TTC - Clomid Thread Part 2

Hi beanie,

The problem may well be male factor - have they tested him at any great length to date?.
The male factor tests should be done early on once referred but some units test the lady first before doing investigative tests on the man.

Ideally they should run his tests in tandem with your tests. One semen analysis is not at all conclusive; its a test that should be repeated. I'd ask them about the post coital test as well as this has not been mentioned since.

Good luck to you, you will need to be persistant in order to get answers.

Attila

Ah - I have had my ovaries scanned several times.

Maybe I should ask if they can re-do my OH's sperm test? They did mention a post coital test when I was first referred but they haven't done this.

Am not sure now what I can get on the NHS but have been told I would have to pay for IUI and it was either that or the clomid so I chose to take clomid initially. I am 39 so am thinking this is all down to my age?

CAn I get all the things you mention on the NHS?

I had a new test which was sent to scotland to test my egg reserves which came back ok.

My HSG showed no signs of any tubal blockages and they have never suggested that I have PCO and to be honest I have never suspected I might as I have very regular periods which are not painful in any way, no weight issues, no pelvic pain etc.

The most common tests that tend to be omitted are:-

Adequate x-rays of the uterus which may show abnormalities not otherwise seen at laparoscopy.

Hysteroscopy - telescope inspection of the inside of the uterus which may occasionally show abnormalities not seen otherwise

Repeated sperm counts over several weeks and months to make sure there is no subtle abnormality

Testing the sperm in special media such as swim up testsvelocity testing. However, when they are done, they often uncover a hidden cause for the suppposed unexplained problem

Thorough hormone tests to detect abnormalities of male hormone or early falls in progesterone

Scanning of the ovaries to see if follicles really are developing and there are no sign of polycystic ovaries

Hiya Atilla.

On the basis of.

Blood tests, sperm tests, HSG, scans.

All done in the last six months.

I am not paying for treatment at the moment but I am too old for the one free round of IVF so they say they have gone as far as they can on the NHS (Clomid being as far as they will go) - I would be happy to hear the list of usually omitted tests. Do you think if I asked them for the tests you suggest on the NHS it is likely they would do them?

Hi beanie

On what basis do they say you're unexplained?. Is this btw a private clinic you attend?.

What tests have been done on both of you during the last six months?.

"Unexplained" is actually no diagnosis at all (all this means is that they have failed to find out what is wrong) and can be given to patients when there has not been adequate tests done. I can give you a list of tests that are commonly omitted.

Would not give up hope yet but I'd be asking them some pretty harsh questions as of now particularly if you are paying for treatment cycles. Have they suggested IUI to you - if so why?.

You will need to be persistant in order to get answers. It is all too easy to be fobbed off.

I am about 8 days past ovulation and have none of the usual things I get, sore boobs, bloated stomach etc.

When I went to have a scan on day 10 they said that I was about to ovulate but they could only see one folicle so the clomid (which was prescribed even though I am ovulating) hasn't made me release more eggs. MAkes me feel a bit like it was pointless them giving it to me as an ovulating woman with unexplained infertility.

Was so negative going into this and am trying hard to remain positive and not think too much about the end of June when I will have finished the 3 month course.

Can't help thinking that as I ovulate anyway and the Clomid isn't giving me an 'extra boost' and making me release more than one egg then it's pretty pointless taking it.

We'll see I guess. Am just wondering what to do after the three months is up. Do I pay for IUI or just let them up my dose. At 39 I feel like time is just running out and perhaps I shold just accept that pregnancy isn't meant to be.

massive hug mummycat. Take care xx

Hi Mummycat,

Would fully second Amelied's response to you.
Think it will also do you good to have some time off from here (I recall that BrandyBaby is having a break from here too).

InfertilityNetwork could also be of assistance to you in terms of support:-

www.infertilitynetworkuk.com

((((((((((((mummycat))))))))))))

With best wishes to you and your family

Attila x

Hi Mummycat - Im so sorry you are feeling so low - I'd guess everyone on here has had that stage at some point. I have found myself overwhelmed at times but still have to put on my plastic smile and act as if life is good.

Have some time off from here, clear your head and find a new interest. That is what I have been doing otherwise I would be on here 24/7.

I hope you find some inner peace and hopefully we see you as a "Graduate" soon.

Take care x

Hello everybody, I am going to stay away from here for a while as I am very very low and need to stop thinking about all of this stuff.

My sister is going through the exact same preganacy that I would have gone through last year if hadn't had MC. My DC would have been born in June and that is when she is due. I am close to tears a lot at the moment and even woke in the night and burst into tears last night. I am exhausted. Just can't bear the thought of her newborn DD wearing all of my DDs beautiful little clothes, but I can't say that can I?

