Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[alicatt]

Happy HUMP day to everyone! Does that mean there should be a whole lot of "humping" going on? Well, boooo! Not for me...since AF decided to visit. I don't know why she keeps coming around when it is sooooo obvious that she is NOT welcome! I try to her but she makes it difficult!

Coy...how are you? have you managed to sit your rear-end down and relax a bit? Or better yet, just ...you are going to need energy when your little one arrives...and you are not going to find energy in your garage, closets, or any other place you plan on organizing or reorganizing!
You had asked me about my workouts a few posts back and I never responded. My trainer has me on a rotation...Arms, Shoulders, Legs, Chest, Back, Legs...wash, rinse and repeat! I do legs every third day, abs every other day, and at least 1.5 hours of cardio everyday. Whew! Today I have chest...and right now, until my show in September, I am lifting heavy.
We are going to have to come up with some fantastic workouts for you after you have the baby!!

Ali...How are you doing? Are you still giving yourself shots? OUCH!! I certainly hope those follicles are growing!! What is next on your TTC plan? I called and left a message for my FS to see if my progesterone levels were checked back when they did the blood work. I left a message and I am waiting to hear back. BTW, when are you coming back to the states? Or is Canada looking more like a permanent stay?

FirstTry...I know you won't be back for a week but I have to ask...are you giving yourself shots too!?!? I just dont know how yall do it. I am such a weenie!

And what is going on with everyone else? I have been MIA for the last couple of days because I am getting ready to go out of town for the weekend AGAIN. But this time it is with my son, my BF, and his parents. Going to the coast for a wedding and some fishing...should be fun...

I'm so sorry that AF decided to show. Hopefully they checked your progesterone for you. However there are 2 times they can check. Once is on CD3 (well 2-4) and it should be really low. Then again on 7DPO to see if it has risen high enough to sustain a pregnancy. So on CD3 it should be around 1.5 and by 7DPO it should be around 15. Maybe you can go in and have some more testing done this month?

As for the injections, there are all types, and each Dr does different stuff. I'm on gonal f and menopur. gonal f is straight FSH and menopur is a combination of FSH and LH. Menopur is actually made from the urine of post-menopausal women

We had hoped that by now my follicles would be bigger, but they are growing soooo slooooowwwly. They are growing, and I have 4 which is exactly what I wanted! My lining is a triple and is now 11.1mm which is awesome for implantation they say. The plan now is to go back on Saturday and repeat. See where my blood is and my follicles and then possibly do a trigger and IUI then or possibly wait until Sunday/Monday. It will all depend on what we see on Saturday. I'm waiting for my blood work to come back and that will tell us what dose I should be taking of the menopur and gonal f for the next 3 days.

Then hopefully this will all result in a BFP! Maybe even TWINS!!!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Happy HUMP day to everyone! Does that mean there should be a whole lot of "humping" going on? Well, boooo! Not for me...since AF decided to visit. I don't know why she keeps coming around when it is sooooo obvious that she is NOT welcome! I try to her but she makes it difficult!

Coy...how are you? have you managed to sit your rear-end down and relax a bit? Or better yet, just ...you are going to need energy when your little one arrives...and you are not going to find energy in your garage, closets, or any other place you plan on organizing or reorganizing!
You had asked me about my workouts a few posts back and I never responded. My trainer has me on a rotation...Arms, Shoulders, Legs, Chest, Back, Legs...wash, rinse and repeat! I do legs every third day, abs every other day, and at least 1.5 hours of cardio everyday. Whew! Today I have chest...and right now, until my show in September, I am lifting heavy.
We are going to have to come up with some fantastic workouts for you after you have the baby!!

Ali...How are you doing? Are you still giving yourself shots? OUCH!! I certainly hope those follicles are growing!! What is next on your TTC plan? I called and left a message for my FS to see if my progesterone levels were checked back when they did the blood work. I left a message and I am waiting to hear back. BTW, when are you coming back to the states? Or is Canada looking more like a permanent stay?

FirstTry...I know you won't be back for a week but I have to ask...are you giving yourself shots too!?!? I just dont know how yall do it. I am such a weenie!

And what is going on with everyone else? I have been MIA for the last couple of days because I am getting ready to go out of town for the weekend AGAIN. But this time it is with my son, my BF, and his parents. Going to the coast for a wedding and some fishing...should be fun...

