https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:06:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902298 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 15:10:33 +0000 PurplePumps 1902298@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shutterbug: Wow, I had no idea it would have such long term effects. Ugh, as if my cycles weren't long and wonky enough before all this! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902245 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:32:44 +0000 MrsMed 1902245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ah @Shutterbug and @fliegepilzhut. Thanks for the explanation and the link. Heading over to the thread now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902238 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:26:12 +0000 FliegepilzHut 1902238@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMed: The birth control is so that your follicles are "resting" and can all be stimulated at the same time (without influence from your own hormones, if that makes sense). I'd love to hear the rest of your story. Come join us over on the IVF thread any time! :heart: :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902237 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:23:25 +0000 Shutterbug 1902237@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsMed: hey! I've done IVF twice... the BCP is to quiet your ovaries so that the Dr has more control over how your ovaries respond to the stimulating medicine (LH/FSH). It's standard procedure for most IVF protocols, unless you have DOR (diminished ovarian reserve)</p> <p>ETA: this is a weekly check-in, so definitely join in here, but there's also a running IVF thread that might have more info you're looking for as well: <a href="http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ivf-thread-2" rel="nofollow">http://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ivf-thread-2</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902231 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:19:52 +0000 MrsMed 1902231@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi Ladies, Good luck to all of you. Just let me know if this is a question for another thread. I'm a first time IVFer. I went in for my first ultra sound and blood work today, trying for baby #2. I'm 42, so I'm pretty worried about my ability to conceive. This is all new to me since my DD was conceived naturally when I was 40. They are starting me on birth control now. I felt like the nurse was talking very fast and not explaining the entire process very well. Why do I need to take birth control for awhile before they begin to stimulate me. has anyone else been through this? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902224 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:14:32 +0000 Shutterbug 1902224@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: that's so strange! If you hadn't been temping I would say maybe that was ovulation related, but I guess not. I do also think that IVF messes with your cycle big time for a long time. After my second IVF I ovulated 5-7 days later than my unmedicated normal for about 3 months, and now 6/7 months later I am still ovulating a couple days later than my normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902204 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:06:30 +0000 PurplePumps 1902204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Shutterbug: Wow, you have an amazing memory! I had to go back and check, but yeah, you're right, I started temping on CD15. My temps are still very low, lower than my previous cycles (96.6-.9 vs 97.5ish) and I've never O'd before CD18 non medicated which is why I started on 15 again. I'm pretty sure I didn't miss it. I never spot before AF either, it just starts full force. I guess it's not really worth going in if they are just going to chalk it up to hormone fluctuations. </p> <p>Though something else weird happen that CD13, way TMI alert:<br /> I was showering and just cleaning *up there* a little like I normally do during a shower. Nothing unusual, just some creamy/thick whiteish-cream CM. I cleaned out a few globs and that was it. But then after I got out of the shower and dried off, I went to get dressed and felt something drip, looked down,and there was blood running down my thigh. I hopped right back into the shower and went to clean again and sure enough, there was quite a bit of blood, just liquidy blood, no CM or anything like that. So I tried to just clean up again, and then got a small bloody thick glob, not CM like, it didnt break apart but was more jello like. After I seemed to clean most of it up, I went to bed, and that was it. No hint of blood or anything the next morning so I didn't think much of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902199 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 14:04:42 +0000 BSB 1902199@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alohaorchid: I got the meds yesterday and they are sitting on my dresser. It's a lot of expensive medication sitting right there. :) The follistim pen comes with a neat travel case where I can put the cartridges. It's pretty cool. Wish the 23rd would come sooner! