Still At It...Fall '06 Edition

[Patience]

pocahontas Oops, I was wrong about being tested for the antisperm antibodies before. I have a family history of lupus, so my doc ordered the antiphospholipid panel and lupus anticoagulant in addition to the usual IF bloodwork. Antiphospholipid antibodies have been strongly correlated with miscarriage and infertility. I don't think they're the same as the antisperm antibodies, but I'm not positive. I really don't know what the treatment is if a woman has the antisperm antibodies. I've read that washing the sperm like in the case of IUI will decrease the amount, but won't get rid of the antibodies completely. I'll have to ask my RE about this.

skb I'm going to be proactive and ask my RE if my DH should be tested for antisperm antibodies. Like your DH, my DH's SA was good. But I'm beginning to wonder if there's something else that's preventing me from getting pregnant (besides my ovulation problem which has been fixed with Clomid) and this might be it. I don't want to waste time and money on injectables+IUI if my only chance is with IVF.

polkadot I hope the rest of your 2WW won't be too tortuous. Hope you won't need to see the RE on the 20th.

Chris~n~Jen Welcome back from your TTC break. It's hard taking the first steps in finding out what's wrong. I felt like I failed at something that seemed so basic to all women, so I waited to be tested. Now I wish I had gone in for testing earlier.

ptcrn Nothing wrong with being proactive. No one is more concerned about your health than yourself. Sorry to hear about the painful HSG, but good news that your tubes were clear. I hope your RE can see you before Dec. Two cycles seems like a really long time to wait if you're only discussing results.

[jodylovesscotty]

polkadot~I have a blood clotting disorder called Factor V Leiden. I am sure when you go to the RE they will test for blood clotting disorders since you have had 2 m/c. If not I would suggest one. I am glad that I found out, because that is a cause for repeat m/c. If you do have it, the day you find out you are pregnant you have to start 2 shots a day of Lovenox or Heparin. As far as before hand, I have to take one baby asprin a day, B6, B12, and Folic Acid for it.

ptcrn~ I hated the HSG too, though I didn't pass out. And I had to have two within 6 months because my first doctor was an ass and didn't write down what he saw or what really happened so RE didn't know anything and had to do it again. Sorry it hurt you so bad.

skb~ That sucks that they didn't test for it to begin with. I wonder why they didn't test your DH for it. My RE tested for that one at the first visit with my DH. And the only reason I knew this is because it is the one test my insurance wouldn't pay for.

[FSUSammy]

polkadot - Hope the 2ww goes by fast. I'll be piggy-backing you on the RE appt. Mine's on the 21st. There is a slight possibility that I might be 15 DPO by then (think I might have O'd on Monday, won't know until tomorrow). Would you still go to the RE if you find out you are PG at 18 DPO?

Chris~n~Jen - I'm glad there are a lot of us from the charting thread here actually. Of course the one's I'd be actually happy if I found out they were PG. It's really starting to get annoying all the new people joining when they are in the 2ww already and are pretty sure they are out just because of one stupid BFN. Ugh! I'm so jealous.

ptcrn - Sorry you have to wait so long for your follow-up appt. I hope they can get you in sooner!!!

jodylovesscotty - I think its very interesting to see that you have a blood clotting disorder. My mom just got out of the hospital because of blood clots in her lungs. She recently had a tummy tuck and a week later had sharp pains on her back when she'd breathe in. Of course the doctors were quick to say it was her birth control pills. Now I'm wondering if maybe it wasn't the pills but a disorder. Right now she's on Lovenox shots for the next days and Cumadin (sp?).

Me - CD 32. My temp was exactly the same as yesterday today. I was hoping that it would either go up or go down so that I can rule out a possible O on Monday. Now I have to wait till tomorrow to see. If it was O then it's looking like a weak one. Plus I'm still having creamy CM so I'm very reluctant to believe that I O'd. Man I wish my body wasn't so confusing! I went ahead and invited DH to my first RE appointment. He hasn't told me if he is going to come or not but it wouldn't bug me if he didn't show up.

Quick Question: If you chart, did you bring your charts with you to your first RE appointment?

Sam

[jodylovesscotty]

FSUSammy~ Your mom should stop taking birth control pills right away. Birth control pills and smoking are the two worst things for blood clots.

[FSUSammy]

jodylovesscotty - She did stop taking them. Thankfully she has never smoked! She is of course now worrying about getting PG since the last time she stopped taking pills (by accident) she ended up with my 12 year old brother. I'd really be mad if there was a 27 year difference between me and another sibling especially with the fact that I can't even freaking O on my own. LOL I think she is considering getting her tubes tied but its too soon for her to do anything right now since she just got out of the hospital on Saturday.

[pocahontas]

Quick Question: If you chart, did you bring your charts with you to your first RE appointment?

SamYES, ma'am...I sure did! That was one of the ways she could tell I was ovulating (other than b/w). So we could rule that out early on.

[skb]

I hear ya patience. I was talking to my sister and she was really mad for me. That they would put me "through so much without performing such a simple thing on DH." She couldn't figure out why I wasn't mad. I guess I was too busy being relieved. I'm just trying to look forward. So we're at the point we could've been at well over a year ago. I threw my schedule out long ago!

I don't know jodylovesscotty. I really don't want to find out my doctor at the time should've and could've but didn't. Dumb.

FSU I charted for several months after I went off the pill....just to get a handle on my cycle. I haven't touched a thermometer since that time. I did take my charts with me to 3 different doctors and I can't say they were all that interested. But I'd say take them anyways.

[honeygirl]

FSU - I sent my charts in ahead (with the other hx paperwork) and then brought current ones with me. My appt took 3 months to schedule, so I had new ones to share.

[honeygirl]

Okay, I think I am having a hormonal day. Is it normal to have Clomid s/e at 7dpo? I went in to have my b/w this afternoon and on the way home I stopped to get a Sonic creamyslush and almost started crying in the drive thru line. Then just now I yelled at my friend (well more like gave her a big long explanation with emphasis) when she asked why I needed "support" about having difficulty TTC. I gave this whole speech on what we've been going through the last 7 months (and 1.5 years prior to that). At the end she said that she was so sorry and that she didn't understand.

Then I hung up the phone with her and was playing with my doggie (I'm working from home today) and went from laughing with him to completely crying. What the heck is wrong with me? I just feel really sad today and I don't even know why.

Please tell me this is normal (to be crying for no apparent reason).

[Asha]

honey - i cried a lot more when i was on clomid. the stupidest commericals and television shows made me weepy. btw, that was an insensitive thing your friend said, and i am glad you told her like it is.

[kazata]

Well, this morning's ultrasound showed a sac in the uterus, so this is not ectopic and I think I'm ready to be graduated! The RE seemed confused about my "high" hcg levels, but he said the u/s was right on target. The corpus luteum was on the right ovary, so definitely ovulated on the right this cycle. They took another blood draw and want me back next week to hopefully see the heartbeat. I still can't believe it. Thank you to all of you for your support and for being such a great source of information. This thread has been very helpful to me.

My stats:

Kazata
Me: 33
DH: 33
Charting and off BCP since March '04
TTC since July '04
Issues: Went to the ER twice with ovarian cysts. Cycles on the short side.
Testing: Confirmed ovulation by ultrasound, Progesterone 7 dpo was 9.9.
Post Coital was normal.
SA: High abnormal forms, morphology was 4% (kruger scale) (47% by WHO standards), count ok at 29 mil/ml, motility slightly low, after 30 minutes was: rapid, 41%, slow 5%, no progress 7%, not moving 47%; after 2 hours: rapid 32%, slow 6%, no progress 6%, not moving 66%
LAP on 7/27/06, right tube had congenital defect, was not attached to fimbria and formed hydrosalpinx. RE removed right tube.
I suspect that previous "cysts" may have been hydro tube.
Small amount of endo removed.
CD10 u/s on 10/14 showed 14x16 mm follicle on right ovary
BFP on 11/3/06!!!!
Due July 2007

Welcome to FSUSammy. My DH went with me for the first RE appointment, I wanted him to know what was going on, and the RE also wanted a SA from him. Oh, and I also took in my charts. The RE seemed more interested than any previous Ob's...

polkadot, pocahontas, jess and whoever else chimed in. I hear ya on the charting thread - I remember way back in the WC days feeling that way, and took that as a sign not to join the TTC thread when we switched over to CC. At some point the SAI thread is just much more useful and not as, shall we say, emotionally challenging? ;)

jodylovesscotty Good luck with moving forward to IVF!

Ct's punkin Thinking about you, still hoping for you!

you too, jess71903.

skb I'm glad you finally got a definitive diagnosis and I hope the IVF + ICSI will be the trick for you.

[FSUSammy]

honeygirl - Sorry you are having a crappy clomid day. I had AWFUL mood swings a few weeks back where I'd just start crying for no real reason. Similar to PMSing. I wouldn't see why it couldn't happen in your LP since it really hightens your hormones. And that wasn't nice of your friend either! If you ever need to vent you have us! We sure understand!!!

kazata - Congrats on seeing a sack!!! H&H 9 months to you!!!

[lawphil]

honeygirl -- All of my clomid side effects were during my luteal phase. I had hot flashes, dizziness, weepiness...I was a mess. In addition to the fact that I didn't ovulate first time and had weak ovulation the second time - the side effects were a big part of why I skipped the third round and went straight to the RE. Luckily in my area (Metro-NYC) there are a lot of RE's so I was able to get an appointment right away.

So today is 11dpo. I tested this morning and BFN. I feel like I am about to have my period and my lower half is just being held together by the progesterone. If I am not pregnant it will be a relief to get off of the meds and get back to a good place...CD 7...all the hope none of crazy hormones!

DH's SA came back as normal. I didn't get the #'s but I will ask for specifics at my appointment tomorrow.

So tomorrow is pregnancy test day - bw in am and then in the afternoon I have appointment with RE to discuss protocol going forward. I will check in on Friday.

Jess - any word?? Keeping my fingers crossed we will hear good news from you!

[Chris~n~Jen]

Congrats on seeing the sack kazata! Your story is so inspirational.

Sorry your so emotional honeygirl, hopefully it's for good reason ;) .

Good luck tomorrow lawphil.

Well CD7 for me. I'm starting to wonder if I should try something different this cycle. The last 2 cycles I've done absolutly nothing. No charting, grapefruit juice, baby asprin, NOTHING (well except BD of course). I'm almost certain that my very short periods (2-3 days) and shorter LP (9-11 days) may have something to do with us not being preggo. My CD3 & CD21 bloodwork both came back normal though. :confused:
I just have a feeling that my lining is not thick enough. Is there anything I can be doing to try and thicken it? I tried baby asprin for 2 cycles and it threw my O date way out of whack so I stopped taking it.

[polkadot]

honeygirl~ yes the crying is "normal" well it was for me anyway...I know the cycle I got pg last time....I cried for NO apparent reason at all...so maybe thats a good sign....

Kazata~ Yay!! I am so happy for you...that is such great news....you must be thrilled!! COngrats again and H&H 9 months to you...and thanks for not making me feel like a Beeotch when I was talking about the TTC thread. ;)

FSUSammy~ Sorry you have to be here too..but welcome....these girls rock...you will find great comfort in them...

