Clearblue Fertility Monitor Support Group Buddies Vol 4!!

[boba82]

Time for us to move home again ladies!

Thanks KC it's soooo fustrating knowing that the tests will have to be repeated at various stages next month!

Can't risk getting pregnant again until all bloods are done properly...can't emotionally cope with another loss...and DP has been very firm regarding that matter, hit him harder this time.

Hope everybody is ok? sorry haven't been posting much, just not bouncing back as quickly this time...feeling very old.

Sorry for the bleak post...X

KC - litany of errors in my testing too, to then end up feeling impatient when at the FC!! Though did have all tests, eventually. Didn't mind when in queue for transvanginal scan or HSG as can understand those waits and they are useful tests!!

KC - am loving Downton ... lovely relaxing Sunday night. What a shame they only have 7 episodes made and we have to wait another year for another 7 to be made!!!

ljc - waiting for bloods sounds sensible. I not have any losses but years of nothing made me low - it was when waiting for tests etc that I finally felt things were happening. Big hug for you - it is ok to be low, but sorry that you are (((ljg))))

Hello All, the NHS really know how to waste money. The public sector doesn't seem to be as careful about its spending as it should be. I had my first set of 21 day bloods done at the wrong time because no one explained to me when they should be done and I didn't research beforehand. And I mentioned to my DR that I had longer than average cycles but he didn't seem to have listened.

Ljg, hope you get some answers soon. And wishing you a speedy physical/emotional recovery.

Hi All Not been on since Saturday, had a spring - well Autumn clear out on Sunday and totally took up my whole day - found things we'd not seen for a good few years!

Welcome Alien06 hope your stay is a short one on here .

Keziahhopes hope your Tonsils are feeling better hun x

MissLolita my husband hasn't a clue when my Peak Days are etc! I don't tell him, i just take the initiative and hope he doesn't object! He said to me ages ago 'don't be telling me its today we've got to do it today etc'! Eek! Its puts him under pressure all that stuff, so i just tell him when AF has arrived and then he knows it didn't happen that month, we do talk about 'nothing happening' though, maybe i should be brave and speak to him tonight about this week, being 'the week' as i'll get my peak on Fri as it hasn't come today and i'm either day 12 or day 15 everymonth! Eeek!

ijg72 and KC When you have tests done at the doctors do they arrange them for certain days in your cycle? I've not been yet, planning on going on Nov, as i've heard there can be a 6-8 week waiting list to be referred for tests, is this correct?

Sorry all for the long waffley post!

Bye, Bye! x

Lychees Sorry just read your post, sorry to hear they were done at the wrong time, how frustrating for you . Does these people not understand how much of an emotional rollercoster TTC is and how any set back can be really demotivating [sad}.

Hope you get them done soon and have your results x

Hi All

Will post properly in a bit, just wanted to respond to EmmaC

Most GPs don't know what tests should be done and will order basic endocrinology tests and won't specify the days on which they should be done, which means the FC will refuse the referral (as I have discovered). You'll need to be assertive. I booked myself in for the correct day and asked the HCA to confirm that progesterone had been ordered (which she did), but in actual fact it hadn't. HCAs aren't medically qualified and DH and I suspect she didn't understand what was being asked. If I'd had the nurse, she's have checked with Dr and they'd have noticed the omission on the blood forms.

The second problem is actually getting booked in with the nurse on the day you need the tests done - the nurse at our practice was full so my repeats are being done by a doctor tomorrow before surgery.

It's the endocrinology tests that need done on specific days. So here goes (got DH to explain this to me). The minimum endocrinology tests they need to do are:

TSH - to show that you do not have hypo or hyper thyroidism

Prolactin - high levels inhibit ovulation.

