CLOMID first timer....

[cheekycurls]

I can't seem to find any clomid threads that are active, so thought I would start this one.

Currently just finished taking my last tablet (50mg) on my first month of clomid, I'm very excited & nervous at the same time.

So many things going on in my head, no one to really talk to, symptoms are a bitch (but must mean something is working if I have symptoms yeah?!)

has anyone taken clomid without being monitored? My consultant isn't going to scan me to check on follicles, I just have to go back to see her in 3 weeks (not sure what for?)

Really hoping this works!

But if anyone wants to join me on a clomid ride, share info or success stories, feel free to......

Ps summary was correct the only different symptom I noticed this month is that I had some blue ish veins on my boobs. I peed a lot in Venice and have period feeling pains xx

How ironic! The first among us to get pregnant on the Clomid thread and CES hadn't even strated her Clomid yet!

strated?

Come on, Summer...more encouraging news, please!

Sorry ladies lost the plot abit!!!

Congrats ces I'm chuffed (slightly jel) but over the moon one of the girls are preggers

Meluv hope you are ok after your fall!!!! Fingers crosse for theses bloods :)

golden you are a star I think that's such a good thing to do at least you know what they have/going through and can relate. I really wish I would have got into a job where I help people and not helping the rich get richer!!!!!

Well I'm on cd25 period cramps bad mood pissed off sad down could cry all the signs :( I've got my doctors app on Monday for my 2nd cycle of clomid 100mg if that doesn't work then I'm going to ask if I can get a private prescription for clomid whilst I'm waiting to be referred as I just can't bare to wait months and months.

I'm quite lucky that all of my friends have had their children when there were in early 20's and the friends around me don't want children yet so I haven't got anyone around me who does lol just me on my todd!!!

Ces MASSiVE congratulations!! That is absolutely fantastic news, thank you for sharing it with us and Golden thanks for summarising for us, it all really helps, I agree with Meluv I almost reacted to your news like a normal person, I am happy for you, and do keep in touch - it gives us hope!

Christelle I'm hoping both ovulate but I expect it won't be the case, I'd prepared myself for the follies to have 'given up the ghost' yesterday so I was just happy that they were (hopefully) still growing, I don't have much hope for the 14mm 1 but the nurse seemed positive even though a bit vague I'm just going for cd21 bloods, no more scanning this month, I'm sure they said they only scan on Tuesdays and Thursdays!?! Seems stupid if that's true though.

Daisy you poor thing, it really is difficult to watch all these pregnant women isn't it? I was with my friend last night who's almost 6 months and was saying how difficult it is etc etc, I'm not saying it isn't but I just wanted to scream how difficult it is trying for so long without success, it's not her fault though, I haven't told her our situation and always make out that we're trying to get the house 'as we want it' before ttc. I've told very few people, the ones I have seem to be getting pretty bored of listening to me so I try not to go on about it too much.

golden you make me crack up 'thieving little fuck' thanks for the info on the ladies at the beginning, I read a lot of it but got bored and skipped to the end, slightly depressing that it hasn't seen hundreds of BFP's though. Volunteering sounds fab, I'd love to something like that, it sounds like you'll be great at it.

Meluv well done for stopping and 'cooing' over the baby, I'm really not looking forward to my reactions to all the babies when they're here, I'm learning to deal with bumps atm. FX for your results - incompetent hospitals strike again

Annalou, I really, really feel for you, my love. You have felt defeated and helpless right the way through this cycle so far and I wish I could give you a proper hug. Do you think AF is on its way? When you say Monday is your second prescription for Clomid do you mean it will be your first one at 100mg? I feel so angry for you that you are not being scanned/injected/having day 21 blood tests. I am sure you will not wait 'months and months' to see a fertility specialist, Annalou. I swear I was seen very, very quickly. Please don't despair - this is the first, teeny step on a much bigger journey for you, I promise

Now I am going to get stern with you. You are far too young and have far too much time on your side to be getting this panicked and this defeated so early on in your journey. Please try not to look around you believing that everybody is going to have a baby except you. You are young and your eggs are young. You will feel a whole lot more empowered, I promise, when you get referred - which won't take long.

Rosie, you sound lovely

Summer, where the feck are you, my love?

Sorry girls, haven't been home til now.

Before I start on the pity party I want to say a HUGE congrats to CES I can hand on heart say that when a thread girl gets updiffed, I feel only happiness. Maybe it's a slightly selfish happiness because it gives me hope? But, hey, I'm only human :) Anyway - best of luck to you CES, do let us know how it all goes from time to time. Maybe it was because you didn't expect it at all this month that it actually happened?

