As I sit here enduring the beginnings of AF cramps (she'll be here tomorrow, no doubt), I am thinking that what frustrates me the most about my IF is that it is "unexplained". I wonder if it would be easier to cope with it if I knew what the heck was wrong. :(

hi familyof 2--I HEAR you totally. I wish I had a small issue then I would KNOW what we could correct!

its sucks. i am 28 and dh is 29 and i have always had regular cycles, never been on bcp, only been with my husband since I was 15 yrs old. and never evern been preg. i have been TRYING for just over 4 yrs! I didnt seek help until awhile ago though....I have done 4 iuis and all bfn. had an hsg and that was fine. husband is also fine.

I JUST started preparing for IVF and I HOPE this u/e business goes away!
good luck to you!

marie carla, I know what you mean. My cycles have always been regular. They can't find any hormonal issues. There are no structural issues. DH's sperm is fantastic. We are both in great health. There seems to be no reason why this isn't working. We've never had a conception, either, so I'm not even sure our egg and sperm can unite! It's so frustrating!

I haven't been ttc for as long as you, so I haven't been through the same amount of procedures. I can only imagine how hard the past four years have been for you.

Sending you BFP wishes for your IVF! :vibegirl

thank you family...it just sucks.
i am now nervous when I DO the IVF the retrieval and transfer that they come back and say--something like i cant ever use my eggs or something awful!

Let's hope not! IVF does seem to work for lots of unexplains. I hope it works for you, too!

As I sit here enduring the beginnings of AF cramps (she'll be here tomorrow, no doubt), I am thinking that what frustrates me the most about my IF is that it is "unexplained". I wonder if it would be easier to cope with it if I knew what the heck was wrong. :(


I'm so sorry!!! I can imagine it is beyond frustrating not to know why you aren't getting pg. :(
:hug:
Jenn

Hello everyone
I am Gina and I have been TTC for 4 years and in treatments on and off for 3 years. I am almost 32 and dh is 31. RE can't find anything wrong with me or with him. I had 5 IUI 3 with clomid and 2 with Gonal-F. The only thing that happens is the weight gain! My period always regular and 3 days and no cramps. I guess you can say I have miracle periods. Every cycle I had 6 follicles and more and nothing happens. The only bad thing I do is that I smoke which reduces fertility, but since I had so many follicles it does not effect me. Now I will start IVF probably ET will be somewhere aroung July 4th weekend. You know I work with babies and I am very good with them. It is hard for me to believe that I will never be a mommy!
Gina

hi Gina
thanks for posting. yes it does suck. so have you had your IVF consult yet? I go next tues and i cant wait. i am currently on bcp as part of the protocol. which i have never been on...so i think i am looking at late June for ER/ET.

my first and hoping last IVF

Hi Gina,

I can imagine how frustrated you must feel after 5 IUIs and no explanation for their failures. I hope that you have better luck with IVF! :)

I am currenly angry with my ob/gyn bc he told me last year (before I started seeing an RE) that he just didn't think I had a problem bc nothing was obviously wrong, except the fact that we weren't conceiving (that's kind of a big clue that something is wrong!) Then when I went in for my annual exam this past January, I updated him on my hysteroscopy and laporoscopy and he said he was "sure" IUI would work for me. We haven't done IUI, yet, but I'm already mad at that dr for putting that hope in my head! He should have just kept his big trap shut!!! :angry:

Hi family-
I see you havent done any IUIs at this point. are you planning to do one or visit with an RE to get a plan?

Yeah, I am consulting with the RE on Friday. I am going to be really busy this summer, so I'm not sure if I can commit to IUI until August/September. I'm going to talk to him and see what he thinks.

I first started seeing the RE last September. He wanted to jump right into IUI, but I chose to try just meds first bc of the cost involved in IUI. It ended up being a good thing bc after one medicated cycle, they found 4 polyps in my uterus. IUI would have been a waste of money at that time. I had a hysteroscopy and laporoscopy in Dec. and the RE said he wouldn't resume treatments for 90 days. When 90 days came along, we decided to continue trying on our own a little longer bc of $$$. Surgery was too expensive! Now, however, DH and I have decided that we will just deal with debt bc we are sick of ttc and want a resolution one way or the other.

When I see the RE on Friday, I should be on cd 2 or 3 since I am expecting AF today or tomorrow. I'm hoping he'll agree to at least do a medicated cycle this month, but I would prefer IUI. :crossfing

familyof2---oh good thing u waited on the iui! well good luck with your fri mtg with re. i am sure he will give u a good plan.

i sort of rearranged my summer work schedule--i usually travel and do trade shows quite a bit beginning in May-Aug. then in Oct-Nov.
I got out of doing 3 shows in June because that is when my IVF stuff really kicks in!

Hello everybody,
Marie Carla --I already had my consult and I am looking at IVF somewhere in first days of July. The only problem is that I am theoretically supposed to have it in the end of June, but dh can't take any days off in June and he wants to be in the hospital. So my RE said he can push it few weeks back (whatever it means). Now we just going for blood work (mandatory for NY state) and then the hospital supposed to contact us about banking of sperm.
Family-- A word of advice do not do too many IUIs they are a waste of time. Every time you do it your chances become smaller and smaller. And remember Clomid know to make your lining thin.
Good luck to everybody
Gina

Gina, thanks for the heads up! My RE actually said that he wouldn't do more than 4 IUIs. I have done one medicated cycle, sans IUI, which included clomid. My understanding, however, is that he is planning to use just injectibles when we pursue IUI. Part of me wants to just skip IUI and go straight to IVF, since the RE says that has the greatest chance of success.

Hi all.
I almost wish I DIDNT do 4 IUIs. one with with clomid and the other 3 were with follistim....even though I did them all back to back pretty much...they were all BFN.
I wish maybe after 2, I went to IVF. I am u/e so maybe IVF will give me more info on my eggs and how the egg/sperm fertilize or work together...

marie carla, that's a good idea. I may consider only doing a couple of IUIs before trying IVF. My dr quoted a 20% success rate for IUI compared to around 60% for IVF.

AF just showed up. It frustrates me to no end bc every thing was perfect this month - my temps were textbook perfect, our BMS timing was awesome. I just don't get it. I wish someone could tell me what the heck is wrong!!! :angry:

family-
I am sorry af showed up. Yes it has been like that with me too--all things seem to have been perfect and then bam--BFN or in your case bam--AF!


let me know how your re mtg on Fri goes.

Family IUI is definitely a good shot, but usually when it works it works with one to three tries. My friend who has serious issues it worked for from a 1st try. I think when you are unexplained it will not work.
Gina

I think when you are unexplained it will not work.

What makes you think that? I'd really hate to waste money on IUI if it's not going to work. I'd prefer to save up for IVF in that case. Heck, 4 IUIs almost equals an IVF around here, in terms of $.

