It's been 2 weeks since I posted this check in, sorry about that. Hope everyone is doing well!

Update: we finally got a profile for some embryos and we accepted the match on Monday! The estimated transfer will be around 12/12 if my body cooperates. I go for a baseline u/s on Friday and then if that goes well I'll start Lupron on Saturday!

QOTW: After my diagnosis I did everything - supplements, wheatgrass, changed what I ate, etc. Then when it didn't really seem to affect anything I slacked off. Earlier this year I was pretty depressed and unhappy with myself so I decided to change it. I have lost 30 pounds and work out a lot more and am just in better health generally. I still eat the same things just in moderation. I feel better about myself and that's the main thing for me. I still take a lot of supplements and vitamins - fish oil, calcium, vitamin D, biotin - in addition to my prenatal.

Cee- that is awesome about being matched!! Soo happy for you!

I'm just going to give a quick update (not up for the answering questions part right now). My ET was last Saturday and it was a nightmare. Our embryos were terrible. I was beyond devastated since I stupidly thought it would work with donor eggs. My beta is Monday but I feel nothing and am expecting a negative. I'm guessing we have an undiagnosed sperm DNA fragmentation issue as the embryos were good quality on day 3 and still morulas by day 5 with the exception of 1 (1CC) early blast. I was blindsided by this and am just generally pissed off that I can't get get KU'd with DE. 

Good morning.... Congrats on your match.. fingers crossed all goes well. 

I am still on an IF break.  We initially thought we would cycle again in December, but have decided to wait until after the holidays.  We'd like to enjoy the holiday's w/o worrying about monitoring appointments, retrievals, fertility reports, transfers & betas.  So, we are looking to cycle again after the first of the year.

QOTW: Have you changed your lifestyle since finding out about your IF? Do you try to eat better, work out more, do acupuncture, take supplements? How has it helped or has it?  I did and still do take supplements.  I have started eating better and exercising more.  I will also start back into acupuncture in the next couple of weeks.  Has it helped? The acupuncture & exercise has definitely helped with my anxiety levels.  Eating better just seemed like the right thing to do.  Not sure if the supplements have helped or not, but I am a creature of habit and am afraid if I stop them then it will hurt my next cycle.

Fingers crossed for all the DOR/POF ladies still struggling through this journey and huge congrats to all the BFP's!  H&H 9 Months to all of you!

Hello Ladies-

I hope everyone is hanging in there!

Mrs. McIrish - I have been reading your posts and just wanted to say I was thinking of you. It seems so unfair that it just cant be easier! I hope you get some answers with the sperm/DNA issue.  Sending hugs to you.

I had my egg retrieval a week ago Monday.  We got two mature oocytes. They used vitrification to freeze them. I wasn't exactly thrilled with the number, but I'll take what I can get. Was pretty anxious to get started again for the next retrieval - but was told that there will be no more IVF procedures until Jan :(  After thinking it over for a few days - I felt better about it. It will be good to give my body (and mind) a break from the meds. I have pretty much been on some type of fertility medication since last December (Through 2 ivfs and countless iuis). So maybe a bit of time off will do me some good.  I did decide to go back to my accupuncturist. I used her during the second IVF.  And I am going to try to relax, eat healthy, exercise and just be good to myself.  We'll be up and going again in Jan.  I meet with my Dr. after Thanksgiving. I want to find out how many eggs he thinks we should bank before we try to fertilize and go for a FET. 

QOTW - I haven't changed too much. I have been trying to eat many more "real" foods, less processed things. No deli meat or bacon with nitrates. Buying more organic/hormone free. It was hard to cut out wine!  I love a glass or two with a nice dinner on the weekend - and also love to have wine while I cook. Since being off the meds- I have allowed myself some wine here and there. But I always beat myself up about it later (I know one glass is okay- but I still wonder if it is killing my eggs!)

