The rats are all going to be jolly well smacked, we are going to have lots of festive BFPs and possibly a mince pie (or three)

[Munkiii]

Welcome to all!

Grab a glittery tinsel wrapped ramekin, grab some mulled wine and join our very lucky thread.

Hello Brookers - a few laughs to be had at all your friends' OHs and all that stoking of bishops toot sol. I can't believe these boys are so busy. I'm quite sure mine is far too tired even just with SWI every other night.

Cupcakes - feeling for you as that sounded tough at the docs. I sincerely hope that it doesn't come to IVF anyway. We are all brooking for you but I think there were lots of positives in your post and things are moving ahead for you and DH.

Enjoy 2ww Solars - lots of relaxorating.

Thanks for classy family card coffee, Whimsi. I am just like you and will be slightly annoyed that if I go to IKKY on Friday as planned I won't get that free coffee. Boo.

Well, I have just handed over £299 for some reassurance or a reality check, depending on the results. Good news is... 11 little egglets are lined up in my ovaries (good for my age), according to internal scan. Blood test results (2 ww again!) will tell me about quality. I do have a small fibroid too but apparently it is small and unlikely to be hindering conception. So - I can maybe stop being the mad BFN/AF witch that I was on Sunday, especially if egg quality is ok. Just got to work on DP and his booze levels.

See you all soon.

bean I now have a vision of your ovaries like a pinball machine, just waiting to throw an egg down a tube to ping about and light all the lights up.

A lovely, healthy, uterus shaped pin ball machine.

Now that would make an interesting addition to a pub.

Bean that is great news. Am loving Whim's analogy

Whim with those symptoms, you are up the duff. Most definitely. No question about it.

Hi all

Great results bean

lol at popcorns 'friend'! I had better check my friend doesn't have a similar problem actually...

Safe journey beedle

Glad bleeding has stopped generic.

Still no spotting here, but boob ache has upped a gear. Still planing on testing in the morning, which means I will have to buy a test this aft. Then sit on my hands to make sure I don't do it! I feel prepared for a bfn after yesterdays one though, and my dp doesn't know I did that, so at least I'll be less emotional if I see one again tomorrow.

Afternoon all, I can't believe how much I've missed since yesterday! I love that everyone is so talkative, it gives me something else to think about rather than focussing on my own ttc worries. Some perspective is a good thing.

My posts recently all seem a bit down, but for the most part I'm feeling ok. Trying to take a break from ttc in a way, or at least a step back. I'm going to just expect AF to come for the next couple of months, and wait till after the consultant appointment before getting my hopes up. Not sure if it will work, because I'm going to continue temping (it's the only way I know what day AF will start). I'm moving my focus on to feeling fitter and healthier. Going to start swimming twice a week, and eating better. Also thinking about some supplements (anyone recommend any, and what they're supposed to help with). Final thing will be to book into an acupuncture clinic I researched. See how it feels and how much sense they make. They have a range of things on offer, and seem like they might be good. Link here if people are interested.

Whim very glad the bleeding has stopped. I'm sure the little bean was just making itself comfortable.

Popcorn and others will similar friends. I have to say I'm a little shocked, and will be going home tonight to check if I have any, err, friends, with similar DH's. My DH is very embarrassed talking about such things, and has never really admitted to doing it at all...

Cupcakes sorry about the news from your doctor. Be careful with the iron tablets, lots of doctors put you on a high dose which has been proven to be no more effective than a lower one (can't remember the numbers though). They can also have quite unpleasant side effects, including constipation. I hope the B12 injections are ok, it's very strange your doctor told you they'd be painful, I hope he's wrong, and in some strange way is trying to make it better for you when they turn out not to hurt at all.

Whim sounds like a BFP to me!

Little I think you tested too early, and definitely in the wrong way. Wait a couple of days and use FMU, the pee stick won't dare to disagree with us then!

Bean egg numbers sound good, and fingers crossed the results give you a nice positive outlook on your ttc. I'm sure everything will be fine, but sometimes it's nice to have that scientific reassurance, rather than the gut feelings of yourself/others.

Waves, hugs, and warm chocolate pudding for everyone I've not mentioned.

Hello! Happy belated birthday maybe! Congrats Dr Whimsi!

Hope everyone's well, sorry for incredibly brief visit but life is manic. I resigned from my hellish job and am trying to finish everything up before I go. Brief career break here I come!

Hi newbies! Welcome, and my you are blooming!

Smegs xxx

Hello lovelies
All looking a bit more up today, think it may have been Imps and Green and Solars gymnastic encouragement yesterday that did it.

Bean the results sound really positive, worth the money for the reassurance. Hope you are feeling a bit brighter about things now.

Hope the travel is chaos free for you tomorrow Beedle - take a good book just in case!!

Little things looking VERY positive for you my dear. Make sure it is a positive pee stick upon purchasing this afternoon, we all know how pesky the other type can be.

Whims loving the pinball ref and DC biting the nurse so when are you confirming your BNP?

