Christian ladies TTC, we can encourage one another.

[Jett55]

Thanks so much faithful I've actually already bought some baby stuff & hubs & I have talked about painting the spare bedroom in preparation. Every time he refers to the bedroom as the guest room or storage room I constantly correct him & say you mean the baby room. Pretty sure what you told me was confirmation in what I've already been doing. Also I loved the song

 

[ProfWife]

First - the doc who performed the test said she found NOTHING! The sonographer and doctor agreed that they said I had a "beautiful uterus" - good size, appropriate tilt they didn't see anything AT ALL! PTL! I'll get official word on Tuesday.

As far as history:
No official medications. I'll likely start clomid since this test came back fine. That would be for the October cycle, though. Doc wouldn't put me on metformin (I requested that initially back in March) as my PCOS doesn't show any issues with insulin.

Our insurance will not cover any treatments. So, we've just been doing "alternatives" and testing to see if we could discover a root cause.

So far... I've been on FertilAid since March; hubs has been on it since May. Hubs took CoQ10 (but we realized it was too high of a dosage to take that and FertilAid...so he's just doing the FertilAid). We use PreSeed. I've tried the Creighton Method for 3 months (while doing other tracking methods). I've been temping since 4 months before we started TTC. I've used OPKs. I've done the ferning microscope. I've elevated my hips after BD. I've tried SoftCups. We've tried SMEP.

Basically the only thing we hadn't "tried" was not trying...and one month of that didn't work either.

Oy...reading through that I sound way too obsessed. It never feels like it's "that bad" when you're in the middle of it...

 

[blue33]

I just happened to stumble upon this group and would love to join!! This journey seems to just keep getting harder and harder I have been reading some of the posts here and would like to say thank you, they are very uplifting.

 

[No Doubt]

Welcome blue! You've come to the right place. In sure you will be as blessed as we all are by this thread. I know it's hard, but be encouraged. God is still in the miracle business!

 

[Godsjewel]

I just happened to stumble upon this group and would love to join!! This journey seems to just keep getting harder and harder I have been reading some of the posts here and would like to say thank you, they are very uplifting.

Welcome

My name is Sarah and I'm sure glad you've joined us. We have so many wonderful ladies from all over the world on this thread that are full of wisdom and encouragement.

I'm sorry about all your losses, I recently lost mine and it was one of the hardest things I've had to go through. Thankfully we serve a God that comforts us and gives us strength and peace during those difficult times we have in life.

Praying and believing God is going to work all this out for the good in your life.

Blessings,

Sarah

 

[Godsjewel]

Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:35, 37

Are you feeling alone in your infertility today? Does it seem that no one could possibly comprehend the depth of the sorrow you carry? Family loves you, but they’ve never been there--they don’t quite “get it”. Somehow, that sister or friend bouncing her crying baby on her knee as she implores you to “just relax” just doesn’t quite convey the message that she is in the fight with you. You feel that chasm between you and the fertile world growing a little wider every day.

Friend, be encouraged today that nothing--not even infertility--can separate you from the love of Christ. No experience, no hurt, no sin, no problem is enough to cause Him to look at you as a lost cause and walk away. He refuses to leave you. He wanted you to know this so adamantly, that we find this reassurance all through Scripture--Old Testament and New.

Reread Romans 8:35. Can’t you just hear Paul saying these words? “Who can separate you from the love of Christ? Nothing can separate you! Not life! Not death! Nothing now! Nothing in your future! Nothing can separate you from His love!” What an amazing promise! Imagine if the Scriptures listed above were penned from an infertile woman’s hand. Perhaps they would read like this:

Will infertility separate me from the love of Christ? Will endometriosis or low sperm counts, or the distress I feel when I start another period? Will the hurtful misunderstandings from family and friends? Will baby hunger be enough to separate me from His love? Will the lack I feel when my body doesn’t do what it was designed to do cause Him to give up on me? If my future is uncertain, or if I face more and more medical treatments in my quest to conceive, is that enough to separate me from the love of my Savior?

