Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[Grey Eyes]

So here I am finishing up the girls room and I venture into the living room to see why everyone is so quiet...Dh fell asleep in the reclyner with two dd's on top of him! Serves him right! They are all napping. As they had that virus (getting over it) they all get super tired easily. I'm tired too...but I know if I laid down on the bed to nap one of the dd's would come runnning in!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Terri- where are you lady? How are you feeling? Gone diving lately?

 

[Grey Eyes]

I hope everything is okay with Ali I haven't heard from her today ...

 

[twotogo]

Coy - You are so pretty!

Ali - Where are you???

AFM - My DH must really want a baby. He's been very sick for the past two days. I have been hoping that he would get to feeling better so we could but today he was just feeling really crappy. But when I told him I was O'ing today (mind you, we are NTNP supposedly), He about dragged me upstairs to the bedroom!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Coy - You are so pretty!

Ali - Where are you???

AFM - My DH must really want a baby. He's been very sick for the past two days. I have been hoping that he would get to feeling better so we could but today he was just feeling really crappy. But when I told him I was O'ing today (mind you, we are NTNP supposedly), He about dragged me upstairs to the bedroom!

LOL! My dh is that way too- back when we were ttc if I told him I am ov'ing and he's not feeling well he'll act like he didn't hear me but within the hour he pounces!

 

[alicatt]

Hiya Ladies

Don't you worry about me, I was just enjoying my day in bed! I slept ALOT yesterday and today. Cuddled with my 2 doggies and read my book, a few cookbooks and pretty much stayed away from the computer. It was kind of nice to go old school and not touch technology!

I'm about done with bed rest though, my body is pretty achy from lying around all day long. I did get up a few times to get food, shower, let the doggies out, get the mail, but I moved slowly and didn't lift anything. Dr said.. no sex, caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, or lifting anything over 10 lbs. Said don't get out of bed unless it is to shower, go to the bathroom, get food/drink, etc. So I didn't, well except to let the doggies out and get the mail. I was just so butt sprung I had to get up and move around a little!

I don't really feel much of anything going on. My ovaries are still huge and pressing on everything, making me pee every 10 minutes. The cramping is minimal, and I haven't had any spotting. The worst side effects I have are my huge tender boobs and my sore ass from the progesterone injections. I feel like the sides of my ass are bruised (makes it difficult to sleep on the side, which is how I like to sleep).

From what I have read, tomorrow should be implantation day! The little beans should start implanting tomorrow and continue for 2-3 days. I am going to be watching for IB the next few days. I haven't had any yet (even though the Dr cautioned me that I might have some from the procedure), so if I have any in the next few days, it will certainly be IB! I'm going to take it easy tomorrow, work from home and just try to keep my uterus calm and receptive. Then its the weekend, and I'll be able to take things easy, I'll really only have to run out and do a few errands, take the doggies to the spa, and maybe enjoy the pool or beach.

I don't think I could take another day of just lazing around, I need projects, and things to keep my mind captivated, plus I think your body needs to get the blood flowing and burn calories. Plus just lying here I have plenty of time to obsess about the beans and whether they are doing what they should be doing, and driving myself completely

I do feel pretty optimistic that this is it, it really has to be as there isn't anywhere for me to go from here. I have run out of funds, and am not sure I would want to put my body through another IVF treatment anyway. It is definitely not easy. I feel I've given this 110%, and so if I do fail, I can do so knowing that I have done EVERYTHING I could, and that it just wasn't' Gods plan for me. Not to be a downer, but I do have to look at both options. Of course I'm thinking positively and saying my prayers nightly, and crossing every limb, Heck, I'm even looking at baby names!

I need some ideas for boys names, I'm kind of stuck on them, and am having trouble deciding which ones I like best. Any suggestions?

 

[alicatt]

Coy,

You have a beautiful baby bump! I have no idea what it should look like or whether you should be dropping, but you certainly look healthy!

I have heard that full moons do tend to have effects on labor, but whether there is any merit to it, I do not know. I have heard that hurricanes tend to make women go into labor too, it is the drop in pressure that seems to get things going.

