Clearblue Fertility Monitor Support Group Buddies Vol 3!!

Boba Its so good that you found out. sounds like your apt was really proactive. I have had PCOS since age 33. My doc put me on Metformin 850mg per day (slow realise) it worked wonders. May be worth mentioning that? Roll on your next apt!

Hi to everyone else x

Great news boba - diagnosis and treatment, yippee!!
Choccie - why not phone up and ask for earlier appointment than january? Or ask if there is a cancellation? If you keep phoning every few days it might help

Hi Choccie with IUI they did a base line internal scan on me at day 3. This is to check womb lining is thin and no large follicles. Then day 11 or 12 I had another scan which measured the growing egg folicle and monitored its progress. Once it is at a satisfactory size and LH surge detected (CBFM) they know your close to ovulation.

I was really lucky as knew i was about to ovulated so had scan day 11 and had to go back next day for procedure.

So on day of procedure DH gives a semen sample which is prepared in lab. (Bit like a cleaning process eg the mobility jumped from 78% to 98%) Once that is ready fine tube inserted and sample injected into uterus.

So sorry if TMI but at least you now know!! I think once they have all your results they will tell you best option for you. They said IVF would be better but worth trying IUI first. xxx

Today's stats: WED

Boba82 TTC#1 cycle 15, CBFM cycle 2, age 28, UCL 35, CD107
Pamsie ttc#1, cycle3, CBFM cycle 3, age 32, UCL 28-32 CD101
FlyingCat TTC#1, cycle 26, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 28-29, CD65
Missyraines TTC1, Cycle 10, CBFM cycle 5, age 33, UCL 32, CD35
Rach879 TTC#1 cycle 7, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 30-34, CD31
BabyHoping TTC#1, CBM cycle 4, age 33, ucl 31-38, CD 29
Starlet22 TTC#1; cycle 12; CBFM cycle 6; age 33; ucl 25; CD26
Hairytriangle TTC#1 cycle 10, CBFM cycle 1, age 42, UCL 28/29, CD26
Keziah TTC#1, cycle24, CBFM cycle 12, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD 25
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 1, age 38, ucl 29-3, CD25
PinkCustard TTC#2 Cycle8 CBFM Cycle3 age 33 UCL 30-35 CD 25
Emmylou30 TTC #1, Cycle 2, CBFM cycle 1, age 30 UCL 35 CD20
Stormbird TTC #1, Cycle #3, CBFM Cycle #3, age 28, UCL 28 CD19
TangoTime TTC #1, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle #1, age 32, UCL 28 CD18
Row 78 TTC#2, Cycle 3, CBFM cycle 1, age 32, UCL 29, CD18
Ses TTC#2, cycle 2 CBFM cycle 4, age 37, UCL 30 CD11
Jenni4 TTC#2, cycle 5 CBFM cycle 2, age 36, UCL 26 CD11
chocciechip TTC#1, cycle 7, CBFM cycle 7, age 39, UCL29, CD8
ljg TTC#3 Cycle 4, CBFM cycle 3 age 38 CD7
Lychees TTC #2, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 7, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD5

GRADUATES

Harry2007 BFP 01/08/10
Vnewmummy BFP 19/08/10

Emmylou - all the best this cycle - and remember if you miss a night, it doesn't have to be the end of the world! A difficult balance between ttc and keeping a relationship going sometimes!!

*ChoccieChip" - we have had all the tests NHS will provide (bloods, SA's, transvaginal scan and HSG - last two meaning I don't need any gynae work! as well as chlymadia testing and recent smear at gp's) so now in "wait" for treatment... but NHS dr said "try for another 6mths then come back" when I know someone else who has better results than us getting clomid, the IUI on NHS so we moving hospitals and dr's (private one, a Care one) but 1st referral lost by my gp's secretary, now 2nd one gone and we just filled in paperwork. There is a 10week wait to see a dr, even privately here so that is our situation!! Re: IVF, at NHS hospital we found out dh has morphology issues and I am not necessarily ovulating and IVF suggested as treatment - but we will see what we find out at next hospital first.

