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Conception

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The Elderberry Pavlovas: still chasing that 'copter in the hope of a festive BFP. Thread 16 (the one where Happy was left in charge!!)

990 replies

happylass · 02/11/2013 15:25

Here we go again.....

The smallprint –
Berries have a strict entrance criteria (TTC #1, over 30, TTC for 6+months, NO instadiffers, must have a special pot) and def no mention of baby dust or baby dancing UGH !!! Ooooh aren’t we strict!

OP posts:
barkingtreefrog · 22/12/2013 10:08

Can someone add me on please?

barkingtreefrog, 34, ttc since January 2012, clomid bfp ended in mc in Sept, cycles not returned since.

Gillster · 22/12/2013 08:48

Lady, 34, TTC since Jan 2012, unexplained, chemical after IVF#1, awaiting IVF#2
Bunny - 33, TTC since June 2012, DH low count, me PCO, ICSI starting very soon
Feather, 34, ttc since Nov 2011, six rounds of clomid, bfp in November which ended in Ectopic. Deciding on next steps in early 2014
Aquarius, 32, ttc 20mths, diagnosed with endo, awaiting follow up FC apptmt
Birdy, 30 - TTC around 26 cycles, DH low count, 1% morph, starting ICSI early 2014
Happylass, 35, 13 months of TTC but currently on a break due to wedding purposes. Starting back after one more cycle - sod the dress! Currently awaiting HSG.
Gillster, 39, TTC since Feb 2012. Just had fibroid removed but otherwise unexplained infertility. Starting short protocol IVF in Feb.

happylass · 21/12/2013 19:22

Lady, 34, TTC since Jan 2012, unexplained, chemical after IVF#1, awaiting IVF#2
Bunny - 33, TTC since June 2012, DH low count, me PCO, ICSI starting very soon

Feather, 34, ttc since Nov 2011, six rounds of clomid, bfp in November which ended in Ectopic. Deciding on next steps in early 2014
Aquarius, 32, ttc 20mths, diagnosed with endo, awaiting follow up FC apptmt
Birdy, 30 - TTC around 26 cycles, DH low count, 1% morph, starting ICSI early 2014
Happylass, 35, 13 months of TTC but currently on a break due to wedding purposes. Starting back after one more cycle - sod the dress! Currently awaiting HSG.

OP posts:
BlueBirdy · 21/12/2013 16:41

Lady, 34, TTC since Jan 2012, unexplained, chemical after IVF#1, awaiting IVF#2

Bunny - 33, TTC since June 2012, DH low count, me PCO, ICSI starting very soon Shock

Feather, 34, ttc since Nov 2011, six rounds of clomid, bfp in November which ended in Ectopic. Deciding on next steps in early 2014

Aquarius, 32, ttc 20mths, diagnosed with endo, awaiting follow up FC apptmt

Birdy, 30 - TTC around 26 cycles, DH low count, 1% morph, starting ICSI early 2014

BlueBirdy · 21/12/2013 16:35

Barking your running does sound wonderful, and probably (as you say) the best therapy for you anyway - maybe find a different needle lady! The first one I saw had the traditional Chinese aspect, where as the one I'm looking to go to with the IVF seems to be more of a western take on it - this lady used to be a midwife and seems really clued up on all aspects. Anyway, good luck on your week ahead - it seems very hectic!

Feather - WOW! Acu magic! That's great! I'd also count yesterday as CD1.

RP and other teacher berries (and any one else on a festive break!) hope you have a lovely, relaxing time!

Aquarius1 · 21/12/2013 14:19

Ouch bunny that must've hurt!

feather hope you had a fun night & sorry about double whammy hangover & af. I'd count yesterday as cd1 even if it was just a slow start. Yep I had a GA - much better today, just bloated / swollen. Will stop moaning now.

Nice outfit mrsw!

rp hope you're enjoying the start of your lovely long break - what a treat Xmas Smile

happy hope you managed to have a bit of fun at your work drinks and sorry about FC frustration- Can't believe 18 mths- but like you say, it's worth remembering you're still in with a chance of it happening naturally. I'm on about 20 mths ttc now & still hoping for that- have been a bit slow to get to Fc & don't really know what state my eggs/ hormones are in... Hmm

Can't do list either as on iPad-

Aquarius, 32, ttc 20mths, diagnosed with endo, awaiting follow up FC apptmt

FeatherFeather11 · 21/12/2013 13:04

Morning!