I still take a prenatal vitamin. Took Royal Jelly for a while. Was going to start taking DHEA b/c I read about it helping for DOR, but then I read some conflicting advice.  Thinking of adding wheatgrass.  I am curious to hear what you all think about the supplements/vitamins.

 Best of luck to everyone!

Mrs.McIrish:

Cee- that is awesome about being matched!! Soo happy for you!

I'm just going to give a quick update (not up for the answering questions part right now). My ET was last Saturday and it was a nightmare. Our embryos were terrible. I was beyond devastated since I stupidly thought it would work with donor eggs. My beta is Monday but I feel nothing and am expecting a negative. I'm guessing we have an undiagnosed sperm DNA fragmentation issue as the embryos were good quality on day 3 and still morulas by day 5 with the exception of 1 (1CC) early blast. I was blindsided by this and am just generally pissed off that I can't get get KU'd with DE. 

McIrish, first of all, (((hugs))). I know that you're pissed about this but you know as much as I do that there have been plenty of pregnancies as a result of "crappy" embryos. So don't give up yet! I know it's easy for me to say and you're probably cussing me out right now but regardless, these embryos maybe just needed your fantastic ute to get stronger! But I do know that you're hurting. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Thanks Cee! And good luck with your little embryos. I can't wait to hear more about the process.

 Also - To McIrish - My RE did tell me (these are his exact words)that he has seen beautiful babies come from embryos that looked like "Poop"  I hope that can make you smile. It was funny to hear my doctor talk that way!

Hi ladies!

I just had my injection training this morning, stims will start 11/22, and ER is anticipated as 12/3.  I was a turkey baster, but got pushed a little over time, so now I'm a snow bunny!  I'm excited to get moving on this cycle!

QOTW- I have always been an exerciser, and I generally eat healthy (we cook at home a lot), plus I was taking the standard supplements, so my lifestyle didn't change much.  The only real change is acupuncture, and now I'll have to stop exercising as much starting next week.   

I am new to the board and would like to join the check-in.  I was diagnosed with DOR yesterday. I look forward to getting to know you all and learning from your experiences.

I am 33 and DH is 38. We were married on Nov 20, 2010, we started TTC in Oct 2011. Here is my TTC journey we had our first BFP in April 2012, but unfortunately miscarried in May. Our second BFP was in August with a miscarriage in September.

We had a consult with our RE 2 weeks ago, which my sono showed only 4 follicles on right ovary and my left ovary was very small with only 1 follicle. The RE was highly suspicious of DOR due to my history of early ovulation (CD 11 or 12) and the sono findings.

We had our follow up appointment today with the RE regarding our RPL and initial fertility testing. My DH SA, DNA fragmentation and all this blood work was normal. We are waiting on our genetic testing to come back and I scheduled my HSG for Nov 21st. My AMH was very low at .56 coupled with my low number of follicles on sono....I was diagnosed with diminished ovarian reserve. 

QOTW: I was started on Qunol 400 mg daily. I also just made an appointment for acupuncture on Nov 20th. My insurance will cover acupuncture, so it is worth trying and maybe it will help me relax.

Mrs.McIrish:

Cee- that is awesome about being matched!! Soo happy for you!

this!  

Hey!  I am currently on a break since we miscarried a month ago.  It has been soo emotionally exhausting : (.  I have since found out soo many of my friends are now pregnant with their 2nd all in the time we have been trying.  Two of these are my 2 closest friends.  I am extremely happy for them but it makes me sad because we COULD of been pregnant together, but instead I get to watch them go through their whole pregnancy again while I sit here and wait again : (.  It makes me sad.

Our last RE appt he offered these 3 things:

1.) Sonohystogram to see if there are any fibroids or abnormalites inside my uterus.

2.) Karotyping.  He told me he only wants to do this if my insurance covers it.  He doesn't think they will cover it unless I have had 3 miscarriages.  He said he would rather use my money towards trying to get pregnant because karotyping can be expensive.