Choccie - re: questions - (not sure how far you are on with testing):

1. Have we had all tests necessary before diagnosis and treatment plan?
2. Do any of the results indicate and fertility issues with either of us and if so what are those implications? Is any treatment needed before fertility treatment?
3. What treatment plan would you suggest? If NHS how many cycles of treatment are provided in this area (mine is lowest, 1, hope yours higher number!)
4. If IVF not suggested as first line treatment, will they give clomid, or IUI first (and will IUI be medicated, ie with IUI or not?) - how many cycles of each before IVF cycle begins? Note: on NHS if go straight to IVF cannot have IUI free on NHS!
5. How long a wait is there for treatment to begin?
6. Does anything else need to happen before treatment can begin (BMI - what does this need to be for both partners, here it is below 30, it varies each area, etc)

Sure you thought of all that and more, so feel free to ignore - not long now till your apt. x

Thanks for everyones warm welcomes. Everyone seems lovely.

This is all a bit of a minefield isn't it! I tried plotting for 4 cycles but I am all over the place, hence my CBFM this cycle.

keziah I have also heard of difficulties conceiving number 2 after no problems first time... I am surrounded by people at work who are pregnant including a few close mates (its a record we have 4 on mat leave and 2 further announcements in recent weeks ) but they are all first timers and I have to remember I conceived with my daughter easily and not to be too jealous!

This is my first cycle with CBFM but it is coming out with some really unexpected results! I think with my random cycles it is the way forward and fingers crossed my scan shows nothing but some eager ovaries!

Good luck everyone and thanks again.

Hi Everyone,

Been AWOL as DP broke my laptop screen grrrr!!! so I haven't been able to post.

Hi to everyone, it seems that yet again there is an awful lot to catch up on so I'll keep this short and sweet so I've got time to catch up whilst I'm on lunch.

Nothing to report my end, not even a small incy wincy glimmer of a symptom.

Just wanted to let you all know that I am still here cheering you all on.

Good luck everyone

XXX

keziah How are things going with you? Are you looking at IVF at the moment and what advice have you been given with regards that?

boba I had another meltdown, DH was home, and phoned the clinic in a fury. We've been on waiting list for a long time now and still no letter with 4-6 week advance notice of an appointment. The woman was shirty with him about waiting lists until he pointed out how long we'd been on and that we'd been promised an appointment in Sept but no letter. I don't know what else he said in his irritation, but we've now got an appointment on the 8th Sept. I am worried with all the anticipation and hope that this appointment will give us a handle on things, that we still leave with uncertainty. Who did you see there in the end?

Everyone If anyone can give me ideas of questions I should ask based on your fertility clinic experiences, I'd be very very grateful.

lychees would love to hear what you are told and asked at your appointment as well. Good luck for that.

vnewmummy How does IUI work? Do they pre-select good sperm or is it straight insemination with a typical sample? DH is thinking we should maybe ask about trying that first.

folksey Welcome. The scan sounds like a good start. My one tip is to learn to be insistent and bullish re NHS and appointments. I was actually told by my consultant when waiting for an HSG appointment (waiting lists are long and unpredictable because they depend on woemne's cycles as well) that the people who are insistent and persevere are the ones who get the appointments. I phoned every day first thing waiting for a cancellation and on the basis of that got in very quickly. BUT it was embarressing speaking to the women every day.... not that I care now. Also, DH seems to have made the inefficent cow at the desk sit up and remember we exist as well wrt our fertility appointment. Keep that in mind as you go forwards.

tango The CBFM won't tell you for sure if you are ovulating - it can only warn you your body is trying to ovulate so you can time SWI. Physical symptoms are also not reliable because not everyone has ov pain etc etc. I get it occassionally, but not always. Charting is the best method to get a feel for if you are ovulating if you are concerned about that. One of the things I want to ask at my appointment is if charting definitely confirms ovulation though.

tango I had 7 highs last cycle, no lows at all. In the previous cycle I had lows all the way, then suddenly two peaks with no highs to warn me. After that I can tell you that I definitely prefer having lots of highs than no warning. BD every second day to get through it. It is hard, I know.

emmylou I was told by a private fertility guy we saw that it used be be believed that everyday depleted sperm quality, but they have now found that it can improve sperm quality. This is not true for men with low sperm counts though.. best to do it every second day with them. HOWEVER, every day is hard work, and my DH says he feels as if he is 'producing less' and 'not as forceful' IYSWIM , so we're going to try every second day this cycle, but every day on peaks and one day past the peaks.

