35+ TTC #1

[elisev]

Hi all,

Just wanted to start a thread for all of us over 35 just starting out.

I am: 36 (37 in Nov)
Cycle #1 CD 22

I've been 'prepping' my body for this for a year, lost weight, increased my fitness levels and been taking vitamins etc so I feel like I've been mentally preparing for this for AGES, as a result I'm finding the waiting game torturous! I've been tracking my cycles, 27 days average, and using OPK's - just started that this month. We dtd the day before getting a smiley face and then twice on the day we got one.

Are there others who feel impatient/worried like me because you feel time is not on our sides? So bloody stressful!

Thanks sooz this ttc is very trying isn't it?!
Virtual hug back!
I've texted OH to ring Dr for clarification, though I suspect unless you're lucky the average family gp doesn't know that much about fertility, in a way you cant blame them as its such a huge and detailed problem. We really need to speak to a specialist. Am tempted to get a textbook on the subject and research it myself in the meantime!
Is that crazy?

I haven't tried preseed but I have tried conceive plus. Buy it from Lloyds, about £15. I can't tell you it works because we're still trying but it does feel like the slippy egg whites I'm lacking. As for the liquefaction question, I hadn't really heard of that, but I found this... (Totally loving the name hahaha!)

www.dontcookyourballs.com/your-semen-analysis-semen-liquefaction-time

Oh, I know what you mean about GPs. At my first fertility appt she was on Google to check what she should be putting on my bloods request form!

Ha ha Rachael I saw that too! Not sure I'd quote them in an essay but what they've said does seem to make sense, which is obviously what's worrying me. Think I've worried OH now too, oops.
Slightly relieved it might not be all my "fault" we haven't conceived I know that's an awful thing to say, what a bitch I am!
sooz I work in a hospital and apparently the young docs rely on apps on their phones to tell them what to do, they may be approved or official but still seems weird to use the same thing to whatsapp (or whatever the kids are doing these days) your mates as you use to diagnose your patients!

Mira, I don't think it's nuts to get a textbook, in fact I think it's a good idea to be as clued up as you can be. I find that lots of the tips people give aren't recommended by doctors because they haven't been scientifically proven to work, even though lots of people have had success. I guess that's why doctors sound down on some of them. I'm thinking of trying cough mixture this month

Not sure how many of you are taking Maca, but I wanted to give a bit of an update on it. I have been taking it since CD2, I am now CD12.

I was incredibly tired during the first days of taking Maca, but two days ago that suddenly stopped and now I feel wide awake and full of energy, completely different from just two weeks ago (London is tiring!). I feel like the unwanted hair growth on my face has slowed down considerably. I have been having vivid sex dreams. Sex drive is up overall. I am hungry a lot, but I don't gain weight. In fact, I feel much less bloated.

This is TMI but...
I had a bad problem with itching during ovulation, most probably a hormonal problem from what I gathered. I made an OPK test this morning, had a rise (smiley face)...but no itching so far. So I am hopeful my hormones have calmed down a bit due to Maca.

So all in all, even if I don't get a BFP through it, I believe Maca has helped with my wellbeing, and I would definitely recommend.

@Russkispy - thanks for the link on vitamins. I'm off to Boots in my lunchbreak to stock up on those I am missing.

No exciting news from me; AF came when expected last month. After 6 months of TTC (although at least 2 months don't count), given my age (41), I was advised by fertility clinic that my best chance is IVF (typically 20% chance), but DP really doesn't want to do that.

So I will up the supplements and have got DP to agree that we need to be more proactive. Am currently CD15 of 29-31 day cycle and ovulation gizmo gave me "high fertility" today & last 2 days, so surely "peak fertility" (ovulation?) must be tomorrow? Target activity undertaken Monday & this morning (before work ). More planned over the weekend. I don't hold much hope TBH as I know the odds are stacked against me , so wish me a miracle!

Definitely wishing you a miracle - it does happen so fingers crossed for you!

Hi Mare, tell me more about maca. How much do you take and where do you get it? Xx

Hi Rachael,
I bought it off Amazon and Holland and Barrett.
I am taking one per day of the Maca Root capsules by Nu U (Amazon), also tried the powder from Naturya (from Holland and Barrett). The powder can be put into shakes or added to joghurt. I do like the taste of it, but I was struggling with the amount to take because it doesn't actually say how much Maca is in the powder. That's why I moved on to the capsules.

