PCOS - Trying to conceive

[ElizabethCatherine]

Welcome to our 5th thread :)

A lovely bunch of ladies all here to help each other along the way with any questions or concerns we all have when TTC with PCOS

Hi!
How how how do people cope with pregnant friends? Of my closest friends 3 have babies, 3 are pregnant (1 person falls into both groups). I've been dealing with all this quite well I think, but now 2 of them are simultaneously pregnant (same cycle) and it's hard to know I'm so far away from being where they are!!!
Third consultant appointment in 3 weeks, waiting on renewed sperm count to decide if clomid or icsi - in the meantime I'm just waaaaaiiiiittttiiiiinnnnggggg!

Morning ladies, hope you all had a good weekend.

SLady, hope you're feeling a bit more positive and you had a relaxing weekend, with not too many TTC thoughts. I got worked up as well as I'm pretty sure I ovulated yesterday (ever since the mc I get ovulation pain) but didn't manage to DTD yesterday (long story), only the days before. Although I know there's still a chance to get pregnant, I feel quite hopeless.

daphne5694, it's not the myo-inositol that people recommend and studies show to be effective, but the standard one. I got a 500g bag from Bulk Powders and it lasts ages. I take 2g in the morning and 2g at lunch, with food, plus folic acid in the morning. I thought I'd give this a try before investing in the expensive, fertility/PCOS-specific version. Some people are really sensitive and get tummy problems (so start with just 2g a day for example), mine only lasted a few days. I remember there was a lady on the PCOS threads who decided to go down the natural route (including Inositol) and she got pregnant. I think I have a screenshot of her recommendations so I can send it to you if you want. Stress-wise, yoga apparently helps but I haven't tried it yet. There are a few fertility yoga videos on YouTube.

FloofyFloo, sorry you're having a hard time with pregnant friends. I even get worked up when I see pregnant ladies on my way to work, thinking it's so bloody unfair (especially as my due date was supposed to be in late July) so I'm not the best person to answer... It's shit and I wish I could tell you there's a magic solution. I usually try to get rid of these thoughts by saying to myself that we all have struggles and you never know for certain what happens in their lives, behind closed doors (not sure how close you are to your friends). Do you have anything nice planned before the appointment so the waiting is not so difficult? I had to put TTC on hold for a good few months and I tried to focus on the little things that cheer me up: going out with good friends, day trips, planting flowers, planning our summer holidays etc. The busier I am, the easier it is. Anything that can help take your mind of it all. Sending you a big hug!

Sorry Barsons83 , just seen your post. Glad you can start fresh. Sending lots of positive vibes and keeping my fingers crossed for you.

@YouBoggleMyMind @SLady I actually made that account and deleted it all in the same weekend ha oops. I started it anonymous by not linking to Facebook and quickly a couple people found me already that I knew. I had 35 followers with just 2 posts so could see it would get outta hand and people would find me and see my posts anyways so what's the point. Having 2 Instagrams is too much for me ha. I have nothing to hide, my Instagram is my page and I'll share what I want to share. I don't feel the need to keep things totally secret anymore, there is nothing wrong with infertility and more awareness needs to be raised. We are all normal people in this world and the more honest we are with others and ourselves the more we don't have to feel alone. Because that's the worst, feeling isolated and like you are the only one. More people have struggles in their lives then we think and it's all normal. I will be careful how much I open up in the beginning to protect my heart but I want to reach out to people who are dealing with the same struggles and if I can help just 1 person then that makes me happy. My account is _catwallace will be nice to connect on our journeys since we have all been going through the same thing :) x

@FloofyFloo I will be having my first counselling session today at 5pm and will be asking her how to cope when being around friends who are pregnant and new borns. It's something I struggle with as well. So I will post what she says if I can help you. 40 minutes ago my friend just had her baby so I'll be staying with them this weekend and it's going to be very hard for me because we started trying at the exact same time for baby's and wanted them to be born same time and grow up together. (If only things worked that way in life ha). It's going to be very difficult seeing my husband around the baby as well because I know he's going to get very emotional it's his best friend and he wants nothing more then to be a father so it's going to be hard for him as well although he is good about keeping his feelings to himself more because he knows I am struggling with depression from all of this.