Lawphil~ I hope that you get good news tomorrow...and it could just be too early to get an at home test...fingers crossed for you..If not...then I hope that the RE can give you some insight on what to do next....thats what I am hoping for at my appt on the 20th.

ChrisNJen~ Sorry you are back to CD 7...that sucks...i am taking the baby aspirin b/c my doc says it helps with thickening the lining...also you might want to google...meds and thickening lining...you might find some easy ways to do it...if you do let me know ;)

Me~ 9 DPO...not feeling much of anything...wish I was...been a little crampy here and there but thats it...oh how I wish i just had a little window into my uterus that i could open up and take a peek...

off to lurk and chart stalk...:cool:

[honeygirl]

Asha, FSUSammy, Polkadot, lawphil and Chris~n~Jen - Thanks for the support ladies. It nice to have a place where people understand my craziness. It is good to know that it is probably just a normal Clomid side effect, although I'll still hope a tiny bit that it is a pregnancy symptom. I am feeling a bit less teary but did send DH an e-mail to warn him. He arrives tomorrow night so I want him to be prepared. ;)

lawphil - Yay for your DH having good SA results. Bummer about the BFN, but it is probably to early, right? Good luck with the bw/RE.

Chris~n~Jen - I don't know much about lining, but have you had a endometrial biopsy to test yours? I did hear from one of my dr's (can't remember which one) that having a light period does not mean that there is insufficent lining b/c it is not necessary to shed the entire lining each AF. Meaning that you could still have lots up there. Not sure if this was accurate info.

Me~ 9 DPO...not feeling much of anything...wish I was...been a little crampy here and there but thats it...oh how I wish i just had a little window into my uterus that i could open up and take a peek...
Polkadot, I love that and have thought the exact same thing! Yes, it would be so nice to just know. Hang in there.

[FSUSammy]

Hey ladies. I played around with Ovusoft when I got home and entered in a fake temp for tomorrow (too anxious to wait for a real one). I put in the same temp I had today and it did manage to call O on Monday. Problem is I'm still having creamy CM so if my temp is up should I really believe Ovusoft? It just seems to me that if I did manage to O its a very weak one at best.

[pocahontas]

honeygirl -- All of my clomid side effects were during my luteal phase. I had hot flashes, dizziness, weepiness...I was a mess. Aaaah, so this is what I have to look forward to, eh? Last night was my final pill and I thought I was home free! :rolleyes: Just when I was beginning to think I'd be one of those with few symptoms because so far I've had a few "hot" flashes...(if that's what you wanna call them since even before Clomid I'd occasionally wake up feeling warm.) And only one of those qualifies as really being HOT...as in sweating. Then the first couple nights I had a mild headache before bed, but no earth shattering migranes or anything and I started thinking...oh this is GUUUUUD! *sigh* Of course, this isn't my LP. :o Guess that's when the fun really begins, eh, Lawphil?


Me~ 9 DPO...not feeling much of anything...wish I was...been a little crampy here and there but thats it...oh how I wish i just had a little window into my uterus that i could open up and take a peek...
Order me up one window to go too please! :D

[polkadot]

ok so I am wondering if it possible that the progesterone is making me soooooo tired I can keep my eyes open...or maybe its a good sign that theres a bean in there somewhere....I can thold my eyes open and its only 9 pm...I usually do get to sleep until 10 or 11...its very weird...

Pocohantas ~Order me up one window to go too please! Maybe we could check ebay :p ;) You may not get too many s/e from the clomid....some people do, some dont...i had those headaches the first cycle but never for the other cycles...hopefully you wont have any...



alright seriously...off to bed...

[TazLuv]

polkadot - I was told to take my progesterone right before bed because it has been know to make some women dizzy and tired, so its possible.

[Jess71903]

Ok, no time to really update and SO, but I wanted to let yall know, BFN this morning, pink spotting indicating AF is on the way this afternoon. I guess IUI wasn't my magic. :( The time I would need to do IUI this cycle is the day before thanksgiving and we are going out of town, so I guess we have to take a month (or 2 depending on how Christmas time goes) off.

[honeygirl]

I'm so sorry Jessica. I hope that you have some peace and hope in the next few days (and the month(s) till you try again).

[jodylovesscotty]

polkatdot~ Yes, progesterone can make you really tired. I was always asleep before 9:00 pm and got tired around 3 - 4 each day. My students always wanted to know why I was so tired.

[FSUSammy]

Jess - Sorry about hte BFN and spotting. That just sucks!!!! Stupid holidays for getting in the way too!!!!

Me - CD 34 today and I might have good news. It looks like my temp jumped even higher and when I entered it into Ovusoft it called O. I just don't know if I should believe it though. I had creamy CM last night but only when I checked internally.

[CTs_Punkin]

Jess - HUGS - sorry about the BFN....Enjoy the month off, who knows..... isn't that what happened to Suz?

Polkadot - rooting for your at 9DPO...

As for me...

I thought AF was coming all day yesterday. I couldn't temp yesterday morning because I was awake from 1am - 4am... so it wouldn't have been 3hours, so I didn't even bother. I'm still having some cramping and spotting this morning. My spotting was in the pink/red variety, so I thought for sure I was out of it... but this morning I temped at 4am. I went to bed really early, so woke up really early (an hour 1/2 earlier) and got a 97.97 reading..:eek: :eek: So I may still be in this afterall. Will wait until tomorrow's temp and hopefully I'll wake up at around the normal time I temp.

I almost tested this morning, but felt like the universe was telling me to wait until tomorrow (don't ask, just a funny feeling) - so who knows...
I'll let you all know tomorrow. Even if it's a BFN, on a bright note, I have to say that it must be the acupuncture that helped make my LP from 10 days to 13/14!! :D

[lawphil]

Jess I am really sorry about the BFN and spotting.

Polkadot The progesterone has really wiped me out. I think it is a pretty common side effect.

So I know I wasn't going to come back until tomorrow but I need to vent today...warning this is going to be long.

I poas this am and of course it was BFN (12 dpo), but I had to go in for blood test anyway because my meeting with the RE is this afternoon. So I am running around like a crazy person trying to get out the door and my dh asks me why I am running around so frantically. So I am pissed that he doesn't remember that I have to go get a blood test this morning...of course I respond that I am going to get a pregnancy test to tell me that I am not pregnant...and so it spiralled down from there. Bottom line is that he tries to act that like it is no big deal and we shouldn't worry about because in his mind that takes some pressure off of me but really what it does is make me feel totally alone and unable to express my real emotions about it. Anyway, I had a complete breakdown - which was good because I needed to get it out and also he needed to see the real state that I am in because 'don't worry about it' is not what I need right now. Anyway, I am sure we will have the discussion again - he tends to be a live in the moment 'don't worry' about things person and I like to analyze and discuss, well, everything. We usually balance eachother out quite well - but sometimes we need to pull eachother a little in one another's direction.

Anyway, I went to get my blood drawn and the nurse said 'today is the big day' of course in my mood I had to say 'i doubt it but lets draw the blood anyway'. I really do think that when you work in a fertility clinic you should not say cr@p like that on pregnancy test day. Especially when the patients nose is fire engine red and eyes are rimmed with tears. I completed my morning with a good sob in my car in the parking lot.

I feel like I got my tears out and I am a little renewed and able to face the challenges of the month ahead.

One of those may be that it looks like I will ovulate around Thanksgiving (will the clinic even be open?) and then get my period on my 32nd birthday. Good times...

[TazLuv]

Jess - I'm so sorry

CT's - all hopes up that you're still in it

lawphil - my DH and I have had the same breakdown - its good to get it out, hopefully the next cycle is better. And yes, I agree that nurses in fertility clinics should be more careful about what they say.

Hopefully there are some BFP's to be had for us out there - today is CD-30 for me, just waiting for AF to show - I've had really light, different than usual brown spotting the last two days but we're headed out of town tomorrow AM so hopefully AF waits until at least Saturday to show.

Have a good weekend everyone! :)

[jodylovesscotty]

lawphil~ Your fertility clinic should be open everyday. If not, I would be surprised.

I went in today for our IVF paperwork, blood draw, and to measure my uterus. They only took 3 vials of blood so that was great! When I fist started going to the RE he took 10 vials of blood to run all kinds of tests. We signed all our paper work. I got my BCP and antibiotics. And my uterus measured 8 (whatever that means), but he said it was great! So now I just count the days until December!!!

[jjsanner]

Hi everyone.

I havn't posted in here for so long....but I have been reading along.

AF is due Sunday, and I am trying to stay optimistic, but I have ZERO symptoms. This last pregnancy I just KNEW I was preggo days before I tested. Anyhoo....I made an RE appointment for next Tuesday. I am going to request a complete repeat pregnancy loss panel of tests. I have this sinking feeling that I have been pregnant many more times than what I actually have confirmed but the embryo is not surviving for whatever reason. And for those tests that won't be covered by insurance, we may go through Dr. Beer and pay out of pocket. I'm to the point where I've got to find out what the problem is or I'm going to go completely crazy. Of course, all of this will be discussed on Tuesday as well as next steps. I should be CD1 on Tuesday, so I am hoping that we can do another medicated cycle. I am going to bypass the clomid, because after 5 failed clomid cycles I don't think it's working for me. Mabey injectibles or femara. Plus IUI.

Depending on what the testing shows, I am leaning more and more towards IVF. DH is completely supportive. Those of you that are going that route, did you have a diagnosed problem or were any of you "unexplained"? I'm not even sure if the RE will let us go straight to IVF. But I'm just so sick of waiting, KWIM? My cycles are super long (I usually don't o until CD 21 at least) and at this rate I'll be lucky to get preggo by the time DS is a teenager.

Jess, I'm so sorry :( .

Lawphil, I'm sorry about your rough morning. I'm glad you got it off your chest, though. Hoping that the blood results surprise you.

[Chris~n~Jen]

Aww.. Jess I'm so sorry! :(

So I found out today that not only does my new insurance not cover any infertility, it doesn't even cover maternity!!! :eek: I don't know what we are going to do. I know that I could sign up for medicaid (or medicare I can never remember) to cover the pregnancy once I get preggo. The problem is that I have to actually get pregnant. WTF! :mad:

[polkadot]

Jen~ that sucks about the insurance...what kinda insurance doesnt cover maternity...i have never heard of that....weird...maybe they have some kind of plan you can pay into to help defer the cost....

Jess~ ((((hugs))))

[jodylovesscotty]

Quick drive by before parents get here (teacher conferences today). I had a dream last night that CT's Pumpkin was pregnant. I don't even know your name, but I dreamt that I saw you at the doctors and they just told you that you were pregnant. They even called you Ct's pumpkin. Maybe its a good things, since I usually don't dream, and have never had a pregnancy dream.

