GREAT to see some familiar names back in the game. Wishing all of you success and hoping you come and join us over in the 35+ pregnancy thread really soon.

BABYDUST

[jlo2be]

I'm really confused. The last few cycles I have been ovulating much later than normal (it used to be between day 15-17 and lately it's been more like CD18-20). When I went to the RE on CD10 and CD14 he did sonograms and did not see any folicles so he told me I wasn't going to O this cycle. Seemed reasonable to me since O should have been around the corner at that point so we chalked this cycle up. Well low and behold, I got my temp spike around CD24 which would put O at CD23. WTF??? Today (CD29) I'm getting serious pre-AF cramping but still a high temp. (BD timing was totally off so I'm not pg). I'm totally stumped and confused and a little bit worried. Ok a lot worried. My cycles are usually anywhere from 28-30 days so to O this late is not good. I guess I'll just watch and wait and see what happens. Not really sure what the point of this post was, I just wanted to get it out. Thanks for listening to me ramble. :)

[Jill1228]

My cycle days have been crazy the past year. It is a good thing I have been keeping track

Now there is no mistaking with this line...the LH surge is here (on CD 22)
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/APHIJill/surge10-14.jpg

Comparing with the one from the other day
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/APHIJill/lhsurgecompare10-14.jpg

Hope this one catches...this is my first official trying cycle

[stars]

Jill That is definitely a darker line ... now go and get busy!!!! BABYDUST wishes to you.

[Fireside Girl]

Jen and jlo2be,
Thanks for the congratulations!

Ellybelle,
I'm sorry about the chemical pregnancy:(

Jill,
That definitely looks like a surge to me.

[margiepgh]

Pocahontas, could you add me back on the roster. The following are my stats:

Margiepgh
Me: Margie, 43
DH: Ken, 39
DS, David Connor, 12/18/03
TTC#2 since 11/04
M/C at 12 weeks, D&C on 9/8/05 (Trisomy 21)
Issues: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, age!!

I just got back from the OBs office for the follow-up appointment from my D&C. Being back in the office where I first learned of my m/c brought back the sadness that I had put on hold for the last few weeks. It doesn’t help that yesterday was the one year anniversary of my father’s death.

The pathology report was in and I learned that my baby was a male that had Trisomy 21 (Down’s Syndome). I think this knowledge will help me bring some closure to what was an extremely painful event.

I got a script for a routine mammogram, which I had prescheduled for Monday October 30. The OB said that after the mammogram, I am free to TTC again. I also have follow-up bloodwork at the endocrinologist’s office on Monday, to check on my thyroid function.

I resumed charting when my first post-D&C AF arrived on October 8. I am planning to start TTC again after the next AF, but I will probably wait a month or two before trying ovulation induction, to give my body a chance to recover.

[melissafromnc]

margie So very good to see an update from you. I'm so sorry that your pathology report showed Trisomy 21 but very glad that you got some closure. I hope you're healing and wish you all the best as you start ttc again.

jill Hope you are well in the 2ww with that surge!

I've got my yearly mammogram today. Guess that's another perk of getting older. It's my second one and last time I had to follow up with a more intense one and ultrasound. I'm hoping that doesn't happen this time around.

Things are progessing nicely with our January cycle to be. We're nearly done with the contract and I'm hoping to jump through the remaining hoops in November, get my 'scripts and just start the drugs in January (or in December). My protocol will just be 14 days of estrogen, baseline ultrasound, beging progestrone if all is well, and transfer.

Hope everyone is well.

[pocahontas]

MARGIE! :D Welcome back...glad to see you and happy to add you! :) Pocahontas, could you add me back on the roster. The following are my stats:

Margiepgh
Me: Margie, 43
DH: Ken, 39
DS, David Connor, 12/18/03
TTC#2 since 11/04
M/C at 12 weeks, D&C on 9/8/05 (Trisomy 21)
Issues: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, age!!

I just got back from the OBs office for the follow-up appointment from my D&C. Being back in the office where I first learned of my m/c brought back the sadness that I had put on hold for the last few weeks. It doesn’t help that yesterday was the one year anniversary of my father’s death.

The pathology report was in and I learned that my baby was a male that had Trisomy 21 (Down’s Syndome). I think this knowledge will help me bring some closure to what was an extremely painful event.

I got a script for a routine mammogram, which I had prescheduled for Monday October 30. The OB said that after the mammogram, I am free to TTC again. I also have follow-up bloodwork at the endocrinologist’s office on Monday, to check on my thyroid function.

I resumed charting when my first post-D&C AF arrived on October 8. I am planning to start TTC again after the next AF, but I will probably wait a month or two before trying ovulation induction, to give my body a chance to recover.

[jlo2be]

Good to hear from you Margie.

Tomorrow I go for a sonogram so the RE can check my follicles. It will be CD12 and based on last month's wacky cycle I have no idea what to expect tomorrow. I hope he sees some hint that I'm going to ovulate. I O'd so late last cycle I'm completely lost now. I guess if he sees that I am going to O and that it's on the good side then we'll schedule an IUI. I'll let you know how it goes.

[jlo2be]

I'm ovulating on the right side. :( I guess I'll be back at the RE for another look next month.

[Jill1228]

Well I took a test yesterday (11dpo) and it was a BFN :( However Aunt Flo has not arrived yet.

We are heading to Reno tomorrow...just my luck, the bitch will show up then :rolleyes:

[Jill1228]

Nope, the heffa showed up an hour ago! :rolleyes:

On to the next cycle...

[pixielou]

margie i'm glad you were able to get some results from the pathology report to help you bring closure. it still doesn't minimize your loss, and it's still not the pregnancy outcome you were looking for.

*****************
as melissafromnc posted, we lost our daughter at 19+ weeks gestation. it's been a pretty crappy month, and i've spent most of it wallowing in self pity. we had the surgical d&e, then 2 weeks later i ended up having emergency surgery to remove additional placenta tissue. but i've finally gotten a clean bill of health from my ob. unfortuneately all the lab reports have come back negative - no cause of death has been found. since our loss occurred within 30 days of our amnio, the death is being blamed on the amnio, even though there is absolutely nothing connecting the loss to the amnio. (i personally have a bit of a problem with this - as much as i want a cause of death found, i want a "real" cause of death; i thnk of this as a kinda scapegoat cause of death).

as of now, i've gotten a referral from my ob for genetic counseling. pretty much dh and i want to discuss our whole rpl history with a geneticist, and get a real understanding of our risks going forward, and if there is anything we can do to minimize our risks. with this current death being blamed on the amnio, if we were to proceed and try again, i'm concerned about having another amnio, so we need to determine what other testing options are available to minimize our need for an amnio.

i want to thank everyone for keeping me and my family in their thoughts and prayers for the past month. it really has been a difficult month.

since we are undecided as to our future ttc plans - i don't think i'll officially join this thread yet. though i will continue to read and cheer the rest of you on. shoudl i be in the cheerleader category?

~pixie

[Bastille]

Pixie -

I am so sorry that you were not able to get "real" results about your loss - how frustrating and additionally heartbreaking.

