30 something and TTC #1 for a year

[MrsG2010]

Morning Everyone and Happy Saturday!

Looks like light, light spotting this morning. Didn't even bother wasting a hpt. I think I'm done and on to Cycle7 today or tomorrow. I'm disappointed but I'm trying to be mature about it.

Here's my ttc bio:
Age: 30. Turning 31 in July. DH 28
- TTC since Nov 2010. As stated above, about to start cycle 7
- No children, never been pregnant. No second line on an HPT ever.
- Was on the pill off and on throughout my 20s. Since being a teenager I was irregular then when I was in my early 20's my period "went away" for 5 months. They put me on pill. Haven't skipped any periods since then.
- Periods: 32-39 days. Today is CD38, Cycle 6. Periods last around 4 days
- LP: I never knew to pay attention to this before so the few times I've tracked - 14
- Using OPKs. Due to family drama, I missed last month. But I used this month and had 3 days of positive.
- Charting on FF but keep having problems with thermometer and fever. I'm on my 4th BBT thermometer!!
- DH had SA. Dr office said: Normal. *Though I looked at numbers. I'm not a dr but looks like the "low end" of normal. So I'm thinking of trying every other day during fertile period next month instead of every day and sometimes 2x a day. DH dr said he has name of good specialist to refer us to if we decide.... Though insurance is an issue. Doesn't cover fertility.
- Thinking about definitely trying preseed or conceive + next month
- Taking prenatals for several months. Already went through 100 pill bottle. Proud of myself as I'm terrible at remembering to take pills.
- I know I said this last month, but I need to take care better care of myself. That's probably why bean doesn't want to hang around. Since my wedding, (which I crash dieted for) I've gained 20-30 lbs. EEEEP. People probably think I am pregnant which adds insult to injury.

 

[GettingBroody]

Ok, my turn!

Age: 30. Turning 31 in July. DH 41 (ancient, lol! )
- TTC since Jan 2011. Just waiting to ov on cycle 6
- No children, never been pregnant. No second line on an HPT ever. At this stage I think I'd be happy just to see an evap!
-on the pill (triminulet) since I was 19, never caused me any problems, no side effects etc. Came off it at the end of Oct to get ready for ttc - was afraid it might might take months for af to reappear but 29 days later the showed up (was thrilled to see her, ah the irony!)
- Periods: Cycle length is 27-30 days, 27 seems to be the norm tho. Tend to spot the day before af arrives. Period is light and quite short, 2-3 days, sometimes with spotting for another day or two.
- LP: 13
- OPKs: Using One Step ICs from Amazon and find them great. Have no second line most of the time, then it appears, darkens and disappears again very quickly so once it appears I start testing 3 times a day. My surge seems to be quite short, might get 2 positives in a 12 hour period but no longer than that.
- Charting on FF: tried temping back in Dec but gave up because I couldn't see any pattern emerging (maybe because it was Christmas holidays and my sleep patterns were a bit mixed up?!) Started again on cycle 4 and things were much clearer. FF confirmed ov for cycle 4&5. I also see a definite temp fall in the lead up to af which helps prepare me.
- No testing done, going to wait out the year before I start worrying about tests.
-Supplements: so far have taken Pregnacare Conception (before I read lots about it delaying ov which kind of freaked me out so now I have 3 unopened boxes because they were on special offer!!), Evening Primrose Oil, Grapefruit Juice, Cough Syrup (vile!) and even some B-Complex the first month I temped because I didn't ov til cd17 and I got totally freaked out thinking I must have a very short lp if af was due on cd28! Needless to say af didn't show til cd31, giving me a lp of 13 so stopped taking the B-complex again!
- As some of you may have read have decided to have a more relaxed month this month so have ditched all the supplements etc (except folic acid of course) Still temping but not as religiously, will use opks but not starting til cd12. Will probably be back on all the EPO etc for cycle 7 (maybe with some extras thrown in too, lol) but just needed to give my head a small break this month...

