Just seeing if I can squeeze in one last message to this thread.

Good luck with the gel hippy - you gave me a much needed laugh with your snail trail!

Sorry you're still in the wars rowing. My cold has gone into my sinuses and ear and is pretty painful at times. What a healthy bunch we are! Probably off to the doctors myself tomorrow.

Judging by my monitor and temps, I'm having another cycle where I've not ovulated this month. How the hell am I meant to get pregnant when I'm not ovulating [TFLS shouts at no-one in particular]. Sorry for the rant but getting pretty fed up with TTC at the moment. I think I've only ovulated in one out of four cycles since miscarriage. How long is it meant to take for your body to return to normal?

Anyway, welcome to tibbychop and 10krunner. I'm not such a grumpy cow usually - honest!

Glad you got the opportunity to tell your DH tetley. Thanks for posting the offer - I'm another one thinking of joining kiwi on the slippery side. If only out of curiousity to see how big a tube of pre-seed is!!

fifitot - I can totally understand your thinking. Maybe don't actively TTC and take a what will be will be approach? Anyway, I hope you reach the right decision for you [whilst continuing to pop onto this thread of course!]

Heating is bust at the moment so off to chop wood!

Hi all, couldn't resist sticking my oar in for what really must be the last post

Ermm haven't a clue how to do the new thread thingy so I'll leave that to the more experienced types (you'd never believe I've a Ph.d in computer science).

massive congratulations Tetley that's lovely news and welcome to all the new people.

Well, here I am again hopelessly vague on cd, have sort of given up temping cause now we are trying a to do BD every other day except when the witch is in town.

Of course so far we've totally failed to keep up with this ambitious schedule but it seems like a better bet seeing as I was never quite sure when I OVed or not.

Hi all, Hubbie hogged the laptop again so just had a long read and caught up with you all.

Got the progesterone gel from the chemist and I'm ready to begin inserting it after I've defo ovulated. I can either do the sticks to check for Ov or just wait until day 18. I know I'm gonna end up doing those flippin' sticks cos I'm totally addicted!

Hoping for a longer LP this time. Have started reflexology (taster session last night) more booked. She has done a course on reflexology and fertility so she should be the right person to do it.

I am scared now that I am gonna manage to conceive but then MC cos of the LPD, but someone on my other thread has assured me that a short LP makes it difficult for the embryo to implant but once implanted it doesn't necessarily cause MC. I hope she's right - Hippy goes off to google LPD/MC.......

Hi to any newbies, good luck to anyone waiting for the old witch.

ps. someone else will have to sort out new thread - I might c*ck it up!!

Hi to the baby tetley - ahhhh.

Hello woodelf - CD is cycle day, ie day 1 is the first day of your last period.

BTW experienced Mumsnetters do we need a new thread? Are we about to burst (think I am 999 post!)?

Hi there, back after a bit of an absence...

Congrats Tetley - I'm pleased and honoured to be the lucky charm and willl post more often. Looking forward to the next lady blessed with a BFP!

Would love to be on roll call, not sure what CD is though?? (Bit dense...) First kid at 43 - now 46 and hoping for another gift from the universe!!

Baby dust and sprinkles to all

Hi everyone, back again after a bit of an absence... I'm glad to be of service if my lucky baby dust is spread far and wide over one and all. Belated Congrats Tetley - surely more will follow your fine example

Would love to be on the roll call but not sure what cd means?? First kid at 43 - 46 now and awaiting AF and I'm so scatty I may have forgotten the date of the last one - or maybe.....?

Baby dust and sprinkles to you all

Just realised that Tetley's not on the rollcall.

earoma - 38 TTC #3 CD 19
Rockdoctor - 43 TTC#2 CD28
Fruitbowl - 41 TTC#2 CD 26
vonsudenfed - 43 TTC#2 CD 20?? lost track
mabh - 42 TTC#1 CD10
Rowingboat - 43 TTC#2 CD 8
Spiralqueen - 46 TTC#2 CD7
Kiwikat - 43 TTC#2 CD13
gonepearshaped 41, ttc #2, CD4
Fifitot - 45 TTC#2 CD? Lost track this month!
Hippychick - 43 TTC#3 CD7
Ghenghis - 46 TTC#2 CD1 (humph)
Luckywebby - 40 TTC#3 CD16 (Ithink)
Graduates:
Haraslou
Grownupbabes

Hi
Rowing - sorry that your still not feeling very well. Think the virus that is going aroung is a particular bad one, one girl at work was out for a week and a half and i've been in and out for about two weeks now. Back to docs tomorrow for results of blood tests.
DH is on the mend (slowly) still quite tender but the swelling has started to go down but he still has quite a lump on one side. If it hasn't got better by Friday the consultant wants us to ring back and make an appointment to see him.
Tetley - glad you are feeling well. Hopefully the sickness will miss you this time.

Hope everyone else is OK

x

BTW there are 2 for 1 on OPKs at Boots just now which is a real bargain.

rowing sorry to hear you're not better yet. hope doc comes up with something helpful

hippychick thanks for asking, I'm really fine. Have to say i feel totally normal, it's strange. Trying to make myself eat properly now, as seem to remember i started feeling quite sick with dd at about 6 weeks

Realise i'm in grave danger of sounding like i'm the word from our sponsors, but got an 10% discount email from the preseed people accessdiagnostics (why do i always end up on mailing lists even when i try to untick all the boxes?)

have copied it below if anyone's interested:

Access Diagnostics 10% Discount

10% Discount coupon 2 days only

Use online coupon code AD2 before mid-night on 15th October 2009 to receive a 10% discount at either of our sites below when spending over £5

www.accessdiagnostics.co.uk

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Please feel free to pass our coupon codes onto family and friends, chat groups etc

Coupon valid from now until mid-night on Thursday 15th October 2009.
One coupon per order

Hello Fifi don't know what to say, but I hope your decision's right for you or you get a little surprise this month!

I enthusiastically bought some opks when I started TTC but I haven't used them as I'm often awake in the night and walking about and I hear that means you get duff results. Or is that just for temperature charting?

rowing get back to the doc's. Sounds like you need more drugs.

Hi everyone,

Fifi that sounds interesting about the OPKs. Maybe a break would be nice, but I wonder if knowing that you may have been mistiming would niggle and annoy you if you gave up right now.
I don't do temping for the same reason as you, just too much upping and downing and it's hard to remember first thing when you have a small child jumping up and down on you.

Earoma it's great you have so many people you can talk to, even if they are now all sticking in their oar. There are lots of us on here who had children at your age and older and it has been lovely, so don't let those nay-sayers put you off. You even have baby-sitters on tap.
I had DS at 38 and have really enjoyed the whole adventure, and certainly have coped physically.

Webby check! You are on! How is your DH?

Ghengis blooming WOD, boo to AF! It probably was a funny month though with the timing and everything. Hope it all works out better this month.

I'm still off work, don't think the antib's are working, it is kind of much of the same. Will go back to the doctors tomorrow because this course of anti-bs will be finished tonight. Perhaps they will give me something new to try or perhaps I am doomed to being deaf in one ear, what a delight!

Can i add me to the role call

earoma - 38 TTC #3 CD 19
Rockdoctor - 43 TTC#2 CD28
Fruitbowl - 41 TTC#2 CD 26
vonsudenfed - 43 TTC#2 CD 20?? lost track
mabh - 42 TTC#1 CD10
Rowingboat - 43 TTC#2 CD 8
Spiralqueen - 46 TTC#2 CD7
Kiwikat - 43 TTC#2 CD5
gonepearshaped 41, ttc #2, CD4
Fifitot - 45 TTC#2 CD? Lost track this month!
Hippychick - 43 TTC#3 CD7
Ghenghis - 46 TTC#2 CD1 (humph)
Luckywebby - 40 TTC#3 CD16 (Ithink)
Graduates:
Haraslou
Grownupbabes

x

hi guys
i know i'm not 40 yet but would like to add myself to the roll call if thats ok

earoma - 38 TTC #3 CD 19
Rockdoctor - 43 TTC#2 CD28
Fruitbowl - 41 TTC#2 CD 26
vonsudenfed - 43 TTC#2 CD 20?? lost track
mabh - 42 TTC#1 CD10
Rowingboat - 43 TTC#2 CD 8
Spiralqueen - 46 TTC#2 CD7
Kiwikat - 43 TTC#2 CD5
gonepearshaped 41, ttc #2, CD4
Fifitot - 45 TTC#2 CD? Lost track this month!
Hippychick - 43 TTC#3 CD7
Ghenghis - 46 TTC#2 CD1 (humph)
Graduates:
Haraslou
Grownupbabes

HI Ghenghis i can really relate to your decision and have come close to stopping myself we've been trying now for over a year and it just takes over your life and i get so frustated because i feel i'm letting other half down as this would be his first child (my two are from first marriage) over this last year i have had to contend with sisters, oldest friend and doctors asking me if i'm mad to want to do this all again (DS 15, DD 13)and i'm tired of having to justify yself i'm sure you'll all agree that this is not a decision we took lightly and wouldn't be putting ourselves through all this heartache just for the fun of it.
whatever you ltimately decide ghengis i wish you all the best x

Morning all, well I have woken up to WOD this morning 3 days before AF due, really annoyed because I was convinced hopeful that all was going to plan this month. Fifi I can relate to what you're going through completely, in reality we would have to extend/ move if i did have another as we run the business from here so it would be a shift for sure. I think we'll (note the royal we) try Nov/Dec then that's it. Kiwi I am on my way to the slippery side - off to research pre seed now and get some in ready. Will be in London next week to see Spandau Ballet, hotel stay without DS this time!!
Rowing glad ear seems to be improving, Hi to everyone else!
updated roll call, there are some missing plus yell at me if I've got it wrong
Rockdoctor - 43 TTC#2 CD28
Fruitbowl - 41 TTC#2 CD 26
vonsudenfed - 43 TTC#2 CD 20?? lost track
mabh - 42 TTC#1 CD10
Rowingboat - 43 TTC#2 CD 8
Spiralqueen - 46 TTC#2 CD7
Kiwikat - 43 TTC#2 CD5
gonepearshaped 41, ttc #2, CD4
Fifitot - 45 TTC#2 CD? Lost track this month!
Hippychick - 43 TTC#3 CD7
Ghenghis - 46 TTC#2 CD1 (humph)
Graduates:
Haraslou
Grownupbabes

Thanks Hippy and Rowing and ta for the hug!

I feel fine - honest. I have been really up and down over this last 12 months but the realisation that life doesn't have to be like this just kind of crept up on me. Knowing my luck it probably will be the month!!!!

As for timing...I used to religously temp and that's what got me pg last time I think. Can't do it now as up and down in night to DD. So while occasionally used OPKs not very regularly and relied on cm, position of cervix and 'how I felt'. Last time I got pg I knew my LP was 10 days but over last 12 months was working on it being 12 days, based on the few temping cycles I had managed. However got lots of cm from day 14 and a few pains on day 16 so had been assuming most months I had OVd on day 16. OPKs showed this month I didn't OV until day 18 which is what used to happen. I pretty much think I always OV on day 18, when I think back and maybe have been timing it too early. Could be a one off this month but it all makes sense when I think about it. I know OPKs can be in accurate but was doing them twice a day.

Anyway - thanks for your kind words. Keep the faith!

Fifi I don't quite know what to say. I don't want to say it is good news if you don't really feel happy or absolute about your decision yet.
There are always pros and cons, like you we have been over and over the cons and there are a lot, financial being a big con for us also.
I am curious about the mis-timing, what did you discover?
Do you think it might be worth another month or two if you are sure you have been bding at the wrong time, just to be sure?
If this really is the last time then I feel sad, but it must be a relief and great to get rid of the worry and stress of TTC and have a normal life with no potions, pills, thermometers, abstinence from everything and no more waiting around.
Whatever you decide after this 2WW (who knows, could be the one) I wish you the very best of everything.
{{{{{{{{{HUGE HUG}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

fifitot I don't know why but your post made me feel quite tearful. I hope whatever you decide it is right for you and your family.

God, it's so tough isn't it.

I keep thinking maybe, I should just be content and not try for more. Especially now I have this bloody Luteal phase thing going on.

Keep checking in with us wont you. You never know this 2ww could be the one - especially as you've timed it right this time

Thanks for your advise over on the other thread.

Hello lovely ladies. I have been lurking but not really posting for a while. I think I may have ttc'd for the last time yesterday. Have pretty much decided to stop now. It wasn't that hard. After a year of angst, I think I have slowly started to come to terms.

We are financially better off since DD turned 3 and we get help with nursery and while that sounds so trivial, feel much happier now we are not so skint. The thought of going back to that is a worry. Plus got rid of most of my baby stuff at the weekend.

Used some OPKs for first time in ages this weekend and realised I may have been misjudging my cycle for the last few months and mistiming my BDing! Oh well que sera...and all that.

Good luck to you all with your ttc journeys. I am not going yet, as on the 2ww now but I think it will be for the last time.

Rockdoctor - 43 TTC#2 CD27
Fruitbowl - 41 TTC#2 CD 25
vonsudenfed - 43 TTC#2 CD 19?? lost track
mabh - 42 TTC#1 CD9
Rowingboat - 43 TTC#2 CD 7
Spiralqueen - 46 TTC#2 CD6
Kiwikat - 43 TTC#2 CD4
gonepearshaped 41, ttc #2, CD3
Fifitot - 45 TTC#2 CD? Lost track this month!
Hippychick - 43 TTC#3 CD6

Graduates:
Haraslou
Grownupbabes

My sister has told me about this event:- The Fertility Show in London www.fertilityshow.co.uk.

Anyone else heard of this???

tetley how are you?

Hi rowing yes I do get a bit of the 'rushing' thing. The main clue, bizarrely, is that my thoughts suddenly shift, and I become aware that that's odd. I'm a bit allergic to nostalgia these days as the odd thoughts are often about things that happened in the past! It is a bit peculiar but I have had tests for blood pressure/diabetes/heart issues/thyroid and apparently I am all right, so it they just put it down as idiosyncratic (by which I think they mean they haven't a clue but it doesn't have any major consequences - other than black eyes and split lips!).

I meant to add myself to the stats. Hope these are correct - please abuse me if not!

Rockdoctor - 43 TTC#2 CD27
Fruitbowl - 41 TTC#2 CD 25
vonsudenfed - 43 TTC#2 CD 19?? lost track
mabh - 42 TTC#1 CD9
Rowingboat - 43 TTC#2 CD 7
Spiralqueen - 46 TTC#2 CD6
Kiwikat - 43 TTC#2 CD4
gonepearshaped 41, ttc #2, CD3
Fifitot - 45 TTC#2 CD? Lost track this month!

Graduates:
Haraslou
Grownupbabes

Mabh that sounds really frustrating. I'm glad you know the 'signs' though, so you can prepare.
I have only fainted once, but have had other times where I have almost fainted, but usually at the doctors or whatever, so they have intervened before I splatted on the floor.
I remember there being a ringing in my ears and a kind of whooshing or rushing sensation, possibly the blood rushing to my feet.
Do you have any idea of why you faint, low blood pressure or anything like that?
I hope you are feeling better today and fighting fit.
The ear was ghastly you are so on the button about that, really dragged me down, not getting better for what seemed like ages. In actual fact it was only a week and lots of people go through much more, which is scary really. I so admire people who are fighting of a big illness, amazing courage.

Hello hippy the vision of you leaving snail trail everywhere is amusing !

rowing glad you're feeling a bit better. Amazing how such a small thing as an ear drum can affect your whole body.

Fortunately I was at home when I fainted and I do, periodically, so I know what to expect. Apparently there's nothing wrong with me, I'm just a fainter! Although I do go if I'm feeling a bit stressed or under the weather. I can feel them coming on now so I know to hit the decks fast so that I'm horizontal before I'm unconscious - I know from painful experience that falling flat on your face is horrible - black eye, stitches, you name it! Unfortunately even without all that, I feel as sick as a dog afterwards and spend the rest of the day feeling rubbish. At least it was a Sunday so I had an excuse to laze about!

Hi again,
I have just re-read my post and I had meant to say welcome to Tibby and 10K.
The roll call was so you could see where we all are/were with the TTC.

Hippy, yay for your helpful doctor, how supportive. I hope the pessaries do the trick.
Hope you aren't all slipping and sliding around at your house though.

Feeling a bit better today as the magic magic eardrops continue to help.

tetley interesting to hear about your french friend and the prog pessaries. That's what I got from the doc today. She said it might just be my body settling down since the removal of the coil but due to my age we can't just wait and see! - so she agreed to give me the pessaries that i put up there for a few days AFTER I've ov'd. She said she hadn't heard of it being done much outside of IVF circles but she could see the logic and there was no harm in trying. So it was really just a case of me taking the print out from the internet and telling her what I wanted and fortunately she agreed. She did ask me what age my mother was when she went through the monopause and of course I had to tell her that she was quite young and I could tell from her face that that wasn't very good news. However, I shall remain positive (well try) and hope that the pessaries work. I just need the lining of my womb to stay put long enough for a nice little embyro to make a home there.

The funny thing is I felt so embarrassed, I kept feeling like I ought to get up out of my chair and say, "So I've left it too late then, ok no bother." But I must stress that she never once said that - it was just how I felt IYSWIM.

I'm wondering whether to try pre-seed as well, what with the pessaries, the pre-seed and all the troops (sperm!) - I could well leave a trail behind me wherever I go - OMG Sorry- how rude .

Hi everyone

Helly Tibby and 10K. We have a roll call somewhere up the list, hang on I'll go and get it.... [trots off to find roll]

OK this is not completely up to date, but it's the last one I could find

Kiwikat - 43, TTC#2, CD 3
gonepearshaped 41, ttc #2, CD2
vonsudenfed - 43, ttc#2, CD 18?? lost track on holiday
Fruitbowl - 41, TTC#2, CD 24
Fifitot - 45 TTC#2 CD? Lost track this month!
Rowingboat - 43 TTC#2 CD 6
Rockdoctor - 43 TTC#2 CD26
Spiralqueen - 46 TTC#2 CD5

Graduates:
Haraslou
Grownupbabes

Mabh that sounds awful, I hope you didn't bash anything. Where were you?

Tetley, that's funny about the sleeps vs wahs. I'm so glad you are having a lovely happy time with your DH, that sounds so nice.

Angi You are going a fantatic job with the bfing. My DS had only one very mild ear infection, for the whole time I was feeding him. Even if it is a couple of times a day it still helps. Now I have had this ear thing I would hate to see my DS getting the same thing, it has been a nightmare.
People do get pg all the time whilst bfing, particulary after introducing solids.

Kiwi I know I likes the new X-Factor, lots of very talented people on there as well, so it should be a good contest.
I didn't quite understand why the whole panel, other than Cowell, all told Danyl that he hadn't won the contest yet and not to get too full of himself. What was that about??

The latest news on the EAR is that I went back to the docs after a weekend of hell and he said the drum is better, but the ear canal is still red and 'angry' so he has given me some ear drops. I think they are actually helping. Yay! Don't want to get ahead of myself, but that would be good.
Took one night nurse capsule last night, that stuff is incredible, it completely zonks you out. Wow! I did wake up, but was in a drugged stupor so didn't really mind and then drifted off again.

Meanwhile this is CD6 or 5.5 as AF didn't appear until about 11PM on CD1, so.
Good luck to us all.

Hi all - see the contingent from the other side of the planet is looking forward to summer! Well, we didn't have one!

rowing hope you're feeling a bit better. I think ear infections can cause people to get a bit claustrophobic and peculiar, too, so maybe that's the root of feeling panicky last week. Hopefully it'll clear up with the anti-bs. My cold symptoms aren't all that bad except I managed to pass out cold for no apparent reason yesterday morning - I hate it! I end up feeling s-h-one-t for the rest of the day. So I am dosing up on vitamins from today. CD8 today so need to gear up for a bonk-fest!

Hi all,

Thanks so much for all the messages, really touched to get so many It's great that my news cheered everyone up - we need a bit of flag-waving for us 40+ers whenever possible.

OH was chuffed to bits at the news, bless him, though i'm still not entirely sure that if he had to choose between #2 or lots and lots of extra sleep in the next few years, which he'd go for...!

I'm feeling really normal and well, i don't think it has really sunk in yet...

rowing sounds like you've really been through the mill. these decongestants are pretty powerful. try not think too much about anything heavyweight till you feel better physically- feeling rundown for ages can bring our mood down a lot more than we think. Big virtual hug to you

kiwi was speaking to french friend at weekend who said she was prescribed progesterone pessaries while ttc and for first couple of months when she got pregnant, even though her doc didn't seem to think she had low levels, so presumably they can't do any harm?

Morning All,
Glad to see I'm not the only 40 (ahem) something trying to conceive. I have 3 children but would really love another. My youngest is 2.5 and we've been trying to conceive since she was a few months old but with no luck so far but there's always home

Sue

Evening all - has anyone else been enjoying the dramas of X Factor? I'm embarrassed to admit how much I'm enjoying it, and all the attendant drama. Bad Dannii!

Ghenghis, I bought the preseed from accessdiagnostic.co.uk. Are you coming over to the slippery side?

Angi, I stayed at Rottnest with my sister in law about 15 years ago, and I remember the sweet little joeys - think they were called kwokas, or something like that? The diving was superb!

Ladies, wishing you a week full of sunshine and womanly ripeness!

