The WIMBEWAI(N)F Club

Oh GG so sorry to hear of all the work stress . What a total nightmare for you. It is the last thing you need at the moment. But remember we're here to listen and support you as much as we can (so please do come and rant away as much as you want!). I'm glad MrsH is able to give some advice. Sending you massive ((((hugs))) in the meantime. And I'd also be up for meeting up - anything from a post-drink work to a weekend coffee/lunch. We'll also practically be cycle buddies, as I should just have started stimming by the time you start downregging, so we can keep our chins up together about IVF. Try not to stress about the IVF - LondonLottie just got her BFP after some really stressful weeks and a cycle that wasn't as "good" as her Norway one...

MrsH good to hear of greenhouse take two . Hope it works out! My second attempt at peas has resulted in a lovely little shoot so I'm going to plant some more this weekend. Now I just want my ovaries to take a leaf (geddit?!?) out of the book of all my lovely little salads and herbs and veggies and grow lots of eggs ...So exciting to read of the first flutters of courgette's movement by the way . And of course you feel more nervous - oh for the halcycon days when ignorance was bliss! - but things are going well so far and you're doing all you can to try to avoid a stressful birth (well, beyond the obvious stress of the labour pains ).

GG I have sent you a message via Facebook. And if you want to contact me to chat through your options, please do. I have quite a lot of experience fof redundancy (both professionally and personally (unfortunately)) so it might be helpful. Or you can just vent if you want! I'm sorry you are having such a tough time. I am not at work until the end of June so if you want a coffee or whatever give me a shout.

MOB that's great being on maternity leave. Are you managing to put your feet up lots? Has there been any update on little twin?

Caitni I have managed to buy a replacement cover for my greenhouse so plastic greenhouse mark two is going up in the garden today (assuming the rain stays away). Yay! It's so exciting that you are starting the downregging already - seems not very long since you and your DH went to the Lister for the open evening.

I think that I can feel movement sometimes, but it is very sporadic and I wish I could feel it more often as it is very reassuring... I have a scan at the start of June so will get to check that all looks well with the courgette. Can't wait, to be honest. I don't know whether it is because this baby took so long to get but I find myself a bit nervous about it all (compared to DD where I was oblivious to the idea that things might go wrong).

Big hello to PnM, Ei and Bucky. Hope everything is ok with you guys.

Hello ladies

Sorry for the recent radio silence - i have been having a pretty stressful time at work. i am being made redundant and I have a feeling that a lot of it is to do with the IVF. I haven't had a minute to post anything recently and I am trying to fight it. MrsH - do you know a good employment lawyer you would recommend? This really is not the stress I need when embarking on cycel #2 and - typically - Mr Gg is working abroad again, so I feel lik I am doign everything on my won again. It's scary and I feel so angry abotu my career and the way everythign is being handled.

Hope everyone had a good weekend and didn't get wet in the showers. It was very busy in the Gorgon household, as it was my MIL's 60th birthday and we had a busy weekend of London Things planned for her when she visited, so I am thoroughly exhausted! We did Afternoon tea at the lanesborough, then Billy Elliott at the theatre and then the whole family came round for Sunday lunch, so I was knackered by Sunday night and I had a manic week last week.

MOB woweee, so excited for you!!! I can't believe that you are off on maternity leave already! I'm thrilled that the stress of work is over and the count down has officially begun to having two little babies. So exciting for all of us.

caitni - can't believe that you are on the pill already, so that's the start of downregging and really getting on with it. I have the Buseralin injections i my tunny which is what hammersmith like to use apparently, so no sniffing for me. I begin again on the 31st with Buseralin, although I've hardly had a minute to think about it all.

MrsH - huge congratulations on the job!
I agree with MOB and Caitni about waiting a week or two and then tell them. How are you feeling - can you feel any movement yet?

let me know if you ladies would like another WINMBEWAI(N)F-er at the meet up for coffee or herbal tea as it looks like I will have a lot of time on my hands this summer!

PnM - And MrsH is right about the squeaky wheel getting the grease - it is definitely those who shout loudest and make the most fuss who get what they want (which is what i am trying to do at work at the moment!), which is not always easy if you are generally a polite and accomodating person, but it does sound liek it's time to shout.

Bucky, Jolly and Ei - hope things are good with you and come back and let me know all your news!

