P to the M to the A! Thread #6, here we go!

[ArchiesMamaBird]

So in the absence of our lovely founder Hippy, I've set up thread #6 to help us keep up the motivation and PMA.

Congratulations to all our grads, the rest of us may be slacking behind but we'll be there soon!

#bellasgirlgangforever

Patient Thank you, FW will be here in the next few days and me and my lucky ovary are raring to go

Hippy They both look negative to me, but like Patient said, definitely try again this afternoon because I've also heard that different tests need to be used at different times. And just DTD as and when you can too to make sure you're covered

Hi ladies! Hope you're all well?

Well after feeling adamant af was in her way last week, she's still not here. I still feel as though I could come on at any moment but I'm technically a day late now -cd29 - so popped to sainos at lunch and picked up a pack of their own brand tests. Pretty sure it was negative but a bit dodgy as a very thin line appeared to start with which then faded away and now it looks negative. Talk about a head fuck! A quick google shows me lots of complaints about Sainsbury's tests doing similar so feeling annoyed now! Still feel like I'm due on so suspect that is the case. Will try to leave it a couple of days if I can and test again if nothing appears before then.

Grrr!!!

Ooh Cakes that could be promising! Especially as you are a day late now too. I have everything crossed that your BFP is being a bit elusive and will show up in a couple of days

cakes .... eeeek sounds promising chic ... I've not read good things about those Sainsbury's tests. I think I'd get a frer asap if I were you. Got it all crossed for you chic unless of course I get df into bed and then I will have to uncross temporarily lol!

Well I got another negative opk last night but got this result this morning which I think is positive or heading that way? Df was on a night shift last night so I think he might be too tired tonight .... grrrr! I'm gonna try and dtd tonight or tomorrow but after his two shifts and day work (nights is extra not instead of) ... I'm not feeling hopeful :(
Xxx

Hippy I agree that your opk looks like it's on its way to turn positive. If you test this afternoon my guess is that it will be. Today or tomorrow is probably best, but I think Friday may still work. According to the app I use for temping, I ovulate about 48 hours after a positive, and you could as well. As long as it is out of your hands, try to not worry too much. Easier said than done, I know! Keeping my fingers crossed that you manage to sneak in some bd after work.

Cakes how exciting! Hoping for good news from you.

Patient Awwwww thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I'm not good with these line tests, that's why i like the clear blue digital smiley ones... and my favourite is the dual one which gives you the heads up 2 days before static... but at £37 i can't keep shelling out for those bad boys! I will test again when i get home, but as i drink a lot of water throughout the day i always wonder whether that dilutes the result somewhat.

Hoping to get some BD'ing in before friday ... i will definitely be trying my best.

Come on Cakes .... you got this .... eeeeeeeeek so excited for you

xxx

Just done this ... I take it this is positive or near as damn it ... good old Peggy ... right on cue at cd14. I'll test again in the morning just to be sure. Fx df is in the mood tonight 😂
Xxx

Sorry ladies, bit of pinkish cm showing. Think af is just late!!

Noooooooooooooo xxxxxxxxx awwwww cakes I am truly fecking gutted xxxxx

Hippy yes I'd say that's a definite positive. Now go and jump on DP

Cakes you never know, it could always be a bit of late IB. I have everything crossed that it is 😘

Thanks guys! DH seems even more gutted than me at the moment! He's a sensitive soul 😊 but we've agreed it's time to head to the doctors if this month isn't going to work out. It's a year since I had my implant out and whilst my cycles were messed up for a bit, it's been long enough I reckon, especially as we had no trouble before. So I might be a little creative with the truth for the doctor but I feel like it's time for some investigations to begin.

Can anyone let me know what to expect from a first appointment? We're planning to go together. DH was on citalopram for a long time and there is some - probably dodgy - research out there that suggests long term use can link to temporary infertility so he wants to raise that. I'm hoping the doc will tell him it's shite!

Thanks for the confirmation Archies. As predicted he's too tired :( so seed planted for tomorrow but not feeling super hopeful this cycle. Df's well stressed at the mo!

cakes I went to the docs on my own and just asked for blood tests. I guess going with dh will be a good opportunity to ask questions from both sides and I'm sure the doc will know how best to proceed. If your over 35 they're usually ok to investigate after 6 months of ttc, if your under 35 I think it's 12 months.
Happy hump day ladies
Xxx

Cakes I went after we'd been trying for 7 months, but fibbed and said it was coming up to 12 I was sent for 21 day blood tests, and they came back fine. Then I was sent for an ultrasound and transvaginal scan. Meanwhile, DH was told to ring up and make himself an appt, and he was referred for a sperm analysis. If all that comes back clear/doesn't throw up any major issues then you'll be sent for a hycosy.

