TTC 8 months in, still early days but starting to feel more and more every time AF arrives

Hi girls,

Sorry I have been quiet. I think of you girls often. I know how you are all feeling, and I don't want to make you feel worse by talking to me.
I just hope my news after 21 cycles gives some hope as I said before x

I came on to update that I had my scan and it went well. I was so nervous. I truly couldn't believe it was real after so long and was still doing tests 2 days before the scan. I was amazed.

Sending so much love to you all ❤️

Hello acaciabluebell I’m glad you finally got your appointment - the waitlists are so atrocious at the moment aren’t they? Understand your frustration about wanting to move on to the next step but also makes sense to make sure your tubes are open first. It sounds like IVF would be the next logical step so hopefully they’ll get that moving for you in the next appt.

I had my lap & dye procedure yesterday. Unfortunately it wasn’t good news - they found quite a lot of endometriosis and could only remove some of it. I’m not surprised as I suffer with such awful periods but feel very let down by the nhs/ various doctors who have fobbed me off with stronger and stronger painkillers over the years. They also found both of my tubes are blocked and ivf is my only option - it’s been really hard to hear that it will never happen naturally and the emotional rollercoaster of TTC was pointless. Feeling very tearful and sore at the moment. I found this out by overhearing the consultant telling the recovery nurse so didn’t even get chance to ask any questions. Been told it’s 6-8 weeks for a follow up appointment to discuss which feels cruel. Sorry for the negative update - things feel really bleak at the moment.

@acaciabluebell hey lovely. It’s good to hear from you. So sorry to hear about your husband but at least it seems they found the problem which is great news! & December is not too far off so only a few more months to go for you 🙂

I had an HSG back in January and it was super painful for me but it only lasted 15 seconds or so. I hope yours goes smoothly and you don’t experience too much pain and you get positive results.

I have no updates on my end. To be honest I feel a little stuck. I didn’t do opks or take my bbt this month so idk when I ovulated or if did. I feel like I need to take charge of the situation but I also don’t want to do this any other way than naturally. It pains me to know that our next step is going back to the clinic full force so I guess I’m trying to take it easy until we go back.

Hope everyone else is doing well! Hopefully we all have some good news this holiday season ❤️

How are you girls getting on? @SparkyLauz @Izzie94x @MarMar123 @CausingChaos2?

@Lovebug06 I hope you and baby are doing well!❤️

Hi ladies I hope you are doing well! Any updates for any of you? Still no change over here, about to start Cycle 21 of TTC 🙄

But I did have my initial NHS fertility appointment - finally!! Only took flipping 9 months 😂

We discussed my results - everything is normal except I have low Day 21 progesterone and slightly elevated prolactin. I've had a repeat blood test to check if my prolactin is still raised. For the progesterone, the gynae doctor briefly considered putting me on ovulation induction (e.g meds and progesterone support) but then when she saw my husband's semen analysis results (0% normal morphology) she very clearly said that it looks like our main cause of infertility is male factor. So, my husband is being referred to a urologist/andrologist to check if there is any underlying pathology.

For me, I had a Chlamydia swab and I've been referred for a HSG. Not gonna lie, I was hoping that I would get prescribed some medication like Clomid/Letrozole today just so I could have something different to try, if that makes sense? Rather than just continue to TTC naturally, which is getting so tiring now! But the doctor was saying there's no point starting ovulation induction if we don't know my tubes are open, which I guess makes sense. Plus, with the male factor diagnosis she said we are likely going to skip the ovulation induction and go straight to IVF ICSI.

Our follow up appointment will be in 2-3 months, so around December time, and I'm hoping we will get our IVF referral then - if we haven't conceived naturally of course! It works well because December we will have reached Cycle 24 / 2 years of TTC. (I may have fibbed a little and told the doctor we were already on cycle 24 because I didn't want them to send me away 🤭). If all goes well I really hope we can start IVF in 2022 🤞🏽

Thankyou @marmar123 im due AF any day, I haven’t bothered to test this morning so think I'm going to just wait a few days see if AF shows up. It's a shame, tiny glimmer of hope this time but I feel like it's getting closer xx

@SparkyLauz 😢 I’m so sorry. Maybe test in a couple of days again and see? It could have been an indent but you never know until AF shows. Sending you positive thoughts. ♥️

Not sure it's meant to be I did another test this morning and couldn't see a hint of a line today 😭 I'm wondering if the test I took yesterday was a bit dodgy as all the printing was also smudged on the test. Who knows! Xx

Thanks girls! I will probably test again tomorrow morning, keeling everything crossed, will let you know eeek! Xx

@SparkyLauz I can 100% see something!!!! 🤩 🤩🤩 keep testing!! I’ve got everything crossed for you babe!! ♥️ Hoping this is it for you

@SparkyLauz eeeeek HOW EXCITING!! I can definitely see a faint line lovely 😍 it’s 100% there!!! Keep us updated ✨💓🤞🏼

Hi girls I really hope I can get your opinion on this?!?!
I have no idea how many dpo I am as I wasnt 'trying' this month, i haven't used these tests in absolutely ages either because I couldn't deal with the negatives all the time. But this month I just had a feeling and decided to take a test this morning. Am I being totally crazy or can you see a faint line? I don't want to get my hopes up but I'm pretty sure I can see something?!

