Still At It - Fall 2005

[MrsSmith]

Thanks for all the advice again ladies! I went ahead and started the Clomid 100mg today. So, if this works, I'll be preggo before my one year on the job. My mother in law has stepped up and said that she'd come watch our child if it were an issue. I really hope that works out.

Karlatta - I sure hope that the insurance situation doesn't prevent you from TTC in the new year. Are there any clinics that have reduced fees or anything?

klav - I'm just taking the Clomid. I'm having b/w done this week and next to see if I need anything else. Hopefully not. So, is your DH going fishing or not? ;)

labride - I hope the time goes fast for you!

Alioop - Hope that this week starts off well!

knoelani - Enjoy the break. I understand how draining this is. I'm pretty sure that we'll hold off until next year if this cycle isn't the one.

kischer - I hope I don't have any side effects during the 2WW either, but we'll have to see. This is my 1st time with the Clomid, so I'll have to see how it works for me.

[suzfuzsunflower]

Karlatta - just wanted to wish you well at your RE appointment tomorrow. Hope everything goes well and you get the answers you need regarding your long LP.

MrsSmith - I hope that the clomid treats you well. I am really interesting in hearing/reading about your experience with it, because I should be starting my first clomid cycle next month! Yipee! :D

la_bride_2004's - Thanks for the info on male IF. I will talk to DH again about the SA. I really don't see as to why it's such a big deal :rolleyes: I'm trying to be sensitive. I think that maybe he's concerned and worried about the possibility that he may have an issue. There's no reason for us to think that he does or doesn't, but I think that he's afraid to find out if he does. Maybe he feels like he's less of a man if he has sperm problems....I don't know.

I know that I missed some people, sorry. DH needs the computer, and I'm off to bed!

[gator97]

suzfuz-my DH had huge issues when my GYN recommended a SA for him. I was having a lap to look for endometriosis. . .but we weren't at our 1 yr. yet so the lap was technically for pain, not for fertility

Regardless, the dr. suggested the DH get an SA b/c we have increased chances of getting pregnant in the 4-6 mo. following the lap. Dr. wanted us to use those months to our best advantage and know whether we were dealing with any male factor. Oh my did my DH fuss!!! We actually had to work out a deal that we would try for a few months and then if nothing happened, he would have to get the SA. I only agreed to that, though, since the lap was for pain.

I think it's definitely an assault on their manhood, in their views. As though suggesting that something might be amiss with their sperm makes them less of a man. It's definitely a normal reaction (frustrating for us, but normal). Obviously, I wasn't that successful in talking my DH in to it--perhaps some of the other ladies would be able to give you some ideas on that.

Then, last cycle (First cycle post-lap) we actually did get PG. Unfortunately, we lost the pregnancy just a few days after the BFP--I didn't even have time to come in here and update. After we got PG, one of DH's comments was asking if this now cleared him of having to get the SA done, ever. What a stinker.

So, I guess I need to update my stats to include the chem. pregnancy 9/05
We are trying again ASAP. Dr. gave me a script for progesterone supplements for next cycle. Here's hoping another BFP is around the corner. I'm just worried the adenomyosis is going to give any embryo a hard time finding a place to stick.

[DallasLady]

Just a quick post to reassure Gator. We also have male infertility (only). It is just as likely for the issue to be with the man as it is to be with the woman. And it can save you money to get your DH tested before you start treatment. You may end up wasting money on treatments that are uneccesary if the issue is with your DH.

[jennylou]

Just peeking in ladies! We've got one month down and 5 to go before we can start TTCing again after Dh's varicocele repair surgery. I think of you all and hope you are doing well. ;)

Wow, did the doc make you wait? I only ask because BIL/SIL got pregnant within a month of his surgery. So did another couple that we know.

_____

I don't know what CD I am on today. I've only temped a handful of days this cycle. I'm debating whether to just not temp and only use OPKs this month.

Went to my best friends daughter's first birthday over the weekend. It was really emotional for me as her cousin showed up with her two sons. One was a very small 6.5 month old (only 14 pounds) and all I could think about was the fact that Andrew should be about that big now. A friend from high school (best friend, the other friend and I all graduated together) apparently was going to come, but she outright asked my best friend if it would be better to find her 4 month old son (born about two weeks after Andrew) a babysitter. My best friend said that it would be best. Rachel, the other friend, didn't end up coming, so I am assuming that it was b/c she couldn't find a baby sitter. I would have liked to have seen her, but I am thankful that she had enough respect for me to understand that it would have been extremely difficult for me to see a baby boy that is just 2 weeks younger than what Andrew should have been. I felt bad that I had to keep taking walks to get away from the baby that was there, but I felt it was better to do that than to sit there and just let the tears flow.

[MrsSmith]

Jenny - I'm sorry you had a rough time at the birthday party. It's something how we think we can handle stuff and then we can't. You did better than I would have by even going. Also keep the fact in mind that this is all still very recent for you. We're not talking about something that happened 25 years ago, this is right now. But even then, it would be ok to be upset or sad sometimes. So, it's ok to go through all of those emotions. Don't feel bad. Be happy that you have such understanding friends that try to consider your feelings. Hope you're feeling better ;)

[Nigellas]

Oh, Jenny- (((HUGS))) – Children’s birthday parties are the worst when you are dealing with IF, but to have babies there the same age/size Andrew would have been must have been so difficult for you.

[Nigellas]

nigellas good luck with the 'one shot' of Femara. Did you feel o.k. afterwards?

I had a horrible headache for a day or so, but that was it. I was kind of nice not having to remember to take the pills each day. I have a follicle check on Thursday, so I’ll know then how it worked out. :)

[klav]

jennylou ((hugs)) I understand how hard it is. and it's great you have friends that are considering your feelings. your braver that I to go.
Nigellas sorry about he head aches I sometimes get the at the end of clomid. Let us know what's up on Thrusday!!!
gator97 I think I would push Dh to do the SA it's not as invasive for him as all the testing they have to do for you. and it will put your mind to rest on that if it's not that. And you can move on to the harder test's. He does not even have to do it at there office. I brough DH in. It has to be within the HR thought. if that's what he's worried about??:confused:
Alioop12345 what should your lining be at? to be good? Hope it works for you!!
MrsSmith he will be fishing but only on Sunday So hopefull that means he'll leave on Sat. afternoon and be back sunday night!! i'LL BE UPSAET IF HE'S GONE THE WHOLE WEEKEND BECASUE i TOOKTHE CLOMID FOR NOTHING opss hit cap lock

So first day of Estrodail fro me today.
I aslo was looking at my chart and my temps seem really low this time. and this am I was so warm but the temp was low? think this one is a bit weird:mad:

[ag05]

Another failed cycle for me so its on to round 3 with the same dose of Femara. Today is CD3. Getting tired of this. I will be back and try to do shoutouts a little later.

[klav]

ag05(((HUGS))) I totall y know your frustration. Hang in there.. Iknow its all been said before. So I won't say it. Were here for you to vent:o
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hubby just called and he wanted to know if I wanted to go fishing with him, we both thought it was a charter... so depending on the weather we will be fishing.... and BD on the boat!! LOL

[Alioop12345]

klav- My doc wants the uterine lining a minimum of 8.5 before trigger but he decided to trigger me anyway. THanks for the good luck wishes.

Sorry to those who are at the beginning of a cycle and good luck to those nearingh the end of a cycle!

[marteneym]

Sunflower We have male and female factor. My dr. told us this week that 50% of fertility cases are male factor. I hope you can convince your DH to do the sa. MY dh complained to, but we are so glad now that we did it.

MrsSmith Good luck in your 1st chlomid cycle. It made me O.

Gator SO sorry to hear about your chem pg. {{{HUGS}}}

labride Did they have you wait 6months after the surgery? That seems like along time. I hope it is successful for you.

Jenny Sorry the bday party was so hard. {{{HUGS}}}

As for me:
post from my journal:
Our appt Thursday went well. It was just more info. They said we could start IUI next cycle but I want to do one cycle just on the 100mg chlomid. We have an appt in November for an IUI consent meeting with the nurse. We will go over more details then.

The wedding was beautiful. We spent Friday setting up. The rehearsal and dinner were that night. The tailgate party theme was a hit. The entire room was done in Ducks green and yellow and everyone wore their team gear. My friend looked like princess.

I am kind of confused. Last week my chart showed I o'ed on cd26(I think the jump was from the Provera I started), but when I entered another temp it changed to cd28 like I thought. Now it is staying at cd26 but giving me dotted ch. I really think I o'ed cd28 based on cm and cp. What do you girls think? At least I know the clomid worked. I am supposed to do a 7dpo lab but I am not sure when that is now. I thought it would be tomorrow. Any opinions on all of this?


At this point I will do the lab tomorrow and it will either be 7 or 9dpo. I would rather it be late than early and have it show to low. I have stopped the Provera per my Dr. Either way I should have AF or a BFP next week. If it is cd28 like I am hoping and I get a BFP we would have conceived on our anniversary. I am not temping til next week. I need a break this week. I will just obsess if I do.

[julesp313]

Jenny - hugs...

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question about IUIs... I figured the dr would want me on some kind of med to make sure the eggs do what they're supposed to. I told DH with assisted repro, the chances are probably a bit higher that we might end up with multiples... and that if we were blessed with twins, we are so done. :)

Nothing doing here. CD4, I think? Had the day off work but not for fun - went and sat another part of the CPA exam. I swear I will be a grandma before I pass the bloody thing... but it does get me off work for a day! Shame I had to spend four hours of my time in a testing room though...

[gator97]

Thanks, all. Trust me, DH will have no choice about the SA if we have to go more invasive. The lap was pain related so that wasn't an issue. I did just read the male factor can be an issue with recurrent pregnancy loss. So, if we continue to have troubles with pregnancy loss, we'll go from there. Hoping it's not an issue.

jennylou- <<hugs>>. Sorry about the difficult weekend.

martenym- I'll leave the chart reading to the experts. I still feel like a novice.

klav--what an interesting story the fishing will make if you get your BFP this cycle! Have fun!

[bunky]

I was supposed to have my beta draw today but AF showed up last night. :( So on to another Clomid + trigger + IUI cycle for me. I am so sick of trying and failing every cycle. I am having a hard time imagining that I will ever get pregnant. As many of you said last week: infertility sucks!

Be back later with shoutouts.

[karlatta]

Bunky - Sorry that AF found you. I think we all know how you feel.

gator - I'm so sorry to hear about your Chem. PG. I will be hoping that the progesterone will do the trick for you.

julesp313 - How many more parts of the CPA do you still have left to take? I've heard that it's a bear!

marteneym - Let us know what the results of the bloodwork are tomorrow!

klav - Happy Fishing! Maybe BDing on the boat will be just what you need!

