New TTC Thread

[skuttle]

Had my second u/s this morning. I had to wait forever for it, but the u/s tech was great so that made up for it. She talked through everything she was doing and measuring. I had a wait after the u/s for her to get in touch with the on-call doctor. She spoke to him and then he wanted to talk to me to find out what has been going on. I explained my situation. He said that I had one follicle that has grown, but still isn't a great size. He said it was in the "gray" area. That one is on the left side, which is where I felt the pain last night so at least that makes sense. He felt that we shouldn't move forward with IUI this month. He suggested that I call my dr on Monday to discuss.

So I'm a bit bummed, but at the same time, I know it's best to wait until I have good follicles and not just one so-so follicle. I'd rather not waste the money on a so-so follicle. I'll call my dr tomorrow to see if they still want me to go in on Tuesday for another u/s or if we'll just skip this cycle and start the next one with Clomid. My only concern is that my dr is off on Mondays.

So I guess we'll just try the old-fashioned way this cycle.

 

[WDWAurora]

I'm glad you updated us. I'm sorry it wasn't what you were hoping to hear. If they tell you to go the meds route, ask about Femara vs. Clomid. Femara's what I did, and I definitely had VERY few side effects (I've been on it probably at least 12 cycles by now). I always had a good reaction to it, follicle wise. If you do meds, it will almost definitely move the process along quicker, and you might need a trigger shot, too. They aren't that big of a deal, and at least you know things are doing what they're supposed to!

 

[skuttle]

Thanks Courtney. DH says that when I talk to my dr's office, to just ask to go straight to meds next cycle and skip the u/s on Tuesday. I'm thinking they may still want to do the scan on Tuesday just to see where things are since this is my first monitored cycle.

How are you doing?

 

[Jen_in_NH]

Sorry, I know I'm a lurker, but I had to pop in for a second.

Skuttle, if the doctor still wants another u/s, do it. Just because the follicle development is slower than they would like doesn't automatically mean you're out for IUI that month. The month we tried it, we didn't have a good sized follicle until CD 21. And even if they don't decide to do the IUI, it will at least give them more info to look at.

So hopefully I'll be back with you all sometime next month. DH and I pretty much gave up TTC around Christmas. Our son was diagnosed with diabetes, and everything else pretty much took a back seat to that. Now that he's stable, we have an appointment with the RE in May to find out what we can do next. IUI isn't covered by insurance (just the procedure itself though), so we're trying to see what else, if anything, we can do, or should we just save up for a few more IUI rounds.

Jen

 

[skuttle]

Thanks, Jen. That does make sense. The more info they have, the better we'll be able to figure out the timing of future cycles. I guess it can't hurt.

 

[D&DDisney]

Had my second u/s this morning. I had to wait forever for it, but the u/s tech was great so that made up for it. She talked through everything she was doing and measuring. I had a wait after the u/s for her to get in touch with the on-call doctor. She spoke to him and then he wanted to talk to me to find out what has been going on. I explained my situation. He said that I had one follicle that has grown, but still isn't a great size. He said it was in the "gray" area. That one is on the left side, which is where I felt the pain last night so at least that makes sense. He felt that we shouldn't move forward with IUI this month. He suggested that I call my dr on Monday to discuss.

So I guess we'll just try the old-fashioned way this cycle.

Sorry its not working as planned, but don't give up hope. As Jen said, it may happend in a few days.
The old fashioned way is more fun anyway.

 

[DznyLvr2005]

WDWAURORA, have you tried Clomid? I know there's lots of side effects, but from what I hear is that it works the best.
It worked for me after I had 2 miscarriages.

Are you going to try IUI again?
I wish you luck, I wish everyone luck!

 

[WDWAurora]

WDWAURORA, have you tried Clomid? I know there's lots of side effects, but from what I hear is that it works the best.
It worked for me after I had 2 miscarriages.

Are you going to try IUI again?
I wish you luck, I wish everyone luck!

