The Official TTC Thread!

[Bella_mezzo]

Geri, Glad to hear from you

Sigh...CD1 here. On top of a sinus infection...I am not feeling the love from my body right now...

I guess this means I have a chance to go for a "high" rating on BD timing from FF now

Once we get three months of good or high ratings (we had a "good" last month), if we''re still not pregnant, then I think we''ll have a chat w/ our Drs.

Since this past month seems to be the first time we really timed things right, we''re not super concerned yet--so we''ll see how the summer goes

Just out of curiosity, do regular OBs prescribe/administer fertility tests or do you need to see an RE for that? Also, would the OB prescribe DH''s tests or would his primary care physician do that?

HUgs to everyone and fingers crossed for Amandine!!!!!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Bella - Sorry to hear about CD1, but on to a new cycle it is!! To answer your questions, an ob/gyn may order some testing, but it really depends on each practice re: how much testing they will order and at what pace. My doctor started with blood work CD3 and CD21, then ordered a SA for DH the next month, then would have moved on to an HSG the following month, but I moved onto an RE that month. My RE likes to start with a new cycle and does all of the basic testing (CD3 and CD21 blood work again, ultrasounds and HSG) that first month to get a clear picture of where you stand. Because DH had already had a SA, he did not need a repeat one. Also, my ob/gyn ordered the test for DH. He never went to her office. She just needed his name, and the rest was coordinated with the lab.

CDN - Sorry to hear about your MIL, but glad to hear that your SIL is intervening. Unfortunately, and I've seen this quite a bit recently, a cancer diagnosis comes as such a shock to the patient, that there often seems to be a delay in treatment. It is so sad. I hope she gets in to see another doctor soon.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Thanks so much LV-Bascially DH is now getting paranoid that his swimmers aren't swimming so I think he'd actually like to tested so he can stop worrying

I am pretty sure that in terms of ovulating things are fine with me (regular 25-29 day cycles, positive OPKs CD12-CD16 depending on cycle, luteal phase of 13 days...with a normal cycle being 29 days, first positive OPK on CD 15, projected ovulation on CD16, and a 13 day luteal phase).

I had a comprehensive array of test 2 years ago when I went on the pill to help with my extreme cramps and ended up with some horrible side effects, including 6-8 weeks of uncontrollable uterine bleeding

(no more pill for me!!!) At that time my uterine lining ranged from the normal side of thick to the just above normal side of thick.

Since then I've been a little worried that maybe I have/would have issues with too thick uterine lining effecting implantation, but who knows

My OBGYN said not to worry and it should be fine. Just take prenatals and have fun

My insurance changes next month so I figure we'll just have a great BDing marathon this month and probably in July too and then in August once I'm set up with Drs in my new insurance (I'm crossing my fingers that Dr. Kind and Nerdy will take my new insurance, but I dont' have details on my plan yet) we can figure out where to go from there. But...DH might want to get his swimmers tested before then

Sorry for the novella today TGIF!!!!

 

[LadyBlue]

Thank you LV and dcgator. One question, the ovulation test box has 7 test sticks, how many sticks a month do I need? and about the ones that expire, do you mean the ovulation test or the pregnancy test

. Sorry for the silly question

.

Bella, sorry about AF, I hope the next month is for us

 

[Bella_mezzo]

I hope this is the month for us too Gaby!

Re OPKs, it kind of depends how much of a POAS addict you are and how regular your body is. I need 5-6 per month b/c I typically ovulate on CD 15/16, but there have been 2 months when it was CD 12/13 and I''m not sure why, so I start on CD 11 just in case.

I would say a box of 7 would last you one month. Some brands of OPKs are individually wrapped and some are not. The ones that are not individually wrapped usually expire 30 days after they are opened. Each brand is different though.

The amazon ones are great, are indivually wrapped, and are cheap, btu the smiley face is way more definitive and encouraging to read

PG tests are usually individually wrapped and the expiration date is usually listed on the box.

 

[Loves Vintage]

Gaby - 7 tests should be sufficient for one month, unless you have super-long cycles and are unsure if you're ovulating. If you click on the question and answers section here, then you will see that they tell you when to start testing based on your prior cycle history. OH, you can download the instructions too, on the right!

I believe I started testing on CD11. I thought I wasn't going to ovulate that month. But, on my 6th test, I got a smiley face. I couldn't believe it. I was so happy, like I won some great prize!! BD'd that night (I was taking the tests after work) and about 36 hours later, and then 2 weeks later = BABY! Could not believe it! And, for that reason, I love, love, love these!

I think DCGator suggested that the 20 pk of the smiley face opks expire the same month, but according to the site, it looks like they are individually wrapped too, so if you had extras, which you likely would with a 20 pk, then you could still use them next month. The difference with these is that they tell you test CD9, regardless of prior cycle history. Double check the instructions to make sure they don't expire, if you're inclined to get these.

The cheapie Wondfo HPTs are all individually wrapped and have expriation dates on each wrapper. They should have a year or two before expiration.

