35+ TTC#1 Thread 6

[BambiOnIce80]

Spring is in the air and it's time for a new thread!

Basically: a wonderful bunch of ladies supporting each other through the TTC journey when trying for a first baby after 35.

Here's hoping we get some spring BFP luck for all of us!! 🍀🐣🍀🐣

Morning everyone. The thread dropped off my list but I've not really had much to contribute.

After my holiday I was feeling really optimistic and felt secure that whatever happens I'll be OK. That has been replaced by intense anxiety. It's likely pmt as af is due this week, but I'm so sad and angry.

We have one more chance before I have to have the hysteroscopy in August and then it's back to the clinic in September to see what the next steps are.

It's strange how so many of us are heading for ivf... X

@BambiOnIce80 Couple of months til the move probably paperwork needs to be signed for his new job transfer and finding a two bed in our budget is a bit tricky but we will get there.
Last night was fun had to pee constantly until 130am in morning didn't hurt as such not burning or stinging like I've read you get just felt a pressure down below. But it was red with pink blood constantly which Is very odd. Never got this with coming off pill before so going to get appointment tomorrow hopefully it's just a UTI got nothing today aside from a fuzzy head again and backache

Hello all. Sorry not been in touch for a few days.

Wow congratulations @Russkispy 🤞🤞 for a sticky one 💗 xxx

Sorry about the stress @79andnotout but @BambiOnIce80 right. Nothing is set yet 🤞🤞. It makes the worrying no easier though I bet 💗.

Sorry your down @VenusStarr it's such an emotional time. I am up and down daily lately! It’s hard to stay positive all the time isn’t it!

Aww look at that kitty @BambiOnIce80 so cute 😍. Hope he’s still keeping you busy!

Well it seems that af wasn’t so welcome.... I’ve had intense nausea and terrible stomach upset (acid it feels like) for the last few days. Barely slept at all. Didn’t think much of it until af finished and so did the pain and nausea (well 🤞, it’s only been a day without it). So so strange... what an earth is going on with my body! And how the hell cant the pill mask so much! I need putting down since coming off it!

Managed to get to see nurse today mild UTI nipped it in the bud hopefully 3 days of antibiotics, rest and fluids. She said its unlikely im pregnant but two early to tell at the moment.

Hello! Mad few days at work, ugh.

@BambiOnIce80 - yes you're completely right, the thromobosis can be managed with heparin type blood thinners. My family members do this alot. I'm more worried about the thyroglobulin and thyroid peroxidase antibodies. The thyroid is really important in foetal development and has been strongly linked to congenital deformities, mental retardation, miscarriage, and pre term delivery. You can supplement with thyroxine but it doesn't treat the underlying autoimmune condition, so the antibodies are still there and they cross the placental barrier. The papers I've read haven't reassured me.

@Russkispy congratulations on your BFP! Hope this works out. It seems you are still one fertile lady :)

@VenusStarr sorry to hear it's all getting a bit too much again. You sounded really positive last time.

@wannabemum38 good to hear you've been to the gp.

TFI Friday ladies! 🥂

So sorry to hear you're feeling sad/angry @VenusStarr 💐 It is a funny one how a good few of us are heading to the IVF clinic, but at least we'll have each others backs ❤️ My clinic appointment is the end of September, consent appointment October and then drugs November, IVF probably December/January. I'm quite liking having a time line to work to - very helpful for planning 👍 We're already turning stuff down (nights out, visits, trips, etc) because we don't want the stress of clashes with treatment! I hope your scan goes well next month.x

Glad the nurse sorted you out with some pills @wannabemum38 👍 Hope you're feeling better now?

Also sorry AF has had you feeling 💩 @Carley321 😞 Meant to ask you - was it your muddy 5k last weekend? How'd you get on?x

I see what you mean @79andnotout. That certainly requires some thorough reading/thought. Are the clinic going to get you to see an endocrinologist to talk it through with them?

Thank you ladies! Had my beta bloods on Wednesday which was 215. And just got repeat results back and HCG increased to 587.2. Shaking like a leaf here and just hoping it works out this time around!