I haven't been on Clomid, but both my OB-GYN and my RE say that Femara has better results, just hasn't been out as long, etc. I've always responded well to Femara, but I wouldn't say no to Clomid if they suggested it.

I have no idea what the next step is. I'm just waiting for our consult on Thursday. I'm very nervous about the possibility of her saying that IVF is the next step, because financially, it will be a while. I don't know that's what she'll say, I guess I just figure that's the worst she could say at this point. I guess it's good to be prepared for the worst case news. Maybe?

 

[skuttle]

Courtney, would y'all be willing to do another IUI? I know you've been on various meds for a while, but I've read that sometimes it takes multiple IUIs before one sticks. I can't imagine they'd suggest IVF after only one IUI. Good luck on Thursday.

 

[WDWAurora]

I would be willing to try more IUIs-especially for the affordability factor, and the whole not having to wait YEARS to try again thing.

 

[ZPT1022]

Today at the Dr's office was just awful. I started crying in the u/s waiting room. I was the only woman in there NOT pregnant, and some of those girls were teenagers! No way do they realize how lucky they are and the gift they have been given. It makes me so angry. I never knew I could feel such hatred towards complete strangers! Then, the u/s waiting room had 3-D u/s images on the wall. I left so mad and sad and just aggravated that I'm having to go through all of this. At least my appt Sunday will be at the hospital, and since it's a Sunday I shouldn't run into any pregnant ladies there for routine stuff. At least that's what I'm hoping.

I've been emailing my BFF#1(the one that had a baby last year) about everything because I don't want to vent to my other BFF#2 that is pregnant right now. I used to update them both, but stopped updating BFF#2 after she told me she's pregnant. BFF#1 offered to come to my appt with me and blindfold me so that I can't see any other people in the waiting room. LOL!

I'm so sorry, I know exactly what you mean about the dr's office though. I thought I was going to scream the last few times I've been in there, especially when I was there waiting for my ultrasound to make sure my miscarriage had taken care of itself completely and there I was stuck in the waiting room with all the preggos, and watching all the other people come out with their little ultrasound folders looking all smug and proud of themselves and there I was waiting to make sure my miscarriage was complete.

Your friend sounds like she has a great sense of humor, offering to blindfold you for your appointment

 

[ZPT1022]

That's what we ended up doing the first time around. My DH was a little leery too. Got nowhere w/ IUIs so we decided to second mortgage the house and adopt internationally where we were gauranteed a child. (no chance of birth mothers changing their minds) It was after the adoption, when we tried IUIs again that we got our 1 and only BFP. I also had friends that adopted and then GOT PREGNANT w/o help. Never rule anything out. You just never know what life has in store for you. Just don't give up.


I've always wanted to but never got up the nerve to try it. If you do let us know. I've only heard good things about it.


Been there. Done that! You're not alone in feeling this way.
Just had to comment about the pregnant teens thing. I used to see women I thought were pregnant teens but turned out they were in their early 20s. They just looked so young to me and I was only in my 30s.

Would you mind sharing where you adopted from? I'm just nosy.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

The RE and OB's are across the street from each other where I go, and there are separate ultrasound locations. I would never have thought they would put all the women together. I think they should consider separating at least the waiting areas for the ultrasounds at your office. What are they thinking, they need to show some more forethought and compassion.

ZPT, .

Courtney, don't give up after only one IUI! I go on an infertility board sometimes and it seems that most women who write about their success with IUI had several. I think it's pure dumb luck when it works the first time around.

I only took clomid for one cycle and said no more please, I would rather have the shots. I was so uncomfortable with the clomid and looked six months pregnant while taking it. I don't have anywhere near the same problems with the shots but make twice as many follicles, go figure. Not that it's gotten me anywhere yet.

I'm sending you lots of baby dust Allison, for a good old fashioned try!