I don't have much faith in IUI's anymore... I am lucky enough to have had my insurance cover them but still I wouldn't waste my money nor my time on them at this point. I had done 4 last year with clomid and gonal-f all resulting in BFN's. This past February, I was doing a clomid challange test that was required for my IVF cycle in March. Well low and behold, I ended up PG only to learn that at 11w1d we no longer had a heartbeat & I had to have a D & C. It amazed me that with just clomid I ended up PG but we had no luck with the IUI's, go figure......

Just got back from the RE. He says we'll do two cycles of IUI and then discuss moving to IVF or doing two more cycles of IUIs. Unfortunately, I have to wait another cycle (today is cd2) for the IUI. :(

Family,
For me it was not about the money. It was more unbelievable that in this country with advanced medicine and ultra modern procedures THEY CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WRONG!!! And at one point I could live with an idea of a healthy 31 year old having to have surgical necessity to conceive when 15 years old conceive and drug addicts conceive, but now I know it was a waist of time. Guess the jock was on me
Gina

...in this country with advanced medicine and ultra modern procedures THEY CAN NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WRONG!!!

Yeah, this pisses me off, too. :excite:

Hi Ladies,

I am unexplained as well, wasted too much time on IUI's that never worked. Finally the only thing that worked for DH and I was IVF. I don't regret doing it, I just regret all the IUI's, 6 total. Even with IVF, we still have no explanation. I have a hard time accepting this still.....I just want an answer. The only thing they could possibly tell me was we have could have a fertilization issue.....like I didn't know that one already!!

Have faith in IVF. It can be trying, difficult and uncomfortable, but sometimes I think with unexplained IF, it's the only way.

Good luck to you ladies and I hope you have success.

Tiffany

Catmom, thanks for the perspective and congrats on your success!

I think what really frustrates me, not only about being unexplained, but just about IF in general is that since everyone is different we never know what will work for us. It would be great if IUI worked for me bc it would be so much cheaper. I'm not sure, yet, how we could finance IVF. I'm sure we'll figure out a way to do at least one IVF, though, bc I am already assuming that IUI won't work.

My dr doesn't make any promises/projections either. He just says that our chances are greater with IUI than with natural. His IVF stats are awesome, but he advised me to try IUI a couple of times first bc of the lower cost involved.

Hi

I just joined the unexplained group as well. I thought I was PCOS but have no cysts and no IR .. i have all the symptoms - no AF, some facial hair. I hate it . It makes u feel like an experiment for the doc. Like a lab rat ! There is no explanation why something didnt work. Maybe the next cycle will work. And then u build hope only to get disappointed end of all..IT IS SO FRUSTRATING...
Couldnt there be a formula that just worked!

Sorry - one of those days that u just want to scream!!!Aaaaaaaaaah

Hello everyone,
I needed to share. I just recieved a phone call from the pharmacy with the list of all the meds they will deliver to me. Now IVF is very real and I am very scared and frustrated. What if it does not work and than what? I don't know if I am cut out to adapt
Gina

I hear you all!
I am u/e and have posted here at times.
Its not a super busy board. I have done 4 IUIs--failed.
I go today for my FIRST IVF consult and like Ginachka I AM VERY nervous that this will not work and THEN WHAT do I do at 28 yrs old and cant get preg. after 4 yrs!??!?!?!!

I will post my protocol on Wed after my RE gives it to me. I have been doing BCP for 10 days now and I Bet I will be on lupron and follistim.

Hello everyone
Marie Carla I will also take BCP than lupron than Gonal-F with Metamure (I don't remember how it spelled) than antibiotic. after the surgery stereroid than progesterone shots.
Gina

Hi girls! When I am facing IVF, I am sure that I will be just as scared as you guys. We will probably only be able to afford one, so if it doesn't work then that will be it. :( No doubt, when that time comes I am going to be a basket case. My RE will probably be giving me the old "just relax" routine.

I'm wishing you both BFPs and lots of luck and prayers with your IVFs! :vibegirl

Hello all I also have unexplained IF but secondary. Somehow naturally 5 years ago ... now I can only get BFP with clomid and or IUI so they work for me but then have early m/c also unexplained... I am currently on IUI#2 and 11dpiui. I think this could be another BFP but very scared of another m/c I don't know what is worse. Not being able to concieve or m/c. All the hope each time and then the pain... I hope each of you healthy babies with your IVF's. I think for us if we don't find a reason for the m/c my heart be too broken to continue and will adopt we are on the domestic list for 1 1/2 now and still no homestudy done...Tonya

well i had myivf consult on tuesday here is protocol for my FIRST and hopefully last IVF--scary stuff:

I have to schedule a PAP/Physical BEFORE June 6 from my OB because that is outdated for me...great huh. I hope to get that done asap just because they want it done by June 6..so I put a message in my OB place.

I am taking Birth Control Pills until 6/3...but on 5/28 I also begin my Lupron 10 units at night for 9 nights. Then on 6/7 I go in for blood/ultrasound to make sure overies are suppressed. I HOPE its a go, some girls get cancelled! YIKES. Then they will tell me within 5 days of suppression how to decrease Lupron and start HMG at 150....then they have me do the HMG with the frequent ultrasounds/blood for say the next 10-12 days. Then on around 6/19 I will do Ovidrel to induce ovulation. Egg retrieval may be on 6/21 (you have to do all these weird things prior to and the day of to prepare).
On this day you also do this HUGE needle calledd PIO--progesterone in oil (PIO)--gross and its huge needle I saw it and you do it in the butt--nice.

So around 6/24 they will do the transfer--and continuing the POI shots until I find out if the cycle worked...So I looked at calendar and from what they said I will KNOW if it worked about July 2 or 3.

bbvgeek

So sorry to hear about your m/cs . Have they checked your progestrone??
I know low progestrone leads to m/c and many women are giving supplemental
progestrone atleast thru first part of pg.
Also i read on the other boards about immune issues and m/c. I think there is a ton of info on immune board.

Good luck

I am on progestrone suppositories this iui 2 times daily. I go for my beta friday(tomorrow) so here's hoping... I have been tested for blood disorders and some immune issues and nothing... and I m/c @ 6ww so that blood clots are usually not the issue until 8-10ww. However I am still thinking if I do get pg again I may still take baby aspirin just to cover my bases. I had a few friends have to take hepron inj. throught their pg and I had the doctor check that stuff out after the first one...

Thanks twiggy Tonya

It's been a couple of weeks so I just wanted to know where everybody is!

We're gearing up for our first IUI, just waiting on AF to show up.

good luck family....hope af comes TODAY!
I am in the middle of my first IVF cycle and it cant be over with soon enough--hate the waiting!