Bella - It's natural for your DH to worry, though chances are he has no reason to (nor do you, but I also understand how frustrating this can be!!) If he wants to test early, then good for him. It would give you guys one less thing to worry about. I remember you writing about your prior experience with the uncontrollable bleeding. Did they ever figure out what caused it? I'm not sure that too thick lining could be a problem, so stop worrying about that!

Plus, maybe that was related to whatever was going on with you at the time, and your lining is back to "normal" now.

We sometimes wonder if I jumped the gun by going to the RE (hindsight is 20/20), but the fact of the matter is that I am 36, clocks are ticking and what not! I'm glad I went and would have just as happily conceived through IUI or even IVF if it had turned out that was needed, as I am to have conceived naturally! I wish you much luck Bella and will be keeping an eye on you! I love this thread. Everyone was so kind to me during my rough times and during my happy times . . . .

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Aw, thanks LV! TTC is such a miraculous and mysterious process with so many sensative and moving parts in the equation! It is crazy how some cycles work and some don''t even when things are normal and functioning optimally

The bleeding thing, who knows...my chronology is a little off sometimes, b/c I think I really tried to block parts of this from my mind.

I passed for no reason one day while I was crossing the street (a random episode of syncope was the diagnosis after me spending a terrible night in the ER on a heart monitor with some of the worst Drs I have ever encountered) but it was on the day after I started my period. After passing out my period just stopped.

The next month it started and was basically hemmoraging, this is total TMI but blood running down my leg, and giant clots like the size of ping pong balls and bigger

This continued for 6-8 weeks. It would ebb and flow during the day, but I spent a small fortune on pads, and the Dr couldn''t figure out any cause. I had a ton of tests including blood tests focusing on hormones and thyriod, a biopsy of the lining (came back normal) and the test where they insert a catheter into your uterus and fill it with saline to then look at the uterine lining, oh, and the dildo cam like every other week

with the exception of my uterine lining being slightly thick, but it came back to normal by the second test, every was normal.

To stop the bleeding my Dr put me on the pill. I took the generic of Mircette for 2 months...horrible, horrible cramps like I have never experienced and I kept bleeding. This is totally TMI, but at one point the tissue wasn''t even red it was pink like my uterus was shedding beyond what it should have been shedding, KWIM.

Then I went on loestrin 24 FE. My body tolerated it and I finally stopped bleeding, but I developed the early warning signs for deep vein thrombosis, so no more of that!

So, I stopped the pill but thankfully the bleeding didn''t come back.

That was 2 years ago and before and since then my periods have been totally normal and regular, so I guess I agree with the Drs that it was a fluke, but geez, it was not fun and really scary.

 

[Ryan Claire]

Hey ladies!

lili - thanks for encouragement! Sorry things didn''t work out for you last cycle. Fingers crossed you won''t be here much longer.

CDN - hope that your 2ww flies by. Maybe A mexican getaway did the trick. I am hoping vacations are the luck charm. I have not tried SI but I hear good things. Keep us posted on your experiences.

Wellinsm - glad you are sorting things out with your DH and doctors... you''ll know when you are ready.

DCgator - Thanks for checking in. The clomid was ok... on day 4 and 5 I had some headaches and night flashes. I felt more tired and emotional than usual, but that may or may not be related. Overall, I would say my symptoms were mild so that was a plus. Let''s hope it actually kicks things in gear this time. How are things with you? Did you manage to seduce you DH last night?

KTF - sorry to hear about CD1 and that PITA AF. Good luck with Oing and BDing this month. Thanks for checking in with me... I am ok. Clomid side effects were not too severe so I think I was spared. I have not heard of the MSL, but sounds interesting particularly if you are working in the legal field. Is your company helping with tuition? That''s great if they are - I would definitely take advantage! I would also love a PhD... just not sure I am up for committing the time. Or if I would really use it much once (hopefully) we start our family. My sis just finished her PhD. - 7 years in the making. It''s hard core.

Imperfect - people gave good advice in regards to OPKs. I would say that day and the following are most important. Also, most OPKs advise against using FMU.

Bella - so sorry to see this was not your month! I was really hoping for a different post

Hope you are hanging in there. Sounds like went through quite a scare but luckily you are VERY regular now, which is promising. The sooner your DH gets checked out the sooner you can rule it out and move on. I think the piece of mind would be worth it.

Lilyfoot - same too you. So sorry that this was not your month. Mother Nature was definitely playing games with you. Good luck with this cycle.

Hou - thanks for the well wishes... we''ll find out in the next week or two whether the drugs worked their magic. I''ll definitely keep you posted.

Brooks - pulling for you to be one of our first June BFP! Good luck. I hope you can get some good advice from your Dr. in regards to the late O. I have had friends who were put on Clomid to achieve "stronger" Os... perhaps that will be what your Dr. recommends.

Amandine - dust dust dust... fingers crossed for you.

Gaby - sorry about AF... I hate when she shows up uninvited. Good luck with your BD this upcoming month.


