TTC 10 months + Part 17.

[MuddyWellyNelly]

For all the lovely 10+ers, and anyone else lurking, who has been trying for long enough to start worrying. This is a great place to rest until the elusive BFP shows up.

Cos, we are the ones without bumps, scans or babies as profile pics.

Art, mini art is truly gorgeous. Babies with hair are the cutest.

First stimming injection done last night. It stung quite a bit, much worse than the gonal f and seemed to take ages for all the liquid to go in so it was a prolonged sting. Felt ok pretty soon afterwards though. I've remembered that the stimming phase leaves me feeling a bit anxious and jittery, I guess it's a hormonal thing.

I'm making soup today and not planning on leaving the house. Has anyone got an exciting Sunday planned?

Cos, I'm happy to friend you (my initials are CS and I'm pulling a funny face in my profile pic!). Or PM me.

mrsd I am feeling coldy and a bit crappy but need to go shopping to try to find a frock for a dressy party in a couple of weeks. I'm a bit fat for the things I already own... Meh. And I have a 300 page European Commission Decision to read for a meeting tomorrow. Deep joy. Instead of doing either of those things, I am currently playing candy crush and MNing!

Den I am due to start stimming on Friday so not far behind you. Sorry it stung. The drugs are here. H hid them in various parts of the house as I actually didn't want to come home the day it was delivered. So the only thing I've spotted was the hcg in the fridge by the peanut butter. It gave me the heebie jeebies. He is doing all stabbing so I am ignoring all of the hundreds of ampoules of powder and what not. It is dead to me!

I am now in the horrible bit of my cycle where I am just waiting to start spotting every time I go to the loo. This month has been my first proper cycle since the odd cp kerfuffle in July. In aug/sept I ovd super early (cd9/10) and was spotting by day 16 which made me feel sad and broken. This month has been normal, ov day 16 and I'm now cd25 with no spotting. One of my two lonely follicles obviously knows how it should be working (I'm not talking baby making here of course - that is a mystery to my senile egglets). I am under no illusion that my period might not arrive, mores the pity.

Art lovely to see you on here. I'm so glad you had a caring experience at the clinic too. I've been blown away by their capacity to form supportive relationships with their patients and that they actually smile.

Coco I had no idea you'd had two mcs, I'm so sorry about that. Time for a new GP?

Nelly glad you are getting some ttc break time and that a new plan is emerging. I have a plan to cycle again at Easter and the summer, probably with donor eggs if this is a total bust and I don't make it to ec. If it is a bust but there is a smidge of hope I will give my eggs another go with dhea and maybe immunes type stuff if that appears to be an issue, but of course that plan is subject to daily change.

Lemon sending out a big hug.

Interesting stuff cos. I'm glad you have a plan too.

Rum are you still down regging?

So that is me really. Wave to everyone else, euro you will look fab I am sure. Doll I am thinking about you. No doubt ill be loitering on here later. Today is epic roast day and sewing day. Oh and cos, I'm the one with my back turned to the camera - add me!

Just quick to say Cos I will do GB. I'm friends with Art and Euro and MrsD once you have them. I'll go and comment on Art's very cool latest pic. I have a hobble as my profile pic . Though that won't help if you don't know the code. Clue, the photo is not of me.

Will reply to others later. Had a houseful last night, and drank buckets. Was LOTS of fun

*FB obviously. I'm not an Olympian.

Well I'm loving my new fb friends! Ad more takers let me know! Muddy I thought that must be you (well, your hobble). It really does just help to normalise things seeing actual pictures of people where you look at them and go, well of course they'll be a mother, and if I'm in their boat then things aren't so bad!

Mrsden well done for starting the stimming again. What happened on your last cycle again? I'm sorry I can't quite remember.

Rabbit big waves.

Euro that paper does not sound like my idea of Sunday reading! Hope the shopping went well.

So I haven't had any more bleeding, save the odd bit of spotting - how worried would you be about possible 'retained products' do you think it's necessary to chase a scan or shall I just assume its all fine and gone unless I start to feel unwell? I did poas again today just to see and still there but fainter I think.

Cos, you should be able to find me because I'm friends with art, euro, nelly, buzzy. I've also just commented on art's photo.

