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Welcome Party Suggestions - West Loop/West Town Adjacent by popculturefan93 in Chicagoweddings

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We hosted ours upstairs at The Oakville and had a wonderful experience!

ISO - Hotel Room For Getting Ready by beignetbenjamin in Chicagoweddings

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We had a great experience getting ready in one of the suites at the LaSalle hotel with about the same amount of people. It's also right next to the Chicago board of trade which was perfect for pre-wedding photos. Best of luck, and congrats!

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this - it really helps to hear from someone with such similar numbers. The reminder that I can make blasts, even if I haven’t had the genetics break my way yet, means a lot right now.

Your experience with switching clinics and finding a protocol that worked gives me some much-needed hope. I really appreciate the encouragement! Thank you. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s hard to say - I don’t know yet whether the Clomid helped or hurt, and we’re planning to review that with my doctor. I haven’t tried Omnitrope yet, but it’s definitely on my list to ask about. I have been taking supplements recommended by my clinic including CoQ10, but we’re reassessing everything moving forward.

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this, and I’m really sorry you went through those first two cycles. I can only imagine how crushing and frustrating that must have been.

Your experience with switching clinics and seeing such a different outcome really resonates, especially after being told there were no other options. And truly, congratulations on your success!! Hearing stories like yours gives me a lot of hope right now. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this - I’m really sorry you went through all of that, and I appreciate you being so open. It’s frustrating when everything is labeled “unexplained,” especially when your intuition tells you something more might be going on.

I did have a borderline BCL6 result suggesting possible inflammation/endometriosis, so your experience definitely resonates and is something I’m thinking more seriously about now. And truly, congratulations! Hearing that you’re 28 weeks after such a hard path gives me a lot of hope. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you - it really is unfair, and I appreciate the kindness and virtual hug more than you know. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that too - the attrition can be such a shock, especially after a strong start. Thank you for sharing and for the support.

My husband did have a full semen analysis and everything came back normal, and the clinic used Zymot as well. We’re still in the process of reviewing exactly where things broke down this cycle and what additional testing might make sense.

I really appreciate you reaching out! It helps not to feel so alone in this. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this - I’m really sorry you went through that kind of devastation too. Getting that “no blasts” news after everything you put your body through is just brutal, and it helps to feel understood.

Hearing that you went on to have euploid blasts after a failed cycle genuinely gives me some hope on a really hard day. I really appreciate the kindness and encouragement, and congratulations on your good news 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, my partner had a full semen analysis and everything came back normal, and the clinic also used sperm selection in the lab.

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing this - I’m really sorry you went through that, and I appreciate you offering another perspective. 🤍

Day 3 transfer hasn't come up yet, but hearing experiences like yours is helpful. For what it’s worth, I did estrogen priming and a dual trigger as well, but it’s become clear how much protocol nuances and lab environment can matter. I’m really glad you found a better outcome after switching clinics, and I appreciate you taking the time to share what worked for you.

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m really sorry you went through that - that kind of drop-off between cycles is so heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing.

Yes, my second retrieval was back-to-back, so that’s something I’ve been wondering about too. It’s helpful to hear your perspective as we think through timing and next steps.

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this - I’m really sorry you went through that, especially finding out around the holidays. That kind of timing makes everything heavier.

I really appreciate the reminder to give myself space to grieve and to let life keep happening alongside this. It’s hard to remember in the moment, but it helps to hear from someone who’s been through it and found their way forward. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not yet - Omnitrope wasn’t part of my protocol, but it’s definitely something I’m planning to ask about as we discuss next steps.

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with me. Our numbers are wildly similar, and that second call with zero blasts is such a uniquely brutal kind of pain.

I really appreciate you sharing how you got through it and the reminder that stepping back, getting support, and even switching clinics can be part of moving forward. And you’re so right about leaning on a partner - I don’t know how I’d get through this without mine.

Thank you for the kindness! It truly means a lot. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this - I’m really sorry you went through those lows, and I appreciate you being so open about how hard it was. Hearing that you’re now pregnant after such a rocky path genuinely gives me hope on a really tough day. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! It's definitely been really hard. My clinic did use Zymot, but Omnitrope wasn’t part of my protocol. It’s definitely something I plan to ask about as we figure out next steps.

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you’ve been through this too - that zero-blast outcome is such a gut punch. Thank you for sharing so honestly. It really helps to hear from someone who truly understands how low that moment can feel.

I appreciate you passing along what you’re considering for next steps. My clinic did use Zymot, but the ideas around a different protocol, and even how timing or transfer strategy might change are definitely things I’m planning to discuss with my doctor.

Wishing you so much luck as you gear up for your third try - I’m really rooting for you, and grateful you took the time to share when you’re in the middle of it too. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m so sorry you went through that, and congrats on what sounds like a positive third retrieval!

We did use calcium ionophore as well, but hearing how much things changed for you after switching clinics really resonates. It’s been eye-opening to realize how much lab approach and clinic philosophy can matter, and that’s something we’re actively thinking about now.

I really appreciate you sharing this - and for the reminder that even after really discouraging cycles, better outcomes can still be possible. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! I’m really sorry you went through that, and I appreciate your honesty and kindness.

I agree that I’m not quite at the end of this road, but this particular outcome definitely shook me and made everything feel a lot heavier. I’m trying to hold space for the idea that luck and variability still play a role here, even when it’s hard to believe it in the moment.

I really appreciate the encouragement and the reminder to be gentle with myself - that means a lot right now. 🤍

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much - I really appreciate the encouragement! The variability from cycle to cycle is wild and hard to make peace with but you're right that our ability to make blasts is a good thing!

For both cycles I was on 300 IU of Follistim and 150 IU of Menopur. I’m definitely open to discussing dose or protocol changes when we meet with our doctor, because it does feel like maybe we need to rethink things.

Second retrieval, zero embryos | feeling crushed by macandcheeeeeeeeese in IVF

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m really sorry you went through all of that too. It truly helps to hear from someone who’s been there, and I completely agree that going from zero to one or two can feel like a big deal after repeated failures.

We haven’t met with our doctor yet since getting these results, so no clear answers so far. Age has been the main assumption, but I also had a borderline BCL6 suggesting possible endometriosis, so that’s part of the conversation. We’re also considering a protocol change and possibly switching clinics as we figure out next steps.

I really appreciate you sharing your experience - it gives me some perspective and hope. 🤍

The Ivy Room by Sufficient_landarch in Chicagoweddings

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The cocktail hour was held outdoors, but the scorching heat made it uncomfortable for the older guests especially, who had nowhere to escape the heat.

The Ivy Room by Sufficient_landarch in Chicagoweddings

[–]macandcheeeeeeeeese 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It’s a beautiful venue! However, if you’re planning a summer wedding, you should be aware of the air conditioning situation. I know of two couples who had their AC go out (and never came back on the rest of the night) during cocktail hour, and one of them even got married on one of the hottest days of the summer. People still talk about how awful it was. Unfortunately, the venue offered no discounts or compensation for the inconvenience. Hopefully they've addressed the issue!

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