The Official TTC Thread!

[vizsla]

thank you thank you thank you everyone for your well wishes. it''s still so weird but slllllllloooooooowwwwllllyyyyy i''m transitioning into "OMG i''m going to be someone''s MOM!"

but to answer your question mandarine i have a mid wife who is also a close friend. when i went thru the receptionist to make my first apts. my friend/mw actually called me last night to get me in sooner AND scheduled my ultrasound. my DH is a little concerned about mixing "friendship with work" but bedside manner is A#1 in my book. i''m so sorry for what you and sha are going thru. this is such an emotional time that the right dr. can really make or break the experience for people.

but in regards to running - i would suggest doing what YOUR doctor tells you and not what you read on-line. i''m a runner too and run about 20 miles a week - but as far as increasing and "training" for my half this may (which i thought i could still run) it''s a no no from my dr. i''m allowed to run - until the time my body tells me stop - then hopefully i can spin or another lower impact cardio workout. i guess your body overheating is the issue. listen to it.. it knows what''s best.
for instance yesterday.. i was working out with my trainer and about 30 mins into the weight lifting portion my face goes completely white, he grabbed the weights from me and i ran into the bathroom and upchucked - and i felt like my heart was going to pop out of my chest.. it was scary. and it wasn''t a "hard" workout.. but my body was just so fatigued. i''m still planning on working out with him, and he''s aware of what i can/shouldn''t do in various stages. so i''m going to take it one run, one workout at a time.... that''s all i know so far...

sorry to babble on.. i''m going to lurk here a tid bit more until i''m sure this bean is sticking around

 

[lovelylulu]

Congrats Vizsla

your testing story was hilariously cute!

I''ll be thinking sticky thoughts for all the new moms-to-be!!

inluv -

your cycle is looking really promising. hope this is IT!

sha - sorry about your terrible dr. experiences. i feel like this process is tough enough w/o having to worry about whether your doctor actually knows what they are talking about.

hope that you find some answers or at least a new doctor!

 

[lovelylulu]

brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

It is ridiculously cold around my parts. I just got into work and am trying to thaw out.

I was at my dr. this morning for my initial *diagnostics* - I was given my referal back at the beginning of January and almost went through two cycles - why the wait, you ask? I suppose i've been too afraid, too much don't really want to know the answer, too much don't really want to hear that there might not be an answer, too much of won't this just all go away, too much of I don't want to feel like a failure, too much of am i really in this infertility thing for the long haul. . .

I certainly don't have all the answers at this point, but I figure that more information can only help...

So these were the CD3 tests that have been discussed around these parts - basically some bloodwork to measure a variety of hormone levels and then an ultrasound.

it was a little crushing to have my first ultrasound with an undeniably empty uterus.

but the dr. said that it is of perfect size and shape (can i be proud of that sort of a thing

) and that everything looked normal with both ovaries. i'll hear back about the bloodwork in a few days and then it's my poor husband's turn to be analyzed (though he gets the easier end of this deal for sure).

I think that I've (and others) have ruminated before on the unlucky coincidence that each month when I'm faced with the reality of another *not this time,* it's at the very moment when my hormones leave me most ill-equipped to deal with such disappointment. But today, perhaps those hormones have leveled out, because I feel much, much better about it all.

Lulu
CD3

 

[InLuv101]

Date: 2/24/2009 9:35:06 AM
Author: lovelylulu

inluv -

your cycle is looking really promising. hope this is IT!

Thanks lulu, I was hoping so too, but my temps are faaaaaaalling so I''m sure I''m out this cycle too.

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 2/24/2009 9:47:37 AM
Author: lovelylulu
brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

It is ridiculously cold around my parts. I just got into work and am trying to thaw out.

I was at my dr. this morning for my initial *diagnostics* - I was given my referal back at the beginning of January and almost went through two cycles - why the wait, you ask? I suppose i''ve been too afraid, too much don''t really want to know the answer, too much don''t really want to hear that there might not be an answer, too much of won''t this just all go away, too much of I don''t want to feel like a failure, too much of am i really in this infertility thing for the long haul. . .

I certainly don''t have all the answers at this point, but I figure that more information can only help...

