~~Infertility ONE Thread March 2012~~

[Sourire]

A monthly thread to talk about all of our various journeys through the difficult, trying, and often heartbreaking world of infertility. This thread is a place to chat, vent, get support, cheer each other on, and hopefully occasionally laugh!

Please let me know if there are any changes/updates to make.

Trying to Conceive #1

Lilacvioletiris (35, DX hypothyroid 10/11) and DH (40, initial diagnosis no sperm, azoospermia 3/23/12) TTC #1 since April 2011. Waiting to see the urologist for DH and figure out where to go from there

Milk8shake (28) & Him (29) TTC#1 since 04/2009. Battling recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis and a wonky uterus.  Currently on hiatus, awaiting NKC biopsy on 29/03.

mexilady (29) married to DH (32), ttc for over a year with short lp and spotting. All labs have come back normal so far, including normal SA. Seeing an RE, starting Femara.

Kparker (27) DH(34) married since 10/2008.  TTC#1 since 9/2008 w/ MIF.  Using sperm donor; 3 failed IUIs so far. HSG + IUI #4 in Jan 2012, suspected female IF. moved to graduates!!!!!!

krunchyk Me (32), DH (33), ttc #1 1/11.  Diagnosed with PCOS at 19.  Eastern Medicine diagnosis of phlegm stagnant.  Currently taking 1500 mg of Metformin daily along with supplements and acupuncture.

Teresaresa (32) DH (46) TTC#1 since 04/09…. Married 06/09. 2.5 years of trying naturally with acupuncture, herbs, yoga, etc. "Unexplained infertility" 1 failed Clomid cycle w/IUI and 2 failed Femara cycles w/IUI. Starting 4^th medicated cycle with Femara and IUI, Restoring Fertility DVD, new acupuncturist, a shamanic healing, and daily affirmations

Jukim married to DH since 01/01/09.  TTC#1 since 11/11.  Battling Hyperthyroidism since 04/11.  The thought of it being a long journy is unnerving  but God is gracious!

gtree TTC for a year, just started clomid.  Hope 2012 brings babies!!

Gemmine (27) Me+ DH TTC #1 since July 2010. 1 loss at 5 weeks in April 2011. 

 http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/gemmine84

moved to graduates!!!!!!

Shesaidboom (28) TTC #1 since early 2007. Four early miscarriages and one second trimester loss. Struggling with PCOS. Four failed IUIs, three on Femara and one on injectibles. Currently working on losing weight to achieve a BMI under 30 in order to qualify for IVF.

toothfairy2be (26) TTC#1 since 10/10, 5 failed medicated cycles, 3 IUI. Diagnosed with Endometriosis. Trying Gonal-F for one cycle, hoping for BFP, but if not, moving on to laproscopy and NaPro Technology in March.

Sourire (30) DH (33) - TTC # 1 since August 2010 with short LP, LP spotting and suspected endometriosis.

 http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/2d1bce

Monkeyscience  moved to graduates!!!!!!

Renavoo  (35)  moved to graduates!!!!!!

Blueyezz4 TTC #1 (technically #4 - long story) since 2006; Moving on to our 3rd Fresh IVF in Oct. after 5 failed IUI's, 2 failed IVF's and a failed FET.  Hoping & praying for a miracle. Mother to our twins boys - lost at 22.5wks on 6-20-09 and another little angel in heaven lost at 8wks!

deborahbgkelly (30)

Chicajones (27) DH (30) TTC#1 since June 2010. Diagnosed with PCOS and Insulin Resistance in Oct 2011. Long cycles, currently taking Metformin and watching my sugar. Moving to the UK in the fall, but hoping for a BFP before we leave!

 http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/32b88b

Tickletoes (36) & Hubby (45) TTC #1 since 8/10, 3 early losses on 11/4/10 , 6/14/11 , 1/19/12 . First fertility visit scheduled for 2/20. My chart: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/Tickletoes

Trying To Conceive #2

SilaMarila (26), DH(29), TTC#2 since 12/10 rarely ovulating with long cycles and motility issues. No other diagnosis as of yet. First Clomid cycle 2/12 with possible IUI. My chart: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/SilaMarila

MammaBird (42) moved to graduates!!!!!!

rcr (37) TTC #2 since December 2007. One failed IVF, five failed medicated IUI cycles (follistim, menipur, and gannirelix), hoping for second IVF cycle Jan 2012.

Gozal (33) trying for number 2 since 2009. Finally diagnosed with prolactinoma after extended breastfeeding; PRL levels normal 4/11; ectopic pregnancy 6/11; three monitored natural cycles after the ectopic, now on round 2 of Clomid with trigger and IUI. moved to graduates!!!!!!

Tinymama TTC#2. Male IF issues (poor count/quality/motility).

Marmo (31) Dh, age 36.  Trying to conceive #2 since 3/10, unexlpained secondary infertility.  Tried 4 rounds of clomid, beginning Femara/ovidrel and good old fashioned bd 2/12.

Hope4Light (31) DH 33.  TTC #2.  Trying Since: March 2011 (after PPAF came back) with severe MFI.  Plan for this Cycle:  Met with RE1 last week, meet with RE2 next week.  Then hopefully move forward with cycle testing and SA (all of our tests are from back in 2007/2008 when were were dealing with primary IF), and then onto IVF with ICSI.  Thoughts: Trying to stay positive and go into TTC #2 with a different attitude.  TTC #1 almost ruined me, and I refuse to let that happen again.