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902174 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 13:53:20 +0000 Shutterbug 1902174@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PurplePumps: just a crazy thought, b/c I know you usually ovulate later, but were you testing/charting like, 10+ days ago? Is it possible you ovulated early? I know in my cycle after my IUIs I ovulated like, 6 days earlier than I ever had before. Although after my 2 IVFs I ovulate later than I used to. To answer the question, I normally only spot around ovulate (0-1DPO or so) and a couple days before my period. They could test your estrogen and progesterone to see where your levels are, but I don't know what it would tell them, other than if you've ovulated yet or not. Can't hurt though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1902143 Wed, 15 Oct 2014 13:42:40 +0000 PurplePumps 1902143@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Does anyone have mid cycle not ovulation spotting? This isn't the first time it's happened to me, but the first time I'm considering if I should go to the doctor and have some labs run. I'm on CD24, with no sign of O (no ewcm or positive opk yet) and have some spotting for about 3 days now. Just a little brown/pink when I wipe, not enough to even get on my panties. Do you think labs at this point would help figure anything out related to my IF or just why this happens to me sometimes? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1896725 Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:19:12 +0000 AmeliaBedilia 1896725@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: Your strategy sounds good. I'm hoping it works!</p> <p>CD3 here. DH and I had a long talk after last cycle didn't work. He thinks we jumped the gun on femara, particularly since I had a lot of side effects, and the ovarian cancer risks, I am still way too stressed, etc. He thinks we should try a more eastern medicine approach. I had read Making Babies a while ago, and they advocate a 3 month trial of their program which is customized to your own issues, which sounds reasonable. I was reading one of the Amazon reviews, which said they were using it to prepare for an IVF cycle, and then got pregnant while using it. I have my annual exam with a new doctor next week, and barring any brilliant ideas from her, I think we are going to try doing their plan. For my mental health, I am considering this a 3 month "break" to get my body in better health, and trying to assume we will need femara after this is over, but figure this will give us the best chance. The plan includes a healthier diet, less stress, eating warmer foods and fewer raw foods, less sugar and soy, more sleep, fertility massage, royal jelly, red raspberry leaf tea, etc. I really hope this works though!</p> <p>As for ice cream: coffee, black raspberry chip, salty carmel, anything chocolate. :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1896700 Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:02:22 +0000 LindsayInNY 1896700@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alohaorchid: Good luck! I really feel like a diagnosis is key. I kinda hate not having one. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1896479 Fri, 10 Oct 2014 09:32:26 +0000 alohaorchid 1896479@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: My doctor said he will diagnose me, I just need to get these tests done first. Once I've been diagnosed he said I have a choice to stay with him for treatment or be referred to a gnyo or fertility specialist. The only reason it wasn't diagnosed a year ago was because I didn't go through all of the testing required. Once I get these tests we'll have a better idea of if I have it or not. I'll probably find out in about a month..</p> <p>@sweetooth: I can't have milk at all. I just stick to soy or almond milk. I can take pills to allow me to have it once in a while but I fortunately don't like milk so I don't bother. I do take pills if I want to have cheese though. I can have certain cheeses without a reaction (swiss, goat, some hard cheeses) but if I want a cheesy or creamy pasta or something, I take the pills.</p> <p>@bluestriped bee: That is so exciting that your IVF cycle is so close! How did you feel when you saw all of the meds? </p> <p>@LindsayInNY: fx for you for this cycle! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1896245 Fri, 10 Oct 2014 06:56:19 +0000 sweetooth 1896245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bluestriped bee: That's a big step! The meds are on their way and you're getting closer to your BFP! :heart: That's so awesome that you travelled across the US with Rita's water ice :) I do think we plan to just stick with IUIs for now. I'm hoping that we can find another "recipe for success" this time around. There's gotta be more than one recipe, right?</p> <p>@LindsayInNY: I'm following your lead and leaving this cycle in my RE's hands. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way during your second half of the TWW. :goodluck: And I love your top flavor choices :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895560 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:49:16 +0000 BSB 1895560@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895535 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:40:57 +0000 LindsayInNY 1895535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm hanging out in the TWW of IUI#3 - halfway through now! I learned that new insurance requires 6 medicated cycles before moving to IVF and this will be #4 of 6. This is the first/only cycle where I have literally left every last detail in the RE's hands. I didn't question anything they did, haven't been temping (for the first time in almost 2 years!), nothing. I have let things be and just cross my fingers in the meantime!</p> <p>I'm kinda like Elf where I wish sugar was it's own food category. If there is sugar in it, it is right up my alley! That includes all ice cream. My TOP flavors though are usually cotton candy, coconut-something, caramel... YUM! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895483 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:17:52 +0000 BSB 1895483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sweetooth: Oh, no. That would totally bum me out if my 'recipe of success' didn't work for LO #2. Eeek!</p> <p>Are you going to stick to IUIs for now?