-
@Mrs.VW: Have fun in LA! I did a last-minute trip out there last month (my mom lives there - so nice to have a free place to stay!). Do you have anything special planned while you are there?
@spaniellove: I like the idea of a brain massage
I probably could use one of those... ha!
-
@alie: Thanks! We're actually flying out to go to Haunt at Knott's Berry Farm. My DH is a HUGE Halloween guy and has been a ton. We went for the 2nd half of our honeymoon. It's a long flight from NE out there but it will be fun!
-
@alie, @sweetooth: good luck at your appointments.
I have a pretty long update:
Monday my husband and I had another appointment with the urologist. We had very much been looking forward to it because we were told that would be the appointment when the doctor would decided whether or not to start IUI. On Monday the office was really behind. Our appointment was scheduled for 3:10 and we did not get seen until 6. I was frustrated because I didn't think the doctor was going to spend much time with us. Luckily, that wasn't the case!
The first thing that happened was a fellow came in and talked to us about our previous appointments and test results. He basically recapped what we already knew. Then he asked me if my cycles were regular. "Yes". Do I know when I am ovulating. "Yes". Have we tried taking a relaxing vacation. "Yes, jerk. Stop treating me like I'm stupid." He then brought my husband a selection of pornographic magazines* and a collection cup. I went back to the waiting room and my husband did his thing.
After all that and some more waiting the urologist came to talk to us. Then lab actually processed the sample then so we wouldn't have to come back for another appointment. Before the varicocele surgery my husband's numbers were 2 mil total sperm, no forward progression, 1 for motility and 1 for morphology. As of Monday, 7 months post surgery, his numbers are 4 mil total sperm, and in the low end of the normal range for motility, forward progression, and morphology. The urologist said we could wait three more months and see if the numbers improve more or start on IUI. It's up to us.
So, we decided to start IUI. We based that decision on how mow my husband's sperm count still is. We don't think he has the volume to get enough good sperm past my cervix and to the egg. The surgery hasn't increased his volume enough for us to think that it is ever going to be in the normal range. The best part is that I am early enough into my cycle that we don't have to wait until the next one to get started. Based on the nurses recommendation I am using Clear Blue digital OPKs every morning. When I get the smiley I page her and she schedules me for the IUI the following day. It's only costing us $300 or $420 if it has to be done on the weekend or a holiday. The only day they won't come in is Christmas.
We're very excited and hopeful that IUI is the answer for us! Thanks for reading the longest post ever!
*My husband thinks the magazines are really gross. He says there is no telling how many men have touched them while, well, you know. And they have tons of types to choose from too. It's so weird.
-
@Leialou: So excited for you! I hope the IUI is successful. Keep us posted once it's scheduled so we can all send positive vibes your way!
And I totally agree with your husband - who knows who has touched what. Ick!
-
@Leialou So you're doing a natural IUI cycle then?!?! So exciting, good luck!!
-
@Mrs.VW: a trip to LA sounds great right now! I used to live there, so I love going back to visit. Have a great time! Last minute trips are definitely a perk.
@spaniellove: a brain massage sounds great...does it help to talk through things with someone? As opposed to the online forum? Just curious if you like the in person feedback.
@leialou: That's so great that you still had a good appointment after waiting so long, and from the sounds of it, they are on top of things there. It sounds like you made the best decision for you two. I wish you the best with IUI.
To echo @alie and your husband - ICK on the magazines. I think my husband would pass on those
- - - - -
Thanks for the luck everyone! It does feel good to be moving forward. Hopefully the nerves will start to fade after tomorrow? Or, maybe this is just the beginning of the next roller-coaster ride! -
@Leialou: Oh, that's so exciting!!! And you know even though the sperm motility is low, you only need one. I'm excited for you!
@Trailmix: How are the injections going? Still easy peasy?
-
@Grace Eh, they've gotten a little 'hurtier' but nothing I can't handle...I had my first monitoring appt yesterday and I have four follicles developing but all are below 10 mm (aka very small...two are around 6 and two around 9)...we'll see what tmrw's ultrasound brings, I'm really hoping we get at least two good eggs for the IUI!
@Sweetooth I went to my first therapist appt yesterday and it was amazing! So helpful and as wonderful as Internet communities are, for me it was so good to talk face-to-face to someone who was ale to help me process everything, def recommend it if you're having a hard time...