Baby dust all around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[DisneyDreamer8]

Allison-I would also suggest going in for another u/s. The more info the better. Also give Fermara or Clomid a try. It just might even out your cycles and make those little follies grow.

Courtney-Don't give up after one IUI. Give it more time. My Dr. was going to try up to 4 before moving me on to an RE for injectable/ultrasound/IUI route. Maybe still set aside a little money for IVF if you can then if you don't need it because the IUI worked you can take your first family vacation

Baby dust to all

 

[ZPT1022]

The RE and OB's are across the street from each other where I go, and there are separate ultrasound locations. I would never have thought they would put all the women together. I think they should consider separating at least the waiting areas for the ultrasounds at your office. What are they thinking, they need to show some more forethought and compassion.

ZPT, .

Courtney, don't give up after only one IUI! I go on an infertility board sometimes and it seems that most women who write about their success with IUI had several. I think it's pure dumb luck when it works the first time around.

I only took clomid for one cycle and said no more please, I would rather have the shots. I was so uncomfortable with the clomid and looked six months pregnant while taking it. I don't have anywhere near the same problems with the shots but make twice as many follicles, go figure. Not that it's gotten me anywhere yet.

I'm sending you lots of baby dust Allison, for a good old fashioned try!

Baby dust all around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When I had success the last time, it was after four rounds of increasing doses of clomid and 2 cycles of injectibles, so I agree with everyone who says don't give up after just one IUI. Funny thing is, my first injectibles cycle, they wanted to cancel because I had SO many follicles and they were VERY concerned about a higher order multiple birth. I refused to cancel and figured we'd just deal with whatever happened. Well, nothing happened. Second injectibles cycle I had one good follicle and one so-so follicle. What do you know, pregnant with twins!! I think it just goes to show that you never really know what will happen with all of this.

I've got to agree on the clomid, that stuff was hideous. I was so mean, didn't feel like myself, bloated, horrible, all the stuff you said. And I only took it for five days. I was on injectibles for over three weeks (PCOS) and while I didn't feel good by any stretch of the imagination, it was nowhere near as bad as it was with the clomid

 

[skuttle]

ZPT...Unfortunately, I know exactly how you feel! I also was stuck in the waiting room with happy pregnant girls while waiting for my u/s after my chemical pregnancy. Ugh!

Chloe...it is AWFUL to be stuck in the same waiting room. And then, to have the 3D u/s pictures on the wall...ugh!

Rebecca...I don't think I said it before, but it's nice to see you again. When I started this IUI process, I thought of you and your first try success right away!

My dr's office called me back today and had me come in this afternoon for another u/s. Today is CD17. Follicles have gotten smaller, so I assume that means I've O'd. The biggest follicle I had on Sunday was 18 and they like 20 to proceed with IUI. So I was close...I guess that's why the on call dr told me I was in the "gray area."

After the u/s, I was sent down to see my Dr. When I got down there, the nurse put me in the small waiting room. This waiting room has maybe 8-10 chairs. It was me, a pregnant couple, and two other pregnant girls. All three of these girls were VERY chatty and VERY happy to be pregnant. They were talking about how excited they were to be parents, their showers, etc. It was TERRIBLE. They must have thought I was the biggest B because I never said a word, never looked up from my phone. I texted DH the whole time, telling him I must have really pissed someone off to be stuck in that room with those girls.

DH and I are scheduled for a consult with my Dr. on Tuesday to go over the side effects and stuff associated with doing IUI with Clomid. I've already prepared DH that there's an increased chance of multiples. Multiples scare him, especially since they run in our family. I'm also scared of the side effects of Clomid, but I'll do what I have to do. I already also warned DH that the Clomid may make me a bit moody. He said he'd rather have the surgery. LOL! I'm looking forward to Tuesday.

