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Conception

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Staying Sane - Positivity during TTC journey

507 replies

KnitKitty · 13/06/2018 18:26

Hi ladies,

So, TTC is an anxious and sometimes heartbreaking time and is just a constant roller-coaster of emotions:
Some of us have been trying for a long, long time and just feeling like it will never happen.
Some of us are trying after a previous pregnancy loss.
Some of us aren't seeing eye-to-eye with OHs.
Some of us don't have an OH to lean on and are going through it alone.
Some of us are trying with fertility treatment.
Some of us are trying for our first, and some our fourth
Some of us want to be trying but can't yet for one reason or another.
Some of us are dealing with health issues which may affect fertility or mental health.
And some of us are about to, or have just started trying and might be worrying about how long it will take or if this or that will effect fertility etc etc...

It's just not the funnest journey to be on and I thought we could do with a thread just for positive messages and thoughts.

SO, no negative messages on this thread, but feel free to post:
A positive mantra or affirmation you use or think someone else could use
An idea of how to relax or pass the TTW time
A nice thing that happened to you recently
A success story despite the odds
A picture or word of hope (rainbow pictures most welcome)
A positive message to those who are going through one of the above scenarios at the moment even if you're not on the same journey as they are right now
A nice/positive quote you've read or heard
Or something which brightened up your day

The idea is that anyone having a wobble for whatever reason can come here and soak up some positive energy to help them feel better.

I'll go first:
A mantra I have been repeating to myself at the moment is "Good things happen to me. I accept miracles in my life."

A word of hope for anyone thinking of coming off the pill or who has just come off the pill and who has a history of endometriosis; I have suffered with endo in the past and was very worried that the moment I stopped taking the pill I would get all clogged up with endo again, but I conceived in the second month after coming off the pill and I have a colleague whose wife conceived two children (one the first month after coming off the pill, the second the third month after the pill) without a problem even though she has endo too.

Right, who's with me? Any more positive stuff to share anyone?

OP posts:
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CookieWaffle · 20/08/2018 21:53

Thanks @Eastend2015 I will take a look :)

Oh bless him @Spottyyellowdress, glad he's got the all clear xx

@KnitKitty as zarala says, you are amazing :) thanks for thinking of us all! I called in sick Friday and just had the weekend with DP. I'm still not in a great place right now but I'll get there. Probably not the best week to cut out chocolate!

I just love it how internet strangers can be so caring and comforting

KnitKitty · 20/08/2018 21:35

Aww thanks zarala... Will try to get my head through the bedroom door this evening. Wink

OP posts:
zarala · 20/08/2018 20:22

@KnitKitty just want to say I think you're an amazing person! 💕 (unashamed fangirl over here 🙋🏻‍♀️)
I knew it from the previous thread but this just confirms it

Thanks for your kind words-and your words of advice to everyone are so spot on! I love what you said to @Frazzlerock- this is such an empowering way to look at things

I don't have much time tonight to respond to everyone but sending love and light to anyone who's feeling the dark

Sounds like you had a lovely weeekend @KnitKitty and yay for double shag! Fx for you this month! You will be a most excellent mummy!

KnitKitty · 20/08/2018 19:46

Wow, I have a lot to catch up on after my weekend away from the thread!

CookieWaffle how are you doing today? I hope you've let yourself have a good wallow and cry. Letting out your emotions is so important in order to feel better again, so don't brush aside how you're feeling or try to heal too quickly. Have you been doing anything nice for yourself or has anything nice happened to you over the last few days?
I think it's great that you're still looking for those silver linings. I'm sure you're going to get a sticky bean soon!

ChaosMoon I like what you said about going through loss making you an even more appreciative when you have a successful pregnancy.

Hi Eastend2015 I'm wishing you the very best of luck with this little lentil, as you call it! I'm sorry for your previous losses. I'm really pleased for you that you've managed to eliminate some of your stresses from your life. I'm looking at changing jobs too at the moment. Cutting contact with people (whether related to them or not) can be a really difficult decision, but well done you for your strength in identifying that this was such a source of stress and eliminating the toxicity from your life. You sound like a very brave person.

zarala hi! Welcome to the thread! I can imagine it's so scary being pregnant again after multiple losses, but I really hope everything goes well for this one. You've prepared a lot for it, so hopefully that preparation will pay off! Enjoy every moment for as long as it lasts if you can!

Spottyyellowdress it's great that you've been referred. At least this gives you some feeling of being able to do something about your situation. I hope they are able to help you, or if nothing is found, I hope this gives you peace of mind that it's just taking a while for your baby to be ready to be made. Having CPs is horrible and difficult to deal with. As soon as you see a positive test you have a baby inside you and losing that (three times) is definitely something you need to grieve. As Eastend2015 said, counselling can help, so do look in to it. And for now, I would recommend finding 'distractions' to help you feel like life isn't all about babies and loss and disappointment. What hobbies do you have? Or what would you like to do? Do you do things just for the fun of it? When was the last time you did something fun on a whim?

