Clearblue Fertility Monitor Support Group Buddies Vol 5!!

[boba82]

Ladies from Vol4 - welcome to our new home.

KC I'm fine thanks. I really recommend acupuncture. It did wonders for my sinus pain so defo more than placebo as far as I'm concerned, great stress reliever too. Try and keep positive, whatever the results at least the HSG is a step forward in to getting to the bottom of things. x

Hi everybody, I have always been bit of a tippler, but have pretty much cut it out now - I like the idea I saw about having half a glass and topping up with lemonade - DP is even willing to give it a go.

Am day 14 on the CBFM today and still just giving high reading - hoping for a peak soon...

Was feeling quite positive until DP told me that we had received a letter, info pack and appointment from the fertility clinic today - 8th March - I was so hoping for a little more time to get BFP on my own - wishful thinking a little though. Perhaps I will get the peaks and BFP this month and be able to gleefully cancel

There is so much information on IVF but not all that much to fnd on IUI. We were told at our last appt with the gynae that we would be offered IUI first. Looks fairly straightforward, but am feeling a little over-awed right now.

The most annoying/upsetting thing for me right now is that I work in a building where almost every female (all that are in a position to) has become pregnant - and the office banter is along the lines of you could be the next to sit on the magic chair etc etc. No-one at work knows of our trying.

To top it all off one of my staff has just found out she is pregnant - completely out of the blue, shocked, unplanned etc etc and I have to do all the welfare stuff for her and talking to her - she has absolutely no clue about anything - Grrrrr!

Sorry for rant but am feeling completely overwhelmed.

KC - I was extremely sceptical about accupuncture, but booked it anyway to try. Anything that helps and reduces amount of fertility costs I thought. Then I didn't need it, but still had it and it really helped with relaxation and with the pain from the car accident. So in 2 weeks time I will have it again, hopefully as needed through the IVF cycle.

SBC I really empathise with you. It's very hard when everyone around you is getting pregnant. It's OK to feel overwhelmed. I think all of us on here have probably felt that way at times.

Keziah and Boba What's the best way to find a reliable acupuncturist?

KC I found reputable acupuncturist through local natural therapy centre - they were all registered with British Acupuncture Council - so properly regulated etc.

It is a long process with acupuncture, I did find it helpful, but was gonna take many months of weekly sessions and at £40 a go I just couldn't afford to keep going.

Good luck though, if it works for you I may start again

KC, hope HSG was okay. I had my first acupuncture session yesterday. It was quite relaxing and my acupuncturist said that I should do a bit of acupressure myself twice a day. I found one by posting on the regional boards on fertilityfriends.co.uk. and also checked they were BAC registered.

SBC, I have had IUI once and I am going for my second attempt this month so if you have any Q's feel free to ask. Sorry about all the pg ladies at work ... I know the feeling.

Also, on the drinking debate ... I don't drink except for a sip of Champagne for toasting so I'm basically tea-total. Yet, some women seem to be able to get pregnant from a drunken one-night stand. I'm quite cynical - I don't think sensible drinking can have that much impact on fertility, surely?

AFM, AF finally arrived! 21DPO [progesterone supplements after my last IUI really mucked my body up] so I'm back to CD1 today ... will update the stats later if someone doesn't get there first.

Lots of PMA and luck.

SBC I can also sympathise, we have on eparticular team at work where all the ladies have been pregnant twice in the last few years and I'm sick of seeing collections going round (sorry that sounds mean and i don't intend to be!)

On day 2 of new cycle now (no. 3) am thinking of trying robitussin too, does anyone know when I need to start taking it and how much I need to take?

thanks all x

KC good luck for HSG today, let us know how you get on. I just googled accupuncturists in my area and researched the results. I chose one in a local natural therapies centre with good references.

slightly that's good you have an appointment so quickly, FX you don't need it though. Empathise with the overwhelmed feeling. Would it help to maybe confide in someone at work? I know I did with my BF and she was always there to back me up when I was being interrogated by people wanting to know why I didn't have any kids. Hope you're feeling bit better today.

Lychees Glad AF has arrived so you can get cracking. Are you feeling ok about it? I agree abouth the drinking. A little of what you fancy and all that. When's your next IUI then?

Thanks Boba I feel physically sick at the prospect of the HSG. Not because I'm worried about the procedure, but more because I am worried about the result

Sorry for Me Me Me post. Feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment.

Thank you for support, am feeling a lot more positive today. IUI doesn't seem too horrendous, not looking forward to the being pumped full of drugs bit though!

They suggest going along and seeing their counsellor before the first appt, think I'll do that.

Lychees - is there much pain involved? And which drugs do they give you - is it clomid type? As I have been simple diagnosed as "unexplained infertility" I have not even had any clomid as yet.