[Asha]

So I found out today that not only does my new insurance not cover any infertility, it doesn't even cover maternity!!! I don't know what we are going to do. I know that I could sign up for medicaid (or medicare I can never remember) to cover the pregnancy once I get preggo. The problem is that I have to actually get pregnant. WTF!

jen - that's pretty crappy! don't they think an unhealthy baby is going to cost them more in the long run? do they mean delivery or do they mean prenatal care? do they mean they won't cover it with your re, but they will cover it with your regular ob/gyn. my insurance won't cover the prenatal work with my re, but it will cover it once i go back to my regular ob/gyn. i would think your state would have some sort of law against that. though, insurance companies are geniuses at finding all the loopholes.

[FSUSammy]

CTs_Punkin - Congrats on the longer LP. Hopefully you'll get your BFP!

lawphil - Sorry about the BFN. I'm glad you were able to get all those tears out. I don't think our DH's understand how hard this is MENTALLY on us. I'd hope that your clinic would be open around Thanksgiving. Hang in there sweetie, just remember if you ever have to vent we are all ears over here. Plus we all understand the frustrations you are going through.

jodylovesscotty - Glad they only took 3 vials of blood. I'm not looking forward to all of the blood draws, but I guess you gotta do what you gotta do!

jjsanner - Good luck at your appointment next week. There has got to be some kind of diagnosis for you hopefully you can get one soon.

Chris~n~Jen - That sucks that your insurance doesn't even cover maternity. My insurance does not cover infertility. My doctor's office told me that a lot of insurance's don't cover infertility. It's apparently very rare. Is the insurance you have a personal insurance by chance???

Me - Today is CD 34. My temp was still above the coverline today, it did drop from yesterday so I' wondering if I really haven't O'd. I read something super interesting last night in TCOYF. It said that constatnt watery CM is due to the increase in estrogen in women with PCOS. I found that very interesting because it seems like the majority of the time my CM is more watery than anything else. Hopefully my temps this weekend can either help me confirm O or completely say that I haven't O'd yet. Oh and I got my book on PCOS that I ordered from Amazon and read 2 chapters last night. Very very interesting stuff!!!!

Sam

[CTs_Punkin]

Quick drive by before parents get here (teacher conferences today). I had a dream last night that CT's Pumpkin was pregnant. I don't even know your name, but I dreamt that I saw you at the doctors and they just told you that you were pregnant. They even called you Ct's pumpkin. Maybe its a good things, since I usually don't dream, and have never had a pregnancy dream.

Jody - that is too freaking funny. Sadly not true, but fantastic all the same. I too had a dream last night that I got a BFP... so who knows...

I got another BFN this morning at 14DPIUI - but the odd thing is that my temp didn't go down & I still don't have AF.... now I'm even more baffled than before. I'm going to call the REs office to see if I can come in for a beta this morning just to know for sure. Of course murphy's law, I will get AF about 5 minutes after I pay them for the blood draw...:rolleyes:

[pocahontas]

Good morning ladies...I have a question for those of you familiar with injectables. How exactly do they work in comparison to Clomid? What I mean is...if you take Clomid Days 5-9 (or 3-7 or in some cases 2-6) and after those 5 pills you are done, how often do you give yourself a shot with injectables? Is it even comparable...like 5 days worth of shots and that's all for the cycle or are you giving yourself a shot every day from CD 1 until you O? Just trying to be prepared in case that is my next stop on this TTC train (although I guess I am counting my chickens before they hatch because I haven't even O'ed on Round 1 of Clomid yet. :rolleyes: ) But since my ins only pays for 3 IUIs (whether with Clomid or injectables) I am trying to make the most out of those 3. (Incidentally, anyone know the out of pocket cost for an IUI?) Okay, I've asked a gazillion questions when I only came here for one...so I'll stop here. :p

[lawphil]

pocahontas
Your Question
Good morning ladies...I have a question for those of you familiar with injectables. How exactly do they work in comparison to Clomid? What I mean is...if you take Clomid Days 5-9 (or 3-7 or in some cases 2-6) and after those 5 pills you are done, how often do you give yourself a shot with injectables? Is it even comparable...like 5 days worth of shots and that's all for the cycle or are you giving yourself a shot every day from CD 1 until you O? Just trying to be prepared in case that is my next stop on this TTC train (although I guess I am counting my chickens before they hatch because I haven't even O'ed on Round 1 of Clomid yet. ) But since my ins only pays for 3 IUIs (whether with Clomid or injectables) I am trying to make the most out of those 3. (Incidentally, anyone know the out of pocket cost for an IUI?) Okay, I've asked a gazillion questions when I only came here for one...so I'll stop here.

I just came from my 'injectible class' so I have some of the info for you.
Clomid you take for 5 days - my RE does it starting on day 3. Then you come in around day 12 for a follicle scan and to determine when the HCG shot will be administered. The downsides to clomid appear to be side effects, decreased lining, & possibility of cysts.

The shots also start on day 3 and they are give for 7 - 10 days, depending on your response. Ultrasounds and bloodwork to check follicle size and estrogen are every other day starting on day 7 - this helps determine how many days of shots & at what dosage. This is also important to avoid ohss. The downsides appear to be possibility of hyper stimulation, multiple pregnancy, and similar hormonal side effects of clomid.

I was told that clomid + IUI gives 10% chance for multiples and injectibles + IUI is 30% chance and less than 5% chance of greater than twin pregnancy. She also said that usually you ovulate later on clomid than with injectibles - another pro since I am all for short cycles!!

Pocohantas, I am also trying to decide between clomid at 100mg and follistim (injectibles). I am worried that skipping the clomid is like skipping a step in the process and maybe I am getting ahead of myself. At the same time, I am so ready to be pregnant and I just want to pull out the big guns and give myself the best chance. My doctor and my DH both say it is my body, my choice...can't someone just step in and tell me what to do?!

Did anyone else have to make this decision? If you don't mind sharing, what were your reasons for going with one over the other??

[pocahontas]

LAWPHIL (I finally got your name right this time. ;) ) Thanks soooooo much...that was A LOT of info and all quite helpful (especially that sentence about ovulating later on Clomid because I'd heard that before and now I wonder if I should start taking OPKs CD13 like I usually do or wait a few days. :confused: ) My normal O is CD15 (occasionally CD 16 and once in a blue moon CD 17. I have only once ever ovulated later than CD 17 and that was a flukey cycle that involved taking baby aspirin which I will NEVER do again! :rolleyes: ) I am supposed to do one more cycle on Clomid after this one (if this doesn't result in a BFP) and then move on to injectibles according to my RE. But by then if I don't have a BFP I will have used up my insurance paid cycles (which are 3 per live birth...so as long as I get pg on one of my first 3 I am alloted 3 more which is RIfrigginDICULOUS :mad: becaue if I don't get preggo in one of the first 3 IUIs they won't pay a dime more). And that's the only reason I'm even pondering the comparison.
pocahontas
Your Question
Good morning ladies...I have a question for those of you familiar with injectables. How exactly do they work in comparison to Clomid? What I mean is...if you take Clomid Days 5-9 (or 3-7 or in some cases 2-6) and after those 5 pills you are done, how often do you give yourself a shot with injectables? Is it even comparable...like 5 days worth of shots and that's all for the cycle or are you giving yourself a shot every day from CD 1 until you O? Just trying to be prepared in case that is my next stop on this TTC train (although I guess I am counting my chickens before they hatch because I haven't even O'ed on Round 1 of Clomid yet. ) But since my ins only pays for 3 IUIs (whether with Clomid or injectables) I am trying to make the most out of those 3. (Incidentally, anyone know the out of pocket cost for an IUI?) Okay, I've asked a gazillion questions when I only came here for one...so I'll stop here.

I just came from my 'injectible class' so I have some of the info for you.
Clomid you take for 5 days - my RE does it starting on day 3. Then you come in around day 12 for a follicle scan and to determine when the HCG shot will be administered. The downsides to clomid appear to be side effects, decreased lining, & possibility of cysts.

The shots also start on day 3 and they are give for 7 - 10 days, depending on your response. Ultrasounds and bloodwork to check follicle size and estrogen are every other day starting on day 7 - this helps determine how many days of shots & at what dosage. This is also important to avoid ohss. The downsides appear to be possibility of hyper stimulation, multiple pregnancy, and similar hormonal side effects of clomid.

I was told that clomid + IUI gives 10% chance for multiples and injectibles + IUI is 30% chance and less than 5% chance of greater than twin pregnancy. She also said that usually you ovulate later on clomid than with injectibles - another pro since I am all for short cycles!!

Pocohantas, I am also trying to decide between clomid at 100mg and follistim (injectibles). I am worried that skipping the clomid is like skipping a step in the process and maybe I am getting ahead of myself. At the same time, I am so ready to be pregnant and I just want to pull out the big guns and give myself the best chance. My doctor and my DH both say it is my body, my choice...can't someone just step in and tell me what to do?!

Did anyone else have to make this decision? If you don't mind sharing, what were your reasons for going with one over the other??

[TazLuv]

Pretty much what lawphil said - we moved on to injectibles because the Clomid wasn't working so that decision wasn't one we had to make it just progressed that way. For my injectible cycle I took a baseline u/s at CD3, then took a set amount of drugs for CD3-7 (PM), u/s on CD-8 and CD-9 that is when my cycle was cancelled due to too many mature follicles and too high of a chance of high multiples.

If it hadn't been cancelled the usual time frame is set amount CD3-7, u/s CD-8 and then depending on how your follies are maturing you either take more drugs for a few days and then trigger or you "float" for a few days and then trigger. With injectibles you never really know how much you're going to take until you get into the cycle and u/s tells the RE what your body is doing.

I got my protocol for the next cycle this week and they cut my CD3-7 does from 112.5 to 75 because I over-reacted to the drugs last time. Having it be your last cycle is tough because they don't usually know how you're going to react to the drugs until you take them - how you reacted to Clomid doesn't seem to be an indicator.

[jodylovesscotty]

pocahontas~ I did a couple months of just clomid and not IUI. When we started with IUI we went right to injectibles. The reasoning for me is because we wanted more than one or two eggs to give DH's sperm more targets. And clomid will only give you one good one or two, not multiples. I am different than Tazluv though because my RE doesn't cancel cycles due to too many eggs. The last time I had 6 and he was fine with it, if I was. 3 dropped but still nothing. That is why my decision was easy. As for Clomid I had the exact opposite, I Oed earlier than I did without it.

CTs_Punkin~ That is crazy that we both had a dream about your BFP.

[CTs_Punkin]

Drive by post

Beta came back negative, so I'm out this month.
Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend.

Mine will now include copious amounts of alcohol!

Have a good one.

[FSUSammy]

CTs_Punkin - Sorry to hear that your Beta came back negative. Drink up girl you deserve it!

[honeygirl]

Sorry CTs_Punkin. Sucky way to start a weekend. :( Hope amongst the disappointment you still are able to have a good one!

[polkadot]

sorry CTs Punkin...that is a sucky way to start the weekend..((((hugs)))) to you....

that is a lot of talk about injectibles I have no knowledge about anything in that area...so I will just read along and hope I never get that far...

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

[ABirney]

Just checking in...
Sorry CTsPunkin

Nothing new here.. plugging along on CD21 with no O in sight yet... doubt I'll see one.

