Informal GKU IF check-in *9/12*

[ceejay]

Lol. I fell asleep on the couch last night at like 10 pm. I briefly woke up enough to check in on the boards and LT ****** 's question, but then I couldn't keep my eyes open long enough to respond!

[cjchio]

I'm cross posting this  from 3T.

I have an update from our consult today. The entire office was very nice and the staff was super friendly! I also really like our RE. He is quiet, but I feel like he knows his shit.


They set us up to get the initial testing done- all of the bloodwork, HSG, etc. He wants to see if endo is an issue for me because of the bad pain I get around my periods, so he said the HSG would give him an indication.


He said that he isn’t too concerned about the SA results after just one test, since anything can make one wonky from time to time. He wants to do a re-test of the SA . He said as long as the numbers don’t decrease, he isn’t too concerned. Of course he wants to see an increase, but he said he believes that the numbers as they are now are low, but that we are still able to work around it. He said we can see what the Re-test says and go from there.


He said the genetic testing is great to have, but not required…did any of you guys have that done? He told us to think about it and let him know.

So, that’s where we are. I feel much better after talking to him and getting the ball rolling- I wish we would have gone sooner!

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

Sept 15, 2016 16:56:47 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I'm cross posting this  from 3T.

I have an update from our consult today. The entire office was very nice and the staff was super friendly! I also really like our RE. He is quiet, but I feel like he knows his shit.


They set us up to get the initial testing done- all of the bloodwork, HSG, etc. He wants to see if endo is an issue for me because of the bad pain I get around my periods, so he said the HSG would give him an indication.


He said that he isn’t too concerned about the SA results after just one test, since anything can make one wonky from time to time. He wants to do a re-test of the SA . He said as long as the numbers don’t decrease, he isn’t too concerned. Of course he wants to see an increase, but he said he believes that the numbers as they are now are low, but that we are still able to work around it. He said we can see what the Re-test says and go from there.


He said the genetic testing is great to have, but not required…did any of you guys have that done? He told us to think about it and let him know.

So, that’s where we are. I feel much better after talking to him and getting the ball rolling- I wish we would have gone sooner!

Yes, and TBH, I'm glad we did. I found out I am a positive carrier for two bad things: cystic fibrosis and Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrom. It kind of shocked us all. My RE nurse said she hasn't seen that in the 13 years she'd been at the office.

MH ended up doing the genetic testing done, too, to make sure he wasn't positive for either item. Thankfully, he wasn't.

TL;DR - Yes. And glad.

[cjchio]

Sept 15, 2016 17:07:12 GMT -5 ♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪ said:

Sept 15, 2016 16:56:47 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I'm cross posting this  from 3T.

I have an update from our consult today. The entire office was very nice and the staff was super friendly! I also really like our RE. He is quiet, but I feel like he knows his shit.


They set us up to get the initial testing done- all of the bloodwork, HSG, etc. He wants to see if endo is an issue for me because of the bad pain I get around my periods, so he said the HSG would give him an indication.


He said that he isn’t too concerned about the SA results after just one test, since anything can make one wonky from time to time. He wants to do a re-test of the SA . He said as long as the numbers don’t decrease, he isn’t too concerned. Of course he wants to see an increase, but he said he believes that the numbers as they are now are low, but that we are still able to work around it. He said we can see what the Re-test says and go from there.


He said the genetic testing is great to have, but not required…did any of you guys have that done? He told us to think about it and let him know.

So, that’s where we are. I feel much better after talking to him and getting the ball rolling- I wish we would have gone sooner!

Yes, and TBH, I'm glad we did. I found out I am a positive carrier for two bad things: CF and something else. It kind of shocked us all. My RE nurse said she hasn't seen that in the 13 years she'd been at the office.

MH ended up doing the genetic testing done, too, to make sure he wasn't positive for either item. Thankfully, he wasn't.

TL;DR - Yes. And glad.

LT for the advice not the positive results on the testing.

[thechickencoop]

Sept 15, 2016 16:56:47 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I'm cross posting this  from 3T.

I have an update from our consult today. The entire office was very nice and the staff was super friendly! I also really like our RE. He is quiet, but I feel like he knows his shit.


