Thread 31, TTC1 | Jam and her dodgers still riding the bonking bus for that elusive BFP

[Jamon]

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 well and truly worn off and we're slightly battle scarred and bruised in the cervix area. 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!

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

Key:
HS - have/had sex
GOS - good old shag
ELH - enthusiastic lavatory happenings
LSFX - legs spread, fingers crossed

Ooo Chlo PM me if you can't post here. I love a good browse!

I've decided to start writing and publihsing some short stories on Amazon Kindle. I need an outlet, I need to feel like I'm being successful at something.

Had a cry in the shower last night, proper ugly crying. Suddenly hit me that Christmas is so close and I'm no closer to pregnancy, even though in a parallel life I'd have an almost one year old. At my last year Christmas work do someone said to me they hoped to see me big and pregnant by next Christmas. At the moment I keep asking DH if he wants to leave me for someone else who still has two tubes, he just gives me a serious raised eyebrow at that, which temporarily makes me feel better.

Lovely to see you Hep glad to hear you're back at the running. I'm definitely a lot fitter since I started TTC, I first did it to be healthy for pregnancy, now I do it to stay mentally healthy because I'm not pregnant.

Skipper hope you're ok.

I've decided to book my appointment with the GP in November when I come back from holiday to be referred for investigations. Does anyone remember how long it took from first referral to actually seeing someone and what tests they had done in the first instance?

kwick it was just a blood test for numbers of NK cells, then the one that tested aggression in pregnancy conditions was called an NK cytotoxicity assay (whatever that means...), again just from the blood test. I had everything else tested at the same time (all the clotting and sticky blood and antibodies and hormones etc etc) - they took 16 vials
of blood! Worth it obviously.

Thanks Lemony. No that's very helpful. I'm not sure whether my gp will do tests first, as it is the gynaecologist that has recommended the GP refers me to the fertility clinic in October time, which I think is maybe unusual. But it's good to know what the first tests might be.

He is lovely and supportive, he lets me talk about what makes me feel down, and lets me be happy and hopeful without going OTT. He's a good egg, solid, reliable, unflappable.

How are you doing? Has your cycle settled down?

Girls I'm going to take a break from the thread for a week or so, just going to take my own advice and have some time for myself without thinking of TTC. Good luck to any testers who are coming up - hope I don't miss anything good xx

Hope a break does you good skipper please do pop back when you're ready xx

Totally up for moving to infertility jam. Just seen a thread on conception boards saying onto cycle 2 I'm so frustrated this is why I don't ever look at other threads (monkey face)

Had a very hectic few days at work so will read this thread properly tomorrow.
Hope the break helps Skip
I saw that thread Chlo, I'm up for a move of section, will follow Jam to whatever board!
Lemony rubella (German measles) can harm unborn children so girls are often vaccinated as teenagers.

DH back from business trip today... You know how sometimes people bring back a little something... I didn't ask for perfume from duty free, I asked for progesterone tablets :) 100mg can be used as tablets or pessaries. Will start taking them a few days before my spotting usually starts, can't do any harm. I think ov is tonight/tomorrow, so will try and pounce tomorrow morning as DH is asleep now.

Just in time for Friday positivity:
DH and I planning a holiday soon, hope to book tomorrow.
Most of the schools will have started by now so less Facebook posts next week of first days at school (not sure if that counts).
I got a fab new hot pink lipstick 💄
I'm going to bed soon!

Take all the time you need skipper

Hi all - was wondering whether I could join back in with this thread? Some of you might remember me, but my details:
30, started TTC in August 2016
Three bfps in cycles 7, 8 and 9. All ended in miscarriage, first two at five weeks and the most recent a MMC ended at seven. Since then I've been on an enforced break for testing. We're just starting to get the results back now (found out yesterday that my first NK cell test was normal), and will be trying again once cd1 comes in a few days.
This was such a helpful and supportive place when I was TTC before that I'd love to be able to come chat to you again. I have kept half an eye on the group and am so pleased to see Harriet doing so well, but so sad that so many of you have been having tough times. So sorry for your recent news, pjs.

We had our nurse's appointment to start IVF yesterday and it's now all happening really quickly - I'm day 8 today and she asked if I wanted to start this cycle! We're away so can't but it's all steam ahead for next cycle. winging I'm doing the scratch study too - they randomised me there and then and i'm in the scratch group which is good! I have that on day 21 of my next cycle and then start downregging for 3 weeks.