Anyway - I didn't ovulate. My progesterone went up to 14, from 0 in previous months, so that was good, but 14 obviously way, way too low. So, I'm going back in tomorrow a.m. for the dildocam to see whether there are any cysts in there or what the heck is going on.
Someone who knows more about this stuff than me - what produces that progesterone, if not a corpus luteum? I mean, I know it's not enough, but where the heck did it come from anyway?
I'm not even thinking about that tonight though - I mentioned a couple of days ago that I thought I had a bladder infection, well, over the past few hours my kidneys have started hurting quite a lot and I am kinda worried about what's going on in there. DH has insisted that if it's still bad in the a.m. when we're at the hospital anyway we should go and get it checked out. I'm not sure if I'm being a total hypochondriac but...I get really scared about illness. My Mum died from cancer and it came on very, very suddenly - that's my excuse anyway. (Not that I'm saying I have cancer! Just trying to explain these irrational feelings) Going to pop some painkillers and get myself to bed I think.

Golden good on you with the volunteering love. I volunteer for two charities but I must have done some fucked up stuff in my past life because the universe hasn't said thank you yet. :) No, I'm kidding. Tonight I am feeling particularly grateful for my incredible DH, for living in a country with free healthcare, for having a warm house to come back to on a dark night and for all of you wonderful ladies.

Ces That is fantastic news congratulations! You must have been so excited, and yes it does give hope to all the rest of us. Wishing you a happy and healthy pregnancy too x

Hello All,

Nice to see so many messages and congrats to all those with positive results. I am glad that I found this thread.

I have been TTC for 3 years and it took doctors 1 year to find that I have PCOD and now on Metformin 500mg 3 a day. They will not give me clomid until i reduce my BMI to 35 (its 37 now). Trying to reduce wt and BMI unable to do so. Just thinking positive and going ahead for appointment next month.

Bloody hell, Summer, I hope your 'dildocam' (love it) sheds some light and that it's not bad news. How frustrating that score must've been, I am sorry, love. I am worried about the pain in your kidneys and hoping you indeed do get that checked out today when you go for your scan. Please come back and tell us what's happened. Much love x

I'm impressed (though unsurprised) with your volunteering - your generosity of spirit seeps out from your posts. It's always good to list what we are grateful for, no matter how small. Today I am grateful for quality tea bags, a shit-free litter tray, my friend Ceri's husband who shall be fixing the puncture on my bike and Wispa Golds. Oh...and for Pre-seed lubricant (my fanjo was really dry last night after removing a tampon for sex - I know, sorry - but after applying the lube it was like chucking a sausage down Blackpool prom. Result!

Magu, welcome to the thread How old are you? How have you tried to lose the weight, love? Have you read CES's story? She has just got a BFP after having got her BMI down from 30.7 to 30. It can be done and it could be you!

Welcome, magu. There are lots of PCOS-ers on here and we will all try our best to help you. Has the metformin helped with weight loss at all? Have you tried it hand in hand with low GI diet?

Golden thank you so much for caring :) Well, today's appointment shedded no light at all! So - left ovary (the one which had the 18mm follie at the last scan, before HCG) is now empty. Right ovary (which had two 10mm follies) now has an 18mm follie and fluid which the nurse said looks like I ovulated.
And yet low progesterone.
?!?!?!
So - getting bloods taken AGAIN on tuesday to see what's happening with prog numbers, then we'll make a plan. The poor nurse, she's so lovely and clearly wanted to be able to give me some sort of answer!
On the positive side kidneys are feeling a lot better today and when I told the nurse about it she immediately got me to piss in a pot and she's going to send it out over the weekend for tests.

meluv I'm sorry I forgot to say last night, my fingers are crossed for you next Tuesday!

Stats: 27, arms full of needle holes, no idea whatsoever what's going on in my reproductive system!
Gratitudes: Ditto on the Wispa Golds, autumn colours, watching my cat attack a lump of cheese and make those little catty purring eating noises.

Golly what a lot of news.

CES what massive congratulations. Such fab news. I'm consistently suprised by these stories of people getting upduffed at the point that they forget about it, though from a scientific point of view doesn't make sense does it! Do keep us updated, despite having CPs it must be so encouraging to get a clear bfp for the first time! Something to consider - though I would never listen to me for medication advice - there's a lot on the internet about the benefits of daily doses of 25mg aspirin (this is smaller than most aspirin doses) - after a succesful conception. I think often used when ladies have recurrent early miscarriages - helps the blood supply which I think ensures that the womb remains nicely hospitable. It is bad however to take it before ovulation but fine to take once you have bfp and perfectly safe to take it throughout your pregnancy. You can get it in sainsbury's and is very cheap and you don't have to ask for it either. I have my supply in my drawer ready to whip out at the first sign of a bfp! Best of luck either way, are you telling anyone else yet other than us lot and dh??!!