I wanted to post about Dr. Beer's new book, "Is Your Body Baby-Friendly" which you might want to get which talks about repetitive pregnancy loss and other immune issues which cause infertility and m/c. It is a wonderful book and I am so happy to see it published because Dr. Beer passed away earlier this year and it is comforting for me to see his thoughts in print.

http://www.amazon.com/Your-Body-Baby-Friendly-Infertility-Miscarriage/dp/0978507800/sr=8-1/qid=1162492282/ref=sr_1_1/103-2007010-7150237?ie=UTF8&s=books

Hugs to you R and A.
Bastille

[melissafromnc]

pixielou I heard a geneticist speak at the RESOLVE conference I went to last week and she was incredibly knowledgable. I think that might be very helpful for you and R. I think anything you can do to get more information is a great step to take.

Not that this helps anyone, but as another online friend recently lost her trisomy 21 pregnance, I found this statement by the geneticist to be very interesting: 70% of trisomy 21 pregnancies end in miscarriage. I guess I'd never heard that before. I thought of our margie and my other friend and how unfair it all is.

bastille So very nice to see you around here!

[Jill1228]

How is everyone doing? Soon (Friday) it will be time for me to POAS for the OPKs

[margiepgh]

pixie - I haven't been really keeping up with the thread since my m/c, so I was saddened when I read your last post. I didn't realize that you had m/c also. It must have happened soon after my loss. I'm so sorry that you weren't able to get any definitive answers regarding the cause. My thoughts are with you and your DH during this difficult time.

melissa - That's great news that you have a plan for a January cycle. :)

jlo2be - Are you doing monitored natural cycles are are you doing injectibles?

--------

Absolutely nothing happening here with respect to TTC. I've been pretty sick with a pneumonia over the past week or so and am just starting to get back to normal. This month is pretty much out of the question for TTC, given that I had to reschedule my mammogram until later in the month, I'm going to need some dental x-rays, and I need to get a follow-up x-ray to confirm that my pneumonia has resolved itself. I called the RE's office and they want me to schedule an appointment with the RE before doing another cycle. Hopefully they can fit me in the schedule during the next month. Also, I still need to get my thyroid function tests at my endocrinologist. I've been waiting until I was well.

[jlo2be]

Margie - we're doing monitored natural cycles.

[tsmom]

We need to get this thread moving again!!!

Bastille nice to see you here :)

Kimmie - glad all is going well with you!

I am sending lots and lots of postive thoughts your way!!

[LeighW]

I try to stop by once in a while. I'm glad to see so many folks posting, although I wish we had some better news around here. :)

Pixie, so sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking. A woman I work with just lost a baby girl at 18 weeks. Testing revealed nothing. :( I can't imagine how awful it must be not to have any answers.

Margie, nice to see you posting again. :) I hope things go well for you soon.

Melissa, good luck with the January cycle. Have a lovely, relaxing time on your trip. :)

Jlo2be, sorry about the past cycle. Wishing you luck for the next one.

Kimmie, so glad all is well with you. You are such a bright spot at the moment. :)

APhiJill, good luck to you also. You are so diligent with the OPKs, I'm sure you'll catch an egg soon. I could never figure those stupid things out.

Hi to everyone I missed.

My news of the week is that our S. Korea adoption is moving right along. Our homestudy was sent to USCIS (Immigration) yesterday. Now we're waiting for the I-171H form (preliminary visa for the baby). Once we receive that, our dossier will be put in line to be sent to S. Korea. We are waaaay excited. We hope to be matched with a baby by February or March, and then travel to S. Korea to bring him or her home by summer. :)

Take care, everyone. Hope you all have a great holiday.

[LeighW]

Oh and, Bastille, I want to say thank you for starting the men's cologne thread over in fashion. :) It inspired me to go find a new bottle for DH for Christmas.

Regular Burberry, BTW. I didn't like the Brit as much.

[pocahontas]

Pixie, so sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking. A woman I work with just lost a baby girl at 18 weeks. Testing revealed nothing. :( I can't imagine how awful it must be not to have any answers.


LeighW...a friend of mine just lost a baby girl around then too. That would be weird if we know the same person since I think you live in my state (or maybe I'm confusing you with someone else.)

[LeighW]

Pocahontas, I sent you a pm.

[margiepgh]

Hi LeighW - That's wonderful news about the adoption. Will you be matched with an infant or a toddler? I agree that we have been short on good news lately. Hopefully that will change soon.

-------

I got the results from my latest thyroid testing. My TSH was 2.9, which is a little higher than the endocrinologist likes to see for TTC, so he is starting me on a dose of 25 mcg of Synthroid. I need to have bloodwork again in 6 weeks. Also, I made an appointment with the RE for 12/13 to develop a game plan. This works out pretty well, since I have my followup visit/x-ray from my bout with pneumonia on 12/12, so hopefully I will be ready to start TTC again.

[Kimmiebride]

Hi ladies,
Thanks so much for your kinds wishes and thoughts! I am still feeling pretty great, and the little wiggler has been kicking up a storm lately! Next week is the anniversary of Robert's Angel Day, and I plan to have a couple of private memorial ideas to share with DH. Since it's Thanksgiving time, and we have so much to be thankful for, we want to keep the mood from getting too somber, but want to remember our little guy in some special way as well without involving the whole family and bringing things down for them.

LeighW, great news about the adoption!! I hope you are snuggling your new addition in the summer!!

I think of you guys all the time and check in as much as I can!
Big love,
Kimmie

[melissafromnc]

So great to see this thread moving along!

LeighW VERY nice to see you here. I've been meaning to email you since your nice comment in my 'other' life. It's so very exciting that you're moving right along in your process. I have a good friend here who is anxiously awaiting her referral. She has a fabulous blog, if you haven't found it already.

margie I don't know what your endo likes to see for ttc but there's a lot of research that says your TSH should be between 1-2 to conceive. That's the gold standard in Europe as well. I have some articles and links if you're interested in reading more. There's a woman on the high fsh board, Alex, who's quite the thyroid expert.

kimmie How lovely that you are planning something with Ray to remember Robert. And that you can do that and still have so much to be grateful for.

I'm suddenly frantic trying to get things done for my January cycle. We're finallizing the contract with the lawyers, meeting with the donors this weekend (I've met her but this will be the 4 of us), I've got a conference call with my RE on Monday morning and am scheduled to meet with the psychologist and geneticist two weeks from today! We're headed to NC for Thanksgiving and then to Thailand for 3 weeks on December 12th so it all has to be done before then.

I just got a call from my primary care physician that has me a bit stressed. My TSH is usually around 2.8-3.12 and I'd been seeing a doctor who had it under control. Well, it got it too low last March (on armour, not synthroid) and I just stopped going to see him after the ectopic. Anyway, I really really want to have my TSH under control before we do the FET in January so I tried to get a referral to a new endocrinologist. Long story short(er), I was retested in SEPTEMBER and just found out today my TSH is 5.5 (!!!!!) which is very high. I need to get on synthroid asap in my opinion. My doc isn't as concerned about it as I am but will try to get me in to the endo or at least start me on synthroid next week. Ay yi yi.