----------------

CD8 for me. First stick request on the CBEFM and it was "low" so we''ll see how it goes over the next couple days. I am off to Costa Rica tomorrow so I will be MIA until next week. I hope I come back having O''ed... I will be doing cartwheels through the rainforest if that damn CBEFM shows me a peak I will also be packing back up OPKS and some pre-seed and instead cups... Hopefully I will need them... of course if the clomid doesn''t bring about an O, I am still on an awesome vaca with my fantastic hubby... so it could be worse!

 

[dcgator]

Happy Friday Ladies!

I hope everyone is having a good day so far. We are almost at the weekend, yeah!

Anyone have any big plans for the weekend? Either way, I''m sure you are looking forward to the no-work thing

Lili: I really hope this is the magic cycle for both of us! Lots of luck...Come on O!

CDNinNYC: Thanks for the well wishes on the BD''ing marathon. I am hoping that we managed to time this one just right.

As for you being 4DPO, I hope that you were able to get some quality BD''ing in Mexico and that you will have some much needed happy news in the next week or so!

I am so very sorry about the diagnosis and the related issues with your MIL. It sounds like she is just kinda in a state of denial. Not that I know anything about the situation, but perhaps you could convice her to go speak with someone like a therapist who could help her come to terms with the situation. Again, I hope no offense is taken, it''s just sometimes, as much as family wants to help, people need a third party person to show them/convince them of the reality of the situation. Either way, I hope that someone can convince her to get the medical follow up that she surely needs. BIG ((((HUG)))))! Btw, I can''t comment on the SI, but it sounds like you are getting pretty good results.

Bella: I am so sorry to hear that AF showed up. I am telling you, what a punk she is! Didn''t she get the memo to stay away for the next few months. Sheesh.

I am hoping that you get your high this coming month, and better yet, a BFP in another few weeks! As to your Dr. question, I will let you know on Monday afternoon. I am meeting with my doc then and mentioned my frustration with the process so we are going to chat about it. They mentioned that they would probably run a hormone level blood panel on me and they would want to make sure there wasn''t any issues with DH''s men, and since that is the easiest thing to test for, I think they would order that, should everything else by normal. But, I think regardless of the issue, they test the sperm thing first b/c its the easiest thing to cross of the list. Our tests can be much more invasive...As to your AF thing, if you are having regular cycles now, you should be ok. Btw, funny story, while I was not bleeding as severely as you, I also got my period for almost a month after starting a crazy BC pill. Unforunately, I was studying abroad when that happened. I speak the language pretty well, but there were definitley some terms that I have never used before in common conversation that needed some translation. Ugh, what a PITA

Gaby: I go through about 5-6 sticks a month. I have O''ed anywhere from CD11-CD17, so I start testing on CD 10. The past two cycles I''ve O''ed on CD 13, but this one I will probably O on CD15, so for me, I need that many. For ladies who O within a narrower window, say CD 13 or CD14 only, you would need less sticks. Also, you should start to notice temp patterns that will help you know when O is coming. For me, I have a dip before my O, so that helps too

. All tests have some sort of expiration date, whether HPT or OPK''s, however, most of them are within a year or two. And don''t worry, there is no such thing as a silly question

Ryan Claire: Ohhhh, a vacation to Costa Rica, how lovely

. I am sure you will enjoy that time with your DH whatever happens. However, I will be crossing my fingers that your OPK''s, preseed and instead cups will be getting some good use

. Have a fabulous time and we look forward to seeing your more tanned self upon your return

Amandine: Any news on your end? The suspense is killing me!

*****
So I am CD 14 today and I got a true positive OPK today. My temp also dropped a bit this morning, so I think I may O tomorrow. I am kinda happy with the delayed O because it has allowed DH and I to get some quality BD''ing time in this otherwise crazy week. I think we can manage some more BD''ing tonight and tomorrow and we might actually get the "high" on FF

, oh yeah, and hopefully have a successful fertilization

. Our official one year anniversary is on Sunday, though we celebrated in NYC last weekend. Oh well, I think we will still get some dinner somewhere or something. I hope that you ladies all enjoy your weekends and hopefully we will have some happy news on Monday to kick off June

 

[Bella_mezzo]

DC-Sounds like you are timing things perfectly this month (and can get a coveted "high" from FF

I''d love to hear what your doc says on Monday! So keep me posted if you don''t mind.

Yeah, my foreign language skills definitely do not extend far into the land of reproductive health, basically "she''s pregnant" is as far as I can get. So that would have been a steep learning curve for me! One of my roomates in boston had that too, and then she started having 14 day periods with only 2 weeks in between each one!

Yeah, AF is a total punk!!!!!

 

[brooks]

Thanks for the well wishes - love this supportive group of women already!

CDNinNYC - that''s interesting about the soy isoflavone. I''ve vaguely heard it mentioned before but did not know it could possibly help ovulation occur earlier. I''ll have to do some reading as well. These long cycles get old after awhile.

I''ll be interested to see how it works for you ... hopefully you won''t have to use it again. Good luck to you in the 2WW!

