9DPO Symptom Spotting

Hellloooooo!!

Yeaaah! My temps are super low. They're now sort of hovering. I'm looking forward to seeing what my temp rise will be like after ovulation. I have EWCM today, so I'm estimating a CD13/14 ovulation. My only concern with SI is my progesterone levels. If they end up higher this cycle, I'll have to let the consultant know that I was taking SI to help boost my hormones 😆

Have you started temping? It's nice to take a break from temping now and again. But I am glad I have a bracelet that does it for me because then I can have lie-ins if I want 😜

Don't laugh, but I tested the pH of my EWCM today. It was about 5/6. I guess slightly acidic is normal, but I'd ideally need it to be around 7. I came across something called baking soda finger and it intrigued me about my pH levels so I bought litmus paper 😂😂 DH has low sperm count and I don't want to be killing them off before they even have a chance! Have you heard of baking soda finger before?

Yes, I take the aspirin everyday. Although I didn't do much research beforehand. However, I don't think it'll kill me!! I'm really against taking medication quite frequently but if it helps me this month and I get a baby, then it'll be worth it!

If your tubes needed to be removed then you'd have no choice but to have IVF and they'd definitely have to finally put you on the NHS waiting list!!!

The rabbits finished the grass! So I had to move their hutch and enclosure over today. Our grass has grown really long so I'll use them as our natural lawn mower! How are your bunny boys coping with the heat?

After the scan, I'll have an initial consultation, if we're ready to go ahead then we pay a deposit there and then. Then I'll have a treatment consultant and I think I pay the rest then. My initial consultation is on 8th June, so next Monday!!! Eeeeeee!! Important decisions will be made very soon!

I'm not sure how I feel about people knowing about IVF. I guess it makes me feel empowered and that there's nothing to be ashamed off. Haha aww your brother probably wouldn't have understood the full extent of it but it must have felt good for you getting it off your chest?

Yes, we still defo need to meet up regardless of when/if I have IVF!! Especially since the weather is amazing too. It would be a shame to miss out on some sun.

Yup, DH is still working from home. He's always super busy and super stressed though. Glad to hear they're giving your DP lots to do! It'll help him get familiar with everything and everyone quickly. How's work for you?

Sorry to hear about your pain! Are you ok now?? is gallstones something you suffer with? Definitely take things easy. It's so easy to get ill in this heat!

My weekend was chill. We've been doing loads in the garden, especially as it's finally stopped raining. We even bought an electric concrete breaker!!!!

Anyway, must dash. Need to help DH in the garden. I haven't had time to proof read so please excuse any grammatical errors!!

Sorry about AF and how painful it was. I'm pleased it got better for you, it would have been terrible being in pain while having to pay attention at the wedding venue. And congrats on choosing the venue! That's such good news and now that that's out of the way, everything else will slowly start falling into place. You must be so excited! An embryo transfer after the honeymoon sounds like the equivalent of a honeymoon baby - such a good idea but I'll still keep my fingers crossed for a pregnancy before October! Is the fluid in your tube removable? If so, would you be able to conceive naturally then? I'm just thinking it might be the quickest way to get pregnant if the NHS waiting list is long.

Today I'm CD9 and I'll be taking my last dose of soy iso. I've already been getting sharp pains in both ovaries. I keep checking for EWCM but I don't think my body is ready yet. Either way, I'll be starting OPKs today. DH and I have already DTD CD7 so if my body surprises me with an early ovulation, then I'm somewhat covered. My temps have dropped loads since taking SI. I couldn't temp on CD7 because I was impromptu in Brighton but my temp still fell some more today.

Brighton was good. One of my cousins is studying there so we met up with him and his friend in the evening and went for food. It was good to get away for a bit. I had to ask for a last minute day off but my boss was fine with it. I was also really worried about my pets, woke up at 3am with worry, because we hadn't planned on being away for two days and I hadn't prepared enough food for them but when we got back, they were all still alive with loads of food available!

It's probably a lot worse with covid where the only places you can travel are within the UK. And travelling to the coast must be the equivalent of a holiday abroad right now. Good thing you weren't caught up in the traffic, it was horrible!

