Clearblue Fertility Monitor Support Group Buddies Vol 5!!

[boba82]

Ladies from Vol4 - welcome to our new home.

tilly I understand your frustration but wanted to share with you, and all the ladies on this thread, that I think you're on the right track with the CBFM.

I've been using the CBFM for two years and have achieved 3 BFPs with it (and I'll be 40 very soon). Sadly, the first two ended in MCs.

I just looked at the duofertility gadget, and it looks to me that all it offers is 'electronic automatic charting'. You can get all this information for free yourself with a £2 thermometer and by signing up for a fertilityfriends (FF) account. I think one minute with a thermometer in my mouth is less disruptive than a whole day wearing a sensor.

There have been studies done which show that some people ovulate later than charting temps would suggest or even before so I personally would not rely on charting on its own. Also lifestyle factors can throw out charting data (disrupted sleep, alcohol, travel, stress).

The CBFM actually measures your hormones.

I charted (the cheap way) as well as using the CBFM and got the best of both worlds. I found my temping information correlated perfectly with the CBFM information. Also, a FF accoutn allows you to map data from both so you can see this happening. The only added advantage of charting (apart from double-checking the CBFM) is it helped me confirm ovulation every month, something the CBFM does not do.

Charting is fascinating, but has its cons - i.e. you can start obsessing about whether your temps are doing the 'right' thing etc etc ... and obsession can be bad for fertility. I stopped charting in the month I got my BFP to give myself a break and used only the CBFM. So my BFP has nothing to do with charting at all.

Honestly, I think the CBFM is a pretty amazing tool.

If you are 'normal' and do not have a fertility problem, I personally think that more important than anything you can buy (i.e. pre-seed, grapefruit juice, gadgets etc) is to get your body as fit and as healthy as possible - I cannot stress this enough. And worth noting that it can take three months before changing your diet or a vitamin regime starts to take effect. So the sooner a person embarks on this, the better.

I hope this helps a bit. Very best of luck.

chocciechip THANK YOU :)
I'm sure you are right, I'm just having one of those days where if someone told me I'd get pregnant if I did a naked handstand on the high street, I'd do it!!!

Anyway back to the real world, cd13 and on a cbfm high so best get to it .

What did you do chocciechip to get your body and mental health to the very best state?

Wishing you health, happiness and pls stay in touch!

Tilly xx

chocciechip - very wise words there! I am not very unhealthy but my diet could certainly improve and I do not enjoy exercise. If I don't get a BFP on this cycle then I am going to look at doing a weekly pilates class.
I am using FF and charting together with CBFM and they don't agree 100% with when I ovulate but only a day out. I'm now 4dpo and keeping everything crossed!

Congratulations to you and Boba on your scans. After my mmcs before DS, I was told once a heartbeat has been seen the chances of a healthy pg increase significantly but I'll still keep my fingers crossed for you both.

level - I'm a bit of a thread whore too!

KC - sounds like you've had a tough week. Hope your friend is coping with the grieving process. I'm sure she appreciates your support.

Hello everyone else. Hope you are having good weekends :)

I think Choccie's post is good ... and ses I began pilates late autumn (till got injured in a car accident) and it is the best thing I have ever done for relaxation, am looking forward to returning as soon as my physio has finished.

This month I bought organic fruit and veg (not sure but at least it tastes nice!) and we are both on lots of vits, omega 3 and other things (on choccie's advice and of my accupuncturist!)

KC - have you thought of accupuncture?

Thanks ses and everyone for the encouraging words. I was told via a different thread that seeing a heartbeat at 6 weeks means the pg has 78% chance of being successful; but I also read my age and the fact I've had previous MCs predisposes me more than others. So ... not out of the woods yet. BUT, I'm not going to bang on about this in TTC thread - doesn't seem fair and was something I really didn't like much when I was feeling low and desperate.

tilly, I don't think there's a TTC tip out there that I haven't tried, including cough mixture and bicycling my legs after DTD. The downside to all of this (aside from the presure of constantly chasing the magic solution) is that when AF arrives I would tell myself it was because I didn't do x, y, or z. It seems sad that with all the pressure and heartache, we think its somehow our fault. Someone once described TTC as a lottery to me, I think its more like roulette. Who knows when the egg will meet the sperm and why it will do so in that month and not others. We are not equipped with the skills to cope with uncertainty anymore, and I think its quite important people be kind to themselves.

