Yet another 2 ww.....

[Madigan]

On my 3rd cycle of IUI - currently on day 3 of the 2ww... I can't stop thinking about it, and would be grateful for any tips on how to get through this without losing my sanity.
I have been here before (2 IUI's earlier this year - both unsuccessful) - and should know not to get my hopes up, but on the other hand I do think that I have got to try to have a positive attitude.
Somehow it doesn't feel so bad this time, because I know I will go straight onto IVF if it doesn't work, and I know my chances of success are much higher with IVF.
Anyone else on a 2ww at the moment, to keep me company?

Madigan, just started the 2ww and also just started acupuncture which is meant to help open the 'positive energies' in your body. Think what she means is helps your body to be positive and receptive even if your mind is working overtime! Am due another session in just over a week to help keep my body in the right direction. Thought it may be worth a shot! No idea how to control my constant thinking though!

Hi Janus
Ive had acupuncture too - had it straight after the IUI and will have it again this Friday. went to a new acupuncturist who really helped me to relax - and it did make me feel quite positive.
How long have you been tcc? when did your 2ww start?

Madigan, I was so relaxed I fell asleep with all the needles in!! Have used acupuncture before for terrible headaches and it worked very well. I've been ttc since January, feels like such a long time and do think I need to start relaxing about it all as it is consuming an awful amount of my thinking time. I'm on cd15, so literally just started the 2ww as ovulated this weekend. Do you do anything else in the 2ww, ie take any extra vitamins, cut out booze, etc?

Hi Janus
Well, I have been ttc for almost 3 years ..... so I kind of know what it is like and yes it does take over your life (although everyone tells you that you must not let it - easier said than done ..).
This time I am taking Zita West vitamins and DHA supplements, and have cut out caffeine and booze (which has been hard, but am feeling better for it). I am also not doing any exercise and taking it easy (all on Zita West advice - have you heard of her? she has written some excellent books on ttc). I am also trying to have a really positive outlook, and doing the acupuncture.
This is the 1st time I have done all of this!!!
.... so am hoping that this IUI will be the one. But if not, its IVF for me next month.
Really hope that this month is our month!!
Do you mind me asking how old you are - I am 34 and DH is 36.

Madigan, 3 years, gosh now I feel stupid! I am 36, partner 43. We already have 2dds and I had a miscarriage last year. 3 previous times I fell so easily, 2 of them in the first month, so I'm finding it hard to now have (imo) so much trouble this time. I haven't heard of Zita West, will do a google search!
I think you're right about the caffeine and booze, funnily enough I still have some decaf tea kicking around in the cupboard since the last time I was pg so will bring that back out. Have a bottle of wine open from last night which has about a glass left in it so I will savour my last glass of wine for 2 weeks tonight!
Here's hoping for both of us, lots of positive thoughts for us.

Hi Janus -
Zita West has written a book recently, which you will probably find on Amazon - it is very good, I would really recommend it.
She also has a website at zitawest.com
have you been using the OPKs? lots of people on MN swear by them .

Madigan

Do you have a diagnosis of the underlying problem preventing conception?.

I am wondering why IUI has been suggested to you - it is for instance sometimes useful for some male factor problems.

Would say that at almost three years of ttc without success you are well beyond the stage of using opk's the use of which can also cause problems (falss positive readings being one).

Madigan, will have a look at that website. Yes, sometimes I use OPK, haven't for a while but back on them this month as my friend fell first month with concentrating on bd when she got a positive result. Used them in the past, at the beginning of the year, with (obviously!!) no success.
Attila, now I'm worried though, how do you know if you have a false positive? I did show a positive result on Saturday, cd13 so seemed to make sense to me but could this be wrong?

Attila - I know I am well past the stage of relying on OPKs... that is why I am doing my 3rd IUI, with IVF booked in for next cycle!
Combination of problems really - I have endometriosis (although I had a laporoscopy last year, which was successfully treated), but I ovulate normally. DH has several "borderline" problems - low sperm count last year (14 mil) which has now shot up to 62 mil; but whereas last year it was 50% abnormality (which is good) it is now 80% abnormality (not so good) - also a "borderline" problem with anti-sperm antibodies.

We have been told not to be too hopeful re this IUI, but it is difficult not to get my hopes up.... if it does not work, I am confident that we are at the best place for IVF (the ARGC - where success rates are over 50%).

Re false positives etc with OPKs - this cycle the clinic told me to use OPKs to detect ovulation so I would know when to come in for the IUI... when I had not had a positive by day 15 I went in for a blood test. The clinic told me that the blood test showed that I was having my LH surge (which triggers ovulation) and that I must have missed it on the OPKs. But I tested again on day 16 and got a positive. So all I would say is that the OPKs may be a bit late in detecting the surge .....

Madigan, feel better for your post about OPKs. My partner was literally here for 36 hours in the past week which is when I got my positive so hoping the timing is all OK. How are you coping/feeling?

Hi Janus
They say that the LH surge occurs about 24hrs - 36 hrs before ovulation ... the only thing is that you can't know when the LH surge actually started, so by the time you get a positive on your OPK, ovulation might only be 12 hours away -
however, the egg lasts 24 hours after ovulation, and sperm can last a couple of days (up to 5 days in some cases apparently) - so if you have BD'd around the time of a positive OPK you should be ok ... fingers crossed for you.

In answer to your question - I am feeling fine today - feeling quite positive about it all.

madigan, been keeping up with your posts and just wanted to show my support,

its nearly the end of the 2ww, maybe third time lucky, and with you feeling so up and down emotionally who knows...could be pregnancy hormones, but if its not, i think your right to gear yourself up and think of the ivf treatment

it worked for me on my third go, and i was so up and down like you that i have my fingers crossed that this is the case for you too

thinking of you and sending lots of positive vibes your way
xx

thanks Bubbly - so great to hear from you. how are you getting on?

im doing fine thanks madigan, how are you bearing up, i hear you tested 10dpo and it was negative...too early perhaps? hopefully will be a positive on friday i havent given up on you yet...still got my fingers crossed,

not too long to wait hun, i will be thinking of you
x

Hi Bubbly
I tested again yesterday afternoon (12dpo) - using clearblue digital and BFN. so really have lost hope for this cycle. I just hope and pray that IVF works for me - am starting in November. Thanks for all your support XX

Madigan, I'm so sorry if this doesn't turn out to be your month (but you never know, it is still early ...)
If you do have the IVF in November I so, so hope it works and please let us know how it all goes. Take care.

Thanks Janus - will keep you posted XXXX

BFN for me this cycle. So am moving onto IVF now.