The First Time Frolickers visit 'The Three Follicles': The one where we all join The Christmas Club.

[MissFlick]

The Three Follicles is officially open for business!

Just to make sure we all become members of 'The Christmas Club' I've put something in the wine....

Hi girls,

Sorry I've not ben hanging out here too much. Think I've been having similar thoughts to some of the others here in that too much time on mumsnet is maybe not helping my mental health :) and definitely not helping me to try not to obsess. Was about to try and catch up but DP's just told me my tea's ready, I will be back later though as I still want to spend some time chatting in the follicles :) and DPs off to the real pub later so I can surely spend some time in the virtual one!

Okay so back for a quick catch up then I may decide to treat myself to a bath with some essential oils and watch wedding house as DP will be out so can't complain :o

CD44 here and I am sick of this cycle already! Haven't oved so can't be pregnant and not likely to ov now so no chance of getting pregnant. I've been cramping for over a week but no other sign of FERTD and for once in my life I just wish it would hurry up and get here! Any tips on how to make FERTD begin??? HRH I totally sympathise with you, I know how mad I'm going and I'm not even halfway to 100 (yet).

Thanks for all your thoughtful comments about me managing to open up to DP the other night. It is such a relief to feel that he's fully on board and to be able to mention things to him without worrying that he'll think I'm obsessing too much. Also nice to know that he's okay about going down the IVF route if it comes to that and he's much more positive about our chances than I manage to be.

alien so sorry you had a shitty night the other night, hope you got a big hug and an apology.

tomboy glad your dog has recovered and hope you get more promising symptoms soon.

raspberry I'll not indulge your mad symptom spotting just yet but will whisper that (it sounds fairly promising). Hope the gemini was a success, it's one of those where you want to try and get as high up the pole as possible first so it doesn't matter if you slide a bit when getting into position!

Ifatfirst I don't think sitting on your arse is a waste of a weekend, it's perfectly necessary every now and again.

Hi zippys, good to see you back and sounding so much more positive. Hope yo're doing well.

MissFlick glad you enjoyed the wedding and the time in the UK, sounds like you had a fab time.

womanly I hear you about the wonky mind but glad your body's doing well, unfortunately I have both a wonky body and mind just now but am setting myself up for a completely brand spanking new mental attitude from the next CD1.

Florin sorry about the scan results. Are you having any more tests to determine whether it's PCO or PCOS? Hope everything goes well at the doctors, make sure you ask everything you want to know, and hope you can start some treatment soon.

Kaloki your wedding pictures look gorgeous. Sorry to hear about your rat.

Josie glad you had a good weekend and hope you get your holiday soon. 9 days isn't long to wait at all, in the meantime stay away from the internet and resist the urge to pee on things!

garden how are you doing? You don't seem to be updating us much on how you're getting on. You still mad busy at work? Hope everything's going well for you.

Hi to everyone else, would love to stay around and chat all night but there's girly tv to watch and magazine's to read whilst I've the house to myself. Nearly halfway to the weekend now :o

Hello all.
High heels Sorry to hear you are on day 44. Know how you feel about wanting ERTD to just arrive. Last time I had a long cycle I took angus Castus or whatever its called for 2 days and then it turned up-of course it was probably sheer coinsidence!

Kaloki Looked at your wedding photos and it looks like an amazing day-what a wonderful venue and your dress is gorgeous

Cavey I am sorry to hear that ERTD still hasn't turned up yet. I know what you mean about hanging around here doesn't help the obsession. Sometimes I feel being on here helps and sometimes its the opposite! I hope ERTD turns up soon for you and your cycles settles down. Glad you talked to your DH. I think we all try and keep it to ourselves but it is always best to let them in a bit. I had a melt down last night when I had to tell DH about my scan results. It also helped explaining everything to him I think we forget how much knowledge we have and how little they really know. DH wanted to know and understand everything both with what should be going on and what is going on with me so I sat down and talked him through how normal ovulation happens and a normal cycle and what I think is going on with me, which I think really helps as he understands so much more.