Like keziah I also did pilates for relaxation, and I go for walks (daylight permitting). But I am not very good at full on formal exercise... still not.

I saw a TCM practitioner after my MCs and was told I was very 'depleted' after years of a very high stress job and then the MCs. I was put on 6mths of herbs which cost a fortune. I also saw (and still see) a fertility nutritionist, who also, independently said I was 'depleted' and put me on a intensive regime tailored to me.

Big lifestyle change was to cut out work stress. I don't work evenings or weekends anymore, and I don't pick up the slack for other people who drop the ball. I have become a bit 'jobsworthy', but if I hadn't, I would be expending all my energy and health on a job, not my future child.

I only drink decaf tea (yuck) and coffee. Cutting down on booze is a BIG DEAL too and I found this by far the hardest thing to do: there are studies which say that even moderate/light drinking can negatively affect fertility. e.g. on the day AF arrives, I consoled myself with half a glass of wine, not three or four - and then stopped drinking after that. However, having managed to get to this point, I don't even think about alcohol anymore. Given I used to far exceed my weekly allowance, I hope this fact gives others struggling with this change some hope.

Diet is also challenging to change - try very hard to eat SEVEN fruit and veg a day, and I was told that at least one of them should be a dark leafy green veg every day. Easier to do if you start the day with fruit smoothies (I'll give you my basic recipe if you like), and I try to have two salads with an evening meal to pack in different veg as well.

Even after all of this, I did a hair analysis test with my nutritionist that showed I was STILL lacking in a bunch of minerals and had too much mercury in my system. Queue revolting seaweed tablets to 'detox' me of mercury, and a decision to stop eating tuna, and big changes in the vit regime to plug the gaps.

Importantly, DH did the same. i.e. cut out booze, took on board and helped with all the diet changes, and takes his vits regularly. I know I am very lucky he hasn't complained or been difficult about it.

Important though, don't beat yourself up if you don't do this every single day. Be relaxed but determined to make the changes. Even if you do it four out of seven days in a week, that's far better than none at all and a step in the right direction. And if AF arrives, it won't be because you had a takeaway and beer on that one Friday in the month (IYKWIM).

Hope this helps all of you ladies, ask any questions you like.... x

Today's stats:

In School

Twowoulddo TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM cycle 1?, Aged 31, UCL 31, CD69
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #12, CBFM Cycle 6, age 38, UCL 29-35, CD61
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 33, UCL 32, CD50
CrazyAlien TTC#1, Cycle #6 CBFM Cycle 2 age 28 UCL 31-35??! CD42
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #15, CBFM cycle 11, Aged 37, UCL 30-35, CD39
Arabella36 TTC#2, Cycle #1, CBFM Cycle 4, Age34, UCL29, CD38
Roastie TTC#1, Cycle #23, CBFM Cycle 2, age 32, UCL 29, CD29
Littlefan TTC#1, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 4 , age 32, UCL 32-38, CD28
Fr00tbat TTC#1, Cycle 7, CBFM Cycle 3, age 32, UCL 30-38 (av 34), CD27
Clockspotter TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 1, age 38, UCL 29-31, CD25
Ses TTC#2, cycle #6, CBFM cycle 8, age 37, UCL 28-30, CD24
TinaO99 TTC#2, Cycle#2, CBFM Cycle 2, age 42, UCL 28, CD21
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 6, age 38, UCL 28, CD18
Tilly TTC#1, 3years, CBFM cycle 9, age 36, UCL 28-34, CD15
SlightlyBabyCrazed, TTC#1, Cycle #24, CBFM cycle 2, age 35, UCL 28, CD11
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 34, UCL 27-30, CD11
ZebedeetheZebra TTC#2, Cycle#8, CBFM Cycle#8 age 44, CD9
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #30, CBFM Cycle 18, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD8
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #17, CBFM Cycle 6, age 31, UCL 28-30, CD4

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

Argh ... still no AF. I don't know what's happening with my body anymore. Bit worried now and waiting for my consultant or a nurse to get back to me.