Nigellas - I've never heard of the one shot of Femara - maybe I missed it, but what part of your cycle did you do that?

Jenny - I'm sorry the weekend was so rough. I can't imagine. I am proud of you for being so strong.

MrsSmith - I don't have any infertility coverage at all, so I likely will always have to pay out the nose for stuff. DH and I are getting really tired of TTC, so I we're kind of taking advantage of this insurance situation to give us a break. I've been going to the RE for more than a year (and TTC for over two years), so I'm kind of looking forward to taking a break.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Update: I had my baseline scan today. Things look pretty good. My lining is still a little thin (6.8) but had greatly improved from last cycle (3.7) with the Viagra. So we'll do the Viagra again. Ovaries were good.

Very long LP was caused by a polyp. It detached and came out yesterday morning, so I took pictures to the RE today. I got a pretty lengthy u/s today while the doc was checking out my uterus, but he says all is clear and he doesn't see another polyp forming. Hopefully he's right!

We're going to do an IUI again this cycle. I'm very excited!

[klav]

gator97LOL yeh I know!!
bunky So sorry((HUG)) totally understand

[MrsSmith]

Well, I've been taking the Clomid with no problems so far. I had some blood drawn and have to go back again next week for more. I guess they are comparing it? I'm not really sure.

klav - I hope that your DH gets back in time. How frustrating if he doesnt!!

Karlatta - I've been TTC for a long time also, but it's only been assisted by a RE for a few months. So, I can understand how it gets frustrating. I think that we will take a short break if nothing comes of this cycle. JUst to kinda relax about it. Hopefully, you'll be able to relax a little too during your TTC break :)

[Nigellas]

Nigellas - I've never heard of the one shot of Femara - maybe I missed it, but what part of your cycle did you do that

CD 3 -- There has been some studies that suggest that there is no difference in taking all of the Femara at once versus spread out over 5 days. I asked my RE and he was open to me trying it. I figured that after 5 bum cycles I'd try to switch it up a little... We’ll see I guess.
:)


ETA: here is one study: Single Dose Article (http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T6K-43W5GC4-91&_coverDate=09%2F30%2F2001&_alid=322267097&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_qd=1&_cdi=5033&_sort=d&view=c&_acct=C000007678&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=99318&md5=fcc03883ac95b31f9ae69f2338e0fded)

[Nigellas]

Question: Is anyone a member of Resolve (http://www.resolve.org/main/national/index.jsp?name=home) - more on the local level, meetings and such??? Would you recomend it?

[klav]

never heard of it will have to check it out:confused:

just checked and..................
WHoooohaaa 150.00 to join??? not really seeing any benifit from joining that we don't already have here or on the internet. if anyone has joined would love to know your opionion

[Nigellas]

Weird- The local resolve (for Michigan) is only $55.00 - I wonder what the difference is betwee the two...?

[klav]

ok went ot look at the local chapter ans can't find the fee it said to go to the main page that had it listed at 150.00? so I don't know if it's diff. for Md ??:confused:

Ok found it as soon as I checked n the box to print out the form to join it has it listed at 55.00 the 150.oo is for professionals-ie nurses,dr in the feild

[marteneym]

I just did my progesterone lab check. I should have results in the morning.
I know I said I wasnt going to temp anymore in this 2ww, but I gave in this morning. It was 97.3. Possible implant dip or I may not have O'ed at all. Maybe the jump was just from the provera I was taking. I guess I will know tomorrow.

[Scooter]

Nigellas, A friend of mine IRL is a member, and really recommended it. She ended up going to groups through it, which cost more on top of the membership fee. But she said it was totally worth it and her DH even got into going. You know how women usually are the ones who inititate thigns like that, but apparently the men started coming even if their wives couldn't make it.

[klav]

Just a note.. My Dh just sent me 2dozen roses!! for our aniversary!!
no wonder why I married him!!!LOL they are beautiful!:D

[ds2003]

I don’t post much in here, but we were at it for 17 month. I’m proud to say that I can finally graduate. I got a BFP on Sunday and had an hCG of 86 this morning. I got back on Thursday for repeat bloodwork.

[Baby Lust]

Official CONGRATS ds! :D That is wonderful news!!!!

[julesp313]

Drive by...

Karla - how many parts of the CPA do I have left? All of them... it's more than a bear, lemme tell you!

[bottleored]

drive by post -

ds2003 congrats on your BFP!!

klav happy anniversary! Is it 10/11? Ours is today as well!

3rd betas for today (22DPO) 2460! Still doubling, haven't figured the rate yet.

[MrsSmith]

Congrats ds2003!! How exciting! There's been a wave of BFPs around here lately! I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy and journey into motherhood.

klav - Happy Anniversary! Aren't roses just the best? :)

[marteneym]

Klav- Happy anniversary. Enjoy your flowers!

ds2003- CONGRATS!

bottleored- Glad to hear the numbers are rising.


I got my progesterone results. 17.6. I definitey ovulated. YAY! Can I say that I am even more nervous/anxious now. EEEK!:eek: So now the question is still did I O on cd26 or 28? Time will tell. Next week can not get her soon enough. Any more opinions on my O date?

[klav]

Thank you marteneym, MrsSmith, & bottleored and yes it is /was today Happy Anniversary to you too!!:D


ds2003 congrats on your BFP!! WOOOO HOOOO!!:p :) :D

[gator97]

klav- Happy Anniversary!

ds2003- Congrats on that BFP!!!! How exciting! many sticky vibes to you!

bottleored- Great numbers.

martenym- Yeah for O!!!

[knoelani]

ds2003~ Congrats on the bfp and the beta numbers! Happy and Healthy pregnancy to you!

klav~ Happy anniversary! Enjoy the flowers.

marteneym~ congrats on o'ing :)

bottleored~ Congrats on the rising beta numbers!

[klav]

What is worng with my Temps?? they have been sooo low?:confused:
I have not changes a thing except the clomid intake but now I'm on Estrogen?:confused: :confused:

[ds2003]

Thanks for the congrats. After trying for so long, I started to wonder if it would ever happen, but I continued to pray and hope.

Droping off some baby dust........

[marteneym]

Just stopping by to ROOOOOLLLLLLLL in the baby dust!

[klav]

this afternoon I left work early, about two I felt really awful and very stomach crampy. So I came home and fell asleep for about a half hour and about 20 min. after I woke up, the cramping stoped? not sure what That was all about?
Hoping it has somethng to do with the estrogenand clomid?

[MrsSmith]

I'm almost done with my 1st round of Clomid. No side effects so far. I feel completely normal. I know that's good, but it has me kinda concerned. I just like to feel something, but I guess this is ok for now. I'm really trying to control my excitement, but I really want this to be the cycle for us. Only time will tell. Question for other Clomid users...did you have another dr appt after you take the Clomid? What is it for? What will I find out? Is that soon enough to know if I'm preggo or are they checking other stats?

I hope there's lots of baby dust for those of us who need it!!

[jennylou]

I'm hoping I'm not having an annovulatory cycle. Never on clomid did I have mid cycle spotting, but I had some today. I'm CD 15 today and don't think I've ovulated yet.

mrssmith - I hope this first cycle is it for you!

klav - I hope you feel better!

ds - congrats to you. :)

martey - good luck in the 2WW.

bottleored - yay for rising numbers. :)

Nigellas - hope your little experiment works out for you!

alioop - good luck in the 2WW. Hope that lining is thick enough.

[la_bride_2004]

JennylouWow, did the doc make you wait? I only ask because BIL/SIL got pregnant within a month of his surgery. So did another couple that we know.

Wow, this is the best news I have heard all day!! Good to hear some success stories.

Dr. said because the damage was so extensive, that we should really not expect to see full improvement before 6 months.


(((hugs))) for the birthday party.

[la_bride_2004]

Nigella I joined the national RESOLVE- it was $55 and it has been an incredible lifesaver! I highly, highly recommend it. In our area they have a monthly "cookies and conversation" meeting and those ladies really know their stuff. They also have therapist led support groups, etc.

Not sure where you are in the TTC process. For me I hooked up with RESOLVE after I found out we were headed for IVF.

[jennylou]

labride - glad I could provide some good news and hope. :) BIL/SIL tried for 2.5 years and got pregnant on their own (other than some clomid for her b/c she didn't ovulate either)...no IUI, etc.

[klav]

MrsSmithI'm a clomid user... sounds like I'm a druggie LOL
but I did not have a follow up and my dr even gave me my upped dose over the phone.:

This amI noticed my CM was there this time!! :D wow and I think it's almost EW but not too sure so will call it what ever youdo befor EW because I also think it's too soon took an OPK today and nothing?:rolleyes:
jennylou I'm also feeling much better this am thank you!

[Nigellas]

I joined the national RESOLVE- it was $55 and it has been an incredible lifesaver! I highly, highly recommend it. In our area they have a monthly "cookies and conversation" meeting and those ladies really know their stuff. They also have therapist led support groups, etc.

Not sure where you are in the TTC process. For me I hooked up with RESOLVE after I found out we were headed for IVF.


Thanks for the info - IUI is our next step if this cycle doesn’t work and I'm feeling a little squeamish about it all and kind of down about the whole IF thing in general. I think I will look into it. Thanks again. :)

[bottleored]

karla sorry about AF's appearance. I never had any issues with lining, so I don't know if that's related to immune issues. Wow - a polyp? I had a polyp removed last year - didn't realize it might have dislodged.

mrssmith good luck with clomid this cycle! I've charted every cycle, meds or no meds. I found it helpful. It's not always 100%, but I found that when things didn't go as planned, the charting was a great fall-back.

alioop hope your trigger went well!

knoelani sorry AF showed! A break sounds like a wonderful idea. Best of luck!

jennylou {{HUGS}} that party must have been so tough for you. I can't even imagine.

ag05 and bunky sorry about AF showing :( {HUGS}

marteneym good luck in the 2WW!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
For me, more b/w and my first pg u/s (to make sure the 'bubble' is in the right place) tomorrow.

**********BABY DUST**********

[karlatta]

bottleored - Yep, a polyp. I took digital pictures on my laptop to the RE's office for him to look at so that we could really tell what it was. I actually had two of them - the first one dislodged in August and the nurse told me it was a mucus plug. (I didn't have pictures that time to show them, and my description apparently wasn't very helpful.)

Nigellas - If you do have to go to IUI, there are lots of ladies here who have been through it and I'm sure will answer any questions you may have. But I think I understand (at least in part) your "squeamish" feelings about it - I am about to do my third, and I get a butterflies in my belly feeling thinking about it sometimes.

jenny - I hope O finds you soon. Better late than never, eh?