Smilesarefree TTC#2 for almost 2 years, waiting on a diagnosis.

Trying To Conceive #3

Brichole1214 Brandy (27) DH (31) TTC#3 since March 2011!  Waiting for an appointment with my GYN to see what our next steps will be with TTC!  Praying for a baby in 2012!!! 

 http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/158654  

Skeemama  TTC#3 since 2006. Several losses along the way. Hopeful. (most days)

Graduates

(May everyone who passes through this thread find her way to this section!)

kparker, gemmine, gozal, wissa19, Monkeyscience, Mammabird, Tenzinsmama, Renavoo, Tantylynn, Kaydove, Brichole1214, Sweet.Bee, Lega, NishaG, Kewpie80, Tear78, ValH, Lesliesara63, no5no5, Minkajane, EastbayK, Grapesbunch, thtr4me, alexaskj, trumpcard, poetgirl, ann_of_loxley, livelovelaugh

Join our graduates on the Graduates thread for Winter/Spring 2012

Missing In Action...but we're still thinking of you

(please let us know if you'd like to jump back in)

babymc, yoyonana, RosieL, Silverbird, fierrbug, rhiandmoi, aprilmom, wendlynn, lydiah, jenger, tryingfortow, wallabi, gale, cassnbeth, mindfulmomma, emski4379, kyliel, moonfireglow, Milletpuff, First Short Photo, Stretch358, InGodsHands, Simplymere, Indianagrl, Victorian Patch, lovebug, LuluRoo, catheleni, zanelee, JodiAriel

PLEASE let the thread keeper know if there is anything you would like to add/delete/change in your synopsis above. Bolding requests is appreciated!  

Edited by Sourire - 4/1/12 at 1:29pm

[Sourire]

Welcome to the March thread everyone! Let me know if you'd like your blurb updated!

Gemmine - I'm officially sold on baby aspirin! I was just reading in Making Babies that it's especially helpful for Stuck types (I'm Tired and Stuck), and on top of that you just had success with it, so the first thing I did this morning is go buy a bottle of baby aspirin! I hope it's not too late for it to benefit me this cycle, I'm currently 6dpo. I'm also glad to hear that you had good beta numbers. Can't wait to hear how your 2nd beta goes, I'm sure it will be good news!

Sila - I'm also sticking with the infertility podcasts for now, though I've also listened to a couple of parenting ones that may someday be useful! I'm excited to hear how your monitoring goes today!

From what I've read about BD frequency, frequent BDing decreases sperm count but increases sperm quality. So if your DH has good sperm count but questionable motility/morphology, BDing every day would probably increase your chances. There was a study done that I read about, I think it was from a Scandinavian country but for some reason I can't find it right now, anyways it said IUI success rates were higher when there was less than 48 hours between sperm sample and last BD, even though sperm counts were slightly lower.

I'm glad to hear that you feel ok about being friends with your pregnant friend again. I find that usually the BFP announcement is the biggest shock and after I get used to the idea it doesn't bother me as much anymore.

Don't forget brichole was on the One Thread with us too. I totally agree with your plan of all of us getting out of here ASAP ;)

teresa - so glad your AF finally showed!!! You must be caught in the same winter storm I am! It seems like we've had more snow this week than the rest of the winter combined! I kind of like it, I love snow. Let me know how you like the yoga DVD!

Smiles - any sign of O yet? Do you temp by the way?

hope - I was paying 50$ for each acupuncture treatment. It looks like I was getting a really good deal compared to the prices everyone else has given, but my acupuncturist didn't have a lot of experience (she's around my age), wasn't specialised in infertility, and didn't do any of the TCM herb stuff because she wasn't trained in that. So maybe I would have been better off paying more for someone more qualified! I did acupuncture every 1-2 weeks for a year then stopped because I felt like I'd spent enough money on it! It did help relax me and I saw some minor improvements in my cycle (though it didn't help at all with my LP issues) so I don't feel like it was a total waste of money.

chica - Your chart is looking awesome! I'm with you on thinking this HAS to be it ;) My newest sign: a year ago I posted about my experience where my baby told me his birthday was November 17 on a thread in the TTC forum. Well a couple of days after my IUI, I happened to see that someone had resurrected that thread! I think that it might be a sign from the universe that my vision is about to come true! Even the fact that I saw the thread is pretty crazy, since a rarely go on the TTC forum anymore. BTW in case anyone's interested, here's my full story about that: http://www.mothering.com/community/t/1302400/feeling-babys-presence-before-you-conceive-or-just-wishful-thinking#post_16320142

cbaa - What a lovely gift for your mom to pay for acupuncture treatments! That is so sweet! I'm glad the Gonal-F is working out well!

mexilady - Welcome! Your cycles sound very similar mine. You and your DH are even the same ages as me and my DH haha. I've seen a lot of people with LP issues get pregnant on just Clomid or just Progesterone in the time I've spent on TTC boards. Personally Clomid didn't help my LP at all, I also tried Prometrium for a bit and it lengthened my LP but didn't stop the spotting and in fact made me have even more spotting in the following cycle. Both of these meds were tried independently of each other. Because I hated Clomid, my RE switched me to Femara, and because Prometrium was making my spotting issues worse, my RE switched it for Crinone. I'm currently on my 3rd cycle of Femara + Crinone and I now have textbook perfect cycles. This is also my 2nd IUI so I'm hoping there's a BFP in my near future! Also when Prometrium made my spotting worse I began to suspect that my problem wasn't a simple LPD and after doing some research I found that I had a lot of the symptoms of endometriosis (painful periods, painful bowel movements during menstruation, painful intercourse) and that endometriosis is linked to LPD and abnormal spotting. You may want to look into that as well. Personally I plan to ask my RE for a laparoscopy if I don't get a BFP in the next couple of cycles. Good luck with your RE appointment!

marmo - your beta results sound good to me. Keep us posted how your next beta goes!

