Clearblue Fertility Monitor Support Group Buddies Vol 3!!

[boba82]

Jump over ladies, it appears we filled the last one!

Today's stats:

Eggsovereasy TTC#1, Cycle 14, CBFM cycle 6, age 36, UCL 27-29, CD47
Willow1218 TTC#1, Cycle ? CBFM cycle 1, age 24, UCL 30, CD 45
Taytotayto TTC#2, cycle 1, cd 35
BabyHoping TTC#1, CBFM cycle 3, age 32, ucl 31-38, CD 33
Missyraines TTC1, Cycle 8, CBFM cycle 2, age 33, UCL 32, CD28
Pamsie ttc#1, cycle 12, CBFM cycle 1, age 32, UCL 28-32 CD25
Lychees TTC #2, Cycle 7, CBFM cycle 2, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD23
Shaggy TTC#1, cycle 3, CBFM cycle 3, age 38, UCL29, CD19
FlyingCat TTC#1, cycle 25, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 32+, CD18
vnewmummy TTC#2, CBFM cycle 3, age 41, UCL 26 -28days. CD 7
Nanny01 TTC#5 cycle 6 UCL 28 age 37 CD 7
Keziah TTC#1, cycle21, CBFM cycle 9, age 34, ucl 28-31, cd 2
Boba82 TTC#1 cycle 13, CBFM cycle 2, age 28, UCL 35, CD1
LorLa TTC#2, Cycle 7, CBFM cycle 1, age 29, ucl 26-28, CD?

Graduates:

Cyncan BFP 09/05/10
Cupc4kes BFP 08/05/10
Angelgirl BFP 08/04/10
Salander
Vikks

Hello Folksey - the scan sounds a good idea so hope that is helpful for you. I am still ttc~1, but know of several friends who conceived their firsts in 2-3months and took 8-10 months for their second, with no medical issues.

Angel great to hear from you, wow you are 24wks now, I remember your bfp! Let us know how you are going and when you have him!!

Boba - feel for you, and Choccie too, as you know am in the same boat. Wise words from Choccie. I tend to smile, send the usual cards and gifts and carry on - but inside feel as if am breaking.

Emmylou what lovely timing for you! I was told by dr every 2 days to improve good quality semen, and I personally find every day too much - but I guess it is what is right for you, and a holiday time may be different to when you at work etc. Why not try different timings (one cycle every day, one every two) and see how it works for you?

boba - hugs to you honey, if you need to talk we're all here, and nothing is too stupid or over the top if you know what I mean. Have you had any tests yet? When I was TTC no 1 I had a period once every 3 months which is why I went to the docs. I had PCOS. Same with my friend, she was every 3 months or more as well with PCOS, however when she went for her chlomid scan she was already preggers, all I'm saying is it can still happen but having answers can helps so much

folksey welcome! I'm also trying for no 2 and all my friends are conceiving no 2 at the drop of a hat, not fair!

I have a peak today, on the stick there are 2 very distinct lines! However hubby is out tonight drinking. God hates me...(we also tried to bd last night but it all went wrong, think the pressure is getting to him, any tips?)

keziah How are things going with you? Are you looking at IVF at the moment and what advice have you been given with regards that?

boba I had another meltdown, DH was home, and phoned the clinic in a fury. We've been on waiting list for a long time now and still no letter with 4-6 week advance notice of an appointment. The woman was shirty with him about waiting lists until he pointed out how long we'd been on and that we'd been promised an appointment in Sept but no letter. I don't know what else he said in his irritation, but we've now got an appointment on the 8th Sept. I am worried with all the anticipation and hope that this appointment will give us a handle on things, that we still leave with uncertainty. Who did you see there in the end?