Progesterone - should be done 7dpo when this hormone peaks. Progesterone is released by the corpus luteum after ovulation, so if you haven't ov'd you won't have an increased amount. A level >30 confirms ovulation. On average a woman ovulates 14 days before AF and therefore the test should be done 7 days before AF is due. Most GPs are unaware of this and as it is called the "day 21 progesterone test" if they do order it on a specific day (unlikely in the experience of a lot of ladies on this board) they'll probably book you in for day 21. This is only the correct day if you have a 28 day cycle. It should be done on day 28 for a woman with a 35 day cycle.

LH / FSH - they will automatically do this with the progesterone test but to confirm that you are not perimenopausal (when levels of FSH rise) it should be done on day 2 - 6 when levels are lowest (if it's needed). I haven't had day 2-6 FSH / LH done, but DH has assured me that's OK as there's nothing to indicate that I am approaching menopause (only 31 and have very regular cycles).

Sorry for huge post, but hope that helps. I wasn't assertive enough which is why I've been recalled. I think I'd change how to approach the consultation if I was to start again. That said, hindsight is always 20/20

Hi everyone can I join you? I am 33 and we are trying to conceive number 2, we have a 1 year old daughter. Periods only re-started after I stopped breast feeding when DD was around 7 months, so have had 5 months of anything from 18 days to 40. Am on my first cycle with clearblue and have had a high since day 8 and now on day 18. Am hoping that I am ovulating but who knows! This is our first month trying but we have to be targeted as to when we "try" as we are living with my mother at the moment whilst we renovate, and she never goes out!

Anyway, blah blah about me, hope we are all on the bus soon

Hi - was due to have first injection of ICSI today, as male factors stopping us getting pregnant ... gp blocked it literally at last minute - ie we turned up at clinic to be told "not allowed to treat you" - and incidentially even if this is overruled it will not be January before any treatment can happen.

Why - cos of my mental health. - in the past.

So can't concieve naturally - years of trying proven this and now hopes shattered. If I was an alcoholic, a single 38 year old (apologies if this applies to anyone) or in a same sex relationship I would not be discriminated against (unless gp knew about alcohol intake I guess) and could have treatment privately or on nhs. Not me, I don't deserve it.

Therefoer I cannot be on this board anymore - as I cannot conceive, however good I think the CBFM is. All the best to those of you just starting out ttc and for those who have been here that much longer, I really hope you get what you desire xxx

Hi all,

Can I join you please? I've just ordered a CBFM from Amazon, it will arrive soon I hope! We've got a very small window in which to TTC #2 (before January) otherwise I'll have to wait until I've got a new job in the middle of next year to ensure I get maternity pay... No pressure then!!!

Hoping you lovely ladies will be able to offer me plenty of advice about the CBFM! Really intrigued to see if I'm actually ovulating or not!!

Conceived quickly last time, but I was 27 and had just come off the pill which I know can make some people super fertile. I'm now 30, super stressed and quite fat!

Oh Keziah, hun. I am so, so sorry to hear your news. That's devastating.

I don't understand why GP had to tell the FC? I have a history of depression, hence the psychotherapy, but my GP isn't going to tell the FC as they don't commence fertility treatment until there's a full recovery. As she said to me, it's natural for a woman who wants a baby to feel down and sometimes this can develop into depression to which you can be more susceptible if you've been ill before. It is a chicken and an egg scenario. Her advice was not to say anything to FC, and given that, I assume she won't divulge.

I am wondering what your GP's motivation is for telling them? As NHS treatment is still funded by the PCTs then there is no financial benefit to the GP, which there might be when we move to GP commissioning.

I am wondering whether you might need a solicitor on this one. Not sure if it could be challenged under the Human Rights Act or something like that? I'm wondering if Fedup is lurking as I believe she's a lawyer / QC?

I would certainly raise a complaint to your GP and then move Practice.

Just a question, could you afford to go privately and would they treat in that scenario? If cost is preventative, is egg share an option? I am not sure what your personal feelings are on donation, but my local FC (and many others) offer it if the woman is producing healthy eggs. My FC charges £665 per cycle of IVF / ICSI if you egg share.