MrsSmith - I think every doctor does it differently. Some will want you to come in around day 12 to see if your ovaries have follicles on them. Some will want you to come in around 7dpo to check your progesterone levels (to see if you ovulated). Some will want you to come in when the next cycle starts to check your ovaries before giving you more meds. When is your next appointment? I hope this cycle is it for you!

klav - What cycle day was the cramping? I find that I have cramp-like feelings for a couple of days before I ovulate. And they go away pretty much instantaneously when I ovulate.

ds2003 - Congratulations! Happy and healthy nine months to you!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Update: Nothing new. CD 5. Taking Letrozole and Viagra. I am somewhat tired of the constant grossness with all my meds. First, AF is here, and I have to deal with that. Then 5 days of Viagra suppositories. Then about 5 days off, then two weeks of progesterone suppositories. It is not so pleasant to be wearing panty liners for medicine-leakage for more than half of every month.

Looking forward to next week. I am irrationally excited about my IUI. :D

[SAI Ladies]

Updated.

[klav]

karlatta THE CRAMPING WAS ON wED. SO THAT was day 10 I think... so I don't think it was O

Took a OPK test this am and still neg......soooo

[Alioop12345]

Just a flyby to check in...trigger went well and now am on the progesterone supps....the gooeyness isn't too bad.

Sorry no time for individual so's....kereping fingers crossed for everyone!

[jennylou]

Temp still low here, with no pos OPKs...gah...I thought 100 mg would help speed up O, but in the two months I've been on it, it's done nothing to my O date.

alioop - good luck!

klav - o vibes heading your way...

karla - good luck with this cycle. :) A polyp eh....glad you were able to capture the moment to show your doc! I saw a fibroid when it was removed before...it wasn't pretty. ;)

bottleored - good luck at the u/s appt and thanks for the baby dust!

How's everyone else doing?

[MrsSmith]

Well, I had some discouraging news today. My drs office called bright and early this morning to tell me that I need to take some other meds. The nurse, who's really nice, told me that the dr wants me to start taking glucophage. That's not what bothered me. I got bothered when she said "you're insulin levels are actually well within the normal range, but the dr likes to see them lower for people trying to conceive." But they're normal right? She then told me that if I don't take it I'd have a very high chance of a loss if I got pregnant this cycle. I told her I didn't want to have to take medicine every day. SHe said the alternative would be an extreme no carb regimen and exercise. Now, I've only talked to this nurse on the phone, she wasn't there when I went in for my appt. But she then goes on to say "You have to stop with all of the pop and chips and candy bars, okay?" I haven't had pop in about 4 years, I've NEVER had a candy bar (They hurt my teeth) and I don't eat chips. That just kinda put me in a weird mood. I mean, what are you trying to say.

Long story short, I think I'm going to be out of the TTC game for a while if this cycle isn't it. I don't like taking meds and this is something I would have to take everyday until conception. I'd rather try some natural remedies or something first. But on the other hand I don't like the possibility of a miscarriage. Oh well :(

[Alioop12345]

Sorry MrsSmith...What a strange thing for the nurse to say....I would probably call the office manager and complain... she shouldn't make assumptions like that. ((((HUGS))))

[MrsSmith]

Thanks Alioop - I'm just a little frustrated. That was a stupid assumption on her part. But it still sucks if she's supposed to be one of the people helping me.

[Alioop12345]

ITA....I'm sorry

[graciebella]

Sorry that happened to you MrsSmith. I'd consider speaking with the Office Manager. She really didn't behave professionally with you.

[knoelani]

Mrs.Smith~ See if you can talk to your actual dr. The nurse shouldn't have made assumptions and it doesn't seem like she really "knew" you, so how can she give you the best information? Maybe the dr can explain why they want you on the meds if your insuline is in the normal ranges.

Good Luck!

[knoelani]

bottleored~ thanks for the good luck wishes. I hope that this self imposed break will help us have a good holiday season. I'm not even charting this cycel, but I'll start that again on the next one.

Good luck with your u/s appointment today, I hope all goes well and everything is where it needs to be!

[marteneym]

Bottleored Good luck w/ your US today.

Karlatta Good luck with the upcoming IUI!

Jennylou Sorry to hear you haven't o'ed. Come on Ovaries, Release that Eggie! I know how frustrating long cycles are. I hope the chlomid kicks in for you.

MrsSmith I agree with the othes, I would call you Dr. and get a more clear explanation.

I am testing Sunday. If I o'ed cd26 Af should be here by then. If it was cd28 like I think that would be 12dpo. Thanks for all the O congrats and 2WW well wishes.

[bottleored]

Mrs.Smith so sorry about how you were treated on the phone. People just make the strangest assumptions. I had high blood pressure once (10 years ago) when I visited a new doctor and got a lecture about no canned soup, deli meats, salt, etc. At that time I was probably in the best shape of my life and was not eating any of the things he was mentioning. My questions about that didn't stop his lecture :rolleyes: I will say that my RE put me on Metformin (which is glucophage) this past cycle because there have been studies about it helping with pregnancy loss. My insulin wasn't high and I don't have PCOS. He wanted me to start it and continue until I was 12 weeks pregnant, so I would have taken it through a few cycles if necessary. I can't say that's the reason for my BFP, who knows? Good luck.

marteneym good luck testing on Sunday!
**************************
My u/s went well this morning - saw a 'sac', got a print out to take home. The best news was that our genetic tests came back 'normal'. A big relief.

[amygrrl]

Mrs.Smith - it's certainly daunting to have to take drugs every day. i have actually been on metformin for 8 years now since being diagnosed with PCOS. yes, the dr's do want to see your insulin levels on the low side of normal. why? because if you have PCOS your body doesn't use insulin correctly. so you end up having free insulin floating around which toys with your other hormones. this can result in all of those nasty PCOS side effects, as well as difficulty conceiving due to improper hormone balances which cause follies not to mature, eggs not release, and/or immature eggs to be released. even insulin in the normal range but not on the low side can effect the egg quality of women with PCOS. additionally, if you truly have PCOS, you are at SIGNIFICANTLY higher risk for miscarriage. the metformin addresses this issue. the difference is something like 8-10% for most women and 40% for women with with untreated PCOS.

here's the tricky part. other than lowering your sugar intake (ie, a low carb diet), there's no other way to address these risks and problems naturally. and being on a low carb diet while trying to conceive and during the first trimester is a HUGE no-no because it will deprive your body and thus your baby of very important nutrients. so beyond your nurse being presumptionous, IMHO she's flat out wrong to advise you to low carb while trying to conceive. you should eat as healthy and balanced as possible.

i don't know about your weight or anything, but if you are like me and are a 'fluffy' woman then you could attempt to lose the weight before TTC. lowering the fat on your body WILL lower your insulin levels somewhat as additional sugars are produced by fat cells and your body responds by producing more insulin. however, there are many women with PCOS with no weight problems at all so it really depends on your body type.

have you looked over at soulcysters.com. it has a very informative messageboard just for women with PCOS and they can speak with more knowledge about PCOS, metformin, and TTC.

hope that helps.

amy

[MrsSmith]

Thanks ladies,

You all have been so helpful and informative. I actually called another doctor office and spoke to a doctor. I just told him that I wanted some information on glucophage and insulin levels during conception. He explained to me that lower levels help reduce the risk of losses. That makes total sense to me. He was very nice about it, and he wasn't even my doctor. I'm ok with losing a little weight and I would rather do that than take medicine for the next however many months.

The nuirse from my office mentioned that I would stay on this until I was about 6-7 weeks pregnant. I'm not sure that I can handle the side effects. I'm very much a wimp when it comes to that kind of stuff. So, this isn't the best time for me right now.

I finished the Clomid and never had any side effects or anything. I don't know if I Oed yet, but I doubt it. it's still early in the cycle. I'm feeling very discouraged and honestly don't feel like fighting right now. I just got an invitation to a baby shower in the mail yesterday. It actually made me upset. This couple has everything against them financially, but they are so happy and have so many plans on how to make this work and I just hate that it can't be that easy for me. I mean, I have the finances in place, I even have a room all picked out for baby. I know I'd be a great mother. It would be the ultimate offering of love that I can give. It's just so frustrating to not be able to feel any of the emotions that I want to feel right now. I want to be excited about the prospect of TTC, but it's tough when instead of hope, I'm thrown medicine after medicine and snide remarks left and right.

[Alioop12345]

MrsSmith- Sorry you are feeling so discouraged. I wish there was something I could say or do....




Quick question- Does anyone know how long the HcG trigger shot stays in your system?

[klav]

qUICK POST BEFORE we head to the Boat show.
but last night and a bit this am I had some mild discomfort in my lower ab on the right side.
and I took another OPK and not much of a line compaired to yesterday . Yesterday there was a definate line but not darker or as dark as the control line. so today's was very faint and I think I'm O'ing today or tomorrow??? think more today?:confused: :confused:

I'll be back later to read all the prevois post

I'm back had a good time.... the boats were amazing!! andyway I glan Mrs Smith you got the inormation you needed.!

[Nigellas]

Quick question- Does anyone know how long the HcG trigger shot stays in your system?

About 12 days. :)

[Alioop12345]

Thanks! :)

[marteneym]

It actually made me upset. This couple has everything against them financially, but they are so happy and have so many plans on how to make this work and I just hate that it can't be that easy for me. I mean, I have the finances in place, I even have a room all picked out for baby. I know I'd be a great mother. It would be the ultimate offering of love that I can give. It's just so frustrating to not be able to feel any of the emotions that I want to feel right now. I want to be excited about the prospect of TTC, but it's tough when instead of hope, I'm thrown medicine after medicine and snide remarks left and right.
Mrs Smith I am sorry this has been so difficult. I will never understand why it is that women who so desperately want a baby have such a hard time. We are all right there with you in that aspect. {{{HUGS}}}

I had 2BFN's this weekend. Spotting with internal cking Saturday and Sunday. I was expecting a temp dip and AF this morning. Nothing so far. I guess tomorrow's temp should tell more. I will test again tomorrow if it is still up.

[ag05]

bottleored - I'm glad your u/s went well and your test results came back good.

Alioop12345 - Good luck in the 2 week wait.

marteneym - Hope af stays away

MrsSmith- So sorry you had to deal with the rude nurse. I wanted to tell you that my RE is trying to decide if he wants to put me on metformin with my next pregnancy even though my insulin levels are normal.

