Saw the GP today...

[Got2besoon]

Well after 16 months of ttc number 2 and one mmc at the start, I finally bit the bullet and saw the GP this morning.

She was lovely and she's going to order some bloods and a sperm analysis for DH. She also took a swab today (for Chlamydia I think).

I'm sad that I'm at this point and a little angry too. I thought my DS would have a sibling by now and I just want this fertility journey to be over. Definitely grateful to have DS but fearful no more will come.

Is anyone else at a similar stage in their fertility journey?

My consultant was happy to read them from a screenshot on my phone
I'm glad we didn't have to pay hundreds for them.

Hopefully same for you!

@Got2besoon hope mine is the same in that case! Just out of curiosity what did they say to you about vitamins and supplements etc, are you carrying on as you were?

He didn't suggest I take anything actually, but I didn't bring it up.

He said DH could take Proxeed plus as studies have shown it may help and his morphology is low (he's already been on it for a month now).

@Got2besoon so did you get the NHS testing done and then take your results to private fertility clinic? Do they offer more than NHS or is it just speeding up the process? I’ve had my bloods and scan with NHS and OH has his analysis in Jan but wondering after that if it’s worth going private 🤔

Exactly. We got our tests with nhs 12 months after our mmc.

NHS said they wouldn't be able to offer much else as results are "normal" (they weren't really, as I had low progesterone and DH had poor sperm morphology) and we have a son.

So we opted for private as we want to pursue this as quickly and effectively as we can and want the option of assistance (like ivf or iui) if needed.

The fact I was offered an HSG and given a prescription for clomid on day one makes it worth it for me.

Private, so far, has been excellent and so speedy.

If we didn't have a son and nhs could offer us ivf, we'd probably have considered going with them, though the waiting list could have been a deal breaker.

Hi @Got2besoon just wondered if I could ask which clinic you went to as your appointment seems really positive and like they've got the ball rolling for you. Hope you don't mind me
asking x

No problem at all!
It was the Lister satellite clinic at Beaconsfield.
So far they're great.

Well, there is no chance of a HSG before Christmas so this will be an "all natural" cycle. Maybe we'll get that Christmas miracle!

If not, I've procured the clomid and it will be all systems go once AF arrives. Then the plan is for the HSG mid Jan.

This journey really demands patience...

@Got2besoon I know... such a lot of patience! Hang in there and enjoy your Christmas!

And you too! Tis the season to enjoy ourselves and forget about the whole TTC saga, if only for a few days :D

@Got2besoon I have definitely managed to forget more this month than any other, having completely written it off (I haven't been doing any of my 'good' habits like yoga, drinking water, making sure I eat loads of fruit etc!) It's good. I think I needed a break! Much more than I'd realised. I know when I get to the new year I'll feel ready to start again.

I'm actually really tired out by Xmas prep so going to grab a nap now!

How are you all doing? I have really enjoyed Christmas and I'm starting to think about next year. I won't be sad to see the back of 2022. It's been tough. Fingers crossed for some good news for all of us in 2023 xx

@oliveroses That is great to hear.

My Christmas was lovely too. Just some good time spent with family and friends.

I hardly thought about TTC (despite seeing my very pregnant best friend!) and I feel so much better for it.

My HSG is coming up in a couple of weeks and the NHS scan appointment has just come through, so I'm glad to be moving along in the right direction.

I hope all you ladies are doing well, I know for a few of us we're in those peak TWW days where emotions can get heavy.

I'm 10dpo and haven't tested (who even am I)? I just realised that the heartbreak of negative tests isn't worth it for me this month. At least not today.

I don't feel pregnant so will just await AF.

I have my HSG booked for 2 weeks time & I get to start clomid this next cycle. Yey!

Hi @Got2besoon, it's so positive that you have the treatments to look forward to! Just get through the next week x

I am feeling pretty rubbish. I think I'm only 6dpo but had cramping this morning while lying in bed awake at 5.30 so I'm pretty sure it's the start of the spotting on the way. I feel I don't have a fighting chance at the moment. I didn't expect it this month to be honest but it's still crushing, especially when it feels as though my body/cycle are just plain weird now. I'm seeing my pregnant friend tonight. Her baby is due two weeks after the baby I miscarried would have been (she doesn't know I had a miscarriage). It's so great to see her but I dread it beforehand.

My GP appointment is on Monday. X

Good luck on Monday!

I know what you mean about not having much hope, but I have my fingers crossed that cramping was implantation cramping for you :D

I took a test today (12dpo, so glad I lasted this long) and it was negative.

I got my 21 day progesterone result back from superdrug. 29.8. I feel like my body is mocking me, as apparently it has to be 30 to confirm ovulation!!

On to the next month and I'll update the thread with how I get on with Clomid and my HSG.

Sorry the test was negative. There is always that but of hope, I know. I can't believe your progesterone test, that is ridiculous!! I am sure the Clomid will give you results x

AF arrived in full flow last night. Such bad cramping I had to go to bed at 5pm for an hour!