[Jess71903]

Pocahontas- I don't know if this is the same thing that everyone else is talking about but I did Clomid days 3-7, then Repronex injections days 8-11 for my IUI. That seems to be protocol for my office. I was thinking it would give me tons of follies, but I only had 3, and only one on my unblocked side. IUI is the only thing my insurance doesn't cover, and it was $195 for us. I can definitely swing that for a couple more cycles, if that's what it takes.

CTs- So sorry about the BFN! I'm with you, girl!

So, AF showed full force this morning. I dropped out of the charting thread and I plan to be scarce here. I spend way too much time obsessing over this stuff and I just really need a break. I want to stay a member of this thread and I will check in from time to time. No IUI for me this cycle, as CD 14 will be Thanksgiving day and we will be out of town for the week. My body will determine what December brings, I guess.

Threadmistress, could you please update my stats?

Jess71903
Me: Jessica (27) - December 10
DH: Tony (26)
Married: July 19, 2003
Last BCP: Date August 21, 2005
TTC since: Aug 2005
Charting since Jan 3, 2006
Issues/tests:
3/06:CD 21 b/w progesterone level of 20-normal.
3/06: DH's SA all good
8/21/06 laparoscopy showing blocked left tube
put on Prometrum to reduce spotting pre-AF
10/06 Clomid CD 3-7, Repronex CD 8-11 3 follies, one 20.3 on right side
10-25-06 IUI at CD 14 Failed.
11/06 Taking a break from all things TTC

[Asha]

here's a link about infertility that made me cry. i am considering sending it out to family and friends.

http://www.vocalicious.com/empty_arms/empty_arms_mod2.html

[polkadot]

what a great video...not the way I wanted to start my morning since I am crying my eyes out...but wonderful video...I am sending it to lots of people...maybe they will leave me alone with all the questions...

thanks asha :)

[ptcrn]

What a great video- I would love to send that to all my family and friends... if they knew what we were going through. Maybe someday.

So sorry about AF, CtsPunkin and Jess. I was hoping this would be it for both of you! Jess, I hope you have a good break over Thanksgiving and hope your body cooperates for December!

[FSUSammy]

Jess - Oh Jess it breaks my heart to hear that AF showed up for you. Damn hag! Take it easy sweetie and I totally understand why you dropped out of the charting thread. I've been contemplating the same thing myself. It's just adding added stress that you don't need. Hang in there girl and I know it will happen for you when the time is right!

Me - CD 35. Temp is still up and Ovusoft still hasn't put back O. My boobs don't feel like I've O'd so I'm starting to convince myself that I have yet to O which really makes me mad!

[CTs_Punkin]

Thanks ladies, I'm not feeling too bad about it, although w/ my AF cramps and all I'm feeling pretty crappy, but the wine last night did me good!! :)

We are taking this month off, as both our mothers will be in town over T-giving and it would be difficult timing wise, so we'll just see what happens. I would also like to give my body a break and see how acupuncture is really doing - so with no meds I want to see if I'm o'ing on my own after 3+ months of acupuncture.

Threadmistress - please update my stats

10/06 - IUI - BFN
11/06 - taking a break until Dec.

[Jess71903]

CTs- sounds like we are in the same boat for now. I hope we can both relax and enjoy our little break!

[pocahontas]

Pocahontas- I don't know if this is the same thing that everyone else is talking about but I did Clomid days 3-7, then Repronex injections days 8-11 for my IUI. That seems to be protocol for my office. I was thinking it would give me tons of follies, but I only had 3, and only one on my unblocked side. IUI is the only thing my insurance doesn't cover, and it was $195 for us. I can definitely swing that for a couple more cycles, if that's what it takes.



THANKS JESS! You are now only the SECOND person I know that did Clomid and injectibles in the same cycle. When the first girl on another TTC board told me her RE was doing this I was --->:eek: :confused: but now I see that this is actually a practice used to give a woman as many follies as possible. WHO KNEW?! :rolleyes: That's why I love the wealth of info here...and I will be asking my RE if that's something she considers doing herself.

[polkadot]

:( :( :(

My temp dropped a bit this morning...nothing drastic...but still a drop...i am getting a bit of a headache which usually means af is on the way....and I am quite crampy...its really sucks...

My RE appt is in 9 days and thats great but that means that I will have to sit this next cycle out in reference to meds and such...so that she can get a clear view of whats going on with me.....

:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Jess71903]

pocahontas- I thought it was strange to do both, but I guess it didn't hurt anything. I know I was on 50mg of Clomid...not sure what the dose of Repronex was. Let us know what your dr. says.

polkadot- I am sorry about the temp drop and headache!

[Chris~n~Jen]

First off all.... I'm so sorry about the beta's CT's Pumpkin. :(

Jen~ that sucks about the insurance...what kinda insurance doesnt cover maternity...i have never heard of that....weird...maybe they have some kind of plan you can pay into to help defer the cost....

jen - that's pretty crappy! don't they think an unhealthy baby is going to cost them more in the long run? do they mean delivery or do they mean prenatal care? do they mean they won't cover it with your re, but they will cover it with your regular ob/gyn. my insurance won't cover the prenatal work with my re, but it will cover it once i go back to my regular ob/gyn. i would think your state would have some sort of law against that. though, insurance companies are geniuses at finding all the loopholes.
Chris~n~Jen - That sucks that your insurance doesn't even cover maternity. My insurance does not cover infertility. My doctor's office told me that a lot of insurance's don't cover infertility. It's apparently very rare. Is the insurance you have a personal insurance by chance???

To answer all your questions.... The company I just started working for does not have a group insurance plan. I work in the office doing the books of a sports bar. Their turnover is really high because of all the servers and bartenders and such. There are only 8 salaried managers (including myself). So what they do is pay for us to be a part of the farm beaurues insurance plan. I think that is kinda like a personal insurance. I don't really understand it. All this insurance crap is so confusing. :confused: I'm still working on getting all of the details but the only other female manager was telling me that its a PPO and she loves the coverage but the only thing is that there is absolutly no maternity coverage at all. I'm still trying to figure out exactly what that means, but it doesn't look good. We would just put me on my husbands insurance (even though it would cost us around $800/month to do so) but he currently doesn't have insurance and might not have any for another couple of months. Long story.



Am I in the minority here? We are so ready emotionally for a baby. But financially it just seems like everything is against us. I know I wouldn't even be thinking about any of this had I just been able to get pregnant on our own, but I honestly don't know how we'll pay for all this infertility testing and so forth. Sometimes I tell myself that if I can't even pay for the treatments and testing then maybe we shouldn't even be trying to have a baby. But I'll be 29 in a couple of months and we wanted to have 2 children. I just can't imagine holding off for another couple of years until we are more financially stable to start trying. I just don't know what I'm supposed to do here. I'm so confused and at a total stand still and I can't stand it!!!!

[polkadot]

Jen~ I dont think you are ever finacially ready for the testing par tof the infertility. No one evers say hey, lets save some money just incase one of us is infertile and we canhave money for testing and whatever is needed...KWIM?

I think that most people go into the infertility experince and have to work their way through it....some save up until they can afford a procedure, some take out loans, some borrow money from family. I think each couple is different...Ihope thing swork out for the best for all of us...

[Chris~n~Jen]

Jen~ I dont think you are ever finacially ready for the testing par tof the infertility. No one evers say hey, lets save some money just incase one of us is infertile and we canhave money for testing and whatever is needed...KWIM?

I think that most people go into the infertility experince and have to work their way through it....some save up until they can afford a procedure, some take out loans, some borrow money from family. I think each couple is different...Ihope thing swork out for the best for all of us...
I know your right. I think I'm just having a pity party for myself today and am just feeling really down about a lot of things. Mostly TTC and money. I'm getting really frustrated because I feel like I can't even get started on the testing because of lack of insurance and money. It will all work out, I know. Thanks!

[polkadot]

thats EXACTLY how i feel and my appt with the RE is only 9 days away!!

ihope i get good news when i go to the appt...or as a matter of fact...i hope i dont need the appt and that AF doesnt even pass my house...

later girlie

[Chris~n~Jen]

I hope you don't even have to go to that RE appointment Lauren. I'll keep all my fingers crossed. ;)


So here's what I could find that it says about the maternity coverage of this plan. :mad:

"No Maternity Coverage
This plan offers no maternity coverage. Maternity coverage typically means that all or part of the medical cost during a woman's pregnancy is covered by the plan"

[Asha]

jen - i would figure out the costs of maternity coverage and then the costs of how much it would be to add your to your dh's plan. if there's not much difference, switch to dh's plan. also, dh's plan might cover fertility treatments too. i would hold off on seeing an re until you figure out insurance issues. i don't know the logistics of pre-existing conditions but i would hate for you to get denied coverage on dh's plan bc you were already seeking treatment with an re. i think if you asked any mother, they would say they would pay millions of dollars to keep their children alive. we are trying to give life to children and you can't put a price on that. i know it does suck that so many women get babies for free when we have to pay a lot of money for it.

[papergirl]

CT Pumpkin – Sorry to hear this wasn’t your month. Enjoy the alcohol. I know I have.

Pocha – There isn’t really a set amount of days that you take the injectables. They monitor you and when your ready to trigger you stop. Your RE can give you a general time frame say 5 days but it may end up being more or less. I know gymwidow over responded to the injectables so she did less rounds. I myself did not have a high response rate so I took them longer. Also, when they monitor you they will check things out and then suggest that you up your med, lower them or keep them the same. Does that help any?

Also, can you do 1 round of Clomid and two of injectables? Are you even willing to consider that? I only ask since injectables have a higher success rate and I also think that the second round of inkectables has a higher success rate then the first round.

Chris and Jen – I hear you on finances. I know that we can afford a baby but we just moved and own nothing. I mean NOTHING. It’s a battle sometimes seeing money go out the window for infertility and not home stuff. The month we did injectables we paid $700 out of pocket. That could have been a couch - instead we still don’t own one. Our saving grace is that I got pregnant when we first started TTC so we began stashing money away for when the baby came. I m/c but we’ve kept stashing that money away. Now 1.7 years later it’s become a nice little nest egg that we will have for when we finally get a sticky baby. But that may never happen and we’ll need to adopt. In that case we will use that money and be back at broke with a baby.

[papergirl]

jjsanner – We are going to start IVF in December. We did three rounds of clomid + trigger + IUI and one round of injectables + trigger +IUI. Those 4 cycles coupled with a year of TTC naturally is all my doctor needed to suggest IVF. He doesn’t really believe in trying (and trying again) what doesn’t work. Perhaps try three on injectables will work but why keep wasting time when maybe it won’t? Good luck with your RE and getting to move on. And be sure to focus on trying to figure out why you m/c before going that route. It is a pretty invasive process and you don’t want to get that far to m/c again. I really fear that.

Me – I just started acupuncture, which has been interesting. I like my doctor so that’s good. In Dec. we are scheduled to start our IVF class and then the pill mid-month depending on when AF arrives for the next two cycles. Lately I have been averaging 30 days but it seems that I may be ovulating late this cycle. My CM and sex drive seem off for O’ing in the next day or two. It makes me wonder if the acupuncture might be making my cycle longer, which I hope is not the case since it would delay IVF. I guess I can only wait and see.

