Tough Second

[Bucktown]

Since the TTC #2 thread has hit 1000 posts, and since I really don't keep up there anymore, I'd like to start a new group for those who are TTC #2 (or more!) and have been trying for longer than 6 months. There are some great threads/groups out there already but to some extent I feel misplaced. I already have 1 DS so I feel guilty for getting upset/frustrated/angry/sad when it hasn't happened yet, and jealous as all hell when another gets pg quickly.

So anyway, here it is. Hopefully more of you will join me cause I don't want to drudge though it alone. I'm not going to do threadmisttress type stuff, so if you'd like to join tell us your story and we'll remember!

Me~ I'm 35 & DH is 39. We have been TTC #2 since the beginning of Feb '06. We seriously thought it would happen immediately since DS was conceived on our 2nd cycle. He is almost 27 months now. After DS's birth, I suffered from multiple pulminary emboli 6 days post c-section and pre-eclampsia post-partum. When they scanned me for the PE's they found a 6mm mass in the throat which turned out to be thyroid cancer. After I was off the coumadin, I had my thyroid removed in April '05. I'm still cancer free! I have met with an MFM (maternal fetal medicine) doc who will be following me my entire pregnancy once it happens. I will be on lovenox the entire pg & 6 weeks post-partum. Small price to pay to have another child and to survive to be a mom! I started seeing an RE July '06. c/d 3 bloodwork was ok, though my e2 was slightly elevated. Had an HSG that was normal. DH had an S/A which is ok but 'not perfect' in my RE's verbage. This month we were officially taking a break since DH was touring with his band, but we managed to BD on cd11 while he was in town for 6 hours. I O'd on cd13 this cycle. Maybe? If no BFP this month I start clomid next cycle. RE is concerned about me with multiples because of my history but I like the idea of extra targets for DH's boys. And if we do get 2 or more that will officially put me on the DONE list of procreation. :D Anyone else?

[almostthere]

I was just thinking of starting this thread today. I joined the still at it but feel bad complaining since I do have a 3 year old DD.

Me: I am 28 and my DH is 32, We have been trying to concieve for over a year, I have had two blighted ovums and most recent last week a chem pregnancy. My chromosonally test etc are normal but my FSH is elevated at 12.1. We started seeing a RE this month. I had prior to my pregnancy with DD 3 laprscopic surgeries to remove dermoid cysts and pelvic adhesions. Last Dec with my miscarriage I had another round of extremmly large dermoids again and they surgicaly removed them. I have gotten pregnant 2x since but both have ended badly so we do not know if the egg quality is bad or just bad luck. I have limited tissue left and we do believe time is running out though I ovulate monthly.

Secondary Infertility is really tough I said in another thread today that I watch our friends move on to their second and third and I wonder if I should be grateful for what we have and stopped but all I can do is be jealous and want more. I also feel like my DD will be so much older then this next, if ever baby. What will the dynamics be and what would they have been.

[Bucktown]

almostthere I have been following the SAI girls for about 2 months now but have never posted because it didn't feel appropriate for me to do so. I feel the same as this:

Secondary Infertility is really tough I said in another thread today that I watch our friends move on to their second and third and I wonder if I should be grateful for what we have and stopped but all I can do is be jealous and want more. I also feel like my DD will be so much older then this next, if ever baby. What will the dynamics be and what would they have been.

Before we began trying for #2 I thought that I was crazy to want to TTC again after knowing *just how lucky* we are that I survived the PE's. I thought that I should be grateful for what I have and don't tempt fate again. BUT, I've always want at least 3 kids. And DH & I are older parents and I don't want DS to be alone when we are gone. Now that we've been trying for 8 months now I don't even think about the risks. Just that I REALLY want this second baby. I was concerned with the spacing as well but as my own personal deadline approaches as to when I'd stop gets closer, I'm willing to give it more time. I think I read a response in one of the other threads that someone posted to you about a 6 yr difference in age between sibs? I thought that was a great story. Plus, my mom & her 2 sisters (the middle being 11 years older than my mom) had a similar experience. Her 2 sisters adore her and the 3 are very close.

And lastly, for the night, I'm so sorry for the several losses you have experienced. No one should ever be forced to endure that kind of pain. I hope that we can help eachother through these trials and in the end be successful new mommies again!

[bellabonga]

My DD was born via c-section because she was breech. That was in February 2003. My c-section scar has sprawled internally which sometimes made ovulation very painful for me. I have no clue if that sprawling is starting to cause problems now.

After DD´s birth I used the Nuvaring and stopped using it in August 2004 as I did not want hormonal contraception anymore. At this point I wasn´t sure if we were ready for another child and decided to just see what happens. What happened was: nothing. I had a hormone check done in October 2005 on CD 21 that revealed that I was low on progesterone. Since then I took Vitex to shorten my cycles and increase my progesterone level. In late 2005 I was pg but a heavy AF ended this just 10 days later.

Since then we actively TTC. In March 2006 I got pregnant again but I had a missed abortion at 10w4d in late May. I later found out that it was a girl with trisomy 21 and a severe heart defect that caused her heart to stop beating. This means that my risk to have another child with trisomy 21 increased by 0.5%. This does not sound much but age-wise my risk would be 0.3% (I´ll turn 34 this month) and when you add that, my risk is now 0.8%. So the increase is somewhat like instead of 1:325 now my risk is 1:120. Age-wise this means instead of the risk of a 34 yo I now have the risk of a 38 yo. :(

The m/c has effected me very much, both emotionally and physically. I had abnormal bleeding for 5.5 weeks after the m/c and my hcg level dropped much too slowly. For the first month after the m/c my doctor put me on the pill to get my body back on track earlier. In July I ovulated with my right ovary which I only do 1-2 times a year. The other 10-11 times I ovulate with my left ovary. Only that it did not happen in August. I did not ovulate at all. Another hormone check on CD 21 revealed that I´m now even lower on progesterone, even though I started taking Vitex again in June. But obviously now it doesn´t help anymore. My doctor wanted to put me on Clomid straight away but I refused because it had been my first anovulatory cycle. Too bad that it is possible that I did not ovulate this cycle too. I had another bloodwork done on CD 21 (today I´m on CD 23) and I will get the results today in the afternoon. So if this was another anovulatory cycle, I will start Clomid soon. I´m also thinking about having a HSG done because I think it seems as if my active left ovary somehow isn´t working anymore since the m/c or d&c.

So, that was my medical history. Emotionally being back to TTC is pretty hard for me, especially as I know that I would have had my baby girl in December if she had been healthy. Most moms I know have long had their second child, most of the #2s are already walking. I´m sad because I feel like I should have gotten active earlier. Now the age difference is already less than thrilling. Even if I got pregnant soon again, the age difference would be 4.5 years. And because of my age, the down syndrome risk and me being now anovulatory, I hear the clock ticking loudly. I am an only child and so is DH, so DD won´t have any family left once my parents and we are dead. So I really, really hope I will have another healthy child.

I am a member of the SWH group since July but most of the other members are much younger than I am and most of them are first time TTCers. So I would be glad to join here as well if you think that I fit in. :)

[Bucktown]

Bella I think you fit right in! I'm terribly sorry for your loss as well. I have not experienced a m/c but it makes me very sad to think that it's always a possibility. Especially since carrying my DS and knowing how strong that bond is from the moment I found out I was pg. I'm sure the pain can be unbearable at times. Will you be having any further testing or are you seeing an RE?


Question Are either of you (almostthere & bella) charting? I started charting with DS#1 and for the past 8 months too. I swore I wouldn't this cycle since there was such a remote possibility in getting pg but old habits are hard to break. Really, I don't believe that charting is good for anything other than confirming O. I had several charts that were just screaming PG! PG! Then AF showed. I think the killer came when I tested with 2 CVS tests that had light +++ 2 days in a row, then an Equate was ---, then AF showed the next day.

Me~ 6DPO and taking it with a grain of salt. I have been trying to temp in the morning but not sure why. It just gets my hopes up.

[bellabonga]

Bucktown, here in Germany we don´t differentiate that much between a RE and a normal obgyn. We only have special doctors for IVF and other invasive methods. So as long as I don´t need to move on to IVF, I can keep my regular obgyn.
I wanted to try charting this month because of last month´s anovulatory cycle but failed miserably. The first day I jumped out of bed to write down my temperature only to notice that I wasn´t sure anymore if it was 36.37°C or 36.73°C which is a huge difference. Naturally I had used the only thermometer in our house without a memory function. :rolleyes: The next three days I forgot to take my temperature altogether and then I decided that charting simply is not for me.


I got great news today: I ovulated this cycle! :D My doctor said that if he had to give me grades, my progesterone level was A-B and my estrogene a C+. But he said that I definitely ovulated. Yippie! :D We BD on CD 9, 11, 13, 14 and 15 and ovulation must have taken place on late CD 15. So I think we´ve covered our bases pretty well. We´ll see...

[almostthere]

I do chart, regularly but having seen the RE this month he said know that we know i do ovulate I should stop but I cannot seem to. Yeah this lat miscarriage was basically a chem pregnancy - i can;t decide if knowing I was pregnant was better then not knowing.

I am anxious to learn if this changes any of the protocal - I have anotehr blood test in the morning and will speak with the speacialist at some point soon.

[bellabonga]

It seems like that was it again for this cycle. I´m only on CD 24 (9DPO) and had some light pink spotting when I wiped. Why this? We had such good timing this cycle and still it did not work.

[Bucktown]

Bella Are your LP's usually this short? Is it possible it can be implantation? It would definitely be within the timeframe. With such a good progesterone check one would have to wonder what else could be happening.

Almostthere Chem pg or not it's still painful I'm sure. I hope you find out more answers with the RE.

Nothing exciting here. Getting ready to head to the casino in a few hours. :)

[OctoberPrincess]

Hey everbody, I guess this is the place I should be also. I keep thinking next month will be the month so why bother joining a group but it's just not happening for me so I paid a visit to an RE and am in the testing phase of things. I just had a day 21 testing done a week ago and will take my day 3 FSH test tomorrow, DH will have his SA on Friday. We are on cycle 4 of charting.

Bucktown congrats on beating cancer, sounds like you had a rough time right after your baby was born but it's great that you were able to hold it together. Here's holding out hope that one time was enough for you!

Almostthere I'm so sorry for you losses. I am also 28 and DH is 34, we have also been ttc for a year and just saw an RE for the first time on Aug 29.

Bellabonga so sorry for you losses as well, I can only imagine how difficult it must be to recover from such a loss. I agree with Bucktown about the spotting, could be implantation spotting...??

[Bucktown]

I'm back home after a wonderful 2 weeks visiting my parents in Salt Lake City. I'm so sad not to be there with them. Anyway,

Welcome October Princess! Ok, not to sound like a freak or anything but were you part of the Summer '04 mommies group? I was not but followed everyone from pregnancy till a few months ago. I always wanted to introduce myself since I knew so much about everyone on there but never did. What a lurker I was/am! I'm glad to see you are seeing an RE. Hopefully they can give you some answers as to what's taking so long! Everyone always tells me how easy it was to conceive #2,#3, blah blah blah because once you've been pg your body always wants to do that & 'remembers' how. Whatever. Mine must not have gotten the memo. :rolleyes: Hoping for a short stay for you.

almostthere How are things going for you?

Bella What's happening in Germany?? Have you continued to spot? Have you tested?

Me~ 10DPO. I was kinda hopeful but not so much anymore. I tested (yeah, early) and it was a BFN. My breasts are starting to lose their soreness just like always before AF arrives. Still not due for 4 days though. I'll call the RE on Wed to see if I can pick up my prescription for clomid since I'll be at the hospital on Thursday anyway to see my endo. AF will most likely start on Fri/Sat and I think you start clomid on cd3? My RE's office is not open on the weekends so I don't want to miss the boat again.

[bellabonga]

I´m still in shock but I tested today and got a faint but definitely visible second line. So you were probably right about implantation spotting. It is still very, very early as I´m only on CD 27 / 12DPO and AF is only due tomorrow or the day after. I´m cautious after the m/c, so I try not to get my hopes up too high. Which isn´t easy as you all know. ;)

[Bucktown]

Bella in that case, a very cautious yet optimistic CONGRATULATIONS!

[OctoberPrincess]

Bella What great news, congratulations and I'm sending all the sticky vibes I can muster your way!

Bucktown yes, I was/am in the Summer 04 mommies group LOL. Apparently my body hasn't gotten the memo either.:rolleyes: Are you nervous about possible side effects of chlomid? I have a feeling I may be taking it for my next cycle. Here's hoping you don't have to take it at all and you are surprised the same way Bella was.

[kerrykate]

Hi ladies I'd like to join.

I had a m/c back in March and ever since then AF has been whacky. I start spotting 5-6 days before AF is due which is not normal for me and really sucks because it's like I'm on my period for 2 weeks. I've never had a problem getting pg, heck I got pg before dh and I were married and we were definitly not trying, although it ended up in a miscarriage. I went to the doctor and he thinks that an estrogen dominance problem is causing the spotting. So I had an ultrasound yesterday to check out my uterus lining and ovaries, the tech said everything looked good and I should be o'ing soon. I also have bloodwork on cd 21. And I have been charting the last 3 cycles. It's so frustrating since I appear to be O'ing, we have good BD timing, everything seems perfect then I start spotting...

Bella~ Congrats to you :D

Bucktown~ Really, I don't believe that charting is good for anything other than confirming O
I totally agree with you! My temps have looked great and I get my hopes up but BFN everytime.

almostthere~ Sorry about your chemical pregnancy. Chemical pg's are so hard b/c you get so excited then it's so confusing/difficult to see AF.

OctPrincess~ Good luck with the testing hopefully you'll get some answeres.

[Bucktown]

OctoberPrincess My DS was born 6/23/04 and I can't believe that now he looks like a bonafide 'little boy'. Clomid~nah, I'm not at all concerned about the possible side effects if there's a chance it will help me get pg! And I would seriously doubt that I'll get a surprise in the next few days because I have wicked PMS right now and I don't remember that with pg #1. Of course, I had no job and no toddler to parent so I had no reason to be stressed. ;) . Well, I still have no job but DS is 2 and he's crazed!

kerrykate Welcome! So sorry to hear of your recent m/c. Interesting re: the dominant estrogen theory. I have the opposite side of spotting---AF is medium to heavy for 3-4 days then I spot till I get EWCM. Once I O it's done. I suppose I should mention this to the RE but everyother OB I've seen said it's nothing.

[OctoberPrincess]

Kerrykate welcome, sorry for your loss. Hopefully the testing will help you get some answers too.

Bucktown you should definitely mention the prolonged spotting to your RE I remember reading (pg 227 of TCOYF) that prolonged brown or black bleeding at the end of your period lasting more than 2 days can indicate sub-optimal luteal function. We celebrated DS's birthday on 6/23 this year as his birthday fell on Father's day. I can totally understand your DS making you nuts...mine can be amazingly wonderful one minute, and horrific the next..it's really quite scary (ah those terrible 2's).

[Bucktown]

October Princess Thank you for that info. I will definitely bring it up when I call tomorrow! I had that kind of spotting with the cycle I got pg with DS so I haven't really thought much of it. Actually, I think all my cycles have been like that since I can remember.

[Bucktown]

I am so f****** pissed at myself right now! I have this nasty little habit of POAS, observing till the time limit, taking it apart, holding it to all different kinds of light, throwing it in the trash, then pulling it OUT OF THE TRASH several hours later to peek. Yesterday I POAS, did all of the above, BFN---clearly. TONIGHT I pull it out AGAIN and there is the line! D@mn it d@amn it d@mn it!!!! Logically I know I cannot except this as +++. I know it. But my heart wants to believe so bad and now my hopes are up.

Hi, my name is Bucktown, and I'm addicted to re-analyzing my used PG tests.

What the he!! is wrong with me????? No need to answer that, I'm just SUPER pissed!

[jjsanner]

I'd like to join and introduce myself.

We've been TTC#2 since April '05. I started seeing an RE in November '05. All tests have come back fine so I am officially "unexplained". I've done 6 cycles of clomid, 3 of them monitored with an HCG trigger shot, and one cycle of clomid/trigger/IUI. All of those resulted in BFN's. Oddly enough, I've had two chemical pregnancies, both during non-medicated cycles; the first was this past Feb. and the most recent of which was this past month. In fact, I'm still bleeding slightly. I go back in tomorrow for more bloodwork to make sure my levels have dropped back down to zero. At this point we are trying to decide what to do next. We may meet with the RE to begin testing to see why I am miscarrying, but I'm thinking that we are done with the drugs because I seem to be able to get pregnant on my own. And I don't think the clomid worked for me anyway. Our next option would be injectibles.

DS was born 2/6/04 (on our 1st try two weeks after we returned from our honeymoon!) and is smack dab in the middle of the terrible two's! He's my life, and I feel so fortunate to have him. However, I get so sad when I think that I may not be able to give him a sibling. And I too get so jealous when others get pregnant right away, or get pregnant without even trying. That's the worst.

I am also concerned about the child spacing. I always wanted my kids to be close together. Now, even if I am blessed and conceive this next cycle (which is highly unlikely) they will be almost 3 1/2 years apart. I never thought it would take this long.

Bella, sending sticky vibes your way!

Bucktown, here's to hoping that this is it for you!

Hi to everyone else.

[almostthere]

Bella sticky vibe and a very quiet maybe congratulations

Bucktown I have the same problem, I have spent countless hundreds on pregnancy tests in the past year, I have a self admited POAS addiction

I am having a very hard time lately, I think with my DD age of 3 so many people around us have newborns. I took my DD to her first dance class on Monday and instead of enjoying it I was so overwhelmed by the women who had these seconds there and that I should be there with another of pregnant if my first 2 miscarriages had not happened.

We see the RE on Thursday so I will let you all know the next step.

[Bucktown]

jjsanner Welcome! I am so sorry for your losses as well. It makes me sad to realize that with each new welcome I seem to be typing '...sorry for your loss...'. :( I would definitely pursue testing on why you are miscarrying. I'm assuming that since you've done clomid/IUI you've had all the respective b/w done. I hope you find some answers. My DS was conceived on our second cycle so we too never, ever thought #2 would take this long either. Especially since I chart & know my most fertile days. Secondary infertility sucks BIG time.

almostthere I'm sorry you are feeling so bad. Yesterday I had a similar experience when I brought DS to the first session of soccer. I just about lost it when I saw most of the moms pg. One even brought her newborn. Ugh. It was horrible. I considered switching classes for a split second but then realized that it's probably the same in others. Good luck at your RE visit. It helped me to make that appointment and to know I'm trying to do something than to just wait & see what happens awhile longer.


Me~ Temp a little down this morning. Past 3 days have dropped. Previously, I said I didn't think that temping is good for anything other than to confirm O.....and when AF is coming. She'll be here soon. I'm calling my RE in 10 minutes to pick up my clomid prescription tomorrow to most likely start this weekend.

[Bucktown]

Ok, so I just got off the phone with my RE's nurse. I'll be starting clomid (100mg) on cd3 after a baseline u/s. I'm very excited to try something new!

I'm taking DS ice skating this afternoon so hoping for a lovely afternoon of fun together. :D

[OctoberPrincess]

:mad: just lost a whole long post...be back later...have to cool off.

Bucktown let me know if DS enjoyed ice skating as I was just thinking about it this afternoon as I drove past our local rink.

[kerrykate]

jjsanner~ I'm so sorry you had another chem pg. It's such a rough/puzzeling road. I'm in the same boat as you, getting pg is only half the battle now, staying pg is another story. I swear once I get pg again if I have another m/c I may have to run away for a while!

Bucktown~ Your post cracked me up, I'm also a POAS-aholic. Even after all the BFN's if I have a test in the house and I'm 8 dpo you better believe it won't last. Hopefully you'll get a great result with the 100mg of clomid.

almostthere~ I know how you feel, my DD will be 3 soon and so by the time we have the next one she'll be close to 4 if not older... It's frustrating and it makes it so hard to see pg women. My SIL is due in 3 weeks and my would be due date if I hadn't m/c is in 5 weeks, I really hope I get pg soon or next month is going to be very difficult. Good luck at the RE.

I *should* be ovulating today or tomorrow. We have definitly covered our bases so damit I want a BFP! Going through all this makes me feel sooooo lucky to have DD.

[Bucktown]

So, after 2 days of temp rises after a not really a significant drop in temps, I decided to test. BFN. I'm so bummed right now. I also dipped an OPK with the same urine (POAS addicted, remember?) and it's so close to being positive. So, not only am I not PG but I guess I'm getting ready to O again :confused: . My bb's are still alittle sore even though usually the soreness goes away by 12dpo on non-pg cycles. I tested with a FRER so I'm sure it's sensitive enough, it's just neg. My body has found a new way to trick me. :(

October Princess Ice skating went pretty well. I suppose I wasn't totally prepared to support all of DS's 30+ lb body while we s.l.o.w.l.y made our way around the rink. Within 45 minutes though he was attempting to 'walk' on the ice so my back got a bit of a break. My entire back was pretty sore yesterday, like a workout sore, but today it's pretty good. Our rink has a class for Tots/Parents (3+ yrs) once a week where they use 'chair' type supporters on the ice so the kids can hold on to them and push. I asked how strict they were on age and it's not too bad. I might fudge a bit on DS age since he *looks* like a 3 yr old size wise.