. Menopur is actually made from the urine of post-menopausal women

Yikes, I coulda lived without knowing that! lol

 

[jm1355]

OK Ali...I called my FS today and he just called back. The only tests that were done was a check on my ovarian functions...AMH (6.33) and FSH (7.8)... so now what they want me to do is come in for and HSG next week. When I asked "what is that ?" the doctor chuckeld a little bit explaining that most women that he talks to are FULL of a LOT of information...but not me!

He also told me that he doesn't really want me to pay too much attention to my BBT because of how much I workout. He said working out puts too many variables in the mix that can cause my temps to be all over the place. But I will keep charting because I LIKE IT! (This coming from the girl who couldn't even manage to remember to take my temps at first!) Instead he said I need to be sure to do my OPK faithfully...I use the ClearBlue Easy Digital test and he also said that I should buy a new kit every month because the digital tester needs to be new with each cycle...but I can use my leftover strips. Seems like so much info...

I asked him about testing my progesterone levels. He said that because I have a completely normal cycle, that initially, they use the last part of the cycle (after ovulation) to determine if you need a supplement. If it is something less than 12 days then they put you on a progesterone supplement. I don't have that issue. So we are going to go with the HSG and make sure that my IUD issues a couple of years ago didn't cause any scarring on my uterus and that my tubes are all clear. So, I have that scheduled for next Tuesday at 3:30. I wonder if that dye injection hurts...

 

[alin3boys]

jess good luck with hsg next week it isnt to bad it will feel like af cramps when going through tubes and may last for a couple of days and you might have some bleeding (i cramped during the procedure and 1 day after and bled for 2 days but only light)u you may feel more pain if a tube is blocked as dye trying to pass through

 

[alicatt]

OK Ali...I called my FS today and he just called back. The only tests that were done was a check on my ovarian functions...AMH (6.33) and FSH (7.8)... so now what they want me to do is come in for and HSG next week. When I asked "what is that ?" the doctor chuckeld a little bit explaining that most women that he talks to are FULL of a LOT of information...but not me!

He also told me that he doesn't really want me to pay too much attention to my BBT because of how much I workout. He said working out puts too many variables in the mix that can cause my temps to be all over the place. But I will keep charting because I LIKE IT! (This coming from the girl who couldn't even manage to remember to take my temps at first!) Instead he said I need to be sure to do my OPK faithfully...I use the ClearBlue Easy Digital test and he also said that I should buy a new kit every month because the digital tester needs to be new with each cycle...but I can use my leftover strips. Seems like so much info...

I asked him about testing my progesterone levels. He said that because I have a completely normal cycle, that initially, they use the last part of the cycle (after ovulation) to determine if you need a supplement. If it is something less than 12 days then they put you on a progesterone supplement. I don't have that issue. So we are going to go with the HSG and make sure that my IUD issues a couple of years ago didn't cause any scarring on my uterus and that my tubes are all clear. So, I have that scheduled for next Tuesday at 3:30. I wonder if that dye injection hurts...

I'm so glad you called, looks like you are making some progress! Your AMH and FSH look good, check out this website: https://www.drmalpani.com/amh.htm and this one: https://fertilityplus.com/faq/hormonelevels.html to see what your other levels should be. From what I can see, yours are all awesome

As for the HSG, it will be uncomfortable, and you might be a little bloated for a few days after the test. I had a tiny bit of pain when I had the first one done and my tube was blocked, and on the second one when they opened it up, it hurt for a few seconds and then once it opened up, the pain disappeared. It was really wild, having the pain go away like that. The Dr said, your left looks awesome, and your right.. and he paused, as if he was going to tell me it was blocked, and then at the exact same time the pain went away he said, and there is your right! My Dr said to take a pain medicine like advil or aleve an hour before the test, and that would help a lot. I didn't do that for the first one, but did for the second and I believe it helped a lot!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Jess- awesome! Glad you are making progress with your doc! I was wondering if all the working out would cause your bbt to differ! NUTS! I should have mentioned it then I'd look like I really know something! LOL! Your numbers look really great, and it does make sense to test the prog in post ov...that's when it should surge for implantation, etc. I am glad Ali has done the dye and has some great advice for you! No worries. You're tough

Ali- ewww on the menopur LOL! You're tough too!

