Would you be my Infertility/Clomid/Follicle tracking friend please?!

[scienceteachergeek]

Hi there ladies

I’m really looking for a ‘clomid friend’ or ‘infertility pal’!

I’m 30, DH is 38. I came off the pill July 2013 to regulate my cycles and ended 15yrs of antidepressants in March 2014 as I’d read that was the best plan if possible.

I’d been having regular 27/30day cycles since I came off the pill but after no positive tests, buying OPKs and the Clearblue Advanced Fertility Monitor, plus charting temps and monitoring my cervix and mucus it quickly became apparent that I wasn’t ovulating. After all the blood tests, sperm analysis, trans-vaginal scans and the HSG it showed that he was fine but I wasn’t ovulating, but there was not obvious reason why.

Fast forward to now, 2yrs since coming off the pill, I have been prescribed clomid and have taken my first 5 tablets. I’m day 12 today and have been having follicle tracking to check if the drugs have worked. My largest follicle was 16.4mm today and have to go back on Wednesday to check it again.

Do any of you know if that’s a good size? Or have any experiences of being further down the clomid path? Or are you in a similar position? I just feel like I’m going out of my mind and could really use a buddy!

Thanks for reading and hugs to you all. Interested in hearing from any of you xxx

FFS

I got a YouTube preroll of a ClearBlue ad for their ovulation tests and how they were proven to help increase the likelihood of pregnancy

If only we had thought of that!!!

My friend who'd had 5 failed cycles / miscarriages got the same, on FB. As though just shagging around ovulation was the key to getting pregnant.

Disgusts me.

Banana - all the IVF info is fascinating - fingers crossed for you

I hope to see a some BFPs on here very soon!

I caved and tested at cd 26 - BFN which was expected. I'm not too down as I kind of knew it plus I'm just glad I ovulated. Bday drinking will commence :) and second cycle of clomid early Feb. Dry Feb can f@ck off though. Not drinking didn't work so time to carry as norm!!!!

Good luck everyone!

That should have said "On logging into Mumsnet". I had Facebook on the brain though because every time I log on some sort of baby ad comes up down the side, or suggested articles about pregnancy/childcare/working mums. FFS.

Hello ladies ! Hope you're well?

Lily - Sorry about the BFN. Congrats on the day 21 results though - that's great news & one less thing to worry about.

Enjoy your birthday in a few days' time and the nice meal and fizz.

NewLeaf - I'm also thinking of name changing soon!

So you're also looking at IVF outside the UK. What do you make of it all? Do you follow the various threads on the subject on Mumsnet? I'm getting more and more keen on it due to the ineptitude of the UK system.

Banana - Congrats on being PUPO! It's interesting to see the post-transfer timetable. Keep us posted!

Vap - Don't worry about the Zika virus now. March is still a long way away and a lot can change in that time. It may be that Florida will be fine, and if it's not it may be that the company changes it's plans. If nearer the time (say 2 weeks before) it looks like it may be a problem, then you just have to confide in someone senior and ask them to keep it confidential. For now, don't worry about it, because the worry will be more harmful to you than waiting until March to decide what to do.

AFM, I had my second scan and it looks like the cyst has gone, which is good. It's a good job I had to go back because they didn't get any results from the blood tests I had a few weeks ago due to a technical problem. They never called me to tell me this, which is extremely frustrating, especially as it was only by chance (i.e. because I asked!) that the doctor had to check my notes from the test.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, I had another crying episode. I am so pathetic. Basically I asked if we could book the next appointment (the consent clinic) for a few months time. There is usually only a few weeks on the waiting list, but it can be hard for DH to get time off work on short notice (i.e. less than a few months' notice) so we thought it was no skin off the clinic's nose for us to book the appointment way down the line, and if there are any problems about getting my current CCG to fund the cycle, we have plenty of time to cancel the appointment. Anyway, they point blank refused. So essentially we're going to have to wait until we hear from our current CCG (which will undoubtedly take weeks) THEN go right to the bottom of the waiting list, plus factor in the fact DH won't be able to get an appointment at short notice (unless we're incredibly lucky). I just got so upset, because it's YET ANOTHER admin hurdle that really shouldn't be there. It's shit enough being in this awful position and to be facing IVF, but to have EVERYBODY put a blocker along the way is total hell. It makes me so angry that the NHS and medical secretaries and now the Fertility Clinic do nothing to help us.

