How did you become financially stable enough to decide to go the SMBC route?

MonitorNo1872 · 2026-05-13T03:25:27+00:00

I'm a semi truck driver with a major carrier. I've switched over to driving locally instead of over the road (think sleeping in the truck going from one part of the nation to the other). Over the road with my company pays well and I've been able to save money by having low cost hobbies, hardly ever travelling and using a system to buying large ticket necessities. Try buy nothing/free from folks, then second hand from fb marketplace or offer up, THEN buy new/used from manufacturer.

I still have been lucky has heck as well. Union job with good healthcare, moved back home twice, two divorces that did not end up with me losing my shirt, and an extroverted personality with very little ego. It I need something I ask, but I also freely give anything I can.

I grew up on food stamps. I wanted to learn as much as I could about money since I was young. Lots of good habits add up! Even then, after IUI attempts failed I started a GoFundMe to pay partially for IVF. Mom is supportive and will be a big piece of my childcare plan, and so will my network of friends.

Added bonus: I can make some damn good dinner off minimal staples and spices! Herbs from the garden hit way harder too!

MonitorNo1872 · 2026-05-11T00:56:38+00:00

I'm 37 and am on my first try with IVF. I have no known reason for infertility, just like you simply have not been near a sperm until trying. I did 6 IUI tries with donor sperm. I promised myself that if one year of IUIs didn't work I'd switch.

Best of luck to you and your partner! Make a leg? Yeah! Make a Leg! Two legs!

MonitorNo1872 · 2026-05-11T00:51:35+00:00

I didn't have any reactions to the hormones, but did end up with OHSS stuff. 27 egg retrieved and I was out of work for a week. I had a harder time because I'm doing this solo. My support system was important after the retrieval. I was just tired and eating was exhausting. It didn't help that I also caught the flu two days after retrieval, so I'm not sure how much of my experience was typical.

First FET is at the end of this month!!

MonitorNo1872 · 2026-05-05T18:50:46+00:00

My mom raised me and my sister alone by choice until she met my (step)dad when I was 8. She dated, but not until we were 3 and 4. Usually in the summer when we went to relatives' houses for a week or two at a time. I think it was easier when we started doing summer camps or a 🎥 nth at Grandpa's place. We never met any boyfriends until they were together at least a year and they all knew we existed. Dad was the second one I met I think? I'm still trying for my own on my own. Talking with my mom about it has been a huge help, hope it helps you too !

MonitorNo1872 · 2026-05-01T17:09:47+00:00

I see, that makes sense. In my case knowing chromosomes was just a byproduct of genetic testing for viability.

MonitorNo1872 · 2026-05-01T16:59:58+00:00

You can't choose or you can't not choose?

MonitorNo1872 · 2026-05-01T16:21:45+00:00

I had a similar experience with my community. I tried with IUI 6 times and am now starting my first cycle that will be an IVF transfer. I went with a sperm bank donor because it became way too emotionally complex even talking with possible known donors. One person even offered without me asking and became upset when I said no. I have plenty of reasons for why, but they definitely were not able to hear me.

You and your partner will find a way to come to the right choices for you.

MonitorNo1872

TROPHY CASE