They set us up to get the initial testing done- all of the bloodwork, HSG, etc. He wants to see if endo is an issue for me because of the bad pain I get around my periods, so he said the HSG would give him an indication.


He said that he isn’t too concerned about the SA results after just one test, since anything can make one wonky from time to time. He wants to do a re-test of the SA . He said as long as the numbers don’t decrease, he isn’t too concerned. Of course he wants to see an increase, but he said he believes that the numbers as they are now are low, but that we are still able to work around it. He said we can see what the Re-test says and go from there.


He said the genetic testing is great to have, but not required…did any of you guys have that done? He told us to think about it and let him know.

So, that’s where we are. I feel much better after talking to him and getting the ball rolling- I wish we would have gone sooner!

I am so sorry, I don't remember your history. Is it just MFI?

We had karyotyping done as part of my RPL testing; it was recommended by our RE because genetic issues can cause such a high rate of early losses so they wanted to rule out any genetic problems.

I'm glad we did it (both H and I were tested); it was all normal so it was good info to have.

Make sure you check with your insurance first though. The lab billed my bloodwork at almost $3000 and H's at almost $1000 but all together we only owed like $150 something OOP. Cuz...yowza.

[cjchio]

Sept 15, 2016 18:53:04 GMT -5 thechickencoop said:

Sept 15, 2016 16:56:47 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I'm cross posting this  from 3T.

I have an update from our consult today. The entire office was very nice and the staff was super friendly! I also really like our RE. He is quiet, but I feel like he knows his shit.


They set us up to get the initial testing done- all of the bloodwork, HSG, etc. He wants to see if endo is an issue for me because of the bad pain I get around my periods, so he said the HSG would give him an indication.


He said that he isn’t too concerned about the SA results after just one test, since anything can make one wonky from time to time. He wants to do a re-test of the SA . He said as long as the numbers don’t decrease, he isn’t too concerned. Of course he wants to see an increase, but he said he believes that the numbers as they are now are low, but that we are still able to work around it. He said we can see what the Re-test says and go from there.


He said the genetic testing is great to have, but not required…did any of you guys have that done? He told us to think about it and let him know.

So, that’s where we are. I feel much better after talking to him and getting the ball rolling- I wish we would have gone sooner!

I am so sorry, I don't remember your history. Is it just MFI?

We had karyotyping done as part of my RPL testing; it was recommended by our RE because genetic issues can cause such a high rate of early losses so they wanted to rule out any genetic problems.

I'm glad we did it (both H and I were tested); it was all normal so it was good info to have.

Make sure you check with your insurance first though. The lab billed my bloodwork at almost $3000 and H's at almost $1000 but all together we only owed like $150 something OOP. Cuz...yowza.

So far, MFI. I still have to get my round of initial testing done after my next cycle starts,which should be around the beginning of October.

Good call about the insurance! Ours will cover the diagnostic tests but not the treatment. I don't know if that would fall under one of those categories or under something completely different.

[cjchio]

Sept 15, 2016 19:15:08 GMT -5 @samrs22 said:

cjchio I am doing genetic testing. I don't have results yet.

Today's Is CD 1. I made the appointments for all my testing . A little stressed since the doctor I met for my consult is not doing any of my testing.

Decided to inform my supervisor by email dates that I would either come in late or leave early and just left it as doctors appointments.

Good luck with the testing!

I'm trying to decide how to approach this with my boss, so good luck with them being understanding!

[thechickencoop]

Sept 15, 2016 19:42:30 GMT -5 cjchio said:

Sept 15, 2016 19:15:08 GMT -5 @samrs22 said:

cjchio I am doing genetic testing. I don't have results yet.

Today's Is CD 1. I made the appointments for all my testing . A little stressed since the doctor I met for my consult is not doing any of my testing.

Decided to inform my supervisor by email dates that I would either come in late or leave early and just left it as doctors appointments.

Good luck with the testing!

I'm trying to decide how to approach this with my boss, so good luck with them being understanding!

Good luck with your employers guys. When I was going through all of my testing I just said I needed to leave early on xyz date at xyz time. BUT I work a flex schedule anyway so it was never a big deal. I'm sure employers are used to just PTO requests, you generally don't have to give a reason.