I also picked up my prescription for clomid yesterday. I was really hoping I wouldn't need to use it. I hope the witch shows tomorrow so I don't have to suffer too long.

[OctoberPrincess]

I can't deal right now...I'm PO'd as I just typed another LONG post and lost it because it asked me to sign in as if I weren't already!:mad:

[skb]

jjsanner Just dropping in to say very sorry to read of your loss. I was hoping you were wrong about the spotting. Take care.

octoberprincess Not that this is the solution or will make you feel better.....but when I've taken longer to type a post the square to sign in sometimes appears. I've found that if I put in my name and password it will redirect and the post is not lost.

[OctoberPrincess]

OK, let's see if I can remember to copy this before I send it so that I don't waste another precious post..LOL.

jjsanner welcome to the group, I'm so sorry for your losses. I would definitely speak to your RE about testing to see why you cannot keep a pregnancy once you have achieved it.

Kerrykate I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this is your month...we have had our bases covered so many months in a row with still no BFP, hoping you have better luck this month!

skb thanks for the tip, so maybe I am deleting it myself by going back when I see the sign in request?? We shall see what happens this time but I'm am copying this post just in case!

Bucktown Your skating rink sounds really nice, I will have to check out the one by me and see what they have to offer as I would love to see DS's reaction his first time on ice! My DS can not pass for a 3 year old (he's barely 24 lbs) sounds like you have a big boy on your hands, does he eat well? BTW, I am sorry to hear that the witch is on her way:mad:, hopefully the Chlomid does the trick and the next cycle will be YOUR cycle. I know what you mean about hoping that you woulnd't even need the Chlomid because you would just get a BFP.

CD6 for me, bloodwork came in and everything looks fine, I will get the results for DH's S/A on Monday when I see the RE. They did find that I am slightly anemic and would like me to take an iron supplement. The arrival of AF hit me the hardest this month, I tricked myself into believing this would be the month and all my worries would just go away but it's not. I hope everything turns out well with the S/A but I don't know what scares me more, find out that something is wrong, or being diagnosed with undiagnosed infertility. I'm tired already, I hate the thought that this could last for who knows how long and I feel like my life is constantly on hold though I feel terrible typing that because I know there are ladies on these boards that have been ttc for much longer than I have. I just can't deal with this rollercoaster every month. Sorry, I guess I'm just venting. Here's hoping someone has good news shortly.

[Bucktown]

Big temp drop for me today. I wasn't even surprised because I knew there is no PG. Hoping for AF today or tomorrow. My lower back is killing me and I've had some cramping. The back issue is probably because I went to bed at 8 last night & decided DH would take care of DS this AM so I laid in bed till 8 am. I had my pity party yesterday (though DS celebrated being an only child for at least one more month ;) ) by making cupcakes. He loves to pour the ingredients in the bowl & help using the electric mixer. I, of course, ate at least 3 cupkakes worth of batter. :o

Octoberprincess I know exactly how you are feeling. It is such a rollercoaster every freaking month. I can't stand the 2 week wait. The only solice I have is the 11-15 days waiting to O where I feel I can move on with life without having every second consumed by TTC. I was just telling a friend and my MIL that I feel like my life is on hold. I can't move to the next phase of planning till the babies are all birthed ;) . That sounds silly but it's so very true. Plus, we are at the very end of our new construction home, suppose to be moving in the end of this month, and I went there this AM and geeze, we are never going to be in by 9/30. We will be homeless! Everything has been in a state of freeze for us. Maybe this underlying stress is contributing to us not being able to conceive.

DS is a horrible eater, btw. I have no idea how he maintains this weight. When he was born (8lb 10oz) DH & I joked how 'ripped' his body was for a newborn. He was one solid infant. :p


Do we have any great news out there???

[OctoberPrincess]

I can't move to the next phase of planning till the babies are all birthed

As silly as it sounds, I feel exactly the same way!

Sounds like your DS was always big (for a little guy), our DS was 6lb 13oz and then at 6 months only 12lb 2oz, to our excitement he was 24lb 1oz in mid July so he is finally catching up. We are making cupcakes tomorrow, oddly enough I have been craving some and just told DH this morning that I plan to make some with DS. We have never made cupcakes together but he LOVES to help me cook dinner and whip up soothies.

[OctoberPrincess]

One of my closest friends (one of 2 that know I'm having a hard time ttc) has vanished, I have a feeling she may be pregnant as it is not like her not to contact me for over 3 weeks...especially since I called her 2'x and e-mailed her 1x with no response. I'm wondering if she's scared to break the news to me although I have always told her I am happy for my other friends who have acheived BFP. She told me she hasn't even decided if you wants to try yet because she only has one ovary and she had a bad pregnancy the list time (but a very healthy baby boy) but I don't expect her to tell me she's trying right away, I didn't tell her I was trying until about 3 ago, and I can see how she might feel bad telling me about her BFP. Maybe I'm just being paranoid but I just have this feeling..it's that or something else bad.

I have a 3pm appointment with the RE today, I will report back with the game plan.

[Bucktown]

OctoberPrincess~ Ugh. I know that situation all too well. I just watched my BF have her 2nd (our DS #1's are 5 weeks apart) and found out last month that my other girlfriend is trying for her 3rd now. When the later told me they were TTC#3 I blurted out, 'I'll cry if you are pg before me.' OMG, did I feel horrible that came out of my mouth! :o It was like there was no filter between my brain & mouth. It will have a great impact on me if she is PG before me but I really hope she does tell me and not avoid me for awhile. I'll get over it. I'm a big girl. ;) Hoping your RE appointment goes well & you have a great plan!

me~ cd2. Tomorrow I go in to have my c/d 3 baseline u/s. If all is good I start the clomid tomorrow PM. Prescription has already been filled. I think we're going with the everyother day BD plan since everyday has not worked in 8 months and DH has a slight issue with his boys.

[jjsanner]

My bf is also TTC. Her and I have gone through alot together....She's had 2 chemical pregnancies and a D&C at 10 weeks, I've had the two chemicals. We've been trying about the same amount of time. When she told me she was preggo (before her last chemical) I was devastated. Of course I was very outwardly supportive, but inside I was a mess. I was so mad at myself, too, because she deserves a baby after she has gone through. I just couldn't help thinking "why not me?" UUGGGH, this whole process SUCKS big time.

CD 12 today. I didn't go in for the bloodwork last Wed., I just couldn't spare the thought of getting pricked yet again. I've had enough blood drawn to last a lifetime. We are done with doctors for awhile. We'll try on our own and God willing hopefully get pregnant soon. But no more beta's and no more charting. I'll possibly temp for a day or two later in my cycle to confirm o, but after that I'm putting the thermometer away.

I asked DH the other day if he thought we would have another baby, and he said "I hope so". I guess you never know. We're coming to a point soon where we will need to make the decision that we are done. I can't take much more of the endless uncertaintly and waiting.

[OctoberPrincess]

Bucktown goodluck tomorrow!

jjsanner I can understand how you are tired of all this testing, how frustrating. Hopefully you will get a BFP the old fashioned way soon and it will be a sticky one. I know how hard it is to hear that your friend is pregnant since 90% of mine (one's with children that is) are or already have #2.

The good news is that my tests came back well. DH is a different story, basically that his sperm have an irregular shape and instead of 10 million guys having a chance each time we dtd, only 300,000 do. DH will have to have some bloodwork and test again in 3-5 weeks. In the meantime I am to go for a HSG on Wednesday, and we need to decide if we want to proceed with IUI this cycle which would mean I have to buy a clearplan easy kit and start using it by Wednesday or decide to get the injection that makes me release 2-4 eggs so that DH has more targets so to speak. DH and I will be having a big discussion tonight...I think as long as it's only a $20 co-pay we will start with IUI this month buy using the clearplan easy strips. My head is spinning right now...it's all a bit surreal for me....

[jjsanner]

OctoberPrincess, if you are considering IUI, I would recommend that you request ultrasound monitoring and an HSG trigger shot. That way you know for sure how many eggs you have and know pretty much exactly when you will ovulate. The window for successful with IUI is very tight, and if the timing is wrong you will have no chance. The OPK's work OK for me, but not so well for other women. Plus, even when you get a positive you still have a much larger window for ovulation.

Also, are you taking clomid? I ask because without it (or injectibles or femara) you will most likely only release one egg. Even when on the clomid, the most eggs I released was 3. Other clomid cycles had one or two eggs.

For morphology problems (which seems to be what you are dealing with) I would recommend doing clomid/monitoring/trigger/IUI. Just my 2 cents.

I've been there/done that for longer than I care to admit, so feel free to ask any questions.

Jen

[OctoberPrincess]

Thanks Jen, sounds like you can provide a wealth of knowledge that I do not have on this subject.

Is that HSG trigger shot the shot that you get to help you release 2-4 eggs? If you get that shot do they automatically monitor you or would I still have to request to be monitered? The doctor said he is not going to prescribe me Chlomid because I am ovulating fine and Chlomid doesn't usually work so well with women who are ovulating regulary. He did mention that if I didn't take the shot I would only have one egg to fertilize. I'm in the process of finding out what my insurance will cover, I called Fertility Lifelines as soon as I finished typing my last post.

BTW, I'm Melissa

[jjsanner]

Hi Melissa.

When you say a "shot that you get to help you release 2-4 eggs", I'm not quite sure what you mean. There is what are called "injectibles" (i.e. follistim, gonal F, etc.) which is a form of stimulant that will encourage the growth of more than one egg. This has a similar effect to clomid. However, it is not just "one" shot, but one shot a day over the course of a week or two, usually administered by yourself or your DH. Absent injectibles and/or clomid, you will only ovulate one egg.

Then there is the HCG trigger. It's a single shot in the tummy administered once your doc has determined that your follicles are large enough (usually when they reach 18mm+ or when you get a + OPK). This essentially mimics the LH surge and tricks the body into releasing the egg/s. Once you administer the shot, you will ovulate almost exactly 36 hours later. This is how they know when to do the IUI to give you the best odds of success.

Unfortunately there isn't one shot that will do both. Does that make sense?

[Bucktown]

October Princess ~ Wow, is your DH's results a shock to you? I'm thinking that it is based on your post. When my RE suggested testing DH w/ an S/A he was so sure that there was no problem with him since we have a 2 yr old. I think he was surprised when DH did show an issue. I'm going to ask our nurse exactly how 'small' of an issue we're dealing with. Truth be told, we DTD just once the entire month we conceived DS, so I believe we truly got lucky with God's grace. I agree with jjsanner on going with clomid/monitoring/trigger/IUI. You & your DH have been trying so long I would just cut the crap and go all out. I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I'm praying that you will be able to hurdle this obstacle and catch that egg/s!

jjsanner ~ This process does suck. It has been life consuming for me and seems to be draining every ounce of energy from my mind/body. I sometimes wonder if we had been TTC #1 and it's been taking all this time would I feel like giving up already? Probably not. I wonder why I feel like I have this timeclock ticking so loudly just because it's #2?


ETA: I'm a Jen, too.

[OctoberPrincess]

I'm going to have to ask the doctor about more specifics, he was giving me so much info so fast and my mind was just reeling. I will need to find out the type of shot he is discussing, he wrote OI - HIUI on the paper he gave me if that means anything to either of you. He also said the shot would increase my chances of twins 20%, and triplets 5%. Also need to know exactly how IUI works, I'm assuming DH will need to take off from work or go in late??? Plus I need to know if he planned on monitoring me since I would like that. I will have to write down a list of questions now that I have about a million.:rolleyes:

Jen Thanks for all the info again, it's really helpful to me as I feel so lost and overwhelmed all of a sudden.

Jen B.(Bucktown) thanks for your kinds word. I was very shocked, just like you I got the impression that DH was taking this test simply because it was routine and needed to be ruled out before we could continue with the important stuff.

You & your DH have been trying so long I would just cut the crap and go all out.

This is how I am feeling, I want to do whatever will give us the best chances of getting pregnant. It was heartbreaking to break the news to DH, he is taking it badly as he is now in a nasty mood.:( I know he is probably agry with himself right now so I will give him some space tonight.

I'm sure we would not be thinking about giving up so easily if this were #1, I think it's so hard because we have a child already and part of us may feel guilty that we are not grateful enough for what we already have...but we should be entitled to grieve that addition to that family that we crave, why should we have to settle??

[Bucktown]

Melissa ~ I don't know what the OI-HIUI is either. I see there is IUI in there but not sure what the other stuff means. :confused: I'm thinking 'the shot' is the trigger shot to get any mature eggs to release at once, though you said he wouldn't be giving you Clomid, so again I'm really confused for you! My BF had an IUI done with her 1st (exception- she was on clomid) & if I remember right it went something like this: CD3-7 she took Clomid. CD13 she had vaginal u/s to confirm follie maturation (she had 2 mature one's & one smaller one). She had 'the shot' & triggered that morning. *I think* the next day she went in for her first insem. Her DH went in in the AM, gave his deposit then the staff did the wash (to get the good sperm). I think this took about an hour or less? Then they did the insem right after. The latter process was repeated the next day. They conceived #1 that 1st try!

I remember telling my DH that his S/A revealed a problem too & was dreading it. He just looked at me astounded and said he was sorry. I felt so bad for him. :( I hope your DH can pull through this set back and look further to what can be done. And hey, 20% increase for twins seems pretty appealing to me since I'd only have to go through all this treatment once. I'd be thrilled to have a family of 3 kids!

...but we should be entitled to grieve that addition to that family that we crave, why should we have to settle??

We don't have to settle. I am very grateful for my son but I will not made to feel guilty for being sad/angry for not having a second or even a third child. That is why I started this thread. So we can express our feelings freely without needing to censor them at the risk of upsetting someone who is not in our particular situation. At first, I was feeling guilty. You can read it in my first post. Not anymore. I'm dealing with too many other emotions re:infertility to worry about rubbing someone the wrong way. kwim?

[OctoberPrincess]

I spoke with the nurse, since it's too late to start injectibles, this month the game plan is go to purchase some Clear Plan O.P. sticks and call when I get a +, they will make arrangments for DH and I to come in for IUI the next day. If no BFP from this cycle I will have to meet with a nurse for instructions on how to administer injectibles starting CD4 of my next cycle and they will be following up with monitoring and a trigger shot.

DH was much better this morning, he's ready to do whatever is needed to get a BFP. That being said we are both so happy that we were able to concieve DS with no problems.

Bucktown how is the Chlomid going? Did you speak to the nurse to find out exactly what the issue was in DH's S/A?

[Bucktown]

ooops. I forgot to update about me after my tangent. :o

cd 3 u/s. My ovaries are clear & ready to go but my endometrium lining was thick for cd3. So thick, in fact, that they made me do a PG test right there to confirm no pregnancy. I knew it would be negative, and it was. The nurse needed to check with the RE regarding my u/s before giving me the go ahead to start the clomid tonight. Thankfully, she called & said to start tonight! But then said to be sure to bring my shot on my cd13 u/s (all VM since I was at soccer with DS). So I called & left a message for her to check with the doc to see if I'm actually going to be doing the trigger or not. Still waiting....

And of course, I don't know how we're going to time BD-ing since my cd 13 is next Friday 9/29. If I do trigger then I'd O 36 hours after that. We'd BD that night then we are moving the next day and that night DH has a show. hmmmmmmm, guess we'll have to see how those follies are looking before I start to stress!

[Bucktown]

Octoberprincess~ cross-post! Oh, you're getting the good stuff! Injectibles!!! Good news that your DH is on board with the new plan. Poor guy probably needed a good nights rest! What cd are you? Sounds like you'll have a good opportunity this month w/ an IUI already scheduled. Fingers crossed for you!

I did ask the nurse re: DH S/A and all she said was, 'Do you want me to have the doc call you?'. eh. I'll let it go for now. He said he wouldn't recommend IUI/IVF so I'm assuming we *should* be able to get pg without it.

[jjsanner]

Hi ladies.

OctoberPrincess, that sounds like a great plan! Hopefully you'll get that BFP this cycle and not need the injectibles. I personally havn't done them, but my bf has and she says they are a piece of cake! And less side effects than clomid! I have done the trigger shot myself and it is really no big deal. And this is coming from a person who still has trouble dealing with needles!

Bucktown (jen), good luck with the clomid this cycle! Are they just doing the one u/s on day 13? Are you also doing OPK's? Hopefully you'll have a couple of mature follies on Friday! I'm sorry the timing is bad, but you'll get it figured out!

Do either of you know the SA results? Be sure also to ask if they were done on the strict Kruger scale. That will make a difference. The doctors are still not in absolute agreement over morphology issues. Some doc's don't think that low morph is that big of a deal. And, if counts are high, then morph doesn't play as big a role, either. Just to give you a success story, my bf's DH had an SA done and they had morph less than 1%, which is REALLY bad. The doctors told them their only hope would be IVF. Well, they ended up pregnant on their own the next month. So please don't get discouraged!

[OctoberPrincess]

jjsanner I'm not sure what his #'s were, I tried to get that info from the nurse this morning but she said the Dr. took the chart with him.:( I do remember he said on one scale that he had a 3 and they were looking for a 12. I also remember 2 things were bad out of 4 things he read to me but I can't remember what the other thing was, morphology stuck with me because he drew a picture of a abnormal sperm.:rolleyes: Thanks for the positive stories, hopefully I am one of them.:)

Bucktown I'm on CD 10 so I'm about one week ahead of you. Good luck with the Chlomid, my fingers are crossed that you have some nice mature follies on Friday! If you are moving you may have to christen the new house so it's a great excuse to leave DS with a family member and DTD in a room you might have never considered...make it fun..LOL.:p

A little boy is calling me from his crib....

[almostthere]

Hi guys sorry I have been MIA, as for a little update I had my HSG tonight and they found nothing which is the last test they can do. So I am officially and unexplained repeat pregnancy loss case. So we have to recover this cycle and get back to trying and hope one sticks.

[Bucktown]

jjsanner I'm not sure which test/standard they are going off of for DH's S/A. I'm waiting for a call tomorrow regarding the trigger shot so if the RE calls I'll ask him but if it's the nurse again I'm going to wait it out until my curiousity takes over! Thanks for the well wishes. I'm hoping this will do it for us. I know it's not so successful for lots of people but I'm thinking it will get me one step closer to getting PG. I think I have our BD plan ready for action! DH just said 'Tell me when'. :p It will be interesting, that's for sure! Oh and yes, only one u/s on cd13, unless they aren't mature enough by then. I have been O-ing on cd13 for the past few cycles but the nurse says the clomid will take over & expect a later O date. I will for sure be using OPK's (I do every month :)) Got my smiley face one's all heated up.

OctoberPrincess cd 10, huh? The action will begin shortly! I'm really excited for you!

almostthere Ugh. I'm sorry they aren't able to find the cause for your losses. I have heard that after an HSG your fertility increases. Maybe having a 'fresh' uterus (lack of a better visual) will help your bean stick. My RE says the next 3 months after the HSG is the best for conception. Keep us updated, ok?


1.5 hrs to go till I take my first dose of clomid. Now I'm getting nervous that I'm going to freak out. I'm already a very emotional chick w/ lots of mood swings. I told DH to hold on because the ride may get rough!:D

[OctoberPrincess]

Almostthere welcome back, I'm sorry to hear about your less than eye opening dx.

Bucktown our, poor DH's what we don't put then through!:D

I went out and puchased my OPK's today, I was told on test between 10am and 2pm so I'm just waiting to take my first test tomorrow.

[OctoberPrincess]

Took my HSG, all clear with that. OPK was neg. today, I was expecting that on CD11.

Bucktown how are you feeling today?

[Bucktown]

OctoberPrincess Good news on the HSG! You need no other obstacles!!!

Me ~ cd4. Took my first dose of Clomid last night. Within 25 minutes of taking it I was light headed. Maybe I produced the side effect in my head since I'm struggling with finding a new new home for my cat (my adopter backed out 2 days ago) plus a move next week that we haven't even started packing for, in addition to triggering next Friday. Yep, I will be doing a trigger shot next Friday! I'm kind of pysched about this. I was thinking more about my O dates. I have been using OPK's for about 5 months now & every time I get my positive I don't O for 2 or once even 3 days past that positive OPK (charting confirms it). Maybe I'm not having a strong O which is causing problems on top of DH's problem. Whoops, back to how I'm feeling. So today, I woke with a headache (could be stress related) but I'm just in this haze. Like I really need to concentrate to understand what is happening today. Very bizzarre.

My most happiest moment in a long while was DS at skating today. I did a 'drop in' class for 3-5 yr olds that has an instructor on the ice but it's not a structured class. Half way thru the session he has pushing away his 'training bar', and skating ON HIS OWN to back to the bar. OMG I was thrilled to see this happening. The last 10 minutes he was weaving thru cones placed on the ice---with the bar only. What a day! Plus, I think I have a new adopter for my cat. Now all I need is to see those 2 pink lines on a test!

[kerrykate]

Hi ladies! I had my CD21 bloodwork done today to test my progesterone and the doctor said he is going to throw in a beta for the heck of it:rolleyes: Isn't it way to early for a beta? I'm only 6dpo, I guess anythings possible...

Bucktown~ Sounds like your DS is a natural on the ice! Hopefully the clomid/trigger will work for you!

almostthere~ Sorry about the unexplained diagnoses. That's so frustrating.

