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Hi ladies, I feel like I can join only because you all get it. @ms.line: thank you! I definitely know you get it when it comes to MFI.
Cycle day: 2
TTC cycle: 6 months with super TI, but 6 or 7 years NTNP. Something should've tipped us off earlier, but hindsight is 20/20.
POAS date: June 14, but probably won't POAS. Just here for solidarity at this point.
My situation: Severe MFI diagnosed last month and waiting for the final testing before starting IVF/ICSI in mid/late summer. There's also some concern about my age, but I have checked out great except for a borderline high, but still normal range FSH. All systems go on my end, making this a super hard thing for us to talk about.
What's happening this month: We are awaiting results from DH's recent labs (T, DNA karyotyping, thyroid and the basic MFI work up) before he gets scheduled with the urologist. They want to understand what the MFI is stemming from. It won't impact whether we do IVF/ICSI but might indicate PGD. He might also get prescribed Clomid for low T (what we think it is), but that won't change his numbers enough for other ART options. To be completely honest, I am a little impatient with all of this man testing, but my rationale mind knows that the why of male infertility is important to DH's overall health. We will do super-timed BD and work on staying close. BTW, MFI for DH means low libido so we usually hit the fertile days once, twice if we're lucky. He has also been mentally blocked from 'finishing' since the bad SA results, making BD-ing unfun for both of us.
There aren't many TTC-ers who can even imagine THAT being the problem, but I know we here all have our set of challenges.Fun: 2+ weeks in Italy at the end of June, seeing family, drinking wine, eating soft cheeses, cured meats and all those things un-pg ladies can do!
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Sorry my posts are like short novels!
Wishing a
and hopeful month for all of us! 
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I don't want to put a date in yet because I don't want to jinx this IVF cycle but I am praying for a June transfer/POAS chance. So for now, I'm TBD.... hopefully will be able to join properly soon! xx
Good luck ladies!
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@Amorini: Your upcoming trip sounds amazing, and I'm so excited for you to move forward with IVF so soon! My RE is really dragging her feet about it, which is frustrating to no end. I have another appointment with her in a month and I'm really going to push for a plan/timeline. Joining a POAS group kinda seems like an exercise in futility with MFI, but it's good to have the company (and a bit of hope)!
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@jaguar: Yay! Glad to have you here!
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POAS Dates
5/23 - mommysquared
5/24 - crystal
Early June - ameliabedilia
6/2 - auggiefrog
6/3 - northstar
6/4 - sslm
6/8 - lovehope
6/10 - delight
6/12 - yogirunner
6/13 - libbylou
5/14 - amorini
6/15 - mrskrb
6/16 - ms.line
6/17 - hellonheels
TBD - jaguarCheerleaders: honeygold89, banddmommy
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@ms.line: I agree, re: company and a little hope. I have only told my sister so far what we are up against. Also I am unsure how to talk about it with anyone out of respect for DH's privacy. Once we have things back from the urologist and are starting to talk treatment dates, I'll tell more people in my inner circle. I just need more information and also clarity of mind for how to talk about it so I/we get the right kind of support in return.
Hang in there! @jaguar: Keeping my fx-ed that you get moving for June and can join us soon.
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@Amorini: It is hard to talk about! Thankfully my husband has been a pretty good sport about the whole thing so far, but I know he's also hurting inside and feels like he's a disappointment. There's so much stigma around MFI, it makes an already complicated situation even more touchy. We've told my dad and brother and a few of our closest friends because I want people to know why I'm a crazy person and have them there to support me, but there's always a fear of saying too much and alienating my husband, or getting a inappropriate response from others (too pushy or too aloof). My dad gave me a good laugh, though - when I tried explaining IVF/ICSI to him, he wanted to know the doctors can't "just, like, freeze a week's worth of his sperm and shoot it up there all at once!" If only it were that simple!
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Update: had my HSG this morning and my tubes are not blocked. This is good but now to the next test to find out what's wrong. The exam wasn't too painful. I did feel a lot of pressure when they inserted the catheter but not too bad. I'm just glad it's over!
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@LoveHope: Glad your tubes are open and it wasn't too painful!
