TTC for 10+ months, part 10

[princesschick]

A very friendly and supportive thread for those taking way longer than they had ever expected to make a baby.

No Gin I didn't see that (only read this thread) Is she in the UK do you know? I thought the days of 4 embies in the UK were over.

at Princess and the snack box. It sounds like Mr P is finding his way to cope, don't let it make you feel bad, these next few weeks will be tough but you'll get there. I hope the GP is helpful. Yes, I'm home but not yet back to normal as our "holiday" was in the region with both sets of parents, mine came back home with us for a further week. Mini doll is fine thanks even though he currently appears to feel his real family is the cast of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, we are merely standing in.

Artemis you appear to have similar views and be in a similar position to me re long and short protocol. My reading suggested to me that I would be a candidate for short protocol. I asked my doctor if they always do long protocol, he said 'no, not always' but he didn't seem to have any interest in discussing it in detail and I get the strong impression it is always in first timers at least. The timing of my next appointment is the expected start date of a LP, case in point. I think we touched on this before but anyway, I try to look at it like this - the clinic manage things the way they do and while I hate the idea that I get suppression for the convenience of the clinic, if they are not able/capable/experienced in running more fiddly cycles then they aren't and there is not much that I can do about that. I guess being capable and experienced may count for at least as much as the type of protocol itself.

Rabbit I am here and will be for the foreseeable future. No chance except natural, fat chance until December. And we can preen eachother.

Also, I did read back a little and saw your post from last night princess. Massive huge hugs and hand-holding. It is shit-scary. But you know you can't do anything about it.

If Kiki wants she can come and hang out with me and be as scared as she wants. The counselor last night focussed most on me being scared. Now I've forgotten what my chimp was called, but she is petrified too. So she and Kiki can hide in the tree tops together. I'll get them down with cookies. Interestingly, the counselor talked about learning to let it out in a controlled/safe way (much like letting the chimp talk in the book) so that the fear/emotions don't take over at inopportune moments, which bothers me a lot.

Anyhow, presentation, presentation. But I'll be back!

Morning all,

Lemons thank you and good luck with your presentation today :)

Doll mini doll gets cuter all the time. Hope things go back to some semblance of normality soon.

Waves, hugs and Friday luffs for all.

GP made me feel so much better. She's advised that I keep the next appointment with the consultant, as they may want to monitor us at that stage. In my mind that's a bit late for progesterone supplements (which she didn't think I'd need - I'm still going ahead with the test and will take the supplements privately if need be.... hang on I will sort them out from a private pessary vendor and of course and taking will be strictly in private shudder ) but a good time to have an early pregnancy scan, which she thinks they will probably do. If not, I can always ask if he thinks it's worthwhile privately. She has said to tell him that she sent us if we get any grief about time wasting. Although she looked a tad when we told her about her time wasting fears and she she that they are all lovely up there and will be thrilled for us I wish everyone were as nice as my GP. She also said that she's seen loads of couples like us in the past and to remember that we are conceiving in relatively short time spans, just over a much longer time altogether (instadiff, 7 months and 3 months to date). She flu jabbed me and hugged both of us and then sent us on our merry way. Of course, the fear is still here and I had another bad nights sleep - woke at 4.30am and didn't get back to sleep... But I am looking forward to going home to my mum and dad for some pampering this weekend.

I'm off to the airport shortly and may not get much time to check in over le weekend. But I will be thinking of you all :) Hope you all have great weekends.

And thanks again for all your totally amazing kind words and support. It's soooooooo hugely appreciated

Nelly did he produce the sample at the clinic? Mr euro's clinic samples have all had a much lower count than the ones produced at home and then transported to the clinic. I think the swimmers hide in a strange environment!

Princess I thought of your "BIG MOUSE" moment last night when Mr euro jumped out of bed and did a comedic dance around the bedroom. Apparently he had dreamed that he was being chased by giant spiders. Apparently the 10+ers menfolk are being plagued by oversized beasties at the moment!