3.) Increase dosage of Bravelle with IUI.  I had doubled my  dose of Bravelle my last cycle that we got pregnant.  He said I took a procedure that is normally a 20% chance of getting pregnant and got pregnant on the second Bravelle cycle soo I increased it to 50%.  He truely believes that the Bravelle will get us pregnant again. 

Now the thing is:  I seriously expected that last cycle NOT to work.  I planned on taking a break until March to pay off the medical bills and save for IVF.  We were going to save, use income tax return, and finance the rest.  Welllllll we did get pregnant and now I am all confused.  He is saying he doesn't believe I will need IVF.  Atleast not yet because he has such high hope that the Bravelle and IUI will work again. This makes me want to try another round of Bravelle.  My husband is soo beyond frustrated and said NO we were going to take a break and we can't afford it right now.  He said that the doctors keep saying OHH after the HSG you will get pregnant, oh the clomid will get you pregnant, and so on soo he doesnt believe when the doctors say this now.  BUT we did get pregnant on that last cycle.   Aghh I hate IF soo much. 

Also, my AMH was tested last Jan or Feb.  I am worried that maybe it has dropped more.  I am curious if I should do IVF to hopefully have extra embryos to freeze soo we can have more than 1 child.  I am lost.  My mind hasnt stopped. 

bellalou32:

Status Update: What is going on in your cycle or where are you in your process? I will be 33 weeks in 2 days.  This is going so fast!  

 

QOTW: Have you changed your lifestyle since finding out about your IF? Do you try to eat better, work out more, do acupuncture, take supplements? How has it helped or has it?

Oh, have I ever!  I quit smoking and drinking not to mention eating better and being more cautious of my environment.  I think it's helped ;-)  

You give me hope! My AMH is 0.56 (well it was last Jan).  I fear I will never have kids!   Congrats on quiting smoking and drinking!!!!!!

First, I want to send huge CONGRATS to ceemonkey on getting matched!  One more step in the right direction...

Also, huge {{{{HUGS}}}} to McIrish.  I'm hoping and praying that one of two of those embies surprises you!  Hang in there. 

Status Update: We had our second ultrasound today.  It wasn't supposed to be until Friday, but I had a spotting episode on Monday night and all my pg symptoms disappeared, so my RE agreed to move my appointment up to today to hopefully ease my mind.  The u/s was generally good.  We currently have twins, but Baby B was measuring a bit on the small side (6w4d and I'm 7 wks today) and the heartrate was a bit low (only 102 bpm).  RE said she's "not real optisimistic" about B.  On the other hand, Baby A measured one day ahead (7w1d) and had a normal heartrate of 121 bpm).  So, it looks like we'll have at least one viable LO.  Next u/s is in one week and we should know for sure what's going on by then.

QOTW: I'd quit smoking a year before we ever even started TTC.  Other than that, once I got my DOR dx I started taking all the usual supplements recommended for poor reserve and/or egg quality.  I also started going to acupuncture (at least 1x/week, but 2x/week during cycles).  Other than that, I didn't change too much.  I'm not a huge exerciser.  I generally eat reasonably well, but I'm not a health nut or anything.  I defintiely consume my fair share of junk food (and a glass of wine or a beer or two on occasion) and I didn't change any of that at all.  My RE even said I could drink a glass of wine if I wanted while on stims.  I do think, though, that the supplements helped me to produce more/better quality eggs.  Especially the DHEA that my RE specifically recommended.  I know a lot of girls are hesitant to take DHEA because of the supposed side effects, but I never really had any of them apart from a little bit more hair shedding in the shower than before.  We also have MFI and DH started taking a male fertility blend vitamin at the RE's suggestion, but his numbers never really changed, so I don't really think that made a difference in our case.

ceemonkey: Congratulations on being matched!  I remember just a couple months ago you were waiting on your old RE and now look, you are prepping for a transfer!  How exciting!

McIrish: I'm so sorry you had such a terrible ET BUT please do not give up hope.  It's not over until it's over, you definitely still have a chance.  T&P your way!

Darby and Julie: Enjoy your holiday breaks!

