Weekend randoms

[awick14]

Well dh and I are starting off our holidays sick. Urg. Dd isn’t thankfully.

So plans today though, just going to hang out and relax.

[travelbug]

Oh no, hope you two feel better super quick and DD doesn’t get it!

Hubs and I are having a Hobbit marathon on this snowy day. We were planning on going to church, but I didn’t really want to leave the house. Doing a few chores today as well. Lazy day and I love it

[katespade]

—TTC Vent—

I’m frustrated and cranky this weekend.

BFN on Friday (14DPO).
Haven’t been temping regularly, but had a low-ish temp this morning (97.29).
Expected AF yesterday morning, but it still hasn’t shown up.

H is getting his hopes up, but between the BFN and the temp I know I’m out. I just want AF to start so we can move on to the next cycle already. Ugh.

[travelbug]

(((katespade)))

[krystee]

I'm so sorry, katespade! That limbo period sucks. Do you have infertility coverage? Given your history of medical issues plus ovulation issues, a fertility specialist would see you now. But I know it can be insanely expensive without insurance.

[katespade]

krystee - I honestly have no idea about my insurance coverage. I know that I need to call them, but I’m not entirely sure what questions I should ask. I also don’t know how to find a specialist. I had an appt with my GYN this week, and when I asked about a referral she kind of blew me off. She did offer to put me on Clomid, but that’s really the only option she brought up as a next step.

I have an appt with my endocrinologist next month, and I’m wondering if she might be more helpful. When I google fertility specialists, the closest one I find is an hour drive away. :/

[luv2rn4fun]

Feb 11, 2018 14:10:32 GMT -5 katespade said:

krystee - I honestly have no idea about my insurance coverage. I know that I need to call them, but I’m not entirely sure what questions I should ask. I also don’t know how to find a specialist. I had an appt with my GYN this week, and when I asked about a referral she kind of blew me off. She did offer to put me on Clomid, but that’s really the only option she brought up as a next step.

I have an appt with my endocrinologist next month, and I’m wondering if she might be more helpful. When I google fertility specialists, the closest one I find is an hour drive away. :/

So many ((Hugs)) katespade. You could try Clomid but I wouldn’t recommend doing it unmonitored or for a significant length of time. Also, why did your GYN blow you off? I wouldn’t be ok with that given your history.

FWIW, my OB is who I started with when I lived in the city where I worked. We got pregnant the first time and moved 1 hour away (no traffic, up to 2 hours away with traffic). I stayed with her for all my pregnancies. But because we had Kaiser and they are divided by region more or less the RE was actually even further away (another 30 miles). So I had to drive like 2 hours for those appointments (granted I only had like 6 total between my loss testing and both pregnancies). I absolutely love the RE though and felt comfortable with her (I still communicate with her and send her pictures of the boys). In your case I would definitely talk to your endocrinologist and get his/her advise for moving forward but you likely should just move to a RE at this point. Do your research and go where you feel comfortable even if you have to drive further (not ideal but when you are having TTTC you don’t want to spend any more time and money if there is a better facility within a reasonable location to your home). I believe the clinics are graded and you can review/research specific doctors. The TTTC board is also very helpful if you have questions.

ETA: as for questions to ask...what, if any, diagnostic testing is covered, medications covered, and treatments covered (IUI, IVF, etc). Some insurances have a lifetime max coverage, some require you do so many IUI or clomid cycles before moving to the next step treatment, and some don’t cover anything. Our testing was covered because it was loss related. Had it been infertility related we would have had to pay for all testing (which is absolutely ridiculous).

[pooh8402]

katespade, I'm sorry your GYN blew you off. Not cool. I would definitely speak to your endocrinologist. Fwiw, I drove 1.5 hour to my RE (fertility doctor) when TTC my first. It sucked but it was so worth it. There was one who was in my city like 2 days a week but his grades weren't nearly as good as the one I chose. I'm not going to give you that website yet since I don't want to bombard you. And I agree with luv2rn4fun on tnt questions to ask insurance. Before last year, my insurance covered diagnostic testing but no treatments or meds. Now, my insurance covers everything, but with a $10K max per plan year.



I'm also in TWW hell over here. The progesterone shots are giving me all the pregnancy symptoms (I've been nauseous for 2 days now) and I have none of the peace or positivity that I had the first time I went through all this. I have a progesterone check tomorrow, and beta on Friday.

