TTC 1st child 35+ (Please spoiler any PG news/announcements).

[lavalux]

Ok Ladies ... I wrote this long, personal message this morning and then somehow when I went to post, all was lost and my stupid wifi asked for my password ... again. So, now I've learned my lesson and will copy my message before trying to send in case I need to paste and redo it.

Ginger, Missyt, and LeeC,
Uggh! I am so sorry AF got you too. After I got my BFN & then FM got hers, I was so bummed, but was rooting for y'all! I was hoping at least one of us would get our well-deserved BFP this cycle. It is so frustrating when our period rears its ugly head, especially when you are invested in a treatment cycle. I know that a few of you (Ginger, Dwrgi, luvmydoggies are interested in learning more about the IFV protocol in case we need to try it). Thanks, Skye, for keeping us updated on your experience. I wish you the best - you are our pioneer in the IVF department.

Jocr,
How was the inlaw visit? Did you sneak any in this weekend?

Luvmydoggies & Missyt,
Yum! Those smoothies sound delicious. I was going to ask my nurse today at the doctor about macca root powder and whether I could take it while on an IUI cycle, but I forgot. Except for prenatals and baby aspirin, they've asked me to refrain from additional vitamins, but would this would count?

MissyT,
We missed the Dogwood Fest this year too. We ran errands on Saturday, did some shopping at Lenox, then came home and cleaned & did some before meeting up with some friends, but I heard it was a good year and the weather was perfect for it. Had a couple drinks over the weekend. It was nice to just relax and get a little buzzed for a change. I was feeling a little guilty, but my nurse said it's didn't affect my cycle.

Piedmont Park has been expanded so I'm looking forward to seeing the new space. I love the Brookhaven area. I am currently living in Glenwood Park which is near Grant Park and Inman Park. I've lived in Virginia-Highland and Decatur too. Sounds like your DH have made a lot of positive changes. My DH is taking Conception Rx for his motility. I'm interested to see if there's been any change since he started taking it in Feb. They will retest his count and motility on Friday.

FM,
Your DH's sperm count has really gone up! Impressive. Wonder if Fertilaid is better than what mine is using?

Skye,
So glad that your med mix up was ok and your are responding well to your meds. What is the next step for you?

AFM,
I had my mid-cycle blood & U/S today. I've got one mature follie leading in my left ovary and 3 others in my right sort of straggling along. I will start my OPKs tomorrow and if I don't get my smiley face by Thursday morning, I come in for an HCG shot. So, I expect the IUI will be on Friday. I am struggling between feeling excited and hopeful for this month since there is a 10-15% success rate for IUIs at my clinic in my age bracket (38-40) and feeling discouraged since two friends that I know had 2 or 3 failed IUIs before moving to IVF and there was no IUI success with the ladies on here in March. I wish I had the money to go straight to IVF since there is a 25-30% success rate at my clinic for my age. That is better odds than for a healthy, fertile 25 year old. But, we can't afford it right now. I don't want to get my hopes up only for them to be dashed so my evil negative voice is trying to take hold , but I'm trying to remember what FM told me when I first joined this board ... my reaction will be the same whether I'm trying to manage expectations or not so why not be positive! Sage advise so, that is what I'm trying to be. And I do love my clinic so I feel like I'm in good hands. Maybe I'll get lucky and get my BFP this month. Please help me keep a positive thought this week and during my TWW ... and for those of you who have faith, a prayer would certainly help right now.

 

[missyt]

Ginger, only you know what is the right thing to do. I think a 5th IUI is a good idea. I'm actually not doing too good. I had a break down last night after watching some TV show that showed some lady with a baby and her coworkers commenting that they never saw her so happy. DH is pretty convinced his low sperm count is the issue. He agreed to go to a urologist to get the spermatocle checked out. My nurse from the clinic called today because I never showed for my pregnancy test. I told her I started my period and she said I could call to make an appointment with the doc to talk about next steps. I haven't made the appointment yet because I want to ask DH about his schedule. This has really been a strain on us too. I complained last night that he never wants to have sex anymore. I just wish all this was easier for all of us. Stay safe with those storms. I'm thinking about you.