GGx

Hi lovely ladies

Hope everyone had a good weekend. Twas quite quiet in the caitni household, although I did have my first ever home grown salad (spinach) which was very nice and tasty (SUCH an exciting life I lead - NOT!).

MOB wow - maternity leave already! I'm so happy for you that the stress of work is now over and the count down has officially begun. So exciting . Have you started nesting yet? I'm on the pill already, so that's the start of my downregging. I then have to sniff some burselin (sp?) for about 5 days and, depending on when my "period" arrives, I should be good to go to start the stimulating injections. The sniffing is one sniff in each nostril three times a day (I'm going with 7am/3pm/11pm as that should be easiest for fitting in with work) and I have to do it all the way through til the trigger injection...I keep thinking that in a month I should know whether it's worked or not (gulp!). Was also fnar-fnaring at your front jungle double entendre

MrsH big congrats on the job! Yay!! Am also loving that bean has graduated to a courgette and was at the mystery of the missing cats (methinks some mad gardener has been tipped over the edge by cat vandalism...). I'd agree with MOB and say wait a week or two and then tell them about babyhappy. Although with my current job I was really stressed out about telling them I was getting married two weeks after I was due to start...I ended up telling my line manager when we met for lunch before I started. So maybe telling them in advance would be better? I'd love to meet up for a coffee btw (or herbal tea, as my IVF health kick is in full flow ) as we're practically neighbours. My weekends are pretty free for the next few weeks so any day that works for you. We can even be all 21st century innit and arrange it via Facebook . The Kite Clinic does the same type of acupuncture as my current guy (5 element - so copious amounts of moxa burning and talk of pulses and the like). I did think of Zita West (to try and invoke the power of Zita in my tx ) but the prices put me off slightly. I'm thinking the balance clinic that LondonLottie used is good as the guy seems very sensible and is v experienced in IVF/ICSI preparation (she went to the Kite clinic in her first tx and preferred balance).

PnM you got some excellent advice about the email. And MrsH is completely right about the squeaky wheel getting the grease (which is my new favourite expression!). Injecting some emotion is no bad thing...I'm so glad that you're doing everything you can to chivvy them along and make this appointment as productive as possible.

JB Ei & GG & Bucky hope things are good with you

Not much going on with me apart from being manically busy at work [sigh] when of course I just cannot be arsed with any of it...

xx

Evening ladies

I haven't gone AWOL, i promise! I've just been really hectic with work, however i am now officially on maternity leave

EI How are things with you! I was so to hear your HSG was cancelled - that's awful. However have fun leaping on DH this month

MrsH&courgette I was sorry to hear that your appt with the consultant didn't go well - can you find another one who is more prepared to listen to your wishes? Great news that you have another job. Perhaps tell them about courgette after a week or two once they have seen how wonderful you are I sniggered to myself when you said you were going to tackle your front jungle... with the use of the term "lady garden" on MN, i have visions of you going off to do some person grooming Apologies for the way my mind works!! I have to say, though, i can't see to tackle my front jungle any longer

Caitni Great news that you are to start down regging so soon! What does that involve? (Just curious as i went from the pill to stimming) You'll soon be getting to the exciting bits (eggciting...) I can't wait!

JB Get those photos on to your profile

Bucky Fab name!! I'm so pleased to hear it sounds like things are progressing for you.

PnM at your consultants response. I agree with MrsH on adding a bit of emotion into your reply. You could even add a bit about wanting to start appropriate treatment ASAP, and that you were worried about old test results jeopardising that. It then emphasises that you don't want to get there, have a chat, and then wait another few months for anything else to happen.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

MOB XX

Hi PnM, I like your email and think there is no harm in being the difficult patient. The squeaky wheel gets the grease etc.

The only thing is I would probably rejig the second para to really stress how important this is, and to play up the emotional side a bit (sometimes that really helps get people on side). Something like...

"I appreciate email is not the usual lines of communication, however I wanted to be certain that I had done everything I could to prepare for our appointment and to make it as constructive as possible. I'm sure you understand that after nearly 3 years of trying to conceive and a 7 month wait to see you, this appointment is extremely important to me. "

Hope that helps.

Am now stressing about when to tell future new employer about the courgette. What would you ladies do?

