The Official TTC Thread!

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/27/2008 11:44:31 AM
Author: Independent Gal
Snip! maybe this post would''ve violated a PS rule. Don''t want to get us started about intelligent design.

LOL!! Good call!

 

[lisa1.01fvs1]

LMAO!!!

OK I have to meet you girls IRL b/c I think we are sisters and separated at birth.

Too much my humor and I am strange, over the top, invasive and put things together that no one usually gets.

SO

BB - to demystify the BW - the hormones FSH, LH, and estradiol work in concert to get the follicle ready, mature the egg
and help it release and implant in the uterus. Pretty much the whole enchilada. However, there is much controversy about when
to test and what the values really mean overall. For ex., I had a 3 day FSH and Estradiol recently counts were 8 and 20 - good! But
these #''s fluctuate per cycle and u need several 3 days to get a sorta clear picture of what''s going on so testing once is a little useless. It
does indicate if a woman is on the cusp of menopause so I guess that''s worth something. Don''t forget to get a prolactin level - mine was 7.2 -
lower is better and TSH level.

The OB should check your progesterone after o''ing as this is the # that matters in sustaining the preg. and having an adequate lining.
Unless your cycles are 18 days, 20 days or zero routinely there is little evidence to support a problem but I would get is checked, why not?

DD - the RE was basically "This is gonna be so easy, you''re not an IVF person and I don''t feel any urgency to do an IUI at this point. But if u want to...."
Again, only 1 consult and it''s not HIS fertility on the line. So after this cycle why not? The protocol for IUI w/ injectables goes like this:

CD 1 call office

CD 3 do meaningless 3 day BW
start clomid - oral for 3-5 days

CD 6 start injections of FSH (3-5 days) - to mature eggs.

CD 7,8 or 9 get "trigger" shot of HCG - all follicles burst forth.

CD 7,8-10 have the catheter inserted w/ DH''s swimmer''s right at fallopian uterine juncture and that''s all folks!

2WW and then a beta. Everything monitored by US.

They''ll cancel a cycle if there are too many eggs (like over 3) a woman on another TTC board had IUI and has 5 heartbeats!!!! Oy!

Basically IUI bypasses any cervical issue (flluid) and sperm issue (weak swimmer''s) and gets the guys right to the eggs for optimal fertilization.
And it pinpoints when ovulation occurs, well it forces the issue. Theres'' a 15% chance w/ IUI in any cycle, depending on # eggs, etc. so it''s similar to reg. sex.

As for this cycle, had EWCM last 2 days (CD 10-11) and BD. Will BD once more and then the dreaded 2WW. So yeah I''m in the wait.


INDY - love that you tried the R and if you turn out pregnant I think we should write a book!
As for organs, hmmm....I''ll take the brain. I''ve been trying to figure mine out for as long as I can remember.

Overall I have been participating on an infertility forum and u wouldn''t believe the stories over there!

Some of those women have been TTC for 5+ years and have had every proceedure and test done under the sun.
It actually made me feel more normal and guilty posting over there as all my perceived hysterias are nothing compared to what they have.

So I guess having a little perspective is always good. http://www.resolve.org Good site for fertility anyway. They talk about TCOYF.

 

[blushingbride]

You girls are too funny - thanks for putting a smile on my face today!

Soooo, I just came back from the doc''s office. Since today is CD 2, they wanted me to come in and draw blood to test my FSH and LH, etc. levels. She did say that my luteal phase was too short, but will know more about what''s going on when these results are in. I might have to go on clomid. They did test my progesterone levels on CD 21 which was when I ovulated, but she said that it was normal and my progesterone levels were rising which was a good thing.

*sigh* the saga continues! Will keep you all posted. Thank you for all the support and all the knowledge you''re all throwing out there...love it!!!

 

[AmberWaves]

Oh, BB.

Sorry to hear about the Clomid and the treatments. At least you''ve been monitoring your cycles and were prepared when you went in. I''m sure that just that alone has saved you so much time compared to other unsuspecting TTCers! Now you guys can come up with a plan of action and get to work!

As for me, just read the saddest book ever. Damn you, Elizabeth Berg. I''m going to go cry into my Subway sandwich.

