Ttc June/July 26

Exactly! A good friend of ours has just had their second baby at 42, they had their first at 40, so that definitely gives us hope. I’m just hoping I’ve still got some decent-quality eggs left! 🙈
I’ve actually booked a private scan for next week.

They’re going to check the shape of my uterus and look for things like fibroids, endometriosis, polycystic ovaries and ovarian cysts, so hopefully that’ll give me a bit more reassurance.

A little bit of POAS! 😂😂 Bless you! I honestly don't have the brain capacity for that – it would stress me out far too much. I just wait for my period. Annoyingly, I get such strong PMS symptoms that I usually know at least two days before she's about to make an appearance, which is so frustrating! Although you always hear stories of women saying they were convinced their period was coming and then it never did... I'm not sure that'll be me though, I'm so in tune with my body!

I don't really understand the whole temperature or cervix tracking side of things. Are either of them actually good indicators? Hopefully you've got a positive on the way! 🤞

And don't worry, TTC makes us all a little bit delulu. 😂 Every month I convince myself I've timed everything perfectly, so surely this has to be the month... and then nothing. That's why I've got to the point where I'm more "oh well" than "what if", if that makes sense!

When are you planning to test next, and when is your period due?

It been nice talking to someone on the exact same journey, and same number of cycles, so thanks 😊

Ditto 💕It helps to talk to people going through the same thing, I don't want to start talking to my friends about it because you get well meaning busy bodies asking for updates and that makes me more stressed out. 😂

Good luck with your private scan and let me know how you get on! I don't do BBT because it's too stressful. I was overanalysing every temp and a slight temp drop after ovulation would ruin my whole day. My fitbit does tell me if my temp goes up or down but it's not an exact temp, just whether it's higher or lower than the last 30 days on average so it's pretty useless for cycle tracking. I probably wouldn't bother cervix tracking either, as I'm finding out it moves around and changes texture all the time as so far it's been pretty meaningless for me 😂Basically, there's plenty of measures for stressing yourself out and overanalsing your body but none of them have much impact on the end result lol.

I'm due on Monday/Tuesday, I took a sensitive test this morning at 11dpo and it was blank negative so pretty sure I'm out. It sounds bad but I'm not really that bothered by negative tests anymore. I had to stop early testing before cause I'd get so worked up but now it doesn't bother me so much, I just like to know where I stand and also that I can have a guilt free glass of wine with my friends tonight. I really think it helps so much that it's summer and there's stuff going on every weekend. I don't know about you but I found it so much harder in winter with fewer distractions.

When are you due on? We had our first GP appt and had tests ordered yesterday so I also feel less pressured knowing that it's kind of out of our hands now and if nothing happens at least we're getting some medical support.

Ha, I know exactly what you mean! Friends of ours have just had their second baby and joked that we've got some catching up to do. They meant well, but it's hard when we're already doing everything we can. It's especially frustrating because we know they struggled to conceive their first and eventually needed IVF themselves.

How are you feeling today? Any sign of your period, and have you done any more tests? It's great that you've managed to get those tests booked, they'll either give you some reassurance or hopefully pick up anything early if there is an issue.

My partner was quite worried about his semen analysis, but I just kept saying we're in this together and we'll deal with whatever life throws at us. Our IVF paperwork arrived last week, which made everything feel very real. We're going to send it off today. In a way, it's reassuring knowing there's a backup plan if we need it.

I'm due on Wednesday or Thursday, which is really bad timing for my scan. If my period arrives, I'll have to reschedule the appointment. 😣 I also have my usual PMS symptoms, bloated and cramping so I think I’m out!

Hey! I totally missed this. I'm so sorry to hear about your MMC. How are you getting on now? And what cycle are you on?

For the first few months I was completely obsessed, Googling and overthinking every little symptom, so you're definitely not alone. 😅

It's such a hard process, but I've realised I just have to be patient. Even if you do everything "right", there's still no guarantee it'll happen that month. In so many ways, it's just the luck of the draw.

For sure, trying to keep that positive mental attitude! AF arrived for me yesterday so that’s me starting cycle 4 after my MMC. I’m coping ok but I think the sense of lost time is tough, knowing that I was so close but am back to the endless cycle of trying. Above anything else I’m having to relearn patience, and to trust the process!

Sorry for the radio silence. I did get my period and I tend to take a break from the forums when I do so that I can try not to get too consumed in it all. I normally hop on again after ovulation but I'm back early. I've been feeling ok about everything the last few months but having a down day today. I'm due to ovulate in a few days. I had my first set of blood tests done and they were all normal. I then have to do the 21 days tests the week after next. I also requested a gluten allergy test so that will be done at the same time as undiagnoses coeliac can cause problems conceiving.

