[carabelli]

I posted previously... but to recap, I had a miscarriage on Oct. 11. AF returned Nov. 11th (full flow the 12th). Today, Nov. 14th I just had my three day FSH test, and it was a shocking 17.1!!! I am devastated. I can't believe it. In May it was 9, and in June it was 6. How could it suddenly jump so high?! Is there any remote possibility that the hormal changes created by the miscarriage made my body wacky and produce more FSH than it should have? I've found absolutely nothing to that effect anywhere, but it was worth a hope. I guess my poor egg quality caused the miscarriage.

My RE has me on the follistim pen (dose-225) for four nights, then going in to see follicle count on Tuesday. We want to do another IUI.

Is there any hope here? I'm so upset!!! I'm 37 years old.... not young, but not ancient!!

[Starflower]

I am sorry for your loss. I'm not familiar with how egg quality works...could it be the eggs just for that particular cycle i.e. could your egg quality improve the next time around?

Don't give up! You are not too old for one thing!! Second, I am proof that even after 4 miscarriages, it can still happen for you (I am 35 years old and will be 36 in January). For me, it seemed to be implantation issues, so I tried daily low dose aspirin and that seemed to do the trick.

The fact that you are conceiving is very encouraging...my husband and I figured if you keep rolling the dice, it has to work sometime! I know it's hard to stay positive, but try and keep your chin up!

<<HUGS>>

[mgmsrk]

It’s common for some women to flip flop with FSH levels, however I have read that FSH levels should not be taken with in a month or so of using hormonal treatments because it can change the results.

[iwanabamama]

I too have a high FSH level at age 35 and is unexplained. My 1st IVF my level was higher than this time. Sorry, I don't no the numbers . What I did diffrent was Acupuncture & Herbs, change my diet. cut down my stress (JOB) & was just tried to stay very postive. Your hormone levels move up down all the time. Try to relax stay calm and wait another month or so. Head up your not alone.

(((HUGS)))

[Starflower]

carabelli - From the last couple of posts it sounds like changes can be related to hormones - once your system gets back to 'normal' from the miscarriage I bet your FSH will be normal again. I know my first cycle after a miscarriage was always out of whack in terms of temps = hormones, it takes your body some time to regulate everything.

[carabelli]

Thank you Starflower, mgmsrk, and iwanabamama for your words of encouragement.

I wish I could explain the high fsh from the infertility drugs, but I hadn't taken them since July as of the test date (Fri. Nov 14th). Of course, I started them again on Friday night.

I have searched and searched (and searched and searched) the internet for some indication that a recent miscarriage can alter fsh readings such that they are misrepresentative of the actual condition of the ovaries. But to no avail! I have seen some individual cases where, despite high fsh, they have been able to conceive and deliver a healthy baby, but I wonder for every success, how many haven't been successful. I wish I was an optimist at heart!!

Guess I'm a real Debbie downer today!

Despite my stubborn resistance to the good advice to stay positive, your replies were very helpful. I haven't COMPLETELY given up yet.

[Starflower]

oh wait, I have just remembered something that might help!

After I had my last m/c, my specialist would not do any bloodwork until 6 weeks later...she told me that the miscarriage would affect the bloodwork results. There were several tests, one of them being FSH.

Keep your chin up and keep us posted on how you are doing!!

[carabelli]

Thanks Starflower! That is encouraging to hear!

I had my appt. yesterday and asked my RE this question. (via nurse and tech of course) They said that once my hcg returned to zero, the miscarriage should not affect the results of my fsh test. But, it seems that different people have different opinions so who knows. They weren't as doom and gloom as I'd feared though.

I had three follicles (with a little help from follistim). She upped my dose to 300 units, and we're planning to proceed with IUI again. (they'll be re-checked on Fri) I think my saving grace is my DH has lots of sperm! If that doesn't work, then we're planning on doing the birth control/lupron protocol. I guess I'm not a candidate for IVF because I'm not producing enough. But IUI semi-"worked" last time to achieve preg. just need the spermie to find a GOOD egg!

Nonetheless, plan B is adoption, which I am currently researching. I seem to be slowly making peace with either outcome. (at least ebbing and flowing from one emotion to the other... hoping eventually I'll have a permanent flow to acceptance!)

It looks like your pregnancy is progressing very well so far!! That's wonderful, and it's nice to see a success story!!

[Byrd]

I'm sorry hun. I'm new to all of this but I hope you have a positive outcome from all of this. Baby Dust and Sticky Glue!

[Starflower]

carabelli - how are you doing??? I hope this month is your month!

IUI definitely gives you a better chance of getting pregnant (my RE said it increases your chances by 25% for that cycle). I will keep my fingers crossed for you! The fact that you are able to conceive is EXCELLENT...I have no doubt in my mind that you are going to have a successful pregnancy.

Are you taking progesterone or baby aspirin this cycle - a couple of additional things you might want to try if your RE says it's OK that can't hurt but they might help!

[carabelli]

Ahh Starflower!! Thanks for thinking of me. I had the IUI on Nov. 25th, so I am still waiting to take the pregnancy test. I'll probably break down on Sunday to take it.

I had 2 good follicles. I wish there were more!

No symptoms so far! Originally my RE mentioned the baby aspirin, but didn't say anything about it this time. If good fortune smiles upon me, and I get a bfp, I'll definitely ask her about it. I am taking prometrium.

I'll keep you updated.
Sounds like your bean is coming along nicely!!

[Starflower]

How did it go carabelli??