Skye, thanks for keeping us posted on your IVF cycle. Its reassuring knowing someone who is going through it.

Lava, what you are feeling is normal. You aren't sure to be excited or what to feel. I actually bought a flat of wheat grass and have been putting it in our smoothies. Oh, and from what I read, the maca root isn't an herb, its more like a vegetable. I think it should be okay to take in your cycle but its probably good to ask. How I miss Piedmont Park. I have an old BF that lives in Grant Park. So funny. What a small world. I'm FX'd for you on your first IUI.

 

[skye2010]

Missy Ginger and Lava. I see that all you girls at a decision stage and all really worried right now. All I can give you is a lot of hugs and prayers. i actually did pray last night and mentioned all your names. You too FM. I really hopw that you have a piece of mind soon and whatever decision you take woulld result in a BFP.

Lava I think it is a good idea to try IUI before jumping into IVF. Cause you would save yourself the worry if it does work. You also don't know how your body will respond to the treatment. It might respond really well. The only reason I didn't want IUI was because I was very devastated and upset every time I had the AF at the time and I just couldn't take the disappointment of trying a few IUIs. IVF do have better success rates but it isn't a done deal either unfortunately. So if you are limited with funds I think it's worth trialling your body on fertility drugs first. A lot of women get their BFP's in their second or 3rd IVF cause the drs can't figure out the right amount of drugs that does the trick for you.

Missy I think IUI is also a good idea for you if you can sort out DHS sperm issues. Cause you produced a good number of healthy eggs last time. i'm sorry you are so upset. I wonder if a mini break would be a good idea. Just 1 cycle maybe so that you have enough time to get your DH's spermatocle checked out. U can do another sperm count in the mean time and see if there is any improvement at all.

Ginger Have you had better results with IUI before? You need a slightly different approach with next IUI to increase your eggs I would imagine. IVF also isn't a bad idea if you can afford the time and the money. Cause you get a lot more stimmulation so you produce more eggs. In anyway having one more IUI will not make a big difference to your egg quality or number cause in case it doesn't work out you can start an IVF cycle straight after. So the time loss is nothing. I think it would be a good idea to go for IVF if your next IUI doesn't work though cause your ovaries can only produce what they can after that.

Loads of hugs and kisses to all 4 of you

Jo some medication does interfere with fertility. I think it's a good idea if you called your clinic and find out. Paracetamol is ok on women but I don't know what it does to men. Also overheated balls is really not good. Laptops, hot baths, too tight trousers. They just need to keep it airy down there. So you're avoiding ginger huh? ) What are you now a brunette? Ahh MA knows a good trick how to lie down. I can't remember lie on your back first than on your tummy or sthg. MA can u tell us if u are lurking? Otherwise u need to stalk her in the other thread.

AFM I had my scan this morning. 14 mature looking eggs on one side, 3-4 on the other so it's looking pretty good. I'm really hungry all the time, the eggs must be eating away on my food Lol. I'm still at the first week of stimms and the numbers can change but the dr expects to have a good result. i am slightly polysystic so I hope all don't grow really fast and not mature enough (What happened last time) They are keeping me on a really low dose. Plus I'm starting bb asprin and heparine injections tonight to get my lining more receptive. Our scans are really early 7.30 am so I get quite tired and loopy during the day. Sorry if I missed out anyone. xxxx

 

[FutureMommie]

Jocr- Yes I am really lucky that my dh is all about those vitamins and never forgets to take them, he said he really wants a baby and he's willing to do his part.

Ginger- It's nice to seek others opinions but ultimately you have to do what is best for you and do what you feel in your heart. I know you will make the right decision for you. I hope those tornado's miss you guys! Please keep us posted and stay as safe as possible

Lava- I'm praying for you just as I pray for myself, I pray that we can stay positive and have peace. When I feel negativity creeping in I just thank God for the healthy baby I know that he is going to bless me with, it helps me. you seem like a person that belives in prayer so find what works for you. I'm rooting for you.