Er, well, hangover and regret is now very much in place. Hmm and my af is very heavy today. Should I count today as CD one or yesterday? I only ask because it arrived at 5pm yesterday and wasn't quite in 'full flow'...

Welcome to the berries, saz. Very sorry to hear you year has been tough, and I second what the others said about taking the leap and going for tests asap. Best to know what your situation is. How nice to have a newbie here!

aquarius - it's probs the general anaesthetic if you had it. Makes you gassy etc. hope you're feeling better soon.

barking reckon you should follow your instincts on the whole running thing. Maybe try and see someone else who's willing. To work with your lifestyle instead of trying to change it.

Could someone please add me to the list? On my phone and can't do it this end!

Feather, 34, ttc since Nov 2011, six rounds of clomid, bfp in November which ended in Ectopic. Deciding on next steps in early 2014

Bunnygirlie · 21/12/2013 10:48

OMGoodness I've missed loads!

Yay gil to starting in feb, not long! Here's to a sober 2014 Wink

Welcome saz sorry you've had a crappy year, you have come to the right place, berries are a good bunch Smile

Oh happy how frustrating! I can't believe how different the FCs are.

Looking good mrs hedgehog slippers, i am well jel!

aquarius sorry to hear its taking a while to recover from your op, apart from a lot of burping I was very lucky. Until I moved sharply as the cats were fighting and popped a stitch!

Did somebody say list?!? Oh go on, it is Christmas!

Lady, 34, TTC since Jan 2012, unexplained, chemical after IVF#1, awaiting IVF#2
Bunny - 33, TTC since June 2012, DH low count, me PCO, ICSI starting very soon Shock

barkingtreefrog · 21/12/2013 09:15

kitty this is only a Chinese medicine thing. DP spoke to a doctor friend of his last night about it. He said the only problem would be if I was training for an ironman or ultra marathon, something ridiculous. All evidence and research points towards exercise being good.

It all depends on whether I want to believe Chinese medicine over Western medicine. At the moment I have no AF and so far no evidence of ovulation since the mc in September. The clomid isn't making me ovulate and without AF I can't take it as intended anyway. There's not much else I can do now apart from wait and hope my cycles return. At some point. Unless I decide to believe in Chinese medicine...

It's very frustrating. I only realised how much it was getting to me when I went to bed early last night but was still awake and reading the mc threads at 1am Sad . Hadn't made a conscious decision to be there as I got to the point a while ago where it wasn't helping me anymore, it just made dwell.

Ah well. More work needed on the positive thinking!

Woke up early this morning then finally got back to sleep. Just woken up and realised we have less than 2 hours to get up, pack for a week away in three different places, wrap all the christmas presents and get to a wedding!!!
Guess I need to get off MN!!!! Shock

BlindKitty · 21/12/2013 06:59

Welcome saz! You're in the right place here, these ladies will look after you Xmas Smile. Do agree with the others re getting the ball rolling. I personally despised my cbfm but then maybe it knew all along that I wasn't ovulating properly. Must stick it on eBay do some other poor sod can despise it

barking you've already cut your exercise right down though. I thought that moderate exercise was good as it increased blood flow to the reproductive bits??! Still think you should sack her!

Aquarius1 · 20/12/2013 20:59

evening berries

hello saz - sorry af has arrived and do hope you can enjoy getting festive Xmas Smile

talking of which am quite jealous of people enjoying pizza and g&t's - my insides have gone nuts after my op and haven't been able to eat much. Have spent past 24-36 hours dealing with horrible trapped wind - couldn't lie down yesterday or take deep breaths. Doesn't mix well with the sore bits where the incisions are, but seems to have calmed down a bit now - after excessive amounts of breaking wind (much to dh's amusement). sorry if tmi Xmas Blush Can't help wondering if acupuncture could have some in useful there Hmm ?!

funky ditto what barking said. pixie if you're there - hope you're getting some answers and support too.

FeatherFeather11 · 20/12/2013 20:51

Ps: hic!

FeatherFeather11 · 20/12/2013 20:50

Slightly drunk feather here quickly reporting back to barking: she's in central London! If there is any way you could make a trip, do! Her name is Selina MacNair - google!

ladybunnikins · 20/12/2013 19:56

I definitely won't be doing reflexology, my feet are way too ticklish! I had a free trial one at university once, she said I was very tense but I think that was because I wanted to pull my foot away! I do remember her saying there was something going on in my ovaries though, she asked me if I was ovulating, in those days I had no idea if I was ovulating, I wasn't paying attention to my cycles back then!

