(Closed) 1 Year+ TTC Part Fourteen

• ShellVee
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: July 2012

Thanks for starting the new thread 🙂 fingers crossed the starters luck finds you 🙂

ROLL CALL

Age (if you care to share): 32 and DH is 34 (in a few days)

TTC since: March 2013

TTC Recap: we tried naturally for 12-13 months around 16 cycles before seeking help. Both DH and I appeared to be healthy. On the last SA before referral to FS DH’s count came in low. Been seeing a FS since May this year. 

Issues (if any): low count (around the 7-8mill) and 41% fragmentation. All the rest has been clear.

Chart? http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/ShellVee

I’m still charting because I wanna see what effect the drugs have had, I’m running higher than usual with the suppression meds 🙂 

Currently: On day 6 on Synarel, waiting for AF so we can start our first IVF cycle 🙂

Supplements/how are you going about your BFP: IVF

When I get my BFP, I’ll celebrate by: dancing about 🙂 or fainting whatever happens haha

If it’s not this cycle, we’ll: hopefully have a stash of healthy frosties so we can start FET cycles

Since TTC after 12+ cycles (or with IF) issues, is a very different experience than a fertile couple trying in the first month, how do you stay positive and hopeful?

We talk way too much about IF at the moment so it has been hard to be overly positive. Generally we try to just spend time together and laugh a lot.

And just for fun, what are your holiday plans this year? Are you crafting or making any awesome homemade gifts? Taking any trips?

We are travelling interstate for a week before Xmas to visit the in-laws. Xmas itself will be a quiet(ish) day at my bros new house. And I’m not good enough at being crafty to make gifts haha.

• ShellVee
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: July 2012

• nyckitten
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: May 2011

Yay for new thread!  I’m going to put some quick replies first then will do my roll call.

InsertUsernameHere:  Welcome to the board.  Hope your stay here is short!

saraja87:  Thanks for starting a new thread!  And YAY for 14 follies!  That’s amazing!  I’m imagining your ovaries like clown cars with more and more follies popping out. 😉  This is so great.  Re: the embryo culture process at my current clinic — I haven’t talked to them directly about it, but my doc from the last clinic said they did a sort of staged process, where they use different a culture medium for different stages of the development, whereas my last clinic and most others just pick one culture medium and stick with it.  That’s why my last doc sent me there — he said different people’s embryos maybe respond better to different things.

Novella:  I’m sorry about your BFN. 🙁  Hang in there.

ShellVee:  Can’t wait till you get started!

AFM, I got some more info on the embryo quality since at my baseline appointment Thursday I saw “my” doc at the clinic.  3 of the embryos were grade A or B (the doc said practically speaking there’s not much difference in success with A or B), and 3 were grade C (lower success).  So, at least 3 were good quality.  My old doc is thinking that given my age (34) we should get about 2-3 chromosomally normal ones on PGD.  FX. 

• nyckitten
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: May 2011

ROLL CALL

Age (if you care to share): 34 (DH is also 34)

TTC since: Jan 2012

TTC Recap: In brief, in July 2012 we learned that DH has very low sperm count and motility.  He had a varicocele embolization but that didn’t help.  I had a small uterine septum and had hysteroscopic surgery on that.  We did our first IVF cycle in Jan 2013 and have basically been continuously doing IVF / frozen embryo transfers since then.  Our first cycle was a CP.  After that cycle 2 (FET) was a BFN, cycle 3 (FET) was a BFN.  We switched clinics (because we moved), did another IVF, had a horrible egg retrieval by a covering doc, I developed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and spent a night in the ER, we did another FET and had a CP.  After that we did another IVF but delayed the transfer because my hormones were a bit off.  In the meantime we did a uterine biopsy and found that the development of my uterine lining was out of sync.  We did several things to try to fix that (some antibiotics in case it was related to infection, femera to try to reset things, and a normal HSG) but the repeat biopsy was still abnormal so we did a course of 3 months lupron depot shots to try to fix it (and treat any presumed endometriosis, which can cause endometrial dysfunction).  We did two more FET’s, in May (BFN) and June (CP). So that’s 6 total embryo transfers, 3 CP’s, and 3 BFN’s.  Most of our early transfers were single embryo transfers from our choice, the last two were supposed to be double but each time one embryo didn’t quite make the thaw.  Most recently we did another fresh IVF cycle at a 3rd clinic, got 20 eggs and 6 frozen embryos, which are currently out for PGD and we are starting a frozen cycle now.   

