Home The Official TTC Thread!

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

AMC, OMG English bulldog puppies? You need to post pictures. So cute!!! Hm, I hear you on the housework (dishes and laundry). DH does the dinner dishes, but anything after he loads the dishwasher is no longer his responsibility.

I can do that...

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

One more...

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

NEL, good luck getting more bd’ing. Honestly though you already managed to get some in yesterday, so if it doesn’t happen it’s not the end of the world. I sometimes forget that it takes a little more energy and effort for my DH to BD on demand than it does for me if you know what I mean. I’m hoping you get KU this cycle!

LC, I hope the wedding and trip this weekend cheers you up. I know you didn’t catch your window this cycle, but I’m hoping that this new shorter cycle is here to stay and you can try again shortly. I hope you and your DH figure out a way to sort through this whole TTC thing. It’s definitely not easy and brings up all sorts of emotions. To answer your question, I have been looking at postings, but not as diligently as I should. It’s hard right now because (1) they are really not a lot of advertised positions out there right now that fit my qualifications and (2) I’m still not sure what I would be happiest doing and whether I even want to practice law anymore. I’m going to ramp up my efforts though because, as explained below, it appears we didn’t get our BFP this month.

PP, it’s promising to hear that you finally got your BFP after 8 months. Crossing my fingers for a sticky stickerson.

amc, HOLY CUTENESS!

AFM, I’m out this month. I have the bloating and cramps I get before AF, and when I checked my CP last night and again this morning, I could tell AF was on the way because there was quite a bit of spotting like I get right before AF. Feeling pretty blue about it because it was our fourth cycle after stopping BC, and we really did all we could to make it happen this month by BD’ing from O-4 to O day. Just trying to figure out at what point you start to realize there is a medical issue. Maybe I’m not there yet, but it feels like it. Also, as I mentioned before, we were going to see what happened this month, and then re-evaluate whether this is the right time to be TTC. The idea of just stopping is depressing, but at the same time, I am starting to think that is what is best for me. I'll still keep up with you ladies, but I most likely won't be TTC for awhile. Boo.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Janine, as bad as it sounds, it makes me feel a little better when hearing that TTC wasn't all daisies and sunshine for others. I definitely got the "woman, stop harrassing me" look this morning and it was deflating. I'm sensitive about D freaking out on me from our history (as you well know)--he's been a real trooper this entire cycle and I have to undertand that if he's tired, he's tired. The BDing was going swell and we just hit a wall...it happens when marathoning.

LC, I'm sorry TTC is losing its luster a bit this cycle--I know it's really common for it to start affecting the marriage. I find it odd to suddenly be the persuer. I am sure that your husband finds you perfectly attractive and it probably just odd to him to feel so much pressure suddenly. I also know you're bummed about being out this cycle, which I completely understand. I'm really glad you're still doing the accupuncture, I'm still really encouraged that your cycle length was normal--in fact, if I get a BFN this cycle, I'm going to look into accupuncture myself...I'm so tired of the 40+ day cycles. Hugs, sistah!

amc, I'm silently squealing to myself over the cuteness of those pics! I can't imagine how exhausted you must be at week 5--the first few weeks must be a blur because of the constant care. I feel like the next few weeks are the best, though! Their personalities start coming out and you can get slightly more sleep. Were they delivered via c-section? How is the mama?

MP, I'm sorry you've started spotting and that AF is imminent. CD1 (or in your case just prior to CD1) is the worst day of the entire cycle, by far. I know how frustrated you must feel because you keep doing everything right and it's just not happening. I understand that 4 months of trying isn't THAT long, but I know it's long enough to start wondering if there is a reason it isn't happening. Is the plan to try for 6 months and then schedule an appt.? Maybe scheduling something for late this summer might make you feel a little better? I still have complete confidence that it will happen for you and it's just bad luck, but I also know that I feel better when a backup plan is in place. Hugs to you!

Ally, any news today?

I think we're all in a funk! I'm glad I have this thread as an outlet because the frustration I'm feeling can't really be shared with those in my real life without exposing that we're trying. I just hope that in a few months we'll have graduated from this thread!

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

amc, I'm silently squealing to myself over the cuteness of those pics! I can't imagine how exhausted you must be at week 5--the first few weeks must be a blur because of the constant care. I feel like the next few weeks are the best, though! Their personalities start coming out and you can get slightly more sleep. Were they delivered via c-section? How is the mama?

I think the last week was the best, because they are big enough to be cute but small enough to be quiet. This week, they've all seemed to have discovered the fact that they have wants and desires...and they are LOUD. Ha. But yeah, pretty cute. They were delivered via c-section. There were originally 6 puppies. Mama squished two of them and we lost the runt. It was so sad. After the squishing of puppy #2 we kept them separated and only put them together to feed or when we could watch them constantly. She is a terrible mom...I know most bulldog's aren't great, but she's abnormally bad. She would just sit down on one and not realize it. Ugh. This is her first litter so now we know what to do next time, and hopefully she'll be a little better.