AFM - no more pain in my ovaries so I'm no longer worried about OHSS. I'm currently leaning towards going skiing because A) We just got a ton of snow so its a perfect time to go skiing and B) If I get a BFN I will be really mad that I missed out on doing something fun for no reason. As a precaution though I'll probably stick to the easy runs and take lots of breaks. Now I'm worried about something else though: my dad rented a ski chalet with a hot tub, could the hot tub affect implantation? Also I haven't shaved my legs since Christmas and don't really feel like doing it now... I like to keep a nice layer of fur for warmth in winter. DH is grossed out by it but I just wear knee-high socks when we BD so that solves the problem!

[Sourire]

BTW Mexilady - let me know what you'd like me to put as your blurb in the first post!

Gozal, Gemmine, Marmo - let me know when you are ready to be moved to graduates! How are things going with you Gozal? We haven't heard from you in a while!

[monkeyscience]

I'm going to have to go back to the other thread to find the stuff I wanted to reply to, but I wanted to just throw in my to Sourire - I looked in to both skiing and hot tub use when I was in the TWW/newly pregnant. Most of the stuff I've seen has indicated skiing should be no problem until you're pregnant enough that the uterus is no longer down in your pelvis. As long as it's in there, it's pretty protected from falls. And I've really never seen anything that indicates that it's possible to "wiggle" an embryo out of implanting. Even studies done on bedrest after IVF have shown it does nothing to increase pregnancy rates. So I totally think you should go skiing - especially since you won't get to for a long time after your BFP! Oh, and one of the other concerns with skiing later in pregnancy is that pregnancy affects your center of balance and makes falling more likely. But I did find a story of a ski patrol lady who skied almost up to the day she had her baby! I've spent all of two days on the slopes, and fell A LOT during that time, so I will definitely not be joining dh in his day of snowboarding next Saturday.

As far as hot tubs - I would stay away, even/especially during the TWW. Studies have shown that overheating definitely increases risks of birth defects and possibly miscarriage in the first trimester, and I would be worried about it affecting implantation, too. I love hot tubs, so it sucked to avoid them in the TWW (especially those ones where I wasn't pregnant ), but it was just too much risk for me. I have read some places that the real danger is getting your body temperature above 105 F (or was it 102? sorry, forgot), and that most people will get uncomfortably warm and get out before that point, but when the embryo's so tiny, I just didn't want to risk it. I did get in the hot tub for 5 minutes (dh timed it) when I was 14 weeks, and I wondered if that was a little reckless. But it felt so nice, and it was such a short time, I just went for it. Of course, then I didn't want to get out!

Anyway, just thought I'd share what I learned.

Hoping to hear some good news in the next few days from some of you! So excited for the good betas from marmo and Gemmine!

[chicajones]

Yay, thanks for the new thread Sourire! Glad you're going skiing, I'm so jealous! Sounds like you'll be doing just fine taking it easy. I don't know about the hot tub, that's kind of rough. No hot tub = no shaving legs, but then, one of my favorite things after a day on the slopes is letting a hot tub relax my sore muscles. I think I'd be more nervous about that, though--maybe you can just enjoy a nice hot shower/bath and then wrap up in bed once you're done for the day? 

Oh, and one change to my blurb--it should say that I was diagnosed with PCOS in October of 2011, not 2010. That may have been a typo on my end from when I posted. Gracias!

Teresaresa - yay for AF! So glad she's finally here, so you can get things moving again--so many positive things to start off with! Yes, if I am indeed pregnant then we will have the baby in the UK. There's pretty much no chance of a US birth, since we're leaving in September, so unless something else came up to push things back, we'll be there. I don't think they do dual-citizenship anymore, but it's still kind of fun to think that I could have a child who is emerged in two cultures. 

Sila- haha! I never even thought of my screen name like that, but I love it. ;) It's definitely Chica Jones, but I'm pretty hardcore! Er, sometimes. Also, I kind of love the fact that you're certain you'll conceive this cycle. Yes! Let's get all set for some Nov/Dec due dates!

mexilady - welcome, welcome! Sorry you're here, but but glad we can be here for support and share in this journey with you. I really can't imagine how hard it must be to be exposed to birthing and babies so frequently when you're having difficulty TTC. It is good that you've got some pretty nice insurance, although hopefully you won't even need it! How was your first RE appointment?

shesaidboom - love your wedding site, so cute! The location looks so beautiful. :) You must be so excited! What else is going on with you? Haven't seen you on in a few days. Did you order the yoga DVD?

marmo - yay for a high beta!  I am still so very, very thrilled for you!

AFM, the dentist worrying end up being pointless--they weren't planning to do x-rays today anyway! But I got to talk to my hygienist about it, and it was helpful in scheduling my follow-up appointment (one filling, which isn't too terrible for me, since I always end up with something). She was really sweet and positive about it, so that was nice. 

Temp is up again today, so I'm thinking CD7's drop could have been implantation? It certainly looks like it could be! Feeling pretty normal today (so far), except for a teeny teeny bit of cramping (or maybe my stomach is just acting strange, lol). Of course not having any symptoms today makes me nervous, but I know it is still super early, so we'll see!

