Calling OAPs ttc#1 - 35+ reaching through six month mark

[Eli707]

Hey - thought I'd set up a thread for anyone in the same boat. Read quite a few threads but wondered if anyone was up for more specific moral support?

I'm 38 and reaching the six month mark of ttc #1. I'm about to make an appointment to see my gp but feeling quite scared about where that leads and how long that's going to take.

Feel like I've thrown everything at this having made the decision to have kids quite late. Came off the pill in January (after 19 years, mostly on Cerezette) and feel like my cycles settled fairly quickly - 27 day cycle, 11 day LP - but am worried they'll tell me I need to wait longer because of that even tho they say six months is fine at 35+ to go see someone.

I could rabbit on for longer but I'll wait to see if I'm just talking to myself or not 😂

I've read loads about the covid jab affecting cycles @RugbyGirl1 and it definitely does - maybe those ttc might notice it more tho. It really makes me cross that they don't just address it rather than letting scare stories circulate and it ends up with women not getting it and risking their health. Read a brilliant book called Invisible Women and it's all about the female data deficit where they just don't collect enough data about women or how things affect women as we live in a male dominated society - I think this is a prime example!

Sounds like your GP is very efficient! Mine literally only mentioned the day 21 blood and SA. Maybe she'll suggest more when I get the other results back which will almost certainly show now ovulation.

AF arrived Monday with a few days spotting before that so CD3 today for me. Sometimes I'm thankful for short cycles as when you know it hadn't gone well you don't have too long to wait for the next one.

Was hoping to have heard about my blood test by now so I can prompt OH to go for SA. I know he'll do it, just may need some gentle prompting to make the appointment. I can see why it's not too appealing for them - at least all we're having to do at this stage is give some blood. What they'll be asked to do it a little more uncomfortable 😳

Let me know how your tests go - when are you having the first?

That does sound like an interesting book. I'm sure if the jab caused men to start bleeding unusually from their penis it would quickly be recognised as a symptom.

Have you had any test results yet? Got my fingers crossed for you. I've got my first blood tests tomorrow, think it's everything apart from day 21 progesterone bloods. Will probably go dizzy with the amount of blood they'll need to take to test for all of that...!

I guess though, once men have had the initial examination and provided a quick sample, that's pretty much it. We could end up having scans, internal examinations etc then if the IVF route is needed it's even more like injections etc! But I guess it's not a competition, we're all going through it together 😊

You're right @Eli707 - short cycles aren't all too bad when you know you can start trying again soon!

@RugbyGirl1 heard nothing yet but not sure if I'm supposed to ring them? It's been over a week now so surely it shouldn't take that long. I'll ring them on Tuesday if I've not heard anything today.

I hate blood tests, they always struggle to get blood out of me and I come back looking like a pin cushion! I go straight to the hospital phlebotomy dept now instead of the surgery. I think I'd rather have got all mine done in one go rather than having to go back. I'm definitely going to ask about all the other things you're being tested for when I speak to the GP again.

I know I shouldn't feel too sorry for the guys and their SA trauma. If this carries on down this road, we've definitely got it worse on the tests and procedures!

On the upside, I'm back round to CD5 so FW starts next week. Keeping fingers crossed tests won't be needed.

Hope your blood test goes well and they don't steal too much blood from you! 🩸 🧛‍♂️

Well.... They could only get the smallest drop of blood from me, tried to send it off with a plea to the blood testers but it was inconclusive as not enough to test from, literally not surprised! Booked in again for September tests with a different nurse who apparently will be able to succeed where the other two failed 🙄 Also now found out I didn't have my second MMR so booked in for that during my next AF. You definitely can't be pregnant when having it so didn't want to disrupt this potential cycle (wishful thinking!).

Did you get your test results @Eli707? Are you in FW now? I think I am about to start mine. God knows what my temp is doing this month though, this morning it was post ovulation levels!?!

Going on holiday over the next few days. Work has me so stressed at the moment, I actually cried on a zoom call today out of sheer frustration so I think I'm in desperate need of a break and relaxing (plus lots of BD 😂)

Hey @RugbyGirl1 Sorry to hear you've been having a stressful time with work. Hopefully a holiday is just what you need.

What a nightmare with your bloods. I always go straight to the phlebotomy dept at the hospital for blood tests now as they can never get blood out of me at the surgery.

I've been a bit hopeless temping while we were away and since we've been back but had a bit of a lightbulb moment with ovulation this week. Had EWCM on Monday evening (CD8) and more Tues (CD9) but CB OPKs only showing flashing smiley since Monday am. Didn't really think much of it as I've never had EWCM at same time as peak on OPK around CD14-16. However, Tues morning I'm certain I felt ovulation pain - stabbing pain on left side for a few minutes then dull ache on and off for the next few hours. Does that sound right? Have you ever felt it? I can't say I've ever noticed it before but I was never looking out for it this early.

Started Googling and turns out OPKs don't work for everyone and can miss short surges which are common in older women but then I never have a temp rise this early so a bit confused. Also concerned that CD9 might too early for egg to be fully developed.

Luckily we had been DTD on Monday night and snuck in an extra one yesterday. Going to keep going every other day until peak on CB but really hoping I might have worked out why this hasn't been happening.

In amongst all that had totally forgot to ring about blood test - need to try and remember today!

Hope you're having a lovely break @RugbyGirl1

My blood test didn't show ovulation so I'm going back this cycle too. Not surprised in the slightest tho!

Hey @Eli707 sorry for the silence, back home now after a good few days away. Definitely needed a break from work, thanks.

Ah that does sound like ovulation pain! I think I read somewhere that temp rises can take place a day or two after ovulation, like a slow rise, so you never know... Sounds like you covered all bases anyway so good luck! Are you in your TWW now?