Anyway I guess I'm back into the craziness. I'm sure we can work it out but my schedule might move back a bit, which has me not so happy today. In better news, my husband and I are starting domestic adoption classes the Wednesday after Thanksgiving. We're determined to become parents, however that happens.

Happy Friday everyone!

[stars]

Hi girls,

Thinking of you guys all the time. So happy that this thread is still active and that you guys are still posting. Even though I'm not part of this thread, I LURK big-time and am your biggest cheerleader.

melissa So excited for you and hope you get all your ducks in a row before January. I've been on Synthroid this entire pregnancy, never knew I had a thyroid problem and Copper could not believe I was able to conceive with a level of 4.9.

margie Glad to read that your ready to start TTC again. Hope you are feeling better after being so sick.

A big hello to the rest of you, wish I could post more but my DS is ready for some much needed lunch!

Happy Holidays to all of you.

[mobox]

Thinking of you guys all the time. So happy that this thread is still active and that you guys are still posting. Even though I'm not part of this thread, I LURK big-time and am your biggest cheerleader.

Ditto from me! :)

[Hangin'in]

I'm still here cheering you ladies on!

DH and I are still trying to decide where to go from here, but we are taking a break from the discussion until after the new year! Good luck to everyone!

[Kimmiebride]

Stopping by to wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!!
Kimmie

[Jill1228]

WTF????

Well remember last month I tested and got a BFN?
Well I might have had a false negative. Last week I had major cramps and yesterday I had major cramps and passed a blood clot.

WTF?
So I just took a test and it was a BFP! Oh sh*t!

But before congrats go around, I gotta find out if I am having a m/c

The doc wants to see me on Monday. However the office is closed until Monday

[Fireside Girl]

APhiJill
How are you going to make it til Monday? I'm praying that it turns out ok, and that the baby is fine.

Melissa amd Margie,
I hope that you are both able to get the thyroid issues under control, and that TTC is smooth sailing from there.

Kimmie
I think that's wonderful that you are doing something to remember Robert. My first miscarriage was on the late side and we never talk about it. It's as if that baby never existed, which is sad, but my husband's way of coping with the loss, I think.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

[pocahontas]

WTF????

Well remember last month I tested and got a BFN?
Well I might have had a false negative. Last week I had major cramps and yesterday I had major cramps and passed a blood clot.

WTF?
So I just took a test and it was a BFP! Oh sh*t!

But before congrats go around, I gotta find out if I am having a m/c

The doc wants to see me on Monday. However the office is closed until Monday:eek: OMG JILL!! That's awful (well, I am keeping my fingers crossed it's not as awful as a m/c). I can remember that happened to me in July when DH and I swore we were pg (I was dizzy, nauseous and the whole nine yards!) and then I passed a clot during what I "thought" was AF...I never thought to take a test to find out though. I think I'd have been disappointed if it was a BFP and I'd m/c. Keep us posted...PLEASE!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, Girlies! :D

[Jill1228]

Thanks for the vibes. I am stunned right now. The only reason I took a test was because yesterday I thought I was having AF and put a tampon in. then today there was no blood on the tampon. So I took a test and said "OH SH*T!"

I am trying to make rhyme or reason of it.

Here is the jist:
Last month I O'd on the CD 22 (we also "got busy")
had CD1 on the 10/27 (CD 35)

Not much going on in the "boot knocking" dept...hell nothing going on

Had O cramps on 11/13...Dh went out of town this past thursday
Got busy on Monday
Had a blood clot yesterday (CD 25...I almost never have my period that early)
Got BFP last night

Can anyone figure this isht out?

[pocahontas]

LOL :D I am so glad that in the midst of it all I can still see your sense of humor shining through! Well, I do know that there are women who get their cycle's while they are pg and that's why they don't suspect anything...so I am thinking that when you had CD1 at the end of Oct. you may just have been added to that catagory and become one of those women! :confused: (That would make you close to 8 weeks now right? Okay, better question...what kind of test did you use and do you have another that you can test again?? Are you in any kind of pain or anything?)

[Kimmiebride]

Jill, I admire your patience... I'd probably have gone to the ER, and gotten an u/s. Another good question is how big was the clot... if you're 8w, and you had a subchorionic hematoma, the bleeding and clot would explain that, and things could be fine. I am hoping for the best for ya, and good luck on Monday. Of course we'll be riveted here waiting for your results!!
Kimmie

[Jill1228]

Not in any kind of pain right now.

Yesterday I took a clearblue easy digital and it came up "pregnant". I was like "yo, where the hell is the "NOT" in front of it? Come on, don't play with me...ya know that is wrong!" :D

This morning I took another and I think I peed on it too much and got the test wet because I got a "see manual" notice

So I went to safeway an hour ago and got an answer pg test (damn unless you go to rite aid or wal mart they are hella expensive). It wasn't the digital. It was the 2 line one.

The lines came up in less than 30 seconds and dark as all get out. The PG line showed up before the control line

But I am feeling a little bleah (as in nauseous) but other than that I feel fine and no pain whatsoever. No spotting or bleeding

The docs office is open on Saturday but the lab is not :rolleyes: he told me that if they say he is booked to not take no for an answer

[pocahontas]

Well that settles it then! You are indeed pregnant and just the good news this thread needs! WOOHOO! (Just let me know when you are ready to be graduated...I am so excited that you will be my FIRST person as threadmistress I get to "graduate". Dorky...I know. :D ) Talk about a Thanksgiving to be "thankful" for! ;)

[Jill1228]

Scary I got the bfp shortly after returning from my sorority sister's memorial service (she died at age 37 from Leukemia). I guess Courtney is watching out for me :)

[melissafromnc]

Jill--I hope that it's the scenario that kimmie mentionned and you have a great appointment and get fantastic news on Monday. If, however, you have any pain go straight to the ER. With my first ectopic, I tested negative, had a period and cycled again the following month (did an iui). Turned out I'd been pregnant all along, but it was an ectopic. I hope you just get fabo news on Monday but wanted you to watch out in case it was something else.

Hope everyone is having a great holiday. We're at my parents in NC and it's nice to be away from work for a few days.

