**MFI Check-in 1/21**

[lemonliz]

Greetings, Bad Apples!

So funny story, I tried to change my username and avatar on Voldemort and nothing happened. Hmmmm. So I went to the HQ board and tried to post up a request to get my account and content deleted on their "Deletions" thread. Nothing happened. Anyhow, I've PM'd and I'm hoping this is the end of it, but I think maybe I was banned? Oh well.  

Anyhow, back to MFI. How are things going?  Obviously this is a check-in for anyone dealing with an MFI diagnosis. Come and update and tell us how you're doing.  Sorry for the lackluster roll-call.  With all the changes around here lately I don't think I captured everyone's latest status, especially the IVF folks.  

QOTW: if you were going to adopt a pet/another pet, what kind of pet would it be? 


bluefairy5 IVF#1 baseline Friday!

booklover811 H lifestyle changes, natural cycles

BunnyBerry IUI#5 cancelled 

@cupcakegal930 testing, urologist

deelopi9 IUI#4

dharmachick starting IVF

fightersince83 FET#2, MRI

firstbbq IVF#1 Feb '15

gobucksoh IVF#1 between ER/ET

jennykat testing, SA Feb '15

k1111k IVF#2 between ER/ET

tkb24 IUI#1

kcheese IVF#1 between ER/ET

kensie5226 IUI#1 Feb '15

lemonliz IVF#1.2 TBD, IUI 2WW

Martinis&Medicine NTNP, getting DH on board

murrt IVF#1 consult

oceanhutt DH HCG injects, NTNP

@osesecret

rainbowbridge14 IVF#1 March '15

remylove1011 IUI#1 Feb '15

@roguezymosis

sammae IVF#1 Feb '15

Tiger (formerly amlrunner) honorary member, NTNP

tptbabe IVF#2 Mar '15

ttcbabyj IVF#1 TBD

nomnom FET#1 BFP - congrats!!

yoshijo28 IUI#1

[Edited for tags and additions]

[lemonliz]

Sorry for the tag fails! I have no idea what happened, especially since I know some of the people whose tag failed are definitely here.

I'm in the 2WW following the IUI. Not much to update other than that! I've officially gone back to having not much to report again.

I've posted MH's post-wash counts a couple of times already, but after 9 months on supplements nothing really changed. His count got a little bit better, for a 2 day abstinence, but his motility and morph weren't great.

BunnyBerry, I'm dying to know and I haven't seen an update - what happened with your cycle this month?!

nomnom, I hope I didn't spill the beans if you weren't ready to call it!

[remylove1011]

Well I just got to work after my CD3 appointment with the vag cam. Did some bloodwork as well and I'm supposed to get a call later today. Have to go fill my prescriptions for the cycle(Lerozole and Ovidrel) so that I can start them today. MH is trucking along on ConceptionXR. Ordered a three month supply that came in the mail yesterday. He still doesn't know how much it costs and really hasn't asked after my initial response of "a lot".

Nothing exciting.


**OP children mentioned**
Who the hell brings their baby to a fertility clinic appointment? Every single person there is currently cycling since that's what morning appointments are for. Why would you do this? Her husband came with too, so he could have stayed somewhere close with the baby. Just thought it was so rude and sad to watch all the women looking at the baby (myself included). Ok end rant.


Edit: Opps forgot QOTW. I would love to get another kitty, but know that it's probably not a good idea right now. We adopted Remy and I always have a hard time when I go to the pet store and they have a shelter visiting with all the tiny cats.

[BunnyBerry]

Thanks for the check-in, Liz. IVF was cancelled due to E2 drop.

I trigger Thurs to hopefully avoid cysts. Abstaining. Stupidest TWW ever, ugh.

Would you take a cycle off for a break from the insanity (hormonally, physically, emotionally, and schedule-wise), or do a Letrozole/injects IUI with negligible chances to maaaaybe avoid OOP IVF? We have saved up enough Bravelle for at least 2 fresh cycles already.

DH made a declaration that he would eat more vegetables for his sperm. Something he decides to do a few times a year but it never lasts, poor thing!

QOTW: I am allergic to truly every animal. But have been considering fish (I have a small tank).

[fightersince83]

remylove1011 I agree, that's a dick move. Have some awareness of others people! In general I'm not super bothered by seeing LOs, though that can go in waves, seeing them in certain places (like the RE's office) really pisses me off. Our office even has a sign posted to please not bring children...I guess rules don't apply to some people (insert eye roll)

No news here, plugging away on BCP which I hate. MRI is in one week but they are having me do another baseline + bw this Fri. Seems silly until we know the results of the MRI, but whatever.