LV - I have to agree. When I finally got the smiley face, it was honestly so exciting! I even laughed at myself. Gaby, I also bought the 20 pk smiley OPKs because I have long cycles. I generally used one a day in the afternoon until I saw a positive and think total I used about 14. I''m saving the rest for next month since they are individually wrapped. I don''t know that I''ve read much on their expiration, but I''m hoping they might last since they are expensive.

Bella - so sorry it was not your month! Your plan for the summer sounds great - fingers crossed for you!

Ryan Claire - Thanks so much ... I would love to be a early June BFP. I try to temper my excitement because I don''t want to be super disappointed. This TTC business is definitely an emotional rollercoaster. I am interested to see what the dr recommends to help with the ovulation. Have a fab time in Costa Rica - what a wonderful vacation!

dcgator - Enjoy your anniversary weekend!

-------------------

9dpo today. My temp was down this morning but I don''t even know how to interpret that. My LP is usually around 13 days so my plan is to test on Tuesday at 12 dpo if my temps have not started dropping by then. I almost don''t even want to, I''m scared of seeing the BFN. Luckily, I am visiting family out of town this weekend so it will be a welcome distraction.

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Fingers crossed for you Brooks!!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Bella I am sorry honey! I don''t know how accurate OPKs are, but are you having other symptoms of ovulation as well? Like CF? I also am not familiar with your poor timing in previous months, no need to tell me again, but it is possible you are missing the egg by DTD too late in your cycle! I have heard stories of that from women. In your shoes I might try to slip in a session on CD 10 and CD 13 just in case, then aiming for 0-1 and 0 based on the OPK and other signs. Alternatively, Every-other-day from CD 12 to 18 would also cover you, and would only require 4 times in that week, which could be manageable. Anyways, my point is to perhaps add one session earlier than you have been, and not aim for every day since it is too demanding and instead aim for every 2-3 days for a longer period of time.

 

[cara]

Wellism - I had an early spontaneous miscarriage as well and the NP initially told me to wait 3-4 months before trying again. I asked why (skeptically) and she quickly backpedaled and said wait until after your next proper period or there is a higher miscarriage rate. But I did some lit. searching and could find no support for that. We decided to wait for the proper period anyway but if it was an early miscarriage without D&C I don't see a medical need to wait longer.

On the O-day front, BBT is only accurate +/- 3 days. Even LH is not precise enough to pinpoint the exact day of ovulation - I did my searching on this a while ago so it is a bit fuzzy - but the LH peak is anywhere from one day *after* ovulation to 2ish days before O. And keep in mind that most home LH kits don't give a detailed quantitative measure of LH that you would get from a proper lab analysis - they give readings like 'Low' or 'High' or 'Peak' so it can be difficult to determine the exact time or day of your actual LH peak. In other words, take all this data that you painstakingly gather with a grain of salt. To precisely pinpoint ovulation down to the day, you need ultrasounds daily. But you don't need to know the precise day of ovulation to get pregnant. Just cover the bases during your estimate of the broad fertile window and hope it sticks! Using your data to inform your estimate of the fertile window. And if it doesn't take, try again next month. Kind of a disappointing conclusion to reach, as a person that likes data and information, but it is what it is.

AND, at least from my rudimentary reading, ovulating on CD19 is not really cause for concern in a women without known fertility issues. And an LP of 10 days is sufficient. I don't know how long you've been trying, but if it is less than 6 months (or less that a year with a more haphazard approach) I'd just try to not blame yourself or worry about your cycle causing problems at all, because odds are that your miscarriage is just one of the many common early ones b/c of chromosomal problems or some random developmental error and NOT the result of anything you did or anything wrong with you. And you got pregnant before, so that should offer some limited reassurance Hard to trust it, I know, but just try. There are so many women on just this board that have gone on to have a keeper pregnancy after an early loss, you are in fine company.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/4/2010 11:20:05 PM
Author: cara
On the O-day front, BBT is only accurate +/- 3 days. Even LH is not precise enough to pinpoint the exact day of ovulation - I did my searching on this a while ago so it is a bit fuzzy - but the LH peak is anywhere from one day *after* ovulation to 2ish days before O. And keep in mind that most home LH kits don''t give a detailed quantitative measure of LH that you would get from a proper lab analysis - they give readings like ''Low'' or ''High'' or ''Peak'' so it can be difficult to determine the exact time or day of your actual LH peak. In other words, take all this data that you painstakingly gather with a grain of salt. To precisely pinpoint ovulation down to the day, you need ultrasounds daily. But you don''t need to know the precise day of ovulation to get pregnant. Just cover the bases during your estimate of the broad fertile window and hope it sticks! Using your data to inform your estimate of the fertile window. And if it doesn''t take, try again next month. Kind of a disappointing conclusion to reach, as a person that likes data and information, but it is what it is.

This is really important information, and it is why I think that it is totally possible to miss the egg by starting too late if one relies too heavily on BBT and OPKs etc. Trying for an EOD or every-third day approach over a 10 day period or a week in the most likely fertile time is probably to safest thing for most women!