OctoberPrincess~ Good luck with the IUI sounds like you guys have a good plan this cycle.

[Bucktown]

kerrykate ~ GL on the betas! That would be a super surprise, huh?

me~ 3rd night of taking clomid. My ovaries are already hurting like they do a few days before I O and it's only cd5. Wonder what's going on in there? I wonder if it's going to get worse before cd13. Sheesh, I wonder if there are now cysts? Crap. My cat went to her new home tonight. I can't stop crying. :( Just had to throw that in there.

[OctoberPrincess]

Bucktown wow, it does sound like your DS's a natural on the ice, amazing! I'm so sorry to hear about your cat, why did you have to give her up? Sounds like you were careful with the adoptive process and I'm sure she is doing fine but I can imagine how hard it must be for you, pets are members of my family as well.

Wonder why you are feeling O pains so early? Only 2 more days right? What does did they start you out with? Other than the O pains were there any other side effects? Anymore headaches?

Kerrykate I hope all goes well with your test.

I'm on CD13 with and still no + OPK, hopefully that will change tomorrow.

[Bucktown]

OctoberPrincess~ I have severe allergies & asthma to cat dander. I avoided the whole 'giving her up' thing for 8 years out of extreme guilt and just suffered with the allergy & asthma attacks while drugging myself to ease them. Anyway, we are moving into a new construction home Saturday so there will be no pet dander there. I just couldn't deal with the constant sneezing anymore. I want to get off the steriods (for the asthma) and off the allergy pills too. Surprising to me, DS took it very hard. When she was in the crate and we were saying our final farewells, he kept crying & grabbing the carrier saying 'my kitty, my kitty'. :( It was horrible to watch. The thing is, he never really paid much attention to her other than to chase her through the house till she hid. :rolleyes: Today, he just kept repeating 'Where's Kayla, Where's Kayla'. My son isn't even a really good talker yet. It's just sad.

Fingers crossed you get that ++OPK tomorrow! Then on to the 2WW for you, missy! I will be cheering you (and your DH!) on!

Me~ I don't know why I'm having O pains already. I have been an early O-er since post-DS. Usually get my ++OPK on cd11. EWCM starts on cd9 for me. The nurse said the clomid was suppose to take over & I'd O later with the trigger shot. Today I've caught my first glimps of EWCM though :eek: cd6! I was started on 100mg which surprised me. O pains still there. Both sides. No headache or lightheadedness. I have been wicked moody today, though but I think it's extenuating circumstances of what is happening in our life right now.

[OctoberPrincess]

Just a quick update since it's late and I'm having some pretty bad O pains. I got a + OPK today so we are set for IUI 10 am tomorrow!

[Bucktown]

OctoberPrincess~ How'd it go???? Are you having a 2nd IUI tomorrow? Got my fingers crossed for you!

[kerrykate]

OctoberPrincess~ Congrats on the +OPK, good luck tomorrow:)

Bucktown~ Sorry you had to give up your kitty, but it's totally understandable. You were a champ for putting up with the allergies for so long.

Well, the nurse said my progesterone looked good at 18 but of course the pg test was BFN. I'm totally confused now because I asked if it was still too early for the pg test, and she said it's too early for a urine test to come out positive but not a blood. I think it's BS b/c they did the test at 6DPO and from what I've read the egg doesn't even implant until 6-12 DPO... Oh well, I'm supposed to start on Wednesday so we'll see...

[Bucktown]

KerryKate~ I agree with you. That is BS re: the b/w. 6dpo? Please. I still can't believe your doc even ordered one! On the other hand, if you're due on Wed. a urine test would possibly pick it up now. Have you POAS yet?

[OctoberPrincess]

Bucktown so sad about your cat but with the allergies it is totally understandable. Do you plan to call the new home in a few weeks to see how things are going? The moodiness is also understandable, hopefully it will subside soon. Maybe you should call the RE and mention that you have EWCM already, even though you don't usually get it till around CD9.:confused:

Kerrykate I also can't understand why the nurse told you that you would get a + at 6DPO, I think that's way too early even for blood to confirm since I believe it could take upwards of 12 days for the egg to implant.

Well the IUI went well, the RE said my uterus was tilted back so it took 2 attemps to get the cath. in (the first one bent) but otherwise it went well. I did ask what was the other problem my DH had with him swimmers and he said it was motility though I would like to get actual #'s. I only laid on my back for 5 minutes after the insemination and then he advised DH and I to "fool around tonight"; he will not be doing a repeat tomorrow. I didn't even know it was an option. I ask him what my chances of obtaining a BFP were and he said 6-11%, that's so little, it really hit me hard because I could swear that he said that if we did it naturally we would have about a 10% of concieving...maybe I am mistaken...but if I'm not then what is the point of the IUI, the chances are just as good or better if we did it naturally.:confused: Anyway, I am to set up an appointment with the Dr. next week to discuss (in detail) the shots, then I will make another appointment for the nurse to teach me how to administer them. If no BFP this cycle I will begin taking them on CD4 of my next cycle but we will be hoping that these next few appointment turn out to be a waste of time.;)

[OctoberPrincess]

Boy this thread has been so quite, hope everyone is doing well. I'm just waiting...

[almostthere]

I am here in the dreded two week wait, we BD only 1x after the HSG prior to O so I do not know if I am even if this game but I am 6DPO.

Is anyone doing anything besides fertility drugs? I have been doing accupuncture for about 6 weeks, I can't decide if it is doing anything but so far I think it is nice to take an hour or so for myself every week.

[Bucktown]

I'm here too! I'm in the boring part of waiting to O. 2 days till I go in for my cd13 u/s, then trigger. Even though it's boring, I'm glad for the mind/emotional break. My ovaries are really sore but they usually are before I O. Clomid has definitely changed my CM. I'm usually swimming in EWCM for at least 5 days before O. This cycle I got a gob :o on cd7 and since then it's been pretty watery. Going to try to get alittle BD-ing in tonight and then we'll do Fri & Sunday. Everyother day for us this cycle.

I've been packing my little heart out this week for our Saturday move. DS is being really cooperative while I'm trying to work. Very un-like him! :rolleyes: We've got a slight problem though. Our house is not finished. They are still doing some interior things and we have NO electric. We have to be out of this (rental) apartment on Sat. because the new renters will be moving in on Sun. Looks like our stuff will be moved into the new place & we'll be heading for an extended stay hotel. Trying really hard not to stress too much. I want to O on Sat/Sun!!!

[jjsanner]

Hi ladies. Sorry I've been MIA. DH and I got away Sun. night for a mini-vacation to Sedona. We dropped DS off with my dad and then took the long, scenic route up. The hotel, food and spa were great! I was back at work yesterday trying to get ready for quarter-end close (I'm a CPA).

After my last failed clomid/IUI cycle, we decided to take a break from TTC. Then last month I got that completely unexpected BFP (only to lose it a few days later) after a crazy month here at work where I was so busy that I didn't have time to think about IF. So again this cycle, I've been trying very hard not think about any of it. However, I know my body too well, and I just knew I was ovulating last night and of course DH was at work until LATE, and all I could think about was how we were going to miss this cycle. I broke down in bed crying.

It's all so hard. I feel very deeply that our family isn't complete, yet we can't seem to get and stay pregnant so I'm thinking that God has other plans for us. The question is, how do I accept God's will and come to terms with the fact that we may not (dare I say probably won't) have another child? Anyone have any words of wisdom?

[OctoberPrincess]

jjsanner I'm so sorry about your m/c and that you had such a rough night {{{hugs}}} my heart goes out to you. I really don't have any words of wisdom, I wish I did......:(

almostthere keep us posted on how the accupuncture goes, I was thinking about it before I knew that the fertility issues were most likely DH's but I do not have an accupuncturist who specializes in fertility close to me. I heard that it's important to use someone who has experience with fertility because they can really mess with your cycle.

Bucktown wow, you sounds really busy. I'm crossing your fingers that your house is completed quickly! Good luck with the u/s, keep us posted!

I'm 3DPO, and going crazy waiting! Trying to remind myself that there is only a 6-11% chance I am pregnant so that I don't get to hopeful but it's hard because of course you want to believe you are that 6%.:rolleyes:

[almostthere]

OctoberPrincess It is important, i am using someone well known for fertility so I am paying out of pocket and it is costing alot but we decided that at this point no one else has any recomendations for us in terms of "drugs" to help so we needed to feel as if we are doing something. Since my issue is not one of a cycle problem but unexplained its hard to tell if she is doing anything. Her goal is to "warm" the area up and increase blood flow to produce healthier eggs etc. I am going to give it a few more cycles at this point.

[Bucktown]

jjsanner~ I'm sorry you are having such a rough time. I don't have any "words of wisdom" but can say that I feel the same about feeling very strongly that our family is not complete yet. Since you mentioned God in your post I can get alittle religious with my response. It took me up until this month to accept that God has a plan for me & my family. I truly believe it involves another child in our lives but it will be with His timing. I feel more relaxed now. Now when I pray, I don't ask for a baby, I ask for patience while waiting for our baby to be conceived.

OctoberPrincess~ Are you at 5DPO now? The waiting must be hard! I should be in the 2WW this weekend. I'm very excited! Keep your thoughts positive. 6-11% is way better than a 0% chance, right?

almostthere~ Hi!

Me~ Had my cd13 u/s this morning. Only 1 mature follicle. I couldn't believe it. I thought for sure there were at least 2. I get 1 mature follie w/out clomid. I am disapointed but have to remind myself that multiples were not the goal, just to get PG. So maybe the clomid produced me a better follie than w/out. I triggered at 7:45 AM & was told to BD tomorrow night but since that's not possible (DH has another freakin' show) she said tomonight & as early as possible on Sunday AM. Anyone know how soon after the trigger to expect O? I have EWCM today a plenty so I'm thinking it'll be today or tomorrow. :D

And finally, tomorrow is our move and our new house has electric so we'll be moving into it tomorrow and not the hotel! Soooo, happy about that! But sometime today our internet will be disconnected (it think that's today) and I won't have access for awhile. :( I hope it doesn't last long.

[almostthere]

So on Friday at my accupuncture session she said my pulse felt very full and she usually sees that in clients that are pregnant, so even though I was only 10 DPO this am I took a test - with the answer brand I swore I saw something but my DH said no so - and I am only admitting the to you ladies - we drove the store (with DD in tow) and my pee from that am in a sealed cup and got an EPT which came back with a clear BFP.

So now I do not know what to think, we have been pregnant 3 x in the last 10 montsh - 2 blighted ovums and a chem one just last cycle. We literal only BD 1 x on the night after my dye test and then I had a temp rise 36 hrs later. So I am scared becase who knows and my RE said to avoid this month but my FIL who is an ob-gyn said not tow orry just avoid until the test because nothing radioactive stays in you - so I assume he would never really put us in danger - he deals with this all the time and I did not ovulate until 2-3 days after the test.

The RE office is closed today and tomorrow is Yom Kippur so I cannot go in until Tuesday morning for bloodwork (of course they will still think I am crazy since my period is not due until Thursday). I still have prog supplements from last time so I think I will start on them tonight.

Thats my news of the day, I am trying to be positive as a positive attitude I think helps instead of dwelling on the bad.

[OctoberPrincess]

Almostthere I'm so happy, I hope this is it for you! Big fat ~~~~~sticky vibes~~~~ are coming your way! Hopefully this is the first of some much needed good news around here!:) Please keep us posted as soon as you know something more!

Bucktown I'm at 7 DPO today, 1 more week to go and the wait is killing me....are you in the 2ww with me now? What's going on??!! Hope the move went well! BTW, my doctor told me that I would not be likely to produce more than one follie with chlomid and since I was already doing that on my own he didn't recomment it so I'm not sure if Chlomid is really supposed to produce multiple follies.:confused:

[almostthere]

I have good news my first bw came back and at 12 DPO I am at

HCG 101
Prog 33.2 (am taking supplements but still good)

These are the highest my starting numbers have ever been. My last blighted ovum at 11DPO my HCG was only 23 and at the chem one at 10DPO I was at 11.

So while I know each pregnancy is different bith myself and the nurses think these numbers are great a great start I go back again Thursday so well see.

[OctoberPrincess]

Just a fly by post to tell Almostthere that is such great news! Will be back later to update you on my appointment yesterday.

[OctoberPrincess]

Went to discuss all aspects of using the shots for next cycle and RE said because we were a young couple he would prefer to try opk with IUI with at least one more month before moving on to the shot. He said there is a very real risk of twins (1 in 5) and even triplets when using Gonadotropins and he would sleep better at night knowing he tried at least 2, if not 3 cycles without the use of them.:rolleyes:

I also got DH's testosterone test results and they were low, looking for the # to be a min. of 50 and DH's were 34 but because testosterone levels rise and fall the RE said they could have just taken DH's blood during a low time. DH now has to take a 1 hours test, where he will be stuck 3 times to get the mean of all three points during his cycle this will indicate if the first test was right or not, he is very cranky about this.:(

DH's 2nd S/A will be in 2 weeks, RE said there is a 90-95% chance there will still be a problem with his motility and morphology but that most of the time the results are slightly better....right now DH's results are borderline severe and the next results may put him in the moderate category. Either way he will be referred to a RU very shortly but the RE wan't to get the testosterone and S/A back before doing so.

That's all of it in a nutshell, so now I hope and pray to get a BFP next Monday. The only drawback is that DH seems as though once we get a BFP all of our problems will be solved and does not wish to discuss the fact that even if we did get a BFP he still needs to see the Reproductive Urologist so that, hopefully, things will go easier when we decided to have our 3rd (and last) child.

[scout]

Can I join? I did fertility treatments to conceive ds, and I'm currently on my third round of Clomid to TTC #2. Everyone told me that once you get pregnant, your body does what it's supposed to do. Apparently, my body has a learning disability.

[kerrykate]

Almostthere~ Huge Congrats to you:D ~And lots of sticky vibes~

Scout~ Welcome! Hope your stay here is short.

Not too much going on here, I'm on boring CD 7 waiting to O. The big 30 for me is tomorrow and I really wanted to be pg by my b-day but that obviously didn't happen. I'm really hoping this is our month. My brother and SIL had their baby over the weekend. It was easier than I thought it would be seeing the new baby. It did hurt a little since if I hadn't miscarried I'd be due in a couple weeks... He's such a cutie and it makes me want one that much more.

Take care everyone.

[jjsanner]

Sorry I've been MIA, I've really been trying to take a step back from this whole TTC business. It was making me a crazy lady!

A big huge CONGRATS to AlmostThere!

This is the first cycle after my most recent miscarriage and I have no idea when I ovulated. I'm confident I am past ovulation right now, but how far is a mystery. Take a look at my chart....it's in my signature. It looks like my body geared up to o a few times and never actually suceeded. I wasn't being diligent about temping or check CM, so who knows. I guess if AF hasn't made an appearance by next weekend then I'll go ahead and test.

[almostthere]

Well my #'s doubled to 200 and my prog is fine so know it seems like a waiting game to make sure not only things continue to rise and that something actuallly grows. I do not go back for a week for another BW.

jjsanner Good luck this cycle, they say you are very fertile coming of a chem preg, it looks like you ovulated on CD 20.

kerrykate I hope this is your cycle, I know when my first due date came and went it was really really hard on me, like wow a whole nine months had passed.

scout i hope this group gives you support however your stay is short

[OctoberPrincess]

Scout welcome to the group, I'm sorry that you have to deal with the frustrations of IF again.:(

KerryKate happy 30th!!:) I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you get a spectacular little gift this month!;) BTW, your birthday is the same day as my wedding anniversary!

jjsanner I can totally understand your need for a break from all this, I've been so anxious the past few days that i don't know what to do with myself...the 2WW is the worst.:(

Well, I think my 2WW is over...wierd because I'm only 12 dpo today, I started spotting and have had mild cramping all afternoon/evening.:(

[scout]

Kerry Happy Birthday! I hope you get a fabulous present soon! ;)

October I'm sorry to hear about the spotting. :( It just sucks.

almostthere I hope those numbers keep going up!!!

jjsanner It does look like you od around day 20--your chart looks great!

Thanks for the welcome, everyone! I'm in the 2 week wait. If this round of Clomid fails, I'm going to take a break from fertility meds--it's too hard to be a teacher and make it to the fertility clinic in the morning.

[Bucktown]

OMG, I just had a long post ready & the stupid PC shut down! I'm at the CP Library because we have no phone or internet right now. No access till 10/12 so this will be it till then.

almostthereCongrats to you! What wonderful news to hear after being away for a week. Stick baby stick!

kerrykate Happy Birthday! 30 isn't so bad. ;)

scout Welcome! When will you be testing?

OctoberPrincess. Shoot. Sorry to hear AF seems to be coming. Has anything changed since your last post?

jjsanner I hear ya on TTC pyschosis. I'm thinking of breaking myself if this cycle is a bust.

Me: I'm 8DP trigger. I'm pretty sure I o'd on Saturday or super early on Sunday. Like 2AM. I have no desire to test since I know that freaking trigger might still be in my system. I was told I could test on Friday this coming week. I'm not temping because it's just not possible right now, and I like it. I've been a SUPER *itch this entire cycle & contribute it directly to the Clomid. It feels like PMS x100 everyday. Only thing worth noting that is different this cycle is that I have no sore BB's. I *always* get sore bb's 3-5 days past O and now nada. Very bizzarre.

[Bucktown]

Forgot to say bye till next Thursday! GL to our testers this week!

[OctoberPrincess]

Well the witch is here full force so I'm officially out.:mad: My LP seems short...it's normally 14 days and was once 13 days but this time it was only 12, is that still considered normal?:confused:

[Bucktown]

Where the heck is everyone?

Sorry OctoberPrincess, I'm not sure about LP's but I would ask your RE about it. But, seeing that it's already 7 days past this post you probably already have and have started stims??? Good luck this cycle!

Me~ I tested on Thursday and no surprise got a BFN. It was 1 day early but had I o'd on Sat/Sun that would have been 11DPO I think. Oh well. My only thought is that I o'd late because of the stress of the move and such. I had EWCM on the following Tuesday PM which was cd 17 and my bb's didn't start getting sore till Wed night Thursday AM which would be the normal time after O that would happen. If I did O late then Thursday would have been way too early to test.

Yesterday, I found out my GF is pg w/ #3--9 weeks along. I knew there was a reason she hadn't called me in awhile. She was the one where I blurted out 'If you get pg before me I'll cry :o '. I sure did cry. All afternoon & evening.

At this moment we will not be TTC this coming cycle. I just don't like my DH right now. I spent the morning locked in the bathroom crying because he is such an a-hole. This move sucks. The workers are still not out of the house, we don't have a f-ing phone line yet & I have no internet still. I wish I had somewhere to go and hide for awhile but I have no family here and friends just wouldn't understand.

Not sure when my next post will be. Sometime next week I hope? If not, I'll be back here at the library on Saturday. Bye everyone!

[kerrykate]

Thanks for the b-day wishes everyone!

Bucktown~ I'm sorry you're having such a hard time right now. My best friend is also TTC her 2nd baby and is a fertile myrtle, I was shocked when she told me she got a BFN and told her how sorry I was, but actually I was so relived inside b/c it would have torn me up. It makes me feel so selfish that I feel that way, but when the heck is it going to be my turn??? Big hugs to you and I'm sorry your dh is being an a-hole right now, sounds like you're going through a lot with moving and all.

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I didn't even test last cycle because I starting spotting so f'ing early I knew there was no need to. This month I think we screwed up our timing things have been crazy this month with my b-day and DD's 3rd b-day last week, then my grandma passed away and I leave for New Mexico tomorrow morning for her the services. So I don't have my hopes high for this month although we did use preseed so we'll see if by some miracle that made a difference.

[scout]

Looks like we've all had some bad luck. :( Af arrived in full glory today, so since this is my third Clomid cycle, it's on to injectibles next. I can't juggle a toddler, a full time teaching job, and constant visits to the RE, so I'm taking a break.

Kerry sorry to hear about the loss of your grandmother. :(

Bucktown Yesterday, I found out my GF is pg w/ #3--9 weeks along It's so hard. I just hope you'll be next.

My LP seems short...it's normally 14 days and was once 13 days but this time it was only 12, is that still considered normal Yes. 12 days is still considered good. I have a really short LP (six days unmedicated) and Clomid lengthens it to 12 days.

[firefly]

I have a question. I'm currently ttc #3 . It's only been 2 mo which I know is NOTHING in the ttc world. however I haven't o'd (based on my poas o predictor kit) this cycle and I'm pretty sure I didn't O last cycle. How many cycles would you go without o'ing before you called our ob?

background

1st pgcy was m/c at 6 1/2 weeks
2nd pgcy to term
3-5 pgcy m/c all before 7 weeks
pgcy 6 dd#2 was a preemie but healthy and strong and I had to have a hsg the month before we concieved.

oh and all the women in family have had complete hystectomy's before they were 35. I have no idea about my mothers side as my grandmother died early and my mother has never been in my life.

I've also had 2 c-section type surgeries (one was a c-section one was an emergency surgery to repair my ruptured uterus.. (long story) ) so I have lots of scars on my uterus.

[jjsanner]

Hi Firefly. How long since your DD#2 was born? It may take months for your cycle to regulate, and even longer if your still breast feeding. That being said, given the surgeries and your history of MC, I would go to an RE right away. They will do all the appropraite testing to diagnose the problem, if one even exists.