Anyway, in happier news I am off on holiday tomorrow. I am so excited and can't wait to get away from the UK. Vap - The place where I'm going also has the Zika virus. My mum and dad got really stressed by it and asked us to reconsider going there. I pointed out that there's fuck all change of me getting up-duffed any time soon, and my mum gave me a lecture about "being negative" and how "it's not impossible" and "shouldn't be taking this risk". My whole life has been put on hold for over a year, so I'm not going to change the holiday I've been looking forward to for months!!!

Rant over...

flat have a fab holiday yippeeee! How long are u going for? I am so desperate for some sun but instead am going to the snow . And yes to NC in the near future.

I'm so sorry to hear of that admin nightmare u are facing. Do u need DH there for the next appt? because of my DHs job it's almost impossible guarantee him to any appointments so I have always been alone except the first appt at the GP where we got referral. For consent I actually may have signed for him as he was abroad working and I realised we forgot he was supposed to sign too

Well vap still no OV for me. I have felt a few twinges so I expect it is on its way. I have ovulated each month on clomid, first cycle 50mg and subsequent four (or 5?) cycles at 100mg. I just always ovulate late and have long cycles. The earliest I have ever ovulated was CD18 and the latest CD28. I always get AF 14 days later so I manage that part of the cycle right at least! I am now CD23 so if taking the median it should be NOW! I have already used so many opk ICs this month. Best go pee on another for good measure.

I am going to my next specialist appointment in 20 days time (counting down)... If they don't give the answer or response I want then we will start ivf processes here. DH thinks it's a no brainer. Actually did you know in northern Cyprus you can have sex selection and genetic testing a lot of clinics here offer you to pop over for the second part of IVF process if you want that. Talk about designer lab made baby! DH is keen but I think it's a step too far. Hahaha!

flat good for y for having a fuckit attitude to your holiday. I agree the chances are low, you have waited so long, just take precautions against Zika but also just get on with life!

Pupo how are u feeling?

lily hopefully your bfn changes over the next few days .. How long are your cycles normally?

Hi

This is going to get confusing with a few of you planning a name chance

banana I used to get those CB posts on FB, it's quite good at knowing what's going on in your life as now I'm getting all pregnancy related ones. It's so annoying seeing those CB ones as if it can improve your chances? How can it possibly improve chances when you're not ovulating?

DP told me the other night a new work colleague of his started telling him they have fertility issues, he has limited motility and she has cysts. He said to him "you'll get there in the end" which I jumped down his throat for, it's one thing saying it to me when we had no obvious problems but told him that the chances are they will need IVF and he has trivialised it. I was so cross!!! Can you imagine how the poor guy felt when he said that to him. You would think he knows better after going through this hell for so long! Rant over, sorry.

lily sorry for the bfn but hope you had a great birthday and excellent that you ovulated. Well done on making most of January dry, always a tricky one when you have a January birthday!

flat enjoy your holiday! Not sure if we will hear from you whilst you're away but enjoy the relaxation, drinks and mostly being away from work! Keep that phone turned off Great news about your cyst disappearing! Hopefully when you get back these incompetent Drs will be able to sort you out with a proper set of appointments.

banana how are you getting on? I presume all the weird and wonderful drugs you've been on will mean you have no idea if you're having symptoms or not? Remind us of your test date, very very exciting!

Not much going on here. Waiting for my scan on Monday. Hopeful all is well. Tiredness and hunger have gone away which is a relief but also scary. Think I've decided that if all is well with the scan on Monday that I'll call my boss and let him know about the pregnancy and let him know about my fears of travelling to Miami. Hopefully the risk assessment will flag up that I shouldn't really be travelling there. I posted on the pregnancy board about travelling there and the my ladies came back as a unanimous NO, not one of them would risk it, no matter how small the risk.

Happy weekend all!
Anyone up to much?
We are off out for drinks and a curry with friends for a birthday celebration on sat. Not drinking will not go unnoticed.