 

[wellinsm]

Cara- Thanks for the input. I appreciate it and it was very helpful. I really didn''t know that BBT was within +/- 3 days of ovulation, so I guess it really is difficult to determine your LP unless it is super short. I take comfort in the fact that we weren''t even trying to get pregnant (1 night w/o protection) and it happened. I also take a lot of care in the fact that many women on here (including yourself) had early losses and have gone to have successful pregnancys. I also haveeen talking to a few people at work and I was really surprised how many women have had 1 or 2 or even 3 miscarriages, and all have gone on to have healthy children, so "knowing" that makes me want to go forward. We are waiting until I get a "regular" period before we try again,ut I will admit with my new found courage I''m finding it hard to wait even that long, but i think that it is for me best.

I just wanted to say thanks to all of you ladies who have sent me such warm wishes, I do appreciate it and it has really helped me this past week.

_______

On another "self-centered post" (sorry!!

) I did hear from my doctor last Wednesday. I can''t remember if I posted this or not now...I''m going in in 2 weeks for a exam to check everything over, and I will bring him the charts that I do have just so he can look them over, he didin''t seem to concerned. He advised me over the phone to wait 2 cycles, but unless he says something earth shattering I will be waiting until my next cycle. I did have to go over to 1 of the hospitals that he is afflilated with an get a rhogam shot, which took FOREVER. Yet more time I missed from work this week. I guess after a m/c, my doctor reccomends getting one if you are rh negative. My DH finally came home from his 14 day vacay, so I was quite glad to see him, however, he went back to work the next day and now we are on our opposite shift schedule again. It will be nice this summer when I amnot working to actually be home during the same hours and I can adjust my schedule to be on his 2nd shift schedule so we can see each other again, which is essential for BDing this summer!

Brooks- Good luck with the 2WW. I haven''t really had a 2WW yet, but I can imagine how stressful it must be. Try not to think about it too much., whatever happens will happen, and even with perfectly BDiing, it can take a while.

Bella- I like your attitude towards TTC!

 

[Steel]

So I have not kept up with this thread expecting it to go poof on the changeover. Sorry.

Bella: Sorry this was not your cycle. It is natural for your DH to worry but I bet his soldiers are in perfect form. I''m sorry you had such a tough time in the past.

Gaby: I think 5 OPK a month is a good number. I used 3 last month because I got a hit on the first one as I tested late. But I plan to use at least 5 this month.

LV: Smiley face OPK sounds cool; I want one! Sulk....

Ryan Claire: Costa Rica - have fun! Wishing the little o followed by a great big O. Yeah that makes sense in my head.

dcgator: hi there, hope you are enjoying the horizontal mumbo; or whatever that expression is. You know what I mean; hope you are getting buuuusy. Many congrats on 1 year. Whoooo hooo. Would be lovely to have an anni-baby.

brooks: Hi. I hope you get a BFP! It sucks to get the negative, so I hope this was your month.

Cara & dreamer: thank you for great advice ladies. So really we just need to ''get busy'' and keep our fingers crossed that the stork has our address.

Wellinsm: Hi there. I''m so sorry you had such an blow. I wish you much luck for your next try.

 

[Steel]

Good grief, I forgot to post about me.

So I am CD3 today which means last month was a 27 day cycle. So in fact we were right on track but didn't conceive.
But it was just a tester month. This month is the real deal and we would love to be first try wonders.

BTW, I am counting CD1 as light spotting, not full bright red flow. Are we all in agreement with that?

Secondly I bulk bought 50 OPK and 50 preggo tests. So I can POAS at a moments notice. I am good to go. vrrrrrrooooooommmmmmmmmmm

 

[CatLuver]

Hi ladies! I’m so behind because I don’t check PS at work and don’t feel like firing up the comp once I get home…

Ryan Claire – Congrats on getting AF!! That’s great! Good luck this cycle! Just curious, did your RE recommend starting right away on Clomid? Hope you had an amazing vacation!

Welcome, ImperfectGirl, hope your stay is short.

Dcgator, hope your BD marathon is going well. Did you manage to successfully use the Instead cups? I have an almost full box now that I don’t know what to do with!

Bella, sorry about AF. Especially after having all those symptoms! Hope you get a "high" from FF this cycle.

Lili, sorry this month wasn’t it for you. That’s funny that chocolate affects your cycle! Is it the caffeine? Or just something special about chocolate? If you’re not a tampon user, I definitely would not recommend the Instead cups.

Wellinsm, sorry for your ordeal. I hope you are able to heal soon and get pg.

KTF, sorry about mean AF. It’s so hard to not be able to know 100% that you ovulated, even though you have an LH surge, isn’t it? I doubt myself too.

Brooks – good luck!

Steal, I asked the same question awhile ago and also read up on it. Apparently CD1 is the first day of real red flow, not light spotting. So maybe you had a slightly longer cycle. If you use FF, and input spotting, it does not count that as a new cycle.

----
As for me, for some reason it looks like I O’d on CD 17 instead of CD 14 like I usually do (or that signs indicate), no idea why. At 4DPO I started feeling some light twinges, but I am trying not to get my hopes up because that is too early for implantation, based on everything I’ve read. I also had a higher than normal post-O temp today at 6DPO – but again, that seems too early. Since I O’d later, I should wait even longer to test!! So I still have several more days to wait.
And, just curious - does anyone know what BD pattern(s) FF will say is "high"?

