The Official TTC Thread!

[stephbolt]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I just received my first cheapie ovulation strips from Amazon and I have a question. How do you deal with the fact that you need to place the strip in a container with urine? I kind of thought it would be a question of peeing on a stick again but now I'm thinking how do I deal with the container issue? Do you need a bunch of containers? Do you clean and reuse the same one? Help!

Mayerling, I (and I think most of the other ladies) buy disposable dixie cups and use those. Plus they don't look strange sitting out in your bathroom

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Muff: CONGRATS! That is positive, lady! Sorry your digi was a dud... how annoying! I will be waiting to see that "PREGNANT" test!

Mayerling: I actually use one old cup and just rinse in super hot water, and wash with soap every few days. Honestly, it isn't gross- it looks totally clean and anyone would think its a regular drinking cup (which is why I keep it stowed away in the back of my bathroom cabinets!) I have no tips on staying positive: I am a worrier.

Tammy: Glad the appointment went well! I hope your DH is on board with ditching BC sooner than later!

AFM: Huge temp drop today, still brown internal spotting. I'm holding on to a shred of hope (sort of pathetic) because my chart looks so, so similar to Augusts, and August is when I got my BFP. It's irrational and unlikely. I'll post below for any chart-lovers out there.

There's a LOT of family stuff happening now: Wedding, surprise courthouse wedding, death, birth, announcement that SIL is having a boy (!!), and last night DH said, "Can you imagine if we were still pregnant? We'd be announcing it THIS WEEK. It would be the 7th bit of crazy news shared this week!" I started crying! OY! DH felt so bad, and I felt bad for my weepy reaction. Pilsn needs to put on her big-girl panties.

 

[MuffDog]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

PilsnPinky - sounds like quite the week! I would have cried too if my DH said what yours did. They don't always seem to 'get' it do they? Obviously had no intention of making you upset but I get the sense that even when a husband really really really wants to have a baby, they don't 'get' it until they see it grow.

So DH won't let me use the second digi test until tonight, so I snuck out on the way to work and grabbed some FRER tests - on my credit card haha.



I'm guessing I'm pregnant.

Holy shi*.

Shouldn't I feel...something? Different? I've been grabbing my boobs for days looking for a sign and nothing.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Choro, you should definitely parade in here and share your news. That’s what this forum is for! Very happy for you and looking forward to your updates in JBP!

Muffdog, congrats again. I didn’t have any doubt, but I’m sure it’s reassuring to see a positive on another brand. How typical that your digi was a dud. Next time, save your cup-o-urine until you are sure that the test worked! So, you had no symptoms at all? Interesting? I keep thinking I’ll feel something when I’m finally pregnant, but it seems like everyone is different.

Mayerling, this is going to be a totally do as I say, not as I do, but trust me that you have nothing to worry about at this point. In all likelihood, you will get your BFP within a few months, and if not, you will keep trying until you do, and you will have our support. Think of all the women who have come and gone in this thread in the past few months. There are only a few of us for whom it is taking a little longer. And it really does suck, but you get through it. I’m thinking good thoughts for you. BTW, I also use dixie cups. I much prefer something disposal because it seems more sanitary.

PPM, sorry about the temp drop today Somebody has probably asked you this already, but did you have your progesterone tested last month? Given the fact that you seem to have early temp drops and spotting, I think you should talk to your doctor about possibly getting on progesterone supplements either before you get your future BFPs or immediately after. Still crossing my fingers for you that AF won't show. Hugs.

 

[choro72]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Oh PPM, I would break down too if DH said something like that! I'm sending AF repellent wishes for you. Hugs.

mp, thanks. Keeping everyone in my thoughts!

MuffDog, weeeeeee, you're pregnant! Hope your DH will admit it soon so that you can celebrate!

 

[MuffDog]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Choro - thanks for the comment Congrats again to you too lady.

I just talked to DH on the phone because he has organized a group wine tasting for the 28th. I said "don't you think a group wine tasting might be difficult for me?" and he said "we don't even know your 'situation' yet".