I'm really sorry Keziah. Nothing anybody can say will make it any better. But just remember you DO deserve a baby. Please try not to give up hope.

We'll miss you but I understand that you need a break. I really do hope they over-rule the decision and you do get your cycle in January.

Take care

xxxxx

Sorry, it's me posting again.

I wanted to welcome ovumhead and notnearlyasblond to the thread. Ladies, would you like us to add your stats to the board? Here's wishing you lots of babydust.

ljg just wanted to say I think it's very sensible of you to wait and have your bloods done once you are into a proper cycle. I'm really sorry to hear that you are going through such a tough time at the moment

Thought, I'd update stats for today....

FlyingCat TTC#1, Cycle #26, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 28-29, CD121
Rach879 TTC#1 Cycle #7, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 30-34, CD88
Jenni4 TTC#2, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle 2, age 36, UCL 26, CD68
Hairytriangle TTC#1, Cycle #10, CBFM cycle 1, age 42, UCL 28/29, CD54
Boba82 TTC#1 Cycle #16, CBFM cycle 3, age 28, UCL ?, CD45
Emmylou30 TTC#1, Cycle #3, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 35, CD36
chocciechip TTC#1, Cycle #8, CBFM cycle 8, age 39, UCL29, CD33
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 8, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD32
Starlet22 TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM cycle 8, age 34, ucl 25, CD31
ljg TTC#3, Cycle #5, CBFM cycle 4 age 38 UCL 28-30 CD28
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #9, CBFM cycle 4, age 38, UCL 30, CD25
MissLolita TTC#1, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle 1, age 31, UCL 30, CD24
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #26, CBFM Cycle 14, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD22
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #13, CBFM Cycle 2, age 31, UCL 28, CD22
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #10, CBFM Cycle 5, age 33, UCL 30-35, CD22
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #10, CBFM Cycle 3 aged38, UCL30, CD22
IzzyWizzyletsgetbusy TTC #3 Cycle #3, CBFM Cycle 3, age 34, UCL 26-28, CD15
Stormbird TTC#1, Cycle #4, CBFM Cycle 4, age 28, UCL 28-32 CD14
EmmaC29 TTC#1, Cycle #11, CBFM Cycle 1, age 29, UCL 26-29, CD 13
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 7, age 33, UCL 32, CD10
Ses TTC#2, Cycle #4, CBFM cycle 6, age 37, UCL 30, CD9
Birdietimestwo TTC #1, Cycle #2, CBFM Cycle 1, age 36, UCL 24-25, CD8
alien06 TTC#,1 Cycle #4, CBFM Cycle 1, age 28, UCL 30-33, CD4
Headbanger TTC#1, Cycle #9, CBFM cycle 2, Aged 30

So sorry Keziah so unfair that you GP did that...I'm sure most of us have suffered depression at some point in or lives! and just because you did the sensible thing and sort help, it comes back to bite you in the bum! just wrong! hope you have lots of support around you X.

Thanks KC you have posted some fantastic info on here, a help to all I think.

Went to see my GP today for blood results.
He said all was normal...so I asked for a breakdown, he wasn't keen but told me...

FSH 6.8
LH 16.1
PROG10.9 (mc cycle so knew it would be low)
Didn't tell me the rest but said all ok?.

He said he had discussed me with the other GP's and has agreed to refer me to the recurrent miscarriage clinic in Liverpool.

Not for fertility as such but to find out if I have a medical issue?...more bloods to be taken next week for Lupus, dp sperm results due back today as well.

So now just need to wait for gyna appointment...till then guess dp will need to keep his pants on!!!.

Hope everybody is doing ok...X

P.S changed my mame, was LJG before.

Will re-post list with my new name.