Your MRI will definitely happen in June. July is ages away. Definitely keep pushing with this whole payment situation though. I still think you need to either have a call or receive an email detailing exactly what is meant by the wording of the form. Also ask them the steps you'd need to take to get on the NHS waiting list.

My scan is in 5 days!! I just hope my ovaries don't look too polycystic. Maybe I'll have two dominant follicles since I'm feeling it in both sides. I made sure to start the soy on CD5 so that I didn't produce anymore follicles, and only matured the ones I already have. I hope my ovulation is stronger this cycle.

The party went well! The ex and his gf were there. I think they must have been super nervous but I went up to them, said hello, gave them both hugs and chatted for a bit. DH also chatted to my ex for quite a while as they had similar jobs and it was all cordial and I think it really helped dissolve any potential tension. I spoke to his gf quite a bit too, didn't want her feeling threatened. In the end, it was a peaceful atmosphere and we didn't make it weird for everyone. I saw a lot of my old uni friends for the first time in a long time too. It was great! Told the ladies I'm getting IVF. DH disclosed his low sperm count himself but it was all pretty chill. Just a good day with good people.

Depending on when I start IVF, 24th July might be fine or it might not. My July AF will be due 13th July and egg collection/embryo transfer may fall on a day around then. But let's see what happens! Put us down as a tentative yes!

Yay that's amazing! How's he finding the job so far?

Awwww!! Were they binkying lots? I think our rabbits are loving it outside. They seem fine and happy to be left alone. Not sure if we should give them away to someone who'll give them more attention, but knowing my rabbits, I think they'd hate that.

Any plans for tomorrow? I'm so pleased I'm having a 3 day week. Might just do the bare minimum at work and have a chill week 😁

That sucks to hear, did AF eventually start? The good news is your LP has been pretty steady at 10 days which is just about enough for implantation, so that's really good progress.

Next week's scan should be interesting. I wonder how many follicles I have growing at the moment. I've taken that Friday off so I'll be able to relax and leave early in case there's traffic. Today was horrible with traffic. DH and I went to Brighton yesterday, decided whilst we were there we would stay the night so we got a hotel. It was all very last minute and returning back today was an absolute nightmare. Seems like everybody was on the road. Do you have any plans for the bank holiday weekend?

I had to cancel today's blood test because I wasn't in Reading so now it'll be done around 5DPO (if I ovulate CD14) which is better for a progesterone test but it depends on when I ovulate. I might call in and try to push it back 2 days so at least if I ovulate late, I'm still within the right time frame. Anything else happening with you and your tests? Did you manage to dispute not being put on NHS funding?

What would be an ideal date to push the wedding back to? I think up until September will be nice. With having a March wedding, we were lucky we didn't get rain. I bought a white/clear umbrella just in case! I think winter would be risking it because you'd have to take pics in the freezing cold. But if the venue is nice and picturesque indoors, it might be worth it.

I know he has a girlfriend so I imagine he'll be coming with her. I don't want her feeling awkward either so I'll probably be very open and chatty with her. Maybe complement her on how pretty she is because she is! People say she looks like me so he must have a type 😂😂😂 but I think she's definitely prettier. Or maybe she does her make up better than I do because I'm useless at it! In my situation, what would you do?

Yeah the cycles are really flying by. I'm so glad you have something fun and lovely to distract you. Constantly thinking about TTC can get so consuming. Sometimes I find myself looking at obese or old women with young kids and I'm just like, how did they manage it, what am I doing wrong? But at this point, who knows the struggles they went through..

Aww yeaaaah! Thanks for the invite, it'll definitely be a awesome to celebrate your 30th with you! Send all the details and I'll speak to DH about it!

How's your DH's job? Has he recieved everything now? Does he have a start date?

Your LP might be longer than 10 days this cycle. You're already at 9DPO and you don't have spotting so you definitely have another two days before you start. I count my AF days as proper red flow. So today (CD5) would be a spotting day but I won't count it as it's more diluted blood. I used to have shorter AFs when I first started TTC, like 2 or 3 days, it was probably because of the vitamins. I'm glad it's a bit longer again because before TTC I used to easily have 6 days of AF.