[luv2rn4fun]

((Hugs)) awick14. Hope you and your DH few better soon!

I have been awake since 3:45. L is sick and having intermittent breathing issues (mostly up and down but controlled for now). We went for a walk for coffee and hike, naps now, and just hanging kind of low today. Some friends and their kids might come over later but not sure. DH is riding his mountain bike as well and I really should try to get my last two miles of running done today to meet my goal...not sure it will happen though.

[luv2rn4fun]

((Hugs)) and prayers pooh8402. I really hope this upcoming week brings you only awesome news! We are all rooting for you!

[katespade]

luv2rn4fun - My GYN said she could handle the Clomid monitoring. I would have to come in at the beginning of each cycle to have an exam to check for OHSS, and we would stop after six unsuccessful cycles. I asked about additional hormone level testing because of my autoimmune disorder and medical history, but she didn’t seem to think that was something to worry about at this point. Which seems weird to me.

Also, the OHSS risk with Clomid makes me particularly nervous, because I only have one ovary. She said that shouldn’t make me more likely to develop it, but that there is an additional level of risk if I do because I don’t get any second chances if something happens that does permanent damage.

[katespade]

How long should I wait before I test again?

I really don’t think I’m off on my ovulation timing, since my symptoms, +OPK, and temp shift all lined up, and the timing of AF has been really consistent (15DPO) every other time I’ve ovulated. The only difference this cycle is that it’s the first time I’ve ovulated since I started taking progesterone from CD16-25.

Today is CD30, 16DPO.

[luv2rn4fun]

Feb 11, 2018 16:29:02 GMT -5 katespade said:

luv2rn4fun - My GYN said she could handle the Clomid monitoring. I would have to come in at the beginning of each cycle to have an exam to check for OHSS, and we would stop after six unsuccessful cycles. I asked about additional hormone level testing because of my autoimmune disorder and medical history, but she didn’t seem to think that was something to worry about at this point. Which seems weird to me.

Also, the OHSS risk with Clomid makes me particularly nervous, because I only have one ovary. She said that shouldn’t make me more likely to develop it, but that there is an additional level of risk if I do because I don’t get any second chances if something happens that does permanent damage.

Yeah, this is where a RE will be very helpful. Unfortunately OBGYN aren’t as trained in these cases. Their job is more to keep you pregnant where a REs job is more to get you pregnant (and also keep you pregnant). My OB was great but she could only do so much. She probably would have had me on progesterone as a safety but likely not the baby aspirin, which I truly feel confident that it played a role. But she knew this and when we got to our second loss knew that it was time to at least offer for me to get a second opinion and see what might be going on.

I don’t know much about clomid and OHSS but given what you have posted I don’t think I could take those chances unless you are ok with the possibility of not having kids if something doesn’t go right.

[luv2rn4fun]

Feb 11, 2018 16:35:15 GMT -5 katespade said:

How long should I wait before I test again?

I really don’t think I’m off on my ovulation timing, since my symptoms, +OPK, and temp shift all lined up, and the timing of AF has been really consistent (15DPO) every other time I’ve ovulated. The only difference this cycle is that it’s the first time I’ve ovulated since I started taking progesterone from CD16-25.

Today is CD30, 16DPO.

It’s up to you. I would definitely keep taking your temperature and see what’s going on the way. If you are using cheap tests then I personally would probably test daily. I would be much more patient with more expensive tests. It’s still early, especially with progesterone supplements...really could go either way. Good luck!!!

[pooh8402]

Feb 11, 2018 16:29:02 GMT -5 katespade said:

luv2rn4fun - My GYN said she could handle the Clomid monitoring. I would have to come in at the beginning of each cycle to have an exam to check for OHSS, and we would stop after six unsuccessful cycles. I asked about additional hormone level testing because of my autoimmune disorder and medical history, but she didn’t seem to think that was something to worry about at this point. Which seems weird to me.

Also, the OHSS risk with Clomid makes me particularly nervous, because I only have one ovary. She said that shouldn’t make me more likely to develop it, but that there is an additional level of risk if I do because I don’t get any second chances if something happens that does permanent damage.