 

[lovelylulu]

wow ladies -- this thread is hopping!

mela lu!!

congratulations!

blen -- your chart looks textbook - in a very very good way

bb - glad that you are going to the Dr. and hopefully it''s a quick and easy fix, or better yet, that nothing is off with your luteal phase in the first place

I had an "amber" weekend -- although DH and I are waiting until July to actively TTC, my prime-time fertil time was over this weekend -- however, I became awfully sick on friday and stayed that way until today --thereby completely missing both the glorious long weekend and our chance to jump start the baby-making festivities.

oh well. probably best to stick to the plan (though i''m not much of a planner by nature)

 

[Blenheim]

Thanks, everyone! My temp was still elevated this morning. If I have one more higher temp, my chart will be triphasic for the first time.

Good luck Blushingbride -- I hope that the results are good, or at least indicate something that''s easy to fix.

Lisa, I hope that this time''s it for you! Have fun BDing.

 

[Gemma12]

Just popping in to say ''Congratulations''! to Mela Lu-the other thread gets busy I thought you might miss it. The risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced after you see a beating heart and a baby that is the right size for dates. Good luck!

Blushingbride, I used clomid because I was ovulating in a really irregular way (anywhere from CD12-32) and I thought I had a luteal phase defect also. We got pg on the first cycle of clomid and my ob dismissed the idea of low progesterone out of hand-she was right! If you have any questions I''m happy to tell you more about my experience.

My 2 c on when to tell-mc is relatively common and the risk of losing the baby is vastly reduced after 13 weeks. I couldn''t believe how long that time felt-but once you tell someone the information is out of your control and people slip up. My MIL ''slipped up'' and told 40 people

. So even people you love and trust can make mistakes. We told only family before we had the first u/sound at 6 weeks, and only very close friends prior to 12. We waited until after the 12 week ultrasound to tell others because if there was a major problem we wanted to deal with it privately before we told the world. Everyone''s different but if I had it to do over I would not tell my in laws until after we had the 12 week ultrasound-it wasn''t worth the stress. It''s always exciting news and once we''d told we couldn''t take it back.

 

[blushingbride]

Thank you Blenheim - can''t wait to hear your news!!

Gemma thank you for sharing your story. I''m hoping my situation is similar since my progesterone was high. Do you continue to take clomid once you''re pregnant? Were there any side effects to worry about? I really haven''t done much research on it since I''m still waiting to hear back from my doctor.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/28/2008 8:45:56 AM
Author: blushingbride
Thank you Blenheim - can''t wait to hear your news!!

Gemma thank you for sharing your story. I''m hoping my situation is similar since my progesterone was high. Do you continue to take clomid once you''re pregnant? Were there any side effects to worry about? I really haven''t done much research on it since I''m still waiting to hear back from my doctor.

Blushing, I know you are just seeking information and that is great, but please please try not to get too far ahead of your self about having using interventions to get preggers! You''ve only charted 2 months and in those months it looked like you O''d around the same time each month, right? So that is a different situation than Gemma faced. And your progesterone was normal. There is probably nothing wrong! I worry that you are getting anxious and stressed before it is required. Your blood tests will help allay your fears I am sure, when are they scheduled? I really want you to get those results!

BTW I was looking at people''s charts on the TCOYF site, and there were many women coming off BCP who said it took 3 - 7 months for their cycles to get normal and for them to get preggers, and lots of them seemed to comment that their luteal phases lengthened the longer they were off the pill. There were ALSO lots of preggers who mentioned that they LPs were around 10 days!

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 5/28/2008 8:58:34 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 5/28/2008 8:45:56 AM
Author: blushingbride
Thank you Blenheim - can''t wait to hear your news!!

Gemma thank you for sharing your story. I''m hoping my situation is similar since my progesterone was high. Do you continue to take clomid once you''re pregnant? Were there any side effects to worry about? I really haven''t done much research on it since I''m still waiting to hear back from my doctor.

Blushing, I know you are just seeking information and that is great, but please please try not to get too far ahead of your self about having using interventions to get preggers! You''ve only charted 2 months and in those months it looked like you O''d around the same time each month, right? So that is a different situation than Gemma faced. And your progesterone was normal. There is probably nothing wrong! I worry that you are getting anxious and stressed before it is required. Your blood tests will help allay your fears I am sure, when are they scheduled? I really want you to get those results!