Everyone If anyone can give me ideas of questions I should ask based on your fertility clinic experiences, I'd be very very grateful.

lychees would love to hear what you are told and asked at your appointment as well. Good luck for that.

vnewmummy How does IUI work? Do they pre-select good sperm or is it straight insemination with a typical sample? DH is thinking we should maybe ask about trying that first.

folksey Welcome. The scan sounds like a good start. My one tip is to learn to be insistent and bullish re NHS and appointments. I was actually told by my consultant when waiting for an HSG appointment (waiting lists are long and unpredictable because they depend on woemne's cycles as well) that the people who are insistent and persevere are the ones who get the appointments. I phoned every day first thing waiting for a cancellation and on the basis of that got in very quickly. BUT it was embarressing speaking to the women every day.... not that I care now. Also, DH seems to have made the inefficent cow at the desk sit up and remember we exist as well wrt our fertility appointment. Keep that in mind as you go forwards.

tango The CBFM won't tell you for sure if you are ovulating - it can only warn you your body is trying to ovulate so you can time SWI. Physical symptoms are also not reliable because not everyone has ov pain etc etc. I get it occassionally, but not always. Charting is the best method to get a feel for if you are ovulating if you are concerned about that. One of the things I want to ask at my appointment is if charting definitely confirms ovulation though.

tango I had 7 highs last cycle, no lows at all. In the previous cycle I had lows all the way, then suddenly two peaks with no highs to warn me. After that I can tell you that I definitely prefer having lots of highs than no warning. BD every second day to get through it. It is hard, I know.

emmylou I was told by a private fertility guy we saw that it used be be believed that everyday depleted sperm quality, but they have now found that it can improve sperm quality. This is not true for men with low sperm counts though.. best to do it every second day with them. HOWEVER, every day is hard work, and my DH says he feels as if he is 'producing less' and 'not as forceful' IYSWIM , so we're going to try every second day this cycle, but every day on peaks and one day past the peaks.

Hi back to ses and welcome back to missy - missy are you talking about the TCOYF bible?

Hi to everyone I've missed!

Hi Everyone,

Been AWOL as DP broke my laptop screen grrrr!!! so I haven't been able to post.

Hi to everyone, it seems that yet again there is an awful lot to catch up on so I'll keep this short and sweet so I've got time to catch up whilst I'm on lunch.

Nothing to report my end, not even a small incy wincy glimmer of a symptom.

Just wanted to let you all know that I am still here cheering you all on.

Good luck everyone

XXX

Thanks for everyones warm welcomes. Everyone seems lovely.

This is all a bit of a minefield isn't it! I tried plotting for 4 cycles but I am all over the place, hence my CBFM this cycle.

keziah I have also heard of difficulties conceiving number 2 after no problems first time... I am surrounded by people at work who are pregnant including a few close mates (its a record we have 4 on mat leave and 2 further announcements in recent weeks ) but they are all first timers and I have to remember I conceived with my daughter easily and not to be too jealous!

This is my first cycle with CBFM but it is coming out with some really unexpected results! I think with my random cycles it is the way forward and fingers crossed my scan shows nothing but some eager ovaries!

Good luck everyone and thanks again.

Emmylou - all the best this cycle - and remember if you miss a night, it doesn't have to be the end of the world! A difficult balance between ttc and keeping a relationship going sometimes!!

*ChoccieChip" - we have had all the tests NHS will provide (bloods, SA's, transvaginal scan and HSG - last two meaning I don't need any gynae work! as well as chlymadia testing and recent smear at gp's) so now in "wait" for treatment... but NHS dr said "try for another 6mths then come back" when I know someone else who has better results than us getting clomid, the IUI on NHS so we moving hospitals and dr's (private one, a Care one) but 1st referral lost by my gp's secretary, now 2nd one gone and we just filled in paperwork. There is a 10week wait to see a dr, even privately here so that is our situation!! Re: IVF, at NHS hospital we found out dh has morphology issues and I am not necessarily ovulating and IVF suggested as treatment - but we will see what we find out at next hospital first.

