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

I’m losing the plot - can’t even blame baby brain. Ignore the dates in my previous post Lovebug. I’ve just checked my period tracking app and we did stop using protection in June/ July 2019 so in theory around 20 months.
But have only been using OPKs to time sex properly for 11 cycles.

Yes Sparky three months feels a long time to delay doesn’t it? Although we weren’t allowed to TTC this month, and plan not to try next month as it would mean a December baby. I didn’t think TTC was causing me lots of stress but actually I feel so much more relaxed knowing it’s off the cards for a few weeks. So maybe a 3 month break wouldn’t be so bad.

I feel exactly the same Lovebug06
It’s a relief to get normal results but doesn’t answer why it isn’t happening for us. We stopped using protection around June/ July 2019 and started properly timing sex around FW since September 2019. I also have short cycles so plenty of chances in that time. How about yourself? I’m hopeless at remembering everyone’s details.

I’m sorry I’m not sure whether the result would be much different, I’d guess the same as you, at 7dpo it would probably be too early to affect the result. I really hope AF stays away for you.

I got pregnant on month 9 with DD1 (and then immediately with DD2, doesn’t make any sense!) but the month I got pregnant I tried acupuncture as I was told it can help realign the hormones in women who have been on hormonal contraceptives for many years (I’d been on them for around 12yrs). Who knows if it was placebo, but if worked. Might be hard to source due to lockdown but I’ve read a lot about Chinese medicine and there’s lots of anecdotal evidence for certain herbs helping good article here.

It will almost certainly happen for you so please try and keep calm and optimistic (I know that’s easier said than done and I wasn’t at all). Also, might be worth chatting with your GP as even though they say they won’t do anything for a year, my GP was kind enough to send me for a blood test to check I was ovulating in month 6.

Good luck to you @30somethingyorkie and everyone else TTC.

@CausingChaos2 oh good I'm so relieved. However I just wonder why is it not happening then?! Sorry can I ask how long you have been trying again, I get everyone mixed up. Also, strange question and you may not know, would the reading be different if you'd conceived? Although I'm thinking probably not as it's like 7dpo. Awaiting AF so a bit anxious.
@sparkylauz I've only done the blood tests and swabs this month and they were booked in the month before as had to wait for AF to arrive again. I think dh needs to test, he is not keen so keeps putting it off as has children, but doctor said he needs to still.
Ah girls AF is due in the next couple of days. I just know it'll come and I know I'll still be really upset, dreading it!

@30somethingyorkie Twins!! That's amazing haha, congratulations I bet you never expected 2 for the price of 1 hehe, I'm so happy for you xx

@izzie94 haha yes you're so right. I was absolutely convinced this was my month I really was. I didn't opk but felt like I knew when I ovulated and we DTD that same morning. Also my boobs were so incredibly sore they'd never been that sore before.
Going to carry on the relaxed approach again. Literally only BD when we actually feel like it, not when we 'have' to as I really wasn't enjoying it anymore and it shouldn't be like that!

Sorry to hear your Dr's still won't be able to investigate DH yet, that really sucks.

@causingchaos2 and @izzie94 Regarding the jab I'm sure I read somewhere that it's 3 months yeah. I don't really want to put TTC on hold for that long that's for sure.

@lovebug06 how long have you had to wait for appointments etc? What's next for you? Hope you're ok too x

Sorry you haven’t had any luck yet Izzie94 but yes stay positive. I think the stats are 90% conception by two years.

Sorry you’re still in the same boat as well SparkyLauz I’ve decided I won’t have the vaccine until after (if I ever!) fall pg. I’m going to be taking social distancing precautions for a long time, and will keep being careful.

30 that is amazing news! Congratulations! You must be so shocked. How exciting.

Lovebug that’s very similar to one of my progesterone tests. I got 45.6 and my GP said it was a good, strong result. I think they look for a level over 30 to confirm ovulation actually happened.