Babes will come when she is ready, that is the best I can do!

Have you 100% decided on a name? If so what will it be? I know you mentioned it, but I fear I have forgotten.

 

[twotogo]

Yay! Ali Showed up!

I understand about the whole bedrest thing... it does drive a person nuts!
I was in the hospital on bedrest for 5 weeks when I had my babies. I kept busy by corrupting my mother and teaching her how to play poker. She stayed with me the whole 5 weeks I was in the hospital.

But just think... it will all be worth it!

 

[alicatt]

Yay! Ali Showed up!

I understand about the whole bedrest thing... it does drive a person nuts!
I was in the hospital on bedrest for 5 weeks when I had my babies. I kept busy by corrupting my mother and teaching her how to play poker. She stayed with me the whole 5 weeks I was in the hospital.

But just think... it will all be worth it!

Totally worth it! It wasn't terrible, just a little boring. I'm sure if I'm on bed rest again, it will be a lot different. I'll have my family around me, and will have more activities planned that I can do in bed, like movies, and cookbooks. I have always wanted to write my own cook book, so if I end up on bed rest, I plan on working on that!

I am ready to drive myself crazy though, I just want to know if it worked! Did it? Am I? What should I be feeling? OMG, I just had a wave of nausea, is that something I should be charting? Oh, that was a twinge, does that mean anything? HAHAHAHA.. Yes I am going to drive myself crazy

I wasn't kidding about the nausea, what is that all about? HMM..

 

[Grey Eyes]

Yay! Ali is back! Sounds like you had fun just reading, etc I do that too once in a while, I love my old Norse and Irish books. I like cookbooks too, and I love to bake ...

Re: bedrest. Can I have some LOL! Oh and as for feeling anything- I have never had IB or twinges or anything like that, no nausea until 6 weeks or so. But I have to admit to a 'knowing'. After implantation there is this awesome peace that I experience, at one point (dh and I weren't even trying to concieve at the time) I was in the shower whistling away then patted my tummy and said "Hi baby" and I froze, like wth? I jumped out and tested with an old hpt I had and- sure enough! So best advice I can think of--relax and (as they say) ...waaaaiiiit for it, waaaaiiit for it" Just a few more days now! I really believe this is your bfp month Ali, I really do! I think you'll be an awesome mom!

I have been trying to be an awesome mom today lol! I finally finished The Room (dd's room) YAY! except for painting the doors, etc, and haev to bring my diaper genie in. Finally, at about 10 pm (an hour past their bed time) they go to their room--and proceed to dump an entire botttle of water across, over, throughout, their bed. The sheets, quilts, mattress pad, mattress- everything SOAKED. Not just a little, we're talking over half the bed.



So I had to get back up into the closet and drag out new bedding and quilts, pillows, etc, and now I am up trying to dry all the other stuff I, um, let them know I wasn't happy about it lol! But the room looks nice! Got the changing table all set up, their nice little book shelf, shelves for their Breyer horses, nice little chinese lanterns dotted across the ceiling for nightlights, plus- everything of theirs is in the closet and tomorrow I am installing a lock so they can't drag it all out again! They like to get in closet and pull clothes off the hangers and throw them down Naughty-butts! So the big dresser/changing table has all baby stuff and a couple drawers for my things So hands off right??!

Anyway, I am beyond pooped now, I think I'll break a rule (not sure who's rule, it's notmine ) and go eat some ice cream

 

[lucaswood09]

Hi Grey Eyes,
I'm not sure about full moon's as a sign to go in labour but we do seem to get an awful lot of ladies around this time who's waters break and then they go into labour. There is no scientific evidence to support this unfortunately, more a midwife tale. Your bump also looks perfectly fine. You do not look small but it does look like the baby has engaged more into a position to get ready for labour.

Jess, How is everything going for you this month? It's lovely to know there are many others trying at the moment and to get support.

Nice to speak to you all
Jacquie
English Midwife

 

[alicatt]

Happy Friday Everyone!