How's everyone else doing?

Hi lychees God how frustrating. Have you POAS again or is that completely ruled out?

Boba, I'm going to pee on a stick tonight, just in case. I'm feeling really low about ttc at the moment and I just want to curl up in bed and not face the world ... I just can't imagine it ever happening for us again. I think DS must have been a fluke. I'm really frustrated with my own body.

Very frustrating lychees. Have you had a blood test to rule our a bfp?

Regarding stress and relaxation we saw a nurse today at the fertility clinic who said reducing stress was very important if we have fertility treatment - so am going to try and follow choccie's lead and not work evenings or weekends - well definitely rule out weekends, unfortunatly with my job I have to work after the "bell" as it were, but I can limit it! And need to. Dark green leafy veg is where I go wrong most days.

Choccie your basic smoothie recipe would be great as I have challenged myself to get 7 portions of fruit and veg in a day and it is hard!!

Lychees good luck with poas, seems hopeful as no AF yet?

I'm in the middle of reading 'Getting Pregnant Faster' and think I'm going to have to radically improve my diet. I don't eat nearly enough fruit and veg, and looks like I'll be reducing my chocolate intake too (still wading through xmas chocs here!).

I've also known for a while that the booze has to go but I've been in denial...I don't drink loads but I like 1 or 2 glasses on a Friday and Saturday night - but there's no denying the evidence that even moderate drinking has a negative effect I'm sure I'll feel better for it though.

Thank you for your post Choccie, I have been trying very hard over last 4 weeks to cut out alcohol, do more exercise, eat fruit and veg etc -it's good to hear of someone that has done the graft and got a bfp.

Am also gonna try reflexology - found one just down the road - tried acupuncture last year, but very expensive and very slow working (for me anyway). I am open to alternative therapies - I will let you all know how it goes - prob gonna go for 1st session beginning next week!

SBC

On the CBFM am day 11 today and 4th day of high reading - should that be one more day of high followed by two peak? Am excited each day waiting for the reading - is that a bit sad??!!

It is only cycle two so fingers crossed I actually register peaks...

Thanks All. Definitely a BFN. Think it must be the extra progesterone working its way out of my body. Hopefully, AF'll be here soon and I can start my second cycle of Clomid. Hope I have a better response this time. Isn't it a turn of events that I'm now wishing for AF to arrive!

SlightlyBabyCrazed, there is no set number of highs per cycle. Hope you get your peak soon.

Lychees sorry you're feeling down ATM. I know that feeling, when you know you're out you just want AF to hurry up so you can get cracking on with the next cycle. FX AF turns up soon. x

hi all, just had the result of my second blood test (progesterone) and all is normal!!! Am very happy as starting to worry that there was something wrong with me (especially given my advanced age lol) my monitor is warning me my period is now due and I'm starting to get tender boobs so it's probably imminent, here's to trying in cycle 3!!

Will now try to get hubby to go for his 'test' to get checked out, problem is he smokes a fair amount so am a bit worried the issue might lay with him now, not sure I'll be able to get him to cut down as he's so addicted! He's started on a supplement anyway which may help!Good luck to SBC pinkcustar and all the other ladies yet to graduate!

lychees I so sorry for the stress you're going through. When you say 'you can't imagine it ever happening again', I relate to that so intensely. My DH had started to tell people we were never having children, because we'd both lost all hope and its a very painful place to get to.

I was thinking ... we had a big talk with the IVF people to prepare us for our treatment, and I was told by a nurse that one of the things that often happens in IVF is women phone them up and say 'my period should have been here by now', when in fact, their cycles are totally artificial and being controlled by drugs and have no correlation to their natural cycles. I don't know anything about clomid, but is it possible this is what is happening with you - you're having a clomid cycle that doesn't connect with your normal body?