summer that sounds good about right ovary but not so good about low progesterone. Did they test it and give you the result on the spot? impressed if so. Fingers crossed your egg is in the right place and your prog. score improves. My clinic didn't say anything about testing prog. this cycle, will ask about it at my scan and I suppose ask my gp for a 21 day test if the clinic won't oblige. Hope the suspected bladder infection goes away quickly. Any talk of giving you progesterone supplements? my (american) fertility books seem to suggest that progesterone supplsements after ovulation are important for women struggling ttc but for some reason it doesn't seem to be the done thing here.

meluv hope you're feeling better?

All ok here, CD9 and looking forward to my scan on tuesday to see what's happening down there, if anything. I had nasty spots a few days ago, definitely caused by the clomid I reckon, but they have cleared up now. I had my reflexology appt yesterday - 2nd time. The person I go to has an interest in fertility and claims to have helped many couples get pg - I am sceptical but seriously it is so relaxing it's worth going whether it helps me get pg or not. I feel little tingles all over my body! She concedes that the way she helps ladies is probably more to do with relaxing them than helping in a physical way, though she claims that regular sessions can help regulate cycles - with my erratic cycles and short LP I'm therefore hopeful that she can help. I would recommend all you lovely ladies consider going if stress levels are high - I think quite reasonable at £40 for over an hour, compares well with say a fancy massage at a fancy spa. Best time to go is about day 10-13 apparently when your ovaries shoudld be gearing up for ovulation - she tries to get everything "nicely balanced" - yes might well be a load of crap but very enjoyable so a bit of self indulgence once a month will do me no harm!

Stats: 34, ttc first child for over a year now. all tests seem to suggest that physically I'm ok though I have a short LP and also underactive thyroid (now been medicated for that)

Brilliant article on the timing of intercourse and reliabilty of OPKs/fertility monitors/basal body temp charting:

npr.pl/badania/timing_intercourse.pdf

Sorry, Christelle, we crossed posts. I don't want to pour water on your theories about reflexology but I am a vehement opposer of anything homeopathic. In fact, I have something close to a pathological hatred for alternative 'therapists' of any kind. I find it a cynical industry which preys on the fact that women today are shattered and feel guilty about being stressed. What's wrong with stress? Women are having babies in war-ravaged countries, under extreme duress - I can't think of anything more stressful - and they usually have access only to the poorest nutrition. It makes me angry when I read time and time again on these threads of 'therapists' who promise the earth and deliver nothing (except a relaxing hour sat on your arse). I am frequently furious when I read that yet another reflexologist has suggested she can massage ovaries/encourage ovulation/bring on labour. Charlatans, the lot of them. I suggest that the overweight ladies on here spend their £40 (if they can afford it) on a gym membership - dopamine, serotonin and weightloss at your fingertips [steps off soapbox]

Christelle, read the article I've supplied a link to...it's a good 'un.

Summer, my lovely, what the fuck is your progersterone playing at? Surely it's easy to sort the bastard out? Glad to hear you pissed in a pot, really hoping your kidneys are behaving. Love your gratitude list today, especially the autumnal colours - so dreamy.

I'm all on my lonesome as DP has made the odyssey to see his deranged offspring. One thing I am not grateful for is the behemoth of a chicken casserole I made from scratch for last night's supper which was bland as fuck despite my chucking in sage, tarragon, garlic, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika and stock! How the devil can that be bland?! I fecking hate casseroles.

41 yrs; anti-homeopathy crusader; shit cook; 2nd cycle of Clomid, CD4

DP has just learned of the death of his biological mother - she ran away with a man called 'Cliff' when DP was teeny-tiny and returned to claim only him, the youngest of her four children. His father told her to fuck off and she was never seen or heard of again. DP's relationship with his father is non-existent since DP spent time in prison a few years ago (his father thinks alcoholics are work-shy imbeciles and a thoroughly bad lot). DP has just rung to say that not only has his mother died but that his father is not his biological dad - it's 'Cliff'! (who is also dead). What the f**k?! I wish I smoked

