Clearblue Fertility Monitor Support Group Buddies Vol 5!!

[boba82]

Ladies from Vol4 - welcome to our new home.

thanks Lychees! Extra bits of info: TTC#2 cycle#2 ULC 28

feel like I'm a part of everything now lol

Congrats, Choccie! Wishing you all the best.

Congrats Choccie it really does bring hope to those of us who have been trying for a while with no success.

Well, AF due on Saturday so I'm a nervous wreck every time I go to the loo as pre-AF spotting is due any second. I'm finding it very stressful this month and am starting to think about giving up and moving on as I don't know how much longer I can do this for

Hi all. I won't be able to use CBFM this month as I've started taking Clomid. Has anyone else tried it?

Today's stats:

In School
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 6, age 38, UCL 28, CD6
Twowoulddo TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM cycle 1?, Aged 31, UCL 31, CD57
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #12, CBFM Cycle 6, age 38, UCL 29-35, CD49
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 33, UCL 32, CD38
CrazyAlien TTC#1, Cycle #6 CBFM Cycle 2 age 28 UCL 31-35??! CD30
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #15, CBFM cycle 11, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD28
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #13, CBFM Cycle 8, age 34, UCL 30-32, CD26
Arabella36 TTC#2, Cycle #1, CBFM Cycle 4, Age34, UCL29, CD26
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #29, CBFM Cycle 17, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD25
ZebedeetheZebra TTC#2, age 43, UCL TMI!, CD23
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #16, CBFM Cycle 5, age 31, UCL 29, CD23
Roastie TTC#1, Cycle #23, CBFM Cycle 2, age 32, UCL 29, CD17
Littlefan TTC#1, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 4 , age 32, UCL 32-38, CD16
Fr00tbat TTC#1, Cycle 7, CBFM Cycle 3, age 32, UCL 30-38 (av 34), CD15
Clockspotter TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 1, age 38, UCL 29-31, CD13
Ses TTC#2, cycle #6, CBFM cycle 8, age 37, UCL 28-30, CD12
TinaO99 TTC#?, Cycle#?, CBFM Cycle 2, age ??, UCL ??, CD10

Graduates

Emmylou30 BFP 22/10/10
MissLolita BFP 30/10/20
Notnearly BFP 6/11/10
StormBird BFP 10/11/10
AnytimeNow BFP 20/11/10
IloveKittyElise BFP 30/12/10
Boba BFP 07/01/11
Chocciechip BFP 11/01/11

By the way congrats Choccie Chip and welcome to Tina - forgot to update your stats before!
Today's stats:

In School
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 6, age 38, UCL 28, CD6
Twowoulddo TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM cycle 1?, Aged 31, UCL 31, CD57
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #12, CBFM Cycle 6, age 38, UCL 29-35, CD49
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 33, UCL 32, CD38
CrazyAlien TTC#1, Cycle #6 CBFM Cycle 2 age 28 UCL 31-35??! CD30
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #15, CBFM cycle 11, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD28
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #13, CBFM Cycle 8, age 34, UCL 30-32, CD26
Arabella36 TTC#2, Cycle #1, CBFM Cycle 4, Age34, UCL29, CD26
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #29, CBFM Cycle 17, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD25
ZebedeetheZebra TTC#2, age 43, UCL TMI!, CD23
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #16, CBFM Cycle 5, age 31, UCL 29, CD23
Roastie TTC#1, Cycle #23, CBFM Cycle 2, age 32, UCL 29, CD17
Littlefan TTC#1, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 4 , age 32, UCL 32-38, CD16
Fr00tbat TTC#1, Cycle 7, CBFM Cycle 3, age 32, UCL 30-38 (av 34), CD15
Clockspotter TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 1, age 38, UCL 29-31, CD13
Ses TTC#2, cycle #6, CBFM cycle 8, age 37, UCL 28-30, CD12
TinaO99 TTC#2, Cycle#2, CBFM Cycle 2, age ??, UCL 28, CD10

Graduates

Emmylou30 BFP 22/10/10
MissLolita BFP 30/10/20
Notnearly BFP 6/11/10
StormBird BFP 10/11/10
AnytimeNow BFP 20/11/10
IloveKittyElise BFP 30/12/10
Boba BFP 07/01/11
Chocciechip BFP 11/01/11

Hi ladies

Congrats choccie I really hope it sticks i will be thinking of you.

Had my scan today, was exactly 6+3 as I thought (hoorah for precision tools ie the CBFM). There was a blob-beat and it measured right, not much else to tell at this stage other than they ended up using the dildo-cam....NICE

only 5 weeks to go to the dreaded nuchal scan. lets hope i get there.