So I sent him the pic of the new FRER.

I think he gets it now

I don't know what the next steps are though...

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Okay Lizzy, Bright, and others who have had their blood drawn on 7DPO, what kind of level am I looking for? The nurse told me that mine was 10.4, but she would have to wait until Monday to give me the doctor's interpretation of that result. I'm thinking it's on the low side, right?

 

[S&I]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

MP, when I had my progesterone tested at 11DPO, I was told it was low for pregnancy at 13.3. I think they said 15-20 is what they were expecting. I don't know what it should be for 7DPO, but I would suggest talking to your doctor about progesterone supplements and see what she thinks. Hopefully, Lizzy and BrightSpot can chime in about their 7DPO numbers.

 

[Missy0483]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Choro - thanks for the comment Congrats again to you too lady.

I just talked to DH on the phone because he has organized a group wine tasting for the 28th. I said "don't you think a group wine tasting might be difficult for me?" and he said "we don't even know your 'situation' yet".

So I sent him the pic of the new FRER.

I think he gets it now

I don't know what the next steps are though...

DH didn't believe a "test" either. He's just now finally starting to realize that I really am pregnant. I called my regular family doctor the day after my postive test and went to have blood drawn just so he would believe me! I have a $6,000 deductible through my insurance at work so luckily they pay for anything that insurance doesn't cover, because my two blood tests were $100 a piece! So once I got those results back, I called a new OB, because I've never been to one before and got a first appointment. I would call your doctor, whether it's your family doctor or an OB and they can tell what needs to be done, they're all different and may not want to see you right away. I will be seeing my OB for the first time this coming Monday. Can't wait to see what's going on!! I didn't have many early symptoms either. The week before my BFP I had bloating and slight cramping, my 4th week I felt pretty normal besides feeling really tired before my usual bedtime, 5th week into my 6th week(where I am right now) my boobs started to hurt and I've felt more hungry and still tired in the evening. Everyone is different! Good luck! I'll be looking for you in the Just Barely Pregnant thread soon!

 

[Sha]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

MuffDog - yayyy!!! That's a BFP if I ever saw one! Congratulations!!!

PPM - I agree that your charts look pretty similar - interesting. I can understand you having some hope, since your temps rebounded after the temp drop in your first cycle and you got your bfp. I agree about checking on the progesterone though...I don't remember if you'd had it done before, since the spotting and temp drops could indicate a low prog. issue.

mayerling - I usually use an old container and just rinse it with soapy water afterwards. Not a big deal, really. Try not to worry too much, although sometimes it's easier said than done!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

MP, when I had my progesterone tested at 11DPO, I was told it was low for pregnancy at 13.3. I think they said 15-20 is what they were expecting. I don't know what it should be for 7DPO, but I would suggest talking to your doctor about progesterone supplements and see what she thinks. Hopefully, Lizzy and BrightSpot can chime in about their 7DPO numbers.

Thanks S&I, from my preliminary research, they want your level to be above 10 on an unmedicated cycle, but other sources say above 15. Of course I would get borderline results! I'm guessing my doctor will tell me I'm normal, but it definitely seems to me that my corpeus luteum is an underachiever and is just barely making the grade. I guess I'm glad to know that I am at least ovulating, but I wanted to get more definitive results either way.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I have a $6,000 deductible through my insurance at work

Holy crap that's high. I am so lucky to have the insurance I do- no deductible and no co-insurance. Which means other than $15 copays for office visits, having a baby will be "free."

Okay, I totally broke my own rule, but I have to share here. I promised myself that I wouldn't buy anything baby related until I'm pregnant...you know, don't want to jinx anything. But then I saw this:



Which is basically perfect, seeing how DF is a deputy sheriff and was in the Marines, and we breed bulldogs. So I bought it. I showed it to DF and told him that Gymboree and Baby Gap both have bulldog stuff right now, which has apparently opened the flood gates. He is all about buying baby clothes, it's hilarious. I told him this is pretty much locking in that we will have girls, since the stuff we've seen is all boy stuff.