I am on CD15 now. Still no itching even though I am ovulating tomorrow, which I take as a very good sign. I read that the itching during ovulation is most likely due to a hormonal imbalance and Maca managed to put a stop to that in just 10 days of taking it.

Meeting with my doctor last Wednesday went very well! Had a HSG check with dye for Fallopian tubes and they're both OPEN! My left which was blocked is absolutely OPEN!! And I'm growing 2 follicles, one is almost 10mm and the 2nd is 9x6mm! Waiting for a dominant one to grow up to 20mm. So far so good and relieved about the tubes. Oh and the doctor said I got a beautiful lining! She was very happy with it! A much better improvement from March and previous times when she checked.
Had my 2nd ultrasound on Saturday, and got 3 follicles in total! 18, 17 and 15mm. And tomorrow morning I'll be injecting myself with Ovitrelle And I'm scheduled for IUI on Monday, 1pm! DH flew over and we will use his fresh stuff. Doctor is very happy with my endometrium and lining. Thickness of endometrium was 10.5mm. she keeps saying everything looks so beautiful inside! Fingers crossed for me!
All went well yesterday. 2 follicles grew to 20mm each! 3rd follicles was around 15mm, I believe. Risk/chance/potential of twins, doctor said. endometrium grew to 14mm thick. DH's washed sperm was high class! Doc was very happy with everything! Then they put me on a drip, and gave me more drugs to take till testing 2 weeks later.
HCG and progesterone blood tests need to be done on 10th and 12th receptively. Told my dad about the procedure and ask him not to ask me for updates or raise hopes or expectations. I'm very calm about it all. Love all scientific side of it all. One of my friends called me a geek! Haha also told my acupuncturist and she's very pleased with the results. Asked the doctor if she thought that acupuncture made any difference in how things are so far, she highly recommended to carry on with acupuncture, and I will. flying home tomorrow night, resume my volunteering which I've missed and starting a little part-time job at the local NHS hospital, as an administrator. This part-time job will allow me to move freely if needed a second IUI as I'll definitely coming back here. The care is just outstanding! Positive thinking is a must but won't be too upset as I've got a plan B and C if/when it comes to it. We've been checked out and we're not infertile which is a main thing. We're just giving a little nudge to make things happen sooner/quicker. Fingers crossed for us

Good luck to all!!

Sounds like things are moving in right direction @Russkispy, I am crossing my fingers for you too.

Following the brilliant link on vitamins/supplements from Rosskispy, I'm already taking Coenzyme Q10 and trying to source veggie versions of Royal Jelly, Evening Primrose Oil, and Maca (thanks @mare1976 for that tip) plus higher potency C Q10 (Boots & H&B stores let me down on that). Annoyingly I can't seem to find them all from the same retailer.

Clearblue gizmo gave me "peak fertility" (ovulation) on Sunday and we had a lie in that morning . However this month body behaving slightly differently to previous months including:

• 4 days of high fertility before peak fertility, whereas previously it was only 2 or 3
• less egg white type mucous around ovulation (it has usually been very noticeable)
• ovulation slightly later (2 days) than expected (so if cycle is 29 days like last month, then luteal phase may be too short...).

Now entering 2ww phase (oh joy) and in addition to having reduced caffeine to 1 cup of tea per day (painful!), I've cut out alcohol entirely. But TBH, I'm not really that hopeful .

Glad things are looking positive for you russkispy
Just as an update OH has made an appt for us at West Midlands fertility clinic £150 for initial consultation, was recommended by gp. looking at price list it might be £1000 for initial testing not including anything like sperm analysis or tubal patency feels a bit steep but I suppose I should have expected this.
Anyone got any thoughts on this?

That's good news Blueberry and quite interesting because me, too!

I too had 4 days of high vertility before the peak instead of of the normal 2-3 days. Also, less egg white around ovulation but much more watery mucous that went on for longer. However OV was still exactly on the day FF predicted (CD16)

The other noticeable thing is less ovulation pain this time and so far no cramps after ovulation. I feel much better overall, too.

Because we had a Clearblue Smiley face for so many days we went for it 4 in a row. I don't even know but I am a bit hopful...

Fx, Mare!