MC, when's the big day?

Hello everyone,
Good luck family
I am starting lupron on 6/27 and IVF sometime in mid July
Gina

morning all.
I start follistim TONIGHT, finally...start at 150 units. so I go for first u/s and blood on tues to see what things look -hoping egg retrieval and egg transfer are around June 23.

Hi all I'm going for 3rd IUI June 10th... So I'll probably have my BETA June 23 or 26th due to the weekend...I think this time I'll be doing a HPT. I am just self diagnosing right now and have come up with lutenal phase defect... although my RE still has me in the unexplained category I really want to put a label on something that seems remotely a possibility.. I think if this cycle doesn't work I will be more frusterated with unexplained then ever because I have to take a break from the drugs for 6mths (January!) Tonya

bb-why would u HAVE take a break for 6 months?

clomid impairs my vision to the point that temporary blindness is an issue...lovely!

HI BB
wow that is Serious!
good luck

BB, will you be able to use injections, or something other than clomid, or will you be forced to take a break from tx?

Sounds like almost everyone has some activity around June 23 - that's a lucky day bc it's my DH's birthday. Only good things can happen on that day! :D

I didn't realize that IVF was such a long process! Gina and MC, are you feeling anxious to get the show on the road? I know I would be!

I think I could but after ttc for 3 1/2 yrs I'd rather try to lose weight (45lbs due to drugs) so hopefully it comes off easy. I'm going to look into a herbal med called Ovulex and acupuncture... maybe have some acohol and sushi and just get off the rollercoster for a while to give my emotions a break after the m/c's. I'm 29 so I'm not too panicked about time,yet. I have also been on the domestic adoption list for almost 2 years now and I'm going to check in to see how that process is coming along... Tonya

BB, I hope you won't need the break (bc of a BFP :crossfing), but if you do take a break I hope it goes well. :)

Thanks family of 2.. how is everyone else doing?

Hi everyone,
I'm really new here, but stumbled on this thread and felt like it sounded VERY familiar. Sometimes I do hate "unexplained" but then sometimes I think "no news is better than bad news". We've been ttc for 2 years. Did 5 cycles of IUI with clomid, and when it didn't work the first try I had this sinking feeling that it just wouldn't work. After seeing a RE and a few more tests ("yup, everything looks fine") we're starting IVF this month. I started BCP last week. I'm really excited, because I think IVF is perfect for u/e. But I'm also terrified that they'll find something wrong in the process, or it won't work for unexplained reasons! I know someone else mentioned this and I totally agree.

Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and wish you all the best of luck with your treatments. I guess I'm at the point now where unexplained doesn't bother me that much. I'm a scientist, so it was hard for me to not know, and I had an urge to run all sorts of tests. In the end, that's all u/e is- there's something going on, it could be figured out with the tools of modern medicine, but it's not worth it fincancially or treatment wise to figure out what that is.

Marie Carla- I'm really interested to hear how your IVF cycle progresses. I'm getting my big pack of meds in the mail on tuesday and I'm sure it'll freak me out.

Sophie OR - WElcome to the group. Good luck on your next cycle . Hopefully u will have a BFP. Meanwhite enjoy your stay here. The women are really are knowledgeable and supportive

Hi Sophie! Welcome to the group! :hismilie:

I wish you luck and success with your IVF. Do you know when it will be taking place? I don't know a lot about the IVF procedure, so I'm not sure what the timeline looks like. :)

Hi Sophie and familyof 2-
hope you are doing well today. I hate Mondays! and I also hate being unexplained!

I am well on my way though and getting a bit nervous/anxious now. I am also happy I started Accupuncture last week..I went last Thurs and will go the next 2 Thurs. I am hoping it helps. She told me that I have symptoms of a cold uterus..not eating the right foods etc. not having good blood circulation. She said with the accup. she hopes my lining will get nice and lush/thick for this IVF. With my past IUIs with follistim my lining has always been 9-10.

I have done 3 nights of follistim (150) taking it with 5 units of lupron...I go TOMORROW for my first follie check.

MC, I wish you good follies tomorrow! :)

I'm really interested to see how your body responds to the accupuncture. It is an avenue I am considering in the future. I can imagine that you are beginning to feel anxious/nervous. I bet you are also excited. This could be it!!! :vibegirl

thanks family for the well wishes. I went for blood and u/s today. I had a ton of follicles...like 25 on one side and like 20 on the other!

My nurse just called said things are good. She said my estrogen is only at 244...which is good/low. She said that For tonight and Wed. night go down to 125 of follistim still with the lupron of 5. Then go to get blood checked on Thurs morning. And she said most likely I will go there SAt for blood/ and ultrasound again. she said they bumped it down a bit(follistim from 150 to 125) to not rev up the follicles so much...they want to grow the ones that are there now...not grow new follicles...she said I have a lot around 9mm
hope that is good.

i go for accup on thurs --my 2nd appt!

Sounds good, MC. Good growing!!! :D

Hi everyone, thanks for the welcomes.
My retrieval's scheduled for around July 17th. I just got a big box of meds in the mail today- pretty scary!

MC- it sounds like your cycle is going really well- that's great. How are the shots?

I had also thought of doing acupuncture. Actually my mother was pushing me to see a chinese herbalist specializing in infertility, but I couldn't find one i trusted in my small town and then thought it wouldn't be good to mix the chinese meds with the IVF meds. But I think acupuncture is a great way to go. Is it relaxing?

One thing I really miss is relaxing with a glass of wine. Maybe you're all the same, but being unexplained I kept thinking it's got to be something to do with my lifestyle, so I cut out all alcohol and caffein and even stopped running. I've gradually brought back the running (a little) and tea in the morning, since it didn't seem to help any, but I still stay away from booze.

Sophie, I definitely know what you mean about second-guessing my eating and drinking habits. Unexplained is so rough bc you know there has to be a reason. I feel so powerless and food and drinks is the only thing I can control.

I cut back on caffeine, but my RE said I didn't need to completely eliminate it. He said one cup of coffee isn't a problem. I do try to stay away from other caffeinated beverages, though. I totally eliminated alcohol for awhile, but it didn't help me get pg so now I let myself have a glass of wine here and there. I am definitely careful not to overdo it.

Do you find yourself looking at vitamins and supplements and wondering if you are overdoing one or deficient in one and that is the reason for not getting pg? I do that all the time! I just want someone to tell me what the freakin' problem is!

Incidentally, last time I saw the RE I point-blank asked him, "What the heck is wrong with me" and he said, "I don't know. That's why we call it unexplained". :excite: I just wanted him to give me some ideas!

familyof2,
Yes! Absolutely, I'm always wondering if I have some weird deficiency or other. I had 2 surgeries to remove fibroids 5 years ago, so I was 'hopeful' it was scarring from that that's causing problems, but my RE sees none.