Your GP sounds lovely. Enjoy your weekend away!

Mini doll sounds adorable!

I am feeling rather down about my weight. I went shopping after work last night and the changing room mirrors were so depressing. I nothing looked good (if I could even get into it). I googled weight gain and IVF and found dozens of posts all mentioning ten pounds (the amount I have gained). It seems very odd that loads of women manage to put on the same amount after the procedure. Hmmmm.

lemon hope the presentation went well :)

princess I have lots of cyclogest have sent some to another friend so I am happy to share as I get more than I need each month.

well temp has gone up as all the pee sticks say so ovulation i'm cd 34/35 at this rate IVF will have to be next year, hope everyone has something nice planned for the weekend

Hi all,

Just a fly-in visit - we've got the big boss in town so haven't had much time to post. euro for what it's worth, you looked very slim to me when we met! But I know that weight gain can be very disconcerting.

princess I am willing your little bean to hang in there - glad the GP visit went so well.

joy glad you liked the meditation page!

Sorry not to post more, will try to come back later - I am now spotting, which Dr Google tells me is due to the drop in oestrogen after injectibles.

Yay for nice GP princess, she sounds AMAZING. And I am keeping stuff crossed, we've had our share of crap recently on this thread!

Sort of yay for ovulation buzzy, even if you don't sound too happy about it...

Big at all the dancing, jumping and screaming OHs. They make mine look very tame in comparison.

Hope you're not menkulling about the spotting critter, it doesn't sound like you do!

Good weekends to all you lovely ladies! I hope I'll be out and about getting some exercise in. But if it is rainy and cold, I'll be baking and chatting to you lot!

lemon thanks - and I hope your presentation went well. I'm sorry that you're feeling so scared. I wish I could say something to make things better, but of course I can't.

nelly I would agree with mrsd - from what I've heard, SA results can fluctuate a lot!

artemis when's your next appointment?

sar I hope you are ok. I'm thinking of you.

princess so sorry that you are feeling frightened and anxious.

buzzy that sounds very confusing with the temps. The furbaby sounds like a cutie, I hope that cuddling a little cat will make you feel a little better this weekend.

critter I've never had this before so I have no idea what is going on AF should have been here last Saturday my temp has been slightly up for the last 3 days but no real ovulation so this month has been a dud, I just wish AF would show up so we can get on with it, Slovakian friend says to drink red wine so will give that a go Kayla has been for cuddles :)
What is happening with you, what day are you on now??

Hmm, that sounds mega stressful, not knowing what's going on. I often with that you could turn a light on in there and see what's happening! In the meantime, I like your pal's suggestion, sounds like a plan.
I have my IVF consultation with the doc on Monday so might ask if he can let me know what's happening then. I am on CD 92 (!) if you go by my last period after the fifth Clomid round. If I did end up ovulating with the octo-eggs, I'd be around 5dpo. So I might get a period next weekend. But who knows.

I often wish, not I often with. Dear me.

its frustrating, I hope you get some answers on Monday, if AF doesn't show up soon I have my IVF consultation on the 17th. I'll have a for you

Lots of progress on this board!

Princess - the fear is more than understandable. But your chances of a successful pregnancy are excellent. So, be kind to yourself and enjoy spending time with your mum. Thinking of you loads. x

Artemis, Critter, Buzzy, Nelly, Mrs Den, Doll and Gin - have I got that all right - you ladies are dipping your toe in to IVF very soon? It is stressful trying to plan ahead around work and everything. But somehow it does just work out because this stuff is more important than work. Allow yourself the opportunity to make you the priority. And for the first timers - focus on each stage of the treatment as it comes. Make sure you plan in to your diary fun things for each week of the treatment. Cinema is a good one, as are shopping trips and cosy, relaxed meals. Also try out new recipes / plan christmans presents etc. Be positive, be excited. Nobody can guarentee the outcome you want but what is guarenteed is that your chances are about to significantly increase.