Choccie - re: questions - (not sure how far you are on with testing):

1. Have we had all tests necessary before diagnosis and treatment plan?
2. Do any of the results indicate and fertility issues with either of us and if so what are those implications? Is any treatment needed before fertility treatment?
3. What treatment plan would you suggest? If NHS how many cycles of treatment are provided in this area (mine is lowest, 1, hope yours higher number!)
4. If IVF not suggested as first line treatment, will they give clomid, or IUI first (and will IUI be medicated, ie with IUI or not?) - how many cycles of each before IVF cycle begins? Note: on NHS if go straight to IVF cannot have IUI free on NHS!
5. How long a wait is there for treatment to begin?
6. Does anything else need to happen before treatment can begin (BMI - what does this need to be for both partners, here it is below 30, it varies each area, etc)

Sure you thought of all that and more, so feel free to ignore - not long now till your apt. x

Today's stats: WED

Boba82 TTC#1 cycle 15, CBFM cycle 2, age 28, UCL 35, CD107
Pamsie ttc#1, cycle3, CBFM cycle 3, age 32, UCL 28-32 CD101
FlyingCat TTC#1, cycle 26, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 28-29, CD65
Missyraines TTC1, Cycle 10, CBFM cycle 5, age 33, UCL 32, CD35
Rach879 TTC#1 cycle 7, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 30-34, CD31
BabyHoping TTC#1, CBM cycle 4, age 33, ucl 31-38, CD 29
Starlet22 TTC#1; cycle 12; CBFM cycle 6; age 33; ucl 25; CD26
Hairytriangle TTC#1 cycle 10, CBFM cycle 1, age 42, UCL 28/29, CD26
Keziah TTC#1, cycle24, CBFM cycle 12, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD 25
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 1, age 38, ucl 29-3, CD25
PinkCustard TTC#2 Cycle8 CBFM Cycle3 age 33 UCL 30-35 CD 25
Emmylou30 TTC #1, Cycle 2, CBFM cycle 1, age 30 UCL 35 CD20
Stormbird TTC #1, Cycle #3, CBFM Cycle #3, age 28, UCL 28 CD19
TangoTime TTC #1, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle #1, age 32, UCL 28 CD18
Row 78 TTC#2, Cycle 3, CBFM cycle 1, age 32, UCL 29, CD18
Ses TTC#2, cycle 2 CBFM cycle 4, age 37, UCL 30 CD11
Jenni4 TTC#2, cycle 5 CBFM cycle 2, age 36, UCL 26 CD11
chocciechip TTC#1, cycle 7, CBFM cycle 7, age 39, UCL29, CD8
ljg TTC#3 Cycle 4, CBFM cycle 3 age 38 CD7
Lychees TTC #2, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 7, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD5

GRADUATES

Harry2007 BFP 01/08/10
Vnewmummy BFP 19/08/10

Hi Choccie with IUI they did a base line internal scan on me at day 3. This is to check womb lining is thin and no large follicles. Then day 11 or 12 I had another scan which measured the growing egg folicle and monitored its progress. Once it is at a satisfactory size and LH surge detected (CBFM) they know your close to ovulation.

I was really lucky as knew i was about to ovulated so had scan day 11 and had to go back next day for procedure.

So on day of procedure DH gives a semen sample which is prepared in lab. (Bit like a cleaning process eg the mobility jumped from 78% to 98%) Once that is ready fine tube inserted and sample injected into uterus.

So sorry if TMI but at least you now know!! I think once they have all your results they will tell you best option for you. They said IVF would be better but worth trying IUI first. xxx

Hi everyone

Thanks choccie lychees vnewmummy keziah and row for your well wishes.

Lychees how did your scan and appointment go?

Folksey welcome

emmy good luck SWI

choccie I initially saw Dr Irving but saw Dr Duncan last week when I went for HSG and saw him again this morning, defo a better consultant!

Went for scan this morning (vaginal ultrasound). Confirmed I have PCOS. I go for HSG on Thurs next week and if all clear there I will have fertility drugs waiting for me (pres Clomid?). He's also given me tablets to start taking on Monday which I stop after 1 week then should bring on a period. I will still be doing the 10 week urines but these will now be to track the progress of fertility drugs. I am soooooo happy, I have suspected PCOS for over a year but nothing showed up on GP tests. Turns out last weeks crappy appointment was for the best as I saw this Dr Duncan & he has really got things moving for me, hopefully you will see him choccie I actually can't wait to get AF!! Also choccie I would maybe make a complaint to ERI as I seem to have had no problems with wait lists. I had initial 13 week wait to be seen however I suppose what I've just experienced proves it depends on consultant, if it had't been for chance appointment with a different consultant I would be waiting to find all this out in January. I hope you see Dr Duncan on 8th hun. x x

Great news boba - diagnosis and treatment, yippee!!
Choccie - why not phone up and ask for earlier appointment than january? Or ask if there is a cancellation? If you keep phoning every few days it might help

Boba Its so good that you found out. sounds like your apt was really proactive. I have had PCOS since age 33. My doc put me on Metformin 850mg per day (slow realise) it worked wonders. May be worth mentioning that? Roll on your next apt!