CharmingCats · 20/12/2013 19:43

barking. I tried acupuncture for a bit at the beginning of the year and didn't like the woman at all. Not in the same league as your, but her manner was odd. The treatment didn't work either. Remember when I had the 107 day cycle? She didn't help with that! If you want to try an alternative therapy, what about reflexology? I really enjoyed it and found it very relaxing, apart from anything else. I have a friend who instadiffed the cycle after competing in an iron man! I think the key is that your body is used to exercise, running would be too much for me, but obviously works for you. Do not feel bad about the mc. It was not anything that you did. I think that teachers do suffer with stress more than some others, but plenty of them get pg and have babies. You're doing stuff about the work stress. You're doing all that you can do. How's the new job? Will I recognise your stuff on the site?
happy. I can't believe that things are so rubbish near you. Sounds like you're doing good research. Knowledge is power. Bristol might be worth a try.
funky. Thinking of you x

ladybunnikins · 20/12/2013 19:22

Feather that is spooky, and very convenient to allow drinking on the Christmas do tonight!
Barking that's a weird career change, teacher to acupuncturist! The one I'm seeing in Jan is an ex-ITU nurse so I guess she was used to needles but it's interesting that they've both gone from stressful jobs to something that I imagine is quite nice to do.
I hope we all get our kidneys replenished with chi over the winter break. I'm working the next 4 days so I had to do the big supermarket shop and clean the house today, ready for my parents coming to stay on Christmas Eve.
Happy I didn't realize the NHS in Wales is so different, the situation sounds rubbish!

barkingtreefrog · 20/12/2013 19:20

funky if you're lurking I'm thinking of you and hoping you're getting lots of support Thanks .

barkingtreefrog · 20/12/2013 19:18

rp yep, exactly, but I was going with the I must embrace everything that might possibly work. I've not had an AF since July. If this woman says it's down to lack of chi in my kidneys and she can sort it, then I really want to believe her!

And, right on cue, it works for feather!! Amazing!! Where do you live? Can I come see your needle woman instead?!?!?! Grin Grin

FeatherFeather11 · 20/12/2013 18:45

Hi all,
Just a quick check-in as on my way to a Xmas do with colleagues in tow. Will read through thread properly in the morning with a mammoth hangover!
Went to acupuncture this morning after I sent her temps for three days and confirmed a bfn. She stuck some needles in me and said "af should arrive within 12 hours" - it arrived at 5pm this evening!! Coincidence or acu-magic, who knows, but there was no warning - cramps etc! Is that mad or what?!? Anyway, hope all ok and I will check in properly either drunkenly tonight or tomoz.

RevoltingPeasant · 20/12/2013 18:34

Sorry but wtaf is chi in your kidneys? It sounds like twigs-n-pebbly shit, but in the wrong place.....

Anyhow - I am finished work till Jan 9th!!!! I have never not worked between the 26th and the start of term, ever, since I began working as an academic. Two and a half weeks off! Bliss! I have just disabled email on the phone and I will not talk to anyone, ANYONE except DH and family, till 2014! Mwha ha ha!!

I'm a bit excited

barkingtreefrog · 20/12/2013 18:18

Catching up, busy day yesterday and full of lurgy today. Joy of working from home two days a week now meant that I only missed two hours of work when I went back to sleep - the rest of the day I was in bed on my laptop earning money! Won't be going to Christmas drinks tonight as there's a wedding to get through tomorrow followed by two nights at the MiLs... I need my strength!

happy That is a ridiculous wait, and fx you can get something sorted out with Bristol, but as you've just pointed out yourself you've only been trying for 13 cycles, there is absolutely no reason you won't be upduffed very soon completely au natural. possibly not immediately given you're not currently trying but you could always go for an immaculate conception, I hear they're popular this time of year

birdy I like running over the fells in all weathers in spectacular scenery with the dog running around with me, the energy and outdoors making me feel alive and lucky to live in such a beautiful place. I can see the benefits of pilates and yoga, but they a) cost money and I've not got cash to spare which is what makes the acupuncture even more annoying and b) wouldn't come close to what I get out of running. I can get outdoors and walk, but it's really not the same, I always want to be running instead!

