TTC 35+ Thread 12

[Misty84]

Hope this works girls, haven’t done this before, we’ve run out of space on the other thread.
@thislittlebird @ElsieG3m @Marvellouslymadmum @KatRee @Anxiouswannabe

@Carla2601 I hope so but I know lots of people it hasn't worked for too unfortunately x

OMG THEY JUST EMAILED ME THE RESULTS AND MY PROGESTERONE WAS 108 nmol/l AND I COULD CRY

It's never been over 17.5 before 😭

@thislittlebird ooh that's an amazing progesterone result!! That sounds really positive! What dpo are you now?

ok let me reply properly...

I'm excited by the progesterone and they said it means I ovulated, BUT at the same time I am on pessaries so maybe that's bumping it up? Dunno? Should I care? Not sure. Either way, the progesterone actually worked at the very least, at best I did ovulate.

@Carla2601 your boob theory might be onto something. I am not boob challenged, I am medium boobed, but I very, very rarely suffer from sore boobs or any of the regular pre-menstrual symptoms. I find it really weird how variable it can all be.

I will say male factor can be more tricky, but at the same time they do have ICSI which can get around much of it, it's swings and roundabouts. My private clinic is the Lister (a few people on this thread are with them) but I found them because they offer Access funding packages for IVF and there was a particular doctor there I wanted to be treated by, but she retired before we got that far. Anyway, I'm still doing some stuff with them and right now I'm doing a medicated cycle with Letrozole (similar to Clomid) and Ovitrelle (a HCG trigger to make me ovulate and get my eggs to mature), and then Cyclogest, the progesterone pessaries.

I like BFN but their second series triggered me because it was a lot more about pregnancy when they were both preggers but someone convinced me to keep listening and it did get better.

See, I'm thinking it might not be worth doing the private cycle in November if we DO get our one funded round in January. But it's all so vague, I wish they'd tell me a specific month.

We're trying to book stuff for his 40th now. Going to stay at a hotel in Falmouth we like, this one: www.merchantsmanor.com
Staying here to chill out with the spa for a few days and might have the birthday meal in the restaurant (it's a lovely restaurant). I've got a bee in my bonnet about dressing up a bit for his birthday, we never get a chance other than for things like this. We might also book a holiday cottage for a few days to catch up with his family, but worst case we can stay with his parents nearby. I'm planning his present and I'm currently thinking a trip to Edinburgh with some activities like a whiskey distillery tour and so on.

I like that about shorter cycles! You get more tries. Mine are a bit variable because I have possible PCO/S so they can be 25 or 35 days, but mostly about 30 right now. I suspect I will have to have a freeze all which just slows everything down, because I'll need to avoid OHSS. I have high AMH for my age, it's in the 30s.

@Marvellouslymadmum what's your assessment for? CLomid? I know loads of people this stuff doesn't work for, including me last month :/

[quote Marvellouslymadmum]@thislittlebird ooh that's an amazing progesterone result!! That sounds really positive! What dpo are you now? [/quote]
I'm cd20, possibly 6-8dpo, but because I had the trigger injection it's hard to say. Honestly, I really, really hope this means I did ovulate.

I had a right panic last night before bed. TMI warning but I tried the pessaries vaginally this month, and I almost forgot it last night and had a panic that I'd forgotten it and quickly put it in, then laid down to go to sleep only to realise about 15 mins later that I needed a wee. Cue hilarious wee where I try to keep the pessary in and fail spectacularly. It was, predictably, visibly in the toilet bowl. I didn't know whether to put another one in, or to just leave it and I decided to leave it because my rationale was better to have a true but low result for the blood test than an artificially high one. I think I must have absorbed most of it pre-wee

@thislittlebird who knows why it's so high but that definitely means something has worked for you at least! Sounds like you have a lot of nice plans for your oh birthday too.

The assessment is for my Microblading course. I'm 13dpo so think af will arrive Wednesday/Thursday so should be starting this week, then I have to call the clinic for my foof scan and will have 21 day bloods each cycle.

@Carla2601 I think the boob thing is just different for each person as I am the opposite of boob challenged and I never get boob pain at all 🤷🏼‍♀️

@thislittlebird OMG that’s brilliant news! No idea whether you should care what caused it on account of zero medical knowledge but that sounds like a huge step forward and increase!!! And hope is almost always better than no hope so I’d take the win/high for tonight at least if I were you.