 

[lizzyann]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Congratulations newly preggo ladies!

MP, my RE told me they wanted my progesterone to be over 8 to confirm that ovulation had occurred during this last wave of testing. Personally, I think your # is just fine if you are not pregnant. If you are pregnant, your Dr. may want to start you on suppositories if it doesn't go up a little. But to me over 10 should reassure you that you did in fact ovulate. When I am pregnant, my 7dpo progesterone is usually around 18, which they have always been happy with. That last pregnancy mine was like 90 or something but I had also ovulated three eggs. I found this website which had some good info. http://www.babymed.com/fertility-tests/progesterone-levels I certainly am no doctor, but I think you are in good shape. I think once you find out if you are pregnant or not, that will help interpret that # for you a little better.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Lizzy, thanks for the info. That helps. I'm pretty sure I'm not pregnant because I'm 9DPO and feel exactly as I have every other cycle. I have always assumed I'm ovulating because I get positive OPKs followed by a temp shift and regular cycles, but I was hoping I would find out that it was weak ovulation or something and get prescribed clomid. So basically, this test told me nothing about why I'm not getting pregnant. I guess I'll starting pushing for an SA and HSG now.

How are things going for you. Normally I would never say this, but in your case, I hope AF comes soon, so you can start the next phase.

 

[Missy0483]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I have a $6,000 deductible through my insurance at work

Holy crap that's high. I am so lucky to have the insurance I do- no deductible and no co-insurance. Which means other than $15 copays for office visits, having a baby will be "free."

I know! But I'm assuming I won't really have to pay much either if they stick to their word about covering whatever insurance doesn't pay for. I have my own insurance and DH has his own. It would cost more to add to a plan for us. My weekly insurance amount is $0 for "single" employees, so I don't have any extra taken from my paycheck to pay for insurance. Only bad thing is in order to keep the cost down for us, we have to switch insurance companies every year so at some point I may not get to have my same doctor if they don't take the new insurance, but no problems with that yet! I had a $1,000 echocardiogram done 2 years ago, I just brought in the bill from the hospital and they paid it. I have $20 copays for office visits.

 

[BrightSpot]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Happy Friday, ladies! Wow, so much has happened since I posted last. I'll try to get up to speed...

Welcome & congrats on your BFPs, Muff & Choro! Sending you lots of sticky dust for a happy & healthy 9 months!

Muffdog, As for people noticing you're not drinking, do you & your DH ever drink cocktails, rather than wine or beer? If so, perhaps your DH could make the cocktails & slip you a virgin one. That's what my SIL & BIL did when they were KU, but not out yet & no one suspected a thing.

MP, I'm glad the nurse got back to you on your progesterone level. I think that's a good number! Mine were 7.5 & 8, which my doc said was low. She said they really look for a number over 10, so you should be in great shape!
I don't think that's cause for concern that you don't feel any different yet. When is AF scheduled to arrive for you? Sending her lots of evil vibes to stay away from your house. If she does show her ugly face, I think that's a good call to try to take it easy for the next couple of months. It would be nice to reconnect with DH without all of the TTC stress. Plus, I've heard lots of stories of ladies actively trying with no luck, then taking a month or 2 off & finally getting a bfp! And even if that doesn't happen, you know that you have more tests on the horizon to find out what's going on. Hugs to you. I have a feeling you'll be off to JBP-land soon.

PPM, I'm still hopeful for you this month. You're right that your chart for this month looks very similar to your BFP chart. When will you test? I second having your progesterone checked because of the spotting & temp drop, though. Sending you lots of dust...
I'm sorry your DH made that insensitive comment. Hugs. Sometimes guys really don't get it. I hope you have an announcement to add to the mix soon.

amc, yay on getting the flu shot! I got mine at CVS as well. I found the prefilled (preservative free) shot to be a lot less painful & have fewer side effects than I remember. (That said, I don't get a flu shot regularly, so I'm comparing to my recollection of my last shot, which was several years ago.) The bulldog shirt is adorable! I love that you're buying baby clothes already. That's great that your DF is onboard.

