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Infertility Support Thread

  1. Grace

    cantaloupe / 6730 posts

    @alie: Wow - i could have written that post, except we started in December. I hope the testing reveals something easily fixed (I'm not going to wish for nothing to be found, because I think unexplained infertility would be worse).

    @redsmarties: Your doctor irritates me!!! What is his criteria for using drugs anyways? Does the naturallath have any ideas for you?

  2. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @Grace: Thanks for starting this thread!

    First, I will apologize in advance for the book that is about to follow. We are currently in Cycle 10 TTC. I will be 37 next month and hubby is 38. Initially upon starting TTC, I had bloodwork and was put on thyroid medication. After continuing to experience short cycles, I did 3 cycles on 50 mg Clomid, prescribed by my OB/GYN with no monitoring. She also had DH go for an SA. His count is great, morphology and motility both borderline.

    I saw an RE in August. My appt. timing was good and he did more bloodwork and I had an HSG the following day, which showed clear tubes! I took 100 mg Clomid this cycle, had an ultrasound which showed a good follicle at 23 (what that measurment is I don't know, but they like to see at least 20). I had a trigger shot and we BD last weekend! I am now taking Progesterone in this TWW.

    It is so good to have this support thread. I have big mood swings between hopeful and discouraged. I was hopeful this cycle after seeing the RE and with my course of treatment. But then last night I went for Acupuncture (I just started that 3 weeks ago). My acupuncturist said "glad you ovulated but I don't want you to try to get PG for 3 months". I was thinking, "what?!?!" She had said at our first appt. that she would work on my follicle development and that should take about 3 months - never saying she didn't want me to try for 3 months! Meanwhile I am on Clomid too, and my RE saw a good follicle, so I am frusturated with her advice. The acupuncturist also gave me a spiel about how she was not trying to get me PG, she was trying to get me a take home baby and that if you have poor follicles, you could have a miscarriage, and if you have one miscarriage, you are likely to have more. ARGH! I am honestly not sure I feel comfortable going back to see her but i hav paid for four more visits in advance. She also wants me to make broth by boiling bones... I am trying to keep an open mind to her advice but has anyone heard of this? What do you think about this acupuncturist's advice?

  3. Mrs Green Grass

    pomelo / 5628 posts

    @twodoghouse: I'm an older sister and I felt the same way when my sister and I were both trying. But eventually I got over it (as I should have! Especially when she had a miscarriage...). Do you think if you shared your struggle that you'd be able to help eachother out? It would also make it less shocking if you do get pregnant since no one knows how hard it has been.

  4. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @raintreebee: Good luck with the IUI!!!

    @Mrs. Cowgirl: @tequiero21: @Brownie: @JoJoGirl: @dagret: @Jenn23: @Mrs Green Grass: Thank you all for the support!!! It means a lot. I have followed several of you here and some of you on WB, too.

  5. Mrs Green Grass

    pomelo / 5628 posts

    @kentuckygirl: 23 is millimeters...the size of the follicle. Over 20 means it's "mature" and ready to go for that cycle. Good luck!

  6. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @spaniellove: It sounds like you have a good plan! During this whole TTC process, I have felt better and more hopeful when I have a plan. Best wishes with the ICSI!

  7. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @Mrs Green Grass: Thanks! I was wondering if it was millimeters but that seems larger that I expected. I saw the size of my tube on the HSG and they looked so thin!

  8. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @anonysquire: Is January the first opportunity you have to see the RE or was that a choice you made so that you can have a break? Can you get in for an appointment sooner? If you just need a break, I completely understand that. I know that sometimes once you have testing done, it can take some time to start treatment, get regulated, etc. Personally, I was very happy that my first RE visit was in the first few days of my cycle so that I could get additional bloodwork and the HSG very quickly.

  9. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @Trailmix: I am hopeful for you with the IUI this cycle! I really hate to hear about your diagnosis of diminished ovarian reserve but am glad that you are able to start injectibles and IUI so soon. I remember that you sought treatment for short cycles, like me. Good luck this month!!!

    @Rachel: I am so glad that I sought treatment for my short cycle (along with my age) pretty early. Good luck!

  10. Mrs.VW

    apricot / 460 posts

    Gosh.... I feel like I don't know where to start with our journey. We are on cycle 15. I have diagnosed endometriosis and possibly PCOS. My husband had an SA and everything was good but his morph is low/borderline. I had an HSG and a Lap this summer. I've done 4 months of clomid and right now we're sort of stepping back from meds and tests and poking and prodding and trying some vitamins and supplements. I'm thinking about looking into accupuncture after the first of the year. DH and both agreed that we'll stick with what we're doing now but for the rest of this year we don't want to add more. More seems to equal more stress too

    Good luck to you all!!

