The Official TTC Thread!

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, I also cried when I read your post. You must have woken up from that dream feeling really emotional--I'm glad you are keeping your eyes open for signs that everything is going to be okay. The celebration for Blake's b-day sounds very thoughtful and sweet, I think he would love it. With mother's day, Blake's b-day and father's day all back-to-back, there are many opportunities to celebrate Blake's memory. Thinking of you tons, as always!

 

[Missy0483]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Thanks ladies! I want to make my boy proud. I hope he loves all the things we do for him. I try to make everything I do FOR him because I know he's watching me, he's sneaky like that

So some good news. I need to start my OPKs again, with long cycles I try to wait until something is going on so I don't "waste" a ton of them. I had EWCM this morning!! CD21 today. Please, please, please be it.

Also, I wanted to share. DH and I had tattoos done last night for Blake, so I'll share mine.

 

[mayerling]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, that's the sweetest thing I've ever seen. You're in my thoughts.

 

[aviastar]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

oh Missy- your tattoo is just perfect! And yay for EWCM!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, I thought about you on Mothers' Day because I was thinking it had to be a hard day for you not to have Blake physically present with you, but I'm so glad you are finding ways to help you keep Blake's little spirit alive. And I'm glad to hear you are getting EWCM. Keeping my fingers tightly crossed you get a positive OPK soon! I think I'm a few days away from O'ing, so maybe we'll be in the 2ww together like old times Even though I'm also dipping my toe into the TTC waters, nothing would make me happier than to see you (and a few others in the TTC for 6 months or more thread) get a BFP before me. Keep us posted.

So, not that the distinction between NTNP and TTC is all that important, but as someone who TTC'd for almost year last time around, I'm finding it really hard to unlearn or forget what I learned about TTC last time. And since my cycle is pretty predictable, it's almost impossible for me not to be aware when it's approximately ovulation time. And my husband has gotten quite savvy and has a pretty darn good idea of when we need to step up our game too. So much for carefree NTNP! So far though, we have managed to keep it from being a chore. And in a way, I guess it's okay that we are somewhat timing BD because that way, I will at least know whether we really do need to seek medical intervention and not wonder if it was just bad timing. DH is still so optimistic and last night, he asked, "What are you going to do if you find out you are pregnant next month?" I said, "Don't worry, that won't happen." And he said, "But what if it does?" I said, "Well, then I'll be really surprised." I wish I could be carefree and excited about all of this, but I think once you experience fertility trouble, you become jaded. But TTC the second time around is so different. I don't have that desperate to get pregnant ASAP feeling. It's more of a calm anticipation of getting to experience all of the pregnancy and baby milestones again.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, that's great news about the EWCM! Any confirmation of O with the OPKs? Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

MP, I can relate to it being different this time around. You do have a general idea of when you O, but you never know how many DPO you are or if you should test because you're not sure if you're late. Plus, the emotions must be more complex this time around--you'd love a BFP, but know you're trying a little earlier than expected due to fertility concerns, so I can understand that little voice in your head saying you're not quite ready. And even though you don't expect it to be easy this time, that doesn't mean that getting AF is easy, either. So yes, it must be a whole new experience.

AFM, CD29 with broken out skin and slight cramps. Methinks AF is on her way. I didn't mark on my calendar the days we BDed, but I'm pretty sure we didn't pull the goalie until after I Oed. I had that odd spotting, so this cycle was wacky and my not tracking anything is leaving me in the dark. I don't think we're 100% out this month, but I don't think the odds are good. Looking forward to getting AF and both being gung-ho about NTNP next cycle.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Eh, scratch that, CD1. I'm happy about the short cycle. Eager to move on to this cycle.

How would you guys feel about your kids practically sharing a b-day? If I O on CD15 this cycle and magically get pregnant, then the baby's due date would be K's b-day. I don't love the idea, but don't hate it enough to stop NTNP for a cycle.

 

[StacylikesSparkles]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Eh, scratch that, CD1. I'm happy about the short cycle. Eager to move on to this cycle.