Has anybody got an idea what questions I should ask the doctors on Friday. The scan woman said I would need clomid to get me ovulating so going to push for that but not sure what else to say or ask. DH has moved stuff round at work so he can come with me so at least I have his support

Florin I wish I'd asked more about the time it would take at my first appointment and in more detail about exactly what would happen. Was so interested in getting the clomid that I didn't ask too much about what would happen if we didn't get pregnant after that. You should find out how long referral times will be and I'd suggest asking for all the tests straight away. You should have your bloods checked for LH and FSH levels (I think it's around CD3 and CD21 but someone correct me if I'm wrong). You should also be screened for rubella and chlamidia as fertility clinics won't start treatment without you being given the all clear for both. They'll also ask general health questions, check your BMI and at some point get you both to answer questions about your periods, history and sex life. Your DH should have his SA (no point making you ovulate if there are problems there). From my experience I'd ask for a HSG or hycosy before clomid. I wasn't given one and am now stuck waiting again before I can have any more tablets. It would be worth asking what tracking you'll be having whilst on the clomid, you should be having scans and blood tests throughout treatment, and how many cycles of clomid they'll be giving you. I've found the worst thing about it all has been the waiting. Went to the GP last November to ask for clomid, didn't get it until May because of waiting for referrals, appointments, tests, results etc. Everywhere's different so can't say what it'll be like for you but personally I wish I'd known then how much time it would take. I wish I'd asked the consultant to talk me through the options in more detail i.e. we'll try this, if that doesn't work then we'll try the next thing, ... but he seemed so sure that the clomid would work that I didn't think it necessary. Sorry if I've rambled on a bit, hope that helps and good luck with it. xx

can never spell chlamydia

Hello all,

So sorry I haven't been on today; have just got home from work - eeeeeek!

Highheels thanks for asking - am OK. I don't feel any prickly hedgehog ovaries like I did last month on clomid but I am getting some signs that my body might be thinking of ov-ing (sorry, don't want to go into too much detail, but let's just say egg white!) which would be amazing as taht's ten days earlier than normal. So I hope that's a good sign!

I am trying not to get any expectations for this month. I have a scan on Friday so I am just going to see what happens

Mr Garden is thrilled about the shaggathon though! He is a real trooper and thank goodness as I'm so shattered at the moment that if it was up to me, I'd be doing a LOT of sleeping rather than SWI-ing!

How are you doing? I hope you are OK?

Florin I am in no way an expert, but, the things I can think of are:

• Your scan might show polycystic ovaries, but that doesn't necessarily mean PCOS, some women have polycystic ovaries but still ovulate really normally
• Clomid treats anovulation but if you also have insulin resistance, you might benefit from something like metformin rather than clomid, it depends on your blood test findings

That's about really... If I think of anything else, I'll shout! It's great that Mr Florin can go with you. (Mr Garden is totally freaked out by anything medical so I have to go to all my scans by myself)!

HRHCavey sorry you are having a tricky time. Do whatever you need to do to feel better, and will be sending hellos and cocktails your way even when you don't have time to post every day!

Kaloki I have read your other thread and I reckon that the most important thing for a little person is that they are loved. I think everything else is secondary. Obviously it is your decision but that's what I think!

Sorry to hear about your rat. It is heartbreaking but also the responsible thing to do ... awful for you though, but the kindest think you could do.

I have to dash so sorry for everyone I've missed but big waves! And I promise I'll be in touch more over the next couple of days

xx

Garden sounds like you're having some positive signs :) fingers, toes and everything crossed for your scan on Friday. Glad Mr Garden is going for it with your SWIathon, thinking of suggesting we should try every other day at least to Mr HH next cycle so I should ask you for tips ...

I'm okay, trying to stay chipper and looking forward to starting a new cycle (soon please oh gods of FERTD), trying to eat aubergines to get my blood moving.

