March...Hoping for some Irish luck to bring us little Charms

[beaglemom]

Are you serious? I am a crazy coupon lady too! Hence the name: savvysaver!

My first thought in the morning is... 'it is way to early to get up', followed by 'how can I grab that thermometer without falling out of bed or opening my eyes'

1/1/15 would be a cool due date!

Yep - I have a whole cabinet full of coupons. I dumpster dive, I have a basement full of stockpiles, two refrigerators and one extra chest freezer. Between couponing and ttc I don't know how I'd have time for anything else!

Which brings me to: do any of you ever feel like ttc is a full time job? For me the cycle goes like this:

CD1 - CD7: temp in the morning. Eat Royal Jelly (has to be on an empty stomach). Take morning vitamins. Exercise. Drink raspberry leaf tea. Take baby aspirin. Take afternoon vitamins. Eat Royal Jelly again. Drink raspberry leaf tea. Take evening vitamins. Do castor oil pack. Do self fertility massage. Do femoral message.

CD7-CD13 or so: all of the above plus testing for OPK. FMU until it gets dark then it's 2-3 times until O. Add decaf green tea in the afternoon. Add mucinex in the evening. Follow SMEP and make sure DH complies.

CD14 - CD27: Take all the vitamins three times. Obsess over temps and struggle whether or not to test early.

Sometimes I feel like I need to quit on job to focus on this full time!

It does get crazy...I actually take the raspberry leaf supplement. I like tea, but can never seem to keep up with the ritual of drinking it. If I have another cycle, I plan to add the pineapple core supplement (bromaline). And I plan to add vit d & coq10.

 

[misaacs117]

Well I checked my thermometer when I got home and my temperature was 97.81 so only .47 rise

 

[allisonmh]

Beaglemom, I tested 14dpo. I didn't test early at all bc I wasn't feeling it. I had absolutely no symptoms at all.

 

[floridasian]

Well I checked my thermometer when I got home and my temperature was 97.81 so only .47 rise

0.47° is really close to 0.5° though - hope it stays up!

 

[savvysaver]

Yep - I have a whole cabinet full of coupons. I dumpster dive, I have a basement full of stockpiles (yes I already have a shelf full of diapers), two refrigerators and one extra chest freezer. Between couponing and ttc I don't know how I'd have time for anything else!

Which brings me to: do any of you ever feel like ttc is a full time job? For me the cycle goes like this:

CD1 - CD7: temp in the morning. Eat Royal Jelly (has to be on an empty stomach). Take morning vitamins. Exercise. Drink raspberry leaf tea. Take baby aspirin. Take afternoon vitamins. Eat Royal Jelly again. Drink raspberry leaf tea. Take evening vitamins. Do castor oil pack. Do self fertility massage. Do femoral message.

CD7-CD13 or so: all of the above plus testing for OPK. FMU until it gets dark then it's 2-3 times until O. Add decaf green tea in the afternoon. Add mucinex in the evening. Follow SMEP and make sure DH complies.

CD14 - CD27: Take all the vitamins three times. Obsess over temps and struggle whether or not to test early. Edited to add: and symptoms spot then google the symptoms I spot. Spend hours comparing my chart to BFP charts on FF.

Sometimes I feel like I need to quit on job to focus on this full time!

In the past year I started collecting diapers and wipes since I was able to get most of them for free. It was too hard to pass up, but I had to get creative to hide them around the house. My 5 year coupon anniversary is coming up soon! It all started as a fun hobby, I couldn't believe the freebies I could get and then it turned into a game. It is very addictive.

I love your daily events during ttc! I also spend hours comparing charts and googling way too much!

 

[misaacs117]

My temperature was 98.09 this morning. Maybe I did O and stopped my opks too early. If you look at my chart we did bd on cd20 right before my temperature spiked. Hope we caught that egg!

 

[beaglemom]

My temperature was 98.09 this morning. Maybe I did O and stopped my opks too early. If you look at my chart we did bd on cd20 right before my temperature spiked. Hope we caught that egg!

Good luck...you should go again today for good measure.

I have been feeling sick for a few days. This happens sometimes so I don't think it means anything. Plus all kinds of bugs have been going around. But sick as in I have to go to the bathroom not throwing up. I don't know if it is maybe something I ate.

Tested again today & still have a negative.

 

[misaacs117]

Beaglemom No AF yet?? Still a good sign maybe a late implanter!

 

[beaglemom]

No AF & so far no signs besides the REALLY light spotting. No cramping yet today. I am hoping I still have a shot. I only have 2 tests left at home. I really don't want to buy anymore. So I am very tempted to test tomorrow, but I am going to wait until Saturday. Saturday will be CD 33 & when I would expect AF. So far on clomid, I have NEVER gone past 32 days.

So PLEASE keep sending me some positive thoughts.

 

[floridasian]

Fx'ed for you beaglemom!!!!