No! I am convinced that neither miscarriage or even pregnancy, neither angels or demons, neither the daily struggle I face with infertility now or the uncertainty of my future, neither the highs of a good doctor’s report or the lows of another negative pregnancy test, not even seeing another pregnant woman will be able to separate me from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord!

Infertility can do a lot of things in your life. It can drain your bank account. It can put a strain on your relationships. It can cause you and your husband to grow closer together than you ever could have dreamed, or it can cause great strife in your home. But it cannot--it will not--separate you from the love that God has for you. Even infertility with all the upheaval it has caused you is not powerful enough to do that. God loves you and promises to never, ever leave you.

You are truly not alone in your battle. Be convinced today that nothing--not even infertility--can separate you from the love of Christ.

-Beth Forbus

 

[blue33]

No Doubt and Sarah thank you so much for the warm welcomes!

Sarah I am very sorry to hear about your loss also. I also thank you for the very inspirational verses that you post, they are so very helpful.

I look forward to talking with and supporting everyone here. May Jesus keep us all and grant us all our little miracles.

 

[Godsjewel]

“Just be patient! Pacing around the living room is not going to make that phone ring any faster. They’ll call when they get the results.” Jake knew Riley was nervous and he was too, but she was going to wear holes in the floor if she didn’t sit down. They had so much riding on this round of IVF. If she wasn’t pregnant this time, he didn’t know what it would do to her.

They had waited so long for a baby. The waiting really started before they began trying to conceive. They wanted to do everything just right. They waited until they finished college to get married, waited until they were well employed and financially secure before stopping birth control. They waited until the doctor gave her blessings before they officially began trying to conceive. They waited until day 14 when she should be ovulating, they waited until day 28 to take “the test”. At the beginning, they even had fun with the anticipation of “test day”, and the let down wasn’t too bad. But as the months turned into years, the patience wore away. How much longer could they be patient and wait?

The phone finally rang. Riley knocked the coffee table over as she raced across the room for the phone. Jake caught the remote control in mid-air but lost his balance and landed squarely on top of the cat, who had been snoozing contentedly on end of the couch. Standing with her back to Jake, the few seconds of interminable silence were broken with sniffles, then muffled sobs. The phone fell to the floor and Riley ran to the refuge of the bedroom, slamming the door. Jake didn’t have to ask for the results. He knew their wait continued.

Jake gave Riley some time to herself to grieve this latest loss. She needed that time to release the tears and the frustration of another failed cycle, but she also needed him. He slipped in the dark bedroom and sat on the side of their bed and began to rub her back. Her pillow was already drenched with infertility’s tears which he knew he was helpless to dry. “Riley, I’m so sorry.” This childless couple, so perfectly designed for parenthood, sat in silence, and said more with their presence than their words could ever say. And together they waited.

***********

It had been a couple of days since their negative test results. They had cried and talked it out. They were both still heavy hearted about another failed attempt, and neither was quite sure what they wanted to do next. It was still the topic of conversation as they got dressed for church that morning, and they really hoped that none of their friends would ask them about it, though they knew at least someone probably would.

It wasn’t really like them to be late for church, so they slipped in on the back pew rather than their normal seat half way down. Pastor Barker was already in the pulpit and was opening his Bible to read his text for the morning. Little did Riley and Jake know that they had a divine appointment with God and His Word that morning! Pastor Barker began to read:

“For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.

Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at His tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy. I will sing and make music to the LORD.


Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.

My heart says of you, ‘Seek His face!’ Your face, LORD, I will seek...

I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”
(Ps.27:5-8,13-14)


As Pastor read the words, it was as if God Himself was speaking directly into Jake and Riley’s hearts. In an amazing, indescribable fashion, both of them sensed the presence of God breaking through the hurt their hearts were bearing under the weight of an empty cradle. God was using His servant to bring peace and healing to this couple, and somehow they both knew it.