Missyt- I'm so sorry that you had a melt down and thats perfectly ok we all need to do that at some point to release all of the stress. I'm really glad that your dh has decided to go to the dr, maybe you will get some info that will put your mind at ease.

Skye- Wow you have lots of follies, it's looking good!!!! How do you feel physically with all of those follies?

 

[HappyAuntie]

Hi ladies - just wanted to check in a little...

I am so sorry for the BFNs lately - I wish I could hug you all.

Ginger, here's my two cents on what to do next: take a break for just one month while you decide what to do next. You are not going to go into menopause in the space of one month, and your DH is not going to suddenly run out of sperm. What you will gain, though, is the emotional space to make a solid decision about what to do next. Making that decision in between cd1 and cd3 is near impossible, while you're having to simultaneously deal with the grief and disappointment of another BFN coming after a long string of BFNs. Making a major life decision while you're completely emotionally spent and bankrupt is not a good place to be. My counselor even says we should all consider the occasional break as a part of our treatment, not a break. I can really only speak from my personal experience, but I feel a whole lot less desperate and more refreshed and re-energized after taking this break. And desperate is not a good basis for making solid decisions. But in the end, as Missy said, it's your decision, and you and your DH together know what's right for you.

AFM, well our one month break is turning into two months. Back on cd7 and again on cd11, I had post-coital spotting. Not a lot, but definitely there. I haven't had that in over 10 years. I went for my annual exam and pap smear (I was due for that anyway) and my OB/Gyn said my cervix looked perfectly normal and he suspected it was uterine bleeding, not cervical, and he recommended a saline infusion sonogram to check for fibroids/polyps. (I had an HSG as part of my recurrent mc workup last year but not an SIS. The HSG was totally normal.) My RE agreed, so I have that scheduled for Monday. Trying my best NOT to freak out, but my brain is so good at running away with all the worst-case-scenario worries.... And it means no IUI this month, but I'd rather get it checked out than go ahead with an IUI just in case something shows up that needs to be addressed.

 

[Jocr]

HA - We must have the same kind of 'What if'?' brain. You can do it, lots of positive thoughts going out to you. Best to get checked out and maybe you can just see this as another month off as such. Good luck for Monday

Skyle - you go girl...all those lovely eggs waiting to give you your BFP hopefully this month is your month.
My acupuncturist says Im blood deficient (could be scant amount of blood for the lining) how does baby asprin help with the lining please, does it make it thicker?
I will try any funny positions to get my BFP

Lava - the in laws drove me bloody bonkers as usual the gits. I have never known people that can stess me out so easily and so frequently. Wish they lived a lot further away. But thanks for asking.
Did quite a bit DTD this last few days so with any luck we might have lift off. Will test around the 27th (whilst on a mini break).
Lots of luck and for friday.

Missyt - Thanks. Well she said that if there is any probs in the tubes then there is no point doing IUI. I dont know how correct or normal that is. She just said that if they find any probs in the tubes I will be refered for IVF. as you know the fertility experts dont seem to give out much info do they.

Brought some spirulina today as my acupuncture lady said it will help with lining my uterus, anyone else on this? Looks vile but its worth a go.

Big hugs to everyone and tons of

 

[twinkle1975]

Hi ladies - just wanted to check in a little...

I am so sorry for the BFNs lately - I wish I could hug you all.

Ginger, here's my two cents on what to do next: take a break for just one month while you decide what to do next. You are not going to go into menopause in the space of one month, and your DH is not going to suddenly run out of sperm. What you will gain, though, is the emotional space to make a solid decision about what to do next. Making that decision in between cd1 and cd3 is near impossible, while you're having to simultaneously deal with the grief and disappointment of another BFN coming after a long string of BFNs. Making a major life decision while you're completely emotionally spent and bankrupt is not a good place to be. My counselor even says we should all consider the occasional break as a part of our treatment, not a break. I can really only speak from my personal experience, but I feel a whole lot less desperate and more refreshed and re-energized after taking this break. And desperate is not a good basis for making solid decisions. But in the end, as Missy said, it's your decision, and you and your DH together know what's right for you.