So these were the CD3 tests that have been discussed around these parts - basically some bloodwork to measure a variety of hormone levels and then an ultrasound.

it was a little crushing to have my first ultrasound with an undeniably empty uterus.

but the dr. said that it is of perfect size and shape (can i be proud of that sort of a thing

) and that everything looked normal with both ovaries. i''ll hear back about the bloodwork in a few days and then it''s my poor husband''s turn to be analyzed (though he gets the easier end of this deal for sure).

I think that I''ve (and others) have ruminated before on the unlucky coincidence that each month when I''m faced with the reality of another *not this time,* it''s at the very moment when my hormones leave me most ill-equipped to deal with such disappointment. But today, perhaps those hormones have leveled out, because I feel much, much better about it all.

Lulu
CD3

Hi Lovely! I''m in the exact same point as you at this point, so you''re in good company.

Had an ultra sound last June, along with all the necessary bloodwork to see if I had any signs of endometriosis (runs in my family) before we started to TTC. Everything came back normal.

After six months of trying with no success, DH went to have an SA which came back normal as well. In which case my doctor told me to see what happens the next 3 cycles before discussing the next steps. This will be my 2nd cycle from that point.

Last Friday I had what I thought was spotting, but then turned into my full blow AF at only 9 DPO (my average has been 11). Not sure why my period came early, but it was extremely frustrating. It''s hard knowing that you''ve done all you could for a particular cycle, get your hopes up that you might be preggos and then have everything come crashing down when AF arrives, only to have to pick up the pieces and start ALL over again.

I truly hope that I don''t have "unexplained infertility" and that god is just waiting for the right time to bless us with a baby. I hope that time is soon because this process is completely mentally and physically draining.

I''m rooting for all of you even though I don''t post here very often. It''s getting harder and harder to muster up the enthusiasm to post since I''m becoming more and more frustrated.

Sorry for the downer post, I think the combination of my crazy work schedule and feeling overly exhausted doesn''t help matters. I''m planning on going to the gym tonight to burn off some negative energy and recharge/refocus myself.

 

[lovelylulu]

Hi Blushing

That''s great news about all of your *normal* results. I was chatting to my DH about how how I hope that we don''t fall into the category of *unexplained* either. Not know why would just not be not acceptable

But, let''s not get ahead of ourselves . . .

I also completely empathize with the waxing and waning of your enthusiasm to post, or your enthusiasm for the process generally. Sometimes, I feel like I need to share and other times I would prefer to keep it all to myself. Fortunately, no one here seems to mind about the frequency of my posting, so I come back when it feels right.

I''m thinking about you and your DH and hoping that we all get some good news soon!!

 

[sunkist]

I forgot to say CONGRATULATIONS Vizla!!!

Mandarine, haha! you are too funny! You''re right, I did ask.

Thanks!



I hope everyone has a good day today. Thinking of you all.

 

[Sha]

Fisher, I'm sorry to hear about your mother-in-law... I know it's hard to see the ones you love in such pain...especially when you feel you can't do much to help.

I'm sure your presence is a comfort to her, though. I'll send up a prayer for her speedy recovery.

Peony, thanks for your input!

I don't think my numbers are that off, either. Yes, I think the comma is meant to be a decimal point. I agree that it seems to make sense to test for glucose/insulin issues before taking Metformin. I don't like the idea of taking all those pills...especially if I can't see a clear need for it just yet.

I'm sure the Clomid will work for you. In my first Clomid cycle I didn't ovulate until CD17. This cycle I think I ovulated on CD18. So you might still have some time to go. Are you using any OPKs?

Mandarine, oh, how we would love to vote this doc off the island!!

My friend and I were talking about it just yesterday. She was saying that she is sure 99% of his patients don't like his 'manner', and that if another gyno came on the scene all his patients would be gone in a flash. She actually plans to tell him about his rudeness the next time she has an appt. I just hope he doesn't bite her head off...

Fisher - it would be pretty expensive to travel to see another doc right now. I would if I could though.

Mandy, light spotting in early pregnancy is pretty normal, from what I've read. I'm sure everything's okay, but I know it can be concerning.

Sunkist, I agree with Mandarine that in the mornings, you will just have to take the bull by the horns! That's what I tried on that morning when DH and I planned to BD. He was still fast asleep but I had set my alarm to wake up at 6:50. I changed in something sexy and pretty much jumped on him! It worked...

except that he didn't finish that time. Arrrghh!!