-
Hi everyone. Work has been a little crazy so I haven't been checking the boards. Although I am sad we are all in this predicament, it is nice to see that this thread took off.
I am on Day 5 of my cycle so have taken two doses (out of 5) of taking Clomid. No terrible side effects thus far. Just a few hot flashes and a slight, hungover feeling. All in all, I am tolerating the pills better than the nasty tea prescribed by my acupuncturist! Next Wednesday (Day 12) I will go in for my ultrasound and possible trigger shot. I am already stressing out about when the IUI will happen and whether I should go ahead and cancel class for the next day. I am a professor, and it is going to be tight making it across town by the time class starts. That being said, it is not terribly easy scheduling make up classes. Ugh. And my friends wonder why I am so noncommittal on making plans lately.
@Trailmix: I think we are just a few days apart on our IUI cycle! Best of luck to you (and to everyone else!) -
@Leialou: That's awesome that you're moving forward and doing IUI! Fingers crossed that this does the trick! I'm glad to hear that your DH's numbers have gotten better in some way since the surgery.
@sweetooth: I'm actually working with someone via Skype, which is kind of the best of both worlds! We get to "see" each other's face but I get a little more convenience and there were a lot more people to choose from. What we go through with infertility is deeper than what we can post in such a public forum (wish there were some privacy settings here sometimes!) and I think it can bring up old struggles. The therapist recognizes these things and sees what my deeper grief is about, which is nice.
-
Thanks so much for the well wishes everyone!
@Trailmix: @raintreebee: We all might be in the tww at the same time!
@Trailmix: yep, it is a natural IUI. The nurse suggested letting my gynecologist know in case she wants to monitor my cycle through ultrasounds. If this cycle is unsuccessful I plan on letting her know.
-
@Trailmix: Yea! It must be nice to see that those follicles are ripening. Tell that low ovarian reserve who's boss!!
@raintreebee: Exciting!! Keep us posted!
-
@trailmix and @spaniellove: I can see where talking to someone in person, or via skype would be helpful. I'm glad to hear you're both enjoying it. It's definitely something I've been thinking about. I agree, that this forum is such a great support, but sometimes it's hard to get too deep in thought.
@trailmix and @raintreebee: good luck with your IUI! Sending you positive vibes
@raintreebee: it is hard to balance all of this and the details of life, isn't it? Good luck with scheduling everything. And your good friends will remain, even if you can't commit to much right now.
-
@Leialou: good luck with your IUI! So excited for you
@Trailmix: I'll keep my fingers crossed for 2 big 'ol eggs!
@raintreebee: Good luck with your IUI!
Today I had a rather frustrating time calling drs & the ins company
I wanted to know if I needed a referral to see a RE & was having trouble finding one affiliated with our ins's lower cost hospital. She first gave me a massive list of endocrinologists, not reproductive endocrinologists! Then I called back & got the names of the only 2 within a 10mile radius that are affiliated with the right hospital. Called the office & was told, no he only does GYN but if I needed someone to run labs he would. The other one had terrible reviews & mostly works at a hospital 1.5 hours away. I ended up calling my mom & without coming right out & explaining everything, asked if she knew of any REs & she's going to talk to the chief of obgyn @ the hospital to see if he'll take on any RE patients. Kind of weird to ask my mom & for some reason I couldn't say it was because we've been trying, but I fig she's a smart cookie, she's prob already figured that out! At this point I don't even care that much. I'll get over the fact that he's a man if it means we can get in to see someone soon.
-
@mrs. bird: Aww sweetie, that sucks. It shouldn't be so hard to see a doctor. Did you end up finding out if you needed the referral?
-
@mrs. bird: That is such a frustrating process! Dealing with insurance and referrals has to be one of the most confusing - no, make that *the* most confusing aspect of this process so far, even when I know nothing is covered. Does your insurance company have a website with a database of providers that you can search?
-
@mrs. bird: oh the telephone calls...such a pain! I second @spaniellove, is there a website that you can access to find a list of providers? I hope you're able to find an RE soon and that you feel good about your choice of provider. It's important that you feel comfortable with them.
-
Yay! I just had my last check up before my frozen embryo transfer next week. My lining is nice and thick so we are all set to go for transfer on Thursday!! I am relieved to know that all the meds are working just as they should (even if the hormones make me cry several times a day at this point). After the first IVF failure, it is still surreal that we are just around the corner from another try. I am so hopeful that this time will work!