FM- yes, Jess, you are right, my garage does not offer any energy But I stop working on it once the sun creeps around and it gets hot. Then I work indoors. The couch, on the othr hand, offers me LOADS of energy

 

[alicatt]

Jess- awesome! Glad you are making progress with your doc! I was wondering if all the working out would cause your bbt to differ! NUTS! I should have mentioned it then I'd look like I really know something! LOL! Your numbers look really great, and it does make sense to test the prog in post ov...that's when it should surge for implantation, etc. I am glad Ali has done the dye and has some great advice for you! No worries. You're tough

Ali- ewww on the menopur LOL! You're tough too!

FM- yes, Jess, you are right, my garage does not offer any energy But I stop working on it once the sun creeps around and it gets hot. Then I work indoors. The couch, on the othr hand, offers me LOADS of energy

Jess - I agree with Coy, definitely test your progesterone if you can this next month, they usually do it around 7dpo. My dr just gave me a script for it and said to go to the lab on that day (to the lab that i can use with my ins), you can even schedule it for that 7th day once you know the day you ovulated. If it falls on a Sat/Sun you can go the day before or day after.
I forgot to comment on the OPK comment your Dr made about having to get a new reader each month. Really? I had no idea. Seems kinda strange don't you think? The strips are all individually wrapped so they should keep each month.

Coy - keep the garage activity to a minimum, and get some rest! You will wish you did once the baby has arrived. By then you'll have 3 to deal with and will need all your strength! I think I read somewhere that you need to rest up during your 3rd trimester, so go hold down that couch! and if the girls bother you, tell them that you are holding down the couch, as you are worried it will run away, that should get a few laughs from them.

AFM - I know, I found it funny that I am paying for old ladies urine! silly! I have decided that I have turtle follicles. They are just that SLOW!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali- re:turtle follicles....now I know you'll have a girl! My dh is half Oglala Lakota and follows many of the traditions. One of the traditions is the mother has to get brand new leather (preferably white or near-white) and you make a turtle shaped bag. The two I have made so far look like stuffed turtle toys and are decorated with bead work. Anyway, when babes is born dh takes 7 inches of umbilical cord and we dry it, wrap it in fresh dried sage then pack it in the bag, fill it with sage and sew it shut. The tradition is it is a holder of life and is sacred. It is kept by mother or grandmother until the baby grows to be a woman then is given to her and buried with her when she passes on later in life. Anyhow, girls are turtles, boys are snakes (or lizards). My theory is you mentioned turtle follicles Now I know you're having a girl It's suprememly good luck, you'll prob get your bfp this month Of course this is just tradition and not God-act but still- I enjoy it

 

[alicatt]

Ali- re:turtle follicles....now I know you'll have a girl! My dh is half Oglala Lakota and follows many of the traditions. One of the traditions is the mother has to get brand new leather (preferably white or near-white) and you make a turtle shaped bag. The two I have made so far look like stuffed turtle toys and are decorated with bead work. Anyway, when babes is born dh takes 7 inches of umbilical cord and we dry it, wrap it in fresh dried sage then pack it in the bag, fill it with sage and sew it shut. The tradition is it is a holder of life and is sacred. It is kept by mother or grandmother until the baby grows to be a woman then is given to her and buried with her when she passes on later in life. Anyhow, girls are turtles, boys are snakes (or lizards). My theory is you mentioned turtle follicles Now I know you're having a girl It's suprememly good luck, you'll prob get your bfp this month Of course this is just tradition and not God-act but still- I enjoy it

WOW! That is really cool! I love traditions like that. Totally makes you feel like you are part of a much bigger world. I'm glad I said turtle before snail! I was thinking about the turtle and the hare, and how they race and the turtle wins the race at the end. In reality I'm really not progressing any more slowly than I have in the past. My follicles and my estrogen are all in sync, and we should be good to go in a few more days. So I was calculating what these injections are costing, and I've probably spent about $800, maybe more. I guess I will find out when I go to pay my bill at the clinic. EEK! Between $1500 for sperm, $900 for the double IUI, the $260 I've spent on ultrasounds, what is another $1000 for injectibles? :hehe: I have decided to take a month off next month if I don't get a BFP this month. Here is to hoping that I get a BFP!!

