TTC #1 with Endometriosis

[MrsDash]

Looking for support since my recent diagnosis. We’ve been TTC since early this year. I had a chemical pregnancy in June.
However I have just had a laparoscopy to check out painful periods which confirmed I have endometriosis on my bladder and bowel. Apparently my uterus and ovaries are clear and of course the chemical pregnancy is a good sign that everything is working but Im really worried. The Endo currently can’t be removed due to location and size but in theory shouldn’t stop me getting pregnant. I’m due to have another gynaecologist appointment to discuss treatment options as one might be to have hormone injections to reduce the Endo and make it possible to remove surgically before then TTC again. But I’m sort of hoping I can get pregnant and deal with the Endo after having children. My other concern is that since TTC (coming off the pill) I spot for a few days before AF which I’m now realising is likely to be another endometriosis symptom and this also worries me. Obviously I will be discussing all this with the gynaecologist but it would be good to hear from women who have had or are experiencing a similar thing as I really wasn’t expecting the diagnosis I got and no one else in my family has Endo (that I know of).

Thank you! Think will just try to take one day at a time. I'm glad it's given some hope

I never temped or felt any pain so hopefully you are ovulating if you have those signs but I would definitely ask for some blood tests to make sure. Maybe over a few cycles too.

Like your DH says, it's early days and it's perfectly normal to take at least 12 months. And that's if you manage to dtd at the right times and we all know that's not possible all the time!

Congrats Starfishy-that’s amazing news! I was hopeful when you said you were at 16 dpo! Have you had a lap previously to deal with your endo? If so do you think that helped? Good to know endo doesn’t stop pregnancy! Wonderful news. Hopefully you can relax now on holiday.

Starfishy-just looked over old posts and realised this was your first month on clomid? Do you think it helped you get yor BFP? I’m hoping to be on it in a month or so to help my PCO although I ovulate -just on different days and with a shorter luteal phase.

Congratulations @starfishy. This was also my first month on Clomid with history of endo, one blocked tube and anovulation. Always have short luteal phases with spotting starting anywhere from 2-8dpo, and then full flow AF from 7-10dpo. I had a positive OPK CD19 (which I get when not on clomid anyway) and started spotting 6dpo. Your story gives me some hope x

@MrsDash Sorry AF arrived. Is your gynae an endo specialist? Some gynaes are surprisingly ignorant about endo, that's the only reason I'm asking. As you are TTC I would ask to be referred to a specialist as they will more likely know the best option for you to help you get pregnant (trying now or waiting and having the hormone treatment). I would lean towards the hormone treatment myself, although I know postponing TTC is a bit heartbreaking and frustrating, but getting pregnant is only a good way to have some relief from your endo if you actually get pregnant and is seen as quite an old-fashioned view of endo 'treatment' (hence me assuming your gynae is not an endo specialist). Having the treatment before trying might help you catch one quicker? Just bouncing ideas. You know you best and know what's right for you.

@mouse1234567 I'm not sure what's going on actually. I'm still only spotting and actually barely even spotting today. Normally if I spot before my AF it's literally the day before and then the heavy flow starts the following day. The only other time I've had spotting for longer is when I was pregnant with MC-bean, so feeling very nervous. I think I should probably do a test in the morning but I'm sure my body is just trolling me. I'm between 13 - 11 DPO today (I think more likely 11DPO as had O pain then, but static smiley 13 days ago). I usually have a 12 day luteul phase going by O pains in previous cycles. I have never done temping though. Do I test in the morning, or do I just wait to see if AF starts properly and save myself the heart ache of a BFN? I find AF arriving easier than BFNs.

@starfishy I've become quite open about TTC and it's quite liberating. The cat sort of got out of the bag when I had my MC, but I'm not bothered about people knowing. People are respectful/scared enough after MC not to ask if things are possible new pregnancy symptoms as well, which is good.
I've just read your other post! Amazing news! Congratulations on the BFP!!! How exciting!

@knitkitty thanks for the advice. Yes, thankfully the gynaecologist I’m seeing is an Endo and fertility specialist! So I am definitely prepared to listen to her advice. I’ve got an MRI before the appointment too so I’m guessing that’ll inform our conversation too.

Thanks everyone! Still not really sunk in!
Had some red spotting when I went the loo yesterday and panicked.. think it's going to be a long few weeks.
@mouse1234567 my endo was diagnosed about 7-8 years ago with a lap but it's not been looked at again since. I had an ultrasound earlier this year and they said my ovaries looked fine so were reluctant to do any surgery. I definitely think the clomid helped and we did have a good week dtd in the run up to it. 1st month I've ovulated by day 16 so was so much easier to time dtd too.