[teachermomtobe]

Sept 15, 2016 16:56:47 GMT -5 cjchio said:

I'm cross posting this  from 3T.

I have an update from our consult today. The entire office was very nice and the staff was super friendly! I also really like our RE. He is quiet, but I feel like he knows his shit.


They set us up to get the initial testing done- all of the bloodwork, HSG, etc. He wants to see if endo is an issue for me because of the bad pain I get around my periods, so he said the HSG would give him an indication.


He said that he isn’t too concerned about the SA results after just one test, since anything can make one wonky from time to time. He wants to do a re-test of the SA . He said as long as the numbers don’t decrease, he isn’t too concerned. Of course he wants to see an increase, but he said he believes that the numbers as they are now are low, but that we are still able to work around it. He said we can see what the Re-test says and go from there.


He said the genetic testing is great to have, but not required…did any of you guys have that done? He told us to think about it and let him know.

So, that’s where we are. I feel much better after talking to him and getting the ball rolling- I wish we would have gone sooner!

DH's brother has Fragile X syndrome so we met with a genetic counselor before we even tried to get pregnant. I was tested for the big 3 (cystic fibrosis, fragile x, and spinal muscular atrophy). Surprisingly I am a carrier of SMA with no family history. DH was then tested and is not a carrier so we are not particularly concerned. The testing had nothing to do with our RE or IF but I do know they wanted me to get tested for those 3 before IVF.

[cateyes]

So excited-my Lining passed!! Triple stripe and 9mm (anything over 7 is "plush and ready"!! Next stop-thaw the embies and transfer next Friday!!!!!!

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

Sept 16, 2016 7:53:09 GMT -5 cateyes said:

So excited-my Lining passed!! Triple stripe and 9mm (anything over 7 is "plush and ready"!! Next stop-thaw the embies and transfer next Friday!!!!!!

YAY!!!

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

Sept 16, 2016 8:30:23 GMT -5 @yaga said:

Question for those who did genetic testing - did you share the results with your family? It was recommended I tell my brothers and first cousins. Only I have 23 first cousins and I'm definitely not open about the fact that H and I are ttc at all, let alone that I'm seeing an RE. Neither of my brothers are married or having kids right now, but I know some of my cousins are ttc. The kidney disease is (obviously) recessive, plus it's impossible to know which side of the family it comes from, so I don't know how alarmist it would be. But it seems like it would be fairly big deal to have a child with it.

The fragile X repeats is even more complicated and I think I'd only share with my brothers. At least now. I feel like it would be valid for my first cousins once removed to be aware when they want to have kids.

I told all of my immediate family members. I have a far off plan of sharing my IVF journey with extended family members when we are either successful or decide to stop trying, and will tell them then.

[cateyes]

Sept 16, 2016 8:30:23 GMT -5 @yaga said:

Question for those who did genetic testing - did you share the results with your family? It was recommended I tell my brothers and first cousins. Only I have 23 first cousins and I'm definitely not open about the fact that H and I are ttc at all, let alone that I'm seeing an RE. Neither of my brothers are married or having kids right now, but I know some of my cousins are ttc. The kidney disease is (obviously) recessive, plus it's impossible to know which side of the family it comes from, so I don't know how alarmist it would be. But it seems like it would be fairly big deal to have a child with it.

The fragile X repeats is even more complicated and I think I'd only share with my brothers. At least now. I feel like it would be valid for my first cousins once removed to be aware when they want to have kids.

If anything would have come back, I would have shared with my family. If you don't want to share about that IF journey, you could just say that it's a new standard test your doctor is doing. No one will be any wiser. 😀

[kawaiikitsune]

ceejay Happy to hear the results looked good!
cjchio FX your initial testing goes well! H & I were not asked to do genetic testing and I am not 100% sure if my insurance will cover it. I very well may look into it.
@samrs22 Sorry for CD1. *hugs*

cateyes I can't believe it's so close!

[ceejay]

Sept 16, 2016 7:53:09 GMT -5 cateyes said:

So excited-my Lining passed!! Triple stripe and 9mm (anything over 7 is "plush and ready"!! Next stop-thaw the embies and transfer next Friday!!!!!!