Coy - you amaze me with your endurance at this late stage in your pregnancy. I can only hope that I have your energy level! So glad you got the girls room completed, even if they spilled water on the bed Sounds to me like you will have to spend some time teaching the girls about how to fold their clothes and put things on hangers, and explain to them about the pride of ownership. So they learn to care for their things and keep them organized and clean! Funny you mention ice cream, I was just mentally going over my shopping list and you guessed it, ice cream is on my list! I'm getting low and we just can't have that!

So can I just say my butt hurts! OMG its like someone punched me in the bum! The progesterone in oil shots are NOT pleasant. They don't hurt too much when I'm administering them, but the after effects are horrible. I can barely lay on my side

As I said yesterday, today is implantation day, so I'll probably be watching my body for any changes the next few days, including spotting! I think that only 30% of women exhibit spotting at this time, so who knows, maybe I won't have any. My cravings have been odd, last night I really wanted a grilled cheese sandwich and moist chocolate cake or brownies. I may just have to break down and make brownies this weekend to satisfy that craving. I can't remember the last time I wanted chocolate this badly!

Jacquie so nice to have a midwife among us, welcome I'm Ali, almost 40, in fact my b-day is only a few weeks away now. So we are close to the same age. As I'm sure you have read, I just completed a cycle of IVF. Quite a rollercoaster of a ride! I did this because I'm trying to get pregnant on my own. As I'm sure you are aware there are many challenges that women our age must face for us to be able to have a baby. I'm not sure if you have had any testing done, but if I were you, that would be my first step. Go see an OBGYN, or a FS and have some basic blood work done. They run a gauntlet of tests on Day 3 of your cycle that can help determine whether there are any hormonal issues, like low ovarian reserve. Then I'd use the CBE (clearblue easy) OPKs as they test for LH and estrogen combined to show you a happy face when you are ovulating. Finally I would insist on a progesterone test 7DPO to ensure that you are ovulating, and that your body is producing progesterone in sufficient quantities to sustain a pregnancy. If all of those things look good, and you are still not getting pregnant, then I would do the HSG and SA, to see if your tubes are open, and make sure your partners swimmers are A-OK. Depending on what you learn from these tests, you will have the knowledge to make decisions on what you should do to make the baby dream happen!

Jess - how are you doing today? Have any plans for the weekend?

BabyWhisperer - can I just say that I'm totally jealous of your DH? He sounds so supportive, and uber sweet! I love the fact that you just have to mention O and he is pouncing. that is awesome It is also great to hear that he is starting to understand that baby making over 35 is not a walk in the park, and additional means may be necessary. It is important for a couple to face these issues together, and it sounds like he is on board. YAY!

Angel - any more news from your DR? How are you doing? Big hug

Twotogo - how are you doing? Talk about DH's pouncing! That is so cute that he too jumps when the need arises. I certainly hope that you get your washer fixed soon! As always, thank you for your support. You have no idea how much it helps me that you and everyone else have been here while I was going through this IVF cycle.

Tracey? TiaTammy? GnCope? Alin? Miss you guys!

 

[twotogo]

Good morning, Ali! I'm doing great this morning, but have to get ready soon to go to a minister's meeting. It's 2 1/2 hours away, and I don't really feel like the drive. Oh, well. I will at least get to go to a place that has more than a Walmart.
If I lived closer, I would make you some brownies and take them to you today. Brownies do sound wonderful right now! Much better than the tuna and yogurt I just had for breakfast. Darn food allergies!
Well, I'd better get moving. The whole family is going today, and my son is soooooo not a morning person... hard to get him moving, and he's a slow mover on the best of days.

 

[AngelSerenity]

Hi ladies and welcome Lucaswood, you're in good company here and will get loads of support. I'm 38 and a long history short I had 3MCs then my DS in November 2010, and then another 3MCs, all this year and the latest one was only last week. As we're all in the 35+ bracket it is bringing with it the added difficulties and complications and I am currently getting investigated AGAIN, which you can read about below. Looking forward to getting to know you


Twotogo... glad to hear you are doing better this morning

Coy... what a gorgeous baby bump, I'm so green lol and wish it was me. You are looking fab honey and all this activity will mean you are so fit for labout, it'll be a breeze

Jess... how's the training going?