Hello All, Tibbychop here, new to this site, but aleady loving it. Well, in a department of 16 women, 3 are pregnant. Obviously, I am vey happy for them, but as I'm sure lots of you will also understand, it's TORTURING me! At 46, I know I should give up hope, but I just can't. Would love to hear of any success stories. Fingers crossed for all you ladies out there. x

Lucky, I also meant to say that when my DH had the reversal I couldn't wait for the 3 month sperm analysis, so we bought a microscope off ebay and was able to see the swimmers for ourselves.I cannot tell you how exciting it was to see the little wrigglers! It was definately worth doing.However I know other people have done it only to find they couldn't see anything, which sent them into despair, but they had an analysis done and there were swimmers. There's a great website you might like to have a look at:www.fertilityformen.com/.
It explains everything.I didn't buy one of his microscopes because the postage was too pricey to Aust.However, I have heard his service is excellent.
Hope that helps.

Congratulations Tetley! Fabulous news.

I have just got back from a week in the sun on Rottnest Island. It sounds glamorous but it isn't at all.We stay in a "bungolow" which is pretty ancient and cheap.We go every October with our dear friends and it is a wonderful family holiday.You know there are no cars on the island, so everyone walks and rides bikes, there's no tv and no computer or phone - it's just so relaxed - I love it!
It is great to come home and read the BFP news!
Whilst on holiday and feeling very relaxed, hanging out withour friends whose youngest child is 12, I started to think I am mad to want another baby.And when discussing such things with our friends, but not mentioning that I want another, my DH kind of indicated that another one --would be his worst nightmare-- would make life more complicated. And I started thinking the same thing.That, in fact, I need to just relax and enjoy what I do have.
Then I get home, start reading this thread, hear about the bfp, and suddenly get terribly broody again!Maybe I should stay away from the net, but I really don't want to.
Bah,Humbug....it is all so irrelevant really when you consider that I still have no sign of ovulation or AF and DS just won't stay away from the "Boozey" (pronounced "oo" as in 'book').He loves his breastmilk and isn't letting up.He has had some restless nights, where he just wanted to suck all night.I don't have the energy to wean him, so I reckon ovualation is a ways off anyway.Gives me more time to mull over the desire I suppose.
So sorry some of you are feeling sad. I truly hope that bfp isn't too far off.
Tetley - have you told OH? So exciting. Do you have an EDD?

Hi everyone,

Tetley how are you? Have you told him yet?

Music I read your story and was furious with the doctor you dealt with. I know what you mean about drawing a line under it though. It is wrong, wrong, wrong for her to speak to any patient/ anybody like that though. Appalling! And a load of rubbish to boot!
Is there any recourse regarding the IUIs, they sound as if they were botched. Could you have another 'on the house' if you complained? Save money where you can.
If you do have any questions I will be happy to try to answer and there is an assisted conception thread on MN, which is very helpful and well established.

Summer, you may be right, I may have an alarm clock stuck in my ear. I must look into that.

Lucky could his swimmers come back sooner than the tests? I hope the tests help. Do you feel very run down?

Ghengis those cakes sounds yummy, can I have one please!

Hippy sorry to hear about AF, roll on the appointment. Have you tried Agnus Castus, it does seem to do a good job of lengthening LP, from anectdotal evidence on here?

Kiwi, thankfully I haven't had the sicky, balance thing. I think that would have been the final straw.
So which CD is this?

TFLS and Mabh, I hope you don't get horrible cold. Please do use decongestants (very sparingly) and vaporub, especially in a steam bath thingy. Don't get a bad ear like me, it's horrible.
After more paranoia and sleepless nights things came to a head today. I just felt so depressed and weird. Started thinking that I was losing faith in my body full stop, after the IVF failures and now the inability to deal with an ear infection.
Managed to pinpoint the source of the panic attack/insomnia for the past week - blooming stuff they put in sudofed, it can cause all manner of ghastly neuroses. I honestly thought I was losing the plot.
Think I need to go to the hospital counsellor though because I need to confront the possiblity of the next couple of treatments not working out. We can't adopt because of DP's health so it would be moving on time (with huge debts).
Sorry had to vent, it's all been a bit emotional.
On the plus side have stopped taking the sudofed and am now just steaming my head and taking ibuprofen. Since starting the higher dose of anti-bs I have started to notice some progress, not sure what but feel more a bit more human at least.

Kiwi havn't even looked yet - but where did u get the preseed from?
* Hippy* I've used the chocolate to make buttercream topping for stepson's 16th birthday cupcakes - it's well sickly but v v v yum! But v sorry to hear AF appeared, hope u can get it (LP) sorted............
BTW how many posts can you make on a thread..do we need to start thinkin about a new one??? xx

Evening all! Tetley, am still smiling because of your good news. Your preseed story inspired me to make the purchase, and I'm now anxiously awaiting the lorry-load of preseed that's heading my way. Rowing, how are the ears doing? Is your balance off as well? Hippy, sorry to hear that the lp is so short - hope you manage to get that sorted out.

And let's hope we all get a bit of sunshine this weekend!

DH has been hogging the laptop so I've only just heard the big news - A BFP Hooray! Well done Tetley - it gives us all hope. It's nice to have a little secret sometimes isn't it?

Just to up-date you all. It was AF , so I've made an appointment at GP on Monday. Luteal Phase defect seems to be reasonably easy to sort out (it would be better if time was on my side but hey ho - am trying to be positive and think that at least I'm still ovulating every month.) this last LP was just 7 days so i am defo gonna need some help from the GP.

Hi, to the newbeys - it's lovely on here.

Sorry Ghengis I didn't last very long under the duvet this month - I left the chocolate there for you .

Great news Tetley.

I nearly reported the registrar at the time, went so far as to phone up the hospital and enquire about the complaints procedure, but I was so upset about it all I never followed it through. I certainly would now, but it was 4 years ago now, so I've just drawn a line under it and moved on. You live and learn.

I found there were so many value judgements made about secondary infertility by doctors who should maybe, given their line of work, keep their opinions to themselves! Yes, I know, absolutely know, I'm very very lucky with my 2 girls, but we've still been through a lot of heartache over the 8 years we've been trying. I have an appointment in 2 weeks time (I have to go through all the tests again as it was 4 years ago) and I'm hoping that doing this will draw a line under it all for me, one way or another.

Tetley, it's great to hear of your success! Congratulations! I love hearing when anyone in my age bracket has success; it makes me feel as though there is hope . let us know when OH is in a better mood and you tell him!

Hi all.
Rowing - hope you are feeling better and the ears are improving. DH gets tested after 3 months and then again I think 4 weeks after that so got a long time to wait but we thought the practice wouldn't do us any harm.
I'm a still a bit down as went to the doctor about my 'virus' and she's sending me for blood tests to rule out annemia, glandula fever and thyroid trouble. Just something else.
Sorry again for the negative vibes....will turn them around honest.

Music just read your post....think I would have landed the doc if she had spoken to me like that or at least reported her to someone..
Have a good weekend to everyone else.
x

[TFLS hands out copious amounts of Vitamin C]

music - that is a nightmare story. Is there any record of the labelling cock up (if you excuse the expression in the circumstances...). Surely they cannot count that attempt as it was their error that prevented you from going ahead. Have you tried puting a complaint in writing or having a word with the PALs at your local hospital to see what can be done. and for you.

Woo! tetley! Brilliant. Definately gives me hope!

Woodelf you must think I'm crazy. I was thinking I was on the June bus thread when I was typing to you on here - duh!

Music it's scary how many women have stories about doctors telling them to b**$^$r off when they seek treatment! I mean, in our case it's not as if they can say that we're not old enough to realise issues, is it? I feel horrid being horrid about doctors, honest, but sometimes you would think that they think they're the only intelligent life on the planet.

I fear it's me next for the cold... either that or I have watery eyes and sneezes for no good reason. Bah!

oh my goodness tetley just got caught up on the thread that is absolutely fantastic news you must be on cloud nine and do you know what i'm not the least bit jealous
well maybe 10% jealous 90% overjoyed
ok 20%jealous 80% overjoyed
right if you're going to insist 40% jealous 60% overjoyed
only joking i think its brilliant news and has really boosted me and given me hope again. sending you lots of happy thoughts and best wishes up to your cloud

Oh music I just read your message and that sounds so awful. IMO you should write down the meeting with the registrar and send it to the BMI. These Doctors are dreadful speaking to patients like that. Do we walk into their clinics and spout nasty personal criticisms at them - no we are too polite and emotionally intelligent to throw judgements around. Sorry it's my pet peev arrogant Drs. No wonder we all seem to use so much alternative stuff now, at least those practioners are more amenable. Gosh mortagaging the house you must SO want this baba and as I say so much better to bring a child into this world who will be loved and wanted than those who use pregnancy as a pawn in their games for money or power. (just getting down off soap boxes now)
Tetley Yes I can understand you not wanting to tell a sulky OH. Hope you find the right moment - does he suspect at all? My DH watches me like a hawk now trying to pick up signs - which is a b*gger because I'd love to surprise him but the only time I did was the 1st with DD and he genuinely didn't have a clue.

Rowing hope your ears are getting better - are you sure your alarm clock isn't playing up? And FLS and any one else with a cold -POOR US-

Thanks for the welcome! Yes, I'm thinking of IVF. We had 3 cycles of IUI on the NHS about 4 years ago. It was a bit of a disaster. First cycle I went into ovarian hyperstimulation so they didn't do it, I just kept having to be monitored in hospital. I was desperate to jump DH on the quiet, to be honest, but thought I'd better not risk it! Second cycle they brought sperm with someone elses name on it, I only noticed as she was opening the vial. But it had DHs DOB on it. They assured me it was DH's and someone had just written the wrong surname on it but said we could decline the cycle if we wanted. I felt a bit funny about it, like we'd always be a bit unsure if it worked, so we declined. Third cycle I did have done but consultant was away over the weekend I ovulated on a long weekend so I had to either do it 3 days early or a day late. I can't remember now which we went for but it didn't work. So that was it, the 3 cycles. I felt it was a typical NHS waste of money, to be honest. We weren't entitled to anything else as we have 2 already. Then I went for a final appointment, saw this registrar who was really, really nasty to me. Said I had two children already, I should go home and be grateful for what I had, and it would be deformed anyway at my age and about time I started using condoms. Plus she said "if you stay with the husband you've got, looking at his sperm count, it's never going to happen anyway."

I was so upset and it nearly split me and DH up, things were very dodgy for a while. That's why it's taken until now for me to muster up courage to think about it again. But I think, like you say fatladyscreams, you regret what you don't do in life, not what you do.

At least after the IUI I have some idea of what I am letting myself in for. All those injections - yuk! I had to eat virtually a whole box of chocolate every time to get up the courage!!

Ahhh tetley. Yes sounds a good idea to wait until DH's mood improves. Hope you're enjoying hugging that little secret to yourself . How are you feeling this morning - has the news sunk in yet?

Welcome musicposy. I remember reading somewhere that you tend to regret the things you didn't do rather than the things you did. So the mortgage makes sense!

rowing - that ear feeling must be driving you mad. My cold has gone into my sinuses and a bit into my ears. I went to acupuncture last night and was fantasising about her sticking a needle through my ear drum to relieve the pressure . Mind you, she did put some in my nose which really helped.

Getting weird temps and monitor results at the moment so suspect I've either ovulated early (and missed it thanks to this damn cold) or not ovulating at all this cycle. Not that I send too long thinking about it!

Tetley, I agree, it wouldn't be the ideal way to share the good news. If you have to shout 'and by the way I'm pregnant!' in the middle of a row, it's just not living the dream is it!

Thanks again everyone for lovely messages

OH is still none the wiser...!He came home still in a major sulk and i just couldn't face giving him the news when he was being so negative. And somehow walking around with The Big Secret is quite nice...i almost hate to share it in case it turns out not to be true if i tell someone .

If you don't mind, i'm going to hang around with you all here for a bit longer. Definitely don't feel ready for anything else quite yet.

All that seems to be missing now is a photo of me in a 1950s dress and an artificially whitened smile holding up a tube of preseed .

Hi Musicposy and Woodelf (like the name)!
Hope you both enjoy your stay here.
Music, I have had two IVFs, is that what you are thinking of?

Summer poor you with the cold! Commiserates! I hope you feel better today.
I have had to get my antib dosage upped because the low dosage hasn't been working properly. Still spending sleepless nights listening to my ears going 'ting, ting, ting, ting...' you get the picture.

Lucky when does your DH get his swimmers tested to see how they are doing? Good on you practising.

Tetley, so? What did he say? Did he faint?

Ghengis are you ordering a lorry load of preseed. Beep beep beep, as it reverses down your street. Thought the romantic weekend with a small child in your bed might not quite pan out. Mind you, they are sound sleepers.

Tetley, that's absolutely wonderful news! That's just what we all needed to hear.

Welcome to the rollercoaster, Woodelf and Musicposy. We're a good bunch here.

Hi there, have been TTC #3 for 8 years now, I'm 42. After long months of debate have just today sorted out my mortgage so that I can go for fertility treatment. It's a very scary idea (especially putting money on the mortgage!) but I feel that even if the outcome is negative, it will be good for me, if that makes sense. I need to put the TTC to rest and not spend the rest of my life wondering "what if". I left a message with the clinic, though, and felt quite shaky afterwards!

I might be on this thread a lot!

Well Done Tetley that's great news, pass round that elderflower sparkly and have this big shiney medal. At least your examinations will be for better reasons now. Also you've just pushed up the market share of preseed me thinks.

Hello to Woodelf Oh I do like these hippy type names makes it sound as though we should all meet up at stonehenge and dance round in a circle.

I'm off to bed cuddling a lemsip, aitchoo!

Tetley - great news. Congratulations. Lets hope it's the first of many.
Really cheered me up reading your news.
Woodelf - Welcome they are a very happy and helpful bunch here.
Hi to everyone else, no other news from me DH still walking around like John Wayne but manage (all be it a bit sheepishly) to enduldge in some bd last night. (Can't believe I just wrote that
So the journey for me has started.
Hi to everyone else.
x

WOO HOO how exciting! huge congratulations Tetley got to be good positive vibes for us all?
Hippy what's the latest - am preparing for the 2ww with you, hope all's ok
Tissues to all feeling under the weather & welcome to Woodelf - another 46 YO, I had my DS @ 42 (and a half...) and thought that was it, but here I am again.
No other news except to add that we didn't manage any BD in hotel room with DS there - just couldn't but managed a bit before we left home (sorry if TMI
If no luck this month will try preseed...wanders off to look for industrial sized tubs of slimy stuff, and hopes neighbours don't have to accept delivery if out......

Yaaaaaaay!!! Tetley, this is so great. We all needed this news so much. Big congratulatory hug. Its a great morale booster. How many days are you? I wish you all the luck for a happy and healthy pregnancy. And, Ladies, Preseed it is, I have already placed an order for my supply. Woodelf, you are lucky for this thread, pl. stay on.

...and thanks spiral!

Thanks so much fatlady and rowing!

Yes, it was au naturelle, after all the clomid and injections of other things this was just liberal squrtings of preseed and emotional blackmail (joking, but only just) to do the deed when OH had absolutely no intention and did actually groan at the idea.(!)
I'm 42 and almost 5 months. hope it starts a bfp trend on the thread

Tetley that's wonderful news. Yaay - one of us finally did it. [dances round room]

Definitely the good news we were all looking for. Heartfelt congratulations and what a great surprise for OH tonight. Can't wait to hear how you broke it to him and his response

Woodelf you are very welcome indeed if this is the effect of your joining our gang

No way! I just fainted! It finally happened we have a BFP in our midsts.
Fantastic news Tetley, is this your au naturelle cycle. You clever little au naturelle person. I think it was the crysanthemum you wore on your hat the other day.
Well done, congratulation. Big kiss. Mwah!
Hee hee about the blazing row, he will be very surprised when he comes grovelling home. Wish I could see his face.
Are you going to put some bootees in a casserole or something, as a lovely surprise.

Tetley yipppeeeeee do dandy! That's fantastic news. So pleased for you.

Wow. I guess the row will get forgotten now

Have you picked yourself up off the floor yet?

earoma - sorry no knowledge re HSG.

rowing - good news re your cycle being back to normal. Was thinking of ordering some preseed but now have a mental picture of it arriving in a NoNails size container so not so sure...

Sorry the cold has got you as well summer. [TFLS passes tissues and Olbas Oil over].

hippy - it must be frustrating. But you did make me laugh with your comment about "getting the troops up there on time!"

Welcome woodelf. Lovely to hear that you had your first at 43.

Welcome woodelf!

Girls……I can’t believe I’m writing this.

I got a BFP

I can’t believe I’ve just written that. I was absolutely convinced AF was on its way, have had cramping since last week. The weekend was torture because I just wanted it to start, and the slight cramping went on and on. I went to the loo so many times we ran out of loo roll

You are all the first to know, OH is at work, had blazing row this morning. Crikey. I'm gobsmacked

Good luck woodelf (great name!). I was just wondering whether you should be on the July bus by now? I'm over there (just visiting as I heard there was cake!) and there are plenty of seats.

Good luck to everyone still on the June bus and still testing.

Hello there to all TTC,
I am new to this thread and am embarking on TTC no 2. I had no 1 at 43 and something in the air is trying to tell me to have another go. V sceptical about this as i am 46 now but willing to have a go and TTC for the next six months or so only. I put a time limit on it and am hoping nature has her way much as she did before. I had 3 major mcs before my DS1 came into the world and am so grateful for that it seems greedy to want another. DH is v supportive but am anticipating a roller coaster of emotions.

Fingers crossed for us all - there is always hope!
Woodelf

Hello everyone,
Rowing your cold sounds horrendous and it's funny to hear someone happy on here when the AF arrives! But that's great because when you are better you can go and collect those cosy eggs. I have to join you and FLS I'm going down with sniffles now, kindly donated by DD. Pass the tissues. Nice to see you back and so nice to hear you get on well with PIL.
I sometimes wonder why we want another child since our families aren't such a model but then maybe that's the reason why to create a stable environment for our chicks. My Ma is visiting and she is awful at times.

Sorry earoma I don't know anything about HSG hope you find out it sounds good though if it opens everything up and makes you more receptive to sperm.

I am also going to try the preseed next cycle, don't know when that will be though as don't know where AF is after mc - visiting a few of you by the sounds of it. Isn't it the worsst feeling having AF and a cold all at the same time - men should try it and see what life can really be like.

Lucky I hope things get a bit less stressful for you, it sounds like you've got a lot on your plate.

tetley I hate examinations they can be so humiliating. Babies are so emotive and yet all the stuff around it is so clinical. I'm sure a lot of Doctors have their emotions surgically removed when they qualify, Doc martin strikes a chord with so many people, plus it's stressful having to look after a DC at the same time (been there too) and trying not to let them see you cry because they get upset. That bit's over now though, when do you get the results?

We're on for our first visit on 19th.

Must finish the message.
AF arrived today, I was expecting her tomorrow because I took the bleeding after the IVF to be CD1.
Very pleased cycle has gone back to pretty much normal, at least we can plan the FET (frozen embryo transfer) quite accurately.
Bodies are amazing aren't they.

Hi everyone,

Funny thing just happened. I was boiling the kettle and thought, 'what's that funny noise?'. It was my deaf ear trying to work again, but only letting in little bits of noise, so it made the kettle boiling sound very peculiar. Bless the little ear, it's trying to work again. It's cheered me up a bit that it is doing its best.

Hippy, implantation bleeding can go on for a few days I think it tends to be pinky or browny rather than bright red, but even then bright red could still be implantation. Is it actually getting heavier? I don't know about you, but my heaviest days are the first or second.
Look at these links
www.askbaby.com/implantation-bleeding.htm
babymed.com/FAQ/Browse.aspx?53
YOu never know, this could be very good!
Hope it is.

Lucky, I wish I had known you were up, I could have driven you nuts raving on about my ears. Mind you my typing would have been like this
<hjjellooo llolyuuucky> due to all the shaking. I'm so sorry that you are feeling stressed and waking up at night. I think it is very good that you are aware of it and the causes, because you know where to start addressing the problem. It sounds as if you need a gigantic hug and time for yourself.
Do you do any destressing stuff: exercise, yoga, meditation, EFT, herbal remedies?

TFLS hello, how lovely to hear from you. I hope you had a lovely break.
It has been so busy on here recently, well done for managing to keep up.

Tetley have you recovered from the examination? You sound a bit more cheery.
Preseed is odd isn't it. It comes in such a large applicator and it's annoying that you can't really save any. I suppose it is possible, but would be very fiddly.

Earoma, I don't remember my cycle being affected by the HSG, but I did have bleeding after but I think it was bleeding from the physical intrusion of treatment rather than hormonal.
I have never managed to temp successfully, so not sure about that.
Did you manage to get any bding in before today, some women fall pg after an HSG so you never know...

Oh I nearly forgot. AF

Thanks everyone for the comments about preseed - Tetley, you made me smile at the slipping in the bathroom comment. Hope those of you battling colds, earache etc wake up tomorrow feeling better. Rowing, how YOU doing? in a Joey Tribbiani voice. Hippy, hope it's not AF - would be so nice if it was implantation. We need someone to get a nice bfp to cheer us all up.

More streaks and cramps today. Am 99% sure that this is NOT implantation but actually bloody AF coming incredibly early - am now going to make appointment with GP to discuss the luteal phase thing.

I'm really p*ssed off now - what's the point in ovuating and getting the troops up there on time - if my stupid body is going to then decide to have a period a flippin' week early!

hi all i was looking for a bit of advice if poss had HSG on friday everything seemed fine have been temping for the last few months to help define an OV day as my cycles have been very eratic and the last 4 months its been cd13 even when the length of my cycles have varied so have been organising BD in accordance with these days but did temp this morn and had had a V large spike indicating OV but i'm only CD11 can an HSG effect your cycle sorry if this is a really dumb question

Here you go.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/pregnancy/838227-What-did-you-do-differently-to-help-you-get-pregnant

Kiwi sorry forgot to add that I've heard really good stuff about preseed. The one person I know who has used it got pregnant pretty quickly.