[tptbabe]

Hey lemonliz, can I join in on this? We used to have a check-in on IF awhile ago, but it fell by the wayside.

We're doing IVF #2 in March! DH is continuing to attempt lifestyle changes, but is not on Clomid for this go-round. We're doing PICSI with this next cycle, so we're hoping that gives us a bit of an extra edge? With all our embryos arresting last time (and we had 13 of them growing strong until day 5!), we think there's likely some frag issues, even though the test came back with decent results? No supplements for DH, since everything he's taken in the past has dropped his numbers further, except Clomid. Which made him into a raging bitch.

[yoshijo28]

Lemonliz can I join too? We're dealing with MFI (very low count but I haven't had the apt to discuss the numbers).

[bluefairy5]

remylove1011 There's about a 50/50 chance I'll see a baby when I'm at my RE. On the plus side, it makes me think they have a lot of repeat business. However, the most recent one I saw was there later, after monitoring hours (saying hi to her nurses), so at least she had that presence of mind.

BunnyBerry In your shoes I honestly might take a month off if you have enough Bravelle saved up now. It sounds like you're kind of worn down about it at the moment. LOL re: YH.

Thanks for organizing this lemonliz! As you mentioned, I'm just cooling my heels 'til baseline on Friday morning. Ready for post-BCP withdrawal bleed to start any old time now, because I will go full Amazon and hack off my boobs soon, they're so sore. I forgot BCP does that to me.


QOTW: We were toying around with the idea of getting Tarot a little rescued Siamese sister, to engage more of his time/energy. (We were very torn about this idea, though, as he's been an only kitteh since we adopted him in 2004.) So we went on the website of the org we got him from, and saw an adult female who sounded very sweet... until we got to the note that she uses her Siamese voice "judiciously"... which is EXACTLY what they say about him, LOL. "Judicious" isn't the word I'd use for his use of yowls. "With abandon" would be more accurate. (And now that I read that you shouldn't get new cats right before or during pregnancy, that idea's fully scrapped.)

[tptbabe]

lemonliz - I'm sorry you didn't get better news with the SA. I hate that it takes so long to find out if anything worked, and then it can feel like such a waste of time after! Good luck with your cycle, and I hope the 2WW passes quickly!

remylove1011 - My old clinic welcomed and encouraged people to bring their kids with them? They said that it gave the other patients hope. Yeah... No separate waiting area or anything, just mix 'em in with everybody!

BunnyBerry - I'm sorry you got cancelled I would think that with this last cycle having the possibility of being converted to IVF, I might consider moving forward. This was your 6th one, correct? Are IUIs OOP for you, or are they covered? I think that if they were covered, and I had the meds, I *might* do it one more time. Otherwise, I'd take the mental break.

[lemonliz]

remylove1011, that's harsh, bringing a baby to the RE's office. I totally get that some people come back and show off the baby to the staff, but that's what the afternoons are for. My RE used to share office space with an OBGYN and it was god awful. Glad he moved.

Oh, also, check your insurance provider to see if they'll cover letrozole. Mine does and they don't cover much that's IF related, but it's because Femara is kind of used off-label for IF and it was developed as a breast-cancer drug.

I forgot the QOTW earlier: Another pug. I've always wanted a French Bulldog, but we'll totally get another pug someday. Since Oliver is a fawn, maybe we'll get a black female. Our beagle is getting old and Oliver really cannot be an only-dog; I think he'd be lost.

[lemonliz]

Jan 21, 2015 9:10:24 GMT -5 BunnyBerry said:

Would you take a cycle off for a break from the insanity (hormonally, physically, emotionally, and schedule-wise), or do a Letrozole/injects IUI with negligible chances to maaaaybe avoid OOP IVF? We have saved up enough Bravelle for at least 2 fresh cycles already.

I'm so sorry about the conversion not working out, Bunny! That stinks. 

I would definitely think about taking a cycle off if you've saved up enough Bravelle for 2 fresh cycles. This one was a roller-coaster for you, so I can totally see taking a cycle off before IVF.  Plus, if they start you off on BCP, you have to take a cycle off anyhow.  

[lemonliz]

Jan 21, 2015 9:14:30 GMT -5 tptbabe said:

Hey lemonliz, can I join in on this? We used to have a check-in on IF awhile ago, but it fell by the wayside.

