Fantastic 40+ thread - part 6

hi all, just popping in. So glad to see the old helicopter getting used again .

italian much love to you, sweetie. This has been such a long journey for you and I sincerely hope all goes well for you and your frosties.

wishingiwaslucky. Gum is a great person to ask about suppliments - she is very knowledgable. i was gonna ask you actually gum - a dear friend has given me some DHEA and some agnus castus - I am gonna start by taking 25mg a day and up it to 50mg a day if i don't get a beard. i am also gonna take 15 drops of the agnus castus daily. BUT if i see a temp rise and think i've ov'd i am gonna stop both. what do you think? Good idea? i don't really expect it to make much difference and am still mentally moving on but i have read some good stuff about both and feel it's worth a try.

latestarter not too sure about sac sizes and HGH levels I'm afraid. I know the main thing is that the levels should keep doubling so one reading alone doesn't tell you much on its own.

I did have a sac that only measured 4mm at 6 weeks and i did MC BUT I don't know if that is relevant to what you have said at all and remember we are talking about millimeters here. I guess at this stage you are playing a waiting game. Hang in there FTYAP :)

latestarter, focus on the positives, a sac is good. The horrid thing about early scans is that they are so hard to get "right". I was scanned at 6+3 (from last period) and there was a HB and they measured at 5+5. Then I was scanned again at 8+5 and baby had caught up to 8+6. Had no bloods taken this pregnancy. Due another scan next Friday. am 9+6 today.
A second sac? eeek exciting and scary all at once!
Keeping all crossed for you.

Special wave for italian x

Well I had an interesting scan yesterday, still very early so only a sac which is what I expected, seems a little on the small side (3mm at 5 weeks), but trying to be positive. The interesting/completely freaky part was they think there might be a second gestation sac - didnt see that one coming. Anyway it is even smaller, so even if it is, doesn't seem to be growing so well. My second HCG on 20DPO was 760, which seems a bit low generally let alone for twins. Jollster, did you do early bloods? And how has your gestational sac been measuring?

Thanks for all the good wishes and helicopter buddies.

Then I was up all night with DD, ended up going to A & E as I couldn't get his temp down after almost 24hrs of Calpol, tonsilitis. Dont know how you mum's with more than one do it.

Going back a few days, three Aussies gum and mia, we'll be taking over soon . Where you live sounds lovely gum, I lived West when I was a kid and we spent a lot of time camping up and down the coast. Do you live in the UK Mia?

Diege, my DD is 2.2 and luckily still having afternoon naps, I am dreading the day when he stops...funny how they always do what they're told at nursery though isn't it?

It seems like a couple of us wouldn't mind meeting up at some point, sorry i cant find whose posts they were now, but after Easter seemed to be the go. How about May or June when we might be lucky enough to have some nice weather and it will be more pleasant for those who are training it?

Someone asked about doing the fertility blood tests. I was about to go down that path and possibly assisted conception. I'm in two minds, I agree it could be really depressing to find out bad news, but I think ultimately for me, I would rather know where I stand and then what my options are, even if I then decided to continue naturally. I wouldn't want get to a point further in the future and then think, in hindsight maybe I would have made a different choice if I had all the facts before me. It could also be good news and some simple measures could get you on the right track.

Big hugs to everyone.....yippee it's Friday....hope you are all feeling ok and where appropriate getting ready for a nice glass later. What are everyone's thoughts on drinking in early pregnancy? Have you done it? xx

Tina and hopeful i was told i had cold patches on my uterus when i went. I've been twice now. would like to go back but taking a break for a few weeks.
What else did she say? my spleen (which works in conjunction with uterus i think she said) the pulse was erratic and not harmonious. she worked on that the second session. I'm trying to get my cycle back on track as still all over the place, early days i know ERPC 5 weeks ago yesterday. Acupuncture is nice though, i didnt expect it to relax me at all.

Latestarter - I hope all went well with your scan.

Tina - great to hear that you are having acupuncture. I really love it. I find it very relaxing. Did they mention using a hot water bottle to warm the uterus? I've heard of this, it helps blood flow - but don't do it after ovulation. Also, a low dose aspirin will keep the blood flow moving too.