As they listened to the words found in this passage of Scripture, it sounded like it was written just for them. Talk about a day of trouble! A negative pregnancy test after all they had been through was definitely the makings of a day of trouble, but God was reassuring them that He was keeping them safe. Safe from all their hurt, safe from all the emotions, all the questions, all the fears. They felt as God was reminding them that He heard their cries to Him, that He is indeed merciful and answers their cries, even if it seems that their cries go unheard when they are not answered as quickly as they hoped. Once again, as Jake slipped his arm around Riley’s shoulders, tears began streaming down his bride’s face, but this time they were tears of gratitude. Gratitude for a God who loved this hurting couple enough to intervene in the midst of a dark, difficult season in their life. They knew God was calling on them to seek His face, and not to turn from Him. It gave them the strength to keep waiting. To keep waiting while God kept working.

-Beth Forbus

 

[xxx_faithful]

I just happened to stumble upon this group and would love to join!! This journey seems to just keep getting harder and harder I have been reading some of the posts here and would like to say thank you, they are very uplifting.

Welcome blue33,

God will always provide for you when you are burdened and weary. He will always give a way out and a means to an end. When you think motherhood is beyond reach, remember first comes the storm, then comes the testimony.

Do not lose heart, we have all walked this road.. and for those still walking it, we go back along that path, find them and walk it out with them.

XXX

 

[xxx_faithful]

First - the doc who performed the test said she found NOTHING! The sonographer and doctor agreed that they said I had a "beautiful uterus" - good size, appropriate tilt they didn't see anything AT ALL! PTL! I'll get official word on Tuesday.

As far as history:
No official medications. I'll likely start clomid since this test came back fine. That would be for the October cycle, though. Doc wouldn't put me on metformin (I requested that initially back in March) as my PCOS doesn't show any issues with insulin.

Our insurance will not cover any treatments. So, we've just been doing "alternatives" and testing to see if we could discover a root cause.

So far... I've been on FertilAid since March; hubs has been on it since May. Hubs took CoQ10 (but we realized it was too high of a dosage to take that and FertilAid...so he's just doing the FertilAid). We use PreSeed. I've tried the Creighton Method for 3 months (while doing other tracking methods). I've been temping since 4 months before we started TTC. I've used OPKs. I've done the ferning microscope. I've elevated my hips after BD. I've tried SoftCups. We've tried SMEP.

Basically the only thing we hadn't "tried" was not trying...and one month of that didn't work either.

Oy...reading through that I sound way too obsessed. It never feels like it's "that bad" when you're in the middle of it...

ProfWife,

You don't sound obsessed, you sound like a woman who has been searching, actively looking for ways to reach her dream of becoming a mother. You have not stopped searching, and have not given up hope. God see's your determination and he is proud of your persistence. And you know what, i wouldn't give up a month of not trying, either! infact you taught me stuff i didnt know about TTC! I didnt know about preseed or smep.. i know you will help alot of woman with what you have gone through. I pray you will get your BFP soon.

Do you listen to audiobooks at all? Weirdly enough i was reading an audiobook this morning and i really would like to share it with you. PM me your email. Anyone else for that matter i am happy to share. I found it profoundly inspiring! xx

 

[ProfWife]

Thanks! I appreciate that! Will PM you in a moment!


Got official word from my doc about my SIS. I've been 100% cleared. Nothing present at all. My doc says she believes it was just a muscle contraction or perhaps a small build-up of some sort (endometrial lining or something). So, she said the next step, when we decide to take it would be timed intercourse with clomid. She, however, said there was no hurry. We're fine to also continue as we are without intervention since we're in the "unexplained" category now.

 

[blue33]

xxxfaithful, thank you so much and congratulations on you're little one I am so happy for you!!!

It has been a very long road, but I do believe I will try as long as it takes. Hopefully we will find out that we are able to do the low cost ivf at our first fs appointment, and it will work for us. I just keep praying! October 10th can't come soon enough! !

 

[Godsjewel]

11 So He said, "Go forth and stand on the mountain before the LORD " And behold, the LORD was passing by! And a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind.

And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.

12 After the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire;

and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing.

13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave And behold, a voice came to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"


One of the heartbreaking aspects of infertility is the deafening silence of our homes. Others may complain of being awakened in the night by the sounds of a baby’s crying, but you could imagine no more beautiful symphony. You long for the day when a child’s laughter peals through the halls of your home and you have to remind playing children to use “inside voices”. The quietness of a childless home is so very loud.