 

[charbie]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Congrats, pumpkin! It will take a bit to sink in, but im very happy for you!
NEL: you're cracking me up over here...you could always tell D that for swaying purposes, today would be better best of luck this cycle....im crossing my fingers for you. How many cycles since you got rid of that emergency condom?
Amc: those puppies are so stinking cute....
When it comes to shared parenting, im really making this a prioroty for DH and I. While I know for the time in on mat leave I will be doing a bit extra work, after that we will NEED to be on the same page. My work schedule is actually a bit more demanding, he has consistent 8 hr days while I have varying hours and am at the beck and call of my job. He also travels for work, so that adds in a level of fun but its already determined he will be the one picking up the baby and caring for her until I get home...which could be at 5:30pm or 7:30 pr later depending on what's going on!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I think today is O day! I still had a strong LH surge yesterday (positives on Wonfos and digital both yesterday morning and afternoon!), but today the surge faded and my temp dropped.

We BDed this morning, but I had to bring out the big guns (e.g. Charbie's suggestion that I convince D it would be best for swaying). D wasn't grumpy at all this morning--in fact he was sleepily mumbling jokes about how now he understand how I've felt for the past 12 years--like a piece of meat. The issue was that D was absolutely exhausted--like comatose exhausted--and I was in a hurry to get to work. So when my gentle nudging didn't rouse him, I woke him up and said "Hon, I know you didn't want any pressure, but I've taken to desperate measures and I need to tell you that if you want a boy, right now is your best chance".

What ensued was absolute hilarity. Most importantly, it worked. But D was so sleepy that it was like he was drunk. Every few minutes he'd drearily say something like "NEL, what if I'm a terrible parent?" or "You have to be nice to me if I screw up". They weren't really coherent thoughts, and the timing was obviously completely awkward, but it was really, really funny. I think he may have fallen asleep a couple of times and when I told him he had to focus, he said "I'm trying really hard". Hahahaha. So romantic. The best part was after we wrapped it up, he mumbled "Please don't post pictures of our baby on the internet". It took me a a few seconds to respond because I was thinking "Does my brilliant mathematician husband think that the conception, gestation and delivery of a human baby takes somewhere between 11 and 13 seconds?" but by the time I responded that we could talk about that later, he'd started snoring.

So I feel like I've done what I can this cycle. We BDed at O-4 days, O-2 days and then the day of O. I feel good about today's timing because it's exactly 36 hours after I got my first OPK +. Now I wait.

 

[stephbolt]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I think today is O day! I still had a strong LH surge yesterday (positives on Wonfos and digital both yesterday morning and afternoon!), but today the surge faded and my temp dropped.

We BDed this morning, but I had to bring out the big guns (e.g. Charbie's suggestion that I convince D it would be best for swaying). D wasn't grumpy at all this morning--in fact he was sleepily mumbling jokes about how now he understand how I've felt for the past 12 years--like a piece of meat. The issue was that D was absolutely exhausted--like comatose exhausted--and I was in a hurry to get to work. So when my gentle nudging didn't rouse him, I woke him up and said "Hon, I know you didn't want any pressure, but I've taken to desperate measures and I need to tell you that if you want a boy, right now is your best chance".

What ensued was absolute hilarity. Most importantly, it worked. But D was so sleepy that it was like he was drunk. Every few minutes he'd drearily say something like "NEL, what if I'm a terrible parent?" or "You have to be nice to me if I screw up". They weren't really coherent thoughts, and the timing was obviously completely awkward, but it was really, really funny. I think he may have fallen asleep a couple of times and when I told him he had to focus, he said "I'm trying really hard". Hahahaha. So romantic. The best part was after we wrapped it up, he mumbled "Please don't post pictures of our baby on the internet". It took me a a few seconds to respond because I was thinking "Does my brilliant mathematician husband think that the conception, gestation and delivery of a human baby takes somewhere between 11 and 13 seconds?" but by the time I responded that we could talk about that later, he'd started snoring.

So I feel like I've done what I can this cycle. We BDed at O-4 days, O-2 days and then the day of O. I feel good about today's timing because it's exactly 36 hours after I got my first OPK +. Now I wait.

NEL, this story is so funny it caused this lurker to come out of hiding. I am giggling hopelessly in my office now! Hope this is your cycle!

Now back to lurking for another few months...

 

[PumpkinPie]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I just made my little "Made In Holland" onesie but silly me forgot that writing will be reversed so now it's kind of dumb looking

oh well - not sure if I should try again or just figure that he'll understand the point!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

NEL Now you are a terue TTCer It is not really TTC until the sex becomes ridiculous and comedic. I recall a few times when DH and I were sorto of mad at each other and so not in the mood, and we basically sniped our way through things! haha

Pumpkin, I would leave it because it is HILARIOUS!!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Stephb0lt, happy last month of birth control, my dear! And don't be afraid to jump in the TTC thread--I joined when I went off of BC, but long before we started trying (because that took much longer than I expected). It was before there was a "Wanting but Waiting" thread, but I found this thread really useful for that time when I had just gone off BC and was trying to figure out my cycles.