Issues (if any): See above!

Chart? No point.

Currently: I’m on estrace to thicken my lining in preparation for a frozen embryo transfer, probably around early to mid-Oct assuming that at least one of our frozen embryos comes back chromosomally normal from the PGD.  

Supplements/how are you going about your BFP: IVF. As far as supplements I take metanx (prescription strength vitamin B), Vit D, Calcium, Vit E, Melatonin, Vit C, and a prenatal.  Most of those are for egg quality.  I’m also on synthroid for subclinical hypothyroidism. 

When I get my BFP, I’ll celebrate by: I’ve had a few CP’s so I’ll be anxious until at least the first ultrasound! <br />

If it’s not this cycle, we’ll: Hopefully have enough normal frozen embryos to do another frozen cycle.  We’ve also thought about donor sperm, donor egg, and adoption.

Since TTC after 12+ cycles (or with IF) issues, is a very different experience than a fertile couple trying in the first month, how do you stay positive and hopeful?  <br />Somehow we keep on keeping on…sometimes I’m pretty amazed at our strength as a couple and that we’ve been able to do this for the past 2.5 years.  But, in addition to all the needles, clinic visits, etc. we pretty much just live our lives.  I have a very busy and fulfilling job, so that helps.  DH is great with helping with housework, cooking, etc., so that also helps.  Right now we have a new project of looking to buy an apartment (a very tough thing in NYC) so that is keeping us busy.  

And just for fun, what are your holiday plans this year? Are you crafting or making any awesome homemade gifts? Taking any trips? <br />Oooh, fun question!  We actually haven’t planned our holidays yet, really.  I usually end up working Thanksgiving, as I will be this year.  DH’s family is going to be in town though so DH and his dad might cook dinner and we’ll have Thanksgiving dinner when I return from work!  I’m still deciding whether to use my vacation days so I don’t have to work Christmas week — in which case usually we visit family in 3 different states over the course of a week so it’s a whirlwind!  DH and I also always host an annual Christmas party for our friends — we buy a big tree and decorate it with ornaments we collect from all the places we have traveled, and we cook tons of different types of cookies and make peppermint bark, so I guess that’s sort of “crafty”!

And, with the start of this new thread I just want to say how much I appreciate all of you ladies.  It would be a much more lonely experience without all of your support.  And, huge congrats to our graduates from the last thread.  I’m really hoping we get several more on this one!   

• Novella
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: July 2012

ROLL CALL Age (if you care to share): I am 28 and DH is 29 on Tuesday

TTC since: July 2012

TTC Recap: diagnosed PCOS 2009. After our wedding we first saw a fertility specialist in Aug/Sept 2012 and she told us to lose weight and come back when I was closer to a BMI of 30. Bloods at the time indicated a hyperactive thyroid and I was diagnosed with Graves Disease in Sept 2012. Took some time off to get this under control and to try and lose weight. Went back to fertility specialist in Jan 2013 as the practice had changed hands and the new dr said the same thing as the previous one. Spent 2013 in a bit of a funk. TTC when my thyroid would allow and trying natural remedies to deal with my PCOS which helped me have a more regular cycle but most were still annovulatory. My thyroid went silly again in Feb 2014 and endocrinologist wanted me to have surgery but I didnt want to and stayed on low dose medication. April 2014 saw new fertility specialist after lots of recommendations. She is amazing and treating us despite my weight. We tried 3 cycles of Clomid (50mg, 50mg + 75mg, 75mg + 100mg). DH had another semen analysis at this point and it came back with only 2% morphology. Recommended to do IVF with ICSI but do another cycle of clomid while we waited a month to retest DH. He started supplements. Did 100mg Clomid and was resistant and as DHs results came back better 3% normal morphology we moved that cycle to injectibles and did Puregon 58mg. Just got a BFN for that cycle and AF has arrived. Will speak to fertility specialist tomorrow to decide on next steps. I think another injectables cycle and then moving to IVF/ICSI if that doesn’t work.

