GKU IF WEEKLY CHECK IN-3/30

[Stringy]

So another thing I've been wondering is how people are deciding what level intervention to go to? Like, the RE's suggesting clomid+trigger+IUI - do your (general you, folks who have been discussing this) diagnoses (if you have one) line up for that. For example, I added a trigger because everything checked out A-OK, I had 2 good follies, clear tubes, so I figured trigger helps with timing, good.

But if this doesn't work, I'm assuming I'll be offered clomid (already was, technically) - but, if I have multiple follies naturally each time, why would clomid help? So I'm trying to think of it like adding interventions that match the problem, KWIM?

I realize that if you have no diagnosis or clear issue that you know exists, its really hard to decide where to go next, and opt to stay the course.

[kawaiikitsune]

@diordra - GL next Monday!

[heatherj9603]

Doing good. Had my post op appointment today. Everything looks good. She said she consulted with an RE about timeline of trying. The re said 3-6months but my obgyn said they both agreed 6 months is a safer bet because of the location of my tumor and that they had to cut into my uterus to remove it. So we are to definitly NOT get pregnant within the next 3 months, but we can safely be less cautions for the following 3 months. So basically we can do a NTNP for the other 3 months and start trying in september. 

[Cythe]

Stringy Assuming my HSG shows open tubes (I'm waiting for CD1 so I can call and get that done) then our diagnosis will be unexplained, and my doc has already given me the info for Clomid + IUI. She didn't mention a trigger and I was so preoccupied, I didn't ask. I ovulate regularly on CD 21-26 usually and have no LP issues. For us, the Clomid is there to hopefully have a "stronger ovulation" not to necessarily make me ovulate - cause I'm lucky to do that on my own.

[mrsjene]

Mar 30, 2015 9:02:30 GMT -5 @littleliverpill said:

@wineandcupcakes, I'm so sorry to hear the diagnosis of Celiac's because I know how much you have already had to deal with in terms of lifestyle and diet changes. People keep telling me to try acupuncture (I'm a skeptic but slowly coming around to the idea) but I hope that it is helpful for you, in terms of relaxation even if not IF-related. Good luck on your consult and physical today!

I got the blood work results back but am not going over them with the RE until I get the other tests (SA, HSG) done. As far as I could tell, everything came back smack dab in the middle of the normal range with the exception of testosterone, which was really, really low. I asked around on 3T and no one had any experience with low T, so I'm not even certain if that is IF-related. I am really, really hoping my only problem is a luteal phase issue but the 7 DPO progesterone test threw me for a loop!

I was diagnosed with low testosterone years ago when I was tested for something unrelated.  When I brought it up with my obgyn, he said it shouldn't affect anything.  Just my experience...

[peaseblossom55]

Ttc for 5 months on cycle 4 (I'm over 35)
Diagnosis of pcos.
First cycle of TI metformin and femara resulted in a bfn. So onto another cycle of the same all being monitored by my RE
No other issues just hoping it works out for us this cycle
QOTW: I'm looking forward to being outside more gardening and not having to wear socks

[Stringy]

Mar 30, 2015 12:23:43 GMT -5 Cythe said:

Stringy Assuming my HSG shows open tubes (I'm waiting for CD1 so I can call and get that done) then our diagnosis will be unexplained, and my doc has already given me the info for Clomid + IUI. She didn't mention a trigger and I was so preoccupied, I didn't ask. I ovulate regularly on CD 21-26 usually and have no LP issues. For us, the Clomid is there to hopefully have a "stronger ovulation" not to necessarily make me ovulate - cause I'm lucky to do that on my own.

thanks - i'll have to talk to my RE about what clomid would add in my case.  I suppose having more follicles is good - but then not too many. So confusing.  On a good note she seems to let me choose (trigger was totally up to me or not) - but on the other hand I guess I need to press for more info about what adding more interventions really does when there is no clear problem.

