***TTGP IF WEEKLY CHECK IN*** 5/24

[cateyes]

 No one posted yesterday so I am starting today. We have lots of new people, so just a reminder-ANYONE can start the thread. I will start like once a month (and it will be up by 8am ), otherwise anyone can start this thread!!!!  

This check-in is meant for anyone on GKU who has hit the 1 year mark of TTC (6 months if you’re over 35), has an infertility diagnosis, or is going through IF testing/treatment. It is meant to be a place for people to share and ask any questions who might not participate on 3T/IF and who would like the company of others going through the same experiences.






If you would like to participate, please send cateyes a PRIVATE MESSAGE or TAG her with your info and she will add you on. This will be posted every Monday. If you have any suggestions or would like something added, please feel free to post.



QOTW: What is your favorite band or song?

[mustloveerica]

We had our IVF consult yesterday and I'm happy to say I'm back with a plan. I start BCPs today. We have an antagonist protocol. 3 weeks of BCPs, then 7-12 days of stims (Follistim and Ganirelix), then ER around June 29 and transfer on July 4th. We ordered our meds and H will go tomorrow to give his sample to be frozen for backup.

July 4th is our anniversary. I can't decide if that's horrible or amazing. Also apparently our clinic does ICSI and 5 day transfers always as standard protocol so that's good because I was going to push for both.

So here goes I guess. I'm really scared that it's not going to work. I'm scared that I won't be able to give myself shots. And I'm scared of how much money it is and that we can only afford to do it once.

[mustloveerica]

ugaqueencity don't be nervous!! The HSG really isn't that bad. For me it was like 2 minutes or really awful period cramps and then it was done. I had slight cramping for the rest of the day but nothing debilitating. It's actually kind of cool getting to see your uterus on tv!!

[kayladawn91]

Hey ladies, cateyes said I could join in on this thread so I hope you'll all have me.

A brief history for anyone who doesn't know me {loss mentioned} H and I started TTC in August 2014. I got pregnant after a few months but it ended in a blighted ovum. It has been 14 months since we started TTC again, with 1 cycle TTA due to a necessary oral surgery.

Current: Recently I began some testing with my OB. I have zero IF coverage, and she has been great about coding things differently so they are covered. I have had some bloodwork done (hemoglobin, thyroid, vitamin d) which all came back normal other than slightly low vitamin d. Yesterday I had an US done. She noticed a very small cyst on my left side. Since it's so small and I'm not in any pain, she wants to wait and check on it in about a month, along with doing an SHG (which seems similar to an HSG?) around next cycle's CD 8-9 to check my tubes and clear out any blockages. She also recommended a few weeks ago that MH see a urologist to rule out issues on his side. H says he is open to the idea, but has yet to make the appointment. I don't want to push him if he's not ready, but I would love for him to share how he's feeling about it with me. So that's a struggle too.

ETA QOTW: This changes often, but currently JT's new song is on the top of my most played list.

[daisy818]

mustloveerica, exciting to have a schedule - FX so hard for you!

ugaqueencity, sorry about the HSG anxiety - it really is a quick procedure, and FX for a cramp-free experience!

Hi kayladawn91 - sorry to see you here, hope your stay is short!

So I finished Clomid on Saturday - still having hot flashes. Trying to stay hopeful that this will help.

QOTW: Favorite band is The National - love the lead singer's voice and the lyrics and it's just such pretty music. DH, on the other hand, always jokes about it being really depressing "suicide music." It's not all depressing...

[jense927]

ugaqueencity, good luck with the HSG! I didn't have any cramping with mine it was pretty quick and easy.
mustloveerica, that is exciting that you have a plan in place and are happy with their protocol...good luck!
kayladawn91, welcome! sorry you have to join us..
daisy818, good luck with the clomid cycle!

I am on CD5 on a new cycle, the first after my cancelled clomid cycle (too many follies). I am going to start taking letrozole tonight and see how this cycle goes. I am meeting with the RE again to go over how the first three cycles went and what our plan is after this one (if it doesn't work). I have been such a wreck emotionally due to IF and all the treatments and it really has been impacting my life everywhere. My work life is suffering, my marriage is suffering. The cancelled cycle kind of freed me for a bit and I realized how bad it really has been impacting me. We will meet with the RE today but I have already decided we are going to take a break after this cycle and consider IVF again in the fall.

[Rama]

HSG yesterday showed mostly clear tubes, with one questionable spot on the side I had my ectopic. Dr said it might just be a kink in the fallopian tube, but the dye flowed through both sides easily, so there isn't much worry.

