LTTTC #1 - Support Group *Please share your story

[Peanutorjelly]

My diagnosis is pretty much unexplained the doc seemed to be grasping at straws and mentioning diff diagnosis for a couple of weeks but because I finally responded to the menopur and luverus I'm back to unexplained

 

[KatO79]

Myshel hope you have a good time at your in-laws' birthday! Is it because their birthdays are so close that they're having a joint party? It's the same with my in-laws then, their birthdays are within a month of each other so they often do a joint party.

My diagnosis is pretty much unexplained the doc seemed to be grasping at straws and mentioning diff diagnosis for a couple of weeks but because I finally responded to the menopur and luverus I'm back to unexplained

But wait you say you don't O without meds? I wouldn't consider you unexplained infertility then when you haven't been Oing during your natural cycles. Unexplained infertility is when they've tested you during your natural cycle(s) and your hormones come back normal, they can rule out Oing issues and both tubes are open (which was the case with me).

Did you have an HSG done to check your tubes?

 

[Peanutorjelly]

My doc said it?? I'm not sure I actually just received a letter this morning for a HSG end of March not sure what it is to be honest
Fx for everyone

 

[Myshelsong]

I think what Peanut is saying is that her doctor doesn't know why she is not ovulating. That is the reason you are not getting pregnant, no ovulation. That is not fun when your doctor can't figure out how to make it better.

Unexplained in the "fertility" world generally means all you tests come back normal, and they don't know why you are not getting pregnant since, follicles are growing, sperm is healthy and plentiful and you are timing sex.

Their birthdays are on the same day.

 

[Peanutorjelly]

Sorry didn't realise. Thanks myshelsong u explain better than me lol hope everyone's having a good weekend

 

[DBZ34]

Peanut- An HSG is a test where they inject dye into your uterus and look to see if your tubes are open, the general shape of your uterus, and whether or not there are things in your uterus that shouldn't be, like a fibroid or a polyp or a septum. Generally anything that can interfere with conception/pregnancy.

Like myshel said, you're not really in the unexplained fertility category because they know that you don't ovulate on your own. Did they check for PCOS? Have they tried Clomid or Femara with you yet? Just asking.

I hope they get a few more answers when you have your HSG. But it sounds like you need some stronger drugs to make you ovulate....Ov is half the battle.

 

[DBZ34]

AFM - No idea what's going on. I'm just waiting on AF or no AF at this point. lol. I thought I had some IB earlier this cycle, but nothing on the test I took this morning, so I think I'm probably out. I guess we'll see. If AF shows, I'm back to the FS for a endometrial scratch to see if that will make a difference. If not, well, it's back to the drawing board.

 

[Myshelsong]

You are only on day 12, hang in there!
Did you do anything different this cycle?

afm I have nothing new to report, feeling like normal just sore boobs which is the progesterone and hungry ... Also the progesterone and stress. Fingers crossed

 

[KatO79]

FXed for you DBZ, 12 dpo is still early days yet

FXed for you as well Myshel, what dpiui are you?

 

[PeterPanWendy]

Here's my update: bbs still sore, veins noticeable on bbs, minor cramps and some mild heartburn. I'm 13dpo and....I got my bfp this morning on frer! It's been almost a year and a half of ttc and I'm in shock. GL to all of you ladies and baby dust. I never thought it would happen. Now I hope it's a sticky bean!

 

[Peanutorjelly]

Brilliant news Wendy congrats

 

[Myshelsong]

Wow congrats! Glad the medication change worked for you.

Happy healthy nine months!

 

[KatO79]

Congrats Wendy, H&H 9 months FXed it's a sticky bean

 

[DBZ34]

Here's my update: bbs still sore, veins noticeable on bbs, minor cramps and some mild heartburn. I'm 13dpo and....I got my bfp this morning on frer! It's been almost a year and a half of ttc and I'm in shock. GL to all of you ladies and baby dust. I never thought it would happen. Now I hope it's a sticky bean!

Congratulations!!!



H&H 9 months! I'm so happy for you!

 

[ttcba]

Hello everyone! I am a new member here but not new to ttc. Here is a little timeline of my story:

2/2011 - Off birth control, not actively trying but whatever happens, happens mentality.

8/2011 - Started getting a brownish discharge about 10 days before my period. Husband was getting out of military soon we just didn't know when. He was injured and the getting out process is crazy at that point we just knew it was happening soon. So I was a little stressed with when are we moving, when should I have my job lined up for, ect. I thought the discharge had to do with that. Needless to say we moved back to PA 11/2011 and this discharge continued. Early 2012 I went to see a doctor. She ordered ultrasounds but it was just the typical there is a cyst here or there and the next one they were gone and maybe another one here or there. I was annoyed I didn't get an answer other than we can put you on birth control but I didn't want that as we were ready to start trying. To this day I still get this discharge before my period some months and other months are normal.