[jlo2be]

Hey Jill - yup, you're pregnant alright. I am thinking all kinds of good thoughts for you and wishing you lots of of good luck and a truckload of patience. I'm with the others, if you have any pain go right to the ER. Croosing everything for you. :)

As for me, I'm on CD14 and had an IUI today. Let me back up a bit. I went for my usual sono on Wednesday and the RE confirmed that I'm going to O on the good side so he told me to schedule the IUI for today - whether I detected my LH surge or not. Well I tested and haven't detected the surge yet but I kept the appointment anyway. When he did the procedure, he also confirmed that the egg hadn't been released yet and he told me to come back for a repeat IUI tomorrow. I asked him if it wouldn't be a waist of time if I didn't O until Sunday or Monday and he said yes but come anyway because he didn't want to miss it. I tested again tonight and although I'm starting to see a faint line, it's still not positive so I don't think I'll get the surge until tomorrow or Sunday. I'm debating whether to go tomorrow or not. I don't t think I'm gonna O until Sunday or probably Monday. I guess I'll go tomorrow anyway. It doesn't mean we can't 'get busy' on our own tomorrow or Sunday so I guess we're still in the game. :)

[jlo2be]

CD15, no surge yet (although the second line is looking much darker so it shouldn't be long now), and IUI #2 is done. I saw a different doctor in the practice this morning - a woman. Much nicer, and gentler with the instruments. She says I'm gonna release the egg very soon. I said I thought it would be Monday - she says might not be that long. Going for #3 tomorrow. If I don't get pregnant it won't be for lack of available sperm. They're gonna bum-rush that egg when it finally gets released. :)

[pocahontas]

CD15, no surge yet (although the second line is looking much darker so it shouldn't be long now), and IUI #2 is done. I saw a different doctor in the practice this morning - a woman. Much nicer, and gentler with the instruments. She says I'm gonna release the egg very soon. I said I thought it would be Monday - she says might not be that long. Going for #3 tomorrow. If I don't get pregnant it won't be for lack of available sperm. They're gonna bum-rush that egg when it finally gets released. :)

WOW...you get to do 3?!:eek: That's great! The most I've heard women being able to do is 2 back to back. But 3 will definitely be a "bum rush"! :D

[jlo2be]

Pocahontas - I'm trying not to think of the potential doctor bill I'm gonna get from all this effort. :p

[pocahontas]

Pocahontas - I'm trying not to think of the potential doctor bill I'm gonna get from all this effort. :p

LOL...understood. :) I hope your ins. will cover some!

[Jill1228]

Just make sure you get some for me! :D

DH is still in the Oh Shit stage. he wanted me to try another brand

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/APHIJill/11_25_06_BFP.jpg

Please someone slap him silly

CD15, no surge yet (although the second line is looking much darker so it shouldn't be long now), and IUI #2 is done. I saw a different doctor in the practice this morning - a woman. Much nicer, and gentler with the instruments. She says I'm gonna release the egg very soon. I said I thought it would be Monday - she says might not be that long. Going for #3 tomorrow. If I don't get pregnant it won't be for lack of available sperm. They're gonna bum-rush that egg when it finally gets released. :)

[constance]

Congratulations, Jill!

[jlo2be]

Congratulations Jill!! How are you feeling (other than stunned)?

As for me, IUI #3 was this morning. The sonogram aftward showed that the egg had been released so I'm officially in the dreaded (or maybe not so dreaded) 2WW. Gonna try not to obsess about it and get my hopes up in the meantime. I've got plenty of Christmas preparations to tend to to keep my mind off of it - hopefully it works. :D

[Jill1228]

Jlo2Be, i will send good vibes your way.

constance and jlo2be thanks for the congrats

I am feeling okay, thanks. I think the digi test finally made it sink in for DH
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y132/APHIJill/Picture002-2.jpg

I am making a list of things to ask the doc...gotta make my $15 COPAY worth my while :)

[LeighW]

Congrats Jill!

I hope you get good news at the doctor today.

[stars]

Oh Jill I'm so excited for you!!! Those digital HPTs are super sensitive, I couldn't get one to say "pregnant" even when I knew I was.

Please come over and join us in the 35+ pregnant thread.

[Jill1228]

I guess you can graduate me but I won't know the EDD until I see the ob-gyn on Thursday

[pocahontas]

I guess you can graduate me but I won't know the EDD until I see the ob-gyn on Thursday
Did they at least tell you your Beta number? I will wait 'til I hear back from you Thursday so I can put your EDD in your stats when I graduate you. How exciting! :D

[Jill1228]

I wasn't at home when he called (damn post office). I have a call in to him and he had left for the day so I guess i will talk to him tomorrow when he calls me

[Bastille]

I haven't posted in a long time but I do follow this thread and wish everyone the best.

I wanted to post an update for me as I know a few of you from way back at the WC. After 3 miscarriages and 1 ectopic pregnancy which required the removal of my right tube in March of 05 I wasn't getting pregnant naturally so after 2 cancelled IVFs due to poor response I finally had a wonderful IVF experience this past October at 43 and became pregnant.

Unfortunately last week, even after I had already seen the h/b a few times on the ultrasound, there was no h/b at 9 weeks. On the u/s the doctor saw a very large yolk (larger than the embryo) and said he is almost certain it was a chromosomal issue of which I will have the official results next week.

This has been a really long road/journey with many ups and downs - to think 5 pregnancies and now 5 losses for many different reasons - the early ones immune related where my body rejected the embryos, then the fateful ectopic which basically made my getting pregnant naturally impossible (left ovary with tube just doesn't produce) and now finally through an expensive IVF cycle although the immune system was calmed and doing well the chromosomal factor comes in.

I am a bit numb, angry and weary of the journey which has been going on almost 4 years. This ttc journey has really been the focus of my life/marriage and I just can't go on the way I have been. I just wanted to post, reconnect and possibly get some support from the board. Thanks for reading.

[Kimmiebride]

OH Christina, I am so so sorry. I have been thinking of you often, and was hoping for some joyous news. I know there's nothing I can say, but please know that I am sending you hugs, and am so saddened by this recent loss. I am glad you are still here, and hope you lean on us for a while. We're here for you.
Kimmie

[Fireside Girl]

Christina,
I am so sorry for your loss. It's even harder when you see the heartbeat and start to hope that everything is going to be fine this time. I'm just incredibly saddened by this news.:(

[LeighW]

Christina,
I'm so sorry. What a long, discouraging road you've had. So, so heartbreaking.

Your posts are always so helpful and uplifting, and I remember looking at your gorgeous wedding photos back on WC.

I wish I could say something helpful or uplifting, but I'm so sorry is the best I can do at the moment.

I've spent a total of 4 years of my life TTC, so I completely understand the feeling that it just can't go on being the focal point of everything. I wish you the peace and clairity of mind to find whatever is the right path for you.

Take care.

[LeighW]

And, since I haven't read around here is a while, congrats to Jill!

I hope your betas are doubling or tripling nicely by now. :)

[melissafromnc]

Christina: I've been thinking of you so very much. I wish there was something I could say that would make a whit of difference but just know how much Eric and I are thinking of you guys. If you ever need anything, whether it's to go out for cocktails or sit by the bay and cry with a friend, I'm here for you. I'm selfishly glad to see you posting again because you're such a good friend to everyone here and so supportive but I'm so very sad for why you're posting now. This has been a long and painful path for many of us, in different ways perhaps, but I am very grateful for this board in particular for the support, understanding , and friendship. Take good care.

Jill--Hope you got some fabo numbers!!! Wishing you all the best.

[pocahontas]

Bastille...I guess we haven't met but I wanted give you {{{HUGS}}} as you seem to be such a friend to all of the other ladies. I wish you well whatever you decide on this journey.

[margiepgh]

Christina - I was saddened to read your post. How incredibly heartbreaking. We're here for whatever support we can lend you. Please take care of yourself.

Jill - Congrats on the BFP! Please give us an update after your appointment.

[stars]

Christina I know there is not much I can say to make you feel better. I wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and am so saddened to read your post. HUGS to you and your DH!