YES!!!!! So excited for you!!!

[butlerfan]

Yeah cateyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[teachermomtobe]

Sept 16, 2016 8:30:23 GMT -5 @yaga said:

Question for those who did genetic testing - did you share the results with your family? It was recommended I tell my brothers and first cousins. Only I have 23 first cousins and I'm definitely not open about the fact that H and I are ttc at all, let alone that I'm seeing an RE. Neither of my brothers are married or having kids right now, but I know some of my cousins are ttc. The kidney disease is (obviously) recessive, plus it's impossible to know which side of the family it comes from, so I don't know how alarmist it would be. But it seems like it would be fairly big deal to have a child with it.

The fragile X repeats is even more complicated and I think I'd only share with my brothers. At least now. I feel like it would be valid for my first cousins once removed to be aware when they want to have kids.

We told my parents that I am a carrier for SMA. I haven't told my brother yet because he's not having kids yet but I will since he's a 50% chance carrier too. Everyone knew we were doing the testing because of my BIL's Fragile X. I just wish I had talked to my brother first to ask him if he wanted to know if anything came up. I also believe it is his right not to know if he doesn't want to. I will tell him though at some point. As for cousins I may tell them once we are out about our IF/IVF journey with extended family.

[Deleted]

Sept 16, 2016 8:30:23 GMT -5 @yaga said:

Question for those who did genetic testing - did you share the results with your family? It was recommended I tell my brothers and first cousins. Only I have 23 first cousins and I'm definitely not open about the fact that H and I are ttc at all, let alone that I'm seeing an RE. Neither of my brothers are married or having kids right now, but I know some of my cousins are ttc. The kidney disease is (obviously) recessive, plus it's impossible to know which side of the family it comes from, so I don't know how alarmist it would be. But it seems like it would be fairly big deal to have a child with it.

The fragile X repeats is even more complicated and I think I'd only share with my brothers. At least now. I feel like it would be valid for my first cousins once removed to be aware when they want to have kids.

I come from an equally large family. The majority of my cousins are done having kids, but I would still share if I found I was a carrier for something major.
One of my cousin's kids had Rhett's syndrome and my niece has Isovaleric Acidemia. It's important for people to be on the look on for these type of because they can be life threatening. IVA is part of the newborn screening, but that takes a few days to get the results and my niece became very ill before she even had the chance to go home.

She's cool now. She follows a specialized diet and has medications.

[ohinvrtedworld]

kawaiikitsune - I can imagine it’s hard not to get your hopes up when your ute gets a little fixing. All my fingers and toes are crossed!
♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪ - SO excited that you’re moving right along! How was your monitoring appointment?
daisy818 - I’m sorry for CD1 again this week lady
butlerfan - so glad for the good deals on gear and for your MIL’s help! So sweet. I hope the rest of your inspections and daycare searching end up with good results.
ironbaby - ugh IF does suck, sorry that it’s messing up the timing with friends visiting. I really, really hope this IUI is the last time you have to deal with that, and deal with the RE & pharmacy debacles.
cheezee - sorry your RE isn’t being the most communicative with you and for how hard it is to make appointments with your work schedule. It’s really not fair.
BurritosAtEveryMeal - sorry that the IUI was a bust.
ceejay - I’m so excited that you’re excited for IVF and that it feels right! Glad everything looked good even though full bladders are the worst to sit through!
easilyunamused - I am a major needle phobe, I get the stimming being intimidating. I really really hope that it pays off in the end for you!
kayladawn91 - that’s nice that your sister did her best to empathize and try to learn. We are on the bench together it seems.
cjchio - I’m glad you like your RE. We had some kind of genetic testing bloodwork done, not sure if it’s the same all around but he said that we’d only be billed like $20 even if it says it costs like $13,000. We didn’t get a bad phone call about it but I also haven’t had time to see my doc in a while, so I’m not fully sure what results there were. I think I’d like to know if there’s anything to be warned of in advance.
@samrs22 Sorry that you won’t have the same doc doing your testing. I hope you are pleasantly surprised with another nice doctor and easy testing.
cateyes YAY!!! That is FABULOUS news!!! This is really happening!