There was a thread with loads of endorsements about it recently - will go off to find.

Hi all,

Sorry been off for a while. We were away with PIL who flew home yesterday. We now have the house to ourselves, the call of the monitor cannot be ignored [I now understand why everyone says TTC sex is different] but I have a stinking cold and want to sink under a self indulgent duvet and send DH to snore in the spare room ...

[TFLS hands tissues to rowing and commiserates]. Hope those antibiotics have really kicked in now.

Sorry to hear about AFs where they've arrived .

Thanks for all the advice. Still trying to get over mental picture of summer as a Pekinese chewing her slipper .

spiral - sorry you're having such a rough time. I'm another one who thinks all that stress could be playing havoc with your cycle. I think we all tend to worry too quickly that it's age related. It must be really tough for your DH at work but really tough on you as well. I like summer's cow pat image. It's horrible but you'll get through it one way or another (mind you, jumping over is far preferable!).

luckywebby hope your DH is recovering well.

tetley sorry you're feeling low. I'm not surprised that you burst into tears after your appointment - probably all the pent up stress and emotions that build up worrying about how the appointment will go, the frustration of dealing with such an automan of a doctor plus the inevitable indignity of the exam. I guess it just puts you in a vulnerable position. I don't know about you but I'm a pretty private person (with the exception of Mumsnet!) and find it difficult having to talk about the really personal stuff with a stranger, especially when it sounds like you had the Doc Martin of the fertility world!

Anyway, it's tipping down with rain here. So passing round hot chocolate to all.

Rowing - Sounds if you have been in the wars hope the neds take affect soon and your back fighting fit.
There seem to be alot of viral infections around at the moment lots of poeple at my work are off with the sickness bug trying to aviod it.
NOt sleeping very well at the moment and feeling a bit stressed. Woke up at 4 yesterday and 5 today...(could have had a chat with you rowing). Think everything (situation with DS GF, DH op and everything else) is taking it's toll.
Come on someone give us some good news.
x

poor you rowing, that night sounded terrible. Hope the anti-b's kick in straight away.

kiwi preseed is so completely indispensable (as (Charlie and) Lola might say). I can't imagine how anyone could ttc without it...! Apparently it not only doesn't damage sperm but it actually encourages it to get to the right place by creating channels the same way fertile CM does or something like that. You can get it from accessdiagnostics.co.uk

ps. i seem to remember they overdo a bit the quantities you need ...big risk of slipping on bathroom floor...!

Oo! Ooo! I have tried preseed and I'm not sure, but I had a very strange cycle after which may have been a chemical or early mc.
Didn't have any tests and was very busy so didn't really register.
That was when I had pain and a burst cyst, so I wasn't sure if that caused the trouble. I still think I may have also been pg and missed it.
So ramble, ramble, very expensive, but worth a try. Also grapefruit juice is supposed to improve the CM, not just quantity but the PH as well.

what do you all know about preseed? Is it any good? Why does it work? Anyone had any success with it?

Hello all - sorry you're still feeling rotten, Rowing x.

My sister's baby boy arrived today, back home in NZ, and I'm delighted for her - this is her first child. My four year old nephew is already jealous! Interesting that all three of us girls have had our babies - all boys - by emergency c section. And one thing our family body shape has, is childbearing hips! Ain't life funny.

Pat42, your positivity is just what I need to read. I'm going to be on a mission now too. Thanks!

Thanks Hippy,
if implantation bleeding can occur on day 5 then it could be couldn't it! That would be cool!
I had read it was later, but these things always seem to vary from site to site.
People on the IVF forums have all sorts of bleeding going on, it's nuts!

Thanks Rowing - you sound like you're really in the wars - hope the anti B's work soon. My DH is on them at the mo and they usually do the trick.

I found this quote - 'Implantation will generally take place about 5 days on average after conception. The fertilized embryo needs time to travel down the fallopian tube while dividing. On the fifth day it will become a blastocyst. Only then can it implant into the uterine wall, which occasionally causes implantation bleeding.'

Of course I have no idea who typed this or how qualified they are but I'm hoping it's right. HD says for me to stop googling it and just wait and see and be positive - huh easy for him to say

Hi everyone and thank you for your 'get wells' very kind you are all too!

Hippy, I'm not sure what your cycle length is, but usually implantation is around 10-12 days post ovulation. However, if you ovulate early and have a shorter follicular (is that right??) phase then it is possible that you could have implantation this early.
Another explanation could be a change in hormone levels. Have you had a day 21 test to see what your progesterone levels are like? I think I have read that it is possible to spot when the progesterone levels are on the low side.
Hope it is something good though!

Pat how lovely to have your mum 'on side'. There are a few women at nursery who have had 'late' babies and had gaps of up to 14 years. A couple of the ones I have asked have said they thought a big age gap has been a really positive thing for the whole family.

Summer are you a bit fed-up at the prospect of this attila woman learning that you are TTC and finding it a bit uphill?
Do you think you may have clotting issues?

My latest is went to see the GP yesterday after having around four hours sleep. He gave me a prescription for decongestant spray and co-codamol and an anti-b. He asked me to hold off on the anti-b to see if the ear infection was going away on its own.
So last night I woke up exactly when the pain killers wore off. Couldn't hear and felt very nauseaus and started to freak out. Took some decongestants and nasal spray and began to shake uncontrollably, probably because I had an empty stomach. I'm a touch on the claustrophobic side and found the deafness and ringing in my head just too much to take and ended up having to breathe into a bag. Don't mind pain or whatever, but this is too much. So went for the anti-bs today and started them at lunchtime.
I just want to have a bit of sleep. Actually cried this afternoon because I felt so fed-up and DS was being a bum!
I think it is starting to work now, so relieved.

I am v. confused. Today i'm 5 days past ovulation and I noticed a slight streak when I wiped (sorry!) Also i have v. mild cramps. I keep swinging between being very excited that this could be implantation and feeling very down becaue it could mean AF is on the way and if she is, that means I defo have a very short LP and need to see the GP .

I can do NOTHING about it except just wait and see if AF comes in next couple of days!! It's really frustrating me and I don't know how to feel- optimistic or pesimistic??

Get well soon, Rowing. I am on day 7 and feeling renewed committment and energy for our mission. Last two cycles I was rather depressed, feeling ancient and very skeptical about our decision. That's why I let business trip and arguements come in our way otherwise I would have tried to overcome these situations. I talked to my mother for the first time about it. To my surprize, she was very enthusiastic and even confessed that she always disliked our idea of keeping our DD an only. She wasn't concerned about my age or about 12 yr gap between DD and would be sibling. I was relieved because I really thought that she and my MIL will definitely think I am going crazy at this age. I guess you never get too old for your mother. Also women in our Moms' generation are probably more open minded than we give them credit for. Anyways, I am a woman on a mission this month. Loads of luck to all of us.

Sorry if the info is old hat and everyone already knows about it.

Hi

Rowing your cold seems to have lasted a long time hope you are getting better.
Spiral Anynews from your clinic?
Ghengis Yep the 13th is fine for me at the moment.
Thought I would mention to all those recurrent MC'ers an interesting bit of information. (this bit isn't but it's how I got it) DH was discussing our situation with a colleague at work!!!!!!!! There's me only able to type about it to you lot and he's talking about it to someone he only works with, men eh? Besides which as well we know if a man has an interesting gossip at work they go home and tell the missus - I can't stand his missus, met her once and really she should have the name Gengis - no offence DD was the least compastionate person I have meet. So I don't really want her knowing and judging me - and I hear nothing of her or their situation. Anyway that's my rant. The interesting thing is a relative of theirs had the same thing and after the 5th was diagnosed with FACTOR V LIEDEN. Had it corrected and carried the next DC carried to term. I haven't looked it up yet it's to do with blood clotting hence the asprin that is diagnosed a lot. Thought it would be interesting for some.

rowingboat
Hope the cold is better soon. Big hugs to you and everyone else.

Hi everyone,
I'm just checking in, can't sleep because of cold and don't even fancy chocolate under the duvet, so your stash is safe Hippy.
Earoma, that's funny about the girl, at least she isn't a reporter for your local paper, that would be bad. I'm sure she has some kind of professional ethical thingy, so she can't mention anything, or you can sue her for ££££££££££££s
Kiwi thank you for your hugs, I am sending your hug to my ear - you are hugging my ear. yes!
Do you want me to hug your nose or anything?

Hello everyone - Tetley, Rowing, Fifi, Spiral, Fruit and all the rest of you lovely ladies. Big hugs to those of us who need it. Let's hope this new week brings us all a bit of good luck and sunshine.

lol at tetley trying to concentrate on professional person whilst giving a piggyback to dd - they just don't get how important these appointment are do they?

ghenghis you would make a rubbish secret agent!!! v. funny. It's funny how we don't want RL people to know stuff that we don't mind sharing with our virtual buddies.

I'm under the duvet now (face covered in chocolate) waiting for more 2 ww'ers to join me. Ghenghis is due to join me after trying to bd with ds in the room (quietly does it ghenghis!)

Lots of Love to all. Feeling very affectionate (early preg symptom??? ha ha)

poor tetley you sound like you've been through the wars you go ahead and have a good cry its better than keeping it bottled up. i hope the rest of your weekend turns out better.
had my HSG on friday and you were right girls it was nothing to worry about thanks.
was totally embarassed though as i trained with the girl doing the images and she recognised me so no doubt everybody now knows what i'm up too she was very nice though and made sure she stayed behind the screen to save my blushes lol
now all i can do is wait for my app in november for the results. this waiting is a pain isn't it

Thanks for your lovely supportive messages *rowing, spiral, lucky, hippy, ghenghis*. The appointment went ok. Gyno bloke wants to monitor my cycle next month and then try artificially inseminating me. Of course at this point dd was trying to make me give her a piggy back and concentrating got very difficult. He was the classic health professional, great at yakking on about what he plans to do, no good at actually explaining the options in a meaningful way. I found it hideous being examined by a bloke. I just hate it. He scanned my breasts too (!) which meant I was sitting there practically naked at a certain point feeling horribly vulnerable, although there was a female nurse there. When I got outside I got dd in her buggy so she couldn’t see me, and just burst into tears. My reaction seems a bit extreme I know. But I just can’t help it. It feels ridiculous, there are so many of you who are going through really invasive, intensive treatments and being prodded and poked all the time. I think it’s the ttc thing that makes it worse. I feel like I’m in a more vulnerable position. Please excuse the rant!

What I don’t really get is how artificial insemination is supposed to help? Do they inseminate the sperm right into the uterus? Otherwise why is it any better than normal sex, given that the sample will deteriorate on the trip to the clinic.. Hmm, back to google.

Thanks for being out there, girls. Hope you all have a good weekend.

Kiwi – sorry to hear you’re about to join the af club too…Clink with the virtual G&T!

Have a good weekend Ghengis. No pillaging!
Good luck with the hotel room!
Hippy fingers crossed for the 2WW.
I can totally relate to the ops, I have had a laparoscopy and a myomectomy to remove a hoooge fibroid and of course the IVFs. Feel like a piece of meat don't you!

Hi everyone - have done a name change (formerly known as ddilemma!!) as think RL people from babyland may have sussed I'm on here - not that I've anyhing to hide, but would rather remain anonymous IYSWIM. However if they read this post they'll know who I am - oh bugger it!
Anyway, commiserations for those of you having a crap time, it's truly unbelievable the highs and lows we go through, but loads of hugs/sympathy to you all.
I've had a smiley face on OPK + loadsa EWCM today,(day 13) so as well as long trip to Cornwall for weekend we've got to fit in loadsa BD (with DS in hotel room...!!) then will be back on 2WW with you Hippy!
Good weekend to you all
ps Summer have a good week with your Mum visiting, am around following Tues 13 th if ur?

xx

Hi to everyone who's feeling down - hope you soon feel more positive.

Isn't it funny how we all feel sorry for a hubbie who has to have an op and yet we've all had loads of prods and pokes - personally I've had 3 laproscapies and laser treatment for endometriosis plus 2 births and I know you ladies have undergone many unpleasant and uncomfortable things.

Well as for me - as far as I know I ovulated yesterday (finally gave up on those darn opk sticks and just went with the signs mother nature gave me). Did some BDing before ov day and also morning after (6am again) to make sure there are loads of troops up there. So now it's head under the virtual duvet for the 2WW - anyone joining me under here? I've got chocolate!

Lucky ouch! Your poor DH! It makes a change from my point of view: the bloke undergoing the prodding and poking. He must be a sweetie.

Kiwi boooooo! AF push off! Do you get a funded IVF in your area?
Can you take a month off Clomid and then go back on, the thing with clomid is it thins the endometrium, so can affect implantation, but Clomid stays in your system for a month or so, so you might find that when you stop the endometrium goes back to normal you get lucky.
I have read about people becoming pg after Clomid or having a month on and a month off.

Well so much for Dong Quai, I did like it, but it was giving me terrible bloating. I looked up side-effects and it is a known problem.
So now I'm looking into Maca, it is supposed to balance the hormones and act as a general tonic. Has anyone tried??

Hi all again. Being off work looking after DH has it's advantages it means I can pop into the site more often.
Tetley - Hope all goes well tomorrow with your appointment will keep everything crossed for good news.
Spiralqueen - DH recovering well just got to keep telling him to sit down. We have told no one about the VR not even the boys. He had to mention it to the works nurse as he will be off for about 4 weeks as he is an engineer and goes a lot of heavy lifting but no other friends or family. We just wanted to keep it to ourselves and tell them when (positive thinking) something happens.
Kiwi Keep hopeful. x

Tetley Sorry you've been feeling down too. It certainly helped me venting on the thread when I was feeling down, and everyone was so lovely and supportive. It can be difficult reading though when there doesn't seem to be much in the way of positive things happening. Let us know how the appointment goes (and best of luck with having DD in tow).

Lucky how's DH recovery from the op? Hope it's not too sore. Has he told friends & colleagues about it? I remember DH coming back from work once and they'd all been discussing experiences - theirs and other peoples - over lunch in the canteen.

Kiwi Oh poo. It's that little bit of hope that keeps us going though isn't it.

Have a good weekend everyone.

"I hear you knocking ... But you cain't come in ..."

Fat chance! The witch has well and truly arrived. And despite knowing that she was on the way, some small, hopeful part of me really hoped that perhaps I was wrong. Nup. We have one last round of clomid before IVF.

No pressure ...

Hi everyone,

Tetley, sorry to hear you are feeling down. I hope the appointment goes well and gives you something to focus on. Let us know how you get on!

Hi all,

just popping in to say hello and see how you all are. Really great to see loads of new people the thread seems really active. I'm trying to keep away at the moment as feeling a bit low. Did everything absolutely by the book this month, but it feels like AF on its way all the same...Let's hope we get some bfp's here soon.

Tomorrow have long-postponed appointment with super-specialist fertility expert, so really hoping he's going to say something encouraging (although there's a risk he won't be able to finish his sentences as dd has to come with me...)

sorry for gloom - but will pass on the many encouraging things... xx

I love checking this thread out. It's the only place I know that people activly discuss their bedroom activity without being embaressed.
Well no scheule for me at the momment as DH had his VR op yesterday so all bding out of the window for the next 7 days at least (direction from the consultant)but then who knows.
Hope everyone is keeping OK and keep positive.
x

Mabh I went and looked £350. Did see some places in London that were charging £750. It was good advice as I know now it's not something we can manage.

Hippy did make me . We got caught by DD the other day who thought we were doing the Teletubbie big hug and wanted to join in

PS: No schedule as such for us Mabh but pretty much the same quantity. Can't say I've wondered before about bits wearing out but now you've got me thinking... [curious face, wanders off to check]

...believe me, there are times when I think that body parts must be wearing out

Hi, Ladies. AF has arrived. Wasn't hoping anything because DH and I had been fighting so much this cycle. He can be a real jerk then tries to be extra sweet to make up. I am usually very stubborn and fail to see his extra sweetness as anything but a put on and refuse to give in easily.
I feel so bad for you Spiral. Lots of virtual hugs coming your way. Why don't you atleast find out how much it would cost? If its too bizarre a price, you will feel ok about not going for it otherwise you may blame yourself later for not looking into it if you found out its a lot less than what you expected. I am hoping that the consultant will agree with you and also that you and your DH get lucky on your own even before that. Lost of best wishes and good luck.
OMG 15 days a month!!! I envy you. You are so ready to have that baby in your forties. Anything more than once a week becomes such a chore for me. I can run 5 miles, three times a week though.
Good luck and lots of baby dust to all of us.

15X per month!! OMG I admire your dedication. we're lucky to get a few in around the most important days. But then we do have 2 very nosey sons!!

hah! Well DH and I have always tended to go to bed at different times - I'm half conscious by 10.45 and DH is often up at 12.30. Then he gets up at 6.30. So we're always at it at odd times of day - often 7pm or 9pm (before or after tea!!!), and now have a 15x per month schedule.

I wonder what the neighbours are thinking about the open-close-open-close of the curtains???!!

spiral this should take your mind of it - a bit of light hearted news.

DH and I didn't get very far with the deed the other night. Thought we'd take our time and cuddle lots first etc. Big mistake - huge! (In the words of Julia Roberts). We were interupted by our 6 year old and due to stuff happening we were unable to resume!! We ended up having to set the alarm for 6am the next day to finally complete our mission

Don't know what I'd do without you lot. Hug is much needed and appreciated.

Rowing's right - it is hugely frustrating and you're right Summer you have to have had this before anything else can happen. Unfortunately there's nowhere else to have the test done and I didn't even bother enquiring how much it would cost as I can't imagine it would be less than £100 and we'd struggle to find £50 at the moment.

DH is really supportive and is trying hard to keep me positive. Going to see the consultant to see if he can authorise the booking people to fit me in regardless but we don't see him for another 3 weeks.

In the meantime we just try to keep going even if it is more in hope than expectation of a happy ending.

How's everyone else doing? Take my mind off it with your news.

Spiral Another cow pat in your way, it's awful but it's not over until you say it is. Can you speak to the consultant and plead your case? Do you have to have this test in order to move on to other things? Keep stress busting though - it could happen naturally.

Rowing I didn't know there was a shortage of names I just got the first one I typed in - my favorite thing a summer sky, couldn't be bothered to keep swapping for annonimity though I'd never remember. I agree about the affirmations mind you I only do one at a time and my mind wanders well I have a lot of time in the car.

Spiral I really feel for you. How bloody frustrating!
I'm not sure what to day to help.
How much does it cost?
Can we have a whip round?
<<<<<<hug>>>>>>>>>

Spiral, that's so crap! Am really sad and cross for you. Is there anywhere else that you could go that does this?

good grief spiral thats awful my clinc only does HSG on fri afternoons and i phoned on mon morn for mine and they fitted me in this week no probs. it never ceases to amaze me though how there are never any appoints in some clinics unless you flash the cash it must be very frustrating for you

Cripes spiral! Fgs, how does anyone get in with that clinic??!!! .

Fingers crossed that the consultant does the right thing. Other than that, are there any other clinics? It seems so unfair.

AF crept in this morning. Almost pleased to see our least favourite relative. Meant I could ring the clinic for the Hycosy appointment which I was told was vital to have done before next consultant appointment.

Clinic kindly inform me that they only give out appointments on a first come, first served basis and that all their appointments have gone for this cycle (they only do it once a week). Now booking for mid-November but can't give you an appointment unless you are regular as clockwork in case you can't make the booking. (Procedure has to be done around CD10)They don't do cancellations as you have to abstain from BD-ing for a fortnight before the test.

So if you are irregular you have to ring on CD1 and hope that the ladies blessed with a regular cycle haven't taken all the appointments. However the regular ladies usually have to wait 2 or 3 cycles to get an appointment. Basically odds aren't great of getting the procedure done. However they said if I wanted to pay for it they could fit me in straight away. At the moment funding that is a complete non-starter.

The woman did suggest keeping the consultant appointment in case he decided to make them give me an appointment as they had the odd appointment kept in reserve for emergencies but it would be down to him to decide. She did say she was used to having women crying on the phone as this demand for hycosy's exceeding availability was putting paid to them being able to progress with treatment at the clinic.

I will go for the consultant appointment but if he doesn't get me a priority test I guess that's it. Game over

Hi everyone,
Earoma, that's funny, 'A MAAAAAN!' Shall we burst in a rescue mummy!

Summer, me, me, I did EFT! Not so much now, but occasionally. I switched to affirmations when I started the second IVF, really find them helpful, stops the negative chatter.
I was thinking the other day that EFT and affirmations are different sides of the same coin because the EFT statement kind of neutralises/addresses negative feelings and affirmations create new, positive feelings.
It's hard to find time to do a lot of these things, which is ridiculous and part of the problem (not making time I mean). Affirmations are good because you can repeat them in your head whenever and no attempting to hide when you are tapping your chin or anything.

Mabh that's funny about the names. I know, who took all the names! It's like 'well nobody can be called 'piggytaildoorknocker' and you find it's already taken.
There is quite a bit of name changing on here though, particularly on more 'sensitive' threads, like this one for example, so perhaps there are only ten people on MN?
Have to dash, but back soon
Hi to all waves.
Kiwi put that chocolate bar down!

i know how you feel luckywebby my two are 13 and 15 and i always feel really naughty when with DP it was terrible when he first moved in as i had been a single parent for 11 years so it was just us three now all of a sudden there's a man in mums room soooooooooooo embarassing

rowing yes, it's pronounced mav (Irish). I had a right job trying to find a user name that wasn't already taken - how many people are on this site???

summer the slipper chewing will have me giggling all day. I am on day 26 of a 29/30 day cycle (or I think I am. Only been off the pill for seven weeks or so and this was the gap between finishing and subsequent AF. It's about what I was pre-pill so I think it's right). I could almost kid myself that I felt twinges and mild cramp about a week after est. O, so who knows? Thing is, I seem to be a magnet for information on how difficult I should find it to get pregnant, so it all seems a bit unlikely. Would love to find otherwise, though!