[kawaiikitsune]

birdie - Welcome, although I'm sorry you have found yourself here. GL with your new RE and puppy!

[joy]

Mar 30, 2015 13:06:34 GMT -5 Stringy said:

Mar 30, 2015 12:23:43 GMT -5 Cythe said:

Stringy Assuming my HSG shows open tubes (I'm waiting for CD1 so I can call and get that done) then our diagnosis will be unexplained, and my doc has already given me the info for Clomid + IUI. She didn't mention a trigger and I was so preoccupied, I didn't ask. I ovulate regularly on CD 21-26 usually and have no LP issues. For us, the Clomid is there to hopefully have a "stronger ovulation" not to necessarily make me ovulate - cause I'm lucky to do that on my own.

thanks - i'll have to talk to my RE about what clomid would add in my case.  I suppose having more follicles is good - but then not too many. So confusing.  On a good note she seems to let me choose (trigger was totally up to me or not) - but on the other hand I guess I need to press for more info about what adding more interventions really does when there is no clear problem.

I have no clear problem, either.  I ovulate on time, my luteal phases are good length, etc.  Everything seems great.

Clomid was recommended in case I was having weak ovulation (low progesterone; progesterone blood draws don't really give an accurate picture; long luteal phases apparently don't always correlate with strong ovulation) or not maturing eggs. 

IUI was recommended because the sperm are washed and then deposited directly in the uterus.  The cervix can sometimes be a problem for sperm entrance or sperm attrition.   Inflammation (possible endometriosis there; endo cannot be diagnosed without surgery) can also be an issue there.

Trigger was recommended so that the IUI was optimally timed.  Yes, I ovulate almost always on CD14.  But, bodies can do as they wish.  Instead of assuming all will work as usual or relying on OPKs to time the IUI, my RE suggested a trigger to remove some guesswork.

I know you're using donor sperm so I'm not sure what kind of treatment they were given before being passed on to you.  I can't adjust what he told me based on that, but you can!  :-)

[icequeen]

cateyes, thank you for starting, dear! I'm sorry about cycle 2, better luck next time!!
Cythe, those damn utes. I hope CD 1 comes fast so you can get going again.
@littleliverpill, I'm glad the progesterone is working for you! When I had spotting during my short LP, my RE actually told me it was due to my low estrogen, and put me on Estrace. I'm not certain if this is an individual case, but I was already taking progesterone and still spotted. It the cycle that was only 17 days where I had my CP the first time. It was so out of whack.
babycowbell, good luck in treatment!!
mrsjene, I know it's hard to speak up when you're in the presence of more experienced and established professionals, but this is your treatment, and you are paying them. Ask questions and take YH if you can.
kariann12, I've been thinking about you! Hope you are feeling better. FX for you!
longhornwino0907, eeeek! good luck testing!
lovegrilledcheese, I hope you tolerate the meds better this cycle.
madamewaffles, got everything crossed for you, girl! Keep us posted!
@wineandcupcakes, I know Celiac is such a drastic life change. Seems like you're being super proactive with the acupuncture and mind/body group!
mainewifey, I'm sorry this is so hard on YH. Good luck with the further testing.
@bloodyjack87, yay I'm glad you decided on a plan! GL!!
@britterrss, I'm sorry the metformin is making you feel crappy.
Daikoku, hope the SA turns out well!
twinkie0612, hope the FET goes smoothly, will keep my FX crossed this is the lucky cycle for you!
kawaiikitsune, ((HUGS)) for the rough week. We're here for you. Take good care of yourself.
@diordra, I'm happy you feel comfortable and good luck on Monday!
heatherj9603, I hope you are feeling better emotionally post-surgery, and seems like the healing is going well.
birdie, welcome! You sound super positive and I'm excited for you to get a puppy! That will be so fun.