Buzz - I am sorry your ovulation has been delayed but it DOES sound as though you have ovulated which is still the aim of the game. I am sure this is just a wappy month after the IUI drugs and hopefully things will settle soon. The red wine sounds like an excellent idea.

Artemis - I am delighted to hear how your mum responded to the IVF stuff. People can suprise us. If you stress the importance of privacy and let her know how devestated you would be if people knew about your treatment, I'm sure she won't tell anyone about it.

Hello to Joyce, Euro, Rabbit and anyone else I have missed.

I rang the clinic and learnt my appointment on the 18th is with my consultant's senior registrar - quite a nice lady. So although would prefer to see my consultant I am ok with my appointment as at least I know the registrar has direct access to the consultant about my treatment.

I seem to have broken out with acne all over my chest, back and stomach - . Never had this in my life.

I have in my head a vague treatment plan consists of a natural cycle FET again but this time with progesterone support and some basic immune treatment such as steroids. They may not agree but it's a start. But to be honest, I am losing the faith. I just can't see how this will work for me. I know it's all about the highs and lows and I am certain that I will find a high again. But the lows suck don't they.

Thanks critter. It's lovely of you to say that. I'm not enormous but I've always been slim. The real drag is that I can only fit into about 1/3 of my clothes at the moment!

You seem to be doing really well through this very up and down cycle!

sarlat that sounds like a good plan. If the clinic isn't supportive of the immune stuff, you can always see Gorgy/Shehata privately. They are happy to work with people cycling at other clinics.

euro you will get back into all your clothes soon - as your body resettles, the extra few pounds will fall off.

Oh sar - that chest back and stomach acne sounds like stress to me. Obviously I'm completely unqualified, but I get eczema patches when I'm sad or doing something stressful. I think our skin (and stomach) is really where emotional stuff shows up. I wish your appointment was sooner - I am sure it will be easier once you have a firm plan of next steps. A huge hug to you, you've been so brave and had such bad luck. Hang in there. You are only 32, you have made excellent blastocysts - I cannot believe that you won't have your baby.

sar I personally am happy with seeing Shehata, he has an excellent beside manner and his staff are good especially his nurse Louise who you can email if you have questions. Free tea/coffee machine with mini biscuits too :). Its not cheap but might be worth crossing it off your list. I can't remember if I mentioned to you or someone else about his website that you can look at.
Again if your clinic won't supply you with progesterone I have a secret supply in the bathroom I am happy to share. Thanks for your advice on the IVF. The annoying thing about the very late ovulation is that we have totally missed out on this month, its now been 5 weeks since my last AF

I do have 2 small bottles of Red wine :), I prefer white and to be honest think this red wine stuff is an old wives tale and reckon you'd have to drink shed loads of it but its not going to hurt.

I am totally in love with my fur baby, she is wonderful, and yes I do feel calmer, although I know that it won't last and that is the difficult part knowing that my mood will change for the worse, have self referred to the IAPT team so will see what they are like (think they are also based at the same base as I am) before starting life coaching, well its lovely sunny weather so I am going to go out and enjoy it

Buzzy it is great you're feeling a little better for now. Enjoy it and Kayla's cuddles. It sounds really good.

Well done for keeping going critter interesting to hear what the consultant has to say on Monday.

Sorry about the weight thing, euro. I am sure it will shift once you're properly yourself again and stop galivanting across the world

So sorry sar you're loosing faith. I can imagine and you've done so well so far. But I still have faith and am happy to share some.

Here all is well, I did my counseling home work, which was tough, but I am proud of myself now. And dinner is in the oven already, so all is set for a peaceful night. We went to the pub last night and now I appear to get hungover from two glasses of wine.

Evening all.