Hi to everyone else x

I will let you know vnewmummy

I prob shouldn't stay on this thread anymore as not sure I'm gonna carry on with CBFM but I can't bear leaving you lovely ladies so I'm just gonna stay put.

Thanks ladies, for the replies

boba So glad things went well for you. I saw Dr Duncan after my last MC. It was a suspected ectopic and through the scans they found a large fibroid - he offered me an HSG to find out more about the fibroid and I thought he was a really good guy. Spent a decent amount of time talking to me about what I went through. I wish more were like him. My next appointment is with him again, so I'm VERY pleased and relieved about that.

My issue with waiting lists is not really ERI related. DH and I have had a much harder time with our GPs blocking access to anything and we get no support or explanations from them. However, what happened with DH when he phoned ERI is he tried to explain we'd been on the list since early June and still hadn't even received a letter, but the 'admin lady' cut him off and apparently went on about "There is a list you know!", as if he was trying to jump the queue and we aren't those kind of people. He was very annoyed at that. But I think that's admin at the NHS generally - well - in my experience with my GP it certainly is.

boba What were your PCOS symptoms?

keziah I had to go for a bunch of tests in advance of the clinic appointment, and DH had to do SA as well, so I hope I've now had most of the blood work done. I also had an AMH test done privately so will take those with me. The big thing with my tests is I have no idea what they mean: GP refused to explain DH or my results to me, saying they are 'generalists' and can't comment on this area of things.

I know for a fact I won't get IVF on the NHS. With waiting lists factored in, I'll be too old when my turn comes around.

My big worry is I 'spot' for a few days before my cycle starts which I've read is not normal, and last cycle I spotted from 6DPO right until the end. So I hope to get answers there. I also don't produce very much EWCM, which worries me too. And DH's sperm results (by google searches for info) aren't brilliant, and I have a fibroid, and my age, and the fact I have had two MCs ... So it isn't that either of us have a single devastating issue; its more that there seem to be lots of small possible issues. So I am thinking, given my age, we maybe need a bit of a head start, hence me asking vnewmummy about IUI.

vnewmummy - thanks for the detail. No such thing as TMI as far as I am concerned! I am really thinking now that it might be something we try.

choccie my symptoms have been small amount of weight gain, my skin has been absolutely terrible and my periods are all over the place, sometimes regular for 3 months then as now nothing for months. Was like this when I got put on the pill when I was a teenager but think my age was blamed then, I was on the Pill for nearly 11 years so of course it masked all symptoms.

Don't worry too much about DH sperm result. My DH and I worried ourselves sick but consultant explained the information has changed now, instead of comparing with WHO data they've compiled regional so you may find he's absolutely 'normal'.

I agree that Dr Duncan is a good guy and I think he will take your age and all your wee issues into account. Plus the fact you've had such a shitty time getting from your GP to them I think you've got a strong case to get fast treatment if that's what you need. FX for you hun. x

Boba, great news that you now have a diagnosis with a treatment plan - all sounds very positive now that you finally got to the bottom of the issue.

keziah - thanks for your post - I cant believe how quickly the time has flown.

I know i shouldnt post on this anymore but I cant help myself keeping track of how you all are. Being on this kept me going.

I can honestly say the support on this forum is amazing and I look forward to hearing more exciting news for everyone.

Hope harry and vnewmummy are doing well. Will look forward to hearing about their pregnancies progressing.

hugs and fx to all xx

boba - great you have a diagnosis, now you can start to tackle it. I think Metformin is used when there is a insulin problem and clomid more when there isn't, but I'm sure more expert women can put me straight on that. The thing with both is that they are usually very good to get you ovulating, and that is usually the hardest bit. I also started with the disappearing periods as a teenager but also went on the pill after the doc had a look and that masked the symptoms and I completely forgot all about it.