Morning ladies. Im feeling alot better today thanks looking4hope i even had EWCM today and yesterday. Does anyone know if you can get EWCM on Clomid and not ovulate?

I feel your pain daphne the whole thing is just a massive waiting game and it's even worse when it's your body holding up the process. I had to wait ages to get my bloods done!
It's horrible Floofy it feels so unfair and it's so hard to be happy for people. But like looking4hope says no one knows what goes on behind closed doors. I've told a few of my closest friends my struggles but for the rest they'll just think we conceived "normally".
It's annoying Instagram and Twitter both do that elizabeth my friend tried to set up a weight loss one anonymously and it sent out a "people you may know" to everyone. I will look you up :)

Morning ladies, hope you're all well and staying dry today. I'm working from home because I've been wide awake since 3am (just couldn't sleep) and not feeling great.

ElizabethCatherine, I had a sneak peek at your Instagram account this morning and just wanted to tell you that you look absolutely amazing!!! I'll definitely follow you as I'm devouring anything health/fitness-related at the moment. Well done for being so open about your journey, I should do the same as I feel a lot of these topics are still somewhat 'taboo' and people rarely talk about their struggles. I also wanted to create a separate account for my PCOS journey, but thought it would be too much hassle... after seeing yours I'm seriously considering posting on my personal one (which is somewhat dormant anyway). Hope your counselling session went well and you found it helpful.

SLady, I'm not familiar with Clomid, but keeping all my fingers crossed your EWCM is actually a good sign and you're about to ovulate.

As for me, I think I ovulated on Sunday (just waiting to confirm with temps) and I'm (unofficially) in the TWW. I've always thought I wouldn't symptom-spot like crazy, but I can easily see this spiralling out of control. Theoretically it's only 2DPO and I already feel like I'm overanalysing everything. I saw a funny phrase on the TTC after MC thread, "hopeful twat", and it made me chuckle. Not high hopes at the moment as I checked my notes from when I got pg the last time and I already had sore nipples at 2DPO (sorry for the TMI), but nothing so far except a hot, tingling sensation. We have a big barbecue planned for 16 June, so I guess I'll need to test the Friday before to find out if I need to avoid alcohol or not (provided AF doesn't arrive by then). I just need to stop thinking about it!

Thanks looking4hope I have my fingers crossed Clomid has worked! I am totally the same, always thought i wouldn't symptom spot but I have been a nightmare with ovulation so I can't imagine what I'm going to be like in the 2ww. Every twinge I get I'm thinking ooh maybe I'm ovulating right now! Fingers crossed for us.
I second that too, elizabethcatherine you do look amazing..when your time comes you're going to have some gorgeous little bubbas!!

@SLady & @looking4hope ohh you two are so sweet you made me feel so emotional, damn hormones! LOL

Go for it @looking4hope post what you want to post! The stigma needs to end about these things and more people need to be available to help each other and not to feel like they are struggling alone. There is nothing to be ashamed of, if people want to judge, people are going to judge with anything in this world so don't let what someone else thinks bothers you, do it for yourself and stay strong!

I had my counselling session yesterday but it was more like an assessment, could be awhile still for actual sessions and I've been on the wait list since December, so my advise to anyone considering counselling or help ask for it now, it will take you months and months to get your first appointment and you can cancel at anytime if you don't feel you need it anymore

Hi ladies.

I'm back from my hols and can't believe this weather !! Having said that - I had a fab week by the pool in the sunshine which has made me feel loads better and totally recharged ready for my next cycle of clomid.

So I don't think I've ovulated this month - I'm CD22 and no CM, no positive OPK's and not really trusting the temping thing as I've not really done it for long enough to get a good pattern going..

Consultant has given me 7days notheristerone (it was 10 days last time though!) and they've said to start when I'm ready, I don't know whether to wait a few weeks though?

I do go on holiday again in 7 weeks so I want to make sure I take my second round of clomid with plenty of time to fit in scans so I can check it is working before I go away. What do you all suggest?

