TTC 1st Baby - Thread 17!

[MrsEG]

Hi everyone! I’ve started a new thread as we are dangerously close to 1000 posts in the last one! I’ll add a link to it now :) Here’s hoping it’s a lucky one!

@xjune88 I will very gladly take you up on your offer if you don't mind, that's very kind of you. I plan to start trying the SMEP next month and begin OPK testing for the first time... probably overdue as it will be month 10 for us!

Only discovered SMEP yesterday since joining this forum so excited to try that next month. Will not be telling DH though as he already thinks I am begin a bit intense!!

@winter138 no probs they're no good to me and could benefit someone else!! Pm me your address and I'll pop them in the post today for you, goodluck!!

And to all I recommend pregnacare trying for a baby, it seemed to help me ovulate and sort out my horrific long irregular cycles, grapefruit juice to help with CM (disgusting but mix with OJ), and just trying to chill and not be too strict with diets and things. Xx

Congrats @CB87 xx

@Meenabeena I take pregnacare - and DH took (because he forgets to still take) wellman tablets, first cycle he did that I got a BFP. I really like pregnacare, although they're massive tablets but I can handle that. I've taken (when I've remembered) tablets since we've started TTC, I think they say it takes like three months for it to be in your body properly so I'd keep taking them x

@purplefig long post warning I get what you mean about that release! Although I feel it at any point in the cycle 😂 sometimes having a big ugly sob is good 😂 re the normal cycle, before I went on contraception, I had crazily heavy and painful periods. Got my contraception out in August 2017, periods returned from around October/November but were crazy; up until March they were every two weeks and then every two months and no red blood. March last year they became red and I guess more regular, but still light and not painful at all, but I thought maybe my body had changed because of contraception.

Then last cycle! So I had AF from days 1-6 I think, not painful but definitely a little heavier than usual, crazy horny from CD10-14 with LOTS of EWCM on CD13 (this is when I ovulated) and DTD that night and DH said it felt way different (in a good way, he didn't last long 😂) but I'd been travelling so I was super tired and didn't think I was wet at all, but apparently there were no issues there (weird for me, if I'm not 100% turned on I can be dry as a bone). CD14 had a little EWCM left but then by the afternoon had a lot of creamy CM, which again doesn't happen for me ever. Boobs were hurting from 1DPO up until CD6 this cycle! My back pain returned, I didn't get my usual hormonal spots (this could've been because of my BFP though) but when AF came I took time off work because I couldn't even work from home. Finally had my usual painful heavy periods and I've never been so grateful 😂 I had a pretty textbook cycle with my body giving me all the signs - the fact that my AF came as heavy as it used to be makes me think that my super light periods in the last two years have been when I've not ovulated. And actually I didn't really get many signs that I was, and my cycles still weren't regular really. I commend you if you've got to the end of this comment 😂😂😂

@cupcakesandglitter At first I read that as in you were giving me a warning for my long post bahahahaa . And you will be pleased to know I did indeed read all the way through! Sounds like you've been on a right old roller-coaster - and it definitely sounds like it's really all leveled out now. What a journey! So glad it all worked out for you. It's also made me realise I think I'm way too harsh on my body - as it's got back to relatively normal cycles pretty bloody (pun) quickly considering it's been on hormonal contraceptive for over a decade. I might also look into pregnacare too, currently just taking some random folic acid and the husband is on some generic multi vit.

Thanks everyone! Gonna order Pregnacare tablets today. Will start taking them once AF finishes :)

I've been taking pregnacare now for 9 months. The tablets are huge to swallow and they make my pee a really bright green colour! I don't really notice any different tbh but better to be safe I think. I get them as part of my Amazon subscribe and save delivery each month!!

@purplefig I tried reading it back and I couldn't 😂 but your last post I've just seen was long too, long live the essays!! Definitely has been a crazy rollercoaster 😂😩 but I'm grateful. Me and DH are closer than ever - I actually told him last night I'm falling in love with him all over again, everything I felt before TTC is back and I don't feel that pressure anymore. How soppy 😂 id definitely recommend pregnacare, and if your DH is up for it then the wellman tablets are great. @Meenabeena Boots do the pregnacare pack of men and women ones for conception, they're usually on offer so could be worth having a look there, it's where I get mine from xx

@winter138 there is no pee as fluorescent as Pregnacare pee 😂

@cupcakesandglitter I do love a good essay! That's really sweet about you and your husband. I feel the same really, it does force you open up and get vulnerable with one another. Not to mention all that sex I know some people say TTC ruined their sex lives, but I've found the opposite to be true. It's made us put way more effort into things lest it become a chore (this is after several months where it became just that)!

@cupcakesandglitter Pregnacare his and hers is £12.19 on Amazon 😁 Boots it's £18.99. Amazon FTW xx

@MrsEG it really is 🙈didn't think I would ever be looking forward to the arrival of AF so I know what my body is upto

@xjune88 I wouldn't mind some if they were available, didn't think I would need anymore but now obviously back on the TTC journey again.

I feel left out, my pee is the same colour while on Pregnacare!

I do worry about with my digestive route being shorter, whether than means I'm not absorbing them properly? I think that about a lot of things I eat/drink to be honest... I have to get the liquid capsule paracetamol etc. rather than the plasticy-coated things, or there's not enough time for them to take hold before being 'ejected' whole, so to speak!
I wouldn't want to have been taking these for so long and none of the folic acid/vitamins actually being absorbed.

Sorry, just a personal brain-dump!

@starkid what about getting the liquid pregnacare? Would that be absorbed better? www.boots.com/pregnacare-liquid-200ml-10201855 p.s. Waves frantically I remember your name from before I had a few months off. Hope you're doing OK on this crazy old ride.

