TTC for 10+ months, part 5

[MuddyWellyNelly]

Filled up our old one, I'll put our updated list on a separate post so that it's not a huge chunk of text at the top of every page.

Old thread here. Newbies always welcome, much as we'd like to hope nobody ever gets to this stage of TTC!

nelly sounds like a lovely day, glad you have been treating yourself. It is ridiculously cold isn?t it. I too am plonked in front of the fire with slideshow kitty, who is recovering from a brief but traumatic trip outside in the hail :)

mrsd sorry about AF, I hope you don?t feel too down. It?s always such a rubbish day isn?t it. Maybe a big bar of chocolate is in order?

ladygee I?m glad that the down-regging is going well, and you are feeling upbeat. It?s so exciting, and hearing about it from your perspective (and that of the other IVFers ) is making me feel a lot more enthusiastic about treatment. :)

I got myself a whole heap of woo yesterday. Gone are the days that I used to buy a new pair of heels on a Friday night after work New stock of pregnacare conception, vitamin E, agnus castus, vitamin C plus zinc, and some powdered maca, wheatgrass, and flaxseed with Q-10. Oh and a thermal vest . Everything I need to see me through another three months of mentalling trying to promote a natural bfp. I?ve been sneaking the wheatgrass and maca into homemade smoothies, so far DH hasn?t noticed but I can definitely taste the wheatgrass it is foul so have been lobbing honey in to try and compensate.

AF has just arrived- this cycle was officially my longest at 56 days...8 long weeks....pah!! the good news is that I can go for those first blood tests and get the ball rolling. I haven't been aound much for the past few weeks so am catching up an all of your news today...in the meantime, kitty I read your vitamin stock-up list with interest as I am thinking I need to try something more than folic acid to feel that I am 'helping myself' thus with your permission I am going to copy your homework. ;-)

Oo I am first Sunday poster.

This thread is very uplifting for those of us past the year mark at the moment. Is it sinking in cakes?

And nelly so lovely about your sister. I guess sometimes things just fall into place at the right time, it is so hope giving. I'm so glad for you. Your Saturday sounds just lovely.

kitty brownie points on the healthy things. I have maca powder. I don't mind that so much and have it stirred in porridge. But I'm betting the wheatgrass powder is a bit pungent if the shots are anything to go by. I've been debating getting some frozen wheatgrass shots delivered, they are supposed to be good for fibroids. But I do shudder at the taste. Have you quit the booze too?If so, you are a better lady than I. But I am being careful with units.

Ladygee how is it all going? How long does it take until you have the eggs collected? It is really interesting to hear about your journey and Im wishing you all the luck I can.

pout I hope your wedding was snow dusted and lovely. Looking forward to hearing all about it.

I've lost track of people and can't switch to the other page easily from iPad... But period comiserations mrsden mine also rocked up today, just one day late with no spotting at all, just bam, there it was. This would give me a pretty normal luteal phase according to temps and ewcm so I'm going to ignore the scan lady and think maybe it was either another egg or just the corpus luteum thingy leftover. Dont need another stress! It's odd not having the spotting. I like not having to mental about implantation bleeding and dodgy hormones. But this month I did start to wonder what if...cos I'd normally always have had spotting by today. I do wonder if the lap unblocked something. I know being pregnant with fibroid of unknown positioning would have been worrying, especially as they can't see it on the ultrasound. But I'd have liked a bfp nonetheless, it is a very powerful drive. So, 14 months of unprotected sex and not a baby in sight. Although timing this month was rather hit and miss. But still, it seems like a lot of goes. Although, this thread has really made me think, it is well within the realms of it happening. And babies seemingly do appear from out of the blue! I like this.

With regards to The Sadness. I know I have a good life and do try to be pragmatic. This is not actually the worst thing I've been through in my life. But it is the hardest to change and is so very uncertain. And that is the tough bit. I think that my age is also a factor in it, as I think if I felt I had more time to play with I could relax a little more? Or maybe thats easy to say in
hindsight? But the deafening clock doesnt help. I spent the weekend with a friend and her one year old. It was nice. But it does confirm that it is very much what we want, dh said the same except the crying at one and four and five I will continue to cherish sleep! And perhaps the timing with period wasnt so ace.

So I'm on the sofa with a hot water bottle all cosied in. We are bubbling a big chicken broth and it smells yummy. What are people having for Sunday tea?

Cross post dame Sorry about the long cycles. I always get my period just as a full moon is brewing, maybe the moon got you too!