As for me, AF has finally left the buiding. CD 6 of another unmedicated cycle. DH is in Florida for a conference until Friday so I am on DS duty for the next couple of days. It's so difficult when he is not here to juggle work and dropping and picking up DS from daycare. We live about an hour from work so I get in late and then have to leave early....Luckily my job is pretty flexible. Anyway, here's hoping that we get some good news in here very soon!

[firefly]

dd#2 is 21 mo old (almost) I bf for 8 mo so that should be out of my system now. :o

[kerrykate]

I'm pg again, I got 2 light BFP's on Friday, a darker BFP on Saturday, and a DARK BFP on Sunday. I had my first beta and progesterone test today and will get a repeat on Wed. We're hoping and praying that this one sticks!

[firefly]

congratulations, praying that this one sticks too. :D

[Bucktown]

We have internet again! YAY!

Congratulations KerryKate! What great news! So much for poor timing, huh? Couldn't have been more perfect!

Scout Sorry for your AF visit as well. I hear ya on the constant RE visits. Dragging DS & DH to the RE office at 6:30am to get in line for 'open call u/s's' just blows. Fingers crossed for you that your body will do it's thing unmedicated.

Firefly Not sure what to tell ya but it couldn't hurt to at the least call your OB and ask. Wish I had more to offer up.

jjsanner Hope your few days alone w/ DS went smoothly for you.

Me Well, no BFP for me either. I was a day late, 29 vs 28, and I know I wasn't pg since all my tests were neg, so I guess the trigger shot did not induce O after 36 hours. Hoping it was stress that caused the delay. I did decide to do clomid this cycle. Finished my last pill/s Sunday night. I go in on Saturday AM for an u/s then trigger at the office. Things are getting better here. We are almost completely finished with construction so there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I don't even want to go back & read what I posted last week. I'd probably be embarrassed!

[Bucktown]

Anyone still following?

Guess I'll update. Today I had my cd13 u/s for a follie check. Guess I responded quite well to the clomid this cycle as I have 3 mature follies each over 20mm. :eek: I triggered this morning at 8:30am. I have some mixed emotions though with this news. Excited because DH may have 3 targets to hit and worried because DH has 3 targets to hit. I don't know how I'd handle 3 newborns & a 3 yr old plus I pray that my body can handle a higher order pregnancy/delivery based on my past delivery. I'm taking comfort in knowing that even if 3 are released there's no guarentee that all (or any!) will be fertilized.

Wish us luck! BD-ing starts tonight, tomorrow and Monday night. Testing on 11/11.

[Steve's Sweety]

Ladies, I don't really belong here and I hope you're not offended when I say I hope I don't have to join you, but I have some questions.

We were lucky enough to have 1 DS after trying for 5 months (I have a short LP and did take progesterone supps the month before getting PG with him and then started them again after I found out I was PG) and also to get PG again on our first try this time around (and I did not take any progesterone at all this time) but I unfortunately recently found out that I am having a missed miscarriage and I am going insane with grief. I was 11W 1D when I found out and they said the baby had died around 8W 4D. As far as I can tell, my body still has not passed anything (except for a few clots).
But I am already looking to TTC again ASAP even though the thought of it and even just sex freaks me out right now, I think that is the only thing that will help me but I am going to be a mess until then and probably until I have another baby in my arms.

What I have come here for is to ask you ladies if you had any indicators that I can look for that kind of "foretold" that you would have a hard time with #2?
I am so scared that I am going to wind up in this category because if my body was able to get PG fairly easily and carry out a healthy pregnancy with DS, then why this?

I hope you don't mind me coming in, but if you feel it's too intrusive or something just lmk and I will post elsewhere or something.

[Bucktown]

Steve's Sweety~ I'm so very very sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the pain you & your husband are going through.

For me, DS #1 was conceived on cycle 2 of very regular cycles. He was a snap. There was no reason to believe that we'd have trouble making the next. In fact, initially we were going to wait till May '06 to start but I thought to myself 'What if we have trouble with #2?' and started in Feb '06. My DH even laughed and said 'Do you really think we're going to have a problem?' Oh how cocky we were to temp fate like that. Here we are, 10 months later, on cycle 2 of Clomid, and as of today, no baby. I didn't need Clomid for my first either. I really don't think there are any telltale signs to know if you're going to have problems. I wish there were.


Me:Since I'm here I may as well update. I'm 8DPO today and yesterday & today have had lots of cramping and lower backaches. But, I've had this before during the 2WW and no baby so I'm trying not to think about it. I do know that if it doesn't happen this month, of all months, I'm afraid of how I'll respond to a BFN. I mean, if we can't even get 1 of the 3 eggs I had then it's just not going to happen. I've started looking at culinary schools and have committed DH to buying me a treadmill next weekend if it is a BFN. I'll need an outlet. I'm going to try not to test till Saturday but that will be easier said than done.

[jjsanner]

Steves Sweety, I too am so very sorry for your loss. My BF also had a missed MC at around 11 weeks so although I don't know exactly what you're going through I do have an idea of the pain and grief you are experiencing. And I too have had two MC's of my own, although both very early on at around 4 weeks. No one should have to endure the suffering of a miscarriage and I am saying tons of prayers for you and your family.

DS, who is now 2 1/2, was conceived on our first try. I was in shock. I always thought we would have a difficult time because I had very irregular cycles as a teen, so the doc put me on the pill at 15. I stayed on it until one month before our wedding (over 13 years!). We knew we would start trying right away, so I wanted to give my body some time to adjust. And then BAM! Pregnant two weeks after returning from our honeymoon. This time around, I wanted our kids to be approx. two years apart. We were SWH for 6 months and then began actively TTC in May 2005, thinking it would happen very quickly again. By Oct., still no sign of a BFP, so my RE put me on clomid. Since then it's been neverending tests, doctors visits, shots and here we are, 17 cycles later, "undiagnosed infertility" with two miscarriages and no baby.

So to answer your question, yeah, I always **thought** we would have problems. After #1 I guess I hoped that we had escaped infertility, but now, all this time later, instead I think that DS was my little miracle and that we were always destined to have TTC issues.

Unfortunately, the stats are that something like 15%-20% of recognized pregnancies end in MC. And many women suffer MC after a healthy live birth. I think most of the women that have joined this thread have had a MC, if not two or three. I will pray that you find some peace to get through this horrible ordeal and conceive again very quickly.

As for me, 6DPO and trying to stay optimistic. It's busy here at work so I am keeping my mind off of the two week wait. I have an RE appointment next Tuesday to discuss next steps and immunological testing for repeat pregnancy loss. I never went back for my 2nd beta draw after the last MC because I had already started spotting and, quite frankly, was not in a good place and could not bring myself to get pricked and prodded again. So when I called last Friday to set this appointment up the nurse was very stern and told me I had to go straight to the lab for a beta to assure that my levels had gone back down to zero. So today like the good little patient I trodded over to the lab and got blood drawn again :rolleyes: . Should find out the results tomorrow.

[Bucktown]

Another BFN for me.

[jjsanner]

Bucktown, I am so sorry :( .

As suspected, beta was zero. I am 10 DPO today. Bad backache, but that is not uncommon before AF. No other symptoms, really. I will be testing Sunday if no spotting by then.

[Bucktown]

Thanks jjsanner. I hope your beta was just done too early. Sending positive thoughts to you.

Well, I'm done filling my body with hormones to get PG. I've decided not to take the clomid anymore. This past cycle was my 'sign' that it will probably never happen. I mean, 3 eggs and not even one can get fertilized? We'll continue to DTD when I think I'm fertile but I'm finished with temping, OPK's & drugs. No more.

I'm off to start researching treadmills and to get serious about MY body again. I'm thinking it'll help me feel better about myself.

[HGMorgann]

I belong in here....but in avoidance....

I'm sorry Bucktown. I know this has been a long journey for you.


Me: TTC #2 for about a year now. It took 18 mo. to concieve DD - low progesterone. I used herbs to concieve her, but they didn't seem to make a difference this time around.

[jjsanner]

Started spotting Friday night, full blown AF yesterday. Have an RE appointment on Tuesday.

Bucktown, I felt the exact same way after my last IUI cycle. Now, another miscarriage and two BFN's later, I'm back on the treatment bandwagon. More than anything I am feeling very frustrated with my body. Why can't it function properly? I want some answers from her, this "unexplained" nonsense is for the birds.

Welcome HGMorgann. Sorry to see you here, but it's always good to meet others in the same boats as us.

[Bucktown]

Hi girls.

HGMorgan I was wondering about you last week thinking maybe you had become pg and didn't want to say anything. I think there are other members (and non-members) of this thread in avoidance too. It's pretty quiet here most of the time. Sometimes I feel kind of wierd posting. Like I should make a journal instead. :o What types of herbs are you using? I've heard of fertility blend. Is it similar?

jjsanner Man, I was really hoping your beta was done too early. I'm sorry it didn't happen this month.

My BF & her son and 3 month old daughter came over for a visit today. OMG, she was just as precious as could be. Those chubby little baby thighs and watching her try to coordinate her arm movement to grab a toy was so sweet. I thought for sure I'd start bawling but amazingly I didn't. I usually have feelings of sadness and despair that it isn't MY baby, but today was different. Today I felt 'normal'.

She struggled with IF with her first. It took them 3 years plus IUI to get their son. Their little girl was conceived on the first try. I guess you really just never know. Anywho, she had told me to put the IF treatment on back table for now and not make any final decisions. I suppose that's a reasonable request. I want to enjoy my holidays without the black cloud of IF hovering above me. If 'seeing what happens' doesn't happen by February, then we'll revisit the treatment options again. Geeze, I'll be 36 by then and DH will be *just about* 40! :eek:

And I might as well add that AF has not shown up yet. But, today is cd28 so she should be here tomorrow. The last test I took was at 11DPO. Of course, you know I have a glimmer of hope that I just tested too early. It's just a neverending battle of my demons.

[HGMorgann]

Hi Bucktown. Hmm its been a while since you posted. I hope you have good news.....

We just needed a break. I understand what you wrote earlier about wanting to get your body back and quit obsessing about everything. Its tough.
I tried Vitex for 6 months again, this time I didn't see a difference and to be honest, my DH was concerned it was causing excessive shedding. So he asked me to cut down, which seemed to help, and then I quit and my hair isn't falling out like crazy! But yeh, Vitex is in fertility blend. Last time, it worked GREAT for me. This time, I didn't see a difference. Are you on LJ? I know that me and another great "tough second" mom here both LJ some about it. Really, I have thought very little about #2 lately. I really desire #2, but thankfully life is so busy that I don't have time to think about it. I DO need to go to a doctor and start the process soon. We most likely will be paying for our own healthcare come June (YIKES!), so if I want to have our company cover it, I should start and get my ostrich-head out of the ground. I'm still a bit traumatized from my c-section, horrible labor care, and 6 week pp visit that I sooo need a loving OB/midwife, so that's also something I need to just quit worrying about.

[Bucktown]

HGMorgan~ Nope. No good news here. I haven't even contacted the RE and didn't go in for the cd 3 u/s to start clomid. I'm officially 'not trying' anymore. My DH & I looked at treadmills this weekend and found a great commercial-grade treadmill for $700 bucks (at Costco!) so I'm very excited about that. We haven't bought it yet only because my parents are coming into town on T-day and staying for a week & we don't want the guest room all cluttered for their visit. I also had an appointment with a culinary school downtown on Saturday. I *think* I'll be starting in the spring if I can accept the HUGE price tag. My DH is all for it, I'm more cautious about the $$$ issue.

So if those two things don't say 'I'm moving on' then I don't know what else to do!!I will admit though that I have bought Pre-Seed and secretly hoping for it too arrive in the next couple days. Maybe I still have one foot kind of holding the door open. :o

No LJ for me. Maybe I should figure out how it works....

[Steve's Sweety]

Thank you ladies for your support and answering my question.

I am sorry that you all are going through this, I know it must be so hard.

-----------

I finally actually miscarried on Saturday, using Cytotec to help the process along since my body didn't seem to want to do it on its own (like I blame it).

jjsanner -
You know, I am starting to feel the same way about DS, because while it did take us 5 months to conceive him, I got PG for him the month I wasn't using progesterone supps.
This time I got PG on the first try and thought, boy we didn't have the issues I thought we had, we are so lucky. HA!
Now I'm just paranoid that something in my body changed (or like you said it was just a miracle) and I can't carry another baby to term.


Well ladies, I just wanted to update and I really hope to not be back here in a few months so I will bid you all a fond farewell and lots of good thoughts for that sticky BFP very soon.
Best of luck to you all.

[HGMorgann]

AF started today and normally I am fine with it but this month, I'm not so fine with it. We have new insurance in jan, so I should book an appt for then to start the IF stuff...gah.

[scout]

AF started today and normally I am fine with it but this month, I'm not so fine with it. We have new insurance in jan, so I should book an appt for then to start the IF stuff...gah. I'm so, so sorry. I know just how you feel. :(

jjsanner Sorry the witch found you too. :(

[Bucktown]

HGMorgan I'm sorry, too. It really blows to have to deal with the disappointment each month, especially during the holiday season.


Me~ Not much going on here. cd18. We were able to get some well timed lovin' (remember, I'm not trying! ;)) but every month we've had great timing so I'm not too hopeful anymore. I did get the pre-seed just in time and I really like the stuff. Too bad it's so darn expensive and in an awkward applicator. T-day weekend my hubby surprised me with a new treadmill. WOW, is it nice!! If I can't be pg by summer I'm going to bust my butt getting skinny!

[Bucktown]

Started another cycle today. I don't know what I was thinking when I said I was done trying. It hurts just as bad as everyother month we 'were trying'. I'm trying to decide if I should call the RE and discuss our options. I think I need to know more specifics about DH's S/A results & why they aren't 'perfect'. Unsure of whether to do clomid this cycle since now day 13 will fall on 12/23 (need u/s & trigger) and getting in BD-ing will be stressful enough with commuting to see family on the 24th & 25th. :(

Last night I started looking at open adoption websites and of families spilling their lives out on the internet just hoping that a birthmother will pick them to adopt their child. I cried when I read them. Maybe PMS or maybe because I can identify with some of the families that had one bio-child and can't have anymore and desperately want another. Geeze. Can I bring myself down anymore right before Christmas? :( :(

[jjsanner]

Awww, Bucktown, I'm so sorry your feeling down. I know what you mean, even when you're not trying you kind of still ARE trying because you know where you are at in your cycle and you think mabey you BD'd at the right time and MABEY there's still a chance....It's so tough, especially this time of the year. We (actually, more like I) were looking at adoption a few months back and I remember looking at those same websites that you describe and getting all teary-eyed, too. But then DH nixed the adoption idea, so we're back to trying again.

I am 9 DPO (I think, wasn't charting this month) and I fully expect to start spotting any time now. I have pretty short LP's, usually 10 days. Anyway, I started acupuncture last week and I really like it. Very relaxing. My acupuncturist specializes in infertility and she claims that she will have me pregnant in a few months.....I guess we'll see.

We had all of our repeat pregnancy loss bloodwork done and am waiting to hear back from the RE. I aslo had a Sonohistogram (not pleasant AT ALL!) and the results were all clear. So that is good. Now I hope the bloodwork shows what the problem is. I cannot handle another miscarriage and I am scared that we will get pregnant before we know what the problem is. I have been taking one baby aspirin a day just in case.....

[Bucktown]

jjsanner~ I hope you get some answers through the RPL b/w sooner rather than later. I know sometimes getting the results seem to take forever. Not sure which will be better though, knowing the problem or having there be no problem?? My DH, in a previous conversation, said he'd be open to adoption, but I think he doesn't feel as if we've tried long enough yet to 'throw in the towl', so to speak. Sure, I suppose in relation to others TTC we haven't been at it that long -- 10 months, 11 cycles -- but again, I'm going with my/his age, high risk pregnancy and post cancer, I had a timeframe of when I could reasonably forget about all that and focus on getting pg and staying alive to care for my kids.

Wow, am I blabbing way too much.....

cd 3 for me today. DH & I decided to do 100mg of clomid again. This will be cycle 3 on it. I went in for my baseline u/s and again had to take a pg test to confirm no pregnancy since my lining was 11! at cd3. Tonight I start the clomid and go in on 12/23 for a scan & trigger. I did ask about DH's S/A results and they are fine.

52 mil
76% mobility
66% motility
Not sure about morphology. Forgot about that one.

One of these try's has to produce something!

[jeggink]

I just wanted to post this for a minute. We are also having a tough time having a second child. Two 1st trimester m/c and a 2nd tri m/c all this year. Anyway, I found a book at the library called the infertility diet and it really gives interesting information on infertilty & m/c. I am going to start following the diet (includes yams, wheat germ, alfalfa, vegtables, nuts, etc, but no meat or milk products for the most part). Since we have had most of the blood work and everything has come back negative, all I can assume for myself is that since I have been eating poorly that maybe my body is defficient in some nutrients (like magnesium). It takes a few months and also explains what foods & vitamins can help DH's sperm. Anyway, it is an interesting read and just thought I would mention it for what it's worth. Good luck ladies!

[jjsanner]

AF reared her ugly head this morning.

Also got the RPL results.....everything came back fine (except DH's which aren't back yet). Still no answers. Bucktown, I almost do feel like the "all fine" is worse that if they had found a problem. At least then we could treat it. I am so frustrated.

I have a call into the RE. I want to see what the protocall will be for next cycle.

[Bucktown]

Jeggink ~ Thanks for that book rec. I may look into it more. I had been following your story with your little girl and my heart just breaks for you & your family. Take care of yourselves. I read the 'high risk' thread because I know I'll be joining that thread someday.

jjsanner ~ This is a mixed blessing for you. I hope your RE has a plan of action for you and that you get a sticky bean!


Nothing new here cycle wise. Started the clomid last night. My 2.5 yr old has started boycotting naps though. Only ONE this week! Oh well. I was hoping he'd nap till he was around 3 but I'm guessing that's not going to happen.

[Bucktown]

I just got some most fantastic news I've heard in a long time. My brother & sister-in-law have been trying to have a baby for 7 years! and they are finally pg w/ #1. I can't believe it, I cried (tears of joy) when she told me.

Her & my brother got pg 7 years ago but she miscarried at 12 weeks. Since then, she's been on/off fert meds because she has PCOS and almost never gets AF. Then, 3 years ago she found out she has MS which was a horrible blow to her & our family. She had been doing well on her drug regimen for the MS and accepted that having a bio child was not going to happen. Truly amazing stuff here. What a great Christmas this will be. I'm going to her u/s on 12/29. I'm way too excited!

[HGMorgann]

That is great news Bucktown! I hope they have a wonderful and easy pregnancy!

We are out this month. Dh had emergency surgery yesterday (he is okay, but very sore)- and it's O-time right now. Oh well. No sex for 2 weeks, so maybe next month!

[Scooter]

I hate barging in, since we're not even TTC again yet. We're not planning to try again for another 6 mos or so, and have decided to actively try for a couple months on our own before going back to the RE (we'll go straight to IUIs and injectibles, since that's what worked the first time).

The problem is I would like to continue to breastfeed. The info I have found online is very mixed--some people say the hormones are fine and some say you can't breastfeed with them. Others say the RE won't even see you until 3-6mos after weaning, so your hormones even out. And still others say there's no point in continuing to BF, because it makes your prolactin level high enough that it decreases the effectiveness of the fertility meds. Anyone know anything about treatment while BFing, or have you discussed it with your REs? TIA for any info. :)

[Bucktown]

HGMorgan~ Sorry to hear about your DH's surgery. Glad that he's ok!

Scooter ~ Hmmm, I don't have any info on BF-ing and fertility meds. Maybe post the question in the family planning board? Someone is sure to read & know there I would think. Good luck!


cd10 here. My DS has been sick for over a week now and back in our bed. We've been so tired from caring for him that BD-ing is not even on my mind right now. Bd-ing will be anything but romantic this month since the kid is in my bed & we'll have to resort to elsewhere AND he wakes every 15 minutes or so and screams if we're not right there. :rolleyes: Is this another outward sign that 2 is not in the cards for us?

[jjsanner]

Oh, Bucktown, I feel your pain! DS woke in the middle of the night Tuesday throwing up. Poor baby. I had to strip his bed to put the sheets in the wash, so we brought him into bed with us. Other than that, I don't know what the problem is, but lately I have had ZERO sex drive. My poor DH.

And no, it's not a sign about #2. I have confidence that it WILL happen for all of us, its just a matter of timing. That's what I keep telling myself. Here we are, 18 cycles later, and I am trying really hard to remain positive.

Oh, and congrats to your brother and sister-in-law! That is fantastic news!

Scooter, sorry, I have no idea about bf and fertility meds!

HGMorgann, sorry about your hubby's surgery! But glad he is OK!

[Bucktown]

jjsanner~ Ugh. We've been dealing with the vomiting every night for 8 nights now. Problem with us is that DS is an 'on command' puker so even if he's not sick he throws up when pissed off about something--total control issue. So before he got sick he started puking in his crib because he didn't want to be in there, then he got sick. Probably from not sleeping and his immune system weakening from all the fits at bed time, no napping & getting minimal sleep in our bed. Thankfully the illness is on it's way out.