Aww just seen your post @Russkispy, congrats xx 🤞 you've had a rollercoaster recently, here's hoping this is the one.
Anyone used a CB adv monitor? I haven't been using mine this month, but couldn't find any other ovulation test, due to ov on Monday I think, but I'm getting 2 even solid lines on the stick. I know you sent meant to "read" the digital ones, but think.im might be ovulating a little early. Glad I "stayed up late" last night now 😉.
@79andnotout my consultant told me I'd likely be offered 1 cycle too. I'll be officially elligible in November-ish but the 6 month waiting list means I'll prob be 40 ( in february) by the time I get to the top. Bit miffed to be honest. He made the point of saying that if I had ANY private treatment, then entitlement = zero nhs attempts. November seems to be fast approaching and I've still got about 3 stone to lose too

Weekend is here ladies woo!. @BambiOnIce80 thanks took last dose tonight seem to have done the trick cross fingers. My folks came to visit me today and we had a nice afternoon and evening drinking and eating catching up.I decided to have a couple of alcoholic drinks today I have cut caffeine right down and stopped drinking alcohol but after the crap week I've had one day and a couple of drinks wont hurt at the moment.

Hi @BambiOnIce80 glad your feeling good about it all. I am with you on the planning. A definite positive is that, like you said... you can plan around it and enjoy the time beforehand. 😊 exciting though.

It’s so strange that whenever anything ‘reproductive’ is due I get this unwell sickness. Very strange I wish I knew what it meant.

Yes did my pretty muddy.... I was indeed very bloody muddy but all worth it for a good cause. It was an emotional day but a nice feeling to be helping in some small way. How is DP over all the ivf business?

No @CNizzle but I would like to get one. So let me know how you find it?

I was advised to have a month off ‘the sticks’ so I will 🤞. I’m thinking of the last 2 cycles are anything to go by Ov should be sometime next week the day should be on the Sat which is also the day we are flying 🙈 so 🤞 we don’t miss it and 🤞 I’m not bloody I’ll!

I can’t believe the time has come where so many of you are so close to starting your ivf journeys. Time really does fly x

Can anyone remind me why it’s not advised to take antihistamines when ttc?

Just poking my head back in here to see how everyone is doing. Glad to see those of you thinking about the IVF route have got some buddy support on here 👍

@Carley321 I think it's because they dry up the cervical mucous but any that are safe in pregnancy will be ok when TTC. You could always use pre-seed or conceive plus to compensate.

Tentative congratulations @Russkispy 🤞 it's a good and sticky one.

Hi ladies, hope you’re all o.k and have had a good weekend. I had a bit of a shock last week when I realised it was a vaginal scan 🙈 Made me have flashbacks of the hsg, but it was fine. Apparently my uterus is tilted back a bit (can’t remember what the proper name is) and they could see 4 follicles on one side, with one dominant one. Is that a low number? I got a peak reading on my CB monitor the morning after the scan. She struggled to see the ovary on the other side and had to press on my stomach, but managed it in the end. I didn’t think to ask about follicles on that side. Also had a blood test to check AMH, but not sure when i’ll get the results. She recommends the long protocol as opposed to the short one. Any idea what the differences are? I think I read that you produce more eggs with the longer one, but they may not be the best quality 🤔 It also means that we’re looking at September for Ivf when i’m back at work and will be more stressed!

Congratulations @Russkispy 🤞 for you that everything is fine.

@79andnotout things are never straightforward are they? Sounds like you need a specialist - hope you can get some decent advice and a plan of action.

@BambiOnIce80 your kitty is so adorable 😻

@VenusStarr hope you’re o.k x

@CNizzle I’ve got 2 stones to lose so I sympathise. Maybe we need to sign up for a run like @Carley321 I went to the gym for the first time in ages today and felt like I was dying 😳😂

Good morning ladies 🌞

Glad to hear you managed to get one in the bag @CNizzle 😉 I know it seems a long way off at the moment, but I have a feeling February will be here before we know it!