PP, I'm with Dreamer--absolutely keep the onesie, I love that the writing si sdrawkcab, hehe.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

I was doing some research on LH since I apparently have a lot of it. I came across a really interesting article that I thought I would share. I found this paragraph to be particularly interesting-

"Many brands of ovulation tests tell you to discontinue testing after you receive a positive ovulation test. For many their Lh surge will last more than just 1 day yet they discontinue testing due to misinformed information and will actually hinder their chances of conceiving. Research has shown that women ovulate, usually, around 24 hours after their last positive test if they have a long Lh surge(12-36 hours is the time frame, 24 hours being the average). When we refer to a long Lh surge we are referring to one that lasts more than one day. Research has also shown that with a long Lh surge you are more likely to release more than one egg during ovulation."

http://www.usmomssite.com/long-lh-surge

 

[marlie]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hi All!
My post got eaten so I'll try this again!

Pumpkin...Huge Congrats on your BFP! So exciting! I love the onesie, backward and all...too cute! Wishing you a very happy and healthy 9 months ahead!

NEL...your story cracked me up. Seems like your timing this month was perfect so my fingers are crossed for you!

AMC..those bulldog puppy pics are too much. I love them!! So cute!

AFM...I'm on CD 25 still no positive OPK but i'm pretty sure I just missed seeing the surge. I had O pains on CD 15 and I think my positive OPK would've been the day before since that's usually how I work and since I usually O on 17-19, I didn't start testing until the I felt the pains which may have been too late. I guess I'll know sooner or later! I've officially stopped testing OPK's this month now since it seems like a waste. I'm now at the phase where I'm imagining phantom pregnancy symptoms. My brain is too rational to think that I could've gotten it on my first try but there is that tiny glimmer of hope that is making me overanalyze everything. I need a distraction. 5 or 6 more days until AF is supposed to arrive which seems like an eternity right now.

 

[curiousaboutdiamonds]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hi Ladies! Lots of activity going on here ...

LC: If this cycle is a bust (which I think it probably is), I'm going to ask around for acupuncture recs. I've always heard good things about it and your experience gives me hope! I'd rather give it a try first before I go and bug the doctor. Anyways, I hope you're feeling better about this cycle. On a positive note, you don't have to obsess about testing. It was just bad timing. You can go into a new cycle with much more hope and confidence that your cycle is returning to normal. Have fun at the wedding and enjoy some drinks!

AMC: How A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E are your pups?! Super super cute. (Sorry that you lost 2 of the pups ) Thank you for sharing pics! And also thanks for sharing that link.

NEL: Yayyyy for postive OPKs and a smiley!! I really hope you O today and it sure sounds like it. I had to LOL at your BD this morning. Hey, whatever gets the job done I think you've covered all the bases this cycle. Hope you get that temp spike tomorrow!

MP: I am so sorry. I had such great hope that you would be next on the BFP train. I know how you feel about there being something medically wrong. I've been feeling that way too. NEL makes a good suggestion about scheduling an appt for late summer. Just going in and talking to the Dr may help. I hope the work situation sorts itself out soon! ::HUGS::

Pumpkin: That onesie is just too cute! Keep it the way it is. You can show your little bean when he or she is older that mommy was so excited to share with daddy, that she put the print on backwards And I didn't know you were in Holland. Some of my in-laws live there. I hope to visit one day! Congrats again on your bean!

Marlie: It's very possible that you missed your surge, especially if you're only testing once a day. Are you planning on testing when your period is late?

Lizzy, Katy, Pancake, SBA: Hoping you ladies are doing well!

AFM: CD27 today with no positive OPKs and I still have fertile CM. Yesterday I was feeling really crampy and bloated. I also was feeling very very moody and grumpy. I even warned DH not to mess with me yesterday. Poor guy had to walk on eggshells around me. My OPK at 8:30pm was almost positive, the darkest yet, but not as dark as the control line. My temp dropped from 97.7 to 97.1. I always have a dip on O day. Because of the temp drop, I decided to test FMU, which I never do, and my test was the same as last night = almost positive. I just tested again and the line is much lighter and clearly negative. So I'm just puzzled. I feel like I missed the surge. I've been feeling what I'm guessing are O pains, but not sure, because I never felt them before. But it could just be lower ab muscle soreness from my workout yesterday. I hope I am O'ing today or tomorrow bc DH is going out of town this weekend. I just want this cycle over with. If I'm out this cycle, I think I'm going to try acupuncture, and maybe make an appt with my Dr.

 

[lizzyann]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Hi ladies!

Ally, I'm sorry your OPK's and temps aren't making sense this cycle. I don't think it would hurt to go meet with your OB. Maybe they could run some blood work and see if it shows if you ovulated for sure. The progesterone level usually can tell them either way.

Marlie, crossing my fingers for you that you got lucky on your first try! how many days past ovulation are you?

AMC, how many days did you end up with a positive surge this last cycle? You'll have to keep an eye on it again this cycle and if you get more than 4 days of positives I would call your OB. The multiple eggs thing is interesting, but it wouldn't hurt to bring it to your Dr.'s attention. Those puppies are too cute!