BTW I was looking at people''s charts on the TCOYF site, and there were many women coming off BCP who said it took 3 - 7 months for their cycles to get normal and for them to get preggers, and lots of them seemed to comment that their luteal phases lengthened the longer they were off the pill. There were ALSO lots of preggers who mentioned that they LPs were around 10 days!

Yeah, I''m just a worrier by nature and I like to have control over situations. My doc seemed to be concerned about my luteal phase being too short which has made me a bit more concerned. Obviously, there''s nothing I can do until I hear the results. Waiting is tough...I can''t imagine how I''m going to handle the 2ww! Thanks for slapping some sense into me DD!

You''re right, I should try not to think about what''s wrong with me until I know for a fact there''s something wrong. I guess just knowing that my ovulation is later than most people''s just makes me automatically assume there''s a problem when in fact, there may not be. I must admit - it''s hard not to self-diagnose yourself when there''s so much info out there!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/28/2008 9:09:43 AM
Author: blushingbride

Date: 5/28/2008 8:58:34 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 5/28/2008 8:45:56 AM
Author: blushingbride
Thank you Blenheim - can't wait to hear your news!!

Gemma thank you for sharing your story. I'm hoping my situation is similar since my progesterone was high. Do you continue to take clomid once you're pregnant? Were there any side effects to worry about? I really haven't done much research on it since I'm still waiting to hear back from my doctor.

Blushing, I know you are just seeking information and that is great, but please please try not to get too far ahead of your self about having using interventions to get preggers! You've only charted 2 months and in those months it looked like you O'd around the same time each month, right? So that is a different situation than Gemma faced. And your progesterone was normal. There is probably nothing wrong! I worry that you are getting anxious and stressed before it is required. Your blood tests will help allay your fears I am sure, when are they scheduled? I really want you to get those results!

BTW I was looking at people's charts on the TCOYF site, and there were many women coming off BCP who said it took 3 - 7 months for their cycles to get normal and for them to get preggers, and lots of them seemed to comment that their luteal phases lengthened the longer they were off the pill. There were ALSO lots of preggers who mentioned that they LPs were around 10 days!

Yeah, I'm just a worrier by nature and I like to have control over situations. My doc seemed to be concerned about my luteal phase being too short which has made me a bit more concerned. Obviously, there's nothing I can do until I hear the results. Waiting is tough...I can't imagine how I'm going to handle the 2ww! Thanks for slapping some sense into me DD!

You're right, I should try not to think about what's wrong with me until I know for a fact there's something wrong. I guess just knowing that my ovulation is later than most people's just makes me automatically assume there's a problem when in fact, there may not be. I must admit - it's hard not to self-diagnose yourself when there's so much info out there!

I know how you feel, I really do, this is someting really important and that makes us worry more. I know your doctor mentioned concern, but it was based on showing her your charts, right? If she is not really well-versed in charting she may not even really know, for example, that ovulation didn't necessarily occurr on the day that FF gave you cross-hairs! I think it is good you are getting blood tests early in your cycle, that information will be helpful, but in your shoes I think I would hold off on any interventions until I had TTC for at least 4 months with well-timed intercourse during the fertile CF (i.e., BDing every day of wet sensation), and after 6 months of charting. That would give you good evidence that *maybe* interventions would be helpful. Taking that time to let nature work may save you some stress during tests that are not required, and it will probably work! But everyone is diffierent, and if you feel more comfortable going a different route, well do what is best for you.

Since I have only had 2 cycles off BCP, I am giving it 6 months of well-timed intercourse before I see a doctor. Then I will have 6 months of charts and lots of good info IF there is an issue.

ETA: ovulating on CD 20 isn't "late". That is within the normal range.

 

[tiffanytwisted]

Blushing- I am also a worrier by nature so I totally understand worrying about the short luteal phase. I didn''t chart right away after coming off BCP, so I don''t know what my luteal phase was but my cycles were definitely wonky for about 3 months. So, while I think it''s great that your doctor is proactive and checking hormone levels now, I also think if you give it a little while things will straighten themselves out. Good luck!

