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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.

Fabulous forty + ttc and having success!

999 replies

TwinklyMusic · 26/02/2016 07:26

Old thread just about finished. Here is a new one... Fx for lots of well earned BFPs for those ttc over forty. We also welcome stories from those who have successfully had their babies over forty and we love hearing back from our graduates.

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Thread gallery
7
FattyFishwife · 03/03/2016 14:37

hi guys, im still here, just having a manic week due to end on saturday when the event im helping to organise comes to (hopefully) a successful fruition!

im just patiently waiting for O day...its fertile week this week, so dtd every day (but thats normal whatever time of the month it is - apart from af week, when hubby wont come near me due to hating the sight of blood)

i drink ordinary tea, but only usually have about 3 cups a day anyways. I drink caffeine free diet coke or pepsi, because the normal stuff keeps me awake. Cannot abide fruit/flavoured teas, so am trying to drink more water, as my intake of just water is quite frankly...naff!

sorry the bitch witch got you KK, abab, hope you manage to hide behind the couch and miss her when she comes knocking!

lily so sorry about your losses, fx for some positive news for you very soon

rugby fx for your o/h.

beegee glad youre less stressed, that can only be a good thing

hi to pies, flotilla chewy cloud and anyone ive missed.

baby dust to you all xxxxxxx

Hula2 · 03/03/2016 15:18

Rugby - i m good thanks. Where are u in your cycle, is it 'fun' time soon !

Begee - i like the sound of chocolate tea, off the search ocado !

Chewy - i m really sorry if my comments sent you into a panic but so great to hear you got your results reviewed and they were reassuring. Interestingly do you know what you nk levels were that they said were nt to worry about as i dont think mine were that high and would be nice to get a gage from another source ? (Only if u don t mind sharing of course). Pants re your DD tugging those heart strings again (my ds also asked about a baby again yesterday Sad) and also that she s got chicken pox. Ds has nt had it yet and am seriously considering get him vaccinated privately.

Khmuppet - sorry af showed, i dont have any experienced of clomid but have used femara (letrozole) for superov and had very little side effects and i understand some fertility docs now prefer it because of that.

Pies - sorry your ds has been ill and also that its scuppered dtd plans, it def complicates things. Yep my dh is back tomorrow and i still have ewcm (sorry tmi) so praying the little eggy hangs on till then. Will have to try and restrain myself at least until he s got his coat off ![grin

Abs - how s it going, hope af is still awol.

Waves to everyone else.

Afm - have just had hypnotherapy and acupuncture and feeling very zen !

Hula2 · 03/03/2016 15:22

Sorry missed a page, sorry for bfn abs still keeping fingers.

Fattyfish - wow, i m in awe of dtd every day all month ! I love my dh dearly but i d be good for nothing after all that !! Good luck with the event, hope it s a success.

ChewyGiraffe · 03/03/2016 17:17

Hula - I've sent you a PM about the NKC blood results. I'd just caution that it's got to be crucial to interpret your levels in the context of your own personal history. I'd highly recommend Prof Quenby/Brosens' team at Coventry if you do want a second opinion.

Fatty - DTD every day - what, like, for fun? Confused.

You two are amazing, so cute you've been together since teenagers and still so keen!

Ababs - sorry for BFN, but I really wouldn't be taking much notice if it's an ordinary, non-early test and you're only

ChewyGiraffe · 03/03/2016 17:42

Kkmuppet - I don't have any direct experience of clomid and hopefully someone who does might come along and help you.

What I can say is that I've heard that clomid can tend to thin the uterine lining, so that in women over 40, who might have a tendency towards a thinner lining in any case, it isn't always such a good idea.

But I'm not sure that it's necessarily a forgone conclusion that every woman over 40 is on the brink of having lining issues. I had a fair few cycles monitored by ultrasound last year and got quite bored by the number of endometrial thickness measurements and discussions of its "trilaminar appearance" that were thrown at me. However, I think in the midst of information overload I managed to gather that anything over 7mm mid-cycle is sufficient for implantation.