Hahaha, good luck with us not worrying, dude.

ugaqueencity Good luck today! I was nervous before my first HSG, too. When you're up there, just focus on relaxing your body. That's my trick for a painless procedure. ;)

QOTW: What is your favorite band or song? Band is Maroon 5, song is currently linked in my siggy. I really heard it the other day (when a new song comes out, it takes me a while to actually hear what the song is about. I enjoy the music before the lyrics. Fun fact?) and it spoke to my soul.

[cateyes]

Rama-Glad for good reults!
jense927-Hugs. IF makes everything a million times worse than normal. It totally puts a strain on marriages and life and I am so sorry everything is so hard right now.
daisy818-Good Luck!!!
kayladawn91-Welcome!
ugaqueencity-I can honestly say, since I had a terrible experience, that the best part of the HSG is it is over in like 30 seconds. So remember, even if there is pain or discomfort, it will be done quick! Hugs hun.
mustloveerica-So glad you have a plan!!!!!!!



AFM-Nothing much new to report here. We signed our embryo adoption paperwork last Thursday and mailed it to the Housecarders to sign and mail to the attorney. Now just waiting to hear back from the lawyer that they received the signed copies from them and have sent it on to the RE. The days are going fast and soon it will be June 6th and as long as all paperwork is in order I am hoping to cycle in July!!!! FX everything goes as planned!!!

QOTW-I don’t really have a “favorite” but love 90’s music and early 2000 Pandora stations!

[kawaiikitsune]

mustloveerica Crossing everything that this cycle is it for you!
ugaqueencity Don't worry, the HSG is not as bad as everyone thinks. I was terrified, so much so that I almost threw up in the waiting room. It ended up being a breeze. I didn't start cramping until about 30 mins. into the ride home.
kayladawn91 Welcome, although sorry you have found yourself here. FX the rest of your tests go well. MH has a hard time expressing how he feels about our IF as well.
daisy818 Sorry for the continued hot flashes. FX the Clomid does the trick this cycle!
jense927 I am so sorry you are having such a rough time. All the hugs to you.
Rama Yay for clear tubes!
cateyes FX everything continues to go as planned!

AFM, yesterday was CD1. I'm going to give my gyn until Thursday before I call and request to schedule my hysteroscopy. His office is usually super busy so I'm not concerned that the nurse has not called me yet. Other than that, not much really going on with me.

QOTW - I can't really say I have one favorite band, I have many. I do have a favorite song though : "Two Outta Three Ain't Bad" by Meatloaf. Gets me every time.

[daisy818]

jense927, big hugs - take care of yourself and FX that letrozole works for you

Rama, yay for clear tubes!

cateyes, so excited for you!

Okay, I'm back with a question - I just got my CD3 bloodwork back, and LH, FSH, AMH, and prolactin are all very good, but I'm a bit confused by my estradiol. It's super low (13.7) - the lab report says that normal during the follicular phase is 30-100, and that postmenopausal numbers are generally <15, so now I'm freaking out a bit. Everything I read says that lower estradiol is good, and I can't find anything online about what is TOO low. Anyone have any insight? I read that PCOS can have lower E2, but none of my other numbers point to PCOS.

[rooskie]

mustloveerica – Glad your consult went well! Good luck with the BCPs the next few weeks.

ugaqueencity – the HSG isn’t that bad. Just don’t forget the Advil and wear loose clothes.

kayladawn91 – Sorry you are here. I’m surprised they want YH to go straight to the Uro. Our OOP for the Uro is WAY more expensive than the RE.

daisy818 – Sorry about the hot flashes

jense927 – FX that this cycle works. I think IF really hits a lot of
people hard. Finding non-IF things to do helps me not focus on it all the time.

Rama – Glad the HSG went well yesterday!!

cateyes – I am so happy for you!! FX everything goes through quick.

kawaiikitsune – Hope they can get the hysteroscopy scheduled soon.

AFM, nothing new. We can technically get our SA redone this month but I’m too chicken still, and we’re too busy to cycle in July anyway. I did talk to H about all of my irrational fears right now and he pretty much said we would have a baby one way or another, so that was good to hear.

QOTW – I’m really into “country” music right now. Like Thomas Rhett, Old Dominion, Sam Hunt…H says its not country but its better than what they play on the “hits” stations. We really like stuff like Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons too.

[kayladawn91]

rooskie I wasn't sure if that sounded right either. We don't have an RE super close to us, so maybe that's why? I'm super worried about the OOP expense involved with his testing.

[butlerfan]

Hi everyone...P&R

Last trauma parenting foster care class is tonight. Last reference was received but due to staff turnover not sure when we will get a licensing worker assigned to us......hurry up and wait.