I agree that it will eventually happen too but it definitely gets discouraging. I will try to keep my thoughts positive as well but with my 36th b-day approaching fast, I'm totally bummed. On a good note, if I get pg anytime now I'll deliver my baby in the brand new state-of-the-art women's center at our hospital. It's suppose to open Fall '07 and wow is it beautiful.

[Bucktown]

Had my cd 13 u/s this morning. 2 mature follies--22 right/21 left--. Did the trigger and we'll be doing our first IUI tomorrow morning at 8am! Wish us luck!

[Scooter]

Bucktown and jjsanner, thanks anyway! Maybe I will post over in FP like you suggested.

Good luck tomorrow, Bucktown, hope it goes well and works for you!

[Bucktown]

4 DPO today. We had our IUI on Christmas Eve which turned out well. The tech said we had 16.9 mil 'good' sperm to do the insem. Strange that we started with 62 mil which shrank to 38 mil post wash, then only 16.9 mil were the one's left? I don't fully understand it but she said that was a good sample. I think she also said that 89% were swimming the right way? Anyway, I half charted --couple days before I knew I would O then till I got my thermal shift. Looks like the IUI was timed well. I wound up O-ing on Christmas Eve, the IUI was at 9:35 am that morning.

We are off to Salt Lake City till 1/14 so I'll know out there. I'll be checking in. Happy New Year!

[Bucktown]

Just wanted to update:

I got my BFP this morning at 13 DPO. I'm cautiously excited. I go in for my u/s between weeks 6-8 so we'll see if we got one or two of those eggs.

Guess I won't truely believe till my AF due day has come & gone. She should have been here on Monday if she's a show. Hopefully she'll just cancel. ;)

[scout]

Congrats, Buck!!!!!! keep us posted! That's great about your family too!

I wanted to update as well. I'd been taking a break, since my last round of Clomid failed. My RE wanted to do another HSG, which I was very much against and then start injectibles. I took a break, and last week, I found out I was pregnant. I'm seven weeks along. I saw the heartbeat on Thursday, so I'm being cautious, but feel better about things. I can't believe I went seven weeks without knowing I was pregnant.


[B]Scooter/B] I know my RE doesn't prescribe fertility meds to bfing women, but I know that the research is mixed.

[Bucktown]

Scout~ Thanks and a huge Congratulations to you, too! I can't believe you went 7 weeks without knowing either! WoW!

[HGMorgann]

Congrats to Bucktown and Scout!

[Natrat80]

Hi, I have been searching for a thread just like this!

Here's my story:

I was put on BCP for horrible cramps/long periods/etc when I was 18 and stayed on them until I was 24 when we started ttc #1. When I got off BCP I had a 2 cycles where I ovulated, but it was very late (cd 29-32) and had short luteal phases. Then came the never ending cycle of 73 days! I called my ob during this cycle and he did bloodwork (I think) and said he suspected PCOS. I was put on clomid and got pregnant the second month. DD was born 6.14.05.

TTC #2 has been a little different. My cycles are much shorter-30 days or so which is nice, but I'm not ovulating, even on 100mg of clomid! We've been trying since June 06 (not preventing since April/May 06) with no luck! I am currently on cycle #3 of clomid 100mg. I'm on cd 25 with no o in sight, but it doesn't matter anyway since DH is out of town! I just bought a Clearblue easy fertility monitor and hope to use it next cycle, probably in combination with Clomid.

I'm going to a different OB/GYN than the one who delivered DD since we moved when DD was 10 days old. My old OB never did any testing besides bloodwork, and I think his words were that he 'suspected' pcos. We never did an ultrasound of my ovaries or anything, just went straight to clomid. My new OB/GYN took my history and when I told her DD was conceived on clomid she said she'd write me a Rx when for clomid. She did some bloodwork, but I don't remember it coming back abnormal. I'm just wondering if I should request more testing before doing more clomid or try to find an RE. What do you all think?

[jenjen0713]

Bucktown - I just saw your good news and wanted to extend a huge CONGRATULATIONS to you!! I know it has been a long road for you!:D

[Bucktown]

Thank you HGM & JenJen.

HGM~ I hope I can find you when your BFP comes. Isn't your RE appointment soon?

JenJen~ I can't believe you are due next month. The time moved so fast, but not so fast, if you know what I mean?

Natrat~ Does/will your OB be monitoring your follies while you take the clomid? I think your dose may need to be upped if your not O-ing but if they were monitoring you they would know that. I would go directly to an RE. They are more pro-active in testing/treating than a reg OB.

[Scooter]

Bucktown, congratulations! :D

Scout, thanks. And congrats again!

ETA: Natrat, I would definitely go to an RE for further testing & monitoring. Many REs will not even prescribe clomid if PCOS is suspected. They would prefer to give an actual diagnosis of PCOS and treat that (since it's an endocrine health issue & not just a fertility problem), and then prescribe clomid.

[HGMorgann]

ugh

Dh had an appt with a urologist today. I wrote a month ago that he had an emergency surgery - it was for a testicular torsion. They were able to save it, however, after talking to the urologist today and asking fertility questions, it may take a YEAR for his sperm count to come back to normal levels after such severe trauma. Great. I wanted him to get a SA now so we could just know what they are to know what to expect, but the urologist told him to come back in a YEAR to do it. UGH. He has another f/u appt in 6 weeks and Dh said he will ask for it (SA) just to help give me peace of mind. I mean, the levels could be normal, they could be way low. I don't want to hope each month for a baby, but if we knew it was low, then we could plan and I would have at least some answer, ya know? I'm so bummed.

[Bucktown]

HGM I'm so so sorry to read this. I hope the r/u will agree to the s/a sooner rather than later. Did I remember correctly that you were going to see an RE soon? Can you ask him/her to do it if the other doc won't? I agree that the emotional rollercoaster you could be on can be avoided or at least lessened if you know in advance. I'm glad your DH is doing well, too.

[scout]

H Oh no. Definitely have your DH get a SA. Like you said, the results could be normal. Keep us posted.

[Kelly's Girl]

I am so glad to find that I'm not the only person having a "tough second." Not that my first was easy, although once we conceived, it was a textbook pregnancy- at least until he came 6+ weeks early! :)

I had an IUI on Jan. 2, my 3rd IUI, and it didn't work. Every other one has taken, although I m/c soon after my first IUI. I was flummoxed that it didn't take! Well, flummoxed and sad, but not wholly surprised. I just didn't "feel" it like I had before.

Anyway, AF has come by for a visit, and I am starting injectibles tonight. I have another screening u/s and E2 on Monday, and then a tentative IUI on the following Monday.

Best of luck to all.

[HGMorgann]

Thanks Bucktown and tracie. I'm a bit better now. Dh's F/u is in a few weeks. We will do the SA. Then I will schedule an appt. for me depending on the results. If the SA is bad, we will just wait the year.

Hi Kelly Welcome. I'm sorry to hear your IUI did not work. I hope the injectables and IUI work this month! I hope you don't have to be a member too long.

[scout]

Hannah Keep us posted!

Kelly'sgirl Welcome! I was sorry to read of your loss, and AF's arrival.

[Scooter]

Popping back in to see if anyone is around & what's been going on for you.

I'm kind of late with this, but
HGH, I'm so sorry about what you & your DH are going through. That sounds like it was really painful for him too & so scary!


So we're officially TTC#2, but since last cycle was anovulatory this is already going nowhere fast. Last week we met with our RE. She told us there is always a slight chance we could get pg on our own (at least someone's optimistic around here), but there is no reason to think it would be any easier this time, so we went ahead & made a treatment plan. I am not willing to wean DD earlier than a year, and even that makes me want to cry. I was hoping for 18-24mos of BFing, but she has to be weaned for 3 mos before we can start treatment. So I've compromised with 15mos, which is August, and then the next cycle I'll go in for bloodwork & an HSG, possible later hysteroscopy, and then we'll be back to injectables & IUIs again. It's so depressing having gone this road before and to know what we're in for again. We're trying on our own with charting for now. I know it's not good to start with such a bad attitude, but it's so hard to be optimistic.

[HGMorgann]

Hi Scooter,
I'm still here. Thanks for your kind words for my Dh. He is feeling 100% again and has a f/u with his urologist later this month and hopefully his urologist will agree to the SA with our reasoning. I'm sure DH didn't mention my IF issues to him last time.

I totally understand your thoughts on TTC and BF. I used Vitex for about 6 months to see if that would work again. I think with the combination of breastfeeding and already screwed up hormonal levels, it didn't do anything for me - but the normal side effects. DD is still nursing at almost 2 and honestly I have no idea HOW to wean if we wanted to pursue more treatments. If we get good SA results, I will seriously pursue weaning though. It makes me sad, but its time too.


I hope you don't have to wean and get a BFP without treatment.

[DianeCourt]

I guess I'd like to join for some support.

We just completed our 6th unsuccessful cycle of TTC #2. We conceived DD in four cycles, so I'm surprised that it's taking this long. I also think that last cycle ended in chemical pregnancy - I had a couple super faint BFPs, then started spotting. My LP is never longer than 13 days, and it was 14 days this last time before I started bleeding.

We're prepared to just keep at it until we reach the year mark, knowing that sometimes it just takes that long. But I'm worried in the back of my mind that something is wrong. I think our strategy from here on out is to continue charting, but only until I have a confirmed O. I don't ever want to go through what I just experienced this past week. I'd rather not know what my temperatures are, and just test in the event that AF is late.

[Scooter]

nak
How do I keep missing when this thread is updated?

HGM Did your DH have his appt? was he able to get an SA one? I hadn't thought of using vitex--I did try that before going to the RE last time, but only for a couple months so I don't think I gave it enough time. (I was trying to lengthen my LP.)

Diane, I'm so sorry about your miscarriage. :( I lurk sometimes in that other thread & saw you'd gotten some bfps. I can understand not temping during the 2ww, I think it helps the stress/obsession level anyway.


Nothing new to report here. I'm now on cycle #3 of TTC (almost month 4), have yet to ovulate, and my last cycle was 47 days. The clock is ticking down now, I have 5 mos for this to happen before I wean DD & go back for testing. It sounds like a good amount of time, but what if I only ovulate once or twice--it took 28 ovulatory cycles to conceive last time, our chances of conceiving on our own just seem ridiculously low.

[Pookie]

Hi Ladies,
I hope you don't mind if I join before we officially start TTC #2. We went thru unexplained IF with DS. It took 19 months and at least 1 m/c before I got pg. I do have thyroid issues, so I'm going in for b/w next week. We had thought about seeing what happens this cycle, but I'm just getting over pneumonia so we'll go with our original plan to wait for May. I was feeling like this time wasn't going to take as long, but now that we get closer I'm getting more and more nervous.

[Scooter]

Hi Pookie, I remember when we were both ttc#1 at the same time. :) I'm in a similar situation as you--unexplained the first time. I did't expect anything to be different this time either. Hope it happens soon for you and that you feel better after the pneumonia (yikes!).

[DianeCourt]

Welcome, pookie. I hope this time around you aren't kept waiting too long!

Scooter: Since I'm new around these parts, I don't think I'm totally up to speed on your background. Why do you have to wait so many cycles before you go back to the doc?

I'm in my 7th 2WW. As usual, our timing was good, so I'm hoping for the best. But it's hard to expect anything except disappointment. I think that putting the BBT away for this 2WW was a good move. I'm much more relaxed and time seems to be passing more quickly since I'm not fixated on my chart every single day.

I'm at the point where I'm debating when to head into the doctor to ask about secondary infertility. I talked to a good friend of mine who was an OB nurse this past weekend, and she urged to go in now since I'll be 30 soon and we've been TTC for 6 months. I don't know if I should do that, or give it a couple months, or what. I've come so close to picking up the phone to make an appt with my OB, but I chicken out. I'm afraid. Part of me also thinks "well maybe I'll be PG this cycle anyway." I don't know what to do. Any advice is appreciated.

[Scooter]

DianeC, well we could go back right now, but I can't have any treatment until 3 mos after weaning. DD is 11 mos and I'm still BFing her, so I'm planning to wean in August and then the following month start all the testing so in Nov we can start meds & IUIs again. We went back to the RE in Jan for a consult and laid out this plan.

You know, I'm 30 (for a few more days) too and my RE said that there's no reason to think my fertility has gone further downhill in the last couple years. If that makes you feel better! The rule of thumb is really 6mos of trying after you hit 35. But with charting it should be increasing your odds, so 7 cycles is really in that grey zone. But think about it, what could happen if you go to the OB? One one hand, they could tell you everythign looks good and keep trying until you hit the year mark, then come back. OTOH, they decide to run some blood tests for you or an SA for DH to check out what's going on. Depending on your insurance, they still may wait until the year mark to give you a referral to the RE. And even if you get the referral, it still could be a month or two before you get an initial consultation there. And then another month or two of testing before treatment. So going to the Dr does not mean this is all going to happen right away. HTH, I'd be glad to answer any questions. You mention being afraid of going to the OB, is there anything in particular you're scared about?

[DianeCourt]

You mention being afraid of going to the OB, is there anything in particular you're scared about?

I'm afraid of being told that we're indeed infertile somehow! Does that sound weird? I guess I'm still in denial that we might potentially need some help. And I'm wondering if last month's chemical pregnancy was just a fluke or if it's a sign of something bigger that's going on.

I've had a couple close friends that have gone through extensive IF treatments, and I'm afraid of all that goes along with that, too.

I'm also afraid of being told that I'm silly for worrying about all of this and to go away and "relax" for 6 more months. :rolleyes:

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to call now for an appointment. I mean, I don't even know how quickly I'll be able to get in. For annuals, they schedule months in advance. I had my annual last December, so that's not even a reason right now for me to go in.

Ah, I gotcha now on the weaning. I ended up FFing DD (not my first choice), so that wasn't a factor in our TTC #2.

[Pookie]

Scooter Hi. Can't believe it's time to TTC #2. It felt like I was getting my BFP with DS just yesterday. Hope it's faster for both of us this time.
Diane How about trying to get an appt for a month or 2? That way if it happens, it could end up being your first OB appt and if not, you can see if your OB will start the process for you. Also maybe ask the receptionist what the policy regarding IF consults is. For both my OB and RE, if you are under 35 you have to try for at least a year. However if you already have known IF issues(like myself), then it's 6 months.

If we end up trying for a Feb baby, the EDD would be around the 9th. Since I'll most likely end up delivering between 36-38 weeks, that would realistically mean a Jan EDD. That may be too early in the year for me due to professional reasons. At the this point, we may just see what happens next month. I mean it took 19 months for DS, but I guess anything is possible, right?

[MrsCantDecide]

I think this looks like a good place for me too.

It took me just over a year to get pg with DS #1. We never TTA after Lucas was born, and I started AF again in July '06. Since I was nursing, we just SWH. I had an early m/c in November (~5 1/2 weeks) and a 2nd in March (6w4d). Since I had had 2 m/cs, the doctor did a bunch of bloodwork on me, and I've got 2 problems -- thrombophelia -this will require some vitamins and baby aspirin and a thyroid problem which she wasn't sure of what that meant yet and it required a call to another doc.

I'm not even sure where I am in my cycle, because this is the m/c cycle, so I'm kind of just waiting for AF now.

Hope you guys don't mind me joining! :)

[Bucktown]

Hi Ladies, I still follow this thread since it seems I spent a whole lot of time in here and like to see how everyone is doing. I'm sorry to see that there are newcomers though. Secondary IF blows, diagnosed or not. Anyway, I wanted to respond to Misscantdecide. Your post caught my eye because of your thrombophilia & thyroid problems. I have the same issues. I clot while PG & I have no thyroid due to cancer. For the clotting, I'm on Lovenox 2x's daily (bloodthinner) and lovoxyl (thyroid meds). Seeing that you've had 2 m/c I would ask your OB if the vits & baby asprin are enough to be sure you are not clotting causing the m/c's. I have another friend who suffered through 4 m/c's before the doc put her on Lovenox and she is now 7 months pg.

Also, something I learned from my endocrinologist re: thyroid meds (if you wind up having to take them) to avoid the generic brand during pregnancy. I guess there are several companies that make the generic so that would mean that they aren't equally made. If one month you get the generic from XX company then the next XX company supplies it, it may be slightly different.

Maybe you've already discussed this with your OB but thought I'd mention it. I really hate to hear of women suffering through multiple m/c's if it could maybe have been prevented.

Good luck ladies! I wish you all the best!

[Scooter]

DianeC, your name always reminds me of Say Anything. :) Anyway, no, what you said does not sound weird at all. Going to the Dr is also admitting that you need help, and none of want to need help. And you will leave that office with the diagnosis "Infertility" on your paperwork, which is just so much more real when you see it in black & white. They might not say "relax" for 6 more mos, especially if you have specific things to be concerned about, but odds are in your favor that you will conceive on your own in the next 6 mos, so you could always give it a little more time. It's so hard to decide.

Pookie, I have been clinging to all the hopeful stories of people having primary IF & conceiving #2 right away.

MCD, I'm so sorry to hear about your miscarriages. :( Sounds like Bucktown had some great advice for you.


Well, we're coming to the end of month 4 of ttc, and there's just plain nothing going on. I'm so grateful that I'm able to enjoy DD, it really helps take my mind off of it right now so I don't go crazy.

[Mrs.Chappy]

hi guys, i'm de lurking, not joining, just want to get some questions answered. I can't seem to find a good place for me here but...
Last monday i found out i miscarried. iwas 10 wks..the baby was 8w4d. My d&c was last thurs..i'm still staining, sorry TMI. Does anyone know after you have a m/c or d&c what is the usuall time it takes to get AF again?
i know everyone is different... i never, before this, had an ounce of irregularity, not did i have any problems conceiving...it happened quickly both pregnancies. Im very scared to entertain the thought of becoming pregnant again in the future, however near or far that is. I just don't know what to expect from my body....if you know of another place better for me to post, please share. i'm just having a hard time figuring out where to go from here, but i do think i am falling under the category ''tough second'. thanks

[Pookie]

Mrs. Chappy Sorry to about your m/c.:( When I had mine (natural) I bled for about 2/3 weeks. My OB said to once my levels fell to 0 to count that as Day 1. I O'ed pretty early that cycle. My next AF was about 4ish weeks after my levels went to 0.

[ihearttx]

hi guys, i'm de lurking, not joining, just want to get some questions answered. I can't seem to find a good place for me here but...
Last monday i found out i miscarried. iwas 10 wks..the baby was 8w4d. My d&c was last thurs..i'm still staining, sorry TMI. Does anyone know after you have a m/c or d&c what is the usuall time it takes to get AF again?
i know everyone is different... i never, before this, had an ounce of irregularity, not did i have any problems conceiving...it happened quickly both pregnancies. Im very scared to entertain the thought of becoming pregnant again in the future, however near or far that is. I just don't know what to expect from my body....if you know of another place better for me to post, please share. i'm just having a hard time figuring out where to go from here, but i do think i am falling under the category ''tough second'. thanks


I somehow stumbled in here..we are not yet TTC#2 but I wanted to answer your question. I had a m/c at 11 weeks before I had DD. My baby stopped growing at 9 weeks. Anyway, I actually got AF exactly 4 weeks from the date of my m/c..so 28 days. I bled for 5 or so days after the m/c. That first cycle was really weird, but then the next one was normal and the third cycle after my m/c I got pregnant with DD. (eta: I had a d&c as well)

It is a very scary and upsetting time. I was very scared the entire pregnancy with my daughter. But I had extra monitoring and also rented a Babybeat to help ease my fears at any time.

I'm sorry for your loss.

[Mrs.Chappy]

ihearttx thank you, that helps alot. i just don't know what to expect and i'm the only one, that i know of IRL of my close friends who is going through this. at least i have some time reference. I go back to my OB on wed. I know that if/when we do try again, i will be a nervous wreck. how can you not be? i'm comforted knowing that you had a healthy baby the second time around. thanks for your support.

[Scooter]

MrsChappy, I'm sorry for your loss. :( Have you looked into the Miscarriage Support (http://www.constantchatter.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21130) thread? My miscarriage (before ttc#1) was natural, so I'm sorry I'm not much help with d&c experience.

[MrsCantDecide]

Mrs. Chappy ~ I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. *Big HUGS*

I also did not have a d & c, but I started bleeding 3/16, it lasted for 2 1/2 weeks, and then I just got AF again 4/17. My counts were 3 on 4/9.

Hope that helps.

[Scooter]

Well, another cycle has ended. I feel like I'm faking being "TTC" because we haven't had one opportunity to even attempt to conceive. We started TTC 4 months ago and I haven't O'd once. This is really getting depressing. :(

[DianeCourt]

Well, another cycle has ended.

Same here, Scooter. Cycle #8 commenced yesterday morning for us. UGH. I'm sorry to hear you're in the same boat. By the way, my screen name is not my real name, but one that I've chosen just for fun. I did get it from the movie! ;)

Mrs. Chappy: I'm so sorry about your miscarriage. I wish I could help you with your question, but it sounds like you've already gotten some good info here. I had a chemical pregnancy last month, which is not nearly the same as what you've just experienced. (In fact, I don't believe the medical community even considers a CP a true "miscarriage.")

Welcome, MrsCantDecide. I'm sorry for your loss as well. It must be frustrating & confusing to not know where you're at right now cycle-wise. I hope things return to normal for you soon.