What do you do in those quiet times? Those times when your spouse is not home, the television is not on, and the phone doesn’t ring? You have fought your infertility as hard as you can for so many months and it seems that nothing is working. You’ve tried every remedy you’ve heard about, but it’s not getting you anywhere. You’re still not pregnant. You’ve watched your diet, you’ve taken vitamins and eaten the right foods, you’ve tried every treatment that every doctor has suggested. You’ve followed every suggestion you’ve been given and now you’re just tired. Sometimes you just want to run away and quit. You just wish God would speak to you in this big, booming voice and reveal to you all that you need to know, but the big, booming voice hasn’t appeared. May I suggest to you that you may feel much like the prophet Elijah may have felt one day at Horeb?

Elijah has been through quite an adrenaline filled battle of his own. He has faced down hundreds of prophets of Baal, and challenged them and their false god to a stand-off. Elijah mocked them, scorned them, even accused their god of being asleep or on vacation before praying to our one true and living God and showcasing the glory of God before hundreds of people. After calling fire down from heaven and proving that God was God and Baal was not, Elijah seized and killed all the false prophets right then and there. There was nothing half-way about Elijah. He loved God with amazing zeal, and proved it with his life. But now he was tired. He had given his all in trying to show people that God really was who He said He was, and now there were those who wanted to take his life. Elijah was afraid and hiding. The same guy who just days before was mocking hundreds of false prophets to their faces was now in hiding, asking God to end his life before someone else killed him. The very same God he had so adamantly represented only days before was about to intervene in his life in a powerful-but unexpected way.

God told Elijah to stand on the mountain and what a sight he must have seen! Scripture says “a great and strong wind was rending the mountains and breaking in pieces the rocks before the Lord;” The power and presence of the Lord was so mighty that the mountains were literally breaking in pieces before Him. But notice this...but the Lord was not in the wind. I probably would have thought God was in the wind, but no. He wasn’t in the power of the wind.

What happened next? An earthquake shook the very ground Elijah stood on. If you’re from California, perhaps you understand the power it takes to shake the earth itself, but look what Scripture tells us: “but the Lord was not in the earthquake”. Wind strong enough to tear apart mountains, earthquakes? What’s next? Fire! Elijah must have thought he was having a really bad day, especially since Scripture tells us the Lord was not in the fire! Where was God in the midst of all this chaos?

We finally see where God was in 1 Kings 19:12: and after the fire a sound of a gentle blowing. Elijah finally heard the voice of God in a gentle breeze. Not in a powerful wind or a huge earthquake, but a quiet breeze. In the stillness of the easy breeze that blew across his face, the voice of God came to Elijah and changed him. God talked to Elijah and told him what to do. Elijah’s life was changed because he heard God in the stillness of a quiet moment.

In those still, quiet moments, when it’s just you and God, listen for His voice. You’ve gone through a difficult round of treatment or a hard month when you thought you had finally conceived, only to get another negative test. Now you’re sitting in the silence in your living room and it’s down to you and God. Listen for His voice in this silence. Listen for His voice in the silent moments of your life. Step away from the chaos of infertility, even if only for a few hours, and focus on God. Listen for His voice in the stillness, in the quietness. Take advantage of the silence, even if the silence hurts right now. Tell Him how it hurts and listen for His voice. Perhaps like Elijah, you’ll find Him in the stillness of a gentle blowing.

-Beth Forbus

 

[xxx_faithful]

YAYAYAY!!!!

ProfWife - Hoping you get your BFP Soon!


My symptoms are still there. Add in night sweats, hot flashes and fatigue. Still trying to be very cautiously optimistic, since the symptoms all come and go, which I know is normal, but still makes me hesitant to be excited before any confirmation. Prayed about whether or not to test this morning (10 dpo) but didn't hear anything, so held off. Maybe I really AM learning patience!

Hoping we see a huge influx of BFPs in the next few weeks here!

I feel a real sense of content in you, a Godly woman with a settled heart. Funnily enough, thats exactly where God wants us to be. Still in him.

