The Official TTC Thread!

[CurlySue]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hellllo, everyone! So much to catch up on!

First off - A belated congrats to JGator for the great scan! Enjoy making the leap over to the JBP thread!

Enbc - I was so happy to read the great news on the beta front. As many others have said, try not to fret about the temps, and just ditch the temping for now. I'm crossing my fingers that this last beta continued to increase appropriately. Thinking positive thoughts for you!!

Bright - So dear AF has been over-staying her welcome, eh? She did the same to me! Normally she's around 5 days for me, and this last time was 8 or 9. I mean, I was happy to see her, but... jeesh - over a week? I hope that's not my new normal! As for the clomid - I have no experience with that, but I hope it is doing its job! Glad to hear you had a nice visit with your ILs and that you enjoyed seeing your niece.

Dandi - Happy, happy (belated) birthday! Hope AF is staying away!

Haven - Welcome!! Funny how a potentially life-changing conversation can happen so casually in the car. Love that you guys perused all the pregnancy books! So sweet.

Tammy - Ugh. I am so sorry you are feeling so frustrated. Hugs headed your way. Though I haven't been posting all that long, I can relate. I don't think you can read too much into your chart at this point. Just try to remind yourself that until AF shows, you still have a chance. With that said, I think MP gave you some good advice on potentially seeking some next steps if this month is not your month.

Sorry if I missed anyone... 5 days of catch up is too much for my feeble mind to handle.

AFM - I'm back from my little getaway. My parents are divorced, so DH and I split up our trip between them. Had a nice relaxing time with my dad and step-mom, but unfortunately my trip to my mom's was a bit stressful. She's divorcing her husband, and she is just heartbroken. It kills me to see her so upset, and I hate that I can't fix it for her. So DH and I just tried to listen, support her, and make her smile whenever possible. She's going to fly up here and spend some time with us next week, too. I just want to keep hugging her to make sure she knows she's loved and not alone.

Things at work are also insane right now. I've got some drama going on with one of my team members who works in another location, so even though I just got off a plane today, I'm hopping back on one to fly to that location for the rest of the week. Not ideal, but I guess that's why they pay me the big bucks.

As I noted above to Bright, this cycle is a bit odd (as many have indicated is normal after a m/c). AF stuck around way too long, and now I'm wondering if I'll O later than normal as a result of that.

Guess that's it for me for now.

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Thanks Ladies,

I know I need to take it one day at a time. I'm coming to grips with this month being a bust and what that means in terms of next steps. I don't really want to get too invasive, so I'm focusing very hard on losing weight and just continuing on the path I guess. This month we'll try preseed and probably go back to the opks but I don't know, we BD EoD usually anyhow so it's not really a big issue. I know I'm ovulating. I know his swimmers are good. They just keep getting lost along the way.

 

[Dandi]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hey girls! AF was due today and I'm still feeling crampy and the girls are really tender, so I bit the bullet and tested even though I figured these were just signs of impending AF...

... or not?!?!?!

OMG.

I feel like a goose for asking, but... please tell me there are two lines and I'm not just imagining it?!

 

[dani13]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

OMG, Dandi!!!! There are DEFINITELY 2 LINES!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

That's totally how it happened for me, BTW. I took a test after AF was a day late, expecting another negative....When I saw the 2 lines pop up I was like..."NO!!" Even though there were clearly 2 lines, I didn't believe it either! I'm thrilled for you!!! YAY!

 

[Dandi]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Thanks Dani! I'm shaking so much I can barely type. DH isn't even home from work yet, so far you and I are the only ones that know! I'm freakin' out, man!!

 

[dani13]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

LOL!!! Just come up with a more creative way to tell your hubs than I did!!! I had all these plans for an elaborate reveal to MH, but when it came down to it, all I could think of was walking up to him and saying...."uh, I think we have a situation" and led him to the bathroom where the 3 tests were laid out on the sink. Afterwards, he told me that he thought the "situation" was that he needed to plunge the toilet or something!!!! LOL!!!

 

[Dandi]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Haha, that's hilarious!! Plunge the toilet, heck I'd be rolling on the floor laughing! We've been meaning to clear all the junk out of one of our spare rooms which would ultimately be the nursery, so I might just let him know he needs to get cracking on that, for a very good reason Here's hoping for a sticky, sticky bean!