 

[Steel]

Date: 6/5/2010 5:04:41 PM
Author: CatLuver

Hi ladies! I’m so behind because I don’t check PS at work and don’t feel like firing up the comp once I get home…

Ryan Claire – Congrats on getting AF!! That’s great! Good luck this cycle! Just curious, did your RE recommend starting right away on Clomid? Hope you had an amazing vacation!

Welcome, ImperfectGirl, hope your stay is short.

Dcgator, hope your BD marathon is going well. Did you manage to successfully use the Instead cups? I have an almost full box now that I don’t know what to do with!

Bella, sorry about AF. Especially after having all those symptoms! Hope you get a ''high'' from FF this cycle.

Lili, sorry this month wasn’t it for you. That’s funny that chocolate affects your cycle! Is it the caffeine? Or just something special about chocolate? If you’re not a tampon user, I definitely would not recommend the Instead cups.

Wellinsm, sorry for your ordeal. I hope you are able to heal soon and get pg.

KTF, sorry about mean AF. It’s so hard to not be able to know 100% that you ovulated, even though you have an LH surge, isn’t it? I doubt myself too.

Brooks – good luck!

Steal, I asked the same question awhile ago and also read up on it. Apparently CD1 is the first day of real red flow, not light spotting. So maybe you had a slightly longer cycle. If you use FF, and input spotting, it does not count that as a new cycle.

----
As for me, for some reason it looks like I O’d on CD 17 instead of CD 14 like I usually do (or that signs indicate), no idea why. At 4DPO I started feeling some light twinges, but I am trying not to get my hopes up because that is too early for implantation, based on everything I’ve read. I also had a higher than normal post-O temp today at 6DPO – but again, that seems too early. Since I O’d later, I should wait even longer to test!! So I still have several more days to wait.

And, just curious - does anyone know what BD pattern(s) FF will say is ''high''?

So that makes me CD1. Good grief, can somebody not just plug me in and get a print out. This is all too complicated. So last cycle was 29 days and I was off so couldn''t conceive anyway. Thank you for letting me know. I threw the question into google and the majority of answers said CD1 = spotting. I had always counted day 1 as full flow but what did I know; clearly more than I thought.

I hope you conceived this cycle; best of luck!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Steal you crack me up!

Yep, as much as we like to make this a scientific process, there''s a lot of science we can''t see and it sure does make it difficult!

I am miserable with this sinus infection

, MISERABLE! I have temporarily lost my sense of smell, all taste except to distinguish sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and at least 50% of my hearing. DH is on the mend though, so hopefully I won''t be far behind!

Dreamer-To answer your question, yep I have a clear CF pattern that confirms ovulation (dry to sticky to EW, with EW usually on CD14-16/17) and this month I had tons of EWCF.

So...cheers to CD2

On another note, does anyone here use cloth menstrual pads?

I just read someone on one of the mom forums, I think it was Blenheim, really likes them. I usually use tampons, but sometimes when my cramps are really bad I wear pads and I find them really irritating. I was thinking maybe I should give cloth pads a try, thy sound so much more soft and better for your lady parts...

 

[LadyBlue]

I wanted to share this good news, my husband and I live in Manhattan in 1 bedroom apartment. This weekend we moved to a 2 bedroom apartment to have the extra bedroom in case we get pregnant

. I''m very happy and I hope we do have a baby soon because we don''t need the extra space

. My DH keeps saying what do you want in Alice bedroom lol

He already choose a name.

M cycle is 35 days as a clock, I think I''m going to buy the one with 20 test the first time, because I''m clueless about O, and I don''t want to miss it, I guess as time goes on I will be more aware and the 7 pack would be fine

Thank you LV, dcgator, brooks, steal for all the information.

 

[Amandine]

Sorry to disappear for a few days....but got a negative test, and AF started like clockwork on my CD29. So, back to waiting for ovulation. Not heartbroken, as we have DH''s uncle and partner visiting for the weekend to celebrate DH''s birthday and his uncle''s birthday...and I would have missed out on all the yummy wine! Also, been a bit of family stress on his side, along with our move...so, we move onward with hopes for this next time. Thanks for all the good wishes, have to get back to my company!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/5/2010 5:39:05 PM
Author: Bella_mezzo
Steal you crack me up!

Yep, as much as we like to make this a scientific process, there''s a lot of science we can''t see and it sure does make it difficult!

I am miserable with this sinus infection

, MISERABLE! I have temporarily lost my sense of smell, all taste except to distinguish sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and at least 50% of my hearing. DH is on the mend though, so hopefully I won''t be far behind!

Dreamer-To answer your question, yep I have a clear CF pattern that confirms ovulation (dry to sticky to EW, with EW usually on CD14-16/17) and this month I had tons of EWCF.

So...cheers to CD2

On another note, does anyone here use cloth menstrual pads?

