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Conception

When's the best time to get pregnant? Use our interactive ovulation calculator to work out when you're most fertile and most likely to conceive.

TTC 10 Months Plus, Supporting Eachother & Staying Positive :)

999 replies

mama31 · 04/03/2014 17:45

This thread is for anyone trying to conceive for a lengthy period of time who may be considering/attending further tests/scans or is about to begin fertility treatment. I hope this thread can provide information and support, alleviate fears and can help one another to remain positive during this difficult journey that can only be understood by those experiencing it.

Please join and share your story, knowledge, support, laughter and tears.

OP posts:
mama31 · 10/03/2014 13:30

Lindsay! Yay! Congrats on the pos opk! Excellent news....post a pic and we will all clap :) we get excited about all good news on this thread :)

Shiggles welcome :) wow that's terrible that your GP won't help, perhaps you should get advice from others and change GP to one who cares about fertility. I have a child already and on cycle 10 but GP has already referred us for further support, the waiting list is 5 months so she didn't want to wait for us to be ttc for a year and then refer us.

My opk is lighter today, so no longer hopeful that I'll get an earlier pos opk. Oh well! As long as I get a decent LP and no spotting I'd be happy.

OP posts:
GingerbreadBabyPlease · 10/03/2014 15:38

Hurray Lindsay! I completely understand, I get ridiculously happy when I get a +ve opk, I was dancing around the bathroom last time with a silly grin! it's just so nice to get a positive on a stick, even if it is the wrong one! Sorry bit confused though, do you mean your cycle lengths or your +ve opk days were 25,23 and 22? It could well be the supplements, 'they' do say good things about them don't they, I hope so anyway as I have just been out and bought some vitB, I went for the BComplex 50 ones, figured I will see how I go on 50mg the first month then maybe up it to 100mg.
How are those of you on AC finding it? I did a bit of research on it last night and there are very mixed results/reviews. I don't want to mess up my cycles other than lengthen my LP!!
Holiday in New York sounds fantastic lindsay! Very jealous, so hope you won't be able to go due to bump Wink
Very impressed with all the mindfulness and meditation....I have forgotten to do it already today.... the sun is absolutely lovely though today, was sat in the garden just enjoying the warmth for a bit earlier.
Hello imaginary and welcome. Sorry to hear about your accident, and the delay to ttc, hope you're stay here is short! I know what you mean about feeling like you know more than your GP does!!!
Welcome also shiggles, what is with these god damn GPs!!? Could you not go back a bit before 24 months and tell them it is just stressing you out which isn't going to help matters?
I had my day 21 bloods done today, so just a waiting game for the results now. Does anyone know if the GP will contact me or do I have to make another app? The results will more than probably say low prog, or not ovulating or something as they weren't done at the right time as some of you know!!

Lindsay81 · 10/03/2014 16:04

Thanks mama and ginger! Ginger- this is my first ever OPK+. Others have been so faint, I could never say they were even indicative of approaching ovulation. They have happened in the past around cd17 so this is 2 days later. My worry is that my cycles are so short (25, 23 and 24- sorry not 22), if my period isn't also delayed, my luteal phase will be even worse than usual! So now waiting out to see when my period comes... I'm just hoping that as well as getting a stronger ovulation (hopefully indicated by the OPK+), my cycle will also be longer. I have such a strong feeling that t isn't working for us because my luteal phase is really short :-(

Re the results- I had to call my surgery a week afterwards and they just gave me them over the phone ( of course, as I am annoying, I also made an appointment with my GP to discuss!)

Lindsay81 · 10/03/2014 16:22

Thanks mama and ginger! Ginger- this is my first ever OPK+. Others have been so faint, I could never say they were even indicative of approaching ovulation. They have happened in the past around cd17 so this is 2 days later. My worry is that my cycles are so short (25, 23 and 24- sorry not 22), if my period isn't also delayed, my luteal phase will be even worse than usual! So now waiting out to see when my period comes... I'm just hoping that as well as getting a stronger ovulation (hopefully indicated by the OPK+), my cycle will also be longer. I have such a strong feeling that t isn't working for us because my luteal phase is really short :-(

Re the results- I had to call my surgery a week afterwards and they just gave me them over the phone ( of course, as I am annoying, I also made an appointment with my GP to discuss!)

Lindsay81 · 10/03/2014 16:22

OMG, stupid phone. Sorry!