Morning all.

I'm 3 days late for my AF according to when I believe I ovulated from OPK and O pain. And I've been spotting since Friday.

Had a BFN on Monday which put me off testing again but I've had mild cramps on and off since Sunday and the last two days I've been really exhausted by mid afternoon which isn't like me.

Going to test again on Saturday if no AF today or tomorrow.

Knitkitty-I hope AF didn’t arrive.

Starfishy-I imagine once you are pregnant the worry doesn’t stop. Wishing the next few months past quickly for you. My fertility clinic has never called me back about clomid so I left them a voicemail yesterday and am hoping to start next or cycle after. Did you have bad symptoms? I have heard they can be quite bad? Did it extend your luteal phase?

My temp went up this morn so had a perfect day 14 ovulation which I’m happy about. Since my lap I have been ovulating on day 13-14 as a pose to 18-20 ish -not sure if it’s because of the operation but either way I’m happy! Hope it continues! Gonna try and distract myself in the two week wait and be healthy. I’m a teacher and go on holiday in half term which is when my period is due so at least I can relax and will be happy I’m away despite AF if it shows!

I also went to see a habit breaking specialist and think I have to skills to now take choc out of my life till IVf next April. I’m still allowed a bit of sweet stuff that’s not chocolate.im so addicted to choc and worried it hasn’t been helping my endo/PCOS so this allows me to feel I’m doing everything to help! Hopefully I keep it up!

Good luck everyone -nearly the weekend!

@starfishy my fingers are crossed for you. Sending lots of good wishes.

@knitkitty I really hope af stays away. It’s such an emotional rollercoaster isn’t it. I always find I want to keep a positive mental attitude but also not get my hopes up each cycle. So tricky.

@mouse1234567 that’s interesting what you say about chocolate. I am also a chocoholic though do think my diet is pretty good otherwise. I’ve recently decided to cut out caffeine (from drinks) and alcohol. Not sure it’ll really do much in terms of my endo symptoms but I’ve heard it might help and also it gives me a good excuse to tell friends and family why I’m not drinking without them all jumping to conclusions and thinking I’m pregnant (as I’d definitely usually be drinking!). I feel like it might alleviate some stress during future 2WWs and hopefully when I’m actually pregnant.

Btw @mouse1234567 I’m a teacher too! Roll on half term.

Mrs Dash-really not long till half term now -hope you have a lovely relaxing break! I’m off to menorca so very excited. Period due then-so at least I will be on holiday when I get it. I’m 7 dpo-certainly no symptoms!!

I hope everyone is getting on ok? I visited my clinic yesterday and am doing three months of super ovulation with clomid on account of my PCO starting next month. Then I do it one month on , one month off . Quite looking forward to starting something new though a bit nervous about taking the pills and hope I don’t over stimulate or anything as I have ovulatory PCO-would be so frustrating if we had to cancel trying for a cycle for risk of multiples!

You guys may have seen -but I also stated a success getting pregnant after a laparoscopy thread in the pregnancy area -lots of positive responses which has been uplifting! Take a look if you need a boost!

Thanks for the heads up @mouse1234567

I know what you mean re trying something new. Hope clomid works out for you (that’s if you need it after this cycle!). I have my MRI next week and the gynaecologist appointment a few days later. I’m now kind of hoping she’ll prescribe me clomid as my cycles are taking so long to get back to a normal length so our opportunities to successfully BD feel so few and far between. I’m not sure if she will though as my ovulation day now seems to be reducing by two days each cycle (30,30,28,26). I’m now nearly 10 months off the pill. I think its just taking me longer than average to settle down.

Have a wonderful holiday. Can’t believe it’s almost half term already.

Hi ladies,

Just dropping by to let you know my news.

I was pregnant, but I lost it very early on (4 weeks 4 days). It's been my 4th pregnancy in 8 cycles and I've just crumbled to be honest. I've taken some time off work and am letting myself wallow a bit, but I'm not the kind of person who likes to be defeated so I will battle on when I'm feeling stronger.

My GP is referring me to the recurrent miscarriage clinic and I've decided I'm going to start acupuncture. I had a free consultation with a practitioner yesterday who specialises in fertility acupuncture and I was really impressed with her and feel a tiny glimmer of hope.
If any of you haven't looked into acupuncture for your endometriosis I encourage you to do a bit of research. It might help?

Also, some of you were discussing spotting before your period. I've been reading a lot online and some websites suggest this could be an indicator of lower progesterone levels. It might be worth talking to your gynae about this, and/or looking into acupuncture treatment to see if it helps your hormones balance themselves a bit.

