General chatter while we wait (and commentary on the "pull out method")

[Flueky88]

Oh no it lost a bunch of my replies!! Ugh. Going to make it short.


Dobby LOL about the healthcare memes almost all are relatable. I hope you have a great weekend, sounds like you have nice plans. Also hope it goes well with OA.

Winter praying your transfer goes well Monday. I'm so excited for you and believe you will get your rainbow.

Shae hope you get to extend your contract! Are you going to continue travel nursing to help build up money for a sizeable down payment for a home?

Enjoy your tasting today!

AFM sorry life has been busy all around! The picture in previous post was cutting board that DH's friend made for me. He used I think 6 different types of wood. I love it and am a little scared to actually use it.

Christmas went well. S is fully potty trained except nighttime but considering trying night time tonight.

 

[DobbyForever]

Omg your friend made that?! It's stunning! That's so awesome! It's looks so high quality and it's so pretty! Yay on the potty training!

Yes, it's always a good time after a few days to myself and I'm so lucky for my mom. I told her I felt bad asking her to babysit both today for brunch and tomorrow for dinner when she's watched him full-time Tues-Fri this week and I'm asking her to watch him next weekend.

I'm getting nervous with the school. We have our IEP on Friday the 13th, which is also my formal observation with my boss in math. Sigh. But the BCBA-D has the same conclusions I do. SDC isn't right but full time gen ed K isn't either. But some of the stuff she's doing makes me worried she's not being as neutral as I expected. I'm not loving it. Also the district tried to block her from observing the TK at his home school and only allowed her to observe the TK at the SpEd school. I didn't like that she didn't tell me/ thought that was perfectly acceptable.

 

[DobbyForever]

Winter hoping all is well

Date was really nice. He picked me up and dropped me off. No hokey pokey, he said he just wanted to connect emotionally. We had a chill but nice dinner. Had some interesting developments where he kind of basically admitted that I’m it/I’m endgame. And when I asked for clarification, he confirmed that he sees me as endgame. We also talked about philosophy of love, and he said his take is basically what I’ve done for him the last year (accept and work with his flaws). But then he made an interesting comment where he didn’t say he loves me. It was like “I feel this about you *15m later* I would know I loved someone if I felt like this aka the thing he just said about me .” Then the kiss goodbye was amazing as always. So idk long story short it was perfect lol

A is locked out of school until next Wednesday. I hate these people. They don’t deserve to work with children.

so exhausted and it’s only monday

 

[WinterBub]

Thank you for thinking of me! I had my transfer yesterday, and am now just waiting it out to find out if it worked. I do a blood test exactly two weeks after the transfer, but 100% will start testing at home tomorrow it is too early to have a BFP, but that's kind of the point, start testing when I expect a blank and see if anything appears in the days after that. From looking online, it seems like I should know by day 7/8 if I am out. I am feeling quite down about it all today. They called to adjust my meds because my results (estrogen and progesterone) were low, so I don't know, that just knocked the wind out of my sails.

How did your menu tasting go, shae?

That chopping board is beautiful, Flueky! Would you use it for something more like a charcuterie board? I'm one for using things and not "saving" them, because then what is the point of having the nice thing?! Was just thinking that that would keep it in tip top condition if you wanted to enjoy but not be too hard on it!

The way that A has been treated is really despicable, Dobby. So sorry that you've had to deal with all of it. So, will he finally be able to go back now full time?

And happy anniversary! I think there's something telling in that both of y'all have hung in there with his travel and everything. Here's to hoping that everything over the next year progresses to whatever you want it to be. i also am a big fan of being independent within a relationship, so in that sense I think you might have a really good foundation from which to build on.

 

[shaescott]

Dobs oh geez, what happened with the school?
That’s lovely with the guy. Hopefully his new job will make the relationship easier. I’m hoping for a future wedding and babies from you

Winter did you have an hcg trigger shot? I know a lot of people do and test it out to see when it goes negative so they know from then on a positive is real. Sorry they had to adjust your meds, but it’s good that they’re on top of it, it gives you a better chance.

The tasting went well, we ended up going with the pot roast because it’s more foolproof, salmon is easy to overcook and with 150 people that’s a big risk. We already knew the second option, which is sauteed chicken breast with melted Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, and a maple scallion sun dried tomato sauce. We tried it before we booked and it was amazing. SO hates tomatoes and he still loved it.

