Thread 25. TTC #1 - February Fertility Fighters on the FRONTLINE

[AlexiaB]

Calling all OPK-ers, Temp-ers, Clomid-ers, Femara-ers, IUI-ers, IVF-ers and anyone else on the TTC #1 Bus.

We've been going a while now so the novelty has somewhat worn off and we're slightly battle scarred and bruised in the cervix area. We've ditched the Gregorian calendar in favour of the TTC Cycle Day calendar, and we don't get a lot of baby dust in these here parts, we just keep it legs spread and fingers crossed (LSFX). We love a baby bomb from a prior bus-mate but if we get told to 'just relax and enjoy it' ONE MORE TIME you will get a punch in the face!

We have a new Grad's Thread. We recently lost a whole load of ttc veterans to the good side and we're absolutely desperate to join in the fun! May 2017 lead us all to upduffed heaven and the Grad's thread, amen.

We don't have rules as such but expect to be talked down from the ledge with kind but firm words if you get too hysterical. But most importantly, don't convince yourself that you're pregnant in the tww. That is paramount!

Hop on board, post your stats and prepare to be dazzled by the wealth of TTC knowledge we long-timeys have to share...

I just realised how insensitive my description of AF was. I really hope no one gets upset, I didnt think before posting that.

flash sorry, but that made me giggle, sexy incontinence pants

So so sorry Harriet * hope you have managed to get off home & look after yourself. I would also second what flash* said about early MC & flag up to your GP, hopefully your next bean is a sticky one, but should you need to refer back, your GP would have it on your notes.

Group hug

I did go home (though am still working argh) - at least could have good cry without fear of people seeing my puffy eyes! And have booked an appointment with my GP tomorrow. skipper your AF description didn't offend me - pretty much what I'm going through right now so I sympathise!

... and yes, Mac's, seconding (again) the new thread title idea!

Skipper that is not tmi, no need to apologise lovely. It sounds truly awful though you poor thing Hope it's gone soon - what CD are you now? I've only ever had one period similar to that and I thought I was dying. It was after 2 long anovulatory cycles so my body was finally clearing everything out, it was excruciating! First time I've ever needed tampons & pads too and I spent about 3 days in bed. You're an absolute champ for being at work 👏

Glad you're at home now Harriet. Sending love and hugs xxx

Aww Flash

macs I love it, thank you!!!

Love the thread name mac!

You're an absolute hero skipper - can't even imagine having to deal with that every month 😱

Thinking of you Harriet - glad you at least managed to get home.

Going to do my exercise video tonight - I absolutely will drop that dress size!

mac loving the thread name suggestion

Harriet - glad you went home, always look after yourself first and foremost. Hope you are okay.

Alexia - only CD2, I misjudged it on Thursday...there's no way that was CD1. Yeah it's horrendous and pretty much half the reason I'm so desperate to get pregnant. I think I'd be coping better without all the issues I'm having at ovulation and then when my period is due. When I broke my wrist, I contemplated going back on the pill for 6 months to get the pain under control again (it wasn't too bad in the 7-8 months coming off the pill) but I'm too scared of going back to square one with my fertility. I like to think I've made some decent improvements and my BFP is due very soon.

Hep - any good symptoms apart from the sickness? Did you say you were testing at the weekend. I am so eager for some good news.

Skipper not tmi at all and I didn't even bat an eyelid at that - other than to think you poor sod having to deal with that. I hope those stronger painkillers help. I've recently moved onto the mooncup - after reading about it on here actually! And love it. I'm not sure how it stands up to heavy periods but might be worth a try.

Glad you're home Harriet and wish I could give you a hug. I hope your DH is looking after you 🌷🌼

Pyjamas you put me to absolute shame with all your exercise. Hats off.

Love macs title too 👍🏼

Flash how are the panic attacks? Did you look into getting some CBT? I think it could really help 🌷🌼

skipper just the standard sore boobs. I do think it is way too early for morning sickness!

Oh Pug that sounds awful! Take care of yourself and hope you feel better soon.

I'm so sorry Harriet Glad you got home from work, hope your GP appointment goes ok tomorrow. x

Love the enthusiasm with the exercise Pyjamas.. if I wasn't already in my pjs I might have done the same

My skin has totally broken out this month not something I usually suffer from (and pre O so can't even try and pretend it's a pregnancy symptom ) - hopefully buggers off soon!

