TTC with PCOS (Thread #3)

[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 our second thread >>>>>>>>> HERE

You can find the stats >>>>>HERE

*TBH

Hi ladies

Rosebud so glad you had such a fantastic break away - hoping that 2016 is your year my lovely! And hurrah for your meds turning up - about bloody time!! Super excited that we will be going through this journey together - I’m sorry that we’re both on this train at all, but it’s great to have a buddy to share it with. I’m keeping everything crossed that you only have to ride this train the once!

stealth jesus woman, are you sitting there at work with an ice pack soothing your bits!! Really hoping that it was productive in more ways than one - and as someone that’s had recurrent UTIs, I literally feel your pain. Keep us posted with how you get on with our lovely Dr - I might end up passing you in the waiting room at some point!

Feefee lovely to hear from you, as the others have said, I’m gutted for you that circumstances mean you’ve come to IVF, but I’m also really really excited for you, as it means you’re getting ever closer to that BFP. As you can see, it’s a journey lots of us are taking, so hope we can all support each other, and that this does the trick for you

isIt hope you had a fantastic break in Prague! Your friend sounds terrific, it’s lovely when people are so thoughtful

Naomi welcome - echoing the ladies already, the GP should do a simple progesterone blood test around day 21 of your cycle to determine if you’re ovulating or not

Nurse you’re a brave woman working with the little ‘uns, I’d have been having a quiet weep (as well as sniffing all their heads for that delicious new baby smell!)

elle welcome back - really pleased to hear you have a plan, and keeping everything crossed that your DH’s super sperm and your super egg have a hot date very soon!

chandelier thank you for the pom poms lovely - we’re all waving them madly for your sticky bean right back at ya!

AFM, well, believe it or not, from things moving at a glacial pace, we’re now cooking with gas.

Dr said I should count spotting as CD1, as I probably wouldn’t get a proper period after down regging for so long, and he didn’t want me to miss the window for starting stims on Day 2

Well, I only took my last pill yesterday but got quite a bit of spotting today and crampy feeling…seemed a bit early, but emailed Dr’s secretary, and he said yes I should count today as CD1 and instructed me to start stims tomorrow

This show is officially ON THE ROAD

Woohoo!!

Tee hee I do feel quite exhausted after all that - was like being back in the early days of our relationship. Luckily it's only a v mild uti but I totally deserve it. Amy Schumer has this awesome routine where she goes through how telling people you have a uti is basically an admission you're having loads of sex and are too lazy to go to the loo afterwards - it's hilarious. And true!

Banana and Rose love that you're cycle buddies just about. Keeping all my bits crossed (and not because of the uti...).

Morning, thank you all for your kind words.

bananafish isn't it strange how you can become so excited about something happening to someone you have never met...I am literally grinning ear to ear for you, I have everything crossed for you..

stealth sorry but to laugh at your mild uti but sounds like it was well worth it! Can you not ask for day 21 test to double check if you did ovulate that way you can put your mind at rest and stop trying to convince yourself that it is a cyst, I am sure what they saw was a follicle....

rosebud thank you for your kind words, again so pleased your drugs arrived and you can get on with the plan although I wish none of us had to even have a plan!

So this is where I am, had a +opk in the morning on the 04/01, then an even darker + in the early evening, I did another in the morning on the 05/01 and it was still +, and then my evening opk was - (as I expected it to be). My question is this, we dtd 03/01, 04/01 and 05/01, do you think I should dtd again tonight, or have i ovulated now. My lady bits are getting sore! and I am not sure DH is going to be really up for it again, superballs he thinks he may have but i'm not so sure think a night off is needed!