Karlatta - good luck this cycle and with your IUI

Jennylou - hope the Clomid caused you to O already or is getting ready to.

klav - Glad the boat show was fun. How is your cycle going?

knoelani - Sorry about this last cycle and hope you are enjoying your break.

ds - Congrats!

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

I went for my ultrasound to check the follies today (cd10) after taking femara day 3-7. There was one at 17 or 18mm and 3 mid-sized follicles (12mm or so) which I didn't really pay attention to the sizes. I was so excited because my lining was 8mm. It has been a 6mm the past 2 cycles on cd10 which my RE said was borderline normal. I decided to do an IUI to see if I can boost my chances. So, I am going to trigger wednesday and IUI Friday. I don't really know what to expect from the IUI. I have that day off though, thank goodness. Tomorrow is my accupuncture appt. Hope everyone is well.

[klav]

ag05 Please let us know what happened with your IUI I'm going in NOv. to take a class on how to give my self injections for that. Iwould appreciate any information you could share.:)

bottleored - I'm glad your u/s was good and your test results came back normal. that's awsome!

Alioop12345 - Good luck in the 2 week wait. I'm right behind you with that!

marteneym - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you That AF will not show!

MrsSmith- So sorry you had to deal with the rude nurse.I hope things are alot smoother now.

Karlatta - good luck with your IUI

ds - Congrats!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
as for me I think I O'd on friday to sat AM considering the slight pain I had that friday night. and considering my temp jumped way up this am 98.1 all the way from 97.5 so I need what one more high one for FF to show a O'd mark. ... so keeping fingers crossed to hope that this month was it . It waould be so nice!! I called the nurse this am about IUI and wanted to know what needed to be done because I have not seen them sence I think July? I had to wait until Nov. so insurance would cover the IUI not being able to get PG for a whole year! soo will update when the nurse calls back!

[MrsSmith]

marteneym, I hope that AF stays away and you get some good news soon.

klav, that's great that you had a good time at the boat show.

ag05, I guess it's kinda standard to put women on metformin even with normal levels. When would he have you start it?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nothing new with me. I do want to say thanks for all of the support. I'm such a brat sometimes when it comes to this. Thanks for dealing wth me...LOL...I still don't know if the Clomid worked or really even how to tell. I do have an appt on Thursday, I'm not sure what for. But I'm not taking the other medicine, so I guess we can talk about that when I get there. My mom told me that a cup of green tea a day is supposed to substantially reduce insulin levels. So, I might try that first. Hope everyone has a good week!

[jennylou]

mrssmith - I'm sorry to hear about the bitchy nurse! I hate when people make assumptions. When I went on Metformin last year, it didn't seem like it helped me at all. This time, I'm also eating better (read: less processed crap and more "whole" foods). It seems like the Metformin is easier to take (read: less trips to the bathroom) and is actually helping me in the weight loss department. I'm in the same camp as you...I *hate* taking meds. I don't really even take tylenol. So, how do I reconcile the fact that I *hate* taking meds and yet I'm taking them now? Well, at this point, I'm figuring that it's pretty low intervention in order to get a baby (read: I'm so thankful I don't have to give myself shots since I'm so squimish of needles). Anyways, those are my thoughts on the metformin. Only you can decide if you really want to take it or not. The idea that it also helps prevent m/c is also a deciding factor for me.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

Lucy Van Pelt
Me: Ginger - 35
DH: Brad - 30
TTC: 3/04
Dx: PCOS 1/05 (no reg periods since I started menstruating at age 12 - usually 6-8 months apart)
4/05: HSG - all clear, SA - perfect (of course, as DH put it, "even my sperm are over achievers")
5/05: 50 mg Clomid - nothing
6/05: 100mg Clomid - ovulated, but had horrid migraines
7/05: Femara
8/05: BFP
9/05: m/c at 6 weeks
10/05: Femara

I go to the RE on Thursday for a follicle check. Hopefully I will have something worth getting excited about!

[klav]

Lucy Van PeltWELCOME!!!!

[ag05]

MrsSmith - I'm not sure when I would have to start the metformin, I think with a BFP


Lucy Van Pelt - Welcome!


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

I am feeling some very nasty side effects from the Femara this time. Terrible bloating and some nausea and breast tenderness. I just feel horrible and wonder if I should call the dr's office. I remember feeling the bloating with Clomid. Yuck! I hate this.

[ocgatita]

Hey ladies, just checking in on everyone. No times for replies as I have just been SWAMPED both at work and life in general. FF said I o'd on Friday so I am currently 4 dpo. I took an OPK on Thursday and got a glaring positive & then got negatives on both Friday & Saturday so we'll see. I almost just feel like no cycle is ever our cycle so I am not holding out hope. If this cycle doesn't work out for us, DH is going to be going in for his SA at end of month and then depending on how that goes I will be going in to get checked out. Infertility is just so strange. I hope we get some more BFP's in here to help brighten my mood and give us all some hope.

Hope everyone is doing well and welcome Lucy Van Pelt, hope your stay here with us is short and sweet :)

Judy

[Nigellas]

Welcome LucyV! :D

Ag05 - What CD/DPO are you on?

[klav]

:confused: WHat is up with FF it still has not called my O yet???:confused:

[jennylou]

klav - I think it's confused b/c of the two 97.7 pre O temps.

lucy - welcome.

[amygrrl]

on the side effects of metformin - you will experience more side effects the more high fat and high carb food you eat. also, the side effects can be mitigated by what type of pill you take. there's the regular and a long release version. the long release version is much less harsh. lastly, if the side effects are too much, you can ask to take avandia instead. it's another insulin sensitizing drug. it has very few, if any side effects. the down side is that you have to stop taking the avandia as soon as you get a bfp b/c it's a new drug and the effects on the baby haven't been determined so while it will lower your insulin to help you get pregnant, it doesn't help during the 1st trimester when you are at such high risk for m/c. the one thing about green tea is that it's high in caffeine so if you have any concerns about caffeine exposure during pregnancy, you wouldn't want to take it. you could try a green tea extract which also has the the polyphenols that inhibit amylase, the enzyme responsible for breaking it down starches into simple sugars that can be absorbed in the blood stream, however it's unclear if the extract actually works and/or if it also contains high levels of caffeine.

the best thing to do, if you don't want to take the drugs, would be to go on a whole grain diet, but not a low carb diet. it's similar to what they put you on if you have diabetes. basically you cut out all simple sugars, flour products (chips, crackers, pasta, white breat, etc.), potatoes, and rice and replace them with whole grain high fiber sources of complex carbs (think fresh fruit, whole grain breads, and veggies). then you have 3 meals and 3 snacks a day and limit your complex carb intake to 30 grams at breakfast, 30 grams at mid-morning, 60 grams at lunch, 30 grams at mid afternoon, 60 grams at dinner, and 15 grams at an after dinner snack. what you are trying to do is only ingest good carbs and to spread them out throughout the day rather than having a large meal heavy on carbs which would cause your sugar levels to spike and your body to produce more insulin. this will level everything out, but it doesn't guarantee that your insulin levels will lower to the point of not interfering with infertility. the only guarantee for that, is taking an insulin sensitizing drug.

[ag05]

Nigellas - CD 12 today

I have been sick (fever and all) so I wonder if my cycle is going to be cancelled. It wasn't the Femara after all causing my nausea. Didn't want to scare anyone about taking Femara. I put a call in to the RE to see what they say. And am going to my regular doctor to check things out. I was supposed to trigger tonight and do an IUI Friday but now I just don't know. If it gets cancelled, I probably have to sit out next cycle too.

[Nigellas]

Ahhh, shoot... I was hoping they might be preg symptoms... Sorry you are feeling crummy.

[klav]

Ok I posted this in another thread but what is up with FF and not giving me my O date? do I need another high temp? I'm lost here:confused:

[MrsSmith]

Hey ladies,

I'm not doing well. Life sucks and I want to cry. So, I have an appt today for cd 21 to see if I oed. I get to the office and the same rude nurse tells me that they tried to call me to tell me that I have to pay $250 before I can be seen today. I say, when did you try to call me? She said this morning. That's got to be a lie. I haven't had a phone call all day. She said that the phone was disconnected and then realized she was misdialing the numbers. Anyway, the reason I supposedly owe this money is because they KEEP sending my insurance claims to the wrong office. I've told them like 5 times. See most people here have a local office that their claims go through. My hubby's job is based in Pennsylvania and that's where our claims go. Well, they keep sending them to the local office and of course those folks can't do anything about it. So, I just left the office like whatever. So, I have no idea if the Clomid worked and I wasn't planning on giving them anymore than the $10 copay, so I didn't have those kind of funds on me. I'm just not having any luck with this right now. I just can't believe my luck right now.

I'm not taking the metformin or any other medicine right now. I don't like it and I just can't do it. The green tea that I have is decaffinated. So, it's actually not that bad, especially considering that's basically the only caffiene I have. amygirl, thanks so much for all of your info. Very helpful. The only problem I have, which again makes me super frustrated and wanting to cry, is that I already do all of that. I don't eat a lot of sugar and flour and candy and pop and sweets or stuff like that. I've never eaten white bread. My mom never bought it so I've never tasted it. My mom is very much into organic and natural foods. So, a lot of things I eat are tastes I acquired from eating with her. I eat granola and oatmeal and whole grains. I'm honestly doing what I'm supposed to. I just don't get it. That's another reason I'm so resistant to taking the medicine. I don't understand why I should need it. I guess it's hard for me to believe that there's something wrong with what I'm doing.

Long story short, it's just one of those days...LOL...thanks for listening to my rant. It actually made me feel better. ;)

[klav]

MrsSmith aWW I'm so sorry your have such an awful day and had to deal with that rude Nurse again (((HUGS))). How rude of them and unprofessional not to have your info correct on where to send the paper work.
I hope you feel better and cry if you have to it alway's helps!:o

[MrsSmith]

Yeah, you would think they'd have it right by now. I mean, the address is only printed on the back of the card that they made 3 copies of. They just assume that everyone in Ohio goes through the same carriers. Not true! I'll probably cry later. It doesn't help that hubby is leaving to go out of town tonight and I'll be alone until mid next week.

Ok, another question. So, I took the Clomid...if it worked, when would i know that I was preggo? Next week? 2 weeks? Shoudl I test, just in case like next week or something. I'm not expecting anything though. There has just been too much drama...LOL

[jennylou]

MrsSmith - Please call that drs office and tell them that you would like to speak directly to the dr. That kind of shit is just that - bull shit. You are not responsible for making sure that they are doing their job correctly (sending insurance claims to the appropriate address). Also, that nurse needs reamed a new one. Further, I understand your frustrations with doing things right. It's frustrating, but it's the PCOS. The fact that you have gained more weight since your wedding also leads me to believe that your hormone levels are off (eh, obviously...pcos) and that's contributing to the weight gain. I know it's hard not to beat yourself up over it and there's not a magical cure for it which is even more frustrating. As for the clomid questions, it really depends! If you're on day 21 now it could be next week or even later. Where you charting? OPKs? I'm on clomid and O'd a week late! So, for me, even though we are almost on the same cycle day, I technically should wait until almost Halloween to test.

