Page 13 | 9DPO Symptom Spotting

unCliche · 2020-11-22T11:31:22+00:00

Hey *@ButterscotchBabe*! Continuing our chat here 😁 I loooove that your temps did exactly what mine did too. So good that AF hasn't arrived at CD26!! Happy for you! When your temps increased last month, was it is to a gradual high or did it jump up again and then AF started? Because if this pattern is new, it could mean good news! Ours definitely look like the beginning of a triphasic chart. My temps last month started dropping at 7DPO, so it still being high at 9DPO is such an achievement for me and no sign of AF either although my vulva feels AF'y in a weird way. My pulse and breathing rate have also continued to shoot up!! If temps don't tell you AF is coming, pulse rate defo will because it always starts falling a few days before AF for me. I do suspect chemical but no BFP so can't confirm and nothing else changed that cycle so I can't explain it. Hormones were defo the reason I never took the pill, it plays such a big part in changing your reproductive cycle that of course it would have an affect on cycles after you come off them! 45 day cycles sound like a nightmare - especially when TTC too. I do have a FRER! I'm always so scared to use it though. I always use rubbish ICs which probably aren't the best thing but I will use my FRER with you! I like predicting what my temps will do with DH. What do you think will happen tomorrow? I think both our temps will go up again 😆

ButterscotchBabe · 07/04/2021 19:51

It was actually the egg I got DP but it was so pretty I wanted a picture with it 😂. Yep all Easter chocolate didn't last long! Didn't do much else other than a walk and sewing, had a pretty lazy one! What did your friends and family think of your new place? It was lovely weather to host people!

You'll be in your fertile period in a few days! How are you feeling about this cycle? My period pain has gone now, it was just bad for the first two days.

Looking forward to my scan next week so that I can find out all our results, ask all my questions and start a plan! I'm guessing they'll prescribe me Clomid but it will depend on all the test results. So this will be the last hopeless cycle!

Do you think your friend will share your TTC with anyone else? Maybe it will help having someone else know, at least it's one less person to be asking about babies!

Haha thanks, I haven't got enough material for a 4th jacket, so this best turn out good! I've cut out the fabric and sewn the main parts together. Just need to hem and sort the neck area! My Mum wants the jacket to be oversized and baggy on her, so it's been difficult trying to design something that's bigger than her sizes.

How are the rabbits and kitten getting on?

Original poster

unCliche · 06/04/2021 18:03

The roast was good! I saw your easter egg. Looked yummy! Have you finished it all? 😁Did you do anything else during your bank holiday weekend? I had friends over yesterday and then my parents visited today so that was nice. Gave me a chance to finally host people! Have you seen any friends or family yet?

Sorry about AF 😔 No two AFs are the same so there probably isn't a reason for why this one is painful. My PMS boob pain changes every cycle. Sometimes it's a dull aches, sometimes a sharp pain. Just depends on what your hormones are doing this cycle I guess. Is the pain a little better today?

AF ended yesterday (CD5) which is so impressive (I think?) very pain free too. All in all, it was a pretty chill cycle, especially since I haven't been bawling like a baby. My temps dropped back down to 36.4. I wasn't able to get a temp for today though - forgot to wear my fertility bracelet.

It's so sad 😔 I'd be heavily pregnant if I'd gotten pregnant in October. Month 7 and cycle 8 😭 Can't believe I'm still here 😭😭

Ah that's really fortunate you have a consultant doing the can. They'll have all the answers to your questions! And you'll be getting your clomid too?? That's awesome. So they've said you'll definitely need it?

Yeah, my friend didn't know we'd been trying. She just said she'd keep us in her prayers. My fear was that people would start wondering why we haven't conceived since we've been married for a year and have a home now. I was hoping I could get pregnant before the questions and comments started but oh well... I don't feel anything about her knowing tbh. Maybe sad because now it's out there. She's my best friend so I completely trust her with the info.

How is your mum's jacket going? Since you've practiced I know it'll turn out amazing!

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ButterscotchBabe · 04/04/2021 20:37

Happy Easter 😊🐇🐥 how was your roast? Did your DH get you much chocolate? We haven't done too much, went for a short walk earlier in the sun, which was nice.

Af started around lunchtime and it's been particularly painful 😣, I don't know why my periods for the past 7 months have been painfree but this one and I think last month's have been more painful.

It's a good thing your af is still going, at least you know you produced a good amount of womb lining this time, has it been painful? Strange your temps have gone up, although on CD3 on my last cycle my temp was 36.64 🤷.

It's funny you mention that, I said to DP the other day that if we'd conceived when we first started trying I'd be ready to pop now! 🤰😭

It's a consultant doing my scan, not the one I saw last time though as she's on leave. So they should be able to recommend and start treatment. I'm not having a consultation but I've been told I can ask questions during the scan so hopefully they'll be time for a discussion! Yeh apparently not every clinic does testing for NK cells but I'm hoping this one does!

Oh no, I guess your friend didn't know you'd been trying. What did they say when you told them? How do you feel about someone else knowing?

Don't worry about your body not increasing the progesterone on its own, there's nothing more you could have done to improve this, it's not your fault. I'm glad the kitty has helped you through af this time 😊 🐱

They'll prob prescribe me Clomid at the scan but I'll be on CD10 then, so I'll have to start it from next cycle. You only take it for 5 days at the beginning of your cycle. I hope they'll be able to see a follicle on one of my ovaries!