@Meenabeena ooo thanks for this tip - I've just ordered some. I'm currently taking some random folic acid, but after 9 months maybe I need to up my game. I also eat 99% vegan, so sometimes I do wonder if I'm missing out on things (I do supplement for it e.g. I take b12, but still).

@purplefig - hi! still here 😂 yeah that's what I'm thinking too, not sure how much small intestine I have, so at least if it's liquid it takes the guess work out of it! I'm guessing it's fine to take pregnancy ones while in conception, I expect they've all got similar vitamins in them

@starkid How ya holding up? I'm on cycle 9 now - no idea it would take so long! Ahh sorry didn't see that liquid was for pregnancy. Doesn't look like they do a conception one which is annoying. I know there are a few 'gummies' out there which might also be a better option for you?

@purplefig - yes I'm cycle 9 too, although had a couple of months before that of not 'trying' but being off contraception, so a year TTC. Am waiting for a letter to go for a scan of my ovaries, which should be the beginning of working out what's wrong (am almost certain there's scar tissue blocking tubes!). Annoying, as although I suspected it would come to this, I still was hopeful each month... you always hear of 'miracle babies'!
I think I'll try that liquid one as the vitamins are similar to the conception tablets! Just won't let anyone see and get the wrong impression haha. Will have a look for gummies too though to compare, thank you

How are you doing with it all?

@starkid glad to hear you've got the ball rolling, even though I appreciate it sounds really scary and daunting. Well done for being proactive though, and not just waiting and hoping. There is power in knowing, but I totally get you on the whole hoping it'll happen on it's own thing. Is there any reason in particular you think you have scar tissue blocking your tubes?

I'm doing surprisingly OK, considering it's month 9 and I could theoretically have a baby by now . I feel like I've relaxed a bit and accepted there is only so much I can do, ultimately it's out of my control and, to a point, the luck of the dice. That said, I'm certain we have missed my ovulation multiple months, so I am going to try and be a bit more proactive. E.g. this month I'm going to try temping to confirm I'm ovulating. I'm also seeing an acupuncturist (first appointment was on the first day of my current period...that was fun!) and I've ordered those vitamins. I'm also going to start exercising again (for my own mental health more than anything else). Despite all that, I still bawl like an absolute baby every time I get my period and feel, albeit briefly, like it will never happen

@purplefig - a lot of people swear by temping on here so it's a good idea if you aren't certain when you're ovulating and a few people have discussed acupuncture recently too, which sounds intriguing! I feel you in thinking you could've already had a baby by now though :(

Re scar tissue, long story short(ish) but I've had 2 lots of surgery to remove my colon and rectum and install an ileostomy bag (hence worrying about absorbing vitamins, with no large intestine and less small intestine!). Since then I've been told/have read that part of this surgery can affect fertility due to re positioning of vagina, and also scar tissue blocking tubes. But despite knowing this, I wasn't allowed a scan until it had been a year still, which was frustrating but I understand it's just procedure.

So now just waiting for the inevitable to be told to me! My stoma nurse did say IVF should work for me, but was hoping it wouldn't have to come to that... :-/

Hi all - just caught up with the new thread and wanted to mark my place. 32, now entering cycle 6, as just coming to the end of an unusually early AF. Wondering what my cycle will look like this time. Was only 25 days long in April as opposed to the usual 29.
Congratulations to you @CB87 - seeing that result must feel so wonderful. Wishing you a healthy and happy pregnancy!

Has anyone heard of or used OvaCue from Fairhaven Health? I bought it whilst we were on honeymoon in the US, and although I’m reserving judgement (this is the 2nd cycle using it), I’m hoping it’s going to help.
I think they rent them out in the US (but with new sensors per person) to help identify ovulation trends etc.

Just curious if it’s worked for anyone on here!!

@starkid I cannot believe you have had to wait a year for a scan, that seems so unfair given your circumstances. I'm really sorry for everything you've gone through, it sounds like you're holding up really well. And I totally get you on the wanting things to happen, but at least IVF would work if necessary.

My thermometer has just arrived! Tell a lie: my TWO thermometers have just arrived. Doh. I didn't realise you need a special BBT one, so will have to send the generic one back. Oddly excited to start this. (I'm sure I'll be sick of it in a few days).

@rose555 I had an oddly shortly period this month too - 27 days compared to my usual 29 - 35 days (and so, for a brief moment, I thought it might be implantation...alas!). All the best for cycle 6!

Hi ladies I literally just popped on to contribute to the pee conversation 😂 I've started taking Boots pregnancy plus vitamins, they're like pregacare but cheaper and easier for for me to take... And my pee is now colourful too!!! Glad to hear it sounds vaguely normal 😀

@XjustagirlX It’s so handy when tbe fertile week falls over a weekend!! FX for you.

@purplefig With Preseed I binned the applicators and just smear it over DH member (the things we discuss on these boards) - best way for it working for us!

@cupcakesandglitter Pregnacare pee!! Oh my gosh I thought I was dying at first. Kept googling it to try and understand what the hell was up with me!!

It’s so nice to see some of the comments re: relationships getting stronger. After our MMC DH was just amazing and I honestly couldn’t love him more now. Driving home from the hospital he had to pull over to cry too, and said it was because he literally couldn’t bear to see me in pain :( At least some good comes of the horror of the TTC journey!!

@MrsEG HAHAHA omg I love it. What a technique. I'll let you know how I get on. I mean, I guess it definitely gets it up there!! Totally agree with you about the relationship comments too, so lovely and affirming to read. That's so sad about your husband, but so reassuring to know he cares about you so much.