AFM, well our one month break is turning into two months. Back on cd7 and again on cd11, I had post-coital spotting. Not a lot, but definitely there. I haven't had that in over 10 years. I went for my annual exam and pap smear (I was due for that anyway) and my OB/Gyn said my cervix looked perfectly normal and he suspected it was uterine bleeding, not cervical, and he recommended a saline infusion sonogram to check for fibroids/polyps. (I had an HSG as part of my recurrent mc workup last year but not an SIS. The HSG was totally normal.) My RE agreed, so I have that scheduled for Monday. Trying my best NOT to freak out, but my brain is so good at running away with all the worst-case-scenario worries.... And it means no IUI this month, but I'd rather get it checked out than go ahead with an IUI just in case something shows up that needs to be addressed.

Hey Petal,

Must be the month for random spotting - I'd better get myself to the doctor too - although seeing a GP I doubt very much that they'll do anything! Will be keeping my fingers crossed for you for Monday xxx

 

[HappyAuntie]

Hey Petal,

Must be the month for random spotting - I'd better get myself to the doctor too - although seeing a GP I doubt very much that they'll do anything! Will be keeping my fingers crossed for you for Monday xxx

I was going to pm you about it but I wanted to post about it as well and figured you might very well come out of lurking to comment on it! I don't really know what to make of it. The OB/Gyn didn't seem overly concerned about it but thought it was worth checking out in light of our infertility. Plus, he may very well have been trying to stay calm for my sake... I was sobbing before he even came into the exam room. It was my first time back to that office since my last mc and I didn't think that would be a problem but it was. When the nurse took my vitals I told her my bp was going to be high because I was so upset and it was - 150/100! So yeah, the dr was working hard to help me calm down so he may have downplayed any concerns he had over the spotting. He kind of said that if I was 10 years younger it was probably one thing and they would do this; if I was 10 years older it was probably this other thing and they would do that... since I was in the middle he wasn't really sure what to make of it but since we're ltttc let's check it out just in case. If you haven't gone to the dr about it, I would recommend it just in case... besides, then they'll be able to compliment you on your fabulous weight loss!

Jo, baby aspirin acts as a blood thinner, so the theory is that it increases blood flow to the uterus (as well as every other organ) and helps make the lining thicker. But before you start taking it, be sure to speak with a pharmacist or dr and be completely honest about every pill/supplement/herbal you're taking so they can make sure you won't have any drug interactions.

As for IUI/IVF and your tubes, you're absolutely right. IVF was invented as a way for women with blocked tubes to have a baby - before IVF they were told they could never have children. It completely bypasses the tubes. Eggs are harvested directly from your ovaries, fertilized in the lab, and the embryos are then deposited directly in your uterus. For IUI to work, you have to have at least one tube open. So that's why they suggested you may go straight to IVF depending on what they find during your lap.

 

[missyt]

Skye, you have so many healthy big follies! You must be so excited. It sounds like your body is reacting very well to the medication. I'm excited to hear about your progress each day.

Jocr, my in-laws drive me nuts too. They totally stress me out as well. I limit my time around them and luckily DH understands. He said he would move close to my family but not his. Hopefully all the DTDing will bring you a BFP.

HA, you have some wonderful advice for Ginger. I agree that it helps to take a break. This is all so stressful and we really end up being so hard on ourselves more than anything. It sounds like you are more relaxed being on your break. I know I'm going to take at least a month break before any next steps. Wishing you good news for your appointment on Monday.

AFM, I made a follow up appointment with the doc for May 2nd. Since my 3rd IUI didn't work, he wants to talk about other options. We aren't sure if we are going be diagnosed at male factor now since DH's numbers were never great to begin with and his sperm count has only gotten worse. I wish I didn't have almost two weeks to wait and hear what he is going to say.