[Alioop12345]

jjsanner After 19 cycles, I don't have a complete answer as to why I am not getting pg. Lately, the issue has been too thin of a lining. My lining usually doesn't get thicker than 8mm...(although this cycle, with acupuncture, it got to 10)..Do you get U/S to measure the lining? I am sorry that you are feeling so stressed...it's such a hard thing.

[ABirney]

Chris-n-jen I know how you feel on the financial issue... when we do bills, we wonder how in the heck will we make it with a baby? (And we haven't even started fertility treatments yet except my metformin Rx!!) But I'm already 31, my mom went through menopause in her early 40's and we want (hopefully) 3 kids... I know it will work out somehow.
polkadot Hopefully AF will stay away and you won't need your RE appt!
bumble Good luck with IVF!

CD23 here. I had almost but not quite EWCM today... closest I've seen to EW in months. I said it really quiet as to not scare it away.... ;)

[pocahontas]

Pocha – There isn’t really a set amount of days that you take the injectables. They monitor you and when your ready to trigger you stop. Your RE can give you a general time frame say 5 days but it may end up being more or less. I know gymwidow over responded to the injectables so she did less rounds. I myself did not have a high response rate so I took them longer. Also, when they monitor you they will check things out and then suggest that you up your med, lower them or keep them the same. Does that help any?

Also, can you do 1 round of Clomid and two of injectables? Are you even willing to consider that? I only ask since injectables have a higher success rate and I also think that the second round of inkectables has a higher success rate then the first round.
Thanks BUMBLE...very helpful indeed. I should be seeing my RE this week for IUI (we think...depending on how Clomid affects my normal O day which I have a sneaking suspicion might be delayed). And I will have my list of questions prepared.

[FSUSammy]

Chris~n~Jen - I think a lot of personal insurance policies tend to not have maternity coverage for some reason. I'd say keep your insurance for now and maybe when DH get's insurance you can hop on his plan (if it has maternity of course) because in the end it still might be cheaper for you to have his maternity coverage than none at all. You aren't the only one thinking about where to get money from for all the testing and stuff. I've been thinking the same thing. I'm hoping my RE can manage to get everything he can covered by my insurance, just hoping righ tnow that I don't need much more than simple bloodwork.

RP from SWH:

Me - CD 37 today. I could not take my temp this morning because my thermometer seemed to have disappeared from my nightstand. I was hoping to temp to see if my temp from yesterday (which was a dip) could have been an implantation dip. Of course now I'll have to wait until tomorrow. I might be 7 DPO today. Still not sure since if my temp is lower than yesterday's temp then I probably didn't O last week. However my CM has managed to dry up. It's not quite dry but its more sticky than anything. I'm feeling very hot today. I had to turn the AC down in my car all the way to 67 to actually feel cold. Hope this is a good sign. Oh yeah and another FPS I have is I've noticed a blue vein in one of my boobs. It's very noticeable too. Oh and I guess one more I'm feeling sick to my stomach today. I am also tired but that could be because DH and I spent the entire day yesterday landscaping our front yard. Gotta love FPS!

Sam

[SAI Ladies]

****Updated to here****

Ladies, I could use some help - I had to move the following members from the expecting post on page 1 to the babies post due to too many characters in the post - if any of you know these ladies please ask them to update me on their stats, we may have to start paring down some of the stats for those that have graduated with babies. (They were all due in Sept or October).
UTChick
Stephanie
Ocgatita
DallasLady
MSH
Nigellas

[polkadot]

i know that UTChick& MSH had baby boys..i frequent their journals...i will let them know that they can update if they like...

and I am pretty sure that DallasLady had her baby too....I bet you could pm them too...that might work better...

:D thanks for doing all the keep~up

[CTs_Punkin]

Threadmistress - I know that when I was doing threadmistress duties here a little while back, I would sometimes just go to the mommies thread (current month) on the first page and see if any of them gave birth & update their info on our page - I would only use info that was already on their mommies thread. It was the easiest way for me to get all the updates done and not have to deal with going over the character limit.

Just a suggestion...

[pocahontas]

Threadmistress - I know that when I was doing threadmistress duties here a little while back, I would sometimes just go to the mommies thread (current month) on the first page and see if any of them gave birth & update their info on our page - I would only use info that was already on their mommies thread. It was the easiest way for me to get all the updates done and not have to deal with going over the character limit.

Just a suggestion...Yep, I do the same thing as CTs Punkin for my TM duties in the 35+ thread. I know Nigellas and MSH had boys (MSH's son's name is Aiden). And DallasLady had a girl in September (named Alexandra I believe.) If you'd like me to go to the Sept. and Oct. threads and get their stats for ya, I can. Just let me know if you need some help.

[Jess71903]

Hi ladies! Just checking in...kicking the CC habit is HARD! DH is away and I am home alone with nowhere else to go! Oh well!
Fingers crossed Polka! I hope this is it for you and you get a sticky baby!

[Alioop12345]

Polka Good luck! and fingers crossed for you


As for me, I have still be kind of avoiding this place. I have been working more and not around as much. I am on a new regime this cycle and I am feeling really hopeful. Last week, I had cupping and acupuncture...I am 4PDO with no hormones or follicle stimulating drugs this cycle...Only Viagra. I am also taking some herbs. I am on 1cc of progesterone IM daily until the bloodtest next wed but I will be POAS sooner. Not sure when...probably next Monday or Tuesday.
Does anyone give themselves their own IM injections? Right now, I am having to go to my parents' house every night. Last ngiht's shot really hurt. If there is any way that I could give these to myself, I'd really prefer that. My Dad is a doc but isn't that most gentle in giving the injections. Do they HAVE to go in the upper outer quadrant of the buttocks?

TIA

[FSUSammy]

Hey ladies. Today's CD 39. 9 DPO. Temp was still up today which is good. Not really feeling any different. Had some slight pullings in my abs yesterday at different points in the day but could easily be my bowels moving around. LOL I got my packet from the RE yesterday. They had an entire packet jut for DH to fill out. I'll probably sit down with him over the weekend to get down all his answers. Problem is we don't know anything about what runs on his father's side of the family. His dad left him when he was 3 so he has no clue. I guess we'll just have to do our best in filling the paperwork out!

Sam

[Asha]

alioop - you can have a nurse draw a circle on each buttock so you know where to administer the shot. just make sure you use a permanent marker.

[Alioop12345]

AshaI know where it should go....I just don't think I could get the angle right and relax at the same time....Are you able to do it?

[lawphil]

Hi All,

no time for SO's I just started a new job this week...

Quick update. I did the first follistim shot last night. IT was super easy - and I am a huge wimp so I was very surprised. I go in Saturday for follicle check. I am assuming that if all goes as planned IUI should happen toward the end of next week/end.

I will check in over the weekend when I have more time to post!

I hope everyone is well!

[honeygirl]

This wasn't our cycle, AF arrived this morning. In looking for the bright side (per the advice given by a wise SAI graduate) I recognized that the Clomid helped me O early and strong. Maybe next month it will help us get pregnant too. ;) We see the RE next week, I called him today to see if I should do Clomid again or not (cause I'll need to start the pills on sunday).

Here's what I wrote in the TTC w/charting thread:

I'm trying to be strong and to stay positive. This journey has been longer than expected (we're in month 7 right now of trying and it's been 16 months of testing/treatment) and could be longer still. I can't be influenced each day by the time in my cycle or by the disappointments. However, as much as I believe all of that I still have had tears fall today. But I'm getting stronger with each disappointment, and DH and I are getting closer. Last night he wanted to say goodnight to "the baby", but I just knew that there wasn't a baby this time. So it's hard. Hard telling him and hard gearing up for another cycle. But we'll make it though.

"Grace for today and bright hope for tomorrow, blessings all mine and 10-thousand beside".

Sigh, it's been a hard day and I can't wait for it to be over. I'm sure you ladies can relate, most of you have been through far more than me. Any advice for how to get through the "AF arrives" day?

[FSUSammy]

honeygirl - I posted to you on the charting thread but I feel restrained on what I can say over there. I know you'll get a lot of responses saying sorry and a lot of those girls don't understand the struggles you are going through. It's great that you are seeing the brighter side in that clomid did help you. That's fantastic news! Hopefully that will mean next cycle will be even a better of a chance for you guys. Did your RE call you back yet? I'm curious what they say.

Hang in there sweetie!!!

Sam

[CTs_Punkin]

Honeygirl As someone who is in their 24th month of trying, I understand your frustration and the need to stay positive. That is the only thing that keeps me going month after month. There are a lot of roadblocks and a lot of speed bumps, but all in all the journey is one that I need to look at as a growing experience and one that has brought my husband & I even closer together. I hope you get that ever elusive BFP soon!

Lawphil Good luck w/ the follistim - I hope you have a few nice follicles and your IUI proves successful.

Polkadot Sending you sticky vibes!

As for me - you know by now that the last IUI was a bust, but I went to my acupuncturist on Monday and she was very encouraged by how great my chart looked and that lengthening of my LP. This month we are not having any medical intervention, as our family will be in town for T-giving and we just didn't want to run around back and forth to DRs offices when we should be spending time with them. So hopefully in Dec we'll start anew.

I am slightly concerned as my company is changing medical insurance, so I'm not sure what infertility items might be covered. Granted my current one only covers IUIs - but it's better than nothing. I'm not sure what this one will cover if anything. Do you know if when you are forced to switch insurance providers how preexisting conditions work??? I'll have to ask at tomorrow's enrollment session.

[FSUSammy]

CTs_Punkin - I'm pretty sure that as long as you have continuous insurance coverage before the new insurance kicks in you can't get hit with a preexisting condition issue. Especially if its because your company decided to switch from one company to another. My old company did that and I never had any problem getting my conditions covered. Also, question for you about the accupuncture. I've been considering doing that to help with my PCOS. How often do you go and if you don't mind tell me what kind of cost is it to get accupuncture?

Sam

[CTs_Punkin]

FSUSammy
I went to acupuncture 2x a week for about 6 weeks and am now going once a week. The initial visit was $150 (which I had a coupon, so only cost me 50) and each visit costs me around $55 - but that's because I pay for 10 sessions up front, otherwise they would be 70.

I was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure at 34 - and so basically western medicine gave me the option of adoption or egg donors. I wanted to try acupuncture as they have a different philosophy on POF and believe that they can at least make the eggs I do have as healthy as possible through acupuncuture and diet. They put me on a pretty strict diet of no dairy, no sugar, no refined wheat, no caffeen, no alcohol and try to do as much organic meat as possible. They gave me a list of all the "good" vs. "bad" things to eat to help improve your fertility. I've lost 20lbs in the last 3 months by diet alone and my cycles have definitely improved, so there is hope for me yet! :D

ETA - thanks for the insurance info!!

[lawphil]

honeygirl - I am sorry about AF but glad that clomid helped with your cycle and ovulation.

One thought - our RE made us take a month w/o treatment to do all baseline tests. Even if they have been done somewhere else they sometimes like to do the tests themselves.

Your RE may do something completetly different but when I was reading your post I was think that depending on timing maybe you can do a full cycle of clomid and then do baseline testing next month or maybe you can get in for CD 3 tests in anticipation of your appointment next week.