Like I mentioned above, AF arrived like clockwork yesterday morning. It was my shortest cycle to date. I'm trying to console myself by thinking that we probably shouldn't have been TTC the cycle right after a chemical PG anyway. Anyhow, I think I've decided to wait until we reach the year mark to see my doctor. We'd like to try everything we can together before we jump into any tests or treatments. Also, I'm 29, so I think I can afford to wait a little longer.

[DianeCourt]

How is everybody doing? I'm in my 8th 2WW now. *sigh*

I bought a CBE monitor new off Ebay that I'm going to start using next cycle if this one's a bust, too. I don't know how much it'll help since I always O between cd15 & cd17, but I just want to try everything, you know? :rolleyes:

[Scooter]

This thread's been too quiet for too long!

Hey, DC, I was coming back to bump this up and realized I didn't see your last post! How is the CBEFM working for you?

Starting cycle 5 (month 6) over here, but nothing is new. Have yet to ovulate at all, although DD is now almost 13mos old. I'm planning to start the weaning process in a couple months, so hopefully that will help kick start my body. It is SO frustrating that AF decided to return but O didn't. I mean, if I'm not going to O, at least spare me AF, you know?! Sorry, I needed to come whine somewhere, and the Pity Party thread is more for primary IF I think... :(

[DianeCourt]

Sorry, I needed to come whine somewhere, and the Pity Party thread is more for primary IF I think... :(

I get that vibe, too, so I have yet to post there. Feel free to come in here & vent anytime! We all need to sometime, you know? I really hope you start to O soon on your own.

I think the monitor is working for me. I got HIGH readings on Saturday & Sunday and a PEAK reading today. I can't say that we're doing anything different than before in terms of timing (we always have good or better timing), but I'm hoping our bad luck streak ends in a couple weeks. I've decided to discontinue charting temperature while I'm using the monitor. For now I'm charting CM & monitor readings, and I don't miss taking my temp every morning. I think I sleep better at night knowing that I don't have to be up at a certain time to temp. I'm using up some OPKs from my previous cycles, so I'm using those as a cross-check for the monitor.

[MrsCantDecide]

Yeay for that peak reading DC.

Scooter ~ So sorry that your body just doesn't want to ovulate. That is very frustrating. You can vent away here.

**********
Me -- Well, I'm now taking 50 mg (mcg?) Synthroid, Folgard, Pre-Nats and baby aspirin. I have Chronic hypothyroidism (I have a goiter), thrombophilia and folic acid deficiency. I also had m/c #3 on 5/18.

Hope everyone is doing okay!

[DianeCourt]

MCD: I'm sorry again about your third m/c. I'm wishing you the best.

[Scooter]

MDC, I am so sorry. That is just horrible, I can't imagine how painful it must be. Hopefully that is the right combo for you and will help you keep a healthy pregnancy!

DC, I'm sure that other thread would be welcoming enough, but you never know. It's definitely too hard for me to join the TTC#2 thread, so it's this one or nothing, to me! I hope your monitor helps you so you can move on to the next part of the journey--pregnancy. :) Not temping makes so much sense, sometimes you just need a break from it and the monitor is giving you enough info.

[DianeCourt]

It's definitely too hard for me to join the TTC#2 thread, so it's this one or nothing, to me!

Thanks! You know, I have the same feelings about the TTC #2 thread. It's hard to be in there. It seems like so many women get PG on their first try! Maybe I'm imagining that, but they do seem to be an especially fertile group. And not like I'm looking for a ton of sympathy for our situation, but the charting thread is a more supportive place to be for me. I've thought about asking them to remove me from the TTC #2 thread a couple times, but I don't want it to look like I'm being a brat, or something. I'm happy for all of them, but sometimes it's just a reminder that something might be wrong with us. The charting thread is nice to let me stick around now even though I'm not charting any longer in the true sense of the word.

[waver]

I would like to join here.

I have been lurking around for over a month, reading and really wanting to post. But I kept thinking maybe I would get pg. This is my first ever post.

Anyhow...I think I would feel better to have some support. I found the pity party thread, but I worried that I would make other women feel badly.

MrsCantDecide I am so so sorry for your recent loss.

Scooter, please vent here too--I have many similar thoughts as you.

Dianecourt thank you for keeping this thread alive--though I sincerely hope that you do not need to much longer (am I making sense?).

I hope we all will not need to stay here long.

Me, I'm 35, with a son who is just 2. I have been TTC since 11/2006. So many frustrating things: I have excrutiatingly long cycles, 39-43 days. So when other women are O-ing and testing, and moving on while I'm still waiting and waiting to even O. Some of those cycles were anovulatory too, I think. Before TTC #1, my cycles were 25-26 days! I hated getting my period more frequently than other women, but now, when I could REALLY use shorter cycles, they are so damn long.

For my DS, we conceived the first month, actually the very first try. So I thought it would be pretty easy this time, and put off TTC #2 b/c I was worried they would be too close in age. Now I'm kind of feeling panicky b/c I am just getting older and having stupid thoughts that maybe the kids will be now too far apart in age.

In the beginning of this TTC, I kept thinking I was pregnant, so I would eat a LOT. The first time, I had awful morning sickness, so I wanted this time to load up and enjoy before. So every cycle, I've gained a couple of pounds, eating terrible junky snacky foods. In part b/c I'm down about all this too.

I also feel like I missed a good opportunity to get pg. January 2007, I had a perfect 29 day cycle, but we were out of town, and I was a little sick. So now I kind of feel like I missed my chance. At that time I thought that Jan would be the start of normal cycles, so I thought it would easy then. It was my second cycle after stopped BFing (my first cycle in Nov lasted 42 days). But since then, none of my cycles have been nice like that. I have wasted so much MONEY on pg tests, OKPs, and CBEFM test strips. The FM prompts me to check starting at day 11--last cycle I o'd apparently on day 30. I ended up stop testing. I may go to a physician soon, b/c I don't get HIGH readings on the FM, and the OPKs are so hard for me to interpret. I also just started charting last cycle (after reading the charting thread). I just got my period, so I know it won't even be until JULY before I ovulate!! Assuming I will actually Ovulate. ARRRGH!

Thank you for letting me get all of that off my chest. That was a lot longer than I intended.

[Scooter]

DC, I really doubt they would think you're a brat!! You have to do what's best for you, whether or not every single person in that thread understands it. It's good you find the charting thread helpful. Since I'm barely charting (just Billings method right now) and already spent about 2 years in that thread TTC#1 before finally just bowing out of it, I am avoiding that one, too. :p It's just too hard to see so many others being successful. Right now I'm doing pretty well not obsessing or getting too down about it most of the time.

waver, welcome, glad you came out of lurkdom! I hear you on the long cycles, my last one was just 44 days. It just means you have fewer chances than other women in the same amount of time. :( It sucks! It's great you started charting, so much cheaper than OPKs and FM strips. I would recommend buying some internet cheapie pg tests--you can go bankrupt with the off the shelf ones! Last time I bought like 20 pg tests online for $0.80 each, and they worked great. I got my first BFP with one, actually. If you're worried you could always make an appt with your ob/gyn, at least get your hormone levels tested to see if there's a reason your cycles are so irregular now. You've been trying long enough that you could even get a referral to a specialist if you want. I'm glad you came and vented!

What you're going through is too familiar! I still weigh what I did when I came home from the hospital after having DD! I am pretty sure that is down to still BFing, though I sure would have liked to be at my normal weight before getting pg again. And I had horrible m/s, too--hyperemesis that lasted through most of my pgcy. So maybe it is good to start with a few extra pounds.

For the last couple of nights we've been cutting out the 12am feeding. Last month we cut out the 3:30am feeding, so DD is now sleeping from 8:30 all the way until her 6:30am feeding!! This is a huge step, and I've just been following her lead. I'm getting my hopes up about this long stretch at night maybe being the trigger for my body to start Oing again. :)

[DianeCourt]

Welcome, waver! Thanks for sharing your experiences. It looks like we started TTC #2 about the same time. I can imagine how frustrating it must be to have long cycles. Please come in here to vent anytime. I think secondary infertility is such a unique situation that it helps to have other women in the same boat to share stuff with. We will understand! :)

I'm lucky in that I do have very regular cycles. But that's frustrating, too, because I can't figure out what our problem may be. I ovulate on one of the same three days every month. My luteal phase is ALWAYS 13 days long (only exception being the month I had the chemical pregnancy). So what the hell is wrong, then? God, it's frustrating. FF has given us "Good" or "High" ratings on intercourse timing every month. Sometimes I wonder if DH has an unknown problem, you know? But then again, it only took us 4 cycles to conceive DD. Whatever the problem is, did we just get incredibly lucky when we were TTC #1? My head just spins thinking about all of it.

[waver]

Thank you Scooter and Dianecourt for your warm welcomes! I was just thinking today how grateful I was to find a support. I am very reluctant to talk about it for fear of sounding ungrateful and whiney. I am scared of the response people might have to my complaining about this. So many people around me are pg. I did mention to my best friend, but I didn't feel that she heard me. Which is a little surprising for me, b/c she had male factor infertility and just had twins via IVF, which wonderfully was successful the first try. She did go through many other interventions first. I am actually ok with her not really getting it, b/c I know she is just totally exhausted.

Scooter Thank you for your tips on the tests. I keep thinking I am going to get pg quickly, why waste money for economy sized stuff, but now it is costing more than if I started that way.

That is wonderful good news that your daughter is sleeping so well! From all I've read, that will definitely help with your periods and ovulation. Plus you are sleeping better and more regularly (I hope!).

Dianecourt I am wondering the same as you, what is going on? Saying your head spins is such a good way to describe it. I think I was really lucky the first time. Now I just hate having to think or read about the "odds" (of conception). My DH tries to put the big picture that with time, really the odds are that we will get pg. Good luck this month!!

[Scooter]

DC, I understand that confusion and frustration. Before DD were were diagnosed with unexplained IF, so I was always grasping at straws as to why it wasn't working for us. Some undiagnosed problem, something we were doing wrong, whatever. And to top it off we'd had an "oops" pregnancy with birth control about 7 mos before we started trying (chemical pregnancy) so we were so sure we'd have no problem conceiving. :rolleyes:

Waver, I'm sorry about your friend's reaction not giving you the support you need. Hopefully she'll think about it and next time be more encouraging. Thanks on the sleeping thing--I'm excited! Of course, DD's also in the process of getting 4 or 5 teeth at once right now, so last night regressed a little and nursed a couple times, but I'm hoping that overall I'll notice the difference on my chart. Maybe I can even start temping again!

[kemorr]

Well, I might tag along for the ride. DH and I are starting to talk about #2 now. It took 18 months, 6 failed IUIs, an HSG, a laparoscopy, hysteroscopy and one thankfully successful IVF to conceive DD - who is 71/2 months old. We haven't been preventing since DD was born but AF only returned 30 days ago (and still waiting for her re-arrival, negative HPT of course!), so didn't expect much until her return. Last time, before we started with the RE, I was charting, using OPKs and a fertility monitor and emotionally I just can't do that again. We're not going back to the RE until September or October but will just BD "around day 14" until then. I'm not really expecting this to be successful but I guess you never know. I hate that I'm already anxious about this again. I feel like I got such a short break from feeling infertile, but until we have all the kids we want (if that should happen), I don't think those feelings will ever leave.

[Scooter]

Kemorr, welcome! I can absolutely relate to everything you wrote. After spending 2.5 yrs TTCing the first time, it's really upsetting to think about doing it all over again. Of course, now we'll be on the fast track with treatments and know exactly what protocol to jump to, but it's still so frustrating. We also don't really think BDing is going to work, but we're still planning to try it just in case a miracle happens. I wish you luck in your attempts. Have you consulted with your RE yet? Do you have any frozen embryos waiting for you? We're also going back around that time--my HSG should be in Sept or Oct, I'm pretty sure we'll do a hysteroscopy the next month, and then start a treatment cycle hopefully by December.

[kemorr]

Scooter - I remember you from the SAI and IVF threads - we were TTC #1 at the same time. I remember that we did our first IUI with injectible cycles in the same month - mine was unfortunately not successful ;)

We don't have any frozens waiting for us. I was upset about this when we went through the IVF, but hard to be too devastated, as the cycle worked. However, now I really, really wish we had frozens, it would potentially make the process for #2 easier. We had a lot of embryos but my clinic only freezes on day 5 and only freezes top quality, so unfortunately none were good enough.

I haven't been back to the RE. At our last appointment, we did speak briefly about the plan for #2. He basically said we'd just repeat the IVF cycle to a T. Can I ask why your RE recommended an HSG and hysteroscopy before you start up again? I'm assuming you had these tests before your DD, does your RE think pregnancy could have changed things dramatically? I am dreading going through those again. The HSG was the most painful thing I have ever experienced (labor and delivery included!!) and I really hope to not have to experience that again. I'm torn about it though, because I wonder if doing them would increase the chances of the next cycle being successful.

Although our original plan was to wait to return to the RE until we were ready to start, I might think about going earlier just to get a plan in place and also to see what my hormones are up to. I've never had long cycles before and here I am, day 32, so obviously the old cycle hasn't quite returned back to normal!

Thanks for your good wishes and good luck to you too!

[Scooter]

kemorr, I remember you, too! It's funny our attempts at #2 are ending up in the same time frame, again.

We had the consult in January, because AF came back for me just before New Years. And I felt better with a plan in place. The only reason we're waiting until Fall is because I didn't want to wean DD that much earlier than planned, and our RE said I have to wean at least 3 mos before a treatment cycle. I had some uterine polyps removed when I did my lap in '04, and the cycle I got pg they thought they saw another one forming during a follie check u/s. The plan at the time was to do a hysteroscopy the following month, then go on BCP to start the IVF cycle. I believe yet another polyp is back, based on spotting in my charts, which is why I'm thinking we'll need the hysteroscopy. The HSG is not only to check that, but my Dr said that sometimes the placenta rubbing around in there can cause very fine scar tissue "like cobwebs," and that should be visible on an HSG. The hysteroscopy would address that issue as well, and she said that tissue is easily removed.

I'm with you, the HSG was one of the hands down worst medical experiences I've ever been through. It was so painful that I was sick afterwards and almost fainted trying to leave the hospital. It was really horrible. They couldn't get the catheter through the cervix. BUT I discussed it with my wonderful RE, and she said that because I gave birth and the cervix dilated that far, it should definitely make it easier this time--it'll relax a bit more. I did ask for a prescription of a cervix softener to use ahead of time. I've also got a lab slip here to do on cd2 or 3 of my first cycle after weaning--estradial, FSH, LH, TSH, prolactin. Hope all that info is useful to you! What was it about your HSG that was so awful, was it the catheter or the dye?

[kemorr]

Hi Scooter

The entire HSG experience was a nightmare. I remember feeling moderate pain during the catheter insertion (which also took 2-3 tries for me) and then major, major cramping and abdominal pain when they did the dye. I had taken Advil before the test but it made absolutely no difference. I think it was worse because I was all alone and pretty tense. People should have to go to a Lamaze class for the HSG! It didn't help that the radiology tech, who I'm sure was just trying to be nice, kept saying "just a little cramping" and "it'll only last a minute, not too bad!" I felt like tying her down and making her experience the test so that she'd have a little more concept of what it actually felt like. However, both my hysteroscopy and the HSG were completely normal - I had some endo removed at lap but everything within the uterus was pretty normal.

Thanks for the info about the placenta caused scar tissue. I'll definitely ask my RE about that when I see him.

I was hoping that my cycles would return to normal immediately, to at least give us some chance of doing this naturally, but as that is so far not the case, I may head to the RE early for the lab work. It might take a little convincing for DH though, he's still not quite comfortable going back as early as fall, but I keep reminding him it could take a long time again!

[DianeCourt]

kemorr: Welcome to the thread! I hope you can find the support you need here.

I decided to test this morning on a whim since it's Father's Day. I'm happy to announce that I got a positive pregnancy test this morning. I hope it sticks. Thanks for your support over the past several months, ladies. It meant a lot to me and I truly wish you all the best.

[waver]

Congratulations DianeCourt! That is wonderful news! Congratulations!

Hi Kemorr! These long cycles are new for me, too. You and Scooter have set plans, that is so good. I hope that you won't need interventions this time.

No news for me...just waiting, in the boring part of my hopefully somewhat normal cycle.

[albuquerque]

OMG, Diancourt!!! (Sorry, all, I follow along on this thread because I sooooo want to see news like this, I hope nobody minds me lurking!) That's WONDERFUL news!!!

[MrsCantDecide]

Congratulations Diane!!!! I know you waited a long time for this!!

Welcome waver and kemorr!! Good Luck to both of you!

Scooter so you already have a plan of action for this fall? That's great! Hopefully it'll get here before you know it. Hope the weaning goes well. My DS didn't even notice! :p


Me... Well, I've been taking pg tests since 8 or 9 dpo, and I got a bfp on Father's Day too. I have to say though, after 3 miscarriages I am NOT excited at all. :( I'm just looking at the calendar wondering when the miscarriage will happen this time. I so hope that's not the case though!

[DianeCourt]

MCD: Congratulations! Is your doctor doing anything different/special in an attempt to give you the best chance of sticky pregnancy this time around?

[cr8zyforaf]

I would like to join. It took 16 months with DD #1. We've been unofficially trying for awhile now and nothing...and my periods have gone from bad to worse...I bleed for three weeks on and off, which can't be good. I've made an appointment with the RE I was seeing with TTC#1.

MCD - congrats

[Pookie]

Congrats Diane and MCD!!!!

Well this was suppose to be our first official month of TTC. I got my first high readings on the FM. Since we were in a hotel this weekend with DS, DH decided he didn't feel comfortable bding. Hopefully I wouldn't get peak readings until this weekend, but this is starting to bring back going thru IF with DS. It took us 19 months and a m/c so I'm just scared that's going to be the result again. I really want kids 3 years apart, not so much more. Also according to the FM, it looks like I'm oing on cd 18. Does anyone know if this is a problem?

[kemorr]

Congrats Diane and MCD. Hope it sticks for you MCD!

Well, AF finally showed up, so my first post partum cycle was 36 days long, hopefully this second one will be normal. I made an appointment with my RE to formulate a plan, we won't be starting any interventions until the fall but decided to go in earlier just in case RE wants to do any testing/procedures before starting the cycle.

Pookie - Although o'ing on day 18 is not "normal", it's not too bad. At least you're ovulating. I have read that late ovulation can result in a poor quality egg, but I don't think 4 days late would be a big deal. The important thing is that you know when it is happening so that you can BD at the right time.