At least your RE is being honest. Unexplained doesn't seem to bother them as a diagnosis, but it seems like a cop out.

s.

You're right, it does seem like a cop out. Someone mentioned earlier on this thread that it it frustrating that this country has such awesome medical knowledge and technology, yet they can't figure out what is wrong with us!

hey family how you doing???
Ia m good. I have my 2nd accup. appt tonight so we shall see how that goes...

I went today for my 2nd blood test...I went on Tues and had estrogen of 244 but like 30+ follicles and went today and estrogen of 618. So I guess that is good. They want me to continue with 125 of follistim and 5 of lupron and go in Sat morning to have blood/u/s check...I really want them to give me an idea about ER and Et dates but they cant...this is all so new to me! Kinda scared nothing with fertilize!

We also went Wed and had dh produce a sample to freeze as back up--and they said that looked fine...so that is only in case my dh cant produce a sample the day of--basically to just have a back up. (although they charge $300 to do that--crazy huh?). but its done-peace of mind.


So I am guessing that my ER will be like 6/21 or 6/22!?!?!?

Oh, MC, that's so exciting!!! I'm really excited and nervous for you! Are you concerned about the retrieval at all? I bet it's frustrating not being able to know exactly what day this will take place. I'm a planner, so that would just kill me! :)

I don't know anything about estrogen levels, but they're high so that should be good, right? It's just FSH that we don't want high, right? So, it looks like you had a good response!!! YEAHH!!! I hope the accupuncture has been helping! It is definitely something I will have to consider.

I know you are concerned that nothing will fertilize, but with all those follies surely one will fertilize! I am going to keep my fingers crossed for you! {{HUGS}}

Hey family-TGIF
Yes, I am a bit nervous. I started feeling a bit uncomfortable last night and today--real full feeling. Not liking that since I have to do a relay for life (cancer walk) tonight. I have done it for the past 4 yrs and raised a lot of money but not in the mood to walk over an hour...eekss!
I KNOW it will probably be next week sometime...my er and et.

thanks for keeping your fingers crossed. I need all the help I can get!

Hey MC! Did you hobble through the cancer walk? :) You are so awesome for participating in something like that!

H family
YES I did..it was nice. I have done it the past couple yrs. my dad died about 3 yrs ago from biliary tract cancer at the age of 50 so I do it annually.

i am SO uncomfortable now. went this morning for blood and u/s. i have 18 on one side and 22 on the other!

OMG! Wow! You are exploding!!!:)

Yes that is why I feel so bad..I even started drinking that gatorade NOW versus later how they tell you to i guess before or after er/et...

still waiting for call back

I got the call. estrogen is 1000 today...and I have 19, guess she meant mature follicles. out of the 40 follicles.

I go SUn for blood ck. I also have to start 20 of HCG--dont know how that really helps..but I am doing it!

then maybe egg retrieval tues or wed!

I don't know anything about IVF, but those seem like really good numbers! I bet you are really starting to get excited and anxious!

hi
Went in today for blood again..checking estrogen levels...I added a new med last night--hsg just 20 units...so they told me Sat that my ER will either be TUES OR WED! YEAH

I'm so nervous for you! I hope everything goes well!

Thanks family--how are you, how was your weekend? cant believe its OVER!
I go in Monday again for blood and u/s--will be last one..I have ER set for WED and ET for SAT!

Oh yeah! You have dates now! I hate not knowing what day things will take place. :)

I'm completely off on my days. I thought yesterday was Sunday! I am really busy right now so the weeks are just flying by! The next couple of weeks are going to be super busy for me with research papers due at school and scheduling all the IUI hoop-la.

I have the beginnings of AF today, which means tomorrow should be cd1. I'll call the RE in the morning to schedule my u/s for Tues or Wed. Start my meds, I guess, on Tues. I am guessing that my IUI will be some time next week. I really hate not knowing the date! Did I mention that I am a planner?! :) Anyway, I am started to feel excited and nervous, too. I am excited to be doing something seemingly more productive that BMS, but I am really nervous that it won't work! Ya know?

I hope your bw looks good tomorrow!

hey family--so do tell...did AF show full force for you today?

here is an update from another JBB:
I just got the call. my e2 level is 1584 today. I am going to trigger with Ovidrel tonight at midnight!

Then ER for Wed at noon-but have to be there for 11am. and then ET for Sat. Woohoo!

I have 9 on left ranging from 13mm to 19mm and 10 on right ranging from 12mm to 18mm--HOPE that is good. I HAVE about 20 smaller ones in there too!

Yes, AF showed up today so I called first thing and scheduled my cd2 u/s for tomorrow. Start my gonal-f tomorrow night. I'm on the roller coaster now! I'm thinking IUI will be at the end of June/early July. I'm feeling pessimistic about our chances of success, though, bc I just found out that washed sperm only lives 6-12 hours. :( Oh well. There's only so much I can do, right? Can you tell that I am trying to work on my control issues? :)

I don't know anything about follie measurements, but yours sound good to me! I know my RE wants mine to be at least 18mm and it sounds like you have several that are at least that, so looks like your follies cooperated nicely! Go follies!!! :clap: I bet you are so ready to get rid of that "full feeling"!

God, I hate the term "unexplained infertility". I've done every test known to man & still nothing. One of my infertility specialists said i could be a donor ( :confused: ) based on my response to the drugs. I've tried everything to get pregnant (IUI, Clomid, acupuncture, 2 IVFs one of which resulted in a pregnancy but, of course, ended with no heartbeat at 8 weeks). I just recently went part-time from work for my last IVF cycle. I'm doubtful that will have any impact. Of course, a co-worker of mine went part-time after trying for two years to get pregnant & poof, she got pregnant without trying all the crap i have. Wish I had a better attitude about the whole thing :fuming:

heatherbear... they accually said you should be a donor?!!!!! How RUDE! Why can't he just say that you respond well do drugs... who would you possible donate to?

My attitude is not so good these days in the jealosy department. After 3 1/2 years of ttc I am starting to think that is o.k. for now.. as long as I get myself back some day.

heatherbear, I know exactly how you feel, sometimes I'm sorry to say i just feel really angry that this is so hard! I think it's a great sign though that you had one pregnancy, even if the result was heartbreaking- at least you know it's possible! I think your chances are excellent for this cycle.
I'm currently doing my first IVF cycle- I start lupron on friday. Here's hoping this is the one for ALL of us.
s.

SophieO,

I'll be starting Lupron on Sunday, so we will be in sync together!!! If you have any questions or concerns about what to expect, feel free to contact me (there was a lot I didn't realize or know my first go around). :) ;)

and I go for ER tomorrow and have ET on Sat..and I am u/e so I can answer questions once I get through this crap!