Will you get a mid-cycle scan when you do the clomid? You can always try the clomid and arrange your own scan (if nothing's already been arranged) for mid-cycle to see how its affecting you. Generally, the idea of trying some kind of super-ovulation medication sounds like a good one to me - I wish you the very best of luck with it.

Kkmuppet · 03/03/2016 17:59

ababs still keeping my fingers crossed for you
chewy good point and that was one of my concerns. They aren't doing a scan but I have sneakily booked an initial appt with create fertility for mid cycle which includes a full 3D scan :-) - we are thinking of moving on to natural / mild Ivf soon...

ababsurdum · 03/03/2016 19:51

I think I'm about 13dpo but I'm not certain when I ovulated. I'm stupidly googling sensitivity of Tesco tests... I really need to get a grip! Blush. AF not here yet but likely to arrive in the next few days regardless of when I ovulated. I may test again in the morning but I really don't think there's any point.

Fatty I can't decide if I'm in awe of you or think you're bonkers dtd every day! Probably a bit of both Grin

Good luck to everyone else in the tww or fertile week.

joeywife · 03/03/2016 20:45

Omg Fatty - you really dtd every day apart from af week? Wow, you really deserve a medal (or maybe a baby!!).
Interesting questions about clomid. With both of my IVF cycles, they gave me clomid for the first five days of my cycle, and then obviously scanned to check follicle growth. After the first round failed, I asked if I could go on clomid for a few months before doing another round, but the nurses at the clinic didn't seem to think that was an option. I'm not really sure why not...I might ask about it again. There does seem to be a real reluctance to dish out clomid, although other people I know that have had fertility problems have been given it quite freely. I don't really get it Confused.
There is a lot going on on this thread at the moment so I'm trying to keep up. chewy good news that some of your immune issues aren't what you thought they might be.
ababs - hang in there. The witch hasn't got you yet. kk sorry that she got you though.
Hi rugbyhula and beegee Smile
We managed to dtd lady night which was cd12. I had ewcm in the morning so that was good. Still feeling grotty though so there won't be a repeat tonight. Hopefully tomorrow and then over the weekend too. Need to shake off this cold though as I just want to sleep at the moment.

IAteSomeofthePies · 03/03/2016 21:12

Poor you, Chewy, looking after your poor grotty two year old. That sounds like no fun at all.

Ababs you're not out until AF arrives. Fingers crossed!

Jealous of your zen, Hula. Sounds amazing.

Hope you're feeling better soon, Joey, and everyone else is well - too hard to do proper check ins on my phone. Baby dust to us all!

But well done, Fatty, you hero! That is DH's idea of the minimum acceptable level of dtd. We used to manage it, but no longer. Blush

Rugby01 · 03/03/2016 23:44

Ababs - hope AF stays away - don't give up hope until it's here. We're rooting for you. Sorry AF got you, KK. FX for next month.

Hula - good luck dtd and catching that egg. It made me laugh that he might not even get his coat off! I have told my OH in no uncertain terms that he must be around next week - yes, that's when the fun begins. what a trial for them, eh! (not). I usually O about cd19 but can be earlier. And I'm currently cd8... Well, Fatty - you've been an inspiration in this regard anyway! :) And thanks for the FX about OH.

chewy, pies, hula, beegee (and anyone else I've not mentioned - sorry) - thanks for the advice about tea/alcohol. It's good to know there are some tasty alternatives and brilliant to know that it's ok to drink caffeine and alcohol a bit when ttc and there's still success. I guess I'm over-thinking it all.

Good luck everyone...

TwinklyMusic · 04/03/2016 03:56

Hi everyone, really exciting to see how busy the thread has become. A few months ago it was so quiet!

Flotillas, your baby boy is just so gorgeous! I was feeling so fed up with ttc, but that picture has given my such a boost!

Fatty.... Just Shock at your dtd every day! I'm in awe! Well done you!

Chewy so sorry DD has chicken pox. I think it's easier if they are just a little older, as 2 is still so small, and they scratch.

ababs... Will wait and see what the next day or two brings for you... Thinking of you and fx!