[MrsCantDecide]

Diane ~ Thanks! I'm going to see a high risk doctor next Monday (4w5d) and I've gotten betas drawn twice and I'm on progesterone this time as well. :)

crazy ~ Thanks!

pookie ~ Thanks! O'ing on CD 18 shouldn't be a problem. I O'ed on CD 18 for my March pregnancy and CD 19 for this one. I think my DS was a CD 18 baby actually! :)

kemorr ~ thanks! Good Luck with your testing!


~~~~~~
My beta's have gone up as they were supposed to, so officially so far this is a sticky pregnancy. :) Good Luck to all of you!

[Scooter]

I know I posted here the other day, but I'm not seeing it anywhere! Grr.

DC and MCD, Congratulations to you both!! What great Father's Day gifts. I hope you're both feeling well.

MCD, that is great you're on the progesterone and feeling more positive.

Kemorr, good luck with the new cycle, I hope it evens out for you soon. Are you breastfeeding? I can't believe how much the dye hurt you during the HSG, that is horrible. Did the RE have any idea why it was so painful--blocked tube or anything? I wonder if it was partially blocked but the dye cleaned it out.

waver, hope you end up with a normal cycle, too!

cr8zyforaf, hi there, this is like an old SAI reunion. :) What an odd situation with your cycles and periods, I hope the RE can help you figure out what's going on. When's your appt?

Pookie, A cd18 O is a little late, but I don't think the egg quality suffers that much in only those 4 days. However, just something to think about, my RE told me that my cd17-19 Os are indicative of somewhat weak ovaries. The ovaries aren't making good quality, mature eggs in the right time frame. That's her best guess for me as to why we don't easily get pregnant. It may be different for you, but I thought I'd put the info out there! Good luck with your FM!

[cr8zyforaf]

Scooter - Thanks. Yes, a SAI reunion. No appointment yet - for some reason, I am dragging my feet. I am in a "I want to see if I can do this on my own" phase. I am still spotting on and off and I know I should just go ahead and bite the bullet but I just dread the whole process.

Pookie - I o'd on CD 20 with DD - I am a late ovulator with long cycles. I did get pregnant on my own with DD, but I did have my HSG that month which my RE said could have been a contributing factor.

If I am still bleeding on Monday - I am going to make the appointment...if not, I will try again this month and if it is unsuccessful, I will then make the appointment.

[Pookie]

cr8zyforaf My DS was also an HSG baby, so it makes me wonder even though I did get pg on my own if I really can, KWIM?
MCD Congrats.

It looks like I o'ed on cd 17 this month insead of cd 18. I'm not sure how good our timing was, though. It's strange, but I feel like I'm already have FPS. If this isn't our cycle, I think I'll call my OB about starting Clomid again.

[Scooter]

cr8zyforaf, I hear you, it's hard to jump back in to that process when you know already what it is like. It's easier to think it'l just all work out on its own. So did you have to make an appt yesterday?

Pookie, good luck this cycle! Oing a day earlier than usual is a good sign.

Yesterday a friend told me she's pregnant--our DDs are only a few weeks apart. The news definitely made me feel a twinge of jealousy and sadness, but I think I'm still in a pretty good place about it all right now. I have the feeling that if I were actually Oing with regular cycles it would be a lot more upsetting, but somehow not having that 2ww emotional rollercoaster is helping me keep sane about all the time passing. And now that DD is walking more she's been keeping me (very) busy so I'm not thinking about it all the time.

[waver]

Congratulations Misscan'tdecide! It is always good to hear good news in this forum.

Welcome crazyforaf! As my cycles are so dang long, it is encouraging to hear that you conceived on day 20. Did your bleeding end ok?

Scooter Ugh, I know how you feel. That is very difficult, especially with a child the same age as yours. Every other day, it seems, friends or aquaintances are showing up or announcing pregnancy. I actually know their due dates before they tell me, since I'm keeping track of all the dates, you know.

Pookie Yay! for the earlier O! Nice to meet you, btw. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

Me too! I O'd probably CD 23 (instead of CD 29-32). A whole week earlier, but still very late. I read on the other thread about pomegranate juice, which I bought today and drank, but I think I started too late. I haven't had any ewcm this cycle, unfortunately, so this time may be a bust.

[cr8zyforaf]

Pookie - good news about the earlier O. I will keep my fingers crossed. yes, there is this feeling this time - I want it to happen naturally.

Scooter - yes, it is tough hearing that our friends are getting pregnant. My friend with a DD the same age as Ash had her baby on Thursday - I went and saw him on Saturday - i was happy but sad at the same time.

Bleeding stopped and I did get a positive OPK (CD 18 I think) on Saturday so we BD all weekend and now i just wait which stinks. At least I am ovulating, right?

[cr8zyforaf]

waver - sorry, I missed your post. I will keep my fingers crossed for you. I don't think I had ewcm the cycle I conceived DD...so it might not have been a bust.

mrscan'tdecide - Congrats! Please keep us posted on your appointment!

[Pookie]

I hear you Ladies on having so many friends have #2. I feel like so many people I know had a baby after me and are already pg/ or have delivered. I'm happy for them, but at the same time it really brings back all of the hard feelings from going thru IF with DS 3 years ago.
cd 28 here. I broke down and tested yesterday - BFN. Since my cycles are usually 33 days I guess I really still have to wait another 5 days or so. We're leaving for a trip tomorrow so I'm kind of concerned about how that will work out. I'm hoping to call and tell my OB that I want to start Clomid again, but just worried about how the timing will work out if AF shows up early.

[Scooter]

Waver, I've never heard of drinking pomegranate juice for TTC, what is it supposed to do?

cr8zyforaf, yes, be thankful you're ovulating!! Good luck in the 2ww.

Pookie, sorry about hte BFN, even if it is probably early. Never nice to see that blank test line. :( Have a nice vacation!


This is now officially our 7th month of TTC #2, although I haven't O'd or had one 2ww yet. :( DD nightweaned herself (yay!) last month, so I was really hoping this cycle would be different. And yet here I am on cd31 still waiting to O. And that thread on TTC while BFing is not raising my spirits, seeing how many of them say that nightweaning was the key or they just magically got pg without doing anything different. I'm sick of always being in the minority about this kind of thing. :mad:

[waver]

Scooter, I think on the Charting thread, there were a couple of success stories with pomegranate juice. I guess it increased their ECWM. I thought, oh well, why not? I think it tastes tart and yummy, like cran juice or jamaica juice. I have to add water b/c it tastes so concentrated, which is a good thing; this stuff is not cheap.

I am so sorry that you are not O-ing. That sounds so frustrating to not yet O. I don't know if this makes you feel better, but I didn't O until I finished BF/pumping completely at 17 months. I night weaned around 9 months (no night pumping either). And I think that is true of many women, that is, you may not be in the minority on that.

Pookie RATS about the BFN. With longer cycles, there is seemingly so much more time to test. Ugh. If indeed AF comes, I hope you can catch your MD so you can start Clomid.

cr8zy4af Yay for o'ing, and having *time* over the weekend (isn't it just so much better timing when it is on a weekend?!) Gook luck.

I am in 1 ww, 8dpo. My breasts feel a little sore, but they always are in the 2ww. I'm tired, but then I always am. Seriously lately, I take 2-3 hour naps on the weekend, every cycle, prompting me to think that I am pg. I never was tired like this before pg. Of course, there is a little tike these days...

have a good holiday everyone!

[Scooter]

Waver, thanks! That's good to know, I hadn't heard that before. I'd heard about grapefruit juice and carrot juice, but I guess pomegranate can be added to that list! Ruby red grapefruit juice gave good results, but I never tried carrot. That's the progesterone getting to you in the 2ww. It really makes you exhausted! How old is your DC? Hope this week flies by for you.


Hey, anyone else interested in having stats at the beginning of this thread? I don't know about you guys, but my memory is not back to normal yet and I can't remember everyone's situation and history and plans off the top of my head. Let me know--if there's interest I can just restart the thread and put some info up front.

[Pookie]

Scooter I think stats would be cool.
Waver I hear ya on the FPS. I was soo sure I was nauseaus due to them this time.
AF showed up today to start off the first day of our trip.:mad: I'm hoping I'll be able to get ahold of my OB tomorrow. I can't remember what days are typical to take Clomid? I think I remember starting on cd3? It's been more than 3 years and my memory is hazy. We wouldn't be back until cd 4, but hopefully she can call something in here?

[Scooter]

Pookie, sorry, what a terrible way to start a trip. :(

The usual days for clomid are cd3-7 or cd5-9. Would your doctor have you start the cycle without an ultrasound first?

[Pookie]

Scooter Sorry about the no O yet. It is frustrating when things seem to go a certain way for others, too.

I got ahold of my OB while we were on vacation. She called in Clomid for me to start. I'm taking it cd3-5. Her protocal is an u/s on cd 12. I never had to do Clomid after starting with the RE, so I'm not sure of any other protocals? I'm really hoping DH's schedule will be better for this month. It's so frustrating when timing doesn't work out. I'm already feeling the effects of the mood swings, though.:rolleyes: I told DH he'd better watch out!

[Scooter]

Well, AF came right after I posted last time. I'm just going to hope that this cycle is the one where something finally changes.

Pookie, Good luck with the clomid and the timing this month! Hopefully the side effects won't be too bad for you.

On the protocol thing--the standard protocol for clomid (or femara or injectables) starts out with a cd3 u/s to check for cysts before you get the go-ahead for starting the meds. The ovarian-stimulation meds put you at risk for having a cyst burst or for developing them, and with clomid the average is one cycle in every four causes cysts. If you're going to stick with being treated by your OB instead of an RE while you're on clomid, you could always talk to her about doing a cd3 check if there is a next cycle, just as a precaution. :)

[Pookie]

Scooter Sorry about AF showing. Hopefully this will be the "lucky" cylce for both of us. Thanks for the Clomid info. I'll ask her about that when I have my u/s.

I'm really frustrated with my OB's office right now. I called today to see if I should come in on Monday or Friday since cd 12 falls on Sunday. The nurse didn't call me back, so I called the receptionist and just picked Monday. She wouldn't schedule me since they'll have to "work me" and needed me to leave another message for the nuse to schedule it. I called and third time and left another message for the nurse. It's just annoying because I'm going to need to find a sitter for DS and also I need to be able to give work my availabitily as well. ggrrrrrr

[waver]

scooter sorry about AF. I hope this new cycle will be more normal.

pookie I feel frustrated for you. I sometimes feel that some obs just get used to all these things that are so very important to the rest of us.

Me, well, I guess I have, well I don't know. I have been rather quiet, b/c I had a very faint BFP 2 days ago, 12dpo, but it got fainter yesterday, and possibly a little darker, but still really faint today.

The real problem is, I'm having a lot of cramping the last 2 days, so much so that last night I woke up from the pain twice. After the first time, I tossed and turned fitfully, until I was so exhausted I started to fall asleep, only to have another sharp pain wake me up again. Today the cramps went down, but all day today a slight, boring right pelvic pain. No bleeding, but I feel cold, but I don't have a fever. In fact, my last couple of temps are low (still above cover), maybe because my sleep has be erratic.

Anyhow, I have an appt tomorrow afternoon (they offered today and I said no--I'm in denial). I keep telling myself that it is probably nothing. But the doc and my husband are worried. The nurse said that there is no reason she can think of why I should be having these pains. I didn't have anything like this the first time. My DH offered to come with the appt in case they have to do something (he's thinking ectopic, with Methotrexate) and that just made me burst into tears. Obviousy, i have serious hormone and lack of sleep issues right now. i really was fine all day, but I can't ignore these twingey pains.

I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow. Sorry for the overreacting.

[waver]

No news really. The MD used the vaginal u/s, and couldn't see a sack anywhere, tubes or uterus. She said the lack of sack could be normal at this stage--i guess about half the time they are present. My cramps are better today, and I don't have chills anymore.

So I had my betas drawn, to be redrawn in 2 days. We'll see, I guess.

[Pookie]

Waver Please keep us updated. I'll be thinking good and sticky thoughts for you.

I finally got ahold of the nurse yesterday. Supposedly she tried leaving a message for me the day before.:rolleyes: My u/s is scheduled for next Tuesday, which is kind of good since DS will be at PDO. I finished my Clomid last night. Today I got a high sign on the FM. I don't usually get a high this soon in the cylce, so I'm wondering if it's just the Clomid in my system? DH will be home tomorrow morning, so I'm hoping for better timing this time.

[Pookie]

Well I had my u/s today. It didn't look that great, especially considering when we did Clomid last time it always looked great. There's nothing going on on my right side. She said there was some possibilities on my left, but not as great as she'd like considering cd14, but still possibilities. She said to keep up with the bding for the next 10 days every other day, so hopefully DH's schedule will cooperate with that. I was actually pretty bummed. We'll be able to do another 3 or so cycles before moving onto the RE again, but still I was sooo hoping it would happen easier this time.

[waver]

Pookie I am sorry the u/s news couldn't be better. I hope that you will get pg soon and not need further interventions.

Last week my betas turned out pretty good, so I think it is finally sinking in.

I hope you don't mind that I will sometimes check in here.

Good luck mamas!

[Scooter]

Waver, congrats, that's great news that your betas are looking better! They usually have to wait for them to get to a certain level (about 1000-3000 IIRC) before they can see anything on the u/s, so that's such limbo to be in! Have they been able to see the sac yet?

Pookie, sorry to hear about your OB frustrations and the poor clomid response. :( Is this cycle a Clomid Challenge Test? Did she start you on the same dosage that worked last time for you? Ugh, that's so upsetting it isn't doing what it was supposed to do!


Things are same old same old around here. CD14 with nothing going on. As my self-imposed deadline of weaning in August approaches, I find myself becoming bitter about having to do it to give DD a sibling. And also panicked at how she's going to take not nursing anymore. We're down to 4 times a day, and I think I can easily get her down to 3, but I just don't know how to cut it out completely. Especially before bed/nap. And I'm so angry that I have to do that to her, but I know how much she is going to love having a sibling. AGH so conflicted!!

[cr8zyforaf]

waver - congrats. This is great news and I will keep my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Pookie - I am so sorry.

Scooter - sorry about the weaning situation. I can imagine how hard that must be.

Well, I POS yesterday- BFN. I am on CD36 and still no period - however, I do have spotting which is typical - I wish AF would just come on instead of days of spotting. Next cycle is a bust as DH is traveling for work and I am taking DD to the beach with my family for a week. I so wanted to be pregnant before DD's 2nd birthday. I think I will finally bite the bullet and call my doctor - I just wanted to do this on my own this time.

[MMH]

Joining you all...

Hi ladies, I'm new here! I've been posting in the TTC #2 thread for a while now, 6 months to be exact. I figure it's time to start seriously thinking about our next steps. I have my annual exam in a couple weeks and I want to be prepared to ask the right questions.

A couple questions for you experts out there -

What are the next steps in TTC? I know it's only been 6 months, but I want to be prepared.

Are there any questions that I should ask my OBGYN about TTC #2?

Thank you in advance ladies, it's so nice to get helpful feedback and to know that we aren't the only ones having a hard time.

[Pookie]

MMH Welcome. I hope your stay here is short. Most OB's will require you to wait a full year unless there are other know issues. My OB did not require us to wait that long since we had IF with DS. Usually they will test for things like progesterone level, thyroid functions, etc, SA for DH. Some will then move onto Clomid.
Cr8zyforaf I so hear ya on wanting to get pg on my own this time, but I finally realized I wanted to get pg now more than I wanted to do it on my own. Sorry about the BFN. Long cycles are sooo frustrating.
Scooter Good luck to you this month. I think we may be cycle buddies. I'm on cd 16 here.
Waver So excited for you.:) Please do check in on us here. I love seeing success stories from people who have struggled with getting pg.

Cd16 here and still waiting to O. I'm having a hard day here. I found out 2 IRL people are pg, both on first try. I'm also so mad at myself for feeling that way. After going thru IF with DS, I promised myself that regardless of anything else I was blessed to have DS. Not that I'm not thrilled for others, but I wish it was easier to hear others good news.

[Scooter]

cra8zyforaf, Sorry about the BFN. :( So disappointing to have to call the doctor.

MMH, welcome! Perfect timing, too--I just put a sticky thread up in the Infertility forum that has categories and links that should help answer all your questions. I see in your profile that you're under 35. That means that unless you have a specific issue you're aware of, you would need to try for 12 months before you can get tested and see a specialist. Is there anything specific you are concerned about? Luckily most couples conceive within the first 12 months of trying, so you still have a good chance of not needing to see the doctor at all. :)

When you go to your ob/gyn, I'd suggest asking about where she/he would refer you after you've been trying a year. Some women like to be tested and treated by their ob/gyns, but it's extremely rare/unheard of for a regular ob/gyn to treat you with as much skill and care as you would get with an RE (reproductive endocrinologist). Basically, REs are ob/gyns who specialize in infertility, so they're really the ones to see to begin testing, get a diagnosis, and be treated. The usual first steps are cd3 bloodwork to check hormone levels, an HSG between AF and cd10, and possible 7dpo bloodwork to check progesterone (although that may not happen until your first medicated cycle). Based on these results the RE would be able to tell you your probably diagnosis, do any further testing or procedures necessary, and then give you a treatment plan. HTH!

Pookie, Yeah, we're cycle buddies for now, but I bet my cycle is going to be long and screwy. :rolleyes: Sorry the clomid didn't work for you this month. Is your doctor going to change the dosage next cycle? I'm sorry about your friends getting pg, that's so hard. I just had to have a friend tell me the other day--someone who KNOWS we're having trouble--that her DH had to "get snipped" because she gets pregnant whenever he looks at her and they already have 4 kids. I told her not to complain to me about it. :mad:

[Pookie]

Scooter I have long cycles, too, but maybe this will be the good month for both of us.:) My OB will change Clomid for next month based on what my progesterone tests say. According to my FM and OPK's I did O/ are O'ing today, so we'll see. I have a feeling my O's aren't very strong and my LHs seem to be pretty short, though.

I totally hope I didn't jinx myself today. We were at a local kid's store and they were having a sale, so I bought DS a "Big Brother" shirt. I made sure to buy it big, but now I'm thinking maybe that wasn't the smartest thing to do.:rolleyes:

[cr8zyforaf]

Pookie - don't be mad for feeling that way - totally normal IMO. I feel the same way. SIL is pregnant and we had a family event to go to Saturday - I was p*ssed the whole time because she was the center of attention and everyone talked baby/pregnancy the whole night. I will keep my fingers crossed for you this cycle.

scooter - so sorry about your friends comment. I know how bad that kind of stuff can hurt - why does everyone around us get pregnant at the sight of sperm?? Frustrating.

I am just waiting for my period to end..this cycle is a bust because I will be out of town for O....so I am just not going to worry about it until I get back.

[Chelsea524]

Joining in if thats ok...

We've been TTC #3 for almost a year and a half. I don't O on my own so I have been on Clomid, just started my 6th and final round of clomid a couple days ago, if this doesn't work then we move on to something else, not sure what that is yet. RE wants to move to IUI but DH will not do that, just fertility meds alone are hard for him to agree to, he feels like if its not ment to be then it just won't happen, I don't agree with this but I do respect his thoughts so no IUIs for us. I am really not sure what the next step will be, I am hoping that maybe we could move on to trigger shots with timed BDing but I'm not sure what med we will try to get me to O, this is all very new to me, I never really looked beyond Clomid because I just thought it was going to work.

I hadn't joined before because this was going to be our last cycle trying before we called it quits but now we have agreed to keep trying until the end of the year.

[Pookie]

Chelsea Welcome. Hope your stay here is short. First I'm assuming your RE has done testing with you, HSG, blood work, SA for DH to rule things out, etc. Also have your Clomid rounds been back to back or with breaks in between? Most OB's and RE's will only do 3-4 rounds before having you take a break to for your body to regulate and allow your lining to build back up. Again, I'm not sure how your RE's protocal works. I started out with my OB and did 3 rounds of Clomid when TTC #1, had a m/c with cycle #2. When I started with the RE, I had a month off and then we did the HSG. The IUI would've been scheduled for the month or so after that with Clomid. I've heard most people move onto injectables after that. A friend of mine used Metaformin to get pg. Hope this helps.
Cr8zyforaf Hope this cycle is fast for you. My DH is gone quite a bit for work, so I know how hard it is to know already things aren't going to be favorable.
Pretty sure I o'ed over the weekend, but who knows. I just feel like this cycle is really long this time. I'm really going to try to hold out testing until the 31st, but I have such a hard time with that.:rolleyes:

[Chelsea524]

Thanks Pookie, we have had all the blood tests done and all that fun stuff, DH refuses to do a SA but the dr is ok with that for now since he has gotten me pg twice before. I go back to the dr on Thursday for a follie check so I will be asking him what our options are for next month.

[Pookie]

Chelsea Good luck on Thursday.

10dpo, BFN this morning, I've been feeling AF's cramps coming on since last night. I've also been in a really fabulous mood.:rolleyes: I'm leaving DS at PDO the whole time todays so he doesn't have to be around me. Heck, I don't really want to be around myself right now.;) My progesterone test came back good, but the nurse told me to "think positive.":mad: If just thinking positive would get me pg, there would be no problem. On the positive side, I had to have a chest xray to do for sinus/ allergy issues so I wasn't too worried about the radiation. My OB will do another 2-3 Clomid cycles with us before we move onto the RE. I'm kind of contemplating only doing another cycle (maybe 2) and then just heading straight for the IUI. DH says it's up to me. What do you Ladies think? It took 19 months to conceive DS and I just really don't want to wait this long again.

[cr8zyforaf]

Pookie - I am so sorry. I just watned to chime in - why don't you go right to the RE..cut the OB out - when I discussed this with my OB when trying to get pregnant with DD, OB wanted me to go right to the RE - she would have done all the tests and put me on Clomid but felt it more effective to send me right to the RE..when I met with the RE..we did all the tests and we were just waiting for AF to show up so I could start the process for my first IUI (which of course, never happened because right after the HSG, I got pregnant)...I agree with you - don't wait - go directly to RE.

Chelsea - welcome. Good luck on Thursday.

I am out of the game this cycle...it is just too upsetting. I am taking DD to the beach on the 10th...then when I come back, I hope to have a fresh attitude and a game plan. I won't think about it until then, or at least I will try not to think about it.

[Pookie]

So I'm totally freaking out here, red spotting started 2 days ago. I've had AF cramps and was sure she was on the way that I had my OB call in Clomid. For some reason, it didn't feel right to pick it up last night. This morning I took another HPT just to be sure, BFP. Between DS and my m/c, I've never gotten a BFP so early. I'm still spotting and cramping, but I'll be getting betas drawn today and Saturday. To be honest so far things seem more like my m/c than my pg with DS, though, so I'm trying really hard not to get my hopes up.

[cr8zyforaf]

pookie - I will be thinking of you and praying for the news you so want to hear. Please keep us posted.

[Pookie]