I had post-ovulation BW and US done today. I ovulated the one follie I had, but apparently it was hidden by a cyst on my left ovary which I had no idea about so now I am completely skeptical. My estrogen and progesterone is low as usual so I am taking supplements. I am not hopeful for this cycle anymore.

[kaliRN]

Thanks cateyes for starting!
I'm mobile and it's hard to respond to everyone outside of my own head but FX to those in the TWW and glad to see people advocating for themselves with the RE.
AFM I'm in the TWW of medicated cycle #1 with clomid 50mg and ovidrel. I triggered Saturday the 21. I feel like my hopes are up and I'm trying hard to lower my expectations. I'll be testing friday or Saturday. Hoping this is my cycle.
QOTW: I'm just looking forward to less clothes and time spent reading books in my hammock!

[longhornwino0907]

Well, I had just the slightest bit of spotting today (after a morning of nausea and a headache). I told DH, and we've decided to test tonight or tomorrow morning. I have a bad feeling, and we figure it's best to get the bad news over with, so we can regroup and enjoy our vacation. IF really freaking sucks.

[lovegrilledcheese]

longhornwino0907 hugs but you still aren't out. FX for you

[longhornwino0907]

Mar 30, 2015 17:21:06 GMT -5 lovegrilledcheese said:

longhornwino0907 hugs but you still aren't out. FX for you

H told me he'd cry with me no matter the outcome of the test. Which broke my heart because I have actually never seen the man cry. Not sure I could handle sad tears from him.

[kawaiikitsune]

Mar 30, 2015 17:30:46 GMT -5 longhornwino0907 said:

Mar 30, 2015 17:21:06 GMT -5 lovegrilledcheese said:

longhornwino0907 hugs but you still aren't out. FX for you

H told me he'd cry with me no matter the outcome of the test. Which broke my heart because I have actually never seen the man cry. Not sure I could handle sad tears from him.

Crossing everything so freaking hard for ya'll. I hate seeing MH cry, it breaks my heart.

[Stringy]

Thanks joy that was a good description. I guess I should talk to my RE more about clomid if this next cycle is a bust too.

Nice thing about donor sperm is that it is screened to be top quality- and has been so far. But because it's been frozen it may not live as long after thaw making timing even more critical. In theory it also means we could switch donors- but since we have a daughter already we absolutely want them to have the same donor.

[mrsjene]

Mar 30, 2015 17:30:46 GMT -5 longhornwino0907 said:

Mar 30, 2015 17:21:06 GMT -5 lovegrilledcheese said:

longhornwino0907 hugs but you still aren't out. FX for you

H told me he'd cry with me no matter the outcome of the test. Which broke my heart because I have actually never seen the man cry. Not sure I could handle sad tears from him.

This just broke my heart.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[longhornwino0907]

Stark white. I swear, I wouldn't know a squinter if it bit me in the ass. Always stark white.

Moving back to Femara and TI for a while until the fact that we're moving on to injectables sinks in. Oh, and we save up some money for it.

[icequeen]

I'm so sorry, longhornwino0907. MH is so strong all the time, too, and he's always the one I lean on. But if y'all can laugh together, you should be able to cry together also. No one understands each other better than the two of you do.

[lovegrilledcheese]

longhornwino0907 I am so sorry. Big hugs to you.

[brettanomyces]

Hi Ladies,

Rooting for all of you that are cycling or in TWW!

Hugs for everyone who needs one. Sorry to hear about REs being too aggressive in their treatment plans. I have a feeling "numbers" are important to some of these guys and depending on the personality type they might have a tendency to want to sprint to the finish line without putting the patient's feelings first.

That said, I think my clinic errs on the aggressive side, and I'm all for it. I've already gone through enough "maybe just one more cycle" cycles, many of them with religious observance considerations. I'm ready to just get pregnant. Although my RE seems to think IVF is our best shot, so maybe starting with Clomid + trigger + IUI really IS her way of starting out minimally.