Lovelylulu, I hope your tests come back okay! It's great to hear about your good results too, blushing.

InLuv, I'm sorry to hear about the fading temps. How many DPO are you today?

 

[Festy]

Good afternoon everyone,

LuLu and Blushing, I am right there with you. CD 3 for me, in fact too. Just had my blood work done. DH has his SA tomorrow and I think he's nervous. I'm nervous for him but am trying to play it easy-breezy. I keep thinking if there's something wrong, please god let it be with me and not DH. I think he would take it so much harder. If the problem is on his end I would never tell my family about it. My father and brother have this shtick going about their manhood and love to joke about how the sun rises and sets on their you-know-whats. It's all in good fun to them, but it would break my heart for DH to have to endure their talk. Oh well, we'll have some preliminary answers in a couple of weeks and then we go on our honeymoon where we'll actually get to have sex for fun - imagine that!

Sha, if there's no other doctor on the island, do you suppose it might be possible to get a second opinion over the phone, if another doctor had all your lab results? Just a thought. I hope I'm not harping on this.

Mandy, I hope your doctor's appointment goes well!

IbLuv - sorry to hear about that temp drop. Flippin' thermometers.

Fisher - I'm so sorry to hear about your MIL. My thoughts are with you and hoping she gets through the rest of her treatment.

Sunkist - good luck with the morning lovin'! I just typed "lick" instead of "luck" by mistake. My bad - or was it?

 

[Sha]

Date: 2/24/2009 12:30:37 PM
Author: Festy
Good afternoon everyone,

LuLu and Blushing, I am right there with you. CD 3 for me, in fact too. Just had my blood work done. DH has his SA tomorrow and I think he''s nervous. I''m nervous for him but am trying to play it easy-breezy. I keep thinking if there''s something wrong, please god let it be with me and not DH. I think he would take it so much harder. If the problem is on his end I would never tell my family about it. My father and brother have this shtick going about their manhood and love to joke about how the sun rises and sets on their you-know-whats. It''s all in good fun to them, but it would break my heart for DH to have to endure their talk. Oh well, we''ll have some preliminary answers in a couple of weeks and then we go on our honeymoon where we''ll actually get to have sex for fun - imagine that!

Sha, if there''s no other doctor on the island, do you suppose it might be possible to get a second opinion over the phone, if another doctor had all your lab results? Just a thought. I hope I''m not harping on this.

Mandy, I hope your doctor''s appointment goes well!

IbLuv - sorry to hear about that temp drop. Flippin'' thermometers.

Fisher - I''m so sorry to hear about your MIL. My thoughts are with you and hoping she gets through the rest of her treatment.

Sunkist - good luck with the morning lovin''! I just typed ''lick'' instead of ''luck'' by mistake. My bad - or was it?

Thanks for that suggestion, Festy. I didn''t think of doing that, actually. And I do have a copy of my lab results with me so I suppose I could always get the number of a reputable doc in one of the larger islands and clarify things..... Thanks!

I know what you mean about the SA. Men are so sensitive about these things, eh? It''s like it''s a sign of their manhood or something. Well, I guess women also feel the same way, when TTC is difficult. It can make you feel somewhat like a failure....I know I''ve felt that way sometimes, so I guess I can see if from a man''s perspective too. My DH hasnt'' been to the doctor in about 10 years, and I know he would fight tooth and nail not to do an SA. And he would feel bad if something was abnormal as well. I hope all of your results come back okay.

 

[curlygirl]

Just popping in to congratulate Mandarine and Vizsla!!! Wishing you both a happy and healthy 9 months!

 

[robbie3982]

Congrats, Vizsla!

 

[Mandarine]

Date: 2/24/2009 1:02:49 PM
Author: curlygirl
Just popping in to congratulate Mandarine and Vizsla!!! Wishing you both a happy and healthy 9 months!

Thank you so much!!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 2/23/2009 11:31:05 PM
Author: sunkist
...Prolem is I''m going to try and hit him up in the morning and he''s always so tired, poor guy. I feel silly asking cause maybe this is all TMI, but any suggestions on getting hubby''s attention from sweet sleep?

Sunkist My DH is always telling me that he would love to be woken up one day with some "special kisses" a little lower than his mouth... it isn''t going to happen for him anytime soon

, but maybe it will help your efforts!