Thinking of you all.

ses i just saw your stats did i read that correctly you are ttc #6? you crazy lady!

Liz xxx

Congratulations Choccie I'm so pleased for you and its excellent to see yet another BFP on this thread - thats 8 BFP's since October....not bad going eh! I hope you have a smooth run of things hun, sending you masses of luck

Kitty I get the Dildo-Cam treatment it seems evertime I go for a Scan. But they do show up much clearer images once your a bit further along. You can view my latest pic as I have added it to my photos - that was courtesy of Dildo-Cam due to baby sleeping on its side and continuously rolling over evertime the sonographer poked at it - just like its dad
Good luck with the Nuchal hun, that 5 weeks will hopefully fly by without a hitch.

Good Luck with the Clomid Wantbaby . I hope it all works out well for you.

Fingers crossed for Pink and anyone else nearing the end of the 2WW.

Welcome to Tina I hope you find this thread as fantastic as I have over the months and Good Luck with your TTC journey.

Hello everyone else

Ladies Long may this amazing run of BFP's continue. I really hope you all get your happy endings soon.

XXX

Choccie I am so pleased for you!!! Do let us know how it goes on. We ordered everything off the list you posted - dutifully swollowing everything, costing a fortune but we hope worth it, not so far though,so encouraged by your news!!

However, for us there will be no IVF, even though that is what we need (well ICSI) as today had worst ever news - THE LETTER by THE PERSON to say without saying it "NO" and all negative, lots of things that are horrible and not one positive reason.

Choccie really appreciate your comment to me. And it is great you and Boba together got BFP's as you both here so long. I forget now how long you ttc?

kezia im really sorry to hear about about your news, that sucks and seems really unfair and awful. everyone here hopes you are the next miracle xxx

Lychees what a self absorbed cow she sounds. If I were you next time she complains remind her how long you've been trying to shut her up!

Choccie Congratulations, FX all goes well for you and for me so we can share together. I'll be 7 weeks tomorrow I think.

Pink hugs for you hun. I was on cycle 19 when it finally happened so don't give up yet!

wantbaby I used CBFM whilst on Clomid and it seemed to work perfectly for me. I think it's fine to use it as a guide but bear in mind the Clomid may or may not affect the results.

kitty glad all is going well for you.

storm had a wee peak at your photo, lovely!

Keziah I'm sorry to hear that hun. How are you feeling about it? Is this the end of the road or are there any appeals etc to be made? Try and stay positive, like choccie said it can happen for you too. I know it must be hard though. x

Keziah I am so very very sorry. I guess at the moment you are in shock and just trying to process it. I really don't know what to say. You must be devastated.

If the person hasn't actually said "no" is there any chance that the clinic can still go ahesd?

What about going abroad for treatment? Would that be feasible? Any country outside of the UK won't be subjected to HFEA regulations so you might not even have to travel far? I've heard that Scandinavia and the low countries are pretty reputable and successful at fertility treatment.

I am probably just clutching at straws, but maybe it's something that you could consider given time.

Today's stats:

In School
Twowoulddo TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM cycle 1?, Aged 31, UCL 31, CD58
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #12, CBFM Cycle 6, age 38, UCL 29-35, CD50
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 33, UCL 32, CD39
CrazyAlien TTC#1, Cycle #6 CBFM Cycle 2 age 28 UCL 31-35??! CD31
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #15, CBFM cycle 11, Aged 37, UCL 30-35, CD28
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #13, CBFM Cycle 8, age 34, UCL 30-32, CD27
Arabella36 TTC#2, Cycle #1, CBFM Cycle 4, Age34, UCL29, CD27
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #29, CBFM Cycle 17, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD26
ZebedeetheZebra TTC#2, age 43, UCL TMI!, CD24
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #16, CBFM Cycle 5, age 31, UCL 29, CD24
Roastie TTC#1, Cycle #23, CBFM Cycle 2, age 32, UCL 29, CD18
Littlefan TTC#1, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 4 , age 32, UCL 32-38, CD17
Fr00tbat TTC#1, Cycle 7, CBFM Cycle 3, age 32, UCL 30-38 (av 34), CD16
Clockspotter TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 1, age 38, UCL 29-31, CD14
Ses TTC#2, cycle #6, CBFM cycle 8, age 37, UCL 28-30, CD13
TinaO99 TTC#2, Cycle#2, CBFM Cycle 2, age ??, UCL 28, CD10
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 6, age 38, UCL 28, CD7