ImaginaryHat · 10/03/2014 18:00

Thanks for the warm welcome ladies, congrats on the positive opk Lindsay Smile Shiggles I would definitely get myself a new gp who's more caring and helpful than yours sounds if I were you, I hate it when theyre so dismissive, find yourself a nice one.

Well i just got in from work and went to the loo and sure enough when I wiped the spotting has started. 5dpo again. Am going to make that doctors appointment I think.

In fact fuck it I'm going to book flights for our friends wedding in France later in the year which we've been stalling on in case I fell pg this month. Might as well have something positive out of this eh?!

mama31 · 10/03/2014 18:58

Awh imaginary I know how you feel the spotting is so annoying. I'm hoping the AC helps me with it this month! Will be on crotch watch from 5dpo hoping not to see any spotting! Yes go ahead and book your holiday, life is for living! :)

OP posts:
Martie1 · 10/03/2014 19:54

Hi all, I went a bit awol last week but im back! Now on cd8 and dh has agreed to smep this month. Very excited about this and stupidly optimistic. I am surely setting myself up for a big fall or maybe this is my month! Hmm Ive been guzzling away on a large glass of grapefruit juice each day and it really does begin to taste less offensive! Plus we're taking our daily pregnacare vits.

Really sorry for M33r and her news. I was in complete stress last week when AF arrived and those hormones really do a great job adding to melee. But as said above by one of you fellow lovely ladies, by cd 3 I was back in good form again and ready to start again. So i hope you are on the up again M33r. I have been reading all your posts daily so I see there is lots of good vibes going on in this thread.

Congrats to Lindsay on the +opk and shiggles, I can't believe how unhelpful your GP has been, you should def considering moving to another with a desire to actually help their patients! Reading this has reminded me that I need to register with my new GP tomorrow.

imaginary, sorry I don't know much about spotting at all except that I spend my tww hoping for some implantation spotting! But I do know about holidays and you should definitely book that trip to France. We can't keep our lives on hold for our non-existent precious bundles otherwise I for one fear I will never do anything big ever again and I love my holidays! I have been putting off buying a car for ages because I keep thinking I can't afford to spend the pennies as I will need them for baby purchases. I got some helpful advice on this on another thread (I think, could have been here too, Im losing my mind) and it really is true, we need to live our lives.

Im off now, to do some internet faffing, and E4 watching. Happy end of Monday!

maybug3 · 10/03/2014 20:39

Hi all,

A couple of days and what a lot of updates! I have felt like crying and laughing for all of you!

Welcome shiggles and imaginary!

Silence on my part was due to a great weekend with dh. For the first time we had a proper chat about ttc and our failure so far. He is registering with my GP this week so that we don't have to admit that he lives away 4 nights a week! After everyone's experiences with doctors, and me own poor start with my previous surgery I am taking no chances this time! Thank you all for all the information you are sharing. I have learnt more on this thread than I have anywhere else and am feeling much more prepared for the discussions I need to have.
I also hadn't been able to talk to dh as openly as I have since I started using mn. I feel so much more...something!!
Thank you all!

Lindsay - my first OPK+ was after more than 12 months of ttc so I totally understand that sheer joy! Congratulations!

Mindfulness is amazing for keeping everything in perspective, and the good weather helps too! DH is a mindfulness practitioner (as a mental health nurse) and I'm sure its how he keeps so positive about everything.

We are also booking a holiday (for early summer so we're not tempting fate too much) but we have put so much on hold 'just in case' and you can miss too much if you're not careful. Mind you doubt it will be as exciting as New York Lindsay! (or even France for that matter Lindsay!)

Hope everyone is feeling good for a Monday evening!

victoria401 · 10/03/2014 22:01

Hi guys

Mixed emotions today. Had a great weekend in the sun and was trying to be positive. Today we lost a beloved pet and I'm feeling really down. Should be gearing up to the start of bd-ing now af has stopped and the romantic weekend for our anniversary which will be over days 12-15. Also I have a cold sore at the mo and hubby can't even kiss me let alone....! Must have let myself get run down for that to occur, I can't understand it as we've been eating better than ever and are taking vits!

I do have reflexology tomorrow night which always makes me feel fantastic. She also is a spiritual person and reads my angel cards. Last month she pulled the "family" card and said she saw me in linen trousers with a bump. I don't know what to believe, a right old sceptic. I'm a scientist after all. DH thinks its a load of old codswallop but he doesn't mind me spending my hard earned wages on it if it makes me happy.