Wow! I really wasn't expecting to write so much! Sorry for the lengthy post everyone

MrsG - sorry to hear you think af is on the way Has she shown up properly yet?

MrsP - haven't tried those tests. Let us know what they're like if you do buy one

How funny that we have a MrsG, MrsP and MrsB!!! No wonder I'm confused

to everyone else! Hope you're all having a nice weekend!

 

[mk8]

Hey girls

So nice to learn more about you. I have inserted the details into a spreadsheet and attached as a pic (doesnt allow you to attach spreadsheets it seems!) Hope you can all see it when it publishes!

 

[mk8]

Will add the details of other TTCers as they respond. Will then upload

I really hope we get pregnant this year ladies. I went out for a bday meal with some friends last night. Was lovely- old uni pals and all the same age. One is a proud mummy of a 17 month old. Another couple are married and have been for 4 yrs but no kids (suspect that they are having issues too), another two lovely ladies are single and looking for mr right. Kinda put things into perspective that I should not rush and try to relax (easier said than done of course).

Hubby and I are trying to have a healthier lifestyle to "boost" fertility (we hope). Hubby is getting quite a few "love handles" and I have read that being overweight can reduce sperm count and stop O. So hubby is doing daily exercise. Even if his swimmers are super duper, we figured it is a good thing to exercise and get fit. We are also going to give a go at eating healthier- organic food, lots of fruit/veg etc.

I have been thinking about what *could* be the problem if there are fertility issues. We have been having regular sex and it is well timed so naturally, wondering if there is something up. From what I see, the following issues can hinder conception:
1. No ovulation
2. Low progesterone - thin lining, stopping implantation
3. Low sperm count/motility/morphology
4. Blocked fallopian tubes
5. Hostile environment - lack of fertile CM etc
Looking at all our details:
- We all seem to be ovulating
- Progesterone doesnt seem to be an issue for Working TTC or Gettingbroody (because LP seems decent). For me- potentially an issue. MrsG- not sure what your LP is.
- Spermy issues: who knows! For me, DH is still young, he doesnt smoke or drink much at all. Getting a few love handles but otherwise he is fit.
- Blocked tubes: who knows! I am worried about this for some reason. High risk if you have had PID or STDs (which I have not, as far as I am aware- got tested for STDs at the start of my relationship with DH 7yrs ago and all OK).
- Hostile environment - we didnt comment on this but I seem to have less EWCM this yr compared to last. Could it be the pill I took for 2 months last Aug/Sep? Hmm.
There is of course another reason we are not sporting proud bumps yet.. "Only God knows!".

 

[GettingBroody]

Wow! Good work mk8! Fx'd for all our s. We will all get there in the end Maybe not this cycle, or even the next, but one of these days we'll poas and watch in disbelief as 2 big fat pink lines appear Then we'll look back and wonder what all the stress was about Looking forward to that day, hope it comes really soon for all of us!

 

[MrsBea23]

Ok my turn.

- 33 (34 in December), DH is 32

- TTC #1 since Nov 2010, on the pill since I was 15 due to bad AF. On Microgynon and then changed to mini pill due to migraines about 2 years before coming off the pill in November.

- No losses, no line on an HPT

- Temped/charted on FF for last 2 cycles

- According to FF looks like I ovulated last two cycles, 1st cycle after 159 days off the pill and finally getting AF was 38 days with 11 day lp, this cycle I ovulated on day 17 and am on dpo 12 so looks like my lp is going to be 14 days. I have PCOS and my Nutritionist thinks I have an underactive thyroid due to low bbt and being cold all the time (luckily in a healthy BMI range though). AF is 5 days (2 quite heavy) and sooo painful, I get bad PMT have been a nightmare this weekend lol poor DH.