Hello everyone. Hope you're well!

I'm checking in from overseas. My body is still on UK time so I woke at 4am yesterday and 2am today! Unfortunately it seems the internet only works for about an hour every morning, so it's hard to check in.

It's lovely and sunny here (sorry!) but I did have a moment of total rage yesterday. There are babies and kids everywhere, which is pretty tough in itself. Anyway, this couple sat down next to us and had a kid of about 18 months old, possibly a bit younger. They then proceeded to fill his bottle with coca cola! WTF! They fed him coke all day . Firstly, that's just awful in itself! His teeth will be gone by the time he's 5 and he'll be hyper as f*ck. Secondly, it's 30 degrees c out here. He will be SO dehydrated and giving him coke will hardly help that!

NewLeaf - I completely have a fuck it attitude. I NEVER thought I would! I was the idiot who gave up booze, started taking folic acid and went on a baby-healthy-eating regime 6 months before TTC. I NEVER thought I'd be prepared to take any risks. Sadly, I just don't believe I'm ever going to get pregnant so it doesn't really feel like I'm taking a risk now.

Yes - we've been told we both have to be there for the consent clinic. I was told that at my first appointment (being the one they changed on 2 days' notice!). It's what makes me think we'll ultimately have to do IVF abroad: every single appointment (excluding my scan and my operation) has been cancelled or rearranged and the waiting list is so long. I'm sick of the IVF process in this country.

Vap - how are you doing lovely? Oh silly silly silly OH! Send him back to talk to his mate, but this time do it properly. I'd be so annoyed if DH did that.

As for Miami, I agree you shouldn't take any risks. I think it's fine to wait until not long before the trip (not, like, the day before...but 2 weeks before or something) just so you're closer to the 12 week mark. I wouldn't risk it by going and your company wouldn't want that liability on their hands so I doubt they'll kick up a fuss if you don't go!

Good luck at the next appointment!

Woo! flat great to hear you're having good weather! Not much you can do about the other guests, idiots! Who gives any small child any kind of fizzy drink unless it's a one off treat. MORONS!

The whole IVF abroad thing does sound so much easier than in the uk, how does dh feel about it now? Is he coming around to the idea?

Anyone else about with any updates?

Urghhhhh just logged into Facebook. What the hell is this whole 'Motherhood Challenge'? Smug fuckers. How is it even a "challenge"? These idiots post photos of their kids all day every day. Maybe I'll suggest that the 'Motherhood Challenge' should be to STFU about your kids for an entire day?!

Vap - the coca cola baby thing is outrageous. He was drinking it again yesterday. He's also taken to following me and DH around everywhere, bless him. I was feeling quite angry because the poor little mite was clearly desperate to play in the pool, or play with his parents or go to the little kids play park thing, but his parents spent most of the day ignoring him. They just sat there drinking and on their phones and were clearly annoyed that he was trying to get their attention. At one point they even grabbed him and forced him to sit and play on an iPad, even though it was clear he wanted to paddle in the pool. I didn't know if I was being overly sensitive, but as soon as we got back to our room DH was ranting about the situation. He was also angry that every time this kid smiled at us or came over to us his parents would give us death stares. I know we don't know the full story (there may be a horrible story behind their sombre moods: perhaps someone has died, or she's had a miscarriage or one of them has lost their job etc), but it's just heartbreaking knowing how much love and fun we'd give that little boy and then his parents clearly see him as an annoyance.

Vap - I never thought I'd say this, but DH is (almost) coming round to the idea of IVF abroad. We had a fight about a week ago in which I said I was annoyed that he's just dismissed it without even properly researching it. He then went away and did a little research and said "It's not as horrendous as I originally thought", which is more than I ever expected to get from him and he is SO STUBBORN. We did have a bit of a fight yesterday as I said I wanted to go down the adoption route if we have no success with IVF in 1 year - 18 months. He said he's not prepared to think about it until we've been "trying" (ie naturally & IVF) for another 5 years! WTAF? Say it takes 2 years from the start of the process to actually adopting, I'll be 38 before I become a mum! Considering I wanted to be a mum at 28 that's a bit ridiculous!