Graduates

Emmylou30 BFP 22/10/10
MissLolita BFP 30/10/20
Notnearly BFP 6/11/10
StormBird BFP 10/11/10
AnytimeNow BFP 20/11/10
IloveKittyElise BFP 30/12/10
Boba BFP 07/01/11
Chocciechip BFP 11/01/11

Keziah, I'm sorry about your news and quite angry on your behalf. But I'm still wishing for a natural BFP for you ... these things do happen.

keziah, I am so sorry. It's going to take you some time to absorb the shock. Have you found any support groups online that can help you work through alternative options? I know travelling overseas sounds scary (because we considered it) but I've read in some forums that it can be much cheaper. I know of one person who went to Turkey and egg-shared so got the price of her treatment right down, and now has twins.

We've been ttc for just over two years and although we had two BFPs in the first year, both ended in MCs. We had a second year of no BFPs.

My overwhelming response to this BFP was relief - that I didn't have to go through IVF because I am scared of IVF. But given my only past experience of PG has been bad, I have a black cloud following me with a feeling that I know what's going to happen next and its going to be hearbreaking. I just can't shake the feeling at all.

Probably not what people want to hear, but I wish I could experience PG the way 'normal' people do. I'm not stressing and fretting about it, it's just a feeling of dull acceptance that this isn't going to happen for us, and why should it after all we've been told and what we've gone through.

DH is struggling though: super-stressed. Yesterday he left for work highly emotional, pure stress over what we might have to be dealing with next.

Anyway, we cross our fingers and toes and wait for the next seven weeks to roll by before we start to dare to hope.

The only other thing to say to everyone is I had totally given up hope. DH had been given a miserable sperm diagnosis so we figured our only chance was IVF. (We haven't even told the IVF people yet until the PG is confirmed by my GP). In Dec we only SWI'd twice in total, on both the CBFM peak days. Usually we have marathon sessions on the highs as well, and always try to do it on the day after peaks too. DH now thinks we were doing it 'all wrong' for the year....

I had stopped charting my temperature during that month as well and took a break from MN (!), and was drinking because there were lots of guests around and I was in a 'screw it' frame of mind. And because I'd totally given up, I wasn't even thinking about BFPs or us having any chance at all.

It all suggests 'relaxing' and stopping obsession might be good for conception, but my 2nd PG was conceived in my worst state of stress ever in my life so I don't fully buy that.

I do think diet and vitamins are good though, because we measured an improvement in DH's sperm counts through his samples. And .... TMI warning alert ...!!! The one thing in common after all my BFPs was an orgasm AFTER we SWI'd!! DH thinks that's the magic solution .... not much of that happened when we were stressing and tired in marathon SWI moments through the year. I think he might be right and maybe it helps get the swimmers 'up there' (I saw it in a documentary once).

I have spent so much time in the past two years trying to figure out what the magic formula for success is and its so frustrating to still think at the end that it might just be a bit of a lottery.

sorry lychees just realised I forgot to add my age (42)

on second cycle had a few days of highs now on day 11 had a peak! DTD last night now not sure bearing in mind what choccie says whether to leave it or try again today and tonmorrow? Just thinking it might 'dilute' things down lol

thanks all for your good wishes and my sympathies with keziah

Tina

Hi everyone

I have been an observer for a while but am feeling quite down now and you all seem very helpful!

We have been TTC for around 2 years properly having been trying unofficially for at least a year before that.

I have just finished my first month on CBFM and had about 18 high days with no peaks, but I did notice 2 days where the second line was on the stick - if that means a surge detected?

If I can join the list I am
TTC#1, Cycle #24, CBFM cycle 2, age 35, UCL 28, CD - not sure what this one means yet?!

Today's stats:

In School
Twowoulddo TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM cycle 1?, Aged 31, UCL 31, CD58
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #12, CBFM Cycle 6, age 38, UCL 29-35, CD50
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 33, UCL 32, CD39
CrazyAlien TTC#1, Cycle #6 CBFM Cycle 2 age 28 UCL 31-35??! CD31
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #15, CBFM cycle 11, Aged 37, UCL 30-35, CD28
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #13, CBFM Cycle 8, age 34, UCL 30-32, CD27
Arabella36 TTC#2, Cycle #1, CBFM Cycle 4, Age34, UCL29, CD27
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #29, CBFM Cycle 17, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD26
ZebedeetheZebra TTC#2, age 43, UCL TMI!, CD24
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #16, CBFM Cycle 5, age 31, UCL 29, CD24
Roastie TTC#1, Cycle #23, CBFM Cycle 2, age 32, UCL 29, CD18
Littlefan TTC#1, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 4 , age 32, UCL 32-38, CD17
Fr00tbat TTC#1, Cycle 7, CBFM Cycle 3, age 32, UCL 30-38 (av 34), CD16
Clockspotter TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 1, age 38, UCL 29-31, CD14
Ses TTC#2, cycle #6, CBFM cycle 8, age 37, UCL 28-30, CD13
TinaO99 TTC#2, Cycle#2, CBFM Cycle 2, age 42, UCL 28, CD10
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 6, age 38, UCL 28, CD7
SlightlyBabyCrazed, TTC#1, Cycle #24, CBFM cycle 2, age 35, UCL 28, CD??

Graduates

Emmylou30 BFP 22/10/10
MissLolita BFP 30/10/20
Notnearly BFP 6/11/10
StormBird BFP 10/11/10
AnytimeNow BFP 20/11/10
IloveKittyElise BFP 30/12/10
Boba BFP 07/01/11
Chocciechip BFP 11/01/11

Welcome SlightlyBabyCrazed! CD stands for cycle day.

As for the two lines on the stick, I'm as baffled as you as I also had a stick like that this cycle but it still read low on my CBFM. So can't help on that front but some of the more knowledgeable ladies on here may have an answer. Just so you don't worry, it seems fairly common not to get a peak in your first cycle. Good luck and hope you;re not about on here for too long ... for all the right reasons.

Choccie, I totally understand the nervousness about your BFP. Hoping you have a healthy [and soon, a happy] pregnancy.

Hello All

Welcome SlightlyBabyCrazd Do you mind me asking whether you have started fertility investigations? 2/3 years is an awfully long time to be trying. I don't want to worry you or sound negative, but you are within your rights to receive investigations on the NHS.

Wrt your questions regarding the lines on the stick.

The one nearest to the end you pee on is LH. This becomes darker as LH surges. LH surges approximately 12 - 48 hours before you ovulate.

The one furthest away from the end that you pee on is oestrogen. The technology of the stick uses a negative assay and this means it fades out as oestrogen surges. When oestrogen peaks, it becomes quite faint and then fades back in.

Oestrogen levels rise and surge 1 - a few days before your LH surge. The LH surge triggers ovulation

At the beginning of your cycle you will have low oestrogen and LH (hopefully - some conditions can mean this is not the case). The CBFM measures your baseline levels and then compares to these. If you do have low LH and oestrogen, you'll see a dark line furthest away from the end you pee on and a faint or no line on the end closest to pee end.

When your oestrogen surges, which tells the CBFM to read high, you'll see a faint line (or no line) closest to the end you pee on and a faint line (or no line) furthest away from the end on which you pee. The monitor switches from low to high.

When your LH (which triggers ovulation) surges, you will see a dark line closest to where you pee and the oestrogen line (furthest away from the pee end) will become darker, or non existent, as oestrogen levels should be falling at this point..

The monitor does measure against baseline (ie early in your cycle) and so it's important to trust it rather than what you see on the stick. It assesses the intensity of the colours of the lines. It should be accurate unless you have any conditions that mean that you have high LH or oestrogen levels early in your cycle.

Hopefully I have explained that well. I've probably just confused myself, though!

See - KC the resident expert here!!

Thanks guys - no chance of appeal no. Although she not say no, I can't say here what awful stuff she did say. Not all true either ... I knew she'd be vindictive for several reasons. And it is a bitchy letter.

Abroad - gosh, well with my job can only go in summer hols, so that massively restricts things and if cycle dates wrong that is it. Don't honestly think the stress would be good. Sounds as appealing as going into a red light area right now and forgetting to use a contraceptive!! And, no, that doesn't appeal either. I can see it works for some, but travel is not something I have had the pleasure of a lot, plus no flexibility with work - an nhs procedure nearby,yes they have to be letting me have time off for - abroad for treatment - no.

Appeal - no, not set up like that. I guess I could go back in 2yrs and say - hey? But will be 38, and 2yrs of nothing after 18months since we began testing is a stressful thought.