Issues (if any): PCOS, Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism) and DH has low sperm morphology only 3% at best in trial wash)

Chart? Currently: no

Supplements/how are you going about your BFP: folate, B12, Vitamin D and C and DH is on a multivitamin for male fertility and extra Vitamin D for deficiency

When I get my BFP, I’ll celebrate by: praying that it sticks 

If it’s not this cycle, we’ll: Move to IVF/ICSI

Since TTC after 12+ cycles (or with IF) issues, is a very different experience than a fertile couple trying in the first month, how do you stay positive and hopeful? It’s really hard and I’m struggling with that right now.

And just for fun, what are your holiday plans this year? Are you crafting or making any awesome homemade gifts? Taking any trips? We will just stay at home for the holidays but are travelling in January for my grandparents 55th wedding anniversary.

• Novella
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: July 2012

• phoebephoebo
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: March 2013

Not sure if I’m ready to get on the rollercoaster again but since my first AF just arrived I’ll give it a go. The break has been lovely!! I haven’t thought about TTC in a month- bliss!!! I’ve missed you guys and it looks like I’ve missed a lot!!!

ROLL CALL

Age (if you care to share): 35, 37

TTC since: Feb 2013

TTC Recap: 3 BFPs, 1st MMC at 10 weeks with D&C last November, 2nd CP in January, 3rd MMC at 9 weeks with D&C in early August

Issues (if any): Still waiting on results of recurrent mc tests. I got testing done in the public system as it was free but have also gone to a private clinic. He thinks it’s an autoimmune problem based on my medical history.

Currently: I’m on CD1 after a 6 week cycle. The clinic is testing peripheral blood (menstral!!) at the beginning of this cycle. Then during the cycle I have to take Vit B complex, high dose omega 3, prednisolone steroids, intralipid infusion. At the end of the cycle I’ll be tested again to see if the meds make a difference. I’ll have a phone meeting with the consultant to see how much of an autoimmune issue there is.

Supplements/how are you going about your BFP: All of the above!!! Next cycle I’ll be doing FSH injections for 3 cycles and then IUI if that doesn’t work. I think I’ll TTA this month as not TTC has been enjoyable this month and I don’t want to risk another unnecessary MC- I couldn’t take it!

When I get my BFP, I’ll celebrate by: I hope I’ll be able to relax and enjoy the next pregnancy but unlikely. I think I’ll push my bump out as soon as there’s one there 🙂 So jealous of the baby bumps!!

If it’s not this cycle, we’ll: Drink vino!!!

Since TTC after 12+ cycles (or with IF) issues, is a very different experience than a fertile couple trying in the first month, how do you stay positive and hopeful?  A lot of self talk(!), meditation and running has helped me get out of this slump. My DH has been amazing and we talk about stuff on a regular basis. I’m also honest with friends about what we’re going through even if it makes others uncomfortable!!

And just for fun, what are your holiday plans this year? Are you crafting or making any awesome homemade gifts? Taking any trips? 

DH is an only child so we’ve separated for Christmas Day until now. We always said we’d spend it together when we’ve kids but at this point it could be a while so we’re hoping to invite both side of the family to ours for Christmas dinner!! Ah, I can’t cook!!! I made chocolate biscuit cake puddings as gifts last year. They went down a treat. Trying to come up with something for this year…

• picturemeurs
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: January 2012

ROLL CALL Age (if you care to share): I am 28 and DH is 32

TTC since: Feb 2012, started really trying a few months later.

