35+ TTC#1 Thread 7

[PixieN]

It’s time for a new thread for a lovely bunch of ladies supporting each other through our TTC efforts, possible IVF plans, possible alternative life journeys and adventures with or without babies after the age of 35. Think that about sums it up

@BambiOnIce80 @79andnotout @CNizzle @VenusStarr @QuantumGirl @Carley321 @Wannabemum38 @Russkispy @Kescilly @Laney79 @Weathergirl1 @Pinkywoo @birdbybird

I’ve included everyone who has posted on the last four pages of the previous thread. Hope that’s o.k as I know some of you have graduated to another thread, but still like to check in and apologies if i’ve missed anyone.

Lots of luck to everyone at whatever stage we’re at 💕

[PixieN]

Thanks @Weathergirl1 - I can’t believe you’re nearly 23 weeks! 💕That seems to have gone very quickly. Do you know if you’re having a boy or girl yet or are you keeping it a surprise? Good idea to decide what you want and look on eBay - much better than buying everything new when you can get good quality second hand stuff for a better price. Your ‘alien’ comment made me laugh as that’s what I imagine it would be like 😳🙈😂

I will have a look at the book recommendation as that sounds good for anxiety in general. I wouldn’t consider myself to be that bad usually, but ttc definitely hasn’t helped, and add thoughts of Ivf to the mix and i seem to have turned into a complete basket case! Thanks so much for your suggestions and for calming my nerves - I think I will regret it if I don’t go for Ivf despite how scary it feels. It sounds like you’re doing brilliantly which is so reassuring x

[PixieN]

Hi @Carley321 cross post! Glad you had a lovely holiday. I don’t know what i’d do without you lovely ladies too 💕 Good for you having a month off - and you never know, you hear of people drinking copious amounts and getting their bfp on holiday so 🤞🤞🤞

[Weathergirl1]

@PixieN tell me about it 😱. I'll DM you as I feel bad filling up the Conception thread with pregnancy stuff!

[wannabemum38]

@PixieN thanks I had a wee cry too but only early days for me having come off pill so feel bit rude to make such a fuss seeing all the pain and waiting and IVF a lot to you are going through. Not even sure if this is a proper AF or just breakthrough bleeding as although it's been heavy two days it's dying off already. But I guess it does take time to get back to normal last time I came off it a couple of years back my periods were different to my younger days short only 4 days but heavy every day. Have to figure out some ovulation testing now for couple of weeks Olia has predicted from 7th - 12th don't know how correct it is but will start testing and luckily me and my DP have a weekend together at my place. We are off to Paris in a month for our anniversary and if I am not pregnant AF will be present which won't be great but one of those things.
Sorry bit of a long post too but like a few of us on here I've no one else to talk too as noone knows we are TTC

[BambiOnIce80]

Never apologise for a long post ladies! I love a long post! 😁

Welcome back off your jolly-bobs @Carley321 🌞 Sounds like you've had a lovely and relaxing time 😎 We're not allowed to go to Italy in the summer ("too hot", apparently 🙄), but we'll be going in November pre-IVF to indulge in a bumper array of salumi, unpasteurised cheeses, seafood and wine to get it out of my system before I have to start complying with the IVF rules 😞 Fingers-crossed for a post holiday BFP for you 🤞🏻🍀

You're not being self-indulgent at all @PixieN ❤️ Sounds like it's the right thing to push it back a month, particularly with the possibility of a clash of schedules and the epic stress that would cause. That's the only good thing for me having to wait until the end of the year - I'm managing to fend off any work/social plans that would take me a away from home and schedule them away from December/January. I hope you are having a lovely time by the sea?x

Remind me if you're coming off of the progesterone only pill @wannabemum38? Before TTC I had the mirena coil, which also has progesterone in it. When I had that taken out AF was also much shorter than it was pre-coil and it took about 6 months to start getting back to normal (cycle length stayed the same, but it took that long for the flow to get back to normal, iyswim?). It is annoying not knowing if our cycles will snap back or take their time, but hoping yours will be back to normal ASAP 🤞🏻

Not much to report here - I even had to check my app to see what CD it is (11, apparently! 😂), so FW is upon us again. My parents are coming to visit when it looks like ov is due, so not feeling very hopeful about our chances for well timed DTD this cycle 😒 Oh well. September is edging towards us, so I'll just keep reminding myself that patience is a virtue! 😇

[Carley321]

Thank you @PixieN 😊. No joy though.
What book recommendation was this? I have pretty bad anxiety and also ttc not doing well to add to it.