Anyway, sorry for the me me me post. It's 3:30am and I can't sleep. I'm also starving because I'm on a bloody diet...

How is everyone else doing? It seems so quiet lately .

Vap - did you manage to get away with not drinking? Hope you had s good night!x

Will come back and do personals as so many of your lovely messages to catch up on. Hope you're all well my amazing warrior women

But wanted to share a bit of news with you. Caved and tested early - today is 8dp5dt and OTD isn't till Thu (12dp5dt)

But a very solid BFP line on a FRER!!!

Cautious as it is early and it could fade. But cautiously optimistic!

Hi

banana this is AMAZING! Before I get all carried away with the excitement, could the drugs you're on give you a false BFP? I think I saw someone somewhere (think they were having iui) follow the drugs out of their system with frer's and then continued testing and when they saw a line reappear it was an official BFP. This is such exciting news.

flat how on earth are you dieting on holiday? Talk about punishing yourself! I'm so pleased that dh is coming around to the idea. When mr vap and I were discussing it initially he dismissed it out of hand but after me having an almighty breakdown (when a friend became accidentally pregnant with child number 4 6 kids between them who is due within a week of first mc due date) he finally realised that he needed to agree to something to get the normal, happy go lucky, me back. He even at one point was talking about remortgaging the house to fund the treatment which I never thought I'd hear. I really hope your dh continues to face in the same direction as you, all positive steps. P.S. I know we all spoke about being unhappy and depressed etc a while back and I said I was sure that it was all caused by infertility and as soon as that BFP appears and unhappiness will disappear, well it's certainly worked for me, I hope you all get there soon. Do they do any aqua aerobics in the pool where you are? If so, go and get involved and burn yourself off enough calories to go and have a lovely cocktail. That poor child being ignored, such a shame, and I'd imagine that they aren't going through anything but are just really shit parents, you see them everywhere.

Managed to get away with the not drinking as it's still January and we had advertised our dry January status, luckily this year dp has decided to do dry 3 months, which is pretty amazing considering our lives used to revolve around drinking. They had all expected us to crack by the weekend at the end of Jan. Luckily they didn't dwell on it for too long. Really helps dp not drinking too. And how much easier is it being able to drive home instead of phone up, get cold, wait for a taxi, drive home via cash machine, remember you've left your house keys in the car in town, etc... I'm counting the hours until this scan tomorrow. 2.40. I'll be on here hopefully with a happy update and photo of baby who should be about 17mm long by then, if he/she s growing at the correct rate.

Lily very belated birthday congratulations, hope you had a cracking time, and that you get your birthday BFP this month

Flat hope you’re having a fantastic holiday, obviously no jury would convict if you were to wreak vengeance on the idiot coca cola parents with a flamethrower. FFS. You do look at some people and think Darwin should have intervened and lobbed some hefty obstacles in the way to prevent THEM from breeding, instead of people who are generally awesome human beings and have everything going for them as parents

Hope you and Mr Flat can have a suitably restorative break away from the ridiculousness of nobjockey NHS pencil pushers, and damn right you deserve to let your hair down!

vap I totally think you’ve made the right call on Miami. And naughty Mr Vap!!! How are you feeling? Good luck for your next appointment, so excited for you!

You’re absolutely right, the trigger injection you take to ripen the eggs (and for IUI or timed intercourse you take it to simulate the LH surge and trigger ovulation - whereas for IVF you time it so that they retrieve the eggs just before you pop, hence why it’s timed so precisely) is a big ole shot of hCG. So if you take a test too close to the time of trigger, you will absolutely get a false positive. Which is why lots of people will check way before a BFP could be detected that the trigger is out of their system - it was def out my system a week ago, as I got strong negatives on internet cheapies, so whatever is being picked up isn’t the trigger

newleaf Hoping that ov is just being coy - any +ve OPK yet? I would take a sodding plastic cup in a tupperware to work so I could pee on OPKs at various points throughout the day, lest I miss my surge. I think the ‘trying’ in TTC def refers to this part and not the sexy times bit!!!

