Clearblue Fertility Monitor Support Group Buddies Vol 7!!

[boba82]

Welcome!

[pupcake]

Hi boba!

I was hoping you (or someone) would start a Volume 7! I have been lurking on the previous volumes for a few days, and am eager to particpate. I started reading the older threads last week, as I googled something related to CBFM (why I hadn't gotten a high yet on CD 14), and the thread popped up. I got so into reading everyone's TTC stories and I feel like I've learned so much. I'm not at all up to speed on how everyone is doing - I am currently reading volume 3. How are you doing these days? Last I read, you were going for HSG.

About me - TTC #1, 4th cycle of trying, 1st cycle with CBFM, age 33, CD 19, UCL 29 days.

Looking forward to getting to you you ladies!

[boba82]

Hi pupcake and welcome. I'm currently feeding my 7 week old DS! After being diagnosed with PCOS and a blockage in tube we were put on IVF waiting list and given Clomid. Got my BFP on second cycle after 19 months TTC. He came from my blocked side so really is our little miracle baby.
This is a lovely supportive thread & I really felt it helped me through some awful times when no one in RL knew what we were going through. Good luck.

[pupcake]

Hooray! That is fantastic news! I am so happy for you that it eventually worked out and you have a 7 week old to show for it! It's so reassuring. Glad to hear you were also able to get IVF and it was so effective for you. I've not had any testing at this point since it's only our 4th month ttc, but I've decided that if still no bfp after using CBFM and charting for 2-3 months, I may go get some preliminary testing done in January or February, which will be 6 mos ttc and I'll be 34 then. I think I am ovulating ok, it's pretty regular since coming off the pill in July, and I feel pretty good about dh's sperm as he has 2 kiddos from before (although first was conceived on Clomid, and second was conceived naturally, after taking a break from IVF.). Just a tad concerned that there might be an issue with sperm meeting egg, or issue with implantation, luteal phase etc. I guess time will tell.

Anyhow, I think I am 2 DPO now and already the 2WW is dragging.

Any news on Harry, cycan, Choccie, kezia, storm, lychees, or row? Reading your journeys is really helping me through all the ttc craziness and you all are such a supportive bunch.

Again, so happy for you!!!

[pupcake]

Sorry - was it your second cycle on Clomid , or second cycle of IVF?

[boba82]

Clomid, luckily we didn't need the IVF as 3 year wait list here (Edinburgh). Harry had a little boy & Keziah 23 weeks preg at moment after long journey. The CBFM is really useful, you might get lucky first time! Did you use it this cycle? Good luck on the. 2ww!

[pupcake]

That's fantastic! About the Clomid working so well, and about Harry and Keziah. Really amazing. Genuinely so happy for all of you!

I did use it this cycle - it's my first month using it. I think it's working as it should, as it gave me 2 highs, 2 peaks, and 1 more high. Today is CD 20 and it's a "low". SWI every day there was a high or peak, and also several days before the highs started. Would love to be one of those people who nails it the first time. Will be testing on Nov. 24th.

[Angelico]

Hello! Popping in to say hello here as am currently on the Waiting to TTC board but have bought CBFM and used it for a month. Plan is to chart cycle for a couple of months and then go for it Dec / Jan. I just wanted to know if people found it useful :-)

[pupcake]

Hi Angelico. I find it useful - absolutely - but I'm relying just on the CBFM. I think it's most useful when used in tandem with charting (temps and CM), as sometimes the CBFM can miss a short LH surge, which might mean you don't get a "peak." Also, some ladies will get highs and even a peak, but aren't actually ovulating. Charting is the only way to confirm ovulation is indeed happening (short of ultrasound). So what I do is use the CBFM, chart, and around the time I suspect I'm getting close (getting highs) I also start using OPKs in the afternoon. That's what I did this month, and found that I got my first + on CD 16, but the CBFM didn't pick it up until CD 17. Anyway - I'm crazy just a little obsessive, and I know many ladies just use the CBFM alone. Good luck!

[pupcake]

mistake! meant to say, not not just relying on CBFM.

[Angelico]

That's good to know pupcake thanks :-)

[LittleHappenstance]

Thanks for starting up the new list Boba82 - hopefully I can post now! :)

Like pupcake I'd been looking through the threads and following everyone's stories and it does give us hope so I think the thread is a fab idea. Makes me realise I'm not a total nut and that others are going through the same thing. And it's great to get an update.

I'm TTC #1 and this is my first cycle using the monitor. Like pupcake, it seems to have detected my highs and peaks this month so fingers crossed!!!

[pupcake]

Fingers crossed for you Little! When are you due for AF? I'm due a week from today. Suspense is killing me.

How is everyone else doing?

[LittleHappenstance]

Thanks Pupcake, same to you. My AF is due the day after you - so a week from today - and I'm in exactly the same boat. How many dpo are you?

