u/RachelWhyThatsMe

Hi all. I just yesterday got formally diagnosed with secondary infertility after a horrifically failing IVF attempt - the clinical maximum dosage, and we didn’t even get to retrieval before they cancelled due to lack of response.

The door slammed shut.

So, here I am.

I spent all day yesterday crying and grieving. The life I had planned, the life I had seen and expected since I was young enough to play with dolls…

Gone in an instant.

My husband sent me out on a self care day, and I remembered that the man I married loved me before any of this. I’ve felt so lost these past few years, entirely evaporating in the efforts and tests, hope and despair, and finally….acceptance.

I’m currently eating sushi and a cocktail by myself (after my lunch of oysters and prosecco), and I found the strength to search for the subreddit that I knew would exist and would be here for me, as horrified as I was to be here.

So I’m guess I’m here to say…hi. What a shitty fucking club to join, but I’m glad there is a club so I’m not alone.

Hi all - I have an absolutely mountain of gently used maternity, postpartum, + children’s items (baby through teen, both genders, everything across the whole gamut) and I’d like to find a women’s and children’s shelter to donate everything to.

We are in the Lansdowne area. Please provide recommendations of places that do important work for our community and could most benefit from our donations.

Pre-e absolutely destroyed my ovarian reserve. AMH .144 ng/ml. I’m going through my first round of IVF and the numbers aren’t numbering and I’m scared.

That’s it. That’s the whole post. The IVF sub sent me here and I’m really grateful to read some of your stories.

Natural birth (unassisted) at age 36 with severe preeclampsia.

Going for our second now at 37/almost 38 and a bunch of tests later…

The pre-e ruined me. RUINED me. It aged my vascular system 6 years minimum, easily.

My AMH is now 0.144.

We started IVF 6 days ago. My estradiol was 13. Yesterday, we had my 5 day check-in. 7 follicles. Estradiol of 26.

That’s…remarkably low. I’m on the highest clinical dosages possible. (Thank you sweet baby Jesus for an incredible medical benefit from our insurance.) My next appt is weds and I’m just convinced they’re going to cancel the cycle and tell me I will never be able to have another biological child.

I look at my daughter and realize how insanely blessed I am to have one, and I will never take that for granted. She’s perfectly healthy and I am beyond beyond beyond fortunate.

But I can’t stop crying and thinking about the child I doubt I’ll ever meet.

I don’t know what to do but just cry.

Does it make it less valid because it’s my second, not my first? Should I just suck it up and give up the hope of the family I’ve envisioned?

Am I entirely wrong and shouldn’t panic about the numbers, because the low estradiol makes sense based on the insanely low AMH, and I’m just a slow ramp?

I need to both guard my heart and get hopeful. Hoping this sub can provide me with both/either.

My sister and I were raised on the Chicago monopoly version, which my husband bought me recently to honor a 30-year-old memory.

However, she and I distinctly remember there being a square for the Mercantile Exchange (NOT the Merchandise Mart), and that’s not on this board.

I’ve used AI and Google and cannot find any versions - licensed or unlicensed - that include the Mercantile Exchange.

Before I chalk this up as a genuine shared Mandela effect, I wanted to consult the experts here.

Has the Mercantile Exchange ever been used in any Chicago Monopoly?

Thank you!

Luke is the ick ick ickiest ick, a complete 🚩, but he said one thing that was correct:

He was smart in saying that he needed to delay the conversation further with Gen until the end of charter when the conversation first kicked off at 2 am in the stew pantry.

Gen was entitled to every single feeling and response she’s had to this total ick of a man, and it’s good that she got to experience that off-charter. (This doesn’t excuse her. She’s problematic. But she is a fraction of this man’s disasterosity.)

I’ve been a fan of yours from Day 1. I love Gael too (admittedly as much or more), and while the fan base is pretty sure you’ve gone separate ways romantically, the “why” behind it is unknown (as is your right - you’re a human and this is your real-life relationship). But if anything we are seeing about this Luke situation with your sheets was part of that downfall, please know, man…

This is NOT ok. It’s beyond rude and disrespectful. It’s straight-up revolting. And your roommate and employee? LAWD I just….. bleurgh. I’d punch him and I’m a tiny non-violent girl.

When you go to the waiting room, please say, “Carl? Is Carl here? Princess Donut is ready for you to join her.” Turns out there were a few other DCC fans in the waiting room, and the nurse was an absolute HIT.