Even my GP said I should try mindfulness. I would if I could get local classes for free! I live in the past and I like planning stuff. The holiday "what if" is bugging me too as all of 2013 I was putting things off "just in case". I'm trying not to do that but its impossible! I have booked a overnight stay with show in London in Sept but we've not booked abroad this year. Booked a caravan by the sea instead. Said to colleagues we fancied a change from our holidays abroad, fed up of the hassles of airports....

Sorry, didn't mean this to go on this long....

Lindsay81 · 10/03/2014 22:40

Looks like some nice summer holidays planned anyway! :-)

I do feel positive about getting this first OPK+ (which was even darker than the control line when I got home tonight) but stressing that my cycle is still going to be around 25 days. Time will tell I guess!

victoria - sorry about the pet :-( It's always so sad. But the caravan trip sounds lovely! Seaside walks and fish & chips! And if the reflexology makes you feel great, then keep doing it (but doesn't she know linen creases terribly?! ;-)

maybug - sounds like a good chat with DH :-) And interesting to hear his thoughts on mindfulness- thanks!

Right, off to bed. At least that's Monday in the bag!

onelifeonechance · 11/03/2014 08:20

Morning all

I've missed loads! Had a quick skim, will read back later to catch up but hope everyone's ok and remembering to concentrate on being mindful! Sounds like we're all embracing it Smile I had to reign myself in quite a few times yst to stop the stressing and it does help, I really do think it's the way forward with this thing, live for the now! Plus def book your hols, if we're not preggers it gives us something lovely to look forward to and do with dh, and if we are then we won't care anyway and we can still have a lovely time avec bump Smile We deserve the most treats for going through all of this so get out those credit cards! Lol

Hope your days are good ones! Smile

Martie1 · 11/03/2014 10:19

Happy Tuesday! Well my first night of smep did not go well. I fell asleep on the sofa as did DH and we both woke after 12 and slowly made our way to bed and conked out in seconds. I was wrecked from the weekend, had a couple of sober nights out but it still wrecks me. Has anyone else tried the smep plan? Since I've missed the first night, should we just dtd tonight or leave it and start from cd10 tomorrow which is supposed to be my first day of opk testing? Any thoughts?

Have also managed to lose the registration form for my gp even though I know i put it on my desk in my home office. I really am losing my mind Confused

Still it's Tuesday and that's one day closer to the wkend!

Jessewalt · 11/03/2014 10:48

Completely agree with holidays. They are the way forward. Also I want to say thanks to you all for keeping me going over the last few days. I took yet another phone call from a friend only just married, who announced she is pregnant. I am delighted for them, the most lovely couple.
A few points on this
1/ is it normal to phone all your friends and tell them? Note to self - if I am ever in this fortunate position, texts will suffice (except for my besties)
2/ must stop crying after receiving said phone calls
3/ mindfulness is helping. Just went for a lovely run in the glorious sunshine. Amazing.

Oh well. Day 18, 5pdo. Going to London to see my nephews this weekend. My favourite people on the planet. They will def cheer me up. Xx

PinkHat1 · 11/03/2014 11:37

Lindsay81 yay on the + Opk! I've never had much luck with those Opks but that's definitely a good sign!

Welcome shiggles314! You are not alone with GPs who are stressing you out! My GP is also a pain. It took two appointments before she finally listened and referred me to a gyno. Even then, her referral letter said I was a teacher (lord knows where she got that from! Clear sign she doesn't listen or more worryingly just makes things up as she goes along!) Like
others have said could you change GPs? You've already been trying for 16months I'm not sure what difference another 8 months will do.

imaginary a trip to France sounds like a perfect idea! Something to look forward to. I'm thinking about booking a holiday later in the year too - I've also been a bit reluctant not to book holidays etc but from now on I'm going to try to stop putting things on hold!

Jessewait i think it's normal to let your friends know, but I think a text will do. It's always hard when a friend/family member becomes pregnant. Currently my sister and cousin are both people I'm really close to so it is hard.

Martie1 I tried the smep for about 2 months and failed miserably! It was just too hard for my us to keep up with dtd on those set days as it became too forced plus my husband doesn't perform very well under pressure!