NEL, your story with your DH is too funny! Hey, it will make for a funny story if you get KU'd this cycle! ha ha!!! Seriously though, my DH and I are usually all into it the first couple of days, then it gets a little forced feeling. But it's all good.

Pumpkin, congratulations!!!! the onesie is too cute and too funny! I don't know how you can keep this news from your DH though! I wouldn't be able to keep that secret!

Monkey, I'm sorry you are thinking that AF is approaching. It this is not your month, I understand that you need to do what you need to do in terms of continuing or stopping TTC. All I can say is that you never know how long it will take to get pregnant and I would hate for you to stop and then start up again in say 6 months and then potentially have to wait longer before getting pregnant. It could be lengthy. It sucks how that happens. Many women get pregnant on the first or second try, but it doesn't work that way for the majority of women. Unfortunately, I know. But we are all here for you no matter which path you take. Hugs my dear.

LC, I am going to look into the acupuncture. Sounds like you have a busy wedding weekend coming up! Have fun! We are going to VT with my parents in a couple weeks. My DS has a lot of fun going fishing on my dad's boat. We try to do a family vacation with my parents once a year and we really look forward to it. When we get back, we have a wedding to go to in Boston and myself and my DH are going and spending the night which should be fun and relaxing.

Katy, hope you are doing well. What cycle day are you on now?

I'm sorry if I missed anyone. I was so behind.....

AFM, I am enjoying taking this month off. No peeing on sticks and just focusing on myself and my little man. Next week is my RE appt and my DH has to travel for work so I will be going alone but it should be fine as I am the one who usually does most of the talking anyway. My mom is going to watch my DS while I go. I hope I have a better connection with the new RE.

 

[marlie]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

ally...sorry that you are having such a confusing month! i second lizzy in that maybe the doc could shed some light and give you some answers. i'm so new at this that i don't have a clue and dont' want to give you any bad advice! i wish you lots of luck.

lizzy...i think it's great that you are going to take a break from ttc for a month. this is my first cycle and i'm exhausted already from all of the analyzing and wondering so i think maybe a month off to regroup would be a great idea for you! so glad that you have the new RE appt to look forward to also.

afm..no real update. same old. ally, you might be right that i missed my surge since i only test once a day. i use digitals and i thought the instructions were to take it once a day with fmu. i never had a problem getting a positive before but with the trip, maybe the time change threw me off. who knows. maybe next month i'll test more often. i am expecting to get my period on wednesday or thursday (no idea how many dpo i am since i don't know when i ovulated). if i don't get it by then, i'll test. i think it might actually show early though. i've had really bad cramps and bloating for the last two days so i think this month is a no go. the good news is that if it shows early, i can get started on cycle 2 earlier than i thought! the bad is that i had no idea how disappointing it'd be on month one to have it not happen. the practical me knows that a first month success was unlikely, but then there's the hopeful me who's getting a little sad. i guess i'm not out yet...i'll know more by this time next week.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

amc, thanks for posting that link, it was interesting. I am one who experiences long LH surges and I know it's come up on this thread a couple of times since I joined (positive OPKs for multiple days). I prefer to use OPKs 2x (or more, this cycle) per day through the surge until the line starts fading. This is the first cycle I've done the OPKs + temping and it was nice confirming that my O came 2 days after my + OPK, not the day after, which is often assumed. Anyway, I do find all of this interesting and I think it's good to point out that a + OPK doesn't necessarily mean you are Oing within 24 hours!

Marlie, the one good thing about Oing long before you think you Oed is that it makes the 2WW very short! I don't think it's unheard of to miss the surge, so that's definitely a possibility. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you--as they say, it's not over until AF knocks on your door.

Ally, is this the third LH surge you've had this cycle with no confirmation of O? It's not unual for me to get a near positive on my Wondfo, then have it fade before surging again (it's happened to me a few cycles now, including this one), but it's happened to you a few times this cycle and I'm just really hoping that this is it for you and you've Oed. I'm glad you're temping because if you get a rise after today's drop, at least you'll be able to confirm that you Oed. Keeping my fingers crossed for a temp spike for you!

Lizzy, I'm excited that you can enjoy your vacations this month without having to worry about peeing on sticks all the time! Now you can relax, have a few drinks and enjoy the wedding! What's even better is that you can feel confident knowing that your appt. with the new RE is right around the corner--I'm encouraged for you!!

AFM, 1DPO here. My temp spiked this morning, confirming I did indeed O yesterday. I got some sharp pains on the right side of my abdomen yesterday afternoon, which is rare for me, so not sure if it was O pain. I may be getting too picky, but I was hoping to O within a few hours of BDing. I have virtually no EWCM (despite drinking water like it's going out of style), so I feel like timing is crucial for us.

If we do get a BFN this cycle, I'm going to look into acupuncture because I can't keep doing these 40+ day cycles. LC's success is encouraging for me--I think Ally and I are both in the same boat with our frustratingly-long cycles. Also, because it seems I really don't have fertile CF, I may go ahead and take some Robitussen to help myself out in that department. I'm already drinking at least 10 cups of water per day, so I'll just layer that on top.