 

[allisonmh]

I'm sending baby dust your way, beaglemom!!!

And I'm so jealous of all you coupon-ers. We only have one grocery store here other than target and Walmart and they're super strict on their coupon policy. They have in store coupons but they still consider them "manufacturer's coupons" so you can't use the ones from the newspaper or anything with them. It's such crap. We used to have an Albertson's about an hour away and I was also so tempted to drive that far just to coupon... And then HEB bought them out!!! Waaahhh!!! Lol

 

[savvysaver]

Positive thoughts sent your way beaglemom!!

 

[savvysaver]

And I'm so jealous of all you coupon-ers. We only have one grocery store here other than target and Walmart and they're super strict on their coupon policy. They have in store coupons but they still consider them "manufacturer's coupons" so you can't use the ones from the newspaper or anything with them. It's such crap. We used to have an Albertson's about an hour away and I was also so tempted to drive that far just to coupon... And then HEB bought them out!!! Waaahhh!!! Lol

That stinks that you don't have many shopping options! I mainly stick to drugstores (CVS or Rite Aid) since I can find so many health and beauty products dirt cheap there. I am on a special diet which costs a small fortune and I have to shop at Whole Foods, with the limited foods I can eat there isn't many coupons.

My best coupon/saving money tip is actually don't worry too much about the coupons but instead only buy items that are on sale that week. It takes a few months of planning, but if something is on sale that you eat frequently then buy more than one or two. If the cereal I can eat is on sale 2/$5 I buy a few boxes, maybe there is a coupon out for $1.00 off 2, so I paid $2 a box or $2.50 without the coupons. I buy 4 boxes so I have enough for the next month or two. If I only bought a box or two then I might have to pay full price later in the month for the same cereal (which could cost me like $4 each box not on sale). Over the past few years I have stocked up when items are at the rock bottom price, I have a decent sized pantry and have plenty of room for extras. I make my hubby's meals from what is on sale each week at the market. If chicken is on sale, he has chicken tacos, bbq chicken, chicken salad sandwiches, etc. Plus I buy an extra pack or two of chicken to freeze for another meal. Best tips...check the sales ad first, make a list and stick to it and never shop hungry!

Sorry to ramble on...things are a bit slow here and I figured one post on saving some cash wouldn't hurt! Hope it is okay.

 

[moni77]

FXed Beagle. I almost tested this morning but stopped myself. Going to wait until Saturday as well.

 

[ERosePW]

Hi girls!! Finally getting a chance to check in again.

Beaglemom, super high hopes for you!! So you said your spotting is super light this time, right? And not much cramping? And you're so close to that 33-day mark. I'm feeling pretty darn good for you! Ahh!!! Can't wait!

misaacs, I think your chart looks good and that you probably did O on cd20 honestly. .47 is plenty to be considered O. I've even seen some websites that say at least .4, rather than .5. And I think its because you just never know if for some reason your temp is off just by that tiny little .1 degree, ya know? It really looks to me like you O'd. Awesome that you BD on that day!! I think you have a chance.

floridasian, your chart is looking pretty good!

savvy, thanks for the savings tips! I need it, because my DH and I do NOT do a good job of coupons or looking for the best sales. We don't even make a list when we shop... we just go in there and walk down the aisles and grab things we need or want, and our grocery bills are ridiculously high for just the two of us! Don't get me wrong... we do go for a Sale item if its obvious and right near the original item we were gonna grab.... and Publix has a lot of good Buy One Get One Free each week, so we always grab those. But we don't do a good job of looking ahead or taking coupons with us. I'll be thinking about your tips next time I shop.

allison, hope you're feeling good, Hunny!!!

If I missed anyone, hello!!!

AFM, I will just paste what i just posted in my other forum... I think i told you my temps started rising earlier than they should've, so I wasn't even using OPKs yet. When I saw my temp rise though, I decided I better try one, but they've been negative this whole time. I have no idea if I would've gotten a positive on cd9 or 10 because it was earlier than I normally start testing! What bothers me is that I've never heard of anyone O'ing the day after finishing their last Clomid pill, except when Beaglemom got her Peak on her monitor the day after. Other than that, I can't really find any other stories on the internet. Its usually a few days (at the earliest) before someone will O on clomid. So my mind is completely blank. But my temp kept rising. I had a dip yesterday, but it's way high today. FF never gave me CHs at all though! wtf! So I had to just override it and put in my own lines. I'm afraid maybe I didnt O at all, but then again, how would my temps be up if I didn't?? So anyway...this is a weird one for sure, and i hate not knowing for sure. I kept doing the OPKs even though my temps were clearly post-O range, and I never saw a pos. We BD a few more times, just in case. But I don't really know what to think. I'm just glad we also BD on cd 8 and 10! Because if I did O that early, at least we got a couple days worth of the little guys in there.

 

[beaglemom]

Thanks for everyone's positive thoughts. The spotting is a little heavier this afternoon. Still brown. So I don't know what to think except just wait it out. I am starting to feel out because of the heavier spotting.

