The SI Undergraduates: Syringes, Yoghurt Pots and Legs in the Air part 4

[MrsKin90]

I hope this name is okay. It's late and nobody is volunteering so it'll have to do 😂

Starting yet another thread on self insemination before our other one kicks us out!

Welcome to THE most supportive group you could wish for if you’re starting or you are already on a self insemination journey.
Remember, nothing is TMI and you are not alone. 💖

Err tagging at random but likely to forget someone...

@Makingnumber2
@Janefx40
@primrosechill
@Sydney1986x
@Birchybirch
@Lori23TTC
@Oilyoilyoilgob
@Carol1980

I know I've definitely missed people 😬 sorry!

I'm not tagging our bfp ladies right now (would you want to be tagged?! I've no idea) but hope they keep an eye on us and chip in often with wisdom and support ❤️

@Sydney1986x You're very welcome -I'm not an expert or anything but I have peed on so many of these things, I have gained some wisdom! 🤣
This actually happened to me on the cycle I conceived, I kept getting those non-progressing faint OPKs, I was getting so agitated. Poor DH said he felt so drained! 😅 And then literally out of the blue one evening I got a blazing positive -I think it was 2 or 3 days later than usual for me.
So don't worry about it, keep testing and keep up with the SI as much as you both can. It's OK to miss a day too, always remember that. You ovulate after the positive OPK so there's plenty of time! 😉

@Sydney1986x sounds like @eloiseislost has some expert advice there which makes a lot of sense. I've always been rubbish at reading OPKs so I buy the CB digital ones but they are pricey!

@primrosechill best of luck for your cycle. Get in touch any time you want to ask IVF questions. This is my 3rd fresh round and I've also done one frozen transfer cycle so have been around the IVF block. I've had failures and also one massive and very sweet success through IVF. I find it ok - it is a bit hard to get your head around when you start but once you get used to it, it's fine. I've quite enjoyed this cycle because I know we are getting a real shot at a baby.

Btw all your meds need to be in the fridge? For me it was only the cetrotide and trigger shot that had to go in!

Xxx

@Janefx40 thank you, I will definitely take you up on that offer and will undoubtedly reach out once we start the cycle! And yes, only the injections in the fridge for me but we have a very small fridge and the injections were larger than I thought haha ;) best of luck to you for the next couple of weeks! X

Thanks for starting the new thread @MrsKin90

@primrosechill and @Janefx40
Best wishes for your cycles.

@Carol1980 how are you doing?

@eloiseislost great to see the graduates thread. We had a similar one for 35+ TTC our first. And it became a great place for us to complain about our pregnancy niggles.

I have AF. Weird month with lots of odd spotting on days leading up to it... but I’m putting it down to the MC last month.

@Oilyoilyoilgob thank you lovely ❤️ I can’t believe what happened at your acupuncture- that would have made me cry for hours (once I start I just can’t stop sometimes) I hope your next session is kinder to you!
It’s so hard when you see babies/children as it makes you want it even more! I’m so so ready to be a mum, I have my lovely cat and he is my child but I’m so ready for a baby and I know it’s the one think I would be really good at 🥰 I do believe our day will come though. How are you feeling now, will you be testing this cycle or holding out till AF is due? I also had my internal ultrasound to check everything over as part of my tests after a year, I had bloods taken too. This was all set up through my gp.

@Makingnumber2 thank you ❤️ I hope you are ok you have had a terrible time but hopefully your body will get back into a normal cycle soon and you can start SI again! 🤞

Thinking of you all xxx

@birdbybird sorry to hear AF showed her ugly face but perhaps it's a good sign that your body is slowly getting back to "normal" and full strength after the mc. My first couple of periods after the mc were super weird too so I think it's to be expected.

How is everyone doing? I'm 11dpo today and i'm getting itchy fingers to trst but I keep telling myself it's not worth ruining my long weekend over and that I'm close enough to the next cycle to just let whatever happens happen. Anyone else reisiting the temptation to poas at the moment? X

Thank you for tagging me. I've been taking some time out of MN to focus on overcoming my vaginismus which I have finally managed to do after 5 years!! I hope it's still ok to remain on the group as you've all been so supportive and welcoming. I am still using SI here and there. Good luck to you all wherever you are in your TTC journey x

@rs2015 that's amazing, congrats! Do you mind me asking what it is that you did differently in the past few weeks that has helped you make such strides with vaginismus?