Praying for a BFP! xxxx

 

[xxx_faithful]

that is such exciting news! I feel like it's all happening so fast even though I know it's been such a long jouney. Can't wait to hear about the outcome!
I am here at 9 weeks since last period (I feel stupid saying 9 weeks pregnant) and still no miscarriage. I had a huge event for work on Friday and I was praying God would let me wait until after that to deal with all the physical symptoms. First thing on Saturday I woke up and told the Lord I was ready to let go and I willed my body to do what it is supposed to do so I can move on. Needless to say, it hasn't worked yet. When will I learn I have absolutely no control over anything?!
I distracted myself this weekend by researching for the trip we're taking this May to Ireland and Italy. Can't wait!

Congrats kelkel82 !!! I can very much relate to you.. feeling in control... not feeling in control. If you've already given God your pregnancy and feel you are not able to move past what you have gone through or current signs of anxiety. Then saturate whatever feeling you have right now over your pregnancy with gratitude onto him. It was one of the only things that pushed me through my fears during the early stages of pregnancy with my baby girl, was to continually shower God with thankfulness.

Let us be conscious what we fill our hearts with. When our hearts are filled with gratitude, fear has no room there.

Praying a healthy 9mths to you xxx

 

[xxx_faithful]

HI all,
Nothing new with me babywise- sadly...well, except another missionary at church said they had a word for my husband and I (which is different for us- my hubby and I are a bit conservative). He told us that God told him to tell us that our desire is in line with His will. He said the first thought that popped into his head was 'baby' (he doesn't know we've been ttc for a few years now), but he said he also wondered whether it was about us returning working where we are (we're currently serving at an orphanage in another country and are supporting ourselves through our savings..but won't have enough to support ourselves next year so are wondering whether to work back in Australia, or raise support). Anyway, in talking with my husband later on- it seems our main common desire is for a child. As for whether we return serving in this country we are in- we are content for whereever God leads us.
We don't know what to think of this "word" someone had for us. I don't want to have false hope and rely on something which may not be true. I want to rely on Jesus regardless of what happens. Of course, we would love, love a baby of our own.

It's hard sometimes- especially when people say things like "You guys have it good. You don't have to get up in the middle of the night; you can sleep in, etc, etc..." If only they knew how much we pray and long for a child. I'm sure all of you have similar stories of others saying stuff without thinking?
If we ever bear a child, I'm going to start opening up about infertility on Facebook just to help people realise that they need to be really sensitive to others and stop asking "when" a couple is going to have children (as if it;s so easy for all of us). Who is with me on this?
Your sister in Jesus.

Pray for confirmation that what the missionary spoke over you both is infact what you feel it is. Sometimes when we are given words from someone it may not make sense at the time, but later its like a puzzle that connects together and makes sense. God delights when we ask him to fulfill the desires in our hearts and delights when he see's our faces when he does

Walk in boldness when Gods word speaks, dont be too quick to second guess it. He will bless you both as Godly figures who have devoted themselves to his kingdom. He see's your intentions, and knows they are good.

We thankyou Jesus for this couple xxx

 

[Godsjewel]

Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when the LORD said to me, “Assemble the people to Me that I may let them hear My words so they may learn to fear Me all the days the live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.” You came near and stood near the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the very heart of the heaven: darkness, cloud and thick gloom. Then the LORD spoke to you from the midst of the fire; you heard the sound of words, but you saw no form--only a voice. So He declared to you His covenant which He commanded you to form, that is, the Ten Commandments; and He wrote them on two tablets of stone.

Deuteronomy 4:10-12


What an odd passage of Scripture to encourage someone who is trying everything she can to have a baby. The image here is terrifying! Moses has assembled the people of Israel who have come through the wilderness, and he has told them he will die soon. He won’t enter into the Promised Land with them, but he will turn leadership over to Joshua. He’s telling the people to remember what many of them would rather forget. It must have been a horrifying day! The mountain shaking with the very power and presence of an unseen God, words being written in stone and handed down to them. The sheer magnitude of the holiness of God must have been startling. Can you imagine standing in the presence of God in such a way? Can you imagine having to be reminded to remember such a day?