@CausingChaos2 I have just received mine but I can't understand them at all I think I'm being stupid.
@30somethingyorkie wow congratulations that's amazing news.
@sparkylauz I am doing the testing now too. Hope your okay.
@Izzie94 the relaxed approach I've been trying since last summer. So when people tell me to just relax and it'll happen I feel like telling them to do one. Interesting they don't test your Dh as they have insisted on testing mine even though he has children.

Can you guys who have done this help me please I know I'm being thick but I'm confused as everything I've searched doesn't make sense with this.
The receptionist said my day 20s are fine.
She said my progesterone levels are 46.5 and my perameter is 11-81.
Has she told me them to wrong way round? Makes no sense for what I've been searching but she definately said them that way round as I wrote it down as she said them. But she did repeat the numbers a few times and seemed a bit flustered.
So I'm kind of like phewww but then very confused.

@SparkyLauz don’t you love and hate the relaxed approach. I try and do that every so often and my stupid brain thinks “omg I’ve been so relaxed it’ll definitely work this month”😂

Sorry to hear about DH, I can’t imagine that being fun for either of you. Our doctors refuse to test DH because he already has a child which seems crazy as that could have been a lucky one! 😅 let us know how you get on at your doctors apt. I know what you mean about the feelings, it’s hard isn’t it. DH is really supportive, but I don’t think it’s hit him until recently and now he’s even bought himself wellman conception tablets bless him. I never knew how hard TTC would be on me mentally. I’m up and down like a yo-yo!!!!! Optimistic, happy, excited it could be the month, then cry when I get AF. Lol! It’s crazy. But I’m holding out hope for us by the end of this year girls 🤍

I’m so stuck with the jab too! I’m thinking of waiting. Am I right in saying if you have it you have to wait 3 months until you can try? Or did I make that up!

@30somethingyorkie wow!!!!! Omg that is absolutely amazing 🤩 congratulations lovely. Glad you’ll be scanned often though that’s really great and more checks with the babies☺️ Please do keep us posted I do love hearing everyone’s stories. We’re all on our own journeys, just sucks some of us are still here with no hint of a BFP! So happy for you x

Hi girls. Hope you're ok. Good to hear from you!

Still no news here I'm afraid. Been trying to take a more relaxed approach and ditched the OPKs. DH had SA this morning but not holding much hope as we only managed to get a 3rd of it actually into the pot, so that will probably need to be done again. He wasn't in the best of moods so doubt he is going to want to do that all again anytime soon. So been feeling a bit miffed today. I've got my GP appointment on Weds to go forward for more blood tests and hopefully get the ball rolling for me. On cycle 13 now.

Whats everyone's thoughts on the covid vaccine has anyone had it yet or been offered it? I'm unsure whether to wait and have it once I have a baby!?

@30somethingyorkie is all ok with you? xx

Hey ladies

Sorry I’ve been quiet, been trying to take a more relaxed approach. But still no luck from me😩 currently CD30, AF due today / tomorrow and my boobs have stopped hurting so it’ll probably come tomorrow.

Will be going onto cycle 15 😕, trying to stay hopeful that it’ll happen before the 2 year mark. We won’t investigate further until then as FYI to the newbies my partner has a son so we don’t qualify for nhs funding but all tests have come back perfect 🤞🏼 Trying to keep that positive mindset!!

How’s everyone else xx

Hello Lovebug

I hope all is well with your bloods. Try to get the numbers and the ranges if you can. I’m sure the one day difference wouldn’t be a problem. My progesterone was a day out - GP didn’t query. Hope you can keep busy to keep your mind off AF arriving.

I had to have a rubella vaccine so we weren’t allowed to TTC this month. Unfortunately there has been a mishap although honestly not worried and not going to count myself as in the TWW now.

I’ve also had an ultrasound appointment come through from my GP. I thought this wouldn’t be done until I’d been referred to fertility. Don’t know if it needs to be done at a certain point in my cycle. So will need to check that.

Hi @CausingChaos2

I also hope you are all okay on this thread. We all go quiet and then come back again.