On the CBFM, still on high, no peak yet

Has anyone here used/using agnus castus? I have been on it for a couple of years to try to keep the prolactin levels down - should I stop using after OV? I've seen on some threads to do so. Think I'll give it a try this month, my LP is normally only 10 days so if I can stretch it can't be a bad thing?

Oh, the dilemmas!

Sorry to enter such long me posts.

kc Getting these kind of results are always stressful and overwhelming, but just think that its one those things that, even if the news is not what you want, will bring you one step closer to a BFP because you'll now know what you need to do to achieve it. Hope it all goes well for you today.

lychees That link I posted on the drinking issue (saying even light to moderate had an impact) partially changed my ways but still didn't really impact on me. The thing that really did it was charting: my temps are undeniably and dramatically changed by even a single glass of wine the night before. I don;t know if this is peculair to me and I don't know if a higher than normal BBT can change things, but it did make me think twice about that link again. Having said that, I got my BFP during the Christmas season, and I was drinking ... so who knows?? I could have killed for a Guinness last night, and would have if DH hadn't gone all stern on me. What baffles me more is the fact that heroin addicts can get BFPs. How the hell does that happen...? Good luck with this next cycle!

sbc I used agnus castus (in drops from a natural therapies centre) for about two months in one half of my cycle only. I can't say I think it changed anything at all. Also, FWIW, I still find pregnant ladies and the gushing from some of them totally intolerable. I remember DH's sis telling me once that a friend of hers was behaving 'weirdly' about her pregnancy because she wouldn't tell all, or share her experience, or talk about the baby etc etc. I silently sat there and thought 'I bet the poor woman struggled ttc, or had mcs'. I can't see myself ever sharing publically - I would find that very hard to do. I think once you've been on a painful journey it changes the way you see the world. And for those for those who haven't, it doesn't occur to them to think that not everyone finds ttc or pgs a breeze. I am betting that you might not be the only woman in your office who listens to that sort of thoughtless banter with deep pain ... if I had been in your office I'd have been in pain too, but the odds of me telling you would have been slim.

tina Weschler advises in her TCOYF dossier to try two teaspoons 3 times a day starting several days before ovulation and continuing until the first day of your temp shift (which would probably be on the 'high' after your peaks when using the CBFM). Grapefruit juice (it has to be the original kind (not pink) and it must not be from concentrate) also helps. I saw a more noticable increase in EWCM with grapefruit juice than with the cough mixture - cynically I think that is it not possible that more liquid in = more liquid out? Having said that, I spoke to a consultant about CM and asked lots of questions. He said that at the ERI they used to carry out CM tests (you might have read about some of these, e.g. inserting a sample into the women to see if the sperm progresses through it etc) but that the hospital has stopped doing it because they found no evidence that EWCM has a dramatic link to BFPs and it wasn't worth doing the tests. He says they get ladies with no EWCM getting BFPs, and ladies with lots of EWCM not getting any BFPs. I know this goes against all we read online, and understand that you may feel you want to go for Robitussin 'just in case' (as I have in the past). But if you find it stressful or hard to do, I'd think it was equally fine to give it a miss. I did use pre-seed all of last year ... but not in the month I got my BFP, and not when I got my first BFP in 2009. And I'm at an age where I don't get much EWCM at all.

clockspotter is it possible that you might be anaemic? I had similar symptoms (as well as exhaustion) and then found my iron levels were low.

keziah when does your ivf process begin?

Thanks Ladies for the advice on acupuncture. I've used the BAcc website to find who is registered near to me and found quite a large clinic (that takes Private Health and NHS referrals too) so I think I am going to give them a go. I am hoping that I'll find it relaxing and de-stressing.

Well my HSG was clear. Much to my surprise. I do feel relief, but also a huge amount of frustration as we now officially have unexplained subfertility, which feels like a bit of a blow as I can't see how we can be successfully treated if they don't know what is wrong. That sounds so pessimistic.

We now wait to see the consultant. Maybe the HSG has given me a bit of a jet wash and we'll get lucky this month!

SBC There is no evidence that Clomid is effective in women with unexplained subfertility. The Cochrane Collaboration's systematic reviews are very highly respected and they are quite damning. Their research is more up-to-date than current NICE guidelines. The Authors' Conclusion states: There is no evidence of clinical benefit of clomiphene citrate for unexplained fertility. When making this treatment choice, potential side effects should be discussed. These include the increased risk of multiple pregnancy and the concern that use for more that 12 cycles has been associated with a three-fold increase in risk of ovarian cancer I mention it because stimulated IUI is shown to be effective. Given that my DH and I are in the same boat as you, and I've been told it's protocol to have Clomid prescribed as my next option, DH and I will be fighting to go straight to IUI. Can't see the point of messing about for another 6 months with a drug that isn't going to be effective because I ovulate and the side-effects of which could outweigh the benefits in my individual case. Just wanted to mention it to you as it's not necessarily a bad thing that it hasn't been prescribed.