[Gemmine]

chicajones: aw man, I'd always read chica. jones. didn't even think about cajones, thanks Sila! Let me know how the aspirin goes for you, but I'm hoping you won't need it. 4 more days until you know!

cbaa: How long did you try the aspirin? I'm hoping  you won't need that either. I'm glad you aren't feeling side effects from the Gonal. LOL at your kitty; definitely sounds like mine. I'll be interested in seeing how the Creighton charting goes.

Welcome mexilady. I hope your stay is short and peaceful. Have you taken any supplements to start out to see if that would help with your LP? I definitely think the RE is the right way to go for you guys. You will be glad to get some answers, even if it's just to rule some things out.

Sila: I think I found a similar article yesterday. It seems to be saying after 10 full moons if I'm understanding it correctly? I think that was like 41.5 weeks. Ooh, I think the HSG would be good for you! I didn't realize you hadn't had one. Even if they say your tubes are clear (like they did for me), it still "cleaned" some stuff out of there. I was spotting and passing little bits of tissue for a few days. I'm especially cheering for my One Thread group buddies :-)

marmo: That's a fantastic number for 15dpo, awesome! Hope to see you in a graduate thread/DDC.

teresa: Keep us posted on the RE appointment; I'm excited for you!

Sourire: Thanks for the new thread Sourire! How are you feeling? I definitely don't think it's too late. I've read about women who started taking it when/after they got a BFP. So hopeful for you! WOW at that thread re-surfacing! at your knee-high socks....ah, good old winter. I'll wait til I get my 2nd beta numbers today to ask to be moved.

Hi monkey!

[shesaidboom]

Thanks for the new thread Sourire!

I'll be back with personals a little later, for now I just need to vent. I'm really upset. When we decided to go the injectibles route we were told the idea behind them was to get two or three lead follicles so we'd have double or triple the chance of getting an egg to fertilize and implant. I'm on 50 units per day, which I'm not realizing is way too low a dose. Things seemed ok after my CD5 cycle monitoring session. My results showed two lead follicles - one at 1.1 and one at 1.2. Well that 1.1 follicle either shrunk or it was measured wrong because since then I've only had one lead. I got a message today saying my results are showing that I'll ovulate soon (day 9 results are: estrogen 450, lh 7, progesterone 6, day 7 results were: estrogen 127, lh 3, progesterone 5). I only have one lead follicle and it's only at 1.6cm. I thought the injections were supposed to make things better than the Femara. I have been feeling like absolute shit from the side effects, but I kept telling myself it would be worth it because our chances would be better. Well, they're not. What a waste of a month and $1400. I am just so upset over this. I know there's still a chance that we'll do the IUIs and this cycle will be a success, I just already feel like it's a total failure. If it is, we're doing IVF next month.

[Gemmine]

shesaidboom: I'm so sorry. I hope it still turns out well, especially if you do the IUI. I wonder why they started at such a low dose? I don't know much about injectibles though so maybe they do it same as Clomid by starting on a low dose? That sucks with so much more at stake.

AFM: My 2nd beta did not double. I go back Monday for a 3rd beta. Not feeling good.

[SilaMarila]

After my hope filled post yesterday, I think I might just jump off the hope train and ride the IF roller coaster of emotions for a while. I just got back from my CD15 (6 days after last Clomid) monitoring. HHhhhhh, I really didn't expect I would be that close to ovulating yet, but I guess I thought I would be closer. I've got 2 lead follicles? Anyways, one the right measuring only 11mm and one on the left measuring 13mm. The RE said they like to see them between 24-27 on Clomid. So I've got a ways to go. No Post Coital test today either since I'm not close enough to ovulation. I totally forgot to ask about an hsg too. Though I guess I still have plenty of time to since that would be next cycle. Plus I'll be with the new RE then and maybe he will want to do one anyways. I go back Monday to try again see if they've grown. That was a great $160 spent. I love you IF. Nothing has been going as I planned today but I'm not letting it ruin my day!

ETA: I guess my follies are doing pretty good. For me at least. Because I don't remember even having any close to 13mm when I had an u/s on CD30 last cycle before meds. Off to google follicle growth on Clomid...

Edited by SilaMarila - 3/1/12 at 12:18pm

[SilaMarila]

Sourire, can you update my blurb? And change my age to 26 - my birthday is Tuesday.

TTC#2 since 12/10 rarely ovulating with long cycles and motility issues. No other diagnosis as of yet. First Clomid cycle 2/12 with possible IUI. http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/SilaMarila

[hope4light]

I don't like how the March ONE thread is starting out!!  I'm so sorry ladies!!!  Hugs around the board

 

Originally Posted by Sourire 

Sila - I'm also sticking with the infertility podcasts for now, though I've also listened to a couple of parenting ones that may someday be useful! I'm excited to hear how your monitoring goes today!

I'm glad to hear that you feel ok about being friends with your pregnant friend again. I find that usually the BFP announcement is the biggest shock and after I get used to the idea it doesn't bother me as much anymore.

hope - I was paying 50$ for each acupuncture treatment. It looks like I was getting a really good deal compared to the prices everyone else has given, but my acupuncturist didn't have a lot of experience (she's around my age), wasn't specialised in infertility, and didn't do any of the TCM herb stuff because she wasn't trained in that. So maybe I would have been better off paying more for someone more qualified! I did acupuncture every 1-2 weeks for a year then stopped because I felt like I'd spent enough money on it! It did help relax me and I saw some minor improvements in my cycle (though it didn't help at all with my LP issues) so I don't feel like it was a total waste of money.