6/2013 We started ttc. Went to another doctor and they didn't really have an answer for me either about discharge other than they could put me on clomid and see if that takes it away. So I was on clomid for 4 months and it did take the discharge away for that time period but no success on the ttc front.

7/2014 My husband had SA done. The first 2 showed lower results than one would like but not completely bad. The 3rd was just on the line for within normal limits. All tests were 3-4 weeks apart.

1/2015 Went to see a fertility specialist to see what they had to say because still no luck with ttc. I had a bunch of blood work done throughout my cycle and a hystocelopenogram done. Everything came back good. At this point she recommended an IUI for unexplained fertility with mild male factor. We decided we would give it a little longer and see what happens.

8/2015 Had a D&C done to clean me out and see if this would help with brown discharge and/or the ttc.

2/2016 I started back up with the fertility clinic and we are in the process of a work up for the IUI. We waited to long so I had all my bloodwork drawn again. My husband is scheduled with them at end of March for his SA and IUI prep. Hopefully by April or May we will be set up to do the IUI.

This has been my journey so far. In the middle of all this I tried essential oils, pre-seed, and most recently the last 2 months I have used the soft cups. Every month I analyze all my symptoms and think/hope this is the month. I have never had any pregnancy or miscarriage. My cycle is regular 28-30 days. It is defiantly discouraging/disapointing month after month.

I have been doing a lot of research just recently on IUI success and IVF and my head is spinning. Our insurance does not cover any of it so it will be all out of pocket which sucks but if it doesn't work I think that will suck even more. It stresses me just thinking about it. What I am finding is IUI success is not that much more than a regular month so I can not see having multiple attempts with no luck. The cost around here is ~$1,500 for the IUI and ~$19,000 for the IVF. But looking at the success rates of IVF being 68% it makes me think maybe we should just go that route. But if we have luck after 3 IUI then that would only be ~$4,500 which is a lot less than IVF. But if it doesn't work then we just wasted all that money. But there is no guarantee with IVF. So maybe we should just look to adoption. But I want my own baby too........ this is my head for the last week and I don't know what to do or think or anything!! This is what made me look for a support system. So thanks for listening to my crazy!!!

 

[wannabemummyb]

Here's my update: bbs still sore, veins noticeable on bbs, minor cramps and some mild heartburn. I'm 13dpo and....I got my bfp this morning on frer! It's been almost a year and a half of ttc and I'm in shock. GL to all of you ladies and baby dust. I never thought it would happen. Now I hope it's a sticky bean!

Huge congratulations H&H 9 months

 

[wannabemummyb]

Hello everyone! I am a new member here but not new to ttc. Here is a little timeline of my story:

2/2011 - Off birth control, not actively trying but whatever happens, happens mentality.

8/2011 - Started getting a brownish discharge about 10 days before my period. Husband was getting out of military soon we just didn't know when. He was injured and the getting out process is crazy at that point we just knew it was happening soon. So I was a little stressed with when are we moving, when should I have my job lined up for, ect. I thought the discharge had to do with that. Needless to say we moved back to PA 11/2011 and this discharge continued. Early 2012 I went to see a doctor. She ordered ultrasounds but it was just the typical there is a cyst here or there and the next one they were gone and maybe another one here or there. I was annoyed I didn't get an answer other than we can put you on birth control but I didn't want that as we were ready to start trying. To this day I still get this discharge before my period some months and other months are normal.

6/2013 We started ttc. Went to another doctor and they didn't really have an answer for me either about discharge other than they could put me on clomid and see if that takes it away. So I was on clomid for 4 months and it did take the discharge away for that time period but no success on the ttc front.

7/2014 My husband had SA done. The first 2 showed lower results than one would like but not completely bad. The 3rd was just on the line for within normal limits. All tests were 3-4 weeks apart.

1/2015 Went to see a fertility specialist to see what they had to say because still no luck with ttc. I had a bunch of blood work done throughout my cycle and a hystocelopenogram done. Everything came back good. At this point she recommended an IUI for unexplained fertility with mild male factor. We decided we would give it a little longer and see what happens.

8/2015 Had a D&C done to clean me out and see if this would help with brown discharge and/or the ttc.

2/2016 I started back up with the fertility clinic and we are in the process of a work up for the IUI. We waited to long so I had all my bloodwork drawn again. My husband is scheduled with them at end of March for his SA and IUI prep. Hopefully by April or May we will be set up to do the IUI.

This has been my journey so far. In the middle of all this I tried essential oils, pre-seed, and most recently the last 2 months I have used the soft cups. Every month I analyze all my symptoms and think/hope this is the month. I have never had any pregnancy or miscarriage. My cycle is regular 28-30 days. It is defiantly discouraging/disapointing month after month.