[MrsSmith]

Jenny, it's really tough for me to be a hard a$$ with people that I need. I mean, these are the only specialists in the city. So, if I piss the nurses or the billing staff off, I'm always paranoid that they'll make it hard for me to get an appt or something like that. So, I'm trying my hardest to be polite and just get the work done. I honestly don't like the office very much at all or any of the people that work there.

I know there's something besides eating that has lead to my weight gain in the past few years. But it's almost like the docs don't believe me. I want to punch them in the face, but that wouldn't really make it any better either...LOL

I was charting, but very unreliably. I don't wake up at the same time everyday and some days I forgot and had walked around and had a drink of water before I took the temp. But I haven't noticed any changes at all. However, like I said, it's kinda unreliable.

[klav]

SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU NEED TO FIND ANOTHER DR (oops cap lock) and office. belive me they are ot the only ones out there and there are people that care about your health and well being as well as getting ther shit together!! if your not that fond of them why are you sticking with them? if you don't mind me asking? find someone to suit you!! not fit into there mold!

[MrsSmith]

This is the only fertility clinic in the area. I actually had a bad experience with this hospital when I first moved here. I was recommended this OB through the insurance company. She had a good rating or something like that. She was very mean and rude and callous. I then went on to find a small local practice and have been going to that dr for general stuff. I don't even know where the next closest office would be to find an RE. Maybe I should look into it. Ugh, the frustration...

[Lucy Van Pelt]

MrsSmith - I'm really sorry they are giving you so many problems!

I am going in for a follicle check later this afternoon. I'm not feeling nearly as bloaty as I did on my last cycle of Femara but I am not sure if that is a good or bad sign...:confused:

[amygrrl]

mrs smith - is there an OB who you really like? sometimes, a really good ob can do your every day monitoring and such in conjunction with an RE from another town who 'manages' your case. with regards to your diet... you are doing great with sticking to whole grains, my next question would be about portions. even with sticking to whole grains, it's imporant to keep your carbs down to the numbers i mentioned earlier. i mention this b/c things like granola and oatmeal are very high in carbs even at small portions. for example, my husband eats nature's valley granola bars for breakfast every morning. 2 of those TINY little bars that come in a pack together are like 50 or 60 grams of carbs. this is way too much for me at breakfast or during a snack and would be basically all the carbs i could have at dinner. even with high grain carbs it's ESSENTIAL that you are limiting your intake (but again, not excluding it as that's bad for a potential baby). with pcos your body simply does not use insulin as well as others. short of this diet and/or going on the meds, there's not much else you can do to affect this. and to make matters worse, the more weight you put on, the more inaffective your body becomes as using the insulin. this isn't your fault... it's just the way people with pcos are made. one thing to keep in mind, however, is that pcos puts you at a much greater risk for type 2 diabetes. this is b/c your body has to make so much insulin to get your sugar down b/c your body doesn't effectively use your insulin that eventually, your body just can't keep up... thus you aren't making enough insulin and you become diabetic. managing your insulin is key to staving off diabetes (and the kidney, liver and heart problems associated with it). so while the metformin might not be ideal, it may be something to consider for your long term health.

in the meanwhile, i would take a look at your portions and ask to be referred to a diabetic nutritionist. they can talk to you about portions as you would be VERY suprised at how small a portion is (for example 1/2 of a small baked potatoe is 60 g of carbs and 2 slices of whole wheat bread are 30 g of carbs and 1/2 a cup of cooked pasta is all i can have at any given meal.)

but again.. the diet change may help, but it may not be enough on it's own and you might be in a situation where the only thing that WILL help is the met.

[MrsSmith]

Portions are definitely something that I've been paying more attention to. I've been taking notice of the sugar and carb contents of foods that I purchase. Some of the numbers have really been surprising! Just like the granola bars you mention that have like 60 grams. I also have been paying more attention just overall to what I eat. There are so many schools of thought on nutrition that it's tough. My original dr told me to just eat small meals and drink 96 oz of water a day. I had another nutritionist who works at the gym tell me to be more concerned with calories than the frequency of meals.

I will consider the medicine after all other options have been exhausted and I have truly given it my all. Right now, I'm taking control of my health and I'm trying to get to know my body better instead of just taking tons of medicines. But I'm open to medicine and other nutrition plans if the results are working to my advantage. It's so good to have such knowledgable and experienced people in this thread. I really appreciate it more than you all know :D

To answer the other question about a dr, no I don't have an OB. I've been going to a general dr. Do you think they would work together?

[ShelbyMay]

Hey everybody -- I joined here a few weeks ago, and have been lurking off and on since. Today was my annual OBGYN appointment, and I hauled in all my charts with me. My doctor agreed that we should go ahead with blood tests & cultures for me and a SA for DH. I should get my results in about 10 days, and I am hoping to get DH in to the clinic next Thursday (if we can get an appt that soon). She also wrote me a prescription for 3 rounds of Clomid (50mg).

I am still holding out the tiniest bit of hope that we conceived this cycle and that I'll never need the Clomid, but I am mostly just relieved that my doctor listened to my concerns and is so willing to move ahead.

Can anyone tell me what I should expect with the Clomid? Do I just take it as prescribed for 3 cycles and call my doctor in February if I'm still not pregnant? Do many people have bothersome side effects?

I know I should have asked my doctor for more details, but I had enough trouble remembering the questions that I did get around to asking.

[karlatta]

Drive-by Post. I'm taking the day off tomorrow, so I'll do SO's and updates then.

I had my follicle check today. I had one on each side. 27 and 25 mm. Honkin' huge follicles! I triggered tonight and will do an IUI in the morning and another one on Saturday. I am very positive about this cycle!

Back tomorrow.

[amygrrl]

mrs smith it's probably best if you hook up with a nutritionist who specializes in diabetic counseling. let them know that you have pcos and understand that you are at higher risk for diabetes and want to start on a diet right now that will help you normalize your insulin and sugars and keep them under control for the long term. nutritionists will give you all different kinds of advice depending on what your goals are. the nutritionist at a gym, for example, wants you to lose weight so they focus on total calories. every person has different nutritional needs so you should seek out someone who specializes specifically in what you need.

and yes, doctors do work together... it's a matter of finding 2 who are willing to this. just call around and start asking the ob's who they refer patients to for RE issues and also, if you have an out of town RE who you prefer, will they partner with that person for your care... then contact the RE's and do the same thing.

[klav]

karlatta WooHOO hopeing for the best!! that is awsome!!

ShelbyMay hey there have been on clomid. I just finiahed up my 1st dose of 100mg clomid. I did not have any side effects , but some people have mood swings and headaches I got none of that. I did notice that I could feel mild cramping on either side of my ab. somewhere around when I was to O which is prob good, letting you know it's time to BD!!
so I hope it works for you!!

[Scooter]

Shelby, it depends on your comfort level, how you handle it. Clomid commonly causes cysts to be left over from failed cycles, which is why REs always do an u/s around cd3 before you start it. It's so that taking the medication doesn't cause a cyst to grow or rupture, possibly causing damage to the ovary. (My old RE said that one woman took it without knowing she had a cyst and the cyst twisted her ovary and it had to be removed--that's a worst case scenario.) OB/gyns rarely do the cd3 u/s, though, so you may not know you've got a cyst and then take the clomid anyway. So you can choose to take the risk if you're comfortable with you ob's care, or you can choose to try it once or not at all, and ask for a referral to an RE.

Also it's important to know that there is a limited number of times you can take clomid--I've heard 6 times in a row, and also a maximum of 12 cycles in your lifetime. Something to think about, in case the 50mg isn't enough to make you O that first month. The dosage might be too low and in that case the following 2 cycles you're also probably going to not be taking enough (although it does build up in your system). That means if you transfer to an RE at the end of those 3 mos, you will only have a few more time you can try clomid before moving on to something else (either femara or injectibles).

Clomid does give some people awful side effects (mostly it's in the 2ww, people usually expect it to happen while they're taking the meds but that's not true), but not everyone. The low dosage you'll be on means fewer & less intense side effects, if you do have them.

[bottleored]

Happy Friday ladies! Just wanted to poke my head in and tell you that we saw the heartbeat today on the u/s :) My levels have been good so far. The measurement says 5w6d, but I was assuming 6w4d based on my trigger, etc. I've decided not to worry about it - it's only 2.5mm, so it could be just a hair off. I'm still seeing my RE until 11 or 12 weeks.

Wishing you all the best.

*************BABYDUST*************

[ShelbyMay]

Shelby

Also it's important to know that there is a limited number of times you can take clomid--I've heard 6 times in a row, and also a maximum of 12 cycles in your lifetime. Something to think about, in case the 50mg isn't enough to make you O that first month.


Hrmm... well, I think I O on my own most months, but the trouble is that I never know when it's going to be. My O dates have ranged from CD15-44 over the past year. So I don't think I can know if the Clomid is working for me without seeing how the 3 cycles compare... Can I?

[klav]

I never heard anyone mentin you can only take clomid for so many cycles I thought it would be 3 cycyes at each incrament. bing 50,100&150?
that's new for me I'll have to ask the Dr.

[ShelbyMay]

Do you all do a QOTD in this thread? Hope I'm not hijacking anything, but I've been wondering:

How do you explain all the doctor appointments?

Does your employer ask why you have to take time off for so many appointments? What about DH's boss? Does you family (if they don't already know what's going on) notice that you're going to the doctor more frequently than "normal"?

DH and I both work in a small business owned by my parents. They know every single time we take off work for an appointment. I don't think they'd try to be nosy, but I think they may start to get worried/curious as we start pursuing treatment and have more frequent appointments -- especially if we both have to take off work at the same time.

Is there a good cover story? My mom has already made it clear that she doesn't want to hear about TTC, and there is no way I'd ever feel comfortable explaining the situation to my dad.

[Hangin'in]

I was honest, and I work for a great company that really means ...family comes first... even if that family is still trying to be created.

DH was honest with his boss, and it was never a problem.

But I can see where it might be a problem in your situation. Sorry, Hugs.

[Lucy Van Pelt]

I started a new job in May and I had a follicle check on the Wednesday of that week. My boss is a woman so I think that made it easier to explain what I was dealing with and why I *had* to go to the doctor on that specific day. Luckily, she has been very flexible with me having to go to the doctor so much and miss work when necessary.