Thankyou, Italian, for the lovely prayer. I hope things are going well for you.

I'm working an extra day this week (professional learning) and the week has flown. I'm glad because my DH has been on camp all week with year 12's. It'll be nice to have him back. The kids have been great, but I'm feeling quite tired.
But not complaining - just so glad to have this as my lot...

Italian I totally understand how you feel - just want to reiterate the other ladies in hoping you come back soon - we'll miss you xx

Bean I think it's my hormones - they seem to be raging on a regular basis the last few months :-(

Had my first acupuncture yesterday and found it very relaxing - I was diagnosed with a cold uterus, doesn't surprise me as I'm constantly shivering except for when I'm on hols somewhere sunny and it's 40 degrees plus!! My hands and feet in particular seem to be consistently freezing. I had a stinky herb burnt on my back as well as the needles which is supposed to warm the blood and help it to flow - fingers crossed ongoing sessions do the trick!

Starting my next lot of injections next week then IUI number 2 - let's hope this is the one

DHEA - try agestop.co.uk (I think). xxx

Dear ladies

Today is international women's day so sending love to all you lovely women.

I was just checking up on this and another thread I post on (de-lurking for a moment!).

The 12th March is St. David's Day. Although I have no idea what all your spiritual/religious beliefs are, if any, (and I do not wish to offend you) I thought I'd post this prayer. Please read it and if it helps, great - ignore it if not! If you are not able to say it as a prayer, maybe you may wish to read it as a poem.

I have no real idea about the website it comes from and I do not recommend that site especially, but just these few words that we may all have peace.

St. David's Infertility Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for all the blessings in my life. Help me to remember them as I face the challenges of infertility. I pray that I can surrender myself into your hands. Let me accept the reality of this situation and have the wisdom and courage to take action where I can. Strengthen my body, mind and spirit to endure the trials of infertility. Keep me ever mindful of the needs of others and grant us your peace. Amen.

www.beliefnet.com/Health/2008/09/Healing-Prayers-for-Infertility.aspx?p=2

Is there room for me on the helicopter Knicky? Hope everything goes/has gone well latestarter and that you are able to come back and up date us when you get the chance.
Gum that's interesting about vit E. I'd also heard that a while ago, but had forgeotten until I read your post. A friend took after after ttc for months and got pregnant the month after, and swears that the vit E helped. Seems very odd to think of you in when it's been bitterly cold here! (N.West).
Italian I'm so sorry you;re feeling so rough - not at all surprising thinking of what your going throguh physically and mentally. I totally understand taking a break, but please make it a brief one as we will miss your lovely posts. I'll keep a paella warmed up for you on the snug aga just in case...
Love to all xxx

Thanks knickknacks! Hopeful has just kindly resurrected my dead thread with an answer! Glad that this thread survived inspite of my rude intrusion! X

I'm sure one of the other ladies can help on here wishing...I don't know about the DHEA stuff.

Just came on to say, thinking of you latestarter. Hope the scan goes well. Just boarded helicopter and we're whizzing our way over to you now xx

Hi there ladies! Please accept my most sincere apologies for barging in uninvited like this. I am interested in DHEA- created a thread yesterday, with no replies unfortunately. You girlies seem very clued up on the stuff. Where can I get my mitts on it in the uk? How much to take, how often and which brand? Have you heard of any successful pregnancies achieved as a direct result of supplementation of this? Sorry, once again for the interruption of your thread. Grateful for all advice. X

sorry if that sounded flip italian, its' not meant to, I just mean hang in there and hopefully you will turn a corner soon.

morning everyone, I have lots to say - as per usual - but have to get off for my scan now, so will send a proper post later.....the helicopter is on it's way to pick you all up for moral support....handbags and good wishes at the ready please.

chin up italian xx

Sorry to hear things are hard, Italian. I'm thinking of you, and hoping that you'll have a lovely baby soon, to make all this worthwhile. ((HUGS))

Not much going on over here, but just wanted to take my spot.