</p> <p>@alohaorchid: Glad things are moving forward for you. Maybe your OB/GYN didn't want to diagnose you, yet, with PCOS since you are going to a fertility clinic. The fertility clinic could probably run a bunch of test to confirm that you have PCOS. </p> <p>I have PCOS but from first glance my first clinic didn't think I had it. My second clinic was the one that did some more tests to see I had a mild case of it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895442 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 14:03:41 +0000 BSB 1895442@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Only update for me is I officially bought my IVF meds (like an hour ago) and I should get them this week or next week.</p> <p>Injection teaching will be next week and I will officially start my injections on the 23rd. The retrieval should be end of Oct or early November.</p> <p>Oh, my favorite ice cream. Teaberry from Springer's ice cream in Stone Harbor, NJ. Dammit! I was home two weeks ago and I was down at the shore but forgot to go to Springer's.<br /> Not really ice cream but I was obsessed with Rita's water ice while I was home and brought 3 quarts back with me on the plane. Cherry Gelati!! Mmmm...</p> <p>Oh, locally to Seattle, I do love Parfait's Mint Stracciatella ice cream. I don't like regular mint chocolate chip ice cream, but Parfait makes it with real mint. It's so good. </p> <p>Since it was my birthday earlier this week, I have been craving Coldstone ice cream. We were too full after my birthday dinner to stop. Maybe I'll get some today. I like the Berry Berry Good creation. </p> <p>I'm not a big ice cream person but from what I wrote, it sounds like I am. :grin: Though, with my BCP and metformin, I've been craving (and gaining weight). These cravings don't help. I need to start up my gym membership again so I can somewhat maintain these cravings. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895277 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 12:55:34 +0000 sweetooth 1895277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alohaorchid: Thank you for keeping it going last week :) The support from HB really helps during this process.</p> <p>I'm glad to hear that you had your appointment this week and that things are moving forward for you. I usually get my results from the bloodwork and ultrasound in the same day. Have you heard back yet and made your decision about GYN or RE?</p> <p>I don't know much about PCOS, maybe there are some other bees that can help you with that. But it does seem like cysts would potentially get in the way of a successful implantation. What did he say about the cysts? Do they need to be removed?</p> <p>It's not weird at all - my mom doesn't like ice cream either. I'm curious with dairy intolerance, does that mean you can't have milk? Or do you take medicine to be able to have milk?</p> <p>Oh - and thank you for saying I have a great attitude. I feel like a wacky rollercoaster mess everyday. But I'm doing my best to not let my thoughts about fertility and baby-making rule my happiness. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895149 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 12:01:08 +0000 alohaorchid 1895149@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks for starting this!</p> <p>I had my doctors appointment on Tuesday. He had an exam done and he gave me requisitions for bloodwork and an ultrasound. He gave me the option of referring me to a gynecologist or the fertility clinic, or I can wait for the results of my tests and then decide on which referral to go with. I went with the last option, I'm going to get these tests done and then depending on my diagnosis, go from there. So I guess we'll see! It's good to have started though.</p> <p>One thing he did talk about that freaked me out, was he went into more detail about the last ultrasound I had. I guess I had a 17mm cyst on my left ovary that didn't look good and the number of cysts on both ovaries was pretty bad. I'm not seeing how it can't be PCOS, because what else would cause that?! </p> <p>My favourite flavor of ice cream is... none. Not only am I dairy intolerant so I can't even eat it, I also genuinely don't like ice cream. Weird I know!</p> <p>@sweetooth: sorry to hear that your IUI cycle wasn't a success but I think you have a great attitude going forward! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895090 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:41:28 +0000 sweetooth 1895090@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Today is CD3 for me again. My first IUI trying for baby #2 did not work. I was bummed, because this time around I already had a <i>"recipe for success".</i> So I found myself obsessing a bit too much over our 3rd IUI last time around that resulted in our baby boy.</p> <p>This time around, I'm going to do my best to just go with the flow. Not obsess over my numbers, or timing for BD, or my husband's stress levels...I'm just going to let it go. And hope for the best. </p> <p>I photographed the screen with my details from my failed cycle this time and every number and level looked SO good. It only reminds me that this process is so unpredictable and out of our hands. Even though I am thankful for modern medicine and the assistance in this process...I'm reminded more than ever that there's always that dash of magic and luck involved. No matter what.</p> <p>Ok - fun stuff - I love some good ol' fashioned mint chocolate chip. But if I'm gettin' fancy, I love Ben-n-Jerry's creme brulee ice cream! And if we're venturing into other frozen deliciousness categories - I LOVE Talenti Sea Salt Caramel gelato. mmmm...I may have to go buy myself a pint now! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/if-check-in-1009#post-1895074 Thu, 09 Oct 2014 11:35:03 +0000 sweetooth 1895074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hello! I thought I'd jump in and post the check-in thread to see how everyone is doing.</p> <p>Feel free to share where you're at with any treatments, or let us know if you need any extra support &amp; positive thoughts.</p> <p>And just for random NOT fertility talk :) What's your favorite flavor ice cream? </p>