MC, good luck tomorrow! :hug:

I went in for my cd2 u/s today. Everything looks good. The only potential issue is that she saw an unidentifiable mass in my uterus - could be a blood clot or could be that my polyps returned. She said we won't know until we do another u/s next week. If the polyps returned then that will be it for us. I can't have hysteroscopies every six months! So, I am feeling a little anxious now.

heatherbear, how frustrating for you to hear that you could be a donor! It must be frustrating to respond so well, but then they can't tell you what the problem is! :confused:

Family - Sorry to hear about your frustating u/s. Will pray that things work ouy and there are no polyps

Yes family...I hope everything is clear on your 2nd u/s--when you go for that --like next Tues? Good luck...I will post my results from ER today today. I dont know what to expect--all so new to me!

Thanks, guys! MC, my next u/s is Saturday morning.

Good luck with your ER today, MC! Let us know how it goes. :hug:

Hi family
my er went well--they got 23 eggs...now i wait for fert report on fri 3-5pm i guess and et is still on sat

Wow! 23 eggs sounds good! :happyfory

I hope the fert. report comes out good. Is that where they look at quality?

hi family.
as far as i know. i have never done ivf so at least this wasy they can see my eggs and see how they fert. with husbands stuff. i wont know report till fri..kinda sucks but

how are you

I'm so nervous for you tomorrow! If I were you, I'd be freaking out that there is something wrong with my eggs. I have a tendency to worry about everything! :D

Did the ER hurt?

I'm still worried that I might have polyps again, but since there is nothing I can do about that, I've decided not to let myself freak out too much. Some times things are just beyond my control. I hate that!

The good news is, though, that I did some reading on "resting follicles" and, based on Tuesday's u/s, it looks like my resting follicle number is in the ideal range. So, if I don't have any polyps, I'm a good candidate for IUI and IVF. That's promising!

oh family--that is good news.
Well I was under anesthia for the ER...but I was super nervous-that was the first time I have ever been under..it was fine. I was crampy etc all day after. my husband catered to me! :) made me dinner etc.

i am fine today-couldve gone to work but took it off cause i have tons of time. have accup. at 5pm !

Oh that sounds great! It's always nice to have a relaxation day!!!

yes and I did get some small amt of news...they will still call me fri with fer. report BUT they said 16 out of the 23 eggs DID fertilize-woohooo

:happyfory

THAT'S GREAT!!!!!!!

Wow, MC- 16 eggs ready to make little embies! That's amazing! :jump:
I'm sure they're wondering who will be the lucky ones to snuggle into your ute :)
best of luck with ET

MC, let us know how your ET went. Hope you are doing well! :vibegirl

I had my cd6 u/s yesterday. I have 5 follies measuring 11-13, which is exactly what they want at this point. I also had a bunch more measuring around 8-9. She said she couldn't tell yet if the polyps had returned, but we'll be able to see more closer to ovulation. Guess we have to wait until next week for that one. :(

Hi family,
I posted on the main IVF as well the other day. Thanks.

My ET went well... I put back 2 back grade A embryos. So Sat and Sun I have done nothing...stayed at home. doing nothing. not risking it--going to work on Monday though. I have beta on July 6.


Oh great you have the # the they want you to have..thats great! I hope your polyps dont come! they wont if they know whats best for them.

So when do you think you will have it done?

Glad to hear your ET went well and that you have had a nice, relaxing weekend. July 6 will be here before you know it! :vibegirl

I'll know more tomorrow, but I'm thinking that I'll probably be having my IUI by the end of the week. I hope so, bc I'm really sick of going in for u/s every morning! :)

Family-
thats good maybe the IUI will be on FRI-then you can relax Sat!

I hope so bc Friday would be perfect!

When you did your IUIs, what cd did they do it on?

Hmm....well I think THEY always fell on like cd 15 I THINK! Sorry..seems like years ago and it hasnt been that long!

I did my four IUIs back to back not taking any breaks in between..its tough, it really is

Okay, just an update. I have one definitely mature follie. There are two more that are close, so we decided to wait an extra day for IUI. I'm going in for my millionth u/s tomorrow, so I should know then whether IUI will be Friday or Saturday.

How's everybody doing?

hey family --thats great--iui either fri or sat. and you have monday and tues off for holiday?

i do and am so happy!

i am oding well..i am 5dp3dt--and SO WANTING to test at home!

No, I have Tuesday off, but not Monday. :(

Be strong, MC, resist the temptation of the HPT!

yes, I didnt test today but want to Friday!

Step away from the stick, MC! I know you can do it!! :)

Yea. I want to...just came back from accup. was nice.
because this appt was after my transfer (on sat) she doesnt do any needles/treatments near tummy-interesting...

hey family...
morning, how are you? TGIF. I am working from home today..woohoo
so I did it, I caved this a.m. at 6dp3dt---BFN, its too early

The temptation got ya, huh? ;)

Don't be too worried about the BFN, it is still really early. Don't you wish you could have a little camera in your uterus so you could see what's going on? I do!

I'm in a pretty poor mood today. The dr wanted us to BMS last night so that tomorrow's sample would be fresh, but DH flat out refused. He said he was too tired. We are not currently on speaking terms. DH doesn't have a big sex drive as it is, so the past two years have been like pulling teeth for me to get him to BMS. He pretty much fights me on it every month, yet he tells me that he wants a baby. :confused: I'm so freakin' angry right now. I just went through 10 days of injections, u/s, and b/w and blew $2000 and now it's probably going to all be wasted bc he didn't want to give me 3 minutes of his time last night. I swear, if I could walk into a sperm store right now, I would!

Hi family
OH NO, I am sorry you are not having a good day or didnt have a good night last night. That does suck. I can relate to that. My husband does have a good sex drive usually-but with all this IF crap and everything just never feeling more than a chore, its hard, I know.

I am sorry you arent on speaking terms--thats gotta be tough. U think he is gonna realize he was wrong and being a bit selfish last night and apologize or no?

Sorry...

He had to leave early for work this morning bc he has to make a bunch of calls to the East Coast, so he was gone when I woke up. I called him and just asked if he was going to be providing a sample tomorrow or if I needed to just call the dr and cancel the whole thing. He said he's on board for tomorrow.

His SA was fine, but his volume was low. The dr attributed this to DH being in a rush to get out of the clinic. However, DH's volume is always low bc, as I said, he doesn't have much of a sex drive. He seriously believes that sex (from foreplay to climax) shouldn't take up more than 2-3 minutes. I've tried to work with him on this, but he just won't budge. I guess this is what I get for ignoring the problem for so long!

Anyway, this morning he said that he didn't want to BMS last night bc he thought his volume would be better tomorrow if we didn't. He doesn't get that the sperm are more important. So, now we are going to have a volume and a quality problem.

