Last month I had my TSH checked as part of my routine labs with my gynecologist. It came back just a little high, 3.78. So I had her repeat my TSH along with my free T4 and TPO antibodies. The repeat TSH was 2.06, with a normal free T4 and negative TPO antibodies. I had samples of thyroid hormone replacement ready to go, but with negative antibodies, I'm not too worried about the TSH now.
AF showed up again Thursday night, so I went in this morning (CD5, thanks to AFs poor timing) for baseline labs with my RE. My antral follicle count is about the same as it was the cycle that gave me Finn - 6 now, 5 then. My FSH has jumped quite a bit, from 11.4 to 16 and estradiol is 20. (for those of you not versed in normal values, these are indicators of fertility; my antral follicle count is low, not good, but the same as it was in the past. My FSH is too high, also not good and further proof my eggs are elderly.) My AMH is still pending, but it's been low before, so I don't expect that to be any different now, though.
Based on these disappointing results, I'm now planning on just one IUI, and then if that doesn't work, going straight to IVF. I'm still going ahead with the HSG that we have scheduled for Friday, just to give the IUI the best possible chance of working. We'd decided to not have me TTC this cycle "just in case" there was something abnormal, but the chance of that happening is low, so of course now I'm wishing I'd decided to go ahead and try this cycle. I had a conversation with my friend LB today where she decided that right now was the time to tell me that she thought I shouldn't be doing the HSG this cycle, and wondered if I really needed it at all. Seriously, right now, after I'd already rearranged my schedule and am mentally prepared to get it done . I completely understand her thought process, but right now I'm just not capable of changing course. Even if she'd brought it up last week maybe, but now? I love LB, but sometimes she's a very stressful friend to have, as she just doesn't know when to stop. And sometimes she tries so hard to make sure I know she only has my best interests at heart that she makes it worse.
I'd really hoped that already having a baby would make this second round of trying to conceive less emotionally draining, but I can already tell that's not going to be the case. I'm not even on hormones yet and I'm already feeling emotionally labile.
At least I do have the stabilizing factor of my little boy. We all had a great time at the splash pad this weekend. Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the morning.
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| Love this picture of Finn and D - he's such a good cousin and big brother |
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| any idea what this sign is? |
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| D soaking Oliver while Finn watches |
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| Finn wandered around singing to himself |
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| Oliver after a snack |
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Now that is a splash pad! He looks like he ad so much fun and such a cutie! Wishing you an easy journey to #2!
ReplyDeleteGoodness - my 14mo has those same trunks - they're darling!! Finn is darling, too' It looks like the sign for "cracker" to me!! Good luck with TTC#2, about to start next cycle myself. Love your blog - fun to see a professional mom with a son about the same age. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's it! Cracker! Thank you - I knew I'd seen it on our Signing Time video, just couldn't remember what it was...obviously he learned it from the video. :) Good luck T42 - let's hope we both are successful quickly!
DeleteI have signing time memorized. :) Good luck to you too, can't wait to follow along on your blog, it's great!
DeleteAren't hormones fun? I hope the HSG goes well.
ReplyDeleteWhat amazing pics?
ReplyDeleteHaving an HSG couldn't hurt and only clarify that it's a go so if I were you I go ahead with it too.
Hormones, gotta love them, eh! I agree that the HSG can't hurt.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos!! looks like a great day!
Those pictures make me want to seek out splash pads in my area. Those are great! And why shouldn't you do the HSG? Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteSuper Cuteness in those pictures :)
ReplyDeleteYour "elderly eggs" gave me the image of little old eggs with glasses and walkers ;)
Sorry you're dealing with the craziness of hormones already.
It must be so weird to be back in the fertility trenches after all this time! Best of luck with T42 - I'll be watching with much interest!
ReplyDeleteThinking of you as you enter this wonderful journey of T42. I agree, it's better to do the HSG - I wonder why my RE doesn't do that test but does the SHG instead. I look forward to reading about your hopefully very short journey!
ReplyDeleteHey Shan, I had a dream last night that you were 2 months pregnant. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you and Finn.
ReplyDeleteBest dream ever! :) Thanks!
DeleteGreat pictures.
ReplyDeleteI don't think TTC can ever be easy. I'm hoping it works on the first IUI, but I'm glad you have a plan to move forward quickly. I wanted to mention the numbers. Personally, I don't believe they mean anything. I had a great FSH, never over 5.5, and a normal AMH, and beautiful embryos and still couldn't get pregnant.
Sorry to hear that you were struggling. I was curious to hear how it was to be back in the saddle, so to speak, with TTC. VERY sorry to hear it's just as hard the second time around!
ReplyDeleteI love that Finn runs around singing to himself. I like to think it's because of the CD I made for him 1 year and 2(ish) months ago. But when he's a teenager and listening to music that gives you a headache... that's not because of my CD.
ReplyDeleteFor future reference.
Sending you and your hormone count much love.