Ellewalk, gosh I don't know but it sounds like you've given yourself loads of chances already this month. Did you take your temperature this morning? If it was already up, I wouldn't bother by this evening, but I'm massively far from being an expert, having only ovulated twice in recent memory!
Bananafish, woop woop! Hooray for being able to get started at last. Can't believe how quickly your AF/spotting came on. How long were you on the pill for in the run up to stimming, and did you take it continuously? Good luck with the injection today. And thanks for the support . I'm actually really pleased now to be in the IVF camp- as it will hopefully mean we are in with a fighting chance!
nurse15, you are so strong to be with newborns in your job! Well done. Sorry you've been feeling low. This is such a long slog, isn't it. Well, for those on this thread at least!
Welcome back from holiday Rosebud, and yay for the drugs arriving at last! Here's to 2016 and your new username. What are you using to induce a bleed?
Stealth, go you and your DH! I'm feeling confident for you it was a proper egg, not a cyst- the doctors would have said if they thought it might be a cyst, I'm sure. Fingers crossed for you.

hello all, i've been absent for a super long time from these threads as it was all getting a bit much. But I would like to dip my toe in again if possible please?

Recognise a couple of names still so thats good. Although not much else to say. I seem to have disappeared off the stats record, so an update on me:

27, TTC#1, started TTC Feb 2015, cycle 7 but month 11. Got absolutely fricking nowhere. Tried temping, it is like a rollercoaster and so innacurate it is unbelievable. Spoke to Doctor a few months ago about re-testing my hormones etc, he said to wait another six months so will be knocking on his door next month.

Now considering the use of OPK's to see if anything is happening. Does anyone have any experience or recommendations?

Elle I would probably not worry for tonight but then DTD once more for luck tomorrow! and make out to DH like its cos you find him irresistible That's what they do in the SMEP (Sperm Meets Egg Plan) and people seem to rave about that on MN.

Banana How was your first day of stims? I think I will be about 10 days behind you. I started Provera to induce a bleed today!

Feefee It's 10mg Provera taken twice a day for 5 days. It usually makes me bleed 4 days after the last tablet.

Susurration Hello! I remember you and have no idea how you got deleted from the stats- can only think I deleted you by accident when moving one of the BFPs to the bottom of the list. Forgive me?
I found OPKs of limited help as I didn't get a positive when I had a blood test confirming ov. But did have a positive when a follicle tracking scan confirmed that clomid didn't work...... go figure!!!! Worth a try though! For some people on here it seems to work a treat x

Elle I'd maybe dtd once more just to be sure - but depends how much energy you have left

I am getting a blood test tomorrow so we shall see! My day 21 blood test which will actually be done on cd34....ah love PCOS! Presumably the Dr will scan me on Monday when I go to see him too so hopefully I'll know either way.

Susurration why on earth do you have to wait another 6 months? Can you go to another doctor? Ridiculous!

rosebud don't worry, nothing to forgive! nice to see you around, although not that you're still TTC obvs. A friend has offered me some left over OPK's so hoping her good luck will rub off on us!

stealth presumably because when I last brought it up we'd only been TTC for 6 months so he wanted to give it a year, plus i'm on a medication that needed to be reduced before they will consider helping me. He also said he didn't think my blood tests (from Jan 2013) indicated PCOS, even though I was told at the time that was the case. The meds have now been reduced and i'm trying to lose weight too. Going back next month I think.

stealth good luck for your blood test tomorrow! Hoping it shows lovely high progesterone levels - and that your downstairs is on the mend

elle I got a little teary reading your comment - you ladies are the best, your lovely words and incredible support really do mean the world to me

/doffs cap to your DTD marathon. There’s some serious dedication to the cause going on at the moment - TTC warriors, shagging with intent!

Feefee I am also shocked how quickly the spotting came on, but tbh after having turned myself into a human chemistry set, it’s not entirely unexpected for things to be a bit, er, confused! I’d basically switched off my system during my 2.5 weeks of down regging, then I was on the pill for 5 weeks solid, so didn’t really have much lining - if any - to shed. The spotting hasn’t got any heavier so I think that may well have been it - so v glad not to have missed the day 2 window if so. Anyway, Dr said to go for it, so I did! And yes you are absolutely, definitely in with more than a fighting chance. You are doing something incredibly positive to get that BFP

rose I’m SO excited for you! Tips for stims from last time: drink loads of water (I was so thirsty I was permanently chugging from my massive water bottle), eat LOTS of protein (great for growing follies) and several clinics advise you to drink a pint of milk a day (as before). I can’t quite manage a full pint - and I bloody hate milk so I’m like a child, and cheat with chocolate milk! I bloated massively last time after just 4 days of stims, but hopefully you’ll avoid that on a mild protocol. So chuffed for you that your meds are here, and it’s all systems go. So, so, so hope this is your lucky month!