I don't think a couple of drinks will hurt at all @wannabemum38 🥂

I've had a month off the OPK's too @Carley321, purely because I've been suffering from some viral nastiness all the way through FW and LP and I simply couldn't be arsed! 😂 My temp chart is all over the bloody place as a result of the plague too, so from what I can make out AF could arrive anytime between now and Friday (it really is a shocker of a 🌡️📊!). DP is happy with all the IVF stuff now that we have a time line to work to (and longer to save up for it 💸). We're both looking forward to moving on with our lives, in one direction or another, come the new year (if it doesn't work the first thing we're doing is booking a bloody holiday! 😂). On the antihistamines front - what @Weathergirl1 said (and lovey to hear from you @Weathergirl1 😘). There is also some thought that it might reduce blood flow to the uterus as well, which might affect implantation, but the evidence is sketchy at best. I've stopped taking them for about 6 months now and am still decidedly unpregnant - just saying! 😂 Well done you on your muddy 5k! You are a super star🌟 ❤️

I'm sure the clinic will let you know what it all means when your AMH comes back @PixieN (that's what my clinic says they'll do, anywho!). When I had mine done first time round (back in 2013), I'd got double figures on my right ovary and something like 9 on the left, but I think that was unusually high 🤔 I'd just come off of clomid though, so think my results were in keeping with that. It'll be interesting to see what they're like when they're checked in September 'au natural'! 😄 I've yet to get my head around all the short v's long protocol stuff yet, so please feedback if you get it sussed out.x

@BambionIce80 I am still lurking here - I just don't have much to contribute to the IVF chat! Really miss the decent logical discussion on here when I see other threads in the pregnancy boards... There are some very dubious opinions being presented as facts and it's taking a lot of effort to restrain myself 🤬🤣

I'm still lurking too (waves), and totally agree on the "facts" on some other threads! It sounds like everyone's moving forward and I've got everything crossed for the IVF ladies 🤞

Congratulations @Russkispy!

Hi everyone 👋 I've been rubbish at keeping up to date here. I'm on Cd4 now, one last ditch attempt to conceive before my hysteroscopy in August. So we're doing smep! 😳 Wish us luck! Dh thought I was making it up when I said you dtd an extra time for luck! 😂 I think he's apprehensive about being under pressure to perform. He did say he's not promising we'll have the best sex! I've contacted a fertility reflexologist and hopefully will see her soon. She wants me to get a baseline for my bbt / ovulation so will have to start doing that again.

Good to see you @Weathergirl1 and @Pinkywoo :)

Sorry you had a difficult scan @PixieN, I'm dreading the hysteroscopy next month. I was triggered by trying to put a tampon in last month, brought everything back from the miscarriage and the hsg 😔

How's the kitten @BambiOnIce80?

Hope you're doing OK @79andnotout

X

Hi Ladies, I am so sorry I haven't posted in a while and double sorry that I haven't read our thread lately so I have lots to catch up with.

On my last episode message I left for my week off to France expecting to put my feet up and enjoy myself. Instead it was bloody hot, couldn't sleep and AF showed up 18 days after the last one. I then came home, called the ivf clinic and decided to go for my second egg collection attempt.

On the first scan all was fine and hopeful but on the second scan 2 days later my follicles size was decreasing and my LH was sky high. For the second time in a row my ivf cycle was cancelled. But then something happened...

Among all my tears of frustration and sadness it became clear that this is how my body is going forward and there is nothing I can do to change it. The whole ivf cycle is having a massive negative impact in my life, the fall after hope is to great to bear and to make things worse, for every scan performed in a cancelled cycle, the clinic charges me £200 - it makes me feel like a mug. So there, at the clinic I did what I thought was the unthinkable: I asked them to stop my treatment. I got off the bus and in an instant a cloud lifted and I haven't felt this free for a very long time.

I havent given up hope to have a child but I realised that for me ivf isn't the way to go. Controversially DH and I have been discussing egg donor. I know this is not everyone's cup of tea and 3 months ago this idea was unthinkable to me but now I am starting to see it in a new light and have been reading more about it but I will take my time.

For now my next step is to legally terminate my treatment with the clinic and I will look for a private hormone doctor to see if there is anything I can do to help my perimenopause. I will focus on things that make me happy like home design, get my house finished, drink champagne and get a nice manicure and treat myself to everything I have been avoiding in order to TTC. Then I'll figure out what to do next.

I am by no means trying to persuade any of you to give up on ivf. As you know my AMH is extremely low and I am not the usual case. I will still be here cheering up for you lovely ladies and I hope this will be the answer to your baby prayers. We will all get there, one way or another as long as we are happy xxxx

NB. Apologies for the soppy message. I promise it wont happen again.

@PixieN haha you will be fine when you get into it. 🤞 for some good news from your AMH and more info on your scan. Funny enough they had trouble finding my right ovary it was quite high up 🤔.
They also didn’t tell me how many follicles I had which was strange... You just don’t think to ask in those situations do you!