Anyone in the 2ww? Oh yes I've finally got to grips with the gargon.

Spiral EFT is Emotional Freedom Technique you can go to a practioner - it's called other things too - but they charge quite a lot or find it on line and DIY. I did for a while, think it helped, felt silly though standing in front of a mirror tapping. It re aligns neural pathways. Just thought with bad stress and no money it can't hurt and may help. I try all the natural stuff maybe your DH isn't into that though the other versions sound good too n'est pas!
It was great your cycles were getting reg, shame it's gone this month perhaps you should consider something like Agnus Castus if you don't take it as that amongst others is a regulator.

DDiemmla Did you see a Psyhic?

Summer - my cycles since DDs arrival have been all over the shop. First one was only 6 weeks afterwards despite BF-ing. Since then it's ranged from 20 to 54 days with no pattern until the last 5 which were all 27 or 28 days which had me hoping that things were getting back on track. Ho hum.

Summer what's EFT? Only thing DH and I can come up with is Excessive F*cking Therapy or Extreme French Torture (DH claims this is having to watch French films endlessly) but guessing neither is right although we'd be up for the first one

DH reckons the only good thing at the moment is his having lost a stone and a half so he's back to the boyish figure he had when we met.

Am being dragged away for some stress busting....

Spiral and Hippy, sorry to hear that work, health and kids are stressful right now. I really hope it all comes right. Summer, you're so right, it's outrageous that work can suck the energy out of you the way that it so often does.

Rowing, just on Ag Cast and Vitafem at the moment, but would consider swapping Ag Cast for DQ, depending on what I/we/you find out about it.

Didn't get my days right, just CD28 today, and AF due CD30, but from the uncivilised way I set about a big bar of Fruit'n'Nut tonight, I'm keeping an ear out for the witch's knock on the door.

Spiral That all sounds like a big pile of stinky stuff and not at all going to help with TTC I got really hacked off with DH job a few years ago felt like the company had taken away our second child by over taxing DH - they don't have that right to shape our lives, it's only a job. For us it got sorted though when DH stood up and put his bounderies in place (strongly advised by me) different climate then but it was a dreadful time and we all suffered. MY your cycles are long, have they always been like that or is it the stress? I so hope you get it sorted. Oh yes what about EFT it's free are you open to that stuff: LOL

Rowing Well it sounds like dong quai is the herb for you. I did take it once years ago and I think I felt good on it - (early dementia setting in). Lots of TCM has it in. Herbs are very potent things. I love all things natural but am really careful about taking stuff that's not perscribed by someone who knows as I'm really sensitive to foods, have the digestion of a Pekinese dog. I suddenly have an irrestible urge to chew my slipper!
Night all and good luck to those BDing!

Glad that DD is too little to give us luckywebby's problem. Rowing walk in the rain sounds nice but DD would have to come and she's just got into running and yells "Mummy - RUN, Daddy - RUN" so we have to pretend to run with her, otherwise we get shouted at again. Neighbours must think we are complete loons although it is fun and can be a stressbuster.

Hope everyone with plans for a sexy evening is offline bd-ing with a vengeance.

Hi again! Rowing - don't know, have never been diagnosed polycystic, but then I haven't had investigations. But I have REALLY lost weight and look and feel great (it would be almost a shame to get pg now being an hour-glass size 10!!).
Angi - no doubt we would know EVERYONE in common. WA is a small village! Went to school in Perth - MLC - You? Married a Pom, am stuck now... but we go back every 18months or so, mum and all the rest are there...

Hippychick - It gets even worse when the tables are turned on you and your kids. My two DS are 20 and 18, the eldest is still at home and quite often has his GF to stay (seperate rooms of course). They stay up until the early hours and our bedroom is right above the lounge.
It's like being a teenager again and expecting to get caught by your parents except we are the parents.
lol

Rowing They're getting into pj's right now and I'm trying to move from stressed mummy to sex-goddess. Might have time for a wind down first.

DH seems to still be up for it (that's the most important bit). He loves this time of the month - he gets a lot of attention . It's weird isn't it - I'd never say to people in the real world, "I'm planning on having sex with hubbie tonight." But I tell you guys without a care! HA HA.

Hippy what a nightmare, children can be so draining. I screamed at my DS today when he shut me out of the kitchen with the fridge door. He was moaning and moaning and moaning and not hearing anything so I just shouted 'SHUT THE FRIDGE DOOR NOW!' He did do it though!
What time does your DS go to bed? Do you have time for a nice chill out afterward, just to make things a bit less fraught?

Kiwi there seem to be a lot of pills combining dong quai and ag. cast? Did you have much joy with your blood test results?

Mabh (is that <mav>?)I agree, stress does cause problems with hormone levels, prolactin can rise which can lead to infertility.

Spriral vent away, I hope it helps! I do feel for your DH, a cr*p workplace is awful. My job is a bit tedious, but the people are lovely so no stress. It sounds as if you could both do with some de-stressing. A nice walk in the rain?

Will check out the Dong Quai thing. I have access to health and comp therapies journals through work so will see what I can find.
Took two Dong quai capsules mid afternoon and I felt a bit jangly afterward, so perhaps better taken in the morning. It says two capsules a day on the packet, but I suppose it could be am and pm.

Hi all. Trying to get DH in the mood for a bit of very well timed BDing (day 13 and I have EWCM!)

Our 9 year old son is being a total pain - acting like a teenager and telling us he sooo hates us. We're both wound up like springs now and not feeling very amorous - arrgghhh.

Anyone would think he knew what we were planning and he didn't want a another baby brother or sister!

Must stay calm and try to feel sexy - haha

spiral you inspire us all with your first child.

I'm really sorry to hear you're having a horrible time. Your hubbie must be feeling rubbish - poor him, I really relate to his experience (which is why I'm self-employed now).

I wonder if the rubbish is what's holding your AF up? Women of any age can have missed/delayed periods as a result of stress. It's too easy for us older ladies to put probs down to our age - that's fear talking!

Hi all

Dong Quai complete mystery to me I'm afraid rowing.

CD38 here - still got 17 days to go to beat my previous longest cycle record. Hacked off as still having back pains and sore boobs (that's almost 3 weeks solid of it now).

Haven't taken DH to get TCM as he is now on long term sick leave with stress and we are coping on my salary and what amounts to diddly squat in sick pay. (Stress from constant threat of redundancy at work and the bullying of his team by DH's manager)

What with DH's situation, our upcoming move, our continuing failures in ttc, and what looks to be my moving rather closer to menopause than we had hoped, I'm feeling more than a tad strung out which just makes for one lovely big vicious circle.

Sorry this has all been me,me,me but it does help to vent. Good to see loads of newbies signing up for our big adventure and please don't be put off by the negativity in my post. If it's not happening for me it must be improving your chances statistically - or is that my muddled brain getting the maths wrong? Anyway here's hoping that you lovely ladies get some good news soon.

No idea, Rowing, but really interested to hear what everyone else has to say about this. I'm on the Ag Cast as well, and I get very bad irritability and depression about 10 days before AF. Would love to be able to kick that to the curb, and I bet my dh would as well. Every day is an education on this thread!

Hi everyone,
Just a quickie, wondered what you thought....
I recently bought some Dong Quai, didn't take it before because I tended to take ag. cast and didn't want to overdo thing.
However, I find that I feel depressed with ag.cast particulary in the luteal phase and really hate taking it. The reason I have stuck with it is because I was taking 1600mg when I got pg with DS, so I link the two in my mind. However, the big high dose was because of a very large fibroid, which I no longer have, so my hormones may well have been very different than, I think fibroids can change your hormones, or is that rubbish?
Still following this waffle?
So started taking Dong Quai a week ago, was feeling a bit depressed and lethargic, kind of hormonal. So thinking 'well I did take lots of hormones during IVF, could be that'.
Aaaaaanyway, I feel great on the Dong Quai, really good, it's like what I have needed. Wierd.
So I wondered if any of you had any experience of using it and that kind of thing.
The other thing is, when I was being monitored after a cyst I had, the gynae commented that my progesterone was very high after ovulation and that he thought I must have ovulated early. But I don't think so, so perhaps I have got slightly too high progesterone.
Apparently too high prog can cause lethargy [tick] low sex drive [tick](or is that just TTC ) and general rubbishness [tick].
Don't have any luteal phase defects, just can't get pg very easily at all.
Hmm!
Just wondering.
What do you guys think?

Luckywebby I read on the article that kiwi found that EPO is good for CM and when I was preg last I spoke to a nutrionist who said to keep taking it in pregnancy. The reason they advise to stop after ovulation is because it contracts the womb but I don't think it can do that much - don't really know what to think there is always conflicting information on just about everything.[hmn]

Rowing sorry about your cold, here's a lempsip and abox of tissues. Are you counting down the days and ready with your basket?
Yes it is very busy here,nice to see everyone.

DD I'll have a bat please, I can hear your DH whistling from here! Do you want to meet up in a couple of weeks, my Mum is coming to stay next week (don't mention this around her she'd be horrified)

TFLS Definately pop a cushion underneath afterwards much more comfy than legs up the wall. Don't worry about the short cycles 24 is fine some have 21 days though I would say that is short.

Grownup Hello have you tested - all that CM with me it's a sign of a BFP. I should go and boil up another batch of twigs too.

I've never been to Aus or NZ but would love to go one day - they seem very right on countries anyone looked at Sharkey's I think she's a bit like the great Zita - unfortunate name though.

Wow!It is a small world isn't it? It is so cool to hear about fellow Aussies and visitors.Ddilemma - Pinjarra- what did you do to deserve that? Actually, at least it isn't far from other nice places!And it isn't the middle of nowhere.I once worked in Mt Magnet which really is the middle of nowhere.It had NOTHING, but it did have three pubs!It is a mining town and at the age of 20 I loved it as I was spoilt for choice when it came to men!!!
Grownup - you are from Margaret river - if we got chatting we'd probably know people in common! What brought you to London?Will you stay forever?

Lucky, I have heard the same as you about the EPO, but as I don't yet have the tww,I'm taking it most days!
Grown up -I'd love to know what herbs are giving you the fabulous CM.That's something that has disappeared over the years for me.I found grapefruit juice helps, and when ttc last time, used preseed too. Also used robitussin.Can't remember which days I took it - must have been a few days before ovulation. Who knows - if I'd done nothing, maybe we'd have had the same result? It certainly can't hurt.It also helps me feel I have some control.

I know how it feels to get rid of all the baby stuff. Before we had the vasectomy reversal, and my DH was saying "no way!" I remember bundling up the beautiful baby blankets I'd kept, crying hard, packing them up and giving them to my sister. I really didn't expect to use them again, and she passed them back to me for DS.
Actually I really enjoyed having to buy all the new baby gear - I hadn't kept anything as it had been 8 years.I really enjoyed ebaying for baby clothes. Since having my ds I have pretty well sold all his stuff on ebay as he's grown out of it. I don't mind having to get more should I ever need it!

Earoma, sorry I forgot. I had an HSG and it was OK, didn't have pain killer and no major problems and it was very interesting. Nice to know what's going on TBH.
I think after I had to take some paracetamol and did have minor cramping for a day or two, but it was nothing that paracetamol can't shift.
The worst thing was putting on a gown and having to carry my clothes in a shopping basket into theatre - and a horrible nurse. But I don't think she works at your hospital, so you should be alright.

Earoma, sorry I forgot. I had an HSG and it was OK, didn't have pain killer and no major problems and it was very interesting. Nice to know what's going on TBH.
I think after I had to take some paracetamol and did have minor cramping for a day or two, but it was nothing that paracetamol can't shift.
The worst thing was putting on a gown and having to carry my clothes in a shopping basket into theatre - and a horrible nurse. But I don't think she works at your hospital, so you should be alright.

Just a footnote to earoma - I was panicking five minutes before the HSG as I'd forgotten to take the painkiller (they recommended it to me too), and it was absolutely fine even without them. You could take one just in case but I was ok without. Took some later on in the day for mild cramps but that was really it. Good luck!

Hi to all and so sorry Jasmine to hear your situation - must be very tough. Hang in there. MN is a great solace to many of us. xx

Hi everyone,
woah lots of peeps! I can't cope with this and head cold.
Earoma sorry I'm being a duffer asking you if you had AF when you already said. It's the cold, I don't think I'm usually that bad. [hopeful face]

Grownup hiiiii! [big double wave] How fantastic that you have lost weight and feel great and have incredible CM. It has to happen doesn't, after all that!
Do you mind me asking what you are actually taking, does it tell you on the bottle/bag/prescription? I wonder if you were slightly on the polycystic side, just wondering because of the weight loss - PCOS often causes weight gain, something to do with insulin. Just clutching at straws here.

Kiwi, thank you sweetie. I'm awright, part from the cold. How's the clomid? Is this the last month? Sorry I'm really a clothhead at the moment.

Waves to all
Hi to Levi

Angi and Grownupbabes - I was born in Perth, although I grew up in NZ, and love going back to visit my grandad and cousins in Mandurah and brother in Perth. Gorgeous part of the world!

Luckywebby, this site has been hugely helpful to lots of us, myself included, so ask as many questions as you like. That's what we're here for - and the support and virtual chocolate. CD27, low temp this morning and craving sweet things - looks like I'll be having an unwelcome visitor this morning.

Hope you're all doing well - Rowing, how are you? x

Hi. Sorry me again asking silly questions as normal. You must get fed up with novices like me.
Angifi - I see from you long list of supplements (you must rattle when you move) that you take evening primrose oil. I took this regular evry day until about a month ago when I read that it should only be taken from first day of AF to OV as can cause cramps. Any advice on this one?
I just wanted to say i really enjoy reading the site and keeping up to date with everyone.I find it a great help and keeps me sane. Off to the midwife with DS girlfriend again this week (happiness and sorrow all in one).
Only another 11 weeks to go there. Who knows by then I may have some news for them. Fingers crossed.
X

Totally agree DD I wish I hadn't gone to the first psychic now then I wud'nt be in this spin. I am not usually into all that stuff but its grabbed hold of me. The thing is it would be a lot cheaper for me if I just wait n see what my future holds .
I've got a couple more to see then I think I'll be all psychic'd out and have no choice but to see what happens.
Don't know if I have mentioned to you all before but reflexology helps immensely aswell especially if you explain its for fertility. I have just started it again and it totally chills me out
xx

Grownupbabes was about to reply to Angifi when I saw your post - I lived in WA for a year, worked in Albany (& Port Hedland & Pinjarra) & had good friend from Margaret River! I still miss it out there even after many years. We are hoping to go out next Xmas time (2010) The internet truly rocks.
Fair play for taking all the TCM, maybe TMi but v hopeful sign?
Welcome to jas, agree with Muchlove here is good.
CD 10 tomorrow, starting POAS & acupuncture and feeling positive - have also warned DH. he is delighted at the moment, we'll see how he is in a weeks time.
Not sure about getting a psychic reading - am terrified they'll say no more and I'll give up hope does that make sense?
Off to ice the halloween cookies I made today to practice - bat, ghost or tombstone anyone? xx

thanks muchlove i hope so if nothing else its another thing ticked off our list as to why its not happening for us.
hi Jas sorry to hear you're having such a horrible time but just to echo muchlove time is a great healer and if ever you need to rant and rave go ahead we'll be here x

Just on for a second and will post tomorrow wanted to say Ouch and hello to Jas that's a lot to cope with all at once I don't have any wise words but I do feel for you at this obviously very difficult time. Are you considering ttc again hence finding this site? Feel free to smack me with your handbag if that's very insenstive.
Fifi I put away a load of DD's stuff the other week thinking well I hope it's not out of fashion in a couple of years. Still clinging on to it though.
FLS tipped cervix means doggy fashion is best to concieve swimmers have less to swim
Muchlove Tin Hee pills are from Hong Kong was hoping someone could give me the gen on them very inscrutable these Chinese
LOL to all

Hi. Been away for awhile... just basically down in the dumps and generally getting on with life. But I have been keeping up the foul chinese medicine teas, and feel really amazing with it. This month my CM (sorry for TMI) was incredible - just loads and loads of eggwhite, maybe 10cm long. Good sign hopefully?
Back to the chinese doc next week, when this bag of stuff is finished. And by the way, I've also lost a stone! (Maybe side effect of chinese medicine?)
Angifi - it was you who got me onto the Infertility Cure. I see you're in Albany -- I'm in London but I'm from Margaret River!!!!!! That's home and all the family are there! The power of the internet. Maybe we can meet up, hopefully pg, next time I come home (probably next Easter)!

Hey there TFS don't worry bout the shorter cycles because you have more chances to get PG that way (don't know how that works mathematically) but it sounds brill doesn't it, I just kno there's some logic in there somewhere
EAROMA I think it spose to be very good having HSG because it kind of clears thing thru making a BFP very likely afterwards ??
Hey JAS blimey you have been thru the mill I am sorry for your losses It's a crap place to be in(the arena of grief)I was in there for a bit but couldn't take it for much longer so got my arse outta there. There's only one healer in this game and that's TIME but your in safe hands here we will look after you xx
SUMMER You have gotta explain them 'tin hee hees' they sound fantastic I'm sure I could make room for them aswell
love to all

Thanks ladies. So nice to know I can vent and you all understand.

Doing a car boot soon so boxing up all my lovely baby stuff......It has to be done. I can't hang on for it forever and if I did get pg again, I really wouldn't mind having to start from scratch on the equipment front. In fact it would be my very last thought!

BTW Jasmine - hello!

Hi ladies

I'm new to the site. I'm 43, had 2 mc (Nov 08, Aug 09) and partner has left relationship. Not a happy time, but reading your messages really does lift me - thanks! Take care. Jas x

thanks for thatlevistubbstears its good to hear from someone who's already been there done that it was when the nurse told me to make sure that i took painkillers before the appoint because it can be painful that i started to worry but you've put my mind at rest

Sorry to butt into this thread, especially as I'm around a lot elsewhere on MN , but just in answer to earoma, I had an HSG a few months ago and it was absolutely fine - just like a smear, but almost easier (though perhaps because I was expecting worse?). And so quick. A complete breeze, in my experience. I did have some cramps for a couple of days afterwards, but apparently this is unusual, and they weren't bad at all anyway.

(I'm 37 so shouldn't really be on this thread at all, but have been TTC for four years (and about to go on waiting list for 1st IVF) so nice to hear about some later pregnancies from many of you.)

Very best of luck everyone TTC.

Thanks for the chocs summer - immediately scoffed! No cushion (does it work?) and no idea re the tipped cervix (off to google). To be fair this was only my third cycle since m/c and the first one where I'd ovulated. I had been quite chilled but the false symptons had raised my hopes. That's life. I keep getting shorter cycles post m/c (24-26 days) - not sure what to make of that?

muchlove - do you rattle when you walk? . I have the bottle of wine in the fridge ready, per your list, as AF has arrived today. Got to be some upside....

Not sure I dare start getting readings! A whole new avenue of obsession opens up.... I did have one years ago who said I'd have 2 children and live abroad...

hi rowing boat yeas AF arrived on fri hence the flowers and chocs have an appoint for my HSG on friday has anyone had one and what was it like am very nervous about it

Hey Lovelies
Yep Angifi I had a Cherie and a Ruby reading done back in April and they both predicted a BFP June - August and a GIRL. I got my BFP in end of June but MCd in July/Aug. Anyway since having this reading I have now become a bit of a psychic nutand saw a very good psychic face 2 face who told me that a little girl was on her way (didnt kno I was PG at that point) but she also said about a MC and then went on to say I would have 3 more (unless there were twins). But its all got me in a bit of a spin coz Im thinking now that could mean lots of MCs coz there is no way Im gonna have another 3 at my age. So Ive got about 3 different appts with psychics now . My husband truly thinks I have gone mad!!!
xxx
ps look who has discovered the smilies link

Muchlove, I laughed out aloud when I read that last bit of your post.It is such an apt description!
God only knows what is going on in my body.Today my temperature jumped up.It is so weird...but not going to dwell on that.
I had a "baby reading" done by Cheri a while ago, and she said she saw a September conceive/bfp/birth, so I emailed her when I got the false positive and got another reading and now she says December. I had a reading done before getting preg last time and she said July.He was born in August o it wasn't far off! It's just a bit of fun, not to be taken too seriously.Has anyone else had this done? She does free readings and you can pay for a more detailed one.Just google Cheri22 if you are interested.
Muchlove - my list of sups is as follows:
Blackmore's pregnacy and BF gold
B6
Starflower oil
evening Primrose Oil
Fish oil
Magnesium and calcium
Vitex
Vit C
Raspberry tea
Red clover tea
I have to spread them out over the day or I'll gag!
I sometimes think I should go into the fertilty business - you'd make alot of money wouldn't you? When I think about how much I spend and there are millions of others like me...
Summer, thanks for the chocies - yum!
Hang in there ladies - it's going to be worth it.

TFLS Sorry to hear that AF is heading your way you mustn't give up though it will happen do you put a cushion under you after the deed? Do you have a tipped cervix? Keep going at it and stay positive but there's nothing wrong with a little Party now and again - here's a big box of choccies to pass around.