Now stop working so hard and take care of yourself xx

I'm still here and I still love you all xxxx

Very busy at work out on field trips all day today and tomorrow so will have limited computer time. Trying to spend time catching up on sleep in the evenings as Mr. F and I are feeling the effects of our mad UK dash! I will have plenty of time to catch up with you all soon as I have no plans for the weekend except for a 30th birthday BBQ on Sunday so I'll be all yours at the weekend :)

Hugs to those who need them- florin and cave especially. Sending Ovulation vibes your way garden and FERTD your way highheels I had a session of reflexology and my FERTD arrived 5 days later- co-incidence perhaps but maybe worth a shot?

Wish me luck for a day of walking in the rain with a bunch of year 8's - my job is just so glam!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Enjoy the field trips MissFlick

Hugs to everyone who needs them

What a miserable morning! I love days like this sometimes, all wrapped up in waterproof clothing at the yard with horsey all tucked up in her stable! Although today I am at work so no chance of sitting in my waterproofs!

Hope everyone is feeling ok today x

Thanks josie I love that kind of weather too. I miss it!

I will have a chance to copy the Zita West preconception cd at the weekend if anyone would like a copy? If you do just inbox me your address. Zita West Cd It is very relaxing and I always drift off after listening!

I totally understand all of you ladies who feel the need to step back from MN. Sometimes I feel like a crazy childless lady (closely related to the crazy cat lady) for even joining up!

Highheels - I was getting a bit worried about talking to my husband about TTC. I actually said to him last night ?Am I allowed to talk to you about us really, truly having a baby quite soon because I?m worried if I talk about it too much you?ll change your mind? He admitted that he does find it scary (so do I!) but when it happens he?ll be fine. I felt better after that. Hope the FERTD turns up soon.

I?m only on CD17 but I know I?m not pregnant this cycle. I?m expecting the spotting to start as usual on CD22-23.

Yes please Flick, another reason for DP to think I'm going crazy, will put it on my ipod and pretend to be listening to audiobooks!

Finally got to speak to the GP about the ultrasound (phone appointment).

I have "many cysts on my ovaries" and have to make and appointment to go in and see him. He said, "do you plan on having a family?", when I said yes, he said "ah, you will need to come in then".

:(

Worried now.

Oh Kaloki please try not to panic or feel too down, I know medical people seem to have a way of worrying us and they often don't realise the impact of what they say. He may mean 'yes you must come in so I can help you to make the very best choices in planning your TTCing' Bug to you and Mr K though

Flick glad your 'hop' over to the UK was worth it, good luck on catching up on your rest now the jet lag is kicking in!

Nice work with the DH chat slow sounds like you are well matched in your approach to TTCing.

Josie sounds like you really enjoyed your weekend. Glad you are feeling much better and that you and DH seem to be in a great place now. Fingers crossed for you this month.

Garden I think you and MrG deserve all sorts of recognition for your positiveness and togetherness. Sorry, I'm getting a bit soppy now but really mean it.

Florin there are some useful threads on babycentre about PCOS and ladies recounting their experiences and treatments. I'd be inclined to ask what other tests / bloods / scans you could have to ensure the diganosis is accurate in terms of the detail, what your options are with regards to treatment and what choices you have as well as what they recommend in terms of lifestyle / diet / self help etc. Hope it goes well and you come out feeling positive about what happens next.

Cave sorry you'll be less frequent on here but totally appreciate your need to "step away from the forums" for a while. I think when you get totally immersed in something it canbe helpful to time out and put things back in perspective.

Zippy welcome back, good to hear from you

To everyone else,

I've been off work for a couple of days with back problems. I crushed a couple of discs in my lower spine after a fall in the summer and have managed to aggravate it again. Am hoping that the drugs kick in so I can get into the office tomorrow as have lots going on at the moment. DH is being brilliant though (although I am not a great 'patient' and hate not being able to do normal things) and we even managed some JSing last night. This was purely for investigation purposes as this weekend is OV time so I wanted to see if we were going to need special measures Turns out that there are certain positions that keep the pressure off and make sure our SWIing will be pain free sorry if TMI girls!

Thank you Truffkin

Take it easy with your back! I know it's annoying (I'm as bad as you for wanting to do stuff)

hey everyone, how are you all?
Kaloki sorry to hear that the doctor didnt seem to have fantastic news for you, but best to get to see him/her and then you can set the wheels in motion to get that long wanted child.