Yeah, he'll probably apologize. He always does. But it doesn't change the fact that his decision cost us $2000, not to mention all the time and physical discomfort I have invested. I seriously think this will be my last month of ttc. I am so tired of fighting with him over BMS. It's exhausting and, frankly, my self-esteem is taking a huge hit!

oH MY Family. I am so sorry, not muchy I can say but dont let your self esteem get lowered. This is an issue HE is dealing with and HE mad some bad decisions--deep down he knows he did and should be feeling like he let you down. after ALL that you have gone through and are going through now--emotionally and financially---all I can say is I am sorry--that is a sad situation to be in. but dont give up, please

Thanks, MC. :hug:

Unfortunately, I don't think he will ever feel that he let me down. I honestly don't think he even knows what all I have had to go through physically and emotionally. I doubt he spends any time even thinking about it. I definitely know that he doesn't consider the financial aspect. I am the one who pays the bills, so he doesn't even know how much debt we have. All he cares about is that the utilities work. He has no idea how much money we have spent on IF over the past two years!

Family -- sorry to hear about your :argue: Special fruit serving and hug:for u.
Are u opking....maybe u havent missed O and can still get enough bms in. Remember the goal at hand and dont let your arguements get in the way.
we NEED RECRUITS for quilting

IUI went well. I can't believe how simple it was! Dr said today is O day so we didn't miss anything yesterday. DH's count was fine, so he is off the hook. Dr said that both of our results are exactly where he wants them. That's encouraging. So, our argument is over.

Famof2: Hoping hoping hoping for ++ results for you!!!!

Family - Glad things went well. WElcome to 2 weeks. HAve a ques .. how come u picked iui when dh's SA numbers are ok?

family-good to hear that your IUI went well..congrats. what a relief for you!
I have been there as I have done 4 IUIs. I did them back to back too....Jan-Feb-March-April--all BFN. So here's KNOWING yours will be a BFP!

MC, thanks for the optimism, but I definitely don't know it will be a BFP. My RE doesn't make any sort of predictions, pretty smart on his part actually. He just said that everything is exactly where he wanted it to be. I guess that just means that we definitely have the 20-25% chance of success. That's good to know, anyway!

twiggy, we picked IUI based on our dr's recommendation. I wanted to do IVF bc his IVF success rate is around 60-65%. But he said that bc I don't have any structural issues and DH doesn't have any sperm issues, IUI would be the most cost effective and least invasive way to start. We probably could have done BMS with meds, but the dr said our chances of success are greater with IUI than BMS. My RE is very aggressive in treatment and we are getting sick of ttc, so we took his recommendation.

MC, how were you able to do your IUIs back-to-back? How did you get your meds? BTW, when do you go in for your beta?

Hello everyone,
How is everyone doing? I haven't been on this thread in a while. I started lupron shots and waiting for AF. Lupron is horrible I absolutely hate it.
From my experience when you are unexplained and couple of IUIs did not work they probably won't and it is definitely time to move on. My RE said that the chances decrease with each IUI. But its definitely worth a shot they are less evasive and the meds are not so crazy.
Gina

Hi Gina! I'm sorry the Lupron is causing such undesirable side-effects. Yuck! :(

Yeah, my doctor said he wouldn't do more than 4 IUIs. We talked about it and he wants to do at least 2, though, before moving on to IVF. I wanted to jump right into IVF and he said he wasn't sure there was a need yet. Which is why we compromised on 2 IUIs. Yesterday's IUI was our first.

Familyof2, we had a very similar conversation with our RE - and we're going with 2 IUI's then IVF if it doesn't work. I have my fingers crossed for you. I picked up all my info sheets on how to do injectables this week. Ouchie!
I don't know how well IUI will work, though, with a Kruger of 8%

Family - Im hopng u get the BFP and end the ttc journey.... thanks for your response. If u dont mond me asking how much is the IUI costing u?

t-bird, what is the difference between the Kruger and the other test? My DH's morphology was also 8%, but I'm not sure what test they used. We asked the RE about it on Saturday, though, and he said it wasn't a problem. Actually, he said he is only really concerned about 0-1% morphology. :confused:

What injectibles are you doing? I did Gonal-F. It doesn't hurt that bad. It just pinches a little. I was freaked out about doing it at first, but really the needle is pretty small. Don't sweat it! :) When do you start your first IUI cycle?

twiggy, thanks for the well-wishing! I hope you are right! The total cost of our IUI was right around $2000. The majority of the cost (approx. $1400) was for meds and ultrasounds.

hey family
well I was able to do my IUIs back to back quite easily...they use village pharmacy in RI and they always shipped me my meds in advance. easy. The follistim made my cycles quite short so looking at my calendar etc I always seemed to have my IUI on like for example Jan 24, Feb 23, March 25--all around the same time...

My beta is Thurs., not hopeful and I dont know if I am doing another ivf. i am so depressed..hate this!

Hi, I haven't been on here in a while.
Family, sounds like you had a really tough time with your DH there, I'm glad things ended up OK with his SA, but UGHHH! it's so frustrating when they don't get it. Remember, chances of success really are high on the first IUI- you have everything going for you.

Gina, I'm also doing lupron, on my first IVF cycle. I got AF on saturday and she was brutal! Horrible cramping, felt I was dying etc etc and not wanting to take anything for it. Other than that, I've been OK on the lupron. Although, my DH has been doing the injections, since I'm such a wimp. This is also a good trick for getting him involved, however ;)

Happy 4th to all.

t-bird, what is the difference between the Kruger and the other test? My DH's morphology was also 8%, but I'm not sure what test they used. We asked the RE about it on Saturday, though, and he said it wasn't a problem. Actually, he said he is only really concerned about 0-1% morphology. :confused:

What injectibles are you doing? I did Gonal-F. It doesn't hurt that bad. It just pinches a little. I was freaked out about doing it at first, but really the needle is pretty small. Don't sweat it! :) When do you start your first IUI cycle?



My AF seems to have vanished into the woodwork because I didn't O last month, so I'm waiting for that, but hope to start my IUI cycle sometime next week.
The WHO test is less strict and I heard less accurate for IF. The Kruger had to be done at an andrology lab and normal is >14% normal morph. I bet you your RE is talking about the Kruger - I heard that if it is <2% on Kruger they have to do IVF (with ICSI maybe).
I'm supposed to use - Repronex. Some sort of menotropin, I guess. The sheet says it contains FSH and LH.
Good luck to you! Keep us up to date on how things are going!

Family and Marie Carla - please report to duty. We want to know your progress

Thunderbird - did u start the injections?? CAn ustart them w/o AF?