How would you guys feel about your kids practically sharing a b-day? If I O on CD15 this cycle and magically get pregnant, then the baby's due date would be K's b-day. I don't love the idea, but don't hate it enough to stop NTNP for a cycle.

My SIL planned hers this way. Her husband is a teacher, so she had June babies to make sure he'd be available all summer to help They're like 2 weeks apart.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

NEL, yay for officially NTNP! I don't think it would bother me to have my kids' birthdays close together. I mean I suppose it would be a lot of work for you if you like to plan elaborate parties, but if your concern is that you want the kids each to have their own special day, I know you would make that happen even if they were back to back. It might even end up being a fun holiday like week for your family. I have a feeling this isn't going to take you very long! Oh and you know what's funny, until you mentioned when your due date would be if you got pregnant this month, I hadn't even thought about what time of a year the baby would be born if I were to conceive this month.

Oh, and yes, you hit the nail on the head on my situation. Although it would probably be best if I don't get pregnant for at least a few more months, every month that AF arrives reminds me that I can't just get pregnant by having unprotected sex at the right time of the month like most people. Just trying to trust that it will all come together at the right time for our family.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

How would you guys feel about your kids practically sharing a b-day? If I O on CD15 this cycle and magically get pregnant, then the baby's due date would be K's b-day. I don't love the idea, but don't hate it enough to stop NTNP for a cycle.

If I get pregnant the first month we start trying the baby will have just about the same bday as B....and B's bday is already just two days before DH's.

 

[LtlFirecracker]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy -

I saw your story looking through the pregnant thread, and it just breaks my heart. I admire your strength and how you are finding ways to celebrate Blake's life and the time he had with you. My thoughts are with you as you try for your second child, and I am hoping that good things come your way soon.

 

[Missy0483]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, that's great news about the EWCM! Any confirmation of O with the OPKs? Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Not yet! I've been going back and forth between EWCM and watery. I have ONE opk left. I can't believe I didn't prepare! Which store has a decent OPK that isn't extremely expensive?? I need to get some tonight.

Ltl - Thank you, I am really trying. Some days I don't want to, but I know I have to keep going!

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, that's great news about the EWCM! Any confirmation of O with the OPKs? Keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Not yet! I've been going back and forth between EWCM and watery. I have ONE opk left. I can't believe I didn't prepare! Which store has a decent OPK that isn't extremely expensive?? I need to get some tonight.

Ltl - Thank you, I am really trying. Some days I don't want to, but I know I have to keep going!

Missy, I really like the CVS brand. You get 20 strips for about $20.

 

[Missy0483]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

AMC - Didn't you have trouble with reading them though? Like it was so close to positive many times? I'm going to the store at lunch time today!

More EWCM today, more than I've ever had!!! I'm starting to feel the beginning on O pains too. This makes me extremely happy, yup I'm strange! I had a little dip in my temp this morning, which I've heard is a sign that O is coming also.

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, woohoo! That's great, and I really hope this is it for you and you catch that egg!

I was almost positive I O'd earlier this week just based on timing. But all of a sudden today, I seem to have EWCM too. So who the heck knows. I'm not even sure if we covered our bases this month. I might have to bite the bullet and start using OPKs again just to make sure my body is functioning properly since we are already fertility-challenged.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

AMC - Didn't you have trouble with reading them though? Like it was so close to positive many times? I'm going to the store at lunch time today!

More EWCM today, more than I've ever had!!! I'm starting to feel the beginning on O pains too. This makes me extremely happy, yup I'm strange! I had a little dip in my temp this morning, which I've heard is a sign that O is coming also.

Some months, yes, but I think that's a fault of me more than them...as in I just have long surges (which is probably true since I get EWCM for a good week before I O). The month I got pregnant I got a + on them and then confirmed with the digi which was -. The digi NEVER gave me a positive that month.

Your chart looks good! I bet you see a big spike in the next few days. Man, I miss charting...mainly because I like graphs and such. I'm a nerd.

 

[Missy0483]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

That is all that is needed!

Thanks for the recommendation AMC, they sell the same ones at Walmart!