I hope the clomid is working for you slady fingers crossed! X

@Looking4hope, thanks for the virtual hug! I find the same with random pregnant ladies, I think I might be the actual green eyed monster!

With friends it's just a bit overwhelming finding out about it all! I think I have it all under control, and then BAM it just hits me! I'm feeling a bit better after a good cry yesterday, and a run today - I just need to renew I'm not them, and it'll be worth it in the end!

Also fingers extra crossed you ovulated! I have a strict only testing once a month policy so far - to avoid symptom spotting like mad all of the time even though my cycles are forever long!!!

Finger also super crossed for @slady!

@ElizabethCatherine you are stunning! I had a little look the other day and started following you! Really inspirational. I receive counselling at my fertility clinic - I don't know if what you're having is through this or self referral? I know I've been waiting for 5 months for a referral to see a counsellor about SAD but I have seen a counsellor twice now at the clinic. I haven't asked about the friends bit yet - I think you're right that the hardest part is when it's people you hoped your own children would grow up with, and their lives just seem to run away while we're over here all waiting..! New born cuddles are just the best though, and I hope you have a lovely lovely time with your friend!

Sorry about the massively long message! I've eventually worked out how to split screen on my phone so I can read and reply to what people actually said.. 😂

Mind if I join in ladies? I'm TTC with PCOS, I'm on my first cycle of clomid and on CD18, what day should I expect to ovulate? I'm not having any scans or anything for this round. I'm feeling very bloated these past couple of days but heard that's normal, fingers crossed it means something is working in there!

Hi Girls, sorry I've not been around. Seemed pointless whilst there's nothing going on.

Went to the consultant on Monday. No further Medical treatment until I've lost weight. She's going to send me a new appointment for 4 months time.

In other news, this last Clomid cycle was only 35 days, so I reckon that I did ovulate after all

Btw, couldn't find you at first because we've moved from conception to infertility!!

ComeThe

Why are you not being monitored?. That is just plain daft. You should be monitored whilst on clomid as its quite powerful stuff and without monitoring you have no way of knowing whether its doing its job or not. Clomid's main job is to make the ovaries work harder.

Without checking you they will not know if your hormone levels are being further affected by clomid (this can encourage more LH to be produced) and some women can become resistant to it over time.

Thanks so much Elly Floofy
Elly I would take it now if you want to get a round in before your hol and if the doctor has said its ok. I took 7 days of norethisterone and it worked just fine.
Hi bridget I am on CD15 of my first round of unmonitored clomid. I am DTD CD10-CD22. They say you ovulate around CD14 but it's hard to tell exactly when and everyone is different. Some people on this thread have ovulated as late as CD21. Good luck!
Hi Amy hope you're doing well. Do you know how much you've got to lose? 4 months...you can do this!

@FloofyFloo thank you lovely!
I had a self referral was not through fertility clinic (since I havnt even had my first NHS one yet cuz of those crazy wait lists). Split screen waaaat k don't know how to do that ha

@amy sorry about that I didn't realise the title I just chose that one because we are all dealing with infertility at the moment x

Anyone following me + wants to connect and support each other DM me so I know who the new follows are x

@elizabethcatherine how long is your wait time? I'd keep going with both and then one or the other will get back to you soon!

On android you hold the little square icon at the bottom until it splits into two rectangles, and then choose what to open - it's not always perfect but it works for replying to lots of things!

@amy being told you have to lose weight sucks - do you know what your bmi has to be in your area? I know different places have different rules - so I can be up to 33 in my area, but some places enforce below 30. Also with diagnosed pcos they should be more lenient as it's a definite issue - might be worth looking up? xx

Wow, the thread has been busy today

Elly1685, welcome back! Your holiday sounds great, I absolutely love holidays in the sun. I'm not familiar with Clomid, but I know you can ovulate late and Clomid might also mess up with the EWCM and OPKs. I know I ovulated on Sunday because of ovulation pain (also confirmed by temps) and I never had a truly positive OPK, despite testing two times a day, not drinking for at least a couple of hours before the test etc. So I completely distrust OPKs now!

AmyC86, nice to see you back here, was wondering what you've been up to. How much weight do you need to shift in 4 months? A healthy diet and regular exercise can do wonders. We're here to cheer you on and support you in any way we can.

