Informal GKU IF weekly check in-8/10

[cateyes]

GKU IF WEEKLY CHECK IN

I am out of town until later today, so I will make a comment and tag everybody when I get home. But I wanted to get the check-in up! Also I wanted to start getting peoples feelings about this whole asterisk business. So check out the question of the week. Otherwise let us know what's going on.




QOTW: I was going to do a poll, but then anybody and everybody can vote and I wanted the people who actually participate in the thread to be the ones to decide. So I decided to make it a question of the week. To put this whole asterisk business to rest, let's chat it out.

The whole point of the asterick is to keep the list up-to-date. I put an asterisk next to people's names solely to keep track of who participates in the community at all, whether that's updating on themselves, supporting other people, or answering questions. If you go a week without participating, I use an asterisk next to your name to keep track, it's not a demerit, it's nothing negative, it's solely just an organization method. I only do it publicly because I don't want to remove people when they didn't realize they had been MIA for so long. If after four weeks without participation I don't hear anything from you, I will assume that you are no longer a part of the community at this point and remove your name from the list. If you were just taking a break or needed a mental time out, let me know and I will totally add you back in! It's that easy.

So with that being said, do you:
-want me to keep the asterisks (public or private),
-not care one way or the other
-want to lose them and do something else to keep the list updated? If you want to lose them, please give me your ideas of how I should keep the list updated. When I just took off a few names last week, there were people who never even came over to TCF from TTGP.

Clear as mud?

Love to each of you and just trying to figure out how to keep this organized!

[cateyes]

I am ether 2 DPO or 4. FF gave me CHs 4 days ago but I think 2 days ago is more likely. Ether way I O'd and so it is time to get this TWW show on the road so we can move on to the next cycle! I am excited to finish testing and have all our data to be able to move on to IVF. I have lost all faith in IUIs working for us.


QOTW-I think everyone know my vote

[joy]

I'm against the asterisks. I find them unwelcoming and an unnecessary bookkeeping (and extra work each week).

I would probably not tag people each week - instead, post the list without tags. People know the thread comes up every Monday. Then I'd tag everyone once every other month. If tagged and didn't respond in that thread or recently? Remove from the list.

[mugster]

cateyes, I'm so excited that you will be able to get all your testing and still cycle next time. Of course, I still hope you get a jumping egg this time, and you don't even have to go there.

I'm also 4 dpo. I had my first IUI on Thursday and it went well. We had 58 million sperm post-wash and four mature follicles, so I'm feeling hopeful (and nervous about multiples). My doctor rubbed her hands together and smiled in this, "ha, ha, ha, I'm totally about to get you pregnant" kind of way... I'm not sure my description is doing it justice.

After the procedure we drove for 12 hours for the funeral, and a few hours in, I found myself in a lot of pain. I'm guessing it was ovulation pain? But I was cramping badly, it hurt to walk, I lost my appetite, and I worried that I should get medical help. We had sex that night, because the doctor told us to, and I thought I might die. It was very sexy. I felt much better the next morning, and now I feel fine, so, I guess that was normal?

QOTW: I don't know. I want everyone to feel safe and welcome more than I care about whether my name is tagged or whether the list is current. But I can imagine the list getting unwieldy quickly if we never take anybody off.

[mrsjene]

Last week was really rough. Probably my roughest week so far in this process. IUI was a bust (again) and we made the decision to move on to IVF. I'm currently CD3 and on BCP until my insurance approves the IVF, which should be sometime in the next two weeks. I have a phone consultation on Friday to talk about the meds and administering them properly. I have to read a 30-page document and watch five videos in preparation for the consultation.

That's about it for now.

I honestly don't care how we do the whole asterisk system. It doesn't bother me either way.

[Cythe]

Morning lovelies!

CD 10 or something of a natural cycle due to a cyst. Hopefully MH will be home so we can at least give HIO a go this month. Super fun stuff.

Thinking of all of you in the TWW and hugs to those who need them.

RE: asterisks - They're fine for me. It's not hard to check in once a, what, month? 3 weeks? However long that you'd have before the asterisks meant you'd be removed. Just my thoughts!

[mugster]

Aug 10, 2015 8:47:58 GMT -5 ****** said:

I have an appointment with the lab this morning. Getting my progesterone checked. Supposedly its to verify ovulation. I'm not sure if this is normal or a waste of my money. I'm so over this. The whole thing. I'm ready to call everything quotes and be eternally NTNP. *sigh-* sorry to be Debbie downer.