TTC Recap: Started a few months after our wedding after we were pretty sure we had an oops moment. Waited for about a year then got DH tested which is when we realised that we had male factor problems. DH then went on clomid, vitamins and a mild steriod. This worked but not well enough.

About a year after that, we went straight to IVF. At the pre-assessment I was diagnosed with an, fibroids and mild pco Had one cycle which failed and immediately after we switched clinics. My new clinic thought I should test for immune issues which is very common with endo girls. Found out I have very high tnfs. So the plan going forward is to go on two months of Zoladex then IVF. I also will be on a bunch of immune drugs, including Humira, steriods and clexane.

Issues (if any): See above (Endo, Mild PCO, MFI and Immune issues)

Chart? Currently: no, not any more.

Supplements/how are you going about your BFP: Omega 3, Coq10, Folic acid,metformin, and iron supplements

When I get my BFP, I’ll celebrate by: Praying and thanking God and doing a silent scream of pure excitement and joy.

If it’s not this cycle, we’ll: Hopefully have an FET cycle available.

Since TTC after 12+ cycles (or with IF) issues, is a very different experience than a fertile couple trying in the first month, how do you stay positive and hopeful? Relying on our faith. Also it helps to look at the bright side of things and focus on what we have going for us as opposed to our fertility challenges.

And just for fun, what are your holiday plans this year? Are you crafting or making any awesome homemade gifts? Taking any trips? We usually spend the season visiting families. I wish I was crafty as some of you bees. I was thinking of taking up a craft such as quilting.

• lonsk
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: June 2011

I’ll roll call soon

AFM I’m waiting on AF in order to do another SIS in preparation for a FET. I typically have a 28 day cycle (33 was the longest) today is CD 32 and no sign of AF  I’m afraid to POAS but will on Tuesday if flow hasn’t showed. Can’t believe when you want the bitch she’s MIA! 

• debinoxford
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: February 2013

ROLL CALL

Age (if you care to share): 31

TTC since: September 2013

TTC Recap: Been trying, not happening. Not even CPs.

Issues (if any):No known issues. Testing done in June, all came back good.

Chart? I do chart, but never share because I’m too lazy to find it on here. 🙂

Currently: CD1. FF decided that it wasn’t sure if I ovulated this month because my temps have been really wonky. But AF showed up while I was working today. Sort of pissed off about it, but fought back with 1.5 hours at the gym (cardio and then a yoga class). 

Supplements/how are you going about your BFP: prenatals, B-complex vitamins. Starting a hormone balancing essential oil routine this month. Lots of BD.

When I get my BFP, I’ll celebrate by: Crying probably. And then calling my best friend who is pregnant to tell her (after I tell DH of course)

If it’s not this cycle, we’ll: Go get massages. I’m going to surprise my DH with this because he’s been sick lately and is off work, so I’m going to save up for us to go treat ourselves in October.

Since TTC after 12+ cycles (or with IF) issues, is a very different experience than a fertile couple trying in the first month, how do you stay positive and hopeful? I am finding that yoga is really helping me recognize my feelings and the let them go. Not dwelling on them and letting them eat me up. Plus it’s spring here, so it’s getting busier around here.

And just for fun, what are your holiday plans this year? Are you crafting or making any awesome homemade gifts? Taking any trips? I always craft Christmas gifts, but haven’t started yet. My DH and I are having a craft booth at two fairs before Christmas, so we have lots to make! Plus I sell little boys’ clothes and Christmas stockings in a craft shop that is opening in less than two weeks. (I told you I was keeping busy!) 🙂

• Novella
• 7 years ago

• Wedding: July 2012

I rang my clinic this morning to let them know that AF had arrived and that I wasn’t sure what the next step would be and they locked me in for an appointment with my specialist at 8.30 tomorrow morning, talk about an awesome clinic!