We have been busy moving furniture around to get ready for when the call comes to start the interviews and home study (and I have the bruises to prove it)

We had to order a convertible crib (the person we were going to get it from found out her H gave it to someone else...boo) so that should be here sometime next week.

H does orientation at new job today and will find out his schedule then...FX it's days/mornings and figure out logistics of training while finishing work at current job. The next 2 weeks are going to be crazy on that end.

[Rama]

@yaga Welcome to TCF! So sorry to have you in the check in. *hugs* You're in good company. You should intro to the whole board, too!

[rooskie]

May 24, 2016 10:43:00 GMT -5 kayladawn91 said:

rooskie I wasn't sure if that sounded right either. We don't have an RE super close to us, so maybe that's why? I'm super worried about the OOP expense involved with his testing.

Honestly I would do a SA before going to the Uro. Our uro is a MFI specialist and he will only take patients with 2 SAs. Is the uro the only place to get a SA done?

We are OOP and the uro specialist visits are like $300/appointment, RE is $100/appointment and the SAs are $85/ea. Before we got diagnosed RE was $50 and SAs were covered. (And this is how we went through $2k in 5 months)

[ohinvrtedworld]

SPOILER: Click to show

mustloveerica yay on this cycle starting! I hope this is it for you, I know how stressful it is to feel like this is the only chance! All my things are crossed that the protocol works well for you!
ugaqueencity I hope your HSG is not painful today! Being overly prepared for pain might make it seem like a breeze.
kayladawn91 I'm sorry that you find yourself here but I am glad you decided to join us! We are ovary cyst twins this cycle! lol. I’m glad your OB is coding things to get you some testing! I also second rooskie suggestion about a SA before seeing a urologist. Maybe a lab can do that somewhat more cheaply than going straight there.
jense927 (hugs) I’m sorry you’ve been struggling so much, IF takes a toll on so many areas of life. I hope this cycle is obviously successful, but that a break would refresh you if you need to do that next.
Rama yay for mostly clear tubes!
cateyes I feel like time is flying towards you getting KU! You may not feel the same way but I’m so excited that it’s coming fast!!
kawaiikitsune I hope they can get you in soon. Sorry about CD1.
daisy818 Sorry about the Clomid hot flashes! I looked up all the fun abnormal things about estradiol last week when mine was high! I read the PCOS thing too. Did a nurse or doctor explain anything about your blood results to you? Are you able to call and ask to ease your mind? The other levels being good is encouraging. I hope someone can ease your mind soon!
rooskie I can understand being anxious about more testing and deciding when to take those next steps. I’m glad YH can encourage you!
@yaga welcome! so sorry that you find yourself here and feeling the time crunch from what your doctors are saying. FX that they can get you pregnant fast!
butlerfan wow that’s a lot going on at once! i hope everything goes smoothly and that YH’s work schedule works out in an ideal way!

AFM: tomorrow is my SIS, where I guess there is still saline injected and they will look at my ute and tubes. They said it should only be mildly uncomfortable and to take pain medication before arrival. All my bloodwork that I did last week came back normal except the E2, which probably is because of the cyst they saw. After SIS tomorrow, we will be out of town for several weeks so I won't have anything to update really until we come back home and see what else they want us to do!

QOTW: That's so hard! 80's music immediately makes me happy, when Livin' on a Prayer or Take On Me comes on the radio I get so excited.

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

May 24, 2016 7:48:17 GMT -5 mustloveerica said:

So here goes I guess. I'm really scared that it's not going to work. I'm scared that I won't be able to give myself shots. And I'm scared of how much money it is and that we can only afford to do it once.

If it makes you feel any better, the first time I gave myself Gonal-f shots, I had originally told MH to do it because I would be too scared. And then he gets ready to do it, I freak out, and I yell at him to give the needle to me. Then I started bawling and shaking because I was so scared. I finally did it myself, and after I calmed down, we both laughed because I could hardly even feel it!

The point is - you can totally do it!!! I believe in you!

[setsuna17]

May 24, 2016 13:13:10 GMT -5 ♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪ said:

May 24, 2016 7:48:17 GMT -5 mustloveerica said:

So here goes I guess. I'm really scared that it's not going to work. I'm scared that I won't be able to give myself shots. And I'm scared of how much money it is and that we can only afford to do it once.

If it makes you feel any better, the first time I gave myself Gonal-f shots, I had originally told MH to do it because I would be too scared. And then he gets ready to do it, I freak out, and I yell at him to give the needle to me. Then I started bawling and shaking because I was so scared. I finally did it myself, and after I calmed down, we both laughed because I could hardly even feel it!