I would definitely prefer to already have the baby, I dont want to be pregnant at the wedding. Yes that would be perfect to have a baby in Jan/Feb/Mar and then have the wedding in Sep/Oct 😊.

Ah okay I understand, it does seem so unfair when people have unhealthy habits or do unhealthy things and still manage to get pregnant. Hopefully soon you'll be able to share your pregnancy news and then I'm sure you'll feel better about them coming over.

Have you got any plans for tomorrow? I've done the pattern and cut out the material for my Mum's jacket, so gonna start sewing that together. I found it quite stressful drawing the pattern, hope I've got the sizing right!

Original poster

unCliche · 04/04/2021 10:52

Happy Easter 🐣 Are you doing anything lovely today? DH is cooking a roast for us.

She's really curious about the rabbits and just stares at them and they stare back but they're still a bit jumpy. So I'll give them another week or so of just staring until they trust each other then maybe they can make fur to fur contact.

Did AF end up starting? Still hoping that it was an implantation dip and implantation spotting for you! If you'd gotten pregnant in the first cycle you'd have a baby by now 😭 That'll be me next cycle too 😭😭

My AF is still going! CD4 and I haven't dried up. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing but it's definitely better than a 2 day AF! My temps have been going up too 😂 CD2 36.48 -> CD3 36.54 -> CD4 36.74???? A 0.2 rise is ridiculous, I might be coming down with a fever.

Will a sonographer or consultant be doing your scan or will you be having your consultation straight after your scan? Oooo NK Cells test?? Just googled it and I want one too! I think my white blood cells are too thorough!

We haven't had a chance to register to the new GP yet. Maybe next week! Then DH and I can get started with an NHS referral. One of my friends said to me "you got a pet when everyone else has been having babies" and I said "we've been trying and it hasn't worked. She's my emotional support animal" looooooool!

Yeaaah! I think 15 pessaries should be enough right until my BFP because I've never had a 15 day LP 😂 I was kind of sad that I'd have to start taking the progesterone, I was hoping my body could do it on its own, but obviously not. Good news though! I haven't cried at all! I've been getting lots of cuddles and attention seeking from Aski so she's doing her job well 🥰 When do you think you'll be prescribed clomid? Next month? Maybe even this month?

Looks like you'll either be pregnant at your wedding, or have a baby at your wedding. Which would you prefer? Hopefully, your first round of clomid works so you'll have your little one early 2022 and then you can maybe plan something for mid to end of 2022.

I absolutely do love them and would want them to visit but it's easier said than done because I know the circumstance around how she got pregnant. It was a night in March/April where we were all out in the garden during lockdown and drinking loads and being complete idiots, messing around. That night they conceived. She was off the pill 3 months, smoking and drinking and still managed to conceive so it really hurts that I'm struggling and I don't want to keep being reminded of my inability to have a baby. I wish it didn't have to be so hard.

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ButterscotchBabe · 03/04/2021 11:13

Oh no, poor white rabbit! Cats are predators and rabbits are prey so they will be scared of her. I'm not sure what you can do to alleviate their fear, maybe look on Google and see what other people's experiences are with cats and rabbits. Hopefully the rabbits are too big for her to actually go for them. How have they been now you've had her a couple of days?

Temp has come down this morning and I've got spotting, so af will arrive tomorrow. My luteal phase will only be 9 days which is disappointing but to be expected, since my temps were pretty low from 1-3DPO. Onto cycle 10! 🙄

If your af started on the 1st and mine starts on the 4th, you'll be 3 days ahead of me. So our cycles have caught up a bit but you will ovulate a few days before me so our DPO will probably be more like 5/6 days apart ☹️.

So my questions will be wanting the results for the 2nd progesterone test and SA, what their plan of treatment is and when can I start, will they recommend me for a laparoscopy and if so, can I still have treatment in the meantime. I also would like them to do an AMH and a NK cells test. So yeah it's gonna be awkward discussing all that with my legs open having something shoved up me and poked around 😂😂😂.

NHS waiting lists are long so you should probably get in the queue now, have you both registered with a new GP? I imagine they'll want to do Progesterone, FSH and LH for you and a SA for your DH, so the same tests we've had.

As you've got 15 pessaries it might be worth doing a FRER on 11DPO so that if you get a BFP, you've got time to contact the consultant and ask for some more. What do you think?

Yes to 2022 babies! We were now planning on getting married in 2022 so I don't know how they're gonna fit with each other. I guess we'll have to plan the wedding around when baby comes. I'd want 6 months to recover and get back in shape! And you'll hopefully be having a baby and your honeymoon next year 😊.

Is that the neighbours from your rented property? It's sweet they want to come and visit you, it would be nice to keep the friendship going. One day you will have a baby and they might have another one, just try to keep that in mind if it gets upsetting. I get annoyed everytime I see someone on Facebook announce a pregnancy. Seems like it's so easy for everyone else! 😭

Original poster

unCliche · 02/04/2021 20:10

So much for responding in the morning. Aski literally stayed in our room all night and slept beside us, on top of us, all over us. DH and I woke up a few times during the night because of her 😂 White rabbit completely freaked out the first time he saw her. He was running all around his cage completely panicking and then he tried to squeeze himself through the bars of his cage. He was that frightened. It was really scary. So that was playing on my mind through the night too so I struggled to sleep. Aski is 5.5 months and my emotional support animal because TTC is emotionally hard.