Eh, I am seriously high OHSS risk, (duh, I've had it twice) but I never hyperstimulated on Clomid. Max 3 follicles, but usually 1 or 2. I took it for 6 cycles. Typically, OHSS is not a concern with oral meds, so I wouldn't worry about that. Although one should be monitored when on it just in case. The monitoring is to check for follicle count because you don't want to inseminate with 3+ follicles, and OHSS is a whole syndrome related to having like 15+ follicles AFTER ovulation/egg retrieval, ascites, hyponatremia, dehydration, etc.

Eta more info

[katespade]

Feb 11, 2018 16:47:34 GMT -5 pooh8402 said:

Feb 11, 2018 16:29:02 GMT -5 katespade said:

luv2rn4fun - My GYN said she could handle the Clomid monitoring. I would have to come in at the beginning of each cycle to have an exam to check for OHSS, and we would stop after six unsuccessful cycles. I asked about additional hormone level testing because of my autoimmune disorder and medical history, but she didn’t seem to think that was something to worry about at this point. Which seems weird to me.

Also, the OHSS risk with Clomid makes me particularly nervous, because I only have one ovary. She said that shouldn’t make me more likely to develop it, but that there is an additional level of risk if I do because I don’t get any second chances if something happens that does permanent damage.

Eh, I am seriously high OHSS risk, (duh, I've had it twice) but I never hyperstimulated on Clomid. Max 3 follicles, but usually 1 or 2. I took it for 6 cycles. Typically, OHSS is not a concern with oral meds, so I wouldn't worry about that. Although one should be monitored when on it just in case.

This is good to hear! (Not that you’ve had it twice, but that it might not be as big of a concern as I was thinking it could be). My doctor explained that it was a risk, but was kind of vague about how much of a risk it was or how likely it would be to cause permanent damage.

[pooh8402]

And fwiw, I did 3 cycles of Clomid with my OB and 2 IUIs before moving on to my RE.

No permanent damage that I'm aware of.

[estrellita]

Feel better awick14!

*hugs* katespade

[katespade]

Feb 11, 2018 16:40:46 GMT -5 luv2rn4fun said:

Feb 11, 2018 16:35:15 GMT -5 katespade said:

How long should I wait before I test again?

I really don’t think I’m off on my ovulation timing, since my symptoms, +OPK, and temp shift all lined up, and the timing of AF has been really consistent (15DPO) every other time I’ve ovulated. The only difference this cycle is that it’s the first time I’ve ovulated since I started taking progesterone from CD16-25.

Today is CD30, 16DPO.

It’s up to you. I would definitely keep taking your temperature and see what’s going on the way. If you are using cheap tests then I personally would probably test daily. I would be much more patient with more expensive tests. It’s still early, especially with progesterone supplements...really could go either way. Good luck!!!

It’s still early for AF or still early for a BFP? I’m really confused now, because the whole point of the progesterone is to kick start AF, since I have such long, irregular cycles. Last cycle, which was anovulatory, the progesterone got AF going before I had even gotten through all ten days (I started them late, so it ended up being a 41 day cycle).

I just POAS and got another BFN.

[estrellita]

I am PISSED and about ready to rehome this damn cat. We just got home to find that he peed on a bag for E's fishing rod game, which was on top of the tummy time mat and play gym on the floor. So. Fucking. Pissed. Idk if we should even bother attempting washing them or just toss both and get new ones. Ugh. Why the fuck does he do this? I don't get it! That cat is so damn lucky I don't believe in getting rid of pets unless it's an extreme circumstance. And who the hell would want a cat that's known to pee on things? Ugh!!!

[katespade]

estrellita - Ugh! How frustrating! I would try washing them to see if you can get the smell out, but you might end up having to toss them.

How often does he pee on things? Does there seem to be any pattern to when/what he pees on? Is it always the kids’ stuff?

[estrellita]

Feb 11, 2018 18:10:57 GMT -5 katespade said:

estrellita - Ugh! How frustrating! I would try washing them to see if you can get the smell out, but you might end up having to toss them.

How often does he pee on things? Does there seem to be any pattern to when/what he pees on? Is it always the kids’ stuff?

We decided to just toss the stuff. With her face up against it, I figured cat pee probably wasn't the best thing. That smell is so hard to get out.