Hi we have not being not trying for over two years but actively trying (thinking about dates etc) for 7 months with no luck. Really thought I was in Dec as showed all symptoms but think I had just talked my body in to it. Been trying really really hard this month (tmi) so fingers crossed!!! Due on 22nd. Starting to take over our life!

Firstly congratulations cake - wooohooo - i tell you , this thread is like buses...who is next?!
Also nelly - that's fab news about your sister. I certainly love hearing pregnancy news like that. It's made me all cheerful even though i don't know her!!
pout - wishing you a wonderful wedding, very exciting and hope you had a great day.

dame - what a horribly long cycle, poor you.
kitty - very impressed with your shopping. You never know, it may just tip the balance in your favour. I'll drink to that!
lady - i'm glad things are all going well so far. Keep us updated.
mrsd - sorry about the AF hormones. they're beastly.
wine - and am sorry about AF too. That's suppose to be good if it just turns up. I kind of like it when AF does that. You have an initial shock but then no more mentalling. But interesting that the lap may have unblocked something, that sounds good. Often that's what it needs. I haven't decided what to have for supper tonight. I had a roast chicken for lunch with my parents. The fridge up here though is empty. I would normally have baked beans on toast on a Sunday night but i'm still keeping to this rigid diet so that's out.
I have had a really easy period this month. Much lighter than usual. I think lighter is better than heavier isn't it?

Hi ladies,
Feeling ok Nelly. Kept myself very busy this weekend so I couldn't think about things much. I have retested today, BFN, so it must just have been the tests I had, sooo very annoying and enough to put me off CB+.
MrsD & Wine Sorry about AF.
Dame I get long ones too, 81 days being the longest. It totally sucks, doesn't it. Any other time, I'd probably be quite happy not to have AF but this past year, I've had maybe 4/5. It can be so hope destroying.
Sorry I am sounding frustrated, which I promised myself I wouldn't do.
Pout Good luck with the wedding. to you and your partner.

Big wave to everyone else.

Hello all. I hope you are having good Sundays. Sorry for those of you that have been struck by the ERTD. Booooo!

I am preparing to EAT!

I have just baked a cake. I'm waiting for it to cool so I can glaze it. I've never made this one before and I am a bit unconvinced so far but with so much chocolate in it, I figure it really cannot be that bad!

Hubby has made his own meatballs which we will have with some linguine and homemade tomato sauce. Mmmmm.

We went for a little walk earlier and took a few snow pics. There is a Victorian cemetery near also that is picturesque at all times but looks really beautiful in the snow. And we had swoi earlier, which makes a pleasant change. I'm feeling quite good. It's quite a contrast to the pain of last weekend!

Joycep SP is normally used for women who don't respond well to LP and those with low AMH or PCOS (will respond too much to LP). I'm on it, I think, because my AMH is quite high so there's an increased chance of my suffering for OHSS and the short reduces this risk, I think it's also to make it easier to sync with my recipient as well but not sure.

Karbea Exciting that you'll be starting IVF soon, when do you start? And don't even get me started on DH drinking in the run up to IVF

Pout Congratulations on the wedding!! How was your day? Fabulous I imagine?!

LadyGee How's the downregging? Any horrible side effects? How are you finding injecting yoursef? Hope the scan goes well on friday, hopefully i'll be starting stimming just a week after you. Fingers crossed!

Cakes OMG Congratulations!! I like how you just slipped the BFP in at the end of your post I think we should keep this thread moving fast so we get more and more BFPs
A couple people my friend knows got pregnant quite quickly after having HSG, I think if there are any small blockages the dye sort of pushes it's way through and clears them so the HSG itself can help, don't know how true that is though

Nelly Congratulations on your sister and you becoming an Auntie soon, fab news

Sorry about AF wine and mrsden

I think i'm definitely in my "luteal phase" my boobs are starting to ache a bit and look bigger so i'm hoping this cycle will be shorted so AF can arrive and I can start stimming, Getting quite excited
Got quite a busy week, NHS hospital appointment tomorrow to look at test results and refer us on to their ACU and then private hospital appointment on Weds to learn how to inject. Just hope the snow clears so I can drive over the tops ok.
Had a pretty boring weekend of staying in and cleaning, trying to save some money as we've just been invited to another wedding in the summer that will mean two nights in a hotel. But I have been dreaming looking at some gorgeous maternity dresses just incase

Hope everyone else i've missed off is doing well. DH is taking me out for a curry, aren't I lucky?!

fatima it's exciting times! All the best.

euro meatballs sound goood. I'm all full of tea now and reading in bed in SO tired! The heating failed in the cottage we stayed in and me and dh barely slept it was so freezing. I would perhaps not have survived in The Olden Days.