I'm still waiting around in the 2ww. Beta is Friday. I'm pretty sure it will be a BFN bc I am having all the same symptoms I have before AF. Besides that, there is an 80% chance of failure with IUI.

hi twiggy, family, thunderbird..
family I am so sorry you THINK its a bfn already but you still have 4 more days...keep the faith! :)

I just know how u feel though because in my 2ww a few days ago (after my 1st ivf) I totally got some pre AF signs and I KNEW it didnt work. UGH. This is so hard to deal with....I hate the fact that I have had 4 failed IUIs and now 1 failed IVF. I just want my body to LET ME KNOW IT CAN GET PREGNANT! I am sick of every cycle being PERFECT! and then NOTHING!

I did get my period this past Sat...and my next step is just to wait until 7/21 when we have a phone follow up with my RE to discuss what He suggests we do. I just dont have the money to do another ivf. I DO have 3 frozen embies that are OK quality--dont know if he will suggest us doing those or DOING A WHOLE NEW FRESH CYCLE. I dont wanna do that soon, I need a break. The thought of doing all that prep work again, makes me sad/angry!

MC, I'm so sorry. :(

I know exactly how frustrating and depressing it is for everything to be "perfect" and still end up with a BFN. Like you, we aren't even sure we can achieve pregnancy. It just kills me.

I hope that your dr. is able to give you some good options. Are you planning to take a break for awhile?

Sending some {{HUGS}} your way!

hey family. I know unexplained sucks. I have seen a lot of women who have one child and then they try for a number of yrs and then no pregnancy and then they are classified as unexplained. It just sucks.

My issue is WHY? If my dh stuff is ALL great and I am young, normal cycles, etc. WHY, WHY....!??!?!?!

Well I am not doing anything now...I mean its day 3 of my period and I am "sitting out" this cycle...Part of me wants/needs to take a break from this. I wanna get back to feeling good and not putting every drug on the planet in my body and watch it get bigger by the day! :) But then part of me wants to try again (but not pay for it) :)

I will know what my options are on 7/21 I guess....when I have that call with RE.

MC - so sorry to hear the witch showed up!

Family - I m holding the faith for u.All fingers and toes are crossed. Wondering why u say there is 80% failure rate for IUI?

Hey twiggy - thanks for asking. But alas, no. I can't start the injections until I get AF. Which has disappeared along with my O. Oh well. I think I need to see my RE again sometime soon.
MC - sorry to hear the last cycle didn't work. We're with you and I wish you lots of luck.
Familyof2 - I'm still holding out some optimism for you - after all, those AF sx could be something else. I really hope it is!

twiggy, I say 80% chance of failure, bc there is only a 20% chance of success. I'm just going with the glass is half empty point-of-view.

MC, I ask myself the same question all the time - Why? There has to be a reason why tx aren't working. Like you, I have regular cycles, everything seems right on target, DH is fine. There doesn't seem to be a reason why we haven't at least had a pregnancy. It is so frustrating

I also know what you mean about wanting to take a break and get your life back. I was fantasizing over the weekend about taking 6 months off and using the time to take up things like kickboxing and tennis, that I have been avoiding bc of ttc. I really want to have a life that doesn't revolve around ttc! It wasn't supposed to be this way.

t-bird, I hope AF shows soon so you can get your next cycle under way!

MC, I know just what you mean, about IVF being so ridiculously drug intense and money intense and plain intense. But FET should not be so bad, right? I'm hoping that'll work for you. I'm right in the middle of my first IVF now. This is it for us, we can't afford another and I don't know if I can take another. It's funny but I actually feel a sense of calm now that I didn't have before. Maybe I'm fooling myself, but I feel like, if this doesn't work, we'll adopt, and that's absolutely fine. Of course I really really hope it's BFP, but before I was so stressed out about what if it's BFN, and lately for no apparent reason, that's dissolving. In any case, I would definitely need a break before even thinking about doing it again even if I won the lottery.

FRED was BFN this morning and light pink blood on tp. Guess this cycle is a bust. It is so frustrasting and discouraging to have a "perfect" cycle not work. I just want to know what went wrong!

ugh family-that sucks. what day are you?

12dpiui. Bright red blood now. I'm about to call the dr to schedule my cd2 u/s for tomorrow. I just have this blinding headache at the moment, so I can't seem to think straight. I hate AF!

Hi Family
Aw....I am sorry, IF and AF suck.
I am just about done with my period--she showed 2 days fter my BFN from my first IVF...sucks. I really thought that after my 4 IUIs that I would get a BFP with such a perfect IVf cycle...

I am sorry...call your doc and see what the next steps are-dont give up!

I just made my cd2 u/s appointment for tomorrow. I hate talking to receptionists! I'm sure they will want to do a pg test before I start injections, but the u/s appointment is too late in the day for me to get same day results on the pg test. Do you think I should go in early for the pg test and then go back for the u/s? I really hate starting tx on cd2 bc everything just happens so quickly. I still have to call the pharmacy so they can get my meds to me tomorrow!

Hmmm. I dont know. my place works differently in that I wouldve went in for blood test for to determine pregnancy either way if af came or not..mine never did cause i was always on those prog. suppositories.

I did my u/s on day 3. and they ordered my meds for me....

I think I definitely want the blood test bc I don't want to take the injections without receiving an official BFN. I'll just go in the morning for the blood test and then go back for the u/s. There is a mall next to the hospital that I need to return some clothes to anyway. If the office didn't close early today I would call back and insist on a test today so that we could have the results tomorrow. The timing on this just sucks!

Family - So Sorry to hear the witch showed so early.... bummer . I was hoping u would join the epidemic . Here is a ques at 12 dpo - doesnt that make your luteal phase short? have u had prog checked at 21 days?

twiggy, injectibles accelerate the cycle. My understanding is that after 10-12 dpiui, AF will come if no implantation has occurred. It doesn't indicate a progesterone issue bc it's due to the meds. On an unmedicated cycle my LP is consistently 14 days on the nose.

Family - good luck for tomorrow. keep us posted! i hope RE can give u an explanation. Am praying for u .

Thanks, twiggy! I doubt if I'll even see the RE today, though. I didn't make an appointment with him. I'll probably just be seeing the nurses and the sonographer. I'm sure what he will say is that even in a perfect cycle there is still only a 20-25% chance of success. Unfortunately, funding is not unlimited so I don't have the luxury of continuing this for very much longer. :(

Hi family--sorry your dumb AF came...how you feeling today? your going in this afternoon for the u/s and blood right?

Hi MC, I'm going it an 11 for u/s and blood work. It really hit me, for the first time, last night that my reality is that we might not be able to have a biological child. That is a really tough realization to accept!