Today my bloods come back so I'm hoping they are okay. They were done on day 20 rather than 21 as 21 was on a Saturday so hope that doesn't make too much difference.
AF is due this week. The dread is starting so trying not to think about it too much.

I hope your doing okay. This group needs some BFPs

Hope that anyone still following the thread is getting on ok

tavileh How are things with you? Are you feeling any better?

It is a pain tavileh . My DM said I had all of the vaccines and boosters so it’s a bit of a mystery.

I’m feeling really down and fed up too. My temp has dropped this morning so AF is on her way today or tomorrow. I have awful periods too so that’s something to look forward to. 🙄

Sorry that you’re feeling the same it’s the most awful rollercoaster of becoming hopeful each month only to have it dashed. I said something similar to my DM - at the moment life just feels meaningless. Existing, not living.

Please do get DH to get his test done. My OH really didn’t want to either, but in the end he was glad he did and was relieved to have the results back.

Oh no, @CausingChaos2 that is such a pain about the rubella! I know that there was a particular cohort in the 90s who didn't get their booster shots, I remember when I was at secondary school, a few people got it, and they realised we all needed another shot.. maybe it was something like that.

AF arrived this morning, and I just feel angry and fed up. I'm so over it. Getting DH to go for his test now, he's been really reluctant, but I just said he needs to do it now.

I've not been temping, just doing OPKs, I find it stressful to wake up and have to measure my temp.. there are some wearable thermometers that are a bit tempting now, but they are so expensive, not sure if I can justify that! I wish there were some cheaper options that didn't involve me needing to remember every morning...

Meh, this covid + fertility situation is so getting me down, I feel like my entire life is on hold until one or the other changes. It just feels endless sometimes.

I’m not sure Crazy the GP didn’t discuss it with me. I just turned up for a different blood test and the nurse said the GP also wanted Rubella, Hep B, Hep c & HIV bloods.

@CausingChaos2 is that normal to test for Rubella immunity? First I've heard of it being tested, that's all.

Tbh, I was one of those super lucky people who got pregnant so quick I didn't really get a chance to learn the difference between AF and pregnancy. The only symptom I noticed was needing a wee frequently.

Thanks tavileh and you’re probably right. Sending you a hug - it’s so shit as the number of cycles ramp up isn’t it? Especially when you don’t have an explanation for why it isn’t happening. Do you temp? I’m fortunate that I usually get a peak on OPKs but temping confirms ovulation better. I know some people find it too stressful. I try to temp most days but don’t get obsessive if I miss a few days, I can still see a general pattern in my charts.

It’s tough with the pregnancy announcements. Does your SIL know that you’re trying? We’ve got a baby due in the family any day now, conceived after we started trying. Genuinely happy for them, their other DC is gorgeous, but also glad lockdown means we won’t have it in our faces. I think I will have to leave it to OH to buy a little outfit or gift for the new baby.

I’ve managed to get an appointment with a different GP now (one who knows why I don’t manage smear tests) so fingers crossed things will finally get moving with the referral.

On the other hand, my blood test for rubella immunity has come back saying I’m not immune. I had all my childhood vaccinations. Have done some quick reading up online and it seems that it’s recommended I’m vaccinated again before pregnancy. So two vaccines at least 4 weeks apart, and then at least 4 weeks before TTC is recommended. I know it sounds silly but I don’t want to waste 2+ months of potential TTC! I’ve looked up the stats and there were 3 cases in the UK of rubella in 2019. I wouldn’t have even known I wasn’t immune if I hadn’t been having trouble conceiving.

Crazydoglady123 Do you mind me asking if the cycle you conceived was different to your usual symptoms? I usually get sore boobs, water retention, bloated in TWW. I always wonder whether I could have these pre-AF signs and be PG, or whether the month you conceive is different and I wouldn’t get my usual signs. Hope that makes sense?!