My period pains are evil today. But I don't mind period pains, at least I know what they are and that they will go away!

And sorry about the bfn whatmess I had a barely there line in September. It was then I decided to quit testing. I figured if I was pregnant I'd find out one way or another! It has helped a lot with my sanity. I have one left in my drawer strictly reserved for when I'm a whole week late. Sounds as if your situation is a lot more complicated though. I hope you get it all sorted out soon x

Nelly ? What lovely news about your sister, and for you. It gives us all hope that even when the odds look against us things can happen.

And I reckon your thread has more BFPs in it yet!

Cakes ? congratulations again! Hope it's starting to sink in.

Mrsd ? I?m sorry you think AF is on its way and I hope PMT hasn?t been too harsh over the weekend.

Kitty ? I like the sounds of your woo treats ? and I know what you mean about them replacing shoes. Sounds like you?re a woman on a mission!

Dame ? sorry about AF arriving after 8 long weeks, but at least that means you can go for blood tests now.

Whatmess ? so sorry it was a BFN when you retested.

Wine ? What you said about the uncertainty of TTC rings so many bells. I?m reading one of Zita West?s books at the moment and it?s helped me realise that the lack of control is one of the main reasons I?m struggling with TTC. I?m a meticulous planner ? now my life feels like it?s on hold for something I can?t really influence but, as others have proved, will happen when its meant to happen (albeit sometimes with a helping hand)!

I still have about 2 weeks of injections before egg collection, all being well it will be w/c 20 Feb but the timing all depends on how I respond to the drugs.
AF arrived yesterday with a vengeance. If the heaviness of AF is a measure of success, I?d say the down-reg injections are definitely doing their thing! So my Sunday has been very similar to yours, plonked on the sofa with a hot water bottle (no ibuprofen to ease the pain).

We had meatloaf and cheesy mash ? and lots of veg - for tea, followed by a slice of tea loaf that we baked earlier. Delicious. Your tea sounds yummy too.

Euro ? sounds like you?ve had a lovely day and glad you?re feeling good about things. I wish I could have forced myself to go for a walk today, it would have been beautiful for photographs. Your tea sounds lovely ? as does the cake!

Fatima ? Glad you?re getting excited about IVF, not long to go now. Hope your hospital appts go ok and the snow has cleared by then. We?re having a run across to Manchester next weekend so we know where we?re going when egg collection comes round. I think we will only be about a week apart ? exciting!

I still get a bit wobbly doing the injections but at the same time I quite like the daily routine of it, like I?m doing something proactive every day? The side effects have been odd ? last week I was very angry, had little patience and slept like a baby, since Friday I?ve had real trouble sleeping and have had a few hot flushes. All a bit odd but I suppose it?s a bit like a false menopause?

Saving money is the name of the game here too. Enjoy your curry!

Hope everyone else has had lovely weekends.

Hello everyone!

Fatima I'm just waiting to hear from the ARGC, but I think it'll be about 17days time. How are things with you?

I'm feeling really down in the dumps, I'm doing my work appraisal thingy, and I'm rubbish at my job now, so bored and unmotivated. Really upsetting me, I used to be a real star at work... As you were!

hugs to you karbea, I'm having a rubbish day at work too. I'm not motivated at all at the moment. 17 days is no time at all, hopefully you'll hear soon from your clinic.

lady boo to heavy AF. Are you feeling better today? How have you found the injections?

And boo to painful AF wine. Do you think the fibroid makes them more painful? When do you see the consultant?

It's exciting to think you'll soon be injecting fatima. I'm liking reading all about your IVF journeys because I'll be going through it soon and it's good to read that others have gone through it too. I wish I could fast forward to the summer now so I can be starting.

I'm sorry you think it's a BFN mess. Will you test again?

I think light periods are good joycep but I haven't a clue really. I got my temp drop on saturday, it was even lower yesterday. But I'm still only spotting so I'm a bit I feel crampy today though so I'm sure it's on the way.

My weekend was ok, I was in a foul mood on Saturday. I think it was hormonal because I had no reason to be moody. We went out for dinner which was nice and I'd cheered up by then and felt guilty for being such a whinge bag. Yesterday we had a long lie in and then a lovely walk and I felt so much brighter. I do think it's getting easier in lots of ways. I think because I never expect to be pregnant, I don't get the cycle of hope and disappointment which I think is really painful to deal with. I've accepted that we won't get pregnant without ICSI and I feel like you can turn a corner and see light at the end of the tunnel when you realise this. It's so lovely to hear stories like your sister's though nelly, because it does give hope. Was she unexplained?