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@ms.line: yes thank goodness. I was freaking out before the exam. I'm hoping the HSG will help getting BFP this cycle
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@LoveHope: good news! Still frustrating you don't know the cause of IF, but now you can move forward. Plus "they" say it clears you out!
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@LibbyLou: yes, it's so frustrating. Now I can move on to the next testing. I certainly hope it helped alittle.
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@jaguar: Glad you’re joining us! Fingers crossed for you
@lovehope: That’s great news. Glad it’s over with and you’re clear!
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Anyone have any experience with taking baby aspirin? I've noticed women taking it when ttc. Is it safe?
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@LoveHope: I've been taking baby aspirin every day since we started trying TTC with no issues. It supposedly helps with blood flow to uterus and can aid in implantation. I think the only way it's not "safe" is that it can possibly cause GI bleeding/perforation (but mostly at higher doses, and is still very rare).
ETA - GI issues for you, not for baby!
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@ms.line: I think I will start taking it today. I took an ovulation test this morning and got a very faint line. I think ovulation is right around the corner
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I just got my FSH, LH, and TSH levels back from my doctor without any explanation.
FSH is 6.70 and LH is 5.34, which I think are good, yeah?My TSH is 3.381 IU/ml - good ol' Dr. Google tells me this is on the higher end of normal. Have any of you dealt with elevated TSH? If so, did your doctor prescribe any treatment?
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@ms.line: yes my TSH in February was 2.66 uIU/ml and my dr put me on 25 mcgs of Levothyroxine. She said in case I did get pregnant, she wanted my levels under 2.0.
I tested again in April and my levels decreased to 2.570 uIU/ml. She increased my meds to 50 mcgs.
My FSH was 8.7 mIU/ml and LH was 4.3 mIU/ml. My dr said both were within a normal range. You look good on that part. Do you know if the dr is going to put you on meds for your thyroid yet?
Until your levels are under control, they have you test every 2 months. -
@LoveHope: That's helpful info, thanks! I don't have an appointment with her again until June 15th - I'm having a ton of testing this cycle, so she wants to wait until it's all over to meet with me. Will be interested to see if she prescribes anything!
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@LoveHope: I started taking it after my MC. I took it to help with blood flow, and like PP said it's supposed to help with implantation.
I think I O'd yesterday or maybe even the day before, but my temps are still staying low, like my previous cycle, and possibly the cycle before that. Does anyone have any experience with their cycles changing up all of a sudden. Usually I get a pretty textbook temp rise after O, but these last two cycles my temp has been lingering around the cover line for a few days. It makes me worried that there might be a problem developing. Also I've had some mid cycle spotting, which I've never had before these cycles.
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@LoveHope: Haha, I just got an email from my RE's office that they want me to start 25mcg of Levothyroxine today! Stopping at the pharmacy on the way home...
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Hi Ladies,
I've been lurking the IF and 6+ POAS boards for awhile and I figured it was time to introduce myself. I am struggling with secondary infertility and the regular POAS make me sad.Cycle Day: 4
TTC Cycle #: 13
POAS date: June 12th
Baby #: 2
Your situation: My LO is only 20 months but because it took us about 8 months (and acupuncture/herbs) to conceive, my husband and I decided not to use birth control after giving birth and just see what happens. We NTNP for awhile but have been actively trying for almost a year. My cycles are only 24/25 days and my luteal phase seems to average around 10 days. I've tried every possible thing to lengthen my luteal phase, but NOTHING has worked. I'm hopeful that the RE will be able to help us, but I'm also scared. I've had cancer in my teens and early 20's and worry the treatments could be affecting my fertility now. Sometimes I wonder if we just got very lucky conceiving our daughter and that maybe I have no decent eggs left. We also don't have infertility coverage so we will be paying out of pocket.
What's happening this month: First RE appointment on the 29th! I don't have a lot of hope for this cycle, but I'm relieved that we at least will have a plan in place soon!Good luck to everyone!
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@ms.line: that's good news. The quicker you start them the better. It's dangerous if you get pregnant and your TSH levels are higher than 2.0. So I've researched. Lots of luck taking them. I didn't have too many side effects. I was very moody the first two weeks but felt fine overall. It's amazing how much you learn when ttc!