Feels so weird to be coming to the end of the natural TTC journey - this month is our last chance to try. I feel quite a weird mix of excitement and sadness. My massive box of drugs will be arriving in a couple of weeks and she showed me how to do the injections - although I'm not sure I'll remember when the time comes!

Jam very happy to move to infertility, like you say hopefully a few more people will find us there.

Harriet good news about having lots of follicles! When will you start IVF?

pyjamas I hope you're doing OK. I know it must feel really hard but you are being so positive - love the idea of the book club and retreat

Mouse I would leave the opks etc at home for a holiday to try and forget about stuff - but really up to you. Just lots of sex!

Chlo would love to see your shop!

Flash we went to the doctors first time last November and will be moving to IVF a year later. The doctors wanted us to have day 1 and 21 bloods and a sperm test, and then they referred us to the fertility clinic. It took a few months for that all to go through as husband needed a couple of tests - but just keep chasing your GP for the referral.

lemon I've just had a blood test for rubella - if I need re-vaccinating it could put back the process. It's mad that so many people get pregnant without thinking, and here's us having to do everything under the sun and to sign forms to say we won't harm any future children!

skip hope you have a nice break, we'll all miss you x

That's super quick struggle ! I'm a bit concerned I've got got past the waiting list stage yet. Our journey was as follows:

Went to gp last December, took day 21 bloods
January went for private sperm test for DH
January went to get blood results and they'd forgot to tick the right box to bring back the hormone profile.... so have to have it done again. Comes back normal
DH does another test on nhs this time.
March -referred to hospital gynaecology.
End of April attend first appointment at hospital
Get booked for ultrasound and another test for dh
Earliest follow up appointment is early August but it takes this long for them to send my scan appointment through.
At august appointment, consultant referred us for IVF therefore now moving to the attached fertility clinic (but same consultant)
First appointment there with nurse is end of October.

struggle had you had an appointment previously where they took all your details for funding purposes and took photo id etc? I haven't done that bit yet -that's what will happen at our October appointment (31st so still seems ages away )

Catching up. I might join in more over in infertility, seeing "am I pregnant?" Threads are starting to make me angry. I'm getting bitter(er).
This month I didn't have AF, just 4 days of brown spotting. That finished day before yesterday, I'm 6 days 'late' & this morning I fished a shiny white BFN FRER out of the top of the bin just to check.
New low.
Apparently missing periods can be a sign of early menopause. That sounds about right, a missed period couldn't possibly be pregnancy, oh no.

Was that your first appointment Struggle we've got ours on Monday and must temper expectations

Have had 21 day bloods, thyroid checked, rubella checked and DH has had 2 SA checks. Know everywhere is different but hearing that things can start to happen quickly is very exciting.

We are currently babysitting DNiece, I suspect DBIL and DSIL might be off for a scan... so preparing myself for a huge baby bomb...

PJs any more news on your family? I hope your brother had the sense to evacuate.
Loving the PMA and positive intentions.

jamon I hope you enjoyed the wedding.

Oh God Mouse your poor friend!

chlo please PM me it too! I 💜 retail therapy!

flash are you already published? PM the titles!!!
Fricking hate milestones, like Christmas, as it just underlines what you don't have. But please don't lose hope yet.

lemon I was tested for rubella again on Friday - I think they need to know if you are immune if you are getting fertility treatment.

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before but your thyroid levels play an extremely important part in this TTC game. The ranges your GP will use to detect hypothyroidism are NOT the same as those needed for TTC - where you need below 2.5.

harriet am not sure if they tested for the NK cells... looks like my medical records from CRGH have gone astray after I sent them to IVI

lemon I cannot advocate enough for Slimming World - I have lost 1.5 stone and 5 BMI points in 3 months.

Take care sk1pper and see you soon!
God speed.

Wow jene where will DH procure those?

lisa welcome back. God you have really been through it you are amazing to even still be standing.

struggle this is great news!!!
I am a pro on the injections if you need any help

I had my IVI appointments on Friday - saw Lead Nurse who talked me through process for having treatment in Spain but pre & post stuff in London. She checked I had all my tests in order - which I did not, in part as my medical records have gone astray anyway once that is sorted it should move fast: donor coordinator will be in touch, and then it will start! I then had a Dummy Embryo Transfer which I cried at - not really due to any discomfort just the position brought back post MC scan memories. Then nurses tried to take blood 3 times and then sent me off to blood specialist clinic a few doors down where they managed it first off.