I'm no longer confused, AF has turned up. And ouch very hurty too! I usually take ibuprofen for period pain, but then I read somewhere about it being bad for ttc. But the effect is only short term isn't it? So fine to take during AF??

Thanks Fatima, that explains it. All very exciting. Good luck!
Whatness - sorry about the head fuxk. Those eval lines are bitches. In fact like wine I had an evap line in Sep- we had head fuckery cycles that month. I ripped open the clear blue test because I could see a shadow. I put a spotlight on it to see what was happening and studied the insides of the test for about an hour. I didn't admit to it on here as I was rather embarrassed by how crazy I was acting!

Mrsd - I don't think ibruprofen will mess things up at this point. I would pop one. No point suffering . Sorry about AF but at least you don't have to mental anymore. Was this a short cycle?

Ladygee - you seem very together with everything. I am so impressed. The thing I worry the most about with ivf is the mood changes. I guess you just have to take everyday as it comes.

Joycep Thanks for sharing. I actually considered doing the same but couldn't figure out how to get into the stick. Won't be testing again MrsD , I think I am going to take the advice on here and only test when I'm late. Sorry about AF. Afraid I haven't heard the Ibuprofen TTC thing, so can't advise. The blue paracetamol/panadol is the only pain killer allowed while pregnant although I'm not sure why, it may be worth using that instead.

On a plus note, only 4 wks to Op. Hurry up and go Feb.

I think I read somewhere that ibuprofen can mess with ttc although I am not sure how exactly. the same goes for my prescription mefenamic acid. Since I read that I have just tried to stick with paracetemol as much as possible. I'm not sure that taking them 2 weeks pre-ov could have any effect though. It's like supplements/caffeine/alcohol though. I always find myself wondering if doing one extra thing could tip the balance in my favour.

I've taken one ibuprofen tablet. I know that painkillers is not our problem, DH's crap sperm is so I don't know why I feel like I shouldn't be taking it. Crazy! I have a headache to so I think the tablet is going to be confused about where to help!

I don't feel that bothered about AF (apart from the pain). I knew it was coming after the temp drop on Sat.

whatmess yeah, testing once you are very certain you're late is probably the way to go. But that's easier said than done when you think there might be a chance. I'm sorry, I've forgotten what op you're having? Is it a lap and dye?

joycep, evil evaporation lines!!!

I know what you mean euro about wondering if one thing will tip the balance. I've started buying full fat milk after I read that is better for ttc DH asked why I'd changed milk and I realised I'd sound like a loon if I said because I read it somewhere on MN that full fat is the secret to a BFP, so I said that the shop had run out of semi skimmed. That was 3 weeks ago now though and I'm still buying the full fat

Afternoon everyone. Sorry I've been awol for a while, I'm just not stressing about TTC at the moment, and doing other things. I've got my HSG on the 16th, and am just waiting for the day to arrive.
I also only test if I'm late - but that means I never really test. I did one on Sunday morning for 'fun'. I wanted there to be a chance of a BFP, but it's a bit like buying a lottery ticket. You know you're not going to win, but having the ticket makes you feel like you've got a chance, even though you don't expect to win every week. Well, that was me and the pee stick. I wanted that one in a million chance I'd get a BFP at 7DPO. It didn't happen, but I knew it wouldn't so wasn't disappointed. I think I'm a little weird?
Some things are listed as not safe when TTC/pg just because it's not been tested and proven safe, not because there are known problems with it. This is the case with the indigestion tablets I take, and may be the same with other meds. Worth bearing in mind.

While reading back I noticed a post from MrsSF which didn't have any replies. I've not been reading carefully for a while, but was worried you were a new person who hadn't had a welcome. So, hello and welcome from me, and if you're not new, it's still nice to meet you.

Sorry about the painful AF arrivals for people, I always think AF should come with a rise in happy hormones and extra energy as compensation. Not pain and sadness. Who thought that one up, and can I get a refund?

I hope everyone is well, sorry for not name checking people, just trying to do a bit of a quick post before end of work. Will try to keep in better contact with the thread this week.

Just a sneaky quick wave to say:

CONGRATULATIONS to cakes and to nelly's sister. Those stories make me happy!

And a massive congratulations and welcome back to mrsPout once she makes it back from her snowy wedding. I hope you had a fab time, and you didn't get bothered by the snow too much.

