Blessed with Children Struggling for More, Aug 1-7

[HeatherlovesCDs]

This thread is for women that have children and are either dealing with secondary infertility or have had children after dealing with primary infertility and know that treatment is the only way they will have more children. We also have women that due to either prior losses, or infertility don't feel like they should join a due date board till after the first trimester (12 weeks).

Please note: When your information needs to be updated, please highlight the area that needs to be updated. This will make it easier for me to update you.

If you'd like to be added please post your info. Please note I remove names if you are inactive for one month. This really helps keep the list more manageable.

Women TTC:

Screen name: jennybeth
Age: Me: 28, DH 30
Current Children and age: Twins- Samuel and David- 15 months
losses: none
Diagnosis: high FSH, PCOS, mild endometriosis, narrow left tube, lazy right ovary. DH motility on the slow side and his count is on the low side but within "normal" numbers
Cycles TTC another: not counting. We're doing a FET in Spring 2012 but still hoping to conceive naturally. We have 3 frozen babies waiting for us

Screen name: mamacassola
Age (SO): 36 (DH 37)
Current Children and age: DS1 3.5 yrs DS2 1 yr
losses: 7 first trimester losses, one of which was ectopic
Diagnosis: one fallopian tube, high estrogen, highish FSH, still investigating
Cycles TTC another:only 4 so far [/COLOR]

[B]Screen Name: Wordmama
Real Name: Lucy
Age (SO):34 (32)
Current Children and age: DS (4.5 yrs) and DD (1.5 yrs)
Lost children: 6 early miscarriages, Libi (8 week ectopic, March 2011)
Diagnosis: Damaged right tube for me, poor morphology for DH
Treatment and meds:Prayer
Next Appointment: None scheduled
Cycles TTC another: Over a year

Screen Name: Sunyflwr
Real Name: Kris
Age: 28 (DH 28)
Current children and ages: Lillian - 20 mo
Losses: none
Diagnosis: unicornuate uterus
Cycles TTC another: We have been "whatevering" for 14 cycles, and seriously TTC for 6 cycles.

Screen Name: finleyjudemommy
Real Name: Susan
Age (DH): 47 (ME) 36
Current Children and age: B/G twins 6 and YDD 4
Lost Children and dates: M/C March 04, M/C June 09, Chemical Feb 10 and stillborn October 10
Next appointment: July 21 for follie check. This will be our 2nd IUI using Femara
Cycles TTC another: Entirely too many to count

Screen Name: Dewberri
Real Name: Joy
Age (DH): 26 (26)
Current Children and age: DD 2 yrs
Lost Children and dates: Dec. 2010; June 2011
Next appointment: Got my period so no D&C! Consultation TBA - about testing. Full work-up in August?
Cycles TTC another: At least 10 months. 2 confirmed pregnancies lost -- 6 wks and 11 wks.

Screen Name: Meldo
Real Name: Melissa
Age: 29 (DH 59)
Current children and ages: Katharine-6 Alison-2
Losses: 1
Diagnosis: DH has low sperm count/motility. Both of our kids were IVF/ICSI babies.
Cycles TTC another: We just started our 2nd IVF cycle for child number 3. It's our 8th (and last) IVF cycle. It's our last vial of frozen sperm from a MESE performed for the cycle DD2 was conceived.

Screen Name: yellowitchgrl
Real Name: Sarah
Age (SO): 30
Current Children and age: Andrew (age 7) and Luke (age 3)
Lost Children and dates: Zach (15 weeks), Toby (12 weeks), Simon (15 weeks)
Diagnosis: None
Treatment and Meds:
Next appointment:
Cycles TTC another:

Screen Name: Skyericsson
Real Name: sky
Current Children and age: DD, age 7.5, DS 3.5
Lost Children and dates: two early angels 9/10 amd 12/10 my journeys of loss are on here (struggles and support)
Diagnosis: I MC naturally but my cylces and AF were horrible and off after so opted to have Hysteroscopy march 21, 2010 (doc removed two small polyps which can cause embryos to not attach properly otherwise all looked fine in my uterous and Doc did ultrasound on my ovaries and all was fine.)
Next appointment: None yet
Cycles: 8 months

Screen name:Ardenne
Real Name: Dina
Age: me 39, DH 42
Children and ages: Kailyn, 13, Connor, 8, and Brianna, 2.
Losses: chemical loss, May 2010. Faith Elise, 14 1/2 weeks, September 2010. Emily Hope, 12 1/2 weeks, January 2011. Early loss, 6 1/2 weeks, May 2011.
Diagnosis: Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Treatment:81 mg. aspirin all of the time, plus 200 mg progesterone, 40 mg. Lovenox, and calcium/magnesium supplements to prevent bone loss from the Lovenox starting with bfp
Next Appt: not scheduled -- waiting to conceive again
Cycles TTC another: We've been TTC a baby who survives for about 19 months now.