 

[Puppmom]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Dandi, is it starting to sink in? You're knocked up! That's fantastic news!

 

[Dandi]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Thankyou pupp... and nope! Not really!! It's just after midnight here and I'm too excited to sleep, though I feel strangely numb, this is all so new to me! DH just came home in a grumpy mood after a harrowing day at work. I held up the pregnancy test and told him that this would probably cheer him up. It reeeeally did Even though this is only our second cycle trying, he was really concerned as to why I wasn't already pregnant. The dear boy. I'll make an appointment with my GP in the morning for bloods to confirm what I see. EEK!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Dandi, that's fantastic! No doubt about that one. Congratulations! Hope you are able to get sleep!

 

[mia1181]

Ugh! Somehow I got way behind on this thread, even though I read it every day. I never seem to have time to post!

Just popping in for now to congratulate Dandi!!!! Yay! That is a pretty solid test line! Woo hoo!

 

[JGator]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Dandi, that's clearly a line! Congrats! Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months!

 

[Haven]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!


Congratulations, Dandi! This is so exciting!!!!

 

[BrightSpot]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Curly, yep, as much as I was pleased to see af arrive, I'd like her to be on her way now. It's cd 9 & she's still here. It's only been really light for several days, but still. I hope this isn't a new normal for either of us!
So sorry to hear your mom is going through such a rough time. Glad you can be there to support her & hope the work situation is better soon. 

Tammy, big hug to you. My bfp chart was different than my others but it was also my first medicated cycle so it's hard to tell what caused the changes. I think it's hard to pinpoint stuff before af. Fingers crossed for you. Also ditto to mp's advice. 

Mia, good to see you. Come on back!

Hi to our mamas to be jgator, mp & enbc (and dandi!!!)

Dandi, that's totally a bfp!! Huge congrats & lots of sticky dust to you! Hope you got some sleep last night & glad to hear you were able to cheer up your dh after his harrowing day. 

Afm, it was a rough night last night. My hair loss has really been accelerating lately. Clumps are coming out in the shower, in the bathroom, at work & even at the gym. My part is super wide & shiny & you can see my scalp in several places, mostly in the front. I'm just not sure I can do this anymore. It's taking too much of an emotional toll on me on top of over a year of trying & a miscarriage. I'm going to see this iui cycle through, but if it doesn't work, I'm not sure how much longer I can do this. I'm just so sad. 

Sorry to be such a downer today. 

 

[lliang_chi]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Bright, Big cyber hugs to you! YOu've been through a helluva a year! It's perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed and at a loss. I really feel for you reading your post. It sounds hard to do but have some faith. I truly believe that you'll be the mother you dream of because you're such a wonderful and positive person. The universe can be a b!tch, but I have faith that you'll find the joy you're seeking. But until then, vent, come on this thread and whine, talk to your DH, or talk to a counselor about it. This journey *IS* hard and it's taking an emotional toll. Your DH sounds like he's a rock to help you through all this. You're very lucky. Hugs my friend.

~LC

 

[Puppmom]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Bright, I'm sorry. Is it possible that your hair loss has been accelerated by the miscarriage? During the post partum period, my hair loss was insane. I couldn't put it in a ponytail because the peaks in my forehead were SO deep that I looked like I had a man's receding hairline! My bangs looked like a Donald Trump combover and it seemed like there was no end in sight! It finally slowed and eventually stopped. My hair is by no means all luxorious now almost 2 years later but it is much much better.

In any case, I hope this is your cycle and I'm sending you a big hug!

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Congrats, Dandi! That's definitely a bfp.

Bright, honey I'm so sorry about the hair loss. Mine never fell out to that extreme, but I can relate to a lesser degree. It's tough to take and stress will make it worse, which makes you MORE stressed. It's a vicious cycle. All I can say is that this too shall pass. Your hair will come back in time and I am SO pulling for you this cycle. *big hugs*

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Ah Bright, big hugs my friend. I know it is not easy, but please hang in there. You will get through this rough patch. I'm sure the fact that you are getting close to trying again is causing extra anxiety, given your recent miscarriage. Just remember that you conceived on your first cycle of clomid/IUI, and it can and will happen again. Your body knows what it needs to do. There's no guarantee that it will happen again on the first try, but I'm so hopeful that it will.

