Forty and over trying for a first baby - join us here

Joey - sorry I didn't say hello to you. Good luck with the acupuncture and your treatment in the New Year.

Welcome Cthulhoo - good luck with your IUI cycle. We will be here to hold your hand!

Thanks for thinking of me Gingerchoc when eating your brazil nuts!! AF didn't show up so did a test and it was positive. However this morning have had brown spotting just like I get before AF turns up. Should be 4 +5 so I think it's another chemical pregnancy. I feel really gutted and also really angry. I feel a bit daft for ttc the month before IVF because now I would imagine it will be at least 2 months before we can go again with the IVF and I had a lot of holidays etc in place to fit in with work etc. Now it's back to more waiting and who's to say even if the IVF works that I won't have yet another chemical pregnancy or miscarriage? I am thinking that I just can't carry a baby and it just won't happen for me. This is definitely the second chem preg (probably the third) and I also had a miscarriage at 6 weeks earlier this year. Sorry for the me me me post but I'm just feeling really down and I'm at work and I don't know how I am going to be able to concentrate today.

Hope everyone else is OK? Sorry for the rant!

Hello all,

As soon as AF shows up, I'm starting my first IUI cycle, and I think I'll need some virtual handholding in the coming few weeks ...
I've previously posted in the TTC thread, then moved to the TTC for 10+ months thread and then stopped posting altogether because it. just. didn't.happen.for.me and I was getting increasingly despondent on reading the threads. :(

My stats: 40, have been trying to conceive since May last year. Tried to get treatment via the NHS but we're now going the private route in Germany, and at last things actually happen at speed.

Preliminary tests all done and looking good: hystersalpingogram showed everything was clear; sperm count is good; follicles looking good, hormones still in ok range. No obvious reason (other than age, of course) why pregnancy shouldn't happen, but it hasn't so far. So, the consultant suggested IVF or IUI and we're going for a couple of rounds of IUI first. I've already got the meds ordered, and I'm now just waiting for AF to show up so we can start. It'll be some time next week. Unless, of course, I'm getting a BFP this cycle. laughs a dry, hollow laugh

Congratulations Daisyboo. I'd been waiting to hear an announcement from you.
Gingerchoc, hope your doing okay and your health issues are being resolved. I'm also munching on Brazil nuts but I can't stand pineapples so that ones going to be really tricky.

I'm okay. I turned 41 this month and hoping it's a year of great happenings. I'm just waiting now for the IVF to begin. It was something I kept putting off in the hope it might happen naturally. However, as I've not been ovulating (still having afs though) these last few cycles, I'm now at the point that I know I need help and can't wait to get things started in January. I've finally booked a consultation with an acupuncturist. I'll be discussing what treatment when I see her but it will either be acupuncture, a massage or both.

I hope everyone is doing well and having a relaxing weekend.

Did af come Cityzen? You doing ok? Thought of you as was just munching brazil nuts! X

Hello all!
Massive congratulation to Daisy! Lovely, wonderful news. Hope you're recovering from your c section and enjoying your little ones.
Sorry to hear about the nausea and insomnia, Russkispy and hope that it calms down soon. V impressed with your knitting! That is one skill I really wish I'd persevered with. Would be so nice to be able to make cute baby clothes.
I'm OK, thanks for asking Citizyen. Am already on the pineapple and brazil nuts! Now a bit concerned I started the pineapple too soon as haven't had the temp rise yet, but dp had to leave for work overseas on the morning I got my peak on the opk (typical!), so I fear I stand little chance this month. Plus am still recovering with some health issues that I think were responsible for the early loss last cycle. Nevertheless. I will continue with all the old wives tale wisdom just in case! Has your af come yet? I guess this month you'll be excited about starting IVF if/when she does make her appearance, so something positive to focus the mind on. I tentatively joined the December bus thread, then immediately felt superstitious about it and imagined the disappointment ahead, so haven't ventured back on. Definitely not testing this month, not worth the heartbreak and probably need to concentrate on getting my health back anyway.
Hope everyone's having a good week xx

Congratulations Daisy - that is lovely news to hear about your twins. I am so pleased for you.

Russkispy - glad to hear your midwife appointment went well but sorry to hear about your nausea. I hope that gets better soon. Good luck with all your knitting too!

Gingerchoc - Hope you are OK? I haven't managed to buy a pineapple this cycle but perhaps next month after the IVF!

I'm waiting for AF to show up (due Wed) and then will start on my IVF treatment. I thought AF was going to come really early as I've been having really bad twinges since last Wed but think will probably come on this morning. I'm really scared but also excited to be getting started with my treatment.

Hope everyone else is well.

