-
Hi girls! I have MIA lately because work is so busy, but I finished up a project late last night so I'm allowing myself some HB time while I catch up on emails!
At least being so busy is (sort of) keeping my mind off of the infertility stuff.I started a new cycle last Saturday and got some blood work results back. My prolactin was still really high and my progesterone still low (results have ranged from 6 to 8 the three times I've had blood work on CD 21, CD 23 and CD 24). So my doctor started me on Parlodel to bring down my prolactin. Hopefully, once my prolactin is lowered, my progesterone will rise on its own. Otherwise we'll add in Clomid on top of the Parlodel. In about four weeks I'll have more bloodwork and see where we're at. Of course, I've been googling like mad and it seems that some people have had really good luck with this course of action! I'm just ecstatic that we're moving forward and have a real plan! (Oh, and I'm also ecstatic that the Parlodel was free with my insurance - woo hoo!)
--------
Good luck to everyone in the TWW and to everyone who's having blood work and appointments!
-
Finally spoke directly with my doctor- in light of the SA results she's referring us to an RE. I just made an appointment for November 7th - they'll do an ultrasound and bloodwork that day, which will end up being CD14 for me.
I'm on the fence on whether or not I should go forward with using Clomid this cycle (AF just started today). If it's only treating one half of our problems (i.e., me and not him), then is it worth it to potentially put myself through some crappy side effects? If I'm going to do it, I'd start Monday. What would you do? Take it or wait until after the meeting with the RE? (which would mean waiting to take it until the next cycle).
-
@twodoghouse: Yay, sounds so promising! I'm assuming you had your TSH level tested too? I only ask because I just got mine tested and it was high, so I've been googling up a storm and noticed a bunch of articles that said hypothyroidism can sometimes be an underlying cause of hyperprolactinemia. In my case my prolactin level is normal, but just thought I'd throw that out there since I just read it. Good luck on the Parlodel - gotta love free meds!
@alie: were your DH's SA results really bad, or just borderline? I think if it were me I'd probably skip the Clomid this cycle. ETA: ok, just went back and saw that they were just below normal. I guess if you don't have bad clomid side effects maybe go ahead and take it.
-
@Shutterbug: I guess my resistance is in that I have no idea if I'll have bad side effects or not - this would be our first cycle taking it. Ugh, decisions.
-
@alie: I guess one plus to taking it now would be that then when you visit the RE, while working through the tests, you will also have gone through a round of Clomid and have the results from that to work from. You know? And if it works - BFP! And if it doesn't - then you haven't missed another cycle and you can increase it, or base the next steps on already starting Clomid.
I guess it's just a question if you want to wait or not. And if you're ok working through potential symptoms. But then, you also never know if Clomid will be the next step...
Wow, I'm no help at all
I guess I'd just love a chance to make something happen! I'm so tired of waiting for the next step - I don't want you to have to wait too!Maybe a call to the RE and asking their advice couldn't hurt?
-
@twodoghouse: congrats on moving forward, having a plan and free meds! And thanks for sharing too - I've never heard of those meds and it helps to learn more about what's out there from people going through all of this.
-
@twodoghouse: I am glad you have a plan. sounds like a good one.
@alie: I personally would wait for the RE. Many REs want to monitor patients on clomid (my doctor said he would refuse to prescribe it unless I was monitored, I think due to hyperstimulation risks). Also, since many REs will only prescribe it for a few months (due to possible long-term health risks), I would want to make sure the RE doesn't also want to combine it with an IUI given the SA. Not saying that would necessarily be the plan, but I guess I wouldn't want to "waste" a Clomid cycle. Btw, I am on Clomid. I have found the side effects manageable. By the 4th or 5th day, I certainly feel a little agitated. I also have some hot flashes and constipation, but can manage those effects.
-
So I just got back from my appointment. She thinks I'm perfectly fine and only scheduled a CD21 progesterone test for me to confirm ovulation. She thinks it's DH (due to age and diabetes) and said to get his SA results (once they're done) sent to her and then we'll see what to do from there. She says if they're bad, we go straight to IUI. If they're good she'll do some more tests and put me on Clomid. I feel good knowing that now we have a clear direction. Now just gotta get DH in for his SA.