- I am seeing a fertility nutritionist and having fertility acupuncture, from the nutritionist I get a herb mixture which has agnus castus amongst other things in it, I also take baby aspirin every day, I take higher nature - mum 2 be multivitamins, milk thistle tincture and I take Floaradix liquid iron every day as well as tablets for blood sugar (which have b-vitamins in) and thyroid (kelp). I am also eating 2 pieapples a week and trying to drink 4 litres of water a day to get cm and it seems to of worked because this cycle I had lots of ewcm (although on Saturday and O'd on Tuesday??). Using OPK's but never had a real positive. This TTC malarky is costing me a small fortune every month lol.

- Been referred to the hospital for fertility treatment in the process of having all the bloods done and Dh having SA twice, then it will be a 6 to 12 week wait for an appointment. Hoping I get my BFP before then lol.

 

[MrsBea23]

BTW forgot to say did everyone notice we have been moved. Hope everyone follows this through their user cp and we don't lose anyone.

Thanks for doing this mk8 it is actually quite therapeutic writing it all down .

 

[MrsG2010]

Good morning everyone. AF has arrived. I'm officially moving out of having a winter baby... into having a spring baby.

38 day cycle last month. 14-16 LP. I think probably 14 or 15. FF thinks 16. But of course as I've mentioned 100 times - stupid flu messed up my chart. So despite charting for 4 months. I only have 1 good chart that I have confidence in. arghhhhh

I love our new system of keeping track of everyone. It'll be helpful!

So should I go ahead and order preseed/conceive + ??

Hope everyone's doing ok. I'm cranky on Day 1, Cycle 7.

 

[MrsBea23]

Oh sorry to hear that MrsG .

I would give preseed or conceive + a go, surely it can't hurt. I use conceive + and I quite like it, I have heard preseed can be a bit too slippery.

I am sooo grumpy today I am pretty sure it is PMT I just wish AF would come now even though I am only dpo 12, this 14 day wait is murder lol.

I told my husband I would head down and watch him play cricket this afternoon but I just can't be bothered with all the other wives with their kids running around sigh.

 

[GettingBroody]

Thanks for doing this mk8 it is actually quite therapeutic writing it all down .

I agree!!!

Hadn't noticed we'd moved at all! Makes sense tho

Good morning everyone. AF has arrived. I'm officially moving out of having a winter baby... into having a spring baby.

Aw, so sorry to hear that Altho recently I've been trying to think of all the positives of having a baby in the spring instead of winter - there are lots! It'll be warmer, sunny, you can take baby for lots of walks and not have to wrap him/her up like a mummy! You can meet other mums for coffee and sit out in the garden with the babas, you don't have to worry about slipping on the ice while carrying the baby to the car...the list is endless! Waaaay better time of the year to have a baby - that's why our clever little babas decided to wait!!!!!!

 

[workingttc]

Thank you so much for putting that together MK8, and for your analysis! I will try to get as much info as I can from my new fertility doc when we see him a week from tomorrow (so anxious!), and then I'll share what I find out on here. Hopefully there will be lots of helpful and reassuring info!

My main fear is issues. DH definitely likes his beer and wine, which concerns me (not like it's a problem or anything but I think if his count comes back borderline, he may be in for a bit of a lifestyle change!). Have also thought about the possibility of a uterine polyp or something, as some friends have had those and no symptoms. I also have relatively light periods, which I think someone else mentioned--maybe GettingBroody? That makes me wonder if even though my LP is long enough, my lining isn't building up enough. So many questions!!

Ladies who just got AF, so sorry to hear that. On to the next cycle, armed with new strategies and info, though, no? Yay for spring time babies! MrsB, very curious to hear about the accupuncture - I've heard of lots of ladies having success with that.

 

[GettingBroody]

I also have relatively light periods, which I think someone else mentioned--maybe GettingBroody? That makes me wonder if even though my LP is long enough, my lining isn't building up enough. So many questions!!

Yep, that was me! Would be interested to hear what your doc says about it....

 

[workingttc]

I'll definitely let you know!