@tavileh I get that. I don't know if the lockdown, or the time of year just making it seem so much worse at the minute but I myself know how hard I'm finding things right now. I don't know about you but I'm finding it really hard to switch off from it at the minute. Don't ever apologise for ranting on places like Mumsnet. My OH doesn't understand how it makes me feel and can be damn right insensitive about it but the ladies on here are always so supportive and you need people around you who understands as TTC can be a very lonely place and all the hormones in the mix just makes it feel 10 x worse. I know I'm the first person to symptom spot but with my previous child I had little to no symptoms with him so I would just go from when AF arrives and yours hasn't yet. When are you due on?

Oh @CausingChaos2 that's so frustrating, you should definitely try to speak to a different doc, you can have such a different experience depending on who you speak to. Also, as @Crazydoglady123 says, just really push for what you want, and you're more likely to get it. Often, if you just tell them what you need, they'll sign the paperwork - they are so overworked, they normally just want to get rid of people .

Welcome @JessLouisee! Its definitely worth tracking ovulation if you can, helps with timing, and also reassuring to know that that part is working ok!

On my side, I'm CD 27 now, no idea how many DPO because monitor didn't peak, but I think I'm nearly at AF time.. my boobs were mega sore again this month (thanks for making me all optimistic body!), but now less so, I guess that means AF just round the corner.. I'm feeling really depressed about it this month. I'm just tired of trying.. this is cycle 14, and i cba with all this emotional rollercoaster . That and one of my colleagues has just announced she's 13 weeks, and my sister in law is coming up to 8. Just feels endless some months :(

Needed a bit of a rant, sorry.. DH puts up with it sometimes, but he's bored of it now, and honestly so am I!

@CausingChaos2 yeah I did see them on google. I showed my OH a picture of mine and he's like wtf have you took a picture for 🤣 I had to explain us girls like to take pics of stuff like that in case we have to show the doctor haha. I will do. We haven't DTD for ages now because of the cyst pain. Although I'm not allowed the Clomid this month I don't want to waste trying but at the same time am scared it's going to hurt still so feeling pretty apprehensive about it (I may have to have a few glasses of wine Valentine's Day and try then 😬) OH did say about waiting until after the scan but I don't want to risk missing ovulation.

Honestly, I know Covid is a ball ache and delays things in the NHS but as soon as I met my consultant he got the ball rolling on everything so fast! Within a few weeks I had the hycosy then he moved me straight onto Letrozole for a few months. I'd go see your doctor again and turn on the water works and just push. If I hadn't with my referral my gp would be quite happy leaving me to carry on trying for another year!

Crazydoglady123 Oh god I have passed tissue before. Think mine were decidual casts 🤮

I’m glad things are moving along for you, March will be here in no time and at least then you should have a plan. Keep us updated with your scan too.

Thanks, I’m going to try and speak to a different GP next week. Just feels like so many hurdles to jump over and this is only the first step.

Hey @CausingChaos2, Af came after a really long cycle for me but lasted 2 days. I pranged out a little though as I passed two big fleshy purple lumps of tissue 🤢 I'm cd4 now, have a scan with my NHS consultant booked on cd16 to check my cysts but we also have chosen and booked our assessment with the IVF clinic now which is in March.

That's really rubbish about your doctors. Can you keep pushing or see a different gp within your surgery whose maybe a bit more understanding?

Any updates from your end Crazydoglady123 ?

That’s terrible Lovebug06 no one should be left feeling like that after an appointment, especially one where you could be feeling vulnerable having swabs done.

Your results look good and in range like you say tavileh I’m no expert but I think your progesterone test shows you did ovulate too.

I’m not impressed with my GP practice at the moment. I’ve had the bloods done that they requested and they’ve now come back and said I need a smear test and swabs before they can refer. My smear test hasn’t been done because I have a history of trauma, so I hope they aren’t suggesting I must have it done before they refer me. I’ve made a provisional appointment for a smear but seems unethical that I’m not willingly consenting to it. No mention of the ultrasound scan they said I needed done either. So after making contact at the beginning of December I’m still not even in the system of being referred.