Congrats to the new preggos!

Festy, Blushing, Lovely You three are wonderful women and it will work out. I know you are having the testing done now because "6 months" is the time when you are in your mid 30s, but even if it is unexplained now that doesn''t mean it won''t happen within the year. My biggest hugs to you all {{{HUGS}}}

 

[E B]

A big congratulations to Viszla!

 

[steph72276]

Hey guys!

Vizsla, CONGRATS!!! Your story was so cute!

Well, I am on CD31 now and I haven''t tested again. I just don''t "feel" pregnant anymore so I was going to give it a few more days. When I was on the pill, I would skip a period here and there, so it could just be that I didn''t ovulate this month, who knows. Anyway, I am going to test again in a few days and I will let you guys know the results. Good luck to everyone else this cycle. Seems like a baby boom is going on around here!

 

[vizsla]

thank you all so so so so so much - not only for your well wishes but for your wealth of knowledge... i'm such a sap anyways.. and now even more so that i'm staring at this screen with tears dripping down my face...

lovely, inluv, peony, natalina, dani, phoenix, sunkist, mandarine, robbie, festy, fisher, curly, mela, blushing, sha ebree!!!!!!! and anyone i missed!!!!!

edited to add steph - thank you!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!

 

[InLuv101]

CD stinkin' 1

AFF showed her ugly face. I was sooo hopeful this cycle (along with every other cycle)! That means this cycle as well as last my LP has been 10 days instead of 13...wonder why it shortened. The only other explanation I can think of is that I'm O'ing earlier than FF says, but I do think my O is clear on the days that FF has marked it. I guess in the grand scheme it doesn't really mean much since 10 days isn't *too* short.

The good news is when DH & I go on our cruise late next week I can partake in a couple adult beverages

Maybe next month...

 

[littlelysser]

Hey ladies! Just checking in with you guys. I'll be honest. I miss you. Lots. *Sniff*

I'm doing alright. Anxiety is getting better - almost daily. And I 12w3d prego. Which is crazy to me. Just nuts.

As for the running thing - and i'm sorry for talking about prego stuff on the ttc board - but wanted to share what my doc said - and this is just what my docs have said - they aren't huge fans of it - namely because it is pretty jarring. They are huge advocates of exercise generally - elliptical, aerobics, they just said that running is jarring and they REALLY didn't recommend it to for folks that have issues with spotting or bleeding. Again, just my OB/GYNs' take.

!

Festy - I hope all goes well tomorrow! And even if there is something amuck with your DH's sperm - there are so many things that can be done to get things fixed!

in-luv - I'm sorry. Feh and meh and poo. But I'd be looking on the bright side of liquored up cruising! Sounds fabooo! Where are you going?

Sha - Sorry about all the doctor issues. That just stinks. Nothing worse than an a bad doctor. NOTHING.

Sunkist - I ditto DD's suggestion!

Peony - Good luck with the job interview!

And BB and Lulu - I'm totally rooting for you guys. Just am, that is all.

Amber - Hope all is well!

I hope I haven't missed anyone. Dust to everyone.
[/b]

 

[InLuv101]

LL -- Thanks so much! We are going on a quick cruise to Mexico...we both really need a fun break, ya know? I'm so glad yuour anxiety is lessening and I cannot believe you are more than 12 weeks already!! Where does the time go?! And for the record, we miss you too!

Lulu -- I can totally understand why you waited a few more cycles to go to the Doc. Yay for a perfectly sized and shaped uterus!!

I so hoping for great test results for you sweetie!

BB -- Don't worry about your "downer post". We all have 'em! It's normal and I'm so hoping that this happens for you asap! I'm glad all your test results look good!

Sha -- I was 11 DPO today. Now CD1. Festy's idea about calling a doc with your results was excellent! I hope that works for you, please let us know!

Festy -- Good swimmer vibes to your DH for tomorrow! Haha - sex for fun? What's that like? lol, j/k, we still manage it every now and then.

Steph -- Hoping the test in a few days ends up being a BFP for you!!

Fisher -- I will be praying for your MIL.

 

[swimmer]

So exciting to read about the preggo ladies! Well done Mandarine and EB and Viszla!