@Lovebug06 Omg congratulations!!!! I'm so happy, finally some good news on this thread ❤️❤️❤️
I've not been on Mumsnet recently and so I'm sorry if I have missed any other major updates.

For me I'm currently about to start cycle 20 and have my NHS appointment finally happening next month. No other updates sadly :(

@MarMar123 totally agree with you! It sounds dumb but I really wasn't aware of the fact that you can only get pregnant during OV window, I genuinely thought you get get pregnant at any point in the month all month! Either I didnt listen properly at school or they don't teach this sort of stuff! I could have easily avoided sex mid month or used condom all these years! Crazy isn't it.

Hope everyone is OK! I had my results from consultant last week as I said I would be doing. And all good regarding my ovaries and plenty of eggs, AMH levels are all fine too! The only thing was the lining in my uterus flagged up some abnormalities but he said it could have been because I was due on period like literally 2 days after, so I have to have a repeat scan in a few weeks mid cycle to check again. Thing is I had a scan a few months ago and at that one one couldn't fine many eggs but my uterine lining was nice and normal. That scan was done at the beginning of my cycle. So it does go to show that it can change at different points in cycle.
They said if all ok in the next scan and DH repeat semen analysis is fine they they would just recommend to carry on TTC until the 2 year mark before trying IVF xx

@SparkyLauz that last comment really spoke to me babe. I think about that everyday now… literally there was no need for the pill. We never had much sex either until now… it’s such a bummer. I wish someone would have sat me down and talked to me about this 5-6 years ago. 15 years on the pill for nothing.

It just sucks because you think you’re doing all the right things to be ready emotionally and financially for a baby and instead you get stuck on a baby thread. No offense to everyone on here because I don’t know what I’d do without the support from you ladies, but this club sucks and I don’t want to be on this thread. Can the universe just kick me out already?!? 😂 ♥️

@lovebug06 OMG don't be silly, this news is just what this thread has needed, it's been way too long and now we've all got fresh hope, it's going to happen for each and every one of us soon enough! You're right though, the thread was titled 8 months, that seems like soo so long ago now.

@mjm and @30somethingy some of our originals will have had their little babies now too!

@izzie94 I'm on my feet all day for my job! but have been doing more exercise to feel healthier recently such as cycling and cardio work outs. So hoping this might help too. I remember my periods were around 7 days long when I was younger, talking 14/15 years ago, omg that makes me feel old argh! I just wish i came off the pill years ago, we never had much sex really up until starting TTC so i feel like I've taken the pill for so long when really I probably didn't need to be doing.

@Lovebug06 I know I’ve said it a bunch but congrats my love! I’m just so so happy for you and it’s exactly what this thread needed ♥️ I really can’t wait to see this next chapter for you, it’s going to be amazing!

@CausingChaos2 I’ve had all the tests done. Bloods,SA, HSG, checked ovulation via ultrasound, lining thickness. The only thing i wonder is if I have endo… I get horrible cramps if I exercise during my luteal phase.
I’m sorry your lap and dye were cancelled. That’s the worst. Have you heard anything on it?

@Izzie94 yes girl!! We’re doing it! Im manifesting BFPs for everyone in this group for the rest of 2021!

@SparkyLauz thanks babe, taking all the hugs I can get. Sending some your way too!

@SparkyLauz sounds quite similar to mine! Although last month the pain on day 1 wasn’t so bad for some reason. I’ve heard so many good things about acupuncture! I’m definitely going to give it a go. Let me know how your results come back 🤍 hopefully we’re just the lucky ones with light periods 🤞🏼 Do you have a “sit down” job? I’m at a desk basically all day. Except for walking the dog morning and evening, so I’m trying to make more of a conscious effort to be up and about! Apparently that can help too! My periods were never this light pre the pill! I’m never going back on it 😂

@Lovebug06 I’m honestly beaming for you 💖 you’ve been on this journey far too long and it’s another bit of hope for us all. Lucky cycle 21 wasn’t it? I’m praying for the same for me🙊 xxx

@JeanieJ thankyou ❤️
I hope this starts some good luck on this thread. All the girls on here deserve it so much x
@CausingChaos2 I was stunned. I did not think it was that in anyway. I really thought it was the vaccine making me late, I'd read about it a lot. No symptoms. Just didn't expect it after 21 cycles and then being told I have endometriosis.
@Izzie94 you lovely girl. It was the biggest shock ❤️
@sparkylauz thankyou so much xxxx

This thread has had no luck. 8 months (the title) seems such a dream now, we had no idea did we?