How are your temps today?? Mine are 36.48 which is normal for me on CD2. Your 7DPO temps should hopefully be higher and, fingers crossed, be in a normal range so at least you'll have one less thing to worry about.

Haha what questions do you have? Have you written them all down? It'll be so funny reading/writing out your notes with your legs wide open 😂 I feel like I should also be doing some test of my own but I've been tested for everything and I don't think my tubes are blocked so nothing else I can do. Just feel a bit useless.

Loool I don't think it was sarcastic. He probably mostly blames himself so I suppose doing a SA will let him see where things are with him. I'll need to book his SA before I forget!

What possessed him to even transfer that many embryos?? He should know the law. Complete and utter insanity. And Octomom is probably as crazy as him for agreeing to it!

I have a pack of 15 pessaries, so one for every day of my LP. I wasn't given instructions on how to take them, so I'll just start from 0DPO, I guess. I really hope the progesterone works. I'm so so hoping that DH's swimmers are strong enough to get to where they need to be despite the quantity. Here's to our 2022 babies 🥂

I'm so awkward around my old neighbours. Every time they mention their son I get so awkward. Yesterday, neighbour A was like "we'll definitely come and visit you in the new house with baby A" and in my head I was thinking "I really don't want him to come" but all I said out loud was "yeah". Then DH told me that I couldn't have gotten out of there fast enough 😂😂 I just don't want any babies around me right now.

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ButterscotchBabe · 02/04/2021 10:42

That sucks af came ☹️ at least you can start a fresh now and use the progesterone this cycle 😊. Aww cute, how old is she?

Original poster

unCliche · 02/04/2021 00:28

We have a new kitty! We renamed her Aski. She's the only thing that's kept me from crying today. AF did show up but I suppose it was to be expected. I'll update you in the morning. Have a good night! 💕

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ButterscotchBabe · 01/04/2021 17:51

Temp still high and had my 2nd progesterone test today, my temp is a little higher than on 5DPO so I wonder if my progesterone will be higher! Won't find out until the 13th April though.

How are you? Has af started or have you had anymore spotting?

Nah I can't get the SA results until the 13th April, I have my blood taken at the main hospital, it's separate from the fertility clinic, so they can't tell me anything unfortunately. I have so many questions for my ultrasound appointment, hopefully they won't mind and I won't need to pay for another consultation!

Haha did he say 'yeah' sarcastically? If not then that's good! I guess now time has passed he's probably forgotten the uncomfortable/embarrassing feeling 😂.

Yeh that Octomum story is crazy, apparently the doctor that put in the embryos got struck off and had his medical licence taken away. Putting 12 embryos in someone is ridiculous, it's amazing 8 babies and the Mum survived! I agree, I think 3 would be my max but in this country you have to fight to get 2 put in!

How many progesterone pessaries do you have? I think if you got pregnant you should ask the consultant for more progesterone to sustain the pregnancy for a few weeks. I guess you'll only know if something else is going on after further tests. Let's keep positive and hope the progesterone is just what you need but you may need to give it a few cycles.

Yeh it's ridiculous how strict the civil service are, I don't think they've always been this strict, he's worked for government before and had no issues...

Sounds good! It's really gonna depend on what's open at the time but hopefully we'll have lots of choices 😊.

Original poster

unCliche · 31/03/2021 23:08

Fingers crossed it's a straightforward process to transfer to the NHS. Do you think you'll be able to get your DP's SA results tomorrow? I just asked DH if he's looking forward to his next SA and he said "yeah" 🤣 So much for "never again" 😂

😱 Gender selection should not be allowed. But the healthcare system in the US is all about money, so anything goes I suppose 😪 I've never heard of Octomom 😱 but just did a search and 😱😱😱 she was huge!! She must have signed liability waivers because that's really dangerous and the doctors wouldn't want to be blamed if anything went wrong. How far is too far for you? I think 3 embryos would still be my limit.

I tried fixing my hormones with supplements and vitamins and that didn't work. Coming off them hasn't changed much either. The pessaries will definitely provide stronger results though. But I'm just thinking... With low progesterone, getting pregnant is possible but you just end up having lots of chemicals. But I've never even had one of those, so I wonder if something else is going on (apart from low sperm count).

Sometimes I cramp the day before AF too but I usually spot as well. Cramping and blood usually go hand in hand for me. I generally don't cramp 3 days before AF though. The spotting was brown and a very tiny amount that hasn't continued. I still expect AF to start tomorrow though because I've been duped many times by my spotting and cramping. I'll give myself until the weekend before I test. Maybe you could use an IC at 10DPO instead. At least you can satisfy any POAS urges.

Further identification? Really? Don't they believe he is who he says he is? All I've ever had to supply is my passport. Really strange. Is it because it's a job within the government?

Boat trip and chocolate factory sounds awesome! I'll have to research things to do in Bristol so we can have a long list of ideas 😁

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ButterscotchBabe · 31/03/2021 20:47

Oh no, sorry spotting has started ☹️

ButterscotchBabe · 31/03/2021 20:41

If I go back to the GP now it will probably just delay my treatment so I'll keep self-funding until it gets to the point when IVF is the next step. Hopefully it won't be too difficult to transfer me to NHS funding, the doctor seemed to think it was easy but it probably won't be her doing the paperwork 😂.