[Jill1228]

Christina, I am so sorry! Hug coming at cha. I am just stunned

[Jill1228]

My HCG numbers on Monday were 6473 which are high and puts me at about 4 weeks

I have my ob gyn appt in 3 hours...send good vibes

[jlo2be]

Christina - I really am very sorry to hear your news. I wish I could do something more but internet {HUGS} are ufortunately the best I can do. I wish I could do or say something to make your pain go away but I'll just say that you and your husband are in my thoughts. Thanks for being such a good buddy to the rest of us. I hope that in some way we can make this time a bit easier to bear.

[pocahontas]

Since I thought this thread could use some GOOD NEWS, check out the updated graduate stats...2 of our own have had their babies over the past month! CONGRATS TO CATGIRL and MOBOX who both delivered little boys! You can check them out in the November and December mommy threads. (And if anyone has any contact info for Meredith...Mermccau, please tell her we'd love an update since she was due last month and I'm sure her little one has joined us by now! Thanks!)

[Jill1228]

Congrats to Catgirl and Mobox!

I have my ob appt tomorrow to check out things. DH wants me to ask when we can start trying again :)

[pocahontas]

Good luck, Jill...can't wait to hear what your answer to DH is. :D

[Fireside Girl]

Congratulations catgirl and mobox!:D

Jill,
We have always been told 3 months after our miscarriages.

[jlo2be]

Congratulations Catgirl and Mobox!

I'm sorry, Jill.

I'm 16DPO and expected my period last Friday. That would have been 13DPO and I've never gotten that far without being pg. I had some spotting for a few days around 10DPO and I thought AF was coming then. Well I went and got a test on Saturday, PIAC, and lo and behold it said I was pg (I got the Clearblue digital test). I was happy but nervous since my last BFP was almost exactly a year ago to the day. Just because I had an extra, I PIAC again this morning and it again said pregnant, but when I ejected the test stick and looked at the line, it was pretty faint. I had blood drawn at the RE today and they told me tonight that my HCG was a whopping 18. Not good. I see the RE on Thursday but I might see if I can change it to Wednesday instead. Another Christmas, another m/c. I guess December isn't our month. I want to hear what the RE has to say, but I swear if he tells me again that I'm 43 I may have to punch him.

[pixielou]

jlo i feel the same way about october as you feel about december. for some reason my body just doesn't want to be pregnant in october.

jill my ob has always told me to wait for one normal period before trying again. or until i'm emotionally ready. i've heard that teh 3 months is "old school" advice. even after my most recent loss (at 19+ weeks) - we've been given the ok to try again after one normal period. granted i'm still waiting for that one normal period.

~pixie

[LeighW]

Jill, I'm sorry to hear your news. :( My ob also said I could start trying after one normal cycle following my m/c and d&c.

Jlo, that just sucks. :( Right there with ya on the REs and women over 40 comment (I'll be 43 next month). Take care.

I hope everyone can find some joy this month.

[Kimmiebride]

Sorry to Jill, and Jlo... so sad. Those guys can just bite me when it comes to age!
Kimmie

[Jill1228]

Hugs to JLo :(
The procedure went smoother than I expected. My doc also said to wait till after 1 normal cycle

[Fireside Girl]

Jlo,
Sorry about your beta:(

[stars]

Jlo So sorry to read your news.

Jill Glad that everything went well with your procedure. I'm still saving you a spot over in the 35+ pregnant thread (along with the rest of you) ... get there soon!

[margiepgh]

Jlo - Sorry to hear about the low beta. :(

Jill - I was sorry to hear your news. Please let us know how you are doing.


---------

Update on me......

I had an appointment with my PCP yesterday to followup from my pneumonia. Since it was a lobar pneumonia, she wants me to have a followup x-ray early in January to confirm that my lungs are clear. Also, I had an appointment with my RE today. He had DH and I get kareotype blood testing to confirm that there is not a chromosomal translocation. The test takes about 3 weeks. After that, I am planning on doing another ovulation induction cycle. The RE was happy with my response from the first round of stims. He actually made me feel young today since he said that my ovaries responded like young ovaries and that he was surprised that I was 43 since he thought I looked younger.:D

So I am on hold now until early January, but will be using the time to try to lose some more weight. I'm down 10 pounds since I started watching my weight a week after the m/c. I have another 15 pounds to go to get back to my WW goal weight.

[Jill1228]

I am doing okay. Getting a lot of rest...surprisingly not bleeding much

[jlo2be]

Jill - I'm glad you're doing well. Hang in there.

Margie - You go girl, with your young ovaries. :D Also, congrats on the weight loss.

********

I saw the RE today. He said he doesn't think it's a viable pregnancy (sonogram confirmed it) and that I should get blood drawn next Monday and then the week after that and then come and see him again on the 27th. He should be able to determine then whether or not it's ectopic. However should I start bleeding in the meantime, I'm still to keep the appointment since you can still bleed with an ectopic. Hopefully my already low betas should go down and I'll start to miscarry naturally. I don't want to have to do a d&c or get another shot of methotrexate, although that is the more desirable option. I asked him whether the fact that my hormone levels were good (can't remember which one - TSH, FSH?) spoke to the quality of my eggs. He said yes but it's not the whole story. The good hormone levels indicate that I'm still in the game but it's just a matter of getting a good egg. Yes, he did quote the requisite miscarrage stats for women 40 and over, blah, blah, blah but I didn't really feel the urge to separate his head from his shoulders this time. He was actually kind of nice about the whole thing. He seem genuinely happy when he found out I was pg and was tempered when dealing with me today so I appreciated that.

So now I guess we wait. I tried to explain to DH what this feels like but it's hard to put into words. It is a very strange state of being - knowing that you're technically pregnant but knowing there really is no life growing inside you. Dreading seeing the blood (sorry if that's TMI) but wishing it would start already so you can be done and start fresh. Very emotional day. I'm really drained.

[Fireside Girl]

jlo
I'm sorry you have to go through this at this time of year.

Happy holidays to everyone!

[mobox]

Thank you for the congrats everyone! I'm finally getting a chance to catch up over here and I just wanted to wish everyone a very blessed holiday and new year. Here's to many babies in 07!!!

[julesp313]

I'd like to join, if I may. I turned 35 on Christmas Eve and it was a bittersweet moment - I love birthdays but this should have been our first Christmas with a child, and it wasn't. I've been a member of TTA with Charting, TTC with Charting, Still At It, August 06 Moms-to-be (very, very briefly), IVF, and I should really have joined the Miscarriage Support thread as well, but I figured I'd been in enough threads for now. I'm not sure where I belong but as the only known issue we have is probably age related (high FSH), I think this is the best place for me.

Me - Julie, 35
DH - 40
TTC: December 2004
Known issues: High FSH (11.2)
Miscarriage - December 2005, 6wks
IVF July 2006 - ended in suspected ectopic pg, methotrexate-induced miscarriage at 6wks
Now - charting and trying to stay hopeful

Since our IVF attempt, we've not been preventing but not trying. I figured out that I'm just too much of a planner and do-er to not actively try, so I ordered some OPKs and a new BBT as mine has died and we're going to try charting again. I can't face another IVF attempt - financially, physically and emotionally, it's too draining. But I'm hoping 2007 turns out to be a better year than 2006 was, for everyone!