I'm excited to be in the 2WW, I find it much easier than trying to target my O day. If I had regular, short cycles, then waiting to O might be easier, but as it is, I much prefer the 2WW knowing I've done what I can.

 

[sba771]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Pumpkin- The shirt is so cute! and I am so excited for your bfp!

NEL- the 2ww is the worst, but it sounds like your dh needs a little break so it is probably a welcome wait for him!

Marlie- I understand the feelings of wanting it so fast, but you have the right mindset in terms of optimism and looking forward to the next cycle. The ladies here help the time go by quickly, I promise.

LizzyAnn- Focusing on you and the little guy sounds like a great plan and with no temping and what not hopefully (if the little guy lets you) you can sleep in a bit too. I am glad you will be seeing the new RE. Feeling good with your doctor is so crucial to the whole process.

ally- I am jealous of your fertile CM- I have never had any so you are lucky that your body is giving you signs, even if its not acting 100% as you want it to- you are getting symptoms.

AMC- I love puppies! always post pictures, I think it cheers us all up!

Thinking of everyone! Nothing much to report here. My lines never got darker or as dark as the control. We still BD'ed like no tomorrow and will continue just in case. My doctor appt is in 2 weeks and in the meantime our roof is being replaced, my oven broke yesterday and our pool turned green- so there are lots of things to distract! Therapy is going really well too so the funk is rising. It is funny because it seems easier to talk to strangers about it sometimes and it turns out now, aside from my SIL, everywhere I turn everyone has dealt with ttc issues and it seems everyone on Long Island goes to my ob/gyn practice! It is a little comforting to realize I may be more the norm than I thought.

 

[amc80]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

AMC, how many days did you end up with a positive surge this last cycle? You'll have to keep an eye on it again this cycle and if you get more than 4 days of positives I would call your OB. The multiple eggs thing is interesting, but it wouldn't hurt to bring it to your Dr.'s attention. Those puppies are too cute!

Not sure, maybe 4?

These things are so subjective. I will talk to my OB about it. I am going to be seeing a new doctor and I'd like to meet her before I TTC or am pregnant. I was debating on a pre-TTC meeting anyway, but I definitely think I will now. I've been temping (and have remember for 4 whole days in a row!) and bough some digi OPKs, so I think I should be able to shed a little more light on the situation this month. My worst fear is that I have long surges because my body is trying to ovulate but just isn't managing to pop an egg. I'm hoping temping will show that I am.

amc, thanks for posting that link, it was interesting. I am one who experiences long LH surges and I know it's come up on this thread a couple of times since I joined (positive OPKs for multiple days). I prefer to use OPKs 2x (or more, this cycle) per day through the surge until the line starts fading. This is the first cycle I've done the OPKs + temping and it was nice confirming that my O came 2 days after my + OPK, not the day after, which is often assumed. Anyway, I do find all of this interesting and I think it's good to point out that a + OPK doesn't necessarily mean you are Oing within 24 hours!

Yeah, I thought that link was very interesting. Everyone always says you are supposed to stop testing after the first positive, but that's obviously not true. Did you O 2 days after your first + OPK? Or your last?

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

NEL, TTC BD’ing is so romantic isn’t it? : ) Hopefully your DH’s efforts yesterday paid off and you get your little boy (or girl which would be equally great). Did your temp go up this morning? Good luck this month! ETA, I just noticed that you did in fact O. Yay for being in the 2WW. I think the first week of the 2WW is the least stressful part of the cycle, but as judgment day approaches, I think the 2WW is by far the worst part. But then again, I O early and often, so waiting for O isn’t stressful at all for me.

Lizzy, good to hear from you. You sound good. A month off will probably do you a lot of good. I hope your appt. with your new RE goes better, and that the new RE takes a much more proactive approach. I don’t think any competent RE would just brush off three miscarriages in a row. Let us know how it goes.

Marlie, good luck. It is hard not read into every little sign when you are TTC isn’t it? It’s okay to be hopeful because plenty of people get pregnant on their first shot, and hopefully that will be the case for you. If not, it will be disappointing, but you will just try again the next month. Crossing my fingers for you!

PP, that onesie makes me laugh. I’m sure your hubby will appreciate it, and it is a cute story.

Ally, any clarity on the OPK yet? That must be really frustrating. Is this the first time the OPKs have been so erratic? Maybe it is just a fluke this month. I hope you are able to catch your surge before your husband goes out of town. I feel bad for all of you ladies who have to worry about the timing of your husband’s business trips, just one more stressor you don’t need when TTC.

amc, I agree with Lizzy. I would keep monitoring your LH this cycle. You had a lot of positive OPKs, so if that happens again this month, I think it is something you definitely should ask your doctor about. It could very well have been a fluke and completely harmless, but just something to keep monitoring for when you get off BC again and start trying to TTC after your wedding.