Hi family,
Yes, it does suck to think that but I am sure you have enough determination and will to keep pluggin along for a baby...I mean I defintely dont have the $$ to move forward but I am..I JUST dont want to give up at this point. I WANNA know WHY my body is not cooperating after over 4 years!

Once I finish grad school, we will have the $ for IVF and/or adoption. The investment portfolio we were planning for will just take a total hit. My concern, however, is my age. I'm turning 32 this year and I just don't know how long my body will remain reproductively healthy, KWIM? I don't want to try for another 5 years and then spend another 5 years on the adoption waiting list. I guess I feel like I need to make all these decisions today and that isn't realistic. I really just want to know what the freakin' problem is!

yes sounds like you have a plan..for sure. I am not so sure we are gonna do adoption...I just dont know...i think one or two MAX ivfs is what we HAVE to pursue...then I just dont know

yeah, one step at a time is probably the best way to take it. Right now, the plan is to do one more IUI, then meet with the RE and get his recommendation. Then, we'll see. I guess I just keep thinking that I only have a couple more shots at this and that is what is really making me aware that we might not have a child!

have u looked into the adoption process at all? just curious as I have not yet but didnt know what sites are good. and how one decides to do domestic or international..and i KNOW the price is outrageous!

I haven't looked into adoption, yet. The options are just too overwhelming at this point. The cost is enormous! I know, though, that you do get to deduct $10K or $15K (I can't remember which) from your taxable income. That helps a little, but you still have to come up with a lot of money up front. I don't see how anyone can afford more than one adoption at $30K a pop!

The tax break helps for adoption, you're right - but you do have to find it somewhere in the first place!
Some companies will also help with adoption - I know my company will reimburse up to $10,000 per child. So with that and a tax break it would help a lot - IF we can just find the $ first.

When we start realising that we're not 22 anymore it starts to become a reality that we may never be bio parents - I know what you mean... starts to feel like each cycle could be the last cycle... :(

I wish DH or I could work for a company that reimbursed for adoption or had insurance that covered at least some IF. Unfortunately, that is not something that is going to happen. DH is self-employed and the health care plans for small businesses suck! I'll be working for a school district when I graduate and I'm pretty sure their IF insurance will be nonexistant, too! I think the universe is trying to tell me something.

Just returned from cd2 u/s. I have 3 cysts, which explains the massive headache and uterine/ovarian pain I have been having. We are benched this cycle. The nurse said that the cysts are an indication that I had a good cycle last month. A lot of good it did me. She was kind of cute, though. To console me, she said I should spend the month drinking margaritas on the patio.

family-that sucks.
didnt know the cysts were a good sign...well sorry for this big delay for you--maybe we will be cycling soon then together--whether I am doing an FET or IVF and you an IUI!

Omigosh, I'm sorry about the cysts! :(
Darnit all!
Fruit servings all around for sure.

What treatment? Will they just go away on their own? :(

Apparently, they will, but it could take more than one cycle. :(

So sorry Family :hug: 2 special Cabana boys and special fruit drinks!!

I really hope they go away this cycle, Family.
You deserve a fruity margarita drink.
Don't give up! I'm 33, and just getting started on this - so I really feel what you and geekychick were talking about. But I'm trying to stay positive (and hope you do too, though today must be extra hard). Things may yet work out for you with that next IUI!
Marie C, are you going to be doing an FET after all? I wish you lots and lots of baby dust and luck.

Family of 2, and Marie Carla........just to encourage you. If you guys ever have to move on to adoption, do not be thinking that you have to pay 30K. Even 15K. Let me tell you.....I have adopted five kids, all private adoptions, and I found all of them myself by word of mouth. You don't need to pay some attorney 15K to make you a parent. The most I paid was $2500 for each adoption with the exception of my oldest two......they are american indian and the tribe was trying to take them from us, so we had some attorney fees, and the total for both was 10K. People are getting ripped off just to be parents and it is really sad. By time you finish paying for IF fees, who has anything left for adoption. IF you guys ever have to move in that direction, don't get stuck paying some attorney. You get the word out by letters sent to schools, therapists, and OB's. You let everyone know that you are looking and I promise you, you will find someone. I hope your dreams of having one on your own come true, but if not, you don't need afraid of the cost of adoption. There are ways around it. Good luck to you both, JAS

Thanks for the adoption information, JAS. I am looking into some books to help me educate myself about all the options out there. DH and I talked about it last night and if our next two cycles fail, we are definitely on board with adoption. I have been doing some brainstorming and have some potential avenues for gathering the funding. I am feeling more optimistic about it today. I might be contacting you in the future, though, if that's okay. I'm sure I will have a ton of questions! I am really starting to feel excited about the prospect of adopting. Maybe we can have a family afterall!!

t-bird, thanks for your words of encouragement. I appreciate it! :hug:

Familyof2, You are very welcome. Anytime you want to PM me I can help you. I tell you.........I would not be here if there was not adoption. I wanted to be a mom since I was three and to find out that I could not, left me an emotional wreck. Adoption gave me hope again and I have been blessed with five great kids. I still want to experience childbirth and I have alot of pain still but at least I am a mom and that has brought me so much joy. I wish you the very best and hope that your dreams of being a parent come true. Do not give up! JAS

JAS, that's great info, and if things don't work out for me and my DH, I'll be looking for you for advice. My RE said 2 IUI then try IVF, and we can't afford more than 1 or at most 2 cycles of IVF (unless car breaks down or something or who knows - we've already given up on buying a house for now in order to handle this). So...it's good to know adoption won't be out of reach.

But in the meantime, I'm going to think positive thoughts and top up my fruit servings - and top up Familyof2's and MC's as well!

Good luck Thunderbird.......I'd rather have a child then a house anyday. A house is not a home without little feet pitter-pattering through it. Keep going.....you will get there. :hug: JAS

t-bird, don't top off my fruit serving - fill 'er all the way up! I'm slamming 'em today. :D It was the nurse's order, after all. ;)

JAS, I've never had an interest in experiencing pregnancy or childbirth. I'm sure they are wonderful things, but it doesn't really bother me not to experience them. What I will need to mourn, before moving forward with adoption, is the loss of having a child that is half me and half DH. I've never fantasized about pregnancy or childbirth, but I have always fantasized about what traits our children might inherit. That will be sad for me to lose. I imagine I will always feel sad about that, but I think it will lessen in time. The bottom line, though, is that we want to be parents and we both have experience with family members who are adopted so we know that, in the end, it doesn't matter.

Thanks JAS.
Familyof2 - I'm going to make a trip to the farmer's market tomorrow morning just to get even More fruit (and fun additives, of course) so that I can keep those fruit servings coming!

Sounds good to me! I'm thinking of having a vegetable serving (i.e. Bloody Mary) by the pool at my neighbor's house shortly. Yummy! I'm starting to love having a month off!! :)