Birthday plans sound top notch, go all out he’s only 40 once and sounds like you’ve both earned the break and a bit of luxury! Not sure if there’s a Pig hotel near any of your plans but I love that for a treat/break. Definitely agree on the dressing up although I’m a never out of trainers person so I sometimes end up feeling like a fraud 😂.

I’m really excited for you and I’m really pleased you’ve had some good news - brightened a stinker of an evening (weather wise I’m not just being miserable!!). I keep convincing myself I have PCOS but I have absolutely none of the symptoms so I think I’m making it up....it’s because I feel like my ovaries ache but I don’t think they do, I think I make them ache by obsessing over them!!!

I found that too with BFN - although it did give me hope I sometimes felt like it aired on the sort of smug side but maybe that’s because I knew they had children before I started it. Any and all podcast recommendations welcome (TTC or otherwise!)

@Marvellouslymadmum this is also good news (boob wise) you’ve actually been pregnant without having sore boobs. You’re officially on my ‘I can discount the need for this symptom because list’ which means I have hope for a couple of extra days every month!

Glad you’re making progress too - fingers crossed for us all! x

@Carla2601 oh definitely! I've literally had sore boobs one month ever and that was the month I took soy isoflavons (supposed to be like natures clomid) so that's probably what did it! It didn't work for a bfp though! 🙄

@Marvellouslymadmum the thing as well with his birthday is so u want the stress of an ivf cycle at the same time? Maybe I should just stops stressing about nearly being 39 before transfer #1 and just enjoy Christmas and his birthday. We would have to get the meds before we left for Cornwall and start injections there/as we leave. Not sure how it works if I need a baseline scan and I’m not in London.

Ah, the microblading, my brain immediately forgot I asked that 😂. Have you had the old intervag scan yet? Can’t remember. Fun! 🙃

@Carla2601 yeah, I was just reading a thread on the topic of progesterone results on pessaries and a friend on another thread reported her progesterone post clomid. Mine seems quite high so I won’t complain!

Not heard of pig hotels, are they nice? I’m always in trainers and very casual, the last time we got dressed up was our wedding last year, so this is a good excuse for me lol.

You think you make them up 😭😂. You’re probably PCOS free with short cycles, but if you get your AMH tested you’ll find out fairly fast.

My left and right pelvic area has been taking turns to do twinges since Friday, this is probably the progesterone too but it’s interesting how that’s all that’s happening.

I also listen to the fertility podcast, I really like the host. She’s reassuring. Agree about the smug thing. I felt like they forgot their audience for a while there but I’m glad they introduced new people on much longer journeys.

@thislittlebird maybe take some time to think about whether you would rather enjoy birthday and Xmas med free or would that stress you because you weren’t doing it. Seems subjective and both seem like good plans 😊.

Yes I’ll ask for those tests right away thank you. I’m going to do a load of reading before Tuesday as I’m getting a male GP (I don’t mind but I feel like maybe a woman might get it more?) so I want to be armed with a list of what I think I need and be ready to cry if necessary! 😂.

The Pigs are such a treat, there’s one in New Forest, one in Devon, Dorset, Kent and maybe a couple more. The food is dreamy and the rooms are so lovely and it’s not stuffy but it’s still a lovely treat. Have a look: www.thepighotel.com/

Glad yours is extra high - can’t be anything other than a good sign 🤞. Thanks for the tip I’ll listen to that tomorrow

Have you guys been using pre seed? Every review on Amazon is amazing (aware I may well be being conned) but I’ve ordered it. Will report back

@Carla2601 be warned they might say they don’t do AMH tests on the nhs, so you might need to get that one done privately. Some people seem to get it done, others don’t.

My male new GP was better on this stuff than the last two GPs I had. He might surprise you!

I will check the pigs out!

I have used a whole tube of pre seed and I can confirm I am not pregnant . I’ve also used Conceive Plus. I’ve found all these fertility products have great reviews so I’ve decided people who do get lucky using them are more likely to leave a review. My ttc supplements too, everyone in the reviews got upduffed in month one 🙃

@thislittlebird that’s a great tip thank you.