So what does this have to do with infertility?

I want to remind you to look at the power and presence of this same God. I want to remind you that the same God who spoke the stars into space, whose presence caused this mountain to burn with fire, who uses the earth as His footstool, is passionate about you. I want to remind you to look at the magnitude of the wonder of this God when the problem of infertility seems to overwhelm you. The Israelites needed to be reminded of some things from time to time. They needed to be reminded just how big God really was and how small their problems were in comparison. So do you. Infertility is a huge problem in your life--until you compare it to how big God is. God is a great big God and He is for you!

There are times in this season of your life when everything is consumed with baby making. Every interaction with your spouse is nothing more than conception related. Every penny is put aside for medication or treatment. Every conversation is centered around diagnoses or lack thereof. The playful banter between two people in love has been replaced with strained conversation over why someone else got pregnant instead. Infertility can become all-consuming to the couple who so desperately want a baby. If this has become your daily routine, take a step back, and remember. Remember what it was about your husband that was so amazingly appealing to you before you knew his sperm count. Remember how it felt to have dinner together and not discuss ovulation. Remember that God is so much bigger than any disease that either of your bodies house. Remember that God is so much bigger than any problem, any question, any fear that infertility places in your path. Remember that God promises to never leave you, never forsake you, even when infertility makes you feel so very alone in a baby-filled world. When you weep because the thought of you bearing a child seems impossible, remember that God told Sarah “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” When the news of an old, barren Elizabeth being six months pregnant reached the ears of pregnant virgin Mary, remember, the God’s message was “Nothing will be impossible with God!”

So remember, friend! It’s not the size of the mountain that’s important. It’s the strength of the Mountain Mover that matters. Remember how big God is. Remember how small your infertility really is in comparison to our great big God.

-Beth Forbus

 

[xxx_faithful]

I've been drawn to the idea of finally opening up about our infertility issues as well. Not sure what mode that will take.

I'm not sure what to think about your word...I'd like to believe that those are real. Many of them are. However, I'm also fairly conservative in that area for wanting to verify or seek deeper info on where that came from.

Do you mean opening up about your infertility to your friends and/or family?

Good for you ProfWife. It took me a rather long time to open up about my infertility, i wasn't ready. Until one day i woke up and it was time, and i haven't looked back. I allowed God to use my pain, because there's no point of it if you dont use it to convert it to a testimony.

Pain has no use if we dont use it, when we use our pain it turns into a revelation, apart of your story and someone else's life being helped, because you spoke up. The phrase, 'Let pain make you stronger' is only useful if we use it. I pray that you use your infertility to positively impact all those around you.

xxx

 

[xxx_faithful]

Ladies please pray for my husband. His job is being real funky right now he's just so fed up...and honestly so am I. It's causing problems with us, most likely cause of all the stress. Please pray he gets another job asap! He has an interview for one and a few that are interested but haven't scheduled the interview yet. Thank you in advance.

I'm in the same boat as you sis. My husband stresses so much at his job and they keep changing things that make it harder on him. He now does 2-3 times more work but gets paid the same. He has to stay with this job because his insurance pays for our IVF treatments, if it wasn't for me, he would of left a long time ago.

I will be praying that he has favor and the door will be open for him.

How are things going Sar with hubs work? x

 

[xxx_faithful]

xxxfaithful, thank you so much and congratulations on you're little one I am so happy for you!!!

It has been a very long road, but I do believe I will try as long as it takes. Hopefully we will find out that we are able to do the low cost ivf at our first fs appointment, and it will work for us. I just keep praying! October 10th can't come soon enough! !

Oh thank you i am so happy for me too lol. Dont listen to all those moppy mums out there, it really is the best and most cherished gift you will ever have. Motherhood to me is easy, yep easy. Because ive been on the other side crying for a baby to be born and know what that yearning feels like. I ask God everyday, to let my pain be forgotten but let my testimony outlive my life.

Low cost ivf? What do the Dr's think seem to be the matter with your fertility ? (just so i know what im praying for) xxx