Have loads of stuff to do at work, so apologies on the lack of name checking. Someone asked me about ten pages ago when we are getting IUI. Well, the letter arrived the other day and it is all starting from the first day of the first AF of March (expected somewhere in the middle of the month).

Will come back to check properly at some stage. If I ever get through the mounts of work needing shifting...

Hello everyone, on the phone so just stopping by to say a quick hi. I hope everyone is having a good week. mrsd I'm sorry af turned up but you sound quite relaxed about it all. I reckon mine will turn up at the weekend, probably Sunday. It's on it's way Had a good acu session last night, discussed our upcoming consultation and she suggested that we go in prepared to discuss when we might want to start treatment, in case they say we can go for it straight away. I reckon we will probably wait til summer so we've got a few months to prepare mentally and physically. Also we have a quite a few 'things' booked in the diary between now and then, and I'd like to have a clear run when we start. And if we wait til summer we'll have had a full two years of trying naturally, which seems enough.

I'm on the train and it's very pretty and frosty everywhere. Big waves to all

Hi ladies! Just catching up, as we were away at the weekend. We stayed in a lovely oldie inn and did a really long walk yesterday, so a bit stiff and achey today [old lady face].

nelly that's brilliant news about your sister. I LOVE long term ttc success stories and it's all the better for bringing a little person into your family. Also shows how bollox random the post 35 crap fertility thing is.

kitty well done on all the woo stuff and getting mr kitty to eat wheat grass (even if he doesn't know it!)

flamingo, wine and mrsd sorry to hear about afs, especially painful ones. Stupid periods. Btw, I did some 'research' into ibuprofen (couldn't get through my af without it) and it's fine to take once af has turned up. Think it was Zita west who said that somewhere?! So it must be true... Think it can cause early miscarriage/do things to thickness of womb lining later on in cycle.

joy well done on sticking to the diet! I need to get my chocolate habit under control again.

whatmess sorry that it didn't turn out to be a BFP. I too have had evaporation lines with one brand. Can't remember what type it was, but never again! Not that I feel I'll ever need to take one at the mo...

ladyg I know exactly what you mean about lack of control. I think that's why i spend so long on the net reading about it- makes me feel more inviolved in it all. Pleased to hear the down regging drugs weren't too bad. They are one of the things that scares me about ivf!

fatima and karbea exciting times for you both. Hope it goes well. And lemon good luck with the iui!

Hi to everyone else stasi euro, mrsfs and everyone else. Gotta go. Will post more when I have a mo, although this has been a monster post!

Hello everyone.

Just a quick post from me. More of a moan really! Our Dr had told us to time intercourse from cd9-15 but as i ov late usually we thought we'd try and keep going a little longer. My DH plays football on a tues so that night is out so we had a go at SWI last night....TMI ALERT!!! and he couldnt finish!!! Its never happened before and we were both so disappointed. We tried for way longer than we usually need to but nope nothing! Hopefully its a once off and i never ov this early anyway so we should be ok as long as we can actually get some sperm to the bloody egg!!!!

Cant believe i actually typed that but hey ho!

hi everyone! well I'm officially joining now it's Feb and I'm in month 10 of TTCing.

huge congratulations to cakes! wow, two BFPs in a couple of weeks, that's pretty amazing. hopefully we are on a roll...

congratulations also to nelly's sister - that is fantastic news, hope it all goes well for her.

just doing a bit of a catch up and it looks like I need to buy full fat milk and avoid ibuprofen! there are so many "rules" to this TTCing lark

So I had my blood test results and GP appointment last week (DH came too to get his sperm results). I have PCOS and a slightly underactive thyroid so have been put on low dose thyroxine, but all else normal. DH is generally ok. I am ovulating though despite the PCOS and thyroid so not sure why no BFP yet - just need to be patient I guess! Been referred to a fertility clinic anyway so as to "start the process just in case" (god bless my GP ).

izzy sorry to hear that, hopefully just a one off - could be stress etc, I reckon the men find this all a bit tougher than they let on sometimes.

Stasi I also do the early POAS thing occasionally (only the cheapies mind!) - know exactly what you mean about it being like a lottery ticket and wanting to give yourself that excitement, especially since you know if it's BFN that you can tell yourself it was too early anyway.

Saw a friend on Friday who has got pg through IVF after clomid and 2 mcs - she is now 4 months pg with twins! She's having to have lots of medication to suppress immune reaction, but on the other hand she is pg so she doesn't care .

waves to everyone else - sorry to hear about the AFs, and good luck to all those in their 2WW!