🤞 your cycles will get back to normal soon @wannabemum38 mine are just haywire since stopping. But I was on it non-stop for 15 years plus I am pretty sure I have other issues going on. It sounds like you are already on track.

Hi @BambiOnIce80 oh it was very very hot which is why we chose it to be relaxing and stayed by the water. I just love it there though everything is a picture and the food is delicious. As you already know 😍.
🤞 you manage one that counts 😁 while the parents visit.

I did the same wasn’t sure what CD I was on until AF (well heavy spotting) showed this morning along with the discomfort I get in my side. So checked it out and realised I’m CD27 🙈 I just can’t seem to get my body regulated. I’m beginning to feel so worried over it all. Since May I’ve had a 29 - 30 - 32 and now possibly 27 day cycle. Along with this irregularity and the weird pain and general unwellness I get during, what I assume is right side ovulation I am beginning to get seriously concerned and these nhs referrals for this that and the other just take so long 🙈.

Sorry to jump back in and be a moany old cow, I’m just getting very impatient and I feel like time just runs away with you doesn’t it. It’s been 15 months since stopping the pill now and not even a bloody almost. Ok so sorry rant over!

[BambiOnIce80]

Rant away @Carley321! It's what we're here for! No one can be sunshine and rainbows all the time in the head 🤬 that can be the TTC process (and if they can then they are far better women than me! 😬).

Do you usually spot on the build up to AF or is this something different? Could be IB, but then I used to find (when I TTC'd with XH) that if I went on holiday that would normally mess with my cycles +/- a few days. 🤞🏻 it's nothing to worry about. Are you any further forward with getting your endo investigations sorted? I can't remember if you were sticking with the NHS or going private for those? I find having dates in the diary for the next steps helps stop me from getting too anxious, but I appreciate everyone is different.x

[79andnotout]

Hi @QuantumGirl - anything hormonal takes a while to regulate. You have a blood test every couple of months to check to see how things are going and adjust your medication accordingly. When I was overactive seven years ago it took a year of swinging around before I stabilised. I'm sure I could push for moving forward faster but thyroid is a crucial component of fetal development so I wouldn't want to rush things. I have drawn a line under TTC now though. I've mentally moved on already. I think because I come from a huge family I'm not at all bothered about passing on my DNA. Or maybe because I studied genetics at uni and therefore have a wholly unromantic connection to it. DNA is DNA.

@weathergirl - yeah the mindless purchasing of shite is terrible. I despair!

@PixieN thanks for the book recommendation. I downloaded it and have been thumbing through. Lots of questions me and OH have been asking ourselves recently, like whether we should get rid of our car etc. It's so easy to feel overwhelmed by it all. I'm not usually much of a protester but I feel like I need to be doing more.

Hope you didn't get any more blood @Russkispy.

@quantumgirl - we're not that keen on carpets easier but i covered my painted wooden floors within a couple of months after getting our dog. Greyhound nails are really long and she was always clattering around, drove me mad. I'm thinking of putting cork tiles down in the loft when we do it - insulating, renewable, and practical (I hope).

[79andnotout]

*either, not easier

[Carley321]

@BambiOnIce80 It’s more of a brown spotting (TMI) and yes I do get it before hand usually. I also have the side/hip discomfort so pretty sure it’s

I went to my follow up private appointment and she didn’t seem at all concerned and suggested I wait another 3 months before going ahead with any tests.
I have also been referred to gyne from nhs docs so going to go to that appointment as well. I have had a letter saying I’m on the waiting list. So will hopefully be soon. 🤞
I think heading somewhere would make me feel better, just feeling at a dead end at the moment, I don’t even build my hopes up each month now. 🤦‍♀️

[wannabemum38]