I am waiting for ERTD, my abdomen has been feeling so full and fat for the last week!! I am not happy about that at all, plus I cant stop eating anything chocolately so I know that ERTD is on the way lol

I have docs on Monday about another medical reason but I am going to ask about the pains I have had for a week in my lower abdomen as they were quite strong and I want to ask for any advice that he could give me re TTC and how quickly I can be investigated if not getting anywhere!
bet he cant wait for me to turn up hahahahaha I just dont want to waste time if I can "get investigated" asap to check everything is functioning correctly

x

Evening ladies, and it sounds like everyone's having a bum time of it lately. Hugs all round to everyone who needs one. Or should that just be everyone?

I have not one, but two job interviews on Monday. It's been, and will continue to be, a mad swot fest this week to get ready for them.

On the TTC front it's CD24 and all is quiet. If I'm not pg this time round I'll have to insist DH go for the sperm analysis he's been referred for. He's resisting doing it as he doesn't want to miss work, but we're moving from "it's taking a bit longer than we'd hoped" territory into "something seems to be wrong here".

Hello all, thought I'd have a quick read before I jump in the bath.

tomboy good luck for Monday! You are very brave having two interviews in one day, I shall keep my fingers crossed for you. Definitely a good idea to get DH tested. Do you think he may be a bit reluctant just in case there is a problem with him rather than just the taking time off work? I think he needs lots of cuddles and reassurance, must be quite scary for chaps as its all about their manhood, I think my DP would be reluctant.

alien hope you are enjoying all the chocolate. good luck with the doctor on Monday

truffkin hope the back feels better soon and well done you on the SWI for investigative purposes, very impressed!

kaloki please try not to worry to much, I'm sure there is something they will be able to do and its good they are getting you in to talk about it rather than just ignoring it.

hey highheels hope ERTD comes along soon, very frustrating. Gemini went amazingly well, I managed it first try, just let go and didnt slip at all, i was amazed because usually it takes me ages to get the hang of something. So - because I managed that I then moved onto a 'jade' www.poledancingexpression.com/horizontal-splits.html
OMG does it hurt, I got all confused about what I was supposed to put where first and nearly fell off the pole. We were on the mats though luckily.

Josie fingers crossed you get PG this month then. Never good to try and clash with a wedding. My cousin had to miss my other cousins (his sister) wedding as his girlfriend had their baby. Bad timing or what!!

Hope everyone who has been feeling down are feeling a bit better today. I think we should have a new rule that all posts should contain a joke:

two fish in a tank, one says to the other "how do you drive this thing?"

Sorry

anyway, I have been feeling sick all day today, god knows why but I have decided to put testing back until next week now if ERTD hasn't arrived. I'm refusing to waste the money on sticks. I dont have any PMT type symptoms really but I still have super sensitive nips.Im not NOT NOT getting my hopes up though, I just dont feel this is our month. Right, bath time calls. hugs to all xx

Spoken to some others on MN, I seem to fit the PCOS bill. Ah fun times :(

Good evening all!
Had a message to call the doctors so called before work. They said I need to have a blood test between day 1 and 7 and also day 21. However they said to do this as soon as possible and said ok to have day 21 first as my day 21 is next tuesday and then day one to 7 after so it will be on different cycles. Is that right? Anyway means that my doctors appointment has been cancelled on Friday and is now at the end of the month when my test results are back.
Rasberry good for you trying to hold off testing as many have said before if you are pregnant you are pregnant and if you wait at least you are a little further along so have less time to worry about things going wrong. I am bored of lining the pockets of the test makers who I personally think rip us off with their stupidly expensive tests.
Tomboy good luck getting your dh to go for his sperm analysis if you have any tips on how to get them there please let me know. Have started warning my dh that I reckon he will have to go for one soon, he is not keen!
Alien I went to docs with abdominal pains on my left side I didn't even mention ttc and my doc didn't ask me any other questions he just said off you go for an ultrasound scan. It has meant I have been fast tracked as luckily scan fell on day 13 of my cycle (I would strongly recommend to get yours just before ovulation) then scan woman could see I am not ovulating and now straight into the blood tests. It means I managed to fast track myself as normally they wont test you until at least 12 months hope you manage the same.
Truffkin thanks for the head up about the website will toddle off there later to see what I can find out, good to have as much info as possible.
Kaloki we are exactly at the same stage I think as I have just had a scan and looks like I have PCOS got blood tests next then get to discuss it with the doctor. Maybe we can go through it together!
Missflick your CD sounds amazing would love to give it a try if its not to much trouble :-) oh and thanks for the hugs. Feeling a lot more positive now.
highheels and garden thank you so much for the info its so helpful to get help from people who have been through it. Have written it all down and gives me a good start with the doctors at my appoitment