Hi again Frazzlerock I hope you had a wonderful holiday and feel relaxed.
You know something, the words you chose to describe your body really made me think. Your body is a bully?
Well you know why bullies do what they do?
They have low self esteem, feel powerless and want to feel powerful, are attention seeking because they crave love and don't feel they deserve it so want to be disapproved of...
I think it's time you gave your body a lot of TLC and started telling it what it's good at and why you love it! Smile It might start being more cooperative...

Spottyyellowdress the swollen testicle could be anything! I know it's easier said than done, but try to put it from your mind until you get some results. Worrying about it won't do anything apart from make the wait more unpleasant. It sounds like it's extremely unlikely to be something like gonorrhoea as you were tested so recently! And a lot of infections such as that can be really easily treated these days anyway! And as you've been tested for things before, if it is anything which needs treating it doesn't sound like enough time would have elapsed for any longer-term complications to have been able to take effect, so try to relax.

I had a really lovely weekend. OH and I went shopping and I got a new outfit for my interview on Wednesday. I helped him chose some new glasses too. And then we went to my sister's house for a take-away in the evening and had lots of fun there.
Sunday we had a chilled day not doing much (I told Work I couldn't do an extra shift, so was selfishly putting myself first... felt a little bit bad, but actually I really needed two days off in a row after such a horrible week at work!) Did some more knitting AND OH and I DTD on Saturday AND Sunday... Doesn't sound anything much, but we haven't DTD two days in a row for years! Haha! I think I'm in my fertile period at the moment, if I ovulate, so feeling positive about my chances. However, not getting my hopes up either as the stress I've been under recently may have had an affect on my cycle as I suspect it did last month.

Today's quote for a few of you that I think may need it:
"You don't have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you." Dan Millman
Notice the thoughts you don't want to be having today/tomorrow/this week and then let them drift away while you think of something else you would rather listen to.

OP posts:
Spottyyellowdress · 20/08/2018 19:44

@chaosmoon he’s just come back, everything obviously clear and just cried and apologised for making me worry more m 😢 I don’t know what to do. I’ve run him a bath and got us a beer but I feel there’s loads of support for me but not much for him at all.

We’re looking at making a pretty huge move soon - wanted to wait until we had children but the longer this is taking, we’ve decided to put ourselves first and make the life we want so looking at houses has been a good distraction!

Thank you for being so lovely! How are you getting on?

ChaosMoon · 20/08/2018 19:28

@Spottyyellowdress that must be such a worry for you both. It's completely understandable that you're thinking the worst of your symptoms but if you've had the all clear, I'm sure you're fine.

I feel for your DH. Is there even a Dad's net equivalent? I feel like there should be, although I'm not sure most would use it... Whatever is wrong, one they know what it is, they can do something. And that's always a good thing. But remember it it's not necessarily something hugely serious.

What are you guys doing to try and take your mind off the wait?

Welcome back @Frazzlerock. How was the holiday? Does this mean AF hadn't actually shown yet?

Spottyyellowdress · 20/08/2018 16:43

Hello @cookiewaffle! Really glad it’s helping you and glad I joined!!

DH went for his sperm analysis appointment earlier and the dr said he has a swollen testicle so had to rule out any infection first - DH has gone into anxiety overdrive, booked a private sexual health screening (although we’ve both been tested within the last couple of months) and I’m doing lots of terrified googling convinced that my weird spotting and pelvic pain is undiagnosed gonorrhea (even though I’ve had multiple clear swabs/urine tests...)

Can someone talk us down please?!!?

Frazzlerock · 20/08/2018 15:01

Hi all,

Sorry for the radio silence. I've been on holiday and also not feeling very positive after a BFN last week, and having my usual phantom pregnancy symptoms along with new ones that my body likes to throw at me when AF is imminent. (my body is a huge bully but I know its game now). Once AF gets her fat arse in gear and shows her face I can focus on a new cycle and will be back with fresh positivity for another cycle. Hope you're all okay xx

Eastend2015 · 20/08/2018 14:16

@cookiewaffle ttc is such a rough journey. The ladies on the ttc after loss are really lovely. Also take a look at the uterus monologues blog uterusmonologues.com/author/uterusmonologues/

CookieWaffle · 20/08/2018 13:49

Hey new ladies!

@Eastend2015 ahh thank you so much. Still feeling a bit broken and fragile but getting there :) xx

@zarala don't worry I've done that before too!

@Spottyyellowdress so sorry to hear about your CPs, I may be joining you at the fertility clinic too. I really hope they can help you, and that this thread can help you too, it certainly has for me xx

Eastend2015 · 20/08/2018 13:42

@spottyyellowdress yes much better- I changed jobs to get away from a boss that was full on crazy and decided to go no contact with my parents after many years of a very difficult relationship.