If I do get pregnant this month, and I do have a girl, her nickname will have to be turtle!

 

[twotogo]

OK Ali...I called my FS today and he just called back. The only tests that were done was a check on my ovarian functions...AMH (6.33) and FSH (7.8)... so now what they want me to do is come in for and HSG next week. When I asked "what is that ?" the doctor chuckeld a little bit explaining that most women that he talks to are FULL of a LOT of information...but not me!

He also told me that he doesn't really want me to pay too much attention to my BBT because of how much I workout. He said working out puts too many variables in the mix that can cause my temps to be all over the place. But I will keep charting because I LIKE IT! (This coming from the girl who couldn't even manage to remember to take my temps at first!) Instead he said I need to be sure to do my OPK faithfully...I use the ClearBlue Easy Digital test and he also said that I should buy a new kit every month because the digital tester needs to be new with each cycle...but I can use my leftover strips. Seems like so much info...

I asked him about testing my progesterone levels. He said that because I have a completely normal cycle, that initially, they use the last part of the cycle (after ovulation) to determine if you need a supplement. If it is something less than 12 days then they put you on a progesterone supplement. I don't have that issue. So we are going to go with the HSG and make sure that my IUD issues a couple of years ago didn't cause any scarring on my uterus and that my tubes are all clear. So, I have that scheduled for next Tuesday at 3:30. I wonder if that dye injection hurts...

When I had my hsg done, they gave me some type of pain relief before hand. Not sure what it was, but it really relaxed me and took care of the discomfort. I got pregnant right after the hsg, and have heard several women getting pregnant right after, so fxd for you.

 

[alicatt]

Got my bloodwork back.. (CD12)

FSH: 6.6
LH: 12.8
E2: 381
P4: 1.8

Follies: 8, 9, 9, 10 (almost 11) mm, all on the left, nothing on the right at all

Lining: triple lining at 11.1mm

So what this says is that my E2 is rising, my P4 is still low (it will rise after I O). With 4 small follicles, the E2 is right where it should be, it should be 800-2400 by the time I ovulate. I'm going to use my cheapo OPKs from the dollar store for the next few days, just to make sure I don't miss my O. Otherwise she said come in on Friday morning if I felt like I was close, if not definitely on Saturday. I have no idea why my temp rose so much this morning, it wasn't in relation to my progesterone that is for sure!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Got my bloodwork back.. (CD12)

FSH: 6.6
LH: 12.8
E2: 381
P4: 1.8

Follies: 8, 9, 9, 10 (almost 11) mm, all on the left, nothing on the right at all

Lining: triple lining at 11.1mm

So what this says is that my E2 is rising, my P4 is still low (it will rise after I O). With 4 small follicles, the E2 is right where it should be, it should be 800-2400 by the time I ovulate. I'm going to use my cheapo OPKs from the dollar store for the next few days, just to make sure I don't miss my O. Otherwise she said come in on Friday morning if I felt like I was close, if not definitely on Saturday. I have no idea why my temp rose so much this morning, it wasn't in relation to my progesterone that is for sure!

Hmmm...the tempt sure did spike but could be a fluke temp...Strange no follies on the right at all this month! But I am wondering, it is probably natural to rotate ovaries each month makes sense, right? And yeah, I wouldn't expect your P4 to be high at this point justyet. When will you start to poas opk?

 

[alicatt]

Got my bloodwork back.. (CD12)

FSH: 6.6
LH: 12.8
E2: 381
P4: 1.8

Follies: 8, 9, 9, 10 (almost 11) mm, all on the left, nothing on the right at all

Lining: triple lining at 11.1mm

So what this says is that my E2 is rising, my P4 is still low (it will rise after I O). With 4 small follicles, the E2 is right where it should be, it should be 800-2400 by the time I ovulate. I'm going to use my cheapo OPKs from the dollar store for the next few days, just to make sure I don't miss my O. Otherwise she said come in on Friday morning if I felt like I was close, if not definitely on Saturday. I have no idea why my temp rose so much this morning, it wasn't in relation to my progesterone that is for sure!

Hmmm...the tempt sure did spike but could be a fluke temp...Strange no follies on the right at all this month! But I am wondering, it is probably natural to rotate ovaries each month makes sense, right? And yeah, I wouldn't expect your P4 to be high at this point justyet. When will you start to poas opk?