@primrosechill I attended a 4 week digital group arranged by my gyne based on Cognitive Behavioural Strategies. They focused on breathing techniques, ways to relax pelvic floor and graded exposure to dilators. After the 4 week group, I then had 2 individual sessions to progress from dilators to penetrative sex. It was very very helpful. I made minimal progress on my own until I was referred for the group. Let me know if you have any other questions x

@rs2015 huge congratulations! That’s fantastic news. Wishing you all the best with TTC x

@Lori23TTC it’s expected in a group setting in regards to hearing stuff but it did upset me-I did get jealous 😕 think what annoyed me in equal measures was also the her talking so loudly during the needles getting inserted. Up to then I’d only heard us all whispering so I was also a bit 🙄 at the noise level.
You’ll be a fantastic mum and you sound so ready for it. I really do hope your wishes come true very soon 💚

@rs2015 that’s fantastic news, what amazing progress. Good luck for future SI and trying the conventional way 😃

Well, my emotions and anger didn’t let me down and I’ve started my period! Had light cramps yesterday and barely there brown but now I have the period cramps from HELL 😂 it was always a bonus round for March and April due to me having the mmr (second one this week) so I’m upset but trying to take it on the chin. Thanks to pmt and being a devil had raging arguments on Saturday with husband with a lot focussing on babies.
This is such a hard journey.
I’m coming around more to ivf now, we’ll probably have April and May cycles naturally and go from there in regards to getting that ball rolling.
The big 40 looms at the end of the year and I’m all too aware of that.

I have some at home blood kits due to come Tuesday to test various different things (20% off at Medichecks) so that’ll be interesting to see those results. I’m doing the pre pregnancy one and a separate amh one.

Hope everyone has had and is having a good Easter holiday. We’re driving to a beautiful beach near us soon, bit scared of how cold this wind is 🥶😅

Xx

@rs2015 that sounds brilliant, is this something that people can self-enroll into? If yes, please share any links, and once again congrats! 🎉

Well ladies, 13dpo and a bfn for me so safe to say I'm out. I've definitely spent a part of the last few days daydreaming about calling my clinic and letting them know that I won't be starting ivf because I got my bfp after all, but I also used that time to watch injections videos and read some ivf stories, so I feel prepared. AF should arrive later today or tomorrow.

How is everyone else doing? @Oilyoilyoilgob cycle buddy, are you resisting the urge to poas?

@Oilyoilyoilgob looks like we cross-posted!! Sorry to hear your AF is here...

@primrosechill unfortunately you can't self enrol. I spoke to my GP who referred me to gyne. It was gyne who then referred me forward for the group. Speak to your GP and see if they have a similar option available.

@Janefx40 fingers tightly crossed for you! 🤞🤞

@rs2015 I'm so happy for you, that's amazing! And will definitely inspire our other lovely ladies who suffer with the same. What amazing progress! I can't wait to hear how you get on and if being able to dtd traditionally does the trick for you. Well done ❤️

@primrosechill sorry you got a BFN 🙁those day dreams are so hard aren't they? I've got my check up ultrasound today and I keep daydreaming about them turning the screen around and showing me a tiny baby 🙄 thanks brain. Hopefully AF still doesn't show but if it does you've got an exciting cycle ahead with IVF, such a better success rate than doing it at home so... 🤞🤞 How are you feeling about it?

@Oilyoilyoilgob I'm sorry it looks like AF is here for you and that you've been arguing with your husband. It's such an exhausting and emotional journey for everyone and hormones definitely make it even worse to cope with. It's good to let those feelings out sometimes but important to bounce back when you can. Sending you some big hugs. I didn't know you could get at home blood tests. Do they just work on finger pricks I assume?! Are they not things your doctor will run for you?

Thank you @MrsKin90 you are always so kind. How are YOU doing? You are riding the waves of TWW at the moment, too, aren't you?

