Of course it takes a village when you're dealing with fertility f*ckery TTC bus 41

[larrythelizard]

Ding Ding

Agency bus driver here so expect driving past the normal bus stops, someone incapable of working the ticket machine and definitely no change given!

In all seriousness I really hope I have all the right names in the right places!

Welcome back to the bus where anything goes, hop aboard, tell us about you & we’ll be here for you (there’s a song in there somewhere!).

This bus has a growing bunch of gorgeous black and white springy pups on board, tortoises & 2 feisty little kittens so bring your pets and pictures are obligatory 🤗.

We’ve got TTC happening in many different forms, shagging conventionally, unconventionally, with the help of scientific intervention, IUI/ICSI/Clomid/IVF & even just watching from the top of the bus 👀. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been trying for days, weeks, months or like some of us we’ve been around each other for so long we can’t bear to leave, nothing is TMI and there’s never a silly question...

Hell we KNOW TTC is tough, lots of us have had heart ache & are chasing 🌈so we are there for each other, as well as trying to have laughs along the way 🥰☺️

Oh and we like an embarrassing story to get your ticket for entry please!

And if you see mention of the boss' blog then blame these guys they made me do it...#shamelessplug

minstermusings.co.uk for the blog that’s where the full stuff happens
& minstermusings on insta - some of our ladies have made special anonymous accounts so we can link up via minster 🥰
If you want to sign up & get updates please do, please note your username if you comment shows up to others so maybe make it anonymous she won’t be offended 😂🤣(unless you are mean)

Story so far...

June 24 BFPs
July 11 BFPs
August 18 BFPs
Sep 4 BFPs
Oct 7 BFPs
Nov 7 BFPs
Dec 14 BFPs
jan 7 BFPs
February 8 BFPs
March 5 BFPs
April 5 BFPs

So into May we go, and plenty going on...
2 May @madeoftea @crazydoglady

🤞🏻💓😘🥳🙌🏻

Taking up their seats & buckling up...

@Franklydear
@Vil10 - here for ride, not of the TTC kind for now!
@Michellescarn
@lexber
@MoominC
@amy2503
@2alreadywantanother
@JJ93
@Jam291
@InkyPaper
@bez91
@haiyaa
@minthumbugs
@Katao
@larrythelizard
@DKDK123
@pennysays
@Dollybird89
@justwant2beamum
@EllieAdam
@Hopeful110
@blackcurrantqueen
@clolo
@MessyBob89
@DKDK123
@amy2503
@kaylesd
@ArrrMeHearties
@wicketbasket
@Billythecat
@Messybob89
@tornado2Inc
@sausage1990
@Minster2012
@KayL1988

IVF/IUI/ICSI /clomid passengers as well as TTC on the side!
@somatronic
@unCliche
@clolo
@notyetamumbuttrying
@katao
@Dollybird89
@MartyMcShy
@juno231
@paintfairy
@gensola
@Sunbird84
@babyghirl

Newly promoted to the bump list!
@madeoftea
@crazydoglady123

Bumps & babies who want to keep track of us 👀
@clairey844
@Missgoldilocks
@lucyrp
@KateColx
@blodyn91
@Catherinettc - shout out for Caolan
@Busybee143
@Ltay2
@BlondePotter
@Clairey844
@Gem176
@kirky658
@Hollie657
@justanothercyster
@DJmum83
@Thinkingandblinking
@florence13
@2020mission
@Asthenia
@Hopeful110
@katiekattty

@blackcurrantqueen congrats. Delighted for you. 1 place u dont hold back bfp posts or pics os here hunni. We all want then for each other. Xx

@vil10 we are going to get checked after this month. Do what's right 4 u. Love the doggo 😍

@somatronic she seems to be shes never wanted children and really struggles with her periods so she thinks that's the answer. There's other stuff going on with her regarding her gender and her sexuality but we're working through it with her.
@dollybird89 the cakes look amazing 👏 such a talent. I'm really sorry to hear about SIL, must be awful for OH and you waiting for results too
@vil10 aaaaa little Alby🥰🥰

Does anyone use easy@home Ov tests? I've been using CB OPKs but just wanted some other options

@blackcurrentqueen congratulations sweetheart on your BFP I’m hoping this is a sticky baby for you to have your rainbow 😘🤞🏻🥰

@Juno231 I don’t think I could convince my GP to do anything more, I could hear the eye roll tone in her voice each time she heard it was me on the phone as she has never been the most proactive of GPS 🤣 so I’m presuming I’ll just be left to plod until things get rolling in the post so I’m just gonna have a blow out week then they get myself into the best shape for it all but first I’m arranging to get vaccinated now because I may aswell since things are on pause until the referral so it’s not a set back down the line where they request for me to have my vaccines when the treatment starts if they suggest that anyway :’)

@Vil10 thanks hunny! Feels like I’ve been in diagnosis land forever (it’s only been since February 😂) it sounds like you’ve got a good structured plan ahead for you and your OH in terms of your testing part! Fingers and toes crossed it goes smoothly, it might be worth OH SA to enquire to the closer time frame they’ve got within your trust for SA as our appointment was a few week between requesting and actual analysis :) just a thought if yours is the same, ps soooo cute with the little puppy 🥰🥰🥰🥰