  11. Grace

    cantaloupe / 6730 posts

    @kentuckygirl: Oh, that's exciting! I hope it worked!!! So, I've thought of going to an acupuncturist too, but I'm worried about your situation. I keep thinking that my doctor and the acupuncturist will say conflicting things and I won't know what to do! So, basically, I am no help. *says sheepishly while hanging her head*

  12. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @Grace: Same here - I don't think I could deal with an "unexplained" diagnosis. I'm a planner (by both nature and profession!) so I like having a specific problem to solve.

    When did your doctor say you can expect to have your blood test results back? Do you have any suspicions of what might be going on?

    In some ways I think I have symptoms of PCOS, but so many other things don't line up. It will be a relief to (hopefully) have some clarification soon!

  13. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @sweetooth: @Alie: @MrsCB: Good luck wiht your appointments! I definitely felt better after seeing a doctor and making a plan of action!

    @Grace: Acupuncture has been a very relaxing until now. I had a friend who swears by it for getting her PG!

  14. spaniellove

    honeydew / 7916 posts

    @kentuckygirl: I don't know about the waiting three months thing, but the bone broth sounds like something I've read about eating warm foods. I've actually grown up eating bone-based broths and have been told you absorb calcium from the bones better than you can from milk.

  15. dagret

    grapefruit / 4235 posts

    @kentuckygirl: Good luck in the TWW! I believe acupuncture is great, but for me, it got to the point where it was stressing me out and I had to step back. I would also find the "put this on hold for 3 months" advice very hard to follow. Personally, I would just keep TTCing. What is your acu going to do, get mad at you for getting pregnant?

    RE: boiling bones - it can't hurt! I make chicken stock very simply by roasting a chicken, removing the meat, and throwing the carcass in a crockpot with water, bay leaves, carrots and celery for a day.

    EDITED TO ADD: I think the bones/broth/hot liquids thing is the Qi deficiency? I can't remember. But that was recommended for me, too, and to not eat ice cream, cold foods, or cold drinks.

  16. spaniellove

    honeydew / 7916 posts

    Someone brought up in the IVF thread that it would be nice if we had an infertility blogger on HB and I want to second that here!

  17. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @spaniellove: I would love to "third" that! I've actually stopped reading the HelloBee blog altogether - the lack of TTC posts (infertility related or not) bums me out.

    Along those lines - does anyone have any other blogs to recommend for TTC and/or infertility?

  18. Mrs Green Grass

    pomelo / 5628 posts

    @alie: Start will the Stirrup-Queens. She has an infertility blogroll with hundreds of bloggers! The best place to look is the monthly IComLeavWe list...those bloggers are definitely current and you can read a short description of what they post about.

  19. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @Mrs Green Grass: Thank you so much!

  20. Mrs Green Grass

    pomelo / 5628 posts

    @Grace: I did acupuncture while going to RE. I can't say it helped specifically, but it was very calming to go there each week. My lady specialized in infertility.

  21. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @dagret: Ha, ha, about her getting mad at me! I will probably just keep TTC but I was also thinking about addressing my opinion with her. I am trying to balance modern/Western medicine with Eastern medicine and I hope that she can respect my desires not to hold off on TTC, particluary since I will be 37 and don't have much time to wait. I may send her an email (yes that is cowardly) vs. trying to say it face to face.

  22. kentuckygirl

    pear / 1786 posts

    @spaniellove: @dagret: Also, thanks for your input on the bone broth. She didn't mention chicken - that would pretty easy! I was wondering where I would even get beef bones. She recommended beef, mutton bones or turkey bones...I don't know where to find most of that! She said I was low on blood and that the broth would help. I am supposed to make the broth and then freeze it in ice cube trays and eat at least twice a day, but I can put the cubes into other food I am eating.

  23. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @kentuckygirl: You can get the bones by asking your butcher for them. I haven't made my own broth, but I've read a lot about it and it's supposed benefits. I'm just not hardcore enough to make my own broth

    I have however been trying to use chicken broth in more of my recipes and eating warm soups when I can stand to (usually veggie or chicken). But again, I don't make my own. I just buy pre-made broth at Trader Joe's.

  24. sweetooth

    nectarine / 2705 posts

    @kentuckygirl: wow, that is some fantastic timing for your RE appointment and your cycle. Glad to hear that you were able to move things along so efficiently. Best of luck to you - and we're here for you during those highs and lows. I know I experience those extremes too.

    I don't have any experience with acupuncture, but I have been curious about it. I bet it's hard to have someone tell you they didn't want you to get pregnant yet.

    @Mrs.VW: "More seems to equal more stress too" - that makes total sense! Do what feels right for you and your husband.

  25. Mrs.VW

    apricot / 460 posts

    @alie: maybe I missed this - but was there a certain recipe for making the broth that you followed? I'm roasting a chicken tonight and it would be a perfect time to make some broth!

  26. Mrs.VW

    apricot / 460 posts

    @spaniellove: YES!! An IF blogger would be awesome!

  27. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @Mrs.VW: Here is a recipe that was posted on another board I follow...

    http://balancedbites.com/2011/04/easy-recipe-mineral-rich-bone-broth.html

  28. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @Mrs.VW: Oh sorry... that one is specifically for bone broth not general chicken broth. I really don't know what the difference is, but I'll see if I can find a good general chicken broth recipe.