Well as far as I can see Muchlove you are in just the right place and apart from a different set of supplements now including "Tin Hee Pills" I'm right there with you and I'm sure quite a few of the others. Oh we do so want these babies to show up///

as they say BABYDUST to all.

fifi - I share your pain. Had a big temp drop today and started spotting so pretty certain the witch is arriving here too (early as well....). Real downer is I was secretly thinking that I was pregnant as had loads of symptons in the last few days. It sucks. (sorry for the pity party but hit a real low this weekend). God I'm fed up of trying.

Hey Ladies
Yeah Rowing I have had that rotten cold been laid up for a cupla days. Just coming to the end of AF aswell so not much goin on here.
I've added another supplement to the already ridiculous amount of stuff I take. It's called 'SHATAVARI' spose to aid fertility or so I'm told. So thats now
1 x Zita West prenatal
1 x Zita West DHA
1 x extra folic acid
1 x L'arganine
1 x zinc
1 x B6
1 x calcium/magnesium
1 x Shatavari
1 x bottle of red wine for when AF shows (he he i just added that one)
I also temp and am a member of (fertility friend) same as you Angifi - xcept I don't post much.
Do you know when I fell for each child I was smoking (gave up 5 yrs ago)tho I stoppd whilst pg, never took any vits ...blah blah .. now I'm frightened to drink in 2ww, worried about what i should eat, POASing on anything resembling a stick, checking CM constantly...biting DHs head off at AF time then turning into some sex siren vamp at OV time WHATS HAPPENIN TO ME ?? xx

Hi everyone,
Fifi booo to the WOD! It really isn't much fun is it! All those supplements, and being careful all the time, 'just in case'.
Don't really know what to say, just don't give up, it can still happen.
Dilemma, thats sounds hilarious - the sleep over. What were they being brave about?
Earoma did AF arrive, sorry I don't remember you saying.
Huuge hug to Kiwi, Tetley, Rock, Pat, Fruit (where are you?) Summer, Grownup, VSH, Angi, Peasoup, just everyone.
Wah, have stinky cold still. Is anyone else ill?
Has the ill season started?

FIFI sorry to here that i know how you feel ttc no3 on cycle 12 now and slowly loosing the will been very emotional all day and poor DP doesn't know what to do did get a lovely bunch of flowers and a rather big bar of chocolate though just came back from shopping and broke down because there seemed to pregnant women everywhere and had a serious the world is against me moment composed now and ready to eat a lot of choc and watch a good weepy so i can cry without anyone asking questions

Don't need to post anything - Fifi is inside my head!

Fifi, so sorry about WOD.It sucks.
Ddilemma, I'm down south - in beautiful Albany.It really is a gorgeous coastline, so many fab beaches.We live very near one with perfect white sand,aqua water and whales visiting. It is wonderful.
Where did you live when you were here?
Today I have the in-laws coming for lunch.It's 6 am and already I stress about it. Should just relax, they aren't that bad. However I secretly harbour resentment for my MIL as in the whole time since DS was born, she has not once offered to babysit.They don't live very far away, so that's not the reason.
Okay, enough ranting - best go and get organised.

hi everyone, what a day - have had an inkling of what it's like to have more than 1 - have step son (almost 16) here and also DS friends 1 x 3yo & 1x 5yo all day and for a sleep over. Fair play to all who have more than 2 - I haven't had a minute to myself all day, and they've only just gone to sleep, the 2 visitors v upset but v brave. It's been fab tho and def makes me determined that this month is the month for me!
Fifi bum, poo and the rest - it's such a horrible let down, keep going tho.....
Have started to temp, having read my FF lessons, but orally not via any other route, (in fact I know things move on but when I did my nurse training there was never any mention of vaginal temp - only the big 3: oral, axilla (armpit) and rectal ('up the wrong un'). These were of course in the days of Florence Nightingale before digital tympanic thermometers (ear) were even thought of ( hmmph in a grumpy old lady kinda way). )
Angifi where in WA are you? I lived there for a year long time ago
Hope everyone enjoys rest of weekend xx

I am 14 cycles into ttc this time and it's a nightmare. counting the days to ov time, avoiding alcohol, having to perform to a calendar, popping pills and then spotting imaginery symptoms for 2 weeks, only to have all hope extinguised.

It's no bloody life is it.

Sorry Fifitot. That witch is a bitch isn't she?

Hello. Got WOD today. Booooooooooooooo! Only a 27 day cycle too.

This is never going to happen and I'm fed up of it.

Luckywebby, temping doesn't tell you when to have sex to conceive, it tells you when the window has now closed for conception, and what, if anything, is happening in the next phase until AF arrives. When you're fertile, a cervical mucus is released that looks a little like egg white, is stretchy between your fingers and is the best thing to help the sperm up to where they need to go. That's the best indication (in my opinion) that you've hit the optimal time to conceive - temping really has nothing at all to do with that part of conception. The moment that your temp shoots up is like seeing the bus go past the stop - that was it, and the moment has passed - you've just entered ttw (the two week wait), which is the average time it takes until AF arrives, of you test and get a (with luck and good timing!) bfp.

Let's hope the lovely weather today bodes well for us all!

I'm definitely gonna give up on temping cos I was using an ear/digital thing and my temp never dropped below 37 the whole time. I'm not gonna buy a fancy shmancy one - cos then I really would be 'hooked on temping'.

If I'm right I'm back to day 10 today and ready to start all the crazy stuff again

Hope everyone in England is enjoying this lovely warm week-end.

Thank for the info KiwiKat. Makes a little more sense now. I've read a few of the posts and felt a bit silly asking the question. As DH VR is not until Thursday will be a while before bd will take place and I think I've decided to try el natural for a while then try the temp route.
But thanks again it is definately clearer now.
x

I love toni Weschler's book too. And Randine Lewis' book The Infertility Cure, because it shows you how charts look when you have a specific area that needs sorting out.It is traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture, and I love it! I really believe the acupuncture and herbs helped us have our ds at 41.
From what I have read you really need to take your temp orally or vaginally if you want a proper reading and you need to use a basal thermometer, which is different to a normal thermometer (I have no idea how they are different).
I should probably stay away from the thermometer too but I can't help wanting to have a modicom of control over ttc.Sometimes Ithink it causes too much stress, but then again I love the charts and spreadsheets too! I also love the interpretation etc you get off Fertility friend.
It is the weekend here and also school holidays have started, which is great, I get my DH home for two weeks!Maybe I'll get a little sleep in one day?!
Have a great weekend.Hope the weather is nice.

evening all. Luckywebby, here's a bit of an explanation. (Ladies, feel free to correct me if you think I'm wrong.) CD1 is chart day 1, and that's the first day of your period. Your temperatures will go up and down a little within a certain range from cd1 until the day you ovulate, when the egg is released, and the lutenising hormone causes your temperature to shoot up considerably higher. It will remain significantly higher than the earlier recorded temps, although it will go up and down a little within that range, for however long your luteal phase is (standard is 12-14 days) which is when your body is producing progesterone with the intention of creating a good environment for the egg to get attached to/embedded into. Your temperature will drop the day before your period arrives. Luteal phases don't last longer than 18 days, so it your temperature remains high, or climbs even higher, it's pretty likely you're pregnant. I found Toni Weschler's Take Charge of Your Fertility absolutely invaluable. It hasn't got me the brass ring yet, but I now know a ton of stuff I didn't know before.

Hi hippy chick
can be difficult. Just had her round for tea and she is getting quite big now. I do find it very difficult but put a brave face on for her. Sometimes have a few tears (like now) when i'm on my own.
But hay who knows what the future will bring. I can only keep everything crossed as normal.
As I am fairly new to the topic ovulation and checking temp etc.Can I ask someone to put it in simple terms to me how it works.
Needs to be really simple terms (OV for dummies version) please as brain tends to be quite slow these days.
Thanks

I keep saying I'm gonna give up on the temping too cos mine is so high all the time but then the alarm goes off and before I know it I've stuck the thing in my ear, "Just to see...."

i think i'm going to give up on the temping as i think i placed too much emphasis on it this month in saying that i do love making the graphs and spreadsheets from them lol def have too much time on my hands

Really feeling for you webby it must be very bitter sweet to have DS girlfriend preg. I think it will be lovely when he/she arrives though and you get to have loads of cuddles.

TFLS - my cycle was meant to finish last Sunday but what could have been AF arrived on the thursday. I'm at day 9 today and noticed that the CM has started so think I might be gearing up to Ov in next week.

I think the whole temp staying up and AF being short and painless might all be a trick to confuse the hell out of me. I suppose I could do another test though....

Also, I have to confess that the thermometer is an ear one so maybe not the best. Maybe I am just always at 37 degrees before and after Ov.

Have a good week-end all of you.

TFLS - if you think 11 in one year is bad you should work where I do. I deal with all the expectant and new mums in the business and at the moment I have 20 on my books.

I'm with TFLS never mind moving DD if everyone is getting BFP stay put and we should all move in too! I tried the ear thermometer and it was useless. New one I stick under my arm and I seem to get better temps - not a fan of things in other places before I wake up though they say it's better for acuracy. Great to meet up - we'll do it again soon, how's it going with this is the mnth?

Tricky for me yesterday as pregnant neighbour had hung out baby washing in readiness for the birth - seeing all those tiny things on the line - even though they are the wrong colour for me.

Spiral so sorry to hear it's all a bit messy for you at the moment. Have you thought of sending DH for TCM I read that it does wonders (can't remember where I read it) also pycnogenol. I suspect you know all this though. Vita Wests book had a section on it. Must get it out of the library again.

Rowing Hope DP is on the mend, it has been the same in our house one or other is ill at OV time or worse, away. I no longer accept get lag as an excuse. I don't want my baby in the post. I loved the feeling of being pregnant, all those jiggly feelings in the tummy - it's just the getting it out!

Hippy I agree with TFLS test again, fingers crossed.

yes thefatladysings 11 since last august one even had the cheek to have twins and two others came back from matenity leave preggers again lol theres four left in the dept to go and seven now on leave we've never been so short staffed i have my i'm really pleased for you and not the slightest bit jealous face down to a fine art now

Right I'm going to work at earoma's and live next door to ddilemma. Sounds like I should be up the duff in no time!

Seriously earoma - ll in a year is some going. Welcome, lovely to have you on board.

rowing - hope your DP is feeling better. It's probably good that you're not bottling things up and I'm sure your friend understands. [TFLS makes mental note to check for paranoid threads that my best friend cries everytime she sees me!]

hippychick - do you think it might not have been AF proper? When was your cycle due to finish - could be worth testing then?

ddilemma - I'm another fan of Fertility Friend and the Toni Weschler book. I've read that you meant to temp orally or vaginally but not use ear readings. Not sure why given hospitals use them. You are also meant to use a Basal Body thermometer which you can get cheaply off Amazon.

angifi - your doctor sounds lovely.

I'm desperately hoping I'm pregnant as it would excuse my doughnut brain last night.

Was feeling out of sorts when I went for my acupuncture session. Came out feeling completely zonked and drove home vaguely aware that someone was wrong with the car. Made mental note to check tyres when got home but completely forgot and took it out again to pick up DH from the station. Again became aware that something was really wrong but in my fog carried on driving to the station (in my defence I was feeling really ill by now). Hence greeted DH off train with completely knackered tyre (and probably damaged the wheel as I'd driven on it for so long). Hence 1 hour in a dark car park trying to change the tyre before coming home to the burnt chicken I'd left in the oven.... Bless DH, he saw the funny side.

hi ladies i know i'm only 38 so don't technically qualify for your club lol but i feel i have so much more in common with you ladies. been ttc no 3 DS 15 DD 13 for a year now and AF came this morning after a promising month, feeling very low but also guilty because i already have two wonderful children and a fantastic DP and do i really have the right to be upset when work mate no 11 discloses she's pregnant yes thats right 11 in the last year thought it was something in the water but i never been so hydrated and still not pregnant trying to put on a brave face for DP but not really doing too well

Ddilema, if you want to start charting and temping I suggest you have a look at Fertily Friend (website).It is great - it runs you through the whole thing, and I love that it is all stored on the computer and accessed from anywhere at any time! Also, if you haven't read the Toni Weschler book "Taking Charge of your Fertility", it is a wonderful resource too.
You really should use a basal temperature thermometer, and do it orally or vaginally(there's no way I could manage that!).
My temps are really low, compared to when I was charting before I had Charlie. This mornings was 36.2! I guess that is the effect of breastfeeding.
I think I got myself into a big tailspin over the "I think I ovulated" thing.I actually think I probably didn't and all that grapefruit juice gave me lots of cervical fluid and sucked me into thinking it was the real deal! I am now 17dpo (if we believe in O) and no Af and definately no bfp, and wanning symptoms (also a coincidence I think). I'll know for sure on Tuesday as I had a blood test yesterday, checking for a whole lot of stuff, including hcg.
I asked my doctor if having another baby, a 6th, would be a bad idea in terms of the toll on my body and he joked that it will be more of a toll when I am 60! He is very supportive, loves babies and is very sad he could only have two, said he'd like a couple more "but it wasn't to be".He also thought that fertilty wasn't an issue as I have good proven fertilty and didn't think taking 7 months post a reversal was a very long last time. I guess the only thing he brought up as a concern was Downs, but I already knew that and it doesn't worry me. It could happen at any age (of the mother), and chances are higher, but they are still "a chance" not a definate.
Earoma, are you sure of your O date? Maybe it was a late implanter so it isn't showing on a preg test yet? If your temperature is remaining high then that it a great sign. Good Luck!

AF was due today so i did the test i know i should have really waited until i'm tecnically overdue but i really couldn't wait everything was so different this month i guess i just hoped for the best

I think the idea of meeting up with people is great. Anyone live near Devon.
If you do let me know....could do with a good chat with someone apart from my DH.
I agree with ddilemma...some people do bring out the emotions in you. My DS girlfriend is getting bigger by the day (now 29 weeks) and everytime I see her i either want to blubber or scream. Nothing to do with her just the situation but you try explaining that to an 18 year old. I have to take her to her midwifes appointment next week as my son is still away and she insists I go in with her. Nice in some ways but again heart breaking in others.
Best of luck to everyone.X

Hi all, just poppin in to say hello really, CD6 here so no action yet!
On the continuing subject of peoples attitudes, it was so lovely to meet with Summersky in RL and talk about it all without worrying. If anyone can meet up I'd thoroughly recommend it
For those who temp - can you do ear temp, or does it have to be oral? I am tempted to have a go, not because it will change anything (am also going to do the OPK again this month) but I do like a good spreadsheet/graph [geek face]
There was link through a couple of pages back to a site called 'egg meets sperm' - I'm going to try what they recommend this month.
Rowing there's always some people who bring the emotions to the fore aren't there, I saw a friend today who had her DS the day I had the MC - it was so lovely to have a cuddle of her DS, I want another one!!
Am thinking of renaming where i live 'babyland' - someone else announced pg yesterday. Or maybe i should move............

Quick question for you, ladies. AF came early this month and it was a very short blast (about 3 days). It stopped very abruptly (no brown stuff - sorry TMI Also I had no cramps at all and needed no pain relief which is very odd for me.

The thing is - my temp is still up over 37 every morning and has been since I ovulated.

What is going on. I did a HPT a couple of days ago cos I couldn't understand why my temp was still up but it was a definite BFN.

Any ideas??

Waaah, Pat and Kiwi can we all sit on a step and wail. That would make me feel much better. Oh, unless you aren't actually premenstrual Pat, in which case, I'll make a note in my diary to meet up on the step with you just before AF arrives (of course she may not, fingers crossed for both of you)
Met lovely friend again, it's a nightmare, she's is the main person I have told and now whenever I see her I feel like crying. She must think I don't like her.
Earoma that is an interesting name! What day are you on now? I couldn't quite tell from your post, but if you aren't actually due AF your HCG levels may not be high enough for a postive test.
I'm not your woman for temping, so can't really comment on that side of things.
Kiwi and Pat you know about temps, what do you reckon.
Well so much for the au naturale TTC attempt, DP is sooo ill. He has been in bed all sweaty and pale for the past two days and is now on penicillin, that should finish off his swimmers. Oh well, probably best to have a break.
I could feel the desperation and the cold sweat started as I thought OV was drawing nigh. It certainly doesn't go away.
Best of luck to us all this month (I may have an immaculate conception or perhaps the blood test was wrong [deluded face])

Kiwi, glad to know that I am not the only one who gets weepy before AF. I start crying at the drop of a hat and my mind digs up even the remotest things from the past to give me a reason to cry or to be angry. Its so unfair. I hate being like that but can barely control myself.

Rowing, I can imagine how hard it could be to talk. You are very brave. I wish you all the best for Nov.

hi everyone this is my first post i have a short 26 day cycle and had a day 19 prog result of 49 have been feeling sick the last couple of days and my temp has remained high since ovulation except for a small dip on day 20 was feeling quite positive as we've been trying for a year now but did a test today and got a BFN so confused as too what my bodies up too my day 3 results were also good this month i don't know what to do any help

[TFLS hands Kiwi a large bar of chocolate and makes soothing noises.] How about booking yourself in for a massage as a treat?

I originally used an ear thermometer. It must have been wrongly calibrated because it religiously gave me readings 2.4C below a cheapie Basal one off Amazon and had me worrying that I either had an underactive thyroid or was dead

I've decided all the people at work are poos. (This is the sort of thing that goes through my mind when I've got pmt, which doesn't bode well for a bfp!) But they are, and I'm feeling weepy. (Damn! Intolerance or self-pity arrives on schedule, always a week before AF is due.) So I'm feeling rather pouty and sorry for myself, in the fairly certain knowledge that it's hormonal and will pass - but sad that it also means that I won't get the result I want.

FLS, I'm reading in C, then converting it to F, as that's what my photocopied chart is in. I'll convert them back tonight and let you know - this will be interesting. The whole 'I'm charting low' thing could be entirely in my mind.

Hi everyone. Welcome to babybarrister and mabh.

Interesting conversation about feeling a stigma at TTC at 40 plus. I remember all the hoo ha in the media a while ago about the risks to older mothers and their children after the Royal College issued a statement. The College talked about a small increased risk but most the media blew it out of all proportion. Hardly helpful.

I also feel a sense of "embarassement/secrecy" about TTC. It's partly I'm naturally private and don't tell anyone so I don't get all the questions. But also a lot of DH's side of the family would be hideously judgemental and think we're mad to TTC our first at our age, especially when DH's children are in their late teens. I can just imagine them saying "well what did she expect at her age" if they knew about my m/c. I'm at some of the comments you've encountered.

kiwi - are you charting in C or F? I'm around 36.7 C pre o/v, dipping to 36.4 at o/v and then rising to 37.1 C afterwards. I read some typical ranges somewhere - I'll try to dig them out.

Hope you're having a better day today rowing and the sun is shining in your neck of the woods.

Hello everyone, just popping on very quickly. Hugs to Rowing - don't cry!

Hi Pat,
crossposted with you! It sounds as if you are adopting a very healthy attitude. Good for you!
Lucky I forgot to say, it would be very easy to step in when Thomas (this week) comes along, but you sound as if you are taking a good approach and 'being there' in a supportive capacity. It will be lovely to have a little one to hold though.
I was holding the 6 month old son of one of my nusery mates and he was so gorgeous.
Spoke to one of my 'in the know' friends today about the failed IVF and felt tears welling up. I do feel OK, but not feeling very hopeful, it's hard all this isn't it!
Why can't we just all have a baby delivered (by post) next week and that's that! Wouldn't it be divine!

Hi everyone,
Mabh that thread sounds extremely annoying.
I'm sure there are doctors who tell you off for TTC, just as there are doctors who tell you to stop breastfeeding a young baby or write off patients symptoms as nothing and are later shocked to learn the patient had a heart attack.
And what do we do with doctors like that. Ignore them and chose to see a different doctor.
I must admit I don't really mention TTC to a lot of people, but that's because we are struggling, not because we are in any way defensive about our right to have another child.
It isn't up to anybody else and nobody can stop us [except my rubbish body], so there!
Good to see so many people on here!
Hi Tetley, sorry you are having no luck so far, but tomorrow is another day!
Thank you Summer for your kind words, you really cheered me up!

Sorry, Spiral you are feeling down. I can tell you what I tell myself all the time that is we are blessed with one beautiful and healthy child, let's enjoy her/him and if we are meant to have another one it will happen, no matter what. Its true that I notice pregnant women at every turn these days but I have taught myself to notice families with one child also and believe me I have come to know so many of them and they are happy and lovely families. I am 42+4. I know that another pregnancy may or may not happen. DH and I have decided that we will try only naturally and that too until the end of this year (well, we'll see about that). I have stopped (kind of )obsessing about it and I am trying to focus on my DD.
Luckywebby, at 40, you needn't be concerned about what people think because I personally know atleast 20 women (from work) who have had babies between 37 and 40. I think its after 42 that female fertility sees a sharp decline. I am taking good care of my health, doing the needful, hopefully around the right time and leaving the rest in God's hand. Good luck to everybody.

Hi - just realised my user name sounded like I was calling myself a 'mad b*&ch' which is SO not me!!! I'm mabh really!!!

I have just been getting depressed on the pregnancy board reading a thread about women whose doctors have been really angry with them for wanting to conceive. Is there something I'm missing?

Spiral, really sorry you're not feeling so good. Hope tomorrow's a bit perkier.

Isn't it a shame that we all feel the same way about discussing having children at 40. It should be something to share with close friends and family not dread their opinions and disapprovals. I agree with madb, I want a child so much that i know that it will be loved and cherished. I know at 40 and with my DH having a VR next week the changes are slim but there is still a chance. I had my two boys then I was 20 and 21, they were still really wanted and loved but i feel I can give so much more to a child now I am older. Possibly (but not always) less stressed, have more time and realise what really matters.
So everyone should be proud of what they have or are trying to achieve.
Best of luck to all
(God I sound as if i'm starting a campaign)SORRY.