Popcorn I think, ahem, my friend has a similar situation, but hasn't had it confirmed. Amazingly common by the looks of it, who knew????

Better get back to work now after missing most of the morning stuck in traffic caused by rest of Yorkshire trying to avoid M1 due to Marmite on the carriage-way!!!

Wow - so Pop and Whimsi AND Little are undoubtedly updiffed. The Brookers are winners. Full stop. And, yes, very gymnastic.

Stasi - love the sound of swimming and stepping away. Relaxing is a sure route to BFP. I think having a consultant's opinion in the offing does give you a chance to slow down and breathe deeply. Swimming is a great way to feel good about yourself. Just don't think about all the wee-wee - so go well before the schools get in.

Well - I sincerely hope that my DP is about to become a pinball wizard, assuming egg quality is any cop. He certainly would deny much solo activity and I believe him - by 'he' of course I do mean my friend's DP. Perhaps he actually needs to give it a whirl more often, keep those wrigglers from falling asleep on the job..?

Hi Smegs - where you been? Will we see you again soon?

Generic - meant to say sorry about the bleeding and a big PHEW that it has stopped. Keep up the positive vibes.

Oh and hi Sweetie - all that marmite. What a waste of VitB! Thanks - a bit more positive now, indeed. Perhaps a bit of zipwiring is the way to go in Yorkshire today?

Afternoon ladies!

I see we are in better cheer today despite my poor attempt at the splits last night I think Have and Munkii may have the right idea with adopting gin as our "brooking spirit", make mine a Bombay Sapphire with ice cold lemonade and a twist of lime - perfect!

Glad to hear things have settled down Generic, brooking for good blood results too!

Also very glad to see that Whimsy, Popcorn and Little are still in the running for a trio of BFPs this week! All symptoms sound good!

Scan sounds very positive Bean, hope the blood results come quick and are just as positive.

Cupcakes Please don't worry about the injections, I'm sure they will be fine. What was your Hb anyway, I'm guessing it was pretty low if they are giving tablets and injections? Have you been feeling tired etc, am guessing when the meds kick in you are going to have a big burst of energy which will be very handy for rat-smacking!!

Stasi The healthy relaxed approach sounds great. On the supplements front I take Tesco Conception/Preg vits, Vit D3, Vit B6, Omega 3 and Magnesium. The Magnesium and VitD are recommended for recurrent miscarriers as women who miscarry have been found to be deficient in both (they don't know whether thats a cause or effect of the miscarriage tho IYSWIM) The Vit B is to help the luteal phase and can lengthen it I believe it is also prescribed for PMT and morning sickness and I definitely think it's helped lift my mood. The Omega 3 was recommended on another thread, not sure what its supposed to

Am very at Popcorn's friend's husband and all of the others who are solo rat-smacking! I'm glad your friend found out and has put right the error of his ways! My friend has the opposite problem - she has suggested that her husband should empty out the dud/dead spermies which have not seen any action for over a month in preparation for SWI which will commence as soon as AF leaves the building. Said husband wants to deposit the duds in the first SWI but I'm my friend's a bit worried about all the duds being inside just in case one hangs around for the egg What do you ladies think?

A good spread of symptoms there, Whimsy, well done! I think I match most of your symptoms, actually ? I'm constipated, teary, splodge of CM this morning and some spots that can't decide to stay or go. If we get BFPs on Friday we'll have to make it an Official Symptoms List :o

That's great news bean! I bet you heaved a big sigh of relief, so undoubtedly worth the money. I'm struggling with Dhs booze levels also ? men and their beer, eh?

Ooo smegs congratulations on handing in your notice, how exciting! (Don't tell Imps, though, she will be green with envy!) I hope the next few weeks fly by for you. Do you have anything lined up for afterwards? :)

Stasi I'm sure taking sometime out to relax about it all can do nothing but help ? that's my plan for the next few months, infact. I didn't even temp this morning
How is married life treating you? Have you gotten used to being called "wife" and "Mrs Stasi" yet? :)

Olives I'm not sure I'd worry about any negative impact of old swimmers, as I reckon they'll get out-swum by the newer, more virile spermies. But I'm not sure how fertile they'll be iykwim; best bet would be to get that SWI out of the way early in your fertile week and top it up with lots of fresh batches too? :)

Friend's DH has always had a corker of a sex drive, but for some reason she'd honestly thought it had calmed down somewhat since they were teenagers (apparently not!). I am still a little bit that I she honestly didn't have a clue! I am relieved she is not alone, however, and will pass on all messages of support....... :o

Ooh - missed Smegs' resignation. Congratulations on the start of a new career. And a BFP?

Sounding good there Pop - deffo diffed. Quite envy you your friend for living with a corker of a sex drive! I'm the boss on that front in Beany Towers and sometimes tire of the responsibility.