Mayerling, like PPM, I reuse a cup for my OPKs. When I started using them, I found one of those red plastic disposable solo cups in a cabinet & I just wash & reuse it. It's definitely in a place where it won't be confused with a drinking cup. I thought of using the tiny dixie disposable cups, but having a slightly larger cup is kinda nice for aiming issues, if you kwim.
I too an a worrier, but worrying doesn't really help things. If you can, assume that there are no issues (it seems for most people there aren't) until you discover there are issues (and hopefully you won't).

Tammy, glad your appointment went well. Good luck with your plan to ditch hbc sooner rather than later.

Prana, welcome! It's definitely worth checking your progesterone levels. That's good that you have an appointment around O time so you can get it done this month (the test is done on 7dpo). Let us know how it goes & hope your stay here is short & sweet.

China, thanks for checking in! We finally got the full report from DH's doc yesterday after leaving numerous messages. So I have it, but nobody has explained it fully to us. From my read, though, it doesn't look good.
How are you doing? Hope you're feeling well & baking away.

Lizzy, I was so thrilled to hear your news that you O'd! Yay! I'm glad the injections aren't too difficult & so happy to hear you're feeling more hopeful. Do keep us posted on the process. This is really interesting to know. I'm sending all kinda of baby karma your way!

JGator, thanks for sending the link to the vitals website. That's a really interesting & helpful site. I checked out some reviews of my new RE & some of them are great while some of them also confirm some of the feelings I was having. I was happy to see both perspectives reflected & am trying to revise my expectations before the next appointment. (and maybe edit my 1000 questions down to the most important ones)
How are you doing? Thinking of you & hoping you're ok. Hugs.

Octavia, welcome! When will you start to TTC?

S&I, Sha, Missy, good to see you! Hope you're well!

Hi to anyone I missed!

AFM, CD 18 & still waiting for a positive OPK. FF is giving me green squares between today & Wednesday, so hopefully it will happen soon. We're on the EOD until O path now.
I called my doc's office & apparently they don't have my test results in & even if they did, they don't give them out over the phone. I have to come into the office to get them. Does anyone else's doc do this? I'm not loving the medical community right now.
We also finally heard back from DH's doc yesterday after leaving numerous messages for almost 2 weeks. They emailed us his SA & blood test results, but nobody discussed them with us, so they're a bit difficult to interpret. Anyone out there know how to read an SA? From what I understand, though, it doesn't look good. The interpretation mentioned low volume & concentration, but when I read the numbers, the total count, motility & morphology also seem below normal. I'm feeling pretty down about it. I'm doing my OPK's every day & waiting to O, but really wonder if it's just a waste of time & emotional energy if DH's swimmers aren't up to the task.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Mayerling, I reuse the itty bitty cup that came with my OPKs. I just wipe it out when I'm done and it stays enxt to the toilet, with my box o' OPKs. A solo cup would be much easier, though. Funny, solo cups are the iconic beer cups...funny how our use for them changes as we get older!

So, you guys know how I *might* be perceived as a bit of a planner? I just ordered my TTC supplies- 7 CBE digi OPKs (I still have strips but am almost out of the digis), a 3 pack of CBE digital HPTs, and 2x 3 packs of FRER. I know, still another month...but I figure next month will be crazy with wedding/cruise stuff and packing, so this is one less thing I have to worry about buying.

 

[BrightSpot]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Funny, solo cups are the iconic beer cups...funny how our use for them changes as we get older!

I know! I saw someone drinking beer out of one of those recently & thought, "Eww, gross. He's drinking a cup of pee!"

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Funny, solo cups are the iconic beer cups...funny how our use for them changes as we get older!

I know! I saw someone drinking beer out of one of those recently & thought, "Eww, gross. He's drinking a cup of pee!"

