The Official TTC Thread!

[Pandora II]

Another vote for Pre-seed here!

Oh, and pineapple!

 

[Laila619]

Date: 11/6/2009 12:02:39 PM
Author: Loves Vintage
Hi Laila!

Say, did your RE recommend a particular type of Fertility Monitor for the timing of your IUI? Just curious how they time around ovulation.

They said to just use OPKs. There is also an HCG trigger shot given to me that ensures ovulation within 24-36 hours or something like that?

I will probably 'make' my DH BD too just in case, lol.

I have heard nothing but RAVE reviews for the Clear Blue Easy Fertility monitor though! A few PS gals used it and got KU.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Ohhhhhhhh, that answers my other question too, I think. I wondered how they would do the IUI if you would ovulate on a Sunday, assuming no one is in the office then.

The HCG helps with the timing too, then.

I'm about to order the Clear Blue Easy on eBay. They're selling new, unopened packages for about $50 less than other on-line stores. I'm always a bargain shopper!

 

[lovelylulu]

I used the clear blue easy monitor and while it took me a loooong time to get KTFU, that monitor always seemed to be spot on. very easy.

we also used preseed the cycle of our positive.

dusting to everyone!

 

[Lanie]

Date: 11/6/2009 1:03:27 PM
Author: Pandora II
Another vote for Pre-seed here!

Oh, and pineapple!

What is pineapple for?

I was trying to find out which Robitussin to use...many MANY pages back...and I couldn''t find it. Pandora, I think you were the one that said a specific type. Or a type that doesn''t have something in it. Can''t remember...

 

[Laila619]

There is something in pineapple that helps with implantation. You're supposed to eat it in the 2ww.

Robitussin: it has to be the PLAIN one, no letters like Robitussin DM or anything. Just plain Robitussin with Guaifenesin as the active ingredient. Or if you can't find that, try Mucinex.

 

[HOUMedGal]

Hello, Friends!!

THANKS to everyone for all the best wishes!! I really appreciate it.

Just popping in to see how everyone''s doing...sending baby dust all around!!!

Also, on the Pre-Seed topic....yup, we used it every time we BD''ed during my fertile window this cycle, and got our BFP. I really like it...aside from the fact that it "did the job", so to speak, I thought it felt really nice too. And so did DH.

Seems like we''ve got a lot of Pre-Seed BFP''s that have happened around here! I didn''t prop my legs up or anything, but I DID wait about 20 minutes before getting up to pee afterward, and then I peed very gingerly so as to not, erm, eject too much good stuff out. Wow, there really isn''t any such thing as TMI on this thread, is there?? LOL!

 

[HOUMedGal]

Date: 11/3/2009 10:11:10 AM
Author: drk

Date: 11/2/2009 8:17:44 PM
Author: swimmer
Massive hugs to the future moms on here who are not yet pregnant. It will happen and your joy will be that much sweeter for how hard it is to get there.

Ditto to this - though I have to say, I do still get envious of others who have no problems getting pg, because I really wish it hadn''t taken us 4 years to get to this point. And I know it''ll be a challenge to have the #2 I''d love to have some day. Don''t think there will be any oopsies for me, ever. Not that I''m not happy for the new preggos, but damn, I wish that had been me too!

Fisher - I don''t know how you manage to continue to pop in here and handle successes with such positivity and grace. I sure hope yours is the next BFP to come along - you sure deserve it!! I''m sure you and your DH will make the best parents ever, from everything you''ve written. Hang in there!