@DOB78 it sounds like you’ve got a strong minded daughter who at the moments knows exactly what she wants, I’m sure you’ll be there for her each step of the way whichever the outcome! It sounds with those symptoms she’s atypical PCOS I hope you’ve get some answers for her soon 🤞🏻x

@Minister2012 I had a little giggle then I’m not strange I promise 🤣🤣🤣 it’s like a saying used round here potentially a Yorkshire thing I’m not sure? “giving someone Scarborough warning” like if someone’s doing something and you’ve already told them bout to do it then they’ve been prewarned of the actions ahead what’ll come! I’m glad we know now we’re we both stand with things and just waiting for the next step in our journey :)

@Justanothercyster I’m so happy for you and your OH on your little brewing bundle of joy, it’s so nice to hear that sometimes it can happen when you least expect it even against the stuff predicted to tell things could be difficult then a little surprise happens 🥰😘 I hope your pregnancy hasn’t been too stressful for you and wishing you health and happiness with it 😘

@InkyPaper we’ve just had the conversation with GP yesterday both me and hub that we will be referred in and that’s all she said, I’m expecting a letter for a clinic appointment through post or something where we have to arrange the appointment based on our CCG I know my local hospital does the satellite clinic on behalf of Halifax every Monday so I’m presuming it’s going to be based with that in mind, I can only imagine the paperwork what will come with it all, hand cramp at the end of it no doubt!

@Dollybird89 that cake looks lovely, I’m sorry to hear about your SIL sending hugs over, we’re are all always here if you need a chat xxx

@Bez91 no beard just a small 90s pornstar tash.. I’m kidding I’m good hunny I’ve not experienced much symptoms than cycle disruption and odd cramp here n there 🤣

@notyetamumbuttrying you're so good for doing that, I can't stand needles, I think I'd really struggle! Oh god it's a right stress, we rang Tui and they said the next update would be the 28th, so we're waiting for that, if Mexico goes red then we'll get a refund, if they stay on amber we'll just have to change it! Ideally I want a refund but we'll have to see!x

@larrythelizard no he doesn't take anything yet, I think we'll probably wait and see if there is a problem first, because I had a cp at the beginning of the year so something must be working? Isn't it hard all the guessing!!x

@2alreadywantanother there's so many of us in similar places and situations x

@DOB78 he's going to have so many nicknames😂 I used to use easy@home opks and I liked them, they're a thick strip and really easy to use, I got the premom app too to log them x

@kaylsd god I can imagine, bet you're relieved you have answers now though!! Good idea! We need to properly get a plan together and decide when to go for it!x

@bez91 I'm sure we can have a look at your chart for a second opinion if you want?

@Dollybird89 sorry to hear about SIL - scary how mortal we feel when this stuff happens isn't it? Gorgeous cake and well done on the squats!

@Minster2012 honestly I figured I was just too foreign to get the Scarborough reference and left it lol. Much like I have nooooo clue what on earth caramac is.

@Justanothercyster plodding along! 2DPO for the millionth time so just twiddling my thumbs. Hope you're well!

@2020mission ooh that's interesting about your mum's reaction - funny how fertile people just don't have a clue! I imagine in her generation you'd have so little info about it and no one to talk to about it all.

@vil10 random but if your OH is a gym bunny does it mean he drinks protein shakes? If so then that could be having an effect on his swimmers.

@Juno231 whaaat really?? He has a shake every morning with his breakfast, protein, banana, oats, yoghurt etc, I didn't know protein shakes affected😩

@Vil10 yeah it's not the funnest but needs must and all that! 28th May I hope?! Fingers crossed for the refund then! 🤞🏾
Yeah we were told a big no to protein shakes as well! He hasn't had an SA though has he?

@kaylsd I have 2 very strong minded very bold Daughters which is a blessing but jeez it's difficult sometimes!! Thanks I'm hoping we can at least get answers for some of her issues soon.
@vil10 I've been using premom app for a while but thought CB OPKs would be easier to use gonna give the easy@home strips a try. Why not I've tried every supplement know to man and that made things worse so what do I have to lose?

@notyetamumbuttrying I can't believe that!! What's so wrong with them? OH is gonna hate me now telling him he might have to stop them😂 no he hasn't had it yet! So maybe we just stick to what we're doing until he's had it...

@DOB78 I definitely recommend it, I found them so easy to use! And the lines were so much darker and more prominent too!

I do @DOB78 - I tend to start using them once I get a flashy face on the CB. I find them quite stressful though because I drink quite a lot of water and therefore everything is diluted so takes me a long time to get a peak.

Yes I hate all the guessing @Vil10. Fingers crossed you can get a new holiday booked. Roll on the 28th!

@Juno231 have you read something on protein shakes and swimmers? DH drinks them and I have been wondering about them...although I'm unsure if he'll stop drinking them!

@vil10 yeah they are supposed to really affect swimmer levels and quality! Up to you but if you start looking into an SA in the autumn - by the time you book it, get results back etc and THEN decide to cut out protein shakes only for the changes to take 3 months to have an effect. You'll be looking at 2022!