 

[mk8]

Question... when you say "light periods" how light is "light"? Since coming off Microgynon (was only on it for 2 short cycles but I called it the devil pill!) my periods have been lighter. I used to get heavy flow and periods lasted 7 days, of which the last 2 were prob more spotting. Now, I kinda get 3 days worth of "proper period" goes: Light-Heavy-Medium-Light. Hmm... Just weird cos my periods are lighter and I spot a day before AF comes (never used to happen). Hmmm....

 

[workingttc]

I was just thinking the same thing as I wrote my last post - I don't really know what is "light" and what is "heavy" because I have no idea what other women experience. For me (sorry if this is TMI), I basically have 2 days where I have to wear tampons and change them pretty regularly, one of which I call a "heavy" day on FF and one of which I call "medium." Then I have one "light" day, where I really only need the least absorbant type of tampon, followed by 2 days of spotting. So 5 days total, 2 of which are just spotting. This sounds light to me, since a lot of other girls describe having 5-7 days of non-spotting flow, but I don't really know. I was on BC for so long before this that I don't remember how my periods were before either.

 

[mk8]

Updated "spreadsheet"

 

[mk8]

can you ladies actually read that sheet? Hmmm... Will increase font as necessary....

So MrsBea- my- a cocktail of vitamins! Out of curiosity, what do they do?

Mrs G- I am sorry that AF got you. I know how hard it can be- huge hug to you!

I had a good cry with hubby today- he is my rock. I was in depressed, pessimistic mode today. Hauled myself on to the bed late afternoon and exclaimed we are infertile. Told him I am sure that something has to be wrong, given we have been having v well timed BD in the past 6 months. I told him I feel lost as there is nothing we can do at the moment. (Basically I was great fun to be around). Hubby was a real sweet heart and gave me a pick me up. I feel v lucky to have him. I just hope that we are able to have our own little bundle of joy.

 

[mk8]

Working- I wouldnt classify that as light personally. I use sanitary towels rather than tampons. I would say your flow is medium... But I dont know. Hmmm.... Will have a little look online...

 

[workingttc]

Thanks, mk. You're probably right. Yet another question for the doctor. Sorry to hear about your rough day but glad you have such a supportive and great DH! Mine has been such a trooper as well - I've made similar "we must be infertile" declarations in the past, and he always takes it in stride and helps talk me out of it. Hang in there!

 

[MrsBea23]

Well ladies I am pretty sure that is me out, super bad cramps tonight really hope that means I will get out of this foul mood I have been in all weekend. I really thought we might of caught it this month we bd'd 5 days out of 6, if that is not enough I don't know what is sigh.

Working - I am not sure if the accupuncture is doing anything or if it is just my body adjusting after so many months off the pill but I am to scared to stop now in case it is the accupuncture. At the very least it makes me feel good and makes me feel like I am doing something to help myself so even if it is a placebo affect I think I will keep it up for a while.

mk8 - hmm I guess it is a bit extreme lol. The Agnus Castus is to help regulate my cycle, the baby aspirin is to help with blood flow to help with the growth of the follicles and it also thickens the lining and helps the egg implant and helps prevent miscarriage (although has to be below 81 mg higher doses can cause miscarriage and defects in babies, I got it behind the counter at boots and it is 75mg), milk thistle is to help my liver process all the excess estrogen due to the PCOS and from the food we eat that is really high in it like dairy, B-vitamins help increase the length of lp and the iron is just something my nutritionist told me to take I didn't even question it I just take everything she says these days lol. The kelp is iodine to increase thyroid production and the biocare is mainly chromium and that is for my blood sugar. And the reason she said to take higher nature rather than the wellwoman multi's I was on was mainly for the magnesium (I think this is more important once you are pregnanat though) and just because it has lots more of everything although you have to take 3 a day so its pretty full on.

Disclaimer - This is just what seems to work for me and I wouldn't ever reccomend anything to others becasue we are all different so if you are interested in any of the above google it and see what you think about it working for you.