Just a thought...

[honeygirl]

lawphil - Hmmm, I'm not sure. I did the cd3 & cd21 b/w this cycle (with the RE) and have done it before as well w/ other dr's. He didn't want me to be on progesterone (so the cycle before I didn't take it), so that was my only med-free cycle (and there was no b/w). I haven't heard back from the office yet. Congrats on giving yourself a shot btw. I bet the first one is the hardest. Best wishes on your egg development, LOL!

CTs_Pumpkin - I'm no expert on insurance but if you have ongoing coverage it should be continued (unless of course they don't include IF). I hope you get your answers asap! BTW - congrats on the weight loss and better cycle regulation. I didn't realize that accupuncture and diet could do so much! Very hopeful for you!

Thanks for the kind words CTs_Punkin, FSU Sammy and lawphil. I feel kind of bad writing about my disappointment b/c I know that most of you ladies here have been dealing with IF much longer than me. It don't want to be like the new members on the TTC thread whining about a BFN on the first cycle. :) So I hope you ladies don't mind my complaints, and if you do that you can skip over them without being annoyed.

I had a nice big piece of cake for lunch (and pizza), and a big hug from a friend of mine (here at work) so I'm feeling better already.

[FSUSammy]

honeygirl - Oh please you aren't complaining at all!!! You are allowed to complain. This is an emotional rollercoaster and we all understand over here! Yay for the cake and pizza. Now you top it off with chocolate and have a drink or two when you get home!

[pocahontas]

Aww, HONEYGIRL, I'm sorry. :( I hoped we'd both have Clomid babies together this cycle! :o (I am always crossing my fingers that whenever I get my BFP that one of you SAI girls is in the Mommy Thread with me and that I'm not stuck in there with a bunch of 21 year olds who got pg "accidentally".) :p LOL

Well, I am officially in the 2 ww on Round 1 of Clomid...so I am not sure what to expect. *sigh* Just trying to be :cool: while I experienced all kinds of O pains last night and today (so at least we know Clomid makes for a STRONG O if nothing else and since I'm pretty sure I O'ed today that means Clomid didn't delay my O as I had feared because this is CD 15 my normal O day). But I can't even test until a few days after Thanksgiving because I'll only be 9 DPO by the holiday and for most people that is way to early (although I know like one or two people that got BFPs at 9 DPO but it's rare.) So the waiting begins...:rolleyes:

[FSUSammy]

pocahontas - Good luck in your 2ww!!!

[pocahontas]

pocahontas - Good luck in your 2ww!!!THANKS SAM! :)

[Jess71903]

honeygirl- I am so sorry about AF and your rough day. I think the nice thing about this thread is that everybody understands how it feels...I feel like a newbie too and I hope the girls that have been at this for a lot longer can stand us, but I have always felt supported here, especially from the long-haulers. Hang in there girl, and focus on your "comfort scriptures" over the next couple of days!

[FSUSammy]

Hey ladies. I've got a question. I have my first RE appointment on Tuesday. If by chance AF shows up on Saturday then I'd be at CD 4 by the time I go in for my appointment. Is that too late for the normal CD 3 bloodwork? Should I call up my RE and see if they'd want me to come in on Monday for the CD 3 bloodwork *if* AF does show up on Saturday? I'd hate to have to wait another LONG cycle in order to just do my bloodwork.

Thanks!
Sam

[skb]

I'd say the phonecall couldn't hurt fsusammy....I'm not very patient and wouldn't want to wait the additional time either. Maybe they could give you the requisition for the bloodwork just incase CD 3 is before the appointment. The worst they can say is no.

I hope somebody around here gets pregnant with the help of clomid!

I'm waiting to call the *period hotline* for IVF and suspect I will have to wait a couple more months before they will offer treatment. But I suppose that means more eggnog for me!

[honeygirl]

The RE wants me to come in today for an ultrasound before he'll give me another perscription for Clomid. Does anyone know why? I'm guessing that he wants to check for cysts maybe? I've never had a ultrasound during my period before, yuck!

[FSUSammy]

honeygirl - I've heard that they sometimes do that to get a baseline to see what your ovaries are looking like now before clomid. Then again what do I know...I have yet to go to my 1st RE appt yet. LOL

[Patience]

honeygirl Yup, your guess is correct. My RE always does a CD3 u/s to check for cysts as well as my endometrial lining to make sure everything looks normal.

FSUSammy I would call your RE to check. They might just send the paperwork to the lab so that you can get started on the bloodwork.

skb Sorry you still have to wait on IVF, but it sounds like your holidays will be much more merrier with the eggnog. ;)

[jodylovesscotty]

honeygirl~ I am sure your RE wants to check for cyst. I get day 3 monitoring every cycle. The first time I was grossed out, but it really isn't that bad and they don't care they do it all the time.

pocahontas ~ Hope this is it for you. Thinking all positive thoughts for you:)

skb ~ How does your period hotline work? I never heard of it, I just know when we are going to do it. No waiting for me or hotline to call. I hope they get you in soon though.

[FSUSammy]

Honeygirl - How was the u/s yesterday?

Me - Today is CD 41, 11 DPO today. When I grabbed the thermometer this morning I was so sure that my temp would have dropped because I just felt like I was colder. Boy was I wrong. My temp JUMPED. And now I'm burning up. I drove with the windows open today because a cold front is starting to push through down here in so. fla. but my face just feels sooooo hot! Oh yeah and as I was getting to work I realized that we have plans tonight. We have a late show to see Carlos Mencia!!!! Woohooo that should be a freaking blast! I plan on calling up the RE today to see about my CD 3 bloodwork, if AF happens to show up over the weekend, let's hope that's not the case. I do plan on testing again tomorrow if my temp is still up.

Sam

[FSUSammy]

Just called up the RE. They told me that the doc wouldn't do any testing until he sees me but they do their bloodwork anywhere from CD 3-6 so I should be good if by chance AF shows up tomorrow or Sunday. They'd either be able to do the b/w the day I go or the next day and thankfully I'm off all of next week so it would be very easy for me to go back in for b/w if I needed to go in.

[Asha]

honey - it is a good thing that your doc is monitoring you. mine didn't at all, and it wasn't until i was in excrutiating pain that he did one, and he found three cysts. i'm thinking i developed a cyst each month i was on clomid, bc by the time he did an ultrasound, i had been on clomid for three months.

****
just updating here on progress of ivf cycle. my doc says that i have between 15-20 follicles, and i am progressing really well. it is expected that i go in for egg retrieval early next week.

[skb]

jodylovesscotty I know it sounds ridiculous. I call on chart day 1 and leave a message to say AF has arrrived! The IVF clinic will call back in 7-9 days IF treatment if offerend during that cycle. If treatment is offered I run out to get my meds. If not, than I wait until chart day 1 of the next cycle and call again. And so goes the waitlist for IVF. Stupid, huh.

[DaniML]

Hey Ladies!

Things have finally slowed down a bit for me and I am ready to activly participate again (of course now that I say that I'll get slammed, but I'll try anyway).

Today is CD7 and my 2nd day of Clomid. I went in on CD5 for my u/s and got the all clear for another Clomid cycle. This month we're doing 150mg since I didn't ovulate on 100mg last month. And boy am I feeling the side effects already. I normally don't get the hotflashes until AFTER I've actually finished taking the Clomid, not so this month. I have hot flashes and I'm SO moody and sensitive. Maybe it's because the dose is higher. I won't get my CD15 u/s this time because it falls on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, but I will go in on CD21 for b/w to see if I actually ovulated.

FSUSammy, good luck! I hope the temps stay up and you get your BFP.

Asha, I hope things keep progressing nicely and you'll get to do retrieval soon! What happens after that?

skb, do they have a wait list because they have too many patients? Or is there another reason? I hope they get you in soon.

pocahontas, keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[honeygirl]

My ultrasound went well and I got the all clear to do Clomid again. I was happy that this time a female did it (A NP maybe?). I am still adjusting to having a male RE, I've never had a male gyno or PCP before.

Anyway, I got a sneak peak at some of my other results. We're scheduled to see the RE next tuesday, but I had questions and didn't want to wait. ;) She said that my cd21 b/w was really high (progesterone) so she thinks that I must have produced at least 2-3 eggs. She then said that maybe we should lower my Clomid dose to 25mg, but after checking with the RE kept it at 50mg. This makes me both happy and freaked out. We don't want multiples, but then again we didn't get pregnant at all last cycle, so hopefully it will be fine.

DaniML - I've done some reading on Clomid and heard that the side effects get worse with the higher doses. Sorry that you're having hot flashes.

Asha - Congrats on making so many eggs! Good luck with your retrieval next week and thanks for keeping us updated.

skb - I didn't know that clinics had wait lists for IVF. How frustrating that must be! How often do you have to wait out a month?

FSUSammy - I hope that you won't need your RE appt. Good luck!!! Like skb said, someone around here has to get pregnant with Clomid. ;)

pocahontas - How are you doing? Thinking of you in your 2ww. I hope you have a little something to be thankful for very very soon!

[DaniML]

honeygirl, that's great that your progesterone #'s looked so good. Hopefully this cycle will do it for you!!!! Unfortunatly ovulating is only half the battle, but if you have that it's one less thing to worry about. And we can all use one thing less to worry about!!!!

It really must be the higher Clomid dose. I'm a blubbery mess. I could cry at anything. This afternoon DH wanted to go meet some friends to watch the football game. I usually don't have a problem with that at all. But we really haven't seen each much lately (he works retail and this is his busiest season) and he's seen my son even less. So I started pouting and he of course knew what was up, but asked anyway. So I started crying and told him. He, being the sweet man he is, said "you know I don't care if you don't want me to go! Just please say so, don't just pout!". So now they're watching football together, which could make me cry all over again because it's so sweet. Geeez! I hope this goes away soon.

[pocahontas]

.

pocahontas, keeping my fingers crossed for you!



pocahontas - How are you doing? Thinking of you in your 2ww. I hope you have a little something to be thankful for very very soon!Thanks gals! I am being so --->:cool: right now because at 4 DPO I have been having the craziest IMAGINARY FPS it's ridiculous. :rolleyes:

[polkadot]

come on pocohontas!!!! I am being :cool: with you....fingers crossed!!!

[lawphil]

Hi All,

Quick drive by...I am apparently way overstimluated. I am waiting for a call from the RE but just by looking at the ultrasound this morning it was clear that this cycle would be cancelled.

I am upset about cancelling but much more worried about what is going to happen physically with the overstimulation.

I am just so very tired...

pocohantas - thinking positive thoughts for you!!

[FSUSammy]

pocahontas - hope your 2ww goes by super fast!!!

lawphil - Sorry that you are overstimulated. That sucks! Hopefully it won't affect you physically.

Me - 14 DPO, temp dropped below the CL so I expect AF to show up but I'm confused because our house is SUPER cold a good 5 degrees colder than it usually is so I'm not sure if its making my temp appear a lot lower than it really is. I didn't bother testing today because I figured AF was on her way. We finished up our RE paperwork last night and my appointment is tomorrow. I might test tomorrow if she hasn't shown up today just so I know for sure before going to the RE. If AF is going to show today would be PERFECT that way I could go in on Wednesday for CD 3 bloodwork. I have no idea if the RE is opened on Thursday or Friday for bloodwork or not, I guess I'll find that out tomorrow!

