Fertility & Reproductive Health: Meet others and share your story

Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Nov 4, 2019

Welcome to the Fertility & Reproductive Health group on Mayo Clinic Connect.
This is a welcoming, safe place where you can meet people who know first-hand about dealing with fertility complications and reproduction health. Together we can learn from each other and share stories about challenges and triumphs, setbacks and the things that help.

Pull up a chair and connect. Why not start by introducing yourself? What is your experience? Got a question, tip or story to share?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Fertility & Reproductive Health Support Group.

paddingtonk | @paddingtonk | Nov 11, 2019

In reply to @loren12 "For me the injections started off okay but that is when I tended to have the..." + (show)

I was on the max med from the start and it was tough. I didn’t expect to get so tired and worn out from the meds.

loren12 | @loren12 | Nov 11, 2019

In reply to @paddingtonk "I was on the max med from the start and it was tough. I didn’t expect..." + (show)

I also started on the max dose.... definitely takes a toll on you!!!

Nikki | @fishing2990 | Nov 13, 2019

Hello,

I finally figured out how to log in here and thought I'd introduce myself. My name is Nikki and I love in the Prior Lake, MN. I grew up in NW Wisconsin, but went to school in Duluth as well and love that area! I have been a RN for 7 years now all within the Mayo system. My husband and I have been TTC for 2 years. I have done 4 cycles of Clomid, 5 cycles of letrozole with 2 of them including IUIs, and I just complete my first IVF cycle in October. All my tests and workup never really showed anything wrong. I got a vague diagnosis of PCOS, but that was just because I reported enough symptoms to meet criteria. It has been a long few years, and I never imagined I would know so much about the female body and what it "should " do. We are feeling hopeful after our first IVF cycle. Interested to hear about other people's experiences. I've felt very lonely throughout this process as I didn't know others who had struggled to pregnant.

minnesotamrsa | @minnesotamrsa | Nov 13, 2019

In reply to @fishing2990 "Hello, I finally figured out how to log in here and thought I'd introduce myself. My..." + (show)

Welcome Nikki!

loren12 | @loren12 | Nov 13, 2019

@fishing2990 welcome to the group! I explained a bit about my situation in my introduction but I also went thru the IUI process and I unfortunately did not have success on that route. We started IVF in September and it is definitely not an easy road to travel. I completely relate with you on the feeling lonely part! This has been, by far, the most isolating experience I have ever had. I have always had amazing support in my friends and family and this was something that none of them had gone thru so it was very hard for them to really understand the way I needed them to sometimes. This group is a wonderful resource and even though it is just beginning I hope that it can act as a group to help take away some of that feeling lonely and offer support!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 22, 2019

Hi all, Time for a check-in. As we head into the weekend, followed by the Thanksgiving holiday, I wanted to check in.
@abcdefghi @doglover14 @fishing2990 @loren12 @minnesotamrsa @paddingtonk @phoenixzip How are you doing?

paddingtonk | @paddingtonk | Nov 23, 2019

I am doing well. Lots going on. We leave for Flagstaff, Az on Monday after my blood test(fingers crossed). When we get back I have an appointment for acupuncture at the healthy living center. I’ve heard it can help with infertility so I figure why not try it? I started the Lupron shots and so far I’m feeling pretty good. I got laid off last week so that kind of works out for things. I’m an electrician so getting laid off is a normal part of my job. December 18 is coming quickly. I’m excited and nervous for the transfer. Praying for good results. I hope everyone has a great holidays.

loren12 | @loren12 | Nov 23, 2019

Hello! I am doing well! Things definitely get a bit busy around the holidays but I love it! @paddingtonk I will definitely keep you in my prayers as you wait for the 18th!!!

minnesotamrsa | @minnesotamrsa | Nov 24, 2019

Hi all!
I’m doing just fine; we had an all day Mayo visit recently with about 6 different appointments. most of them were to get ready for our next round in Feb. We are deciding not to do genetic testing this round. In hindsight we wish we wouldn’t have opted for it last round. We thought we would have 8 embryos to test and then our chances were higher of leading to a live birth because we would’ve taken the best looking one. Looking back we wish Mayo would’ve warned us before sending our ONE embryo for testing. We didn’t realize that Mayo’s policy is they refuse to transfer an abnormal embryo even if we want them too. Had they not done testing they would’ve transferred anyway and then our embryo would’ve had a chance to correct itself (again, something I learned through this process). It was hard learning it would’ve been a girl. My friends all say “that makes it feel a bit more real doesn’t it” when they hear it is a girl. And I have to remind them that although it’s not in my stomach, she IS ”real” and is the closest thing to a baby we’ve ever had. we all start as embryos and this is a loss for us. So I’ve been working through that most recently. But I move on best when I actually move on so I’m trying to just focus on the next round.

abcdefghi | @abcdefghi | Nov 24, 2019

Updates!

Several people mentioned that they are currently going through treatments (IVF or IUI or ben and jerry's ice cream *cough-me). Anyone want to share their updates?