Still looking for our May Flowers...

[floridasian]

I think I might have popped a few blood vessels while doing my femoral massage the other day and that's where the pain was coming from - upper inner thigh in the leg and not in the actual ovary.

When we first started this journey I did a lot of research into pricing for IUI's and IVF's, so we prepared ourselves on the potential costs associated with all of this. The way we look at it, is that this is the price we have to pay for the 10 years of freedom we had without kids since we waited so long to TTC. I think the prices at my clinic are a little cheaper than the national average because we are in a small town, although that also means less competition so I'm not really sure if that's an advantage or not.

 

[beaglemom]

I think after this IUI + 1 more, we will actually start borrowing to pay for things. The plan is to move to IVF after 2 IUIs with the FS. We have prepared ourselves for that & actually already have a plan in place for when that happens. We hope we don't need it. If I have a failed IVF cycle, we will just have to go one step at a time.

After this IUI, I will not have any money left in my HSA. So I am maxed out for the year. We did pretty well getting this far on it.

I think everyone needs to talk beforehand...especially if you are moving to a FS. You need to know how comfortable both of you are with the financial burdens of assisted ttc.

 

[Wantaminime]

Beaglemom, I've read there's enough selenium in just 1 Brazil nut to improve sperms mobility.
I like to change up the snacks and came home a few weeks ago with raw pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts not knowing that they're rich in zinc and selenium. I lucky fell onto that.
This week when I went in for a (missed ovulation day) ultrasound and they did a post coital just before. They were so impressed with the lil swimmers mobility and life span after ovulation that they don't need the semen analysis.
I have no idea if this helped but it's cheaper and easier than supplements.

 

[beaglemom]

Beaglemom, I've read there's enough selenium in just 1 Brazil nut to improve sperms mobility.
I like to change up the snacks and came home a few weeks ago with raw pumpkin seeds and Brazil nuts not knowing that they're rich in zinc and selenium. I lucky fell onto that.
This week when I went in for a (missed ovulation day) ultrasound and they did a post coital just before. They were so impressed with the lil swimmers mobility and life span after ovulation that they don't need the semen analysis.
I have no idea if this helped but it's cheaper and easier than supplements.

Brazil nuts are also great to eat during the TWW. I have some at home. However, in my house, it is much easier to remember to eat the vitamins before bed than to remember the nuts. I am really bad about not eating the good stuff I buy...I pack a lunch, but never get around to eating everything in it.

 

[beaglemom]

Also, I have nver had the post coital test. I get what they are checking for, but what exactly do they do? I mean, what is the process of the test?

 

[Wantaminime]

I didn't know, thanks for the tip! I'll swap out my glass of grapefruit juice for breakfast with them since now I'm in the tww.
The post coital was quick and easy, but many feel it's an antiquated test. They put in a speculum and swab your cervix to see if your cervical mucous and the sperm are interacting well together. They take the swab and look at it under a microscope and know right away.
I read a lot online that it wasn't a great test, you have sex during LH surge around 12 hours before the exam and for a lot of people, cm isn't too stretchy anymore and sperm have died, etc.

 

[moni77]

I had the post coital with my ob - we had to bd 2 hours before. Like wantaminime said - it is just a swab and look through a microscope - mine however, did not have as good results - we had only 3 swimmers - they like to see at least 20 - this was when we went for the first SA and learned of the problem. The doc let me look through the microscope as well - so that was neat - otherwise, if you already have all the other testing done - it wouldn't give you any new info.

Going in for a scan tomorrow to confirm cyst - estrogen was high again. So we would have needed to take this month off anyway.

 

[sarahok]

Hi ladies...just wanted to pop in and say hi! I got way behind last month as work got busy, so I figured I would just wait to hear your beginning of thread synopses!

Shakin' and movin'!! Love all the action here! Was hoping for some BFP's but I'm sure they will come in the next couple of months with all the new procedures, meds, etc.

I'm happy to say I have my first appointment with an RE who is supposed to be amazingly intelligent and talented at getting results! It is not until June 25th, but I'm fine with that. I wanted to give us a couple of more cycles before any major intervention.

Just to sum up, I'm 29, we have been TTC since November '12 and have finally finished all the tests the OB can do with no explanation as to why we're not getting pregnant. Regular cycles, good sperm. I did get a polyp removed about 2 months ago which could have been blocking implantation.

Anyway, so just very excited to read about all your guys' experiences as some of them are probably in my future!

One other thing, regarding the cost of IVF, the fertility center near me offers a sort of "insurance plan." You basically prepay (at a discounted price) for 3 cycles of IVF, and if you do not come home from the hospital with a baby (or babies), they refund you 70% of the cost. It's something to think about and if you are interested check if they have in your area. I like the idea that if I were to undergo IVF unsuccessfully, I would still have the $$ to try again if necessary.