Thanks to Olives vit list for Stasi. We use Viridian pro-conception (his n hers). Top up with Eskimo-3 oils and vitE. There's also herbal teas like red clover, raspberry leaf and lady's mantle. I also take bee pollen. Not sure if they're useful but just thought I'd let you know.

Stasi - think acupuncture is a v good idea. Good luck. Give it 3 months minimum if you can.

Agree with Pop on old swimmers. They'll just fall by the wayside. Bless. But always worth a quickie to clear the ducts?

Someone (who became mum of two, at tender age of 41 and 43!) recommends 'Natural fertility' by M.... Grenville. Will be checking that out...

Have fun SWIngers and those off duty.

x

Btw Pop - quality of eggs is more crucial than numbers (though still good to have a healthy follicle count - increases chances at least). Blood tests (2ww for those) will reveal more about quality but I do feel more relaxed, thanks. Just need to be more patient and positive.

What does your bee pollen do, bean? :)

Hi Pop - Bee pollen is one of those superfood type thingies - tonnes of all sorts really. I read about it when I was reading up on acupuncture...

Oooh, I've thought of another symptom...

I don't feel really fat! I'm sure I usually do by 2 or 3 days pre AF.

Maybe my trousers are too big?

Howdy preggers peeps. I saw a number tonight that said bfp tis a sign I tell you :)
whims clearly you're not water retaining because you're upduffed. S'obvious.

Thanks ladies, I shall tell my friend that her DH can deposit the duds/clear out the old strictly no later than CD8 so that there is plenty of time for the replenished healthy swimmers to be deposited in time for egg popping

Meant to say earlier Stasi that I also did acupuncture for 3 months over the summer. I have quite a regular cycle and to be honest I didn't really notice any difference from the acupuncture. I did find it relaxing but I definitely feel it is probably more beneficial for people who have problems with their cycle which need "fixing", in fact my acupuncturist even said this was the case. I'm sorry I can't remember if you have a reg cycle or not but it's worth bearing this in mind. I decided I couldn't justify the cost (£35 per week) for no obvious benefits. Instead I am treating myself to a facial or massage once or twice a month, in fact I have found my local college does great deals for their year 3 beauty therapy students to practice on you. An hour long Dermalogica facial is only £12 - I do love a bargain!

12 hour day at work tomorrow, so bath and early night for me! TTFN

Hi all, second day back at work so extremely tired.

I am very sorry, I feel I am not keeping up my share of the brooking, all these lovely posts you are all writing!

But know this, I am thinking of you all and brooking as hard as I can.

Was SWI night tonight, so now even more tired!

Is it Little tesing tomorrow? All the best, looking forward to checking in tomorrow.

Chocolate tiffin for all! Xx

Thanks Popcorn. Sadly no, I'm taking a short break from my career. Things got very bad, and instead of going back full time like I'd planned, DH & I decided that it was better that I take some time out before I spontaneously combust.

You and whimsical are totally updiffed, btw! Looking forward to the confirmations, I love a bit of BFP excitement.

GreenOlives hello! Ooh, where's your local college? I could definitely go a £12 Dermalogica facial, sounds right up my street :)

Morning.

BFN. And it was a really Big Fat one too, not even the tiniest hint of a line.

Will catch up later x

Awwww Little see how things go, it might be too early yet. Still brooking extra hard for you

Sorry about your news Little - hope your day isn't too horrendous. We're all wishing you the best of Brooks and hoping that your BFP is waiting in the wings for next month.

Just picking up on Green's thoughts on acupuncture, which I do agree with - expensive, yes - but would add a few positives. If you are in full health, young-ish and have a regular cycle, acupuncture is definitely not worth bothering with. Stasi had some - I imagine gruelling - medical treatment a couple of years ago and I think acupuncture can really help restore the body in general. For TTCers it can improve egg quality (admittedly more an issue for old duffers like me) but it can help improve the lining to the uterus too. It is highly recommended during pregnancy, especially for anyone who has suffered MC. So yes - expensive but it increases your chances of a BFP and a healthy full-term pg (plus it helped turn my baby from breach in w39 and I'm sure I managed a home birth because I'd had regular acupuncture throughout)... Ok - promo over. Since ttc2 I have been weekly for 2 months and no BFP, but in general you need to give it around 3 months min on a weekly basis. At 6 months and no BFP I am likely to tell you all that acupuncture stinks. (Though prob not as I think it has helped with my TTC unhappiness over the last few months and my CD length has gone from 26 to 30 so something is shifting...)

Also - if the issue is with the spermies then it's your man who needs to go and convincing a man to have needles stuck in him in order to have a baby seems somewhat more tricky. Mine is willing to take Chinese herbs in tablet form. Again, I think you need to try them for around 3 months min as this is the growth cycle of the spermies in the nads.

Whim - I'm hearing a defo gamut of prego symptoms.

CD14. Bleeding. Definitely not spotting. I think I need to see a doctor pretty sharpish.

Good luck everyone. I'm going back to lurking for a little while, till I've got my positive mojo back.