My DH is obsessed with red, solo cups. He buys mass quantities at Costco and refuses to use real glasses except on special occasions! Oh, and I was at my SIL's house the other day, and my niece was working on an art project, and the beads and other supplies were in the exact same design as the dixie cups I pee in. I was like, hey, I have those same cups, and then I was like, why would I share that?!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Also, Bright thanks for weighing in. While my progesterone was not horrible, I certainly wouldn't call it it a stellar result. I guess I just need to be patient awhile longer and sort this mess out. AF should arrive by Monday I think or Tuesday at the lastest.

So sorry that your DH's results haven't been explained to you yet. I'm sure it's hard on your DH too. It's got to feel emasculating to have to have the test done and receive that news. Hopefully, there are a few lifestyle changes he can make to improve matters or maybe they'll have you do an IUI? I can't remember who it was, but somebody was on here when I first started posting, and her DH had low counts and she was given a low probability of getting pregnant without IVF and was really down about it, but I think she ended up getting pregnant naturally a few months later. So, don't let it get you too down. Hoping you get your positive OPK soon!

amc, getting your TTC supplies now seems reasonable to me. You are all set to go now I have to admit that I ordered pregnancy tests the week before started trying. I've only used a couple, so they are all still waiting to be used. Hopefully, I didn't jinx myself by doing that.

 

[Jena17]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hi girls! I am somewhat new here, I posted a lot when I was TTC my first child and haven't been on much since. But I'm back!!

My darling son just turned the big 1 year old and DH and I decided it was time to start trying for our 2nd child. My problem is I am still breastfeeding just a little at night and when I get home from work, So I go all day without BF'ing and he sleeps through the night. I haven't had my period return yet so I am worried I am not ovulating. Does any of you girls have any experience with this problem and have any insight for me?

 

[BrightSpot]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Funny, solo cups are the iconic beer cups...funny how our use for them changes as we get older!

I know! I saw someone drinking beer out of one of those recently & thought, "Eww, gross. He's drinking a cup of pee!"

My DH is obsessed with red, solo cups. He buys mass quantities at Costco and refuses to use real glasses except on special occasions! Oh, and I was at my SIL's house the other day, and my niece was working on an art project, and the beads and other supplies were in the exact same design as the dixie cups I pee in. I was like, hey, I have those same cups, and then I was like, why would I share that?!

That's hilarious! If I ever have you & your DH over to dinner I'll make sure to hide my POAS cup.

Thanks for the pep talk. DH is on clomid & has cut drinking down to 1-2/week, so I hope that helps. He'll have a follow-up next month to see if things are improving. You're right that it's pretty emasculating to get a poor result on this test. And I've been a little obsessed about find out just how bad the situation is, so that probably hasn't helped matters. I need to try to be more sensitive to him.

That's reassuring that another PS-er got her BFP without intervention even though her DH had low counts. Maybe I'll see if I can find her story. Do you remember around when that was?

My OB did say that they usually look for progesterone around 15 for IVF, but I assume that's a medicated cycle & the numbers could be different. Did your doc's office ask you to call them with the date you get AF (if you do, which I hope you don't!) so they can make more sense of the progesterone level?

Jena, welcome back! I've never been PG, but I do have a friend who got PG (with twins!) while still BF-ing, so it's definitely possible. I don't know if she got her period before that or not, but I suspect she didn't. (She found out she was PG at her 6-week checkup!) Good luck--I hope your stay is short & sweet!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Bright, I found it. It was Blackberry16, and her posts were in March.

ETA: I think she may have had an IUI actually, but he doctor only gave her an 8% chance of success

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

but I do have a friend who got PG (with twins!) while still BF-ing, so it's definitely possible. I don't know if she got her period before that or not, but I suspect she didn't. (She found out she was PG at her 6-week checkup!) Good luck--I hope your stay is short & sweet!

OMG, could you imagine? I guess someone didn't follow the doctor's orders about no BDing during that 6 weeks!

And Jena, welcome back!

 

[BrightSpot]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

but I do have a friend who got PG (with twins!) while still BF-ing, so it's definitely possible. I don't know if she got her period before that or not, but I suspect she didn't. (She found out she was PG at her 6-week checkup!) Good luck--I hope your stay is short & sweet!