This journey has taught me so much it's crazy! -
@Colee: welcome! I know this is a tough journey but hopefully we will all get our BFP Soon! I'm sorry to hear about what you've been through but stay strong. I have my very first appointment with an RE june 19th. I just went for an HSG and getting a pelvic ultrasound done. Really wish it was easier than this but unfortunately some of us have to deal with these kinds of things! Lots of luck to you!
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One more coworker just announced she is expecting. That is a total of 3 ppl I work with who just recently found out they were expecting. The worst part is she said they weren't even trying- it just happened
This is the most difficult thing to endure. Sorry ladies just needed to vent. It's so hard to feel happy even though I really want to. -
@LoveHope: I think we all know how you feel. I am going camping this weekend with a couple who I believe have started or will start trying soon and I am praying they don't announce anything this weekend. I feel like such a terrible person!
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@MrsKRB: You're not terrible. This is our reality right now and for once why can't it be us announcing it. I totally get you. I feel like lately I don't feel too happy when people announce their pregnancies and I feel so awful for it but this is what I'm dealing with. My best friend is due in a few weeks and I'm so happy for her but I'm sad when im around her. We were both ttc at the same time and she got pregnant and I'm still here waiting...
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@Colee: Welcome! If it's any consolation, as long as your luteal phase is the double-digits, I've heard it's not an issue. Hopefully your RE will shed some light on what's going on very soon! Since you already have a daughter and your cycles are regular, it think it's pretty likely you've got some good eggs left!
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@LoveHope: Thanks! And agreed, TTC/IF has taught me SO MUCH!
I also want to send you major hugs re: your expectant co-worker.
Since I started my current job in September, *five* women in my department have announced their pregnancies, and another two have babies that they're still pumping for at work. The most recent announcement came a colleague who's FORTY THREE - she and her new husband were successful after only three months of trying on their own. 
The woman who sits next to me is on maternity leave, and she brought her 6 week old baby into the office to visit on Monday -- the same day my period showed up. I want to be happy for everyone, and I guess I am, but it's also mixed with so much jealousy and fear that I'll never get there. Having to help plan all the baby showers has been really hard on me, and I have started leaving the room when they start discussing pregnancy symptoms. I've actually been pretty vocal about dealing with IF, but they don't seem to know how to respond appropriately/compassionately. Whew, clearly I needed to vent, too. It is unbelievably hard sometimes.
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@ms.line: its nice to know that a lot of the ladies on here feel the same exact same way that I do. I don't want to feel jealous of others but I can't help it. I've never wanted something so bad as I want this. Some people make it look so easy too. I guess we have to keep our heads high and stay strong and know that it will happen for us-maybe not today, or tomorrow but someday
Happy friday to all you ladies! Have a wonderful MDW!
I'm approaching my Ovulation day so lots of BDing this weekend! -
@ colee: Welcome and warm hugs. I lurked for along time myself until very recently.
@ms.line: I love your dad's reaction to the whole fertility thing. Humor gives me great relief! Great to hear your FSH and LH look good. My TSH was about the same (yet another thing we have in common!) and I was fully expecting the RE to prescribe me something, but she passed. I am going to ask again about it.
I agree with Mrskrb that we all feel surrounded by pregnant people on this board. I don't say that to minimize anyone's pain, but at least know there are others out there who get that same pained/guilty/sad/mad mix of emotions when they see a bump. I tried to express this to DH but he didn't get that mixed feeling. We are going to see a pregnant friend on our trip in late June and I've been dreading it since I learned she was KU.
@ms.line: you are surrounded at work. Yikes! I do take special glee in the 43 y.o.'s easy conception story. It's easier for me to be happy for her 3-month luck than most others in that category, if I'm completely honest.
AFM, I'm back at CD 3 and gave the LH sample today that they missed taking last cycle. I also learned my CD 21 progesterone was super good. Has anyone ever found info on the number related to egg quality (at least with respect to that cycle's O)? What I mean is, I've heard that doctors say you should have a P4 of 15+ if you're on Clomid, since it indicates good O and therefore a good egg. Does that mean if you're not on Clomid and have 15+, that info is also true?
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@Amorini: my RE said there isn't really any way to tell the quality of your egg (besides IVF). Your progesterone can show if and how strong you ovulated. That being said, yes I think a level over 15 is good regardless if you're medicated or not.