Hi back to ses and welcome back to missy - missy are you talking about the TCOYF bible?

Hi to everyone I've missed!

boba - hugs to you honey, if you need to talk we're all here, and nothing is too stupid or over the top if you know what I mean. Have you had any tests yet? When I was TTC no 1 I had a period once every 3 months which is why I went to the docs. I had PCOS. Same with my friend, she was every 3 months or more as well with PCOS, however when she went for her chlomid scan she was already preggers, all I'm saying is it can still happen but having answers can helps so much

folksey welcome! I'm also trying for no 2 and all my friends are conceiving no 2 at the drop of a hat, not fair!

I have a peak today, on the stick there are 2 very distinct lines! However hubby is out tonight drinking. God hates me...(we also tried to bd last night but it all went wrong, think the pressure is getting to him, any tips?)

Hello Folksey - the scan sounds a good idea so hope that is helpful for you. I am still ttc~1, but know of several friends who conceived their firsts in 2-3months and took 8-10 months for their second, with no medical issues.

Angel great to hear from you, wow you are 24wks now, I remember your bfp! Let us know how you are going and when you have him!!

Boba - feel for you, and Choccie too, as you know am in the same boat. Wise words from Choccie. I tend to smile, send the usual cards and gifts and carry on - but inside feel as if am breaking.

Emmylou what lovely timing for you! I was told by dr every 2 days to improve good quality semen, and I personally find every day too much - but I guess it is what is right for you, and a holiday time may be different to when you at work etc. Why not try different timings (one cycle every day, one every two) and see how it works for you?

Folksey welcome to the thread. I too had been lurking a while before jumping in. I hope your tests prove productive. It sounds like you're heading in the right direction by following up on them.

You're a little further along than I am. We're just starting a family and I'm on something like month 6 of TTC. Hence using the CBFM to iron out any glitches!

Boba I dont know if this will help hun but I promise I had really given up and felt just like you. I am 13 years older than you and I am sure even if it takes you longer than planned you will get there. Its a long road I know. There will be futher options for you to explore, hang in there.x

How you feel and Choccie is completely normal and ver painful under the circumstances. True friends will always be around and any who are thougthless etc, well it doesnt matter about them.

I send you my love and support xx

Thanks Boba and LJG. It looks like I won't be peaking this month as I've just hit another day of a high reading

Does anyone have one-sided ovulation? Is it possible? I've not been monitoring my ovulation symptons too closely but I've got a sneaking suspicion that I am only ovulating every other month. I'm fairly sure I ovulated last month but seem to recall missing the symptons the previous month.

Oh well, if this is the case, at least I've got the CBFM to compile evidence!

P.S Long time lurker on MN not on this board - only just found this today! Just suddenly sounded like a weirdo when I read my post back!

Hi - first time poster, long time lurker!

I am 32, TTC for 7 months...I have one daughter, who is just over two, conceived within 3 months.

I am currently CD 30 and had my highs on day 23/24, two mediums prior to that. I have been using an on line ov calculator before to with no luck (obviously!) - can not fathom how I would have a peak on days 23/22! My cycles are between 31 and 34 days long.

I am new to all this - I had that arrogant attitiude I would just shag a bit and shazzam... that'll tech me! I am getting very worried now! I have had borderline hypothyroid blood results and am under investigations for right sided abdo pain too... not sure if its linked but having a scan at the end of the month just to check all ok.

Any tips...advice...reassurance! I'm not sure about this and like I say starting to get a bit down with it all!