Pleased to hear about the job situation MrsH, must be a big relief. Happy Bean is already 13cm long?? Wow! I'm sure it hasn't for you but that seems to have happened really quickly!

Wow, next Saturday Caitni! That's really close! Agree that finding an accupuncturist who specialises in the ivf field would be a good idea, especially if you've lost faith in the one you see currently.

Glad you all found the email from my consultant a little bit as well! Thought maybe I was being a bit too sensitive about it. Have drafted the below reply but haven't sent it as don't want to be thought of as 'that lady who makes a fuss'. What do you all think?

Many thanks for your reply, unfortunately I think it's a bit late to have another set of blood tests before our appointment with you but if you say the original ones will be ok then I am happy with that.

I appreciate email is not the usual lines of communication, however I have had difficulties getting hold of the correct person in your department in the past so felt an email might by more succesful. I'm sure you understand that after nearly 3 years of trying to conceive and a 7 month wait to see you, I would like our appointment to be as constructive as possible.

Kind Regards

Hello everyone

Caitni I always love reading your posts - they're invariably so long and chatty, it's really nice. Yes, my cherry eating days are set to end in the next few weeks (although am sitting on the sofa having some now, as it happens ) - will tell you all about it when I see you next. Perhaps we should have a separate North London meet up since I bet we both live not too far from the W3 bus route (judging from your choice of garden centre ). We've got pesky cats around here too and my front garden stinks, so I have bought some of that Silent Roar fertiliser with lion dung so see if it frightens the little blighters. I have noticed, though, that a local cat goes missing each week and it makes me think that someone else hates the little buggers. If you're giving up your current acupuncture person, have you looked at the Kite Clinic? They mostly specialise in fertility and so I am sure would be up to the IVF challenge. An alternative would be Zita West, although when I went there they also wanted me to see someone to discuss CM etc (obv. not understanding that I am an expert in such things ) and a nutritionist which annoyed me. Neither place is cheap (ZW was over £100 for my session iirc) but it is a limited number of sessions for IVF because there is some protocol that they follow, so they might be worth a look.

PnM My eyebrows shot up at your consultant's email too, but there are 2 really positive things. Firstly, he knows you mean business and that you are likely to be demanding. And secondly, even though he is not due to see you for a month he went and looked at your file and formed a view. And judging from your chart and your cycles PCOS does not sound completely out there. You're going to get your little jelly baby, I am sure.

I forgot to say before but it is good to see you again Ei. Hope you're ok and that the HSG appointment disappointment is not too bad.

Higs to all, Bucky, GG, MOB. Have I forgotten anyone? I hope not, but if I have I'm sorry.

No news from here (other than the job thing which is a relief). I have developed an addiction to ginger beer (the spicy kind) which has my DH kind of appalled, but he will live. Bean is now 13cm long so is not really a bean anymore.... more of a courgette. Right, must go tackle the front jungle.

Hi Ladies

PnM I had to raise an eyebrow at the line "Thank you for your email although this is not our usual way of communication with patients" - because usually there's practically no flippin' communication with patients! Anyway, I think MrsH's advice is good re not leaving until you've got a treatment plan (so go in armed with questions and take lots of notes!). The email can only help with this as the consultant is already more "aware" of you than just getting a pile of case notes right before your appointment, so you're off to a good start. And I know "a degree of PCOS" is infuriatingly vague but PCOS can and is overcome so it's better than lots of other diagnoses. It's natural to feel sht and apprehensive because you've had your confidence in the whole NHS undermined by your crappy doctor but this consultant could be the man who gets baby PnM* to stop shanging out with all the other babies waiting to make their appearance...but big to you in the meantime. I wish I could give you a RL hug...Perhaps we're due another meet-up?

