[JennyCat]

I'm Jennifer. I stumbled across this forum when I was looking for information about follicles.

My husband and I tried on our own for about 2 years. We had months there when we didn't try because it was just frustrating. Eventually he (yes, he) suggested artificial insemination. This was before either of use knew what an IUI was.

So in September we both went to Shady Grove fertility and started these tests. Goodness...I think the HSG was the strangest thing ever. The internal ultra sound was odd but at least that didn't hurt. We've both checked out fine.

At first we were going to do an natural IUI but since we only have two tries and the chances of natural IUI are the same as if you just had sex we decided to go with medication. I say only two tries because my husband is currently stationed on the other side of the country. He left enough of a sample for two tries. Then we have to wait till he comes home again (could be next summer).

So anyhoo, I got my period on thanksgiving. Great way to start that day but I was actually happy to get my period. I did b/w and u/s today. I took my first clomid pill this evening.

I'm nervous. I've been reading posts all over these boards and in your signatures I see what you all have been going through. I'm just starting. Some of what I've read is hopeful. Some of it though just scares me. Not sure if that makes sense.

[libragirl72]

JennyCat,
Welcome to the site. I just had my first IUI on Tuesday...2ww. My husband is also stationed on the other side of the country. He left only two samples for me, so I am crossing my fingers that we don't need more!
I'm sure you will love the site. I am new here also, this site has helped me feel a higher level of comfort. And I don't feel so alone.
Good Luck!!

Kim

[JennyCat]

Thanks
It does make things more pressing to only have two tries. They wanted him to leave another sample before he left but there really wasn't time and we didn't have the money. This was before I did a loan. We could find some means of shipping but I'd have to do some research to see how all that works.

[jr1015]

Hello ladies! I joined the forum 3 or 4 days ago... I've really enjoyed reading all of your comments and applying them to myself! You are all so considerate and caring of each other's needs. It's really nice to have girls like you to talk with. Lots of times it feels so lonely in this discouraging life of TTC!!! I can't believe that other women actually have the EXACT same thoughts, questions, worries and feelings as myself! It is refreshing to not feel like the outsider. DH and I are doing our 1st IVF cycle this month and now I am in that dreaded 2ww...I mean it's only been 2 days since my transfer and I feel as if I am slowly going crazy! It's hard to be on this positive/negative emotional roller coaster. Hoping and praing for a on Tues. Dec. 4th Best of luck and sticky thoughts to you all.... it will happen! Thanks for having us introduce ourselves - I hope to hear from some of you. I know that a couple of us just had transfers within a couple days of each other - let's keep each other posted! Jenna

[libragirl72]

Yeah, we could only afford to leave two samples...we didn't have time anyways!
Are you doing your IUI through the military? or civilian specialist?

Kim

[JennyCat]

I was told tricare didn't cover anything. They only covered his blood work and analysis. They didn't cover his freezing. My insurance doesn't even cover much except the initial screening tests and blood tests.

[libragirl72]

So long as my husband is active duty, tricare is covering me. I am having all of my IUI / infertility work done at our local military hospital. Tricare doesn't cover the cost of storing my husbands sperm, nor does it cover the lab costs for IVF. So we have paid for the freezing, and expect to pay for IVF if we get to that point.

Make sure that you look into it. It could save you lots of $$. If there is a military hospital in your area, look to see if they have an infertility specialist, or ask their OB/GYN dept.

Kim

[JennyCat]

Hmm...didn't realize that. I'd have to go military though. I like the facility I'm working with now. Does the military accept you going to an civilian specialist? Military docs make me nervous. All my sisters have have problems with them during their pregnancies.

[jencat215]

new girls! JennyCat...love your name . Jen and libragirl-how do you do it with your DH's so far away? I am crying to think of your husbands being away over the holidays. (of course, I cry at most things these days). How often do you get to see them?

I know there are lots of military couples here and there is even a thread somewhere about them.

Good luck to both of you!!!

[libragirl72]

I have had a great experience with the military hospital I am working with. I was working with a civilian ob/gyn, but when meds alone didn't work, he referred me to the military hospital because of cost. They took over as soon as I started going there.
Everyone has been great with me. I had two surgeries, lots of sonograms, and many exams. And they are quick to put me at ease.
Sometimes I don't get in as soon as I'd like, but that is my only complaint! I was concerned about the going to a military hospital, but I am glad that I have had a great experience.

Look into it...what do you have to lose?