FWIW, I had all the testing after my second miscarriage. I was desperate for answers, and did get some eventually. I had the fertility tests, and had very low AMH, high fsh (11) and low estrogen. My doctor said - "looks like your peri-menopausal". I found that very upsetting, but all the while believed that things would get back on track - and they did - I am ovulating and having a regular period (and my progesterone level says I am ovulating). But maybe my egg quality is poor.

The thing is, after feeling quite low from those results I realised that those numbers aren't infallable, that although a doctor would right me off as a hopeless case, there is always hope. So I guess it depends how that information would affect you.

I personally think having progesterone tested is a good idea, because as you get older hormones can wane, and a lack of progesterone can cause a miscarriage. Apparently progesterone tells the body that it shouldn't chuck out a "foreign" body - it calms the autoimmune response.

Jolls - I don't remember that stuff about taking DHEA. I know vitamins work better when you take them with fat(in your food, or with fish oil), but didn't know that about DHEA. I take a split dose, and take them when I take vitamins and oils. I read recently that vitamin E is the "fertility" vitamin. SO have added that to my regimin. Blimey, I should rattle, I'm taking so much stuff.

Oh - and I have noticed that I have become very close friends with the tweezers too! It was bad enough before (being of Italian descent), but seems worse lately...

So much for just dropping in to keep my place! I'd better run- got to get spruced up for work.That might take a while...

Oh lovely ladies Thank you so much.

italian sorry to hear you are finding it so tough physically and mentally. Totally understandable. Can you take some time off work? Take care of yourself, and know we are all behind you. Sending up more prayers and will do so every day. Xx

Itailian take care. All the best xxxx
Hi all; you ve lost me on all the technical stuff!!!
Love to all xxx

Italian I'll miss your posts, but you must look after yourself. You've got such a lot going on, it's no wonder you feel exhausted and run down. Take care and be lovely to hear from you again when you're ready. Lots of love XX

Good luck Italian - we are all gunning for you. xxx

oh italian sorry to hear you are struggling. Fingers crossed it will all end well for you... (FWIW, I cry pretty much everywhere and anywhere, can't help it and don't even try.) You are doing something incredibly challenging, because you have so much love to give. Hope you can be gentle on yourself. x

Hi ladies, I think it is time I take another little break from Mumsnet, I am struggling at the moment, the fertility drugs are making me very emotional (ended up crying at DD's school today!) and also something (possibly the thyroid and blood pressure medication) is making me feel very tired. On top of that am not well, so struggling to keep on top of all I need to do workwise etc. I will pop back and let you know about FET but it has not happened yet. If anyone has any wondeful news, please do message me. Hugs to all.

ps Tina - know what you mean about PMS. Do you think it's because of TTC = increased awareness or are your hormones playing you up?

Yes - the AMH test is new and not necessarily helpful, but hey Jollster's friend got pg and had a lovely baby despite depressing results so the test didn't make a damn difference either way. (I got ok results and am still not pg!) The main thing is to know you're ovulating, that the womb lining and progesterone levels are ok and that the sperm is ok. Like I say - we did discover something that needed working on - better wrigglers - so I feel that we are closer to that elusive pg now than if we'd not bothered and just hoped for the best. Great news about the sonographer mentioning lots of follicles - sounds like you should be encouraged, Blackcats.

I don't think my DS would mind being an only and we would certainly have a very nice life together and less pressure financially. It's really only me in my family who minds!

Fx Blackcats that there's another one coming your way.

Hi all,
thanks for the info so far. Once my cycle is back on track i'll see about getting what I can on the NHS. One glimmer of hope was when we had the scan and saw baby's heartbeat (before our loss) the (private) sonographer mentioned i had lots of eggs! I suppose she meant follicles ? This is all new to me , anyway i could see a cluster of them.
I have one grown up daughter and having an only child worked well for me over the years- especially after i got divorced. She had a half-brother though who stayed alternate weekends so maybe she wasn't quite as much an only child as some. I have asked her if she wished she had a sibling living with her growing up, if she had been lonely, but she said no. We were always very close which helps. I'd just would like to see if DP and I could have a child together .