We've had all that done (and it's so far shown that I have polycystic ovaries and a potential blocked tube) so we're just waiting on our next appointment with the consultant which is 8th Sept (but I'm obvs hoping to get upduffed this cycle so that we don't have to bother with any more appts )

It's also worth remembering that it's normal to take up to 1 year/18 months. I think the stats are that if 100 couples stop using contraception, then 80 of those will be pregnant within a year. And of the 20 that didn't conceive, 18 of them will go onto to get pregnant within the next year (or something like that )

archies is spot on with those stats. I know a few ladies that took up to 18 months to get pg but it's only when you start asking people that they tell you this ... it often seems like everyone else is getting upduffed in an instant and after several cycles and being the wrong side of 30 (like myself) it's natural to start thinking that there might be something wrong. When I went for the 21 day bloods the only thing that I needed to keep under control was my perspective and thus my stress levels. I think we're all much more chilled on here these days but despite being chilled it is still upsetting when af rocks up. We are due another load of bfps soon ladies and this train is taking us there.
#pmaforever
Just done another opk this morning - will post pic. Didn't manage to dtd last night but fx df is up for it later ... fridays are usually out cuz he works so if we don't manage it later then I'm having a chilled cycle by default 😂
Xxx

Opk this morning :))
Slightly lighter than last night I think 😊

Thanks so much @ArchiesMamaBird and @Hippychic18. I really appreciate the info and support 😊 af here in full force now so that was a 30 day cycle. I just like to have plans in place but will keep up the positive attitude and keep on trying too.

Stress has to be a factor. I have a lot more stress in my life compared to when we conceived DD. My dad passed away, my mums quite ill, I have more responsibility at work etc. I don't think I feel it too much but it's there for sure! I might work on some techniques to relax more. Every little helps!

@Hippychic18 get that deed done tonight and you'll be onto a winner I'm sure!

Sorry af has arrived in full force cakes ... my cycles are usually 26-29 days but I've had one 30 day cycle and it proper sucks cuz it gets your hopes up!
Yeah the stress is definitely a factor - that's why I had a raised prolactin level and it is difficult not to stress - especially in light of everything you've had to cope with Hun.
Your forthcoming holiday will definitely help and on the plus side at least you can enjoy a few cheeky drinks 😉 Xxx

Cakes sorry she's arrived, she just won't get the message and leave us all alone will she! And I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad passing and your Mum being ill. I remember when my dad died (I was 17 at the time so thought I was bulletproof) but I had about 4 months afterwards when I was constantly ill and picking up infections left, right and centre. So I was obviously super stressed and my immune system was shot even though on the outside I felt ok and super chilled. So stress obviously does have a massive impact on us without us realising.

We're on the road to Cornwall! We're camping tonight and then heading to Devon for a few days afterwards to stay with my Aunt. So I'm definitely going to be having a super chilled FW!

Hippy yes jump on him tonight whether he likes it or not! and you're right that we're DEFINITELY overdue some BFP's. Come on ladies, we can do this! 💪🏼

archies enjoy your super chilled fw chic ... I'm not really holding out much hope for later to be honest ... df is really stressed and even if we do manage it I'll be super shocked if it works .... I think both partners need to be chilled for the magic to happen. Plus we're off to Cyprus again 3 weeks on Saturday and to be honest it WILL be our last holiday with no kids (Pma) ... and I kind of want to have a few cheeky roll ups and a drink or two.... so I am actually permitting the universe to give me a bfn this cycle and would just like to dtd the later for the pure enjoyment of it 🤣 Now there's a novel thought for fw :)) lol
Have a beautiful day ladies ... thank god it's sunny xxx

Thanks lovelies 😍 sorry to hear about your dad as well @ArchiesMamaBird. I know it was a while ago but still sucks, parents are meant to be invincible right?! I've downloaded headspace on recommendation from a friend so will be trying that. Enjoy you're holiday! Love that part of the country! I hope the sun stays out for you. I'm spending this lovely day either on trains or in meetings! Typical!

Morning ladies :))))))))))))))
cakes what's headspace?

Thank you all for your help with the opks.
Just to let you know...
I'm in the 2ww

Xxx

Well I hope you have a nice chilled 2ww Hippy, and I know what you mean about holidays. It's just not the same with mocktails is it! And holidays take on a whole new meaning when you have DC, so definitely make the most of this one!

Cakes thank you, it will be 9 years this Nov since he passed away, and it's still a bit shitty some days, but I'm in such a good place now finally 😊 and I've heard really good things about Headspace, let us know how you get on

Headspace is an app that guides you through daily meditation sessions. You don't need to have any meditation experience to use it as it starts from scratch. A friend who suffers with anxiety recommended it as it really helps clear her mind. I need to make some time for myself to do it!

Thanks cakes - I'll give it a whirl xxx

Just checking in after a looong holiday abroad with very little internet access ladies.
Glad you are all well and keeping up the PMA. Statistically a BFP has to be just around the corner. Come on peggies and doreens!

I am now 10 weeks pregnant. I have had my first midwife appt and am awaiting a scan date. I would love to tell you it's amazing but I have been so anxious that something is going to go wrong that I haven't really enjoyed it at all. On the PMA side, I have been almost nausea free and have got off very lightly with nasty symptoms. My boobs have about doubled in weight though!! And now I am back at work I am so sleepy!

Glad you are all enjoying your summers and fingers crossed for some warm weather for the rest of August to help with that PMA and vit D dosage. xxx