My DH came to the appt with me but she wouldn't order his sperm analysis there and then, she said he needed to book a seperate appointment which is a bit mean really as we'd already waited a month for that one. So now he has to wait another 3 weeks to have a telephone call for them to refer him for one which is then a 6 month wait. I've been referred for an ultrasound but I can't see that in my NHS app and it was 2 weeks ago so going to chase on Monday. I can see the referral for the fertility clinic which says a 12m wait but the GP said it was more like 5 months!!

How did your scan go? Did you get to have it done or did you need to reschedule? It's good that you got your paperwork through, it must feel better knowing you have a bit of a safety net if needed. Have you had your Italy trip yet?

Hey! ☺️

Ohh, I do the same! It’s good to take a break as it can all become a bit consuming. Sometimes you just need a bit of time to reset and refocus.

I tend to perk up around ovulation too and get excited that it could happen eventually, so I’m trying to stay positive! I’ve hit my fertile week now, so we’ve been doing every other day, but I’m due to ovulate within the next 3 days, so we’re going to try and hit the next 3 days back-to-back 🤞🏼

How frustrating that she wouldn’t book the test there and then! My bf had to do the same and ended up waiting 3 months for his test. Six months does seem like such a long time, but hopefully when he calls to book it, they’ll have something available sooner! And hopefully you won’t have to wait too long for your fertility appointment either. Keep checking the app, as they should update it with the appointment date, and then the paperwork seems to follow quite quickly!

I did reschedule the scan in the end as my period came bang on time. They did discover a fibroid, which I already knew about from years ago, but I was shocked to find out it had grown to around 7cm, about the size of a small orange! It’s growing on the outside of the top of my uterus and is called a subserosal fibroid.

From what I’ve read, it’s one of the better types to have as it doesn’t affect the inside of the uterus and shouldn’t interfere with fertility. However, they can sometimes cause issues during pregnancy as they can grow and put pressure on the uterus, so it can come with its own complications! I’ve got a follow-up call with my GP this week to discuss the best way forward and whether it would be worth having it removed.

The joys of being a woman, eh?! So many potential problems to contend with 🙄
Italy is only 3 weeks away now and counting down the days!

Fingers crossed for both of us this month 🤞🏼 xx

Ooh I bet you can't wait, 3 weeks will fly by! We're off away in a couple of months too I've heard so many people say they got pregnant on holiday so hoping if nothing happens by then it'll happen on holiday haha- maybe it will for you too!

I'm also in my fertile week, I'd normally get my peak tomorrow to ov on CD16 but it's come today so looks like I may ov tomorrow. How are you feeling about your results? Hopefully you get some good advice at your appointment on what to do next. I was referred for an ultrasound 2 weeks ago. I've chased it twice since as nothing was showing in the app to find out she never even sent the referral so now having to start the wait from the beginning :(

Hopefully it's not a 6 month wait for the SA, that's just what google said so hoping it'll be quicker than that. My DH is more frugal than me and wants to go down the NHS route otherwise I'd probably just pay privately for the tests. I suppose it's a 5m wait for the fertility clinic so it doesn't matter how quickly we get tests and results done, just that we get them.

Fx this is our cycle 💞

Haha, yes, I’ve heard this too, maybe we’ll both get lucky! Where are you off to?

I got my peak this morning, so I think I’m going to ovulate today or tomorrow! I’m going to cover today, tomorrow and the next day too (hopefully 😅). Even with perfect timing, it’s still such a small chance that it will actually happen, so I’m just trying to hope for the best! It can be quite exhausting though.

I actually quite enjoy the TWW because I can forget about it for a bit and there’s no pressure, whereas at the moment I’m constantly thinking, “Have we done it enough?”

I feel OK about the results, as everything else looked healthy, so that’s reassuring. I’ve got a call with my GP this morning, so it’ll be interesting to hear what she thinks and what she suggests.

And just be really persistent with the NHS — don’t back down! You really do have to keep on at them to get things moving, otherwise, as you’ve found, things can so easily slip through the cracks, which is so frustrating!

We're going to Thailand! So excited, we've had days off here and there this year but not had more than a day or 2, will be good to have a proper break. I was quite surprised but we have an initial appointment with the fertility clinic next week, I wasn't expecting it to be so fast!!

Where abouts are you in your cycle now? I'm 7dpo today so guessing you'll be about the same? How did it go with your GP, did she suggest anything or just say to leave it for now?