Screen Name:tazzae
Real Name: Tara
Age (SO): 34 (35)
Current Children and age: DD Rowan, 7 years old
Lost child: 4 losses since 2007; 10 weeks, 16 weeks, 5 weeks, 8 weeks.
Diagnosis: Recurrent miscarriage, heart-shaped uterus (septum)
Treatment and meds: hysteroscopy to remove septum
Next Appointment: May 25-Jun 5 (yet to be schedules post-op appt.)
Cycles TTC another: 4 years

Screen Name:liz*rn*bsn
Real Name: Elizabeth
Age (SO): 26 (28)
Current Children and age: JT - 3yrs, Ethan - 23 months
Lost child: Early m/cs: 10/10, 2/11, 4/11
Diagnosis: Recurrent Miscarriage, Factor 5 Leiden Disorder, Poly Cystic Ovaries
Treatment and meds: Lovenox and Progesterone daily during luteal phase, baby aspirin every day
Next Appointment: No appt scheduled until we conceive again or if we have another m/c
Cycles TTC another: One year

Screen Name: lalakiwi7
Real Name: Liesl (pronounced leesal)
Age (SO): 26 and hubby is also 26 Happily married for 6 years. Together for 11.
Current Children and age: Noah is our oldest but not our bio child and he is 5. We will hopefully finalize his adoption by the end of 2011. Frances is our first born and only bio baby and she is two.
Lost child: no losses
Diagnosis: unexplained infertility. Maybe poor egg quality.
Treatment and meds: Femera and hcg trigger shots. Red Raspberry leaf capsules.
Next Appointment: July 12th- US and follie check/determine uterine lining quality. Then if not successful August will go in for a HSG.
Cycles TTC another: 19

Screen Name: Vegan Princess
Real Name: Cindy
Age (SO):32
Current Children and age: Child 1: 2.5 yrs
Lost Children and dates: Chemical pregnancy (11/10), miscarriage at 9.5 weeks (5/11)
Diagnosis: Diminished ovarian reserve for me. Moderate or severe male factor (depending on who you ask) for DH
Treatment and Meds: Taking 5mg of femara. Trying naturally for 1 more month and then starting IUI in August. Plan to take 5mg femara + trigger shot for first couple tries at IUI and then move on to injectibles if that isn't working well enough.
Next appointment: Will start IUI cycle in August.
Cycles TTC another: Had IUD removed 4/10 but really have been trying since 6/10.

Screen name: Fleece Be With You
Real Name: Jessica
Age: 24
Children and ages: Hunter, born 9-18-09
Losses: none
Diagnosis: still working on it, the theory right now is Celiac disease, Adrenal fatigue, and fructose malabsorption.
Treatment: Diet, but it's really complicated right now.
Next Appt: Seeing a dietician next week to try to figure out what I can actually eat.
Cycles TTC another: We haven't been preventing since Hunter was born.

Screen name: heatherlovesCD's
Real Name: Heather
Age: me - 33, hubby - 38
Children and ages: Zack 5, Twins Samantha and Blake 3, Twins Matthew and Joshua 13 months.
Losses: March '07
Diagnosis: severe male factor infertility, not treatable
Treatment: IVF/FET, all 5 of my kids are from one fresh cycle of IVF done in 1/05. My first son is a result of that transfer. My first frozen transfer ended in early m/c. My second gave me my first set of twins. The third FET gave me my second set of twins. I have 4 more embryos frozen which we will continue to transfer 2 at a time (assuming they all survive the thaw) over the next few years.
Next Appt: None scheduled. We have a tentative plan to do our next FET in late winter early spring '12. We will try on our own until then as I desperately dream for a "homemade" baby. We don't expect to get pregnant until the transfer.
Cycles TTC another: I don't keep track. We have been TTC since 11/10.

Screen Name: sdavis514
Real Name: Sarah
Age: 30 (DH 31)
Current Children and age: one DS age 3 1/2
Lost Children and Dates: none
Diagnosis: I was diagnosed with PCOS back in 2003, was put on clomid from 9/04-1/05 with no results, took break and became pregnant with DS with no intervention. Have been NTNP for over 3 years now. GYN will refer me in July if not pregnant by then.
Treatment and meds: Currently none.
Next Appointment: July
Cycles TTC another: This is my first of really taking charge of my fertility.