-
@GreenThumb: Just one week to go - that's so exciting!! I hope everything goes perfectly
Is it bad that every time I read "frozen embryos" I think of My So-Called Life and Jordan's band???
-
@Greenthumb Yay, excited for you!!! Fingers crossed that 2nd time's the charm!
@leialou and @raintreebee Yay for IUI/TWW buddies!! I just had a monitoring ultrasound and I've got 2 follicles in the 12-13 range (and three small ones, less than 10)...so now I just pray those two big ones grow evenly so we have 2 chances of fertilizing an egg...got another ultrasound tmrw, we'll see what happens...
@Grace I realized I never answered your question about the injection, it's a needle in a pen (so both, haha). The needle's pretty small and you just push the top of the pen and it clicks for 5 secs, then you take it out...very quick and pretty easy!
-
@Alie OMG, I am still pining for Jordan Catalano, that photo just made my day!!!
-
@Trailmix: Haha, who DOESN'T pine for Jordan Catalano???
-
@alie: ha OMG I totally forgot about Jordan Catalano's band!
@Trailmix: I'm so excited for you and @GreenThumb! things are moving right along! Can't wait to hear how everything goes (for both of you!)
-
Ok, it's official, anyone who does a frozen embryo transfer must now refer to it as a 'Jordan Catalano', as in, ' I'm having my second Jordan Catalano next week!' SOO much more appealing!!!
@Greenthumb May the force of Jordan be with you!!! -
@GreenThumb: Yay, that sounds so exciting! I hope it goes well for you!
Wishing good luck to everyone else who's in the TWW right now, or heading that direction!
I'm on another cycle now and still in limbo. Apparently my bloodwork came back with high prolactin levels and I'm not even sure what that means. Waiting now to make an appointment with my doctor to discuss... I just hope something can be done because I hate waiting around wasting month after month.
-
@alie: @Trailmix: Thank you so much! PS: I L-O-V-E Jordan Catalano, too! Who calls a band "Frozen Embryos"? Someone working on that show must have been going through IVF!!
@Trailmix: Glad to hear that your cycle is going well! Those follicles sound like they are moving right along. We'll think "BIG" for your U/S tomorrow.
-
@Trailmix: Love it!! Gosh you guys don't know how much I needed a good laugh today even with good news from my appt (fake hormones are making my emotions CRAZY). It feels good to actually get a laugh out of something like this!!
@Rachel: Thank you so much!
@Twodoghouse: Thank you! I'm sorry to hear about the high prolactin levels. You'll have to let us know what the Doc says. With all that they can do with hormones these days, I'm sure it is something they can work with. *hugs*
-
@trailmix: I love it! "anyone who does a frozen embryo transfer must now refer to it as a 'Jordan Catalano', as in, ' I'm having my second Jordan Catalano next week!' - definitely brings a smile to my face
Glad to hear the follicles are growing! Good luck with your ultrasound tomorrow.
@alie: thanks for finding that picture
@greenthumb: So hopeful for you and your "Jordan Catalano!"
I'll be thinking of you next Thursday @twodoghouse: I'm with you on those months going by. I feel like I've been waiting for months to take the next step and today I finally get to have the RE appointment. Fingers crossed that testing begins immediately and I don't have to wait ANOTHER month.
I hope you get your appointment soon and learn more about your prolactin levels. (I don't know what a high reading means either)
- - - - - -
I'm kind of a big ball of nerves right now, my first RE appointment is in another 2 hours. I'm trying to focus on patience and positivity. I figure, if I go in with the right attitude I'll come out of there with the right results. We'll see what happens! -
@Trailmix: @Rachel: @sweetooth: @GreenThumb: I'm happy I was able to brighten some days with the beauty of Jordan Catalano
-
@sweetooth: And good luck with your RE appointment today!
-
@Sweetooth I know it's hard but I don't think you have much to be nervous about regarding your appointment because you probably won't find out too much on the first one (unless you've already done initial bloodwork??), it's the follow-up appointment that is harder...at least, that was my experience. Just trying to save you some nervous energy, ya know? Maybe you can try to spin it as a positive that you're being proactive and hopefully will get some answers/have a plan! Good luck!
-
@Leialou: @GreenThumb: Good luck to both of you! I am send mucho baby dust your way :)))))
@sweetooth: You sound like how I would be in meeting with the RE. I hope that s/he is able to answer your questions and provide a line of attack!