I'm feel like one of those NHS pests at the moment haha. I never go in for anything but I saw a few blood tests requested by the fertility clinic had been missed so I've added those on to the 21 day test. I also read ot starts with the egg and it said anyone struggling should have a coeliac test so I've had that added on to. I don't think I am but want to cover all bases.

Apparently the ultrasound referral was sent but there was a miscommunication, according to what she said I should get that through in a few weeks, my husband needs to wait for his appt in a few days to be referred for a SA. There's a lot to keep on top of but at least things are moving now.

I'm glad everything else looked ok for you as well, that's got to be a weight off your mind ❤

Thailand will be ace! I’ve never done the Far East before. Hopefully planning a trip to Indonesia next year too!

That’s great news about the fertility clinic, that’s super fast! Is that for both you and your partner to attend? I think once you have all your bloods and SA in, you’ll find things move quite quickly. Hopefully neither of us will actually need it in the end!

The GP said there was no need for an NHS scan as the fertility doctor will arrange her own scans for me and decide on the best route, so it’s a waiting game until November!

I think I’m either 7 or 8 DPO. I’m due on over the weekend, with Saturday being the earliest I could start. I’ve got my usual cramps, sore boobs and bloating that I get every month.

TBH, I’m not too fussed this month as I want to be able to properly enjoy our holiday, so it wouldn’t be all doom and gloom! I plan on drinking and eating whatever I want. I think I’d actually be slightly annoyed if I was pregnant, sitting there watching my partner enjoy all the booze and charcuterie hahaha 😂

How are you feeling? Are you testing this month or waiting to see if you’re late? My rule is to wait until I’m at least 5 days late.

Oooh indonesia sounds good, if you're looking at Bali I'd definitely recommend the Gili islands if you get a chance, they're the most idyllic beautiful islands!

Yes the appointment is for both of us but it's just a virtual one, they said allow up to an hour so guessing it's just a fact finding thing first and then take it from there. I actually had blood tests this morning and already got all of the results back apart from coeliac so need to check to see if that was done. I went to a walk in and she only took one tube of blood. I asked her to check and she'd missed one off so then she had to take the other arm, now I'm wondering if she missed a third tube haha. She was very apologetic bless her but I don't mind being a pin cushion 😅😂

I'm surprised how fast the results came back my progesterone was the one I was most bothered about seeing as I've had a chemical but it was 53 today at 8dpo so that's a good sign.

I'm due monday/tuesday so we will be out of sync next month 😂You never know it could still be the month for you but if not at least you can enjoy Italy to the max, unlimited wine, aperol and seafood 😋

I have a huge cold and as per googled it and of course found loads of stories about how people had a cold before their bfp. I have so many plans over the bank holiday so I will probably test daily from friday so I can have a guilt free drink😬I've made sure to plant the seeds with my friends about me not feeling well so hoping if I can't no one questions it too much.

How have you got on today? You have so much more will power than I do to not test until 5 days late! I admire that

Haha I know, 5 days late probably sounds completely ridiculous to anyone who tests early, ignorance is definitely bliss for me! Depending on when I ovulated we may still be in sync, I got a postive OPK on day 13, and I think ovulate on the same day or day after. So period could arrive, Sat, Sun or Monday! We covered day 8, 10,12,13 & 14. The most we’ve EVER done! 🙈

Ooh 53 at 8DPO sounds really reassuring though! Hopefully that’s a really good sign for you this month! I think we have a similar appointment booked in for November, except we’ve had to submit some detailed forms beforehand and bf has to re-do sperm test.

And yes, I’m definitely planning to make the most of Italy if my period arrives. Although I have to admit, I’m currently in that annoying stage where every cramp makes me think “is that PMS or…?” despite having exactly the same symptoms every month 😅

Hope your cold is feeling better! And I think testing from Friday is completely justified, especially if you’ve got bank holiday plans. You need to know whether you can enjoy that guilt-free drink! Drink till it’s pink my dear haha!

I still have a blocked nose but overall feeling much better, thanks. I'm definitely on the drink til it's pink train, will be on the gin tonight. I had another negative this morning so it's looking more likely that I'm out again. Bring on cycle 12 ey?

Let me know how you get on over the next few days, hope we both get some good news soon. I have to say though I've started to become really apathetic about it all so I'm not gonna cry about it when AF comes.

Progesterone is such a frustrating hormone haha, I think this may be this first month though that I've not noticed any symptoms. I think it's helped a lot that I've spent a lot of cycles tracking symptoms so when I get something I've never experienced before I can look back and see that it actually did happen on cycles 2 5 and 7 and probably means absolutely nothing 🙃

Hey!