Hep - I have a good feeling about you this cycle xx

Yay my beer is here, ready for Friday when I'm gagging for a drink. Thanks for the suggestion Pyjamas!

Carly I feel you with the skin break outs - I have looked like a teenaged ever since I stopped my pill early December

Pyjamas You have also put me to shame at not exercising - I have though been exercising my upper arms lifting a wine glass (only 1 though and I am only CD5) with my best friend, putting the world to rights!

No such thing as TMI skipper. Sorry your AFs are so crappy.

jam I've always fancied trying a mooncup but never got round to it. Heard so many good things about them.

Hope the GP is helpful tomorrow harriet. I hope you're having a relaxing evening looking after yourself and crying all you need.

My boobs are really sore today, proper stabbing pains. They are always sore in LP, and it varies how much from cycle to cycle. I don't trust them as sign of anything, they're just pissing me off!

So sorry *Harriet
*
Thinking of you

So so sorry Harriet. Thinking of you. Remember to look after yourself through this

Skip I'm the same apart from I'm CD4 and it's horrific. The last 4 days have been none stop like that and it's making me feel so so rubbish I hope you're feeling ok with it and that it lightens up soon.

I love my mooncup! I can highly recommend them. I used it even when I had super heavy periods. One thing I love I'd that, and this is tmi, my insides feel much healthier and less dry since using it. I still do use pantyliners for the heaviest days but it's so much better. My cramps have been much less since using it too. Xxx

Hi ladies! Hope it's okay to jump in!

I'm 32, TTC #1
Came off the pill almost two years ago so I guess this is cycle 23? Cycle 15 of really concerted trying with apps, ovulation tests, etc.

We went to the GP after just over a year off the pill, had all the tests - no problems that can be detected with either of us. We were referred to the local hospital fertility unit ready for IUI x 3 and then 1x IVF which is what you get where we live.

I've so far only had one aborted IUI as my eggs had a sudden growth spurt over a weekend and I ovulated before they could do the treatment. I then started my next period on day 21 of my cycle (usually its 28 like clockwork) so I'm a bit unsure if this is a normal cycle or if things are messed up. The hospital is too full for me to do another treatment this month so the next one would be potentially March.

Possibly TMI but Hi everyone! It's so nice to be around (even virtually) people who are going through the same thing as you.

Question - how do people deal with the stress of this?

Macs go for it! I love mine. I don't find it makes much difference to cramps but I just feel cleaner. I remember moving from pads to tampons and not looking back - now I feel the same way about my cup!

I am still getting the knack of getting it out on day one when it's heavy. Avoiding spillages is not easy!

So sorry Harriet This absolutely does not mean you're broken, but you do need to give yourself time to grieve. Please take time off work if you need to, your health comes first x

I totally recommend the Mooncups too, everyone! (Although I use a different brand, I'm sure it must be pretty similar). I was harping on about them on here a while ago and thought everyone must have thought I was a crazy hippy!

So sorry Harriet This absolutely does not mean you're broken, but you do need to give yourself time to grieve. Please take time off work if you need to, your health comes first x

I totally recommend the Mooncups too, everyone! (Although I use a different brand, I'm sure it must be pretty similar). I was harping on about them on here a while ago and thought everyone must have thought I was a crazy hippy!

Welcome Kerry the main rule for keeping sane is that all rants and tmi are welcome on this thread!!

Sorry you are still TTC after 2 years. We have few iui-ers and ivf-ers here. Between us all we have experience on all sorts !

Welcome Kerry! Sorry it's not been an easy journey for you. So there was nothing wrong on any of your tests? That's positive you are getting started with treatment and I hope you are not far off now.

The stress. Well... sharing on here helps me massively. I know it's an often used phrase but I really don't know what I'd do without this place. Sharing these feelings that are so unique to TTC with people going through the same thing is invaluable. People here have shown me how to have strength and grace and grit when you are at your absolute lowest. And have given me such a laugh too.

I also have taken up ceramics - something I've wanted to do for years, and started daily yoga. I swam outdoors in the summer lots. Basically doing things for yourself that you enjoy and give you mental space.

Apps like headspace can help you practise mindfulness. Some people like acupuncture. And exercise can be really helpful.

I think it's finding something for you where you can switch off and just be yourself and not have every waking moment dominated by TTC.

That all said, it's also the most intense and emotionally draining experience I have ever been through - and it's improving to acknowledge that and pretend that everything is fine. When you need to cry have a good cry! I'm sure you've been through all the ups and downs of it. What do you find helps?