I'm cramping loads and have had the mildest spotting already so waiting for the bloodgates to open (it's amazing how in TWW everything seems like a pregnancy symptom and then the second you get your bfn, it all just unmistakably feels like an approaching AF 🙄). I'm still a bit anxious about the IVF, as I don't necessarily love the idea of continuously stabbing myself in the stomach and going for scans every 2-3 days but at least I feel like I'm doing something different which in my case is definitely better than the anxiety of watching the months go by and getting repeated bfns...

@primrosechill 🙁 stupid periods. These periods are starting to make me quite angry! I can't imagine anyone wouldn't be nervous about suddenly having to do injections so be extra kind to yourself. How's your partner doing? It's so hard as the woman as you get to face the brunt of everything, but I imagine being man in this situation feels totally helpless! You're so strong, I'm very inspired by your ability to move forward with IVF ❤️ I think if nothing else it's a more controllable form of TTC? (Probably easy for my to say as I'm not at that stage yet). You can see everything ticking along with scans, have complete control over the timing and the egg and the sperm get specially selected (I think?), rather than just shooting sperm up there and leaving it up to the universe as to if they go in the right direction? Make sure you come here to moan as much as needed about the process. We'll be here to listen and support and I'm ready to be super excited for you 😊

I'm only 6dpo today after ovulating even later than normal for me 🤦I could obsess about my already sore boobs etc. But it's just far too early to mean anything. Just had my ultrasound this morning. They don't tell you anything during the scan, for all I know I might not even have a uterus as I could see the scan screen and it looked like a blurry black hole to me! 😂
I am delicately balanced between okay and not okay. I'm sick of everyone around me strutting around getting pregnant when they so much as drop their keys. But I'm also trying hard to be positive and focus on the things I can do something about (fitness, weight loss, stress levels, going to acupuncture etc.). I'll feel better once hubby has his sperm analysis (yes that's what I meant by SA for the person who asked and I ignored, sorry!!). I'm nervous it's going to be awful or that he won't be able to perform for it like last time and that part of the puzzle will be delayed, again. 😟 Fingers crossed. I'll feel 100% better once we've managed that step!

Hi everyone please can I join?

Firstly I think this is the thread I need as we have been ttc for about 7 months now with no luck. I'm 40 so that is also a potential issue...

I think I just suddenly thought or maybe read somewhere about self insemination and will be giving this a try first time later this week!

TMI but we are unsure how far dh projects now so I'm keen to try this.

Is there any tips anyone has or useful reading anywhere please?

I'm a total beginner so nothing is to basic I don't even know what the dp's/ don'ts are
Thank you.

@mummysharkk of course! Welcome :) do you have any specific questions that you are looking to get answered? I learned a lot from a few youtube videos and then this thread is a brilliant support bubble for whenever you second guess anything or just want to vent.

@MrsKin90 I'm sure they found a uterus on your scan 😂😂😂 proud of you for getting the tests in and hope that your partner's SA comes back good as well - although sometimes it's almost better to find SOMETHING - otherwise you keep thinking "if everything is okay with us then why isn't it happening?!"

Thank you for asking about my husband and the ivf - I think he is just excited that we are doing something new about the ongoing ttc nightmare, it's been a year since the mc and 15+ months since we first started trying and we are both so tired of it. I also feel 20 years older than I am as a result...

@Oilyoilyoilgob I’m so sorry AF has got you 😞 and @primrosechill for your bfn - I am so sick of our AFs arriving!! Take care of yourselves ❤️ Allow yourself to het upset - I find crying it out does help.

It’s interesting you ladies are at or near the IVF stage - I have my next fertility appointment next month and that is the next step for me too. Good luck with it all primrose - I’ve not done any research on it as I didn’t want to jinx not falling before but after next month and I know what month I will then do some research- it’s nice to have someone else I can talk to who is going through the same struggles.

Ttc is such a tough journey when it doesn’t just happen - everyone around me at the moment has just fallen the 1st month and I think that’s what I struggle with the list, some of my friend who have fallen straight away I could have had 2 babies in that time and I’m still over here not pregnant- so depressing!
I hope everyone has had a lovely Easter weekend - I got one have eaten lots of chocolate but I have been on AF so that’s 2 excuses 🤣 xxx

@mummysharkk welcome!! Good luck for tour first SI!! There is loads of advise if you read through the threads ❤️ X

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone. I'm 5 dpo today so it's just a waiting game now. I'm going to try my best not to torture myself by testing early. Easier said than done!