-
@marionberry: sounds like a good plan! Glad it went well.. Keep us posted!
-
I had my first acupuncture session last night and I loved it. We talked about everything - my cycles, what we've been doing to increase our chances, any tests we've done, any stresses, fluids, etc, etc.
She said that I have a liver qi deficiency which basically means poor circulation - I knew this since my hands and feet are always cold. She also recommended that I cut out gluten in my diet. When she stuck me with needles I felt sensation and tingling in my hands, feet, and stomach throughout the time I laid there.When I left I felt - well - a little high - super mellow and chill. That's really the best way I can describe it! If anything, it helped me to refocus on what is important to me and think positively in this ongoing process. I will be going back
I don't have time to respond to all but just wanted to give a general GOOD LUCK to everyone - I am happy to read that so many of you have a plan in action and that we are all moving forward to get that baby!
-
@Shutterbug: Thanks for chiming in! I have had my TSH level tested and I don't know my exacts #s, but my nurse called to say it was normal.
@sweetooth: Thanks. I hadn't heard much about high prolactin or parlodel until my results came back a couple months ago with the high numbers. Since then I've googled a lot and it seems that while it's not a COMMON problem, it's not rare either. I am glad that my doctor ordered additional testing instead of putting me directly on Clomid (like I wanted him to) when my progesterone was low and it looked like I wasn't ovulating. Apparently Clomid wouldn't be able to help if my prolactin levels were keeping my progesterone from rising normally. So hopefully the parlodel will do the trick!
@marionberry: Glad your appointment went well and you have a plan of action. Good luck to your husband with his SA. My poor husband was so nervous about it, but of course it went fine.
-
@MK0180 Glad to hear you had a good experience! Hopefully it makes a difference for you
I had my second acupuncture appointment yesterday. It went extra long because someone else was late, so she was around 30mins late getting back to me (and I got a parking ticket!) She seemed to agree with me that I O'd 3-4 days early (yikes!) but thinks we still have a chance, even though we only BD'd 3-4 days before that, and 1-2 days after.
I wasn't paying much attention to O signs because it was so early, and I had someone staying with us
Either way though, it wouldn't have made much of a difference. DH got flu and pertussis shots and was feeling crappy around actual O time.Not sure if I'm getting any effects from acupuncture yet, but I'm at least hopeful! And now that I'm charting again, I can see how high my temps are going
Looks like either AF or POAS on 11/3-4.How is everyone else doing?
-
@mk0180: I'm so googling liver qi deficiency now. I always have cold extremities. I'm glad that seems to be a good fit for you.
@twodoghouse: He is nervous (and anxiety for him sometimes causes ED which would not be helpful for this) and wants me to come "help" but I would feel weird going into a bathroom at the hospital with him (where we both work btw) to excite him. I think everyone at the hospital would think we were getting it on. But if I have to, I will, because I need that sample! -
@Mrs.Someone: Sorry DH has the flu! Tis the season (4 people from my work are also sick) and ugh about the parking ticket! I'm glad that you remain hopeful with acupuncture too! I've read that it takes a few sessions and with fertility you should go weekly (something like that).
@marionberry: Yes - she said that the energy (qi) isn't flowing as it should, hence feeling cold. She said that if you picture water running through your body then there are little bumps/dams that are preventing the water to flow. She also hinted that there is also emotions tied to it. I did some quick googling and found that this is true. So when she had me meditate she told me to focus on breathe and our baby waiting for us (sounds a little out there but I felt a lot better afterwards).
-
@marionberry: Do you have the option of doing the sample at home and then dropping it off at the lab at all? Both the urologist and RE let us do that, which made things much much easier.
-
@spaniellove: We do, but we live about 45 minutes from the hospital and the sample needs to arrive within 30 minutes, so we don't have much of a choice. We could do it at our office and then drive it over (only about 15 miles from the hospital). The OB/GYN just said the fresher the better since the sperm start to slow down with time, so I thought right there at the hospital was the best option. For DH's sanity though, our office is not a bad idea, as it is much more private.
