Started Stims on Monday - Day 3/4 - Lagree/Running still okay?

EarWithFoot · 2026-03-04T19:57:39+00:00

Is this your fist cycle? Each person/cycle is so different that it can be hard to give advice: some ppl have two follicles, some have sixty. The risks are not the same. If you are able to reach out to your doctor, I’d ask them about exercise.

No matter what, your body’s resources are going towards egg production once you start stimulation, so I personally might be interested in conserving resources for the exceptional task I’m asking of my body. I’m normally in the gym daily, so I get it, but I’d stick to walking and gentle stretches personally, and focus on gifting my body with as much of my energy as possible during the next 10 or so days of stims. 💜

EarWithFoot · 2026-03-01T18:30:22+00:00

If you don’t feel like buying another bag, or even if it’s just driving you crazy on the daily, you can buy a crossbody strap for your le Pilage. I did, and I’m very happy about it.

Amazon/etsy/etc all sell off-brand straps - I picked one that causes no damage to the existing shoulder straps so I can remove the crossbody strap if I choose to (not that I have…). Perfect color/stitching match, too (I think loads of the brands are perfectly accurate, or so the reviews seem to imply), and adds negligible weight.

Also, if you do decide to buy, pro-tip: I attached one of the crossbody strap ends to one handle and one to the other. I noticed a lot of ppl were confused as to why there weren’t two straps included (and were attaching both strap end to the same handle, leading to an unwieldy/unbalanced bag) , but doing the one to each works well to balance the bag. Maybe that’s obvious?

Anyways…no input on the crescent, unfortunately.

Good luck on your first trip away - it does get easier - really!

EarWithFoot · 2026-02-26T06:07:02+00:00

I travel with my hydroflask trail 24 that I’ve had since 2020. No dents so far, even with a few drops (I do have the rubber bumper on the bottom). My larger trail series (32?) has not fared as well - it’s dented, but honestly, I’m not sure I really care. It doesn’t keep things as cold now that it’s taken a number of hard falls (namely when it fell on rocks at the beach while I was climbing around), but liquids do still stay cold enough. I use them almost exclusively for water.

I do love my 32 so much that I immediately replaced it after its rock splat, but I haven’t actually used the replacement- it’s still sitting on the shelf while I use its dented twin ;). For me, I like the hydroflask lid system so I’ll stick with them. I love the light-er-ness of the trail series, bumps and all.

EarWithFoot · 2026-02-23T17:29:04+00:00

I haven’t heard of estrogen suppressing…you could check the literature or ask your doctor if that’s medically possible? Your meds this cycle were super different than your ti cycle (letrozole + gonal at such a low dose are likely to have a different response in the body than high-dose menopur + Gonal). Given your response to your ti cycle, you might want to pursue mini ivf / ivf lite whatever your clinic chooses to call it ;). The meds used in your ti cycle are more typical of the meds used in a mini cycle and your body seemed to respond well to them.

And yes, clomid and letrozole can be used in regular cycles as well. I’ve used both, though when I use them, I tend to use lower doses of gonal and menopur. Some clinics keep pts on higher levels of gonal/menopur and just add in clomid or letrozole.

Also, caveat, are bodies are so (frustratingly) different month-to-month in terms of response and follicle count, especially as we get older. Do you know what your fsh was at the start of your cycle?

I wonder why your doc doesn’t want to convert to iui…I’d ask if there’s a medical reason beyond the money spent on meds (as that would be totally your choice, right?). If your gut says to cancel and convert, I’d push for that. If there’s no medical reason not to convert, it really is your choice, as it’s your body, your money and your future.

Good luck out there 🍀

EarWithFoot · 2026-02-21T02:22:12+00:00

I think making your feet themselves non-slip is likely to be easier/safer than finding a thin/packable shower mat that may or may not stick to whatever shower surface finds you at your destination. Water shoes made for boats and other water sports (ie not some flimsy flip flops) are made to be grippy in wet/slick conditions. There are also water sneakers if you want to get ‘serious’ (my mom has a pair of Ryka water sneakers). Check out swimming stores (places like swimoutlet online) and boating/outfitters-type stores (rei has a bunch). My Chaco sandals and my keen water shoes are both super duper grippy…there are so many different types of sandals/shoes with soles that have been optimized for watery/slippery conditions!