[ohinvrtedworld]

AFM, kinda hiding. I am feeling pretty out of place in many of my circles. I got asked by literally 3 people at church on Sunday if there was anything to tell them, because I looked glowing. One of them was even a friend who has experienced a loss not that long ago. Why can't I just look good without any help from a baby!? It's not my fault I am radiant all by myself apparently. lol.

We are benched for now by choice, which I think I mentioned before, so I'm even struggling with feeling alone but not having much to share. Everywhere kinda hurts as a place to hang out for one reason or another. I think I'm just PMSing today. AF is due tomorrow.

QOTW: Pie all day, every day. A good sweet potato pie is the best life has to offer.

[cjchio]

Sept 17, 2016 10:19:28 GMT -5 ohinvrtedworld said:

AFM, kinda hiding. I am feeling pretty out of place in many of my circles. I got asked by literally 3 people at church on Sunday if there was anything to tell them, because I looked glowing. One of them was even a friend who has experienced a loss not that long ago. Why can't I just look good without any help from a baby!? It's not my fault I am radiant all by myself apparently. lol.

We are benched for now by choice, which I think I mentioned before, so I'm even struggling with feeling alone but not having much to share. Everywhere kinda hurts as a place to hang out for one reason or another. I think I'm just PMSing today. AF is due tomorrow.

QOTW: Pie all day, every day. A good sweet potato pie is the best life has to offer.

I'm sorry you feel this way. Big hugs to you.

[lilsneezy]

Sept 17, 2016 10:19:28 GMT -5 ohinvrtedworld said:

AFM, kinda hiding. I am feeling pretty out of place in many of my circles. I got asked by literally 3 people at church on Sunday if there was anything to tell them, because I looked glowing. One of them was even a friend who has experienced a loss not that long ago. Why can't I just look good without any help from a baby!? It's not my fault I am radiant all by myself apparently. lol.

We are benched for now by choice, which I think I mentioned before, so I'm even struggling with feeling alone but not having much to share. Everywhere kinda hurts as a place to hang out for one reason or another. I think I'm just PMSing today. AF is due tomorrow.

QOTW: Pie all day, every day. A good sweet potato pie is the best life has to offer.

All the hugs! You're definitely not alone. You know where to find me if you ever wanna talk

[♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪]

ohinvrtedworld, I am so sorry. It is so hard to not get angry when people ask questions like that.

My monitoring appointment went...okay. I hadn't started my period yet and still had lining. Basically I have to start it by Monday or I can't start taking the estradiol. That freaked me out, but I think I've started today, so FX I can move forward.

I was bummed to find out that if this transfer in October doesn't stick, there won't be enough time in 2016 to do another one. That borderline pissed me off. But I'll move on because I have to.

[ohinvrtedworld]

Sept 17, 2016 11:15:40 GMT -5 ♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪ said:

ohinvrtedworld , I am so sorry. It is so hard to not get angry when people ask questions like that.

My monitoring appointment went...okay. I hadn't started my period yet and still had lining. Basically I have to start it by Monday or I can't start taking the estradiol. That freaked me out, but I think I've started today, so FX I can move forward.

I was bummed to find out that if this transfer in October doesn't stick, there won't be enough time in 2016 to do another one. That borderline pissed me off. But I'll move on because I have to.

It feels weird saying it, but come on CD1! Hurry up and come! I hope today is really the start and won't mess up your timeline. I am demanding the universe that you be KU this year and that's that. 

[mill23]

Keeping my fingers crossed for you kawaiikitsune!

daisy818, sorry for CD1. Hope the 5th time is the charm for you. Big creepy internet hugs.

butlerfan, great score on the free stuff and hope it's easy moving things forward with a daycare.

ironbaby, ugh IF timing always sucks. Sorry you can't enjoy the visit with your friends.

cheezee, you can always vent with us! Hope the work situation gets figured out.

ceejay, glad your procedure went well and you got good results!

@samrs22 I've had a different Dr/nurse for each procedure so far. I've just closed my eyes and thought of something else. I only see my RE for results and discussion. It's frustrating and I hate it, but it's always over quickly.