Mira, I've no idea about private fertility stuff, we're getting SA and bloods on the NHS. Good luck though, let us know how it goes :)

FW for me this week. We are dtd every three days to catch ov as (tmi alert) DP finds it hard to finish if we do it more than that. But last night and Friday to happen and ov expected tomorrow or Friday. I am not holding my breath though, I think at 47 DP is too old to have decent swimmers :(

@miraflores - I paid around £400 for consultation plus AMH (anti-mullerin hormone) test & ultra sound to check AFC (antral follicle count) & other things (womb etc). I will pay more (can't remember what) for a test to check my Fallopian tubes are working correctly. I paid £130 for a consultation to go through my options. DP hasn't had his fertility checked (he is not keen).

£1000 must cover all possible tests needed for both of you plus a consultation with a specialist doctor and even then it still sounds a bit steep.

Am halfway through horrid 2ww phase (AF due next weekend) and I'm sure no BFP this month, which is making me

My skin has gone its usual pre AF spotty (strangely a few days earlier than I would expect) & my boobs are slightly tender. So maybe AF coming early? Boo!

Blueberry That good be good news, too? You never know until AF is there.

I have been incredibly weepy the last few days. I broke out in tears at work on Friday and couldn't stop crying for the next 3 hours, all because of a stupid joke a colleague made. At least he felt so bad about it, he said sorry about 10 times.
Better at the weekend but today I have been feeling on the verge of crying for no reason since getting up. I am now DPO5. Not sure if this is a sign or if I am just being a big baby.

@mare1976 -I've been weepy too, but there are so many things going on (my Mum isn't well, it's a year since a friend died unexpectedly) as well as fact that after 6 months TTC nothing has happened, that I don't know what to make of it .

Ps your poor colleague... well at least he's probably learned to be more sensitive in future

Thanks blueberry for your info. We have paid £150 for consultation and it's another 500 and something pounds for first lot of tests but not sure what that includes, still it sounds like you've had a better deal so far!

Sorry to hear so many of us are feeling down, I have been too, the whole thing is so unfair! Still at least it helps to talk to others in similar situations. I haven't figured out how not to let it overwhelm me sometimes but I do think treating yourself helps even if it's just with some posh shower gel
How shallow is that?!
I had a massage on Saturday, but really wanted to try acupuncture but they only do it on weds at the place I go to...
Not sure where else to go for it as obviously want somewhere reputable as they are sticking needles in you after all!

Have first fertility appt on Sunday, will let you know how I get on x

I've heard lots about acupuncture lately, I might give it a go if I have another cycle (god, fingers totally crossed, want to stay positive but so hard).

@Miraflores - it's not shallow, it's being kind to yourself! I have small bottle of some lovely coconut shower gel, so if AF comes this weekend (as expected) maybe I buy myself some more of it!

Currently CD26 & DPO9. Expecting AF on Saturday or Sunday (29-31 day cycle); if earlier than lutueal phase has shortened . Don't appear to have any significant signs that aren't also usual pre AF signs (tender boobs & spots), although I think (TMI alert) more discharge than usual .

I would say I'm 95% sure no BFP this month and ironically 5% is the chance of BFP per cycle at my advanced age! DP happy to "try harder", but dead against IVF.

Blueberry, have you had any tests? (Apologies if you've already mentioned them.) Why is DP against IVF, if you don't mind me asking? Fx for you this cycle, it DOES happen!

Hi all,
I am now DPO7 and something interesting happened with my temperature I haven't had before.

I had a nice little slope up just after ovulation.
36.47 Degrees on dpo1
36.56
36.64
36.67
36.67 again
36.66
and then suddenly a big spike up to 36.86 on dpo7 today.

None of this I ever had before, neither that perfect slope nor a sudden spike, and I wonder if it means anything? I really don't want to jump the gun. I've done that too many times now.
Just wondered if there are any thoughts?

@SoozC yes I had AMH (6.5) & ultrasound for AFC (8). Assuming AF comes at weekend, I'll have HiCoSy (to check fallopian tubes) in around 2 weeks. No problems found, just aged related reduced, i.e. low fertility .

DP (already Dad to a teenager)'s view is that a baby would be a bonus & if it doesn't happen that's OK. He also feels a bit old (late 40s) to start again ("we should have met 10 years ago"). Re IVF, he feels that the costs (financial, physical & emotional) are very high compared to chance of success (typically around 20%). Because I feel more strongly about having a child, I want to explore every avenue before giving up, but DP doesn't feel the same.

CD26, DPO 10. Skin still breaking out & boobs still tender, but that's surely from progesterone at this time in my cycle. I might also be imagining some nausea, slight backache & mild cramps (I rarely get AF related cramps), which can happen at DPO10, but nausea probably due to sitting backwards on the bus to work this morning reading news articles on my phone .