Also my DD keeps saying that she has got a baby in her tummy and stuffing her special teddy down her top. It's so cute, but I wish I was pg and we could share that.

When I think about it, I reckon that I have been suffering mild depression on and off for the last 18 months. Not sure where to go from here really. Maybe I should talk to my sis, but she has suggested that I give up TTC before and I just can't bear for her to be so unsympathetic, plus she is hypersensitive at the mo.

Maybe I am having a post clomid low as Stac described, but we'll see. I will be back, but just off for a while.

Take care everybody and babydust to all of you *
xx

Hey boo {{HUGS}} hope your ok hun, ttc is a nightmare, no-one understand how hard it is for us all. I got a bit down after the clomid this month so that may be making you feel worse.

Himummycat Its really hard dealing with people who are pregnant at the moment, the minute I hear about someone being pregnant I get so jealous it must be really hard for you. xx

Hey Clure How are you? Any luck with the consultant? I sometimes get the feeling they dont want to talk to us unless your at an actual appointment.

How are the rest of you ladies? We are having a lovely weekend had dinner at my mother in laws and it was such a laugh. What have you all been up to ? xxx

congratulations lisy thats brilliant news, so happy 4 u xxxx
hi all im cd 9. This is my second month of havin clomid, was meant 2 have scan at around this time but consultant on hols and he was last month!!! feel really down at the mo, feel like it's never goin 2 happen as my dh as probs as well. hope every1 is ok babydust 2 u all xx

Lisy I remember telling my DH when I did a pg test - the look on his face. Its totally brilliant isn't it? So happy for you

mummycat I can empathise with you as my sister is 33 weeks, my family know of my difficulties ttc and they are trying to be sympathetic but at the same time we are all so excited for sister. I'm so excited for her as she will be making me a proper (blood) auntie for the first time. At the same time its tough. I woke up at 2 am and felt so anxious about everything, I usually keep a lid on things but sometimes it has to come out doesn't it?

We have certainly been enjoying the long weekend and are off to a festival this afternoon.

Hello and babydust to you all xxxx

Hi all
Well i could have laughed my head off telling my partner. i gave him the digital test in a bag and he opened it and looked at me then looked a it again and nearly collapsed his legs went, it hasnt sunk in yet but hes over the moon just keeps saying "i'm gonna be a daddy". i'm still in shick have told close family and our best friends but that it. my dd doesnt no a thing and trying to keep it under wraps is hard!!
Well you dont wanna hear me rambling on
Babydust and loads of luck to you all xx

Stac I mean that the pains are a sign that Clo is having an effect - just clarifying - seem to be talking in riddles!

Wow! No one's been on here today - guess you have all been enjoying the sunshine on this bank holiday weekend. Looks like it's not going to last...

Stac I get lots of funny tummy pains on the clo (not had many this cycle yet though) must be a good sign that it is working.

Thanks for all the kind words from everyone r.e. my crying .

amelied I think you are so brave to go through all that. I had one MC 18 months ago and just can't get over it, but I know that DH doesn't really get this. He just wants to "move on". I think it is almost impossible to move on whilst you are TTC.

I went over to my parents today. My two sisters were there. One is pg - 34 weeks so it was a big topic of conversation which I really skirted around! Must admit, I winced when my Dad refered to my sis as the pregnant one. Feel so . I have never been more distant from my sis than I am right now. I am making nice little card and picture for the new babe though. It'll be fine once she's born, it's just seeing her pg and stuff.

Sorry for rambling on ...

Oh Lisy, I am SOOOO happy for you! Congratulations!! Best of luck to you, and can't wait to hear how DH reacts!! I'm smiling big for ya!

I was sick sick sick w/ DD1 and this time I'm queasy but not vmiting or anything really...they are all different, I suppose!!

I have to say I am severely short-tempered with this one...I'm wanting to scream at a girl here at work who walks around talking out loud either on the remote phone or across the office to another worker!!

I'm wishing you all love and luck and Baby Dust everywhere!!