Ah yeh they probably would allow that in the US, you can also have IVF for gender selection! Omg 5! I'd worry I would burst 😂. Remember Octomum? Apparently her doctors put 12 embryos in her, 4 died and 8 survived! I don't know how she managed to carry 8 and she's quite slim now!

Your eggs should be of good quality, the main things that would damage egg quality are age and smoking. At least you know you've got lots of eggs, so even if some aren't good quality, you should have enough that it wouldn't matter. If the issue is hormones, at least that's an easy fix 🙂.

How's your DH feeling about doing another SA? I think you said last time he said "never again" 😂😂

That's interesting you've been having more cramps this time but without af, if af doesn't arrive tomorrow that could be a sign! How long do you think you'll leave it before testing? Normally I would use a FRER on 10DPO but DP says I shouldn't this time as ovulation didn't seem to happen as normal. I can sometimes get mild cramps 1 or 2 days before af but strong cramps don't start until CD1.

No he doesn't have a contract yet, yeh we are fearful that they could withdraw the offer and then he'd have to start job searching again. That would be awful! He keeps getting emails asking for further identification, I think the home office have gone mad with immigration and they're making him jump through hoops! He's British but his name is a French spelling so that's possibly causing problems!

Haha yeh I wouldn't want to risk not being thorough and then not liking it 😂. Although I have still given them some freedom to design it how they want. I best not draw an illustration because then if it doesn't turn out how I imagine I'll be disappointed! I'll send you a pic next Friday when it's made 🎂😊.

I don't know if the rabbit was neutered as I was a child/young teen during his life but judging by his antics, I'm guessing not 😂😂.

I'm sure the protests will stop soon but if they don't then yeh we'll perhaps need to think of somewhere else. Some ideas for activities - Bristol Aquarium, boat trip, chocolate factory (Guilberts Chocolates). Is there anything you would like to do? It will need to be somewhere fairly central as we'll be on foot. Hopefully it will be a nice sunny day!

Original poster

unCliche · 31/03/2021 20:23

I did kickstart spotting though 😄

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Original poster

unCliche · 31/03/2021 18:56

Oops! Drank too much. DTD. But wasn't able to kickstart AF! 😱

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Original poster

unCliche · 31/03/2021 16:47

Ok, phew! So it's not great but it could be worse. So at least there's some hope left! I was feeling very sad for you but now I just have to keep my fingers crossed even tighter! Could you go to the GP now with your results and have them put you on the NHS waiting list for IVF since you have a genuine reason for struggling to conceive? So annoying that this all could have been avoided if you were given a proper diagnosis earlier - stomach bug was an easy cop out. This'll probably make you fight for your child to get seen to properly when you take them to the doctors, even if they're mildly unwell.

Oh it must be in the US where you can have like 3 embryos put in. I wonder how my dad's friends managed triplets on IVF in the UK - unless they did it in another country or maybe because they were almost 60. Haha imagine if you transferred like 5 embryos and all of them took! You'd be huge! And you'd have permanent stretch marks too 😂

I only had an AMH test which was 40.5 and dominant follicle size was normal. But that says nothing about my egg quality, which is probably terrible. I can't see any other reason why my progesterone would be low. Unless I'm hormonally broken.

This morning, I was convinced AF was starting/had started. I had very painful AF-like cramps again and a heavy/tingly vulva as if blood was literally flowing out of me. This is day 3 of cramping with no spotting or AF so I reckon it’s just PMS. I’ve decided that CD15 must be when I ovulated so I am 11DPO/CD26 today. AF will start tomorrow but I don’t want it to 😭 When do your AF cramps usually start? On CD1 like a normal person right? Haha yeah! 36.9°C!! You can tell it's been a while since I've temped. I've forgotten what normal body temps look like 😂

😱 Does your DP at least have a signed contract. It would be terrible if they took back the offer! Have they given him any timescales of when he should expect to hear back from them?

Haha! I should have known that your brief would be more detailed! 😂 You're very thorough like that. I'm guessing you have a vision of what you want it to look like? Now you have to draw an illustration so I can see! Then we can compare it to what the baker comes up with 😂😂

Haha you never got your rabbit neutered?

😂😂😂 We weren't intending to go for a Wi-Fi connected washing machine but it just so happened that the cheapest Samsung machine had Wi-Fi connectivity, but it's been really useful being able to get notifications when the wash is finished. Defo invest in one. You'll love it! 😂

Yup Bristol, although with all these protests, we'll have to wait to see if things calm down. What activities are you thinking?

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ButterscotchBabe · 31/03/2021 15:57

Temp rose again this morning so maybe there is hope for this cycle!

From what I've read, over 20 there's no chance of using own eggs, 15-20 low chance, 10-15 not ideal but possible, 5-10 is good, under 5 is best. So I'm borderline between good and not good. I'm gonna ask if they can do a AMH test as apparently that's more accurate of your ovarian reserve. Yeh it most likely is linked to the peritonitis, it makes me so mad because it didn't need to happen. I was seen twice by GPs at home and they both misdiagnosed it as a stomach bug. If I'd been sent to hospital earlier, they would have caught it before it burst and leaked the infection all over my lower organs.

What tests did you have? I remember your egg quantity was very good?