Angel lovely to keep hearing from you hon.

Im doing ok just a bit scared things will go wrong. Im resting as much as I can at this stage and have made an apt to see doc next Tuesday.

xx

Only a quick one from me today as I have lots of chores to do but just wanted to say, Boba, I'm really pleased that you have a diagnosis and treatment planned. It's great to know that something is being done.

I don't have my appointment until next Tuesday so will probably have nothing to report until after then but will pop in before then to catch up.

Welcome to the thread, Folksey.

Hi Everyone Else!

Hello you chatty lot!

Lychees - hope your appointment goes well

Boba - great that you have a diagnosis and can move on positively and nearer to that BFP! (FX for you!)
Pleased that you're staying with us too!

Angel - great to hear form you and do keep updating us. It encourages me to hear from the graduates that it can happen!

vnewmummy - same goes for you too! Hope your appointment goes well. I bet Tues seems a long time off but take each day at a time and it will be here soon enough!

Folkesy - welcome!

Not much to report here. Just coming up to highs and peaks (hopefully!) but not sure how easy SWI will be as inlaws staying at the moment!

Hello Keziah, choccie, Storm, row, emmylou and everyone else!

Today's stats: Thur

Boba82 TTC#1 cycle 15, CBFM cycle 2, age 28, UCL 35, CD108
Pamsie ttc#1, cycle3, CBFM cycle 3, age 32, UCL 28-32 CD102
FlyingCat TTC#1, cycle 26, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 28-29, CD66
Missyraines TTC1, Cycle 10, CBFM cycle 5, age 33, UCL 32, CD36
Rach879 TTC#1 cycle 7, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 30-34, CD32
BabyHoping TTC#1, CBM cycle 4, age 33, ucl 31-38, CD 30
Starlet22 TTC#1; cycle 12; CBFM cycle 6; age 33; ucl 25; CD27
Hairytriangle TTC#1 cycle 10, CBFM cycle 1, age 42, UCL 28/29, CD27
Keziah TTC#1, cycle24, CBFM cycle 12, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD 26
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 1, age 38, ucl 29-3, CD26
PinkCustard TTC#2 Cycle8 CBFM Cycle3 age 33 UCL 30-35 CD 26
Emmylou30 TTC #1, Cycle 2, CBFM cycle 1, age 30 UCL 35 CD21
Stormbird TTC #1, Cycle #3, CBFM Cycle #3, age 28, UCL 28 CD20
TangoTime TTC #1, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle #1, age 32, UCL 28 CD19
Row 78 TTC#2, Cycle 3, CBFM cycle 1, age 32, UCL 29, CD19
Ses TTC#2, cycle 2 CBFM cycle 4, age 37, UCL 30 CD12
Jenni4 TTC#2, cycle 5 CBFM cycle 2, age 36, UCL 26 CD12
chocciechip TTC#1, cycle 7, CBFM cycle 7, age 39, UCL29, CD9
ljg TTC#3 Cycle 4, CBFM cycle 3 age 38 CD8
Lychees TTC #2, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 7, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD6

GRADUATES

Harry2007 BFP 01/08/10
Vnewmummy BFP 19/08/10

Just thought I'd wish everyone who has an appointment with docs for whatever reason, the best of luck.

Boba sounds promising now that you have a diagnosis. I have my fingers corssed that you are a step closer to that long awaited BFP hun.

Hello everbody else, hope you are well.

Well, no news my end still. But I have made a decision to take some counselling. I feel like after everyhting that happened with my first PG its now time to talk to someone and get things into perspective. Just think it will take the pressure off a bit it i do so. Managed to get 5 sessions for free through work so they should start in a week or 2. MAy even find out about acupuncture in my area as been suffering really badly with migrains lately and I'm reluctant to take the prescribed meds the doc gave me as we are TTC.

Speak to you all soon.