Sorry you're out Kkmuppet and anyone else who has just had AF! I'm with you guys, so let's sympathise together! I think AF was due today, but once again arrived early, earlier this week. (I can't get my head around a permanently shorter cycle, so keep seeing it as coming early rather than admitting my cycle might now be 26 days instead of 28! I'm stubbornly in denial here!!).

Even though I knew we hadn't been great on dtd, I was quite gutted and utterly fed up. I've been feeling very sorry for myself indeed.

I'm going to try to be healthier this month and I really need to get fit again. I've been curious about acupuncture for a while, so I might try that.

Hi to everyone else and best of luck to those dtd!!

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TwinklyMusic · 04/03/2016 04:06

joey I completely sympathise with your illness predicament. Both DH and I are coughing and sneezing at the moment (so much for me saying on this or the last thread recently that all my supplements were keeping me well this winter... Hmm). I am just hoping we'll be over the worst when it's time to start serious dtd again next week!!

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ababsurdum · 04/03/2016 08:12

Thanks for the good wishes everyone, unfortunately AF turned up in the night. On the good news side though no spotting which is great; at least I know this is cd1. I likely ovulated when I thought I did which was the evening of the morning I got a positive opk. Oh well, onwards... At least the supplements will have a bit longer to work!

joeywife · 04/03/2016 11:58

Sorry that you are out Ababs. Be kind to yourself this weekend and enjoy some treats, then get ready to start over again - so boring isn't it??
Twinkly re: your shortened cycles. Are you taking any supplements at the moment? I found that when I was taking macca root, my cycle shortened from 28 to 26 days. I have since stopped taking it. Are you taking anything like that? I also get spotting a few days before af arrives. Is that a sign of anything to worry about do you think?
Feeling a bit better today, so hopefully can squeeze in a quick fumble tonight!!

wotsitsmaltesers · 04/03/2016 12:08

Day 8 for me. Been doing clear blue opks (using 2 for double safety) - had clear static circle for the passed two days - then one goes to static smiley this morning and one stayed on static circle - often happens to me with the clear blues so really don't know if they work. Anyone else had this? Is odd though as had real cramping last night which I suppose could have been ovulation pain. Still not sure what's going on with OH but will get there.
Sorry you're out Ababs
Good wishes to everyone.

TwinklyMusic · 04/03/2016 14:11

joey, I am taking macca, good guess. For a moment I wondered if this might be the issue, but I haven't been taking it every day. Also, I'm pretty sure the shortened cycles started before I was taking it....Confused

Vitex pushed my cycles back to 28 days in the summer, and I got BFP in August. Since the miscarriage, however, Vitex doesn't seem to be having the same impact. Sad

Sorry AF arrived ababs!

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IAteSomeofthePies · 04/03/2016 18:08

Sorry that you're out, ababs and twinkly. I hope next month brings better news.

twinkly my cycles were shorter when they came back postpartum, and took a while to sort themselves out again as my hormones normalised (not sure they're there yet.) Maybe it's just one of those annoying unexplained things? I need to get fitter, too. I think it's the right thing to do if you have a later child, to try and stay as fit as possible for them. That's what I keep telling myself, at least, but I am woeful. Blush I do cycle or walk to work, so that's something at least. Mostly I need to eat less sugar. Boo.

Sorry, no idea about ovulation strips, wotsits. I hope you figure it out.

I hope everyone enjoys some friday night 'fumbles', like joey!

Hula2 · 04/03/2016 22:50

Oh ladies i m so p*** off right now ! Dh is back and despite knowing we needed to dtd has had a few drinks and fallen asleep Angry Now i m angry and upset and so can t go to sleep myself despite being knackered from ds waking up alot last night. Sometimes i feel like i m doing this alone and hate the pressure it puts our relationship under. I ve been trying really hard to have a positive relaxed mindset about it but after 2 and half years i m just fed up of it and i don t know what to do for the best anymore ...Sad Sorry ladies to be such a downer its just hard when i feel we ve just written another month off. So much for the bloody Zen, might as well have flushed a few £20 notes down the loo instead ...!

ababsurdum · 04/03/2016 23:15

Oh Hula I'm sorry. It must be awful if you feel your OH is not on the same page as you and sabotages a cycle. Each one seems so precious doesn't it. Can you talk to him in the morning about why he couldn't have waited one day and how it made you feel? Big hugs to you.