I'm not entirely sure of the purpose of the LH testing but I've read that the ratio between FSH:LH should be 1:1, whereas mine is 2:1 which implies diminished ovarian reserve. Yeh IVF is looking more likely now, unfortunately there are laws around how many embryos they can put in you. If the embryo is good quality then legally they can only put one in, if the embryos are of a lower quality, then they can put two in, two is the maximum. If it was up to me I'd say put them all in and I'll just subject my body to being a host for anything that's willing to grow in it 😂😂.

Submitted SA today, tried to get the results but the receptionist said I'd have to wait until they're sent to the consultant, which can take up to 3 weeks?!! I think that's rubbish and they're just trying to palm people off to save them time. So I'll have to ask when I go for the ultrasound.

How are things with you today? Anymore cramps? Has spotting started? Fingers crossed af stays away! I'm guessing you mean 36.9? I'd be worried if your temp was 39°C 😂😂. Yes it will be very interesting to see what happens, I'm excited for you!

Yeh we already have a food bin, a recycling bin and a black bin. DP is quite environment conscious and I am too, so we make an effort to recycle where possible! It's annoying having to keep up with which bins are being collected on which days though!

DP still hasn't got a start date yet! They're taking ages with all these checks, it's been at least 2 months since the interview, maybe 3.

Yep I just didn't think you'd be allowed to go into the house to use someone's toilet but I've read the guidance and you can go inside, to either, access the garden or use the toilet. So we can stay longer at my Dad's, I'm praying the weather is okay! So the exact brief I gave was:

I'm looking for an 8 inch vanilla sponge, with a casino/vegas look (but without saying Vegas as he hasn't actually been there). He likes gaming, playing poker and is quite partial to a drink! So maybe the cake could have a bottle of champagne on it? I'd like the cake to look quite showy/sparkly so if you're able to incorporate some gold and sparkle that would be great. I'd also like the cake to say 'Happy 50th Birthday Dad'

See if you can get your parents to come over this weekend, the weather is colder next week ☹️.

Aww that's so cute, probably a good job the white rabbit is a pet and not wild! My old rabbit was very tame and calm, although he would constantly hump a football 😂.

Oh that's really handy they took away the old washing machine! Ooh I didn't you could get a washing machine with an app, that's so cool! Saves having to get up and check it 😂. Might have to invest in one of those next time.

Haha yeh sounds good! So are we agreed on Bristol? We could meet around 12, have lunch & drinks and then do an activity afterwards? I guess it will depend on what's open!

Original poster

unCliche · 30/03/2021 20:35

Looks like you did ovulate so that's something. However, I'm so so sorry about your FSH results. I've done some reading around because I don't know what the values mean but from what I understand, anything over 10 isn't great. Is that peri-menopausal? How are you feeling? Did they give you any explanation as to what it all means? And sorry for the questions, you're probably feeling a bit down, but is it linked to the peritonitis?

Progesterone is low like me so I guess high five to that 😅 Your LH is fine from what I've read but I'm confused as to the purpose of measuring LH at the beginning of the cycle. What does the value mean? Glad you don't have to wait ages to discuss a plan forward, two weeks should hopefully fly by. But it's probably looking like IVF will be likely due to your low reserves. If it comes to that, it might be good to have at least 2 embryos transferred so you can have as many kids as quickly as possible. I'd probably go for 3 embryos and hope my body can cope. I'm sorry again. Sending far away hugs 🤗 try and treat yourself to lots of things that make you happy.

With all the cramping, I'm surprised I haven't started bleeding. I cramped terribly today as well, but it seems to have calmed down a bit this evening. Maybe tomorrow the spotting will start, although AF is due tomorrow based on cycle length (as I don't know when I ovulated). So it looks like our next cycles will be so far apart. How are we meant to be cycle twins 😭 I don't think I'm pregnant, I think my DTD timing was off, plus I DTD two days in a row so didn't give DH's sperm time to replenish. I am really looking forward to seeing how much my temps have changed now that I'm no longer on the supplements. I wonder if the progesterone pessaries will finally get my temps above 39.

Yup, they've introduced food bins too, so they really want us to keep waste low and recycle what we can. Have they brought in any low waste measures in your area? Haha omg! Yes! Those oak furnitureland packaging and boxes! Those were the main culprits!

And I absolutely don't want to be one of those women dragged down by the incompetency of their men. I've told him that if he can manage a team and project at work, he can easily manage and figure out house tasks. If it doesn't get done, then it's none of my business. A weekly planner would probably be best tbh. Haha you need to remind your DP of his chores! When does he start his new job?

I think you can meet in gardens. The government website says

You can meet in a group of 6 or a larger group of any size from up to 2 households (including their support bubbles) outdoors. This includes private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, and other outdoor public places and venues that remain open. - link.

So maybe try and spend some more time with your dad. It's his big 50! Such a huge milestone. Half a century 😱 I'd love to see how the cake turns out! You didn't give the cake artist a strict and detailed brief so I'm curious as to what they'll come up with.

Yeaaah! It'll just be my mum and dad coming although it hasn't been confirmed from them so maybe it'll end up being next weekend.

The rabbits have such distinct personalities. Literally right from when they were born. When we brought them home at 8 weeks, white rabbit was the active, boisterous one and grey rabbit was reserved and cautious and they haven't changed! White rabbit would be the first to be eaten in the wild. He'd want to play with his predator! What was your old rabbit like?