Sam

[pocahontas]

come on pocohontas!!!! I am being :cool: with you....fingers crossed!!!


I am upset about cancelling but much more worried about what is going to happen physically with the overstimulation.

I am just so very tired...

pocohantas - thinking positive thoughts for you!!

pocahontas - hope your 2ww goes by super fast!!!
LOL @ Lauren! You know you made me chuckle in my perfectly quiet room. (Glad no one is in here to think I'm totally crazy.) And you know I'm still grinning ear to ear for your BFP! :D WOOHOO!

LAWPHIL...I am so sorry about the cycle. This is the holiday season though...the season of miracles. So anything can happen! ;) Thanks for the positive thoughts.

SAM: THANK YOU! And good luck on your RE appt! Speaking of RE's...

After the New Year I am making an appt. with another RE practice (that is...if this or next cycle aren't the lucky "one") because I don't know that I'm happy with mine. I will finish out the year with her because I have another Clomid+IUI scheduled if this one is a bust, but I have been listening to you girls and how much time and effort your RE's put into stuff and I am not getting half of what ya'll describe. E.g. I have heard that many RE's monitor on CD 3 to make sure there are no left over cysts from the previous cycle when one is on Clomid. My RE never gave me a CD 3 u/s...so I basically could have 'em and she'd never know. Another example is that I hear folx on Clomid get u/s right before their IUI to see what side they are ovulating from or how big their follies are. She did that with me last time AFTER she'd already done the IUI. :confused: And this time she didn't do it at all. So I am thinking...WTF?! Then when I think about it...there are other things she just breezes through (and ya'll know I am analytical and like to ask questions so that "breezing by" stuff doesn't work well with me! ) So tomorrow I am calling to make a January appt with another office in another city (I'd actually been contemplating them for awhile based on their excellent reputation.) Of course, sitting here at 5 DPO I'm hoping I totally won't need to. But again...even though my temp shot through the roof today I am still being --->:cool: LOL (At least I know if nothing else Clomid did that much because my temps before Clomid were mediocre at best and I can remember seeing other people's charts in the 2 ww where they'd have 98.3, 98.4 and 98.5 or above waking temps and wondering why mine never went above 98.2...until today when I got a 98.5 which has only happened once before in my 9 TTC cycles and I think that was a fluke! :eek: )

[DaniML]

lawphil, sorry this cycle is a bust! I hate wasted cycles and sometimes they make me so angry. First you have to wait for AF to show again, then it's another couple of weeks until you *might* O. Ughh. It's just frustrating. I hope they will figure out your meds for next cycle and you can proceed on.

pocahontas, that sux about your RE's office. I think a GYN or RE are such important doctors, that if you are the least bit uncomfortable with them you need to switch. After all, these docs deal with your most personal issues. Even my doc does all the monitoring and I'm still with my GYN, not an RE. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you won't need another RE though!!!!!!

FSUSammy, still hoping AF doesn't show for you. I heard from other ladies that RE's offices are open pretty much every day. Not exactly sure about Thanksgiving, but I would bet they'd be open the day after. Good luck!

================================================== ===

Me - I'm just trying to endure the side effects of Clomid. I can handle the mood swings and being aware of them, I think I have them in check. The hot flashes on the other hand are so annoying. I woke up twice last night turning down the heat (it was only at 66F to begin with) because I was sweating my butt off. I'm really trying not to be too whiny, but it's hard.

I have decided that if this cycle doesn't work we're taking off next cycle. I really want to enjoy my holidays and not live by the calendar. Also, I'm going to Germany to see my family for two weeks over Christmas/New Years so that would throuw a wrench in the whole timed BD anyway. So, if that happens I'll focus on weight loss (I joined the gym here at work and have been working out 3 days a week with a personal trainer) and enjoying the holidays. We'll see what happens.

[FSUSammy]

Hey ladies. AF decided NOT to make an appearance today. The latest in the day she has ever arrived since going off the pill a year ago was around 9pm so I'll give her a good 3 more hours. I've gotten AF cramps on and off today. I may BEG DH to put on the heat tonight so that the house is the same temp it normally is when we have the AC on. I hate wasting electricity if we don't need to but I really need a consistent temp in the morning. Maybe I'll look for my personal heater and put that in our room tonight. I don't know. I just wish if AF is gonna show she's show up already!

[lawphil]

Hi All,

So the drama continues. I finally talked to the RE yesterday and she said that we are not going to cancel the cycle.

I had three follicles 14, 16, and 18 and the rest of the follicles were smaller - 12 and under. Anyway, she said that we should do the HCG (which we did yesterday) and IUI this morning (which we also did)

The problem now is that although my DH's SA was fine when they did it a couple of weeks ago his count was really low today - 5 million with 5% motility and a little over a million post wash.

I was totally shocked. In fact if had been a little lower (under a million) they would have cancelled it. We go for second IUI tomorrow and if the numbers are still very low we are going to have to do a repeat SA and then reevaluate after that.

I did will myself to not cry this morning. I already did that yesterday and I need to stay calm and positive today...

Thanks for listening!

[FSUSammy]

lawphil - That's great that you were able to do the IUI today! I'll cross my fingers that your DH's numbers are good tomorrow too.

Me - CD 45, 15 DPO today. Got a BFN this morning. Still getting AF-like cramps on and off, don't know where the ole hag is though!!!! Today is my big visit at the RE. I'm soooooo anxious to find out what his plan of attack will be against my PCOS diagnosis. I have a manila folder with all of my paperwork ready as well as the u/s and b/w (showing prog. and - PG test) from my ob/gyn as well as all 8 of my charts for the past year AND even a cheat sheet of my medical history. I'm way over-prepared!

I'll stop by later this afternoon to tell you all how it went.

Sam

[pocahontas]

LAWPHIL...YEAH for the cycle not being cancelled! (I guess that season of miracles I talked about really worked. ;) ) Don't be too worried about the SA because at least you get to do two. (I guess I can add that to my earlier list of complaints about my RE's office because they only do one IUI and I think it's brilliant to do 2 back to back days.) Remember it only takes "ONE" swimmer to make it happen! So think good thoughts and I will do the same! :D

[DaniML]

lawphil, yay for not cancelling this cycle after all! I hope DH's numbers look this time!

FSUSammy, better over-prepared then under-prepared. I'm sure it will speed up the process if you have everything ready!

[TazLuv]

@#)(*#$)(*!@#$#$ :mad:

I'm SO sick of this - all of it! Today is CD41, I called my RE Friday (14 days after last dose of Prometrium) and they said wait until Monday and then call us. So I called yesterday and they had me come in this AM for a u/s so they could see if maybe excessive cysts was why AF hadn't shown. NOTHING, nada, zip, zilch - no cysts - ALL of the follicles from my over stimulated cycle are GONE! Plus my lining isn't big like AF is coming - so basically they have NO idea.

I'm thinking the three days of brown spotting I had last week was it but since I never got red I didn't call it CD1. So I'm waiting for the RE to call me with a plan of attack. I'm guessing they're going to want to put my on BCP for a month to regular my horomones. I'd rather they just let me take Provera and induce AF so that we can get another cycle in before Christmas. :mad:

I know I've missed a lot lately I just haven't been up to visiting. I've seen several comments about polkadot, did I miss something? :confused: I will try to get the thread updated before Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

[polkadot]

Oh taz~ that sucks...I am so sorry that they cant figure out what is going on...sometimes you wonder what the hell you are paying the doctor for.

Hope things work out soon...

and ps: yes...i am pg...5 weeks!!

[TazLuv]

Polkadot - thanks and congratulations! I'm guessing we're being :cool: about this.

I've calmed down now! :) Just got off of the phone with the nurse and they have NO idea what happened but think the three days of brown spotting (I'm talking SUPER light) that I had last week was probably AF for the month. BUT the good news is (never thought there would be good news about me not ovulating on my own) is that we can pick up the month like its CD3 because my u/s this morning looked just like a baseline is supposed to.

So we'll start CD3-7 Gonal-F at 75 units tomorrow, have an u/s on Monday and then go from there. This could be VERY interesting since my BIL, FIL and MIL are staying with us this weekend and we're all going out of town together Saturday & Sunday. If they find out then so be it. :rolleyes: I'm glad to get in one last cycle before Christmas, pg testing would be done right before Christmas so hopefully it will be a merry one.

[FSUSammy]

I figured I'd post here first since you guys would understand this better than anyone else:

Recap of my RE visit:

Met with the doctor and went over all of my history. He kept looking at my hair. My hair is naturally thin. All the women on my mom's side of the family have thin hair. But over the last year or so my hair has gotten progressively thinner towards the front. He had said that this could very well be because of PCOS. He did an internal exam to feel my ovaries and he said they didn't feel enlarged, which is good. He also checked for skin tags which I don't have any. He said that I might be a great candidate for metformin but before we can move forward we've got to step back and get a proper diagnosis by running several tests.

If I don't get AF by Tuesday I have an appointment to go in for bloodwork and an ultrasound. Depending on what comes back the doc may start me on provera to enduce AF. On CD 1 I call them to schedule my CD3 bloodwork. He said it could take 2 hours, sounds like they want to do a glucose tolerance test. I have to get that all done between CD 3-6. Next step is a Saline Hystogram where they will inject saline into my cervix and I believe they will be looking for polyps. After that I'll be getting a endometrial biopsy sometime around CD 22-26 to check my lining. DH also has to do a SA and I have the "kit" with me. The doc also gave me tons of prenatal vitamins so I don't have to run out and buy any right now. He wants me to try out 4 different kinds and pick which one I want.

That's it. So overall very productive, and the staff was super nice and the doc appreciated all the homework I did ahead of time!

Sam

[TazLuv]

FSUSammy – hope the RE visit went well, sorry AF is dragging her feet (maybe she’s not coming)! ;-) ETA: We cross posted - at least your doc is taking the steps early, it sounds like the doctor is very committed to finding a reason, thats great!

lawphil – I know those sperm numbers seem low but with IUI they actually need less b/c they place them where they need to go and they get quite a headstart compared to intercourse. The 2nd IUI will help too I’m sure – positive thoughts!

DaniML – I know what you mean about needing a break, it was actually kind of nice that this cycle ran a little long. I had a few days to think about things. Sorry about the s/e’s from Clomid, I took mine at night and didn’t have as many, can you try that?

[ABirney]

Hi ladies...
lawphil Happy to hear your cycle wasn't cancelled.. hope DH's numbers go up for the 2nd IUI but it only takes 1!!
Sam Glad to hear you had a good appt and the dr is getting going on all the tests!
tazluv Sorry you are having such a screwed up cycle.. sounds like the dr has a good plan of action anyways and hopefully you'll have a BFP for Christmas!