Baker:  Good luck with your stimming.

 Lacy: I'm sorry you didn't make it to ER but it was good to know ahead of the game so you can try something else.  I wouldn't be too sure about the "growing on your own" either.  Isn't that the whole point of the drugs?  :/  Good luck and enjoy Hawaii!!!

Loveniz:  Welcome, DOR sucks that's really all there is to it.  I'm sorry you've been dx.  Good luck with the rest of your results!

bellalou:  You truely give me hope, please post pics when your LO arrives!  So excited for you.

NBA:  Again, I am so sorry for what you are going through.  I can't imagine the decisions that you are thinking about right now.  It sounds like your H is still in the angry phase before he can make a final decision.  Take as much time as you need and make the decision that's right for you.  Good luck.  **HUGS**

k8teeinTX:  Congratulations again.  I'm so happy for you!  I'll be sending all my growing vibes for twin B to catch up!  You are another huge inspiration for me!  My AMH is 0.3 so I think of you when I get down.  Congrats!

Okay now for us....no change!  LOL  We rescheduled our 2nd opinion with the urologist until we find out if the HCG is working.  We found out that the 2nd uro will not be covered so before we pay OOP we want to know if it's working.  I moved up our next urology appt to December 17 instead of January 7.  That will give us over 72 days on HCG.  That should be good right?  Gosh I hope and pray this works!

 QOTW: Have you changed your lifestyle since finding out about your IF? Do you try to eat better, work out more, do acupuncture, take supplements? How has it helped or has it?

At first I changed some things in my lifestyle and I was loosing weight and eating better.  With all the walls we've run into, I've become really depressed and anxious about everything.  I've been eating bad again and not exercising at all.  Ugh, I'm embarrassed to even admit it.  It's true....I really need to get into a better mood and re-motivated again.  I've still been taking all my supplements and such, missed a few days here and there but for the most part I've been getting them continuously.  I'm sure that the supplements have helped!  That's why I'm still on them after all this time!

NBA0703:

bellalou32:

Status Update: What is going on in your cycle or where are you in your process? I will be 33 weeks in 2 days.  This is going so fast!  

 

QOTW: Have you changed your lifestyle since finding out about your IF? Do you try to eat better, work out more, do acupuncture, take supplements? How has it helped or has it?

Oh, have I ever!  I quit smoking and drinking not to mention eating better and being more cautious of my environment.  I think it's helped ;-)  

You give me hope! My AMH is 0.56 (well it was last Jan).  I fear I will never have kids!   Congrats on quiting smoking and drinking!!!!!!

Mine was .23  I was definitely told to get a move on the process and not wait.  Best of luck to you.  Anytime you have any questions, you know where to find me :)   

Love4Labs326:

ceemonkey: Congratulations on being matched!  I remember just a couple months ago you were waiting on your old RE and now look, you are prepping for a transfer!  How exciting!

McIrish: I'm so sorry you had such a terrible ET BUT please do not give up hope.  It's not over until it's over, you definitely still have a chance.  T&P your way!

Darby and Julie: Enjoy your holiday breaks!

Baker:  Good luck with your stimming.

 Lacy: I'm sorry you didn't make it to ER but it was good to know ahead of the game so you can try something else.  I wouldn't be too sure about the "growing on your own" either.  Isn't that the whole point of the drugs?  :/  Good luck and enjoy Hawaii!!!

Loveniz:  Welcome, DOR sucks that's really all there is to it.  I'm sorry you've been dx.  Good luck with the rest of your results!

bellalou:  You truely give me hope, please post pics when your LO arrives!  So excited for you.

NBA:  Again, I am so sorry for what you are going through.  I can't imagine the decisions that you are thinking about right now.  It sounds like your H is still in the angry phase before he can make a final decision.  Take as much time as you need and make the decision that's right for you.  Good luck.  **HUGS**

k8teeinTX:  Congratulations again.  I'm so happy for you!  I'll be sending all my growing vibes for twin B to catch up!  You are another huge inspiration for me!  My AMH is 0.3 so I think of you when I get down.  Congrats!