Twinkly I'm sorry the vitex doesn't seem to be working for you this time. How odd, I wonder why that is. I'm sorry that you're out too this month. It sucks doesn't it?

Joey I hope you managed a 'fumble' Grin

Wotsits hope you can sort things out with your oh.

Rugby01 · 04/03/2016 23:23

Hula - that sounds so annoying and I can completely understand why you are so angry. I really think men don't get how important even a few hours can be. It is so frustrating to feel you are doing all the work. I hope you and he can talk about it in the morning. Totally sympathise. Every time my OH goes away on another work trip at my O time I feel like another month is wasted. But can you still get to the egg in time tomorrow?

Ababs - evil AF. I am sorry. Good news as you say about the spotting. I get a lot of that too. What does it mean?

Wotstits- glad you feel you have a way through with OH. I am in cd9, so with your timescale this month.

I'm gearing up for dtd all the time next week - need to get some O sticks!

Beegee3 · 04/03/2016 23:45

ababs so sorry af got you 😢 i was very hopeful for you, good that you are taking some positive out of it.
fatty blimey every day all month (pretty much)! You are a bloody trooper!
hula 😤 how bloody upsetting for you! Can completely understand how you feel and come morning you will probably be upset and cross. They don't seem to get it sometimes do they? I think they over rely on us to take care of everything. Hope you sort it out.
I am 5 dpo and I think I am having very light brown bits of spotting.
Waves to everyone, hope you're ok.
sofia hope you are doing ok? X

Kkmuppet · 05/03/2016 01:03

hula I've been there so many times and hated that feeling of desperation combined with resentment. Not good for a happy relationship! I hope you manage to get him in the morning!
ababs so sorry the witch got you too, I was really hoping for some good news
twinkly my cycles haven't got shorter as such but have changed - I ovulate later and have a shorter lp of 12 days. I've been putting it down to age :-( ... Although it is still only 10 months since I gave birth so could be that too I suppose - pies how long did yours take to get back to normal?
wotsits I have had issues with clear blue too One day I knew I was surging as cheapie Amazon opk was blazing positive but no solid smiley. I use both kinds now!! I like the flashing smiley although do seem to get it for several days in a row

Hula2 · 05/03/2016 07:42

Thanks ladies for your kind words of support. Managed to bite my tongue this morning and dtd but i think its prob too late. He asks to know when his services are needed but then i think he probably thinks to himself 'oh what does a few more hours matter'. Arghh wish there was an easier why. I will try to talk to him as don t want to build resentment.

Abs - sorry the witch got you but good no spotting.

Begee - spotting 5 dpo could be implantion bleeding, hoping this is a good sign for you.

Joey and anyone else in that time - hope you managed your fumbles !.

Kkmuppet · 05/03/2016 08:50

hula re what you said about your dh asking you to tell him when services are needed.... If you are both trying for a child shouldn't he also take responsibility for it and not just leave it up to you? My reflexologist suggested I get my husband involved in looking at my cm so he could tell when it was the right time. I havent done that (he gets grossed out by bodily fluids!!) but thought I'd pass the suggestion on!

Lilymog · 05/03/2016 11:13

Hey all, thought I'd pop by with my story as promised. Thank you all for the info on DHEA. Am seriously considering if this cycle I am out, which is a strong possibility.

