Monday, June 22, 2009

Our TTC journey

Welcome to all the ICLW-ers out there! I'm enjoying getting to know everyone. I thought I'd give a little bit more of my TTC background and other general getting-to-know-you information. Here we go -

Our TTC is a bit different, I think. We were trying to conceive for a while without luck. I'd alternate doing OPK and pre-seed and being super crazy organized about the whole thing, with the more casual not preventing pregnancy. I wasn't worried about our lack of results because I was still convinced that we just weren't timing it enough or trying hard enough.

My husband went to his general practitioner last fall and was diagnosed with a varicocelle. The doctor told him that it wasn't any big deal and that they didn't need to do anything about it. Well, my brother and sister-in-law had to go through infertility treatments for that same reason, so I had my husband call them right back up and ask about what kind of impact that would have on our fertility. Guess what? He quickly had an appointment with a urologist and was getting his SA.

I was so mad that they didn't think to ask if we wanted to have kids. That's irresponsible of the doctor. Why wouldn't they even consider that a married man in his 30s might want to have a family one day.

So, we jumped right to the top of the heap - IVF with ICSI. In a way, I wish that we had been able to go through the whole Clomid, IUI route instead of going right to the big guys. I feel like I only have these few chances with IVF - and no guarantee of success.

We have gone through one IVF cycle, and I figure we can afford 2 to 3 more cycles before we have to make some decisions. Here's to luck for us and everyone in their TTC journey!

12 comments:

  1. We also had to jump straight into looking at IVF w/ICSI once we realized that my husband had severe male factor infertility. I wish you the best of luck and hope you get your BFP soon!

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  2. I was reading through your IVF cycle- and I'm dealing with suppression issues on Lupron like you were. I have been on it for an extra week so far. I don't think my RE will let me go much farther though. I'm interested to know what your RE told you about the effects of Lupron for an extended time. I hope your next IVF has much better results!

    Oh- and I understand wishing you could have not jumped straight to the big guns- but on the positive side, you didn't waste $ doing things that you had very little chance to be successful with. We were misdiagnosed for two years before our MFI was finally identified. The $ we spent on all the other stuff during that time could have paid for another IVF cycle.

    Best wishes for a BFP asap!

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  3. we also had to jump straight to IVF with ICSI... we had some luck along the way and didn't get there but I totally understand feeling that you have a few chances and no more hope after that. I will say though, the only thing I am certain about is that with IF they really don't know half as much as they would like you to think.

    I really hope you get a nice sticky one in your next cycle.

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  4. I wish I would have jumped straight to IVF instead of doing 2 failed IUI's...live and learn. I also was on Lupron for an extended time and I think too long because then I didn't respond to my stims so my first IVF was cancelled. I'm on a new protocol now that lets me do a little more "on my own", so to speak. Best of luck to you on your TTC journey, I can't wait to read more!

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  5. Praying that you get your BFP soon

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  6. Doctors can be so out of touch with their patients and just reality. At least that is what some of my experience has been. I can't believe that he did not mention to your DH that having children would be a problem. Thank goodness y'all had someone to talk to that was able to help guide you in the right direction.

    I hope that your next IVF with ICSI is successful!

    Tina
    ICLW

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  7. Hi Amy!

    Thanks for visiting me for ICLW earlier this week!!!! I'm wishing all kinds of luck with your IVF cycle. I'm starting BCPs for preparation of mine in August.

    As far as having to go straight to IVF, I've decided that everyone IF sucks no matter what. Whether it's the man or the women, or both. Whether it's diangosed or undiagnosed. It just sucks. We were able to get pregnant with minimal treatment during my primary IF (but only after almost 4 years). This time around, it's IVF or nothing. Both suck.

    Fingers crossed for you!!!!!

    Eve (infertilityrocks.wordpress.com)

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  8. GOOD LUCK! And jeez, that doctor sounds like he needs a talking-to. Why on earth wouldn't he automatically have your husband go get an SA? Sheesh.

    ICLW

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  9. Good luck with your next cycle! If you have suppression issues again, maybe they'll try different meds?

    ICLW

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  10. Good luck!!!! Glad you had someone to turn to for advice when your dh find out about the variocelle...
    *iclw*

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  11. 'Meandering' - Quest for a baby is always down this path...Good Luck for Your IVF cycle!

    ICLW

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  12. We also had to jump straight to IVF/ICSI and will make our first attempt in August. It is irritating to have so little control in this aspect of life. All the best in your next cycle!

    ICLW #31

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