Screen Name: Malenkaya
Real Name: Anastasia
Age (SO): 38 (47)
Current Children and ages: Ella, 5/19/08
Lost Children and dates: 9/04, 3/09, 9/09, 4/10, 7/10, 3/11
Diagnosis: Antiphosphilipid Antibodies, Recurrent Miscarriage, Chromosomal Abnormalities, Mild Ashermans, PAI-1 4G/5G Deficiency
Treatment and Meds: prenatals with DHA, Folgard, B6, baby aspirin and Lovenox daily.
Next Appointment: N/A
Cycles TTC another child: since January 2009.

Screen Name: love4leon
Real Name: Rebecca
Age: 36 (DH 37)
Current Children and age: Winnie 4 years
Diagnosis: Endometriosis (Me) DH diagnosed with Low sperm count, low motility, and liquidation. 5/11 diagnosed with testicular cancer. Began Chemotherapy June 27th.
Treatment and meds: IUI done 1/2/2011, 2/5/2011, 3/2011, 4/2011
Next Appointment: Waiting to finish Chemo before scheduling an appointment
Cycles TTC another: 24 cycles

Screen Name:Pretzelpirate07
Real Name: Leigh
Age 28 my Dh is 30
Current Children and age: Child 1: 2.5 yr old Kaiden child 2 Aurora 1.5 yrs old
Lost Children and dates: zelda march 2006 anecheaply 26 weeks
Diagnosis: PCOS, insulin resistance, gastric bypass and tubal reversal
Treatment and Meds: BCP then clomid, then onto injectibles and IUI
Next appointment: In the next few months
Cycles TTC another:either for surro parents or myself

Women Pregnant and praying to make it. If you need to be added to this list please give your EDD and the date you will be 12 weeks. Thank you! To find out how many weeks you are use this link.

Screen Name: ncflanagan
Real Name: Noreen
Age: Me, 37 / DH, 31
Current Children and age: DS1 (15) and DS2 (2)
Losses: June '10 (6 wks), Sept '10 (8 wks, twins), April '11 (18wks 3dys, girl)
Date I'll be 12 wks: Sept 21st


Screen Name:poopstermomma
Real Name: Rochelle
Age:31 (DH 37)
Current Children and age DD ( 1 yr old)
Diagnosis: anovulation
Treatment and meds: 2nd cycle of Clomid
Next Appointment: Sept 24 to check progesterone
Cycles TTC another: 19 months (8 cycles)


Lurkers/Waiting to TTC/Graduates/Cheerleaders

Screen Name: flmamao2
Real Name: Sherrill
Age (SO): 30-31 next month (33)
Current Children and ages: Chloe (9), Hailey (7)
Lost Children and dates: 11/10, 1/11
Diagnosis: None as of yet, no testing until the 3rd MC per my Dr
Treatment and Meds: everyday meds: prenatals with DHA, Bcomplex, thinking of starting baby asprin and soy again
Next Appointment: None scheduled, respond to office for blood work as soon as a positive is seen for hcg draws and progesterone testing
Cycles TTC another child: 14
EDD: 1/23/12

Screen Name: Meeshkasheeba
Real Name: Tina
Age (SO): 27 (DH 27)
Current Children and age: DS1-4 yrs old, DS2-21mo old
Lost children and dates: 8week loss, 01/07
Diagnosis: endometriosis (stage IV in "04 and stage III now)
Treatment and meds: Laparotomy- 7/04, Lupron injection 11/04 Laproscope- 7/05, 7/08, 3/11
Next Appointment: in waiting
Cycles TTC another: 11

Screen Name: chmom77
Real Name: Helen
Age (SO): 31 (DH 37)
Current Children and age: DD (3 yrs old)
Lost children and dates: ectopic 6/10
Diagnosis:PCOS, endometriosis, arcuate septum, uterine polyps, unexplained uterine lining issues (all me) and varicoseles (DH).
Treatment and meds: hysterosocopy/lap surgery in Jan. '11, mini-stim FET in April with Follistim, Ganirelex, low-dose HCG, trigger, medrol, estrace, and progesterone in oil
Next Appointment: 5/9 follow-up blood work
Cycles TTC another: 25 months (16 cycles)
12 week Date: June 26
EDD: 1/8/2012

Screen Name:moonglowdesigns
Real Name:
Age(SO):29 (DH 35)
Current Children and age:Ds (10yrs), Ds (6yrs), Ds (4yrs)
Lost Children and dates:3 angels, ('04, '09 and '10)
Diagnosis MFI
Treatment and meds:We have decided to NTNP and leave it up to the fates on whether we will have another child or not.
Cycles TTC another: Since '09

Screen Name: amyltc
Real Name: Amy
Age: 27 my Dh is 31
Current Children and age: DD1 Allie, age 4.5, Hannah age 2.5
Lost Children and dates: none
Diagnosis: Endometriosis, had surgery to remove on 9/14, tipped uterus, mostly unexplained infertility
Next appointment: None
Cycles TTC another: 18 cycles of active TTC, no BC since our 3 yo was born.
Moving on to fostering to adopt.