aquarius/lady the acupuncture lady was a teacher before she trained to stick needles in people. I think she was trying to sympathise but it just came across as very negative, as it's not something I can easily change!

lady I didn't really understand what the specific problem was, hence all my questions and then her deciding I was just unwilling to do anything to help myself. She said anything involving lifting weights, including your own body weight, was out. But I think I'd be straining myself far more with activities that 'support your body weight' such as cycling or going on a rowing machine.

kitty I did tell her I was confused as everything I had read advocated exercise before and during pregnancy, but she said that everyone was different and although some people should exercise, and exercise was good, it had to be in moderation and given the lack of chi in my kidneys I was someone who should be putting more priority on resting.

rp my DP also thinks I should carry on running Grin. I too think work stress will be impacting me far more than a bit of running. That is something I'm addressing.

Gillster woohoo to no hangover! Enjoy your holibobs Grin

mrsW was this an unexpectedly short cycle for you? Hopefully they can see something in the results anyway.

feather I was intending to go back for the appointment in Jan just to see if there was an improvement in my chi after two weeks away from work. I think I might be better off finding someone who understands me a bit better though instead of paying to be made to feel miserable.

Hi saznut, I took my last pill December 2011 although I like to think of us starting in Jan 2012 as it doesn't sound so long.... I would definitely get on the temping thing. I was skipping along quite happy that it would just take a bit of time until I started temping 14 months into ttc and realised that my luteal phase was 8 days and this wasn't necessarily a good thing! I'm the same as lady, I started with the cbfm and it's definitely easy to use but month after month was a little too expensive on the sticks so I'm on temping and cheapo opks now. And yes, as everyone says, definitely get yourself a referral. If there is a problem, and there's no reason why there should be, it's a bit of a postcode lottery on how quickly things can happen to help.

It's taken me so long to type all that I've probably cross posted with loads more now......

BlueBirdy · 20/12/2013 17:08

Hi Saz, sorry you are here - but welcome Smile Thanks We never bothered checking up on DH's SA results for over a year or even the second one that he had (we had assumed that his Dr would get in touch if there was a problem). Well turns out there was a problem and really wish we had found out sooner! So I'm going to be bossy too and tell you to get those results! Smile FX they are normal.

Ooh LOVELY photo MrsW

Happy do you still have the details for your referral team? They should be able to help. Really hope you can get this sorted - that is a ridiculously long wait!

Gill you lucky thing - I'd LOVE to visit the US one day!

As for my news, shag 'week' this cycle has turned out to be 'shag day' due to DH having really bad back and then terrible headache that has kept him off work. Managed to dtd this morning and I recon I will have O'd today, so hopefully not too little, too late (but who am I kidding, close to zero chance of us getting pg naturally anyway!).

happylass · 20/12/2013 16:34

Gill not sure exactly where the hospital is in Bristol but would estimate journey time at about an hour. MIL lives closer to the border so wouldn't be too inconvenient I don't think.
The more I read about the situation in Wales the more angry I'm getting. Turns out it was operating on only 1 IVF centre instead of 2 for about a year and 4 months as they cancelled the contract with the private clinic well before the new NHS one was ready Angry. Before this the waiting time here was around 6 weeks.

I'm basically waiting to get the HSG and the AMH result. If they don't show anything then will be diagnosed unexplained and referred on for IVF. Think what I'm losing sight of here us that we have only actually TTC for 13 cycles. There is still hope of us getting pg naturally - at the moment though it feels like everyone (including my DP) has written us off. Sorry to be so negatively me, me, me. The fact that the evil witch is due any second isn't helping the way I'm feeling at the moment. Works party tonight so think a few drinks may be in order!

OP posts:
mrswalker13 · 20/12/2013 16:28

Yay - hello saz - glad to see you Smile

Lady thank you!

I have slipped into my special Christmas holiday outfit... Tartan jammies and hedgehog slippers. My lucky, lucky DH Wink

Gillster · 20/12/2013 16:16

Happy even if you were able to get a quicker referral to Bristol, how far away would you be? You need to remember that you will need bloods and a scan every couple of days once you start the process. If it's going to take over an hour to get there that may be quite tricky. Bloody frustrating! Is your infertility unexplained or do they need to carry out further tests. It's small consolation but at least you've got the ball rolling now rather than waiting to see the FC after the wedding. You never know they may expand their operation and reduce the waiting list a bit.

Welcome Saz, nice to have a newbie round Berry HQ.