I'm just taking whatever at this point. I'll cover my bases with the aspirin because it probably won't hurt. And too late! Already taken my first dose of soy iso. I want to see if I'll have a stronger ovulation and a longer LP.

Eeeek! You have a preliminary date!!! 2nd July 💕 So exciting!! The venue is lovely. Very idyllic 😍 You'll get gorgeous pics at this one too! Take loads of pics when you visit. It'll help when it comes to planning! How does your DP feel about the venue?

The vendors/suppliers came from all over the place to be honest! Most were able to travel within a certain radius. My videographers came from quite far, I think Ipswich, but they regularly shoot weddings in London so they didn't charge me extra to get to Hampshire. It's up to you if you choose vendors local to you or local to the venue. Just depends on whose work you love and if they'll travel.

Hahaha! We're Tesco shoppers too but we've also visited Morrisons a few times. I also find Morrisons sometimes doesn't have what we're looking for but they also have some products that we can't find in Tesco. But I like Tesco anyway as it has most things.

Yes, DH will be there but it doesn't have to be awkward! Everyone who knows me knows he's my ex. We were together 5 years and engaged to be married 😅 I don't want to avoid him or else it'll be really weird so I just want to act normal around him.

How are you finding life with the rabbits. Are they supporting your emotional needs? They must be a good distraction for you 💕 I'm always contemplating a second cat but we were so lucky with Aski with how gentle and well behaved she is. I don't want to risk it and bring home a naughty cat. We let her out today and she escaped from the garden to the front of the house and ran through 2 neighbour's front gardens. I started chasing her and she eventually stopped to let me pick her up. We've now blocked her exit to the front of the house and left her to play in the garden for a while then she came in by herself!

I've bought some low dose aspirin (75mg) and soy isofalvones (which will arrive tonight and I'll take from CD5 - CD9). Might as well try these 🤷‍♀️

Also, a friend is celebrating their 30th on the weekend (the other one who also had a baby) and my long term ex is a mutual friend and he'll be there and now I'm imagining all these scenarios in my head! Trying to think about all the best ways to not make it awkward, like pretending he's a long time friend and being all happy to see him and keen to catch up 😅

Oh poo. Did your temp go back up today? It might not be a short LP. Do you have any spotting or AF symptoms today?

My AF has continued to behave itself. I think I'll be finished by tomorrow so it might be 4 days long. This cycle, I'm thinking about taking baby aspirin (although I don't know where to get it from!) and also self-inseminating instead of DTD. It probably won't cure a low sperm count but maybe it'll get more sperm past my cervix.

If I'd kept my original appointment, I would be having my scan today, but instead I went to a team meal with my colleagues. I haven't seen them in ages so it was good to reconnect with everyone.

My cousins survived without toys. Poor Aski though. They wouldn't leave her alone, she kept hiding from them. She'd go under the bed and wouldn't come out. Eventually she did warm towards the older one but I guess the little one was just too unpredictable for her.

Ah, I see. I would prefer separate rooms too tbh. Keep searching! It's the most important part so you want to get it right! Are you just looking within Devon? Since it's just a one day event, it might be worth considering further out. DH and I got married an hour away in Hampshire and many people from around the South East (and even further) were able to make it.

I'll probably start treatment in July. The clinic we went to for our investigations dated DH's SA Jan 2020 instead of 2021. So in a way it confirms our "we started trying in Jan 2020" story but abc definitely won't accept the results because it "isn't within a year", so he'd have to do another SA, which is fine I suppose because I'm curious as to where he is. Have you guys given up on getting your DP's SA?

Aski is doing really well thanks. Her wound looks non-exisitent. She's healed up pretty fast. I took off her recovery shirt today and she gave herself a proper groom. Yesterday, once again, she had poop stuck to her fur 😷

We mostly shop in store too but we're pretty rubbish at it because we don't plan beforehand, we just notice there's no food in the house and get whatever happens to fall into our hands. I'm sure you're the really organised type though! You probably know how many of each item you need and all the meals you're going to cook with them.

In the grand scheme of things 6 months isn't too far away, so even if you have to wait that long at least now that shops and places are open, you'll have plenty to do to keep you busy. And you won't have to be pregnant in lockdown! So you can go to all the pregnancy and baby activities of your choosing.