Also - and I hesitate to say this because I don't want to give you false hope - are you SURE you ovulated when you think you did? Do you chart as well as use the CBFM? Is it possible that the CBFM gave you your peaks, and then you stopped POAS and possibly missed a second LH surge. The CBFM only tells you your body is trying to (and probably will) ovulate. If it doesn't, your body will try again and the CBFM doesn't tell you if this is happening. If this is the case, you may still be in your luteal phase? Is this possible?

keziah My basic 'recipe' is a large handful of rolled oats, about 4 big tbs natural bio yoghurt, 2 pears (or apples), handful of blueberries or strawberries, and two of a soft fruit (peaches, plums etc). I also add 2tbs of this powdered stuff (you can buy in sainsburys health section). All of this is zoozed in a processor and thinned to smoothie consistency with fruit juice (not from concentrate). Sometimes I add nuts as well - especially if DH is having (brazil nuts for him). It usually makes enough for two or three smoothies, so I put the other one in the fridge in those click top tupperware thingies for breakfast the next day. Tastes the same, but needs to be thinned a bit after the oats have swelled a bit.

pinkcustard In the past, I easily had two or three glasses of wine every night and more on the weekend. I was begiinning to wonder if I had a drinking problem. It was a very hard habit to break, but I can promise you that having done it, I barely think about it anymore. Becks blue alcohol free beer helps - and making it into a 'shandy' helps you pretend its the real stuff even more.

sbc My second BFP happened after a reflexology session. I dont know if it was coincidence or not but have read online that there does seem to be positive benefits with fertility. I think there's a hospital in the UK doing a study on it even so maybe even the NHS thinks that maybe.... Just remember that apparently its at least three months before your body ctaches up on all the benefits of a diet change so very good luck to you.

tina that's great about your results.

Hi just joined up to Mumsnet so I could join this group as using CBFM and could really do with the support of others. Please can I join? My details are

TTC#1, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 2, age 31, UCL (is this usual cycle length?) 33-38, CD6

Everything crossed this is my month for BFP :)

Today's stats:

In School

Twowoulddo TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM cycle 1?, Aged 31, UCL 31, CD70
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #12, CBFM Cycle 6, age 38, UCL 29-35, CD62
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 33, UCL 32, CD51
CrazyAlien TTC#1, Cycle #6 CBFM Cycle 2 age 28 UCL 31-35??! CD43
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #15, CBFM cycle 11, Aged 37, UCL 30-35, CD40
Arabella36 TTC#2, Cycle #1, CBFM Cycle 4, Age34, UCL29, CD39
Roastie TTC#1, Cycle #23, CBFM Cycle 2, age 32, UCL 29, CD30
Littlefan TTC#1, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 4 , age 32, UCL 32-38, CD29
Fr00tbat TTC#1, Cycle 7, CBFM Cycle 3, age 32, UCL 30-38 (av 34), CD28
Clockspotter TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 1, age 38, UCL 29-31, CD26
Ses TTC#2, cycle #6, CBFM cycle 8, age 37, UCL 28-30, CD25
TinaO99 TTC#2, Cycle#2, CBFM Cycle 2, age 42, UCL 28, CD22
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 6, age 38, UCL 28, CD19
Tilly TTC#1, 3years, CBFM cycle 9, age 36, UCL 28-34, CD16
SlightlyBabyCrazed, TTC#1, Cycle #24, CBFM cycle 2, age 35, UCL 28, CD12
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 34, UCL 27-30, CD12
ZebedeetheZebra TTC#2, Cycle#8, CBFM Cycle#8 age 44, CD10
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #30, CBFM Cycle 18, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD9
Loup23 TTC#1, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 2, age 31, UCL 33-38, CD6
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #17, CBFM Cycle 6, age 31, UCL 28-30, CD5

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

There you go, Loup23. Welcome . Hopefully you'll be in the graduate section in no time.