 

[boltfans]

I'm wondering if I can join your thread? I've been reading for awhile and wanting to post, but I know several people IRL from this board and I'm just not at a point where I want to share our TTC issues with people I have to see regularly, if that makes any sense. I really want someone to vent to though so I made up a new username. If that makes anyone uncomfortable, that's fine, I'll leave, I don't to do that to anyone here cause of my own issues. It's just so hard to hear things from people you see often when you're feeling all weird emotionally about TTC already.

Anyway, my back story is that we already have 2 kids, ages 5 and 2, and are trying for 3rd. We've been trying for awhile now, unsuccessfully obviously, and it's really getting depressing at this point. With the 1st 2, they were both conceived on the first try without any issues. I was always extremely regular (28-29 day cycles, clear O predictors, etc.) But about 14 months ago I had a weird cycle with some midcycle spotting and my period was late that month. The next month was a little off too with spotting, but then things seemed to go back to normal for a couple of months. Of course, once we were ready to TTC I went back to the midcycle spotting and it is getting progressively worse. Not only I am spotting midcycle, but also in the days preceeding my actual period (which makes it hard to nail down a definitive start date), and then spotting days after my period ends (again, hard to figure that out, is the spotting part of it?). Last month I essentially had a 12 day period when you add in all the spotting days, and there were spotting days before then as well. Sorry, I know all that is TMI.

I went to an OB (not my usual one, as I couldn't get an appt with him for months) and she sort of blew off my concerns about this abnormal bleeding. She did STD testing and then a thyroid test and all that came back fine (as I expected) and that was that. So I don't know what to do. Do I make another appt (with hopefully a different dr) or keep waiting/trying?

Anyone here have anything like this happen? I don't want to go back to my OB without some sort of plan in mind cause I can't leave the office without any answers again, but I don't even have a clue what's wrong or what to suggest.

 

[D&DDisney]

Would you mind sharing where you adopted from? I'm just nosy.

Bulgaria

Courtney, don't give up after only one IUI! I go on an infertility board sometimes and it seems that most women who write about their success with IUI had several. I think it's pure dumb luck when it works the first time around.

I agree. Drs say that 3-4 times is what it takes. Took us 4 tries and an adoption.

Welcome boltfans. Your secret is safe w/ us and feel free to vent any time you want.
I've had some mid-cycle spotting before. Turned out the vitamins I was taking (labeled Womans Vitamins) had traces of estrogen in them. Messed up my cycle. Doctor also says as you get older you can get that some times. If you don't mind my asking are you close to 40?

 

[ZPT1022]

ZPT...Unfortunately, I know exactly how you feel! I also was stuck in the waiting room with happy pregnant girls while waiting for my u/s after my chemical pregnancy. Ugh!

Chloe...it is AWFUL to be stuck in the same waiting room. And then, to have the 3D u/s pictures on the wall...ugh!

Rebecca...I don't think I said it before, but it's nice to see you again. When I started this IUI process, I thought of you and your first try success right away!

My dr's office called me back today and had me come in this afternoon for another u/s. Today is CD17. Follicles have gotten smaller, so I assume that means I've O'd. The biggest follicle I had on Sunday was 18 and they like 20 to proceed with IUI. So I was close...I guess that's why the on call dr told me I was in the "gray area."

After the u/s, I was sent down to see my Dr. When I got down there, the nurse put me in the small waiting room. This waiting room has maybe 8-10 chairs. It was me, a pregnant couple, and two other pregnant girls. All three of these girls were VERY chatty and VERY happy to be pregnant. They were talking about how excited they were to be parents, their showers, etc. It was TERRIBLE. They must have thought I was the biggest B because I never said a word, never looked up from my phone. I texted DH the whole time, telling him I must have really pissed someone off to be stuck in that room with those girls.

DH and I are scheduled for a consult with my Dr. on Tuesday to go over the side effects and stuff associated with doing IUI with Clomid. I've already prepared DH that there's an increased chance of multiples. Multiples scare him, especially since they run in our family. I'm also scared of the side effects of Clomid, but I'll do what I have to do. I already also warned DH that the Clomid may make me a bit moody. He said he'd rather have the surgery. LOL! I'm looking forward to Tuesday.