[pocahontas]

UPDATED! Welcome JULESP313! Hope your stay here with us will be short but sweet!

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LADIES! We have 2 of our members due to give birth within the next 4-6 weeks! YAY! So who is ready to be our first 2007 grad?! :D

[stars]

Stopping in to wish you all a happy 2007 and that it may be filled with pregnancies!!!!!

[Jill1228]

Happy New year and may we get many BFPs

Welcome Jules

[Fireside Girl]

Welcome Jules!

Happy New Year! I hope we see a lot of BFPs this year.

[melissafromnc]

Wecome Jules.

jlo Hope you're doing well. So very sorry.

I just got back on yesterday from a long trip to Thailand and am trying to get back into the swing of things. I'm supposed to be doing a FET with donor embies later this month/early next but it might not work out.

Thinking of everyone else. I hope 2007 is a very fruitful one for everyone here. May it be a year everyone's dreams come true.

[jlo2be]

Welcome Jules and Happy New Year to all!

I'm getting back on the preverbial horse this month. I went to the RE on Wednesday to check on the bloodwork and make sure everything was clear and it was. While there, he did a sono and found that I was O'ing on my good side again so I did another IUI on Saturday. We'll see what happens. :)

[julesp313]

Thank you, all, for the welcome. Here's hoping 2007 is a much better year than 2006 - it better be!

DH and I talked about what to do - neither of us want to try IVF again, for various reasons, and without a known issue that suggests IVF is the way to go, I'm very reluctant to put us through all that again. So I think charting and maybe throwing in OPKs is the way for us - before we did IVF, I was very regular so hopefully that will continue. I think I'll go see my doctor, though, as during the IVF we found a number of small fibroids, all outside the uterine cavity, but I get some weird twinges and pains at various times of my cycle, so I want to be sure they're not getting any bigger or starting to become an issue. Of course, it could just be my body doing its thing, but I'd like to know!

[julesp313]

Quick question - does anyone take baby aspirin? Someone suggested it to me but I'm not sure why - I know it's a blood thinner but is that supposed to help with getting pg or staying pg or what???

[melissafromnc]

jules Some REs recommend baby aspirin. Some don't. It's a blood thinner and the thought is that it will increase bloodflow to your uterus. I took it during some of my cycles (including ivf) but not sure it ever did much.

jlo-Hope the iui did it's thing.

[ellybelle]

Happy New Year, everyone! wishing for lots of BFPs and healthy, happy embies getting comfortable in just the right spots.

I just got back from visiting my OB/Gyn appt on Thursday. Since my visit coincided with day 4 of my cycle, she ordered a an FSH test. She recommended getting at least 2 tests, since they vary from month to month to month, and she doesn't believe in trusting just one test (thank goodness). She then talked about booking early for other tests, etc., given that we're in Kaiser, donor eggs if the test comes back high, yada, yada....... Though I think we'll go with either donor embryos or adoption, if it comes to that.

I'm not sure if IVF would really be worth the psychological/physical/financial price for us anyway, especially given the fact that our 'only' issue would be "elderly" eggs and sperm. I'm curious, though... have there been any studies comparing, say, IVF treatments with NFP in women over 40? It seems to me that it really hasn't been studied very well. Heck, I'd be happy to take part in a study like that, as part of the "control" group.

So we'll wait and see, and try again this month.

Another question -- did anyone have a doctor prescribe progesterone after ovulation when they weren't doing some other fertility treatment? And under what conditions (eg, a low post-ovulatory progesterone level, etc....) ?

[ellybelle]

jlo2b and melissa hoping things work out for you this month or the next!

And Melissa, your information has been so very valuable. :D I'm hoping I can return the favor soon....

[julesp313]

Seeing Ellybelle post about getting more than one reading on the FSH level made me think - I should probably call my gyno and see if he'll test me again. I've only had it tested once, during the IVF process, and it was 11.2, which is above normal but not alarmingly high, I don't believe. I'd be curious to see, six months later, if it's higher or what's going on.

In the meantime, I had a blazing positive on the OPK on Saturday, but now I'm wondering if I have actually O'd, as I'm still feeling pangs and my temp only went up slightly. Pre-IVF, I would jump to about 97.8 post-O... then again, I guess 97.7 isn't that far off it! I must stop reading into these things... :)

[melissafromnc]

Elly and jules: If you have your FSH tested make sure you test your E2 levels as well. An FSH test without E2 levels is pretty worthless, well, if your fsh comes back at a fairly decent level it's worthless. If you have low or lowish FSH and high E2 then the estrogen can be 'masking' the fsh. Also, most REs only like to see CD2 or 3 FSH, not even CD4. FWIW.

As for the whole IVF thing, I have to say my only regret in my ttc-ing over the last 4 years is not moving to ivf sooner. You get soooooooooooo much more information from ivf than any other fertility treatment. You can test for genetic defects which, much as we don't like to admit it, is a huge issue for those of us over 40. You get much more information on egg quality and sperm quality. It's the only way you get any information on embryo quality. I know Liana said on this thread (well, this thread over on the WC) that it's the definitive treatment and it really is.

It's not for everyone because not everyone responds to the fertility meds, but I just don't think you can even compare to NFP. I'm not sure if Liana will see this but I'm sure she'd have info on the research.

I know there have been some other threads about prescribing progesterone after ovulation and some docs do that. None of my REs (and I've had 5) like to do that. They all believe that low progesterone, especially in older women, is more likely due to a 'weak ovulation' and a poor corpus luteum. Most of my REs would instead treat with low doses of gonadatropins to get a better quality follicle, with hopefully a better quality egg and more natural progesterone. They might also prescribe progesterone in the luteal phase but that would be in addition to something earlier on (gonadatropins or letrozole).

elly-if you're with Kaiser and you need a referral, Tracey Telles is at the Fremont clinic and she is FANTASTIC. I loved her when she was at UCSF. Just thought I'd throw that out there.

As for me, looks like my donor embryo cycle isn't happening this month. And probably not at all with these donors. I'm not sure what my next steps are. I've had a few offers of embryos from some of my blog readers but I'm not hopeful that those will work out. I suppose my RE could decide to find me some other embryos but he's been so slow to start his ED program I think that's pretty unlikely as well. My dh and I are finishing up an adoption class so perhaps that will be our path.

[julesp313]

Melissa - thanks for the information on FSH and E2 testing. I know when I had the blood work done for IVF, the RE said the only abnormal level was the FSH. I assume (and that may be dangerous) that my E2 level was considered normal. He did say it suggested but did not definitively show that my ovarian levels were reduced. I'll bring it up with my GYN when I next go in - I would be curious to see my levels now and to see if they suggest we really have no chance with unassisted pregnancy.

