TTC with PCOS (Thread #2)

[RoseBud2015]

If you have been diagnosed with PCOS and would like a small group of very friendly ladies in the same position as you to talk to, then this is the thread for you!

You can find our first thread >>>>>>>>> HERE

You can find the stats >>>>> HERE

rosebud oh god I have no idea how long it's been actually. Let's say the start of the year so I don't feel too depressed

we own a business so it kind of takes over everything some weeks!

I'm tempted to get back on agnus castus, anyone else taking it?

rosebud crazy bit** mode is finally settling down. I hope you get thru it easily and FX for your 100 mg :)

isit I laughed out loud on ur comment to not kill dh haha. and your suggestion to keep a diary of mood swings is a good one. FF allows you to do that. I'm not temping as I wake up randomly in the middle of the night and if I have to will myself not to do that I'll prob end up doing it more. But I'm going to start adding mood swings etc.

Hello and thanks for the welcome :)

Atilla, yes I have seen that charting with PCOS can be difficult but there's no harm in giving it a go. If after a few months I don't think it's making any difference I won't bother.

I last had any tests done in March 2013, so am probably due another round of tests. In march '13 my FSH was low, right ovary like a bunch of grapes and left ovary smaller than it should be For the last few months my cycles have been anywhere between 32 days and 60 days. Completely unpredictable unfortunately. I am trying to lose weight to help but it's a slooooooow process.

I'm going to give myself a couple more months TTC without tests etc to see what happens. If nothing happens then I'll ask for more blood tests to be done and possibly another scan. The GP also said they may be able to give me Metformin to start with and Clomid after a year if nothing is happening.

Ain what are you being referred for?

IsIt I have a Jack Russell Cross too. Crossed with what, who knows... He's a rescue. He's a scruffy little thing. Rough coat. He's my little scruff dog. Hehe!

I think I will need to write a list of things to ask. DH has taken a day holiday to come with me to the appointment so I'll have to get him to make sure we ask everything. Not at all bitter that I have to go to work afterwards... honest!

Sus it's an appointment with a gynecologist specialist. At the time that I was able to convince a GP to put a referral in I hadn't had a period in a little over 8 months. I have since then had a 1 and a half day period (I'll take it...) but haven't told the doctors this as didn't want to risk losing my appointment. I am now on CD46. I'm hoping that the consultant will be able to prescribe clomid. Due to BMI I could easily get told that they won't do anything until I have lost more weight. . If that's the case it's definitely going to put a dampener on my birthday celebrations... (My appointment is my birthday...)

IF (a big IF) FF is right I am currently 13DPO. Caved in and POAS this morning, negative of course. Was trying to invoke law of sod what with this appointment finally coming up. The past few days I've had cramping, headaches, feeling slightly nauseous, a few spots, needing to pee more... I think I may be imagining these symptoms though because I so badly want them to be for pregnancy related reasons. At this point though AF would actually be an okay second best. Anything other than another 8/9month cycle!

Gosh you have been through it haven't you. 8/9 months sounds awful! I had five months once and it was ridiculous. Although over a very hot summer which had its blessings I suppose. I hope your appointment goes ok.

Welcome Susurration I have added you to the stats Can I ask why you had tests a few years ago if you weren't ttc? I assume it was because your cycles were crazy like most of us. So annoying isn't it?! If you already have a PCOS diagnosis the GP should be able to refer you as soon as you wish. Is it worth getting the ball rolling now so you don't have to wait too long if you don't manage to conceive in the meantime?

Popcorn Your level of willpower inspires me! I really hope you get a good outcome this cycle! Only a couple more days to go before you will know either way. How are you feeling today?

Ain I would agree with what IsIt said about your referral appointment- make a big list of questions and make sure you ask them all and write the answers down. It goes so fast and its hard to take everything in (especially if you start crying like I did!) Do some research too and know what you would like at the end of it. Don't get fobbed off! Sorry for the BFN- you don't seem convinced by FFs ov prediction- whys that?

IsIt Also guilty of letting the dogs sleep on our bed while DH was away but shhhhhhhhhhh.... don't tell him! Sorry for the BFN- looks like it could just be another long cycle for you Have you got anything to induce a bleed? Will you take it? Are you planning to move straight onto your next 100mg clomid cycle or have a break? I read an research article the other day that suggests that clomid works better then you take it for a few cycles in a row as the hormones in some PCOS sufferers build more slowly.

Ponty I think Chandeliers takes angus castus! I'm not sure on dose though.