I just read someone on one of the mom forums, I think it was Blenheim, really likes them. I usually use tampons, but sometimes when my cramps are really bad I wear pads and I find them really irritating. I was thinking maybe I should give cloth pads a try, thy sound so much more soft and better for your lady parts...

That is good becuase it is such an easy sign to follow! Good luck missy!

 

[ImperfectGirl]

Morning ladies!

Sorry I went MIA for a few days...had family in town and had a blast!

Lilyfoot - sorry about AF showing up late!

Lili - Thanks for the welcome!

Bella - AF & a sinus infection??? Blech

. Sorry it wasn''t your month. On the bright side, a clear CF pattern is great!! I don''t really have that (or I haven''t really been able to decipher it yet) so count yourself lucky lady!

Brooks - Hi!

I''m new too! Yay for great timing!!

Amandine - Sorry for the negative hpt but I''m glad you weren''t heartbroken.

Brightlight - Thanks for the info on the BBT...I had no clue.

Gaby - Sorry it wasn''t your month. Up and on to the next one! Congrats on the new apt!! How exciting

Keepingthefaith - Thanks for the info on OPKs. Mine actually did advise agains using FMU so I decided to go with late afternoon. No positives yet... Sorry about a rough go with AF this month.

Dcgator - Thanks for your take on the OPKs. It''s helpful to hear how everyone else uses them and what their strategy is. Happy Anniversary and yay for great timing on the BD!

Loves Vintage - Thanks for that link! I scored some of those cheapie preggo tests. DH was very happy!

Smurfy -

CDN - Sorry about your MIL.

Ryan Claire- Thanks for your advice about OPKs...mine did advise against using OPKs. Hope your having fun in Costa Rica!!

Catluver - Thanks for the welcome! Fingers crossed for you!!

Steal - Sorry you got shoddy info when searching about CD1. I''ve always read it''s the first day of full flow as well.
***************************************
It is CD 13 for me. After reading all the great info regarding the accuracy of BBT & OPKs, from Cara, Dreamer, & Brightlight, we''ve decided to just go EOD starting on CD 11. Over the last 2 years I''ve O''d every cycle between CD 13 and CD 17. So I''m putting the thermometer away becasue DH doesn''t want me to get obsessive (I can get obsessive

) and just going with EOD in my normal fertile window ending on CD19. Fingers crossed that it works!!

Have a good day everyone!

 

[dcgator]

Hello Ladies,

So, here we are at yet another Monday. Boo. Oh well, at least it only comes once a week

. I hope that everyone enjoyed their weekends. Only 4 more days until Friday

Bella: Sorry you are feeling so icky. I hope that this cold hurries up and leaves you alone already! As for me and DH, we are definitely trying to get that coveted "high" but we shall see. I think I finally O''ed today, so maybe I will get one more BD session in this evening. Oh, and I went to the OB this morning armed with my charts and such and let her know that I was a little frustrated with the whole process and that by the looks of it, I have been doing it all right, so to speak, with no result. She said that it can take about 6-7 months average, so she doesn''t think anything is wrong persay, but she gave me the scripts for the blood test on Day 3 to test hormone levels, a script for my DH to get his men tested, as well as a script for that procedure where they put the dye in your tubes. (I can''t remember what it''s called right now). She said to check with my insurance about whether they will cover the tests before a year. (some do and some don''t). Either way she said the first two tests are not cost prohibitive if I had to do it alone, but it would probably be better to wait till the one year mark before doing the third test, b/c it can be very costly and b/c it''s pretty invasive. So, if I don''t get KU this month. I will probably go in for the blood test on CD3 next month and the month after we will check DH''s men and just check off the boxes as I go. Hopefully though, the little pep talk with my OB convinced my ladies to get something going in there

Brooks: I really hope that you get a BFP tomorrow. Lots of sticky dust!!!

Steal: Yes, thanks, we did enjoy our weekend activities

. Thanks for the well wishes, I too think it would be great to have an anni-baby. We shall see in about 2 weeks...I wish you lots of luck on your first official month of trying! Go for the jerkstore! Either way, it sounds like you are well armed with all your tests

Catluver: I actually wussed out on the Instead cups.

I did use the Preseed on a couple of our BD''ings though. We''ll see if it helped soon. As for you, I hope that you will get some good news in a few more days. Fingers crossed for you lady!

Gaby: How very exciting about the new place with room for a LO

. It''s so sweet that your DH has already claimed the room in the name of your future LO.

. I think getting the 20 pack to get a handle on your O date sounds like a good plan. I hope that you get a clear answer your first month.

Amandine: I am sorry to hear about the BFN. What a bummer. But, it sounds like it all worked out for the best and you can focus on the coming month now. Good luck catching O!

ImperfectGirl: Thanks for the well wishes. I hope we hit the jackpot this month too

. I think you new plan sounds like a really good idea. I am way to Type A to just roll with it, lol

I really hope that your strategy works for you. Enjoy your BD''ing this week!