I've sent you a request MrsD. I also just had a read back of the old threads to remind myself of your last cycle as I felt bad for bnot remembering. Are they changing your regime this time, will they leave you for longer or not give the cetrotide, or just see how things go this time? Seeing as you got 7 eggs and 2 out of 2 fertilisation that bodes really well if you get more mature eggs and more embryos, but then if they can't select how do they choose which ones to put back? Also I saw your previous questions about when to start progesterone, as this is my latest obsession it might be worth asking about this, and also gestone injectable progesterone I did read somewhere it has better absorption rates. I have everything crossed for you.

Cos I am wishing I had the option for injectable progesterone now. Maybe something to ask for next time. I find cetrotide confusing, it's like go eggs go, no eggs no! So complicated.

I'm on a totally different protocol this time cos. I have no idea though if I'll respond better to this one or not. The problem last time was my body just didn't behave in a consistent way so I have a big question mark over whether it will on any protocol. Fingers crossed. I've down regged this time and I'm now injecting lh and fsh so the hope is there are more eggs and they mature at the same time. I also worry that even with two good embryos put back I still couldn't get a bfp.

Rabbit, I know what you mean about the cetrotide, my eggs were doing ok the had the cetrotide which halted their development too much. I guess it's a case of trying to find a balance and it's a bit trial and error. What's your drug protocol?

It's nice to be friends on fb and see that we're all normal people!

rabbit there is a debate as to whether the progesterone is best administered through injections or suppositories, I have a box if you want some more for this cycle

MrsD here's hoping the lp helps to control the growing rate better. You made good embryos before so no reason why you won't do this time, and lots of people have successes after failures.

Rabbit I had the injectables as well as the pessaries after ET. Something to ask about? They may not let you if you haven't had previous failures, most docs don't like additional drugs 'just in case'.

Er, so Euro's holiday photos from the Maldives.......the most jealous I've ever been???!!

And suddenly conscious of the number of photos of me tagged on fb fairly hammered

Morning all! Just popping in to offer some tail feather shakes to everyone.

cos your plan sounds very sensible. And I agree having a frostie stashed away, makes treatment easier. Am afraid I know nothing about prolactin levels, other than that high ones can stop you getting preggers, as it's what you have when breast feeding. Nice to be FB friends - your snowy pics are making me well jell, never mind the Maldives!

dulcet good luck with the appointment!

Like sea I've heard of people for whom low progesterone was causing MCs. But I think this is fairly easily tested for and can be resolved with the arse bullets/injections?

sea how are you doing? When are your next tests?

Oh coco it must be very frustrating not knowing what caused the MCs and also Mr Coco not wanting any investigations. I'm hoping you've just had terrible terrible bad luck and it will work for you, but I know I'd want some answers.

mrsd exciting to be stimming. Sorry it was ouchy. I have everything crossed for you. Btw my EC were on the same day both ivf cycles, but I did the same protocol.

rabbits not long til you start now too! I got Mr G to do all my stabbing too. Partly cos I don't like needles and partly to keep him involved. I found starting the first cycle exciting, as I felt we had a real chance for once.

ten how's your cycle going?

euro hope the paper wasn't too dull and you managed to fit in some homeland/Dowton, depending on your preference.

Waves to art. Mini A is just so damn cute and has awesome hair!

Waves and luffs to everyone I know I've missed.

The nct chat is interesting. We've just finished our course and out of 6 couples, one had donor eggs, one is a lovely lady from another MN Fred who got preggers down regging and then there was us! I don't know the situation of the other 3 couples, but it was comforting that at least half of us were long term ttcers. The bit that did make it hard was some of what the not v good teacher said eg banging on about contraceptive after the birth and baby no 2, despite several of us making it v clear we felt v blessed to be having this one and didn't/ couldn't discuss no. 2.

It's now less than 8 weeks until D day, which is pretty surreal and a small bit of me still doesn't feel like we'll actually get a baby! All's well, despite a pre term labour scare the other weekend, which turned out to be basically poo pains

Oh I have some spare druks if anyone wants some? I have a trigger shot (ovitrelle) and some clexane, but quite a high strength. I think they're valid until some time next year.

Gin, wows only 8 weeks. Does that mean you will get a baby in your Xmas stocking?

Cos, I got a high prolactin level in my first ever ttc set of blood tests, it was just outside of the normal range but the dr made me have another test. Apparently, prolactin is released when your body is stressed and the stress of a blood test and the pain of the prick can be enough. So they can do a blood test where they insert the needle but then don't withdraw the blood for 20 mins or so to let levels recover. Also, prolactin levels are higher in the morning so perhaps ask for a test later in the day. My doctor was fairly sure I didn't really have high prolactin because there are some clinical signs too which I clearly didn't have. I really wouldn't worry if yours was within the normal range.