I had my appointment yesterday with a gyno who was great. She's referred me to the hospital for a laparoscopy.
Shitting myself at the thought of an operation but at least something is being done about it!

victoria401 · 11/03/2014 12:36

I would like to withdraw my "happy knowing I ovulate day". I looked up my own results on the system at work and thought they were normal. That'll learn me. The docs contacted me to tell me to make an appointment to discuss the results. I said I thought they were normal and the receptionist said they "mostly were" but one needed a face to face discussion and that's all she could tell me! The next appointment with my GP was the 21st! Kicked up a right old fuss and been given a telephone discussion from another GP tomorrow morning to put my mind at rest. Shitting myself! I'm already feeling delicate at the loss of my pet Tizzy yesterday. My mindfulness has gone down the toilet. screams

Martie1 · 11/03/2014 13:30

Victoria i am so sorry about your pet and your scary phone call from GP's office. Im hoping for you that the GP call tomorrow is enlightening rather than frightening. You need to fish yourself out of that toilet and go burry yourself in a big bar of chocolate, a sugar high is the way to go here. hugs

mama31 · 11/03/2014 13:42

Hugs Victoria I hope GP call will reassure you. Don't worry I'm sure if there is any issue you will get support, it's best to know so you can get support. I know you are having a tough time though make sure you get plenty of chats/cuddles with DH and we are here to chat always.

Jesse, I also went for a run yesterday in the sunshine. Planning the same today. Felt amazing after it last night and was very mindful taking in the lovely scenery. Feels good :)

OP posts:
victoria401 · 11/03/2014 18:33

Checked my results again and it shows LH higher than the normal range, my testosterone is on the higher side of normal too. Googled it and could be PCOS but I have no other signs of that. Probably shouldn't Google....I only have to wait until 9.30am I can do this!

Reflexology tonight. Though I don't even want to leave the house tonight. Feeling low and teary :-( just want to get into jammies and mope.

Sorry if it sounds all me me me at the moment. I'll pull myself up in a few days and start supporting others too as you are supporting me x x

onelifeonechance · 11/03/2014 18:37

Victoria, so sorry about your pet and so sorry about your gp, can't believe that's how they've left it! They have no clue do they? Fingers crossed it goes ok, think at a time like this mindfulness does go out the window, but try your hardest not to spend the evening worrying, try and chomp chocolate, or have a bath or a glass of vino or read a book or whatever it is that you,like doing to take your mind off things for a bit, good luck x

Jesse, I feel your pain on hearing of others pregnancies in RL, been there, still wearing the t shirt Hmm

Pinkham, do you have any idea how long you'll have to wait for your laparoscopy?

Martie, SMEP can be a killer (also own that t shirt!!) I personally think the main thing is to take the thrust of it (for want of a better expression!!) So it advocates dtd every other day, and daily after positive opk, so if you're up for it I would try again tonight, then do eod from there, rather than prescriptively sticking to the cycle days it says. And my top tip would be to do it now if poss to stop the falling asleep bit later!!! If you're anything like me I'm practically asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow!! Lol so it's either early night time or a cheeky pre dinner sesh Grin have fun!!

Lindsay, yeay for positive opk!! Hope you're having fun dtdeeding too!!

Hello to shiggles Smile

Imaginary, hugs about the spotting and fingers crossed your gp can sort it out. Has it stopped or still going??

Gingerbread, think you're right about gps sadly! thank goodness for mn!!!

Think that's everything, if I've missed anything I'm sorry!! Have a lovely eve ladies, bangers and mash for tea here, yummmmmm Smile

onelifeonechance · 11/03/2014 18:39

Enjoy your reflexology V, think it's good timing, really hope it helps you to relax abit. And never apologise, we all have ups and downs, it's what we're here for. Hugs to you x

Jessewalt · 11/03/2014 20:19

Victoria - never apologise for having a crappy day! We are all here to support each other through these difficult days. Hope tomorrow you can find out some more of the info you need.

Onelife - do you know when your appointment is yet?

mama31 · 11/03/2014 20:55

Victoria enjoy your reflexology, just what you need.

Pinkhat, I agree GP's could really be much more helpful...in fact there should be GP'S who deal specifically with fertility issues. hope you get your appointment through soon and all goes well.

Still waiting on pos opk here! Hoping for tomorrow as that would be a day earlier again on the vitex, but might be Thursday. Dtd tonight already, to avoid risk of nodding off later on...best to get to it whilst the energy is still available :)

OP posts:
onelifeonechance · 11/03/2014 21:16

Still bloomin waiting Jesse! Going to ring Fri if nothing before. Any news on getting hubby's results? Hate waiting!!!!! (V mindful of how much I hate it, lol!!) Smile

onelifeonechance · 11/03/2014 21:17

Mama, good girl, it's in the bag and you can snooze as early as you like now Grin