AFM - no more pain in my ovaries so I'm no longer worried about OHSS. I'm currently leaning towards going skiing because A) We just got a ton of snow so its a perfect time to go skiing and B) If I get a BFN I will be really mad that I missed out on doing something fun for no reason. As a precaution though I'll probably stick to the easy runs and take lots of breaks. Now I'm worried about something else though: my dad rented a ski chalet with a hot tub, could the hot tub affect implantation? Also I haven't shaved my legs since Christmas and don't really feel like doing it now... I like to keep a nice layer of fur for warmth in winter. DH is grossed out by it but I just wear knee-high socks when we BD so that solves the problem!

SIla - I'm glad it's better with your friend too!!  I hope that it continues to get easier.

Sourire - I agree, go skiing but bypass the hot tub.  Have fun, you'll be glad you did just take it easy!!
 

Originally Posted by chicajones 

AFM, the dentist worrying end up being pointless--they weren't planning to do x-rays today anyway! But I got to talk to my hygienist about it, and it was helpful in scheduling my follow-up appointment (one filling, which isn't too terrible for me, since I always end up with something). She was really sweet and positive about it, so that was nice. 

Temp is up again today, so I'm thinking CD7's drop could have been implantation? It certainly looks like it could be! Feeling pretty normal today (so far), except for a teeny teeny bit of cramping (or maybe my stomach is just acting strange, lol). Of course not having any symptoms today makes me nervous, but I know it is still super early, so we'll see!

I'm hoping it's implantation!!!!!

 

Originally Posted by shesaidboom 

Thanks for the new thread Sourire!

I'll be back with personals a little later, for now I just need to vent. I'm really upset. When we decided to go the injectibles route we were told the idea behind them was to get two or three lead follicles so we'd have double or triple the chance of getting an egg to fertilize and implant. I'm on 50 units per day, which I'm not realizing is way too low a dose. Things seemed ok after my CD5 cycle monitoring session. My results showed two lead follicles - one at 1.1 and one at 1.2. Well that 1.1 follicle either shrunk or it was measured wrong because since then I've only had one lead. I got a message today saying my results are showing that I'll ovulate soon (day 9 results are: estrogen 450, lh 7, progesterone 6, day 7 results were: estrogen 127, lh 3, progesterone 5). I only have one lead follicle and it's only at 1.6cm. I thought the injections were supposed to make things better than the Femara. I have been feeling like absolute shit from the side effects, but I kept telling myself it would be worth it because our chances would be better. Well, they're not. What a waste of a month and $1400. I am just so upset over this. I know there's still a chance that we'll do the IUIs and this cycle will be a success, I just already feel like it's a total failure. If it is, we're doing IVF next month.

Shesaidboom - I'm so sorry this cycle isn't turning out how you expected it.  It sucks when it's a waste of money and effort.  Just try to keep the faith, sometimes it's the cycles that look the worst that end up working!!!
 

Originally Posted by Gemmine 

AFM: My 2nd beta did not double. I go back Monday for a 3rd beta. Not feeling good.

Gem - big big hugs.  I'm hoping that the third shows a steady rise and it was just a fluke but turns out OK.  Sticky bean dust to you.

 

Originally Posted by SilaMarila 

After my hope filled post yesterday, I think I might just jump off the hope train and ride the IF roller coaster of emotions for a while. I just got back from my CD15 (6 days after last Clomid) monitoring. HHhhhhh, I really didn't expect I would be that close to ovulating yet, but I guess I thought I would be closer. I've got 2 lead follicles? Anyways, one the right measuring only 11mm and one on the left measuring 13mm. The RE said they like to see them between 24-27 on Clomid. So I've got a ways to go. No Post Coital test today either since I'm not close enough to ovulation. I totally forgot to ask about an hsg too. Though I guess I still have plenty of time to since that would be next cycle. Plus I'll be with the new RE then and maybe he will want to do one anyways. I go back Monday to try again see if they've grown. That was a great $160 spent. I love you IF. Nothing has been going as I planned today but I'm not letting it ruin my day!

ETA: I guess my follies are doing pretty good. For me at least. Because I don't remember even having any close to 13mm when I had an u/s on CD30 last cycle before meds. Off to google follicle growth on Clomid...

Bug hugs to you too Sila!  I'm hoping that this works out.

AFM - My HSG got changed from next Wednesday to Tuesday.  No big deal. 

 

[monkeyscience]

Gem - So sorry to hear that! Hoping and praying you get better news Monday.

[shesaidboom]

Sourire - thanks! I thought the site would be a good idea since not all the info could fit on the invites, and then after the wedding it's a good place to share pictures a lot of people won't see otherwise. I'm so glad it didn't rain on your wedding day! I figure if it rains on ours we'll just throw on some rainboots and jump in the puddles. We have a back-up inside location on site, but it's really not very nice. It has water cycle charts all over the walls.
Thanks for taking over the thread too.
I'm sorry you were feeling so icky. How can a nurse at a fertility clinic have never heard of OHSS?? We're constantly talking about it at mine "just in case". Please be gentle with yourself and keep us updated. I'm glad you're feeling a little better.
Thanks for the yoga DVD link!

teresaresa - that's awful that you're there for so long too. I really hate having to wait for so long when I'm there all the time. It just makes things so much harder to bear.
I bet your wedding decor and invites were beautiful! I definitely didn't want to cut/paste so printing it was.
Ugh, the waiting zone is the worst. I'm hoping March is our month. We had all these BFPs in Feb, we need the BFN febbers to get some March BFPs.
I haven't ordered the DVD yet. Amazon does ship to Canada, but some products will not. A lot of what they list actually ships through secondary suppliers and often those suppliers won't ship here. I should check out the Canadian Amazon before ordering though.
I'm glad AF is finally here. I'm thinking good things for your RE appointment and your healing. I'm glad you're feeling good too. That always makes such a difference.