This has been a mega post! Last question, has anyone told their mum's/parents about problems ttc. DH thinks we should tell my parents in a couple of weekends time when we are away together. My parents had huge problems ttc infact they gave up had one more go and got twins! So I know they would understand and dh worries if we don't tell them they will be upset that we have gone through everything on our own. Anybody got goood or bad experiences about telling?

Hi everyone, I'm back TTCing and have been lurking for some weeks. I hope it's okay if I join the list again (not counting days though - it's been over a year and I am starting to get to the teary stage!)

Kaloki I noticed your post a while back about feeling low as you were one of the only ones left from when you joined... that's one of the reasons I decided to start posting again :) I know how you feel! Also - WOW your wedding photos look lovely, wish they showed up bigger on the profile page, your dress is beautiful and I LOVE the sleeves and your hair and makeup. But then I think you're BEAUTIFUL in all your pics ( hope you don't start to think I'm a stalker lol!)

DH and myself went through a tough time and I had some help from al anon (he drinks, but not all the time - every month or so) and I am working through some codependency issues. Things are SO much better. So we started TTC again and have been to the GP. Turns out that where I am, the cut off date for IVF on the NHS is age 38. I was 38 in January. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhh. (Even though I don't know if I would have wanted to go through it all for something that only works 15 - 25% of the time).

I got the day 21 progesterone test, day 21 was a Saturday so they did me on the Friday and Monday. Levels have to be over 30 to be sure you've ovulated. Day 20 I was 58 and day 23 it was down to 18. Cycles regular at 26 to 28 days. DH's sperm analysis results due next Wed and we have another appt at the GP to see what she says about our results and what (if anything?) comes next.

I'm getting upset when my workmates get pregnant (3 of them since I left this thread) and although obviously I try not to show it, I cried at work when ERTD started last month and my colleague noticed so I told her why. Wish I hadn't as I feel as though they're trying not to talk about babies around me which is a real shame and makes me feel worse! I can't avoid them as I work in a health centre and there's pre and antenatal classes every single week so all I see are pregnant ladies and gorgeous babies and toddlers everywhere!

Had a vivid dream last night (I hardly ever remember my dreams) that everyone I knew told me they were pregnant and I wasnt :( but I am strangely taking that as a good sign lol!

I've bought a mooncup and have used it after SWI this month. Am on 2ww so will let you know if any luck.

I'm soooooooo sorry about the me me me post, I'm loving the Three Follicles and I hope to get to know you all properly.

Ooops forgot my joke... um...

When is a car not a car?

When it turns into a garage

(boom boom):)

calyx truly the worst joke ever, love it

Hi ladies, just popping back briefly to let you know I've booked a reflexology appointment with a fertility specialist, but it's not for 2 weeks.

I'll leave you all with one of my favourite jokes:

Two snowmen in a field. One turns to the other and says "Can you smell carrots?"

.

calyx Good to see you back! Has been a while :)

florin Good to have someone going through the same stuff, shit as it is.

DH wants to add a joke

"If you hold a spoon to your ear, what are you doing?
Answer, listening to metal"

"Where's the stationary cabinet?
Answer - it's the one that's not moving"

(One of his friends acted out both of these)