 

Okay now for us....no change!  LOL  We rescheduled our 2nd opinion with the urologist until we find out if the HCG is working.  We found out that the 2nd uro will not be covered so before we pay OOP we want to know if it's working.  I moved up our next urology appt to December 17 instead of January 7.  That will give us over 72 days on HCG.  That should be good right?  Gosh I hope and pray this works!

 QOTW: Have you changed your lifestyle since finding out about your IF? Do you try to eat better, work out more, do acupuncture, take supplements? How has it helped or has it?

At first I changed some things in my lifestyle and I was loosing weight and eating better.  With all the walls we've run into, I've become really depressed and anxious about everything.  I've been eating bad again and not exercising at all.  Ugh, I'm embarrassed to even admit it.  It's true....I really need to get into a better mood and re-motivated again.  I've still been taking all my supplements and such, missed a few days here and there but for the most part I've been getting them continuously.  I'm sure that the supplements have helped!  That's why I'm still on them after all this time!

Thank you so much.  I surely will! GL and hang in there, babe!!!   

NBA0703:

Hey!  I am currently on a break since we miscarried a month ago.  It has been soo emotionally exhausting : (.  I have since found out soo many of my friends are now pregnant with their 2nd all in the time we have been trying.  Two of these are my 2 closest friends.  I am extremely happy for them but it makes me sad because we COULD of been pregnant together, but instead I get to watch them go through their whole pregnancy again while I sit here and wait again : (.  It makes me sad.

Our last RE appt he offered these 3 things:

1.) Sonohystogram to see if there are any fibroids or abnormalites inside my uterus.

2.) Karotyping.  He told me he only wants to do this if my insurance covers it.  He doesn't think they will cover it unless I have had 3 miscarriages.  He said he would rather use my money towards trying to get pregnant because karotyping can be expensive.

3.) Increase dosage of Bravelle with IUI.  I had doubled my  dose of Bravelle my last cycle that we got pregnant.  He said I took a procedure that is normally a 20% chance of getting pregnant and got pregnant on the second Bravelle cycle soo I increased it to 50%.  He truely believes that the Bravelle will get us pregnant again. 

Now the thing is:  I seriously expected that last cycle NOT to work.  I planned on taking a break until March to pay off the medical bills and save for IVF.  We were going to save, use income tax return, and finance the rest.  Welllllll we did get pregnant and now I am all confused.  He is saying he doesn't believe I will need IVF.  Atleast not yet because he has such high hope that the Bravelle and IUI will work again. This makes me want to try another round of Bravelle.  My husband is soo beyond frustrated and said NO we were going to take a break and we can't afford it right now.  He said that the doctors keep saying OHH after the HSG you will get pregnant, oh the clomid will get you pregnant, and so on soo he doesnt believe when the doctors say this now.  BUT we did get pregnant on that last cycle.   Aghh I hate IF soo much. 

Also, my AMH was tested last Jan or Feb.  I am worried that maybe it has dropped more.  I am curious if I should do IVF to hopefully have extra embryos to freeze soo we can have more than 1 child.  I am lost.  My mind hasnt stopped. 

 

Sonohystogram=painful.  No one warned me of this and just thought you would like to know.  However, I think it's a must to do!  

Increasing Bravelle might be a great idea.  I took Follistim but I was upped to highest dosage.  Hope this helps you!  

I wouldn't rely on AMH alone.  Oh wait.  My AMH was .52  (Sorry, I told you it was a .23)  It was the FSH that was a 23  Low AMH alone  can't really hurt.  It's when you have the low FSH that you realize you may be going through AMA.  

bellalou32:

NBA0703:

Hey!  I am currently on a break since we miscarried a month ago.  It has been soo emotionally exhausting : (.  I have since found out soo many of my friends are now pregnant with their 2nd all in the time we have been trying.  Two of these are my 2 closest friends.  I am extremely happy for them but it makes me sad because we COULD of been pregnant together, but instead I get to watch them go through their whole pregnancy again while I sit here and wait again : (.  It makes me sad.