Absolutely. You know, I must admit, I felt a little guilty popping in here to share my jerkstore news. I know, I really shouldn''t feel guilty for our good news, but it truly was bittersweet to share that we got lucky on the first shot when I know so many people here have struggled so long. I can''t imagine how hard it must be to go through this rollercoaster month after month, and I have soooo much respect for you ladies who have been there. I thought was Bliss wrote expresses my feelings so much more eloquently than I could have:

"It''s hard to accept that some things are out of our control. It just is. I feel like on PS, there are so many accomplished and intelligent women who truly get it and understand. Women who know how to bend the arc of fate, even. Powerful women who shape their own destinies and lend a hand in the futures of others...as we all do in this web of life. We can do anything. And we can make anything happen. So when life throws a wrench your way, it''s like you suddenly feel as helpless as a child. I had to accept that after a certain point, it''s just up to nature. And that was very hard for me to accept. And I wanted a baby so badly that everything in me was just crying out for a sign.

It''s not fair. I agree. It''s not fair that amazing, beautiful women get cancer... It''s not fair to lose a child mid-pregnancy...or to lose a child at all. It''s just not fair. I don''t have any explanations. I see hero dads in the military service who never get to come home and see their kids. I see senseless violence in my city on a daily basis and extreme lack... There is just so much injustice in life. And sometimes it''s just too much to bear. Suffering is everywhere. It''s the human condition. Many times, I don''t feel worthy enough to have the life that I do.

But then, look at the many gifts we have. We all have tragedy in our lives in one way or another if you have lived to be a certain age, even to be an adult means that you have experienced sadness and loss. And we will again. People, like our parents, don''t live forever. Maybe it''s a sign to seize gratitude in small ways... to celebrate little joys in our life, to be thankful for the things we have.

I know that even as I have this little bean inside me, at any moment - it could be gone. And who knows when I''ll ever be so lucky again? I don''t. Or when I kiss DH goodbye in the morning, will I see him again? Some women never do. Life is just so tenuous and at times, extremely unfair. And yet we are so richly blessed in other ways. I don''t have an answer, but I just wanted to tell you that I understand how you feel. And I am happy that you are pregnant now... and I wish with all of my heart that everyone TTC and pregnant gets to hold their baby soon. I am praying SO much for you mommies to be... just pulling for each and every one of you. It will happen!!! Seize the joy!"

So, big big hugs to everyone who hasn''t gotten their long-awaited BFP yet. Or anyone who got the BFP only to suffer a tragic loss. You all show so much grace and courage in your strength along this journey. Fisher, I really like what you wrote about "not any one particular thing in life matters if it doesn’t profoundly impact your walk with God," and also about the TTC journey being early preparation for parenthood.

Your faith and strength are truly inspiring!

 

[Puppmom]

Ok...just bought instead cups. Holy crap! These things are scary. They''re big. Someone please tell me they''re easy to use.

Also, I was wondering - do you think it''s possible that they''re keeping good spermies out?

 

[Loves Vintage]

Hi Puppmom,

There are some insertion instructions here: http://www.early-pregnancy-tests.com/softcup.html There must be some in the box too, but just in case anyone is reading and wondering. Hopefully, when the circle in pinched together, it will be much more manageable than it seems.

I just ordered mine today too -- from Drugstore.com, where it was less expensive than the site I linked. I also ordered pre-seed from there, also less expensive there (plus free shipping)!!

As far as sperm being kept out, that is an excellent question, and one I don't know the answer to. I did notice that conception kit (I linked to a page or so ago) has a semen collector, which you then directly deposit into their equivalent of the Instead before insertion. The above link suggests possibility of doing the same with the Instead. That would eliminate the concern, though it does seem much less romantic.

I also finally ordered the Clear Blue Easy today.

I'm on CD4, so everything should arrive in time for OV!

And, I'm drinking raspberry leaf tea right now! Lol. I suppose the only thing I'm missing is the robitussin (which I did almost order today, but decided against it!)

 

[Puppmom]

Thanks, LV. I was just REALLY intimidated when I opened the package. These will definitely require some practice.

I ordered some preseed too. So - here goes nothin''! I''m CD 7 so the clock is ticking. I hope the preseed arrives in time. I usually O on day 12 or 13.

I hear you on the "not so romantic" part with the extra "props". I think I''ll probably spare DH and tiptoe into the bathroom to put in the instead cup!