*****
So, I think I have finally O''ed toady. Of course I will have to wait for FF to confirm in another day or two, but I had continued positive OPK''s and had a temp spike this morning. After all is said and done, we hit Thursday, Friday, and Sunday. I am hoping for one more session tonight, and I don''t see how we can''t get a "high" on FF

. Now, the 2WW begins.

The good news is that I am heading on vaca with the entire fam (IL''s included) for a familly reunion. My sis and her BF fly in on Friday and we head down to the beach early Saturday morning. So, right now, I am really focused on that and hopefully by the time I start getting antsy, I will be preoccupied with family

I wish all you ladies holding out in the 2WW luck and patience and for those on the BD''ing marathon, enjoy!

 

[CatLuver]

Dcgator - that''s interesting that your OB already ordered the tests for you. My OB also said not to worry but that she would order tests if we wanted to. We''re almost 4 months of ttc, 3 with charting, so I think I''ll give it 2 more cycles and then get tested. I know you had the ordeal last month, but this is only your 2nd or 3rd month trying, right? I know it''s soooo hard to not know when it will happen and to hear about other people getting pg right away without any angst (and them telling you not to worry about it). Hope this month with the "high" worked!!!

 

[sweetlime]

Date: 6/3/2010 1:48:33 PM
Author: dcgator
And here is where the team is at:

CD2 - Gaby06
CD3 - Lilyfoot, KeepingtheFaith21
CD7- Ryan Claire, Miscka
CD9 - ImperfectGirl
CD10 - LAJennifer
CD13 - dcgator
CD16 - Smurfy, PO10472
CD20 - Catluver
CD21 - inhisarms17, CDNinNYC
CD25 - Sweetlime
CD26 - Brightlight
CD27 - Steal
CD28 - Bella_mezzo
CD29- Amandine

On the TTC roster: Lili, Brooks

hi all, today is CD29 and still no O. i''m on my second, monitored round of clomid with my ob/gyn. unfortunately i didn''t ovulate this time around either (which is strange because i ovulated naturally - although irregularly - before taking clomid). anyway, my ob/gyn is referring me to see a RE. before i see the RE, however, i''m gonna give myself a short break from everything - all the doctors, ultrasound appts, drugs, and even this wonderful TTC thread. i''m just gonna stick with acupuncture, a healthy diet and my usual exercise routine for now. i will pop back on this thread later this year, though! good luck to everyone!

 

[Bella_mezzo]

Good luck SweetLime! I''m sorry ot hear about no O yet and hope your break is relazing and fun and full of special time for you and DH (and maybe a little relaxing "miracle I think I''ll be taking a break from the thread in July b/c I''ll be traveling and it will be a nice change of pace to just not think about TTC!

XOXO,
Bella

 

[CDNinNYC]

Miscka, thank you. Hope you're doing well? RE: the SI. I took the Spring Valley Brand. I bought them from walmart.com since we don't have a physical store in the city. I think it cost $6 for a bottle of 60 tablets. I took three tablets of 40 mg (120 mg total) every night before bed during CD5-9. I read they might give off some side effects (headaches) so I wanted to sleep during them. I didn't feel anything the days I took them. If you have any other questions, let me know.

Bella, sorry be hear about AF. Best of luck getting your 'high' rating this cycle!

Loves Vintage, thank you. Yes, we're glad SIL has intervened, especially since MIL is in Canada and we're in the US. We've been getting a lot of our info from SIL since MIL doesn't want to talk about it. When we went to visit her for a weekend, the topic was completely ignored. Made for quite a big pink elephant in the room.

Ryan Claire, hope you're having an awesome time in Costa Rica! I've always wanted to visit. Yes, a vacation baby would be awesome, especially since it was our first anniversary that week as well. Here's hoping for a souvenir for both of us!

dcgator, yay for BD marathons and Oing! Hope this one is THE ONE for you! And, please, no offense taken at all! I had already made the suggestion to DH about getting MIL to see a therapist. Your post reminded to follow up on that, so thank you!

brooks, thanks for the best wishes and welcome! Yes, longer cycles suck although I do feel guilty complaining about them when there are some women with much longer ones than mine. Hope you had a great weekend visiting family. BTW, have you tested yet?

Steal, you crack me up.

gaby06, congrats on the new apartment! I didn't know you were in Manhattan. Me too. I sometimes wish for the added space but I really love our 1-bedroom; I'm hoping to make it work it for a while if we happen to get KU sooner rather than later.

Amandine, sorry to hear about AF, but as you said, at least you didn't miss out on the yummie wine.

ImperfectGirl, thank you. I totally hear you on being obsessive; it helps to stay busy. (At least that's what I'm trying to do to distract myself!) Good luck not temping!

sweetlime, sorry to hear O hasn't shown up yet. Enjoy the break. You never know, that might just do the trick.

*************
AFM, DPO 8 here. I caved and did a test today. BFN of course, but I was expecting that. Just needed to get the POAS obsessing out of my system. FF has suggested I test a week from today but I don't know if I can hold out that long. Along with some other questionable (ie. in my head) symptoms, I had a really big temp spike today, so here's hoping it means something positive and not that I should have had the AC on last night as I have had the three nights before.