It is normal... but my clinic only insists on it during testing and your first medicated cycle. After that, if it was low they just give your progesterone supplements. I suppose if it doesn't confirm ovulation, they would adjust your meds and test again, but once they know you are ovulating and producing adequate progesterone on a regiment, you might be able to skip it.

[goldenlove3]

cateyes Good luck with all your testing. Hope this 2WW goes by quick so you can start next cycle!

FX mugster! That definitely sounds like O pain. I had 4 follies for my first IUI and it hurt like hell!

*HUG* mrsjene. I'm sorry that last cycle was a bust. Hope you hear back from insurance soon so you can get moving!

Cythe Good luck!

****** I think it's pretty standard. I had to do it with IUIs.

@bloodyjack87 FX everything looks great!!


Hi ladies! No major update today. I think I ovulated sometime last week but I haven't been tracking anything. I'm keeping myself busy during this 2WW so hopefully it goes by quick. Ready to start IUIs again next cycle!


QOTW: The asterisks don't bother me but I'm fine with whatever everyone decides to do.

[RaeLynn28]

I'm mobile so hopefully I do this tagging thing right.

cateyes good luck this TWW! Hopefully there won't be a next cycle.
mugster all of your numbers look great! Fingers crossed this month is successful for you.
mrsjene Sorry about your rough week. Hugs to you.
Cythe sorry about your cyst but hope all goes well this cycle.

AFM, still waiting to ovulate and do my first iui. It's my 3rd anniversary today and MH and I usually go away. I'm really sad because this is the first time in 7 years that we haven't gone to our favorite vacation spot this week because I'm waiting to do my iui. I'm struggling with not being able to plan anything but hopefully it will all be worth it. I'm going in for my monitoring appointment tomorrow so I'm hoping for good news and that we will be able to do the iui this week.

As for the whole asterisk thing, I am new to this check in so not sure if I will feel the same as time goes on but I am ok with it. I don't post much on TCF in general although I try to as much as I can. With that said, I know this checkin is on Mondays so I will make a point to try and post. I do understand the other side of this and want people to feel comfortable and safe as well. As far as I know, you don't always have to check in on Mondays, it can be anytime during the week correct? And if you go 4 weeks without posting for any reason, it would be simple to be added back in? I like that the list is current and totally understand that side too. I am fine with whatever everyone decides. I'm just happy we have a safe place to share.

[cjchio]

Same thing here as it has been. School, etc.


Qotw: I'm not a fan of the astriks for the reasons joy said and because I've already been knocked from the check in once and it bothered me.

I come in and pretty much just love tit while I am at work,because j am sure no one curr week after week that I'm busy with school so we aren't testing yet.I'm also just not as active as I used to be because of full time school and work.

As for a way to do something different, why not keep a private list in Word then pm when they have been inactive, rather than public tagging.


Eta: I also understand that the list has to be shortened to save your sanity. I really do appreciate the work you do here, and I don't think the system is mean spirited or anything like that.

[kaliRN]

cateyes glad you'll be able to move on after this tww is over. Glad you can get all your testing done during this cycle!!
mugster I hope this is your cycle! Everything sure looks perfect on paper! Now let's hope your body gets the message
mrsjene so much love for you my dear! We will do this together!
Cythe I hope yh gets home in time! GL!
****** I'm so sorry you're having a rough time. IF is truly the hardest thing I've ever dealt with. You have to make the right choice for you at the right time. Hugs lady!
@bloodyjack87 I'm glad Lupron is treating you well. I can only hope for the same for me! I hope your us and bw let you start stims!
goldenlove3 I hope the tww goes quickly for you.
RaeLynn28 we are 3rd anniversary buddies! Mine is today too! I'm sorry you weren't able to go away but hopefully it was for the iui that works!

AFM- I'm on CD 5 on day 3 of bcp for IVF. We made the decision on Thursday to not delay and just get to it. Since then I'm feeling so relieved. Things have been moving pretty quickly- I've already had all my blood work done. Tomorrow I go in for mock transfer and a hysteroscopy. DH goes in weds for a SA and labs. Then we get our calendar for meds and onward we go!

QOTW: I use astrisks myself for a check in I lead over on 3T. I personally like them as they have helped me. I don't really care much whether we use them here or not. I'm open to whatever works really.

[getzystark]

mugster, I had some pretty significant O pain about 2 days after my trigger. It hurt to walk and I was told it was just all the tissue around my swollen ovaries being irritated and inflamed. Sorry it was so uncomfortable.

mrsjene, I am so sorry this has been so tough. FUCK IF!!!!