 

[HappyAuntie]

One more thing, Jo - If I were you, I'd be a little wary of an acupuncurist who says you're "blood deficient." What does that even mean? You obviously aren't blood deficient or you'd be dead!

Alternative medicine can be a wonderful thing. I see a chiropractor when my back hurts because he cracks my joints and I feel better. But I don't go to him because I'm trying to have a baby. I go to yoga every week because it calms me down and makes me feel strong. But I don't expect it to help me get pregnant. Acupuncture has been scientifically proven to help a few specific things and I know tons of women who use it because it feels good and relaxes them. But please be careful. I know you're waiting on your lap so yours is not a case of delaying a proven treatment in order to pursue an alternative therapy. And I certainly don't want you to feel I'm picking on you. But there are people who will delay or avoid going to a medical dr or seeking a proven medical treatment because they are trying an alternative treatment, and that can have very real consequences in terms of time lost, money lost, and sometimes (in cancer patients, for example) life lost.

Same goes for herbs and supplements. Please remember, ladies, that vitamins/supplements/herbs are not like prescription drugs. Prescription drugs have to be tested and retested and retested for safety, for efficacy, for side effects, for drug interactions, etc before they can be put on the market and sold to the general public. The tests are reviewed by independent scientists, people who have nothing to do with the manufacture or sale of the drug. They are continuously checked and monitored to make sure that they are manufactured to contain the exact same thing in every single tablet/capsule. They are subject to constant review. It's not a perfect system - we all know of drugs that were thought to be safe and later discovered to be dangerous. But those drugs are in the very small minority. For the most part the system works very well. A drug cannot be sold until it is proven to work and proven to be safe. Scientific study, independent review.

Vitamins/supplements/herbs are treated very differently. Lots of them have been scientifically studied and reviewed over time (the basics, like vitamins A, B, C, D, calcium, iron, etc - the ones everyone's heard of). But none of them are regulated by the FDA or any other governing body. The only studies done on them, if any are done at all, are done by the manufacturers themselves, people who have a vested interest in convincing you to buy them by convincing you that they work. They are not required to be monitored to ensure that every single pill contains the same drugs in the same amount and no contaminants. They are not required to be studied for harmful side effects or drug interactions. Any product can be sold by anyone or any store without ever having to prove that it is safe or prove that it works.

Most people will have no physical harm in taking any vitamins/supplements/herbs. But to be safe, please be completely honest with your dr and your pharmacist about absolutely everything you are taking. There are some really well-known interactions between some popular herbs and common prescription drugs that can reduce the efficacy of the prescription drug or even create an increase in dangerous side effects. (For example, check out this chart here for some of the more common interactions.)

<stepping down off my soapbox>

Sorry for the rant, ladies. I just want you all to be safe, healthy, and successful. There's a whole lot of people, an entire industry out there who know we're desperately longing for a child and who prey upon that by offering us products and treatments for sale but who can offer no scientific proof that they work, only anecdotal evidence, and they are all too happy to take our money in exchange for the hope it gives us.

 

[skye2010]

HA, I'm really glad that you are still posting here. It's great to have your wisdom back
I am really quite sceptical about these herbal stuff too exactly for the reason you have explained so well. I hope you can get to the bottom of that bleeding quite fast. I'm happy for you that this time off has worked wonders on your psyche. I'm hoping you will be back with us soon. By the way I hope you are all safe from these tornados. They really look scary.
Also thanx for the link. I am both on an immunosuppressant and blood thinners so will stay away from garlic and green tea.

Ginger I think HA' suggestion on taking a break makes sense. I felt the same thing for you but didn't have the heart to say it. It seems like you are getting all panicky not only with the TTc but also with the weather conditions. If you are in a stressed state (perhaps I got it wrong) it's better to delay the treatment cause you really need to feel positive when you are doing it.

Twinkle has your spotting been going on for so long? Better get it checked out hun.

Jo did you have the dye test (HSG) which checks if the tubes are blocked? The lap checks the outside of the womb and the tubes for endometrisis, fibroids, scar tissue etc.