Hi all - turn your back for a minute and the thread gets really busy!

Spent last week with nausea, sore boobs etc but not over excited as I usually get like that in the run up to AF. Cycles have been back to normal for the last 5 months so got optimistic when AF didn't arrive on time. Left it a couple of days, tested and as usual BFN. So like Angifi looks like no ovulation this month . Still waiting for AF but could be another epic wait.

I had thought things were looking up with cycle returning to normal but this plus the news that DH is only producing 2/3rds the normal amount of sperm has brought me down a lot. Plus no AF, means no Hycosy test, which means no next appointment at fertility clinic. So it looks like it will all have to wait until we move to Staffordshire in the new year and hope we get a GP who will refer us again. *rse

Like most people this is the only place I have to discuss ttc so being able to moan is a lifesaver.

Anybody got any good news? Anything will do -

Hello everybody - hope you don't mind me butting in. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks now as I am a fully signed up member of the TTC Forties Club!

I've finally got over my lurking when I saw the recent posts about people's attitudes to 40s mums - makes me crazy. To state what should be obvious, it's entirely natural for a woman to continue having babies until we can't - we've been doing it for millenia! Our mums' generation was the first NOT to - anyone who only had two children in their 20s before that either had something wrong or their legs crossed! I'm sure we can all share stories about our grans - one of mine had her last at 39, and my DH's grans had one at 42 and 44 and the other had their last at 45.

Anyway, off the soapbox. Been ttc for six weeks now, just turned 42. Might be too late, might be too overweight, but DH is v. impressed with BD schedule (!).

People are funny aren't they? It is interesting how pregnancy and babies seems to belong to the public realm - everyone has an opinion and feel they are obligated to share it! When my Dh had the reversal and I was already 40, we kept it really quiet.Only a couple of my closest friends knew we were ttc.I just didn't want anyone's negative opinion getting in the way.

I just hate the opinion that "it's not right" for people our age to have babies.Why not? As far as I can tell, we all really want the baby, it will be so loved, we have the benefit of wisdom and experience.There's none of that "I want my life back" and I need to find myself BS. And, yes, we will become elderly when our children are in their 30's, but so what, will it make us worse parents? I could be a younger,smoking,drinking,unhealthy parent who is more of a burden on my family.One of the things about having a baby in my forties is that DH and I feel obliged to take care of our health so that we can be there for Charlie. And anyway, parents of any age can die can't they?
So relax and never doubt that what you are doing is the right thing.If you are willing to do what you are doing to have a baby then I think you obviously already love that child immensely.

Okay, off my soapbox now!
As for me, no Af, no bfp, and likely probably no Ovulation!!I am pretty sure the breastfeeding has meant that i am annovulatory and really, I should have just stayed away from the temping,charting etc.I was just trying to "take charge of my fertilty"(thanks Ms Weschler), but it has left me kind of confused.
A good lesson to me!However I have paid for a VIP membership with fertility friend, so will carry on with it.Maybe I'll catch that egg somewhere along the way.

I had acupuncture yesterday, and I really needed it.It was so relaxing! I nearly had a car accident afterwards as I was so chilled out! Anyway she checked my pulse and was sure there was no pregnancy.

Good Luck everyone.

fifi you never know until AF arrives good and proper, i still got the AF feeling when i was prenant..
As for peoples attitudes when i had my mc my mum in shock said `oh no well you didnt want it did you at your age` took me a while to get over that!! Then a totally different attitude when my brothers childless gf of 44 declares that she would have a termination if she ever got pregnant, she says `oh its the most wonderful thing in the world she dont know what shes missing` Err HELLO!!

Don't lose the will Fifi. Even if AF comes, before you know it you'll be checking for ovulation and back on the old 2ww again.

Hang in there.

My AF came last week and I'm already getting excited about POAS soon!!

Well ladies. Today a colleague at work was telling me about a lady in her street who became pregant....at 56!!!!!!!!!!!

No IVF. She had always though she couldn't have kids, never used contraception, thought was menopausal anyway but not feeling great. Eventually found she was pg, 5 months pregnant and counting!!!!

Apparently docs have said it's always possible until you are through the menopause but of course highly unusual.

If I hear anymore will let you all know.

Myself - am on 2 ww but feel af coming so out again this month I think and losing the will to carry on a bit now.

Her body - not her bosy !!!

So good to hear that I'm not the only person who feels this way. Someone at work (aged 28) said to me the other day, "That woman at the school's pregnant again and she's about 40!! or something like that - she shouldn't be pregnant - it's not right." I know she didn't mean to be horrid and if she knew I was frantically POAS every month she wouldn't have said it, but it made me mad as hell. The person she's talking about is 39 and her bosy obviously doesn't think 'it's not right'.

When I imagine being pregnant again (and believe me I do imagine it), I want it just as much as I did in my 30's, the need is just as real - OMG what if I manage it, have this one and then want another one at 50 - will I ever stop feeling broody. Friends say they couldn't go back to the start again and I say, "I wish I could switch it all off like that."

I so agree with the person who said you don't feel any different inside (unfortunately I'm so old I can't remember which one of you said it!) lol.

Good luck to you all, we are probably the best mummy's ever cos we want this so much End of mad ramblings by Hippie.

Yep I get a bit fed up with peoples attitude to my age, my DD is two and I STILL get asked was she planned - AT YOUR AGE?!!! yes she was!

I hesitate to tell anyone my age now, luckily I don't look it (too many years working and not seeing the sun for weeks on end keeps the wrinkles at bay!!!)

Good luck to everyone ttc and I agree with muchlove, it is AMAZING and wonderful

- and so encouraging to hear success stories.

Wow good luck Tetley - can understand your concern tho but remember its all for a good cause (he he)
Can you give us a heads-up on any info he gives you (hints or tips)could be useful.

xx

Morning All,

Am now feeling officially desperate watching the months go by and have made an appointment to see a fertility specialist privately. He's the brother of a friend of mine and I've met him few times socially. The thing is, I've always had a problem with male gyno's - find the thought of being examined by a bloke hideously embarrassing and have always managed to avoid it bar once when i was pregnant with dd. This is proof of how desperate i am!! I've run out of women i can see.(i'm also being a bit sneaky because he probably won't charge me)Unfortunately he's also v charming and a bit flirty, which makes it even worse for me. Anyway my appointments on thursday, let's hope it's just more blood tests!

Yes i know he's seen it all before...etc etc

Hi all
Yes a very interesting subject of the 'stigma' surrounding us gals. I found the reaction of older family members the hardest to take. Infact my own father on hearing the news of my pregnancy said 'OH DEAR' !!! I was quite hurt actually, especially as I went on to MCarry the very next week. I think he has felt bad ever since. So I should imagine all the old aunts in the family have gathered round and blamed my age on the loss !!Hmmpf. The other uncomfortable thing is that nobody knew I was trying before and since the loss they all keep saying 'any news yet'? - 'do you think you'll have another try'? I feel a bit vunerable actually and only really feel content speaking to you ladies because we r in the same boat and that FLIPPING CLOCKS TICKING....... So I'm kind of at war in my own head - telling myself that if it doesn't happen again I can handle it and be happy with what I have (four wonderful kids).... but I really really want another chance and so I go on each month... And I find the best way to deal with the 'meanwells' is to tell them that we are undecided if we want to try and that usually shuts em up.
And you know what I think we are all pretty AMAZING we are the ones putting our bodies/minds through all this every month !!!! Love to you all xx

Morning all, just a quick one about attitudes - i live on a new estate so everyone mostly 20s 30s, speculation on 'who would be next to get pg' conversation with 1 who doesn't have kids yet - I wasn't even considered in the numbers by her! She was put right by my friend who told her about my mc, and her attitude has changed towards me, think she thinks I'm a bit odd now for wanting another at such an old age! You really don't feel any different - just that some of the other mums could be your child technically!!
Summer - Starbucks is just up from old Woolies site, I too will be carrying large red handbag
Have a good day all x

I totally agree with the attitudes of some when ttc if older and feel it is more the younger mums who are `OMG but your old` I dont think they realise if your 20 30 or 40 that you feel no different inside!
A good friend of mine had dd last year aged almost 47 and her attitude was great, made me feel that its ok and its my decision, my life, so bloody what!!
Also the docs/hosp were like `pregnancy is very very common in your 40s` i didnt feel old at all and even after my 2mc, it was me commenting on my `old eggs` they didnt seem2 think my age was a reason
however they did think it was my daughter having the scan as she was with me for moral support lol.

babybarrister welcome to the site, I'm fairly new as well but in the short time i've been on here i've found everyone to be really helpful and nice.
Rowing - I see DS GF about three or four times a week as she only lives about 10 minutes walk away. I find it quite difficult some days and other days I am ok. I'm sure when Thomas (that's the name at the moment) is born I will be more than involved but I find myslef trying to take a step back as I don't want to fall into the all to easy trap of treating him as if he was mine. I've said i'm here to help but not overpower.
Hippychick - I'm the same as you, as i mentioned before, i don't mention TTC to anyone. It's not that i'm embaressed about it, it's just that a lot of people don't understand the feeling that overpowers a woman when she wants a child irrespective of her age.Most see me with two grown up boys (18 and 20) and as getting my life back but I know that to me it's not loosing your fredom but gaining something that will make you complete.
Sorry i sound really deep don't I but I find I can vent my feeling on this thread without worrying what people think as everyone is like minded.

Welcome babybarrister, I'm guessing you're new - but I've not been on here long so you might not be IYSWIM!

Anyway, if you are new you'll find they're a great bunch on this thread. I really enjoy checking in. I agree with all who said they haven't told anyone else. Not many people know about me ttc. Why am I so embarrassed to admit it? - it's my life for God's sake!

I was with a group of 3 other women recently (I was the oldest by about a year)and the others were discussing if they would have any more kids. One turned to the youngest of the four of us (a 34 year old) and said, "You're our last hope then - none of us will have any more."

Why didn't I speak up and say that actually I would very much like to have another baby. I think I was just too scared of the negative response and looks of disbelieve I would get. Also, I keep thinking that if we are unsuccessful then our friends etc need never know that we even tried.

Dilemma I went back and checked the last couple of periods and I've actually had 3 since coil removed they were LP 12, 14 and 11 so I'm going to be positive about it all.

Enjoy meeting up tomorrow - how strange to find out that you are actually real people after all

Rowing it's only natural you should have a few bad days - we build our hopes up for this momentus thing to happen and then that chance is shattered BUT it's not the only chance and you have a great attitude. We've all got great hopes for foo foo and fluffy (still not keen on barry) I think we should all wear kilts and have Robert the Bruces' catch phrase or was it Robbie Burns.

Sorry it hasn't worked for you this mnth Muchlove

Hello babybarrister Have you looked at foresight preconception charity, they will check your deficencies if you have any and are a mine of information.

DD 11.00 is fine for me. I didn't know there was a starbucks there. I think I know the pastry shop it's just up from the old Woolworths. I will have a large red handbag and be loittering. I've never met anyone via the internet before, I feel very modern for once. Sorry you have had a rubbish day. Nice that we're not alone though.

me 40, DS almost 3 ttc for 2 years. been round the houses with tests etc - nothing concrete wrong with either of us, just all a bit "sub optimal" .

appointment with consultant soon who I imagine will recommend IVF - any views?!

aw Rowing i feel for you, I'm having a fairly down day - not helped by neighbour over road coming home with new bubba (good for her but it still hurts) - so it'll be great to have a whinge constructive chat with Summer tomorrow. Also feeling v v v determined today that actually I bloody do want another, even tho am old, so this is the month, and having indulged myself in gloom and farmville today, from tomorrow it's positive thoughts all the way!
Summer I should be in Chipp for about 11 if that's ok, how about Starbucks or the coffee place next to the pasty shop? Shall we carry OPKs or something?
x

Hi Lucky, I'm glad to hear the thread is helping.
Do you think you will have much involvement with the baby, whilst your son's away? It could be lovely couldn't it!?
Angi I am wondering if the faint bfp could have been a chemical pg and that is why you also had symptoms. Did you say you were also doing OPKs to see if you have ovulated?
I'm just on for a whinge, am having a really fed-up day. I think my inital anger about the failure of the IVF is being replaced with a really negative sad feeling.
I have read it is normal to go through stages when grieving so I wonder if this is the next stage kicking in?
And it's a bit grey outside.
Hopefully, I will see some friends for a coffee tomorrow, which always helps.
Bit of a rubbish day, but I knew I ran this risk when I started and I would rather have tried and failed than not tried. Rough with smooth, but not enjoying it today. No!

I agree with summersky. I don't talk to anyone about TTC at 40 except DH. It is nice to get concerns and hopes off your chest and get other people who are in the same situations point of view.
Thanks to all on the thread you are keeping me sane.

Summer I know how you feel, with the supplements! I groan whenever I have to get all the pots and stuff out of the cupboard, gulp, gulp, gulp! And when one goes down sideways and sticks it's awful, and it sometimes comes back on you and you can taste a yucky herbal powder taste. [bleuch face]
Groo!
Oh well we should be in the peack of physical health with all of these supps and teas and whathaveyou.

Angi, I was exhausted when my DS was around 12 months and I was still bfing. The GP did send away my blood but it was all OK, however, an iron supplement might just give you that extra boost. I think often you can have low levels of someting, but what they call sub-clinical, which is where action is taken by the health service. See if you can obtain a print-out of your blood results, and then do a bit of googling.

Hi to all, I must remember to flip the thread before replying because I get all mixed-up trying to remember who posted what?? [confused face]

Hi DDilemma Yes Tuesday (tomorrow) is fine for me I prefer Bath but would like to do Chippenham as the parking is a lot easier and cheaper if that's OK. What time and where? I have school runs but am free otherwise.
Be really nice to meet up I don't talk to anyone about this apart from DH because of my age. All my old friends for some reason are single and only one has a DC and I certainly wouldn't talk to them about TTC2. I am quite a private person but I like the fact that we are all in the same boat here and for me it's a real lifeline, you lot really are the only ones I talk about it to.
Good you've got a regular cycle though and it's a good length - don't know where mine will be now hope it settles soon though, I'm also feeling sick a lot of the time but I think I've still got pregnancy hormones in me.
Kiwi it's lovely you want to meet up - sorry I never venture to London any more. We'll have to have a Christmas party on here! Love all your little throw in tips. My trouble is I'm taking so much stuff and drinking so much herbal tea there isn't enough time in the day to swallow it all!

Mornin Girls
Well I am on CD 12 and stupidly took an internet cheapie HPT yesderday and after staring at it for about 4 hours imagined that I saw a line so cracked open a FRER and it was a bust Gggrrhh. So the more fertile after MC thesis didn't work for me this month and temps took a dive this AM so she'll be here by Weds I guess. But never mind I guess I can relax from all the charting for a week and then it will be onwards to the OPKs and more symptom spotting.......

Love to you all xx

Hi ladies. Thought for sure I was out when my temp took a dive yesterday but it is up again today. I'm still feeling crappy (very tired,taste in my mouth,nausea here and there etc), so I'm off to get my iron levels tested today.
I haven't done a test this morning cos I am sick of squinting at what might be a line but really isn't! If I don't get AF in the next few days, and I still have temp above cover line, then I might do another test, but my cycle is not at all reliable due to the BF. I am pretty sure I did O as I had familiar O pain and EWCM, but I have trawled the internet and it appears that BF can really mess up your temps etc.If I continue to feel so tired I will see my doc.

So it all remains to be seen.

Ddilemma, sorry the old hag came for a visit.

wish I was wealthy, I'd pop over for the mumsnet chrissie party.It'd be great to meet you in RL.

I've signed up for the Christmas meet-up in London on 28th November. Is anyone else coming along? Can I persuade any of you out of towners to join us? I can offer a spare bed for the night, if that's helpful at all?

Hippychick Also linseed and leafy green veges!

Sorry to hear your least favorite relative has come to visit dilemma. Good news that you went from 11 to 14 days LP. V. encouraging for me. We'll both be back on here soon complaining about the old 2WW.

Hi everyone, well despite still feeling sick practically all the time, sore boobs and no PMT symtoms like I usually get, AF snuck in precisely 27 days (give or take 5 minutes) after the last one! So nothing wrong with the regularity of my cycle, but as yet no cramps or anything so we'll see how it is over next 24 hours.
Hippy, my cycle before last had 11 day LP, this one was 14 again so it's self corrected I guess.
Summer am planning on being in Chipp or Bath Tues am so could meet for a coffee if you're around? Be great to have a moan chat face to face with someone who understands!!!

Thanks Kiwi. I looked in to this and one site said it shouldn't be taken when pregnant so I looked further and I found this -

For women who are trying to get pregnant, vitex (another word for agnus castus) may be helpful to help regulate the ovulatory cycle. It may be taken throughout the end of the third month of pregnancy, which may help prevent miscarriage, according to German research. After the third month it is still safe to take but is not recommended, because it may bring on the flow of milk too early.

I think I'll wait and see how long this cycle is, because I've only had 2 proper periods since the Mirena came out and I wasn't taking a lot of notice before because I was blissfully unaware of this whole LP nightmare! If this one is short too - I'll defo go to the docs.

I am gonna eat a lot of oily fish in the meantime though cos I really like it and it could help. If nothing else it tastes nice and is good for you generally

Hippychick, Agnus Castus is supposed to be very good for the luteal phase, and oily fish.

Ta for all the advise. It doesn't seem like it was implantation bleed (too much blood - had to be our least favorite Auntie!)

Some places say LP should be 10-16 days but then a couple of places say anything less than 12 is a worry. One website says if you have a short LP you WILL have an early miscarriage - that seemed very definite and awfully negative to me.

Anyway, I have thought about giving up temping - my temp is still up every morn (37.5) despite the fact that I'm having a period. So either my thermometer is crap or I'm odd. To test it, I used the same thermometer to take my sons temperature when he first woke up and he was 36.5 (and he was in the same bed as me - had a bad dream and ended up with us).

I thought I might take B6 to help lengthen the LP but it says I should check with doc. Does anyone know if it's defo ok to take B6 when ttc and what dose is best please? Also could the mirena coil have affected my LP or is that a set thing??

I'm wondering - Any BFP's from you guys yet

Hippychick I understand LPD to be for under 10 days, eg 9 days or less.

I wouldn't have thought an 11 day luteal phase (in itself) would represent an issue.

Morning everyone, nowt to report, just wanted to say hi.

I'm interested in what your charts look like, as I think my temps are low, so would be interested to compare mine with yours. What are they like in the first phase, then in the luteal phase?

That must be bitter sweet luckywebby.

Sorry to hear about AF hippychick. Know what you mean about worrying the more you read. I had an appointment with my acupuncturist today and she commented that my post o/v temp surge was a bit staggered which can suggest problems with prostergone levels and be linked with m/c. Too early to tell as it's the first cycle when I've temped and ovulated. But another thing to go and google hey ho! I keep alternating between knowledge is power and ignorance is bliss.

Hope you're doing OK rowing. I've been thinking of you. What's Dong Quai?

angifi - sorry no idea re false positives and breast feeding. Don't know if a post on the breast feeding section would be worth it?

PIL have gone to visit some other relatives for a week so we have the house back to ourselves. Bliss. They are really lovely and it's great having them stay but entertaining people non stop for several weeks is tiring.

Couple of things my acupuncturist said today that were interesting. Apparently under TCM you should eat red meat 3-4 times a week. I eat hardly any but upped it in the last week and there was a noticeable improvement in my tongue (still feels very strange typing that!) and pulse. Also you should stay warm when TTC (warm drinks, warm foods, wrap up etc) - forgot to ask if this was at certain times in your cycle. Seems a good excuse to keep the heating on this autumn!

Hi rowing boat

Yes my sons GF pregnancy was a bit of a shock. He is 18 and she has just turned 18. He has recently joined the army so is away for 14 weeks at the moment. Not planned at all. Due in December. Why is it some people get all the luck.

X

Hi everyone,
Angi that is so annoying about the test. I haven't heard of false positives whilst bfing.
Could you go to the doctors and explain you are TTC, but you aren't sure of the state of your hormones, see if you can have some blood tests done to see where things are.
Have you tried Agnus castus, it is good for regulating prolactin and women's cycles in general. You are likely to have higher than normal prolactin if you are bfing, I would have thought at least.
It sounds as if your irregular cycles are really getting to you, must be so frustrating.
Sending you a hug! {{{hug}}}
Summer that is very interesting about the herion. Not that I'm that desperate, prefer to have a baby and be in a fit state to look after it.
How is everyone.
Sorry for not replying to everyone, it has been very busy on here over the past week, but a big welcome to all the new people, it's very friendly on here.
Oh has anyone tried Dong Quai? I've been taking a couple, to try to get my body back to normal (but better I hope).

That is v annoying Angififi thinking it is a pos and being a neg, I agree with Rowing wait a few more days and re do with a different test.

Hi TFLS I too was wondering where you were, we can't get our PIL to visit for a day let alone a mnth. Yeah! for the egg!

Luckywebby That must be tough for you. Sister at the EPU the other day said she finds it hard with heroin addict mums when there are so many like us who really want a DC. Now there's an interesting survey is it easier to fall pregnant while on heroin and no I'm not suggesting anyone try! Oh those poor babies.