The point is - you can totally do it!!! I believe in you!

I have a similar story! Totally freaked out and then didn't want MH to do it. It's a breeze!

[mustloveerica]

May 24, 2016 13:16:36 GMT -5 setsuna17 said:

May 24, 2016 13:13:10 GMT -5 ♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪ said:

If it makes you feel any better, the first time I gave myself Gonal-f shots, I had originally told MH to do it because I would be too scared. And then he gets ready to do it, I freak out, and I yell at him to give the needle to me. Then I started bawling and shaking because I was so scared. I finally did it myself, and after I calmed down, we both laughed because I could hardly even feel it!

The point is - you can totally do it!!! I believe in you!

I have a similar story! Totally freaked out and then didn't want MH to do it. It's a breeze!

Thanks guys! I'm pretty sure this is exactly what is going to happen. I even freaked out at the teaching season tho and wouldn't touch the needle. The nurse wanted me to practice putting the needle in the fake butt looking thing and I got all sweaty with this big lump in my throat and my eyes started watering and I told DH to do it. I'm not even afraid of needles so I don't know what the problem was! So we'll see. Gonna have to put my big girl pants on and suck it up.

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

ugaqueencity, I hope your HSG goes/went well! I had some yucky cramping after mine, but once I got home, it wasn't bad.

kayladawn91, sorry you find yourself here. But it's good company.

jense927, fertility treatments and infertility itself are no fucking joke. I'm glad that you were able to get some clarity during your cancelled cycle. Best wishes to you and YH!

kawaiikitsune, I hope you get the hysteroscopy scheduled soon!

Welcome, @yaga!

[joy]

May 24, 2016 10:55:23 GMT -5 @yaga said:

Hi all! I'm new here, both to TCF and this check in, but I'm pretty sure this is where I go. My H and I will be starting TTC soon - but I have PCOS, endometriosis, and one blocked tube so we'll be doing this under the care of an RE.

::waves enthusiastically::  HI YAGA!!

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

AFM, I have betas on Thursday, which will be 12DPO. I am feeling very pessimistic, and I don't think I will even POAS beforehand.

I found out that my RE office does IVF cycles every other month. Is that normal? If a BFN, we were planning on going straight to IVF due to insurance reasons, but I found out it doesn't start until July. So I will have to find out if we can do another medicated TI cycle, or if they will make me wait. Wait wait wait. The name of this shitty game!!

[daisy818]

ohinvrtedworld, I've put in a call to my RE's nurse - I actually had the labs done through my OB since the RE is an hour away, and the OB just told me everything was normal. Sorry to hear you are dealing with wonky E2 as well, although it does sound like yours is connected to that cyst. Glad all your other numbers looked good!

[JustJudy]

mustloveerica, So excited for you! You got this. Once you start stims it just becomes another thing to do before bed. At least that was my experience.

ugaqueencity, GL with the HSG. It's a short procedure luckily.

kayladawn91, it is so nice when OBs are able help out! GL with all the testing.

daisy818, FX for you!

jense927, I hope Letrozole works better!

Rama, Yay!!!!! Sending so many good thoughts your way.

cateyes, I'm just so excited for you. Can't wait for July

Ok I'll be back for more love in a bit, I have a meeting.

[setsuna17]

SPOILER: Click to show

{Click here to see more.}cateyes, FX you can cycle in July!
mustloveerica, you can do the shots! I'm glad to hear that there is a new process in place! Hope this is it!
ugaqueencity, I hope your HSG goes well!
kayladawn91, sorry your here. I hope it's a short stay!
daisy818, good luck with Clomid, Daisy!
jense927, good luck with the letrazole. I'm sorry that you're having a hard time lately. I unfortunately know how you feel. I hope this works for you. Hugs.
Rama, woohoo for a good HSG and clomid!
kawaiikitsune, hope you get to schedule your hysteroscopy soon.
rooskie, I'm glad your husband was so supportive. I hope you get to cycle soon!
@yaga, welcome! I hope your stay is short
butlerfan, how exciting! I hope the wait isn't too long!
ohinvrtedworld, good luck tomorrow! I hope it isn't too bad!
♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪, I'm sorry you have a bad feeling about this cycle. I get it. I hope this is your cycle though. I haven't heard about an RE doing IVF every other cycle before.

Just sitting around here at 6DPO. Still grouchy about ovulating early, but it is what it is. Trying to not be too pessimistic. But luckily I am super busy with school and my upcoming residency for school next week. I'm going to get my stuff read by a bunch of people for the first time! EEP!

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

May 24, 2016 15:17:48 GMT -5 @yaga said:

Thanks for all the warm welcomes!