OMG, could you imagine? I guess someone didn't follow the doctor's orders about no BDing during that 6 weeks!

I know! They already had 2 little ones, so they wound up having 3 in diapers for a long time! Yipes!

MP, thanks for finding that! Off to search for blackberry16...

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

but I do have a friend who got PG (with twins!) while still BF-ing, so it's definitely possible. I don't know if she got her period before that or not, but I suspect she didn't. (She found out she was PG at her 6-week checkup!) Good luck--I hope your stay is short & sweet!

OMG, could you imagine? I guess someone didn't follow the doctor's orders about no BDing during that 6 weeks!

And Jena, welcome back!

That's my worst nightmare! We're they totally freaked out at the time? I'm sure that now they wouldn't change it for the world... but man-oh-man. I'm not letting DH come anywhere NEAR me for a minimum 9 months post-partum

 

[MuffDog]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I have a friend who told me that her brother and SIL got KU after one try, and then got KU again after 5 months.

WITH TWINS.

Uhh...and I think that I"M freaking out!

 

[PilsnPinkysMom]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

CD 1. Woopwoop. I'm drinking beer and eating Twizzlers. Tomorrow morning I'm going to get the largest size pumpkin spice latte that Starbucks sells and not feel guilty the caffeine (but I *will* feel guilty about the sugar and calories). Then I might ask the neighbor kids if I can bounce around on their trampoline. I'm a silver lining kind of gal. AND I love sarcasm.

Tonight I'm going to ask DH if we can dry next cycle. That's why I'm drinking beer.

...This talk of Solo cups is cracking me up!

Muff: You are KTFU. That is one dark FRER line... any guesses as to how far along you are?

Jena: Welcome back! May your stay be short and sweet.

Bright: Hugs. I'd be annoyed at the medical profession, too, if I was in your shoes. Sorry about your DH's not-stellar SA. Stroke his ego a bit, as I'm sure he's feeling a bit down. My own parents struggled with infertility and my dad had a low count, morphology and motility (I think those are the terms?) My mother just says it was bad all around. This was the 70s and 80s... I don't think he did much of anything to fix it. They just got lucky. Twice. It only takes one strong swimmer. It WILL happen for you two. You are going to be a mama, hopefully sooner than later.

Question: Anyone dabble in Vitamin B6 for a luteal phase defect?

 

[MuffDog]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hey PilsnPink - I have no clue. I can't tell from my chart when I ovulated. My last cycle started on September 16 and the previous 2 cycles were 25 days a piece.

I'm waiting until tomorrow to try the digi test that says how many weeks I am so we'll see. Dr. appt next Wed for the blood test (I guess).

Sorry AF showed up The beer and candy sounds good though!

Bought some dollar store tests tonight - still preggo (yep - 2 tests today haha). The little pimply faced guy who rang me in said "Good Luck!" as I walked out. haha

 

[Octavia]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

CD 1. Woopwoop. I'm drinking beer and eating Twizzlers. Tomorrow morning I'm going to get the largest size pumpkin spice latte that Starbucks sells and not feel guilty the caffeine (but I *will* feel guilty about the sugar and calories). Then I might ask the neighbor kids if I can bounce around on their trampoline. I'm a silver lining kind of gal. AND I love sarcasm.

Tonight I'm going to ask DH if we can dry next cycle. That's why I'm drinking beer.


Question: Anyone dabble in Vitamin B6 for a luteal phase defect?

AF has arrived for me, and I definitely had more beer than any girl should drink tonight. it didn't look like a lot. But at 10.5% ABV, a little goes a long way. And I...um...didn't have a little. It was REALLY tasty. Typing is a chore, and is taking a whole lot longer than it should right now because my fingers don't seem to be working correctly.

Anyway, I was worried about a LP defect before, as mine were only 10 days and that is on the short side. But since they seem to have magically lengthened,I haven't tried anything. So I'm no help at all, but I do sympathize with the concern. Non-standard cycles suck. I hope you get some answers about yours sooner rather than later.