I'm thinking hard about taking a bit of a break from TTC for a couple of months or so. Mostly to give my body a break and time for my mind to heal a bit. Also because I'm hoping my referral won't take too long and I might need to start some sort of treatment before trying again to give myself the best chance of getting pregnant with a baby I won't lose.
I'm a bit apprehensive about waiting to TTC as I don't want to give the endometriosis chance to take hold and scupper my chances but I think it might be the best option right now.
I'm also apprehensive that I have scar tissue in my womb from the various surgeries I've had over the years affecting implantation happening successfully, but I know I'm worrying about things I have no proof of and that never helps so will try to just learn some patience and see what tests they recommend.

So ducking out for now, but may be back sooner or later (hopefully) to try again.
Best of luck to all of you. xxx

@knitkitty I’m so sorry to hear this. I think you’re being really strong and doing the right thing to take some time for yourself. I often wonder how so many women manage general life alongside a prolonged TTC journey. I really hope you find help and success through the recurrent miscarriage clinic.

I’d heard that about progesterone levels and it’s something I plan to mention to my gynaecologist. Since the spotting was hugely reduced last cycle I’m hoping my hormones might be starting to improve perhaps. Who knows though. I’d also heard about acupuncture but not really thought seriously about it. Thanks for the tip. I’ll definitely look into it. Anything is worth a shot.

Sending lots of hugs and good wishes for the coming months xxx

@knitkitty I’m so sorry to hear about your miscarriage. That must be so upsetting, you poor thing having gone through so many. A colleague at work who suffers from PCOS has also had some miscarriage recently -it’s just so horrible.

I agree taking time for yourself is a good idea-to heal mentally as well as physically. Wishing you all the best.

@mrsdash I have been doing accupture for about a year-I love my accupturist -she is a fertility specialist and is extremely knowledgeable. I have low progesterone (must be an endo thing!) and I think it has helped to extend my luteal phase a bit -although it’s not a miracle worker and I still have issues with mine. I find it very calming and I do think it has an effect on my cycle. It feels nice to be proactive. Clomid wise -I think if you push it hopefully you might get prescribed it. I agree cycle take a long time to get back to normal-I have two 6 Minh cycles after coming off it -but yours are taking a while to settle so perhaps it would help? When I do my super ovulation I’m hoping to be given progesterone supplements -I will let you know if they work!

Hi all,
Hope you are all doing well. AF arrived this morning-I wasn’t too surprised as my temp had dipped a little and had a few BFNs on tests and just didn’t feel pregnant. I just feel like I would know if I was -but who knows?! Maybe I won’t! I’m sitting on a sunlounger in sunny menorca-so I can’t let AF get me too down! The upside is my luteal phase 12 days -which is very rare. I think he laparoscopy helped it. Start my clomid tomo-hopefully no side effects -apart from pregnancy! Taking advantage of a few glasses of wine today before starting meds tomo!

It’s going to be more time off work for scans @mrsdash-how do you find getting time off school? My school is ok about it but it’s always a bit tricky! Have you had your appointments? I hope they went ok.

I hope all your cycles are progressing well.

Sorry to hear that @mouse1234567 but it sounds like a good plan to enjoy yourself on holiday and relax.
My school have been really good so far but it’s relatively early days. I had two weeks off in sept for my lap. I had a late start for a blood test the other day and will have to leave school early for my gynaecologist appointment on 30th Oct. The HR lady knows about my diagnosis. I do worry though as I’m at a brand new secondary school (our second year open with only yr7 and yr8 so far) so we’re such a small team and any absence makes an impact. Can’t be helped tho! Luckily my MRI is during this week. Are your school being good?

Hi MrsDash. My school have been fine actually -luckily I have been there 8 years which I think makes it easier. I managed to get my lap in the summer hols so that again was lucky. I haven’t had loads off yet but feeling that with the clomid and scans and possible IUI it’s going to be more regular. I told my head about the laparoscopy so i think she put two and two together but I haven’t actually said we are seeking fertility treatment yet. I will if I have to -but if I can keep putting appointments in without too much detail I would prefer. I think sooner or later I will have to say. I keep putting my SLA in as paid time off -it’s only be odd hour here and there -hope they don’t expect it unpaid!!

Hope the appointment goes well. First day on clomid my period cramps were horrible but these last few days I don’t feel many side effects which is good! Enjoying my last day in the sun!