******, I like having the progesterone to verify ovulation. I don't think it's a waste. It helps me know my temps and OPKs are lying liars. Since they have been in the past.

@bloodyjack87, yay for no side effects.

goldenlove3, Fx this TWW goes quickly for you!

RaeLynn28, I hope your monitoring appointment goes well, and happy anniversary!

AFM, just on CD8 of a natural cycle. Had our RE appointment and got my official "unexplained" dx which we knew was coming. Plan is to do at least 3 months if not more of acupuncture and see if things have changed any. The RE's plan is to do IUIs as long as I have two follicles at a time on clomid (which I always have) but he might kick it up to injects, to get me to have 2-3 follicles. Given the fact that I've done two rounds of clomid with two follicles each, I'm not confident IUI and injects are going to help us any. Fx acupuncture and all the supplements/herbs I'm taking works quickly!

EDA: Forgot about the asterisks. I think they are fine and an easy way to help keep track of people on the check-in so it doesn't get incredibly long. However, I would never want anyone to feel badly because of them, so my vote would be to do what joy, suggested with tagging people maybe once a month, or having someone keep track on a separate personal document.

[RaeLynn28]

Happy anniversary kaliRN! Any fun plans for today? Glad things are working out for you this cycle and you are able to move forward!

[Rama]

Another generic, "Yep, things are. Good, I guess," from me this week.

Asterisks: I don't want them. I know their intent isn't mean spirited or meant to make anyone feel bad (because I know they aren't), but they do. I don't understand why we would keep a system that has been stated to hurt people (and not even an odd outlier or two), even if it isn't meant that way. If people don't care about it or have no opinion either way, then doesn't that also mean they'd be cool with getting rid of it? I cannot think of a single thing the asterisks are for except to encourage people to post. Keep track, yeah...of whether or not they're posting.

I like the layout of the other check-ins I've seen here: Just some categories to answer each week, no tags, no huge lists, no making sure people are posting, but I know that the IF check in is maybe a little more personal, too. What if we make a Google Doc that people can edit, so they can be responsible for their own Dx info and Cat doesn't need to pull it out of people all the time? I think it could take a lot of pressure off of her (I'd even make it, if that helps, cateyes! :) ) and it would put more of the responsibility of keeping up to date on the people who want to be a part of this shindig, instead of one person that "runs" the whole thing. It would also open up the possibility of other people starting the thread on Mondays, since we'd all have access to this document. That could also take a lot of pressure off of Cat, especially since she's already said that Mondays are busy days for her.

I don't want to keep people in the check in by fear that they'll be abandoned if they don't keep up.

[joy]

I really like the idea of the Google Doc, Rama.

[RaeLynn28]

Aug 10, 2015 9:47:33 GMT -5 Rama said:

Another generic, "Yep, things are. Good, I guess," from me this week.

Asterisks: I don't want them. I know their intent isn't mean spirited or meant to make anyone feel bad (because I know they aren't), but they do. I don't understand why we would keep a system that has been stated to hurt people (and not even an odd outlier or two), even if it isn't meant that way. If people don't care about it or have no opinion either way, then doesn't that also mean they'd be cool with getting rid of it? I cannot think of a single thing the asterisks are for except to encourage people to post. Keep track, yeah...of whether or not they're posting.

I like the layout of the other check-ins I've seen here: Just some categories to answer each week, no tags, no huge lists, no making sure people are posting, but I know that the IF check in is maybe a little more personal, too. What if we make a Google Doc that people can edit, so they can be responsible for their own Dx info and Cat doesn't need to pull it out of people all the time? I think it could take a lot of pressure off of her (I'd even make it, if that helps, cateyes! ) and it would put more of the responsibility of keeping up to date on the people who want to be a part of this shindig, instead of one person that "runs" the whole thing. It would also open up the possibility of other people starting the thread on Mondays, since we'd all have access to this document. That could also take a lot of pressure off of Cat, especially since she's already said that Mondays are busy days for her.

I don't want to keep people in the check in by fear that they'll be abandoned if they don't keep up.

I 100% agree with the Google Doc. I think that's a great idea and we'd be responsible in keeping it up ourselves. That way it's way less work for cateyes. Nice thinking @rama

[piccyami]

Not much going on for us. CD1 finally showed, so I'm going to start temping again. The one cycle I quit was the one where my body decided to change things up. I have learned that I don't do well without all the information.