Hope you’ve had a good bank hols!

I’m officially out this cycle, period arrived today! It genuinely could have gone either way as we put maximum effort in this month, but life can still tell you to shove it 😅

I’ve worked out that it’s been 9 calendar months of trying, but 12 attempts because I have such short cycles. So sometimes we get to try twice in one month, which is great but also feels a little bitter lol.

I do feel a bit sad today (the hormones seem to be hitting harder than usual for some reason), but I know I’ll be fine tomorrow. We’ll just wing it while we’re away on holiday and go without.
And at least I get to enjoy all the good food and champagne haha!

How are you getting on? Has your period arrived, or is she still lurking around in a dark corner? 😅 Progesterone is evil. I learnt pretty quickly to ignore anything that felt “different” because it’s usually just her playing tricks haha.

Sorry to hear that the witch has arrived. She's not here for me yet but if she doesn't come tonight she'll come tomorrow. I normally get cramps just before that start in my uterus and spread down my legs. Weirdly nothing in the uterus but my legs are so achey!!

This all sucks doesn't it! Sorry you're feeling down, sometimes we just need to sit in our emotions for a bit. Our next cycle will be attempt 12 and we started at the beginning of November so from tomorrow we'll be on month 11 so I'm right there with you. Indulge in all of the things you wouldn't have been able to do if AF hadn't arrived, pour yourself a glass of wine tonight and have an extra strong coffee in the morning. Think of all the coffees and wine you'll get to have in Italy as well ❤

I went on a bottomless yesterday as I just knew I was out after testing negative at 10, 11 and 12dpo. Didn't even bother testing after that mentally prepping for another cycle. Hope you've had a good bank hol and the witch hasn't ruined it too much!

Thanks love, I feel much better today! It’s a new month and the start of my favourite season, Autumn 🍂🎃🍁

As we’re away, I’m going to switch off from all the tracking and “trying”, so to speak, and just hope for the best 😊

Good luck with your appointment, I hope it all goes well. And if the witch does arrive, good luck for September! I’m sure we’ll be back in sync again haha!

I’ll be in touch when I’m back from my hols to see how you’re getting on. I always like to switch off from the boards for a bit to reset and not think about TTC! 🧡

Absolutely, have a reset and take some time off. The witch reared her head this morning so it's cycle day 1 of cycle 12 for me.

Have the best time away in Italy 🍹

Hello lovely!

Thought I’d send you a message to see how you’re getting on, did the witch appear and are you onto a new cycle? And how are all the fertility tests/results coming along?

My partner had his second sperm analysis this morning, which will be sent through to the fertility consultant for review. He should get a call within the next week or so, so fingers crossed! His first results were pretty good, so I’m hoping they haven’t got any worse 🙈

I’m not really sure where I am in my cycle this month, but I’m pretty sure I ovulated while I was away, so I could potentially be due on in the next couple of days… or rather, hopefully not! 😝 I’m kind of expecting my period to arrive though, as I’ve been feeling slightly crampy. We’ll see!

Hey, yes she arrived, wouldn't expect anything less at this point haha. I think we were synced up last time. I'm about 7dpo now, think I'll probably early test again in a few days, you'd think I'd be over it after nearly a year lol.

I had my fertility ultrasound and they found 2 fibroids but they're in a position that doesn't affect anything and they're quite small which is good. Other than that though nothing was unusual. My husband has his sperm analysis after we get back next month and then after that they will schedule me a hycosy.

How long do you need to wait for the results once you have a sperm analysis, if the first one was fine hopefully this one will be too. Did you have a good time in Italy, hopefully you were able to take your mind of things whilst you were away 💕

According to my app, I’m 10 DPO today, so you’re not too far behind! Although, I have absolutely no idea when I actually “ovulated” as I didn’t bother with OPKs while we were away. I definitely feel like she’s brewing up though, I’m so bloated and crampy today!

Do you use OPKs? I can never quite work out whether I ovulate quite soon after my peak, or 24–48 hours later. I don’t temp either, so I usually just gauge it by when my CM completely disappears.

Good news on the results! You’ll be surprised at how common fibroids are. Mine was the same , outside the womb but quite sizable.

Last time, his results took less than a week and we had to run them through ChatGPT because we had absolutely no idea what any of it meant. But this time they’ve said a consultant will call to talk us through everything, which is much better.