FlyingCat TTC#1, Cycle #26, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 28-29, CD121
Rach879 TTC#1 Cycle #7, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 30-34, CD88
Jenni4 TTC#2, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle 2, age 36, UCL 26, CD68
Hairytriangle TTC#1, Cycle #10, CBFM cycle 1, age 42, UCL 28/29, CD54
Boba82 TTC#1 Cycle #16, CBFM cycle 3, age 28, UCL ?, CD45
Emmylou30 TTC#1, Cycle #3, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 35, CD36
chocciechip TTC#1, Cycle #8, CBFM cycle 8, age 39, UCL29, CD33
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 8, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD32
Starlet22 TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM cycle 8, age 34, ucl 25, CD31
AnytimeNOW TTC#3, Cycle #5, CBFM cycle 4 age 38 UCL 28-30 CD28
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #9, CBFM cycle 4, age 38, UCL 30, CD25
MissLolita TTC#1, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle 1, age 31, UCL 30, CD24
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #26, CBFM Cycle 14, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD22
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #13, CBFM Cycle 2, age 31, UCL 28, CD22
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #10, CBFM Cycle 5, age 33, UCL 30-35, CD22
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #10, CBFM Cycle 3 aged38, UCL30, CD22
IzzyWizzyletsgetbusy TTC #3 Cycle #3, CBFM Cycle 3, age 34, UCL 26-28, CD15
Stormbird TTC#1, Cycle #4, CBFM Cycle 4, age 28, UCL 28-32 CD14
EmmaC29 TTC#1, Cycle #11, CBFM Cycle 1, age 29, UCL 26-29, CD 13
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 7, age 33, UCL 32, CD10
Ses TTC#2, Cycle #4, CBFM cycle 6, age 37, UCL 30, CD9
Birdietimestwo TTC #1, Cycle #2, CBFM Cycle 1, age 36, UCL 24-25, CD8
alien06 TTC#,1 Cycle #4, CBFM Cycle 1, age 28, UCL 30-33, CD4
Headbanger TTC#1, Cycle #9, CBFM cycle 2, Aged 30

Love the new name AnytimeNOW [hgrin]

Glad to hear that you are being referred for investigation.

WRT FSH levels, as I'd asked on the results line, they gave me the expected ranges for our lab:

Follicular phase: 2.5 - 10.2
Midcycle phase: 3.4 - 33.4
Luteal phase: 1.5 - 9.1

Apparently levels over 10 - 12 in the follicular stage hint that your ovaries are starting to fail. Levels over 30 - 40 are seen in ovarian failure or post-menopausal women.

My FSH was 3.5 done on day 21. AnytimeNOW certainly looks as if your levels were absolutely fine.

Welcome notnearlyasblond & Ovumahead to the thread, throwing lots of luck your way . xx

Keziahhopes So sorry hun, that has made me so mad - who are they to decide that, you deserve a child as much as anyone, and your past health problems are irrelevant, you're a good, honest person and have just as much right as the next person.

Keep believing, you will get there one day, one way or another, and i agree with KC I would defo get a solicitor on the case.

KC Wow thanks for that information, that's brill, will have a proper read of that later on and make sure i've done all my research before i go, dont want to be booking appointments on the wrong days etc, its all quite technical isn't it! I defo ovulate coz i've been using the CB Digital Ov Sticks on days 12 and 15 each month for about 6 months and always get a positive each month and then being either 26 or 29 day cycles, my LP? (Phase thing)appears to be the correct number of days 14.

Just want to know what i'm talking about when I turn up at the doctors - dont want them fobbing me off telling me to come back in another 6 months that would make me very xx

Keziah, I'm so sorry for what happened. It makes me bloody mad actually. Right now, I know you must feel despair. But there is still hope for January. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Welcome notsoblond and ovumahead.

Keziah am so sorry for the way you've been treated, that's terrible. I can't believe your gp would fo that! I really hope you manage to find a way around it. I know things must seem bleak right now but don't lose hope ((((hugs)))) x

Right I know I haven't been around much hut have a question for those of you who've been using the CBFM for a while - is anyone getting long periods of highs before a peak? It said in the manual that we should get 2-5 days high before a peak (although I would expect it to be closer to 2 than 5) but I'm now on day 6 of high with no peak yet. It might well come tomorrow because last month I also had 6 peaks then a high, but I'm just wondering whether this is usual?