I have had a very active day - a run, a walk and pilates! The pilates was my first ever session and I rather enjoyed it. My lower back and core have always been weak, so I thought this might help. It's early days, but I did seem to walk out of there taller than when I went in!

I am now waiting for a fish to cook so I can put some brownies into cook. They might not help the size of my @rse but I am sure Mr euro will deal with most of them!

Ohfeckmethosearegood. :)

And I earned one from my active day so it was guilt-free. I was within the day's calorie allowance.

So, I'm officially terrible at keeping up here (made worse by the fact that my new healthy regime involves not spending too much time on the internets - clever joining MN in that case, then), but I really had to delurk to say how very happy I am for you, princess! Reading your good news has given me a proper warm & fuzzy glow, as well as helpful hope for my own woo efforts. And, of course, fun rearguard action ideas for the shag week I'm currently in. I'm keeping everything crossed for you. (And also for eleth.)

MissMedusa I'm so very sorry to read your news. I hope your time comes again soon, and that when it does it's the one that's meant to be.

It's way past my bedtime, so big waves to everyone else for now. I know I barely qualify as a 10+er due to my lack of presence, but the board is often in my thoughts.

Evening all

Quick post while Mr A falls asleep in front of MOTD :)

It's been one of 'those' evenings - we had to go to a party for one of Mr A's relatives that more closely resembled a creche. There were 3 babies and about a dozen toddlers and older children, plus a couple of feral teenagers slouching about hoping someone will buy them a drink. We lasted a couple of hours then bailed out. I was the only woman out of the dozens there who wasn't a mother. Thankfully everyone was too self obsessed with their own kids to ask nosey questions, though some uncle did ask if we were leaving early 'to make a baby' . Mr A's normal response to family situations is to drink his way through so he was unimpressed that that avenue wasn't open to him. My entire family (aunts, uncles, cousins, the lot) consists of 9 people so his extended bunch with about six uncles on each side where everyone breeds like overactive rodents is a bit of a culture shock. It was a relief to get back to a peaceful house and only minimally noisy cat.

Euro the brownies sound great . Hormone induced weight gain is pants. I still haven't shifted all the weight I put on with clomid so am dreading more from IVF. The active day sounds good. I started going to pilates last year, I can't get there as regularly as I would like but it really does help with posture and core strength. Much harder than it looks as well!

Rum hope the healthy regime is going well - sounding positive.

Sar I was amazed at how well my mum reacted. If I'd known I would have told her sooner. I did ask her to keep it confidential had a bit of a rant about people and their nosey hurtful questions so i think she will keep quiet this time. Glad you are OK about your appointment and your plan sounds sensible to me.

Buzzy fur babies are great aren't they I'm glad yours is settling in.

Gin thanks for answering IVF questions. I am sure I will have more before long!

Doll helpful thoughts on the protocol question. I sometimes feel i should be making more fuss and arguing for more individual treatment but tbh I just don't have the energy, and you are right, perhaps better to go along with what their expertise is. I just want to get it over with. Little Doll is still the dude. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang used to terrify me when I was a kid.

Princess at the gay chihuahuas. Hope you're having a lovely weekend at home with your parents. Will you tell them?

Critter our appointment is Tuesday to spend hours filling in paperwork then have the HIV and hepatitis tests. Theoretically I should then go on Friday to collect the drugs and start shooting up but they wouldn't let me make that appointment when I rang last week. I'm not allowed to make any appointments until my payment has gone through. Welcome to the world of self funded NHS healthcare!

Lemon hope the presentation went well and you got out and about this weekend. Sunshine here tomorrow (theoretically anyway) so we're off for a big walk.

Nelly I saw that thread on pets vs kids and it made me really angry. Why can't people just live and let live?

Rabbit I too have the fear of being left alone in a vast echoing empty thread watching the tumbleweed collect in the corners... I am really hoping this round of IVF works but realistically I am aware it probably won't. Hope you manage some time off and relaxation this weekend.