JollyBear oooh please post some jollycub pictures! Bet she's a total cutie . Sorry to hear about your mouldy bean pots...reckon my peas (attempt no. 2) will be joining them...and this morning I found a big cat poo in between two of my carrot rows (lucky DH got to clear it up since he's the "cat lover" in our house!). Ruddy cats! The adventures of gardening . Thanks for the finger crossing for the IVF btw - I appreciate every bit of support I get on here

MrsH sorry to hear of your ill-fated adventure with the plastic greenhouse as ours is great...though I'm starting to harden off the tomato and courgette plants this weekend as there's a little flower starting on the tomato and there's no way any pollinators will get into it in its plastic palace . Your garden sounds lush! Ours is growing well but it's got quite a lot of yawn lawn so I doubt we'd get the jungle effect even if we tried! And it totally does NOT sound selfish to talk about birth options on a ttc thread. I love hearing about it (I second PnM that it's as good as hearing about CM ) in the same way I love hearing about pregnancies and babies. Someday we'll all be in that position and it'll help us to have read your thoughts/experiences (this ties into stuff I've been thinking about with an excellent book I recently finished called RISK, a lot of psychological stuff about how humans calculate risk...fascinating stuff but I really won't bore you with any more waffle about it!). And I was giggling at the image of your trying to do the hypno CD and enjoying your wriggly baby instead! PS You had an interesting FB status recently missus...Are the cherry-eating days soon to end?

Bucky woo hoo for the progress! Glad to hear that the Dec scan & tests are fine and I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for your funding appointment (hope you get the 27 May one ). And PS I love the new name!!

Ei hope you're doing OK lady xxx

GG hope the appointment went well - do you have a timetable for the new treatment? Looks like we may well be cycle buddies .

OK ladies, I got the call from the clinic today and I officially start downregging next Saturday! Which means, if downregging works, then I should be able to start my stim injections around 28th May (less than two weeks away!). I'm already mentally dusting down the old egg puns as I want a bumper crop (am hoping my ovaries will be inspired by all the strawberries forming in the garden ). I'm not going to think about egg collection too much though, as I think I'm going to just take each milestone as it comes. I'm also thinking that I'm going to ditch the 5 element acupuncture guy in North London as he's got no experience with IVF and all the research about acupuncture and IVF is with TCM. It's also because I realise I've been spending a fortune to basically have a guy say my pulses are strong and let's burn some herbs (can you tell I've lost the faith ). Since the reason I want acupuncture is to get my body as ready to carry a baby as possible I think I'd rather go with someone who knows what works for IVF and what doesn't...

Sorry for the marathon rambling post - work is a bit mental and I have yoga this lunch time so have been drafting this post for too long!

Happy friday to everyone

it cut half my post off!

Haven't got time now but will retype it later - apologies to those not mentioned, you were in the original post!!!

Morning all,

How did it go yesterday GG?? Bucky I'm chuffed that your hospital seems to have pulled it around for you. Thats fab news that they'll accept the results from December . And the appt dates sound v close, so again, fab! Fingers crossed postie brings you the letter tomorrow before the weekend!

Def think its time for some photos JB! Would love to see the jollycub

Am pleased to hear the sickness is on its way out MrsH - you mustn't feel selfish for 'waffling', am just as interested now as was when you were talking about cm . Home birth is the way to go surely? I hope you're feeling more empowered as a patient this time round and that your choices are listened too as your last birth sounds like it really affected you (physically and mentally).

I finally got a response from my consultant, but in true NHS fashion (almost on par with most politicians) he didn't really give a proper answer. Its also far too late for a blood test now as am on cd6. I have no faith in him and, although I'm fine most of the time, I just keep wanting to cry at the moment as its taken so long to get here but I really can't see I'm going to get anywhere if all he thinks I have is a "a degree of polycystic ovaries". See below for copy of reply.....

Thank you for your e-mail although this is not our usual way of communication with patients. In answer to your question, it is not necessary to have another blood test for FSH and LH as the test was done only a year ago and you are young. If you want to have another test in this cycle it can only help. It seems from your long cycles and your hormones that you may have a degree of polycystic ovaries and I will discuss this with you when you attend the clinic.

Good morning all

Bucky I love the new name. That's great that progress is being made. And yay for the appointment - I hope it comes together quickly.

Jollycub let's see the photos... The sickness is mostly gone, although I am addicted to ginger beer (which I normally loathe) so that might be helping. I know, it is stupidly early to be thinking about the birth, except my last one was so bad (and probably resulted in the damage to my tube) that I am determined to avoid going through that again. At the moment am mulling over the risks of homebirth to see if I can live with them... It probably sounds really selfish to be waffling about birth options on a thread for ttc. I know I am lucky to be pregnant, but I just really really want to preserve what's left of my fertility.