So, CD1 was Saturday. I cried most of the day. Not because I was surprised to get AF, I expected that. And I am glad to be proceeding with treatment. I was just sad. Feeling better today, but I've got a cold. I head to the clinic for baseline monitoring and my clomid script tomorrow. I'm worrying how the IUI timing os going to work with Jewish holidays right in the middle of when I normally O. 

QOTW: I'm just looking forward to not freezing my ass off. I hate the cold.

[lovegrilledcheese]

Mar 30, 2015 20:43:12 GMT -5 brettanomyces said:

Hi Ladies,

Rooting for all of you that are cycling or in TWW!

Hugs for everyone who needs one. Sorry to hear about REs being too aggressive in their treatment plans. I have a feeling "numbers" are important to some of these guys and depending on the personality type they might have a tendency to want to sprint to the finish line without putting the patient's feelings first.

That said, I think my clinic errs on the aggressive side, and I'm all for it. I've already gone through enough "maybe just one more cycle" cycles, many of them with religious observance considerations. I'm ready to just get pregnant. Although my RE seems to think IVF is our best shot, so maybe starting with Clomid + trigger + IUI really IS her way of starting out minimally.

So, CD1 was Saturday. I cried most of the day. Not because I was surprised to get AF, I expected that. And I am glad to be proceeding with treatment. I was just sad. Feeling better today, but I've got a cold. I head to the clinic for baseline monitoring and my clomid script tomorrow. I'm worrying how the IUI timing os going to work with Jewish holidays right in the middle of when I normally O. 

QOTW: I'm just looking forward to not freezing my ass off. I hate the cold.

I am just curious, are you not allowed to do an IUI on a Jewish holiday? Is it the same after sundown on a Friday to Saturday on the weekend?

[MrsRC88]

Hey ladies. I don't really have any major updates... CD 25... Approximately 10dpo (could also be 12dpo). I don't feel anything- don't feel like I could be pregnant and don't feel like my period is coming. I had quite a bit of cramping over the weekend, which is slightly unusual for me, but i don't have my hopes up.

I'm supposed to call my ob/gyn on CD1 to schedule CD3 b/w. Depending upon the timing of CD1, I may or may not wait until next cycle. With Easter this weekend, I'm afraid the timing for b/w will suck and H still hasn't done his SA (imagine that).

[brettanomyces]

Mar 30, 2015 20:45:59 GMT -5 lovegrilledcheese said:

Mar 30, 2015 20:43:12 GMT -5 brettanomyces said:

 I'm worrying how the IUI timing os going to work with Jewish holidays right in the middle of when I normally O. 

I am just curious, are you not allowed to do an IUI on a Jewish holiday? Is it the same after sundown on a Friday to Saturday on the weekend?

To answer your second question first, yes, (certain) holidays have the same restrictions as the Sabbath. 

Doing IUI on a Sabbath/holiday isn't not-allowed, it just gets complicated. So complicated in our case (with a two day in a row holiday/Shabbat) that it might just make more sense to postpone it to a better time. To list a few issues: The people using the ultrasound, centrifuge, etc can't be Jewish (complex rules about who can do what for you in certain situations). We'd have to stay in a hotel for 3 nights because it'd be a 2-hour walk to the clinic each way (expensive!). We have to avoid using automatic doors and key fobs at the hotel. We'd need a dog sitter. The clinic isn't in the eruv, meaning we can't carry anything outside the hotel (like health cards, hotel keys). We'd have to arrange kosher meals in advance. Etc, etc, etc. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my religion and I'm not complaining. It's just that some things can be more challenging. And with everything else we have to get ready for Passover there isn't much time to arrange everything. 

[babycowbell]

Sorry longhornwino0907

[lovegrilledcheese]

Mar 30, 2015 21:06:15 GMT -5 brettanomyces said:

Mar 30, 2015 20:45:59 GMT -5 lovegrilledcheese said:

I am just curious, are you not allowed to do an IUI on a Jewish holiday? Is it the same after sundown on a Friday to Saturday on the weekend?