ETA: I also like Rama's suggestion.

[madamewaffles]

I heart the Google Doc idea. Maybe include columns for diagnoses and treatment plans?

P&R for me. I got an email from the embryology lab on Friday that all six of my 2PN frosties survived the ice age and thawed properly. The plan is/was to grow as many blasts as possible and then pick the best of the bunch (1 or 2, depending on quality) for transfer tomorrow, and then refreezing leftover blasts. As of yesterday, they were all doing great. I can't wait to hear how they are tomorrow! Sleeping tonight will be pretty impossible!

[Rama]

Aug 10, 2015 10:15:15 GMT -5 madamewaffles said:

I heart the Google Doc idea. Maybe include columns for diagnoses and treatment plans?

P&R for me. I got an email from the embryology lab on Friday that all six of my 2PN frosties survived the ice age and thawed properly. The plan is/was to grow as many blasts as possible and then pick the best of the bunch (1 or 2, depending on quality) for transfer tomorrow, and then refreezing leftover blasts. As of yesterday, they were all doing great. I can't wait to hear how they are tomorrow! Sleeping tonight will be pretty impossible!

I'm so excited for you!  Crossing eVERYTHING

[joy]

Aug 10, 2015 10:15:15 GMT -5 madamewaffles said:

I heart the Google Doc idea. Maybe include columns for diagnoses and treatment plans?

P&R for me. I got an email from the embryology lab on Friday that all six of my 2PN frosties survived the ice age and thawed properly. The plan is/was to grow as many blasts as possible and then pick the best of the bunch (1 or 2, depending on quality) for transfer tomorrow, and then refreezing leftover blasts. As of yesterday, they were all doing great. I can't wait to hear how they are tomorrow! Sleeping tonight will be pretty impossible!

Agh!!  I'm so excited for you, Waffles!!!

[cateyes]

Aug 10, 2015 9:47:33 GMT -5 Rama said:

Another generic, "Yep, things are. Good, I guess," from me this week.

Asterisks: I don't want them. I know their intent isn't mean spirited or meant to make anyone feel bad (because I know they aren't), but they do. I don't understand why we would keep a system that has been stated to hurt people (and not even an odd outlier or two), even if it isn't meant that way. If people don't care about it or have no opinion either way, then doesn't that also mean they'd be cool with getting rid of it? I cannot think of a single thing the asterisks are for except to encourage people to post. Keep track, yeah...of whether or not they're posting.

I like the layout of the other check-ins I've seen here: Just some categories to answer each week, no tags, no huge lists, no making sure people are posting, but I know that the IF check in is maybe a little more personal, too. What if we make a Google Doc that people can edit, so they can be responsible for their own Dx info and Cat doesn't need to pull it out of people all the time? I think it could take a lot of pressure off of her (I'd even make it, if that helps, cateyes! ) and it would put more of the responsibility of keeping up to date on the people who want to be a part of this shindig, instead of one person that "runs" the whole thing. It would also open up the possibility of other people starting the thread on Mondays, since we'd all have access to this document. That could also take a lot of pressure off of Cat, especially since she's already said that Mondays are busy days for her.

I don't want to keep people in the check in by fear that they'll be abandoned if they don't keep up.

I don't mind running the check in, I just can't always respond to questions right away on Mondays (or like last week when the drama erupted).. My question, even with a google doc, is how do we keep it updated so it is not just a long list of people who no longer participate.

I can make a Google doc and people can update and then I can use that for thread each week. But I still want to have a way to make sure it doesn't include people who have been gone for months.

[Cythe]

As a mostly mobile user I'd rather have the long list available in the OP then have to open a Google doc. Just my two cents.

[cateyes]

Aug 10, 2015 10:38:49 GMT -5 Cythe said:

As a mostly mobile user I'd rather have the long list available in the OP then have to open a Google doc. Just my two cents.

Agreed. I think the doc could be used if people remembered to update it, but they tend to usually get forgotten. I think I would still post in the main post and then people could look more at people's history on the doc.

[joy]

Aug 10, 2015 10:37:21 GMT -5 cateyes said:

I don't mind running the check in, I just can't always respond to questions right away on Mondays (or like last week when the drama erupted).. My question, even with a google doc, is how do we keep it updated so it is not just a long list of people who no longer participate.

I can make a Google doc and people can update and then I can use that for thread each week. But I still want to have a way to make sure it doesn't include people who have been gone for months.