 

[CurlySue]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Dandi!!!! OMG!!! That is a pretty darn good-lookin' line, lady! Congrats!

Aw, Bright... I am so sorry you're feeling so down. I wish I could give you a big hug right now! I know it is very easy to start questioning how long you can keep trying after feeling defeated for such a long time. It sucks. It wears you down. So the only thing you can do right now is just focus on THIS cycle (at least that's what I keep telling myself!). Try not to worry about what happens beyond that - you'll cross that bridge when you come to it.

 

[Dandi]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Oh tammy, hon I'm sorry you're feeling so down. (Also, I'm so sorry I didn't take the time to reply to your earlier post before jumping to posting my picture, and of course I meant absolutely no disrespect. I'm thinking about you all the time and wishing the absolute best for you!!!!! I'm awfully fond of you yanno ). I just wish I could leap through the screen and give you a bear hug!

Oh Bright, my dear, my heart goes out to you. Please don't apologise for feeling down, you know we are all here for you and support you in any way we can. I'm so so hopeful for you this round!

Thanks Curly! Nope, barely slept a wink

Thankyou Haven, JGator, mia and mp, for sharing in my excitement... and confirming that there actually are two lines and I'm not dreaming! I just love yas all!

I'm going to see my GP this morning for bloods, I'm feeling a bit guarded and not wanting to get toooooo excited, for reasons we are all familiar with of course, but my heart is still pounding. I'll keep a lid on it until I know more, will keep you all posted!

Thanks ladies xxx

 

[mlk]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Yay Dandi, that is definately a line...you're going to be a mummy! Congrats so happy for you!

Bright, I feel your pain re your hair loss. I never understood what my mother went through until I started losing my hair too. I can only imagine how hard it was for her though as a teenager with bullying, having relationships etc. What supplements/meds are you using at the moment for your hair? I am using biotin, evening primrose oil (only first half of cycle) and fish oil. I am also using an organic shampoo/conditioner with biotin. In the last couple of weeks I feel so helpless about my hair loss too. I look at my brush each day and have to stop myself from breaking down. I am so lucky my DH is supportive. Have you thought about seeing a dermatologist? I am not sure whether they may be able to help. Also try acupunture and chinese herbs. Hugs Bright x

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hello Girls,

Temp dump this morning at 12 DPO, almost to CL. I don't know why I am reacting when I knew it was coming, but I am. I think I need to take a little break, sorry ladies.

 

[JGator]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Sorry you are down Tammy. Big hugs to you. How many cycles have you been TTC? I think if it's been 6 months or more, maybe you should try Clomid. It worked for us 2 of 3 cycles - just with timed intercourse. So, not too invasive. Clomid for 5 days and 1 trigger shot to ensure you ovulate around the time you TTC.

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Sorry you are down Tammy. Big hugs to you. How many cycles have you been TTC? I think if it's been 6 months or more, maybe you should try Clomid. It worked for us 2 of 3 cycles - just with timed intercourse. So, not too invasive. Clomid for 5 days and 1 trigger shot to ensure you ovulate around the time you TTC.

Hi JGator,

I was wondering about low invasive/inexpensive options, but if you look at My Ovulation Chart I'm ovulating fine. My LP is normal, my CM is normal, my bloodwork was normal (I haven't checked progesterone but my LP seems sufficient and I don't spot pre AF so I don't think it's an issue). Everything seems to be working fine, but it isn't happening.