@BambiOnIce80 yes I was on cerelle mini pill. I came off it a couple of years ago as was single and wanted to stop taking it to see if my cycles come back and I was ovulating for future reference. I bought a testing kit and after couple of months I think cd14 I got a positive ovulation so I thought well that hopefully means it's working. I had regular 28-29 day cycles of 4 days from a month off pill onwards am hoping that it will all be the same this time round but as it's now 18 months or more later since then who knows with eggs aging. I have been on that pill for 11 years with a break of maybe 2 years in total during that time. Early days so cross fingers it's definitely a first withdrawal bleed anyway and not implantation as it's bright red and had cramps and stuff. Guess the real TTC starts from now!
@Carly321 yes having regular or irregular cycles makes such a difference I'm sure. Hoping for the regular kind as much as I hate having AF after years of not having to put up with it all lol

[Russkispy]

@79andnotout thanks for asking after me. I keep having brown discharge/spotting on and off throughout the day, all day, but not filling up the pad etc not in pain, clots or discomfort or cramps. Think feeling nauseous in the mornings?! Just been to the loo and the discharge kind of changed in colour and maybe a bit watery now with some brown bits, and when wiping mostly. Ive read on Tommy.org and miscarriage association about bleeding and think I'm ok as long as I don't bleed fresh red blood and experience tummy ache etc rescan is next Wednesday, can't wait to see what's happening inside! Hope you're ok?!

[Pinkywoo]

I'm good thanks @BambiOnIce80 (sorry for the delayed reaction!), I'm 28 weeks now and absolutely huge, so much so I've got a growth scan tomorrow. How's the kitten doing, any more pictures?

Where in Italy did you go @Carly321? We came back from Sicily last week, visiting DH's family and it was really hot but lovely.

Congratulations @CNizzle, what a lovely ring! ❤

@Russkispy I hope everything's going ok, I had spotting on and off until 12 weeks with no problems so hopefully you'll be the same.

[PixieN]

Hi ladies, hope you’re all o.k. We’re having a lovely, relaxing time on holiday thanks @BambiOnIce80 It’s the start of FW this week so will give the natural way another go before we head towards Ivf. The clinic have been fine about delaying things for another cycle. I’ve been recommended by one of the nurses to take a number of supplements including DHEA 3x a day and 5mg of melatonin at night (not sure if I mentioned this before) as well as the ubiquinol and prenatals. I looked on the label of the DHEA and side effects could include aggressiveness, irritability and facial hair 😳 Hmmmmm. Apparently, they recommend you take the supplements for 3 months before Ivf so i’m not really sure how much difference it’s going to make....

@Carley321 The book recommendation was from Weathergirl about hypnobirthing -she said it might be good for anxiety, not just labour related. I’m trying to focus more on mindfulness and looking for ways to reduce stress. The other book was environmental - ‘There is No Planet B.’

@79andnotout We are having the same discussions. DH has gone from a complete meat eater to wanting to incorporate more veggie meals which suits me perfectly as I feel the same. We had halloumi and portobello mushroom burgers the other day and they were so tasty 😋 We’re also thinking about getting an electric car and having solar panels installed at some point in the future.

@Russkispy good luck with your scan next week 🤞💕

[PixieN]

Glad things are progressing well with you @Pinkywoo - keep us updated 💕

[Carley321]

@Pinkywoo we went to Bardolino Lake Garda. It was lovely. Also very very hot. We spent most of the time by water lol. Apart from when we were drinking wine and making the most of non-stop Italian food mind 🤣.

Thank you @PixiN I will give anything a go. I always have that sneaky feeling my anxiety has a lot to do with it all.

Hope everyone is good. We are in search of a sneaky break for FW if anyone has any recommendations of a bargain break let me know

[Kescilly]

@PixieN halloumi and portobello burgers sound amazing! Did you make them at home?

[PixieN]

@Kescilly - yes, we made them at home. Inspired by a pub meal we’d had. Definitely recommend - they were yummy 😋👍

[BambiOnIce80]

Evening ladies 🙂 Catching up after a rather manic few days with the parentals (many, many kilometers have been walked between fringe venues! 👟💪).