Even though yesterday was only 9dpo for me, I couldn't resist POAS anyway. Needless to say, it was a BFN. Did the same again today and same result. I'm worried I might be turning into a POAS-aholic!

I've decided to remain patient and to hold off testing until AF. It's the only way to cure this madness. How do others manage to stop themselves reaching for a stick every time they go to the bathroom?! I need help!

[pupcake]

Hi Little - I'm only 6 DPO, possibly 7. My luteal phase is shortish though - only 11 days. I still think 9-10 DPO is too early. I've read that the best chance is 12-14 DPO, but some ladies don't get a + until 18 DPO! I'm testing on 11/24, at 11 DPO, but I'm not that optimistic of getting a BFP that early. If it's a BFN I will hold off 2 days at least, before testing again on 13 DPO.

How many cycles have you been TTC? I find that the more cycles go by without a BFP, the longer I wait to test. I tested last month at 9 DPO (2 days before AF) and the cycle before I tested even earlier, probably 6 DPO which is ridiculous! All that marketing for FRER had me convinced I could test that early, which is totally incorrect for someone with a short luteal phase.

Anway - hoping for some BFPs on this thread!

[LittleHappenstance]

Hi pupcake, we've been TTC since August (or at least, not trying to not get pregnant since August) but this is the first month I've been tracking my OV using the monitor.

I also think I may be counting my dpo incorrectly. I counted the first peak as ovulation and the second peak as my 1dpo, however, I think a lot of people class the second peak as their OV and the following 'high' day as their 1dpo. How do you count it? If it's the latter then I'm only 11dpo today. Either way, I'm out this month anyway as started spotting yesterday (which is completely unfair as my AF isn't due till Sat ).

Oh well, roll on next cycle...! Fingers crossed you get your BFP this month.

[HopingSoon]

Feeling really low today, AF has got me again and feel really tearful. It's really getting to DH and me :(
DH thinks it's his fault because of low SC, eventhough I keep telling him it's not his fault just a cruel blow what with me having PCOS too.
Didn't really think trying for a baby would be this mentally exhausting! Don't really have anyone to speak to at the mo other than DH as all our friends are either preggers or just had a baby so don't want to burden them with us feeling sorry for ourselves :(
DH had second test on 12th dec to see if his first tests were correct. Then we can discuss next steps with the doctors!

[pupcake]

Aww, hoping, I'm sorry AF got you and you are feeling so blue. :-( I know it's hard. And AF arriving is just so discouraging! At least you are doing what you need to do, testing wise, to get the ball rolling in case you need some help. Sometimes getting pregnant does require a little help, but so many ladies have had tremendous success with meds like clomid, and/or procedures like IUI. It will happen eventually, you just have to get through this and not let it get you too down.

Hi Little, I've been TTC since August too, and this is also my first month on the monitor. I'm using FF (fertility friend) and the site pinpointed my ovulation as happening on the second peak day. So 1 DPO was my high after the peaks. Spotting could be implantation perhaps??? When did you ovulate? If the spotting is true spotting, have you thought about vitamin B6? It's helped a lot of women on another thread I'm on. It seems to help promote healthy follicles that release a perfectly "ripe" egg - not immature, not too mature, and it also helps the corpus luteum stay healthy so it can secrete adquate progesterone. Interstingly, some research suggests that women who have used birth control pills are deficient in B vitamins (I fit into this category). I just started taking a B50 complex, so we'll see if it helps me with spotting and a shortish luteal phase.

As for me, I'm now 10 DPO and my temps are still up there. Did an early test today and got a BFN which I'm not surprised by. Still holding out hope until AF arrives (Friday-Sunday). Getting a little crazy symptom spotting!

[LittleHappenstance]

Thanks pupcake, it was definitely spotting. Got AF properly yesterday (three days earlier than usual). I was a bit concerned as my cycles are normally really regular and I had similar spotting last month. I haven't been on any birth control medication for years (always used barrier method) so the spotting is unusual for me. Went to see my GP and she's carrying out some tests to check my hormone levels are ok. First test on Wednesday and the next is a couple of weeks after. She says it could just be 'one of those things'.

Thanks for the vitamin advice. I currently take B6 as part of my 'mother-to-be' vitamin pill (although, I had no idea that was it's use - thanks for the info ). B50 complex might be worth a shot? I'll go to Holland and Barratt this weekend and hopefully get some advice on whether I can take this along with my current vitamin (or, perhaps, change altogether!). I've also decided to start BBT charting this month as well as the monitor so I can see if that offers any clues. I tend to add something new every month - DH thinks it's hilarious that I have a whole cupboard dedicated to baby-making!!!