Yep, it must be a spike, because my progesterone isn't high enough to be causing the temp rise. The other day my P4 was 1.5 and it is 1.8 now. It needs to be closer to 5 before it will register a temp rise I think. Plus we saw 4 follicles so I haven't ovulated. Silly temp! Yes, your ovaries are supposed to switch back and forth, but most women have a dominant ovary that does most of the work each month, and the other one only releases a few times a year. I'm happy it is my left as this is the one that doesn't typically give me cysts. Plus the Dr that did my HSG seemed to think it was more open than the right. So I don't mind that my right ovary is being stupid!

As for OPK, I just did a test a few hours ago, it was negative. I don't have the happy face ones anymore, I ran out and to replace them up here was $55 which is insane, since I can get them at Walmart in FL for $28. I guess I could run to Walmart up here, and see if they have them for cheaper. I just got some cheapo OPKs at the dollar store and figured I would use those for the next few days. I did talk to my FS about that today, I was wondering if they would work since the Menopur has LH in it, and I was worried it would give me a false positive. She said no, that it wouldn't have a high enough concentration to do that, and that if I see a surge to come down the following day for another scan and blood work. Regardless I will be going down on Saturday.

The FS also increased my Gonal F from 75 iu to 100 iu, and I'm still taking 75 iu of Menopur. I'll do this for the next 3 days and go in on Saturday, that is if I don't see a positive OPK before then.

Hope you are staying cool, and relaxing, oh and not getting woken up by your DD in the night!!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali- what the -- If the Menopur isn't strong enough to cause an LH surge of any kind then why in heck do they make you shoot yourself with it? I'd be like "give me the Big-Gulp of Menopur!"

I know, the cost of opk's is rediculous! I got most of mine off of eBay, just because I could get them cheaper. My silly analytical dh ... he took them apart to figure out how they worked and tried to duplicate them Almost got it done too except the ones I bought had like a timed self-distruct mode--they go off after a positive and never come back on After that I just switched to the CBE digi's...

Ah, yes, today was hot but I did try to stay cool. I tried real hard LOL, I still worked in the garage...what I have done is talke everything out that I cannot allow back in as it is. So I am outside (in the burning sun ) sorting, boxing, throwing, donating....made some good progress today. But I did go braless and brought bottles of water to dump all over myself. That was fun Stupid neighbors probably got a show but they shouldn't be staring over here anyway, right?! Anywhoo- I came in late afternoon and took a shower and spent the rest of my time on the couch until dinner time rolled around. I decided to get briefly angry at dh for not offering me a back massage...I feel I shouldn't have to ask for that, lol! Hey- he can't just impregnate me then expect me to do all the rest of it all!

So you are thinking of taking a break next month if no bfp this time around? Noooooo! Don't leave us Anyway, I think you'll get your bfp anyways this month Just when you get so frustrated you want to tear your hair out- it happens. Plus, financial stress or breakage is almost a pre-requisit to having children LOL!

 

[alicatt]

Ali- what the -- If the Menopur isn't strong enough to cause an LH surge of any kind then why in heck do they make you shoot yourself with it? I'd be like "give me the Big-Gulp of Menopur!"

I know, the cost of opk's is rediculous! I got most of mine off of eBay, just because I could get them cheaper. My silly analytical dh ... he took them apart to figure out how they worked and tried to duplicate them Almost got it done too except the ones I bought had like a timed self-distruct mode--they go off after a positive and never come back on After that I just switched to the CBE digi's...

Ah, yes, today was hot but I did try to stay cool. I tried real hard LOL, I still worked in the garage...what I have done is talke everything out that I cannot allow back in as it is. So I am outside (in the burning sun ) sorting, boxing, throwing, donating....made some good progress today. But I did go braless and brought bottles of water to dump all over myself. That was fun Stupid neighbors probably got a show but they shouldn't be staring over here anyway, right?! Anywhoo- I came in late afternoon and took a shower and spent the rest of my time on the couch until dinner time rolled around. I decided to get briefly angry at dh for not offering me a back massage...I feel I shouldn't have to ask for that, lol! Hey- he can't just impregnate me then expect me to do all the rest of it all!