-
@ChuckNorris: So we're gonna be ultrasound buddies, haha. I had another vag cam visit today and I had a crazy amount of follicles (25 on each side!) but they were all small so I'm going to start taking 100mg clomid until Tuesday and ultrasound Wednesday/Halloween.
To answer the bd-ing question, I was going to have us try 3 days in a row - trigger day, and next two after. I read that you'd most likely O 36-39 hours after trigger, which gives you ~48 hours to catch the egg.
I don't know if you guys saw the thread I started, but it's been a tough couple days because I got laid off yesterday. And the worst part of it was thinking that we'd have to put off having kids when I was finally feeling like we were getting somewhere. I was sobbing on DH's ahoulder about how much i wanted a baby and how this ruined everything.
My parents happened to be here, and my mom told me she thinks we should keep trying, because i might find a job quickly or could maybe be a SAHM for a while, and because im 34 and not getting younger. I thought about what she said and told DH I still want to try, at least for this cycle. I don't know if we're making the right decision with continuing this cycle, and if this one doesn't work I don't kow now many more we'll do.
-
@mrscb: Definitely continue with this cycle. And then take each day as it comes.
-
@MK0180 - Thanks! DH doesn't have the flu though (luckily!), he just got shots making his arm hurt and give him a mild crappy feeling for a few days. Definitely not BD-friendly... As for acupuncture, I'm going once a week too, and her website says that treatment usually lasts 3 months. Of course I'm hoping for a BFP before then though
-
@MrsCB: If you end up getting pregnant and having a baby, you will find a way to make things work no matter what the situation is. It seems so dismal right now, but you will find the strength.
-
@MrsCB: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your job but I also would suggest you keep TTC, you never know when it may happen but I believe your will find a way to make it work. Best wishes.
Well I'm out for the month, on to cycle 12. I think I am probably switching from Clomid to Femara but I'll discuss with my RE tomorrow.
-
I got a positive opk this morning. We're going for our second IUI tomorrow.
-
@Leialou: Yay!! Good luck!!
-
DPO 14... no more cramps... still BFNs. I've stopped testing. I think I've used 10 wondfro test strips in the last 6 or 7 days. Waiting for AF to come.
-
@leilalou: Good luck! I may be bugging you for IUI information soon if that's what our doctor recommends after the SA.
@bluestripedbee: I'm so sorry. I've tested a bunch in a cycle too. Here's to getting a BFP for Thanksgiving! -
@bluestriped bee: So sorry to hear it.
@Leialou: Good luck, fellow IUI buddy! Hopefully this is our month.
@Mrscb: Very, very sorry to hear about the loss of your job. I tend to agree with Spaniellove, that you guys will figure it out. Life is so unpredictable anyway. I would just go for it. I am 34 too, so can commiserate how hard it must be to feel delayed/waylaid by this. I really feel for you.
Got a call from my pharmacy that my Ovidrel shot might be delayed by Sandy! My ultrasound is Friday morning, and they were hoping to deliver it that day. Arrgh. I ovulated later than my first ultrasound last month so hopefully that will be the case this time. 150 mg of Clomid, btw, has really done a number on me. I am like certifiably insane. Friday, I got reprimanded by my boss over some silly misunderstanding. My colleague went to check on me, and I ended up bawling in front of him. Such a weird feeling--I literally cannot control my emotions. And my workplace is a super serious place, so kinda humiliating. Oh well.
-
@raintreebee: Did you already pay for the Ovidrel? If not, is it possible to get it from another pharmacy that has it in stock? My clinic gave me a list of local pharmacies that might not have the best prices but had injectibles in stock.
-
Sigh, I think I'm going to miss out on my CD3 bloodwork this month. The paperwork they gave me said I could come in on a Saturday, so when I called the clinic they put me on hold for 30 minutes, then told me they didn't do b/w on Saturdays so I should come Monday. When I explained that the hurricane might make that difficult (um in case they forgot), they told me they'd find out if it was possible and call me back. Just in case, I made a Monday appointment at an outside lab, and of course they never called back! But with everything that's happening, I don't think the lab will even be open - and I might not even be able to drive out there.
-
Well we may be stuck in North Carolina! Apparently it is going to snow tonight and our flight is delayed. We are going to miss our connection and it is the last flight out of Charlotte tonight. I don't think we are making our appointment.