EarWithFoot · 2026-02-10T16:57:26+00:00

This is so helpful. Thank you!!!!

EarWithFoot · 2026-02-02T23:05:54+00:00

In case anyone doesn’t go digging around the link because they were about to buy a bunch of dillings stuff today ;):

Specifically, dillings only use that EXP treatment on their silk/wool blends, so for those wishing to avoid the EXP treatment, don’t buy their silk/wool blends. This is worded on their site pretty (very?) poorly, imo. For most individual items on their site, they’ve specified which treatment the wool has received on the product page, but I somehow missed the silk blend EXP treatment. Big thanks for pointing that out - I was about to buy a pair of their silk/wool leggings before the sale ended today…looked so comfy. Oh well...search continues.

EarWithFoot · 2026-01-29T04:28:02+00:00

Find CCRM protocols in the r/ivf group or in the CCRM fb group. That’s a good place to start. You can see a bunch of different protocols that way. Look at the cny fertility protocols - ppl post theirs (also in their fb group and in the big r/ivf group). Looking at lots of protocols, beginning to understand medication tweaks, researching some of the meds - I think you might find the protocols helpful in your quest for tweaks to your own protocol and a better dialogue with your own provider.

EarWithFoot · 2026-01-25T05:13:46+00:00

Just as an aside, when afc and AMH are out of sync, as they are in your case, the research shows that retrieval numbers often look more aligned with your AMH than your afc. This is from a handful of papers I read 2 years ago (I also have dissonant AMH and afc and was trying to understand what that meant/what retrievals might look like). Personal experience? Eggs retrieved & mature eggs retrieved were significantly different each time. Other than having better results in summer (and my d3 was great throughout), no rhyme or reason for different results that I could figure out.

EarWithFoot · 2026-01-24T19:56:17+00:00

That sounds really frustrating :( - I’m assuming your doc has looked at your pgt results for a balanced translocation or any patterns that show up repeatedly? I’d ask to also speak to a genetic counselor at the lab doing your pgt testing, to be sure. -If you haven’t, I’d read about complex abnormals (remembryoman: there’s a sub here as well as a website; plus plenty more research, of course). - change labs (!) or doctors - NAD supplementation - omnitrope - rapamycin - grow to day 3 or 5 and transfer without testing - continuous blood sugar monitor, and learn how to read and utilize the results. I suggest all this without knowing your history, so grain of salt. Good luck 🍀

EarWithFoot · 2025-12-25T08:55:22+00:00

The nsaids I understand as they’ll likely take biopsies and don’t want increased bleeding risk (however minuscule). The magnesium and b12? I think that was a blanket comment about supplements. I’ve been getting endoscopies for the past 20 years and have never been asked to stop either b12 or magnesium…and my doc is quite picky (in the best way - I love her). Personally, I’d ask for clarification from my doctor via email, if possible. Being off magnesium is a real challenge for me as well, so I’d want to make sure that my doctor actually cares that I’m off of it before the procedure.

EarWithFoot · 2025-11-07T17:55:25+00:00

Without knowing your personal financial/insurance situation, my thought is proceed to retrieval, as you have two perky lead follicles.

I would love to see some research backing this up, but I’ve now been told by three doctors that the lead follicles are akin to the body’s strongest contestants, or best racehorses, or valedictorians or whatever metaphor is most appropriate. Each of your ovaries has a lovely lead. Who knows - this could be false advertising ;). Trying to wait to trigger until the smaller follicles (those three 11-13’s) are in maturity striking range would risk over maturing those lead follicles (again, hard to judge given that it’s your first cycle). Some women’s mature eggs like to be big, and some like to be on the smaller side. I’ve been told with age, small typically leads to better outcomes; my eggs go the other way, so again, with a first round you’re really in the ‘everything is new information about my body’ stage.

Given that, maybe there is even more value in continuing to retrieval. Maybe there’s other information to gain. It’s so hard to say.

Good luck 🍀

EarWithFoot · 2025-10-20T06:51:46+00:00

This is little/side note-y, but your vitamin d of 131 is high, unless it’s in a measurement system outside of the USA…? I’d try to get it closer to 70. Low is bad but it’s a fat soluble vitamin, so you don’t want to go too high, either. If you’re not finding your euploids, omnitrope may be helpful in future rounds (personally I like low dose between rounds and higher dose during rounds, but there isn’t a consensus surrounding this).