I totally hear you about being past getting your hopes up each month @Carley321 - absolutely there with you 💖 I'm keeping everything crossed that the NHS lap appointment comes through your door soon 🤞🏻On the cheeky mini-break front, are you adverse to travelling up to Scotland? If not, then check out this website:

www.itison.com/

We use it all the time for food deals and have had some awesomely discounted mini-breaks out of it as well 😎 I think some of the vouchers go as far south as Newcastle/Lake District/Manchester/Liverpool, depending on the time of year 🤔

How's the real TTC going @wannabemum38?! 😉

I'll be thinking of you for your scan tomorrow @Russkispy 🍀❤️🍀❤️

Hope you had a lovely time in Sicily @Pinkywoo and didn't get too crazy hot?! 🔥Piccy of the goblin kitten attached for you 😺

I hope you've been able to have a good run at FW @PixieN?! 😉 The DHEA does indeed sound more than a little bit scary, but at least you're being prescribed it and they'll be monitoring you. Also - think about all the irrational, high maintenance 💩 you'll be able to get away with for the next few months by blaming the DHEA! 😁🤪😉

Still not much to report at my end 😏 Managed to DTD a couple of times in FW before the parentals rocked up, but between them being in the next room, the kitten being in our room (to stop him from meowing at 4.30 in the goddamn morning! 😣) and getting a 48 hour ECG recorder fitted (by surprise 🙄), the mood was somewhat spolit! AF due a roundabout the 16th and I've found I'm kind of counting down the time to our initial IVF appointment in units of 'how many AF's left until the clinic'! 😬 1 AF left after this one and then we should hopefully be getting this show on the road 🤩

... I know. I'm getting weirder 🤪😣

[wannabemum38]

@BambiOnIce80 Well haven't DTD for a while as we are apart at the moment but weekend of fun ahead and cross fingers I will be ovulating. Had some CF today and took an OPK which had two distinct lines but not positive hopefully won't be positive til Saturday 🤞

[79andnotout]

@BambiOnIce80 what goes on the ecg? Is this your inherited heart condition? What happened? Hope you're ok!

[VenusStarr]

Oh @BambiOnIce80, what a beauty 😍 looks a bit cheeky too. We can't have the cats in our room, they just seem to get too excited to be with us and are constantly messing! Hope your ecg is all ok, sounds a bit scary.

@79andnotout good to hear you have renovation plans 😊

@PixieN How's things with you?

@QuantumGirl I didn't realise that defining mum was employed by the clinic, definitely take some of what she says with a pinch of salt! How are you getting on?

News from me... Smep worked! I was tracking my cycle and it turned out I ovulated on cd10, literally a few hours after my strongest (but not definitely positive) opk. I had reflexology last week and she told me my uterus was cold 😔 but I felt boiling and my temps were still up so I tested at 11dpo out of spite because she was adament I wasn't pregnant and there was a line! In denial a bit, but af was officially due yesterday and she didn't come and I've had a really strong positive last night.

I've got loads of symptoms I didn't have last time, not sure if that's a good or bad sign 🤔 but, today I'm pregnant ❤️🌈 the epu have said I can have a scan when I'm about 6 weeks, so I'll call them a week on Monday.

Been awake since 3.30 😴 hope everyone is doing well xxx

[79andnotout]

That's amazing news @VenusStarr ! Ha must be amazing to prove that acupuncturist wrong! I hope it all goes well for you.

I'm in California working so up at a weird hour. So pleased for you!!

[Weathergirl1]

@bambionice80 what Venus said - hope the ECG is just routine and you're not having any issues.

@venusstarr so pleased for you and wishing you so much 🍀🍀🍀 for a sticky one. I did see your posts on some of the pregnancy boards but I thought it would be a bit stalker-ish to comment on there when I wasn't on the thread. Also good luck @russkispy for your scan today 🤞

[BambiOnIce80]

Awwwwww, fantastic news @VenusStarr!! 🎉 😍 🎉 😍 Soooooo pleased for you (especially after putting all that work in with SMEP! 😜). Got to wonder how good at her job your reflexologist is though, eh?! I bet she'll be delighted to be proved wrong though.x

Fingers-crossed ov can hold off for your weekend away @wannabemum38 🤞🏻

I'm fine thanks @79andnotout and @Weathergirl1 ❤️ And yes, it's just the standard investigation because of my strong family history and lack of symptoms. If this comes back fine then I think they'll discharge me 🤞🏻 The surprise part was that the appointment letter only turned up the night before the bloody appointment! 😕 Turns out that electrodes are a bit of a passion killer and vetoed any further chance of DTD in FW... c'est la vie! 🙄

California sounds very jet set @79andnotout! 😎 I've done a few bits of California as holidays and loved the food 😋 I'm hoping you've lucked out and for some reason your work has sent you to Sonoma or Napa Valley?! 🍾🥂😉