ComeTheFuck0nBridget, welcome to the club (although I wish none of us had to be here...)! Why aren't you being monitored? Can't you push for scans and bloods?

Fertility Friend confirmed I ovulated on Sunday (temp has been rising nicely) and this TWW is already killing me... I go from "hmm, I think I'm pregnant" (although it's way too early to have any proper symptoms) to "I'm definitely not pregnant, AF will arrive before 16 June (test day)". I'm such a mess...

Hang in there @looking4hope at least you know you have ovulated so that's a great thing!

@FloofyFloo my wait list to get in was 6 months and now they think I came to the wrong department because I may need counselling or a therapist they accidentally sent me to CBT so she said it's another 5 month wait for counselling and I looked at her like, uh noooo. So they are going to see what they can do. It's all so confusing and so is my mental health apparently. No one knows how to deal with my messed up brain and thoughts I have.

In other news (good) I just got a cancellation with the private clinic for my followup new scans and AMH blood review for Friday instead of the 20th. Hopefully get some good news about my treatment to set my mind at ease before I go and cradle a new born baby all weekend

Thank you for helping me look at the positive side of things, @ElizabethCatherine. Sorry to hear it's been such a hassle to get counselling, but happy you're making progress with the clinic. Fingers crossed you get some good news on Friday.

@looking4hope - great news that youre ovulating! I symptom bloody spot continually because y'know it could happen... But for you it might have done!!! Keep thinking positive thoughts xxx

@elizabethcatherine - that sucks they're pushing you from pillar to post! CBT is all about changing negative thought patterns, and is more structured than 'counselling' which can take a myriad of forms - I turned it down because I just don't so what I'm told when it comes to coping strategies unless I have someone monitoring me!!! I think mental health is all very different and sometimes we need that professional perspective to help us get our minds back in shape.
I found the most useful thing I've been told so far is that I need to find space to be sad. To acknowledge the feelings I'm actually having and not hide them under anger or frustration and just actually let the sadness out!
And then I just couple that with trying to keep as busy as possible, interspersed with really healthy Pinterest sessions where I just pin everything and anything baby related...
Anyway, fingers crossed for sooner appointment! I really really hope it's positive for you x

Hey all and welcome newbies,
As my period was ridiculously light, I didnt end up taking the Leterzole as I had an NHS scan booked for this morning. Scan showed big cysts on both ovaries so need to check with consultant if can take Leterzole next cycle - its so frustrating!

Evening all, I haven't been.around for.a bit as it's been research, research, research and now it's go, go, go but I have a progress report for you.

I am starting BC this cycle so I can control my July cycle when I will start stims ready to fly out to the Czech Republic on 31st July for our first round of ICSI IVF. We chose the Czech Republic after finding a great Dr, Dr Machac and the quality of cear seems fantastic, his success rates are great and it will be around 50% cheaper than in the UK and we get a holiday included. By Mid August I will hopefully be with Embryo on board and PUPO

I am a mixed bag of emotions but so happy to finally be starting treatment after I was told there was no point in even trying clomid or IUI as Hubby has low sperm motility as well as.my PCOS we were given a less than 2% chance of falling pregnant if we didn't opt for IVF using the ICSI method.

I am kind of relieved that we are fast forwarding to the end and although it's more expensive and the last resort at least we know its the route with the best possible chance of success.

Good luck with your journey and I'll pop by to see how you are all going and update you in due course xx

Thanks @FloofyFloo for saying all that, helps x

@Infertility123 that's fantastic news!! Something to look forward to and I hope you have an amazing trip! Xx

I just had my private consult follow up and he has said that clomid is my first set of action so I'll be on the C-train with all you lovely ladies! He was thinking I needed trigger shots every morning or the hormones I'm missing but he says I'm too young and have lots of eggs so there is a high chance of over stimulation with that now for me. So he said try clomid 3 cycles monitored and if that works IUI once an egg gets released since DH sample isn't that strong IUI will give us a better chance. Now the question is to start this before my holiday July 22nd or after.. hmmm!!! So happy to have good news though and have an option now to start anytime