 

[lucy.lucy.80]

puppmom & LV- this is my second cycle using instead cups & pre-seed and really like both products!! The cups are definetly intimidating though! when first opened it- i was like wooahhh its huge!! I use the pre seed before BD, then after BD prop a pilliow under me for 30 min. and insert the cup and leave it in all night long. Good luck!!

laila619- happy anniversary!!! mine was 2 wks ago- yeaaa for 1 year!!

 

[Laila619]

Date: 11/8/2009 9:06:37 PM
Author: lucy.lucy.80
puppmom & LV- this is my second cycle using instead cups & pre-seed and really like both products!! The cups are definetly intimidating though! when first opened it- i was like wooahhh its huge!! I use the pre seed before BD, then after BD prop a pilliow under me for 30 min. and insert the cup and leave it in all night long. Good luck!!

laila619- happy anniversary!!! mine was 2 wks ago- yeaaa for 1 year!!

Thank you lucy!!

Happy anniversary to you and your DH as well!! Were you guys 10/25/08?

 

[Loves Vintage]

Hi Lucy,

I was wondering how you are doing! Glad to hear we have another Instead-er here! Hopefully, we are all successful soon!!!

Where are you in your cycle now?

 

[lucy.lucy.80]

Laila- thank you! Yes 10/25/08! Did you freeze the top layer of your wedding cake to eat on your one year anniversary? We did and it tasted like monkey poo once it was defrosted-think it was feezer burn or something. I told my DH i hope the cake didnt taste this bad on our wedding day! haha! Hope you and your DH had a wonderful day yesterday celebrating!!

Hi LV! Im on CD20 right now waiting for O- how bout you? I have my 6 cycle follow up with my OBGYN next week so I''m looking forward to that- maybe she can sprinkle me with baby dust or something- haha!

 

[Lanie]

Date: 11/8/2009 5:43:56 PM
Author: Loves Vintage

I also finally ordered the Clear Blue Easy today.

I''m on CD4, so everything should arrive in time for OV!

LovesVintage -- I ordered the monitor as well. I got it to make sure I''m ovulating! Anyway, even if you get it in time for ovulation, you are supposed to start the monitor with the first day of your cycle. It tracks you all along the cycle and tells you when you are about to ovulate, as well as when you are due for your period. Just FYI, so you might not be able to do it this cycle.

Hopefully it won''t matter though, since you''ll be preggers!!!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Lucy - I''m on CD5. Do you usually ovulate CD20 or later? I don''t recall if you posted that info earlier, sorry. That''s great that you have the appointment next week. You''ve already had some diagnostics, right? I think I recall you had an U/S, but could be confusing you with someone else. I''ve said this a bunch of times already, but I''m going to a RE this week and really looking forward to it!

Lanie - Oh, I had no idea! Thanks for letting me know. But, you''re right, by then I won''t need the CBE anyway!
Have you been able to speak with your doctor about getting the 7DPO bloodwork to confirm ovulation?

 

[lucy.lucy.80]

LV- yea I usually have long cycles 35+ days and then a short LP. Yep already had all the basic tests. Thats great your going to an RE this week!! Wish you lots of luck and hope everything goes well

 

[Amandine]

I''ve started looking into the basal thermometers, preferably digital. Anyone have any recommendations for the one they are using? What do you like/hate about it?

 

[ljmorgan]

Amandine: I own this thermometer: BBT Link and I really like it. I like it better than my old BBT because this one has a backlit display. Invaluable if you wake up when it''s still dark!

 

[mia1181]

Hey Ladies,

I just wanted to barge in (again) and share my not-TTCing-yet-but-trying-to-prepare-early-thus-worrying-early news.