Hi all
Just want to share that my babies were born last month, c section. A boy and a girl. 6 weeks on I am very happy and sleep deprived! Haha
Sorry for being a bit vague, but I have noticed a few Mumsnet threads being turned into 'stories' in the press, The Sun etc.
Just want to say don't' give up, explore options that science has given us.
And good luck to all you lovely ladies. Xxx

Gingerchoc, so sorry to hear about your loss! Hope you're getting a bit better and stronger. had my first midwife appointment today which went well. Such a lovely lady who knows my mother-in-law, the former midwife herself. Made various appointments, got some freebies and left in good spirits. Insomnia is still killing me. Nausea is very bad in the evenings. Each week cutting down on progesterone intake and hopefully that will make some difference. Keep knitting baby stuff in different colours. Booties, hats, cardigans all in matching sets are done. Now I'm knitting my very first blanket.
Haven't even looked at maternity wear yet. And do not believe I'm showing yet. Today s 9+2.

Thanks Cityzen. I was really upset - even though it was very early days I had strong symptoms and it felt very much like a loss. Still, I'm happy my body did something this month and hoping it will try again with more success soon. I've had some health issues recently and that's why my GP did the blood test, to rule pregnancy out, as we thought it was very unlikely yet there was definitely something odd happening with my cycle. Just wasn't my time. Buy yourself a pineapple while you wait! I had to google how to chop one up but it really wasn't the faff I thought. It was also delicious so I think I'll give it a try again this month.

Gingerchoc - I'm really sorry to hear about your early loss. It is so hard and you must be so disappointed. Take care of yourself as best you can and I really hope there is some good news for you soon.

Thanks for asking about my 2WW. I'm not due on until next Wed (23rd) but of course I am symptom spotting like mad. I already have sore boobs but I've come to realise that doesn't mean anything for me as I get that every month anyway! I'm feeling pretty scared today about starting the drugs next week but am trying to remain calm. I have been eating 2 brazil nuts a day over the last few days!!

Russkipsy - how are you getting on?

Joey, how are things with you?
Russkispy: congratulations! Lovely to read such happy news. Bet hearing that heartbeat was the best sound in the world

Hello Cityzen! Really sorry to hear that your last appointment wasn't as positive. You'd think that with ttc being such an emotional journey the nurse would have made an effort to adopt a better bedside manner than that! I'm glad your dh was there to support you and take in all the instructions. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it and be injecting like a pro before long. How is the 2ww going in the meantime?? I've not been on here for a while because my last 2ww sadly ended in an early loss. I started spotting nearly 6 days before my period was due and freaked out because I thought my cycles were getting massively shorter and I was heading towards the menopause, but I had a blood test done at the doctor's 2 days later and it showed elevated levels of hcg - concluded it must be from implantation. We retested bloods the next day and they had doubled, and I also got a very faint positive on a cheap home test. I had already started bleeding, though, and didn't hold out much hope. Anyway, upshot is it's all over now. Didn't know about the brazil nuts. Love 'em so will definitely give them a try next time alongside the pineapple Good luck with the 2ww and keep the updates coming!

Congratulations Russkispy - what lovely news! Glad to hear that you slept peacefully too - that must be great.

Gingerchoc - how is the 2WW going? This month I have been eating brazil nuts because I heard they can have a positive effect on implantation!! I'm sure it won't make a difference but I do like them and if it does then that's great! I am also in the 2WW (last one before IVF) and of course am desperately hoping I get a BFP! I realise that it is unlikely but you never know!

Thanks for asking about my appointment. It was not as positive as the last one I had. The nurse wasn't very warm or empathetic and I found her quite patronising. I am scared of doing the injections. Thankfully my dh was there and paid attention when she told us how to mix up the injections etc!! I'm OK with doing them myself but I'm worried I'll mess up the dosage etc. I keep having to remind myself that lots of people do this so I'm sure I will be OK!! I had a scan and I didn't have very many follicles so I felt down about that. However, I'm now trying to remain positive and looking at the end goal. If I don't get my BFP in 2 weeks then it all begins!! Am excited but scared too.

Joey - how are you getting on? How is everyone else?

Had acupuncture this morning and slept peacefully. And just finished our very first scan! A little babi 15mm long with 170bmp. Heard the heartbeat! And it's only one! No twins! Haha doctor was happy with how things going and develop. NIFTY scan/test is booked in 2 weeks

Ps. I am taking every supplement under the sun, plus this month eating pineapple after ovulation and having the heating on full blast to ensure "warm uterus" - just to show what a loon I've become!