However, Clomid is very successful in the treatment of PCOS - sorry don't want to worry any of you that have had it prescribed correctly and where it can help you achieve a BFP.

Sorry sbc should have added (having re-read your posts) that your gynae seems to be taking you down the right route and not messing you about.

Good luck!

kc and sbc I was diagnosed with unexplained infertility and directed straight to IVF, by-passing IUI which is what we were hoping for. Consultant explained that they'd done a large study (I dug out a link here) which found clomid and IUI to not be effective for unexplained infertility: "The researchers concluded that clomifene citrate and intrauterine insemination appear to offer no benefit over expectant management in couples with unexplained infertility." (I don't know what stimulated IUI is... possibly different to what they were doing...?) Ultimately he said our money would be better spent on IVF with better odds. I suppose I uphold their study's conclusions though, because I got my BFP regardless of the diagnosis. I thought it might be of interest to you.

Choccie Yep, the study that you linked is the main one that Cochrane used in their systematic review. Cochrane collaboration combined it with other high quality studies to increase sample sizes. The results are the same, although to be fair The Cochrane Collaboration's findings are driven by the study you linked as the sample size was large, and the design of the study good (which means there is a high level of confidence in the results).

Glad to know your consultant directed you straight to IVF. That is good. Unfortunately, I am with the NHS and will probably have to fight to get the best treatment.

Stimulated IUI is in conjunction with fertility drugs to hyperstimulate the ovaries. Natural IUI is with no stimulation, but timed to coincide with natural ovulation. Have had a quick look at the Battacharya study that you linked, and the authors have randomised against unstimulated IUI. As stimulation hasn't been used, the effectiveness of stimulated IUI can't be deduced from this study. What we do know is that Clomid or unstimulated IUI are no more effective than the "keep trying" approach where infertility is unexplained.

Agree with you on going straight to IVF though. I would like to do this, but that's not the protocol where I am. As I mentioned I do plan to fight vehemently against Clomid, but reckon that it might be too much of a fight to get straight to IVF. There is some evidence that stimulated IUI is more effective than unstimulated for unexplained infertility. Here's the link: There is evidence that IUI with OH increases the live birth rate compared to IUI alone. Although I think your Consultant is completely correct. When you look at all the combinations Cochrane considered, they also argue that stimulation + IUI is no more effective than stimulation + timed intercourse, which totally contradicts the much larger Clomid study by Bhattacharya where there is a higher level of confidence in the results!

Maybe it might be worth the effort pushing directly for IVF? Will have a careful think about it between now and seeing the Consultant. But one thing is for sure, I won't be accepting anything other than stimulated IUI to start.

Choccie we start IVF on 13th!!

KC glad you know result of HSG. I too didn't know whether to be pleased it was all clear. We would have had IUI if had not been for male factors necessitating ICSI. I looked at your age, and although I know you are desperate for a baby asap (as we all are) if you get offered IUI first, it might be worth a try as only one IVF cycle on NHS and the advantage of having even one IUI cycle is that you learn how the clinic/hospital treats you, how your body may respond to medication etc... so it can reduce stress for the ivf cycle - and it may even work (though I would be insisting on medicated IUI and then perhaps one more before going to IUI). I thought it was just male factors but this 3rd consultant I have seen says whilst I haven't got PCOS there is some indication that PCOS is a syndrome and I am at the lower end. But medication overcomes that anyway that I will be taking. If you don't have to wait too long for IUI might be worth a try - it is a 6mth wait for IUI at hospital here, and longer for IVF!!

Lychees am glad you got AF and on day 1 - all the best as you prepare for 2nd cycle.

I have a lot of reading to do! Thank you all for the inputs!

SBC

Keziah What you have said makes so much sense. I am 32 this month, but as you say, my age isn't a factor yet and I think your suggestion of trying medicated IUI to see how the clinic works is brilliant. I wouldn't have thought of it that way, but it does give a chance to suss them out and work out if they are good or I need to go elsewhere. Also, the thing about medication you said struck a chord. I hadn't thought about the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. My PCT allows up to 6 stimulated IUIs before commencing IVF (or ICSI) where they only fund one. You are so right, let them get the medication levels right before you try IVF otherwise you waste the free IVF cycle. I wish I was better at thinking more rationally (like you do).

Will your ICSI be affected by potential PCOS? Or will it be OK as it's medicated? How did you feel when your HSG was clear?

SBC Really hope everything goes well for you.

