"Re-intro" and a question (previous child mentioned)

[EmsMama15]

Hi Everyone!!  URMySunshine77 talked me into coming back over here and since I missed her (and others), here I am.  I know a lot of you but there are quite a few new names too, so I thought I'd just do a little re-intro.  

I'm Heather.  I'm 40, hubby is 42, TTC#2.  My sweet girl is almost 2!!  I honestly just assumed I'd be pregnant by now.  We've done 4 IUIs and gotten 3 BFNs and a CP.  We got pregnant first round of Clomid with our daughter, so this is exceedingly frustrating for me.  I know about charting, as well as medicated cycles (oral and injectable), so if you have questions, I can try to help.  

As for my question - I have been taking Gonal-F 200 IU CD 3-10 in preparation for IUI #5 (background - this is ONE more day than I've gone the past two cycles and I've gotten 1 follie and 4 follies ... and NO BFP).  I went in today for my monitoring appointment and my follies were 23, 18, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14.5, 14 and 11 more measurable (9-12mm).  WTF?  My RE said "NO FREAKING WAY!" (and "I'm sorry").  I'm just analyzing why in the world I had such a response.  I know it's a possibility with PCOS and my age makes my response to meds more variable, but COME ON!!  I digress.  My question is whether you guys know if weight can impact response.  I've lost a bit of weight and am now below the weight I was when I got pregnant with my daughter.  I'm also eating a LOT better than I was before (less sugar, starch, more protein, veggies).  Could this have helped this much?  I'm just trying to figure out why this happened.  UGH!  So frustrating.

If you got to the end of my sob story, thank you for reading! Looking forward to contributing more.

[dream2be3]

I remember you - welcome back! Sorry, I don't have an answer for your question. I wouldn't be surprised if all those changes helped but that would just be speculation

[wannabmama]

Hi I remember you, too...tho you might have been active (here or "there"?) when I was a lurker, I can't remember. Anyway I have no help all the "next steps" stuff is new to me and still totally a mystery, but I'm tracking the post to hope I learn something GL to you!

[wirt2cute]

Welcome to the other side. I'm sorry to not have an answer to your question. But wow did you have a response to the meds. Hopefully someone will have some type of insight.

[boobacat]

Just saying hi EmsMama15. I can't believe you ended up with so many follies this round. I will be joining you here soon, missed you! Kindershlitz

[agpjt413]

Welcome, EmsMama15! No insight either but just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your precious loss and welcome. Hope some of the ladies can help you out! GL as you guys move forward TFAS!

[URMySunshine77]

Heather,

I'm glad that you came over again! We've missed you.

That's really frustrating about your response this time. I'm afraid that I don't have any advice. I hope that your RE can adjust the meds so the next attempt will be smooth. We're here for you, love!

[mom2boxers]

Welcome. I'm a newcomer on the board and we're also trying for a second. I hope they are able to give you some answers about your response and your stay here is short.

[luvmyponies]

Welcome! I'm so sorry I can't offer any advice - I've only just completed an IVF cycle, and those follies sound great for IVF! Best of luck, I hope your stay here is short and sweet!

[summergirl1211]

Welcome EmsMama15! I'm new to the board this month (also TFAS with a DD that will be 3 in August) but glad you decided to join us. I'm so sorry for your previous loss. I don't have any answers to your question but I hope your doc can get the meds under control for next cycle. Sending you hugs and wishing you luck!

[vh2014]

Welcome back! I have no idea about response to meds but I do know that the PCOS research says that even losing 10 pounds can make a difference when TTC. It's talking about natural cycles but it would make sense that the same could be true for STIMs as well... of course what makes sense to me usually doesn't mean much so take it with a grain of salt. LOL Sorry that this happened- can they retrieve them in case you have to go to IVF... if that's an option....

[zombiesquad]

Hi and welcome.

I have no scientific data to back this. I'm just going by what my doctor said. My response to meds was never consistent from cycle to cycle. One month I'd have some maturing follicles, the next month I'd have none. The summer I took injects, I started exercising and eating better because I thought it would increase my chances. I did my cycle with follistim and only had one follicle. After having my daughter and turning 35, I asked my doc about AMA and that I seemed to having more consistent cycles than before I got pregnant. She said when our bodies are preparing for menopause (ugh!), they tend to do a lot of weird things like super ovulate and then not ovulate at all. She mentioned women over 35 tend to have a higher risk of multiples.

Again, this is just a convo between me and my doc. I haven't done any further research on the matter.

I'm rambling, but the bottom line is, I don't think there is a way to pinpoint why you over responded this cycle. Our bodies suck sometimes and that's the frustarting thing about the TTC journey.

I hope your doc can work with you to adjust your dose next cycle and get a better handle on things. In the meantime, this is a super supportive group and are always here if you need anything. Good luck.

[Deleted]

welcome (again?here whatever) EmsMama15, I have no experience/knowledge re your response to medication just want to welcome you and say I wish you well and a happy journey!

[PepperPottsJ]

Hi EmsMama15, I am super new so sadly I can't help at all, however wanted to say hi and wish you luck!

[EmsMama15]

luvmyponies, I said the same thing!! We aren't quite ready for IVF yet, but it's good to know if we get there, I CAN respond so well.

Thanks for the warm welcome ladies!