First of all though: flotillas - just wow. Ezra is gorgeous and your story about ai strikes a chord for me, more on that in a mo.
Hula, the comment kkmuppet made, feelings of desperation combined with resentment. Oh boy, know exactly what you mean.
And kkmuppet, shouldn't they take responsibility and want this just as much as we do and shouldn't it be the only thing they have on their mind night and day like us? But it's not. End of. Frustrating is not the word!
To everyone else you have all struck a chord with me xx

So me, married at 26 to a wonderful 33 year old man. Lived life to the full, so much so, that combined with the debt an ex left me with, we ended up on the verge of bancruptsy. At this point the issue of children hadn't really been raised. He was not that keen, but not a blanket no, and we left it at that. Fast forward to mid 30's and we were at brass tacks on our arses! So we worked really hard and had 3 jobs each and we enrolled on something called an iva. 6 years later we were finally out of debt, apart from one secured loan which couldn't be counted in the iva and our mortgage. Now I am two months from 40.

So after a couple of months we decide to go for it and nothing really happens, but at this time, I had not been inducted in the ways of opk's, bfp's and bfn's etc, I hadn't even truly worked out when to dtd! (See how fluent I am now!). I hadn't even subscribed to the monthly joy of the Ovia Fertility app!

Naive or what, and I class myself as one of those intelligent blondes!
So out come the Clearblue digital pee on a sticks, down goes all my monthly info onto the Ovia app and dtd becomes a little more scheduled

I got my first bfp in October 2014 and yet again I was so naive. I really thought I had cracked it and I was going to have an actual live baby. No other thoughts even entered my head.

So a little bleeding, no more that a touch of pre af spotting happened and a first v early scan was booked. Bleeding stopped but scan (7weeks) showed nothing. Come back next week they said it could be too early. Scan following week showed little teeny tiny heartbeat but it was there and I saw it!

Larger full on bleed saw me in A&E at 9 weeks but with the weekend I couldn't get another scan for 5 days. Scanned. Nothing there
MMC on Xmas eve. I have never been through something so incredibly painful, both physically and emotionally and it took a long time to get over it, if you ever can.

Efforts then doubled and second bfp the following May - ended up with exactly the same, loss of symptoms, and the af spotting like bleeding starting on exactly (how cruel can fate be) the same day as previously. This time no fasle hope heartbeat just straight to second MMC. This time though choose the surgical option which was undoubtedly the best course of action for me.

Holiday booked for 10 days after hospital and the recuperation week was wonderful just what we both needed. And then we came back. And it was then that my wonderful strong DH fell apart.

He had always suffered with paruresis (shy bladder) but it basically intensified so much that we ended up in A&E as he hadn't been for nearly 36 hours. The docs were brilliant and refused to catheterise him, (best thing they did), as psychologically this would have been the worst thing they could have done.

Then the depression kicked in for him and boy do I mean depression. We didn't dtd for 3 months. There was no inclination, desire or means to do so. However he did manage to get a sperm sample to the hospital in December, he had to do that as because he'd put off so many appointments over the previous 5 months they were going to kick him off! (They came back ok btw!)

So there we were ttc and not doing the one thing you absolutely need to do! So slowly the urge has come back, and now here's the final final final straw, the anti depressants he takes have a very common side effect (more than 1 in 10 people) of ejaculation failure!!!! So now he wants to dtd a little more often but he can't!!!

Last week I had a horrible wobble myself and was very down. I think that this cycle we managed only one go, and it was obviously too late. I didn't even get a positive smiley face on the opk's this month.

I am soon to be 44, and am actually desperate. How many more months can we keep going. I know that older mothers aren't so rare these days, but really and truely, how long can we keep (or not keep) going for.

Flotillas I even bought syringe from the chemist, for times when he hasn't been able to finish to see if he can do it himself, so ai isn't that big a deal for me either, but although he agreed and was with me at the chemist, he then turned round and said he didn't like the idea and that he'd prefer it to be natural well so would I funnily enough. True he's not one of life's (do it youselfers) sorry if tmi, in 18 years of marriage, I've only known him to do it 4 times and 3 of those were practice sessions for the hospital sample one!

So that's my long story, if you got to the end of this, pat yourself on the back, I certainly am going to look for any chocolate in the house, but sadly don't think there is any!

Any comment or suggestions would be so helpful and thank you all, it is certainly easier to vent to girls who know exactly what you're going through. Have a good weekend all and baby dust to everyone (see expert in the lingo now) lol xx

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