PS Keziah best of luck for 13th Feb. Very exicited for you. x

Hey guys

Hope you are doing well. I've just been reading the recent posts and it just made my think. I know it's a really obvious one, but for those of you who have been struggling TTC for a while for no explicable reason, have you had your thyroid function checked? Whilst it's a long shot it's something that's easily tested for and easily fixed? Oh and diabetes too (Im type 1, obviously when it's under control fertility not an issue but if you unwittingly have diabetes this can be a reason too). Sorry if im saying stuff that is really obvious and fundamental, I've never had fertility investigations so I don't know what bloodwork is standard.

Sorry for those of you that are feeling a bit down I hope there is positive news soon for each and every one of you

xxx

Hi Everyone!

This is my first time on mumsnet, and I couldn't believe there was a forum on the fertility monitor. We have just purchased our first one after trying for over 2years. We will be seeing the consultant on the 18th April to start IVF discussion, but to be honest I would rather conceive naturally hence why we wanted to give this monitor a try for the next few months. It is difficult as you all know but we are trying to keep positive. Chat soon!! :)

KC glad your HSG was clear. I remember at our first FC appointment the consultant told us that unexplained infertility had the best results in achieving a pregnancy so stay positive!

keziah that's great & so soon. You deserve some luck hun, this will be your time. x

Welcome emski12, this is a lovely thread & very supportive.

Hi emski12 - looks like you are in a similar place to a fair few of us!

I joined mumsnet because of this forum - I don't know anyone that has had any conception issues, let alone used a monitor so this has been a huge help - knowing you are not alone is fabulous!

Add your stats to today's stats:

In School

Twowoulddo TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM cycle 1?, Aged 31, UCL 31, CD74
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle #12, CBFM Cycle 6, age 38, UCL 29-35, CD66
Missyraines TTC#1, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 33, UCL 32, CD55
CrazyAlien TTC#1, Cycle #6 CBFM Cycle 2 age 28 UCL 31-35??! CD47
Lychees TTC#2, Cycle #16, CBFM cycle 12, Aged 37, UCL 30-35, CD2
Arabella36 TTC#2, Cycle #1, CBFM Cycle 4, Age34, UCL29, CD43
Roastie TTC#1, Cycle #23, CBFM Cycle 2, age 32, UCL 29, CD34
Littlefan TTC#1, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 4 , age 32, UCL 32-38, CD33
Fr00tbat TTC#1, Cycle 7, CBFM Cycle 3, age 32, UCL 30-38 (av 34), CD32
Clockspotter TTC#2, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 1, age 38, UCL 29-31, CD30
Ses TTC#2, cycle #6, CBFM cycle 8, age 37, UCL 28-30, CD29
TinaO99 TTC#2, Cycle#2, CBFM Cycle 2, age 42, UCL 28, CD26
wantbaby TTC#1, Cycle #12, CBFM cycle 6, age 38, UCL 28, CD23
Tilly TTC#1, 3years, CBFM cycle 9, age 36, UCL 28-34, CD20
SlightlyBabyCrazed, TTC#1, Cycle #24, CBFM cycle 2, age 35, UCL 28, CD16
PinkCustard TTC#2, Cycle #14, CBFM Cycle 9, age 34, UCL 27-30, CD16
ZebedeetheZebra TTC#2, Cycle#8, CBFM Cycle#8 age 44, CD14
Keziah TTC#1, Cycle #30, CBFM Cycle 18, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD13
Loup23 TTC#1, Cycle #6, CBFM Cycle 2, age 31, UCL 33-38, CD10
KnackeredCow TTC#1, Cycle #17, CBFM Cycle 6, age 31, UCL 28-30, CD9

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

For me CD16 - still no peaks, gonna be using another 20 sticks this month - aggghhhhh!

boba That's good to know that unexplained infertility has a good success rate. I am secretly hoping that the HSG has flushed my tubes so this will be the month. My FC appt is 4/4, but now I've had the HSG done we've been told we can try and get a cancellaiton and bring it forward. I am not sure whether to do this now as I think maybe two more natural cycles trying might be worth a go instead of one?

Kittyelise Good to see you back. How is the pregnancy going? Have you had your first scan yet? In my case I have been tested for thyroid function and the GP did a fasting blood glucose test too. Both were fine. I had these done in October, but they'd also been done in March 2009 because I'd been diagnosed with mild depression and the GP wanted to rule out any physical causes. I am pretty sure that I am clear on those fronts. However, couldn't agree more with you questioning whether all the ladies on here with unexplained infertility have been offered these tests.

Anyway, DH has just told me he's booked us flights to Venice for a long weekend to de-stress and to celebrate my birthday (turn 32 later this month) so maybe this will be our month.

Welcome to emski!

PS: Has everybody else noticed the fantastic new emoticon? Have been dying to use it.

When AF arrives the consolation is that we are able to have a glass of so I reckon that we should use the new emoticon on CD1 when resetting!