@Oilyoilyoilgob and @primrosechill I'm so sorry AF/BFNs have shown up for you guys- sending lots of love, chocolate and wine. I agree with Lori- just cry as and when you need to and be extra kind to yourselves.
@Lori23TTC I'm glad you've been able to use some Easter chocolate therapy to help you through AF this month. Having people around you falling pregnant or being pregnant makes all of this feel so much harder- you have my every sympathy having to deal with that atm.

Welcome @mummysharkk! I hope you find this thread as useful and wonderfully supportive as I have. Will be keeping my fingers crossed for you this cycle.

@inkworks273 the TWW is such torture- especially for POAS addicts (I count myself as one!!). Hope the next 1.5 weeks fly by for you and that it brings your BFP at the end.

I have been very lucky and have had a wonderful Easter bank holiday weekend- saw family members in the garden yesterday and enjoyed the sunshine etc. Couldn't help but think a few times during the day that it was the day we had planned to share our pregnancy news with everyone but tried not to dwell and ruin my own enjoyment of the day. It was hard spending the morning with my heavily pregnancy sister and the afternoon with my heavily pregnant SIL though I cannot lie- as irrational and mean spirited as that sounds. Had some random bleeding on Fri/Sat- no idea what it means- AF or just post D&C or what. But I'm going to do another HCG test tomorrow morning so please go against the spirit of the thread and send me some BFN vibes!

@Oilyoilyoilgob sorry about AF. Grrrr. Always annoying when she turns up!

@primrosechill sorry about the BFN. Totally natural to hope for a BFP before IVF. We all do it. It will be ok. I think @MrsKin90 has described it perfectly. It is a more controlled way of TTC. It just gives you lots of chances in one rather than one egg at a time.

Welcome @mummysharkk I loved this group and found SI such a relief. We still DTD occasionally but it was so much less pressurised to do SI and enabled us to do it more often. DP was totally in denial about the fact that he basically wasn't able to do it two nights in a row (!). This meant that we could do several nights in succession and he actually felt better because however much I would reassure him, it always made him feel rubbish if he couldn't produce the goods!!! I also span it slightly as for my benefit as I had got a bit sore (which was also true). So it was a total winner for us!

@rs2015 you are a total rockstar! It's amazing you have managed to resolve your vaginismus. You've obviously really committed to working on it and it's so impressive that you've made so much progress.

Xxx

@MrsKin90 @Makingnumber2 @Lori23TTC @Janefx40aww thank you. Yeah it sucks my period arrived but I’d been testing a few times including yesterday (as a just in case so I’d know whether to cancel my second mmr) so it wasn’t a total shock due to bfn results. Had another argument today but then had a really great beach walk, we walked miles.
Arguments down to babies, but also with my pmt that added to it. I’m no angel with pmt. we are both utterly fed up of the tww coming to nothing and it’s got to us.

@primrosechill and Jane I find you both so inspiring and your words about ivf have helped so much to give me some peace of mind and clarity-thank you both so much 💚

I’ve gone from utterly dreading ivf to slowly coming around, reading lots of info (the more I can know about something the less scary it is for me, I like control 😅)

Yes a lot of the bloods can be done by my gp and my lovely one before leaving has put on my file to get a full run done whenever I request. I just want to know some things ASAP so have gone for these, they are fingerprick ones. If I see anything gulp worthy I’ll know to start ivf ASAP. Then my bloods from my GP I can get a month after my second mmr to show the requested antibodies for rubella. Might also try get the chlamydia one tagged on there like you got-I want the works!

I hope everyone is ok. I’m just so sorry that our much wanted babies seem just out of reach. Hopefully for all of us, whichever the method, we’ll get there.
I totally understand primrose’s comment about feeling like I ages you, it’s such a stressful, tiring time. Hugs to everyone. Fingers crossed it won’t be much longer for us all 💚 xx