In the grand scheme of ttc it's not actually that helpful to have huge long periods of "highs" when you're trying to pin down when to swi. I can't actually be fertile for that long each month otherwise I wouldn't need the monitor to conceive! All that happens is that we're worn out before a peak even occurs.

Anyone else having this?

Hello, welcome to the new people

Keziah how awful for you, and for to find out at the last minute is particularly unfair. Keeping my fingers crossed for January for you.

Well, this month's sexathon is offically over thank goodness!! I am totally sick of the sight of DH's todger and am looking forward to a few day's break from s.e.x. At least I feel that we've done all we can this month. Am desperately keeping everything crossed that it works this time.

Hello Ladies,

Not been around for a good week r so I think?? Thats probably a record for me!!

Welcome to the newbies, here's hoping that you find this thread as helpful as I have. These girls are fab

Just been catching up on all the goings on...

anytime loving the new name - its good to see that your getting somewhere with the docs. I hope all goes well hun.

Keziah I am so sorry to read that your GP put the Stoppers on the FC and treatment. It must be so disheartening. It makes me so angry that these people can get away with doing things like this...the thing is, they let you get this far?? I can't imagine how you must feel hun. You deserve the very best treatment and I hope you can find a way to get it. Don't give up hope. I wish you the very best of luck and competely understand why you would want to leave the thread hun but please pop in every now and then if and when you feel like it and let us know how your getting on. XXXXXXX

Izzy this is the first month where I got just 2 high days before I got my peaks. Maybe its just a matter of time hun...

Pink LMAO at your comment about DP's todger.

KC your like a never ending pit of TTC knowledge - how do you know all this stuff. I can't even remember what I had for breakfast.

Well this is my second Peak day - I OV'd today, I'm pretty sure of it as temps dipped considerably this AM, so I'm expecting a temp surge in the morning just to confirm. Also trying to persuade DP that we need to get jiggy tonight too as we never seem to get down to business on the day I OV according to my records (ha how funny does that sound). I even showed DP my charts from previous months just to prove that we didn't have sex on the days I OV'd - LOL if only I could see myself eh!!!

Nothing else much to report my end really. Apart from the fact I pigged out on pizza express for lunch and am still feeling super duper full.

Hope you are all keeping well, will post again soon.

P.S I'm sure we're due another 'announcement' on this thread soon. Keep on keeping on girlies.

xxxx

Thanks for support.

KC - they will not treat me even if pay privately due to compulsory welfare of child checks that is HFEA ruling. I couldn't lie as know if I did the consequences would be this. Problem is due to events of this year by mental health people I had to (on advice of several nhs people I add) to make an official complaint. All that has done is make things worse for me (never had any nhs talking therapies) and my private therapist is too ill to support me or even write in my support. Gp said "as you have been suicidal in the past then you might be with a toddler so i will not support you" - and that is that. Can afford private cycle but same rules!! Saved so hard, waited 11 months from referral for testing to this point. Have drugs here, husband has problems that need ICSI. So unless I fancy an affair (and don't!!) no children for us, ever. And 6 years of no contraception tells me no miracles (not wanting to talk about religion here as know lots don't believe in God, but am a christian and this just reinfoces that I dont deserve children.) Husband devastated, can't talk to me. Prepared for treatment failing not for no treatment when went for first injection of 6 weeks of ICSI cycle. Its ok will not take over this thead here! Lesson learnt - if have supportive gp great. Even if I swopped gp damage is done. Not young enough to prove the recurrent depression I suffer from (not stopped me working in educaiton mind you!!) as new gp will read all notes and say "wait x number of time to prove to me etc!!)" I don't deserve kids can see everything screaming at me.

Yes, positive BFP needed - hope it comes very very soon for someone!!