 

[DobbyForever]

Winer yay for the transfer! I'm with you on the testing daily just to catch anything early or, like Shae said if you had a trigger then it takes a lot of guesswork out. Sending all my positivity into the universe for you. I'm sorry your hormone levels didn't come back as expected. Hopefully the medication does the trick, and I'm glad they're getting on it asap.

Shae those options sound great! I'd definitely be excited for them! I'm glad you both loved them! That's so sweet. Sorry if you already said, was it just you and SO at the tasting or did you two invite along parents or wedding parting as well?

I've probably jinxed it now LOL. But yeah. We shall see!

The school is just being a pill. My friend is at a conference with the SpEd director. She said the director was on her computer playing video games, not taking notes until the lecture on expel/discipline of students with IEPs/disabilities. At which point, she started taking furious notes and looking stressed. It's just so draining this week. I also talked to a trauma specialist that I desperately need to evaluate A for multiple reasons, but her fee is 8400. I have no way of coming up with 8400.

 

[Flueky88]

Dobby the date sounds amazing! I'm glad it went well and hope things continue to go in that direction for you.

So sorry the school is being out of line again with A. I hope that he gets to go back Wednesday. How did thr IEP go yesterday? How was your eval?

Winter, I'm sorry the low estrogen and progesterone has you feeling down about it but I'm still very hopeful for you and feel like since they caught it early it shouldn't be an issue. Have you been testing?

Well I have used the cutting board 2x now. I just try to be more mindful with my chopping and try to wash it quickly. I bought a stand for it off Etsy and the guy who made it gave us some oil to apply as needed to condition it. So just going to use and try to care for it properly.

Shae that chicken dish sounds soooo good. Pot roast is always nice too!


AFM had 3 days of meetings. It's challenging when normally working from home to having to go to the office. It adds at least an hour of driving but I am blessed to WFH mostly. The meetings were about looking at our review process and getting critiqued and looking for opportunities for improvement so it's more quality and efficiency. I was pretty active in 2 of the 3 but the last one I got to just observe and learn some.

Girls are good. Parent teacher conferences are coming up sometime soon. So looking forward to that. I can't believe S will be 4 soon. Going to have to start planning her party soon.

I made a semi homemade chicken pot pie this week. OMG so delicious! I did cheat about the crusts, just bought frozen ones, but I chose fresh veggies and used broth, flour, and heavy cream to create that creamy sauce.

Not much planned for the weekend. My mom and stepdad are coming over. Fixing tacos for dinner and some chcolotae lava cake for dessert.

Weight has been maintaining but I'm going to work on trying to lose 2 lbs a month. I haven't been tracking my food and I think that's been my major downfall with trying to lose. I'm hoping to be down to 150 by end of May and I was 159.8 this a.m.

 

[WinterBub]

Pot roast is a solid choice, Shae! All ofmyour options sounded great, but I feel like beef if the least controversial. Back when I was a waitress (during college) we did a lot of big dinners, and the staple was chicken and steak. We'd try and give couples one of each, and then they could negotiate amongst themselves

I'm glad you're enjoying the chopping board, flueky! My mom used to make us keep all our "best" stuff pristine. But then we'd never use it/enjoy it. Not gonna lie- I want you to adopt me, because the food at your house always sounds amazing!

Any update on the school drama, Dobby? When are you next seeing OA?

So... I've been testing daily (why not?!). I didn't use a trigger, so nothing to interfere with the results. Aaaaaaand, I just got a very faint positive. really hoping that this keeps developing over the next few days! I'm the equivalent of 10dpo today. I think I'm doing the opposite of the usual testing: starting out with frers and waiting for a positive cheapie to confirm. I also have a digital frer, and wondering when I should use that.

 

[DobbyForever]

In a pity party. I haven’t been sleeping. IEP got cancelled and I’m sure this means they’ll try to keep A out of school. Also sounds like they are going to move him to Gen Ed TK for the trial placement BUT it will be at the other school. Just a cluster fork of bs. Got another bill from my attorney. Another 5k I don’t have.

evaluation wasn’t great. My classroom management was subpar and the lesson dragged. I was so excited and it was obvious. It was easily my worst observation in 11 years of teaching. Coupled with the kids having rainy day recess right before and all week due to the storm plus Friday the 13th vibes.

so I did read but have to reply later. Gonna try to see if A will let me nap. I slept 8-11 and then 3-6 last night. It’s raining and I can’t go to my mom’s because she deserves a break.