I treated myself to a taxi home and arrived just as new bathroom was being delivered (should have arrived day before). Treated myself to a KFC (Lord knows how many syns were in that) and yesterday pm after packing up living room, moved in with mum.

Have not slept well - in part as sharing with nephew. But also 3 times up for toilet and I think I can feel AF on its way - which would be early again.

I am feeling positive about IVI appt and just want to have my flat done & get on with things. Although 2 weeks of disruption hardly seem like a hardship - I have needed a new bathroom since I moved in 10 years ago!!!

Happy Sunday everyone!

Hi kwick - family still staying put which is worrying, the storm has shifted west but their county is on tornado watch. Do you have loved ones still there? Glad you're feeling positive about your IVI appointment!

It's crazy how quickly it all kicks off when it does struggle - one minute we were having our initial appt, then the next I'm being wheeled in for egg collection! Wishing you so much luck!

👋🏼 Lisa! My goodness you've really been through it, I'm so sorry xxx

Sometimes a break from everything it's what's needed skip - we'll be here when you're ready xxx

Went to see IT with DH yesterday and it was so good! I had low expectations as I loved the original so much, but it was excellent! The clown was terrifying!!

Have my piano lesson today which I'm looking forward to and trying to get in the right mindset for work tomorrow. Am dreading having to go in, do shit I just don't care about and pretend like nothing has happened. Most will think I've had a nice relaxing week off - er, not so much.

winging to be honest the funding stuff has all been a bit vague - they have never really discussed anything with us, just that we are funded for this round on the NHS. The consultant we saw last time said we'd have to wait for November for the NHS funding but the nurse is telling us to go ahead from
October so it's all a bit confusing. We're just going to crack on until someone tells us otherwise?

The only thing we're waiting on now is my rubella test - if I need a top up it could push everything back.

I think your nurse appointment is when it could all start happening? We could have started on day 21 of my current cycle (on day 9 now) but we're on holiday.

alice have you had any tests?

flora we had two doctors appointments before this one - one in May I think and the doctor ordered more tests - a third SA (poor husband), an internal scan, HSG and more bloods for me. We then went back a couple of months later (July) and we went through all the results and the consultant recommended IVF and to book a nurse consultation which is what we had on Friday. It's all been very efficient - which is not at all what I was expecting! Good luck on Monday!

kwick I'll definitely come to you for tips. My husband is going to be away for the first week of injecting which is a bit rubbish but can't really be helped! Sounds like everything is moving really quickly for you - when do you think it will all start?

lisa sounds like you've had a rough time - really hoping you get some luck soon!

pyjamas enjoy your piano lesson! You'll probably just have to brace yourself for tomorrow being rubbish - can you treat yourself to something nice in the evening?

Hi all. Am just catching up with thread.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Just wanted to share a picture of a cake I made for 9th birthday today.

Thanks for the hellos - it hasn't been easy for us, no, but then nor has it for anyone on this thread!

pjs my cousins Grannie is without power and is living with her son and his wife but I do not think they suffered too much damage in Puerto Rico.
I 💜how you are playing the piano.

struggle what injections do you need to take? Most are into the tummy & are fairly straight forward.
I hope I get to connect with the donor coordinator this week.

Hope everyone's having a nice Sunday. The page is @all.the.frills if anyone wants to have a browse x

Morning girls
Catching up

Welcome back Lisa and Alice
Hello hep

Wow struggle that happened quickly! There will be plenty of hand holding here should you need it

Well done getting started kwick hope the house work is coming on well

Hope you're alright today pyjamas it's often not as bad once you get there

Lovely cake babi!

I had a lovely weekend - the wedding was great and yesterday a friend brought her 18 week old son round. It was lovely seeing DH hold him - he's a real natural with babies and it made me very very broody again. I know it's ridiculous but sometimes I forget about babies and what we are even trying. I'm so caught up in trying I've lost sight of the goal. All I can see is BFNs, even with IVF. I really cannot get it into my head that I'll ever be pregnant. It feels utterly utterly impossible!

I'll start the new thread on Infertility as that seems to be the consensus and makes sense. Shall we keep counting up the thread numbers? Any thread name suggests?