Kezia: I am very sorry to read of the predicament you find yourself in. You seem very well informed of your situation and where the law stands on it.
However, I would recommend that you make a concerted effort to be seen by a psychiatric councillor, generally you should have that referral made through your gp. When you work with the counsellor, you will be assessed routinely in order to chart your progress. This ultimately should be relayed to your gp, and all the other health professionals who are directly or indirectly concerned with your welfare.
I have come across some of your posts on this and other threads and am confident that you will make a significant enough recovery/progress to present to your gp and other health professionals, to the extent that they would not stand a chance if they were to appeal against your fitness as a parent/carer.
Unfortunately, the onus is on you, to go through the proper channels in order to prove that you are able, and sound of mind. It does sound harsh, but as you may understand, in the things that have been happening receently in modern Britain (brought to our attention by our fantasticly enlightened media), health authorities and health professionals are trying to work together for the safety of individuals and moreso of young children. To be frank, if you were to have a child of your own naturally now, even then there would be stringent supervision for you and your child's welfare.
I hope that you are not disheartened by the recent turn of events. The ball is now in your court. Try and turn this to your favour and seek councelling and advice. The more professionals you can get to vouch for you and bat for you in your corner, the better. This will stand you in good stead in the long term. Take care. xxx

KC can i ask a quick question as you're so clued up on all this .

I've been reading up on the tests you said i would need they're called the The Day 3 Inhibin B Test testing on day 3 of your cycle for FSH, LH & Prolactin.

As i'll be going to the docs for the very first time, do I book my appointment for Day 3 of my cycle and turn up and say, not conceiving, blah, blah, its day 3 today, can i have this test done.... or do i have to prewarn them what its about and say i want blood tests on that day with the nurse etc, no sure if GPs do that test.

Or should i just turn up and then see what they say and then maybe have to wait till day 3 of my next cycle?

Hope you can help, want to turn up on the right day etc, but not sure how it all works x xx

Emma, do you know if they take blood in your surgery? I know mine doesn't, so when I went to see my GP, I was on day 1 or 2 of my cycle and she gave me referral notes for CD5 and CD21 blooed tests to go and get my tests done at my local hospital on the right days. I believe the day 3 bloods can be done on CD2 to CD5.

No sign of AF yet and I'm feeling a tiny bit hopeful. It's been 20 days since my first peak which is the longest I've gone. My body may be playing tricks on me but I am holding on until the weekend to test.

Hello everyone

keziah I think I am beginning to understand your situation further. Talking therapies are notoriously difficult to obtain on the NHS and it must be so frustrating for you. I think fedup has given excellent advice. I knew she would.

I spoke to DH about this last night and he was rather surprised that the GP hadn't spoken to you previously. He did say that sometimes the FC simply sends a form to the GP for him/her to complete and send back, and this may have happened in your case? That said, I think this should have been discussed with you openly well before you got to this stage and it has compromised the relationship that you have with your GP.

I am reading Professor Robert Winston's excellent A Child Against All Odds (highly recommend it if you want to know about fertility treatment and the history and ethics surrounding it). He asks a very pertinent question "Why do we scrutinize infertile people more closely?"

I wish you the very best in making a full recovery and I do hope that you are reassessed as suitable for treatment in the near future.

Emma Not all FCs need day 3 tests (as Lychees says actually done on day 2-5). It's more important to have the Day 21 progesterone done, which will give an indication of whether you are ovulating at all. When they do this test, they will also test for prolactin, FSH and LH.

It is unlikely that the GP will do any tests there and then. Normally appointments are made to go back for blood tests and swabs. So you won't need to book your appointment on a specific day. In some areas, as one of the ladies here mentioned, tests are done at the clinic itself. It really will depend on the system that your PCT uses.

Storm your comment about me made me . I guess it's my personality. I deal with problems by finding out as much information as I can - I feel better when I understand things. DH would say I'm a control freak!