Today was a huge emotional rollercoaster for me. Turns out I had a false BFP, which I'm totally confused about since it was a digitital test. Does anyone know if Clomid can cause that, although this is my 4th Clomid cycle and that has never happened before. I'm so totally confused by my body right now. I've heard of false negatives, but not false positives. Makes me feel like I'll never trust another HPT again. My betas were less than 1 and the nurse said they need to be more than a 5. We're kind of at a crossroads right now with TTC. My OB called in the Clomid script for 6 months. Totally responsible of her to do with no monitoring.:rolleyes I really don't want my life to revolve around TTC again as much as it did with DS. We're going to take the weekend to think about either just SWH and focusing on other things or doing 2 cycles with the RE and then putting TTC on hold.

[Scooter]

Pookie, oh no! I'm so sorry. I can't believe that, that is so unusual to get a false BFP! I can't imagine what you went through emotionally today. I hope if you feel up to it you call the company and complain, what if they sent out a whole batch of faulty tests! You sound like you're stuck between hurrying this up vs. not getting too involved in the treatment process. I'm all for IUIs since they gave us our DD, so I'm not very objective about that question. Good luck with your decision, take care of yourself.

No, clomid can't cause a false BFP. As I understand it, clomid stimulates/tricks the body into producing more FSH and LH, which produces more and better follicles. It has nothing to do with hCG. The only thing I can think of is the faulty test picked up the traces of LH in your system and misinterpreted them as hCG (because they're chemically similar, which is why OPKs can work as pregnancy tests). But I'm no doctor so that's just a guess!

Chelsea, a belated Welcome!


Nothing much going on here. Another anovulatory cycle. Waiting for AF, expecting this cycle to end soon based on CM and cramps. :rolleyes: We're starting the weaning process. We only nursed 3 times today, down from a usual 4. Next week we'll try cutting out the pre-nap session, I'm really not looking forward to this!!

[Chelsea524]

Pookie I am so sorry, I have never heard of Clomid giving fake BFP, I am really sorry, that would be a rollercoaster

Scooter good luck on the weaning, my DS self weaned and I was a mess, good luck.

Well, everything looked good at the u/s yesterday, I actually have two follies that are nice size and hopefully should O in the next day or two. If this cycle doesn't work DH has to do a SA and then dr OKed doing Clomid for 2-3 more cycles, at that point he wants me to really push DH to IUI. I'm hoping we won't have to move to anything else, with 2 follies hopefully we will be able to catch at least 1 egg or even both.

[firefly]

Pookie you could have very easily had a chemical pregancy. the digital test claim that they only say positive at 25 miu of hcg but really it's like at 5 and if you were on on the downward spiral of the m/c your beta's 1/2 every 24 hours. so if it was 5 by the time you got your b/w done it could have been under 5 and most labs only test for "under 5" and not for 1-4

[Pookie]

Firefly[/B I was kind of wondering if it could be a chem pg, too. It's so hard to know what's "typical" for my body on Clomid since this is the first Clomid cycle since before DS was conceived 3 years ago.
[B]Chelsea Good luck.
Scooter Thanks. I really thought about calling the company, It was a Walgreens digital test, but I figured they would probably want the code number and I had already thrown it away. Sorry about your annovulatory cycle. It's so frustrating to know your body isn't doing what it's suppose to, isn't it?
I ended up calling my RE's office. I have to have another consult with him before starting any treatment since I haven't seen him in 3 years. My appt is scheduled for beg of October, but they said they can usually get you in with cancelations before that. I asked them about continuing to do Clomid with my OB until then and they said as long as she was monitoring me it was alright. I plan to talk with her nurse on Monday about doing an u/s with Clomid. If they wouldn't, then would you guys still go ahead with the Clomid? Ironically my OB is the partner of my RE's wife, so I think it's kind of strange that her protocol is so different. Of course I'd love to be pg before October and bypass the whole RE thing,but on the other hand I know being on Clomid for multiple cycles hurts your lining and isn't good for your body. So I guess my question is should we just SWH until October or go ahead with the Clomid and hope for the best (assuming OB monitors me)?

[Scooter]

Chelsea, good luck with those two eggs!!

Pookie, You asked: I plan to talk with her nurse on Monday about doing an u/s with Clomid. If they wouldn't, then would you guys still go ahead with the Clomid? ...So I guess my question is should we just SWH until October or go ahead with the Clomid and hope for the best (assuming OB monitors me)?
Of course my answers might be different from yours, but maybe if I write out my personal reasoning it will help you decide. :) My answer to the first question is no. Because for me, every other clomid cycle gave me a cyst, so I had to sit a cycle out before moving to the next clomid cycle. The average is a cyst in 1 of every 4 clomid cycles. To me, that is too big of a risk, because without knowing the cyst is there it could cause you to lose an ovary; if it bursts, it's possible it can do damage to the ovary or tube; and if you take clomid on the following cycle with the cyst it can cause it to grow and lead to those two other scenarios. Just not worth it to me. I also wouldn't take it repeatedly because you don't know its effect on your lining. And looking back at your posts here, this cycle you O'd on cd18 or later, which may indicate the clomid dose either isn't right for you or you need a trigger shot to jumpstart ovulation. That would personally make me want to hear the opinion of a good RE before continuing with the clomid, especially considering most doctors consider clomid to have a lifetime cap of how many cycles you should use it for. Hope all that's helpful to you!


Nothing's going on here, I'm on cd34 waiting around for AF. Hopefully next month I'll actually O, because I won't be BFing. We had our first big challenge with weaning today--DD got a stomach virus or something and didn't want to eat much. She kept coming up to me crying and tugging at my shirt. Broke my heart to have to redirect her to a sippy cup, but I sure cuddled her all day! :( Today's the 2nd anniversary of the day we conceived her with an IUI, amazing. She's so in love with babies and dolls right now, it really reminds me all the time of how much I want her to have a sibling.

[kemorr]

I haven't posted in here for a while, as not much has been happening up until this week. As expected, going the natural route hasn't resulted in any BFPs and I visited with my RE last week. We are basically all set to go for another IVF cycle. I will be starting BCPs either at the beginning of the next cycle or the cycle after that, depending on when my current cycle ends and how that falls in with late August travel plans. I have to repeat a bunch of bloodwork on day 3 and also have to have a saline sonohystogram done whilst on BCPs. I haven't had one of those done before - we did a hysteroscopy last time instead. Hopefully it is nothing like the HSG, which was truly awful! I'm looking forward to getting started but nervous it won't work again and worried about how I'm going to fit in all the appointments with my DDs schedule! I did accupuncture last time and so will do so again but will need childcare for those appointments! I think it will add another layer of stress to the whole procedure, but hopefully won't be too bad.

[Pookie]

Kemorr Good luck with IVF. I totally hear you on how finding childcare adds the stress. I'm already stressing about finding a sitter for DS for the RE appt.
Scooter Thank you so much for your response. I did decide to start the dose, but now I'm reconsidering. Gosh, I sound so indecisive.

Speaking of which, does anyone know if you take the first dose of Clomid and then start will hurt anything? The more I think about it, I'm just not comfortable not being monitored. It might be kind of nice to take a break and just SWH until meeting with the RE. I'm starting to feel like this is taking up so much of my life, kwim?

[Standrea]

I thought I should join in here!
I'm Andrea, wife to Stan. After ttc for 2.5 years, we finally got a bfp and Abbie was born in May 2006. I had been on clomid for 3 cycles, with 1 miscarriage..

We decided to ttc#2 in January this year. In April, I was prescribed the clomid again. I took it for the first time this past week. I hope my stay here is short (as well as everyone else in here!!), but I hope I can gain some support that my other friends don't seem to understand. It's very hard for them to embrace the thought that we just can't DTD and get pregnant like that.

[Standrea]

She's so in love with babies and dolls right now, it really reminds me all the time of how much I want her to have a sibling.

My DD is the same way. Her baby doll is her BF, and she's so gentle with her. I really think she needs a sibling soon!

[Chelsea524]

Welcome Standrea!!

[Standrea]

Thanks! :)

[tracer]

Question: Anyone that can chime in to help would be much appreciated. I don't know much about this so I told her I would do as much research as I could. My girlfriend and her DH have a 4 year old DD. They have been trying for over 3 years for DC#2. After doing a lot of "things" which I don't know what they are, the next step witll cost them $4k a month and they can't really afford that. What they have found out is her ovaries are not releasing the eggs. Is there anything natural she can do to try or something cheaper than $4k a month? TIA

[kemorr]

tracer - I guess I don't quite understand the $4000 a month thing. For how many months? If her ovaries aren't releasing the eggs, IVF would be her best option where the eggs are harvested from the follicles on the ovaries, fertilized and grown for 3-5 days in a lab and then embryos are implanted into the uterus. If she doesn't have insurance for IVF, the cost is usually $12-18 thousand, plus the cost of meds which can be another $1-2k. Where does she live? Some states mandate insurance coverage for infertility, others don't.

If she hasn't got insurance and IVF isn't an option for them, she could try accupuncture. I have heard success stories with accupuncture both alone and in conjunction with fertility treatments (I am an accupuncture with IVF grad myself). She would need to seek out an accupuncturist with experience with infertility, though.

As for me - I just need AF prayers. I really want to start IVF with my next cycle but for that to occur I need AF to start by Saturday at the latest (day 29). If you could all send AF vibes this way, I would appreciate it!

[Scooter]

Kemorr, how exciting to be starting treatment again soon! I'm supposed to get my cd3 b/w and HSG next cycle, too, not looking forward to that though. I had an SHG, which was actually better than the HSG. Maybe partly just because you don't have to be on that horribly uncomfortable x-ray table and scoot around mid-procedure, if you remember what I mean. Same cervical catheter situation, unfortunately, and I think the cramps are pretty comparable but mine weren't as bad with the SHG. Maybe because I was expecting it, I don't know. Good luck and I hope you get AF asap!

Pookie, what did you decide to do?

Andrea, Hi, welcome! I thought it was funny we'd both had our babies days apart and then started to TTC the same month. I'm sorry to hear about your miscarriage, I hadn't realized you went through that.

Tracer, wow, it's really hard to give any suggestions without knowing any sort of diagnosis or what she's tried. If the eggs aren't being released, I wonder if she has PCOS? It can produce too many immature follicles that never grow enough to release the eggs. Even with a drug like clomid it can sometimes be hard to get the ovaries to develop just one or two mature eggs that will actually be released. So maybe that's what they've tried? It's all speculation, though, with such little to go on. The thing is that with either IUIs (insemination) or IVF, it can't work unless the follicles have produced mature eggs. For IUIs they have a shot to give to force the egg to ovulate. So what they're trying might not be stimulating the ovaries in the right way. If they're talking about $4k a month, I've got to wonder if the doctor is having them do a round of injectable medication with IUIs. (that's how I got pg myself) There's a thread over in the IF forum on IF costs, find it in the sticky thread at the top of the forum--for some people it may cost that much but for most people it costs much much less than that.

Has your friend gotten a consult with another doctor? What state is she in? How did she choose her clinic? Try giving her this site: ivfconnections.com and telling her to look on the local board for her area to check out various clinics and doctors. It's very helpful, and not just for ivf. I see you're in CA, is she? I know some info about Bay Area clinics, if you guys are up this way--just PM me. Also, I agree with kemorr about acupuncture. Seems to take about 2 months to really give you a good shot, from what I've read and what Drs have told me--and at the end of my 2nd month of it I got pregnant, so I'd agree. ;)

***
I'm just getting over the most awful stomach flu I've probably ever had, and to add insult to misery (and pain) AF showed up in the middle of it. Yeah. Not kidding. So with how hard we've been working on weaning, I'd been hoping that my cycles would start normalizing--well that one was my 6th anovulatory in a row and ended up being 39 days long. Great! On the positive side, we're down to about 1.5 nursing sessions a day, so that's going well. Last week we went backwards when DD got the flu first, but we're back on track again. Maybe this cycle I'll finally see a change...?

[tracer]

Ladies...you're amazing! Thank you all. I suggested acupuncture to her and she said she may go that route. She has done Clomid and after months and months on it, nothing. It's such a sticky topic not knowing everything she has gone through. I am sure she owuld tell me everything but figures I don't know as much as I do. My first suggestion to her last week was to get a second opinion. I always get second opinions when I feel like I am at a dead end. Again thank you ladeis!!

[kemorr]

Tracer - I wonder if she is working with an OB/GYN rather than an RE? Most REs would ditch clomid after 3 or so cycles for injectible medications, rather than using it for months and months. If she's not with an RE (reproductive endocrinologist) then that is the first step she has to take. REs will do more testing and have more experience that OBs. Also, months and months of Clomid can really decrease your chances of pregnancy because it thins out your endometrial lining - inhibiting implantation and can cause ovarian cysts which are dangerous. Maybe you could try to find out more info? It seems odd she'd ask for your help and not really give you many details!

Scooter - we'll be cycling at about the same time again, then! I really, really hope it is successful for both of us much more quickly this time. Goddluck for your HSG, I'm hoping pregnancy and childbirth has stretched things out a little and the SHG will be a breeze :rolleyes: and yes, I remember the scooting......:eek:

[Pookie]

Scooter Hope you're feeling better. My DS has been really sick for the last week and I'm SO ready for it to be over. I ended up taking the first day of Clomid and then decided to stop. So indecisive.;) I think I'll just wait to talk with the RE.
Kemorr Sending AF vibes your way. Best of luck with your IVF. Please keep us updated.
Dilemna To go back to my original RE, I have to have a consult since it's been 3 years since I saw the RE and got pg.:eek: My appt is scheduled for mid September, but there is a chance I can get in earlier with a cancellation. However the other RE in town can see me the end of August/ beginning of September. DH is trying to arrange for the date of my first appt off. He didn't go with me last time, so he really wants to go this time. He's already had his SA and things were normal. Would you guys wait for my original RE or just go with who can see me first? FWIW, all I needed last time to get pg was the HSG. If I wait for my original appt, it will end up being mid-cycle for me and I'll have to wait for my Oct cycle for the cd 3 u/s and HSG, etc. Then wait for the November cycle for a possible IUI.

[Chelsea524]

I swear I posted in here the other day but its not here. I got my BFP on 8/15!!!! I was only in this thread a short time but I am so glad that I had support from others that know how hard it is for secondary infertility. Thank you everyone in here!

[kemorr]

Congrats chelsea - that's great. H+H 9 months.

Well, AF showed up in the nick of time and I am going in tomorrow for my day 3 testing (on day 2, but oh well!). Excited to be starting again but it feels surreal! Will have to take my DD to the appointment with me as can't arrange childcare and DH can't take time off work, so am totally not looking forward to that (plus I think it is a little insensitive taking a baby to an IF clinic), but have no alternative at this time. Not looking forward to the ultrasound - definitely didn't miss those and especially not the ones at the beginning of the cycle, ick!

[Scooter]

Chelsea, great news! Congratulations!

Pookie, have you decided which RE to see?

Kemorr, good luck with your tests tomorrow! I feel the same way about bringing kids into an RE's office. When we went back for our consult, the RE wanted to meet DD, so I called ahead to make arrangements that I could wait in an empty room or something. We ended up checking in quickly and them going and standing in the hallway so we wouldn't upset the others waiting. It's so hard! You & I won't quite be cycling at the same time, because I still have to wait a few months after weaning before I can start treatment. :( We're running the tests next cycle and then probably will again on the 1st treatment cycle. What's your IVF protocol going to be?

[kemorr]

Scooter - I don't know if my protocol has a name, per se, but it is BCPs for approx. 1 month, then lupron (regular dose, not micro-dose), then Gonal-F to stim until ER. After ER dexamethasone for a few days. In the LP - estrogen patches, crinone, PIO and baby aspirin. Sounds like a lot of drugs when I write it like that, but I don't remember it being too bad (even the PIO wasn't too bad, the thought of it is definitely worse than the reality!). My RE actually said that they don't use PIO as a standard treatment anymore, that a new vaginal progesterone cream has been released onto the market and they use this as standard protocol now. I acutally requested that we stick to the protocol that has worked for me, so I signed myself up for PIO shots when I didn't have to :rolleyes: That's superstition for ya....

[Pookie]

Chelsea Congratulations!!! How exciting.
Scooter I'm still undecided on RE's. I think I'm going to call the other one tomorrow now that I have DH's September schedule. Everything is in order (records, DH's SA) so I'm ready to go.
Kemorr Will you be cylcing in October then? I'm hoping do my HSG cycle then, which was all I needed with DS. If that doesn't work I'm hoping to do the IUI in November.

[cr8zyforaf]

Chelsea - congrats

Kemorr - good luck with your tests.

scooter - I hope you are feeling better.

Well, I got my BFP yesterday - and I am shocked. My attention has been diverted elsewhere (we had to put our puppy, who was 5, down after finding out he had luekemia/lyphoma while I was away on vacation) and this is finally something positive for us to focus on.

I will be watching and cheering for each and every one of you!

[Chelsea524]

Congrats Cr8zyforaf!! Sorry to here about your puppy though.

[Scooter]

cr8zy, congratulations! I'm so sorry to hear about your dog, though. I just saw your thread over in Pets and reading it made me cry. That is so devastating, I can't imagine. Hopefully you're not having m/s yet on top of that!

Kemorr, that is interesting, I'll have to ask my RE about that new prog cream. I was on the supps for most of the year before I got pg, and then most of my 1st trimester. I kept telling myself at least it wasn't the PIO shots! I can totally understand the feelings of superstition about X working last time and wanting to repeat it all. I am still not totally sure if we're going to try acupuncture this time or not. I just haven't figured out how to work in the babysitting necessary for an extra (and long) appt every week on top of the RE stuff.

Pookie, good luck with making your appts for next month!

We're down to 1 nursing session a day (before bed), and I really don't think she's getting all that much milk during it. She just nurses a few minutes and then drinks her sippy cup of soy milk. I was feeling down yesterday because I hit the magical cd14 and had no CM at all, but today had a bunch of EWCM for cd15! It's definitely raised my spirits and is giving me hope that I might actually O this cycle. :)


QOTD: So I asked this a little while back, and got one response, and I thought I'd ask it again. Anyone want a thread with some basic stats on the front page? Since several of us are about to start cycling with REs this fall, I thought it might help us keep track of where everyone is in their treatment. I don't know about you guys, but my memory hasn't been the same since I got pg with DD. :o

[Pookie]

cr8zy A big congrats to you!!!! Please come back and keep us updated on your progess.:)
Scooter I think stats would be great.

cd24 here and 10 dpo. I actually think I o'ed around cd 14 this month. I'm starting to feel AF's cramps coming on so I'm think it'll end up being a short cycle for me. All the better I guess since my RE consults are 2 and 3 weeks out. I guess short cycles are a good thing at this point so I can start the HSG again.
Question For those of you starting back up with your RE's have you already had repeat HSG's? If so were they bad in comparison to your first? I honestly don't remember my HSG being all that bad. Uncomfortable during and some cramping after, but my memory may be clouded since it lead to my BFP 2 weeks later.:)

[Scooter]

Pookie, Ok, one vote for stats! I am supposed to call on my next cd1 and schedule my 2nd HSG. I'm REALLY not looking forward to it, my first one was horrific. (And to top it off, I ended up being allergic to it, spent the next year on a daily high dose of antihistamines, and to this day still break out in hives every now and then because of it.) Some people don't think they're that big of a deal, though, so maybe your memory isn't that cloudy! :) I'm truly hoping that what my RE told me is right--after giving birth your cervix opens a bit easier and it isn't so bad the 2nd time 'round. Was your DS born vaginally or via c/s?

[Scooter]

bumping....

how's everyone doing this week?

Friday was the last night I nursed DD, she is officially weaned. It's so sad. I have my moments of getting down about it, but I know it's for a good cause. And guess what happened on Thursday--I think I might have actually ovulated. It would help if I could remember to take my temps in the morning, but the one I did take was above my usual coverline, so that's positive. Our timing wasn't great, but we've got a shot at it. I had a killer headache yesterday (5dpo, if I really O'd) that had to be hormonal, so I'm wondering if the progesterone is kicking in. If I'm in the 2ww, AF is due next Tues or Wed. I'm not testing unless AF's late, feels like a waste of time and tests.

[cr8zyforaf]

Scooter - I have my fingers and toes crossed for you this month. Please keep us posted. How bittersweet about the weaning...I am sure that was hard on you. I enjoyed your blog on breastfeeding.

[kemorr]

Scooter - Goodluck for this month. Maybe you can avoid treatment all together!

Well, I had my saline sonohysterogram last week and it was, thankfully, a total breeze. I didn't feel anything - I guess having a baby must have stretched a few things out down there! ;) My big box of IVF meds arrived today and I've got my "protocol consult" scheduled for next week. I'm on BCPs, so I'm hoping they'll tell me to stop the pill on the day of the consult. Excited to get going again but I so didn't miss those dildo cams. Not looking forward to a bunch more of them.

[Pookie]

Scooter Good luck this month! Fingers crossed for ya. I had a vag birth with DS so hopefully the HSG will be as easy as I remember.
Kemorr Good luck. When is your consult?

Just waiting here for my RE consults. I have the one with the new RE next Tuesday and one with my old RE the following Tuesday. I'm ready to get the ball rolling. I kind of figure this cycle will probably be a bust since I'm cd 8 right now. Too late to do the HSG, Clomid, etc with the RE. At this point, I think we're just going to tell the RE we want to go straight to the IUI, maybe the same cylce as the HSG. I kind of have mixed feelings since the HSG was all it took to conceive DS, but at the same time if I don't get pg before December we'll be taking a break again until late February.

[Pookie]

Interesting turn of events here. I was suppose to have the consult with the new RE today. I'm in the process of applying to grad school. The program I'm trying to get into is very competitive. Last year I did not even get an interview. Yesterday I got a call from my first choice school offering one!:cool: Here's the big dilemna: I'm going to O tomorrow, have gobs of ECWM and definatley feel O pains, DH is home, but I'm so torn. If I'm lucky enough to get into the program it starts in June. If I get pg this month, I'd be due early June. This program will require a move so although I wouldn't mind having a 3 month old, I don't want a newborn. If I don't get in, I'll feel totally bummed that a baby got put on the back burner. Also I didn't want more than a 4 year spacing between DS and #2. We're totally torn on what do do. It's so hard knowing that I'm getting ready to O and not doing anything about it! Totally contrary to what I feel like doing. OTH, this might be my big opportunity that I need to take advantage off. For the moment we canceled with this RE (easier to get in with) and kept the consult next week with the old RE. FWIW, my interview is in October and I'll find out if I get in by December.