I just got back from my OBGYN (he did the lap) and I don't know what to think. He's like, "even with a blocked tube, you can still get pregnant! And with the PCOS, you just need to ovulate once! Go and have a lot of sex, you'll be fine!" But he also didn't discourage me from seeing the RE on Friday. He kind of brushed off the all negative OPKs. (FWIW, I track EWCM patterns as well, and there have only been a small handful of cycles in the last 2 years that had "typical" CM patterns. Usually it's random throughout the cycle and lasts a lot longer than normal. I know it's not a primary O sign, just like the OPKs.)

I know the RE is going to recommend some kind of intervention based on what he said the last time I saw him.

Am I jumping the gun here? I get very different plans of action from every doctor I see!

So, above all, do what you're comfortable doing. However, the whole "My RE recommended immediate intervention as soon as we wanted to TTC." makes me think I'd trust your RE over your OBGYN when it comes to TTC.

Just my two cents.

[Rama]

May 24, 2016 15:17:48 GMT -5 @yaga said:

Thanks for all the warm welcomes!

I just got back from my OBGYN (he did the lap) and I don't know what to think. He's like, "even with a blocked tube, you can still get pregnant! And with the PCOS, you just need to ovulate once! Go and have a lot of sex, you'll be fine!" But he also didn't discourage me from seeing the RE on Friday. He kind of brushed off the all negative OPKs. (FWIW, I track EWCM patterns as well, and there have only been a small handful of cycles in the last 2 years that had "typical" CM patterns. Usually it's random throughout the cycle and lasts a lot longer than normal. I know it's not a primary O sign, just like the OPKs.)

I know the RE is going to recommend some kind of intervention based on what he said the last time I saw him.

Am I jumping the gun here? I get very different plans of action from every doctor I see!

I'm with Broc. OBs are kind of out of their element with *getting* people pregnant. REs specialize in it. If there's a reason he wants to start with treatment, and it sounds like you have tons of reasons, then there's absolutely no reason to wait to see the RE.

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

Actual footage of my OB when she tried to offer me Clomid with no monitoring:

[ceejay]

SPOILER: Click to show

mustloveerica - I'm glad your IVF consult went well and that you have a plan! Good luck!!
ugaqueencity - I hope your HSG went well. I wasn't nervous going into mine and then it ended up hurting way more than I thought it would... hopefully the opposite will be true for you!
kayladawn91 - welcome though I'm sorry you find yourself here! That's great you can get some testing completed through your OB. Like others have mentioned, I would try to get your H an SA at an RE before having him go to a urologist.
daisy818 - good luck this cycle! I had hot flashes on Clomid as well.
jense927 - Hugs! I hope the upcoming break is helpful for you and your H.
Rama - yay for clear tubes! Good luck moving forward.
cateyes - FX everything continues to move along smoothly so you can cycle in July! And I love 90's/2000's music too!
kawaiikitsune - FX you can get your hysteroscopy scheduled soon.
rooskie - I have my FXed so hard for you guys whenever you decide to do the repeat SA. I really really hope you get good news.
@yaga - welcome to TCF and this check-in! Good luck at your appointment on Friday.
butlerfan - I'm glad all of your foster care things are moving along! FX your H gets a good work schedule at the new job!
ohinvrtedworld - I hope everything goes well at your SIS appointment tomorrow!
♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪ - FX for you this cycle! I've heard that some RE offices "batch" cycles so its probably not that uncommon that an RE would only offer IVF every other month.
setsuna17 - glad you're able to keep busy while you wait! FX for you!

AFM, I'm on CD3 of our second natural/break cycle. We had planned to do IUI #2 this cycle, but I decided we would wait because 1) I just didn't want to go to all of the appointments again, 2) I want our HSA money to build up, and 3) things have been tense/stressful with my H lately and I want us to be in a better place before we start up treatments again. So we'll do another natural cycle and then probably move on to IUI #2 next month.

QOTW: I don't really have a favorite band right now. Like cateyes , I love 90's alternative music and usually listen to my Pandora 90's alternative station!

[JustJudy]

kawaiikitsune, glad to hear things are still moving forward!

rooskie, your husband sounds like he has a great attitude. This process can really knock us down.

@yaga, welcome and I'm sorry you're here. From others on this board and my own experience I'm firmly in the listen to your RE not OBGYN camp.

butlerfan, just a few things going on for you guys! Glad that things are slowly but surely happening.

ohinvrtedworld, GL tomorrow!

♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪, so much fucking waiting. Ugh. Thinking good thoughts for you.

setsuna17, that's exciting!