@Juno231 @larrythelizard I'm also baffled by this?? It's like everything affects it nowadays!! Also not sure my OH would be too happy about it, it's literally his life the gym, he vents there, god I hate this shit😩

@larrythelizard the fertility clinics ask if the OHs take them and tell them to stop. IVF clinics also say it's a big no no. There's plenty to read about it if you do a quick google search.

Had to run to catch up with this bus! Work has been manic I've literally just been coming home having dinner finishing my 5miles and going to bed exhausted 😴 Have never been so glad to have a day off!
Thank you for the new bus @larrythelizard here's hoping its one filled with lots of bfps!

Hope you're resting up on your break from bus driving @minster2012 and taking care of yourself tho nice to see you back on the thread and doing some colour therapy dick pics are a good choice 😂

So jealous of all those with NC500 plans, I'm desperate to do it but we're waiting till DS is a bit older so we can enjoy it more. Post lots of pics of your travels once you do it please!

@Thinkingandblinking so glad to hear all went well with the scan 💕

Amazing on the weight loss @Vil10 well done you! 👏 And good plan of action that you and OH have decided on. But most importantly the puppy! 🥰🥰🥰🥰 far too cute!

@dollybird89 sorry to hear about your SIL and hope hubby's results come through soon to stop you worrying about that. That cake is amazing, so talented 😊

Lovely to see a bfp already! Congratulations @blackcurrantqueen, I know that you're understandably anxious but really hoping now is your time 🤞

@dob78 I use the easy@home ones, for me they're the ones that give me the clearest peak and my temp rise usually comes a day or 2 after so I'd say they were pretty accurate for me for ovulation and so much cheaper than the digital. I'll attach a photo to show you how clear the shift it on them, I found other brands not as clear. If you haven't already be sure to sign up for premom 9cycle guarantee if you start using the easy@home ones as if you're not pregnant after 9cycles they refund you the ovulation/pregnancy tests or thermometers. Not that you want to still be trying 9cycles in but recieveing some money back softens the blow, I got my refund so they definitely do pay out!

I'm not usually one for symptom spotting but I took it to a whole new level yesterday 😂 Was playing football with the kids at work and I was in goal, one of the boys booted the ball full pelt at my stomach and I instantly cradled my stomach with my first thought not being how f*in sore it was but "OMG the baby!" 🙈 Don't know where that came from but I am mid way thru the TWW so then I began wondering if my body knew something I didn't. So yip reached a crazy new level of symptom spotting when you're protecting your imaginary baby from footballs! 🙈😂

@DOB78 strong young women is the dream, on the hysterectomy, I guess if I knew in my late teen that i would want to be a mum eventually, she can know at 20 that she doesn’t, extreme as It may look...

@DKDK123 Thankyou!! He's gorgeous isn't he!! Hahahaha love that!! What dpo are you??

@blackcurrantqueen I cross posted with you yday and totally missed the BFP whisper of an announcement! Congratulations!! Fingers crossed this is a sticky bean!

Ohhh thanks @Juno231. I did google but didn't find anything a will take another look.

Same @Vil10 - he also takes creatine which is an amino acid. He will not want to stop it...his view is that its all natural but higher quantities of it...

@larrythelizard from memory it's things like a lot of them are soy based and that messes with hormones, something like 15% of them have undeclared androgenic components to them which also mess with hormones - super high protein diets can also mess with swimmer production etc. So it doesn't seem to be just one thing? Must be significant enough though if they ask about it along the same lines of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption?

@Vil10 only 7dpo so only at the half way mark, tho will be testing on Saturday even tho it'll be early but I'm going to a wedding on Saturday so want to be able to drink guilt free.

Ahh @Vil10 that's annoying with the protein shakes I can imagine it will be really hard for him to stop with the shakes but definitely worth mentioning to him. I wonder how long it takes to improve semen after stopping it? Maybe you can work out a window of months he could abstain that times well with when you want to start properly trying again? I'd remind him about how much you would be going through in the 9 months of pregnancy and changes you will have to make then to hopefully help him realise how important it is. Sometimes it's good to find a new thing to try, it could be the one thing that's been delaying it all? 🤞I started my husband on various vitamin supplements at the start of this year and because those can take a few months to improve semen there's a possibility it helped us since we finally conceived in April.

@DKDK123 @larrythelizard @juno123 thanks for the feedback just ordered them coming tmora, AF due so can use them straight after. I do tend to drink around 3L water a day which I think messes up the test but I'll see. CBs are costing me a fortune.
@franklydear I have asked her to hold out a little while but she's always been sure of herself so I'll do what I can to support her decisions

Yeah that makes sense @Juno231. He'll want to see the evidence so will have a google and then a chat with him.

@Vil10 I think my H would rather give up alcohol!!

@2020mission @Vil10 you're looking at 3 month for fresh swimmers to be made so he'd need to stop now and in 3 months time they'll be improved (if they are low or badly shaped etc). Work back from when you're gonna start ttc again and see if he'll stop. Perhaps start with cutting down now and then stopping altogether when you're 3 months away from restarting.