Gemmine - Thanks for the good thoughts. I'm on CD9 today.
Thanks for sharing your cycle protocol. It always helps to know what others are doing.
I'm sorry your test was lighter. I'm sending lots of sticky thoughts. I'm sorry about the 2nd beta. Keep us updated, okay? I'm thinking of you.
The wedding planning is definitely a fun distraction. I'm sure things will be crazy stressful the week of, but I'm trying to get as much done as possible beforehand so it won't be too bad.
My screen name on here? It's a lyric from a song I used to like. I used this screen name and another one since I was like 14-ish and when I signed up for MDC I had no other ideas. I do have an idea for AFTER we have a babe, but I'm not sure if I'll change it or not.
How did you know you had blood clotting issues? My RE keeps mentioning it, but only really talks about family history.
As for the low dose, I think my RE was being conservative to avoid getting too many lead follicles. She said if there were 5 or more we'd have to cancel the cycle. I was under the impression that she would adjust the dose if things weren't looking good, but I guess not.

SilaMarila - even if you have to take DS with you to the clinic, I know you'd be one of the moms who keeps him under control and make sure he's respectful of the other women. I'm sure everyone understands that sometimes you just can't get childcare. Things happen.
I have to keep doing the injections until O. Today they told me that would probably be soon, which is good, but also bad considering how this cycle is going.
I'm glad the Clomid symptoms decided to leave you alone. I'm hoping all that CM is a good sign! I'm sorry you didn't get any answers from all those tests, about a least there was good news! Isn't the hope thing such a roller coaster? One day you may feel great and the next it just changes. Just to give you a bit of hope, I've had follicles shoot up SEVERAL mms in just one day after growing slooooowly all cycle.

wissa - cycle monitoring is just suck a hassle and it can be a bit invasive with all the ultrasounds!

smilesarefree - I'm definitely glad for the wedding planning distraction. At first I wasn't so sure about having a big to do, but it turned out to be great. If we're still not pregnant by the wedding, I'm not sure what I'll be doing to keep me distracted afterwards.

hope4light - thanks for the nice comments about the blog! I'm hoping it helps our guests out with some extra info. The wedding plans are definitely keeping me distracted, which is a very good thing right now.
Hopefully the March thread will pick up and be a happier place soon. You're definitely right - it's too early to rule out this cycle. Sometimes the sucky ones can be surprises. 

chica - What day are you on now? I hate the waiting game. Hopefully this one will bring a happy ending though!
Thanks for the compliment on the wedding site. I absolutely love the location and it has so much sentimental value since I used to go there every year when I was little. Things here have been rough, so I haven't been posting much. I've been dealing with what I think may be depression from all these treatments, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the counselor to talk about everything.

cbaa - unfortunately they're not any easier. I'm going to post my numbers/progress at the end of this post. I'm glad your shots are going much easier. Keep us updated!
Thanks for the compliments on the wedding site. I'm really enjoying wedding planning, but I haven't gotten to the stressful stuff yet. DIY is definitely a lot more fun!

mexilady - welcome to the group! I hope your stay is short because you get a nice BFP (and we're on a roll right now), but hopefully we'll be able to support you while you're here. I'm thinking good thoughts for your RE appointment. Let us know how it goes.

AFM, well you read my little rant up there. I'm going to post my numbers from this cycle so far..

Estrogen - day 3: 73, day 5: 91, day 7: 127, day 9: 450

lh - day 3: 6, day 5: 5, day 7: 3, day 9: 7

progesterone - day 3: 6, day 5: 4.7, day 7: 5, day 9: 6

FOLLICLES -

day 3: 3 on right, 8 on left all under 1 cm

day 5: 1 lead follicle on right at 1.2, 1 lead follicle on left at 1.1

day 7: 7 follicles on the right, 1 lead follicle at 1.4, 8 on the left, one lead at 1.0

day 9: 7 follicles on the right, 1 lead follicle at 1.6, 8 follicles on the left all under 1 cm

See what I mean about the shrinking follicle? So weird! I'm on daily monitoring for now on, so no more skipping days.

[wissa19]

Marmo - Excellent HCG #s!!!  Yeah, so exciting!!!!!!!! 

Gemmine - So sorry to hear your numbers are not doubling.  However, that doesn't always mean bad news.  Finger crossed they continue to rise!  Funny about the baby aspirin.  I took it for the first time the month I got my BFP.

Cbaa - So glad to hear the shots are not that bad.  I was so afraid of having to give myself shots.  You go girl.  As you are the resident dental expert, I have a questions for you.  The week before I found out BFP, my dentist said I need to fillings.  Honestly, when he said that I knew I was BFP.  We had been watching the cavities for over a year and some how I knew it would be time to fix them when I got pregnant!!  So, now I don't know if/when I should have them done.  Some websites say to wait until the 2nd trimester.  ???? 