  29. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @Mrs.VW: Here's another: http://www.staceyspaleokitchen.com/2011/09/chicken-broth.html

    I haven't actually made broth myself. I always just buy it. But it's probably healthier to make it

  30. spaniellove

    honeydew / 7916 posts

    @kentuckygirl: I usually buy beef bones from the Korean market because they package them up for this purpose, but I bet you could also ask at the meat counter if they have bones that would be good for making broth. If you have access to oxtail that works too!

  31. MK0180

    kiwi / 545 posts

    I'd like to join (unfortunately :p)!

    We are in cycle 12. I have very regular cycles (29-30 days) and the months I've used OPKs (I have 2 left) showed the LH surge but I don't think I have enough EWCM. I don't temp b/c of my sleeping patterns. I've had bloodwork and a HSG done (all clear). DH had a SA done and all were normail except borderline low motility. He is taking fertilaid and I've been taking supplements such as primrose oil, zinc (not too much) and the usual prenatal.
    We have been talking off and on about when to see a RE. I am also very interested in acupuncture (especially after finding out our insurance covers it).
    It's a tough pill to swallow sometimes when you see others able to get knocked up for "free" and being so blase about it. I'll be stalking this thread *baby dust to ALL*

  32. spaniellove

    honeydew / 7916 posts

    Okay, I made the suggestion that HB have an IF blogger!

    http://suggestions.hellobee.com/topic/infertility-blogger

  33. Mrs.VW

    apricot / 460 posts

    @MK0180: For your CM I would really suggest the following. After doing the creighton method I realize just how IMPORTANT good ferftile cm is I use Fertile CM, Fertile Aid for Women, FertiliTea, green tea from CD 1- O, and mucinex. Oh and preseed if we want/need it. But this month I think I'll use it either way

  34. MK0180

    kiwi / 545 posts

    @Mrs.VW: I know, right?! Thank you! I have to get Fertile CM (I think others had said this works very well) and FertileAid for women and green tea. I do drink it but not very often. I keep forgetting to take Mucinex but I've had this sinus/allergy thing so I've been taking it the past few days. We are also going to try pre-seed this cycle Anything and everything, right?

  35. Mrs.VW

    apricot / 460 posts

    @MK0180: Totally - it's worth a shot

  36. Mrs Green Grass

    pomelo / 5628 posts

    @MK0180: Green tea is also supposed to increase CM, but you want to avoid caffeine right around O.

  37. Grace

    cantaloupe / 6730 posts

    @alie: She wants to see both me and DH together and since he is away on business next week, the appointment isn't until Oct 1. I don't have suspicions, but I do have wild theories. It wouldn't be crazy if I had PCOS, because I am overweight. However, I had bloodwork done in 2010 and it was normal, plus, according to my charts, I am ovulating. I've wondered about my thyroid, because I've been quite tired lately and I've gained weight in the past year. I've wondered if I'm anemic because I've had low iron in the past and maybe the supplements aren't enough. I've also wondered if i have a blockage (my grandmother had to have a surgery to have kids and I'm wondering if that's what it was for). How about you? Any wild suspicions?

    @MK0180: I know what you mean. And then I feel guilty for getting upset.

  38. fairefaire

    kiwi / 526 posts

    @Grace: Earlier in the year, I suspected thyroid issues, but I had bloodwork done in March and everything was normal. Right now I suspect PCOS for a few reasons (I carry all extra weight in my stomach, and I've felt cyst-like pinchy pains in some past cycles) but I don't have a lot of the other common symptoms (like acne, excess hair, MIA period and/or extra long cycles). My AF comes every month, but there is no consistent pattern (for example... last few cycles have been 30 days, 28, 34, 35, 31, 24). If they were just a few days apart I wouldn't be as concerned, but 24 to 35 is a big difference.

    According to the months when I charted (I stopped after a while, I found it to be unnecessarily stressful for me) and the OPKs I've done, I'm ovulating... but I'm just not convinced. I actually know that I am (mildly) anemic but I never thought to wonder if that had anything to do with fertility.

    Whether I do have PCOS or an insulin resistance issue (apparently they are very closely related), I'm hoping my change in diet will help. So far I'm 10 pounds down... I have a lot to go, but it's a step in the right direction! I'm really anxious to meet with my new doctor next week and start figuring out what is going on.

  39. Grace

    cantaloupe / 6730 posts

    @alie: I think we might be twins!!! My cycles do the exact same thing. Do you know what this means?!?!? Maybe if we have the same thing, then when one of us figures it out, then she can tell the other one! That's how it works, right?

  40. anonysquire

    cantaloupe / 6923 posts

    @spaniellove: @kentuckygirl: I think I will call the RE this weekend. I figured I should take a break just because it was increasing my anxiety. But if it is a hormonal thing my anxiety will continue increasing either way.

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