Babywhisperer and Terri... how are you ladies? Babywhisperer I read a post earlier but cant remember it and I was going to comment . I'll look back this evening when I've got time to read properly.


Sorry to anybody I've missed, I'm still in work so it's a quick catch up for now.

Happy Friday Everyone!


Angel - any more news from your DR? How are you doing? Big hug

Now Ali, I really couldn't forget about you . I've been avidly reading snippets when I can this week to keep up with your progress. I'm glad things went well and sorry you probably have already posted this, but what happened the other eggs that they can't freeze them? I'll read back later this evening (GMT). I hope you are taking it easy my lady? Can't wait till next week when you test, this surely has to be your BFP!!!!


Well, here is my novel from my appointment at RMC yesterday. A mixed bag to be honest...



Upon arriving at 08.35 yesterday morning and making small chat to the nurse she showed me into a room with what looked like a bed and scanner etc. I didnt realise the senior consultant was already in there and I panicked and said that there was no point scanning me as I had another MC last week. She was very apologetic and introduced me to Dr Hunter (the highly recommended RMC I was meant to see a fortnight ago).

Well basically I got a gruntled hello and that was it. No sorry to hear that, no how are you, no are you still bleeding, any fever etc looking for signs of retained products. Nothing. So that got my back up a bit already

He went through my basic history, how many MCs, age and sex of my only child. In fairness as this is a new hospital I am under they do not have my years of notes from my 15+ years of gynae problems and procedures but he didnt even seem interested in obtaining them.

Long story short after a somewhat strained 20 minute meeting:

• Metformin for PCOS - NO, not thought necessary as I can conceive (but it is meant to help prevent MCs for those with PCOS as well so I'm pissed at this comment)
• NK Cell testing - I asked his opinion and if he thought it would be necessary/useful. He banged on about different schools of thought and Prof Quenby in England etc and that if I wanted to look into it Google it. They could do the procedure at the Royal and then send the biopsy to Prof Quenby or I can organise a private consultation with Prof Quenby. Either way it's up to me to look into it and decide what to do . He didnt mention if the procedure could be done under the NHS and then a small fee to Quenby or a full private fee
• Progesterone - slight possibility of putting it in protocol as I'm in the 35+ bracket. I told him I knew the research
• Ages - he sighed and commented 'getting old' when I told him my DH's age which is 43 . He then mentioned the current trial going on (name I cant remember) researching sperm quality and age and to look into it and decide if we want to try it. Like HELLO, how is this helping??? Give me the contact details at least

The better news;

• We (DH and I) are at last getting chromosome testing done next week at consultants request, which my GP (female) has helped me sort as DH is in a different practice to mine.
• Consultant wants to do a hysteroscopy which I dont think I've ever had done to check the shape of my womb etc. I have had a laparoscomy so I thought that information could have been confirmed then? I can only remember from that I have an introverted uterus and hostile womb, i dont remember anything being mentioned about abnormalities with the shape etc. Can your womb shape change as that was done about 10 years ago?
• I had to choose to be in the 'pool of consultants in the Royal' or be dedicated to Dr Hunter. In my madness I have chosen to stay with Dr Hunter as he is meant to be the best here, was highly recommended by my GP and to be honest I am tired of having no consistency as I have to repeat my history at every appointment to a different consultant, who again may have a different view of treatment. The downside is his waiting list is a bit longer, it may take about 2 months to get the hysteroscomy but he said at that appointment we will discuss and decide a plan of care. So I am going to have to just be patient and WTT for a couple of months . It makes sense we all know but yeah is pants .

Dr Hunter's protocol appears to be aspirin, high dose folic acid, claxane from BFP, and possibly progesterone which I will push for as I am in the bloody over 35+ bracket. He does have about an 80% success rate so I just have to keep reminding myself of this. I'll look into the metformin more, perhaps my GP will give it to me or send me to endo.