Isn't clomid pretty much only for couples that have ovulatory issues? I'm happy to listen to any and all suggestions at this point, I'm desperate. I've cut out caffeine completely, I only have a glass of wine 2-3 times per month, I have been exercising at least 3 x a week this cycle because I need to and it's supposed to help. DH and I don't use sperm hostile lubricants, I'm doing the probably useless but go for it anyhow hip tilt and staying in bed for at least 30 minutes. There's more but you get the picture.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Sorry Tammy The waiting sucks. I understand you are hesitant to do anything invasive because obviously nobody wants to go that route until they have to, but I just wanted to chime in to say that clomid is sometimes used when ovulation is not a problem. I ovulated every month and detected fertile signs and had pretty regular cycles, etc. But the thing with clomid is that it helps produce extra follicles, so there are more targets and you have a better chance of catching one of the eggs. If you decide to talk to a doctor, I'm sure they'd be able to tell you if clomid would be a good option for you and weigh the pros and cons. Have you had an HSG? That might also be a next step. I know that you were concerned your DH's morphology may be borderline low, so that might be something to ask about, and it probably wouldn't hurt for him to get on a supplement if he's open to it. That's pretty painless, you know? Anyway, just trying to think of a few suggestions for you. So sorry you're having a hard time right now.

One other thing, my cousin just had her third baby. She got pregnant within a couple months with her first and second, but she was apparently trying for 1.5 years for the third. I don't know if it was just that she had gotten a little older or what, but for whatever reason, it just took longer. Hopefully, that will be the case for you too!

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Isn't clomid pretty much only for couples that have ovulatory issues?

Clomid can be used in a couple of different ways (and to anyone who knows more about this, feel free to correct me if I'm wrong...this is based on things I've read online), depending on when you take it in your cycle. Taking it at one point will cause more eggs to mature, while taking it at another point produces fewer, higher quality eggs. It's something like taking it on CD 3-7 vs 5-9.

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

The only thing about my ovulation that seems a little off is that my + opk is almost always the same day that I ovulate. I don't know if that matters or not, I'm too googled out to try to find a conclusive answer.

Thanks girls for your input and thoughts. I have another appt w/my GP on April 16th and I'll talk to her then about the next steps. I'm curious about what this AF is going to be like and need to record things for her. She suspects that I might have fibroids, but I don't know if that could really cause fertility problems. From what I've read it usually doesn't, but I don't know.

I haven't had and HSG yet, but I think that'll be the next step. I'll ask about that on the 16th. I am honestly gunshy about the idea of clomid because DH and I are definitely not prepared to have multiples. If I could rule that out, then I'd definitely give it a go.

ETA:

I'm sorry for dragging this thread down. This isn't the right place for me to whine about not getting pregnant yet. I think I'll make my way over to the TTC 6+ thread with all these questions and thoughts.

Dani, hun please don't feel bad at all. I'm really happy for you. Yes, I'd love to be joining you but that doesn't mean that I'm anything but excited for you. Thank you for being so sweet.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

The only thing about my ovulation that seems a little off is that my + opk is almost always the same day that I ovulate. I don't know if that matters or not, I'm too googled out to try to find a conclusive answer.

I had a few months where that happened to me...I'd get my positive and my temp would go up the next day. I don't know what it means in terms of getting pregnant, since we weren't trying those months. I'm guessing it doesn't mean much, other than your LH surge is fast.

 

[S&I]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

The only thing about my ovulation that seems a little off is that my + opk is almost always the same day that I ovulate. I don't know if that matters or not, I'm too googled out to try to find a conclusive answer.

Thanks girls for your input and thoughts. I have another appt w/my GP on April 16th and I'll talk to her then about the next steps. I'm curious about what this AF is going to be like and need to record things for her. She suspects that I might have fibroids, but I don't know if that could really cause fertility problems. From what I've read it usually doesn't, but I don't know.

Do you only get a +opk on one day, or is it 2 or more days? You might just be catching the tail end of your LH surge, or your body might not need as high of a surge to ovulate.

As for fibroids, I have a 2cm on my uterus and some smaller ones too, and they didn't cause any fertility problems. The doc said if anything, they only sometimes cause heavier or more painful periods.

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hi S&I,

I test a couple of times a day and I guess I get a little fade in period. It's definitely negative 24 hrs before I have my positive (which usually comes in the evenings). So it'll go CD12 neg am/pm; CD13 neg am but darker, then pos pm; CD14 temp shift. Does that make sense? There's a definite difference in the last opk before my morning temp shift. I also ovulate anywhere from CD14 to CD 18, but that seems pretty normal. I put all of my charts up on that link, if it helps.