Hell yeah! Welcome!! I'll add you now  

ETA:

yoshijo28, welcome! 

bluefairy5, that "judicious" meow made me laugh! I've often thought about getting a cat. I love those exotic short haired cats with the smooshed faces (you know, the ones that look like pugs, but in cat-form). I think Oliver would have a blast with a cat - he's very curious about cats - but Hattie (the beagle) might eat it. 

[tkb24]

remylove1011 MH started on ConceptionXR in December. He says it doesn't smell anywhere near as bad as Fertilaid.

lemonliz can you edit my name from kbojo24 to tkb24 ?

Waiting for AF to start this Saturday then ultrasound Monday and trigger for IUI #1. My progesterone came back 20 on 9dpo. Do you think they will still do the trigger next cycle even though it looks like I ovulated? Or is that on a need be basis only?

QOTW: when I was little I was watching MTV Cribs and I don't remember who it was, but they had pet penguins. Just chillin in the pond doing penguin stuff. I would take one of those anyway.. As soon as MH gets his wish and we move to the country.

[kensie5226]

No update here. CD1 came yesterday, and my OB referral appointment is tomorrow. (Lucky her.) Assuming my insurance doesn't dick me over we're on course for late Feb IUI#1.

QOTW: I would love a second rescue dog, but our first one doesn't like other dogs. She had a precarious first home situation with smaller dogs that bullied her and stole her food. In the 2 years that I have co-owned her (DH got her before we met) she has attacked 3 other dogs. Including my parent's dachshund. She is wonderful with other people, including babies and children. But, she can't be around other dogs, so she is it for us.

[yoshijo28]

Thanks lemonliz! (Sorry if it doesn't tag right)

[Tiger]

Hi ladies! Lemon - you can put me on the roll as Tiger. If you don't mind me continuing to post here, even though I'm NTNP.

Fingers crossed that this is THE TWW that ends all TWWs, Lemon!

Babies in the waiting room would make me stabby. I'm pretty sure my RE has a rule against bringing children in at all.

So, this is our first month officially 'NTNP for eternity.' I'm waiting for DH to get me a referral through his EAP for our therapist. I'm doing ok now, but I think I need some long-term strategies to deal with this weird state of not TRYING but still WANTING a baby. I'm not using OPKs, but if other cycles are any indication, we hit 0-1, O-4 this month... the hope never dies!

QOTW: We have two rescue black-lab mixes. If I could get any other pet, I'd get a rabbit. I don't know why, but I always thought it would be cool to have a rabbit!

[lemonliz]

Tiger I am SO GLAD you stuck around! I don't care if you're NTNP until menopause, you're still family! I will update your screen name

[nomnom]

First, QOTW: I want a little wrinkle

I, big wrinkle, made all of these little wrinkles.


**warning, BFP mentioned**
Second, should I keep posting here or assume that interested parties will lurk on PAIF? I don't want to post everywhere and rub things in people's faces.

ETA: lemonliz Nope, no beans spilled. I don't want to sit in limbo for two weeks while I wait for the u/s, so I'll just call it now and go back if I need to. The chance of something not working at this point is pretty small.

[lemonliz]

nomnom, just wait until after your u/s if you're not ready to leave yet! And hopefully you can get GBCB's PAIF board going. The last time I looked over there it was a little sparse, but hopefully after yesterday people made the move!

[nomnom]

BunnyBerry I'd consider a cycle off of meds just to give your mind and body a break. I think it served me well after 3 IUIs and a fresh IVF in a row.

[mariana81]

Hello Ladies, good morning.
I am new in this thread but I have been around but on IVF check-ins.. may I join this group??   My DH has severe MFI and we were recommend to go straight to IVF + ICSI due to his numbers.. We have recently found that he is positive for a mild Cystic Fibrosis which explained his infertility problems.. He is on clomid now and we are starting ivf#3. Good luck to you all!

remylove1011 I couldn't agree more!!! In my previous clinic I had this problem so often.. I really don't get it. In my new clinic they kindly advise people about this ("please be sensible and avoid bringing your kids if you can").. it shouldn't have to be said though, but I am glad that they do. It is so tough, especially on WTF appointment days..

edit: forgot QOTD
I would love to adopt a cat.. I have a dog who thinks that she is a cat because when she was a baby she had cats as brother and sister.. but DH does not want a cat 

[lemonliz]

Welcome mariana81!

[lemonliz]

firstbbq, PUUUUUULEAAAAASE get another Archie puppy!! I greedily want to see puppy Archie pics.