V and M, have you thought of taking up swimming? No impact and afterwards you can do triathalons. I know that Drs say don't take up new stuff, but you are already exercising and we all understand the NEED to exercise, endorphins, etc. Or water aerobics? Swim suits are super stretchy, just get one a few sizes too big, or a tankini? I would hate to not be able to exercise, its the only thing that keeps me sane. Or at least mildly coherent, esp at CD22 with only today a hint of cm.

Lulu, well done with the perfect uterus. Can you make yourself a certificate or something to celebrate? That accomplishment should go on the fridge.

LL, Steph, Fisher, Festy, Sha, BlushingBride, and Peony good luck to all! and praying for your MIL fischer.

ETA and thank you so much to whoever posted about asprin, i think it was Festy, not sure anymore, this thread goes so quickly. That was great information, I had no idea and you made me feel better about this cycle going on forever. intense hugs to you.

 

[lovelylulu]

Date: 2/24/2009 3:08:42 PM
Author: swimmer

Lulu, well done with the perfect uterus. Can you make yourself a certificate or something to celebrate? That accomplishment should go on the fridge.

Actually, my husband joked that we should go out to our favorite restaurant to celebrate

! Ah, the importance of having a sense of humor . . .

 

[peonygirl]

OMG, I AM OVULATING FOR THE EARLIEST TIME EVER!!!!!!!!!!! It's day 16 and I just got the most positive OPK I've ever gotten plus after 9 months of tracking I may have just gotten my first bit of fertile CM ever. It's hard not to be optimistic, but we'll see. I guess that the Clomid is working because I usually ovulate around day 40. Lots of BDing tonight.

InLuv: So sorry about your early AFF! Glad that you can get your drink on though.

Festy: Good luck to your husband with his SA! My guy was SO nervous too. *crossing fingers*

Lysser: Glad you're hanging in there! How is the job search going?

Steph: Sorry that this month might not be the one. How long are your cycles normally?

Fisher: *wishing good things for your MIL*

 

[Festy]

Date: 2/24/2009 3:15:07 PM
Author: lovelylulu

Date: 2/24/2009 3:08:42 PM
Author: swimmer

Lulu, well done with the perfect uterus. Can you make yourself a certificate or something to celebrate? That accomplishment should go on the fridge.

Actually, my husband joked that we should go out to our favorite restaurant to celebrate

! Ah, the importance of having a sense of humor . . .

Ha ha! You totally should! But then I will look for any excuse for a nice meal. And I love the certificate idea. I really want to frame my charts but would rather not have to explain them to MIL.

 

[Festy]

Date: 2/24/2009 3:49:39 PM
Author: peonygirl
OMG, I AM OVULATING FOR THE EARLIEST TIME EVER!!!!!!!!!!! It''s day 16 and I just got the most positive OPK I''ve ever gotten plus after 9 months of tracking I may have just gotten my first bit of fertile CM ever. It''s hard not to be optimistic, but we''ll see. Lots of BDing tonight.

That is so awesome! Now go get on the freakin'' floor!

 

[InLuv101]

PEONY!!! Yay for early Ovulation and for Clomid!! I''m so happy that this will help you to O much earlier!! And of course Yay for lots of BD!

 

[InLuv101]

Date: 2/24/2009 3:55:00 PM
Author: Festy

Date: 2/24/2009 3:49:39 PM
Author: peonygirl
OMG, I AM OVULATING FOR THE EARLIEST TIME EVER!!!!!!!!!!! It''s day 16 and I just got the most positive OPK I''ve ever gotten plus after 9 months of tracking I may have just gotten my first bit of fertile CM ever. It''s hard not to be optimistic, but we''ll see. Lots of BDing tonight.

That is so awesome! Now go get on the freakin'' floor!

Lol Festy...

 

[Festy]

InLuv - phooey and rat farts! But hooray for a cruise! I''m taking a long weekend with my girlfriends to Miami this weekend and I am a little glad that I can have some cocktails!

Dreamer - thank you so much. I continue to believe in the back of my mind that this will happen eventually.

 

[peonygirl]

OMG, Dreamer! I never go on the preggo thread, but I happened to today and saw that you had your baby. He is SO adorable, congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[fisherofmengirly]

InLuv, Sorry about that idiot period. I hate it. I''m so ready for all of us to *graduate!!*

***
Peony,

Yay for ovulation! I know (oh how I know) the elation of an *early* ovulation!

Happy thoughts for you...