Indy-on the robitussin issue, the mechanism of action totally made sense to me too. If it works, great, if it doesn''t, I don''t feel like there''s much in the way of side effects so no biggie if it doesn''t help. I do think it thinned out my cm a little this month, but maybe I''m just getting better at checking it, it could all be in my head because I know I''m taking the ''tussin. I also think it''s hilarious, my husband was in fits of laughter when I was standing at Wal-Mart looking for the plain ''tussin. He said there''s some comedian who does a bit about how people take tussin for EVERYTHING, like it''s a cure-all. So if I get preggers taking it, it would be fairly amusing.

So, I had a temp spike this morning so I may have ovulated yesterday. We''ll see. I ''ll have to find something to keep me occupied during the next 2weeks.

Where''s Blen this am? Temps still high?

 

[tiffanytwisted]

Date: 5/27/2008 3:07:05 PM
Author: AmberWaves
Oh, BB.

Sorry to hear about the Clomid and the treatments. At least you''ve been monitoring your cycles and were prepared when you went in. I''m sure that just that alone has saved you so much time compared to other unsuspecting TTCers! Now you guys can come up with a plan of action and get to work!

As for me, just read the saddest book ever. Damn you, Elizabeth Berg. I''m going to go cry into my Subway sandwich.

Which Elizabeth Berg book did you read?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/28/2008 9:38:56 AM
Author: tiffanytwisted
Blushing- I am also a worrier by nature so I totally understand worrying about the short luteal phase. I didn''t chart right away after coming off BCP, so I don''t know what my luteal phase was but my cycles were definitely wonky for about 3 months. So, while I think it''s great that your doctor is proactive and checking hormone levels now, I also think if you give it a little while things will straighten themselves out. Good luck!

Indy-on the robitussin issue, the mechanism of action totally made sense to me too. If it works, great, if it doesn''t, I don''t feel like there''s much in the way of side effects so no biggie if it doesn''t help. I do think it thinned out my cm a little this month, but maybe I''m just getting better at checking it, it could all be in my head because I know I''m taking the ''tussin. I also think it''s hilarious, my husband was in fits of laughter when I was standing at Wal-Mart looking for the plain ''tussin. He said there''s some comedian who does a bit about how people take tussin for EVERYTHING, like it''s a cure-all. So if I get preggers taking it, it would be fairly amusing.

So, I had a temp spike this morning so I may have ovulated yesterday. We''ll see. I ''ll have to find something to keep me occupied during the next 2weeks.

Where''s Blen this am? Temps still high?

Yeah for the big-O (possible) tiffany! As for what to do in the 2ww, I repeat my earlier suggestion: knitting club. Sounds fun, eh?

 

[mela lu]

Date: 5/28/2008 1:28:11 AM
Author: Gemma12
Just popping in to say ''Congratulations''! to Mela Lu-the other thread gets busy I thought you might miss it. The risk of miscarriage is greatly reduced after you see a beating heart and a baby that is the right size for dates. Good luck!

Thanks for your words Gemma! I went to my GP yesterday to confirm pg, get the preliminary bloodwork done, and also to tell her about the ridiculous amount of twins in my family. She ordered me an u/s in my 7th week. so that is a relief. I''m hoping to rule out twins (lol) and also get a sense of how this pg is going. I know that m/c is possible at anytime, but I''m hoping that by confirming size at 7wks will give me a little peace of mind.

thanks - any other words of wisdom are welcome!

 

[AmberWaves]

Hey Tiffany, the book was "Dream When You''re Feeling Blue". SO SAD. There was another one I love by her, but is kind of hard to read right now called "Until the Real One Comes Along".

Well gals, I''m feeling pretty crappy today. Yesterday was a stressy day (and yes, I MADE it a word) with my dad losing his job and just being so upset. Gah. It''s hard to try to cheer up your dad.

Hoping for good news for Blen!

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 5/28/2008 10:27:24 AM
Author: AmberWaves
Hey Tiffany, the book was ''Dream When You''re Feeling Blue''. SO SAD. There was another one I love by her, but is kind of hard to read right now called ''Until the Real One Comes Along''.