[BunnyBerry]

tptbabe 1 more IUI is covered, that's why even though I want the break I am feeling guilty like I should at least try once more to avoid IVF. Maybe I should put off the decision untl AF comes, until the stress of this 2nd cancelled cycle wears off a bit.

tkb24 Oh wow penguins sounds amazing (in theory)!! Did you read Mr. Popper's Penguins as a kid or see the movie? I loved imagining pet penguins as a kid.

[lemonliz]

Jan 21, 2015 10:56:45 GMT -5 firstbbq said:

Jan 21, 2015 10:52:53 GMT -5 lemonliz said:

firstbbq, PUUUUUULEAAAAASE get another Archie puppy!! I greedily want to see puppy Archie pics.

I'm going to tell DH "it's what the people want." Lol.

LOL. The people have spoken. YH is outvoted.  

[bluefairy5]

Tiger I'm so glad you'll be sticking around! (And I'm going to keep my FX. It can't hurt.)

nomnom Once you do feel you can move over to PAIF, I was emailing with mrshandlebar (don't know if she has an actual account here yet) and saying how we need to get more BFPs so we can get that board more active!

[tptbabe]

Jan 21, 2015 10:56:27 GMT -5 BunnyBerry said:

tptbabe 1 more IUI is covered, that's why even though I want the break I am feeling guilty like I should at least try once more to avoid IVF. Maybe I should put off the decision untl AF comes, until the stress of this 2nd cancelled cycle wears off a bit.

Ah, so that's why it was so cheap for you to convert, got it now! So, what if you were to overstim again on a covered IUI cycle? Would that count against your total covered? Or is it only if the IUI itself is peformed?

[Martinis&Medicine]

Hey ladies! H and finally sat down and made a timeline (the suggestion of our mentor/counselor). I told H that I was willing to wait until August of 2016 if he needed, but preferred January 2016 for my patience as well as insurance purposes. He decided he was on board with January, so we'll see how that goes. I encouraged him to see a urologist in the mean time, but, not surprisingly, he refused. Now I just need to call our RE and see what we will have to do before IVF.


lemonliz Good luck this cycle!

remylove1011 that's so insensitive. I wish people thought more before they acted.

My fertility clinic is 2 hours away, so my RE sees me at the local OBGYN office in town. Everyone assumes I'm there because I'm pregnant. I used to just smile, but now I look at them and say "I can't have kids. Thanks." IF has turned me into a bitch.



QOTW: if you were going to adopt a pet/another pet, what kind of pet would it be? Swiss Mountain Dog!I'm getting puppy fever again. H is not impressed.
I really want a fish, too. H has a huge fish tank that we are getting from his parents once our house is finished. I want some cute, colorful fish. H wants crappy and blue gill and catfish. We are currently arguing, but he'll probably win like always.


Eta: Does anyone here know if your IVF is covered by insurance, do you HAVE to do an IUI before? Are there any other requirements before IVF? I'll call the clinic, of course, but just wondering what others experience might be.

[lemonliz]

Martinis&Medicine I'm glad you guys decided on a deadline! That sounds like an impressive negotiation.

FWIW, I've heard multiple things about insurance covering IVF re: prior IUIs. murrt's insurance covers it regardless of how many IUIs you've had, whereas others have had to try 3-6 (depends on the insurance coverage) before they could proceed to IVF. 6 seems to be the maximum. With AMA, you could get off doing fewer even if insurance requires it. The absolute best person to ask is the financial coordinator at your RE's office and you don't have to have an appointment to talk to them. I'd give him/her a call/email and see if they can run your insurance through their checking system and see what your insurance requires.

[BunnyBerry]

Jan 21, 2015 11:13:18 GMT -5 tptbabe said:

Jan 21, 2015 10:56:27 GMT -5 BunnyBerry said:

tptbabe 1 more IUI is covered, that's why even though I want the break I am feeling guilty like I should at least try once more to avoid IVF. Maybe I should put off the decision untl AF comes, until the stress of this 2nd cancelled cycle wears off a bit.

Ah, so that's why it was so cheap for you to convert, got it now! So, what if you were to overstim again on a covered IUI cycle? Would that count against your total covered? Or is it only if the IUI itself is peformed?

They cover 3 IUIs w/ injects, and will replace 1 if cancelled but no more (so we really tried 3 injects IUI cycles already but only 1 had an IUI performed). Also, RE said we'd do combo oral/injects next time so I can't wish for another overstim and conversion...so it would just be a chance for some more meds, and a small (<5%) chance of pregnancy.