AFM, I’m probably CD2, possibly CD3, depending on how you count the start of AF. It’s been an emotional week for me. I realize that 4 cycles isn’t THAT long in the grand scheme of things, but it is taking a bit of a toll on me and magnifying my unhappiness a work. I guess I shouldn’t complain too much because I’m so lucky to have my DH, who has been so understanding and supportive of me, and we are in good health (other than this TTC thing), and we don’t have a lot of other stresses in our life right now. I’m just ready for something good to happen (which you can all relate to right now). My annual exam is already scheduled for September, so that is good timing, assuming we don’t take a break from TTC. Really torn on that right now. Maybe the solution for us is to stop monitoring and take a “not preventing” approach until my appointment in September. Thanks for letting me vent.

Wishing everyone lots of luck this month! Hope everyone has a good weekend!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

sba--as Dreamer says, so long as you consitently BD that's really all it takes! So I'm hopeful for you that your marathoning was a success!

amc--I think I ovulated about 48 hours after my first + OPK. If I consider yesterday morning's test a faint positive, then I ovulated ~12 hours after my LAST postive. So I had about 36 hours of positive OPKs. I feel like your surge is extra long and definitely worth talking with the doc about...the thing is, if you eventually get confirmation that you Oed with your temps, then at least you'll know you O and these surges won't be AS perplexing if they happen again (like I said, I usually get a couple of surges myself, but at least I know that now).

MP, I can completely understand your frustration with TTC bleeding into work, especially since you were already frustrated at work. Nothing like several frustrations coming together at once to make you feel defeated! I'm glad your annual exam is already lined up for September...I find it helpful to have some sort of "next step" in place in case things don't turn out as I hope. It's good that you can focus on some of the positives: that four months isn't so long to be trying, that you have a great, supportive husband and that the only real stresses in your life right now are TTC and your job (both big stressers, but still...). How are you feeling about TTC vs. finding a new job? It sounds like you would like to give it a shot for another cycle or two?

 

[pancake]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Pumpkin - CONGRATULATIONS! I have my fingers crossed that you have a sticky one It must feel so surreal after all the trying...in a good way of course!

NEL - that truly is Ultimate Romance. You definitely sound like you have done all you can!!

MP - I'm sorry that this cycle didn't work out for you. If you are feeling burned out then taking some time off and taking the pressure off yourselves may be a really good idea.

AMC - PUPPIIIIIIIEEEEES! They are GORGEOUS! So squishy and new.

Ally - how frustrating. I have only been using an OPK for about 6 weeks and I have no idea what is going on with it. I am going to start temping with my next cycle and I suspect that will give me more clarity than looking at pebbles and ferns (am using salivary OPK).

Lizzy - good luck with the new RE. Let us know how it goes?

Me... it is 8 weeks since I came off HBC, no AF. As planned we went and talked to our reprod gynae guru friend last night. Going through my history he agrees that it sounds like a lot of my cycles pre-HBC were anovulatory (very long/heavy, very irregular, 6-10 weeks apart, irregular for 7 years pre-HBC) and he thinks I probably have PCO, which wouldn't surprise me. I am having a blood panel next week (gonadotrophins, prolactin, E2, P4, pre-preg stuff like rubella/varicella serology, thyroid function) and I'm having an ultrasound to see if I do have PCO. Re the latter, it doesn't really make any difference if I do or don't as either way ovulation induction would be the modality of choice to start, but I suppose it would be nice to have it documented. He has given me temping charts and a script for clomiphene. If my bloods show that I have ovulated already, then I'll start clomiphene with my next cycle; if I haven't, then I'll take the OCP for a few weeks, have a withdrawal AF and then start it. I will be grading up on clomiphene doses over the subsequent cycles if I don't O on the baseline dose. DH is also having tests on his boys (he has inflammatory bowel disease and recently switched from a medication that can have an effect on sperm motility, to one that doesn't). I feel good that I am crossing all my Ts and dotting my Is. For me the main thing that pleases me is that I will be doing something to try and ensure I O at all - then at least my biological part of the bargain is a possibility!!

ETA: If I do have PCO, I am wondering if losing a little weight might help... My BMI is only 22 but by the same token I am Asian and, ahem, "fleshy" (!) and so in fact I'm probably a little heavier than I ideally should be. I guess I'm getting ahead of myself a bit... will need to have some more bloodwork done (GTT, lipids, etc etc) if so so I should probably hold off until I know more.

 

[marlie]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

So I guess I did bring home a little gift from Italy. I got a BFP this morning (2 actually). I felt really weird yesterday and figured I'd just take a test, knowing it'd be negative but for some reason did it anyway. I got a super super faint positive. I thought I was seeing things but actually but my husband said he could see it too. We went out with some friends for dinner and on the way home stopped at the store to pick up more tests. This time we got digital ones. I woke up and took one and in less than a minute the "pregnant" popped up. SO surreal. I just took another one and the same thing. I'm sort of convinced this box of tests is flawed or something. I'm in disbelief. I might pick up a different type of test just to be sure. But as of this minute, and according to these tests, it looks like i'm pregnant. oh my gosh.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Marlie!!! Oh my gosh, what a fabulous surprise from Italy! A huge congrats to you--I'm sending super sticky dust your way. I have a feeling that no matter how many times you pee on a stick, regardless of brand, you're going to keep getting positives. So exciting!