I saw a Dr. last week about my neverending cycle (started in August) and multiple positive OPKs. I brought my charts and read off of them. Although I felt it was strange that the doctor did not ask to see the charts himself, he did seem to take what I was saying as fact. He didn''t even ask me to take a pregnancy test, he believed that I am not ovulating. So he did a pelvic exam, asked me about my family history, and kept asking whether I had had regualr periods before going on birth control. After all was said and done he was very confident that I will ovulate again and my cycles will eventually become regular. VERY confident. At first I was a bit put off about this confidence, how could he be so certain? He didn''t even offer a Prometrium (think it''s the same thing as provera- to start periods) prescription, I had to ask for one. He gave me one (with a refill?) but asked that I give it another month before filling it. He also said that when we do start trying (now we are shooting for Late February) that we give it 4-6 months and if we are not pregnant by then or still not ovulating we can come back for an infertility work-up.

Honestly, I left that appointment without much more information than I went in with. But for some reason I felt pretty positive about the whole experience.

So guess what happened after the appointment? Temp shift! I ovulated on my own that same day I saw the Dr. (CD75!) according to my chart and I am now on 7DPO. It may be a late ovulation with an old egg, but I still feel good about it. Hopefully things will get back to normal before we start trying. Now I am just wondering if he felt that I was going to ovulate when he was in there and that was why he was so certain. Did he pop an egg out when he was feeling around?

So here''s my chart.
DH and I actually had unprotected GOTF-time on 5 days pre O and 1 day post O. Oopsy!

We just didn''t really think it was possible at that point.

 

[Lanie]

Mia -- your story sounds so similar to mine. Maybe he could tell by your cervix that you were on the verge of ovulating? Or a psychic doctor?

Dumb question, but are you taking prenatals? I know everyone is different, but when I started taking them, my cycles went from really long to "more" normal. I guess I wasn''t getting something in my regular diet. I guess if you aren''t going to TTC officially until late Feb, then all you can do is wait and monitor. If you still have loooong cycles by Feb, then I''d go back, but that''s just me.

But i''m like you in that I really want to know if I''m ovulating, because if I''m not, then I need to fix that problem pronto so that''s one more item checked off that could keep a baby from coming!

I bought the Clear blue easy fert monitor...expensive, but I think it''s better than reading those tricky OPK''s.

You never know...some ladies on here have been preggers with a late O.

 

[fisherofmengirly]

Lindsey,

Did you get a new ring? Is there a link to it? Do share! Hope you''re feeling well!

****
Mia,

That''s awesome that you did ovulate! I dunno about the Dr. "pushing an egg out" (haha, wouldn''t that be amazing??), but awesome that it happened on its own. I will tell you''ve I''ve been doing some researching (okay, googling, but not to like Yahoo answers, to more reputible sites than that) and it appears that late ovulation (after day 20 or so) can result in pregnancy just as often as an egg released from the "norm" (days 12-19). Interesting. It makes me feel more confident that women with longer cycles can have babies without any problems, it simply means it takes more time.

After reading more and more of these "success" stories with women who ovulate "late," I feel more like it''s not really "late" as much as it''s a different cycle than is typical. I think all too often Drs. assume that what''s "normal" is always what''s "right," or "best," and while I like the idea of more chances a year to have a baby, I think I like knowing I''m doing what I''m doing on my own better. There are lots of Drs. who won''t even prescribe Clomid to a woman who ovulates late simply because she''s already doing what the medication is intended for.

A good friend of mine just found out she''s pregnant. She has three cycles a year, but she ovulates off each cycle. It makes a messy time of figuring out due dates, but other than that, no other issues. I was the result of "late" ovulation and they thought I was due over a week or more before I was born, but likely I wasn''t born all that late, and instead it''s just a matter of the later time my mom''s egg dropped. Good thing they didn''t force induction back then like they do now...

So congratulations on ovulation, lady! That''s a very long cycle, and I do hope they shorten up for you all on their own. (Did you have more regular periods prior to going on the Pill?)

 

[ljmorgan]

Mia -- What a surprise late ovulation!

I know that you can get pregnant during a later ovulation, but of course it''s favorable to ovulate sooner just so that you have shorter cycles i.e. more chances to get pregnant! Hopefully things will smooth out for you when you get ready to try!