Hope you’ve had a relaxing holiday @mouse1234567 I’m not sure I’m ready to set my alarm clock again... hope clomid continues to not cause you too much in the way of side effects.
Thanks, I’m so relieved to finally be able to talk to the gynaecologist after my lap which was 10th sept. Also I’m pretty certain I’m ovulating today (cd22) which is 4 days earlier than last cycle so I’m getting closer to a more typical cycle.
Hope everyone is doing well.

Hi all
Spoke to the gynaecologist today. We’re now going to have fertility tests. If all’s okay then we’ll continue to try to conceive for a year but at some point I will have to have treatment (either surgery or hormone injections) to deal with my endometriosis which is primarily on my bladder.
Difficult working out when to have the blood tests done though since my cycle is still unsettled and a bit on the long side.

Has anyone else had fertility blood tests? I’ve been told to have days 2-5, 21 and also day 28 since my cycle tends to be long.

Hi @MrsDash. I glad you now have a plan-it puts you into a better headspace doesn’t it? Also great you are getting going with the tests as they tell you so much. The day 2-5 tests are easy enough as they are the same day for everyone. However when you are irregular (me too! ) the day 21 is harder. Do you temp-is so 7 days after the rise would be the best time. Alternatively do OPKs for the cycle and go about 7 days after you get a solid smiley face.

All ok with me -I think I’m in the two week wait post IUI -probably about 5dpo- but I had a very strange slow rise with my temps after it -they didn’t rise for two days after the procedure which according to OPKs was done in my ovulation day. Not golfing up huge hope -the sample my DH gave was not as good as usual as he had not abstained for long enough!! You never know though andnext month I up the dose of clomid to try and super ovulate -I only ovulated one egg this cycle which is the same as usual-they want two next cycle.

I’m finding I’m really obsessing over ttc-although I think I always have-so hard to think about anything else isn’t it?!

Hi @mouse1234567 I’m totally with you in term of obsessing and over thinking everything. I hope your tww goes swiftly and successfully. I suppose temps can vary due to lots of factors unrelated to TTC which might explain your slow rise..? How do you cope with any endo symptoms? I get pain when going to the loo during and just after af and I’m finding it more stressful now I know exactly what it is.

I’m not in a great place today. Af arrived after two days of spotting and also found out that DH isn’t allowed to have sex for 2-7 days before his fertility appointment which I think will be around the time I ovulate next. So I’m feeling frustrated.
Thanks for the blood test advice. So far I’ve got it booked for day 3 and day 21. The gynaecologist also said to book day 28. I ovulated on day 22 last cycle and it seems to be getting slightly shorter each time. I’ve been temping and using OPKs which always give me a clear result so that’s something.

Think I need to go and treat myself to some shopping to cheer myself up.

Hi @MrsDash-so sorry about AF-it’s always so hard. Def treat yourself to some self care -shopping sounds good!

it’s interestinf what you say about coping with endo symptoms now ttc. I always hated getting my period pre ttc as have pretty bad cramps for 2 days (I know it could be so much worse-some poor sufferers seem to get it all month long) but now it’s just such a slap in the face to have to suffer the pain aswell as knowing you aren’t pregant. My poor husband probably gets the brunt of it!!

It sounds like you have the tests Sussed-as long as it’s about 7 days post your rise or OPK pos. Are you also getting an ultrasound? They are always so informative.

Regarding your DH sperm sample -that’s so annoying. My DH always abstained for 3 days prior to them but why don’t you just do 2 days and then that means hopefully it won’t impact too much as sperm lives 2-3 days I think? Then you can DTD the morning after? Hopefully it will work out. The doctor said to me sex every two days is optimum.

Yes that’s a good idea, thanks. Will suggest that timing with DTD. It’s tricky though isn’t it as I sometimes find that overly planning sex can put the pressure on DH a bit... never thought I’d be the one nagging for sex... not that he’s not keen to do it, I think he just feels a bit pressured sometimes when he’s tired from work and I tell him I’m ovulating so need to get busy!

Absolutely re endo pain. I realise my symptoms could be a lot worse, but it’s still horrible having the pain I do get. Poor us. And yes I think my DH gets the brunt of it too. It’s a combination of PMS moodiness, sadness at not being pregnant and annoyance that the endo pain is about to start again.

They haven’t mentioned a scan. I had an ultra sound when they were initially investigating for endo. They said all looked normal. But realise that wasn’t focusing on fertility. What do they look for with the scan? Thanks again for the advice. Think I’ll book third blood test for day 28 but will try and change it if OPKs suggest otherwise. Will have to play it by ear. I’m glad my cycles are getting shorter at least. They’ve been taking ages to get back to something normal post pill. 34 days for my last cycle which is much better.