Re: genetic testing, we considered PGS, but consultant recommended against it for a first cycle. Thankfully sex selection for family balancing is illegal over here - the only way you can do that is for PGD where a disease is only carried on the male chromosome. Each to their own, I just personally find the idea of being able to choose the sex of the embryo transferred pretty distasteful tbh.

In terms of IVF overseas, the clinics that seem to be raved about are Reprofit and Gennet in Czech Republic, and Serum in Athens. Lots of women on Fertility Friends threads with successes from these clinics

So, I got another very strong BFP line today - line came up immediately. Really hoping this one isn’t a chemical and that it’s clinging on tight! Still getting a bit of cramping which I’m told is not a bad sign, and OMFG my (.)(.) - I’ve never had sore boobs in my life before, until now. They are most definitely making their presence known, so something is going on down there, I hope it’s embryo shaped!!

Emailed the consultant’s secretary to fess up to testing early, with two strong positive tests yesterday and today, so hoping he doesn’t make me wait until Thu to come in for a beta!!

banana this is brilliant news.

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No tentative about it this time as those are whopping positives! And hearing the jab you had will be well out of your system is amazing so it's all proper hcg! This is the best news, can't wait to hear what the dr's say, are they likely to get you in early for a scan? I suppose there isn't much they can do other than ask you to wait and see how things go until about 6w. Who knows. Everything crossed for you.

Did a hpt today, just because I'm curious as to whether I'll ever get a blazing positive on one, so many ladies get such massive positives early on and I'm still not. I'm convinced these cheap opk's and hpts just don't work for me. At 8w hcg should be at its peak. Look at my test from this morning 8+2. Waited until today so that I didn't have too long to worry about it it looks like it does. Can't wait for this scan, hoping for good news but also prepared to hear the worst. DP can't come today to the scan so really really hoping it's not bad news.

God this is all good news I'm reading.

Banana - amazing news / fingers crossed for you

Vap - good luck today!

I'm cd 3 - started my Clomid again and am drinking my way through it this time. Bday was superb and now on hol for a week so eating and drinking what I want and trying to chill out a bit this cycle. What will be will be.

Personally I think the Clomid was brilliant - I could feel ovulation and it happened when they said, the p score was good at 51 and I got AF bang on cd 29. I've always been having 28-34 day cycles with ovulation in random places - anywhere from cd 14-20 do it's nice to be 'regular'.

Looking forward to hearing more later everyone!

Sorry for the lack of response - the Internet is terrible here (I know, I know...poor me sitting by a pool in the glorious sunshine, with an ice cream in my hand but no wifi, haha).

Firstly, DH and I may be outed soon. If you read about a 30-something British couple kidnapping a neglected British toddler, that's us. DH has just been throwing a ball back and forth with the kid and the father looked at DH like he's some kind of paedo.

Secondly, massive progress with DH on the adoption & IVF front. Will post more when I'm back.

Finally, and most importantly (jointly) good luck today Vap and CONGRATULATIONS Banana. I don't want to jinx anything by being too excited, but I have everything crossed for you!!!

Woo! Scan went well! She measured me at 8+3 plus or minus 4 days. My dates say 8+2 which is all good. Such a relief!! I'm sure it looked clearer in the room but here is the pic they gave me. They also advised against Miami. Stupid hpt this morning getting me all worked up. In the bin they go!

Omg ! That is amazing! Look at the little baby shape starting! Congratulations - and take it easy!

So, I'll be breaking the news to my boss today. Fingers crossed it all goes well. It's too early really but can't sit by and let them spend a whole load of money booking stuff for me for Miami when I know I'm not going.

Wow guys so much is happening on here, so many babes on the way I am so thrilled and pleased and can only hope its us laggers who will be up next!!!

Flat The coke baby story is horrific. I have no idea why anyone would give a baby any sugary drinks. I know that we can't be judgy as we aren't parents and who knows, our ideal visions of parenthood will probably be different from the reality but really, REALLY!!! Coke for a baby/small child makes me angry. Its like these people who give their baby sweet tea in a bottle. WTF... WHY?

VaP baby vap actually looks baby bean like! I am so so so pleased! congratulations i hope you can start to enjoy the pregnancy a bit..??