Haha aww! They're still little babies! But good to know that they're both boys! During lockdown, we had to wait in the car while the vets came and took the pets away, but now we can go inside with them. Maybe in a few more weeks they'll start allowing the humans in too at your vets. But glad to hear it all went well and your boys and nice and healthy!

It was nice! My dad's brother, his wife and two kids (5 and 9) came to stay. You should try keeping kids entertained! All we had was netflix and internet. The little one even asked for toys! 😂

Wow! That hotel is gorgeous. In the summer it would be stunning with the sea just in front of it. If you DP prefers this one and you don't mind either, then maybe just got for it so that you're both happy. We didn't actually view a lot of venues. We say the one we wanted online, the pics looked amazing, we viewed it and that was that - we loved it! DH was very much aligned with a lot of things I liked so it definitely helped when we had to make decisions together.

Now that you have the letter, I'd call them and ask them to explain exactly what is meant so that there are no misunderstandings. Since consultations is plural, it suggests that more than one will be covered by the NHS.

My sleep has been great. Good to know it's been good for you too. I think once I start the IVF, it'll get disrupted from all the nerves. I just hope I can start with my next AF. I have 8/9 days between my initial consultation and AF starting so it might be cutting it close and I'd have to start in July. Not sure if we should bother TTC this cycle. Might as well...

You'll definitely be pregnant by then! Maybe even heavily so! But you've waited so long for both that being pregnant on your wedding day would be a double blessing!

Much better thank you! Not sure why it was so painful before it started, because once it got going, I had no menstrual cramps. My AFs are generally pain free, not sure if that's a good or bad thing though.

Your temps literally flew back up! It's looks really good. How does it compare to your past charts? Are these your highest temps yet?

IVF is back on the table! Scan is now 4th June (on CD14 so I'll probably be ovulating!) and consultation is 8th June. So I'm now 4 days behind my original appointment. I'll probably have to start the IVF in my July cycle though.

I think it'll be a 10 day LP. I was expecting a gush of blood when I got out of bed this morning but it hasn't quite started yet. Just normal AF coloured blood when I wipe but nothing on my pad yet, so it's definitely starting, but just really really slowly! You've had cycles where you've had a dip at 5DPO, so I wouldn't worry about It. It should go back up again. Good luck with the rabbits!

AF is here!

Also, the pic wasn't from the Sims although it does look like it 😂😂 I found it on google images. And I'm contemplating hiring help. Let's see how it goes!

We got really really lucky! It would have been an expensive job that wouldn't fix the problem at all! And I can't believe the roofers didn't let us know it wasn't a roof related leak! I'm shocked!! Everyone's just out to make dishonest money!

Regarding abc, DH wants us to wait a couple of months to build up a bit of a cash pillow then maybe in the summer we can start. So at least it isn't 6 months away anymore.

Haha you're the 3rd person who has had a dream that I was pregnant. I suppose it'll happen eventually then! I think AF is starting anyway. Saw a speck of brown when I wiped. Now for some reason, I have this ache in my lower back, which goes down into my bum and side. I can barely stand up straight or walk! It's going to be one of those AFs 😫 so uncomfortable 😭😭 I think I might cry.

I'm not too far behind you! I'll soon be at cycle 11, then 12, then 18. FML 😂😂

You definitely made the right call making a decision on the spot but I definitely agree that it was a tough decision, especially when you weren't in the right frame of mind to think through everything there and then. It would be unfortunate if you'd have to go back to self funded but I think you should really fight to stay on the NHS even if that means putting you at the bottom of the list. They know there's an issue so there should be no reason why they'd make you start the process all over again through your GP.

Nice! It's defo your highest 4DPO temp compared to the past 3 cycles! Hopefully you'll get your highest ever temps and LP this cycle. Your temps are pretty steady too. Are you sleeping better?

Yeah DH does help out with the garden, especially with the heavy lifting. It's nice doing things together with him. We really work well together and we're very much aligned so he's someone I enjoy as a team mate as well as a husband. You must be looking forward to calling your DP your husband? Do you have any dates in mind?