To answer your second question first, yes, (certain) holidays have the same restrictions as the Sabbath. 

Doing IUI on a Sabbath/holiday isn't not-allowed, it just gets complicated. So complicated in our case (with a two day in a row holiday/Shabbat) that it might just make more sense to postpone it to a better time. To list a few issues: The people using the ultrasound, centrifuge, etc can't be Jewish (complex rules about who can do what for you in certain situations). We'd have to stay in a hotel for 3 nights because it'd be a 2-hour walk to the clinic each way (expensive!). We have to avoid using automatic doors and key fobs at the hotel. We'd need a dog sitter. The clinic isn't in the eruv, meaning we can't carry anything outside the hotel (like health cards, hotel keys). We'd have to arrange kosher meals in advance. Etc, etc, etc. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my religion and I'm not complaining. It's just that some things can be more challenging. And with everything else we have to get ready for Passover there isn't much time to arrange everything. 

Wow so interesting, I didn't even think about some of those things. I hope that you can make it work. I wish you the best this cycle!

[brettanomyces]

Mar 30, 2015 21:11:54 GMT -5 lovegrilledcheese said:

Mar 30, 2015 21:06:15 GMT -5 brettanomyces said:

To answer your second question first, yes, (certain) holidays have the same restrictions as the Sabbath. 

Doing IUI on a Sabbath/holiday isn't not-allowed, it just gets complicated. So complicated in our case (with a two day in a row holiday/Shabbat) that it might just make more sense to postpone it to a better time. To list a few issues: The people using the ultrasound, centrifuge, etc can't be Jewish (complex rules about who can do what for you in certain situations). We'd have to stay in a hotel for 3 nights because it'd be a 2-hour walk to the clinic each way (expensive!). We have to avoid using automatic doors and key fobs at the hotel. We'd need a dog sitter. The clinic isn't in the eruv, meaning we can't carry anything outside the hotel (like health cards, hotel keys). We'd have to arrange kosher meals in advance. Etc, etc, etc. 

Don't get me wrong, I love my religion and I'm not complaining. It's just that some things can be more challenging. And with everything else we have to get ready for Passover there isn't much time to arrange everything. 

Wow so interesting, I didn't even think about some of those things. I hope that you can make it work. I wish you the best this cycle!

Thanks! 

Hoping my ovaries play ball with the Clomid and I'll be ready to trigger/IUI early. This will be an interesting month in any case. 

[Cythe]

I'm so, so sorry longhornwino0907. IF is so unfair, so unfair.

[peaseblossom55]

Mar 30, 2015 20:02:51 GMT -5 longhornwino0907 said:

Stark white. I swear, I wouldn't know a squinter if it bit me in the ass. Always stark white.

Moving back to Femara and TI for a while until the fact that we're moving on to injectables sinks in. Oh, and we save up some money for it.

I'm so sorry sending lots of hugs.

[Rama]

I'm here, I'm here! Work has been a huge pain in the ass lately and now I have to be all mobile all the time. I promise I read everyone's posts and I think about you all every week. <3 Replying individually is just impossibly hard. All of the hugs for everyone wanting one, crossed fingers for those waiting, and middle fingers to IF.

AFM, I'm in the middle of a weird phenomenon with ute town. Started spotting yesterday and thought I had gotten CD1 earlier today. Sweet, another normal cycle, I can dig this. However, what I thought was a light flow was only for a few hours while at work. No CD1 when I left home this morning, CD1 at work, nothing close to CD1 by the time I get home. Thanks for the mindfuck, body. Can we just get the party started, please? I would much rather have a normal length cycle (despite short LP) than get faked into another long cycle from hell.



QOTW: What are you most looking forward to now that the weather is (fingers crossed) getting nicer? MrRama and I have been talking about starting a garden this year. It's exciting to think about growing our own food!