Missy, the wait is really what's annoying with all the TTC. It will go very quickly though

I had a really weird day yesterday. I had the most horrendous lose stomach. I think it is a combination of the milk and all the hormonal changes. I'm staying away from milk today. Just chicken and fish perhaps. I am super hungry all the time despite all this. Quite difficult to feed and satisfy these follies. It's like having an alien inside me Will have a blood scan in an hr so better get ready.

XXX girls

 

[Jocr]

Skye - Yes I had the HSG and it was all clear, which is fab. So just waiting for the Lap next month, excited and scared at the same time. At least we will know one way or another what is (if anything) is going on in there.
Hope your tummy is better today.

HA - Thanks for all the info.
Blood deficient - one of the things that apparently this could cause is a not so thick lining in my uterus. I am trying to see if my GP will refer me for a scan to check that for me as the fertility dr hasnt and wont test that. It does make me angry that the Dr wont test for basic things like the hostile sperm environment and womb lining. All things that dont cost too much in comparison to other treatments.
The main reason I have acu is to relax me and I also get cupping done on my shoulders which is really helping the aches and pains I get.
I get anxious really easily and anything that helps with that is a god send.
It does get expensive though all of this stuff.

Thanks Missyt - nice to know im not alone

 

[Dwrgi]

Hello Everybody!

I hope that you are all well! Beautiful weather here in the UK-makes a change!

I've been stalking last few days, didn't have anything conception wise to say... I think I'm CD9, so the frantic starts tomorrow... Wish me luck-I sooooo don't want to do IVF.

Hi Skye- Hope you're feeling a little bit better today, and sorry that you feel hungry. That must be a nightmare. But not long to go now, surely, and it WILL be worth it! All those follicles sound amazingly promising-hang on in there!

Hello HA! How are you?? I was interested to read your comments re. alternative therapy. I have no information whatsoever about herbs and pregnancy, but I know that when I was having acupuncture, I was the most relaxed I had ever been. I am a secondary school teacher, and it has occured to me already that my job may be having a detrimental effect on my ability to conceive, as I am permanently stressed. So, I found the acu really helpful for me... I just gave up temporarily as it was so expensive, but as I approach IVF, I may book in a few sessions to help me deal with it. Each to their own, I suppose! I hope the sonogram goes well for you on Monday-will be great to find out the problem!

Hello MissyT I'm so sorry you have to wait another two weeks for the appointment. You just want to get things moving-but I'm sure that May 2nd will be here before you know it! I am thinking of you and sending you lots of .

Hi Twinkle Hope you're okay? Did you get to the doctor's?

Hi Jo Hope you're feeling okay today, and looking forward to some time at your allotments later? May as well 'make hay while the sun shines!'

Hi FM How are you? Hope you're okay?

Hi Ginger! I really hope that you're okay and that the weather was okay-you were worried about Tuesday night-last night? I'm thinking of you. I hope you're feeling fairy settled about what to do next-it's all quite overwhelming and you don't know where to turn. I'm sure your gut instinct is the right one! I LOVED Ab Fab too and thought that Patsy was outrageous!! Dahling!!! Take care of yourself, and hoping you're okay...

Hi Lava How are those four follices? The one on the left sounds promising! How are you feeling? I think you said IUI possibly on Friday-I really hope it goes well for you! Lots and lots of luck, and definitely lots of positive thinking!

Hi LuvMyDoggies How are you? Hope you're okay, hun?

And a big hello to anybody I've missed! I'm sending you ALL a truckful of

We ALL deserve our BFPs!!! Yessssirreeee!

 

[lavalux]

Jocr, I had a pretty thin ling when I first went to the RE, but started taking one baby aspirin a day and it has improved tremendously. Try that perhaps to thickening your uttering lining.

Good luck Skye with your appt. Today. Hope your tummy feels better.