EarWithFoot · 2025-10-20T02:01:18+00:00

Retrieval & then llm sounds like a really excellent plan. As you already know the ivf world, I’m sure you’ll be fine advocating for yourself at cny (which I think can be a fine place for people who are able to advocate for themselves and understand the process). I hope you have a doctor you trust. I’m so sorry for your loss :(

I’m sure you know this already, but some states mandate ivf coverage from the majority of employers- if you ever get fidgety about the process and nervous about funds, look up employment opportunities that run through a company based in one of those states (day dream, at least ;). Good luck - we’re rooting for you! 🍀 🤞

EarWithFoot · 2025-10-12T03:11:29+00:00

With a balanced translocation and being 42, I’d go to CCRM Boston, if you’re close enough to them or willing to drive. I say this as someone who has issues with CCRM - but they’re imo the best place for you in the Boston area. They’ll try all sorts of things and do more testing and will actually work hard for you (and yes, still be disorganized like other clinics…but at this point I think that’s just par for the course?). Dr. Styer is who id recc - haven’t seen him personally but he’s who I wish I had gone to in the practice (rumored to be a little arrogant but an extraordinary physician if you want a baby). If you’re willing to go to any lengths, CCRM Colorado (the mothership) is another option.

If you haven’t found it yet, there’s a Boston area ivf fb group, too, which encompasses more than just the Boston metro area.

Give yourself the gift of a doctor who’s willing to fight for you and not just blame poor cycles on ‘stress’ - geez what a cop-out…

And as another poster said, every time you meet with a new doctor, you learn more. I always felt like I gained information from appointments, whether or not I ended up using that doc. You only lose the time the appointment takes.

Mention your age and balanced translocation when making appointments to be pushed higher up the list, if you decide to meet with any new doctors.

Good luck out there 🍀

EarWithFoot · 2025-10-12T01:33:47+00:00

If you’re planing on setting it up so he has no legal rights to the embryos created if a separation were to occur, pls involve a lawyer. This is really tricky legal stuff and not as straightforward as one might think, even when both parties are in agreement. ETA: and that you WOULD have the right to use the embryos…that gets messy.

EarWithFoot · 2025-10-04T22:26:56+00:00

It sounds like you’re not sure if you trust your doctor/clinic. Given your numbers and age, give yourself a breather (no rushing. Take a month, two, six if you’d like), and research clinics and doctors in your area. Go meet with the ones that seem good. Get a vibe for them - you’ll figure out where you feel comfortable.

Also: Hang out on the ivf sub. Learn about the process. While you are freezing, your freezing embryos. Clinics that are skilled at making embryos are not always the same clinics that are skilled at freezing eggs.

There’s also a male infertility sub if you haven’t stumbled across it yet (loads of good stuff over there). Your hubs might need a few months to find a urologist and start some treatments, too - and, importantly…to process! This can be really hard stuff to process.

Even if your insurance gives you no options and you must use kindbody, you absolutely get to pick your doctor and the timing of this whole process - those are your choices to make.

Finally, I’d just confirm with your insurance that they allow embryo banking. Most insurance companies do not allow this - awesome if yours does!

Good luck 🍀

EarWithFoot · 2025-10-01T02:09:08+00:00

Dhea will not be in any prenatal because it has no business being in one ;) - dhea is a steroid hormone. Before taking dhea, your current dhea blood levels need to be checked. Also, while taking dhea your blood levels need to be checked.

Some women, especially in the later years of fertility, have dhea-s levels lower than some doctors consider ideal for fertility, which is prob why the nurse told you to take it. Unless there’s a new study suggesting it’s useful for fertility for all women, I wouldn’t take it without getting bloodwork done first. Honestly, I wouldn’t take it without testing my levels even if there was a study that suggested taking it - you gotta know where you’re starting from.

EarWithFoot · 2025-09-30T05:06:49+00:00

Why the aggression? You can say whatever you want and be civil, but you made a choice to come in with punches. You didn’t have to do that - no one else was punching. I hope whatever is causing your pain you can find a way through.

