Hi ladies I just want to share my TTC story. Hopefully it will help those who are feeling down and frustrated by the whole TTC process.
I used to be on the mumsnet buses last year but after some months where there was only BFN for me I started to become really stressed out and anxious. I have uterine fibroids as well and have had a myomectomy in the past. (At the time of the op the consultant said I should not wait too long to have children. I was 25 and single so unhelpful advice). So on top of the disappointment of a period- and not being pregnant I had to deal with periods from hell. They were painful and disgustingly heavy so much so that I had to use tena night time ladies pads. A normal always night time pad would be soaked in 15 min.
So my story. I removed my mirena in June 2014. I didn't want to as mirena had made my life bearable again as it had lightened my periods significantly. For almost 3 years I had control over my life without having to plan my life around my period. Anyways mirena and pregnancy aren't compatible and I was already 35 so it had to come out. I joined mumsnet so I could read other women's stories as I knew the TTC process wouldn't be easy.
What I wasn't prepared for is the utter dejection and disappointment I would feel every time my period arrived. I started seeing pregnant women everywhere (whereas I would barely notice them before). As time passed I really started to worry. Then I decided I needed to get off the mumsnet buses and try to carry on with my life as normal. If I got to more than 6 months I would go see my GP (I turned 36 in Dec).
6 months came and went and no BFP so I booked in with the GP. The GP (who was pregnant herself) didn't really seem fussed. However I started quoting the national guidelines for her (I am also a medic) and I got what I wanted and had the blood tests done on the 21st Jan -Day 4 of Cycle 9). They were all normal. Booked in for the day 21 progesterone in Feb. the GP agreed to refer me to gynaecology first before the fertility clinic because of my fibroids. I agreed.
I usually have regular 27/28 day cycles so expected AF on valentine's day. DH and I didn't make any V day plans and had our V day meal the week before as I was expecting to be sick. After all I knew it was not a good month for TTC success. I usually ovulate Day 13 (LH surge Day 12 on two of the three cycles I used the sticks, it was day 11 the other time). However we only got one shot to DTD on day 11. DH was away then I was away so I thought no chance.
Lo and behold V day comes and goes with no sign of AF. Get to Day 31- Tuesday and tell myself if no show I will test on Day 32 (Wed 18th). I did yesterday morning at 359 am (had to get up to pee) and to my utter surprise the two pink lines came up almost immediately on first response. I almost died of shock. It is early days and I don't know what will happen but as I am Christian I will need to have faith that what is to be will be. However, one of my main worries was not being able to get pregnant naturally and I now know that is not the case (I have had several friends who had to go through IVF with and without success and they really opened my eyes to the reality of the process- they really needed strength). DH is happy as I was about to lean on him to get his little swimmers tested! hahaha. He wasn't too keen on that.
So this is a very long story but I hope it gives someone hope. 9 cycles seemed like ages with all the disappointment but remember that God's timing is perfect. If you are not spiritual remember that waiting teaches patience and you will need loads when you have your little one! Try not to focus inwards on what is not happening (i.e. not getting pregnant) and enjoy the other aspects of your life (the freedom of not having children, being able to go out at a drop of a hat, the extra cash, your career, your hobby, your family and friends etc).
Most importantly be kind to yourself.
That's all :-)