I ordered the new washing machine from AO and they have a disconnection/connection/recycle service for £55 so I added that and they took the old one away! Yay! Bye bye mouldy, dirty machine 🤢 good riddance. The new machine is wi-fi connected so I can use the app to set the cycle and check how long is left.

Ah! That's fair enough. I think I vaguely recall having to sign something when I changed roles at my previous company. As long as you have something in writing. Things with work are ok thanks. A bit slow on some days. I'm supposed to be giving a training session this week, but don't think that's happening.

We should start planning our meet up now that things are starting to open up! 👯‍♀️

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ButterscotchBabe · 30/03/2021 18:12

Got a few updates! So temp went up this morning indicating ovulation has happened but progesterone is probably low. Went and had my first progesterone test and this afternoon I called the clinic to ask for my earlier test results (FSH & LH). They were also able to give me today's results!

Day 3 FSH: 10.4
Day 3 LH: 5
4/5DPO Progesterone: 22.7

So the FSH is high for my age and suggests my egg quality and quantity is not good 😭. Progesterone level is low but kinda to be expected if ovulation is not happening properly due to rubbish eggs. So that's quite concerning, when I have my ultrasound on 13th April I'll be able to discuss the results and a treatment plan.

Cramps can also be an early pregnancy sign, you're not out until af arrives! If af does arrive, that will be really exciting when you start taking the progesterone, I wonder how high your temps will rise?!

That's annoying they've replaced your black bin with a tiny one, probably to force people to recycle more. Yeh we have a local recycling center, same it was a lifesaver for us too after our Oak Furnitureland delivery! Soo much packaging and huge boxes!

😂😂😂 That's a great idea to not wash his boxers and socks, hopefully he'll remember to put the laundry on now! I read something recently about how a lot of women suffer a mental drain from (as you say) project managing the home, looking after kids and going to work. There's loads of tasks women do around the house that men don't even think of. Luckily DP is quite good although I think he's given up on the jobs list 😕. Maybe you could try a jobs/chores list for your DH? Or make a weekly planner with who does what, on what day.

Well we're not supposed to go inside, so if my Dad's neighbours saw us they might report him. Unfortunately his garden is surrounded by other properties that can easily see in. Yeh sucks it's not in Greece, I've ordered him a birthday cake though so hopefully that will come out well! The brief I gave was casino style with gold and sparkle ⭐🎂🎰. Will it be your parents coming round this weekend? Hopefully they won't mention babies again!

Aww it's very cute when rabbits lick! He must like the taste of you 😂. Haha that's funny the grey rabbit is more cautious and reserved, they have personalities just like humans 😊.

Ah that sucks about the washing machine, are you gonna take it to the tip? Problem is they're so big and heavy, will you need to hire a van?

I don't need to sign a new contract as I'm already a permanent employee, they'll just update my details on the system to the new role. However I should get a letter confirming my new permanent position 🙂. Are things going well with your job apart from that woman?

Original poster

unCliche · 30/03/2021 09:56

Uh oh! Your temps really aren't doing too great. How are you feeling generally? Any of the usual twinges? You can't get a period but you can get breakthrough bleeding. Only question is when will it come. Could be in a few days or weeks from now. I think not ovulating won't stop them from doing all the investigations. Don't worry too much about that. It's not a normal cycle but your cycle has been changing from month to month so that's something to be investigated.

I've been super crampy since yesterday which means AF is definitely coming 😭 I haven't started spotting but I'll expect to today. Boobs were so achy yesterday as well. Yes, I'm going to do the next cycle properly. I'll start taking temps and using OPKs again then once ovulation is confirmed, I'll take the progesterone!! I bet I'm going to get all these crazy new symptoms and think I'm pregnant 😂

Haha every time I vacuum clean, I always do the sofa too. I put on the brush head attachment thing and vacuum all the surfaces and in between the cracks but right now, our sofa is very crumby too.

We're just throwing away mostly junk now. They've replaced our huge black wheelie bin with one that's tiny so not much can fit into it so we're going to have to take most things to the recycling centre. I'll also take some clothes that I need to throw away. Do you have a local recycling centre? That place was a lifesaver for us when we bought our furniture because we had huge boxes and lots of polystyrene to dispose of.

It's nice that you've split the chores. I'd like to think DH did his equal share but I have to tell him what to do or else it won't get done. But I've told him recently that I'm not the project manager of the house and it's not my job to delegate tasks to him, and he's actually doing stuff without being told now. I rewarded him by washing his boxers and socks when I did the laundry. Last time I did the laundry, I washed everything but his boxers and socks and he ran out of boxers and was forced to wash them himself 😂😂😂😂

I'd probably have to be careful of those old ladies. They'd definitely be the ones to report us. Proper curtain twitchers I imagine. Aww your dad's birthday! Shame it's not happening in Greece! Can't you use the toilet at your dads?

The bunnies are doing great! We only let them out when we're in the room with them so there hasn't been much damage. Yesterday white rabbit was licking me!!! I was so chuffed!! Because it means we have a bond and he loves me!!!!!! Eeeeee I'm loved!! Grey rabbit still hides away but I think it's because he's very cautious about getting in trouble. When white rabbit kept getting in trouble with us, grey rabbit stopped him from leaving the pen for days 😂😂 I'm thinking about getting a cat as well.