I really hope my news didn't make any of you feel too bad 😢
I really really hope it gave some of you some hope it can still happen.
I even did another test yesterday because I needed to check again.
I searched for stories like this a lot to give myself hope and now I hope it gives you all some ❤️
I was in such a bad place with it too the last couple of months.
I hope you all don't mind me popping back and checking how your all doing sometimes, as this thread has been great for me through the tough times and I'd like to know how you all get on xx

Love xxxxx

@causingchaos2 So sorry to hear they've cancelled your lap & dye, that must be really frustrating. Any idea when it might be again? Is this nhs too or private? I will let you know how I get on with results later in the week x

@jeanieJ thankyou, hope you are ok! 4 months will fly by and its best to try things naturally before going straight down IVF route, and you never know the bfp may come during this wait! 😊 x

@izzie94 hii izzy! Good to hear from you again, that's reassuring to know that you are in similar boat to me, I literally dont know anyone else with shorter periods as me! My first day bleeding is quite heavy and also painful but day 2 is fine and then don't usually get much at all day 3 but I went for a few months acupuncture and the last 2 periods seemed to bleed slightly more on day 3, so I'm wondering if this is whats been helping it?! After I get my results on Thurs I might decide to continue with acupuncture again. X

@marmar123 sending hugs over to you too x

@lovebug06 this is amazing news, this gives us all lots of hope for sure, I'm so happy for you girl ❤ yaaaayyy xxx

Hey lovely ladies!

I’m baaaaack lol. Had a little break and it was lovely. But I do have a little snoop every now and again.

So sorry most of us are still here.

@SparkyLauz my periods are exactly the same!!! 2 days max to be honest. The third is often stop start and just spotting. It’s not even heavy flow usually for the 2 days. I did previously have a scan March 2020! And my lining was where it should be so I hope that gives you some hope 🤍 some people naturally have lighter periods. But I’m also thinking it’s my issue here too!! I’m going to book another scan Monday privately and see if anything has changed. If my lining is still ok, then I guess I’ll stop trying to blame my light periods 😂

@Lovebug06 I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU GIRL 💖 so deserved and gives hope and positivity for the rest of us. I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. Can’t wait to see little baba grow on insta 🙊

@CausingChaos2 how you feeling lovely? It’s mad to think we’ve all been on this journey so long. 8 months ttc was bloody shit. Now we’re all over a year/ year and a half!!

@JeanieJ the nhs wait times are ludicrous aren’t they! Although where I am, a friend is going through it and everything seems so fast paced. We don’t qualify for nhs help, it’s nice in a way as privately everything is quicker. Just bloody expensive 🙈

@MarMar123 we’re getting those BFP before Christmas!!!!

Sorry if I’ve missed anyone. I’m meant to be getting ready for a day out in the sun and I’m distracted hahaha!! X x

Oh my god Lovebug that’s amazing news, congratulations! I’m so thrilled for you. I bet you couldn’t believe your eyes? Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy xx

Jeanie Two months is a long time for a follow up isn’t it? Yes the logical thing seems to be have a lap first but it’s such a hard choice when IVF is offered. I hope you get your date through soon too x

@Lovebug06 that's amazing news! 🥰 congratulations 🎉 🥳 hope your good luck rubs off on the rest of us xxx
@CausingChaos2 HSG wasn't too bad. It was just a bit of pressure and I had a mild period-like pain after. The worst part was the two month wait for my follow up appt with the doc. 🙄
Deciding not to go for IVF off the bat was a bit weird. He said that we'd have a higher chance of conceiving naturally with the lap & a higher chance of not needing an intervention if we wanted a 2nd kid further down the line. I guess it rules out other issues too 🤔 hoping I don't have to wait too long, but I know it'll be ages as my clinic is slow.
Hope you get a new date soon 🤞🤞

Hi ladies.

I'm in shock writing this but yesterday night I got my BFP.

I thought I was late on as I'd had the vaccine. I've read its made lots of women late. I couldn't think any other way.

I know Reading this will make some fo you feel bad, I have been there. But I hope this gives you guys some hope too.

21 cycles, low sperm mobility and endometriosis (which I only found out a week ago and have been devestated all week!) I have had no hint of a bfp in all that time and that's what bothered me most.

Sending you all so much love xxxxx

Sending you lots of love back Lovebug06 we really have had the worst luck. Sorry to hear you’ve been diagnosed with endometriosis. I hope the appt in 2 weeks can offer you some insight or help with that. My consultant thinks I have it too which I suppose could explain why we’ve not had any luck.

JeanieJ So sorry that you’re still here too. How did you find the HSG pain wise? I think I would have gone down the same route as you, we were also offered IVF straight away or lap & dye first, so I understand how tricky it is to decide.

I was originally booked in for mid June, then the consultant cancelled me because my AMH was low. Although in the end he still thought lap & dye was the best next step so I wish he’d just gone ahead then! Been on the waiting list since the beginning of May so around 3 months wait so far.

MarMar Sorry you’re still in this shit club, love. I’ve stopped counting cycles too, it’s just too depressing. So difficult when friends announce but I think you’re doing the right thing setting a deadline for getting more help. I’m being lazy here by not going back through the thread but are you on the NHS pathway or private? Have you had any tests done so far?