I agree that IVF can give you so many answers that you wouldn't get with other routes - it's unfortunate that, given all the time, energy, money and emotion that IVF "costs", sometimes it still can't tell you what you want to know. Then again, if there were always answers, we may not be here posting! Even with IVF, we are still officially unexplained - the FSH level wasn't high enough to cause concern, all the eggs retrieved fertilized normally, and the two blasts we put back were excellent. Still, the pregnancy didn't happen normally and the RE can't say why - so while I don't regret doing IVF, I do have some major bitterness towards it (unfounded logically but still there). I think, even if we had the funds to do another round, I wouldn't do it - I don't know that I'm strong enough to handle the mental and physical aspects of the process. Then again, trying every month and failing every month is hard too... it's a difficult position we find ourselves in. Thank goodness for therapy... psychological and retail. :)

[ellybelle]

Thanks, Melissa. My OB ordered both tests, and the only reason we tested on CD 4 was because that happened to be the day of my appt. -- I'll call her at the beginning of next cycle to get a new test ordered. And she also said that we could test a couple times, since levels fluctuate.

Good info. also on the IVF. I've heard the same as well. Unfortunately, there's the usual waiting list and "procedure" at Kaiser to go through for IF treatments, so that doesn't make much sense. Although maybe IVF is one of those things that you can just pay for, like cosmetic surgery and treatments.

At this point, though, we're leaning more towards adoption if NFP doesn't work out, or maybe donor embryos.

I'm so sorry that the donor embies aren't working out. :( It just sucks. Where are all those embies and wonderful adoption programs we were hearing about? Maybe they're on some giant airplane carrier in the Persian Gulf, hanging with a jumpsuit-wearing Peter Pan? ;)

[margiepgh]

jules - Welcome to the thread! It's great to see new faces around here. :)

melissa - I'm sorry to hear that the donor embryo might not work out. Do you have any thoughts about domestic vs. international adoption?

elly - My RE does testing anywhere from CD2 to CD4, so CD4 might still give you a pretty good idea what is going on. There were some other things my RE tested for like prolactin (?) and thyroid function. Any word on the results?

jlo2be - Are you planning to test anytime soon?

pocahontas - What is going on with you? Are you still thinking about/planning to do a IVF cycle?

Pixie, Bastille - I hope all is well with you guys.

-----------------

It's been about 4 months since my m/c, and we are finally starting to TTC again. I think that all of my recent health issues are behind me. The latest x-ray taken early this month showed that my lungs are now clear and free of pneumonia. The mammogram that I had in November came back normal. Also, the karotyping blood test that DH and I had last month came back normal, so we have no increased risk of m/c beyond that due to my age. My TSH (thyroid) levels dropped from 2.9 to 2.3, after my endocrinologist put me on 25 mcg of Synthroid. He would like to see it at 2.0 or less, so he increased my dosage to 37.5 (which is a PITA since it is not a typical dosage and I have to split pills in half and take 1 and 1/2 pills a day).

We managed to have good timing this month and I am in the 2WW. If things don't work out this month, I am planning to do an ovulation induction cycle this month with timed intercourse.

[jlo2be]

I hope everything works out for you Margie and I'm glad you're getting your health back on the right track.

******

Update on me - We did another IUI last month but it didn't work. I got my period last week. The RE wants to give it another shot so I'm scheduled for another sono next Monday to monitor my ovulation. I was expecting to sit last cycle out so I didn't chart but I'm starting that up again this month. We'll see how it goes. I'm not sure I'm willing to do this indefinately but I can't give up just yet either, so on we go.

[mobox]

I hope everything works out for you Margie and I'm glad you're getting your health back on the right track.

Ditto!

[JennZ]

Hi,

I think this is the spot for me, so I would love to join you if you have room for one more!

Me: Jenn 37
DH: Kyle 40
married: 7/2000
TTC: 1/2007

other children:
DD- 10/02
DS1- 12/03
DS2- 2/06

We tried for a year with our first and got pg the month before treatment was going to start for infertility. We got pg the first month with DS1.
But number three was a major roller-coaster. We tried three unsuccessful IUI's, and I was scheduled for a lap when we got pg on our own.
My FSH was borderline high- 10, and DH had low count, but good motility.
We've always wanted four children, so we are about to try again.
AF just returned for me, so I don't even know if I will be ovulating on a regular basis yet.
But, I'd love to be a part of this thread and hopefully I will have something useful to contribute from time to time! :)

[pocahontas]

~Updated to here!~
Welcome JENNZ! Glad to have some new blood! (And my DH's name is Kyle too! :D )

[Jill1228]

Welcome JennZ!

Well I am still in waiting. After the m/c we have to wait until I have my first normal period before we start to TTC. I am on CD 42 with no AF in sight. I took a test this morning and it was BFN (we have been using protection). I am supposed to have my ob-gyn appt after my first normal period. The appt is scheduled on the 31st but it looks like I will have to cancel...AGAIN and now just wait

It is frustrating

[pocahontas]

Welcome JennZ!

Well I am still in waiting. After the m/c we have to wait until I have my first normal period before we start to TTC. I am on CD 42 with no AF in sight. I took a test this morning and it was BFN (we have been using protection). I am supposed to have my ob-gyn appt after my first normal period. The appt is scheduled on the 31st but it looks like I will have to cancel...AGAIN and now just wait

It is frustrating
Jill...have they said at some point they will give you Provera to bring the witch back if she doesn't come on her own? :confused: You shouldn't have to sit and wait indefinitely...that is torture!

[Jill1228]

Nope, they didn't say anything. Should I call my ob-gyn and ask? I am going on CD 43 and had to cancel my appt for next week because it was supposed to be done after my first normal period....

I am about to send a search party out for aunt flo :mad:

[julesp313]

Haven't posted in a while because I've had nothing to say... AF came and went, so we're onto the next month. It's hard to stay positive when it's the same old, same old but if we're going to keep trying, we're going to keep seeing the same results until we get lucky. In the meantime, I'm slammed at work (this is my busy season for the next 10-15 weeks) and trying to get back on track with weight loss, which is hard when I'm traveling and working 14 hour days. I'm just a big ol' whiner this week!

[Jill1228]

YAY AF finally arrived today so I guess I might be back in the game soon

[pocahontas]

Haven't posted in a while because I've had nothing to say... AF came and went, so we're onto the next month. It's hard to stay positive when it's the same old, same old but if we're going to keep trying, we're going to keep seeing the same results until we get lucky. In the meantime, I'm slammed at work (this is my busy season for the next 10-15 weeks) and trying to get back on track with weight loss, which is hard when I'm traveling and working 14 hour days. I'm just a big ol' whiner this week!

JULES...remind me ('cuz I may have forgotten) but I saw in your stats that you did try IVF. But had you considered IUI?