Wooow that venue is gorgeous 😍 You'd be able to get amazing pics! The venue your DP likes, is it as nice as this one?

Call the venue you want to use for your bday, then they'd have no choice but to talk to you.

Actually cat vet bills are cheaper than rabbits. I think because rabbits are more niche/specialist it costs more. I paid loads to get my boys neutered, I paid much less to have Aski spayed and microchipped - and this was at the same vets! Even insuring Aski is cheaper. Rabbits are medically expensive 😂😂😂

I'm in so much pain 😭😭 My achy back. This has never happened before 😭😭😭😭

Just had a damp specialist come in to do a survey of the house. We have a leaking pipe under the floorboards but the insurance company can sort it out. He also checked the roof and all is fine! No leakages! The leak isn't coming from the roof!!! It's coming from where the wind is blowing the rain in above the window! So these roofers quoting us thousands weren't even needed!!!!! It cost us £140 to get the specialist in and he's just saved us thousands! All we need to do is have the gutters cleaned 😂😂😂 all that and I don't even have an ivf appointment to show for it. At least we know what needs to be done. Our roof is fine! Gosh!!!

Haha aww!! That would have been nice but a pregnancy is looking unlikely this cycle. Two days of falls almost certainly means AF is coming soon!! Oh well, at least I tried. Onto cycle 10!

😂😂😂 Who would have thought we would go through some many 9DPOs! There's no way I would have imagined I'd still be here 9 cycles later. I wonder when it'll finally happen for us...

It was a pretty comprehensive survey. We paid for the most expensive one, especially because of issues like this!! I'll have to research into claiming against a surveyor. It's definitely annoying and we could have saved ourselves £££ on the house price. We got a 3rd quote yesterday for £4500, which we can afford straight away so we'll go with that contractor. Luckily it means we maybe be able to afford IVF sooner, however DH still wants that emergency fund first!!!

It's good that you'll have a consultation to ask all the questions you want to ask. At least by the time it comes around, they'll have a good overall picture of your reproductive system so you'd be more informed. Did you manage to sort out the NHS funding?

I probably won't bother testing this cycle unless my LP somehow manages to be longer than 12 days. How are your temps today? Still rising up?

I think the blood test is on the system but walk-in blood tests have stopped for now because of covid. I'll just have to plan my blood tests for my next 7DPO and CD3. I'll only have to wait about a month. In the meantime, I have no choice but to keep TTC. I thought starting with abc was the respite I needed but looks like I'll have to keep DTD for a while longer 😪😭

To cut their claws, wrap them up in a blanket so they can't move. Their claws will stick out of the fabric and just cut it through there 😂😂😂 When mine were younger, they hated being picked up, but now they're impartial to it. They don't kick and flap around anymore when I pick them up but sometimes they will make me chase them until they finally submit! But they usually always let me pick them up.

I went through a lot of wipes and used a wet flannel to get her clean. She's much better now and less smelly. I think she's done most of the cleaning herself. Once her wound has healed, I'll give her a bath! Good that the rabbits poops are hard balls. Nice and healthy! Don't be surprised if you see some that are softer. Those are called cecotropes and they eat them to reabsorb the nutrients 🤢 They might even eat them out of each others bums 🤢🤢🤢

So for the garden, what I'm thinking is the following:

1. cut down remaining/unwanted trees/plants
2. clear the ground of large rocks, stones and debris
3. demolish the pond (I can't wait. I hate it!)
4. mow the lawn and use a tiller to break up the earth
5. level the garden
6. sow slow growing grass seeds
7. enjoy my new garden!

And somewhere between steps 1 and 7, we'll need to install new steps to the bottom half of the garden and also add some planters to either side of the steps. Something like in the attached photo.

The cleaner cancelled on us! So DH and I started with the cleaning ourselves last night. I'll finish off with the hoovering and cleaning the bathroom today. Fun!

Eeeeeee!! So good to hear you're continuing with the wedding planning. That is so awesome! What sort of venue is it?? What else have you started planning again? Will you be getting insurance for your rabbits? My boys are insured but I'm seriously thinking about whether it's even necessary. They're completely healthy and thrive outdoors amongst the bugs and the bacteria 😂