Today's stats: Thurs

Boba82 TTC#1 cycle 15, CBFM cycle 2, age 28, UCL 35, CD108
Pamsie ttc#1, cycle3, CBFM cycle 3, age 32, UCL 28-32 CD102
FlyingCat TTC#1, cycle 26, CBFM cycle 2, age 30, UCL 28-29, CD66
Missyraines TTC1, Cycle 10, CBFM cycle 5, age 33, UCL 32, CD36
Rach879 TTC#1 cycle 7, CBFM cycle 1, age 30, UCL 30-34, CD32
BabyHoping TTC#1, CBM cycle 4, age 33, ucl 31-38, CD 30
Starlet22 TTC#1; cycle 12; CBFM cycle 6; age 33; ucl 25; CD27
Hairytriangle TTC#1 cycle 10, CBFM cycle 1, age 42, UCL 28/29, CD27
Keziah TTC#1, cycle24, CBFM cycle 12, age 35, ucl 28-31, CD 26
Rosieposey TTC#5, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 1, age 38, ucl 29-3, CD26
PinkCustard TTC#2 Cycle8 CBFM Cycle3 age 33 UCL 30-35 CD 26
Emmylou30 TTC #1, Cycle 2, CBFM cycle 1, age 30 UCL 35 CD21
Stormbird TTC #1, Cycle #3, CBFM Cycle #3, age 28, UCL 28 CD21
TangoTime TTC #1, Cycle #5, CBFM Cycle #1, age 32, UCL 28 CD19
Row 78 TTC#2, Cycle 3, CBFM cycle 1, age 32, UCL 29, CD19
Ses TTC#2, cycle 2 CBFM cycle 4, age 37, UCL 30 CD12
Jenni4 TTC#2, cycle 5 CBFM cycle 2, age 36, UCL 26 CD12
chocciechip TTC#1, cycle 7, CBFM cycle 7, age 39, UCL29, CD9
ljg TTC#3 Cycle 4, CBFM cycle 3 age 38 CD7
Lychees TTC #2, Cycle 11, CBFM cycle 7, Aged 36, UCL 30-35, CD6

GRADUATES

Harry2007 BFP 01/08/10
Vnewmummy BFP 19/08/10

Sorry Lychees we must have posted at the same time.

XX

Morning :) I havent posted in a week or so so lots of catching up to do.

CBFM didnt work out for me this month as it didnt give me a single peak :( I had highs from day 6 right through to day 25 (hmm) I know i ov'ed though as had a positive opk midcycle and my temps (i have started charting this month in tandem with my monitor) have stayed higher since the positive opk. I am going to set the M button for three in the afternoon next cycle as i have short surges and they seem to always show in the late afternoon - will just have to hold from lunchtime onwards for a few hours, maybe that will work out better for the CBFM and it will see my surge?

CD27 here and not a sniff of a BFP, i have been testing so its not looking like my month i dont think.

Boba so glad you got a diagnosis, at least you can get started on treatment. My DD (18) was diagnosed a few months ago after a scan and bloods (she has NO periods at all) and its comforting to see that the NHS will do lots to help ladies with PCOS to concieve when they are ready. Fingers crossed that it happens nice and quickly for you now.

Vnewmummy glad you are taking it easy, i know this is the worst bit but hang in there, you will be 12 weeks before you know it - are you going to ask the GP for an early scan when you go?

Hi Folksy! Welcome :)

Choccie SO glad you have your appt now :) Looks like the talking to did the trick, its funny how sometimes a stern word can get things moving isnt it?

Sorry if ive missed anyone else out and i hope everyone is doing ok.

Hi Ladies,

Seems as though a few of you are finally getting somewhere with diagnosis/treatment. Good luck to you all x

Well I started to bleed on Wednesday night and it was absolutely terrifying. Went straight to A&E where they couldn't scan me because, wait for it, it was night time! There wasn't a single qualified person in the entire hospital who could scan me. Had to go back yesterday for a scan (that's one every week since week 5 now) and thank God, baby is fine and is growing normally - a centimetre long now! I'm exhausted with all the worrying. I really did think I was losing my second baby in 5 months.

Soooooooooo relieved! I'm on bed rest now as it's my cervix that's bleeding. I think I can manage staying in bed watching tv for a week