JILL...I know you were never so happy to see that ol' hag in your life, eh? I believe I have experienced that feeling once or twice! ;)

[Jill1228]

You said it girlfriend! :D

I experienced that a couple times... *cough* College *cough*



JILL...I know you were never so happy to see that ol' hag in your life, eh? I believe I have experienced that feeling once or twice! ;)

[JennZ]

*cough* College *cough*

LMAO!! :D :D

[julesp313]

Pocahontas - no, we didn't try IUI. When we were referred to the RE, based on the info and test results, he made the call that IUI wouldn't help us. There was some suspicion that I had damaged fimbriae (I think that's the name) - the egg was releasing from the ovary but not getting swept into the tube. My blood work had shown that I had had chlamydia in the past, though at the time, they hadn't tested the strain - only the STD strain would have a possible affect on the inner workings. Based on the fact that I was having regular-as-clockwork cycles and no other indictions of IF issues, he recommended IVF and we went along with that. After the IVF failed, I remembered to ask about the chlamydia strain, and it turned out it was pneumonic, meaning it had absolutely no effect on my tubes. Knowing that NOW, and with your question in mind, I wonder if it would make sense to try IUI... I know I O every month, so I'm not sure what it would involve in the way of meds. I also know my ob/gyn doesn't do it and I'm damn sure I don't want to go back to the same RE, only because they are clear across town and it's a solid 45 minute drive every time I would go. But... I have a PPO health plan so I can self-refer so I might look into that. Thanks for planting the seed, so to speak!

ETA: I just looked up the participating RE's on my health plan, and there are four other RE's that I can try, two of which are in the same practice which is much nearer my home. I think I'll make a call tomorrow and see if I can get in for a consult. I might actually find some hope again!

[pocahontas]

Pocahontas - no, we didn't try IUI. When we were referred to the RE, based on the info and test results, he made the call that IUI wouldn't help us. There was some suspicion that I had damaged fimbriae (I think that's the name) - the egg was releasing from the ovary but not getting swept into the tube. My blood work had shown that I had had chlamydia in the past, though at the time, they hadn't tested the strain - only the STD strain would have a possible affect on the inner workings. Based on the fact that I was having regular-as-clockwork cycles and no other indictions of IF issues, he recommended IVF and we went along with that. After the IVF failed, I remembered to ask about the chlamydia strain, and it turned out it was pneumonic, meaning it had absolutely no effect on my tubes. Knowing that NOW, and with your question in mind, I wonder if it would make sense to try IUI... I know I O every month, so I'm not sure what it would involve in the way of meds. I also know my ob/gyn doesn't do it and I'm damn sure I don't want to go back to the same RE, only because they are clear across town and it's a solid 45 minute drive every time I would go. But... I have a PPO health plan so I can self-refer so I might look into that. Thanks for planting the seed, so to speak!

ETA: I just looked up the participating RE's on my health plan, and there are four other RE's that I can try, two of which are in the same practice which is much nearer my home. I think I'll make a call tomorrow and see if I can get in for a consult. I might actually find some hope again!OH JULES! That would be wonderful if you could try something else like IUI...a little hope goes a looooooong way! ;) I understand about switching RE's. In December I made a switch too from the one I'd been seeing since March (not because of distance though...I just wasn't satisfied with her style of care. :rolleyes: ) I have PPO too buy the way and it's really good when it comes to coverage. If it helps, I did Clomid with my IUI and now am moving to injectibles. And in terms of med costs, I just paid my prescription co-pay for the Clomid...so it was minimal. But the IUI was completely covered other than office co-pay. So you probably won't incur a whole lot of expense (not nearly as much as with IVF anyway.) I am excited for you so keep us posted! :D

[melissafromnc]

jules I can't remember but were you with SIRM? Or is that one of the groups covered by your insurance? Also I know it might sound wacky but there's a doc in NY who has a controversial antibiotic therapy. If I were still pursuing treatment I would consider it. It's one of the only things that can explain unexplained ectopics. He believes most of us have clamydia (through vertical transmission) even if we test negative for it through traditional means. His name is Dr. Toth, btw. I started researching him after my second ectopic. My bet is he's say any clamydia can impact fertility. Hope you get some good info from the other REs. A little hope is a precious thing and can go a long way.

APhiJill Yay for the start of a new cycle!

JennZWelcome!

pocahantas Good luck with the injectibles.

Hello to everybody else.

Like jules, I haven't had anything to post because less than nothing is happening with me. I have been having problems with my thyroid. After getting back to a real Endocrinologist (I was seeing a very strange guy for a while who wrote a book and was well known for his approach to thyroid issues) and changing from armour to synthroid, we went a bit high with the dose. So I went from hypo- to hyper thyroid. It was measured at 0.02 and as we all know for ttc puposes it needs to be between 1.0 and 2.0. I was feeling really crappy, all jittery, axious and depressed. My endo recommended 3 days with no drugs then lowered my dose to 100 mcg. I'm already feeling much better.

I think margie asked about our adoption plans. We're currently thinking domestic (at least for our first) and I'm hoping to turn our application in tomorrow! Several of my friends from CC are also pursuing adoptions--in fact someone else on this thread!

My dh and I recently visited Cambodia and if it reopens soon for adoptions (probably sometime this year) then I think at some point we'll also adopt from Cambodia. It's been closed to international adoptions for years due to some very unethical and illegal practices by a Seattle-based adoption agency (actually the agency Angelina used to adopt her oldest child).

[julesp313]

I went ahead and made an appt with another RE on my insurance and then realized, (a) it's busy season at work which means 60+ hours a week and no time off for anything except possibly bleeding my eyes out, (b) all the RE's in this bloody town are on the other side of town, ie: 25+ miles EACH WAY, (c) DH and I are still trying to find our way back to having sex for fun, as opposed to "duty" and I'm not sure I'm ready to ask him to perform for a cup again, and (d) this is just not the right time to be ADDING stress. So, I'm going to postpone the RE appointment at least until my work goes back to 45+ hours a week and I have some semblance of sanity back. And in the meantime, if I can stay awake when I get home, I might just have some fun with my husband for the sheer hell of it! (And temp and use OPKs and the usual stuff, of course - I'm not nearly non-type-A enough to give that up!).

[Jill1228]

I see Dr. Lo next Wednesday so I will wait until he gives me the green light to start trying again. Cross fingers for me

[pocahontas]

Thanks MELISSA! I start the first one Friday night! :)

JULES: When do things typically slow down for you at work? I hope you have fun BD'ing for the good ol' fashioned "hell of it"! :D

*fingers crossed for ya, Jill*

[JennZ]

Okay, day 9.

I can't decide if we should try every other day starting on even days or odd days!

I guess I better make up my mind soon, right?? :)

[Kimmiebride]

We tried every other day starting on Day 9... Get busy girl!!
Good luck everyone!
Kimmie

[julesp313]

Jill - good luck getting an answer that you want!
Pocahontas - offically busy season runs through mid-March, but for me working on casinos with all their regulatory stuff, it's more like the end of May. But it's a bit more bearable after the end of March, thank goodness!
Jennz - I think we may try every other day this month, though I'm on CD12 so I should probably call DH and tell him to book me in tonight, right?!

I haven't cancelled the RE appt just yet - I'm waiting to see what they send me in the way of info to decide. But I think it just makes sense to wait til busy season is over. But then my impatient self kicks in and says don't wait... just do it! I think sensible self needs to shout louder... :)

[JennZ]

Well, DH worked late last night, so I guess we'll try evens this month!! LOL

jules- What type of work do you do? DH is VP of Tax and has been working round the clock on year-end stuff. Day 12 probably needs some attention.......:D