I also took the bull by the horns at lunchtime and rang Dr Quenby's office at Coventry to get some advice. The secretary was a little bemused after I explained the outline I had been given regarding the NK Cell testing but we came to the conclusion Prof Quenby and Dr Hunter must have done this in the past so the secretary is going to talk to Prof Quneby about the 2 options (procedure at Royal or private consultation) and she will get back to me. I also fly frequently to Birmingham with work for meetings so I'm going to say if it is better to just get the testing done there we will try to schedule it in over the next couple of months . It'll cost £360 though to get it done private and with my DH on a 3-day week this may be an issue but I'll cross that bridge if we come to it (the joy of credit cards)

So phew, after that ramble I'm not really any further forward, a bit pissed but also trying to be positive that things are happening a bit and hopefully I'll get a care plan in place before the end of the year.

But if I am being open, I really do have this niggly feeling that the powers that be are trying to tell me something, hurdle after hurdle, is it ever going to end? Maybe I should just be realistic and be thankful I have one DS and give up on all this...

 

[alicatt]

Hi ladies and welcome Lucaswood, you're in good company here and will get loads of support. I'm 38 and a long history short I had 3MCs then my DS in November 2010, and then another 3MCs, all this year and the latest one was only last week. As we're all in the 35+ bracket it is bringing with it the added difficulties and complications and I am currently getting investigated AGAIN, which you can read about below. Looking forward to getting to know you


Twotogo... glad to hear you are doing better this morning

Coy... what a gorgeous baby bump, I'm so green lol and wish it was me. You are looking fab honey and all this activity will mean you are so fit for labout, it'll be a breeze

Jess... how's the training going?


Babywhisperer and Terri... how are you ladies? Babywhisperer I read a post earlier but cant remember it and I was going to comment . I'll look back this evening when I've got time to read properly.


Sorry to anybody I've missed, I'm still in work so it's a quick catch up for now.

Happy Friday Everyone!


Angel - any more news from your DR? How are you doing? Big hug

Now Ali, I really couldn't forget about you . I've been avidly reading snippets when I can this week to keep up with your progress. I'm glad things went well and sorry you probably have already posted this, but what happened the other eggs that they can't freeze them? I'll read back later this evening (GMT). I hope you are taking it easy my lady? Can't wait till next week when you test, this surely has to be your BFP!!!!


Well, here is my novel from my appointment at RMC yesterday. A mixed bag to be honest...



Upon arriving at 08.35 yesterday morning and making small chat to the nurse she showed me into a room with what looked like a bed and scanner etc. I didnt realise the senior consultant was already in there and I panicked and said that there was no point scanning me as I had another MC last week. She was very apologetic and introduced me to Dr Hunter (the highly recommended RMC I was meant to see a fortnight ago).

Well basically I got a gruntled hello and that was it. No sorry to hear that, no how are you, no are you still bleeding, any fever etc looking for signs of retained products. Nothing. So that got my back up a bit already

He went through my basic history, how many MCs, age and sex of my only child. In fairness as this is a new hospital I am under they do not have my years of notes from my 15+ years of gynae problems and procedures but he didnt even seem interested in obtaining them.

Long story short after a somewhat strained 20 minute meeting:

• Metformin for PCOS - NO, not thought necessary as I can conceive (but it is meant to help prevent MCs for those with PCOS as well so I'm pissed at this comment)
• NK Cell testing - I asked his opinion and if he thought it would be necessary/useful. He banged on about different schools of thought and Prof Quenby in England etc and that if I wanted to look into it Google it. They could do the procedure at the Royal and then send the biopsy to Prof Quenby or I can organise a private consultation with Prof Quenby. Either way it's up to me to look into it and decide what to do . He didnt mention if the procedure could be done under the NHS and then a small fee to Quenby or a full private fee
• Progesterone - slight possibility of putting it in protocol as I'm in the 35+ bracket. I told him I knew the research
• Ages - he sighed and commented 'getting old' when I told him my DH's age which is 43 . He then mentioned the current trial going on (name I cant remember) researching sperm quality and age and to look into it and decide if we want to try it. Like HELLO, how is this helping??? Give me the contact details at least

The better news;