Anyway, went to the doctor yesterday and he thinks I will ovulate in the next 2-4 days. Time to get busy this weekend...unfortunately, DH and I have been arguing all day. UGH - how do you argue with someone and be so mad at them and then turn around and say "ok, time to do me!"?? LOL

[julesp313]

I have been a total slacker poster, but there's really nothing to report. CD-boring-part-of-the-cycle... DH is sick with a nasty cold so we're not getting any BDing in, and I'm heading towards the wide open window of O'ing. Is unlikely that we'll get any productive BDing this month which will at least relieve me of any pressure to POAS in a couple of weeks. Friends of ours are having IF issues right now and I'm trying to help them with some of the insight you guys have shared here - I know knowledge is power and I'm hoping hearing about other experiences will help them too.

QOTD answer - I usually just say I have a dr's appt for an ongoing issue. As I work in different teams all the time, I don't have a direct manager so it's not like I have one person to confide in. That being said, the one person I work with most frequently knows we're doing IF testing, because I felt comfortable telling her and she's been extremely supportive. Our firm has unlimited sick time so it's pretty easy to take an hour here and there for appts.

[suzfuzsunflower]

I haven't been in here in quite a while, so I thought I'd stop by. Work has me incredibly busy, and I've been sick. I'm on CD 24, no O. I'm going to give myself another week or two, and then take provera, and then I'll have my first cycle with clomid. I'm looking forward to it.

Anyway, to answer the question that someone asked about what to tell coworkers....I haven't really told them anything, other than I'm going to the doctor for some medical issues. I'm a teacher, and my school is organized into teams. I am very close with the other 5 teachers on my team, love them to death, but this is all so personal... however I need to think of something else to tell them b/c everytime I go to the doctor one of them winks at me and then asks if I'm pregnant :( , and then another one thinks that there is something seriously wrong with me (like cancer like or something), and I've told her that I'm fine. They aren't trying to be nosy, they are genuinely concerned. We spend a lot of time together (most of us are at work at least 10 hours a day), and I worry about them when they're sick so I understand why they worry or are curious. I'm interested in reading what others tell the people that they work with.

Have a wonderful weekend. :)

[skb]

New Member trying to figure out posting.

[skb]

Hello ladies.
Me: 31
DH: 32
TTC: 10/04
Known issues: None. Upcoming HSG.

[MrsSmith]

QOTD - I have a flexible schedule, so no one has to know that I'm going to the dr. I've been able to schedule appointments on days off or before work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Nothing really going on with me. I have no idea if I Oed or anything. I guess I could test next week just for the heck of it. But I probably won't unless I feel some pregnancy symptoms. So, I'm kinda feeling like I've wasted my time. There is another RE that is not that far from where I live that I might check out. I told my hubby that I don't want to try anymore and that we should look into adoption or surrogacy.

karlatta, I'm hoping this cycle is great for you!

amygrrl, there's only 1 RE in the city. Otherwise, I would easily go to another office. There's another one that's not too far away, but it's not in the same town. So, I don't know who else any of the drs could recommend. But I guess it doesn't hurt to ask. The nutritionist information sounds like a good idea too.

[karlatta]

A little time to post before I head in for my IUI...

MrsSmith - I second the recommendation that you try to see a nutritionist. When I was diagnosed with PCOS, my RE sent me to see a nutritionist that specializes in PCOS and other endocrine disorders. She was fabulous. I take Metformin, because my insulin levels are NOT normal, but she helped me to change my diet so that my body can do its best job. I loved meeting with her, and knowing that I really was doing everything I could do help my body made it a lot easier to handle the idea that I was going to have to take Met.

[MrsSmith]

Karlatta - I hope you get some good news after this trip to the dr :D

A nutritionist is more up the alley that I'm willing to travel at this point in time. My current RE doesn't explain things to me very clearly and is sort of impatient. So, I'm learning a lot from you ladies who obviously have better service and care that I do. So, keep it coming! It's appreciated!

[karlatta]

MrsSmith - I saw that you were in Ohio, so I went to www.soulcysters.net and checked to see if there were any recommendations for Ohio REs there. I know you're frustrated with your RE - it might be worth it to start looking for a new one. I know you said there isn't another one in your town, but it might be worth it to drive. My RE's office is 45 minutes to an hour from my house and it is TOTALLY worth it to have such great care.

Anyway, these are the doctors that I found that other women with PCOS recommended over there. I hope none of them are the doctor you're unhappy with! And hopefully at least one of them is reasonably close!

Cincinatti - Dr. Jennifer Thie
Cincinatti - Dr. Charles Gleuk
Youngstown - Dr. Morcos
Dayton - Dr. Jack Gruber
Dublin - Dr. Gordish
Sidney - Dr. Prashanth Kumar
Cleveland - Dr. Frank Gonzalez
Dayton - Dr. Bidwell
Dayton - Dr. Burwinkle
Lima - Dr. Alan Bradley (OB/GYN, but recommended)
Westlake - Dr. Anthony Bacevice
Cleveland - Dr. Ken Rao
Toledo - Dr. Lynda Wolf

[kemorr]

Hi, haven't posted much here this month, as I was on a break from treatment. I had a laparoscopy and a hysteroscopy on Friday, which went well (or as well as surgery can go!). The hysteroscopy was totally normal, the laparoscopy revealed stage 2 endometriosis, and some adhesions. One of my ovaries was adhered to my body wall. The RE lasered off the endo and broke down the adhesions and thinks that these findings may explain why I haven't been getting pregnant. So, now I'm just waiting for a new cycle to start (which could be anywhere from 3 days to 3 weeks because I was on provera for 8 days before the surgery but the RE said that there was a follicle on my ovary!!), then I'm going to do another IUI with injectables. The RE did say that we could try naturally for a while now that I'm all cleaned up inside, but I don't want to waste any time.

Threadmistress, can you please update my stats to 10/05 - Laparoscopy and hysteroscopy, stage 2 endo diagnosed and treated.

Thanks!

[MrsSmith]

karlatta - you are such a sweetheart! My RE is one of those on the list :eek: The next closest is a little over an hour away. It would be worth it. I asked my hubby if he thinks I expect too much from people. You know, maybe the staff has been great and I'm just expecting them to be exceptional. But hubby agreed that I haven't been treated very well. That made me feel a little better to know that it's not just me. I think I will look into starting a relationship with another office. I'm going to check out that site that you went to. I've been over there before, but it's been a while.

I'm pretty sure that I would have Oed by now. I'm almost on CD30. Since my cycles are really long, I'm not excpecting AF anytime soon. I think I might be open to another round of Clomid whenever this cycle ends. I still haven't had any side effects from it at all. But we'll see how this goes.

[jennylou]

MrsSmith - If you can get into a branch (I'm not sure how far out they have satelite offices) of the Cleveland Clinic, I *highly* recommend them. They were so on the ball and very professional. I didn't have to go to downtown Cleveland to see the RE, I saw her at the Strongsville Branch. Then, all my bloodwork, I did at the Lorain Branch (which is minutes from work for me). The nurses were always very good and never made you feel like you were bothering them (which I get the feeling I do bother my OBs nurses). Also, if you're CD 30, I'd probably start testing soon! You could have O'd late (even on clomid). I O'd on CD 19 this month and CD 30 would put me at 11 dpo....so test!

QOTD - Right now, things are pretty low tech for me, especially since I am seeing the OBGYN instead of an RE. Last year my boss (at the time) insisted upon knowing what kind of specialist I'd need to see in the city that I couldn't find here. Then she proceeded to yell at me for about 45 minutes on the fact that I shouldn't be undergoing any treatments until I lose weight. In the future, I will tell anyone who asks that it's none of their business to ask.

[Nigellas]

Welcome aboard SKB. Let us know how your HSG goes. :)

QOTD I just say I have a doctor's appointment and leave it at that. My boss is very laid back though.

Well, I'm at 11 DPO - might test on Wednesday, though I'm not feeling optimistic. Feh.

[MrsSmith]

I've heard very good things about the Cleveland Clinic. I'll have to check and see where they have remote locations. That would be worth looking into. I know they have a great repuatation in so many different areas of medicine. Thanks for the recommendation.

Let's see...when should I test? I guess later this week. But I don't feel any differently, so I don't want to waste a test...LOL...maybe I'll go ahead and test later this week just in case. ;)

[karlatta]

Can the QOTD last for several days?

I'm a teacher, and I am able to schedule most of my appointments for after school. When I can't do an afternoon appointment (like last week when I did the IUI), I just tell my department head that I have a doctor's appointment. Fortunately, I have only had to do that once this school year, so they don't think anything of it.

Before I taught, I worked in a corporate environment, and I let the woman in charge of payroll know what was going on, so that she wouldn't get suspicious. (She was also the wife of the CEO, so I didn't want her telling her husband that I was gone from work all the time for no reason.) I told my immediate boss that I had appointments for an ongoing health issue, and that was fine for a while. Eventually, though, she asked if things were okay, and I stretched the truth a bit and told her I was working with an endocrinologist for my insulin levels. I couldn't have avoided telling her *something* - my DH was the best man in her son's wedding, so I know she felt like she should know what was going on. Not because she was my boss, but because my DH and her son had been friends for years.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Edit: Updated status. Did the IUIs Friday and Saturday morning. Started progesterone today. I'm having quite a few dull aches on my right side - I suspect it's either corpus luteum cyst or fluid on the ovary. (I've gotten the fluid before after I ovulate from a large follicle.) I should be testing on Nov. 4th.

[skb]

Thank you for your welcome Nigellas.

I'm warming to the idea of sharing my "still at it" type thoughts. I suspect it will be good to have a much needed outlet.

[ocgatita]

Replies - Sorry in advance if I miss anyone :(

Karlatta: Hope this IUI worked for you guys!

SKB: Welcome :) Vent away!

MrsSmith: Good luck on your testing! Hopefully you get a BFP even w/o symptoms :)

Nigellas: I hope AF stays away and you get your BFP on Wednesday.

Jennylou: OMG! I wanted to smack your boss for saying such a B**chy thing to you! What an insensitive JERK she is! I am seriously pissed she said that and I am so sorry. How is your cycle going?
______________________________________________

As for me, I am 10 DPO and I think AF may be showing soon. I had a temp drop this morning and I am feeling rather bloated :( Sigh. My aunt (37 years old) just found out she was pregnant w/ her first! I am super excited for her but then again, I get a little envious that although I am way younger than her, we have been TTC for 16 almost 17 cycles and she gets preggers on her 4th cycle! Anyways, I need to quit the bitterness but man, sometimes it takes a toll!