Pancake--so sorry you haven't had a period since coming off the pill, but I think it's really good that you've got the blood panel and u/s lined up for next week so you have some answers. Even if it's not news you want to hear, it's better to know! I'm wishing you luck!

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Congrats Marlie, you lucky girl! I had a feeling you would get your BFP! Wishing you tons of dust for a healthy and happy pregnancy!

Pancake, sorry to hear you haven't had an AF yet. The good news is that if you do have PCOS, there is so much that can be done. And I have always heard that taking off a few extra pounds helps with insulin resistence, etc. Good luck to you.

NEL, thanks for your kind words. It is so nice to have such kind ladies out there who can relate. Crossing my fingers for you this month! I hope your 2WW flies by! We haven't decided whether or not we are going to take a break or not for awhile. We have to make the decision soon because I'll already be ovulating in about a week.

sba, I missed you earlier. Sounds like you have your hands full with a lot of distractions. Not very good distractions though. Hope you get all of those issues around the house taken care of. TTC is definitely an emotional journey, so I'm glad you are finding therapy useful. You are definitely not alone in your struggles, and feel free to vent here any time.

Hope everyone else is doing well!

 

[curiousaboutdiamonds]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Marlie: Wowsers! What a wonderful surprise to bring home from Italy! Wishing you a happy and healthy 9 months!!

Lizzy: I think a call to my OB can help shed some light on this cycle. I'm so close to just giving up on this cycle and wait for the next one to start anew. Hope your appt with the new RE goes well next week! Your plans during this break sounds so fun! Vacationing with your parents and a wedding - this month will just fly by. So hopefully by the time the next cycle starts, you'll be armed with a great plan! Enjoy this time with your DS! I know when I get stressed, spending time with DD and hearing her laughter just warms my heart and seem to make all my worries melt away at that moment.

NEL: I am so so happy for you to be in the 2WW!! I really hope you get that BFP! These long cycles are so frustrating and emotionally draining that I wouldn't want you to have to go through another one. Yes, this is the 3rd surge I've had, all with fertile CM and CP, almost positive OPKs, temp dip but no confirmation of ovulation. I thought I may have O'd the same day as you since I had My lowest drop in temp, a nice temp rise and drying up of CM, but today I had a temp drop to normal pre-O temps. This up and down is really taking an emotional toll on me and I might just give up and wait for the next cycle. Hope you have some fun things to do this next week to make the days go by faster before you test! Give your DH a pat on the back for being such a good trooper! Haha.

SBA: Where are our positive OPKs?? Did we scare them away? Gosh, I hope you O soon. Where are you in your cycle? Your DH must be loving all this BD'ing

Amc: Did you just start using OPKs? Maybe you just had a longer surge for only that cycle. With temping and digitals, I think you'll be prepared and ready by the time you're TTC!

Monkey: I'm sorry it's been a difficult week for you. TTC is a very emotional journey and even more so when it hasn't been successful. I remember reading that even when intercourse is timed perfectly, only 20% result in pregnancy. Maybe taking the "not preventing" route might help. You seem to have a pretty normal cycle so that may help make TTC less stressful. Whichever you decide, we're here for you. Oh, to answer your question, this only the 2nd cycle I've used OPKs. Last cycle my OPKs started to get dark at around CD15 but then I got sick, they got lighter and then starting getting dark around CD23 with a positive finally on CD26, with O on CD27. When I got pregnant with DD, I only temped and charted CM. Maybe I should just go back to basics. Oh, my DH isn't out of town for business, he's on a man-cation with his buddies who happen to be the husbands of my girlfriends.

Pancake: I'm so glad you have a friend dr to talk to about this. That's great you're getting tested. I think a BMI of 22 is normal. I wouldn't recommend losing weight unless you're overweight. I'm Asian and pretty petite and actually had to gain 10 lbs to get pregnant, and it worked! If you do plan on losing weight, don't overdo it as putting that type of physical pressure could delay ovulation. Anyways, hope your bloodwork and ultrasound can give you some answers!

LC: Hope you're having a great time at the wedding by the lake. Sounds lovely!

Katy: You're done with home renovations right? Hope things are going well.

AFM: I've had an emotional couple of days with this OPK roller coaster. I feel like they're doing more harm than good but I just can't seem to give them up. Oh jeez, what an addiction! I thought I felt some cramps and with my temp rise that I had O'd but with today's temp, I think I'm just over this cycle. I'm going on a family vacation to Hawaii with my parents and sisters in a couple weeks and I think I'm just going to take a break until the next cycle. I'll still be around to cheer you ladies on!

 

[KatyWI]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Marlie!!!! Congrats lady!!! We hardly knew you, you lucky duck!! I hope you have a wonderful and sticky pregnancy!!

NEL - right there with you in the TWW! Fingers are crossed, there have been so many BFPs that I hope we get a couple more out of this run, and that you're one of them! With all that BDing, how could you not? Ahahaha. I love your stories!!

lizzy - loving that you get to relax right now! I hope everything goes much better with the new RE.

LC, hope you're having a great weekend, friend!!