Our last RE appt he offered these 3 things:

1.) Sonohystogram to see if there are any fibroids or abnormalites inside my uterus.

2.) Karotyping.  He told me he only wants to do this if my insurance covers it.  He doesn't think they will cover it unless I have had 3 miscarriages.  He said he would rather use my money towards trying to get pregnant because karotyping can be expensive.

3.) Increase dosage of Bravelle with IUI.  I had doubled my  dose of Bravelle my last cycle that we got pregnant.  He said I took a procedure that is normally a 20% chance of getting pregnant and got pregnant on the second Bravelle cycle soo I increased it to 50%.  He truely believes that the Bravelle will get us pregnant again. 

Now the thing is:  I seriously expected that last cycle NOT to work.  I planned on taking a break until March to pay off the medical bills and save for IVF.  We were going to save, use income tax return, and finance the rest.  Welllllll we did get pregnant and now I am all confused.  He is saying he doesn't believe I will need IVF.  Atleast not yet because he has such high hope that the Bravelle and IUI will work again. This makes me want to try another round of Bravelle.  My husband is soo beyond frustrated and said NO we were going to take a break and we can't afford it right now.  He said that the doctors keep saying OHH after the HSG you will get pregnant, oh the clomid will get you pregnant, and so on soo he doesnt believe when the doctors say this now.  BUT we did get pregnant on that last cycle.   Aghh I hate IF soo much. 

Also, my AMH was tested last Jan or Feb.  I am worried that maybe it has dropped more.  I am curious if I should do IVF to hopefully have extra embryos to freeze soo we can have more than 1 child.  I am lost.  My mind hasnt stopped. 

 

Sonohystogram=painful.  No one warned me of this and just thought you would like to know.  However, I think it's a must to do!  

Increasing Bravelle might be a great idea.  I took Follistim but I was upped to highest dosage.  Hope this helps you!  

I wouldn't rely on AMH alone.  Oh wait.  My AMH was .52  (Sorry, I told you it was a .23)  It was the FSH that was a 23  Low AMH alone  can't really hurt.  It's when you have the low FSH that you realize you may be going through AMA.  

Thanks for the warning on the Sonohystogram!! You think they would let us know it was going to be painful. Would you recommend taking ibuprofen or anything ahead of time?  I hope the Bravelle does work!!! It would be awesome to not have to do IVF because we really (like most) can't afford it.   Your story is crazy!! I read your signature!!  I am soo glad everything is going good for you!  SOo you don't think AMH alone is that bad??? It is the only thing that is off on alllll of my blood work.  It doesn't make sense to me.  If it just means that I have a low supply but the supply is still good than why am I not getting pregnant??  I guess that part is confusing for me!

I have been taking COQ10, Royal Jelly, Bee Pollen, and DHEA.... hope it helps : )

I know I am joining the conversation late.

Congats Ceemonkey! I hope your body cooperates and you are able to move forward with your transfer soon! I'm wishing you lots of luck and ppvs!!!

(((Huge Hugs))) Mrs. McIrish!!! I have everything crossed you will have a pleasant surprise on Monday. Lacyj67 and NBA0703 (((Huge hugs)))

GL Darby with your next ER and upcoming FET! GL baker916 I wish you the very best with your cycle!

Update: Still on a break, hoping that Dh is hired FT back at his old job so we can start cycling again.

QOTW: When cycling I took loads of supplements--DHEA, Vit. D, CoQ10, wheat grass, melatonin, inositol, L-Arginine, Omega 3, and PNV. The two cycles where I had embryos I took DHEA (behind my REs back, since he didn't approve), the two cycles (one canceled and the other where my egg retrieved was bad) I did not take DHEA. I swear by DHEA! I also did acupuncture, reflexology and reiki.