Eastend2015 · 20/08/2018 13:38

@cookiewaffle oh gosh just read back- I’m so sorry for your loss. I hope you are taking care of yourself and sending you lots of hugs Flowers

Spottyyellowdress · 20/08/2018 13:16

@eastend15 that’s lovely, thank you so much.

I haven’t - I think that’s something definitely worth pursuing though. Thanks so much for the suggestion and I hope you’re in a much better place.

ChaosMoon · 20/08/2018 13:07

@zarala that had me in stitches. Largely because I keep doing things like that too!

Welcome and congratulations to you and @Eastend2015. And welcome also to @Spottyyellowdress . I'm really sorry to hear about the losses you've all had but very glad you've found your ways here.

For those of you who are struggling today, I found this lovely metaphor this weekend. No matter how dark the night, the sun always rises in the morning.

Eastend2015 · 20/08/2018 12:49

Hello @spottyyellowdress. I’m so sorry for your losses. I hope the fertility clinic will give you some answers but unfortunately they can’t always identify the issue.

Have you spoken to your gp about counselling? My recurrent miscarriage consultant referred me and although I have only had my assessment session so far it really helped me. A few month ago after my last loss I said to DH I felt like I was stuck down a well in the dark screaming for help and no-one could hear me. It was such a horrible time. I wouldn’t wish these experiences on anyone but being able to cry my eyes out with a qualified bereavement counsellor really helped me get a lot off my chest. We are all here to help Flowers

Spottyyellowdress · 20/08/2018 10:36

Hey guys can I join over here as well please?

Really, really struggling. 14 cycles in and just been referred to the fertility clinic. 3 CPs so far. Working myself up so so much about what’s wrong with me that I can’t think of anything else.

Eastend2015 · 20/08/2018 10:32
Grin
zarala · 20/08/2018 08:59

Erm I don't know what that posted multiple times

I promise I'm not THAT obnoxious

zarala · 20/08/2018 08:59

Thanks @Eastend2015 for the heads up about this lovely thread

And thanks @KnitKitty for setting it up! Definitely needed!

I have just found out that I am pregnant again- after 3 MCs in the last year

It's very very early days- AF due tomorrow so I am quite anxious but trying to stay calm and positive and I think this thread is exactly what I need

Hope everyone has a lovely Monday

zarala · 20/08/2018 08:58

Thanks @Eastend2015 for the heads up about this lovely thread

And thanks @KnitKitty for setting it up! Definitely needed!

I have just found out that I am pregnant again- after 3 MCs in the last year

It's very very early days- AF due tomorrow so I am quite anxious but trying to stay calm and positive and I think this thread is exactly what I need

Hope everyone has a lovely Monday

zarala · 20/08/2018 08:58

Thanks @Eastend2015 for the heads up about this lovely thread

And thanks @KnitKitty for setting it up! Definitely needed!

I have just found out that I am pregnant again- after 3 MCs in the last year

It's very very early days- AF due tomorrow so I am quite anxious but trying to stay calm and positive and I think this thread is exactly what I need

Hope everyone has a lovely Monday

zarala · 20/08/2018 08:58

Thanks @Eastend2015 for the heads up about this lovely thread

And thanks @KnitKitty for setting it up! Definitely needed!

I have just found out that I am pregnant again- after 3 MCs in the last year

It's very very early days- AF due tomorrow so I am quite anxious but trying to stay calm and positive and I think this thread is exactly what I need

Hope everyone has a lovely Monday

Eastend2015 · 19/08/2018 23:17

Hi all, what a wonderfully supportive thread. I had DS1 (now 2) after an EP then MMC. I am currently 4+5 with DC2 after two further MCs. I have dealt with my two main sources of stress by changing jobs and going NC with my parents. Now just trying to stay positive and hoping this tiny little lentil will stick. You guys are really helping, baby dust and hugs for you all xxx

Lov3Rosie · 19/08/2018 11:49

My affirmation for this week:

Courage is more than sheer bravado - shouting, "I can do this!" and launching out with a "do-or-die" attitude over some reckless dare. It is looking beyond yourself to what is best for another. True courage is not a matter of not being afraid - it is a matter of taking action even when you're afraid. :)

CookieWaffle · 18/08/2018 22:07

Ahh @ChaosMoon that's understandable. I'm so happy for you, hoping that this is your time too. xx

What this journey has taught me is there's some that have short journeys and some that have very long ones! I just have to prepare myself that it may be a longer journey than I had hoped, and if maybe this journey gets too long and tiring to remember I still have a happy life whatever the outcome. DP is still positive that he will get me that baby tho :)

I think the past couple of months has shown that we've got some good things going for us, my cycles are pretty normal (no menopause yet!), I've got some eggs and they're meeting up with the sperm, we've just gotta get over the next hurdle of getting the good egg and the good sperm to meet up. It's like my body is match.com!