I mean I did think there is no way it could be quite that good otherwise IVF clinics would be out of business however (TMI sorry) I have been wondering if CM is my issue as I never ever get any discharge (can feel difference during DTD when ovulating but do still think it might be less than ideal) so if I’ve got a hostile environment (urgh!!!!!) then maybe this will help. But thanks for the balance, having read the reviews out to my husband he said they’ve written those themselves to exploit vulnerable people like you to part with yet more TTC cash....so he’s even more cynical on it 🤣🤣.

Anyway I’ll let you know either way. I haven’t got into supplements apart from folic acid which I read you’re only supposed to take in the three months before you get pregnant (how the hell can anyone know that?!)

@thislittlebird ahh yes maybe a relaxing birthday and Christmas would be good in preparation for the ivf!

I have had one scan yes, me and the hard stick are definitely on first name terms! 😂

Isn't it funny how all the reviews of these marvellous ttc things are all upduffed!! What about those it didn't work for 🤦🏼‍♀️

@Carla2601 I've never heard of a pig hotel either! And I live in East Sussex, moved from Kent 5 years ago 🤷🏼‍♀️ I haven't used pre seed but have used the Tesco version, I know alot if people say it's good. I didn't get my amh through gp had to wait to go to my fertility referral for that. Theres minefield of suppliments, my consultant said make sure you're in vits d and e and I would say a pre conception vit and ubiquinol too

@Carla2601 I don’t get much EWCM and I’ve wondered if it’s an issue too. Not that the ttc-safe lubricants have helped 🤨. Grapefruit juice can increase it, I’ve used that before but not right now because I can’t be bothered lol

Your husband might be very right!

Definitely take some folic acid as and vitamin D, the nhs recommend that, and then there’s lots of others around to dabble in. I don’t get a fancy ttc vitamin because I don’t think they really make the difference, but useful to take nonetheless so I’m topped up.

@Marvellouslymadmum did you have a high progesterone result in the past? I just read this in the screenshot. Hoping that means both my eggos popped out and the extra is the pessaries.

I have to say, as much as the internal scans are annoying, I think they’re better than smear tests 🤷‍♀️

Thanks for the tip - I’ll be in sainsburys tonight loading up on grapefruit juice - OH will be chuffed I’ve got yet another fad 😂. He said if one more amazon delivery interrupts his calls he’ll be fired 😂😂. It’s hard though - when you feel time is slipping away you want to try everything as soon as you can don’t you.

I do take folic and vit d and the vitl female multi vit so hopefully covered there at least.

Also pleased to hear internal scans not as bad as smears as I actually find those alright - not enjoyable obvs but not so so bad (I am a person who quite enjoys the pain of an eyebrow thread....weird I know!)

Hi all, hope you are doing well. Just checking in as I've needed a bit of time out since my miscarriage. I was due to start a cycle of clomid + iui but my consultant told me today that even that is too risky for me due to my precious stroke. So now there are no assisted options left that we can try and he said my miscarriages were probably due to the fact that I "have a propensity to produce bad eggs". No idea what to do with that but feel totally crushed. They all keep saying just to keep going naturally as my amh is 31 which apparently is good but then if they're all bad quality (I'm 37) is there even any hope? We have a beautiful, healthy daughter already so I feel incredibly lucky. Do we just give up at this point and accept that we're incredibly fortunate or keep trying? They have also suggested a monitored cycle with iui but is that just a waste of money? Urgh - this is all so tough... sorry for the vent! Have we had any bfps recently?!

@ElsieG3m

Sorry just taking a break every now and then.
I think u probably need to prioritise your health and your daughter first. Personally, if I'm ever lucky enough to be in your shoes - I may go with the natural path. But that's me without having a kid thinking - I can only imagine the thought process is diff when u have a kid..does she want a sibling? Will she be lonely without one etc etc ....

Still, whatever it is - there's no point having more if it compromises your health significantly and your daughter needs a mother more than a sibling I think.

@AnxiousWannabe thanks so much. How are you doing? You're right of course. It's family pressure and little one asking for a baby that's getting to me and not really knowing what my risks and options really are. Just wish it was all easier!