I have no problem with keeping the list up to date, but I think the up to date-ness only needs to be checked in upon every so often.  Like, once every other month.  People take breaks from treatment for a cycle or two, for example. 

I guess my feeling is that this whole check-in doesn't need to be so formal. 

[madamewaffles]

So excited everything lines up well for you, cateyes!
mugster, FX for you! Sorry about the pain but glad you are feeling better now. FWIW, I had a lot of ovary pain after trigger/IUI, too.
::hugs:: mrsjene. I hope insurance comes back in a timely manner and your consult goes well.
FX you get some bom-chicka-wow-wow time with Mr. Cythe Cythe
******, Sorry you're frustrated. A progesterone test should be drawn 7 DPO.
@bloodyjack87, I'm so glad Lupron is treating you well.
goldenlove3, FX for you!
RaeLynn28, I am sorry you are having to wait around to do IUI, but Happy Anniversary! Treat yo'selves
kaliRN, good luck with your upcoming appointments!
getzystark, FX for you!

[kawaiikitsune]

cateyes - So sorry IUI's were not a solution for you. *hugs* GL with your test results and moving forward!
mugster - Sorry to hear you had cramping and pain at the funeral. FX for IUI #1!
mrsjene - So sorry IUI's were a bust and you are having to move forward with IVF. GL with your consultation.
Cythe - FX for this natural cycle!
****** - All the hugs.
@bloodyjack87 - GL & FX this cycle!
goldenlove3 - GL with your upcoming IUI(s).
RaeLynn28 - Sorry you are having to skip your annual vacation. FX for IUI #1.
@pineappleoranges - *hugs*
kaliRN - Yay for moving forward. GL & FX with your hysteroscopy & mock transfer!
getzystark - FX the acupuncture and supplements work!
piccyami - Sorry about CD1.
madamewaffles - This is such great news! FX fo your transfer tomorrow!

Nothing new with me. CD6 and this period has been especially brutal for some reason. This month is our two year mark and that has had me pretty down for the past week.

QOTW - As for the asterisk business, I am fairly neutral about it. I understand that it is to help keep track of active members and I like that aspect of it. I totally understand that some people take breaks because IF is a drag but it isn't an end-all-be-all, "you can't post here anymore" thing. That being said, I also understand that it hurts people and I want this place to be a safe zone for the ladies who participate. So if it hurts even one member, than that is enough for me to agree that we need a new system. I really like joy's suggestion because it is simple yet effective. Rama had a great idea as well but since a lot of members here are mobile, the Google Doc may be a bit tricky for some. That is my .02 on the matter.

[Deleted]

Hello,
Mobile again today. So I need to post and run for now. I will make an attempt to come back and tag.
I'm wishing everyone who needs extra luck and love some extra special loving today.

Currently, i'm sitting on the verge of CD1. I started spotting today and i'm pretty sure it will arrive by the end of the day. I'm excited that I made it all the way to atleast CD25 without spotting (that wasn't related to the lap). Once CD1 starts we will be moving into a sort of NTNP phase for the next few months while we get situated. I will still keep temping, because it's nice to have a heads up on when to expect your period; however, i'm stopping opks until we are ready to go to the RE.


ETA: Forgot to add my .02 on asterisk situation. My opinion is they don't bug me. I can see why they could be upsetting, but at the same time I can see why they are helpful.
I guess i'm pretty neutral about it.

But if we were to switch over to the google doc. I think that it would be beneficial to set parameters for how and when the document should be updated to remove inactive members. Like people who haven't participated in the check-in in over 4 months, but are still active on TCF could be removed. Maybe at the 2 months mark a reminder PM could be sent out to see if they still want to participate. Also possibly, removing people who haven't been active on any of the boards for more than 3 months.
I don't know. Just an idea.

[joy]

Aug 10, 2015 12:18:46 GMT -5 @diordra said:

Hiii! I went in for beta today for IVF #1 and it's positive! It came back at 33 and I'm 10dp5dt. I'm a little concerned that it's low so FX that it doubles okay! I go back for my repeat Wednesday!

AGH!!  Congrats!!!

[RaeLynn28]

Aug 10, 2015 12:18:46 GMT -5 @diordra said:

Hiii! I went in for beta today for IVF #1 and it's positive! It came back at 33 and I'm 10dp5dt. I'm a little concerned that it's low so FX that it doubles okay! I go back for my repeat Wednesday!

QOTW: I like the google doc idea @rama suggested.

That's amazing news! Congrats!

[mugster]

Congrats @diordra! Fx for your second beta!