Your temps still being high sounds like a great sign. I'll keep my fingers crossed that the witch stays away and let's hope you see those two lines you've been hoping for. I know how crazy it can be when you're symptom spotting, DH is glad to have a rest from me being a complete nut this week!!! (or, at least, he was....until my PMT kicked in!!!) Let me know how you get on. Sending lots of baby dust your way.

hoping, I know how awful it is to get AF each month but please keep your hopes up. I'm glad that you're getting the tests you need and I'm sure the doctors will be able to offer you the best advice. I read so many stories online about couples who've been having problems and get pregnant while they least expect it. I'm positive it will happen for you - just keep your chin up.

[pupcake]

Hello little and hoping and anyone else out there. :)

little, I do the same thing - add something new every month. Well last month I added a WHOLE lot of things new - preseed, charting, and the CBFM. I started EPO, but wasn't consistent with it. I started the B50 complex but I think it was too late to have any effect for this cycle. I think I've added all I can, and at this point just need to keep at it for another few months. I was thinking about maybe adding baby aspirin, but I'm not too sure about it.

The B-50supplement I take has 50mg of B6 along the other B vitamins. The level of B6 is much higher in B50 than in a prenatal...

Good that you are getting checked out. I have my annual exam soon and will ask for some testing as well.

So needless to say, I think I'm out this month. Boo. Temps are still high (bizarre really), but I started spotting yesterday, and AF is due today (still spotting). Just waiting for a redder, heavier flow to start before I offically declare myself out. I did test today and yesterday and more BFNs. Onto the next cycle!

[pupcake]

Oh right - another thing I might try this month - reflexology!

[Keziahhopes]

Just found the new thread. And so happy that boba started it - as I told her at the end of thread 5 that although she was pregnant she had to start the new thread 6 (and I am never superstitious!!) as I knew it would be lucky!! And I got my bfp on thread 6 . Found the support of people here invaluable - especially in those tough times.

I found the CBFM helpful so hope you all do too, especially those just starting using it. It meant I knew we were hitting right times and helped reduced the stress when ttc was too much - though we did have a 34 month/cycles journey, failed ICSI and despite being told lots of reasons why couldn't get a bfp had a lovely miracle 24 weeks ago .

pupcake we tried everything- enjoy the reflexology it is fab!!

[Keziahhopes]

Hoping - a story to cheer your DH up. My Dh had to have 4 semen analysis tests, was told he had poor numbers, reduced morphology and antibody issues (30%) so not only would we need fertiltiy treatment but had to go straight to ICSI (this was after 3yrs or more of natural ttc and issues with me also!) Anyway 34 cycles of ttc, failed ICSI (his sperm fertilised 80% of my eggs which is above average in ICSI but it sadly failed for us) we got pregnant naturally with his sperm. He was told by IVF clinic to use supplements to increase his numbers - and though it takes months to change numbers the 4 tests improved each time!! We used Menevit - as clinic recommended, or you can buy all the parts of it separately (more expensive) so ordered the Menevit from Australia (but only £45 for 3 months) and Dh was thrilled with increase in numbers . Am sure other products just as good, but our IVF clinic (a Care one) had such good success rate we were happy to trust them and they didn't make any money from recommending it.

[HopingSoon]

Hi KeziahHopes, thanks for your message, gives me hope!
DH is taking a men's health vitamin with everything that is recommended to increase his swimmers and has been taken them since the last results so fingers crossed 3 mths down the line we'll see an improvement. If not I'll order the ones you have recommended.
It's lovely to hear the good news stories like yours instead of the...oh we weren't even really trying or oh it took us 3 months it was like forever!
No-one really understands the heartache of TTC with no joy unless they actually go thru it.
I'm keeping everything crossed. We're both taking supplements and I'm using the CBFM religiously so hopefully one day!
xx

[Keziahhopes]

Hoping great you are both on supplements, and definitely worth having SA rechecks to see numbers improve. We asked for print out of each SA my dh had so we could actually see all the numbers improve - it really helped my dh and made him take the supplements, eat brazil nuts etc. Yes the long ttc journey is horrific, I found this thread so helpful when ttc as there were people on here getting bfp's after 19mths plus for eg so it gave us a glimmer of hope. Know sometimes it is hard hearing even people get bfp's after 34 months but I always wanted to know what they did differently etc so thought I would share!!! Take care xx

[LittleHappenstance]

How is everyone?

Thanks for your posts Kezia, it's great to hear success stories and to know that this TTC process, as frustrating and heartbreaking as it can be sometimes, is all worth it in the end. I've had the first of my 21-day blood tests taken to measure my hormones and DH has been asked to go for sperm analysis so FX that all goes well. However, it's good to know that there's ways around any potential problems. It's stopped me worrying so much.

pupcake did AF ever arrive or are you still waiting? Hope the witch has stayed away.

hoping how are you? Hope you are doing well and I'm keeping my FX that you get your BFP soon.

I'm now on cd7 and my second day of 'high'. Has anyone else had 'high' days from cd6? My 'high' days started cd7 last month so perhaps it's just the way my cycle works but I thought cd6 was super early?!

Good luck everyone and FX we all get our BFPs this month.