He hasn't peed on anything since this summer (that was a random hand towel that was somehow on the floor). The only pattern seems to be the materials. We can't leave tote bags out because he's peed on those so many times. This toy bag and the baby stuff is a similar material. Sometimes he's done it when we've been gone, but we've left for the weekend millions of times with no issues. I think this is the first time it's been anything of the kid's if I remember right. We've had the vet check him out in the past and they haven't found anything wrong with him. I'm just at a loss. We try not to leave things out we know he might pee on. This bag was on the TV stand so he must have knocked it down. He's also generally an asshole. He constantly walks around the room scratching at doors and chairs and bangs his water dish around for no reason. I might talk to the vet again (they're overdue for shots anyways) but I'm not sure what the answer could even be. We're both just so pissed off at him right now and don't know what to do. It's so hard to keep this place picked up right now and we shouldn't have to worry about it so much! The other cat NEVER does this (and we got them at the same time over 7 years ago so it doesn't seem to be territorial). Oh and he pukes all over too. So I'm just generally over this cat but at the same time he's my "baby" and I wouldn't feel right giving him away, especially with his issues. I just hope any future cat we get is NOTHING like him!

[luv2rn4fun]

My parents just gifted us one of their time shares for this year! We are going to Squaw Valley/Lake Tahoe for a week in mid July! It’s going to be a 9 hour drive but we will be in a different part of one of our favorite places (DH and I have been to Tahoe twice together, once with C, and it was a place I once considered moving to in college)!

ETA: date changed to the end of June, which means we will be there for my birthday! They couldn’t guarantee us a 1 bedroom for the week in July so this will be good.

[luv2rn4fun]

Feb 11, 2018 17:28:01 GMT -5 katespade said:

Feb 11, 2018 16:40:46 GMT -5 luv2rn4fun said:

It’s up to you. I would definitely keep taking your temperature and see what’s going on the way. If you are using cheap tests then I personally would probably test daily. I would be much more patient with more expensive tests. It’s still early, especially with progesterone supplements...really could go either way. Good luck!!!

It’s still early for AF or still early for a BFP? I’m really confused now, because the whole point of the progesterone is to kick start AF, since I have such long, irregular cycles. Last cycle, which was anovulatory, the progesterone got AF going before I had even gotten through all ten days (I started them late, so it ended up being a 41 day cycle).

I just POAS and got another BFN.

((Hugs)). I know some don’t get a BFP until late. You could be off on timing or it could have implanted late. I am also confused about the progesterone because I thought it worked the opposite and could possibly delay when AF would show up (I used progesterone once pregnant to help have a healthy pregnancy). Sorry, not a professional but it really could go either way. Waiting is such a mind f*ck though 🙁

[bk1]

G was up for an extra 1.5 hours after we put her to bed because she kept saying her tummy hurt and she was gonna throw up. She finally did get to sleep and hasn't gotten sick. Hoping it is just a sour stomach and she feels better tomorrow.

[krystee]

katespade I just did some reading and progesterone often delays periods. I think that may be why REs do the blood tests at like 12 DPO and then discontinue the progesterone if not pregnant.

[luv2rn4fun]

Feb 12, 2018 0:22:20 GMT -5 krystee said:

katespade I just did some reading and progesterone often delays periods. I think that may be why REs do the blood tests at like 12 DPO and then discontinue the progesterone if not pregnant.

That’s what I remembered as well but was doubting myself and didn’t want to give misinformation.

((Hugs)) and prayers katespade. I hope you get pregnant soon and am so sorry you are struggling.

[katespade]

Feb 12, 2018 9:14:27 GMT -5 luv2rn4fun said:

Feb 12, 2018 0:22:20 GMT -5 krystee said:

katespade I just did some reading and progesterone often delays periods. I think that may be why REs do the blood tests at like 12 DPO and then discontinue the progesterone if not pregnant.

That’s what I remembered as well but was doubting myself and didn’t want to give misinformation.

((Hugs)) and prayers katespade . I hope you get pregnant soon and am so sorry you are struggling.

Welp, woke up to CD1, so I guess that answers that question. Now I know and it won't be a surprise next time. -shrug-

[pooh8402]

Sorry katespade.

[ewall]

Sorry about CD1 katespade

My GYN referred me to a RE (they are in the same office so it was NBD in my case) and the RE did initial bloodwork, then prescribed Clomid. I did Clomid unmonitored with the RE. I would be frustrated that your GYN does not want to do any initial work up to see hormone levels.