Thanks for letting me rant ladies, hope you all have a good week filled w/ BFP's!!!!

Judy

[klav]

Jennylou: OMG! totally uncalled for!! that was totall mean and none of her buisness!! I agree with ocgatita that it was insensitive. I think I would have lost my job if it were me. I would have told her off. I hope your cycle is going well?

ocgatita totally understand you bitterness I'm right there with you!

Karlatta Hope this IUI worked!! keep us posted I may be right behind you with The IUI!

[SAI Ladies]

We're all updated! Welcome, Lucy and skb!

[Alioop12345]

Just a quick flyby----

Talked with my RE office today.... my doc is not doing anything for us this cycle. (I am pretty upset about this). We have a conference scheduled for next monday to discuss Provera vs. Viagra use with Novarel and Progesterone. I am CD 2 right now and am passing huge clots....feeling very down.

Good luck to everyone...I'll be back soon

[MrsSmith]

Jenny - I totally missed the comment that your boss said. That is so uncalled for! People never cease to amaze me.

ocgatita - Sorry to hear that AF might be showing. It's ok to be a little upset at the fact that your aunt didn't have to try so hard to get preggo. It's tough to deal with sometimes. I have a friend who's about 7 months and it just breaks my heart sometimes the way she is already so in love with her baby.

Klav - I hope that you feel better soon!

I'm still feeling normal. The only thing that I've been kinda down about is that I've started working out and I haven't lost ANY weight. I've been working hard too. I don't go everyday, but about 4 times a week. It's only bee 2 weeks, but I really thought I would have lost 1 pound by now. Oh well. I'm still going to keep up with it. Maybe the scale is broken...LOL

[wonderousglance]

Here are my stats:

Me: 27
DH: 31
TTC since 1/02 with many breaks in between :(
Endometriosis diagnosed by laparoscopy in March 05
Just started seeing RE and in the process of getting all the diagnostic tests done

I am looking forward to sharing this journey with all of you. :) It has been a very long 3 (almost 4) years. Infertility has been one the most difficult things I've had to deal with and I am thankful to have found a group of women who know what it's like.

I go to the RE tomorrow for my 3rd cycle day bloodwork. I had the endometrial biopsy last Wednesday. We still need to get my DH's SA and I need to have the transvaginal ultrasound done to rule out PCOS. The RE is almost positive he'll find PCOS. I seem to have all the symptoms. I also have endometriosis, but he doesn't think it is causing the infertility. So that's where I am in this whole process. Thanks for having me.

[klav]

wonderousglance WELCOME !!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AS FOR ME i'M HOLDING STEADY AT 97.9?? HOPE THAT IT'S A GOOD SIGN? AND HOPING THE TEMPS WILL GO UP! i'M ALSO SUPPOSE TO GET AF ON HALLOWEEN WHAT A TRICK FOR ME!

[MrsSmith]

I think the side effects of CLomid are finally starting on me. I went to bed last night and my bbs were very sensitive, not quite tender though. Today they're feeling the same way. I also had a little stomach ache yesterday. I usually feel pretty good, so I'm thinking its the meds. Hopefully, it'll be over soon!

[jennylou]

MrsSmith - you are a little late in your cycle to be feeling side effects now. Hmmm...maybe you should test? ;)

[knoelani]

MrsSmith~ I agree with Jenny, the s/e for Clomid have always gone away for me by the time I o'd. Not to get you're hopes up or anything, but I'd bet you're feeling off for another reason (any reason, but hopefully a good one!), not the meds. Good Luck to you!

Jenny~ You're boss shoulda been shot!

klav~ nice temps, :)

Welcome to all the new members!

[MrsSmith]

MrsSmith - you are a little late in your cycle to be feeling side effects now. Hmmm...maybe you should test? ;)

Really? I must have my timing way off. I think I'm still in the 2WW. A test wouln't show me anything now would it? I thought I'd have to wait until the 2WW was over or there wouldn't be enough of the hormone to make a test say positive. Am I a little off base with that? Help me out! LOL

[klav]

i MIGHT HAVE ASKED THIS BEFORE IS CLOMID THE ONLY MEDS YOUR TAKING MRSSMITH?
because Progesterone does that to me?

[jennylou]

Really? I must have my timing way off. I think I'm still in the 2WW. A test wouln't show me anything now would it? I thought I'd have to wait until the 2WW was over or there wouldn't be enough of the hormone to make a test say positive. Am I a little off base with that? Help me out! LOL

Aren't you on CD 31? At CD 31 (even with a late O of CD 19 for me) that would put me at 11 dpo...

I got a pos test at 9 dpo with Andrew....just sayin'.

[klav]

Yippiee I did not have to call back!!I was going to call back the insurance person who is helping me with the insurance stuff for the FC, but I didn't haave too!!
We were approved by the insurance to cover three inseminations!! and if we need more, I hope not, they will put in for those. So we are on our way!! yippiee!! the 1st apt. is on the 3rd and then were off from there!
I'm sooo happy!!! :D :D :D :D

[SAI Ladies]

Updated. Welcome, Wonderousglance!

[pocket]

I am so tired. So incredibly unbelievably tired of waiting and waiting and waiting for my body to do something – anything. And it’s nothing and nothing and nothing as far as the eye can see. I am waiting again for my period. I’ve just finished a month of est. and 5 days of prog. Now I wait for my period so that I can start Clomid on day 5. and I am waiting and waiting and waiting. When will it come? Every time I go to the bathroom I check. It’s worse than being 17 and thinking I was pregnant. I’d say any time you are waiting on your period it’s a bad time.

I don’t want to do this anymore. It’s so depressing. All I do is wait and I don’t really believe this is going to work at all anyway. I’m not doing it with kavannah. I’m going through the motions because I think this is what I should be doing. I mean, if you don’t get pregnant for a long time, you go to the doctor and take their advice, right? But I don’t expect this to work at all. I think we are going to adopt. And something is holding me back from committing to that path. After all, I can adopt as easily at 37 as I can at 33. But I the earlier I try these fertility treatments, the more likely they are to succeed.

[MrsSmith]

Well, I POAS and it gave me what I though, negative. I still think that the Clomid might be agitating me a little. Yes, Clomid is the only thing I've taken this cycle.

Pocket - I'm sorry you're feeling this way. It is very frustrating to go through this process. Whatever you decide to do, don't get discouraged. Follow your heart. If it is motherhood that you are seeking, it can come in many different forms. Adoption is a wonderful option if you feel that your time with the treatments has come to an end. But don't be afraid to give it one more try.

[jennylou]

MrsSmith - bummer about the BFN...sorry. :(

[Applebee]

Hi Ladies! I'd like to join you here if you don't mind! Koren mentioned she's been hanging out over here so I thought I'd pop back in to see if had taken off and I see that it has!!!!

My stats:

Applebee on WC
Me (Lori) 39
DH (Ted) 36
TTC since 10/04
M/C Jan 97 (D&C)
Day 3 test all ok
DH SA: 2, both low motility, but urologist didn't seem concerned
1st RE appt Dec 6

[Nigellas]

Big "Hi" to Wonderousglance and Applebee.

Pocket - I SO know what you mean about something holding you back with adoption. I think that we are heading that route but I can't quite commit to that idea yet and I don't know why - I don't have any hope in my body working either. Here's a (((hug))) for you.

A little vent about my day yesterday... Yesterday morning I POAS. (Craptastic Answer brand) I got an ever so light, not a evaporation line, within 3 minutes, 2nd pink line. I called my REs office when they opened and they got me in for a blood test. NEGATIVE. Completely and totally negative. The only think I can think of is that maybe the pee test picked up residual HcG from my Ovidel shot that the blood test doesn’t... So, yeah. Sucks. A lot. :(

[jennylou]

Nigellas - did you have a quantitative or qualitative? If you only had a yes/no answer (qualitative) then your HCG just might be too low right now. I don't know, maybe try testing again in another day or so? At any rate, sorry for all the confusion!

[klav]

Hey Lori (applebee)!!! good to see you over here!!
welcome back!!!

[MrsSmith]

Nigellas - Sorry to hear about the false hope that the Answer tests gave you. I know that has to be frustrating.

I talked to hubby last night after I got the BFN and told him how I was feeling. We think we're going to keep on trying for now. I was contemplating taking a little break and investigating another doctor. But instead, I've contacted my insurance and they gave me names and addresses for some other REs that they cover. So, I'm just going to try and get in with them whatever the next appt would be.

I'm still feeling sore in the BBs. Maybe it's just PMS? That's not a typical symptom for me, which is why I figured it's the Clomid.

[knoelani]

MRsSmith~ I'm sorry about your bfn.

nigellas~ Sorry too about your - beta, ya know with all the crud we have to go through just to get to the point of testing, you'd think they'd make that part easy and concise!

Welcome Applebee!

[klav]

Mrs.smith I don't think it's the clomid because you have only taken it duringthe first 3-9 day's of AF :confused: and I think now it should be out of your system? not sure why you have sore BB ?? :confused:

hey Lori put you stat's in RED so they will be picked up by the threadmistress!!

[Alioop12345]

I too had a weird POAS event. Last week on Wednesday I got a light line but on Friday my blood work was negative. AF arrved on Sun. I have a conference with RE to select either Provera, Viagra, or something else for the first part of my cycle followed by Novarel and Provera. I think he is making us sit out this cycle which really depresses me.... I am feeling a bit down.

Hope everyone is doing well.

[wonderousglance]

I am having a ton of bloodwork today. I know it is the prenatal bloodwork & all the hormone tests. How many vials did they take when you got your bloodwork done? I am a little anemic so I pass out pretty easily. I think I will drink a few bottles of OJ before I go. :)

[klav]

wonderus humm they told me not to eat or drink until the blood was taken? may be diffrent for you but they only took 3 vials full from me.. I told them to make sure they got enough considering I can stand it when people jab me with needles. they never do it right!:eek:

[wonderousglance]

klav - I asked if I had to fast & they told me I didn't. Thanks for the reply. I can deal with 3 vials, but no more!! :)

Anyway I am getting really nervous about how much today's appointment is going to cost. Of course my insurance doesn't pay for anything, not even diagnostic stuff. :( I wish this was easy. :mad:

[klav]

wonderus thaT STINKS THAT THEY DONT' COVER ANY OF IT!! sorry about that.

[wonderousglance]

:mad: I just called the RE's office and found out how much I would have to pay today, just for bloodwork, $600 plus the cystic fibrosis testing of $800-$1000. I cancelled my appointment. :( I don't know how I am supposed to do this when you have to either be rich or covered by insurance to become a parent. I am just so frustrated. They wouldn't even let me opt out of the cystic fibrosis test. They said it was a necessary test. :rolleyes:

I guess I will probably just save up for the tests & go when I have saved up the $. :(

Is it okay to remain a member of the group?