 

[split_shank]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hi ladies! Previously lurking, slowly wading in here. We are currently starting ttc month 4 and I'm lost. Mainly because with our first pregnancy 3 years ago we didn't even have to try and got pregnant. Sadly not the case this time. I was hoping maybe someone had a few ideas on what might possible be the issue with some odd symptoms I've had. Around CD 16 or so I'll get some cramping that isn't quite like PMS cramping where it isn't necessarily painful, just a lot of pressure and uncomfortable and it isn't on one side like ovulation pain. Its right dab in the middle, fist sized uterus pain. The first few months off the pill it was only a day or two so I chalked it up as ovulation pain but this last cycle it lasted 6 days. Then 3 days before my clockwork 28 day cycle I started spotting super light. I got false hope that it was implantation bleeding but after 4 days it finally turned into something I needed to dig a tampon out for. Still not super heavy, but its definitely AF. The cycle before that had some on and off spotting for a day or two before it was full on AF. Not quite the norm for me.

I had some mild endometriosis about 8 years ago and have had no problems with it since I had a laparoscopy at that time. This doesn't feel like those pains. I've never had super heavy periods, so I have a hard time thinking its PCOS. Anovulation? Low progesterone? I don't feel like I'm as educated as you lovely ladies are so I feel a little dumb here... I made an appt with my OB/GYN but as usual its going to be 6 weeks before they can see me and it frustrates me because I'm sure it will be at least another cycle disappointment until I can *maybe* get some answers. And if they tell me 'wait a year of good old trying and then we'll discuss options' I may lose my mind!

FWIW, I'm 29 and 10 months old. I have a hard time believing my eggs are rotting already.

Thanks for any advice and I love to hear your updates and cheering each other on!

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Go go missy!!!!! Good luck my dear, tons of prayers and dust coming to you from all of us.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, all signs point to O! I hope you had a productive weekend I saw OPKs on sale at Target (20 for $12.10) and immediately thought of you!

Split_shank, still sounds like the mid-cycle pain could be O pain and the spotting at CD28 is new, but not indicative of a problem. I would say that if you're concerned about having anovulatory cycles, then pick up some OPKs and start testing around CD11 or CD12. You may need to test multiple times per day if you have a fast surge. Temping/charting is also an option, but it's a bit more involved and you may not need to if you are getting a + on you OPK. I would give it a shot since your appt. isn't for another 6 weeks anyway--may as well try something in the meantime, right?

AFU, I don't mind the idea of our kids possibly sharing a b-day, but D doesn't love the idea. Not sure if he hates the idea enough to put off NTNP this month--this weekend flew by so fast I didn't even have a chance to think about it.

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

SS, I'm sorry that I didn't respond to your question when I posted earlier. I'm currently about 20 wks pregnant so I'm not TTC, but I tried for 14+ months so I've done a LOT of research!

I had mild endo as well that was cleaned up by a lap in September of 2011. If I remember right, I *think* endo can be linked to lower progesterone. So it's possible that you might be due for another lap to clean things up again but I'd start with adamantly requesting a 7 DPO progesterone check. I'm sure your eggs are still quite viable!

Are your periods dragging on longer? One of the symptoms of endo for me besides painful ovulation was I had "tail end brown bleeding" or TEBB that just wouldn't go away. There were some months that I'd spot right up until I got EWCM. I'd also echo NEL's suggestion re: doing multiple OPKs per day. If you want to do it on a budget you can get the Wondfo brand from Amazon. A lot of us use/used them with pretty good results. Good luck!

 

[split_shank]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Thanks for the replies! I wouldn't say my periods are longer, but the spotting for a few (5 this month) days before AF is flowing kind of drags it out. The actual AF is around 3 days, which is typical for me. The odd thing is the last 4 cycles being off BC is that I have had no cramping with AF. Not complaining, but odd. For the life of me I can't remember when my endo pains were during my cycles. I wasn't the typical endo patient where I didn't have heavy periods, just the random pain.

