Monday, July 14, 2014

Your test results are in....and they are NORMAL?!

Over a year and 3 IVF cycles later my clinic decided to test my AMH levels.  This is partially my fault for not asking but I did all sorts of research about Day 3 testing before I had mine done last July.  I made the mistake of assuming that AMH was included in that group of testing.  So last year when Dr. H. called to tell me that all of my tests came back normal except for my high FSH I thought that meant my AMH was fine.  Come to find out after our last cycle (an FET in June) failed that it was not included and they wanted to test it now.  So we did and today I finally got the results back.  My level came in at 2.6 which is right in the middle of the normal range (1.5 - 4.0).  I seriously wish someone would have been taping me when Nurse Jenny told me the news.  I'm positive my jaw dropped all the way to the floor.  I was just sure that it would be low but was hopefully it wouldn't be SO low that my situation was hopeless.

I'm not even sure what to do with this information.  With my FSH only being slightly elevated (10.6) and my AMH being normal it does give me hope that this might (eventually) work for us.  It also makes me question why our results have been so poor so far.  Logically I know that these numbers are only indicators and there's no way to really know what your egg quality is or how many you have left.  And my AMH being normal is an encouraging factor.  So for now I'll just take that for what it's worth and focus on the positive.

Most importantly what these results mean is that we are officially "ON" for Aug. cycle.  My meds were ordered today and next week we'll start suppression.  I think I'm ready both emotionally and physically.  Although the disappointment from the failed FET was intense, compared to the miscarriage it feels more like a bump in the road.  I'm praying that this good news is just the start of more to come in the next couple months.


13 comments:

  1. Oh wow! That's fantastic news!!! Hooray for normal!!!

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    1. However, how RIDICULOUSLY frustrating that you've diagnosed yourself DOR all this time if that's not the case. I think I'd strangle the doctor. : ) Do you know what your AFC has been in the past?

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    2. I was looking through my old blog posts to see if I wrote about my AFC from our first cycle but it looks like I didn't. I remember it wasn't terrible though. Maybe somewhere around 8 or 9 on each side? Honestly I think they did not expect the poor results that I got the first cycle. I'm just praying we get equal or better results than the 2nd cycle. I just keep thinking this HAS to be it. But we've all had that thought......

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    3. Have you thought about a different protocol? Maybe that would be a better option than just upping the doses. A different protocol all together might bring a better response. I'm no expert since I've only had one cycle, but I know I'll ask about changing protocols vs upping meds. Also, maybe growth hormone could be added to any response to increase egg quality.

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  2. It's great to hear that the level came back in the normal range! Then do they have any other ideas/inklings why this isn't working?

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    1. Nope. They think I'm just a "poor responder". I'm praying for better results this time around or at least the same as my 2nd cycle.

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  3. So happy for normal results!! It's a win!!

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  4. That is great news! In terms of numbers, the low AMH is super demoralizing. Fingers crossed for a successful August cycle!

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  5. Yay for normal results! Do you need any Gonal F for your August cycle? I have an unused 425 IU pen sitting in my fridge that I could sell you for cheap if you want it.

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    1. Beth that is so sweet! I'm on Follistim, Ganirelix, and Menopur. No Gonal F for me so far. I did have some left over meds from last cycle so the med bill wasn't quite as bad this time. It's the little things right?! :)

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    2. Glad you had some meds left over! That makes the sticker shock not quite as painful! Will be praying diligently for you and for the success of this next cycle!!

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  6. Have you ever considered a second opinion. I had almost the same experience you had. All test results normal, high afc and just couldn't get pregnant. Ended up doing tons of research on clinics and found CCRM. One cycle was all it took. Problem diagnosed properly and I am now pregnant. I had several failed ivfs and iuis at the first clinic. Praying for your BFP, just wanted to share some thoughts .

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    1. Thank you for your thoughts. What was your final diagnosis and how did CCRM change your cycle to bring you success? Right now we do have insurance coverage but we have to receive treatment within our state. I have 4 IVF cycles that are covered and we are embarking on #3. I personally feel it makes sense for us to exhaust our covered cycles before we move forward. If it gets to that then I do believe we will pursue CCRM.

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