[marteneym]

Klav Your chart is looking good. When will you test?

Lucy, Wonderousglance, and Applebee Welcome!

Karlatta Glad to hear you had such good follies. How did the IUI/trigger go? When will you test? Good luck in the 2WW.

AF showed up for me a week ago the day we left for vacation. I finished my 1st try at 100mg of chlomid(cycle#2, 1st was 50mg) while we were gone. Now I am just waiting to O. Dh will do his second SA after I O. I o'ed cd28 last cycle on 50mg which was really good for me. Hoping 100mg moves it up even sooner.

Pleas update my stats to:Clomid 100mg 10/05

[klav]

AWWW wonderous I feel so bad. that really stinks! sure you can stay who are we to say you can't! I'm shocked at the cost of everything. how much it's most likel inflated cost for such minor things such as blood work.
I'm so sorry. Is there a clinic you can go to? they seem to be cheeper. I went to one when I was younger to get BCP and the cost for them was round 8 bucks back when I was 18 or so. is there a free clinic somewhere for those who don't have insurance and can't afford the medical cost? I can't belive how much!! So sorry:(

marteneym I don't plan on testing till at leat the 29th that will be the 28 day or so in my cycle for me so.... unless AF shows up right on that day I don'tplan on testing till after that date. and I don't feel like anything no sysptoms at all so I thiink we missed it this time around? on to IUI!!

[wonderousglance]

Right after I left my last post, the office manager at the RE's office called & told me they'd split the bloodwork in 2 sessions to make it less $. I got my 3rd cycle day bloodwork today. I'll have the other half done in a few weeks. They also told me I could waive the cystic fibrosis test, although they strongly suggest it. I haven't wanted to do the CF test since the beginning (for personal reasons) so I was happy about that. In the meantime I have to send DH in for the SA (it's $105). He is not happy about it, but if all he has to do is put some in a cup he can handle it. Look at all the stuff us girls have to go through. It's the least he can do. :)

Thanks klav for being so sweet. I really appreciate your kindness. :)

[ShelbyMay]

wonderousglance, glad to hear they worked out a plan you can deal with! I know how much it sucks when this stuff isn't covered by insurance -- Mine doesn't cover anything for infertility, at all, period, no questions asked. I had my bloodwork done last week and am crossing my fingers about the billing. My OBGYN said that there's a strong possibility it will be covered by my insurance, but only because I had it done on the same day as my annual exam. She seemed to think it could be lumped in as part of my "well woman" care, which is covered by insurance. I guess we'll see...

Which reminds me, I should check my insurance company's website and see if there's a claim on there yet.

ETA: DH is going in for his first SA tomorrow morning. I'm planning to go with him, for moral support if nothing else. ;)
Since my bloodwork was fine, I am worried that they'll find something wrong with DH -- especially because he does a lot of cycling. :( He told me that he can easily take a long hiatus from it this winter, and will put off training this spring if the doctor says it's necessary.
Anyway, please keep us in your thoughts...

[Alioop12345]

I have a question I was wondering if anyone could help me with?

My RE discussed the need for me to take Viagra or Provera or one other drug whos name I cannot remember. I was told that I needed to watch the video first and schedule a conference. The conference is Monday. I am confused because the drug info tape I received in the mail is for Gonal F. I don't need a drug to help me O. I was only getting the Novarel for timing. Does Gonal F have a side effect of assisting to build up the uterine lining? When is it given? Seems to me that it would only cause more follicles to mature and ovulate?

TIA

[pocket]

Thanks, Mrs. Smith – I do feel discouraged and like it isn’t worth it to try at all. Nothing ever happens. Sorry about the BFN.

Nigellas I don’t know why I am holding back. I guess it’s about wanting a bio-child more than I admit. I just got an email today from a good friend who is adopted. He reminded me of all the great reasons to adopt and that we would certainly never have met if he hadn’t been adopted. I know that process will also have its challenges, yet I feel like dealing with bureaucracy is easier. At least I am good at that.

Two questions:

1) If you take Prometrium for Ammenorhea (no period), how much do you take? I take 200 mgs for 12 days and it does not seem to work. But my RE has me take it at the same level each month although it has only worked once of the 4 times I have taken it. I used to take Provera – 10 mgs for 10 days – and that has worked since college. I wonder why she switched me.

2) If you have insurance that covers your treatments, what kind do you have and what does it cover? I have Kaiser Permanente and it covers all my diagnosis, treatment, drugs and IVF at regular Kaiser co-pay costs. My last job also had Kaiser with the same coverage, but I had to pay 50% up to $2000.

[MrsSmith]

klav - I can't think of what could be giving me the sore BBs. Maybe someone beat me up in my sleep...LOL

wonder - At least the dr's office was willing to work out a schedule that could make this all more affordable for you. It's frustrating, but I hope you stick with it. There could be a baby at the end of all this ;)

martenym - I hope that this cycle is a good one for you and you get a BFP at the end!!

[marteneym]

Thanks MrsSmith!

Klav- Sorry to here you think this cycle is a bust. I hope you are very very wrong. I know a few on the cc boards who have had BFP's with no symptoms. Good luck testing. I will be chart stalking.

[Scooter]

Swinging by to cheer you guys on! I know a lot of you are feeling discouraged right now, and I know that feeling with TTC so well that I have a lot of empathy for each of you. I felt so close to giving up. We were holding back to try everything possible for a bio child before moving to adoption, but it's hard not to think about that possiblity in front of you. And then again, you never know. Our lucky cycle was one where the REs had a lot more hope than I did--when the one who did the IUI said, "This might be the month!" I just smiled kindly at her and said, "yeah, right. Well, I guess that's possible." It's so hard to keep slogging away, going throught he treatment cycles, dragging yourself to the Dr over and over, but maybe there's a light at the end of the tunnel just around the bend.

Also I wanted to add:
MrsSmith, clomid makes a "stronger" O, so the corpus luteum produces more progesterone. The progesterone in medicated cycles is higher than in unmedicated ones, so clomid can indirectly cause a lot of the symptoms you're feeling in the 2ww.

ShelbyMay, my DH is a cyclist, too, so we were really worried about that. His SAs came back great though, including for the IUIs. We did a lot of research on it. Before TTC he made sure his bike seat fit properly and didn't put any weight on the, er, sensitive areas. ;) Those seats cost a lot more, but if he's a road cyclist & spending hours on end riding, it's well worth it. If he's not doing any of the other risk factors (hot tubs, alcohol, briefs, etc), his sperm count and function is in normal range without cycling, and his seat is a nice one that fits him correctly, it shouldn't be much of a problem. Good luck!

[klav]

wonderousglance THAT'S OOD NEWS i HOPE THERE MORE TO COME FOR YOU!!

ShelbyMay keeping my figers crossed for you and DH

pocket I have Blue cross, Blue Sheild through my DH

MrsSmithLOL tell DH to keep his punches to him self!!! LOL hope you feel better

[MrsSmith]

Scooter - that would make sense. I know I don't normally feel like this and Clomid is the only thing I've done differently.

klav - Yeah, I'll have to have a little talk with him...LOL...but on the other hand, if they are still a little sore by the weekend, I might test again.

[ag05]

alioop - Yes the Gonal F must be for helping with lining because thats what my RE recommended for me for my lining but he would add it to the Femara. I am holding off on it because of the expense. I am willing to try other stuff like Viagra but my RE didn't offer me that option for some reason. My protocol would be Gonal F days 6,8, and 10 and Femara 3-7. I could use an extra follicle or two so I might go for it If I don't get pg in the next 2 cycles.

[karlatta]

ag05 - Did you ask your RE about Viagra or did they just not bring it up? I ask, because it worked fabulously for me (brought my lining from a 3 or 4 to 10.5 last cycle), and it's only about $80.

Scooter - Thanks for your post. It brings me a lot of hope, as my RE ended my IUI this cycle with, "We'll see you in two weeks - and hopefully we'll be celebrating!"

ShelbyMay - I went with my DH the other day to do his part for the IUI. I think he would have preferred me to not be there. :) He has done SAs and what-not on his own without any problems, but I thought the dirty porn and leather chair in the little room was just too funny! DH almost had to ask me to leave!

wonderousglance - I'm glad they were able to work out a plan for you. It is so frustrating to have to deal with the financial aspects of infertility - on top of all of the emotional stuff.

Welcome, Applebee!

marteneym - Thanks! Of course, now that I'm in the 2WW and in "worry" mode - I keep wondering if my follicles were too big to be healthy. I might be insane!

Nigellas - Ugh. I'm so sorry about the craptastic Answer test.

Pocket - I hope things are a bit better today. I think I can understand at least a bit how you are feeling. After this cycle, DH and I are probably going to call it quits for a while. I am just emotionally drained and I can't keep continuing. Even though I'm not putting everything into TTC that I used to, I just don't have the energy to keep going. I need a break, and I'm not sure for how long. Maybe a month, maybe a year. Who knows?


Answers to Questions
1) If you take Prometrium for Ammenorhea (no period), how much do you take? I've only taken Provera, always 10 days worth, and it's always worked for me. I am interested in finding out why you were switched to progesterone.

2) If you have insurance that covers your treatments, what kind do you have and what does it cover? My insurance covered some of the diagnosis, but only because the RE coded it as not being diagnosis for infertility, but diagnosis for why I had irregular cycles with painful periods. (Periods so painful, in fact, that I had previously been to the ER because of them. I hurt so badly that I began vomiting and eventually became dehydrated and started hallucinating!)

My insurance covers one of my monthly appointments (the day 3 ultrasound) because it is related to my PCOS, not infertility directly. Nothing else is covered. Occassionally a medicine is covered because it has a medical purpose other than infertility (Letrozole, Metformin, etc.)


Update:
I'm 4 or 5 DPO today. Feeling crampy on the left side, but that's normal, so I'm trying not to read too much into it. The IUIs went well - DH's samples were excellent. I mean, really, really excellent. So good it almost makes me feel really bad, because it is clearly not his fault (medically) that we haven't been able to have a child yet.

So, anyway, plans are to test around the 4th. We'll see if I make it that long!

[ShelbyMay]

Thanks for all of the good thoughts, ladies. DH seemed to take the whole SA thing in stride today. He had to do "it" once before for my allergy testing, but that was at home. This time, I went with him to the RE's office and sat in the waiting room while he gave his sample. He said that there was a little room with a recliner and a bunch of porn.