-
First RE appointment tomorrow. Hoping I get a plan of action asap so I can ovulate sometime this century.
-
@sweetooth: @MrsCB: good luck with your appointments. I hope both of you get some answers!
-
I'm starting to think we should keep a running list of treatments/appointments and such kind of like the testing threads so we can keep things straight here!
-
@GreenThumb: That's so exciting! Fingers crossed!!
@alie: Haha, nice.
@Trailmix: So just like the one my DH takes. That's nice and easy.
@twodoghouse: Don't quote me or anything, but I believe prolactin in the hormone that is in high amounts after birth and has something to do with breastfeeding. There's some sort of negative feedback loop, where high prolactin can keep you from ovulating. Good news is I believe there's a drug for that, so maybe it's an easy fix!
-
@MrsCB: Hope all goes well today!!
@spaniellove: Agreed! I have no idea how that would be organized, but it would be nice! I'm always trying to scroll back and forth through the posts to make sure I know who's who and what's what so I'm not telling someone good luck on their IUI if they actually are doing IVF or haven't even started either.
-
I had my first RE appointment yesterday and I like my doctor and nurse. I kind of couldn't believe we were there, it felt surreal. The nerves I had were really masking the sad feelings I've been having about this next step and it resulted in tears for me during my consultation. I wish I could talk about all of this easily without crying.
The consultation was fine, then we had a financial contact go over things with us, and then we had a consultation with our nurse that went over all of the next steps and tests we needed to schedule. I was so overwhelmed, but trying to hold it together.
We made three different appointments at the end of it all and then walked down to the hall to a lab to do some bloodwork. Then I proceeded to drown my worries and emotions in cupcakes. I had three yesterday afternoon. Yes, I said 3. I need to figure out better ways to cope than with cupcakes.
I had my first ultrasound this morning and it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I just thought my first U/S would be when I was pregnant.
I was able to schedule my HSG for next Monday and the husband's SA is in 2 weeks. The hardest part is that we don't get to see the doctor again until November 15. Which feels like FOREVER from now. It's just hard to get on the calendar for consultations with the doctor. So now I'm just making my way through the tests and trying to be ok with knowing I will be 34 once I finally know what the next steps in my TTC journey are. My birthday is 11/9.
- - - - -
@mrscb and @alie: hope you have a great first appointment today! -
@spaniellove: good idea - then people can reach out to other people if they have similar situations or are at similar points in their journey. Maybe, if people feel comfortable with it, they can post their info like this:
- - - - - - - -
@sweetoothAge: 33, Husband: 36
Location: DC
TTC: 14 months
Appointments:
9/27, first RE consultation
10/1, HSGResults: Bloodwork NORMAL
Plan: TBD, consultation scheduled 11/15
- - - - -
Are there any other details that would be helpful to track?The support from this group is great, I'm glad this thread was started.
-
@Grace: Thanks so much! Good luck with your appt on Monday!
@sweetooth: Glad that your appt went well. I know that the waiting on all this is sometimes the toughest part. After TTC on your own with only a month wait time in between chances, it can seem to drag a bit once you get to treatment. I have certainly felt that way myself. I thought I would be pregnant after the IVF in July and here is it almost October before we get to chance #2! Ugh!
@MrsCB: @Alie: Hope your appts go really well today!
@Leialou: I really hope the IUI does the trick for you! So nice that you are starting with a natural cycle, too.
I probably could use one of those... ha!
I wanted to know if I needed a referral to see a RE & was having trouble finding one affiliated with our ins's lower cost hospital. She first gave me a massive list of endocrinologists, not reproductive endocrinologists! Then I called back & got the names of the only 2 within a 10mile radius that are affiliated with the right hospital. Called the office & was told, no he only does GYN but if I needed someone to run labs he would. The other one had terrible reviews & mostly works at a hospital 1.5 hours away. I ended up calling my mom & without coming right out & explaining everything, asked if she knew of any REs & she's going to talk to the chief of obgyn @ the hospital to see if he'll take on any RE patients. Kind of weird to ask my mom & for some reason I couldn't say it was because we've been trying, but I fig she's a smart cookie, she's prob already figured that out! At this point I don't even care that much. I'll get over the fact that he's a man if it means we can get in to see someone soon.
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite3
2958 comments