So you are thinking of taking a break next month if no bfp this time around? Noooooo! Don't leave us Anyway, I think you'll get your bfp anyways this month Just when you get so frustrated you want to tear your hair out- it happens. Plus, financial stress or breakage is almost a pre-requisit to having children LOL!

Menopur has both LH and FSH in it. However neither of these levels have been rising as I thought they should be. My FS said that after Day3 these values are pretty much irrelevant, well except for the LH surge just before O. The more important thing is to see the estrogen level rising. Mine is, but SLOWLY. It started out high at 130 on CD3, then rose to 190 on CD7 and on CD12 it was 390. So that is good, and reflective of what it should be on CD12. I'm glad that the Menopur isn't causing my LH to be falsely elevated, as it means I can monitor myself to make sure I don't miss my surge. That would be catastrophic!

I'm picturing you pouring water all over yourself to keep cool. It does work though! I just worry that you are putting too much of a strain on your body. Just be careful OK? Plus I think you need to have a chat with your DH and remind him that being pregnant is not a walk in the park, no matter how 'easy' you make it look. You need his support, including back massages! Sometimes men can just be so totally clueless. UGH.

As for men, I had just met a guy before I came north to Canada. He knows all about my plans to have a baby and surprisingly is not scared off at all! We've skyped a few times since I have been here, and there appears to be a mutual attraction. I am looking forward to going back home and getting to know him a little better. He said he would rub my belly and give me massages if I got pregnant. Isn't that sweet? Although I think I finally freaked him out earlier when I said I could potentially have quadruplets! I told him that the chances of that happening were slim. Still it made me laugh. I guess 4 babies was too much for him, but 3? LOL. I am 100% with him there, I think I could do twins, but anything more than that and I would be totally crazed

Well I just finished updating my resume, my boss is creating a new project management position and I said I was interested in applying. So that is why I needed to get my resume updated, and he said I'd be interviewing against 1 other candidate either later this week or early next week. I just hope he isn't getting my hopes up, and he has already decided that the other candidate (someone outside our company) is the best one. I guess I'll know in a week.

Geesh, baby making, new positions, refinancing my house all at once makes for a very tired girl!

 

[jm1355]

I hope everyone is doing fantastic today!

 

[alicatt]

I hope everyone is doing fantastic today!

Morning Jess,

Its pretty cold up here today, and I have a headache, but other than that I'm doing OK. How are you doing?

 

[jm1355]

I hope everyone is doing fantastic today!

Morning Jess,

Its pretty cold up here today, and I have a headache, but other than that I'm doing OK. How are you doing?

Good Morning Ali! It's NOT cold here at all!!!
Other than being really sore from my workout yesterday, I am great! I am excited about this weekend. It is the first weekend get-a-way with my BF's parents. They are great people and I am really looking forward to spending time with them. We usually only get to see them once every two weeks. So I guess it our first official "family" trip...me, my son, my BF, and his parents.

 

[alin3boys]

Jess that sounds lovely and good that u get on with his parents

Ali hope this cycle works for you Hun

Coy slow down lol,you make me feel exhausted just reading what u been upto lol

Afm cd 20 and 7dpo due af in 5 days,ff says to test cd 15 which is my stepdaughters 20th birthday

 

[alicatt]

I hope everyone is doing fantastic today!

Morning Jess,

Its pretty cold up here today, and I have a headache, but other than that I'm doing OK. How are you doing?

Good Morning Ali! It's NOT cold here at all!!!
Other than being really sore from my workout yesterday, I am great! I am excited about this weekend. It is the first weekend get-a-way with my BF's parents. They are great people and I am really looking forward to spending time with them. We usually only get to see them once every two weeks. So I guess it our first official "family" trip...me, my son, my BF, and his parents.

Well that sounds awesome! I think I noticed you said something about going to the coast? Does that mean Galveston? Sounds like a great weekend I'm staying in Canada for another week. I was supposed to leave tomorrow, but I can't with my IUIs left undone. I talked to my boss and explained the situation, and he said, do what I needed to do. So I'm going to wait a week and drive home next weekend instead. I'm happy to have one more week up here, except that it is getting chilly! Only 64 outside and grey and windy. I turned the heat on in the cottage, Have an awesome weekend