Art, I've just seen the k mid tummy photos. She's not a real person, is she? I saw a pap shot of her on the beach in a bikini on her honeymoon and she had abs of steel so I guess that would help. Apparently she has a rowing machine at home so I bet she's spent hours on it in the last few weeks, it's not like she has much else to do.

Rowing machine, personal trainer, nutritionist, nanny and housekeeper I reckon! We'd all look flipping ace all the time if we had her life style...

mrsd when's you're first scan? And yes hopefully Santa will be posting a baby down my chimney (mind boggles at themetaphor!) Although we should just miss Xmas day itself, as they will only let me go a week overdue as it's an ivf baby, so they're sure on conception dates.

I realise I missed lemons! Thinking of you a lot this week lovely. Not long til the scan now.

Gin a Xmas baby, yay! I am excited for you. I'm not sure I feel excited as my odds are so woefully low but it will give me a clearer idea of how to proceed next so I feel pleased to be in a moving forward bit rather than a stagnating bit. Why did you need clexane?

Good afternoon all :)

Just checking in to wave hello, really.

joy and cos I'm really heartbroken for both of you with your recent news. Big non-mn hugs.

Pout if you're reading, extra big non-MN hugs, you'll be missed here.

Good luck all the ivfer's :)

Congrats to the newly diffed too

Interesting talk on lots of stuff. I have a small amount of time as mini princess is actually mini benign dictator in this house and cutting teeth. So we all know about it. It's like baby pmt (I've actually taken to calling it pre molar tension).

coco I had 2 MCs and a possible chem and conceived mini princess naturally. I did however follow a ridiculously strict diet (nutritionist led), had acupuncture, reflexology, life coaching etc. We had tests at the doctors which all came back normal but my progesterone was on the low side. I still believe that the diet did it and that my hormones were not very well balanced. I was also referred to an NHS consultant based on irreg periods and he "predicted" we'd get pregnant by the end of that year; we were. It took just over 3 years and 3 months from first mc (unplanned instadiff) to mini princesses making. We had a year off when we got engaged til after our honeymoon and 3 months off under our nutritionist direction. I was pregnant on the third cycle after trying again. Maybe your DH would be up for the diet thing, esp if you have to wait to see someone.

As for NCT / antenatal whatnot. We did Hypnobirthing classes and I just felt bloody glad to be there. The other couples were lovely and yes, their concerns / complaints seemed small fry but I didn't feel untoward against them, just sad it wasn't me in their shoes. I did feel wiser and that I was so grateful having thought it was never going to happen, I actually felt sorry for them that they couldn't appreciate it more. I've met loads of instadiffers and instadiff babies along the way and I can categorically say that all 10 plus babies are much more beautiful

Right, must dash. Lunch time and in laws visiting later so I need to think about washing (me, baby and sicky clothes) and getting dressed and then maybe hoovering the front room. I bet I end up eating, reading, brushing hair, spritzing myself in Chanel No5, rubbing the baby's head against me (best thing about having a baby with a lot of hair is that the sick mop can be made to smell delish with a bit of posh perfume ) and blaming lack of housework on "teething" mwah ha ha!

Eeeek!! So sorry I killed the thread. Sorry if I've come across as a horrible smug twat with my post and if I've offended anyone. Big hugs xx

Princess - you didn't kill the thread. I personally love reading good news outcomes from 10 plussers. You sound v happy and your long fought for baybee brings me hope and certainly doesn't offend. Hope baby princess' teething subsides soon.

Mrsd - hope the stimming is going okay. Any side effects?

Rabbit - how's it going? Glad to hear Hare is doing his bit and taking charge of stabbing. I know it's hard to be positive and better to think it won't work etc to self protect. Well. I will keep positive for you. I am hopeful that it will work for you. We can but try.

Lemon - how are you? How long until scan? I am sending positive vibes your way.