Took my first 100mg clomid tablet last night Feel fine so far but obviosuly way to early! Scan booked for next Tuesday

Welcome sus you will fit right in with us and get some great advice and support xx
popcorn don't worry about the upcoming birthday, we all feel the same, I am 30 next year and I hope I have a baby by then!!
rosebud I am excited for your round of 100mg, I have a good feeling about this for you!!
Apologies because I am about to rant.... Had a horrible weekend, left work early on Friday sick, DH went out Friday night and got really really drunk, this really upset me as I am trying to be so healty, I dot even drink coffee anymore! Plus he has just been referred for his SA appt.
Then to top it off this morning I returned to work and some pig in my office made a comment about me leaving work early due to morning sickness!!! Men shouldn't be allowed to make comments like that, I felt like complaining! He'll probably have something to say when I come in to work late on thurs, due to my preop appt!
Feel better I have got that off my chest, sorry ladies xxxx

pebbles you actually made me LOL. I'm almost 33 and feel like it's the end of the world (when I know it isn't!)

rosebud I don't really have that much willpower, I just know how annoyed I was last month when I was a few days late and got a BFN then AF the same day. I don't think the desire to POAS ever leaves you does it?
I had 2 spots of red last night (around midnight) but nothing since. Expecting AF to arrive properly tomorrow. Boobs still sore

Will catch up properly later, sorry for the 'me' post!

Hi sus

re your comment:-
"Atilla, yes I have seen that charting with PCOS can be difficult but there's no harm in giving it a go. If after a few months I don't think it's making any difference I won't bother.

I last had any tests done in March 2013, so am probably due another round of tests. In march '13 my FSH was low, right ovary like a bunch of grapes and left ovary smaller than it should be confused For the last few months my cycles have been anywhere between 32 days and 60 days. Completely unpredictable unfortunately. I am trying to lose weight to help but it's a slooooooow process.

I'm going to give myself a couple more months TTC without tests etc to see what happens. If nothing happens then I'll ask for more blood tests to be done and possibly another scan. The GP also said they may be able to give me Metformin to start with and Clomid after a year if nothing is happening"

I would suggest you give yourself a definite time limit re the charting and stick to it (say no more than 2-3 months). With cycles of the lengths you are quoting I doubt very much that it will show anything other than a very spiky chart but I do realise that people do want to try and do something proactive. You should also be aware that many gynaes do not take much if any notice of such charts purely because they can be so unreliable.

I would also say that you are now due another round of tests; any test results done over 6 months ago should be discounted. Both of you need up to date test results.

Some PCOSers have had success following a low GI/GL eating plan. This is also sustainable in the longer term as well (unlike something like low carbing).

GP may not be able to prescribe Metformin or clomid, these are usually prescribed by a consultant (and sometimes in conjunction with clomid). Also PCOS is really a condition that should not be messed around with by GPs at all, you need a gynae consultant referral and monitoring on clomid as well if it is prescribed.

Clomid is quite powerful stuff and thus it should be given to PCOS patients with a degree of caution. It can affect hormone levels markedly (it can cause a rise in LH levels which is not desireable) and can lead to clomid resistance.

Popcorn

Whoops!!! I'll try again...

Popcorn We're all entitled to a "me post" every now and then, so don't apologise. It doesn't seem to get easier does it?

Pebbles rant away! Don't be too hard on your DH. Depending on when his SA is, those swimmers may well be fine and dandy... It takes 90 days (from memory) for them to be the ones that are, ahem, released. It's tempting with comments like the ones you have at work to overly share, I find "Oh yes, I had the heaviest period! I went through two towels in an hour!" That'll shut them up!!

Ponty I tried Agnus Castus last month but I had an annovulatory month (may have been a coincidence), so I decided on a different tack this month. Will have to get back to you with dosage, if you're interested. (Just to amuse you all, my phone corrected annovulatory to 'annihilated'!! Spot on!!!!)

Has anyone seen an endocrinologist ever? Was offered an appt when trying for DD, but ended up not needing it. Might ask again, but just interested to see if anyone else has any experience of one.

Sorry for multiple posts; trying to get through everyone!!

Vixx That was me waiting for AF this time... It's so frustrating, isn't it? Chin up and bring on the next cycle!!

Sus I agree with Attila about repeating your tests. That's my plan after another 2 months (assuming no BFP by then) as I'm over 35.

Ain Do you have a record of your weight loss? (e.g. Slimming world card or similar, or a diary?) When I saw my GP (who was useless), I said I had been trying to lose weight and that seemed to go in my favour. If you can show you're trying, that does help. Defo echo what the others have said re. a list of qus, and writing down answers. Boo to having to go back to work afterwards!!