Thanks Boba and Choccie. BTW, glad both your scans went well. I have heard back from my DR and apparently the progesterone can lengthen your cycle by up to about a week [definitely ovulated when I thought as I had to trigger this with an injection because I didn't get any peaks on my CBFM last cycle ... should I stop using it if I'm having tx?] and I stopped having progesterone last Friday so AF should be here by the time the week is out. I'm going to give acupuncture a go I think .. even if its good for relaxation, it might be worth it. I think anything to help you relax could help.

When are you starting tx, Keziah?

Good luck and keep well All.

I think you'll enjoy acupuncture Lychees, it is very relaxing. Here's to the second cycle being a lucky one!

Welcome Loup23

How is everyone else doing?

Hi all,

Reading all the info. to do with diet and drinking (thanks Choccie for the words of hope). Totally identify with the 1-2 glasses a night and more on weekends but after a full days work followed by household chores I often feel like its the pat on the back no-one else is going to give me! Doing really well this week staying off the demon vino tho' and hope to make this a new habit- fx anyway.

Been feeling off-colour with strange migraine type symptoms (dancing lights in eyes, feeling sick and headachey but no migraine headache) have (of course) now convinced myself I am preggers YET AGAIN and will no doubt be devastated when AF arrives at the weekend. Its becoming a depressing pattern. Seems to make the months rattle by quickly tho', all this.

Be interested to see how the acupuncture works out Lychees? I know if this CBFM doesnt work we're unlikely to be pursuing the issue further and I cant see OH submitting himself for tests. Although I am truly desperate to provide a sibling and a playmate for DD (especially as she loves babies SO much), there was a point when I thought I wouldnt even get a chance at having her and I feel truly blessed and grateful and somehow feel like I dont want to push my luck!

just started period today so feeling really down :-( I have decided to cut out alcohol now and try to relax a little more but having stress from my teenaged daughter at the moment as she is extremely reluctant to pay any board and it's causing the odd bit of friction lol

Fingers crossed for a BFP for you then clockspotter, you never know?!

Sorry AF got you Tina099, sounds like you could do with a drink!

Sorry to hear about AF Tina099 but at least it means you can try again - fingers X for this month.

Dr said that limiting alcohol to 10 units was recommended so perhaps the odd glass here and there isn't so bad..... I am cutting down but in the same boat as you Tina009, having teenage step kids means I could do with more than the odd glass!

Hi Ladies

Welcome to Loup

Choccie I totally agree with your comments on duofertility. I'm a bit sceptical about it too. If all it does is monitor temperature, I can't see how it can give very much warning of ovulation as I understood the increase in BBT was after ovulation and therefore was useful in confirming it but not predicting it. I don't chart myself, but my thought would be charting in conjunction with the CBFM would give the same results as duofertility. I think their claims that it's as successful as IVF are probably based on a plethora of exclusion criteria. For example, if you have occluded fallopian tubes, I'll put money on it that you won't get your monney back if it doesn't work.

Essence My bereaved friend is OK and back at home now. It was a close friend of hers that died through suicide so it's been really tough for her.

Keaiah I am considering acupucture for the relaxation effects more than anything else. My problem is that I only really believe it produces a placebo effect and am therefore loathe to spend the money. However, that said, anything is worth a go if it helps me relax, de-stress and feel a bit better about myself. DH is keen for me to try it as he thinks it will do me the world of good. I've been feeling very very low of late. I may wait until after my next cycle as I'd like to see whether the HSG has a positive impact first.

Lychees Sorry to hear that IUI hasn't been successful this month

Boba Hope things are still going well for you.

Tina Sorry AF got you

Clock I know what you mean about the wine. I find it really really hard not to drink as it helps me unwind and after 16 months of trying I'm fed up putting my life on hold. Anyway, trying to cut down too. Trying to limit myself to Friday and Saturdays only with a meal.

If its any consolation to those tipplers like myself, I keep reminding myself that before knowing I was preg with DD, DP and I had an all day sesh watching the rugby followed by a large curry!

All thru pregnancy I still occasionally had a small glass of wine with a meal too; and that was all I wanted (bizarrly for me!)

BUT havinf said that, am sure we could all do with some excuse to cut down!

KC, Tina, sorry to hear you're low at the minute. I dont think this time of year does much to help apart from anything else