Sorry to hear about no ovulation although it's fairly common to miss a month here and there so hopefully it's just a one off for you. None of my at home tests ever came back confirming ovulation - progesterone was always below 30.

I re-read my last message on here last week and thought high temp still, emotional / crying.... Perhaps I should test just in case - and it was bloody positive!!! I was in complete shock as I'd just finished what I thought was a normal AF, if not slightly longer and heavier than usual, on the Monday, then tested positive on the Wednesday, which makes no sense. I rang the GP who was a little clueless (not the one I spoke to before) and he wasn't concerned about the bleed, just said to test again in two weeks time then ring back to be referred. I'm still a little concerned as been spotting a little, but no pain at least. And still completely shocked, thought I was out this month given the lack of DTD and then AF and drinking over BH weekend - not getting my hopes up just yet...

May I join ladies?! I'm also 35 and pulling my hair out! Conceived during our first month trying but unfortunately had a MC in June @ 5.5 weeks. 😢 I I had 'implantation bleeding' and ALL the symptoms last month but no AF reared her ugly head- so confusing. This month I had no positive OPK which has never happened before :( had 20 day progesterone blood test on Monday - GP is calling to discuss results tomorrow morning (doesn't sound good!) This is so stressful 😩 xx

@RugbyGirl1 that's great!!! Fingers crossed for you xx

@RugbyGirl1 Keeping everything crossed for you!! That's so exciting (didn't I say my cycle twins have a history of getting bfps!) I can see why your worried about the bleeding, seems like a lot for implantation bleeding - so annoying the dr wasn't more helpful. You would think since half the population were able to conceive that they'd be more clues up about it all - not just having one who is.

@Glastomummy lovely to have a new face here. So sorry to hear about your MC. Was reading about the complete lack of support for women who miscarry the other day and it's so wrong. Hope you're ok x

I've had two cycles where I didn't ovulate and both after covid jabs. Although I've also read that it's common to have a cycle every now and then where you don't ovulate. Hope everything goes ok with your phone call with gp. I had to call myself to find out my test didn't show ovulation so hopefully you just have a nice gp who cares enough to let you know the result.

I'm back for my second progesterone test on Friday - it's come round quick as my last cycle was a disaster after covid jab. This cycle felt far more positive and wondering whether it's just taken all this time for my body to get over 19 years on the pill.

I've had really sore nipples for a few days (9DPO today). Very tempted to test but going to hold off. AF isn't due until 19th tho. These TWWs are killing me!

Also got appointment letter for fertility clinic in February! That's over a six month wait from when I spoke to gp and will take it to over a year of ttc. So much for go and see your gp after six months because time is of the essence when your older! Really hope we never have to make it to that appointment tho.

@Eli707 well this really is a rollercoaster of emotions isn't it?! Had a call with GP this morning- blood test confirmed I hadn't ovulated this month.

This was the first morning I hadn't done an OPK - had a weird feeling just now and tested- positive 🤦🏼‍♀️ I can feel the cortisol running through my body I need to get this stress under control ! So I should get my progesterone checked in about a week shouldn't I?! X

@Glastomummy I'm sorry to hear it wasn't good news - hope you're ok. I'm not sure about getting progesterone checked - my gp has been a bit clueless and unhelpful. @RugbyGirl1 might have a better idea as her gp wanted to do lots of tests?

@Eli707 you would think so wouldn't you I was at the docs again today as have been spotting for the last few days. He literally followed a flowchart - upshot was not to go to EPU (yet) as it's only spotting, no pain etc, but to check back in in 10 days or sooner if it gets heavier. Just a waiting game! I've booked an early reassurance scan at a private clinic for approx 7+5 just to check that everything is going to plan. Have zero symptoms, not even sore boobs, but tests keep coming back strong positive so who knows 🤷

Good luck for your progesterone on Friday - it does sound like a strong ovulation if you felt it so hope you get good levels! Are sore nipples a new thing for you? If so, could be a good sign! Is there any chance your fertility appointment could be brought forward? At least you've been referred and the ball has started rolling

@Glastomummy so sorry to read about your MC and no ovulation this month. Have you had the vaccine recently, it may have impacted it. Progesterone should be checked 7 days before your next period is due - are your periods regular? If so, just count back from the expected date

Oh that's so confusing @RugbyGirl1 Hope you're ok dealing with it all and you get some clarity soon x

Thanks @Eli707 - I'm fine tbh, quite pragmatic about it all as there's not much more I can do apart from sit and wait to see what happens 😊

It's good news now (I think!) I tested later today after the GP appointment and got a positive LH!!

So many emotions today!!!

Before my miscarriage I ovulated at new moon and had my period on full moon (I love all that shiz 🤣) so maybe it's just my cycle syncing up again!!! Partner has been away for a few days but back home soon- so we better get cracking 🤣

Also - I've had a glass of wine this evening!!! F**k it!!! This stress is killing me 😩

@Glastomummy try not to stress - there's nothing that you can do to change what your body is doing. I'm sure it'll sort itself out - it may just take time x

Hey ladies - some bad news from me - went for an early scan at 6+3 as was worried about all the spotting and unfortunately I've had an early loss. Just a waiting game now. Hope it doesn't continue for too much longer, it's miserable but on the plus side, looking forward to a glass of wine tonight 🍷

Oh @RugbyGirl1 I'm so so sorry xxx

Oh @RugbyGirl1 I'm so sorry to hear that. Sending lots of love your way. Hope you're ok xx

Thank you both for your support. I'm ok, think I knew deep down that things werent progressing as they should so it wasn't really a shock or surprise at the scan. Still a bit sad though but trying to focus on the positives 😊