So, I'm CD7 and recovering from a migraine, my first in about 9 months! This is also my first month on Soy Isoflavones (SI; can't remember who asked, sorry!) but as I've had a very stressful and difficult couple of days where I've been under lots of emotional pressure, I'm not sure whether it's that or the SI or the combination of both that's caused it. Migraine has shifted and downgraded to just a stinking headache now, so I thought I'd check in on my fellow PCOS crew. for all

O dear sounds like a few of us have had stressful couple of days and not feeling our best. It's crap, sorry ladies xx
Thanks chand the day AF arrives I will stand on my chair and announce it to the office, currently on CD 100 and whatever, I've lost count, even getting jealous of woman who have AF let alone babies!!
Whilst ranting I forget to ask, how reliable do you find the cheap OV strips from Amazon and do you pee on them or dip them? Since using Inostiol I've notice some changes and wondering if it's signs of ovulation?? Probably not, especially with no AF and a dodgy pipe. Although I do get slight cramps as if AF is about to happen
Hope the week ahead gets better for all of us xxx

Oh Pebbles Completely get why you got annoyed at DH- I do that too when mine drinks too much alcohol or coffee or breathes lol Luckily my DH can see it from my perspective and is apologetic and understanding. You are under a lot of pressure with your health concerns so I'm sure he understands. And then the office colleague comment People are SO inappropriate in their comments sometimes! How is it EVER right to ask someone that?? Men hey?!

Popcorn I hope you know either way soon! The waiting and the not knowing whats going on, is the worst!

Chandelier No never seen an endocrinologist, but I have a feeling Rufus might have done when she went private. (but I might just be making that up!) She might be lurking and be able to tell you for sure. I hope your migraine/headache/stress passes soon. I've done some research and one of the main possible side effects of SI is migraines! So it may be that it just isn't suited to you Soy

Pebbles I dip ebay opk cheap sticks, they seem to do something and have never shown that I've ov'ed... which is accurate because I never have! Ab got a strong positive on hers last cycle and then got pregnant, but I think their reliability varies between individuals as Attila said.
The only effect I've noticed since taking inositol each day, is that I have very little appetite.... usually I can eat a horse by dinner time!

rosebud I had tests done originally because I had long suspected PCOS and my weight, irregular cycles and all the hair/acne etc were starting to get to me. I had to really fight for the tests and then GP never did anything with the information.

Atilla thank you for all the info. I'm going to give myself maybe 2 or 3 more months temping. We're giving ourselves till christmas to give it a go the natural way and then i'll be going back and asking for more tests and a referral. I'm doing the 5:2 fast diet and having some results with that too.

pebbles that bloke was really rude. So horrible when people make those kind of comments. Thank you for the welcome

chandelier sympathy for your migraine. I suffer from cluster headaches and know your pain.

Interesting article about how pain killers can stop ovulation!

www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-3124640/Are-pain-drugs-making-INFERTILE-Naproxen-diclofenac-significantly-inhibit-ovulation-just-10-days-scientists-warn.html

Hi ladies!!

Sorry Iv been quiet the last few days, just been abit down and stuff!! Well today AF has finally showed up!! Only on day 110!!! It's just starting... Not bad since got my app a week on Wednesday!!
Was at nurse today about my weight and she has told me to do low carb/high protein?!!

Mistletoe I'm so sorry about your news!! It will definitely happen this month for you!!

Rosebud how you doing?
Hope everyone is ok!!

Xxx

I am on cycle day 26 and according to four scans I've had in the last two weeks I didn't ovulate. I have just noticed (tmi) lots of brown discharge. Hopefully start of period so I can take clomid but I thought I wouldn't have come on if I didn't ovulate. Anyone know?

Hi ladies, can I join this thread?

I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2010 - I came off the pill to get myself checked out as I'd never had proper periods when not on the pill. I'm a 'skinny cyster' (i.e. I have lean PCOS), my consultant says we can be a bit trickier to treat than 'normal' PCOS but we shall see! Apparently being underweight can be problematic for fertility, as you need enough body fat to ovulate, so I was given orders to get weight on to get my BMI up to a minimum of 18. All the PCOS advice is geared towards weight loss, so it's actually quite tricky to do the PCOS friendly low GL eating and put on weight. Doesn't matter what shape or size we are, it's never bloody right, is it?!

Plan is to start Clomid - I'm delaying starting on it for a couple of months to allow my body a bit of time to get used to being off one set of hormones before starting on a different hormonal tablet! Was supposed to come off the pill months ago, immediately after my wedding, but getting diagnosed with epilepsy delayed things somewhat.