GG if you're around pop in and tell us how your appointment went.

Caitni wow your gardening sounds great. I had this plastic greenhousey thing which fell over and tore and broke all of my plants, so I am back to square one. And my garden grows so fast that it looks like a flipping jungle. If you like the gardening that much perhaps you want to head up the hill and look at mine!! I've been trying the hypno thing on a CD but every time I listen to it the baby starts doing a jig and I sit there groping my tum and grinning instead of concentrating, so I am not getting very far!

PnM I am really pleased that your appointment is earlier than you had thought. Just don't leave until they have formulated a decent plan of action for you. If they suggest more tests ask them how long it will take to do and to see them again to discuss the results and emphasise how long you have been trying. I really hope you get someone good who realises that they need to help.

Are you around MOB? How are the boys?

Apologies in advance but this is all about me

Massive progress afoot...

I already had a scan and tests in December which the nurse at St Albans is accepting...hurrah.

They are sending us an appointment for an appointment for the funding application on either the 27 May or 10 June...have to wait for appointment in post.

So then its just the six month wait for treatment...phew.

Caitni sorry AF showed up but exciting stuff that you are getting going...

PnM we might be appointment buddies

JB Bucky waves like a mad woman, get those photos posted so we can all swoon at Jollycub .

Bucky waves to everyone else and runs out the room...

P.S. GG is having her appointment with the hospital today so fingers crossed for her that it all goes ok. xx

Evening everyone,

How are you feeling ei? I'm so sorry. I really felt for you after you had such a roller coaster of BFN, great chart, BFP. Big

caitni What a mean merry dance your body led you. Sorry AF arrived, but hurray for starting off IVF. How very exciting. It goes without saying that my fingers will be firmly crossed for you throughout the process.

PnM Boo to your chart, what a rocky one. Glad you checked when your appointment was, not long now. Don't forget to take your charts along to your appointment.

My beans failed, not a single one germinated. I just got mouldy compost.

bucky I second MrsH's idea about setting finn on the PCT. Hope you got it sorted in the end.

MrsH Birth options, wow it doesn't seem two minutes since your BFP! How are you feeling now, sickness gone?

Hope the twins are still doing well MOB.

to GG, how are things with you?

Everything is fine in the Jollybear household. DD is lovely and sunny. I need to work out how to add pics to my profile so you cyber aunties can have a nosy.

Night all.

[phew emoticon] at checking your appointment date! Good news that it's actually two weeks closer (which helps with the time flying ). Up to CD 5 is still fine for the bloods so fingers crossed the consultant gets back to you today/tomorrow and you can get a blood test...I'd recommend getting estradiol (sp?) done as part of your day 3 tests if you can...wish I'd had mine done back in November as then wouldn't have been so stressed out last month about it!

Veggies doing well though am worried I thinned them all too much . Am having a second stab at peas (the first lot were lazy and didn't even germinate!) and am going to stick some more salady stuff in pots (post-thinning I reckon we'd munch our way through the rocket, lettuce, chard and spinach that's left in a weekend!). Lots of strawberries forming though so wish we'd just bought more plants now (as all this weeding, watching, netting for about two punnets of strawberries ). Now just willing my flowers to grow and bloom . How's your own garden doing?

Hi Caitni, sorry to hear af arrived after holding out on you until cd28 . Must feel weird being back on the pill again? Am thinking positive thoughts for you - love you pma re no natural af for at least a year!

How're your veggies doing?

Found out today that my appt is on the 11th June not the 26th . At least I checked now and didn't turn up nearly a month late! Sent the consultant an email but fear I've missed the boat for my bloods as am already on cd4/5 (can't remember) so if he doesn't reply today then I'm stuffed.

Hope you had a lovely time away GG and hope everyone else is doing ok today?

How are your two boys doing MOB??

Morning ladies

Ei good to see you back on MN (we missed you!) but at your cancelled HSG appointment. What a pain...but hope you enjoy pouncing on your DH instead

PnM I know the 26 June seems like ages away but hopefully the time will pass quickly (I'm still in shock that it's nearly mid-May!). Good idea on the bloods - I was told that anything older than 6 months isn't really ideal (especially as your cycle length has changed so dramatically). You're right to try and protect yourself from the risk of getting to your app only to be sent away to have day 3 and day 21 tests again...