Banana B-a-n-a-n-aaaaaa b-a-b-yyyyy... I knew it would work first time. How are you and mr banana feeling? The thing about infertility is this shittiness. You spend years not getting your hopes up because everything fails. then it works and you can't chill out and enjoy like anyone else because you are so used to failure. Its not fair. Just keep in mind that whether you get excited and baby gaga or whether you play it safe and hold back emotions - what will be will be and your excitement won't have any + or - affect anyway. So you may as well allow yourself to be over the freaking moon!!!!! congratulations!!!

How is your pain from being off the morphine strength drugs?

science where are you?

lily sorry to hear about AF, onwards for your next clomid cycle! What strength are you on?

AAAAnd for me.... vap you jinxed me!! No + OPK this month and no ovulation signs... :-( My OPKS have been totally and utterly negative. About a 5-15% strong second line coming and going for the past two weeks. I am stumped as to why no ovulation... because of this i have NO idea when AF will be due as I usually go by Ov +14 since I have no real 'cycle' to go by.. I am not going to take clomid next cycle, i have my appt on the 18th and I will speak to them there.

and banana as for the IVF sexing I also think its distasteful. How lucky to get pregnant how obnoxious to select a gender...

On another note I went snowboarding for 1 day. severely sprained wrist. Took half a day out and got a splint. Swapped to skiing an didnt fall for the next two days. I advise everyone not to snowboard or attempt it, ever. its evil. splint still on and my whole forearm from pinky finger almost to elbow is bruised on front, from wrist to halfway down is bruised on underside of my arm. looks horrific.

Dry Jan got broken on 30th Jan while away. I've had a glass or half a glass of wine each day since then as we have been on holiday and DH birthday. I cannot hack and don't enjoy drinking anymore. Hooray. Dry jan was therefore a "success".

I plan to continue semi-dry feb :-)

Wondering if Dry Jan had any affect on why no ovulation. I can't see that being true as it should HELP things, not hinder them. But anyway... who knows.... onwards!!!

Ok, maybe that message was what sent me over the edge. 95% positive OPK this morning CD29. Later than ever. Ridiculous.....

flat no jury would convict. Hope you’re having a nice holiday despite the epic fucknuts and their grade A parenting skills

vap amazing!!!! That is just the best news ever. Good luck with your boss

lily bring on the Clomid - and have a superb holiday!

newleaf woop on +ve OPK! less woop on the wrist, ouch! You poor thing, that sounds horrendous. Hope you’re not feeling too crap and that you’ve been enjoying your hol and DH birthday, and damn right with

Had my first blood test yesterday: 10dp5dt / 15 dpo - beta hCG 299 (and progesterone 175.3). It appears I am officially pregnant!

Second beta tomorrow, so hoping for some nice doubling. Then I think viability scan at 6-7 weeks - not asked what happened if you get a BFP as didn’t want to get ahead of myself…

Mr Banana is absolutely thrilled, although he did quip ‘I’m 45, I’m not ready to be a father!’

banana this is such wonderful news! Mr banana - hahaha! Everything crossed your hcg doubles for your next blood test. Very exciting times! Have you run out of tests yet? One thing I will say is the sooner you can stop testing the better you will feel as they do nothing but worry you if lines don't get darker and it means nothing at all (look at that 8w hpt I posted recently).

Newleaf hope yOu made the most of that positive Opk! Does that mean af won't arrive for a couple of weeks now? Do you normally have looong cycles? I've lost track a bit. How is the wrist? Well done on the pretty much dry January and good for you continuing semi dry February. Mr vap is still going strong with his dryness, he has been enjoying his becks blue, which I think Is horrible but each to their own. I wouldn't read too much into drinking or not drinking and ovulation. It is highly unlikely to have any bearing on it at all. I've never snowboarded myself, only ever been skiing, can't be easy having your feet tied together. Do you have clomid for next month and just decided not to take it or have you run out now? Regarding enjoying the pregnancy, it is all feeling that little bit more real now but I'm still kind of holding back until I get that 12 week scan through. If it is at 12w or later think I'll plan for a 10w scan privately. Going for pancake day at my parents in Tuesday so was going to break the news to them then but I'm chickening out. Think we will leave it for another scan at 10 or 11w before we do. Hope they don't push booze when we are over there, they normally do

lily where are you up to?

flat hope the holiday is going well, hope your radio silence doesn't mean you and mr flat have run off into the hills with Coke boy. how long do you have left? Feeling very jealous!