-
@spaniellove: @kentuckygirl: @raintreebee: Thanks everyone. We're sticking with it for now in the hopes that I get a job soon. And if not we're fine for a while, it'll just be tougher to decide how much to spend on this stuff.
You're to in MA are you? I have an ovidrel trigger I won't need until Wednesday at the very.
@Leialou: Congrats on the positive, I hope you can still make the appointment. If not, at least get bd-ing!
-
@Leialou: Oh no! Maybe you can make a morning flight and reschedule the IUI for later? I hope they try to accommodate you.
@Spaniellove: That is so frustrating! Maybe they could do it Tuesday?
@Spaniellove and @MrsCB: Thanks so much for trying to help me figure out the Ovidrel issue. I will call around tomorrow to try to find someplace and will also call back the online pharmacy my insurance makes me use. They said they might have more clarity by tomorrow. I am in NYC and don't expect much to be open. I just need the trigger by Thursday in prep for my ultrasound Friday. Surely I can track something down by then, even if it means paying out of pocket. I didn't take this clomid for nothing! I feel so sorry for all the ladies out there whose IVFs, etc. are getting derailed by this. -
And AF has finally made an appearance. Going to schedule my first IUI. Maybe I'll have better luck with an IUI.
-
@marionberry: Glad to hear you have a plan! Hope the results from your husband's SA come back normal and you are just steps closer to your BFP!
@MK0180: Glad to hear your liked the acupuncture. I have to admit, everyone on this thread who is trying it is making me curious.
@MrsCB: So sorry to hear about you losing your job. Having to deal with that on top of all of this TTC stuff can't be easy. I'm turning 34 in a few weeks, and it's hard not to factor in age when you're going through all of this. I think continuing to try would be what I would do. But you do what's best for you and your husband.
@kentuckygirl: Sorry to hear that you're out this month. Hope you have a good discussion with your RE about the next steps.
@bluestripedbee: Sorry that AF showed up
@leilalou: I'm with you and the others who are affected by Sandy. I hope your office is able to accomodate you with the IUI. It's hard with all of this time-sensitive stuff.
Be safe out there!@raintreebee: Hugs to you - I hope that your shot makes it to you. I'm sorry to hear that the 150mg of Clomid has had such an affect.
@spaniellove:
hugs...I wish Sandy would just disappear.
-
I KNOW there are bigger things to concern myself with, but since August it has been a waiting game to get all of the answers and establish our "game plan". And now with Sandy - I don't think my saline sonogram will happen tomorrow AM. And so I will have to wait another month to have that. I don't know if my 11/15 appointment will still result in a solid plan without that information. I feel like I should just give up until 2013.
-
Sorry to hear so many TTC plans are affected by Sandy! Hope you all stay safe...
-
DH goes in for his SA today. Is it weird that I'm excited? Lol.
-
@marionberry: haha only if you tell people IRL that you're excited
We get excited for SAs here. Does he get to do it at his office or does he have to go into the hospital?
-
To those who will be affected by Sandy - stay safe!
@marionberry: I was excited when DH got his SA done, too! Ha - glad I'm not the only one.
I'm home sick with a severe sore throat and had a fever last night. Been switching between CNN coverage on Sandy and Tangled. Anchorwoman on CNN looks like she's about to blow away - this storm is crazy!
-
@shutterbug, @mk0180: Glad to hear I'm not weird. He has to go into the hospital to do it but he called me saying he's having total anxiety and hasn't been able to do it so far. I had sent him a picture but apparently that's not helping. I'm praying he can calm down enough to do this, cause it's SUPER important.
-
So DH had major anxiety about giving his sample today and couldn't get it done. I'm stuck being super disappointed and yet having to tell him it's ok. DH's anxiety causes ED and I just wish we lived closer so that we could just get him aroused in the morning and he could then bring in the cup but we live 45 minutes away. Maybe I'll have to rent a local hotel room? Totally bummed.
At least being so busy is (sort of) keeping my mind off of the infertility stuff.
Either way though, it wouldn't have made much of a difference. DH got flu and pertussis shots and was feeling crappy around actual O time.
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite3
2958 comments