• We (DH and I) are at last getting chromosome testing done next week at consultants request, which my GP (female) has helped me sort as DH is in a different practice to mine.
• Consultant wants to do a hysteroscopy which I dont think I've ever had done to check the shape of my womb etc. I have had a laparoscomy so I thought that information could have been confirmed then? I can only remember from that I have an introverted uterus and hostile womb, i dont remember anything being mentioned about abnormalities with the shape etc. Can your womb shape change as that was done about 10 years ago?
• I had to choose to be in the 'pool of consultants in the Royal' or be dedicated to Dr Hunter. In my madness I have chosen to stay with Dr Hunter as he is meant to be the best here, was highly recommended by my GP and to be honest I am tired of having no consistency as I have to repeat my history at every appointment to a different consultant, who again may have a different view of treatment. The downside is his waiting list is a bit longer, it may take about 2 months to get the hysteroscomy but he said at that appointment we will discuss and decide a plan of care. So I am going to have to just be patient and WTT for a couple of months . It makes sense we all know but yeah is pants .

Dr Hunter's protocol appears to be aspirin, high dose folic acid, claxane from BFP, and possibly progesterone which I will push for as I am in the bloody over 35+ bracket. He does have about an 80% success rate so I just have to keep reminding myself of this. I'll look into the metformin more, perhaps my GP will give it to me or send me to endo.

I also took the bull by the horns at lunchtime and rang Dr Quenby's office at Coventry to get some advice. The secretary was a little bemused after I explained the outline I had been given regarding the NK Cell testing but we came to the conclusion Prof Quenby and Dr Hunter must have done this in the past so the secretary is going to talk to Prof Quneby about the 2 options (procedure at Royal or private consultation) and she will get back to me. I also fly frequently to Birmingham with work for meetings so I'm going to say if it is better to just get the testing done there we will try to schedule it in over the next couple of months . It'll cost £360 though to get it done private and with my DH on a 3-day week this may be an issue but I'll cross that bridge if we come to it (the joy of credit cards)

So phew, after that ramble I'm not really any further forward, a bit pissed but also trying to be positive that things are happening a bit and hopefully I'll get a care plan in place before the end of the year.

But if I am being open, I really do have this niggly feeling that the powers that be are trying to tell me something, hurdle after hurdle, is it ever going to end? Maybe I should just be realistic and be thankful I have one DS and give up on all this...

WOW! That is a lot to digest! I bet your head is spinning! Sounds to me like you have made some smart decisions. Sticking with one Dr, and working with him to solve the issues you may have. Maybe right now you should just stick with the easier things to tackle, like seeing if progesterone supplementation would help, and checking your uterus for abnormalities and possibly following up on the clotting issue? I bet if you guys focus on those issues, you'll be pregnant and be in your 2nd trimester in no time!

 

[TerriLou]

Hello ladies, I'm still on holiday, but managed to get free wife, so thought I'd pop on here. Not had chance to read through everything yet, that'll take a few days I think.

I don't think I'll be diving again for about a month, but who knows.

Anyway, hope you are all well and All, I'm sure you've been posting your progress, but I hope everything went well with the transfer.

BTW, STILL not ovulated yet. GRRRRRR!!

Be back soon. xx

 

[Grey Eyes]