Nice to "meet" you all and my best wishes and luck to everyone TTC.

Boba, I have my appointment on Tuesday morning. I'll be having a scan and a chat with the consultant.

to you and Choccie. I know the feeling well. I've really been down in the doldrums these past couple of months. I can't really offer advice either. I've also been sort of avoiding people where I can. And I took a sickie on Fri when AF arrived as I couldn't face the world. I just retreated to my bed.

Has anyone looked into counselling?

Hi everyone else.

I know that feeling boba - especially that feeling like a part of you has died. I wish I had great words of advice but my method of coping has been very dysfunctional: I've feigned lots of work etc and withdrawn from friends who are PG or have small babies. If the phone rings, I ask DH to talk to them and pretend I'm out. Fortunately I'm a bit of a loner anyway so its not hugely noticable ... but I literally cannot stand hearing about their babies and PGs etc. It's like a knife in my heart. I think I spent most of last week pathetically crying and I am dreading the possibility my one relative has her baby before I even get PG. That will be unbearable.

The one thing I read somewhere on MN that rang true for me was someone pointing out that there isn't a finite pool of babies in the world and someone else being PG doesn't mean you've missed your chance or lost out; and also that their baby would never ever be YOUR baby anyway ... I find that oddly comforting, even though it doesn't stop the pain.

Hi boba and everyone else - big waves.

Bump is doing well - was 24 weeks yesterday (due date got brought forward 2 days to 12 December on my 16 wk scan). Am having a little boy - we found out 4 weeks ago as I am rubbish with suprises. Am very unorganised and still havent bought a thing as dont want to tempt fate and all that.

Thinking of everyone and wishing Harry and Vnewmummy happy and healthy pregnancies.

Boba, got my fx for your next appt xxx

Lychees sorry AF got you hon. Let me know how you get on at clinic next week. xx

Today's stats:

Boba82 TTC#1 cycle 15, CBFM cycle 2, age 28, UCL 35, CD104
Pamsie ttc#1, cycle3, CBFM cycle 3, age 32, UCL 28-32 CD98
FlyingCat TTC#1, cycle 26, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 28-29, CD62
Missyraines TTC1, Cycle 10, CBFM cycle 5, age 33, UCL 32, CD32
Rach879 TTC#1 cycle 7, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 30-34, CD28
BabyHoping TTC#1, CBM cycle 4, age 33, ucl 31-38, CD 26
Starlet22 TTC#1; cycle 12; CBFM cycle 6; age 33; ucl 25; CD23
Hairytriangle TTC#1 cycle 10, CBFM cycle 1, age 42, UCL 28/29, CD23
Keziah TTC#1, cycle24, CBFM cycle 12, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD 22
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 1, age 38, ucl 29-3, CD22
PinkCustard TTC#2 Cycle8 CBFM Cycle3 age 33 UCL 30-35 CD 22
Emmylou30 TTC #1, Cycle 2, CBFM cycle 1, age 30 UCL 35 CD17
Stormbird TTC #1, Cycle #3, CBFM Cycle #3, age 28, UCL 28 CD16
TangoTime TTC #1, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle #1, age 32, UCL 28 CD15
Row 78 TTC#2, Cycle 3, CBFM cycle 1, age 32, UCL 29, CD15
Ses TTC#2, cycle 2 CBFM cycle 4, age 37, UCL 30 CD8
Jenni4 TTC#2, cycle 5 CBFM cycle 2, age 36, UCL 26 CD8
chocciechip TTC#1, cycle 7, CBFM cycle 7, age 39, UCL29, CD5
ljg TTC#3 Cycle 4, CBFM cycle 3 age 38 CD4
Lychees TTC #2, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 7, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD2

GRADUATES

Harry2007 BFP 01/08/10
Vnewmummy BFP 19/08/10

Evening Ladies!

Just changed the stats as it is back to CD2 for me. I was, of course disappointed at arrival of AF but not as devastated as I have been these past few months because I have my first appointment at the fertility clinic next week.

Hope you all had a good weekend.