The week long cramping in the middle of the month has been throwing me off. I thought that was too long for O pain, but what do I know. The last few months before that it was just a day or two. Makes me start to wonder about that damn endo coming back around the uterus this time instead of the right side ovary like last time. Has anyone heard that pregnancy can help minimize the possibility of endo returning? My OB/GYN is a firm believer in that but I'm not too sure about that one.

I am planning on doing a ovulation kit so I can have some 'data' to bring to my appt next month. I like that the Wonfo strips are reasonable, but what do you ladies think about the CB smily face one? I feel like I would overanalyze the other strips to death and need all the help I can get! I think I would just do a month or two to make sure everything is working and then just try to relax a bit with the rest. TBH I kind of want to take this month off from TTC because a Feb baby would be kind of difficult for us work-wise in the future. So we'll call this month a diagnosics/tune-up month.

Good luck everyone!

 

[tammy77]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

SS, I've heard that endo is helped by pregnancy too. I think it's a pretty common belief and is probably true at least for a good number of people.

Regarding the smiley OPKs, I know quite a few ladies agree and have used them once they were to the point with the Wondfo where it was likely positive but they weren't 100% sure. So it seems like a really good option. I think AMC did that, not sure who else but it's definitely an option! They're so expensive, it'd be nice to be able to use one or two a month vs a whole pack.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Completely agree with Tammy--the digi OPKs are great for confirming a suspected Wondfo +. As your surge approaches, the test line on the Wondfo gets darker. The + occurs when the test line is as dark as the control line. Sometimes it's hard to tell, which is when the digi comes in handy. And like Tammy said, then you're only using the digi once or twice a month, which saves $.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

SS, I've heard that endo is helped by pregnancy too. I think it's a pretty common belief and is probably true at least for a good number of people.

Regarding the smiley OPKs, I know quite a few ladies agree and have used them once they were to the point with the Wondfo where it was likely positive but they weren't 100% sure. So it seems like a really good option. I think AMC did that, not sure who else but it's definitely an option! They're so expensive, it'd be nice to be able to use one or two a month vs a whole pack.

Yep, it was me! WAY too expensive to use daily. And for me they weren't always accurate, so I was glad to have the test strip.

 

[Missy0483]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Ok, I had to put a fake temp in for CD21 because I didn't temp and CD26 I brought my BBT for our night away but woke up late, so I didn't bother with it. We were staying at a hotel and the room was so dark, we slept til 10am So does my O date look correct? This seems to be my "regular" I guess I just always O late as one of my recent cycles I had +OPKs on CD24 and CD25 also. For some reason I'm not sure if I really did ovulate, I didn't get my usual O pains just a few twinges/bloated feeling, but that doesn't really mean anything. I hope.

 

[amc80]

Missy, it looks like it to me!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Missy, I think you ovulated. You had the temp drop on CD24 and your temps have been above the cover line for the past several days. Also, you posted that + OPK on 5/17, which would coincide with this chart (I guess that would have been a + on CD24?). I think you are firmly in the 2WW now and I'm keeping everything crossed for you.

AFU, CD8 with a holiday weekend coming up. I'll put that relaxation to good use.

 

[aviastar]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Get it, NEL!

Missy, I'm no help with charts, but I'm keeping everything crossed for you!

SplitShank, Welcome! Maybe put a call into your OB and see what their protocol is, re: waiting 6 months before formal testing, or a 1 year since you are under 35. But an easy BFP and healthy pregnancy prior to TTC may change the standard. Like NEL said, OPK's are an easy way to do something at home that's really helpful if your doc wants to wait to see you.

AFM, I have no idea where I am in this cycle. Since last cycle was about a week longer than I expected I am not going to tie any hope to a specific date as 'late'. I'll just play the waiting game and see how I am feeling about testing in early June. We're covering all our bases, so I'm not too worried about missing a window. I am actually feeling very relaxed about everything this month

Meanwhile, Facebook has suggested I start following ClearBlue for tips, support, and info! WTH? That would be like announcing to the whole world we're TTC!

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Meanwhile, Facebook has suggested I start following ClearBlue for tips, support, and info! WTH? That would be like announcing to the whole world we're TTC!

Ha, I got the same suggestion!