HA, I agree that yoga & acupuncture and other holistic methods are great de-stressors. I don't like the idea of needles so it's not for me. I prefer massage & yoga. My RE offers acupuncture at the clinic. But I have been warned to not take any vitamins/herbs/supplements without talking to the doctor.first and really he just wants me on prenatals & that baby aspirin. These treatments are expensive and I don't want to unintentionally undermine the fertility protocol with approved supplements. Personally, I think this Board and all the lovely ladies on it do the most for my stress level.

I was disappointed with only 1 mature follies. Last time I had a leading one, but 2 others that were growing. This time all but one were antracal follies. Is the Femara even working if that's what I would produce on my own? I understand they don't want too many eggs with IUI b/c of multiples, but I wish the meds were giving me an edge. I really want one of the IUIs to work. No smiley face yet. Just waiting for the. Surge, but if don't get it in the morning, I do the trigger shot. So, Fri it is!!! Thanks for.the well-wishes everyone!!!

 

[lavalux]

I meant "unapproved" supplements. My spelling is atrocious when I compose on my smart phone. ;-)

 

[FutureMommie]

HA- previously when I took a break from injections the second month I had strange mid cycle bleeding, at first I thought it was af making her appearance but then it went away then a few days later I started to bleed again, never anything super heavy but enough that I needed to wear a liner. I called my RE and they scheduled me for blood work everything checked out fine he just said my body was readjusting to being off of the meds. That month I o'd really late and then 2 weeks later I had a normal period and was back on schedule. I don't know if this is what is going on with you but just thought I would share. I hope you get some relief, I had an SHG after having my fibroids removed and it was pretty similar to the HSG. Good luck FX for you.

Missyt- The waiting is so hard but I hope you get some answers so that you will know where to go next.

Sky- I hope your stomach is feeling much better and that those follies are growing growing growing!

Dwrgi- I'm here with my FX that you are going to get a BFP

Lava- Good luck, don't be discouraged, it only takes one follie! FX and praying for you.

AFM- Nothing much going on here just waiting to O.

 

[LeeC]

Hi Ladies, just popped by to say I have decided this month, I am NOT going to be using OPK's or HPT's to feed my addiction. I am going cold turkey and feeling pretty positive, however I am only CD3, just plenty of bd.
Why does it all take so long???

 

[gingerbread]

Hi girls!

Thank you all for your support & personal opinions. Its much more helpful to hear it from women who actually have lived it rather than just someone spouting off at the mouth. I did decide to try one more iui and if this one doesnt work Im sure a break will be in my future! The only thing is I had a 4month break just back in oct-jan(Ntnp, no ov kits or poas during those months) so I really felt I was ready to get back in the swing of things. The fs put me back on clomid this time with the injectables. He said I have 8-10 follies in there & so my reserve still looks good but getting those suckers to grow is another story!!! I did find out my endo thickness for the first time which he has always said "looks good" but this time said it was a little thin the past two cycles..no shocker that he's just now mentioning that. Its 4.57 anyone know what it should be? Isnt that the same thing as uterus lining?

Anyway Skye I hope you are feeling better. You just keep on feeding those follies..give them whatever they want so they'll cooperate with you!!! Yes it would be nice to break during this awful weather but unfortunately with as much as we get I could be on a break for years!!!

Dwrgi sending lots of sticky dust during the I will keep my fingers crossed that this is your lucky cycle. I really hope you dont have to do ivf either Yes we survived the weather last night..thank you for asking! Up & down out of the bed to get in & out of the hallway with those hideous sirens so me & DH are a bit sleepy today. Storms the rest of the week but only 1 severe threat on fri/sat night.

Missy Im sorry for the wait. I hope it gives you time to build up your emotional state before getting back to it. I so look forward to the day you announce you bfp! Im thinking of you. Oh & my dr is doing my day10 bw/us & most likely iui earlier this time for fear that they waited to long last time. Funny how we sensed these things on our own isnt it!

Lava I know that one follie is so frustrating. For me & femara I had the 3 good size follies the cycle before last & this past time only had the one. Mind boggling! Im sending lots of prayers your & your follies way. Good luck with the iui.