Screen Name: kt~mommy
Real Name: Katie
Age: Me 29; DH 30
Current Children and ages: Oliver (3)
Diagnosis: Male Factor (high progesterone affecting sperm motility) plus LPD
Treatment and Meds: TAB from mine, DH taking meds to lower his progesterone
Next Appointment: blood retesting in January 2011
Cycles TTC another child: 17 months

Screen Name: McMamma
Real Name: Char

Screen Name: Sweetmama26
Real Name: Krystal
Age (SO):26 at the end of April
Current Children and age: Child 1: 7, Child 2: 4(in May), DS: 23 months
Lost Children and dates: M/C 1: 6wks(2000), M/C 2:6wks(2002), M/C 3:9wks(2003), M/C 4: Vanishing Twin Syndrome 8.5 weeks lost baby 1 had baby 2 in May of 06(2005), M/C 5: 6 weeks(2007), M/C 6: 11wks (2008), M/C 7: 4 weeks 3 days(april 2010)
Diagnosis: PCOS and Chromosomal Anomalies
Treatment and Meds: Progesterone
Next appointment:
Cycles TTC another:

Screen name: 3 Ladybugs
Real Name: Jennifer
Age (SO): 34 (DH 36)
Current Children and age: Maximillian (2 years)
Lost children and dates: Christopher (lived 28 minutes, July 31, 2006), Alexander (lived 11 days. Died August 11, 2006), Emily (lived 5 months 5 days. Died January 5, 2007), "Baby D" (Miscarried, September 2007)
Diagnosis: Insulin Resistant, Non-PCOS, Unexplained infertilty, in remission for Hodgkins/Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, possible chemo induced premature ovarian failure.
Treatment and meds: Will do FET (frozen embryo transfer) but need to wait 2 years from remission status to do cycle. Hoping for August 2012 for transfer.
Cycles TTC another: First "take home child" - 3 months short of 5 years. Had 6 cycles between me weaning my son, and chemo stopping my cycles. Haven't had a natural cycle since February 2010

[HeatherlovesCDs]

I think I got everyone added. Let me know if I missed something.

Cindy - I didn't have any issues while I was on the stim meds during my IVF. I was emotional, but I'm always emotional and I was going through IVF. I didn't gain any weight. Really, I didn't have any noticeable side affects. Not everyone has negative side affects from the meds. I wouldn't worry. Plus, I'm praying you won't need them.

Evolution - I didn't see your information. If you want to post it, I'll get you added. On another note: It doesn't matter how many kids you have. When you want another, your heart aches for it. It's something you can't control. Do not feel badly for that. I have 5 kids and I desperately want more. I have 4 who are frozen through IVF. I hope they all survive. The desperation I have is for a homemade baby. I do feel guilty about it wanting it so much, but I know I shouldn't. It is natural and not something I have control over. So, you aren't alone in having a big family and wanting more even through struggles.

Melissa - Where are you in your IVF cycle? I've done one fresh and 3 frozen. You can read my bio above if you want. I pray this is it for you.

Rebecca - How is your husband feeling?

Leigh - I'm really sorry.

AFM - I think I'm at 11dpo. I need to look. I don't keep great track of it. I guess I'll do some OPK's, but I'm feeling like giving up right now. It just feels so pointless.

Also, I just have a lot going on right now. I'm having a hard time getting things done these days. The kids just seem to be really needy right now. We are struggling with sleep (nap and bed times). I know they are tired. But, my husband and I have started going to the gym again. I'm really trying to renew my weight loss efforts. I've gained back almost all 10lbs I lost a couple of months ago. I feel really depressed about the way I look and yet I feel powerless to overcome it. (I know that won't make sense to those who don't struggle with weight issues. My weight issues, like most, are more emotional than physical.) Lately, I'm really struggling because of it. Yesterday, I skipped church because I didn't have anything to wear that I hadn't already worn at least 2 or 3 Sunday's in a row. I don't have anything to wear because when I go to the store, I have a hard time finding anything that fits properly and even if it fits, I had the way I look in everything. I did have success at the TJ Max yesterday though. But, of course, that trip lead to an intense conversation (including me crying) about my weight with my husband. (He loves me, but doesn't like my weight. He is a physical therapist and a body builder. He is very serious about his fitness and looking good. We are miss matched in that way.) Plus, my in-laws are fine, but they are getting on my nerves a little. I'm sleep deprived right now too, which makes everything seem worse. Anyway, all that to say, I'm just really struggling right now. Thanks for reading and letting me vent on here. Hopefully, I'll feel better soon.