Cos - I retest today. The results will determine if I get to cycle this side of the 2013. If it's still high it's unlikely I will manage to get a cycle in before next year. How you decided where to go next? I think your plan for your frostie is v wise.

dulcet sorry about AF. Good luck at the fertility clinic. My Dr admitted to not knowing a lot about ttc, so I've spoken once to someone that knows more than the basics. I'd be really interested to hear how it goes. FX that they are nice to you this time.

cos I've not heard of prolactin, did they test your progesterone levels at the same time? Was there any anomaly with that?
Thank you for the encouragement. You are right that twice in two years isn't bad and yes, I think MrC is convinced that we'll manage it without any help. Based on averages I'll get another BFP sometime in the next six months, I'm just terrified that there is an underlying problem and I'll lose that one too.

den sorry about the stingy stim injection. Are you injecting yourself or is MrD doing it? I'm in awe of anyone being able to do that.

euro lol at playing candy crush instead of reading a "300 page European Commission Decision" sounds riveting!

rabbit exciting that your drugs have arrived, even if they give you the heebie-jeebies. I like the idea of hare doing the stabbing, I'm not sure MrC could handle that. He's the needle wimp out of the two of us.

gin so great to hear from you. 8 weeks to go!! Wow. I am so excited for you.
Speaking of which.. any news doll??

princess great to hear from you too. I love the thought of mini princess calling the shots. I can genuinely say that 10+ grads are the only babies I feel broody for. I have a defence mechanism in place when it comes to everyone else's children. I avoid them at all costs incase it switches on a deep seated maternal instinct making me go properly insane.
I remember your "brown" diet and have thought about it often since you got your BFP. What did your diet consist of? I've already cut out coffee, gone tea-total except for maybe one glass a month on cd1
I've read that high protein/low carb is good for progesterone levels, so have reduced bread and sugar but not gone that whole hog yet.
My cycles have been amazingly regular. It's kind of spooky predicting when AF will arrive and it does! This is a whole new experience for me and one that I really hope will last. Fingers crossed that this can only be a good sign.
I'd love to try acupuncture so maybe I'll try that one out after Christmas.

Better get on with some work! Waves and hugs to all I've missed.

Forgot to say earlier. Gin I'm so happy you will be getting a Xmas baby. It's so well deserved. I miss your regular posts in here.

Sea ' fingers tightly crossed for good results.

rabbit - there is so much hope right now. I am excited for you as I have a suspicion your ovaries are going to come out all singing and dancing and give your medical team the two finger salute. sounds like a good plan for hare to be the stab master.

den - I know it is ouchy. So glad they changed your protocol, things can only get better! Singing atchya a la D:REam.

cos - sounds like the prolactin thing needs exploring. Always always trust your instincts. Hope you are feeling ok?

Co co - I agree you must be frustrated beyond belief. Is there anyway you could get level 1immunes tested by the gp to help see if there is anythinh underlying which can cause mc?

Dulcet ' sending lots of luck.

all ok with me, I am days behind gin. Keep thinking baby will come early but that might he wishful thinking.

Hello to all.

Hello everyone,

I'm back from my holiday and off my internet ban. Was good for me and has helped another week pass relatively quickly. 2 weeks to the scan. Started prenatal pilates today and felt a bit ridiculous to be there with absolutely no bump - but copious breasts may compensate?

rabbit this cycle has so much hope for you. I too was a spotter - every cycle for years and years - to the extent that I struggled to pinpoint day one when asked but progesterone pessaries from ET until BFP was all I needed and there was no spotting during either cycle. It's so hard to have faith but I have loads for you xx

mrsden glad that you are up and running! Sorry the injections stung, hopefully that will settle down after a few shots. A new protocol sounds like the right plan and I hope it is much better for you.

lemon almost there!

sea good luck with the test results. I know how important things like the new year can be. All of these deadlines that we set for ourselves.

cos you sound like you are coming up with a plan and doing tonnes of research. It seems like a really productive way to channel your energy and emotions. Make sure that you take time out to pamper yourself as well (did I hear mention of a spa day?).

coco I think as long as you keep on trying naturally while investigating some other avenues then it can't do any harm. Hopefully your odds are right and you will get there on your own - and third time is usually lucky isn't it?

Nelly i have been thinking of you and your lovely friends. I hope that things are progressing positively.

I have missed so much but have a very early and rather stressful day tomorrow so must dash. Big waves to all!

Hi to all. gin I can't believe you have only 8 weeks to go! And it's great to hear about your mini-dictator princess.

Without wanting to bring the thread down, I just want toget this out there somehow and I'm at work at can't say it out loud. Today is my due date. I never got to meet my baby but I loved him/her for the few short weeks I was pregnant. I think today will be quite tough, but I hope that it will bring me some kind of closure and freedom from the thoughts I have had since my mc of "today I should have been X weeks pregnant and Y should have been happening".

Hugs to all. x

Oh euro, big squeeze. I can only imagine all the thoughts going through your head of what could've beens. I have every faith that things will work out for you. Hopefully in some small way it helps to know that we are thinking of you.

Have to dash to teach, back later.