MrsH how annoying about your chat about birth options. But I think you're right to just do your own thing on the day, but I'm glad you're thinking about it now so that you can be armed prepared with information . Have you ever thought about things like natal hypnotherapy? I think I'd like it but reckon my DH would find it beyond annoying

Bucky crikey, sounds like your hospital has got crapitis from PnM's one! Sorry to hear about all the stress, hope it's getting sorted out now. And you WILL have a baby - PMA and all that .

GG hope you had a good holiday - bet it's a distant memory by now though!

And big waves to our pregant ladies and graduates

So I'm officially "resting my ovaries" (ie on the pill ) as AF arrived with a horrendous bang on Saturday. I'm sorting out with the clinic when I can actually get started on sniffing the down reg drugs, but fingers crossed it's soon. I'm glad I can start straight into this after my 28 day cycle last month (ironic that the only time I get a 28 day cycle is right before starting IVF). Am generally feeling pretty positive about things though, as decided to look on AF as potentially (hopefully) my last naturual bleed for at least a year if IVF works!

Caitni xx

Morning all,

Ei! Lovely to see you back - can't believe the hospital cancelled your appt. Everybody seems to be having really bad experiences recently with their hospitals etc... Well, as you say, best make the most of it until next month.

Sorry to hear the appt was less than useful MrsH. Can they make you have the birth you don't want? I don't know how flexible hospitals are when it comes to birth plans etc. But I'm a bit after you had such a bad time with your DDs birth that they're not being more proactive in helping you have the birth you want this time.

Can't believe how sunny it is out there this morning! Might have to go work in the garden in a sec.

x

hi ladies
sorry for not posting for a while i was having a strop and decided to avoid the TTC threads to get my head back in the game
but i am now wanting to get back in the saddle as i have (yet another) cycle to wait before i get my HSG as the hospital called and cancelled it on thursday and had nothing to offer me this week so i have to wait until CD1 again so i might aswell make the most of the delay and jump on my DH at any given opportunity
hope all is well and everyone is having a nice weekend
bucky well done finn dog for scaring away the baddies and gggrrrr at your PCT i hope you got a reply eventually
mrsH good plan to do what you feel is right on the day you go into labour
PnM did you manage to get your bloods done? or have you not been the gp yet? i had mine done the week before last and my gp has said she will do them again if they need doing before i see my cons. that isnt until 9th july
hope everyone else is well
xx ei xx

PnM emailing the consultant sounds like a really smart move. I'd ask him whether it is a good idea to get your bloods repeated. If you turn up at the GP brandishing an email that says they need doing your GP is hardly going to say no. One doctor I saw said they would ignore anything from over a year ago, but he was talking about laproscopy so I guess it's possible some of them might prefer more recent blood results. Anyway, good on you for being proactive about this. It's just a shame that it has dragged on for so long.

Bucky on your behalf about the disorganised buggers at your PCT. I reckon if they carry on you should speak to PALS and get them on the case. If you make a formal complaint maybe they will pull their finger out. Hospitals are often not the most organised places (the number of clinics I have seen where the patient's files are not available, for example...) but time is of the essence with ttc and they need a kick up the bum. Maybe you should set Finn dog on them?

Well, I had my meeting at the hospital and it was a bit crappy really. I am afraid they are going to try to make me labour on my back with monitors all over the shop again. I was going to try to thrash this out with the consultant before the birth but I have just decided to do my own thing on the day which I think should be waaaay less stressful.

Sigh. So we're all having a lovely time right now...

Crikey Bucky your pct is starting to sound like mine!

If ringing them really does get no response then maybe actually going over there is the best bet? My friends mum used to be a clinical secretary and she's the one who recommended emailing the consultant to me so maybe thats worth a shot? She said they're more likely to actually look at and respond to an email.

Am very on your behalf though. Why does this all have to be such a struggle?!?

Said it before but I'll say it again - yay for Finn Dog! Can't believe the bastards tried burgling you again!! Truely shit time for you

Hola Chicas .

PnM How mean was that dinner guest . She's lucky it was you and not me, I would have felt it necessary to shout in her face 'I cannot have a baby you stupid witch, stop going on about it!!!' But then manners aren't always my strong point .

Caitni News? Sorry you have had a bit of arollercoaster week .