I bought a new washing machine yesterday. It arrives today. The old owner left their washing machine and tumble-dryer because we paid £50 for each of them but the washing machine is so dirty I felt literally sick putting my clothes in there. I might wash them again once the new machine arrives 🤢

Have you started signing contracts for your new job?

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 29/03/2021 20:03

Temp was low this morning so I've definitely not ovulated, no idea if my af will still come at the usual time. Can you get a period if you haven't ovulated?? Yep my progesterone levels will definitely be low but this is unusual, so I don't want them to think this cycle is the norm, or they may not bother with other investigations.

That's a good point about bank holiday, I hadn't thought of that!

Try not to feel too sad if af arrives, keep your spirits high and look forward to the bank holiday weekend 🥂🌞😎. Are you gonna use your progesterone prescription next cycle? I think you should, it might be just the help you need!

Haha! That's funny your DH's work voice annoys you 😂. When DP is on the phone he's really loud and I'm only sat a meter away from him, so that can get annoying 😂. Yeh most the time we eat together, because the kitchen table is being used for sewing and the dining table is being used as a desk, we eat on the sofa. There's probably loads of crumbs under the cushions!

That will be nice once you've dropped off stuff at the recycling center, is it mostly boxes from the move or have you had a clear out of things? Always feels better after having a clear out 😊. With chores DP does the laundry and washing up, I do the cooking and we both do the cleaning. Does your DH do his equal share around the house?

Be careful neighbours don't see you letting family/friends inside, if anyone reports you, you could end up with a fine. Lol well he can't not invite you as you'll be in the house! Yeh we've hosted a few gatherings, hopefully we'll be able to this summer. It's my Dad's birthday next weekend so we're gonna go round his but it's a 2 hour round trip, so we can only stay for 1 hour else we'll need the loo!

How are the bunnies finding their new home, have they settled in now? Hope they haven't damaged anything else!

Original poster

unCliche · 29/03/2021 10:19

How are your temps today? Did they get any higher? An anovulatory cycle would be unfortunate and if that is the case, then good timing having your appointment right around the corner. You can ask about it and it will also add to your case for clomid. Definitely a good cycle for that progesterone test. It might be your lowest progesterone levels yet, which again would add to your case for clomid!

I'm looking forward to this week for you! It's definitely a busy one but it's the start of a step in the right direction. Hopefully you can get all your results at the end of the week. Just be mindful it's a bank holiday on Friday so they might be really busy due to less staff or something.

I think AF will be starting soon for me. Every time I wipe, there's always some EWCM on the tissue so my progesterone must be tanking in preparation for AF. Today is CD24 and my cycle averages 25/26 days so I'll be starting any day now. It feels like such a quick cycle! I guess because it's been a busy month for me. Even though I didn't do much this cycle, I think I'd still be sad if AF came.

Sweeteners do have a weird taste, almost artificial (since they are 😂) I'd probably try to find something natural before trying the artificial. Sometimes I make pancakes with honey. It takes a lot to make them sweet though!

Ah, DH and I couldn't work in the same room. He's always on the phone. Plus his work voice annoys me so much. I don't want him in the living room either because he tends to eat where he works and then plates, mugs, cups, cutlery and crumbs start piling up! I'd rather he made his mess on the dining table. Do you and your DP eat all meals together?

Yeah, she is someone I can mostly ignore, thankfully! Ha! I want to say poor woman but it looks like the better person got the job! Well done 😂 At least you know her time at the company is numbered, even if her contract has been extended. Plus you're clearly better at what you do than she is so obviously she hasn't been able to undermine you 😁

Lazy weekends here too! It is kind of hard to find new things to do though 😅 but I don't mind! I like lazy. We have another trip planned to the recycling centre for Thursday so we'll finally be able to get rid of the rest of the mess and make our house tidier. We also have clothes piling up so I'll need to get one with the laundry. How do you guys split up chores?

We're hoping my family can visit this weekend, although I don't expect it will be outdoors - too cold for that. I might reach out to friends as well to see if we can meet up or something. I really want to host someone/people in the new house! DH is having a boys night here this week but I'm not invited because I'm a girl. #EverydaySexism. I told him to take the rabbits since they're boys too. Did you ever host gatherings before covid?

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 28/03/2021 18:41

I think a lack of ovulation pain and low temps means ovulation hasn't happened properly. I put creamy cm for today but it was a mix between creamy and watery, more like milky. I've done another OPK today and it was negative. No more twinges today, although the ones yesterday were only very mild. Probably a good cycle to have the progesterone tests, I think they'll definitely come back low. Gonna go on Tue and Thu, so that will be 4/5DPO and 6/7 DPO.

DP has his SA on Wed, so on Fri I'm gonna call the clinic and ask for all the results of the tests we've had.

That's good your sore boobs have started, at least you know things are still working! So you're around 4 days ahead of me, as you have longer luteal phases, our cycles might end up closer on the next one! Yeh probably best to leave the progesterone test for when you definitely know the date of ovulation, or you might get an inaccurate result.

I've never made a cake with sweeteners instead of sugar, have you? Just thinking it might taste a bit odd but maybe worth a try!

Hmm yeh you definitely want to make your work space as comfortable as possible, you don't want to end up with back ache or eye/neck strain. It might be worth taking it in turns with your DH to use the dining table. DP will work in the office with me, it's only an issue if we're both on the phone, which luckily doesn't happen too often!