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@LoveHope: Thank you for your positive words. I hope you get some answers soon. That's great that you have already gotten some testing done! Good luck to you!
@MrsKRB: @LoveHope: I totally can relate. I'm always nervous to see people that I know are TTC because I want to be a 100% happy for them, but I'm not. I hate that about myself. Especially since I seem to have very fertile friends who have never had to use opks, never charted, and really don't have a good understanding about how the female reproductive system works. I'm so envious of people who have never had to actually "try". It feels good to vent to others that understand.
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@ms.line: Thank you! I've read so much conflicting information on luteal phase length. I'm tired of Google and will be happy to get a professionals opinion. Good luck to you!
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@Colee: I know. I have learned so much about our reproductive system it's unbelievable. Hang in there. We are strong women because of this.
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@Amorini: Oh, yeah, I really am happy for the 43 year old (and it was "easier" to be happier for her than my younger colleagues), but it just made me feel even more broken/unlucky. My husband doesn't get the mixed feelings, either - I think maybe because men aren't comparing themselves the same way we are.
I'm not sure what it says about egg quality, but it's great your progesterone came back so high! Interesting that your RE was fine with your TSH levels - for what it's worth, I haven't had any side effects from the Levothyroxine so far.
@LoveHope: Agreed, we are all becoming stronger women through this journey! Hope you all have a great weekend!
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@LoveHope: I hate when people tell you they got pregnant without trying, or on their first time trying, or on their honeymoon. I'm looking forward to being pregnant because I will finally be able to share that this baby took a freaking forever to conceive. I worked really hard to get this baby. This baby was not just given to me on a night of indiscretion.
@MrsKRB: That's the worst. I was visiting friends with a 7 month old last weekend, and I know a lot of their friends are trying. Even though I don't know these people I dreaded hearing about their pregnancies. And of course she announced two to me. One is due a month after I would have been due if I hadn't MC'd. That stung a little. But it was better to hear about them for her then to find out later I guess.
@ms.line: I'm sorry that you have had to deal with all of these pregnancies. I don't have any pregnant co-workers, that I know of, but there are many pregnant mom's (I work in a daycare). It's hard to have to see their bellies all the time. One is due the same month I would have been and it's a bit of a hard reminder for me.
@Colee: Welcome, and I'm sorry about your struggles. FX your RE appointment brings you some clarity and a plan.
I added some pre-O temps ( I didn't have too many because I'm trying to have a relaxed cycle) and I got cross-hairs on the day I'm pretty sure I O'd. So if this is all right I am at 4DPO today, and FF moved my POAS date up a day to June 1st. The nice thing about this is that I will have two tries this month.
DH said that last month he didn't feel like it was our time, and he said that he thinks that this month wouldn't be it, but next month will. I kind of hope he is wrong about this month, but I wouldn't mind a March baby either. My sister's birthday is on March 17th, and to announce I would give her an early birthday card from LO saying that he or she is excited to celebrate with her this year. -
@MrsKRB: thanks for the well wishes!
@auggiefrog: thanks, friend.
@Amorini: I'm so sorry to hear about your challenges. DTD once a day should be good, I wouldn't do it twice- it doesn't give sperm enough time to repopulate.
@jaguar: fx!
@LoveHope: glad to hear it's clear! When is your follow up appt? Get to BD, girl! Many people get their BFP after HSGs. I understand about the coworker, I'm surrounded by new babies/pregnant people right now. So frustrating.
@Colee: a meeting with an RE is great progress! Good luck!
So, I've been spotting since Wednesday ( 10/11DPO)- AF should be coming any minute. WOMP WOMP.
I got the results of my P levels back from 6/7DPO, and it was an 11, which seems to be low, especially for a medicated cycle. OBGYN (who I'm not super confident in) doesn't seem to think its a problem, but will put my on P if I do become pregnant. Why shouldn't I be taking it now?!
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@Crystal: I'm sorry about impending AF.
There aren't many TTC-ers who can even imagine THAT being the problem, but I know we here all have our set of challenges.
and hopeful month for all of us! 
FSH is 6.70 and LH is 5.34, which I think are good, yeah?
The woman who sits next to me is on maternity leave, and she brought her 6 week old baby into the office to visit on Monday -- the same day my period showed up. 
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