Winter can you post a pic you know we love test pics

 

[Flueky88]

Winter LOL about adopting you.

I'm so excited about your faint positive!! Agree with Dobby that if you are okay with it, upload a pic I only used a digital frer once and it had an error. I think they are more sensitive than clearblue digi though.

Dobby I'm sorry that IEP was canceled and it's not looking good. Sorry your eval was subpar too. Hope you get that nap in!

 

[DobbyForever]

Agreed the gold digitals are super sensitive. Def the best. Cb weeks is too if you can find them. Otherwise definitely hold off. FXed

i also agree lol flueky your food and parties and adventure are always amazing

 

[DobbyForever]

IEP in 3.5h

Sleepover was cancelled. He and his daughter had really bad fevers. ETA he texted and he’s really still really sick. But he said he wants to take me on an overnight trip to make it up to me.

 

[WinterBub]

Sorry for the silence, y'all! My tests have been getting darker, and so far, so good overall. I think I just underestimated how anxious I'd be given my previous experiences. I get my official beta on Monday! And am going to try and take a step back from testing/obsessing until then. Thank you so much for the support!

I hope that IEP goes well, Dobby. And an overnight trip away sounds incredible! I'm sorry the eval didn't go well- does anything actually happen as a result of a good/bad one?

 

[Flueky88]

Winter, I have been stalking my watched threads waiting for your update! Soooo sooo happy that things are progressing for you and continued prayers!

Dobby how was the IEP Tuesday? Sorry the sleepover was canceled but hope the make up is great!

 

[shaescott]

Omg Winter, we need test pics!!!!

Dobs I’m sorry the eval didn’t go well. How was the IEP meeting?

 

[shaescott]

Fertility related stuff:
Out of an abundance of curiosity (so, my usual), I bought an Inito fertility monitor so I can monitor my urine estrogen and progesterone levels to make sure they’re in normal range throughout my cycle. It also tests LH and FSH. Unfortunately, the monitor arrived a little later than expected, and I was 2dpo by the time I got it. However, I tested with it that day and the next (3dpo) and my progesterone is definitely elevated, possible higher than normal? And my estrogen is also quite high, also possibly higher than normal. The 2dpo test had both much lower, but it was not FMU, and the 3dpo test was, the instructions say to use FMU, plus it makes sense for the progesterone to be much higher at 3dpo than 2dpo. But anyway, my e3g (urine estrogen) was 467 on 3dpo, and my pdg (urine progesterone) was 40. The e3g is at a fantastic level for immediately before/during ovulation, but the luteal phase level should be up to 160 apparently. Even the lower non-FMU was higher than that. There’s like no range info for pdg, only serum progesterone, but they do seem to be similar. You need to hit 10 for good changes of successful pregnancy with urine, 5 to confirm ovulation with urine, and the serum level apparently is normal up to 26. So yeah, I’m an over achiever
Annoyingly enough, I’ve been spotting since 2dpo, but at least I know it’s not low progesterone, that was certainly a concern before.

ETA: my boobs also started hurting yesterday (4dpo) and still are hurting today, so crazy me is like “am I pregnant from pullout on O-1??? Is that why my levels are high?” It’s far more likely I just run high lol, but a girl can dream. Not like I’ve never had the same exact oddly timed symptoms before. The only cycle I had something truly odd (car sickness while being the driver) was the one with the faint positive that went away. Anyway. I’d still much rather have a honeymoon baby, of course. I’d be 23 weeks on my wedding day if I got pregnant this cycle, which is easier to hide in my dress than if I’d gotten pregnant in the past few months, but I’d like to drink at my own wedding and enjoy our wine tastings in Italy without risking fetal alcohol syndrome and permanent disability on my child.

Unrelated, I’ve been seeing a ton of stuff come out lately about Tylenol use during pregnancy (not like once, but semi-regular use, as far as I know) being linked to autism in the child. My mom had been saying that for years, studies came out years ago and were suppressed, but I hoped it wasn’t true because I get semi-frequent migraines. I use naproxen, which is an NSAID and contraindicated in pregnancy, so the alternative is Tylenol, which turns out isn’t safe either. Catch me going to an IV clinic for fluids every time I get a headache out of desperation

 

[DobbyForever]

Winter that is so exciting! I’m so glad to hear everything is progressing well with the hpts! I’m glad you’re feeling good and yes don’t stress the tests.