Such big hugs ohinvrtedworld. IF can be so isolating. I feel like that a lot, with only a few people IRL who know what is going on and not wanting to go on and on about it. The feeling of being in limbo and not belonging is so tough. We're here for you when you need us.

♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪, so strange to say but hope CD1 shows up soon so you can move forward!

[mill23]

AFM, CD11 of a natural cycle. I think we are going to move on to IUI next cycle but the cost has me kind of freaked out. We will be fully OOP. I've been travelling a lot this cycle so not temping but I think we are about to hit FW so I guess need to get things in gear here. I have little hope and having a hard time GAF about this cycle.

I have no idea what to expect with IUI and how many appointments/meds/shots to expect. I'll need to do more research. This talk about work makes me think I'll need to be super organized to make it all work.

[ohinvrtedworld]

Sept 17, 2016 12:59:34 GMT -5 mill23 said:

AFM, CD11 of a natural cycle. I think we are going to move on to IUI next cycle but the cost has me kind of freaked out. We will be fully OOP. I've been travelling a lot this cycle so not temping but I think we are about to hit FW so I guess need to get things in gear here. I have little hope and having a hard time GAF about this cycle.

I have no idea what to expect with IUI and how many appointments/meds/shots to expect. I'll need to do more research. This talk about work makes me think I'll need to be super organized to make it all work.

Getting organized and making checklists/steps has given me at least the satisfaction of feeling some control, even if the control is just an illusion lol. I hope research makes you feel like it's more doable.

[teachermomtobe]

Sept 17, 2016 12:59:34 GMT -5 mill23 said:

AFM, CD11 of a natural cycle. I think we are going to move on to IUI next cycle but the cost has me kind of freaked out. We will be fully OOP. I've been travelling a lot this cycle so not temping but I think we are about to hit FW so I guess need to get things in gear here. I have little hope and having a hard time GAF about this cycle.

I have no idea what to expect with IUI and how many appointments/meds/shots to expect. I'll need to do more research. This talk about work makes me think I'll need to be super organized to make it all work.

For my IUIs I used Clomid or Femara and the generic version of both were cheap. If you use injects then they cost much more. I used Crinone for progestetone support since my RE always does progesterone support for any medicated cycle. Crinone is expensive OOP but there are other progesterone options. As for appts I had a baseline ultrasound between CD3-5 and then went back at CD10 to start monitoring to trigger O and make sure too many eggs weren't growing. I usually needed 2-3 ultrasounds to check egg growth for a total of 3-4 ultrasounds per IUI. My RE doesn't do bloodwork during IUI cycles.

Edit: I can't spell

[teachermomtobe]

@samrs22, My RE didn't do any of my testing. A different RE was available when I needed my HSG done and the ultrasound tech does any of my ultrasounds. At this point I feel like so many people have seen the goods I really don't even care who does what anymore. I hope your testing goes well. How did your supervisor respond to your email? I also always wonder if any TCF members are in my waiting rooms!

cateyes, Yay for a thick lining. So excited for your transfer on Friday!!

ohinvrtedworld, I'm so sorry people are asking you if you're pregnant. Have we lost all sense of decency as a society?! I totally get not feeling like you fit in any check-ins. I have gone through that at various points in this journey. Just know that you are most certainly not alone and even if other members aren't currently experiencing those feelings I would venture to say that most of us have been there at one point. We'd love for you to hang around wherever feels good for you or take a break from it all. We will be here for you when you're ready.

♪♫choppinbroccoli♫♪, Hope your period started today! FX this is it for you and 2016 will be your year!

[teachermomtobe]

@samrs22, my RE has 4 offices. I have one I usually go to but I have had to go to 2 other offices. One I had to go to because it's the only one open for weekend IUIs. Another I had to go to for my HSG because it was the only availability when I needed it. I also had to go there for an IUI because there was no nurse who could do IUI at my regular office the day I needed it (she just happened to be off that day). I also have to go to a different place than the 4 RE offices for my IVF retrieval and transfer.

So to answer your question I go to one place for like 98% of appts (blood and ultrasound) but sometimes I have to travel for procedures.