Anyway, so I took my last tablet of Yasmin on Friday, and my withdrawal bleed started today. Don't expect to need the tampax again for a while, but here's hoping!!

I don't expect to magically lay an egg until then, but am chucking everything I can into the mix to try and get my hormones a bit more in balance if at all poss. Eating low GL, Fertility acupuncture, agnus castus, Inositol, EPO - I'm dead cynical so I suspect it's all a massive waste of money, but I'm such a control freak, I just want to feel like I'm doing something proactive, even though I know it prob won't make any difference.

Sorry for rambling - I have a tendency to wang on!!

Nice to 'meet' you all x

VixxFace keeping fingers crossed for you. As far as I was aware, periods and PCOS are a bit tricky. Not having periods definitely means not ovulating, but having a period doesn't necessarily mean the reverse - i.e. getting AF isn't necessarily proof of having laid an egg, so to speak. For us PCOS women cycles are often anovulatory. And esp if we're really irregular, the period that eventually turns up isn't necessarily a true period, cos we can still bleed even if we've not ovulated - it can be an oestrogen breakthrough bleed (the wikipedia entry for Anovulatory cycles explains it better than I am!)

It might well be that you've ovulated, and it is a proper period, which would be awesome!! Just one of the many massive frustrations of PCOS - not only are our periods irregular, but even when we get them we aren't necessarily laying an egg. Seem so blimmin unfair!!

Morning everyone and welcome to all the newbies.

Apologies for disappearing for the last few days, I thought I was ok but I think with starting clomid on Saturday, I lost control of my emotions a bit and spent most of Sunday in tears but I'm ok with that. It was like I needed to grieve a little bit, we were so close.

As I said I started clomid again on Saturday so I'm now cd4 and trying to feel hopeful. Every pregnancy test has been banished from the house and ovulation sticks have been ordered. This month I will not be POAS until dc31 at the earliest because I can't cope with yay I'm pregnant, ahh shit its chemical.

Ab you have to continue posting as I love the way you right, plus we also need updates along your journey.

Rose that means your just a day behind me, If you get a BFP before me I may cry
How is it treating you? Many side effects?
I had worse side effects on 50mg than I do on 100mg.

rufus I read something very similar, as a result I try to avoid everything I possibly can, I think this month was the first time in 3 months that I took pain killers for period pain but then it was awfully painful

Whoop whoop Shell So she finally showed up eh?! CD110!!! I was like that when I was first diagnosed. Low carb, high protein is the way forward (fills you up for longer), but don't forget to keep up your fruit/veg/salad intake. I made that mistake once and ended up v.v. constipated!!!

Rufus Thanks for the link. I'm not very trusting of the DM but, like others, have read about painkillers before so there's obviously something in it. Unfortunately, I've had to take migraleve but am now back down to paracetamol today, so hoping to stop completely by tomorrow (CD9) and will have everything x'd that I've not messed up (potential) OV again!!

Rosebud Thanks for your link too. I do now have a sneaky feeling that this probably IS soy related, as my body is so flippin' sensitive to any changes I make, especially in relation to hormones. I took my last (and biggest) dose yesterday, so am now on the countdown to OV...

Hello banana Welcome to the 'cyster'hood A friend of mine was a skinny minny PCOSer... She now has two children Like your attitude; I'm rattling round with a whole host of alleged miracle natural tablets too!

Mistletoe Good to see you back and on the clomid again. Good plan re. your POAS! I wish I was as disciplined!! Hope you're feeling okay.

Vixx I think banana covered it, but yes, you can still get AF without any OV because your bleed is basically the lining of the uterus which had been being prepared for pregnancy (double whammy blow if you know you've not OVd and you're waiting for that to shed!)

I'm really sorry ladies, can I have a rant please?

I'm in the waiting room for the consultant. My usual one (who isn't that great) isn't here so they have someone else in. They're running massively behind and have offered to rebook appointments but the next lot aren't until August.
I'm sat here with sad looking women on my right and 3 pregnant women on my left (one has also brought her toddler) and DH decides that now is the time to say he thinks we should rebook because the new Dr won't be any good.
I'm on cd56, with my last day 21 bloods being inconclusive and metformin that makes me feel ill. I want to speak to a fucking Dr and ask some questions, I don't care if it's a different one. I'm frustrated and upset and can't stop looking at the 3 lovely bumps next to me and I don't know what to do with myself.
Surely people having infertility treatment shouldn't be sat waiting with pregnant people who are here for scans? And DH should get that this is too important to push back for 8 weeks? We've been trying for 2 years ffs
I can't work out if I'm furious or just really really upset.

And I'm going to be late for work