Hello again to the lurkers... I have nothing to contribute on the ivf front either. But enjoy having a safe place with you ladies!

Good luck with smep @VenusStarr 🤞🤞 I have high hopes for you this cycle!

Thank you @BambiOnIce80 😊. Oh does it. I’d better leave them alone just in case then. Had a reaction to something a few days ago so took one. We are also going away sat and I usually take them before hand and during our hols... to keep my prickly heat at bay as well as keeping the mosquito bites at bay (god help me this year).

Sorry you’ve been feeling shitty @BambiOnIce80 hopefully your on the mend now? It’s quite refreshing not using opks (probably won’t be saying this when I’m guessing when af is due in a few weeks). I’m glad your moving forward. I bet it’s a nice feeling knowing which way your heading.

Wow @QuantumGirl it sounds like you have found some calm amongst this manic journey. I’m glad you are feeling free about it all and have been able to put yourself in a good place with what you feel you want to do next. Your message was actually lovely and refreshing to read and it’s so great to hear that your in a good place. Good luck with whatever comes next. X

Goodness me @QuantumGirl, what a lot to deal with. Sometimes it takes a blow-out to clear your mind. Sounds like you've got a plan and are positive moving forward with it. All the very best x lightening the load will hopefully do you wonders, after all stress is meant to be such a conception no-no.

So I came off the pill 3 and half weeks ago now. No sign of any bleeding and usually 3 weeks to the day whenever I have missed even one pill I get a full on bleed for a few days but absolutely nothing. I have some usual period type symptoms bloating etc but not reading anything into it cos I know we can all think pregnancy symptoms when its just AF on its way to town. Sorry ahead for TMI but tonight had a fair bit of CF white and sticky which could either be sign of ovulation which of course is good or just my hormones getting back to normal after coming off the pill. Mother nature is so mean really giving such conflicting symptoms!

@wannabemum38, it's definitely nearly impossible to tell the difference between early pregnancy and AF symptoms, but you might be one of the lucky ones who falls pregnant straight off the pill 🤞🏻

Good luck with the SMEP @VenusStarr! 🍀🍀🍀 You're a better woman than me! 😄

I've still got the world's most annoying cough, but I'm at least feeing better now thanks @Carley321 😘 Sounds like you're going somewhere hot (🏝 😎) - I hope you have a lovely time!x

I have to admit that your update has left me with a tear in my eye @QuantumGirl ❤️ I thoroughly understand your decision and it absolutely sounds like you've made the right decision for you and DP. We've been discussing what we'll do if our September appointment reveals that I'm unlikely to respond well to IVF and we're 99% sure we'll be leaving the process there. Like you, I feel a mug parting with that sum of money anyway, let alone for suboptimal chances - I start sweating just thinking about it! Please keep in touch about what you decide to do.x

Could be anything at this stage @wannabemum38. It took my cycles almost a year to settle after coming off the pill, though. Hopefully it happens quickly for you.

Glad all is going well @Russkispy, hope it all works out for you.

Sorry to hear you've been unwell, @BambiOnIce80. Sounds like you're all set for IVF later this year, and figuring out what to do one way or another.

Nice to hear all is well from the lurkers!

Good effort on the SMEP @VenusStarr. We got nowhere near managing it, it's a proper slog!

@CNizzle - that's annoying. My CCG don't count privately funded towards your total. Some areas are so harsh! Mine have done everything they can to help me, as quickly as possible.

@QuantumGirl - I hear ya. We've had a similar chat recently. The line in the sand for us has kept moving and moving, and I stepped back and had another look. We've pretty much decided to close the door on TTC now. I'm not allowed to try naturally until my thyroid is under control, which took about 12 months last time, and by the time my thyroid has stabilised I'll be well past my age 40 deadline. I'm done with being in limbo, and we both concluded we would be happy enough without kids, but what we don't want to do is be pursuing an unlikely dream indefinitely. Or putting my health at risk. I'll see what my docs/consultants say in the coming months but as far as I'm concerned it feels like I'm done with TTC.My boyfriend was never that keen anyway, so he's fine with whatever decision I make. I'm glad you made peace with your situation too. Donor eggs sounds like a great idea and right for you.

I'm still hanging out here. I want to see how you all get on! I'll also keep you updated on my house renovation projects/ski holidays/more animals/massive 40th bash I'm planning right now.