I have decided that I am buying the digital opks next month if this one is a bust. I think it will give me more piece of mind. I am usually fine with regular opks...but with the IUI also going on, I think I just need to be extra positive. But now I am just nervous it will fall on a weekend.

Erin, you cycle is def being crazy. I have had a few like that. But then I see people with a crazy out of whack cycle & they end up getting pregnant. So hopefully you still have a good shot.

 

[savvysaver]

savvy, thanks for the savings tips! I need it, because my DH and I do NOT do a good job of coupons or looking for the best sales. We don't even make a list when we shop... we just go in there and walk down the aisles and grab things we need or want, and our grocery bills are ridiculously high for just the two of us! Don't get me wrong... we do go for a Sale item if its obvious and right near the original item we were gonna grab.... and Publix has a lot of good Buy One Get One Free each week, so we always grab those. But we don't do a good job of looking ahead or taking coupons with us. I'll be thinking about your tips next time I shop.

AFM, I will just paste what i just posted in my other forum... I think i told you my temps started rising earlier than they should've, so I wasn't even using OPKs yet. When I saw my temp rise though, I decided I better try one, but they've been negative this whole time. I have no idea if I would've gotten a positive on cd9 or 10 because it was earlier than I normally start testing! What bothers me is that I've never heard of anyone O'ing the day after finishing their last Clomid pill, except when Beaglemom got her Peak on her monitor the day after. Other than that, I can't really find any other stories on the internet. Its usually a few days (at the earliest) before someone will O on clomid. So my mind is completely blank. But my temp kept rising. I had a dip yesterday, but it's way high today. FF never gave me CHs at all though! wtf! So I had to just override it and put in my own lines. I'm afraid maybe I didnt O at all, but then again, how would my temps be up if I didn't?? So anyway...this is a weird one for sure, and i hate not knowing for sure. I kept doing the OPKs even though my temps were clearly post-O range, and I never saw a pos. We BD a few more times, just in case. But I don't really know what to think. I'm just glad we also BD on cd 8 and 10! Because if I did O that early, at least we got a couple days worth of the little guys in there.

Erin, would your hsg have anything to do with the different temps? I don't know anything about them at all, just trying to think of any reasons why your cycle could be so different this month. If you did O early at least you got some BDing in!

It does take a little time and practice to get those grocery bills down but it is totally worth it. Make a game out of it with your hubby. Look in the ad for 5 minutes before you go and make a list. See who can find the best dinner item on sale. One more tip...limit the number of trips you make to the grocery store. Go once a week, if you run out of milk (or anything else) do without until your next weekly trip. Or my biggest money saver...use up what is in your house. Don't waste anything, freeze leftover chili/casserole for next week. I will cook up some chicken breasts, slice them up and freeze them for fajitas the following week. Also, go through your pantry and use up what you have before spending more money. Good luck at the store, I have heard Publix has awesome deals!

 

[ERosePW]

Hi savvy! I don't think the HSG would affect temps. I had it done on cd5, and my temp rose cd11. And from the research I've done online, I can't find anyone that says their temps went up early. I have found some who got ovulation a little late, but nothing about temps. I found a few who's O came a little early, but nobody who was on clomid. So I'm sorta in the dark and can only assume my body resisted the clomid this month for whatever reason, and maybe I did O on cd10 like I usually do when I don't take clomid. But I just don't know for sure.

Oh, btw, I don't think I mentioned to you ladies, I scheduled an appt with a FS/RE for March 31st. I know I just had the HSG and even cleared a blockage, so I should be patient and give it three more months. I just know that if I wait and I'm still not prego in a few months, I'd be mad at myself for not getting in sooner. So I'm just gonna do it. It should be right at the end of my current cycle, or very beginning of my new cycle, so just in time for them to start doing whatever it is that they have to do at certain points of the cycle. I'm pretty excited about moving on to a specialist. Although I'd prefer to just be prego this month! But if not, I feel good that I'm moving on to someone who specializes in this.

I think cheri22 said Jan for me anyway, and if I were to get prego in my next cycle, I believe it would be a Jan due date. I think... I have to check again.

 

[misaacs117]

ERose
I think going to the new RE is great! I wish I would have gone way earlier but kept telling myself up wait. Wait for this wait for that..excuse excuse. I think doing what's best for you and your dh on this ttc journey will make you feel better and hopefully get you a BFP that sticks! And having a meeting is going to give you answers. Or at least a action plan. What day of your cycle will it be? If it's close to the beginning they may go ahead and draw blood! Then you will get those results back in like a week. I'm getting excited for you

AFM I got my first confirmation of O on FF! It says 3dpo! Hope it's right

 

[savvysaver]

AFM I got my first confirmation of O on FF! It says 3dpo! Hope it's right

It totally looks like you are 3dpo from your chart!