HA & FM I think it is so kind for you to come out of lurking to give us all advice & encouragement. It shows how much you care & I know you both will be amazing mommies.

Jocr,Luv,Twinkle & Never(anyone heard from her?? did she have too much fun in vegas & decide to stay?) I hope you all are well. Thinking of you too!

 

[gingerbread]

Oh and also on the sheet I had the dr print out.. next to my endo thickness it says hyperechogenic. Has anyone ever heard of that? Ive been looking it up but not quite understanding what it means.

 

[HappyAuntie]

Hi Ladies, just popped by to say I have decided this month, I am NOT going to be using OPK's or HPT's to feed my addiction. I am going cold turkey and feeling pretty positive, however I am only CD3, just plenty of bd.
Why does it all take so long???

I LOVE NOT POAS!!! Seriously, ditching all that was the best thing I ever did. TTC was way less stressful for me before I started OPKs - got pg twice without them, just by knowing roughly which week to bd a lot. (I started using them only b/c my RE made me, so I could start progesterone at 3dpo every month.) But then my cycles are really regular, so not using them was easy for me - I know women with irregular cycles kind of have to use OPKs to know when they ovulate. Good luck to you! I hope it helps your peace of mind this month.

HA- previously when I took a break from injections the second month I had strange mid cycle bleeding, at first I thought it was af making her appearance but then it went away then a few days later I started to bleed again, never anything super heavy but enough that I needed to wear a liner. I called my RE and they scheduled me for blood work everything checked out fine he just said my body was readjusting to being off of the meds. That month I o'd really late and then 2 weeks later I had a normal period and was back on schedule. I don't know if this is what is going on with you but just thought I would share. I hope you get some relief, I had an SHG after having my fibroids removed and it was pretty similar to the HSG. Good luck FX for you.

Thanks, FM. I remembered you had some weird cycles after the meds but I didn't remember the specifics. I called my RE first when it happened and he's the one who recommended I go get my annual exam since I was due for it anyway. My #1 question was could it be related to the drugs and no one could really answer that - the RE nurse said that they see such a wide range of experiences in women coming off the drugs that they couldn't really say what's "normal". I really am trying to hang onto that possibility, though, that it's drug related and nothing to worry about. (I'm just so damned good at worrying! )

I was disappointed with only 1 mature follies. Last time I had a leading one, but 2 others that were growing. This time all but one were antracal follies. Is the Femara even working if that's what I would produce on my own? I understand they don't want too many eggs with IUI b/c of multiples, but I wish the meds were giving me an edge. I really want one of the IUIs to work. No smiley face yet. Just waiting for the. Surge, but if don't get it in the morning, I do the trigger shot. So, Fri it is!!! Thanks for.the well-wishes everyone!!!

Lava, I felt exactly the same way - my first cycle with injectables produced only one. We all had to chalk that first month up to the learning curve, learning how my body would respond to the meds. The next month my RE doubled my dose and I produced 3 big juicy ones. IMO, since I ovulate just fine on my own, a medicated cycle producing 1 mature follie is a big giant waste of my money - I can do one egg for free without jabbing myself with a needle every night, thank you very much. So I completely understand your disappointment.

If I were you, I'd talk to the dr about changing drugs next month. Femara is a pill, right? According to this site, femara acts on your body in a similar way to clomid - it suppresses your production of estrogen (clomid blocks estrogen receptors) which then tricks your pituitary gland into producing more FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) than it normally would, which should get your ovaries to produce more than one follie. The injectables (follistim and gonal-f, for example) work differently - they skip the whole trick-your-pituitary step by just injecting extra FSH directly into your body, in addition to what your body is naturally pumping out already. That gives the dr a whole lot more control to adjust and fine-tune your dosage mid-cycle if your ovaries aren't responding enough (or if they're responding too well). It also avoids a lot of the unpleasant side-effects of estrogen suppression. I know the injectables are more expensive than clomid (don't know about femara) but for me the trade-off of better control and fewer side effects is totally worth it. (I use follistim.)