I have been doing a lot of research just recently on IUI success and IVF and my head is spinning. Our insurance does not cover any of it so it will be all out of pocket which sucks but if it doesn't work I think that will suck even more. It stresses me just thinking about it. What I am finding is IUI success is not that much more than a regular month so I can not see having multiple attempts with no luck. The cost around here is ~$1,500 for the IUI and ~$19,000 for the IVF. But looking at the success rates of IVF being 68% it makes me think maybe we should just go that route. But if we have luck after 3 IUI then that would only be ~$4,500 which is a lot less than IVF. But if it doesn't work then we just wasted all that money. But there is no guarantee with IVF. So maybe we should just look to adoption. But I want my own baby too........ this is my head for the last week and I don't know what to do or think or anything!! This is what made me look for a support system. So thanks for listening to my crazy!!!

Welcome to the group. I'm sorry to hear of your struggles but hope you get you bfp soon x

 

[Myshelsong]

Welcome to the group.
Sorry to hear about all your stresses, have you done a monitored cycle to confirm size of follicles and timing of ovulation? It is well worth the cost I think.
Spotting could also be a sign of low progesterone. Maybe look into that?

I hope you find the support here you are looking for.
On a side note, we are also looking and starting the adoption process along with out fertility treatments, but let me advise adoption is not a "cheap" option in Canada or the USA if that is where you live. Although if yo are looking for an older child it is less, since you are adopting from the state not a agency.

 

[KatO79]

I have been doing a lot of research just recently on IUI success and IVF and my head is spinning. Our insurance does not cover any of it so it will be all out of pocket which sucks but if it doesn't work I think that will suck even more. It stresses me just thinking about it. What I am finding is IUI success is not that much more than a regular month so I can not see having multiple attempts with no luck. The cost around here is ~$1,500 for the IUI and ~$19,000 for the IVF. But looking at the success rates of IVF being 68% it makes me think maybe we should just go that route. But if we have luck after 3 IUI then that would only be ~$4,500 which is a lot less than IVF. But if it doesn't work then we just wasted all that money. But there is no guarantee with IVF. So maybe we should just look to adoption. But I want my own baby too........ this is my head for the last week and I don't know what to do or think or anything!! This is what made me look for a support system. So thanks for listening to my crazy!!!

Welcome ttcba So sorry that you're experiencing so many issues conceiving

I would think if you're diagnosed unexplained, you have a good chance of getting pregnant from IUI. Maybe go with 3 IUI tries and then go onto IVF afterwards? I've been through 2 IVF cycles (had a CP with #1 and am currently 7w3d after #2 so FXed it's a healthy, sticky one) and 6 failed IUIs before that and can tell you that IVF is much more physically and emotionally challenging than IUI so you need to be prepared for that before going into it. Plus you'll most likely be put on far more medications since they're aiming for you to make lots of follies/eggs where in IUI they aren't aiming for such a high amount of follies/eggs. In Denmark for IUI they aim for 2-3 follies while for IVF they aim for 8-12 eggs but I think those numbers vary according to each RE/clinic. As for adoption I have 0 experience with that but I don't think it's much cheaper than going with assisted conception, in fact it can probably get even more expensive especially if you're looking to adopt a newborn or very young baby but I'm sure Myshel can tell you more about the costs. Plus I think it can take a while to be matched with a baby/child and I think you have to go through a number of things to be approved first, something else Myshel can perhaps explain since she's in the process I believe.

It may be beneficial to know what your economical and emotional limit is with assisted conception as well and agree beforehand with your DH how many IUIs and IVFs you're willing to try before hitting your limits on either fronts.

 

[ttcba]

Welcome to the group.
Sorry to hear about all your stresses, have you done a monitored cycle to confirm size of follicles and timing of ovulation? It is well worth the cost I think.
Spotting could also be a sign of low progesterone. Maybe look into that?

I hope you find the support here you are looking for.
On a side note, we are also looking and starting the adoption process along with out fertility treatments, but let me advise adoption is not a "cheap" option in Canada or the USA if that is where you live. Although if yo are looking for an older child it is less, since you are adopting from the state not a agency.

This month I actually had them test me for low progesterone in my luteal phase. Research that I have done was pointing me to this. I am wondering if this is my underlying cause of my ttc struggles. They did a day 21 which would have been around 8-9 dpo. My level came back at 7.7 ng/mL which per the reference range I am good. :/

I have not done a monitored cycle to confirm size of follicles and timing of ovulation. Do you think this is something that my local obgyn can do? Just hoping not to go to the fertility center as it is 2 hours away. I live in a rural area.

I mean they are the doctors, my PhD is from yahoo search engine. haha. Before I jump into costly treatments I would feel better knowing they checked into everything. I just don't understand how the blood work tells them enough about me and my cycles.

We are in the US. I haven't even started looking into adoption yet for real. I have always heard that adoption is a long process and expensive but only through casual talk never got any figures or heard it from real sources. I am just thinking with adoption it would be a guarantee unlike IVF.

Thank you for your response.