Clomid starts tomorrow (yey!) and my HSG has been rescheduled to next week as it can't be done while on your period.

Fortuitously, my NHS pelvic scan happens to be on day 12 of my cycle this month so maybe I'll see some follicles.

Hope you ladies are all doing well xx

@Got2besoon ugh, well, at least the waiting game is over! I get terrible cramps these days. My agnus castus arrived today so I'm hoping it might help with pms, who knows?! I had awful pain in my right ovary (?) today. God. I had to go to bed too. I'm only on cd 24 now so maybe AF will be here early. Am spotting as usual. Had meltdown yesterday but trying to be sensible today and looking forwards.

Is clomid a pill? Realised I don't know!

I had my GP appointment today, it was cancelled this morning with the lovely female doctor I spoke with a few months ago and it was with a really gruff surly man at 5.30pm. He clearly wanted to go home (don't blame him) and just referred me for all the tests I wanted. He said 'I've read your notes, you don't need to tell me anything else'. anyway didn't get the reassuring chat and I didn't really fancy discussing spotting with him but I can now book my tests. They are at the hospital and an ultrasound there too. Only thing is I can't remember which days I'm supposed to book for, I think it's cycle day 4 and 21. Does that sound right?!

What are the blood tests for, just AMH and progesterone?

Didn't realise DH has to book a totally separate appointment but never mind. That's another bit of admin to sort...

@oliveroses

I find it so funny how some months I have zero cramps and others I'm in so much pain. Bodies are weird.

Yes, clomid is a pill and I have to take or for 5 days in a row. I think it convinces your body that not enough oestrogen is being made so it makes more, leading to some juicy follicles! Many women make 2 or 3 eggs instead of 0 or 1.

Sorry you got a rubbish doctor, it changes the whole vibe of the appointment. My consultant was so chilled and nice that I felt I could ask anything and he'd take it seriously.

Yes, it is annoying that the sperm analysis is complete separate. My DH managed to book a repeat analysis as his last one wasn't fantastic.

I've only had 21 days bloods but I think some people do also get then early in their cycle too. Not sure when or why

They tested my LH, FSH and Progesterone.

I don't think the NHS test AMH. I did that privately with Superdrug (really easy, a little kit comes in the post).

Hello both of you. Sorry that none of us managed some Christmas magic this cycle. I’m just coming to the end of my period. I’ve been more focused on my exam to be honest (just over two weeks to go and I’m stressed to the max so that won’t be helping our chances this month. I’ve still got so much to revise but want it done to so I can focus on the fertility appointment. We haven’t booked anything yet but will do as soon as my exam is done.

@oliveroses i had bloods day 4 for LH, FSH, testosterone and prolactin. Then my ‘day 21’ progesterone (mine was day 18 as that is 7 days before my expected period) so don’t just do it on day 21- you need to do it 7 days before your expected period. They call it that based on a 28 day cycle. It is frustrating that you have to have a separate appointment for your DH.

@Got2besoon Sorry it wasn’t your month- but hopefully you will see some good follicles on your scan with starting Clomid this month.

@Keeptrying32 Wishing you the best of luck in your exam! Gosh, how could will it feel when it's done? Exams are just the pits.

Today is my first clomid tablet and I'm going to be taking Vit D spray, Vit C and Folic acid. I'm going to down tonnes of water and eat more protein as it's meant to be good for developing follicles. At least that's what "they" say. Although we don't cook eggs or legumes in the home due to DS's allergies and I'm not a huge meat fan so Lord knows how.

I'm optimistic but also very aware there's no guarantees... I just want that bfp!!

@Got2besoon wow, clomid sounds pretty amazing. I hope it works for you! It's also so nice that you don't have to take it all month. I am getting a bit weary of swallowing vitamins...

@Keeptrying32 ah good to know about the 'day 21' thing. My cycles are not always exactly the same length so do they repeat it if you think you're 7 days out but you're actually not? Good luck with the revisions - so nearly there and what a weight off it will be when it's over!

Am also trying to drink tonnes of water. It's okay when I wfh but as soon as I have to travel into work everything tends to go out of the window.. trying to remain positive tho. Had acupuncture today which was very relaxing. She is very positive and always has hope for me even when I'm spotting. It's very sweet but totally unfounded really. I signed up for a free zita west webinar this evening and then completely forgot about it. Oops ... good start.

Hi ladies!

Today I had my HSG. I was really nervous as my last smear was hideous (agony, I screamed at the nurse, they tried 3 different speculum). However, the HSG was a breeze!

The whole thing took a few minutes and I didn't have any pain or cramps. I could see the dye on the screen and there were no blockages. Woop!

I'm CD10 today so going to start DTD from tonight. My consultant said a HSG can "clean out the tubes" and pregnancy rate is higher in the 3 months after. Here's hoping!