Anyway, much baby dust to all of you and hoping for some BFP's!

 

[sarahok]

https://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2014/04/29/307787984/moms-diet-right-before-pregnancy-can-alter-babys-genes?utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_term=nprnews&utm_content=20140428

Also, here is an article I came across...good motivation to start eating right for your baby BEFORE that BFP.

 

[beaglemom]

Sarah, glad to see you again! My clinic also offers that insurance type option. I will def be talking to the financial dept about it if we get that far.

I have been feeling miserable on & off today. I feel uncomfortable...gross...& a horrible headache off & on. The nurse at my class said if we have any discomfort from the meds, we should take tylenol. I am a huge fan of ibprofen. But she said we needed to start getting away from it & leaning toward tylonol as soon as possible. So I bought a bottle but left it at home. I got some from a co-worker. I really HATE that crap. It never helps me. I have some tylonol pm & it does well to help me sleep during AF. But for headaches or day cramping on AF, ibprofen is my drug. I guess I should get used to it...because I know that will be all I can take when I am pregnant. I will just be so glad to get out of here today! Less than an hour to go.

 

[haleiwamama]

Hi ladies, how is everyone doing? I havent been around since the February thread I think..

Update on me, not prego yet, its been difficult... i started blogging and I've been doing that a lot lately, which is why I havent been here as much as I used to. It has helped me so much to see things in a different light. I feel like it saved me.

This month I decided to not let my husband postpone this IUI thing any more. we're doing it next week even if I have to extract the sperm out of him while he sleeps. LOL

Im being a little irresponsible this month and Im doing my second gonal-f cycle unmonitored... Im not going to my regular RE this month at all.. next week Im just gonna go to OBGYN to get a scan on CD13 so he can measure the size of the follicles and if its all good I'll trigger that night, and do IUI the next day.

 

[moni77]

So had a scan this morning and now have 3 cysts - the one on the left (which I believe has been there for awhile) is now at 46mm - the other 2 are 14 and 12. Doc was on vacation, so he will call next week with an analysis - my guess is test again at the beginning of my next cycle to see if they are gone. Good thing I had already decided to take a couple of months off!

Beagle - excited to hear about your scan today!

Erin - how are you feeling?

 

[beaglemom]

Scan went really well. It started out weird. The doctor came in & used some words I did not know explaining what my appt was all about. Then I looked confused so he said is that right? And I said I am here for my day 10 scan. So apparently he had me mixed up! But then he did his thing. I did not remember which side was which...but basically I have 1 measuring at 18 & he said that was great. So I trigger tonight along with BD, then IUI Sunday. My husband switched his schedule so he could be off. Then when I checked out I asked about my bloodwork...she said my AMH was "beautiful" & the other tests had no issues. So I feel pretty good. When I got in the car I said I am pretty sure we are getting pregnant this month because I am pretty much a perfect fertile woman. And my husband laughed & said I KNOW! It's all my fault! (in a joking way)

So I guess we will see how things go Sunday. My appt is at 8:45...so we will pretty much be right at 37 hours.

 

[moni77]

Yay Beagle!! FXed for a smooth "delivery"!

 

[floridasian]

Sounds great Beaglemom! Excited for you this cycle!!!

 

[sarahok]

So exciting Beaglemom!

 

[beaglemom]

Ok ladies...I am trying to make sense of my AMH test. I know she said it was "beautiful". Everything I seem to read says it is very high. So my number was 8.9 ng/mL...if I am reading this right. Is that a crazy high number?

 

[JCM]

I got so lost trying to find the new thread. Lol Found it! We got our results back and we are ok for iui! I'm so excited. We will start next week. Has anyone ever had to do 5 days of birth control to push off ovulation? I have a million questions but I'm sure if I read through all of your posts I will get lots of answers! So excited to have a plan!

 

[beaglemom]

I got so lost trying to find the new thread. Lol Found it! We got our results back and we are ok for iui! I'm so excited. We will start next week. Has anyone ever had to do 5 days of birth control to push off ovulation? I have a million questions but I'm sure if I read through all of your posts I will get lots of answers! So excited to have a plan!

Glad you found us! I am not familiar with the BC process...but I have heard of this with IVF cycles. Good luck to you!

 

[floridasian]

Ok ladies...I am trying to make sense of my AMH test. I know she said it was "beautiful". Everything I seem to read says it is very high. So my number was 8.9 ng/mL...if I am reading this right. Is that a crazy high number?

Yes it does seem a little high (I wouldn't call it crazy high though). According to this chart - https://www.advancedfertility.com/amh-fertility-test.htm, anything over 4 is likely PCOS. However you don't have any of the PCOS symptoms. And your doctor thinks it's fine so I would think it's fine. I have heard that the number changes, so if you are still concerned you might want to get re-tested in a month or two (hopefully you won't need it).