Teresa - Yeah for AF.  I mean really what was up with her making you wait?  Didn't she know you have plans?   Sorry, I forget not everyone has "Southern Seasons".  It's almost summer for us.  It will be 80 by the end of April around here.

mexilady - Welcome!  You will find these ladies are great IF buddies.  They know a lot about the emotion and physical side of IF.

Sila, Cbaa, Sourire - The only original ones left?  If you don't graduate soon I'm talking to your ovaries.

Sila - The Bd mystery.  My DH was never tested, so I don't know whole lot about swimmer and such.  However, is here what we did the cycle that worked.    BD on CD 12-16, with trigger on CD14. And yeah, for normal results!  Sorry your follicle didn't grow the way you wanted it too!  It can still catch up, but I know that feeling of just knowing it isn't going work.  If the clomid doesn't work, you might want to ask your new RE about using femara.  It has way fewer side effects (well, it did for me anyway).

chica - Mind games will drive you mad.  I say be positive until it's negative.  It hurts either way.  Implation dip sounds promising.

 Shesaidboom - Your estrogen levels would seem to indicate more than one follicle.  You are only on day 9, so all is not lost.  Didn't your follicles catch up last time?

AFM - Ultrasound in the morning.  

[toothfairy2be]

shesaidboom- That is frustrating about the follicle sizes and not having as good a result as you expecteed. I think the difference in injectables vs. clomid/femara and why you may still have increased success even without bigger/more follicles is that the FSH doesn't affect your estrogen, just gives you better 'quality'. I hope this is it for you, or like in months past, that little egg and whichever straggler backtracked just zip right ahead into extra good follicles! Also, I am on 75 units which they told me was 'very low' and a 'very conservative dose' so 50 sounds like nothing... sounds like your clinic is very cautious about multiple pregnancies. They are keeping you on 50 even though it seems like you are close to ovulation and have smallish follicles? Your estrogen sounds great though so hopefully you have a nice squishy lining!

sourire- Thanks for the new thread! 

Could you update my blurb: Cbaa2010 (26) TTC#1 since 10/10, 5 failed medicated cycles, 3 IUI. Diagnosed with Endometriosis. Trying Gonal-F for one cycle, hoping for BFP, but if not, moving on to laproscopy and NaPro Technology in March.

 I vote for skiing and no hot tub. I agree that the hot water would just be too much for a little embryo, but skiing you should be protected. Too funny about the knee highs... my DH won't BD if I haven't recently shaved... it's a drag, I'm not sure he would be interested in socks though. I remember that post from so long ago... This month, it comes true... then you and Sila and I will blow out of here like the wind and take brichole with us... where is brichole at by the way??

gemmine- I tried the baby aspirin before I started acupuncture last January, so I think it is time for another try. I have faith that your beta will bounce back. How much did it go up?

sila- I think it is possible they will creep up quickly like shesaidboom said. The cost really does make it hard to be patient. But it does sound  like you are getting somewhere with the follicles growing at CD15!

welcome mexilady!  I also hope that you will not have to stay long and you have some answers soon. However, here is my 2 cents  (and probably more) about what you've told me thus far (read- what I remember for the february thread). LP spotting, short LP, which I assume but can't remember if you said comes with cramps, possible pain during intercourse/bowel movements... I will tell you what my new doctor told me. My new doctor, that I researched back in august when we were TTC for a year, and decided to see an RE instead- which I am now contacting 7 months later because I am not pregnant, and immediately he tell me he knows why.---If you ovulate normally and are not pregnant in 1 year, 50% chance you have endometriosis. Combined with signs and symptoms (which I listed above, and which sourire and I have all of them) give us a 95% chance it is Endometriosis. Which, an RE will tell you is 'unlikely the cause of "unexplained" IF' but anyone else that does not push for IVF instead of fixing the cause of the problem, will tell you absolutely is the cause of IF. So.... 7 months later, and heading toward 2 years TTC, I am switching doctors, and set up for a consult for laproscopy in 2 weeks. It is scary and it is absolutely true women with endometriosis get pregnant all the time with clomid/femara/FSH injections... but you have to ask yourself if you aren't that woman, if you want to waste that much time, as I did, to find out that you should have just done the surgery months ago.  That was a mouthful. I am just in the start of this chapter of IF, and still hopeful that this month on Gonal- F will bring me a miracle baby (or 2) without laproscopy or time off to 'fix' my cycles naturally... but I will be happy to help you as much as I can.

chica- full of balls you are! Hehe! I am glad everything worked out at your dentist appt. One little cavity isn't bad, you will be glad to have it fixed! I am so hopeful for you this month!!! How much longer til you POAS for us!?

hope- always nice when they move things earlier and not later- hope it goes well!

gozal- should we send out a search party or are you just so sleepy from your twinkles to come say hello... we miss you!

teresa- so does this mean you have your monitoring tomorrow and we will know soon what your plan is for this month?

AFM-  I hope I didn't miss anyone! It snowed all last night and then rained and snowed all day. We only got about 5 inches but it is like cement. We aren't snow-blowing... just praying it will melt soon. I will say it looks very pretty outside! 5th day of shots tonight and still no bruising and no emotional side effects just lower back pain and some tightness by my ovaries which I assume is from the endo. I go for my first monitoring tomorrow. I'm having terrible sugar/carb cravings. I keep smelling donuts and cake, just in the middle of the day. I am eating pumpkin/banana paleo muffins, not the same, but it helps... a little. DH and I are going to a hockey game tomorrow so I'm pretty excited for that... hoping to get in some good BDing this weekend. I guess we will know more on that after I get my lab results tomorrow!!!