I have some magic opk's by the way. A mn friend posted them to me, she had her BFP ages ago (due in March) not long after receiving them I got my BFP, never even used one. Does anyone want them? I'm more than happy to post them.

So this week I told my boss (MD - not the wanker boss) about the pregnancy and he was really lovely, full of congratulations and joy. He couldn't have taken it any better. And telling him I wasn't going to Miami he actually apologised to me for me missing out. So all good there. I also had my booking appointment yesterday. Not very eventful, 35 minutes of answering questions, blood being taken and being squirted across the desk. The lady before me over ran by about 15 mins, she had loads of questions. I had no questions at all, I think when you've been trying for so long you have read about every eventuality and option. Good news is I'm very low risk, just 2 things they want to keep an eye on bmi was 30.7 so need to have an extra blood test to check for diabetes later on but doesn't sound like too much of a big deal and the other is a previous spine operation where she wants me to meet with some kind of specialist later on down the line not sure what about something about epidurals and whether I'd be able to have one due to my history, can't imagine why I couldn't as have had 2 before. Interestingly the harmony test has gone down in price to £400 now, when I was first reading about it it was about £1000, she also said it will soon (next couple of years) be included in NHS costs. The only thing that weirded me out was I was at the children's centre for this appointment, and will be for all my mw appointments, there was some kind of mums and tots group going on and I was horrified to see that I was between 10-15 years older than all the other mums. Started wondering what on earth I'd do for a year as I couldn't imagine me being able to buddy up with a load of kids with kids. Luckily a previous mn friend said it was the same for her and she joined nct. I thought you'd all be interested in this as I know we aren't all spring chickens says the soon to be 34 year old freaking out about when you are classed as a geriatric mum. So I read up a lot about it and my friend described it as buying friends, ha, I have no problem with that if they are more like me, she described them as professional 30 something women, perfect! So I've enquired about it, a course of 4 sessions (3 including partners) plus 1 reunion is about £200. They do of course offer all of this info on the NHS but I think for my sanity and making friends I'm happy to pay and meet like minded people. That's it from me. Just crossing fingers and hoping for the best for all of us.

Best of luck to everyone for this cycle or the next. Keep us updated

Hi all! Well I'm on cd 6 Clomid cycle no2. It's still only 50 that I'm taking but sounds like that is working. Fingers crossed. I'm a bit more relaxed this month - been having a few wines etc and healthy food has gone out the window. Considering I've not drank properly for 4-5 months now and eat very well - I'm sure that a month off isn't going to hurt (and it hasn't yet worked!)

Hi everyone, sorry - it's so hard to post out here as the internet is intermittent.

Huge congrats to Banana and Vap!

Banana - you must be so thrilled!

Vap - great news about your boss (or your boss's boss!).

NewLeaf - OMG you poor thing. I'm so sorry. How miserable. Are you feeling any better? Snowboarding is notorious for those sorts of injuries.

Will send a full reply when I'm back in the UK x

Hey everyone

Sorry for the absence. Vap0 sent me a private message which prompted me to come back.

Everything went a little mad. Had another nasty assault on me at school, then slipping over on my ankle in the ice, then went for an MRI which showed that my tumour is back in my arm. Then the following day we found out that Ofsted were coming, they left yesterday so that's been mental too. Since the assault I've been spending all my free time writing applications for new schools. So that pretty much sums up my last few weeks! Just home from a job interview.

I did ovulate though on my 4th clomid cycle and dtd 6 days in a row. AF due in a couple of days.

I'm so glad that things are going well for banana and Vap, brilliant.

Thanks for asking after me guys. I've had such dark days of late but nice to know you guys are checking up on me. They've been giving me some counselling though, so that's nice!

Love and hugs to you all xxx