Shae that was all Greek to me but sounds like fun info to have! Sorry about the spotting. Any ideas on cause if it’s not progesterone? I’m still team honeymoon baby. I can’t believe how quickly your wedding is approaching! So excitinng!

re Tylenol I’ve gotten a few of those class action things but I don’t really care enough to get into it. Best case I’d expect reimbursement for any private ABA services which isn’t worth the hassle or putting A’s medical records on blast. I can’t really comment because I’m not a doctor lol but everyone I know used Tylenol and far more than I did but I’m the only one with a kid with ASD and he’s got two off center parents so I’m still team genetics and environment. Science is always learning more and money drives everything though so I wouldn’t be shocked if it turned out to not be as safe as people thought/let on

Re iep: it was really bad like we had to threaten to sue them bad. They kept A out an extra two days after the meeting to be petty. His first day is tomorrow. We’re retaining him to TK Gen Ed but I okayed changing his school because the Gen Ed teacher there is much better and it’ll be an easier transition if he does ever need SDC and the school is ranked better and A actually hates his old teacher now

Re eval: I have my meeting tomorrow so I’ll see what my boss says. Maybe he won’t be as harsh as I am on myself

re OA yeah well we’ll see. I did order this Star Wars card that has that I love you I know scene on the front but now if he says it before v-day the card won’t be funny lol. I doubt we’ll be able to do anything. He has his daughter on Tuesday nights and now that her mom has an official bf I doubt she’d give up her night. I wouldn’t lol

 

[shaescott]

Dobs re: the spotting, I found one source that said the switch from estrogen dominance to progesterone dominance after ovulation can cause spotting
Re: Tylenol yeah I definitely wasn’t suggesting anyone hop on one of those lawsuits, they’re probably mostly scams.
Re: IEP oh geez. Is the other school better or under the same people?

My estrogen and progesterone levels were much more normal this morning. I’m gonna check every 2 days or so to make sure my progesterone holds above 10 long enough for an embryo to implant, cuz if not we’ve got a problem. It was 14 this morning.

 

[DobbyForever]

For sure I just always think of those suits when people talk about it lol. I’ve gotten a few class action stuff for some jobs I’ve worked but it’s like not worth the hassle. One was literally like less than $50 haha.

Well I think it will give you something to focus on just don’t drive yourself mad. And it would be to know now if everything is moving on track with the hormones. You either get reassurance or time to address it before ttc

So it’s still the same school district, and the overall IEP and services and placement offers will come from the two b*es. His inept BTs are the same. The school staff is different. The neutral BCBA is hoping that the higher tolerance for learning behaviors in TK plus lower academic demands will give A a chance to focus on reducing his elopement and aggression while building tolerance for learning. He’ll have to bus from his care at his old school, but the kid across the street from my mom buses and he knows it goes to school so he’s been asking to get on it. I’ll try to get him on the on site at the new school next year.

 

[WinterBub]

So, A should be back at a new school shortly, and in general ed? Sorry- some of that was definitely written in teacherese and I want to make sure I was actually following! Are you happy with the outcome?

Shae- I'd suggest that you go see either an OB or an RE and ask for a full work up ahead of TTC. Explain that you have on and off different things like spotting, and just want to know whatever you can ahead of time. I'm sure you're fine- but something like PCOS or I'm sure a zillion other things (ie. thyroid etc) can throw your levels off for any of these hormones. If the monitor causes more stress than it cures, I'd stop using it. Either see a doctor, or just leave it for now. Just my two cents! And fwiw, an RE was a million times more interested than my OB in looking into all of this. If the RE is in network, the appointment isn't that expensive. And you can discuss what bloodwork you'd want to do (ie. Yes to hormone panels, no to genetic tests for you etc).

Flueky- hope you and your beautiful girls are.doing well over there! And your hubby too!

AFM- my first beta is tomorrow, and I'm starting to freak out. I've been having some twinges around my csection scar/off to one side last night and this morning. I suspect it is just stretching, but now I'm worried about having an ectopic. I thought that I'd be elated with a BFP and that IVF would solve all my issues, but of course, bad things still happen in life. Anyway- have my beta early tomorrow and then a telemed appointment a few hours later, so will ask them tomorrow. Any prayers, thoughts, good vibes sent my way are very appreciated! Not sure when my first scan would be. Hopefully soon, even if they wouldn't see anything other than a sac.