[toothfairy2be]

wissa- we crossposted! Yay for ultrasound tomorrow!! Please post your results so we can share. Please, talk to my uterus, my ovaries seem to know whats up, it is my uterus that is getting the big F minus. Dental advice- 2nd trimester. It probably doesn't matter but I wouldn't risk it. Also, as a second line of defense, I would ask for anesthesia without epinepherine. Honestly, I have never seen or heard of adverse effects from epi, however, it can speed up your heart rate if your doctor doesn't aspirate (which they will say, if you ask, they do, but likely, routinely, do not) and injects into a blood vessel. The numbness also won't last as long! Again, just my 2 cents, do what makes you comfortable. If they have been 'watching' for a while, they probably aren't big enough that another month or 2 will make a difference.

P.S. Grey's Anatomy is a rerun which makes me sad... I already watched SMASH and The Parenthood that I DVR'd earlier in the week. Guess it is early to bed for me tonight!

[SilaMarila]

shesaidboom, cbaa - Thanks guys. That makes me feel a little bit better. I'm just in a sad place tonight. Blah.

[shesaidboom]

wissa - yes, my follicle did catch up last time. I hope that happens again. Thanks for the hugs and reminder that there still is a chance. Those reminders are much needed when I'm feeling so hopeless about this cycle!
I'm sending good thoughts for your ultrasound. Keep us updated.

cbaa - You're right. I think I've just been focusing so much on the number of follicles and not thinking of the estrogen levels. I definitely think my clinic is super cautious about multiple pregnancies. I know they've had a lot because there are bulletin boards in the office with pictures of babies on them and about 75% of the pictures are of twins or triplets. They're probably trying to get the stats down. My RE did tell me that 50 was a crazy low dose and we'd adjust as needed. I think she was concerned because I responded so well to the Femara..well in terms of numbers, not in a BFP.

I'm glad you're not having many side effects or bruising. I'm the opposite of you over here! I hope the results you get tomorrow are excellent. I'm sending good thoughts. Have fun at the hockey game!

SilaMarila - big hugs to you.

[Smilesarefree]

Gemmine – Big hugs.  Hope you get a fantastic beta on Monday

Theresa – It had occurred to me that the universe was giving me extra time to go for it!  We did bd a few times throughout my 6 +opk days, but who knows when the heck I actually did ovulate or if I even managed to at all.  The good thing was that I didn’t tell dh that I was possibly oing so even though I knew he had no idea and so we weren’t having baby making sex at least as far as he was concerned and that made all  the difference!  Glad AF finally showed up and you can get the show on the road. Shamanic healing?  Interested to hear how that goes.

Chica – When is 14 dpo?

Sila – Hugs, I hope today finds you on the upside of the rollercoaster.

Shesaidboom – I hope that your follicles take off like last time around and grow super big super fast.  Everyday monitoring must be a pain in the ass.

Sourire – I with the rest of the gals, skiing but no hot tub, that way you don’t have to worry about the hairy legs!  And no I don’t temp, I can usually tell when I O to within a day or 2 going by cm, just not this time.  I have considered doing it before, if my cycles all become wacky like this one then I probably should start.  So 1 week down and 1 week to go!  Hope the next one flies by for you and NO SPOTTING you hear me?

Mexilady – Hello and welcome hope your stay is short and sweet!!  As to you being a labor and delivery nurse let me just say that when I had my dd, the labor nurse did EVERYTHING.  It was just her and my dh for hours and hours, and then the doctor comes in at the very last minute to play the hero, well in our book our labor and delivery nurse was the hero!  In our dd’s baby book there is a spot to fill in the delivery doctor’s name, we put Nurse Trudy!  I’ll never forget her.

CBAA - Could you elaborate on the bowel pain part of endometriosis?  I was also disappointed about Grey's being a repeat - dh was glad not to have to 'suffer' through it!

AFM March means that it has now been 2 years ttc #2.  Sad for me, I can’t think on it like at all or I will be a blubbering mess.   It’s funny how easy it has gotten for me to pack my feelings away to some deep dark place.  I think sometimes that maybe I am getting over the sadness and then I poke around in that dark place just for a sec and I realize that nope, it’s still there.  Probably I should poke around for a bit and have a bawl fest, it would probably make me feel better after but I just can’t bring myself to do that anymore.  Chin up I tell myself, chin up.

[chicajones]

Oh, Gemmine I hate that you have to wait all weekend for your third beta. I hope it's nothing at all and just a total fluke! Thinking of you and praying this bean sticks!

cbaa - I am a total sucker for Parenthood! I think we may have talked about it before, but yeah, love it. Doesn't hurt that they're dealing with lots of IF (and possible IF) issues right now. I'm actually a few episodes behind and am looking forward to catching up over the weekend.

smiles - aw, hugs to you. Sometimes it's good to go visit the dark place for a little bit and just let yourself feel what you need to feel. Just don't get stuck there for too long! There's still sunshine in the present and in the future, and we can't change the past. 

Cutting this short so I can lunch with my co-workers, but y'all, I feel straight up crazy today. I am having mood swings like mad--it almost feels like a sugar rush. So strange. I am grumpy and then hyper and then sad and then stressed. It's nuts. 

Test day (14DPO) is Tuesday! Feels so far away, not sure if I'll make it till then!