Ally - sorry you're so frustrated. I'm trying to drown my frustration in staying busy! All the hard work is done, but we still have a little sanding/caulking/priming to do for trim and doors. And the drapes aren't up yet in the living room. But mostly done!! We bought a gorgeous light fixture for the dining area today, I am so excited!

MP, sorry you're feeling so down and out. I want to kick someone, too. Maybe we could be TTC-god-punching buddies?

pancake, sorry AF hasn't shown up! At least now that you have an idea why, you can be proactive about getting around it. Best of luck with whatever course you choose to follow!

sba, sorry about the stupid lines not getting darker! Sounds like you're keeping busy too, though! Distractions are keeping me sane

amc, those pups are impossibly adorable!! Want!!!!

PP, I totally love that onesie. Come back and tell us the story of telling the hubby!!!! Love. It.

AFM, I'm CD20. I think I O'd Thursdayish, which would be CD18? I wasn't really paying so much attention, so it would be nice to get a BFP this month but I'm not really expecting one. We were a little light on BDing, but we did BD at O-2 or so, so it's not completely out of the question. I feel pretty sad when I think about how close we came, especially since I have quite a few friends in early pregnancy right now and I want so badly to be on that journey with them. I feel pretty healthy emotionally, but it's damn near impossible not to get down sometimes.

On the bright side, I LOVE MY NEW HOUSE!!! So I'm just trying to focus on that for now. God, I love you guys. It's so good having somewhere to talk this all out. I wish I knew how to find some of you outside of here.

 

[pancake]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Katy - it is nice to hear from you! I know what you mean about it being great to have this thread. I am not yet sure how much of the TTC journey I want to share with my irl friends so I am already finding this thread wonderful.

Ally - Hawaii will be fantastic! Probably not a bad thing to take the focus off TTC, you have a wonderful month to look forward to anyway.

MP and NEL - thanks for the thoughts and encouragement

Marlie - HUGE congratulations, what a fabulous little souvenir!!

Very appreciative of all your thoughts - I am actually feeling really positive, more than before I had a clear plan. I have known for a long time that I might have trouble TTC because of my previous irregular/anovulatory cycles, so I went into this knowing that I might well need assistance; I also have a little extra knowledge as I am in the endocrinology field myself, so I knew there would be little point in waiting for the typical 6 month trying period to be up if I was not O-ing spontaneously. Since actually conceiving requires me to ovulate, I am kind of excited that I am doing something to try and ensure that that happens. I feel like I am just moving my starting line up to where it should be

 

[monkeyprincess]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

Katy, yay for being in the 2WW again! I know it must be hard knowing you were so close, but I really think now that you have been pregnant, your body is going to "want" to be pregnant again. It is only a matter of time before you are right there along with your friends. Crossing my fingers for you that you get a sticky BFP!

Pancake, it must feel great to know that you are taking positive steps and you will soon find a solution.

Ally, ugh, stupid OPKs and irregular cycles. Maybe you are right that the OPKs are just doing more harm than good for you this cycle. A trip to Hawaii with your family sounds fantastic! Thanks for your kind words.

AFM, we are going to just stop monitoring and timing for awhile. If we do get pregnant, we'll just assume it was meant to be. Otherwise, we'll actively start trying once I find a new job and get settled in. I submitted a few applications yesterday, so I feel good to be taking the first steps in the process. I'm really ready to be away from all the negativity and unhappy workaholics and 60-70 hours weeks.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Re: The Official TTC Thread!

MP, I think it's good to have something else to focus on when TTC has drained you! It's great that you've already submitted some applications and are taking a play-it-by-ear approach. You're absolutely right--if it happens, then fantastic, and if it doesn't, at least you're taking proactive steps toward finding a job you like with more work/life balance. I believe strongly that things always work out for the best. I hope to still see you on this thread--we love you and you don't have to be an OPK addict to stay Keep us updated on all things happening in your world!

Pancake, I'm so glad you're feeling positive and I'm also glad you didn't feel obligated to give it the typical 6-month trial before seeing a doc. You're right--there is no reason to wait if you feel like ovulating could be an issue for you. The sooner you know what's happening, the better it is for everybody involved!

Katy, my 2ww buddy! I'm most definitely wishing the best for you! O-2 isn't bad at all--I've knowns several friends (PS and otherwise) who've had a successful pregnancy right after an early loss, so I feel like this could be your lucky month. Not thinking about testing is easy at 3dpo, but later this week we both might be itching to test

Ally, I was really hoping this last surge was it for you and that you'd O. I'm so frustrated for you! A long cycle is bad enough, but the constant near positives in your OPKs would be enough to drive any sane woman over the edge. I'm sure part of you wants to thrown the stupid sticks out the window, but the other part doesn't want to stop monitoring. If the roller coaster is really stressing you out, though, I would just be done this cycle and see if you have better luck next cycle. You can always keep temping to see if your temps elevate at some point--that way you can still have data about the timing of your O without having to constantly monitor your OPKs. Whatever you decide to do for the rest of this cycle, I just hope it becomes less stressful for you--a trip to Hawaii will help!

LC, sba, amc, lizzy and any others I missed, I hope you're having a great weekend!

AFM, 3dpo and am just procrastinating housework