[Vegan Princess]

Aww Heather. I know the feeling! I was never too overweight but always over where I was comfortable. Sometimes up to 20 lbs over where I really like to be. It just effects so much of how you feel during the day and in so much that you do! Thanks to nursing, I easily got back to where I like to be! But not nursing, being pregnant and so stressed out while I was pregnant that I would miscarry (and then miscarrying) meant a lot of binge eating. So my weight has been creeping back up. I so need to nurse again! LOL! I ate like a trucker and lost weight. Anyway, you have a ton on your plate! I hope some sleep makes you feel like you can face it all again.

Nothing exciting here!

Cindy

[HeatherlovesCDs]

That is awesome that nursing helped you lose weight. I have nursed 2 sets of twins (and a singleton) and never lost anything due to nursing. I don't eat anymore when I'm nursing than when I'm not, but I do drink a ton of water. I'm still nursing my 16 month olds, 2x's a day. I do lose my weight very quickly after delivery though. The longest it took me was 3wks and the fastest was after this last set of twins, I lost 50lbs in 10 days which put me at 5lbs lower than my pre-preg weight. (It was all water. Talk about swollen!! Several nurses said things like, "I've never seen anything like that before. ) But, I never lost another pound after that. I'm only 10lbs heavier than I was before I got pregnant with my oldest and I was this weight a year or two before he came along. So, this isn't baby weight. It isn't IF. It isn't anything except me and my emotional baggage. I've been this weight for a very long time now, probably about 10 years. My husband is not mean to me, but he can't help the fact that he isn't attracted to me either. He tries, but he just isn't. I wouldn't be attracted to him if he was 60lbs overweight either, so I don't blame him. I know he loves me and is totally committed to me. He just doesn't look at me with any lust or desire like he did when we first got married. I'm just so overwhelmingly sick of it and yet I just can't seem to muster the emotional strength needed to conquer it. Okay, that is totally OT and I'm just whining and complaining. So, I'll shut up now.

[lalakiwi7]

Heather..... I totally understand the emotional bit intensifying already dramatic issues....it's called the wonderful world of womanly hormones. So sorry your having a tough/ emotional week. I don't understand the weight thing (got my dads metabolism and healthy tooth) buty my mom and sisters have alwAys struggled with theirs and I do know how hard it can be on everything. My mom and older sister have had surgeries and lap bands and still struggle to maintain their weights. It's a rollercoaster for sure and emotionally draining! I think your amazing with five under five! Wow. And breastfeeding twins! That's an accomplishment for sure I would focus on your awesomeness! For real!


Cindy...how are you. Did af show up?


Afm just waiting to stop bleeding. I thought it would be like a stronger period but I feel completely exhausted.... Like I wiped....probably emotionally drained over here too. Really praying for another august miracle! Seems to be a good month for us in past years so only time will tell.

[Love4leon]

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to check in- sorry I have fallen behind on persies. I will try to get up to speed soon.

I just wanted to share that tomorrow is Brian's last day of Chemo!!!!!!!! Now we just need to keep him healthy Also- I got AF today- no surprise there since it other-wise would've been immaculate conception! So... it looks like we will soon be able to talk fertility rather than cancer (fingers crossed.)

[meeshkasheeba]

I just had to stop by and say ugh! 7 of my friends are pregnant right now and the last one just announced it this weekend. I am so tired of hearing it. I know I am just being selfish, but really, I don't want to hear how your "accident" happened or see one more child come into a dysfunctional home. Sorry for the vent, I just had to get that out.

Although to dh we are still ntnp, I O today or tomorrow so I am really hoping that we will catch this egg.

Heather, I hope things calm sown for you some and life gets a little easier. I understand the weight thing. I have gained oh, 40lbs in the last 10 years and I just can't seem to get it off. I got down to my high school weight after my 1st with the use of a personal trainer, but this time I have just put on weight and put on weight. It makes me sick and is rather depressing to me as well.

[pretzelpirate07]

my hcg and progesterone both rose

[HeatherlovesCDs]

Leisl - Thank you so much for the encouragement! You say such sweet things.

Rebecca - Yay for the end of Chemo!!! I hope he is feeling okay.

Pirate - Woo Hoo!

[pretzelpirate07]

if any experts want to message me i have some questions about my ultrasound etc