Loves Vintage -- RE: Instead cups keeping sperm away -- I cannot believe I am about to answer this -- is there no shame/TMI in a TTC thread?

I used the Instead cups and when removed in the morning, they definitely contained semen. When inserting them, I slid them along the back wall of my vagina since my cervix is at the front, then slid up into place. Then I think rubbing the Instead cup against the cervix after it''s in place ensures that the sperm make contact with the cervix.

Fisher -- Yes, I am getting a new ring -- it is Natalie''s ring. I ordered through Whiteflash and should have it in a couple of weeks. I will definitely share pictures!

 

[lucy.lucy.80]

Hi Fisher/Mia! For the past 6 cycles I have had delayed ovulation (O after CD 21) and kept reading that it can cause poor egg quality. Through my research, came across this article (link) below that I found really interesting and just wanted to share it. Maybe delayed ovulation within limits actually isnt so bad after all! http://www.fertility.ca/2008/06/how-your-menstrual-cycle-reflects-your-egg-quality/

 

[Laila619]

From that link:

"Delayed ovulation -day 13 or later- is not a sign of egg quality concerns; in fact, it is more commonly a sign of an excess ovarian reserve, generally a good thing. But early ovulation -days 8,9, or 10 of the cycle- implies lower quality eggs."

Interesting. So us somewhat later ovulators are actually more than ok! It's a sign of high ovarian reserve. Thanks for posting that lucy!

 

[mia1181]

Lanie- I think he must have been a psychic doctor!

. I hope his magical powers continue to help me in the future. Hey, do you think I should pay him another visit in February? Maybe he can make me pregnant!

Okay that sounded bad but you know what I mean...

Well once he got down there he did ask if I ever have EWCM so I think he saw it there and I do. I am not taking prenatals because I have a hard time swallowing pills, but I do take flintstone chewables, a chocolate calcium chewable and DHA gummies. So I am on a candy regimine!

But I think my compares pretty well to prenatals and I might force myself to gag down prenatals when we officially start. Oh why can''t they come out with prenatal chewables!

BTW, I have always wanted to buy the CB fertility monitor but I think its just too expensive. You still have to buy strips with it right?

Fisher- I have something for you here: Have you seen ovusoft''s chart gallery? Hopefully if my link works it will take you to a list of charts that show late ovulations that resulted in pregnancy! I know seeing all those made me feel a lot better about my situation. I do think ovulation itself does count for something even if it is not on the time frame that docs want it to be. And yes before BC I had fairly regular periods. I don''t know if they were like "clockwork" or anything because I never kept records but AF would appear every month. So I think that was what the doc was counting on, although that was 9 years ago so I''m sure things change...

Thanks Lindsay! Gorgeous ring in your Avi! It''s in honor of your daughter, right?

 

[Burk]

Late ovulator here (I believe I O''d on CD27 when I got preggo this time) who is in her second pregnancy!!! All you late ovulators will be joining the preggos soon I''m sure! Good luck!

 

[Bliss]

Date: 11/10/2009 2:39:20 PM
Author: Burk
Late ovulator here (I believe I O''d on CD27 when I got preggo this time) who is in her second pregnancy!!! All you late ovulators will be joining the preggos soon I''m sure! Good luck!

Late ovulators make great mommies! Another late ovulator here.

My doctor didn''t seem to think it was a problem at all. Everyone is different! My mom was a late ovulator, too. Heck, I was late everything - late bloomer for sure!

 

[mia1181]

Date: 11/10/2009 2:39:20 PM
Author: Burk
Late ovulator here (I believe I O''d on CD27 when I got preggo this time) who is in her second pregnancy!!! All you late ovulators will be joining the preggos soon I''m sure! Good luck!

OMG!!!! I CAN''T EVEN PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT YOU WROTE. Look at that BEAUTIFUL little girl in your avi! What is she 8y.o. now?

Seriously, she looks like a little girl now.