Nice weekend everyone

Hi ladies. Not much to report here, but I just have to tell you about the weird and infuriating conversation I had with the help line from the preg test I took that I got a faint positive from.The brand is "crystal clear" (what a joke).
I told the helpline lady that I had a positive from their brand and negatives from two other brands. She asked if I had regular periods, i told her I hadn't had a period due to breastfeeding, so wasn't sure.She says, well you have to wait 19 days from intercourse.(it says "test 5 days before your due date" on the pack.)Then I said I have heard of false negatives, but not false positives. Her reply was, well it can happen in certain situations and breastfeeding is one of them.
WHAT!!!I have never heard of BF causing HCG in the body, and why didn't it make other brands positive!
How unhelpful. Obviously their brand of tests is faulty and I will never,ever be tempted to waste my money on them again.
According to FF I should get a visit from the nasty aunt tomorrow, but I am not so sure and wouldn't be surprised if it is Tuesday instead.
Still feel symptoms, but for now have to right them off as nothing.
Has anyone ever heard of breastfeeding causing false positives?I'd love to know.
Good luck, hope someone gets a bfp.

Hippy that's rubbish news. It couldn't have been implantation at 11 days could it, which would explain the high temps?
Wait a bit longer and test again.

Lucky that has to be so hard, you are obviously a very patient person. Was the younger son's girlfriend a bit of a shock?

TFLS I was wondering where you had got to. PIL for a month, that sounds like fun? Are they still there?

DDilemma - i agree with Summer sky everywhere you look there seems to be either small babies or pregnant women. I find it really difficult as I have a job where I am responsible for telling newly pregnant mums what they are entitled to by way of maternity leave and benefits. I have to be happy and smilie and congratulate them when all the while i'm thinking why can't that be me and to top the lot my youngest sons girlfriend is pregnant and due in december which I find extremly difficult.
I do feel happy for them but at the same time quite jeoulous.

x

Sorry guys. AF got me yesterday .

I felt a right numpty for doing the test the day before. If only I'd waited one more day.

I am a bit worried actually cos I defo ovulated around day 14 but the cycle ended up only being about 25 days long. Meaning the second half was a bit short (11 days) - am now convinced I have that Luteal Phase Defect thing

I'm probably worrying for nothing and I must remind myself that I only had the coil taken out in July so my body is probably still settling down. The weird thing is that my temp was still up this morning (37.4) despite the fact that I started my period yesterday. All very odd - I was 33 and 36 when I had my DS's and I didn't even know about Luteal Phase then!! The more I read the worse I worry.

Afternoon all

Summer - The tea is loose and I actually bought a cheap coffee cafetierre thingy in tescos and made the tea in that -left it to infuse/brew for cupla hours then drank it. It isn't cheap bout £11 a tub but it lasted me a month and half. I'm thinking about ordering somemore actually.
I wish I had some golden words of advice regarding the MCs but Im afraid that area seems to be a minefield to me.

xx

Hello everyone, sorry for the long absence but been manic at work and have PIL staying for a month.

rowing - I'm so sorry about Papa and Toto. I was reading the thread with bated breath. So for you sweetie. Hope Foo-Foo, Fluffy & Barry are getting ready for you (another fan of the names here).

And summer - sending you a huge dose of empathy given you've banned sympathy. It just seems so hard.

Lovely to see this thread so busy - welcome to everyone! Sorry for the AFs where they've arrived.

I've finally ovulated this cycle (didn't for the last 2 months post m/c) and now in the 2ww. Such a relief. Started using a Clearblue monitor last month and got 18 days of HIGH in a row. Talk about stamina . Stupid me didn't think about ringing their helpline until last week. Apparently you get a HIGH when the monitor detects an increase in estrogen and it automatically stays at that level until it detects a LH surge. And there was me desperately jumping on DH, anxious not to miss any opportunity .

It seems to me that a lot of us are in the same boat re MC. Not so difficult to concieve but a problem holiding on and early on is implantation before the placenta kicks in. Any experts around? Attila the Meerkat seems to know a lot - is she Vita West in disguise?
*Rainbow Days* you're not alone and some advice would be great trouble is those who are successful wouldn't be on the TTC thread anymore - there's the rub.

DDilemma I seem to see pregnant women where ever I go at the moment including a new 40 yr old neighbour that I'm supposed to be over the moon for and am actually really envious of and disgusted with all at the same time (long story) Would love to meet up though, is Chippenham the best place? I'm free next week.
I've also been having a glass of wine to consol myself - gone off it now it's been so long. Coffee is my weakness but I'm on the wagon again.

Rowing et al thanks for the sym/emp. I just know I can fall into depression if I think about it so it's onwards and time for me to start cleaning again too.
Muchlove did you buy it as a ready made tea or loose herb, from ebay or elsewhere. I'm also doing yoga and it's great has been very fruitful in the past.
angififi I used to gag when brushing my teeth as a sign so fingers crossed for you.

Just to add that obviously it isn't working best for me at the moment! However that is due to my increasingly advancing age I think!

I got pg within 3 months first time (lost to a mc) and then within a month second time using the targeted approach.

I am a real advocate of the FAM approach (fetility awareness method) as described in TCOYF which is a fantastic read if anyone hasn't heard of it.

I know the docs say you shouldn't have a 'targeted' approach to ttc but I think they don't take into account how exact temping etc can be. I think they should credit us women with being able to understand our own cycles FFS.

If you can take your temp accurately (which is a challenge if your dd is waking up in the night!)then charting is very clear.

Yes it is easy to say have sex every other night or every 3 nights but I certainly don't have the energy or the will to be honest to do that! Also I know that there is not a hope I can concieve until I ovulate so targeting, IMO works best for me.

Doctors just annoy me sometimes. Plus Toni Weschler is a fertility doctor herself so she knows what she's talking about.

As crazy as it looks when written down : I tested again this morning...Holy S* Batman,why can't I leave it alone!!!I could be 9 dpo or 11 dpo and it was definately neg.Last time I got a + at 9dpo.But I guess it doesn't necessarily mean it's all over.

It's just these symptoms are still hanging around and are not a figment of my imagination.However I know they can be a result of hormones out of whack can't they? I felt quite faint in the shower last night,boob twinges,gagging on my toothbrush,feeling drop-dead tired,headaches etc.Time will tell.

I feel quite cross with myself for getting all hopeful, and I have felt completely useless all week,roaming the internet instead of doing my housework, just generally feeling blah.I have to snap out of it.I am just glad my DH is away for work so he doesn't have to see what a funk I have got myself into,he doesn't know about the possible + tests, I'd rather not say anything until I know either way.

Rowing I hope the hospital will let you start sooner.The waiting is so hard.

Good Luck to all.

Ddilemma, I know exactly what you're talking about. Glad this evening was a little easier than you expected.

Cd16, entering into the loooong 2ww ...

Yahoo for the weekend!

Thanks Rowing,envy is a horrible emotion because even thought you know you shouldn't be feeling it, you just can't bloody help it! Actually it wasn't too bad this evening tho - apart from when we had a 'Moonwalk' stories moment - 'oh yes so and so did it just 4 weeks pregnant, I started TTc a week after etc' - no bloody mention of me doing the bloody half marathon 5 weeks after MC!!
Enough enough I am now going to bed, have a lovely day ahead tomorrow with DS and some friends off for a bit of retail at a well known Bristol shopping centre, then out for a meal for friends birthday.
Misperfectoes (good name!) NOTHING wrong with having to think how old you are lol
Happy Friday everyone xx

Am i fortyfour?? oh yeah god i have to think about it, how bad is that? and i want to bring a child into the world hmmmmmmmm

Hi every1 hope i can join yr thread, its so good to know that im not a freak being broody at my age..forty four..i cant bear to type it in numbers lol ive been ttc for about 1yr ive had 2 mc back to back the last one at 11 weeks in march but it didnt all come away till end june. So have been waiting and waiting to get going again. Im on cd4 but my cycle only lasted 1 day and was over a week late, im gonna take a test 1st thing in morning so ive prob already done it by the time anyone reads this,, just to check its a BFN, you never know ? someone may be smiling down on me!! ive got 2 older children so i know i can do it... i can cant i??

Dilemma I totally feel your pain, it is so hard. At the moment I am being very jealous of people on the same IVF forum as me whom have had a BFP from their treatment. I'm just soooo cross!! What is that about! At least we have this place to vent and we all understand how frustrating it is for you.
Having said that you will probably find that when you see your friends you will feel a lot less of the angst that you do just thinking about meeting them. Or at least I find that the reality is mostly better than my ridiculous imagination. Hope it all goes well and fingers crossed for BFP!
Much hello, I like to see a woman who takes loads of herbal remedies. Keep Holland and Barett is business, just like me!
Angi you are having a very confusing time there with the BFP and BFNs, poor you! I hope AF turns up soon and things get back on track.
Rock hii how are you?
We received a 'sorry' letter from our hospital with an appointment date of November 9th. That seems quite a long time to me. Might phone up and see if I can move that back a bit into October....
Hi to all

Hi everyone, just need a little rant if you don't mind - I am going out tonight with friends - 1 dd 4 months, 1 dd 3 months, 1 due next week, 1 due jan 2010 1 due March 2010 - I feel really left out already, because with the best will in the world even tho you've had a baby, it's so much fun discussing baby/pregnancy with those in the same boat. And I ain't in that boat altho if I hadn't had MC in April I would IYSWIM. So while I love them all dearly, I also want to run away and cry a bit. Still at least I can have a glass of wine, and it's only 2 days 'til WOD or BFP.......
Thank you for letting me rant I feel much better now!
BTW Hippychick are you going to wait now to see if AF appears, or do another test..?!

Hey lovely ladies
Do you think maybe we should do another rollcall so we can see where we are in cycles?
Hey Summer - I ordered the red clover tea online its organic red clover with peppermint I read somewhere that it was a definate secret weapon to aid fertility (tho its used to treat the symptoms of menopause) but I think it contains oestrogens I suppose the same way as soya is suppose to help aswell. But the best way to take it is in tea form and I think you have to take for about 3mnths for effects to kick in, I took it for 2mnths. If you just type it in google it will come up xx
Hey Spiral I've heard that as well not to do temps n OPKs but I have kinda got hooked now there's no turning back .. heeeeelllp
Has anyone read the book Take Control of you Fertility well the author of that book very much advocates the use of temp charts as she believes this can tell us all we need to know bout our cycles
I am 7dpo now and totally symptom spotting its just ridiculous ......

xx

HI Everyone
My isn't it busy I can't quite keep up, must be back to school time and we've all got a bit more time on our hands (well I have anyway)
Muchlove I read that for the 3 mnths following MC we are more fertile as pregnancy hormones are still circulating. Clover tea sounds interesting were did you get it from?
Oh B*M have to go DD back will try to get on again later.

Thanks Spiralqueen for all that info re. fertility clinic. I wonder how long the wait is; hopefully not long! As the months progress I feel more and more sure that i REALLY want another baby. At this stage I think I'll try everything, even if we end up at IVF I'll try it. Was a bit ambiguous before as to how badly i wanted this, but now I know for sure. I think it's the trying and not succeeding (even though only three months!) that makes me realise how I truley feel. Am SOOO broody. 43 in three months time!!!

Good morning everyone(well it is morning here!)Well, no more ambiguous tests, they are most definately,obviously NEGATIVE! Wish I didn't get all hopeful.So silly! I think my body is experienceing a lot of hormonal upset,probably due to the fact that I haven't had my first postpartum AF. LAst night I gagged on my toothbrush and felt like I could vomit, which is exactly like when I am pregnant,but my temperatures just aren't high enough in my opinion, and at 11 dpo I would usually get at least a faint line....So that's that.I hope AF turns up on the weekend and I can have proper cycles again.
Luckywebby, our urologist suggest DH stay away from ejaculation for 3 weeks - 21 days.We managed 18! I know of people who only lasted a week, and I guess it depends on his level of comfort, but we tried really hard to abstain because I really wanted the reversal to work.What you do in the early days post op can make a difference.You really want to avoid any inflammation if possible. I had some strong painkillers, with codeine to help DH through the firat few days.They really helped. The pain is worse than the actually vasectomy, but quite managable.My Dh took a week off work and put his feet up for a few days.We had to tell the kids he'd hurt his back! I just didn't want to explain it all to the kids.
Oh please can someone get a n1ce bfp soon?

Oh, someone was asking about repeat miscarriages.I haven't been there and don't know much about it, but have heard that getting progesterone checked out is a good idea, and sometimes clotting is a factor and a baby asperin can help.

Gotto run, Charlie has a stinky nappy!

Peasoup I'm just starting the fertility clinic route (at 46). The GP referred me - you just need to ask them to do that for you. With us they insisted on DH and I going together to the 1st appointment. They talked at length about how long we had been trying, how often we had sex and about how easily we had conceived DD. They then went through each of our fertility histories in turn. (had we had children with other people, past fertility issues etc).

Then we got sent away to have tests. DH had to do a sperm sample and I had to have blood tests on day 2 and day 21 of my cycle, a chlamdyia test, hycosy test (waiting for that but basically it tests for any problems with your tubes I believe). Trying to get the hycosy as there is a long waiting list. Once that's done it's back to the clinic to review the results and see what the options are.

The strong advice from the consultant at our first visit was to avoid using ovulation sticks, doing temps or any other charting as it lessens your chances of conceiving. (Down to the fact that the tests are unreliable and they add more pressure to ttc which is counterproductive) They said the most successful way to conceive was by having sex 3x a week throughout your cycle (apart from when AF is visiting).

Hope that helps - good luck

Thanks Fifi. Don't you just hate being a woman sometimes???? Sore boobs, cramps, twinges here and there - they can mean anything. They can mean 'it's all going well' and they can mean 'it's all gone to cr*p'.

And us poor novices can only sit and guess what the heck it all means.

Hi to all those who are nearing the end of the agonising 2WW. Lets get some news soon please!

Hello everyone and newbies. I'm still here on and off and still ttc of course, though I know it's probably a waste of time.

Suffering from really sore bbs this month, around ovulation????? So know it's not because I am pg. Probably menopausal stuff going on knowing my luck!

Good luck to all of us and hippy chick hope you get your wish!

Hi guys. Well I went a bit loopy this morning and decided to do an early response test with my 1st wee of the day. It was a daft thing to do cos I'm only at day 24 and of course I got a BFN I know it doesn't mean anything definite and it was a bit of a pointless thing to do, but I just got a bit excited about the whole ttc thing. Anyway I know 'it aint over til the fat lady sings', so I'm still hoping AF wont turn up. I just wanted to have a little secret to take to work with me

Hi, back home again, to the land of nurseries and time to actually read MN postings!

Rowing, really really sorry it didn't work this time. If getting pregnant was just a matter of being positive i think you'd have 6 kids by now.
Kiwi, sorry we couldn't get together but never mind. My dd probably wouldn't have let us finish many sentences anyway...!

I'm on another month of ttc "au natural" with not a drug in sight (only because i haven't had the chance to beg any off the nearest health professional). Am unconvinced but being on cd 9 am trying to kid myself that i'm thinking positively! OH being quite smug as he finally did a sperm test and got the result "good", category B. He didn't exactly say the words "so it's not me..." but almost.

Hi - just wanted to pop on again and respond to rainbowdays. I don't have any answers but I know exactly what you are going through.

Rowing may have some pointers, I seem to remember her mentioning something about making sure you are getting enough protein in your diet. I have also read that it takes about 3 months to make an egg so what you do now is investment for three months' time.

Hello and babydust to all, especially the newbies.

Hi, I've not been on this thread much but wanted some advice so here i am back again. I'm 42 (43 soon!). Got one DS (4) conceived on the very first try age 38. Been trying for three months now, using Clearblue Fertility Monitor. No joy.
I know it's only three months, but as time is of the essence i thought I'd get advice on what I can do at the doctors to check myself out and make sure I'm all in working order (and Dh too i guess). Are there tests I can ask for? What else can i do to give myself the best chance of conceiving? Can i go to a fetility clinic? What do they do? Sorry to be so ignorant. i do scan this thread but there's so much info it gets confusing.

Thank you everyone for the warm welcome, encouragement and support! Feels really great - you're all very kind - and how much more fun it is to be going through all this with others.

When I had the IUS removed the doctor did say that as I have a child already we at least know everything else works - eggs being willing! I was incredibly lucky in conceiving my daughter at age 39 - it happened in the first month - so I am hoping there is some chance for me but I also have to be realistic as I'm so much older now. If it doesn't work I'll get another Mirena put in and just be grateful for what I already have. BUT I'm still hoping!!

I do know someone who had her first child at 45. The doctors had told her she was unlikely to be able to conceive then they said she would almost certianly MC etc, etc but she just remained positive and produced a beautiful little girl now aged 5. There's hope for us all.

Good luck for next week Hippychick! Yes, please can we have a bfp!

I have been recommended Senatogen supplements for DH to take which are designed for dads to be. Hope they can give the little swimmers a boast once they are allowed out.
Angifi - just a little question for yo as you seem to be the only other poster whos DP has had VR. How long after the op did you bd. I have looked at several different sites and they have conflicting answers. Hope you don't mind me asking. .
Sorry to hear that the result was a BFN.
Fingers crossed that someone will have a BFP before two long.

Luckywebby, my DH had his reversal 7 years after the original vasectomy.
Don't worry I have heard many success stories long after 10 years til reversal.

There is a really good forum that I go to which has a lot of information:vrsupportgroup.proboards.com/index.cgi

I gave my DH heaps of suggested supplements before the VR(and after), especially vitamin C 1000mg per day as that is supposed to help with healing. Vit E should help with scarring, so take that after the op (not before as it can cause bleeding).I also heard pycnogenol is great for healing, then there's zinc,CO q 10, L-arginine (found in red meat) and I am sure there are others, but I can't recall.Be sure to get the sperm analysis done at the earliest recommended time, because if scarring occurs it can be reversed with anti-inflammitories early on (though our urologist thought it was a load of old cobblers!luckily we didn't have any issues).

As for me and this weird cycle - yesterday I decide to do a preg test as I was supposedly 9 dpo, but who really knows(!!), and so I poas, one of the blue dye cross sticks.What a silly woman I am, I know those test can be ambiguous.I got a very faint line.I even showed my sister who could also see it.So I repeated the test (same type and an internet cheapie) this am.It was BFN.I should know better.My temp is low too, so I am not holding out any hope.

For someone who isn't really TTC I feel quite sad. It is silly and I wish I could just ignore myself.I certainly didn't expect to go through this rollercoaster again...

Good luck to everyone else.

Ah - I thought it would be surprising if you were a vicar, Rowing. No reason, you just didn't strike me as vicarish, whatever that is.

Hello newbies, come and join the rollercoaster that is 40+ ttc - we're a friendly bunvch.

Hi again, it has been a while since I was here, but need some advice.

I am wondering if any of you have any suggestions for anything to do in the case of repeated miscarriage due to aged eggs! I have had 4 early miscarriages in the last year, and wondering if I could be doing anything to try to improve chances of holding onto a pregnancy?

Hi, I've popped in a couple of times but have been quiet recently as we've not been TTC for the last few months as DP on nights and DD2 having such bad eczema that I rarely get a night's sleep and so had convinced myself that I couldn't cope with another one! Deep down though I would still love one more little one so I am going to come back and join you all if that's ok.

Frosty I had my mirena coil removed back in July. And I also felt a tad silly asking for it to be taken out (I'm 43). My doc is sooo lovely. She said I wasn't daft at all and she didn't seem to think it was an impossible dream. I certainly didn't get the feeling she was humouring me.

I have endometriosis, meaning every proper period I have gets more and more painful - so DH and I are hoping we'll be really lucky and it will work quickly. If it doesn't I'll have to go and get another Mirena put back in and admit defeat but I wont think about that now

I'm just under a week away from AF and my temp is still 37.4 - 37.5 every morning so I'm hopeful. I fell pregnant really quickly both times before (despite the endo) but I was younger then. Argghh why can't we all have 21 year old bods just for a while

Hi everyone,
Summer sorry! I just want to say I know how you feel - that's empathy, not sympathy.
Kiwi I'm not a vicar - I hope. Are you having hot flushes?

Cor, flipping 'eck VSF that's a long name. May I call you 6WW, sounds like a very agonising version of the 2WW. The thought! It's lovely, lovely to hear from you (have I become Welsh). Quite right, eating oysters and enjoying yourself!

Yes where is Fruit?

Sorry for disappearance, my pooter has blown-up and DP won't let me on his. I have sneaked on whilst he is out. [chuckle] Hope I don't download a virus then I will be in trouble. I put his mobile in the washing machine the other night. Ooops!

Hi new Peeps, your are most welcome here, please can we have a BFP! VR sounds very promising.

Sorry have to dash off to throw small boy into bed. Hugs to all of you, you lovely things.

Speak again soon.
Feeling OK, quite nice day today, very busy and sunshine, nods!

Thanks for the messages of encouragement. As i said before I'm keeping everything crossed.
Just wondering how long your DH had their VR after their original op.
My DH was 13 years ago which adds to the decrease in %.
Frosticle - both my doctors were great when we told them about wanting another baby at 40 (me) and 45 (DH) in fact both said they had had their children later in life. I though they would look at me as if I had two heads but were very supportive and gave advice regarding starting to take supplements and going back to see them if things don't happen soon after the VR has been done for deferal to the gyne unit.
Just got to get my mind off the op and on to the fact that this is the first step to what we really want.
X

Hi Luckywebby & Frosticle - another positive tale to add to the post VR, my cousin was 50 when he had his done, now has DD 5 & DS2! Go for it.
Angi sorry to hear you're not feeling v hopeful, I'm on a complete up and down - normally i'd say I'm pre menstrual but it's still 4 days before I'm due! Acupuncture today, my pulses are very good and back to 'normal' now post MC, today different needles to supplement my own energies which is a good thing apparently. De-stressed me anyway.
Rowing & Summer - hope you're both feeling as good as you can do <hugs>
Summer, when you're feeling up for it def still on for a coffee.
4 days to go.......xx

Great to see some newbies, and to see those ttc after a VR. Charlie is my post VR baby at the ripe old age of 41 and after 7 months of ttc, so there's definately a chance for you.