@ElsieG3m why is the language all so crappy...bad eggs is such an unhelpful and upsetting term and I’m sorry they put it like that and not surprised you felt crushed, anyone would so I’m sure you’re not alone in that. Also sorry you’re having such a tough time. I don’t really have any advice as I’m worlds away and haven’t been in your situation but perhaps take a bit of time to think. Time feels like such a big pressure doesn’t it but if it’s complicated might be worth sacrificing a month or two. Good luck.

I’m new (here not to TTC) but haven’t spied any BFPs sadly but hopefully there are some, or soon!

Hi everyone.

I am 37 here and am ttc for the first time. I wasn't really bothered until my current partner and we have both decided that it feels right for the both of us. He also never wanted a child until we met. I guess it is true when they say the right person can change you.

Anyways...this is my first cycle. I am trying to be hopeful and not let the reality of the difficulties get to me. Last Friday I had a positive OPK. We dtd 3 times the day before lol just for fun and also the day before that;) then on the day with the positive and the day after. The day after the positive OPK I have severe ovulation pains all day long so I assume that I ovulated that day. I think we covered the window….it is just hard to not feel like this will all be complicated.

Any luck would be appreciated!

Anyways...this is my first cycle. I am trying to be hopeful and not let

@thislittlebird I don't get much ewcm in general either! I bought some pink grapefruit juice to try last month but forgot so it's waiting in the fridge for me lol

I've only had two progesterone tests in the past one was on day 21 and was 60, that was the month I had tried the soy and had the sore boobs I think as I didn't know they were taking it until after I'd taken the soy. And the other was last month when it was 0.8 😂 but that's because my cycles were messed up and day 21 fell on a bank holiday weekend so I had to have it done on cd24 which actually turned out to be cd1 so was far too late really, meaning I've no idea what it normally is. Maybe the soy did actually work for me the first month though, I only took it for two as someone then told me it may not be good for people with endo 🤷🏼‍♀️

And yes I agree on the internal, less invasive than a smear. I should be booking mine soon as af due today/tomorrow

@ElsieG3m sorry to hear that lovely but I wouldn't tend to believe that all your eggs are bad! There is likely to be a good little one in there somewhere and it may be worth a monitored cycle, does that mean they do an egg collection? In which case they will choose a good quality one 🤞🏻 I wouldn't give up though

@tryingtobeamama hi and welcome, no reason yet to think you may have issues some people don't have any trouble at all at your age so 🤞🏻 for you!

@Carla2601 thanks so much - it's difficult but I have a lot to be grateful for and I do try to remember that. Just some days get you down. Guess I just have to put on my big girl pants and keep trying! Where are you up to?

@Marvellouslymadmum monitored cycle is literally just scans to see when you're ovulating but they would do iui (the turkey baster!) and add in progesterone. The iui may help as I have a bladder prolapse and in all honesty I'm not convinced the sperm always get up there. The month we conceived we tried a few different positions to see if it would help. I can't have egg collection because they'd have to stimulate me and anything that increases estrogen levels could risk another blood clot/stroke for me. I just don't know what to make of the bad eggs comment - another consultant was really reassuring and said that quality and quantity tend to go together and I've a good amh they keep saying (31). But then I know for a fact that quantity isn't always an indicator of quality as I know people who have DOR who have had perfectly healthy, naturally conceived pregnancies. So I don't know how confident I should be feeling. I conceived the second month after my hycosy and nothing had happened for 6 months prior which seemed unusual for us as we'd previously had 3 pregnancies all conceived 1st or 2nd month (only one successful but still - conception hadn't seemed to be an issue). So the successful conception was either luck, change of position or the hycosy causing inflammation/healing.

I went to see Lesley Regan after it happened and she was totally nonplussed as to why I was worried. She seemed convinced it would all be absolutely fine and was very reassuring, didn't think fertility treatment necessary etc but I think I've just totally lost confidence and scared myself with articles about ageing!

Has anyone read up about tempeh (isoflavones) being helpful? That's the only other thing I changed the month I did get pregnant

@ElsieG3m ahh I see! May be worth a go then if it gets them where they need to be! I took isoflavons for two months, the first month they definitely did something because I had sore boobs and loads of ovulation pain, but no luck I took them a second month but had no symptoms and was then told they may not be good with endo so I stopped