Well gals, I''m feeling pretty crappy today. Yesterday was a stressy day (and yes, I MADE it a word) with my dad losing his job and just being so upset. Gah. It''s hard to try to cheer up your dad.

Hoping for good news for Blen!

AW - I''ll have to look these books up since I''m always looking for new books to read. Sorry to hear you''re having a crappy day and very sorry to hear about your dad - I hope things will start looking up soon! Hang in there!

Speaking of books and blue - I just finished reading Emily Giffin''s "Something Blue" which follows behind her "Something Borrowed." They are sooooo good - I flew through both of them and today I just started reading her third book called "Baby Proof." She''s an incredible author and I highly recommned reading her books!

 

[Dreamer_D]

How about the 2ww book club?

I just finished "Water for Elephants" by Gruen and it was great.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/28/2008 10:27:24 AM
Author: AmberWaves
Hey Tiffany, the book was ''Dream When You''re Feeling Blue''. SO SAD. There was another one I love by her, but is kind of hard to read right now called ''Until the Real One Comes Along''.

Well gals, I''m feeling pretty crappy today. Yesterday was a stressy day (and yes, I MADE it a word) with my dad losing his job and just being so upset. Gah. It''s hard to try to cheer up your dad.

Hoping for good news for Blen!

Amber I''m sorry about your Dad, unemployment is really hard.

But think, we both have the 2ww to look forward to together !

Unless we O at really different times I guess... I was sick the first 3 days of this cycle so maybe I will have delayed O? Who knows. Today is CD-6 and no signs of impending egg drop.

 

[janinegirly]

just popping in to say hi and congrats to the new preggers--things happen quick here!

BB~ just wanted to say don''t worry!! i know it''s hard, but you really need to chart for longer periods and also start TTC''ing before coming to conclusions. It''s a big plus to be educated but not to the point where you''re diagnosing yourself and already thinking meds!! Doctors someteimes go with the flow and if you''re going in armed with charts and lingo (which are common among us but not to most women), she''s going to assume you might be onto something. So just go with the flow a bit and see how things turn out and you can always take things to the next level if nothing happens after a few months of TTC. Also with LP (which I thought was more associated with older ladies), make sure you are not including spotting days as period days. I remember I had 2-3 days of spotting first and then around a 12-13 day LP which is not that long either, but within range. I remember wondering if I had that defect too since I had so many days of spotting, but then I got pg so didn''t think about it anymore. If I''d charted before TTC I''d probably have convinced myself!! Anyway, looking forward to hearing more updates!

 

[AmberWaves]

I''m pretty sure I''ll O around CD12 or so, but I''ll keep my eyes out. BB, I''ve read all Giffin''s books (she has a new one out, too!), but I must say Baby Proof wasn''t what I thought it was going to be! I actually loved Something Blue, Something Borrowed, too! I liked the point of view for each of those books, which was interesting to me.

Yeah, Dad is not happy, and what can you do when you lose your job at 62? He''s not close enough to retire, and he''s still sooooo active, ya know? He NEEDS to do work.

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 5/28/2008 10:52:01 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
How about the 2ww book club?

I just finished ''Water for Elephants'' by Gruen and it was great.

Such a great idea DD!

 

[mela lu]

Maber - so sorry to hear about your dad

Maybe he should look into finding work (even if it''s a part-time basis) following a passion of his! i.e. if he loves cars, maybe a mechanic friend will take him on as an apprentice

Earn money while following a dream?! I''d say!

thats all

 

[AmberWaves]

Aww, Mela, thank you! That''s what I''m telling him, do something you LIKE for once! Poor Daddy. Makes me wish we had a BFP so I could cheer him up a bit. Thanks a lot, body, for not cooperating!

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 5/28/2008 11:00:41 AM
Author: janinegirly
just popping in to say hi and congrats to the new preggers--things happen quick here!