Hello Joey, thanks for the welcome and wishing you all the best for treatment in January. As for my GP, my baseline tests came back as normal (though I think prog was on low side and my LP is only 10 days) and I suspect this is why the lack of urgency. She's being very understanding about it and I think will try to get me referred once dp's results are back, but she says she'll have to argue the case. Perhaps, though, I should make another appointment to move things along. To be honest, I am probably in a bit of denial about this possibly not happening naturally for us and scared about what may lie ahead. Off to acupuncture again tomorrow - 2nd cycle with that but am already getting some pre-af signals so doubt this is our month.

Welcome gingerchoc. We are a supportive group. I first joined when I got my disappointing amh result back and was going from panicking to crying simultaneously. The people in this group cheered me up and have kept me going in my dream to have a baby.

As to the fertility referral I'm very surprised you have to wait that long. At my clinic it was meant to be a year but I managed to get in earlier at 6 months - my AFs went a bit crazy when I came off the pill so I went to my GP every month until (I assume) she got fed up with me and sent me off for an appointment.

Just typed long reply and lost it - hope I'll get the hang of this soon.
Thank you so much for the welcome and wishes for a bfp, Cityzen! I am so sorry to hear of your losses and how long you've been on this journey. Happy for you that you're embarking on IVF - very exciting! Hope the appointment goes well tomorrow and that the nurse puts your mind at ease re the injections. I'm still awaiting referral to a fertility clinic. Not sure it will happen as GP thinks I have to have been trying for at least 2 years (despite my advanced age - terrible phrase, I know!). Must be down to money, as this makes no sense to me. Meanwhile, am on the dreaded 2ww...

Hi Gingerchoc - welcome to the thread. Sorry to hear you have been trying for a while - I can totally relate to your disappointment as can the others on here. Everyone is really friendly and welcoming and supportive.

I've been trying for 2 years and 8 months. I started when I was 39 and now I'm 41. In that time I've had one chemical pregnancy and a miscarriage at 6 weeks. Tomorrow we've got our nurse appointment for IVF and if all goes well I should start the short protocol on my next period. Am a bit excited but scared too especially of the injections!

As you have read through the thread there have been quite a number of women who have conceived and had babies. I find this thread very positive and supportive. I really hope you get your bfp soon!

Joey - best wishes with your treatment in January. Not long now. When I went for my first appointment at the IVF clinic in July I worked out I would probably be having treatment in November I thought that was a really long time. It has gone really quickly though so I hope it does for you too (or preferably that you get a bfp in the meantime!).

Hello there, can I join your lovely group? I'm just a few months shy of 40 (read that's ok at the beginning of the thread ) and have been board hopping for ages trying to find a home. TTC #1. Started age 38 and the disappointment month after month after month has begun to take its toll. Reading all the stories, support and good humour on here has really helped. Hope you're all doing well.

I haven't reported much lately as I had been waiting for my cycle to get back to normal and am also trying to conceive naturally before I booked in more IVF appointments. Anyway I finally went for an antral follicle scan today. I spoke to the consultant about the fact that I am hoping to try with my own eggs first but I needed to know if I have a chance especially as IVF isn't available on the NHS where I live. Anyway I had 2 on my left ovary and 6 on my right. It's not the greatest result but she said I should definitely have a go with trying with my own eggs first and I'm happy with that. I start treatment in January. I hope everyone else is doing well.

Cityzen, sounds very exciting and I really hope it works for you! Please keep us posted. Do you have friends and family around you to support you?! I hope so! And I'm glad it's the short protocol!
I'm due some time in June and booked an early scan in a couple of weeks. Just hope it sticks!

Hi Russkispy - really hope you can sleep a bit better soon and I think that's a great idea to get as much rest as you can.

Thanks for asking about my appointment. It went a lot better than I thought it would and yes we're going ahead with IVF in November (of course I'm hoping that I'll get pregnant before then but I realise that's unlikely!). The consultant said that my AMH level was a lot better than he would expect for someone my age so that's good. We're going to do the short protocol which I think most women do if they are my age (41) but I might be wrong about that. There will be less drugs and it will take about 3 weeks instead of 6. We've got a nurse's consultation appointment in 2 weeks and then I think I start with my next AF which should be around 20th November. Am excited but also of course nervous. Am scared of the drugs but want to do it if I will get a happy outcome. I realise this is not guaranteed but want to give it a go. Am due on AF in 1 week's time and already symptom spotting and am sure imagining sore boobs and tiredness!!

When are you due? When will you get your first scan?

Hope everyone else is OK?

Thanks Citizen. I'm awake around 3-4am every night then struggle going back to sleep. Feeling gassy and bloated but other than that I'm ok. As I work part-time, I try to catch rest as much as I can.
How did you appointment go at the clinic? Are you going ahead with IVF?