Angel- Wow! a ton of info...Here's the thoughts I came away with after reading your post: 1) Yes, push for the progesterone 2) I know you are pissed, especially at the new doc for his attitude and seemling lack of caring but here's my take on it...when I had my mc in November and had to have a d & c the surgeon that was called in to perform it (an emergency middle of the night) was very harsh and cold with me. Very cut and dried, so to speak. He barked his answers at me, etc. He mentioned the possibility of puncturing my uterus during the procedure and I asked him if he had ever had that happen (because I was afraid of it, right?) He stared into my eyes for a second and then snapped "everybody has had that happen!" And that was it. I was stunned! How dare he be so cold and unfeeling, right? Well, come to find out when he went to speak to my dh he was a totally different person. He was warm, caring, and sympathetic He told dh that his wife had just had an mc similar to mine, etc....Sometimes our doctors are hard on us because we need taht strength of character, I am glad he wasn't uber sweet to me as I needed to be very strong just then. I think your doc has seen so much he knows it won't help you if he alters his path. I think he is trying to help the best he knows how (80% is AWESOME btw! ) and doesn't take time for anything else,- even being nice I didn't like it at the time but my confidence in this surgeon soared at the notion he wa snot a patty-cake that would be swayed by my grief...I hope I am making sense and not offense- I don't mean it that way, just that some doctors operate better under a hard exterior iykwim? But I wish your doc had takent he time with you and been a little more understanding of the age issue. I mean here it is in a nutshell-you and dh are what you are as far as age, that cannot be changed. Nobody needs to remind you of the age factor. Oh, and just as an aside, I am 37 and dh is 55! So age is not always a factor really! I think you shouldn't worry about age as you are obviously very fertile! and so is your dh I know you will figure out why you are mc'ing and I am glad your new doc is an expert- even if he is tough and annoying! You are a very strong lady, I admire you for that!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali- are you properly percolating now? It sounds like you are doing awesome but say NO to the brownies lady! And chocolate. Didn't your doc say no caffeine? Chocolate is loaded with it Sorry ... maybe ina few days? Or weeks? I was in second tri before I let myself have chocolate again, or coffee. Hmm...what's an alternative? Spice cake? Gingerbread? Oh, Nesquick doesn't have caffeine and that is choclatey! I used to drink that in hot milk, pretty good stuff

Jacquie- thanks for the tips on the bump! I go in for a doc appointment today and he is going to do a cerbical exam and sweep for strep....A bit nervous about it as I hate having that done, plus he's a guy you know? I much prefer a woman when that has to be done as I am very mdoest and old fashioned....I have to pretend it's not happening when I have this stuff done! Omg, my last pap smear was terrible, he talked baseball! Obviously he knew I was uncomfortable! Anyway, dh will be there...

Jess- how are you? Haven't heard from you ina bit, hope you are doing ok!

All you ladies

AFM- I am still beat from yesterday I did get several consecutive hours of sleep last night but am still exhausted today. Today's plans include:

1) painting the girls closet and room doors
2) doctors visit and exam
3) working on my college final assignment
4) organizing the garage some more
5) laundry- tons of it!

I have so much laundry to do after all this digging out, but at least it is all selective and I have gotten rid of all the stuff we don't need! Not positive I'll get to the garage, I may just crash before then, but we'll see!

 

[alicatt]

Ali- are you properly percolating now? It sounds like you are doing awesome but say NO to the brownies lady! And chocolate. Didn't your doc say no caffeine? Chocolate is loaded with it Sorry ... maybe ina few days? Or weeks? I was in second tri before I let myself have chocolate again, or coffee. Hmm...what's an alternative? Spice cake? Gingerbread? Oh, Nesquick doesn't have caffeine and that is choclatey! I used to drink that in hot milk, pretty good stuff

AFM- I am still beat from yesterday I did get several consecutive hours of sleep last night but am still exhausted today. Today's plans include:

1) painting the girls closet and room doors
2) doctors visit and exam
3) working on my college final assignment
4) organizing the garage some more
5) laundry- tons of it!

I have so much laundry to do after all this digging out, but at least it is all selective and I have gotten rid of all the stuff we don't need! Not positive I'll get to the garage, I may just crash before then, but we'll see!

Percolating That is funny. One can hope! I noticed that I started getting the lower back pain that I get towards the end of my cycle. Usually I contribute it to AF. So I don't know. I doubt I will feel anything because of the progesterone and estrogen I'm taking. UGH, really no chocolate either? That is not fair! I hardly ever eat chocolate, and now that I want it I can't have it? AHHHHHHH Yes the Dr said no caffeine, I thought he meant coffee and tea, coke etc. Nesquick might work. I like making chocolate milk like that. I'll pick some up at the grocery store tonight/tomorrow.

No wonder you are beat! Should you be painting in your condition? I thought that pregnant ladies were not supposed to be near paint fumes. Well make sure you take a break! You and babes need it!

You never answered me about the name! I know you mentioned it a few weeks ago, but I can't remember what you had chosen. Silly me

I'm thinking Catherine Paige, but I also like Juliana, but can't figure out what a good second name might be? I need some help with boys names! I can't for the life of me pick anything!