As for me, I think I may have actually O'd! I don't think it was a strong one... still need temp confirmation but based on CM I'm pretty sure I did. If I disregard the temps on Thurs and Fri (CD 27/28) I get dotted CH's on FF... but I don't have a reason to disregard them except to make my chart pretty... :)

[honeygirl]

Hello all.

lawphil - Sounds like this has been a trying week for you! I hope that despite the obstacles this cycle it is still able to be "the one". It only takes one egg and one sperm, right?

Sammy - I wrote in TTC, but didn't mention the hair part. It must have been interesting and a bit creepy to have the RE so focused on your hair. ;)

ABirney - Congrats on O'ing!! Good luck with the 2ww!

TazLuv - Here's hoping that this Christmas is extra merry for you! Best wishes on this cycle (and good news that you get to start a new one).

pocahontas - How are you doing? Are you testing soon? About your RE, I think it's important to have dr's that you like (and fully trust) and if you have other options you should totally switch! I only have the 1 option here, but fortunately I like him. :)

I hope I didn't miss anyone. I had my follow up RE appt today and my DH came along (reluctantly). Turns out my progesterone last cycle was 53!! (on cd21). The Dr said that it appears that Clomid works for me since I had a regular cycle, strong ovulation (2+ eggs) and no spotting. Yay. However, we weren't thrilled with the super high progesterone (especially DH) b/c we're not aiming for multiples. He said that I could lower my dose to 25mg on the next cycle, but that it's too late for this one. He wasn't concerned with DH's sperm and said that he doesn't have to redo the SA unless we don't get pregnant in the next few months. He said that basically we are now "fertile" and should get pregnant within 6 months. Here's hoping!!!!

[FSUSammy]

ABirney - I hope you did O!!!

honeygirl - It was a tad creepy to have the RE staring at my hair. He even commented how I don't seem phased by it and I told him that I've grown to live with it. Like I said all the women in my famliy has thin hair so I thought this was something I had to deal with but apparently I have extra thinning towards the front so as long as I part my hair just right you'd never know. Glad your RE visit was productive too!!!

Me - CD 46, 16 DPO. Temps still above the coverline (barely though). I had some AF-like cramps before I woke up but now they are gone. I didn't bother testing since I tested yesterday. I figured if AF doesn't show up by tomorrow I'll test again on Turkey Day. It's rather frustrating waiting. If she is going to come ideally I'd like for her to come sometime between tomorrow and Sunday that way I can just keep my Tuesday appointment with the RE for the bloodwork but instead of the bloodwork they wanted to do they'd just do the CD 3 bloodwork and Glucose test.

Sam

[lawphil]

Goodmorning!

First of all, thank you so much for all of the support you have given me. My DH and I are not sharing out journey with IRL friends and family, so it can seem very lonely at times. It is so nice to have a place to come and spill my guts - and then get wonderful feedback!

FSUSAMMY - I hope AF doesn't find you and that tomorrow's test is positive. Interesting visit with the RE. I didn't know hair had anything to do with this!

honeygirl - I am so glad that you had a strong ovulation and progesterone. I will keep my fingers crossed that the egg & the sperm will meet this time!

Abirney - yay for o'ing!

Taz - I am so glad that you are getting started! I am not sure if the gonal-f is like the follistim but I did mine with the pen and it was extremely quick and also very easy to conceal if I had to.

Pocohantas - any word?

Polkadot - not sure if I mentioned earlier - congratulations!


As for me. IUI #2 went well today. DH's sperm count was up to 21 million but motility down to 30%. I think the reduced motility is normal when producing two days in a row. It still doesn't explain yesterday's crazy number. However, the RE said that the combined post-wash number of the 2 IUI's is over 5 million so that is good. He said no additional SA is needed because it will probably just show a 4th answer and will not be definitive - clearly we are borderline with fluctuating numbers and IUI + injectibles is the right option for now.

On a side note. This RE practice has 2 men and 1 woman - I usually see the woman but she was away for t-day so I saw the man. Now I know why I like my femail doctor...she is so much gentler with the speculum!!

Ok. I hope everyone has a happy thanksgiving.

[pocahontas]

pocahontas - How are you doing? Are you testing soon? About your RE, I think it's important to have dr's that you like (and fully trust) and if you have other options you should totally switch! I only have the 1 option here, but fortunately I like him.
HONEYGIRL...I can see why you like him! You actually had follow-up b/w where he told you your progesterone level, etc. I don't have any b/w during my Clomid cycle (other than a Beta blood test on 14 DPO to see if I'm pg)...so my RE I bet has no clue what's going on in my body! ARGH! :mad: (P.S. I refuse to test until at least Monday night which will be 12 DPO and that really will depend on my temp because if it's not at least 98.2 I won't test at all!)

Pocohantas - any word?


As for me. IUI #2 went well today. DH's sperm count was up to 21 million but motility down to 30%. I think the reduced motility is normal when producing two days in a row. It still doesn't explain yesterday's crazy number. However, the RE said that the combined post-wash number of the 2 IUI's is over 5 million so that is good. He said no additional SA is needed because it will probably just show a 4th answer and will not be definitive - clearly we are borderline with fluctuating numbers and IUI + injectibles is the right option for now.
LAWPHIL...nope, just -->:cool: for the holidays at 7DPO. I am glad to hear your second IUI went well. I think it's normal to be worried about count when doing an IUI...when we did our first last month my DH's was 40 million and I had the nerve to complain because someone somewhere (maybe even on this board) said normal was anything between 40 and 90 million. So of course the pessimist in me was like, "OMG...we barely made it to normal!" :eek: And this month when we had 33 mil, needless to say I told DH he owed me 7 mil more to be NORMAL! :rolleyes: So you are not the only one who obsesses over numbers. Trust me. :o Keeping my fingers crossed that we both land in the August mommy thread together and we'll laugh about this 9 months from now! :D

[DaniML]

Now I know why I like my femail doctor...she is so much gentler with the speculum!!
Funny you say that, I'm the other way around. I've always had male docs and they seem so much more sympathetic and gentle! I think the problem I have found with females is that if they've never experienced any problems they are not sympathetic to them.
Glad to hear your IUI went well! Keeping my fingers crossed!

"OMG...we barely made it to normal!"
LOL I hear you!!! My DH's count came back at 41mil and I the lab paperwork said 40 - whatever was normal. However, then I asked my OB and he actually said they consider everything over 20 mil "normal". Keeping my fingers crossed for you as well! (man my fingers are gonna hurt...)

TazLuv, I am taking the Clomid at night. Last month it really wasn't that bad, but this time the hot flashes are just awful. I wake up in the middle of the night just sweating.
I'm glad you're able to get another cycle in before Christmas! That would be such a wonderful present!!!!

FSUSammy, sounds like your RE visit went very well and that he's really covering all the basis. Just the fact that he wants to test before giving you any kind of meds speaks for him. A lot of docs are so quick on prescriptions!

honeygirl, that's great news! At least now you know that everything "should" work. Good luck!

Me - Just creeping along at CD12. The BD fest will start tonight. We actually started on CD9 this month, and were going to do CD11, but then I fell asleep on the couch. My OB said CD 12 - CD 21, so we're right on schedule. Plus, I'm glad BD doesn't fall on T-Day because who can do that after stuffing yourself all day!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

[MrsSmith]

Hey ladies, just checking in on everyone. My 1st appt with the new RE is next week. I'm anxious and nervous at the same time. What if I don't like him either? LOL...Everyone try to enjoy the holiday!

[jessied1025]

Hey Ladies,

Just wanted to stop in and wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Sorry I have been MIA, but DH and I are just trying to play it cool these next cycles as we wait for his appointment with the RU. On a good note this is the first cycle where I didn't have any pain due to constipation! And I haven't started spotting yet...I am already on CD19!!! Here's hoping AF stays away, but not getting our hopes up with DH male fertility issues.

[TazLuv]

Happy Thanksgiving Ladies!

[skb]

Happy Thanksgiving Ladies. Do you think if we all promise to be really thankful we will see some BFPs soon? I hope so!

[ABirney]

honeygirl Yay for being "fertile"! Glad your body is responding well to the Clomid.
FSUSam Hope AF either stays away for a long while (Like 9 months.. ) or comes quickly so you can get your bloodwork on Tuesday.
lawphil Glad your second IUI went well.
pocahontas Hope those temps stay up and you get a BFP Monday!
Dani Sorry you are having hot flashes from the meds.. that sucks!
MrsSmith Good luck w/ your new RE.
jessied Yay for no spotting! Hope it stays away!

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving everyone!!

[purplesunshine7]

hi ladies ,I've been mia for a while but have been lurking. First let me say congrats to polk a dot.

After first biopsy it's been determined that my linning is too thin. they have started me on prometrium. and another biopsy is scheduled for next week. I am having problem with prometrium . when I wake up in the morning and use the bathroom I guess it is leaking out. or at least it looks like it. Has anyone else had this problem? Should I call my RE?:confused:
Also I don't even know if I am using it correctly. Does anyone know if it is suppose to be placed into the cervix? I can't reach my cervix. Ok Sorry for TMI.
I hope everyone had a good holiday. I 'll send shout out to everyone after work. Hope everyone has a good day.:)

[FSUSammy]

purplesunshine7 - I heard that is normal with the suppositories to leak like that. I wouldn't worry about it. I'm pretty sure you are supposed to place them as far as you can. I doubt you'd ever be able to place it inside the cervix

Me - CD 48 here. I changed my Ovusoft preferences because with today's temp (below my coverline) it said I was pg. Which I'm not. I didn't bother testing today because honestly I feel like this cycle is anovulatory and that I really haven't O'd yet. I changed the preferences to Temp and CM so it completely took away O and everything. Oh well just wish AF would show up between now and Sunday that way I can keep my appointment with the RE on Tuesday. But its seriously looking like I might have to go on provera to induce AF.

[honeygirl]

purplesunshine7 - Leaking is normal. The suppositories are made up of the medicine that is covered in a fatty/wax. The fatty/wax melts and the progesterone is absorbed (w/in 30min which is why they tell you to lay down for 30 min after inserting), then the fatty part "leaks" out. Are you using a applicator to push it in? If you're using your fingers put it in as far as you can reach (which isn't very far).

No worries, very normal!!!! Just remember to use a pad. ;)

Sammy - Sorry about the long and most likely annovulatory cycle. :( At least you're with an RE now who will help you figure all this out.

Did everyone have a nice Thanksgiving? Ours was fine, no big "why don't you have kids yet" stuff. That's good.

[pocahontas]

Did everyone have a nice Thanksgiving? Ours was fine, no big "why don't you have kids yet" stuff. That's good.
LOL...yeah, this Thanksgiving I am "THANKFUL" for being able to avoid that myself! :D But I already knew I would just have to avoid one person for that to happen, my SIL :mad: (who is the only person that decided to ask me about it when we took MIL out this past Mother's Day. :rolleyes: And since yesterday was the first time I've seen her since then because she thankfully lives out of state, I made sure I sat EVERYwhere but near her!) :p

[purplesunshine7]

Pocahontas and lawphil- keeping my fingers crossed for both of you.

Dani- Hope this cycle is magic for you.

Mrs. Smith- hope your R.E. appt. goes well.

Jessie- hope AF stays away fpr 9 months

FSU- Thanks fo