That is really horrible that you got stuck in the waiting room with all the happy pregnant people. It sucks because you probably don't feel like you can ask to sit somewhere else (I wouldn't either) but you really don't want to be stuck in there either.

If it makes you feel any better, I've never heard of any multiples from Clomid, and I did know a few people who tried it. I did have twins from injectibles and it was super crazy at first, moreso because I also had my oldest who was just less than three years older than them but it all worked out.

I'm wondering if I can join your thread? I've been reading for awhile and wanting to post, but I know several people IRL from this board and I'm just not at a point where I want to share our TTC issues with people I have to see regularly, if that makes any sense. I really want someone to vent to though so I made up a new username. If that makes anyone uncomfortable, that's fine, I'll leave, I don't to do that to anyone here cause of my own issues. It's just so hard to hear things from people you see often when you're feeling all weird emotionally about TTC already.

Anyway, my back story is that we already have 2 kids, ages 5 and 2, and are trying for 3rd. We've been trying for awhile now, unsuccessfully obviously, and it's really getting depressing at this point. With the 1st 2, they were both conceived on the first try without any issues. I was always extremely regular (28-29 day cycles, clear O predictors, etc.) But about 14 months ago I had a weird cycle with some midcycle spotting and my period was late that month. The next month was a little off too with spotting, but then things seemed to go back to normal for a couple of months. Of course, once we were ready to TTC I went back to the midcycle spotting and it is getting progressively worse. Not only I am spotting midcycle, but also in the days preceeding my actual period (which makes it hard to nail down a definitive start date), and then spotting days after my period ends (again, hard to figure that out, is the spotting part of it?). Last month I essentially had a 12 day period when you add in all the spotting days, and there were spotting days before then as well. Sorry, I know all that is TMI.

I went to an OB (not my usual one, as I couldn't get an appt with him for months) and she sort of blew off my concerns about this abnormal bleeding. She did STD testing and then a thyroid test and all that came back fine (as I expected) and that was that. So I don't know what to do. Do I make another appt (with hopefully a different dr) or keep waiting/trying?

Anyone here have anything like this happen? I don't want to go back to my OB without some sort of plan in mind cause I can't leave the office without any answers again, but I don't even have a clue what's wrong or what to suggest.

I'm new here too, they have all been very welcoming. I'm sorry that you don't feel you can let your other friends in on your struggles but I also understand why you wouldn't want to. I got really tired of everyone asking why weren't we having another, you don't want the kids spaced too far apart, etc........... and all the while we were going through testing and treatments so it wasn't from lack of trying.

As for your cycle issues, I would consider going to a reproductive endocrinologist, or even an RE/OB-GYN, they are out there. I was on the pill to control my endometriosis and I got my period. Worse than a normal period, gushing blood like I'd peed my pants (and I was at Target picking up a prescription getting ready to go on vacation, woohoo). It continued for my entire 17 day vacation and even when I was home. All in all it lasted for over three months, still on the pill. My OBGYN office was not very responsive. You're young, sh!t happens, was basically the response. One doctor actually told me "If you were older, I'd be concerned, but you're in your 20's so no big deal" Excuse me?? Went to the RE/OBGYN and it was from my endometriosis. One surgery later and things finally started clearing up. I guess my point is if your gut is telling you that's not the right answer, seek out the right answer. Get a second or even third or fourth opinion- your health is worth it. And good luck, it's stressful

 

[ZPT1022]

Bulgaria

neat, I haven't known anyone who adopted from Bulgaria before. How was the process? Did you have to make more than one trip? How long was your in country time? Did you travel with a group or by yourselves? If I'm asking too many questions you can tell me to shut up. I'm not sure yet if we want to keep pushing on with treatments again or just go for adoption so I am always curious when I hear someone has adopted