 

[Babywhisperer]

Happy Friday Everyone!

Coy - you amaze me with your endurance at this late stage in your pregnancy. I can only hope that I have your energy level! So glad you got the girls room completed, even if they spilled water on the bed Sounds to me like you will have to spend some time teaching the girls about how to fold their clothes and put things on hangers, and explain to them about the pride of ownership. So they learn to care for their things and keep them organized and clean! Funny you mention ice cream, I was just mentally going over my shopping list and you guessed it, ice cream is on my list! I'm getting low and we just can't have that!

So can I just say my butt hurts! OMG its like someone punched me in the bum! The progesterone in oil shots are NOT pleasant. They don't hurt too much when I'm administering them, but the after effects are horrible. I can barely lay on my side

As I said yesterday, today is implantation day, so I'll probably be watching my body for any changes the next few days, including spotting! I think that only 30% of women exhibit spotting at this time, so who knows, maybe I won't have any. My cravings have been odd, last night I really wanted a grilled cheese sandwich and moist chocolate cake or brownies. I may just have to break down and make brownies this weekend to satisfy that craving. I can't remember the last time I wanted chocolate this badly!

Jacquie so nice to have a midwife among us, welcome I'm Ali, almost 40, in fact my b-day is only a few weeks away now. So we are close to the same age. As I'm sure you have read, I just completed a cycle of IVF. Quite a rollercoaster of a ride! I did this because I'm trying to get pregnant on my own. As I'm sure you are aware there are many challenges that women our age must face for us to be able to have a baby. I'm not sure if you have had any testing done, but if I were you, that would be my first step. Go see an OBGYN, or a FS and have some basic blood work done. They run a gauntlet of tests on Day 3 of your cycle that can help determine whether there are any hormonal issues, like low ovarian reserve. Then I'd use the CBE (clearblue easy) OPKs as they test for LH and estrogen combined to show you a happy face when you are ovulating. Finally I would insist on a progesterone test 7DPO to ensure that you are ovulating, and that your body is producing progesterone in sufficient quantities to sustain a pregnancy. If all of those things look good, and you are still not getting pregnant, then I would do the HSG and SA, to see if your tubes are open, and make sure your partners swimmers are A-OK. Depending on what you learn from these tests, you will have the knowledge to make decisions on what you should do to make the baby dream happen!

Jess - how are you doing today? Have any plans for the weekend?

BabyWhisperer - can I just say that I'm totally jealous of your DH? He sounds so supportive, and uber sweet! I love the fact that you just have to mention O and he is pouncing. that is awesome It is also great to hear that he is starting to understand that baby making over 35 is not a walk in the park, and additional means may be necessary. It is important for a couple to face these issues together, and it sounds like he is on board. YAY!

Angel - any more news from your DR? How are you doing? Big hug

Twotogo - how are you doing? Talk about DH's pouncing! That is so cute that he too jumps when the need arises. I certainly hope that you get your washer fixed soon! As always, thank you for your support. You have no idea how much it helps me that you and everyone else have been here while I was going through this IVF cycle.

Tracey? TiaTammy? GnCope? Alin? Miss you guys!

Omg you have been thru the wringer!, If you run an errand, get some arnica oil or gel, that stuff is awesome for sore muscles, bruising...I love it. Sounds like you have been doing well with the bed rest and staying occupied. You also sound very centered and happy! Stay positive, your mindset is very healthy. You have done all you can do...it's in God's hands...that's why I have been praying for you. Keep listening to the Dr no matter how good you feel...rest and no heavy lifting.

Afm and the hubs, he asked me again last night if I got my darker line, sadly no. I didn't get any line yesterday at all, but this morning there was a light line. I ran out of tests so I decided to get the smiley faces this time and used one at lunch...no smiley. My cycle was a little short last month, maybe that means if I do ovu it might be a little later. I hope I ovu! We didn't last night as I wasn't feeling good, and still feel like I'm on the verge of getting sick. I plan to tonight and tomorrow. Today is cd13 and last month we got our darker line on cd11/12. FX'd I ovu this month!!! That and I hope I'm not getting really sick. Heading home shortly to take a nap.