Will you have to have dealings with that woman again or is she someone you can largely ignore? Yes there's a horrible woman in my team, our organisation is tough on bullying so she's very sly, calculated and untrustworthy. She keeps trying to undermine me but she wasn't successful at securing the permanent role 😂😂. Unfortunately my boss has extended her temporary contract as there's still lots of work to do.

Weekend is going okay thanks, I seem to have got into the habit of having lazy weekends! Have you been up to much?

Restrictions are loosened tomorrow and allow 6 people to meet outdoors, are you planning on meeting anyone? We haven't got any plans yet but we'll go to the pub when they open on 12th April 😊.

Original poster

unCliche · 28/03/2021 13:51

Really strange about your temps, but it could be a really slow rise. You have the usual post-ovulation creamy CM so that's at least one good sign. Maybe keep taking OPKs just in case you haven't ovulated yet though. Are you still feeling ovarian twinges? Hmm, CD19 and then CD20 ovulation - it's definitely getting longer. Maybe your body is finally settling down after the pill, especially as your LP was longer last cycle.

I finally got sore boobs yesterday evening, so I'm assuming I ovulated CD16 (and not on CD14/CD15 when I was getting the ovarian pain) and assuming yesterday was 6DPO, so today I could be 7 - 9DPO! I haven't really thought about doing the progesterone test, I think I'll leave it for when I'm actually paying attention to my cycle.

Yeah, it'll be safer booking the SA for when AF is due as then he can save up as much semen as possible. They recommended not ejaculating for 2-5 days and we only did a 2 day break so this time I'll aim for at least 4 days.
And now it's time for your DP to abstain! A few more days to go. At least you can start to feel that something is happening!

Ok, so they take male BMI into consideration where you are. I wonder why there's such a nationwide discrepancy in rules. I like that the age limit is 40 though, much better for the older ladies who'll be feeling like they're running out of time. It might be worth going back to your GP and showing them the guidelines. You may find that you can get all your treatment on the NHS once your GP is aware. Sad that it's 2 years of trying to be eligible for IVF - it's the same in Berkshire. I haven't reached the one year stage and I'm already fed up 😂

Right?? How horrible would it be if someone else had your child while you still struggled to conceive one. Nightmare!

Haha there must be some sugar substitutes you can use for cakes. Like agave nectar or something. This recipe uses something called Xylitol.

Sofa working isn't very comfy. My knees start feeling achy and I'd prefer to be able to stretch them out but it's harder with a laptop in your lap. When your DP starts working, which room would he use?

This is the first time we've ever spoken so I was a bit taken aback. I have no intention of ever talking with her again. Anything she wants to say, she can put it in an email or go through my boss. Do you have any terrible colleagues?

Ha! Probably! 😂 I'll make a good show of having a good time and pretend I can't hear when the doorbell rings 😂

How's your weekend going?

OP posts:

ButterscotchBabe · 28/03/2021 12:32

My temps are so rubbish FF hasn't picked up ovulation. Something's clearly gone wrong this cycle! How you doing today? Anymore symptoms?

ButterscotchBabe · 27/03/2021 17:36

So the earliest I've ovulated is CD15, I've had a CD16 and a few CD17's but it does seem to be getting later, last cycle it was CD20! At least the eggs have definitely had enough time to mature but it's annoying having a longer cycle. So this is the first time I don't know which side I've ovulated on, yesterday I got a very quick sharp pain on the left but then today I've had some very mild twinges on the right. So could be either 🤷. Normally I get a lot of pain on one side that lasts days, so it's really obvious which side ovulated. There's also the possibility I haven't ovulated.

Yeh I was worried if I had a late ovulation it might be too close to his SA! It's probably best if you book it in for when your af arrives, if you plan for your LP and then ovulate late, it could get too close!

I have seen some ladies on here saying they normally got boob pain but didn't in the cycle they got their BFP, so there is hope! Of course could just be symptoms up to there usual tricks!

Just read the CCG criteria for Devon, the female must be under 40 and have a BMI between 19-30, the male BMI under 30. They fund 1 IVF cycle and 1 frozen embryo transfer (FET). It also says patients can be referred sooner than 1 year if they are 36 or older, or if they have existing known factors that affect fertility. Which I do because of the peritonitis, so it was wrong of the GP I spoke to, to refuse to refer me until we'd been trying a year 😠. It also said for IVF the couple need to have been trying for 2 years, unless there are known factors that make becoming pregnant naturally impossible. So when you go to your GP it might be worth saying you've been trying for a year and a half! Definitely check the full details of what your area will fund.

I don't feel comfortable donating my eggs, I think we'd only consider it if we ran out of money. But even then I'd hate it if someone else had my baby and I couldn't have one.

Sugar free cakes 😱😱 they wouldn't be worth making 😂😂.

I sit at a desk in our office, I connect my laptop to a monitor which makes it much easier to see. I'm sat on a dining chair though which hurts my back after a few hours. How comfy do you find it working on the sofa? Yeh that would be good if you could create a table to work off.

That's awful, I hope you told her where to stick her unwarranted opinions! I think sometimes male Managers don't quite understand how women can be towards each other.

I wonder if those old women have caused hassle for anyone else in the neighborhood. You know if you ever have a party, they'll be the first ones to complain!