susrration welcome back - nice to ‘see’ you again. Can you get a second opinion from another GP - as if your blood tests last time indicated PCOS, I would have thought that warranted further investigation. Persistence is often required in this game, so don’t be afraid to be pushy if you have to be!

I have gone ahead and booked a private appointment with gynae as I'm fed up waiting on an nhs appointment! It isn't until the 21st thanks to my working rota but hopefully be worth the money

Hi all!
I have only just joined as I have just been told by the Doctor that he suspects I have PCOS and about to begin testing. I live abroad (military wife) so feel a little isolated and lacking people to chat to and thought I could share in other's journeys too. We have been trying (and failing) to conceive naturally. I 'cycle' is very erratic and i have spotting for up to 20 days a month. Just wondered if anyone has similar experiences too?

bananafish nice to 'see' you too, although sad we're all still here! I'll be booking an appointment to see GP soon for a med review and also to ask for more blood testing. Even if he won't refer me to fertility clinic yet, I at least want a referral to Gynae or Endocrinology to try and sort out my weight, excessive hair, crap cycles etc.

Roxy hi, My cycle too is very erratic. I had a four month cycle from june-oct last year and this one is looking to be a similar length this time. Though I never spot. AF just suddenly turns up whenever it feels like it. Hope you get some answers soon.

Hi Roxy, I can really sympathize with you. I suffered greatly with spotting it was that which took me off the GP in the first place. I had my implant removed in Feb 2015 and straight away got a 'cycle' back. I would have a 3/4 day AF then a few days off then spot from around CD10 until CD19, then a few days off then AF would arrive again on CD25. When I say spotting it was more than just a few spots, on many occasions it was full on, needing a towel etc, it was like having a period every week. I went to the GP they did bloods which showed I was not ovulating and were indicative of PCOS. I was told to lose weight. I walked out very upset but started the changes immediately. I took up running and loosely follow a low GI diet, just gave up the white stuff yummie stuff. it carried on that way for about 4 months. I then started taking myo inositol and folic acid everyday and carried on losing weight. My cycle stretched out to 28 days (like clockwork) still with spotting but less. Then suddenly in October I had a cycle with NO spotting and have not spotted since. Now whether it is losing weight or the myo inositol i am not sure but it stopped quickly after starting myo inositol. l I have so far lost 18lbs and run 3 times a week. My last set of bloods (Dec) showed that I did ovulate and I suspect I ovulated in November as well (temped that month). You might want to give myo inositol a try, I got the info and suggestion from this thread so you might want to go back and have a read for the information. This is a great thread and everyone is really nice and have so much info/advice it is scary! Hope you get some help with it all.......

On another note, followed Rosebud's advice and gave it a miss last night, in fact I don't think I had a choice, my lady bits are sore and painful from the marathon DTD, definitely think I am joining Stealth with a UTI! Will see how I feel tonight but think it needs a resting period

Good luck with the appointment nurse

Stealth how did the blood test go...fingers crossed that little egg popped x

Good idea nurse - if you get all the tests done you can move faster through the next stages if you need to

Elle, please do join me on the uti shaggers' step I have been scoffing this great otc remedy that you can buy in my home country but not in the UK - I always stock up when I go home. So it is starting to subside! Blood taken today but won't get results til next week - hopefully at my consultant appointment on Monday!

Am feeling positively un-pregnant and trying to manage down dh's expectations (he basically thinks it's a done deal - !!). Mind you, between the jet lag and the uti I don't think I could symptom spot even if I wanted to...those two things explain pretty much every symptom going!