Natural miracle - am glad for those that have that, after years. But never had a bfp, a chemical in 6yrs - which is one big difference - how to face life as childless due to my fault I don't know. Think like Chocie now is the time to leave mumsnet, as no way I can try to be a mum and there will be no natural miracle of that I am totally aware - no miracles, as I don't deserve one that has been made very obvious through many ways the past few months. DP/H blaming me, quite rightly, too. there is no online support, or real support = as nhs never thought I needed any support for me. The one friend that knew not reply when texted I had bad letter, but did when I said not able to babysit at weekend. It was ignored - that is how i am treated in real life, so perhaps I should accept a child would not enjoy being with me.

Keziah I'm quite worried for you hun. Please don't feel like you don't deserve to be a mum. I can completely understand how down you must be feeling just now. Your DH shouldn't be blaming you either. I don't really know what to say I just really feel for you and don't want you to beat yourself up over something that is NOT your fault. I understand your reasons for wanting to leave mumsnet but remember we are all here for you. x x

Keziah, as Boba says, please don't be so hard on yourself. You have just found yourself in these unfortunate circumstances and it is not your fault. Thinking of you.

Dear keziah, the blame game is a dangerous road to travel down when TTC. Who knows whose 'fault' it is. Why is it your fault? Because you've been turned down for IVF for reasons related to you? Or is it perhaps your DH's 'fault' for the fact you need IVF in the first place. And whose to say that even if you got the IVF that it would be successful - whose fault would that be when it failed?. You can't do this to yourself or each other. Don't let the NHS cost you your marriage, and don't turn against each other when you need each other to fight on.

I don't think you should leave MN, especially if you have zero support elsewhere. Fighting the NHS is a massive undertaking - one small voice against a cold unfeeling mammoth institution. It's not something you can do alone or unsupported. And as hard as I know it is - because it really has worn me down too - you must hang on to what you want most in the world and somehow find the strength and courage to keep going. It is the only way you'll get what you want.

I think if this letter is vindictive then you have grounds for complaint; and if it contains untruths, then you have grounds for complaints and challenges. Factual inaccuracies are not acceptable - this is your life they are bureaucratically filing away.

I've gone blank on the patient support group you must turn to when dealing with the NHS (can someone help me out), but I think if you haven't contacted them then you must do so as soon as you feel able too.

Could you afford to go to this clinic? I suggest it because I read this article towards the end of last year and dug it out again for you to read.

As for deserving it - there's no such thing with babies. If paedophiles and heroin addicts can have babies, why would you think you are somehow less deserving? Of course you're not. Please be kind to yourself. If you are angry and frustrated, focus it where it is deserved - against the NHS and their stupid decisions. Not your husband, or yourself and nor should he against you - you've both suffered enough. I'm so sorry for what you're both going through - your despair and hopelessness is heartbreaking and I only wish I could help more.

Are you thinking of PAL, Choccie?

That's the one! Thanks Lychees.

www.pals.nhs.uk/cmsContentView.aspx?ItemID=932

choccie i was just reading your post about your trying to conceive journey and 2MCs. A piece of advice a friend gave me (who had taken 18 months to conceive and subsequently had cramps and bleeding for much of the first trimester) was try to enjoy every day now, i don't think it would have made it any easier if i lost them having been prepared myself for it with worry. enjoy every moment

obviously it doesnt take the worry away totally but it was a much better outlook than the bleak one i started with xxx

Hi thank you for the information, I will see how stick matches to machine reading this month!

I am CD1 according to the CBFM, as started after window yesterday :(

My story thus far:
I was referred to gynae almost 3 years ago due to excrutiating AF and GP suggested I may have endometriosis or fibroids - to which I asked what does that mean to me - reply - nothing unless you want children - all matter of fact, like some do! I said well I do, but we weren't trying trying at that point but I knew we would be fairly soon. I saw gynae, started tests - had scans hystowhatsit and repeated bloods, over period of about a year - then they wanted me to have the Laparoscopy - which scared the heck out of me as I have an inexplicable fear of anaesthetic - so I cancelled the appt to find that they cancelled me from the whole process!

We had a break from pressurised TTC, but still nothing doing.

So, started again beginning of last year (new GP much more helpful, he even set up the blood tests to get the ball rolling quicker).

The only recurring theme is high prolactin levels - other half originally had slightly low counts but I seem to have fixed that with bath banning and pumping him full of vitamins and supplements!

I had an MRI scan before New Year and have an appt in April(!!!) but am gonna try and get gynae office to bump me up the endocrinolgist list, fingers crossed. The last word from the gynae was that he would put us down as unexplained and would be recommending IUI.

I then went home and order the CBFM - am still hopeful for something natural

Sorry to go on, but think that gets you up to speed with my plight - I was so hoping to get a BFP this week, but no