How are you feeling overall? I’m so bored of the waiting every month, only to be met with the same result. I’m fine until like two days before I’m due on 🙄

I agree with you it's the waiting that sucks. It wouldn't be so bad if someone told me it would 100% happen by a certain date, but I feel like I'm so invested each cycle to be met with stark white negative tests. It's extra annoying because I'm considering moving jobs but I feel like I don't want to start a job when I'm already pregnant because they might push me out if I haven't worked there long. On the other hand I could be there another year before we get pregnant so I very much feel like my life is on hold for TTC.

Generally though I think my mental health has been so much better the last few months just because I expect negative tests now and there's a lot less expectation around the whole process. I think I'll actually pass out from shock if we ever get a positive test again haha. How are you feeling about everthing, are you coping with things ok? Any update on your IVF, do you still have something scheduled for November?

I use OPKs but they're not an exact science. It was good this month though as I had the ultrasound on day 14 which was the day I had the LH peak. She said I had a large dominant follicle, she said that means I've already ovulated but I'm not so sure as it wasn't actually ruptured. I did get ovulation pains later that evening and the next morning though so I'm thinking I probably ovulated on the 14th/15th. I think that's useful info for future cycles, I'm guessing I'm probably ovulating soon after the peak and then getting pain when the follicle ruptures. I'm guessing it's different for everyone though. Have you tried BBT? That's a good way to confirm ovulation. I did try it for a few cycles but I personally found it stressful as I was overanalysing every single temperature.

I felt the same when I went for a job interview last month. I kept thinking that if I did fall pregnant, I wouldn’t be entitled to any benefits and I’d lose all the perks of my current job. It’s such a catch-22, so I’ve put the job hunting on hold for now.m, gah!!!

TBH, I’m fine, but like you, it’s the not knowing if it’s ever going to happen. Even with intervention, there’s no guarantee! And then I worry that if it does happen, I’ll spend the whole pregnancy worrying about miscarriage, whether the baby is healthy, the birth… I guess the worrying never really stops, even when you make it to the end.

I’d just love for me and my partner to make a little human together. I suppose it’s that excitement that one day it could happen that keeps us going. We always say if it was twins, we’d be over the moon because we’d never have to TTC again it’s such a bloody ball ache 🤣

That’s really interesting about the peak and the mature follicle. I think you’re right though, a mature follicle means it’s just about ready to release the egg.

Nothing on the IVF front yet, just waiting for our first appointment now. And I can’t be arsed with temping lol, doing OPKs is annoying enough! What tests are you using for early testing?

Also, Italy was fantastic. We’d go every year if we could. Now we’re planning a little UK autumn getaway with our pooch.

Aww glad to hear you had a good time in Italy. I love a good UK trip too, we have so many nice places to visit here. I use easy at home tests for early testing. BFN today at 9dpo but wouldn't expect anything less ffs. I know that's super early though so not counting myself out yet.

I want to leave my job ASAP haha. I actually have more than one job but my main job 3 days a week is the one I want to quit. People are dropping like flies there and the owner has unrealistic expectations and is completely not grounded in reality. I've just thought F it. If I leave and start a new job and end up pregnant then oh well. I'm only entitled to statutory anyway so it makes no difference. If I get fired/managed out for being pregnant I'll find another jobm but I can't work for that man much longer haha.

Feeling quite run down today but not sure if it's down to our travel vaccines we had a couple of days ago. Also been feeling a bit emotional so was hoping for a bfp but maybe it's just hormones.

Do you want to have two? I always thought we would have 2 but the rollercoaster of TTC is making me think one and done haha. Don't think I could put myself through this again, it's way too much. I might feel differently if it had only taken a few cycles of TTC to have a baby but doing this for god knows how long to have a first and then repeating it all for a second just feels like too much! I'm trying to look on the brightside though, we'd have a better quality of life with one haha.

Would definitely like two, and because of our age, we’d probably be keen to go back-to-back 🤣 They say once your body knows what it’s doing, it should help speed things along!

My period arrived this morning with a vengeance! I will say, she’s always been very consistent, so at least I know my body is doing what it should be, we just need that little bit of magic to happen haha! I actually feel fine though and I’m staying optimistic for October 🍂🎃🍁 I’ve accepted that it’s out of my control now.

Only two more months before we hit the one-year mark!!

How many would you like to have? When I was a kid, I always said I’d love five. Now, after being on this rollercoaster and seeing the financial reality of it all, I genuinely couldn’t think of anything worse haha!

Keep me posted on how you get on! And honestly, no job is worth your mental health. If you can afford to leave, do it! 🩷