Hi Roxy As others have said, my first symptom of having PCOS was a period that didn't stop for over 3 weeks! I was 15 years old at the time and went to the doctor with my Mum. A few weeks later, I had a diagnosis. It's not necessarily a sure sign but for many PCOS sufferers it does seem to be a "thing". Obviously I hope you don't have it, but it you do at least you will be safe in the knowledge that we are all here for you!
What are your stats? Age? Are you TTC for your first child? When did you start TTC? I will add you to our stats sheet!
As Elle suggests a great first step to helping with some of the PCOS symptoms is myo inositol- 2000mg in the morning and 2000mg at night, every day. Even if it turns out you don;t have PCOS it will do you no harm and can also be taken during pregnancy to help reduce the risk of miscarriage. I bought mine on amazon in pill form from Jarrow Formula (I think they're called from memory)

Stealth AND Elle on the "TTC shag-a-thon UTI naughty step"...... pmsl

Ladies you'll never ever guess what...... I only received my bloody original package of IVF meds in the post today!!!!! Now I have 2 sets for the price of one!!!!! I've done the honest thing and contacted the pharmacy to tell them but I'm secretly hoping they wont want them back- second batch meds ready and waiting...... not that I'm going to need them..... obvs!

Sounds like everyone is moving forward in one way or another! It's brilliant news all round.

As for me, I went to my consultant appointment this evening after not having one over a week ago.

He said I had to take contraceptive pills before I go for a hycosy scan to check my tubes are not blocked (apparently they always prefer to do them after a period or during I think to ensure they do not endanger any potential pregnancies). If they are not blocked he is going to give me ovulation stimulants in 8 weeks!! Yay!!! Fingers crossed the scan results are clear.

Meant to say I have to take contraceptive pills because it will put their mind at rest which won't delay the scan and I don't have periods anyway so it might do me some good to have a period!

Thank you for your reassuring words - it's so reassuring to hear you are not the only one
Elle and Rose I have already started looking in to trying myo inositol, it sounds like it will help whatever the prognosis!

Rose - I'm 28, trying for baby #1. We have been 'properly' TTC for 4 months. Still early days!
Thank you

Why do you need to take the pill Dunlin? I've never heard that before. You just don't have unprotected sex between your period and the hycosy I didn't actually do this and had to bully the doctor into doing it anyway

AFM, my lovely doctor sent me my blood test results this morning (so quick!) - progesterone at 51. So it looks like I ovulated. BOOM!

Roxy You have now been added! - link is at the top of the page under the original Post if you want to know all of our stats x

I thought the same thing as Stealth when I read your post Dunlin There no reason to go on the pill! Just don't have sex between AF and the procedure, that way you are guaranteed not to be preg.

Stealth 51 is excellent....... I have a feeling I know whats coming for you!

Stealth BOOM knew it!!

AFM - can't sit down properly my lady bits are so sore! So should be 3dpo today....so the wait begins!!!

ITS THE WEEKEND!!

Nice one Stealth!
Sounds like you also gave it a good go Elle!
Everything Xd for you both.

Hello Sus, replied to your PCOS/OPK post and thought I recognised your username! Welcome back.

Welcome Roxy You're now part of a wonderful group even if we'd rather not be here in the first place!

Ladies, can anyone advise me, i'm so confused?

I used the clearblue advanced fertility monitor, it told me I ov'd (well I got a peak) on 27th Dec. I came on my period today. This means my cycle this months was 27 days (was 35 last month, 32 month before) But it looks like my luteal phase (still not sure what this is?!) was 11 days this month.

Is 11 days too short? Does anyone if PCOS and luteal phase have any link to each other? I was soooo shocked to come on today. My cycle is never, ever shorter than 30 days and that's few and far between, it's more like 32-35. I am worried the clear blue machine was not accurate, as i've read that LP is always the same every month and if it ever changes it's never by more than a day. Well my LP is usually around 13/14 days going by my period tracker.

So sick of this shit! 16 months it's been so far. I know that's short compared to some of you ladies, but I am losing the will to live every month! I don't know how those who have been trying longer than that are coping. We are amazing