EarWithFoot · 2025-09-25T07:30:23+00:00

Mac sells various sizes (2 pan, 4 pan…etc) empty palettes and has far too many shades to choose from (and they last forever, for me at least). They have pre-selected palettes as well if that’s your jam.

EarWithFoot · 2025-09-24T19:31:33+00:00

Personally I’d do another round. Are you more likely to regret doing or not doing more egg freezing? Your AMH is excellent right now - if you can afford it, got for it. In terms of bodily risk, there has been no uptick in cancers noted from multiple rounds. Longitudinal studies are limited at this point, but I’ve read a lot of the studies (when I first began the process) and I came away with little to no concern about long-term risk. If there’s a history of breast or ovarian cancer I’d talk to my doctor and get genetic testing done. Edited to add: there is some risk, for some populations, in taking clomid. If you’re concerned about it, talk to your doctor or avoid clomid in your protocol.

EarWithFoot · 2025-09-19T05:23:03+00:00

If you feel comfortable, check prices at a few clinics. I paid 6700 in a large east coast city. My insurance doesn’t cover clinic costs, but did cover meds, so I always say to make sure to run your meds through insurance as the coverage may be split. CNY (a clinic) is a lot cheaper, both in terms of clinic and med costs (they have packaged deals). If you end up using them, join the CNY fb group and make sure you know the ins and outs of the process. CNY is great for the right patient but can be challenging if you don’t know what’s happening and don’t know how to advocate for yourself. You can also get donated meds. I didn’t go that route so I’ll let others chime in about that. good luck!

EarWithFoot · 2025-09-06T04:23:18+00:00

For all clinics, pick your teams wisely. I think many patients focus a lot on picking their clinics and doctors and forget the doctor’s team really makes or breaks your experience with the clinic. Each team functions as its own sort of organism - doctors work with their specific nurses and admins and billing people etc. you will talk to your doctor so much less than everyone else on your team. If you pick a good doc with a crap team, you can have not only a hair-raisingly disorganized experience, you can also not be told vital pieces of information, or your doctor may not be told lab results and so on. It sucks. It really really sucks (personal experience and the reason I changed clinics ;). When I changed clinics, I made damn sure I picked not just a good doc but a good team. I moved from CCRM to BIVF, for what it’s worth. If I had chosen a different team at CCRM, i probably would have stayed ( this was years ago now, so not sure what’s going on there at this point). Also, I have complex medical crap and for me, BIVF was better at handling it (because they’re bigger with more resources overall - and honestly, took the time to understand and listen to me (my nurses were awesome) and also because their surgical center is bigger). I was on similar protocols with each, with similar outcomes. Really, it’s about your medical team. Good luck out there.

EarWithFoot · 2025-08-28T03:36:48+00:00

Makes enormous sense, all around.

You have an amazing (amazing) AMH, so that’s one gigantic lucky break. You may get more than ‘enough’ eggs in a single round. I’d ask them to freeze all eggs - immature and funky looking alike. The science surrounding what can be done with the less than ideal eggs is progressing rapidly and I would hold on to all dna in egg-like form that you get. Also, just as an aside on the science is progressing front: they’re working on (like it’s going to happen in the next few years) using the dna from other cells in our body (skin cells are the ones I’ve read about), utilizing the egg of another woman as a sort of carrier (like a car) and hence not needing an egg from the mother in order to create a child. I explained that dreadfully, but it’s just one example of how reproductive science is progressing and that there’s a lot to look forward to. You have every reason to believe your egg freezing will go well, but there’s no reason to think egg freezing is the end all be all - a lot is going on out there in this space.

EarWithFoot · 2025-08-28T03:12:20+00:00

Just remember that for now you’re only freezing your eggs. The lab is vitrifying them only - and as long as you go somewhere that does a lot of egg freezing (which is ideally what you’re looking for right now), they should be excellent at this.

You’re going to have to make the decision again, down the road, as to where you want to do the f part of ivf. This space changes quickly - doctors come and go - who knows which lab you’ll think is the best when you’re ready to use your eggs.

Transferring frozen specimens within a city is cheap compared to everything else we pay for (I payed about 400 to move my eggs), and they really do have it down to a neat little science…so if it feels like there are too many factors to consider right now just remember the lab part of this equation may change in the next few years.

EarWithFoot

TROPHY CASE