I can hear stirrings from the sofa so I'd best be off. Waves to everyone not mentioned, hope you're all having a lovely weekend

Hello on a Sunday.

I've had the most lovely lovely weekend full of things impossible to do with a baby. There has been moderate drinking, crafts, amazing food and pottering around and yoga. It's a bit of a pisser that underneath my chimp or whoever she may be, is always thinking about babies a bit and why I don't have one, but generally life feels pretty nice.

My period is due later this week and all signs point to an imminent pmt arrival. I really would like to know why we can't seem to get pregnant. A bent womb surely cant be the culprit. I am to discover that opks go very very dark, far more than just two equal lines and do wonder if we have been spending the sperm all up too early and plan to put that into action next month. clutching at straws probably but it's always good to have a plan.

artemis I'm so glad the chat with your mum was supportive and not as bad as you thought. I am in full admiration of you entering into the world of ivf (and all Xmas ivf ers) as I'm not remotely ready. But my plan is for next summer so I still have some time I guess. How do you feel about it all? Sorry for the crèche family do. Mine are all like that. But at least we don't wee when we cough!!

princess hope your weekend with the folks went nicely. Are you telling people? I really do think all will be ok this time but totally understand this must be a very nervous time. Please stay around and keep us updated. Indeed all 10 plussers who are out there with babies and bumps, if you do still read, do feel free to come and tell us how things are going. You are missed.

euro sorry your added pounds are making you fed up. I am sure that no one would tell expect you, weight is a bugger for that. Clothes are particularly bad at over exaggerating the problem too I think. I bet you look just lovely. Hurray for brownies that all fit into eating plans they sound yummy.

lemon how are you feeling my lovely? Well done for doing your counselling homework, it can be really challenging but I found it always paid off.

buzzy glad you feel a bit calmer. Life coaching sounds interesting, I'd like to try that I think.

critter how are you feeling in your octo month?

akuba life sounds hectic! Nice to see you back though.

pout waving in case you're lurking. I really miss you and hope you're ok.

nelly you too. Bet you are busy busy busy.

sarlat how's things this weekend? Hope the cloud is lifting a bit.

I'm making roasted vegetable tart with thyme and Parmesan, with an apple, blue cheese and walnut salad. What's everyone having for tea on a Sunday? Then I will be having a bath and watching and going to bed at 9 to read my book because at 35 that is perfectly acceptable

Huge feather blow dry and fluffing to us all. Lets make us some babies in the next 12 months, statistics say this is inevitable!

artemis well done on surviving the relly bashing for that long with all those kids

euro your choc brownies sound delish :)

rabbit glad you've had a lovely weekend and it can't hurt to vary the rountine, it could make all the difference, I'm keen on the life coaching but want to see what IAPT will offer as I won't be paying for that.

well as suggested by my friend I have drunk red wine also rose and white just for good measure still no period though, we went to a friends for dinner which was great and no baby talk at all.

Went for a walk along Reigate Hill which was busy and full of people with babies and kids it didn't used to be like that up there
MIL has been to see the fur baby and now the aunt is on her way :)

rabbit dinner tonight for us is roast vege soup with crusty bread

Euro - what an active weekend. Pass the brownies over here I know that hormone weight always seems hard to shift - but with a weekend like this one then I'm sure it won't be long.
Artemis - well done on surviving the creche party.
Buzzy - you did mention the clinic email / website to me yes. I might come back to you about that. I didn't realise it was posssible to have immune testing in one place and treatment in other as Euro suggested - care said they wouldn't. But food for thought - thank you ladies.
Rabbit - your weekend sounds lovely. I think your womb is a fab place for a baby to grow! Just you wait my lovely . Tea tonight is soup also - like the buzster. Homemade with everything and anything chucked in which is veg. But no crusty bread. However we had a really yummy turkish kebab (naice type) street food from the farmers market in town earlier.