Kim

[JennyCat]

jencat215 - my husband actually gave me the name jennycat. When we were younger my hair was very long and I was always brushing it (grooming) and I would nag at him a lot like my old cat nagged. So he started meowing at me whenever I nagged. Eventually that lead to Jennycat.

It's tough with him away but I'm mostly used to it. We did it before when he was away 3 yrs with the Marines (he's Army now). Thankfully he's never been to the sandbox as he calls it. He wants to go though.

He's been very supportive. I keep him up to date on all the tests. I swear he was traumatize by his SA though. lol The look on his face was so funny.

He left in September to go to Hawaii (lucky him). We just bought a house and we want a "home base" so I stayed here. I think we deal well though because we've known each other so long. I've known him since just before I turned 15. Going on 16 years this January! We've been married for almost 4 years. We have a solid foundation. Though we've both received the "Bad husband"/"bad wife" looks. Him for leaving me behind and me for not going with him.

I'm hoping he can come home for a brief visit this summer. Course if I get pregnant he'll hold off and save his leave.

[libragirl72]

Being a military wife is difficult. But, I knew what I was signing up for when I married my DH. I haven't seen my DH since August he is in S. Carolina for school. Since he is in the states, my DS and I will fly to meet him for Christmas hiatus. I can hardly wait.

I gotta tell you...with my DH gone, and me doing all the fertility drugs, it might be good that he is gone...I tend to be a raging pschyo...over emotional...and somewhat crazy. So, it is probably good just for that. On the other hand, when I had my IUI on Tues, I left crying, and cried all the way home because I felt so alone.

I have really enjoyed this site! It is so comforting to me.

Kim

[libragirl72]

My DH is Army also. He was in Iraq in 2004. He will be home in Feb, but within 6 months, he will be going back overseas for 14 months.
We are pretty used to it also. We have known each other for 12 years, been married almost 4 and are best friends.
We are very lucky that we live in the era we do. Back in my grandparents day, they couldnt email, IM, or talk via webcam. I would have gone crazy then.

My DH was also freaked about the SA. Why is that????

Don't pay attention to what others say. It was your decision, and probably tough enough without peoples comments. People don't always think about what they are saying, especially when they don't understand what you are going through.

K

[jencat215]

Hawaii? Well, you MUST go visit him

I don't think of you guys as bad husband/bad wife. Everyone lives their lives differently. And what your DHs do is wonderful. And your support for your DHs is amazing.

Surprisingly, when it came to the SA, my DH was totally cool about the entire thing. I, of course, couldn't stop giggling. For his first SA, he went alone. But when we had our IUIs I have been in the room with him. OMG I just get a bad case of the giggles. The first time I thought he was going to throw me out. This past time I was much better, but when we got to the parking lot he said 'go ahead, let it out', then I just laughed so hard I almost peed in my pants!

I am glad you both found this site. It has really helped me, as well as many many girls. IF is such a hard thing to deal with.

Oh, I choose the name Jencat215 because I have 3 cats and my birthday is Feb 15. And my name is Jennifer.

[themainissue]

Hi everyone! This is a wonderful thread. Do you know why this is a wonderful thread? Because if you start reading it from the beginning, which was in April, you can see everyone's story, along with their signatures. But if you look closely at their signatures, you'll notice that even though the posts are old, the signatures aren't. It's really cool to see someone post about their anxiety or hope, etc. and then to look at their signature and see that they are expecting in a few months, or adopting, or whatever their resolution has been. Even those who are still trying...it gives me hope that this process is worth doing and just to persevere.

Thanks for that, everyone.

I started my online journey anonymously. My husband and I have intrusive family and friends, and have grown very weary of the suggestions, advice, dissapointments, and sad looks. We are not telling anyone we're ttc. That is an extremely difficult task for two saggitarians.

We are both teachers in the midwest. DH has cystic fibrosis, so we've never used birth control. I guess that means technically we've been ttc for 12 years. 5 years ago we started with fertility options, and had a failed IUI attempt.

4 years ago we foster/adopted a teen girl who was almost literally half our age. What a weird challenge that has been, but ultimately amazing.

Now she's prepping to get out there on her own, and we are ready to ttc so we don't have to be empty-nesters before we are 30!

We are going to try infant adoption at the same time as fertility treatments and see what sticks first. The first appointment I could get with an OB/GYN was in Feb. So, in the meantime, it's hurry up and wait.

Thanks for the support everyone. You all are too cool.