According to my reading (and I have probably done far too much!) although our eggs have been in storage for a long time, we can help them along by being super healthy taking all the supplements etc. I read (from several different sources) that it takes 4 months to mature an egg and in that time we can give them a bit of help.

My optomism for this cycle has gone into recession. I no longer feel any symptoms, my temperature is down and I'm not even sure I ovulated.I think I have a faulty thermometer as it has several different readings each morning, and the last two temperatures have been low. i did have quite a bit of cramping yesterday which felt like pre-AF grumbles, but maybe I had wind???
If you want to peruse my chart, its www.fertilityfriend.com/home/186327.
I just don't know what to think so will try not to think about it too much.
Have any of you got pregnant whilst breastfeeding?I ask because I don't have any breast discomfort, so wonder if it's because I'm feeding?Or maybe I'm annovulatory?
I guess it's a case of wait and see, which is doing my head in!

Hope everyone doesn't mind me joining in too?

When I saw luckywebby's message re VR, I wanted to offer some encouragement. My DP's post-VR test result showed him to be 5 times more fertile than the average man - and he's 48 - so VR can be extremely successful. Fingers crossed it works out well for you too.

I've been reading this thread with a great deal of interest having just had my Mirena IUS removed at age 44 to TTC#2 (I had my DD when I was 40, by a previous partner). I felt more than a tad ridiculous asking for it to be removed so that I could TTC, at my age! The doctors agreed the chances were very slim but didn't make me feel stupid for wanting to try.

I do appreciate how incredibly lucky I am with regard to my DP's fertility (and in having my DD) and hope that this will be enough to compensate for eggs that are far from "Farm Fresh" and need all the help they can get! If it doesn't work, it doesn't work but at least we'll know we've tried.

Hi thought i'd join this thread as i seem to fit the criteria.
I'm just 40 and desperatly am ttc #3. I have two boys aged 20 and 18, so have left quite a big gap.
My DH has been booked in for a VR on 1 october so i have everything crossed that it will work and give us both what we want more than anything else in the world.
It's nice to see the encouragement and friendship on this site. I hope you don't mind me joining your thread.

Hey Summer
Not sure why we are spose to be more fertile after a MC one theory is that the chance of having back to back duff eggs is rare so the chance of same thing happening is unlikely ??? Not sure though ?? the trouble is as well that may be correct in a younger woman but those of us 40+ trying to chase the golden egg I guess we havent got that many left in storage (damn stupid aging process)But we will see if that theory is true...The worrying thing is how many attempts,losses do I have to go thru until you do find the golden 'ONE'
I am also waiting to see a specialist (NHS) and pick his/her brains about possible options I have left.... will update when I get apptmnt.
As for vitamins where do I start
This cycle started using Vita Wests multivit and the DHA. Extra folic acid, L'arganin, trying another one called Pycnogenol ?? read on FF that it spose to be showing promise in aiding conception erm wot else ... B6, Zinc I think that's it.
I have also started with my reflexology again (once a week throughout cycle seemed to help me get my BFP last time)
Also last time I had started drinking red clover tea (2 months prior to conceptn)
really liked that....I think that's it... oh yeah and yoga
PS
Don't think I took a bloody thing prior to falling for the previous 4 kids !!!! They were all conceived within a coupla months of trying

Hi Sprial Oh that's not good news and I know how precious time is to us - every month is so important. Where are you moving to? I managed to change my appointment at the clinic today to 19th Oct so another month out - it will be our first visit and hopefully they will refer us straight to the recurrent miscarriage clinic as things still seem to be working just not sticking. Your backache sounds positive - I'm always totally convinced until the aptly named WOD.

Kiwi I just took my low prosgesterone from the short luteal phase, should be between 9 and 12 days. B6 and evening primrose oil are the things recommended. That article was interesting. Anyone else rattling with all these vits and mins. I've just written a cheque for £90 and I was being cautious with the recommendations - wow my wee will be expensive and no we're not rich we just would really like N2 to turn up soon.

Hippychick Hmm! what to do with a pineapple? Now there's an interesting question - well my yoga teacher keeps talking about tantric and I'm sure they would know. I only buy the tinned stuff can't be bothered to peel it all takes forever and what a mess.

Happy to hear Muchlove that we are more fertile after a mc, do you know why? At least that is one positive thing to come out of it.

Have a lot of time on my hands today as I'm quite rightly taking it easy (in fact the only thing I have done is have a bath) Now were's that horse I would really like to be getting back on, perhaps I will wait a few days am still very sore.

Just to add to my general hacked off feeling...

Spoke to the clinic about getting my hycosy appointment and they say I won't get in before mid-Oct and that my next clinic appointment 22nd Oct can't take place until the results of the Hycosy are through. I won't be in the right bit of my cycle until the end of October for the test so that means a further wait for a clinic appointment. Given how long it took to get this one I suspect that would mean waiting until January when we are due to move away from the area. B*m

Rowing and Summer - thinking of you and the b*mmer of a weekend you've both had. Rowing thought you might be right about the tea and then remembered I'd bought bog standard tetley so the country would be full of people wondering if they were pregnant (cue nuns, grannies, gay men looking puzzled ). Summer - oh to be knitting booties eh?

I've had backache since Friday and spent all weekend thinking AF was going to put in an appearance a week early, but nothing. Getting seriously hacked off with body.

Haven't seen fruitbowl for a while - fruit, you out there?

Sixfold, nice to see you in your new incarnation. Summer, you'd be welcome on this board no matter what. Rowing, are you really a vicar?

Can I ask a few questions about progesterone? How do you know if your progesterone is low? I've convinced mine is - hair's falling out more than usual, thighs looking particularly lumpy and so on - ("Weight gain predominantly around the hips and thighs can be a sign of a relatively low level of progesterone, a hormone that acts as an anti-anxiety agent, an antidepressant and a diuretic as well as being essential for us to burn body fat as an energy source," says Libby. article here) but the test came back normal. I'm on clomid, cd12, and have one more round after this, then it's on to the ivf merry-go-round.

Summer - you've had 3 bad things, so you're due good luck now!

I know you don't want any sympathy summer but here is just a little bit - hope you can handle it. Really sorry to hear your news - big hug to you. What an absolutely crap week-end you've had! Thanks for the advise about the temp. What do I do with the pinapple??

Good luck to all those getting to the end of their 2ww. I had some cramps yesterday and managed to convince myself they were implantation cramps, but no sign of any streaks to suggest that I am right. Apart from that there is just the peeing all the time but having said that I gave birth to those 2 big babies didn't I and my bladder doesn't really do waiting inbetween wees.

Thinking of all those who are feeling today. xxx

Rowing, it's an undercover vsf here, just to say how sorry I am to hear the news. Third time lucky and all that. I'm lurking but not posting now, as I'm trying to get on with life find a job and some other sense of purpose and stop obsessing over what probably isn't meant to be. And on the plus side, I did eat a lot of oysters in France.

Big un MN hugs to you x x

Hi All,

Rowing I was so hoping you would be the BFP as I'm sure were you and I was going to tell my news when you announced yours but now I'm in the same boat as you - pun intended.

WARNING -I DON'T WANT ANY SYMPATHY WE'VE ALL BEEN THERE-

I did get a BFP last Sunday and was thoroughly amazed as I am one of the oldies here but this morning felt something wasn't right and started cramping and had a sore back and now it's pretty much over expect for my mind which hasn't taken it in yet. This is my 4th MC in a row and luckily I hadn't cancelled the appointment at the fertility clinic or I would have gone to the bottom of the list again. If my Doctor was nicer I would have gone to see her sooner and maybe asked for some progesterone injections but then if it was malformed better it goes sooner as the later ones are always worse. So I am back to square one - perhaps they might investigate me now.

Pretty awful weekend, Funeral Friday in A&E yesterday with DD who fell off her bike and needed stitches and today this. I do hope everyone else is having a better time of it.
Well at least I can stay on here now - thought I would get kicked off for being in the club.

Hi. Rowing, there's a bit of a time difference as I'm down under, so would have come sooner to say how sorry I am. You've got a fabulous outlook, very positive so I am sure it will work out. I can't remember why you are doing IVF.Do you have specific infertility issues, or are you doing it due to age? I hope I'm not being too nosey.

I hope,hope,hope we have some bfp's too.Wouldn't if be lovely if we could all be up the duff together.(I am SUCH a romantic!)

According to fertility friend I am 7 dpo.Despite having signs of fertilty,raised temperatures etc,I am still having trouble believing it all cos it has been nearly 2 years since I last had AF! On the other hand I have convinced myself that I am indeed pregnant and a test will prove it in a few days.I got a faint positive at 9dpo last time.

So it is official, I am barking mad!

Only time will tell.At least if I do get AF it means I am fertile again, which is a good thing.

Hi all,
Dixie, that's poo, bloomin' AF, what's she want!! She is such a total loser! Yes I prescribe a day of thinking 'what a waste of time, I won't bother next mont' before continuing to TTC as usual.
Thank you Kiwi and Pat for the bumpoo and other sentiments, I quite agree, lots of that and more of that on top!!
What is funny is that suddenly the normal method of TTC seems a breeze, a holiday and a walk in the park all rolled into one, after the alternative method. I will never complain about the boredom of routine sex. So infinitely superior to being poked up the vag with a scanner thingy whilst watched by three students and a cleaner or being butchered by a doctor performing egg collection.
Good grief, routine sex any day, at least you get a lovely sleep afterwards.
It is very difficult to fill the void left by obsessing over IVF. What was it I used to do. Was I a vicar, no that's not it!
Suddenly resurrecting sewing projects and tidying up again.
So where is everyone in their cycle now? Can I have an update?
Kiwi what is happening about your IVF appointment. Is the Clomid finished now?
Could somebody get a BFP please!

Oh Rowing - I second Muchlove's very articulate statement - shitbumpoo, and a huge hug. x

Sorry to hear that the witch got you too, Dixie.

good luck muchlove I do hope you've caught the egg xx
rowing I so admire you - big hug coming your way xx

well I've had my first wipe of doom right on cue guarantee af will fly in as expected next Friday - oh well down for a day and think about why and giving up - then tomorrow comes and I think "oh what the heck lets give it another go" lol. Still figure if its meant to happen it will!

love and hugs
xx

Hey Rowing
First of all I wanna say 'Sh*t' 'bum' 'poo' and 'crap' because they are the first things out of my head when I read your posts...... Secondly I wanna say 'sorry' that you went through the mill and it didn't work out for you - my love and thoughts for you and hubs
I really hope you get lucky on the next try and know that we will all be with you every step of the way xxx
This ttc is sooo emotionally consuming and stressful (sometimes I catch myself and think 'Why are you doing this to yurself missus' then I'm off again jumping hurdles)
Well my hubs went away on his (men only trip) ggrrhhh and low and behold my ovulation was early yaaayy usually day 15 but came on day 11 instead so I managed to get in enough 'good deeds' to cover it (I hope)-otherwise it was due today and he not back till Tues.
Supposed to be more fertile after a MC so we will see..........
I hope all is well with everybody else and Im with you on the mob phone thing cant stand them 9 times out of 10 its usually one of my teens asking (demanding) something from me - a lift, money, food ....and I'm not on FB either mind you thats bcoz my 19yr old son has forbidden it !!!

love to you all and a an extra hug for Rowing
xx

Hi everyone, it is very busy on here and that's lovely.
I'm afraid it was a negative yesterday. I thought I had updated, but I got a bit bogged down yesterday updating FF. Got myself onto too many threads on there and they are hooooge.
Is anyone else on there?
The nurse was very funereal and solomn when she told me, but I was far from surprised, just a bit final when they actually tell you it is negative.
Feeling sad now, but thankfully not depressed, as with the first failure. A lot of what I feel is anger and frustration, it's just such a lot of cr*p to go through for a negative. I suppose that is a natural reaction though. Then I want to cry.
On the plus side we have the B,F-F and F in the freezer.
DP wants us to keep trying au naturelle in the meantime, he thinks the drugs could make me extra fertile. Or he just fancies a bit of action. It is hard on him too, but he doesn't complain because he feels bad that I had to put up with so much physical discomfort.
Summer I don't think we are dinosaurs, we are using computers, so we're not that bad. I don't know what it is with mobs, I don't like when I am out and someone rings me. It's always when I don't want to answer or it's too awkward, like when I'm crossing the road with DS or something, or in a changing room with my top over my head. Then when I do answer I feel embarrassed about talking very loudly for some reason.
I also find that if I dont' answer the phone I get told off by people, 'why didn't you answer'? So I just don't have a phone on me and then they know why I didn't answer. Hm! Told them! Hrmph!
Sprial I wonder if the teabags have been substituted for tiny bags of iron filings to save money - credit crunch - reusable.
GPS, Dilemma, Dixie, Much, Angi, Tetley, Kiwi, StinkyP, Rock (how the hell are you??), Pat everyone, thank you for being the most marvellous people and so kind to me.
You're making me cry. Huuge Hug!

Hello everyone Oh Rowing I'm so sorry but 6 weeks isn't that long to wait I love the names foo foo and fluffy - sorry not so keen on Barry would you be able to deal with triplets? I'm not sure I could or even twins but then I am a true wimp. I'm a bit like you re modern life I'd still like to write letters but there's never enough time for anything. Are we dinosaurs then, I do feel old enough to be one sometimes. Had to explain myself as I am always offending people unwittingly- sometimes just by breathing!

Sprial I love the idea of you and your male colleage being in the club together feet up on the desks knitting booties. I always think I am P just before AF too - it's that old friend progesterone again.

Hippy 37.5 sounds good it shouldn't dip for at least 9/10 days and (this is the bit I haven't worked out) be 1/10th above lowest temp could anyone explain coverline to me - was never any good at maths - or English.
Pineapple helps eggs embed apparently, I read so much I don't really know what's true anymore.

Who is going to pass the red tape first.

So sorry Rowing - virtual hugs coming your way xx

Good luck to all with good symptoms - I'm on cd21 and desperately trying not to think about it ... right xx

sorry ddilemma, just re-read stuff and realised you're at the same stage as me too. Exact same day (I'm CD19 too how strange.) Missed you off my little waiting list. Good luck everyone.

Spiralqueen I'm just over a week away from AF - so we can wait together. Loved the bit about the metallic taste (perhaps that man at work is preg too!!). It looks like Angi is almost in sync with us as well. She can wait with us too. The 2ww is exciting and agonising isn't it? Due to my age I haven't told many people out here in the real world that we're ttc - so I have to act like I'm not really waiting for anything.

Hi everyone, just wanted to say hello, I'm still here, well actually I'm in Liege (ooh lucky me).

Have been in lurk mode for a while now but still as obsessed as ever. I should be somewhere around cd 14 when I get home tomorrow so dh had better get his party pants on .

More importantly, Rowing I just wanted to send lots of love and hugs to you. I'm sorry things don't seem to be going so well with toto and papa. Its good you won't have such a long wait to collect your frost babies.

I've not been on for a while and I was so sorry to log in and read all your news Rowing. I too thought it was looking very positive with the streaks and the cramps. The problem with AF symptoms and pregnancy sysmptoms is that they are so very similar and it's very difficult to second guess them. And yet we all can't help but try. You seem really together about it all and I can't wait to hear all about Barry and the others soon. Sending lots of love to you and DH etc.

The story with me is that I'm almost half way throught the 2ww. My temp is 37.5 every morning when I first wake up (is that good?). You see, I know nothing about it but I still take my flippin' temp every morning. The only symptom I can see so far is that I'm peeing a lot but that's not exactly conclusive. Ah well, thanks to the smiley face I know that i ov'ed and I know we did it at the right time so I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Good week-end everyone.

Rowing Hang on in there, sorry it's not looking hopeful for Papa & Toto. Big hugs and DP take care of yourselves.

Tetley & Kiwi it's a shame you guys weren't able to meet up - I had this picture in my head of the two of you meeting up waving little sticks at each other whilst everyone around you was wondering what the heck was going on

Angi I'm a week away from AF. Had a cup of tea this morning which tasted really metallic but my (male) colleague had the same experience so writing that one off. I usually start getting pg symptoms before AF arrives which always raises my hopes even when I know I should be ignoring it.

Have a good weekend everyone

Hi everyone,
still no news, I can't get through to the hospital. However, the bleeding is very heavy now and clotting, so I think that's that!
When I went in for the blood to be taken the nurse thought I would be able to go back for Foo-Foo, Fluffy and Barry in around 6 weeks. Mummy's coming!
It looks very like Papa and Toto RIP to me.
Will email as soon as

Summer I didn't think you were laughing out loud at a funeral. It did make me laugh though, particularly when you hurriedly explained what you meant.
So is LOL text for lots of love?
I don't text, I hate my mobile phone, in fact I don't even know where it is. Being at home all day, just use the landline, I can never hear what people are saying on a mobile. DP thinks I am a a wierd relic/fossil/dinosaur because of this.

Dilemma and Angi Ooo I do hope those are bona fide symptoms, how lovely.
Now get on with cleaning the bath!

Angi I was just thinking the same thing as I was cleaning the bath (like you do!)- has any one come up with a really good way to stop obsessing about every little symptom? I too have metallic taste and feel really sick, but then again I am a very likely candidate for gallstones so it could be that!!
I think I'm day 19 today, so another 10 days to wait.
Back to the cleaning

Hi everyone. Rowing, I am hoping it's good news.Sending great big virtual hugs, no matter what the outcome...

I am relatively pleased that I might actually be having my first tww, though still don't feel entirely confident.Although I've had a temp rise for three days, they aren't very high, so not sure what to think. Time will tell. Also trying not to symptom spot but it's useless, I just can't help it.I have had a very metallic taste in my mouth, but I have had it before and it meant nothing, so will try to ignore it, and the mild cramping,backache,etc etc....I've always thought it would be great to go into hibernation for the tww, so it could pass without me noticing.

Where is everyone else in the cycle? I wish we could stick our little tickers (like the fertility friend one) at the bottom of our posts so I could see where everyone else is...

Wishing you all big fat bfp's.

Rowing - thinking of you for later xx

LOL does of course mean lots of love just remembered text speak

Hi Rowing I'm virtually holding your hand hope all goes well this afternoon. LOL

Not a great day for me either going to a funeral, life and death all part of the same coin though.

Rowing, sending you big hugs. Whatever happens, your mind must be racing right now. My fingers are crossed so tightly for you.

Talking about big fights with the o/h, we had a doozy last night. Rather vicious, and over absolutely nothing. (sigh)

Tetley, Friday has descended into chaos already, and it's still Thursday. Am so disappointed that I'm not going to get a chance to meet you. Will you be coming back to London any time soon? I've created a new email address for anyone who wants to contact me from MN. It's kiwi kat online at yahoo d0t co d0t uk.

Hope everyone's Fridays bring good news and at least a wee bit of sunshine.

Fingers and toes crossed for you rowing - have been gripped by your posts...

Hey Rowing

Just tuned in and saw your message I guess I don't know what to say other than keep strong and take it easy and that I am thinking of you
xx

Hi, Rowing. Don't get all worked up yet. I think your DH is right, should wait until the lab test. I can very well imagine the anxiety you must be going through but just hang in there. You sound like a very strong woman. Three cheers for you. I am praying for you. All the very best.

Hi Rowing - hang in there and I'm so sorry you're having a rubbish day. We're all here for you (even the lapsed "members" of the forum like myself). Is it worth phoning the hospital? When's the test?

You know your body pretty well by now I'm sure but we're thinking of you and I hope things work out well.

Hi everyone,
I'm not having a good morning. This post is all about me.
Woke up with cramping - very AF - went to the loo: bright red spotting.
Went back to bed to try to relax, but looking very pale and feeling shaky.
Eventually, I sneaked to the loo to do a CB test and it was negative. I think it is all over, but DP is cross that I used a home test and says we can't be sure until I have the official blood test. I know he is right, but I do think it will confirm today's result.
Sorry to bring bad news and no bfp which I know we all want see on here soon.
Mentally, I don't feel too bad and intend to just try to relax and take it easy. If this is the end it is better AF comes sooner rather than later so that I can go an get my three frost babies.
I reckon it will probably be November before I can have a frozen embryo transfer, so time to recover and get my positive mindset back in place.

Dashing on quickly while dd out with sister taking cousin to school....otherwise i get nagged to bits to let her watch barbapapa on youtube...

I'll be at the south bank centre tomorrow morning so what about 11 at "giraffe" in front of the Royal Festival Hall) (i know there's a grown up cafe there too, but can't remember which chain it is?)

I'll be wearing a big floppy hat with a crysanthumum in it...! Actually i'll be with a 3 year old yelling Mummyyyyyy, i need a piiiii piiiiii!!! Kiwi, hope you can make it, but don't worry if you can't!! We'll be there anyway

Summer I meant my injections, not my cat.

Summer I didn't realise you had injected a cat, I should have got you round to do mine. It really wasn't that bad, I'm fine as long as I don't see my own blood in any quantity.

Good luck with that meetup and the placards, can you put them on sticks too?!

I phoned the hospital today and they told me to come in between 8am and 9:30am and I would get the result at lunchtime.

So today has been interesting, had a bit of brown discharge, but not much. Had a freak-out internally (was at work) but then calmed down. Also was radiating heat, the way I did with DS (hot Summer that one) and had some weird itchy, odd sensations in my legs when I was sitting down. The leg thing would have gone unnoticed except that it continued for a 10 minutes. Anyhow I actually feel quietly positive about this Friday. It is exciting.
You know when you don't want to jinx things by being too confident, that's how I feel.