Christelle, my clinic does get blood results back the same day - they are brill in that way. So I had bloods down Friday am and got the results Friday pm at which they also asked me to come in for a scan this morning.
I fully recognise how fab they are, especially when reading about some of the limited attention other women are getting from their clinics! Yes, you should definitely get those day 21 blood tests.
I am a bit curious about why progesterone supplements aren't widely given here - I didn't ask about it today, but might when I get the results from the next blood test on Tuesday.
The reflexology sounds lovely, I have a bit more of a balanced view than golden when it comes to alternative medicine, I think it can work for the placebo effect (when I was 7 I used to get migraines every day, I was taken to a homeopath who completely sorted them out - I'm sure it was because I, as a little susceptible kid, wholeheartedly believed that she would!) and also as you say if it feels good.
I must admit I went for a few sessions of acupuncture while waiting for my referral and the first one felt great and relaxing then not so much after that, so I stopped. But I am also a big advocate of exercise, fresh air, and over priced massages :)

Golden - I don't know where to start. I'll start with the easy bit. Your chicken casserole! How much salt did you add? I think often home cooks are a bit terrified of salt so don't add enough - you need a good dose of salt to bring out all the other flavours. Also, did you fry your spices or just chuck them in the pot? If the latter, next time, fry them with the onion and garlic at the beginning. Sounds like it should have been delish - are you sure the clomid hasn't killed your tastebuds? :) Oh, and if it's the right sort of casserole, chuck in a spoon of cream cheese/sour cream/summat like that, will help boost the flavours.

Ok now the difficult bit! My God. How the hell is your DP feeling? I can't even begin to imagine. Is he back from the deranged offspring tonight so you can look after him (and feed him more casserole)? My head is just bugging out with all of that, but you are golden, I know you will find the words to help him get through it. Huge hugs.

No idea what my progesterone's playing at, off to read your article, google progesterone, and generally get my head in a muddle. Actually - feeling very zen at the moment after an amazing chat today with a little girl in foster care I mentor (that's one of my volunteering things) about hardships in life. She's 8 and I'm pretty sure she's got her head screwed on better than I have.

Rrrr golden your poor DP big massive hugs to u an him and for the fathers thoughts of alcoholics and not standing by what he thought was his son is a dam disgrace he shud be ashamed if himself we all an I say all make mistakes in life an I believe everyone shud be giving a chance for as many times as they want to try an put things right people like that make me so dam mad grrrr big squeezes sweetie to u both xxxx

Thanks for your concern, ladies, I'm still waiting for DP to return. He's a tough cookie but it's so strange that, only recently, he was expressing some interesting in tracking down his real mum. He has just rung me again from the train to say that his father is now going to demand a DNA test from Oliver (DP's son) to see if he really is his grandfather or not. What's the bloody point? Bastard. Anyway, I thought I would make DP his favourite supper of lemongrass beef stew with rice noodles (and chippy chips on the side. Pleb) minus the lemongrass (we both despise lemon in savoury dishes). Anyhoo..on a whim I decided to chuck the lemongrass in there as my sister swears it 'makes' the recipe and that DP won't be able to tell the difference. Hmm..my stew is currently awash with teeny bits of lemongrass stalks - despite blitzing in the food processor first - and the house stinks of lemon. I don't know why I bother.

Thanks for casserole tips, Summer. I did indeed use tons of salt, being the philistine I am, but still unremarkable. Have frozen the lot and will palm off to some unsuspecting soul with lower expectations than me. Gosh, I'm missing DP

Golden to you and your DP, my thoughts are with you both. You poor things, makes me realise that my afternoon spent with 2 pregnant women talking babies non-stop actually wasn't that bad after all (still hurt at the time though). I hope you have some nice time together to cheer each other up. Thanks for the link too, I've read it and will try to 'put it into practice

Summer sorry to hear your appointment wasn't as successful as you'd like, it sounds like they're being really thorough with the tests though, hopefully they'll shed some light.

Going out for a friends birthday tonight and soooo don't want to drink, I've been feeling bloated and lower back ache all day, trying not to symptom spot but would really like to give my body the best chance of ovulating and the illusive BFP, I don't think alcohol is the right thing to be putting into my body. However I know the 1st reaction from the other girls will be 'are you pregnant?' I think this will actually push me over the edge wish me luck!

Hope you all have a lovely Saturday night

Meluv, I can't stand the very thought of DP's father (I've never met him as he is estranged from DP entirely); he sounds bitter and unforgiving and I don't trust people who find it impossible to forgive (depending on the circumstances, obviously). I would love to ask him if he has regrets or if he has ever hurt someone else. As alcoholics we have hurt so many people who love us and all we can ever do is say sorry and try to live our lives with gratitude and love for those who stood by us. The rest can fuck off as far as I am concerned.

Rosie, we crossed posts. Thanks for your kind words. What cycle day are you? Have a wonderful night and try not to drink too much

Well said golden an I strongly agree with u those who stood by are the most important luv none of the rest matter NO ONE is perfect luv an will all make mistakes an have regrets u go girl big hugs xxx