Dear all that are hoping for their BFP. I got my positive test on 28th Dec after I was 5 days late. We have been trying for nearly 2 years. It was the good people of Mumsnet who encouraged me to just test and see, and reading other people's accounts that have helped me cope in the small hours, worrying about one thing or another. Just knowing others are dealing with same issues can be so helpful. Thank you, Mumsnet, you are a powerful force!
I'm only 6 weeks and waiting on an early scan but I thought I'd share an account note of our journey.
We began mainly focussed on trying to be healthy - no alcohol, try to do my running, eating well, tracking ovulation and everything else - obsessively at times, LH tests, taking Pregnacare Conception, dtd loads around fertile window (very tiring!) - ruled by my app!
We were fortunate that due to my age at the time (34) we were referred after 1 year instead of 2 to go see a gynecologist. I got a series of tests (including the unpleasant ultrasound) and I checked out as normal. Hubby had a sample tested and it was found he had low (I think it was 20%) motility, so 2 out of 3. They didn't offer much help beyond that and saying see how you get on... We were a bit disappointed with that. DH began researching mens fertility extensively. Paid for supplements and a course private prescriptions (I won't get specific here because I'll probably get it wrong) but he found a lot of research through Body Building forums! Apparently, it is a common issue in that occupation. This went on for most of the summer until he finished them in July. Very proud of him for what he did as it wasn't easy, it really affected his moods. Another test (a home kit, expensive but so worth it!) showed improvement. Between Aug-Oct we were hopeful we'd solved things - I tried fertililty cup and conception gel, didn't get on great with those and I hated the smell of the gel (reminded me of talcum powder my Gran used!).
Oct-Dec we were feeling dejected and 'life stuff' was making it difficult to focus on it. I tried to take a break from being strict and allowed myself to have the odd drink (only to find I couldn't hack it anymore!). I had a rotten cold and was stressed with work, BUT our lack of 'activity' around this time allowed me to realise I was more in tune with my cycle than I thought, able to follow CM, pinpoint with LH tests and ovulation pain. DH convinced me to dtd early in the morn before he went to work - he is a morning person (I'm not) plus I had a cold - and I really noticed a difference. I'd stopped taking Pregnacare Conception - I ran out, they are bloody expensive and I just felt they made my cycles more intense and crampy. I'd been taking them for such a long time I figured a long time of anything can't be good, time for a break - my cycles settled down.
Instead, in Dec, began with basic cheap Vitamin E (for a skin complaint) and Folic Acid (just in case).
I threw a dinner party for friends (yes, I drank a little!) they brought us loads of seafood, which I love! Later, I read that it boosts Selenium.
I'd also managed to give up drinking Diet Coke from October onwards - I gather this can affect your hormones.
The weekend of Christmas I was fully expecting my period. I had slightly tender boobs but nothing out of the ordinary and not even until after CD30. (my cycle is never longer than 29 days and that's long for me) I had even messaged the Gynae dept to ask for an appt to talk about IVF. So I did drink (and yes I'm a bit remorseful but I know it's nothing others haven't done and have been fine so trying not to worry) by the Wed 28th Dec I was supposed to be going to meet a friend at the pub... It was CD 34... Mumsnet forum said 'not harm in testing'... so after a battle to get my car out the driveway (breaks stuck on from the cold) and the supermarket cashier throwing my test down the packing area before the previous customers had left (cheers) I got home, did the test and BOOM, before my knickers were up it appeared straight away!! I tested again next day and sure enough...
The following days I became really crampy and fatigued. Walking the dog then lying down straight away. I now have another cold which is rubbish but I gather this is common. Anyway, that's my story, I hope it's of use to someone if they can be bothered to read it all! Fingers are crossed for that 1st scan.
All the best and magic baby dust to all those wishing for their BFP. xx