BB~ just wanted to say don''t worry!! i know it''s hard, but you really need to chart for longer periods and also start TTC''ing before coming to conclusions. It''s a big plus to be educated but not to the point where you''re diagnosing yourself and already thinking meds!! Doctors someteimes go with the flow and if you''re going in armed with charts and lingo (which are common among us but not to most women), she''s going to assume you might be onto something. So just go with the flow a bit and see how things turn out and you can always take things to the next level if nothing happens after a few months of TTC. Also with LP (which I thought was more associated with older ladies), make sure you are not including spotting days as period days. I remember I had 2-3 days of spotting first and then around a 12-13 day LP which is not that long either, but within range. I remember wondering if I had that defect too since I had so many days of spotting, but then I got pg so didn''t think about it anymore. If I''d charted before TTC I''d probably have convinced myself!! Anyway, looking forward to hearing more updates!

Hi Janinegirly! I''ve been wondering how my fellow New Yorker is doing these days! I''ve been following your progress in the preggo thread - did you ever switch your doctor as per Curly''s recommendation? I''ve been debating about doing the same - heard so many great things about Columbia Pres.

Thanks for popping in and giving me good advice! I''m hoping everything is fine and normal. It''s hard sometimes when I look at my charts (which look identical as far as ovulation and my period goes) and see DPO 9 flashing in front of me. I know I shouldn''t get so worked up just yet and I know that FF is not 100% accurate, but it''s really hard not --- although I am trying my darndest!

 

[blushingbride]

Date: 5/28/2008 11:31:16 AM
Author: mela lu
Maber - so sorry to hear about your dad

Maybe he should look into finding work (even if it''s a part-time basis) following a passion of his! i.e. if he loves cars, maybe a mechanic friend will take him on as an apprentice

Earn money while following a dream?! I''d say!

thats all

Great suggestion Mela Lu! AW - what line of work is your dad in?

 

[janinegirly]

Date: 5/28/2008 11:40:53 AM
Author: blushingbride

Hi Janinegirly! I''ve been wondering how my fellow New Yorker is doing these days! I''ve been following your progress in the preggo thread - did you ever switch your doctor as per Curly''s recommendation? I''ve been debating about doing the same - heard so many great things about Columbia Pres.

Thanks for popping in and giving me good advice! I''m hoping everything is fine and normal. It''s hard sometimes when I look at my charts (which look identical as far as ovulation and my period goes) and see DPO 9 flashing in front of me. I know I shouldn''t get so worked up just yet and I know that FF is not 100% accurate, but it''s really hard not --- although I am trying my darndest!

Yea I know it''s easier said than done--just make sure not to count spotting days and see how next few mo''s go. If it''s till 9days, then at least your doc has your medical history and can start things immed (IF you needed it).

I haven''t changed doctors...one thing I''m bummed about is prices of private rooms (750 at Roosevelt and 500 at NY Pres), but this is NYC! Anyway, we''re doing a hospital tour tonight, and I''d rather just stick with it unless I''m reallly disappointed with what I see/hear. It''s just such a pain to switch docs and the hospital is close to where I live. My latest obsession is stroller research and various other baby items. Geesh, talk about overwhelming not to mention sorting through trends vs. necessities. Still, after all is said and done, I think I''ll end up with the bugaboo, just like everyone else in NY

 

[mela lu]

my dad is 60 and his company helps major institutions become "green". Basically, they finance and engineer major infrastructure upgrades. He is in the sales portion. I worry about him and my mom, as once they retire, they will have no ''hobbies'' to fall back on. they are both such worker-bees. Hobbies are so important at that age. I believe that everyone should basically change careers after they retire and start "working" for the love of the vocation. i.e. Mom like design and decorating. I think she should retire and go work for a either an interior design-oriented store (like Ethan Allen or even Pottery Barn) and have fun while making some mad money thats my philosophy!

 

[mela lu]

The first thing my mom said after telling her that I was PG was, "Can I buy you a bugaboo?" *eyeroll* I'm not complaining, but it looks like i'll be in the bugaboo club too

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 5/28/2008 11:57:46 AM
Author: mela lu



The first thing my mom said after telling her that I was PG was, ''Can I buy you a bugaboo?'' *eyeroll* I''m not complaining, but it looks like i''ll be in the bugaboo club too

Not if you have twins!!!!

I have to say, that is my one and only major disappointment with having twins. The strollers just aren''t as nice for two!