Partner is in the army thats why he doesnt no yet.
Thanks all
he's on his way back now told him i got a suprise for him, he has been trying to guess but he hasnt come close!!!!!!! i've brought one of those digital tests so gonna do that and hand it him, it might help me with it sinking in i'm still in shock. Gotta a feeling i'm gonna have a harder time with this pregnancy as cant stop retching or being sick and i had nothing at all with my DD. i will let ya no his reaction lol xxxx

Yay another grad for the list lisylou its fantastic, let us know how DH is when you tell him, bet thats when it will sink in for youxxx

mummycat are you feeling any better? I have days like that too, generally just get fed up of waiting and trying, all the things we go through its hard not to cry lots of {{{HUGS}}} for you, we know how you feelxx

clure haven't got a clue if I am ovulating and if I am its the first time since taking clomid, but wont know till CD 21 bloods even then I have to wait till they give me CD28 bloods (GP surgery is messed up) I hope you get the consultant but as I say if not ask for someone else, there is more than one doc in that department, your only looking for an answer as what to do nextxx

bluemoomin Pains have calmed down now thank goodness, to be honest I have got to the stage were I am sick of phoning for advice lol My GP doesnt have a clue and most of the time the consultant isnt there so I generally come on here and get info from you girls. The ladies are much more thourough and take time to go through stuff with me. Sorry big long thread lol. How are you? xxx

How are the rest of you girls? xxx

BFP BFP BFP for you Lissylou! Congrats!!! I had a feeling you were going to be pos!

lisslylou1980 WOW congrats, how was the look on DH's face when you told him????

Congratulations Lissylou1980 you must be chuffed to bits. Does your DH work away?

Mummycat it is good to let it all out, dont bottle it up. I know exactly how you feel, three and a half years trying, 3 miscarriages and at the end of the day, nothing - no baby. Also turning 40 in January didnt help either!

BlueMoomin Hope you go in and kick some ass today at work

Waves to everyone else...

Hi all
Thought i should edit list, had a 2ns postive so looks as thou i am another graduate, i cried this morning when i seen the test but it hasnt sunk in yet.

Mummycat1 - CD4
Boo - CD8
millymolly - CD 8
Alfiemax - CD8
Clairebear - CD11
Stac14 - CD16
AmelieD - CD15
Beanieb - CD19
Fruitbowl- CD19
Sgibbo - CD 20
Islegrin - CD 20
Paddington CD 33
Ginstar - CD 33
Tetleytea - CD 33
Awen - CD 40
Westkazza - CD 52
Clure - CD 114 Prov finished awaiting af

Graduates:
Sissy
cheekymonkey
Ray
mizzidee
Katlonka
Lisylou1980

I will keep coming on and updating and not only that following how the rest of you are geting on. You have all supported me and i think this is a great thread.
Fingers, toes, arms and legs crossed for you all.xxxxxxxxxxx

Mummycat big hug for you. Good to let it all out!

bluemoomin yes got for it. The consultants secretary copied the email and she said she'd put it on his desk for him to consider. (that and bloody 4 answerphone messages later!!)

stac have to agree I'm not impressed with "the service" of my consultant. Guess it's possible for you to be ovulating already. This mean you need to get down to the BD early!!

Had a lovely soak in our new bath, GORGE!! All chilled out now! Off to bed

Fingers crossed to Lisylou you get your second positive result xx

Yey Lisylou! Thats great news! Congtaulations! Hope you are feeling a little less sick!

Attila ... thank you so much for taking the time to get down all that info it really is very much appreciated. I am going to see if I can actually get hold of someone at Women's healthcare tomorrow. We are under the care of a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist .... who frustratingly appears to spend most of her time at the local private fertility clinic as the leading consultant. I am seriously considering getting into debt to pay to see her privately ... since we have only ever met either the clinic nurses or her senior staff! I may well begin with my GP though, as he can arange further bloods and SAs whilst I am waiting for everything else.
Thanks again ... at least I am armed with more info and they will know I am serious!!

Amelied ... I am sharing your frustration with hospitals!!! You'd think doctors would at least be able to read each others writing ... even if no-one else in the world can! I hope the results come back quickly.

Clure ... I am going to be cheeky and follow your lead in trying to email the consultant. I am having trouble even getting through to the clinic secretary! Hope you get a quick reply.

Fruitbowl ... yum - nice brownies! (I would secretly still scoff creme eggs all day if I could get away with it though!)

Mummycat ... I had a big strategy meeting at work today and basically got shafted by all my other (male) colleagues (something I am used to) but it took all my effort (and I mean ALL) not to burst into tears of frustration. I had to excuse myself quickly and didn't go back in - will have to face the music tomorrow I suppose. I managed to cry all over DH tonight as well ... I am sure I'm not usually quite this bad - although I admit that things are getting to me too. Hope you are feeling a bit better.

Stac ... hope the pains have settled. Is there anyone you can call for more advice?

Time for cheesey TV and a chill I think. Hope everyone has better days tomorrow...

And another quick YEY for LisyLou!!!!