Me, well as usual these days just a quick check in but, in short, the hospital has well and truly buggered everything up. I have left 8 messages requesting a call back so far and NOTHING. Because they sent my scan appointment request (the request form for which you may recall they sent me home with first) to Watford General who promptly lost it and now I am on a waiting list for an appointment which once issued will be about 5 weeks later. So, I spoke to Watford and said, 'I have private healthcare I can get the test tomorrow but will St Albans take the results from them?'. To which they responded you will have to check that with St Albans. So I left a message at St Albans. Then I went for the blood tests at my doctors. The nurse told me that they could not blood test for all the things listed on the form and that I had already been tested for them in December anyway, so to ring the hospital. They took blood for the things they could test. So I left a message for St Albans to ring me back. Then I needed to make the appointment with the fertility nurse at St Albans and again they have sent me back with the original forms...not sure what I am supposed to do with it .... and the STUPID hospital won't ring me back!??? I am thinking of driving over there...not sure what else to do!??

Anyway, the whole palava has depressed me more than I knew I could be depressed. I will NEVER have a baby. They are all evil people who deserve to never taste anything delicious ever again in life...so there. .

Sorry for rant but I have had a big cry last night and now I am just f*cked off...

Oh and the burglars came back and Finn dog scared them away, so hurrah forthat at least. Go Finn Dog !!!

Hope the birth options discussion goes well Mrsh - would you prefer an actual homebirth? Do you get that option after your em cs? I don't know enough about it but I think that some pcts won't 'allow' you to stay at home after a cs, is that right?

Cruel cruel body Caitni - why do they do this to us . So horrible for you, big cyber hugs if you need them.

My hospital appt isn't until June 26th..... Its getting nearer but still feels like years away. You know when you just feel like there's a weight on you - thats what this all feels like at the moment. Like everything is a struggle. I'm thinking of getting my bloods retested as the last lot I had are nearly a year old now (I first visited the dr about all this last JULY ffs) but not sure if my dr will agree to this. I might email the consultant in advance of the appt to make sure I have everything possible up to date so there can be no 'lets get this tested and then you can come back in 2 months time' etc....

Oh, and Ive been tested for thyroid issues as well MrsH but it came back normal.

Morning ladies

PnM I'd echo what MrsH says about getting all your questions ready for your hospital app - forewarned is forearmed and all that. Glad to hear you're on a health kick - my own diet has been awful, too much meat and cheese and wine and snacks and cakes . So need to take a leaf our of your book and get back to a low GI diet...

MrsH hope you had a good chat with the consultant - how exciting to be discussing birth options!!

My body is still being cruel - day 28 and still spotting when I rummage (nothing when I wipe). Though when I checked just now it was more red than brown and seems to be gettng heavier so I reckon it'll just start properly soon . My DH wanted to get some tests at lunchtime (as I'm supposed to be at yoga) but I've just left him a voice mail saying not to bother. Am so glad it's Friday as I just want to get away from work (I work within sight of 6 pregnant women and three of my close colleagues have babies under 1).

God, sorry for self-indulgent ramble - hope everyone else is doing well!

PnM you're right; that one looks anovulatory to me. Now, there are examples of charts which looks anovulatory but the woman got pregnant anyway (on the Ovusoft website, for example) but with a chart like that the obvious thing that springs to mind is PCOS or something else capable of throwing your hormones out of whack (thyroid?). Your consultant appointment is soonish, isn't it? I really think you need to play a bit of hardball. Ask for your test results to be fully explained and don't leave until they are. Make sure that any tests your GP did are forwarded to your consultant before your appointment so he/she has everything and don't be fobbed off. Cry if need be - they have got to understand how long you have been trying and how hard this process is. You deserve better care than you have had so far. I hope that otherwise things are ok, and and at that silly woman and her baby obsessed brain. In my meaner moments I sort of wish that people like that would have a wee taste of what it is like to want a baby and for it not to happen to order, but IME those types of people always get what they want in 10 seconds flat...

Caitni any news? I totally understand you not wanting to test and burst out of your "maybe I am" bubble, but obviously I want you to test!

Right, am off to discuss birth options with a consultant. Little does she know I am quite happy to stay at home if need be!!

Take care. Hope everyone is having a lovely day in spite of the rain.