Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[Philomena]

everyone!

Coy...that baby is so darn cute!! I love that picture! And the halloween costumes look like fun!! I am not a Halloween person, but I saw some really cool looking costumes.

Phil...how are you feeling?

I hope everyone is doing great! I am just checking in to see if there are any BFPs I need to know about. I didn't see any...but I missed a lot of posts. My thesis and work have got me carzy busy. But I deserve a little time to myself to come and check in with all of you. I met with my thesis advisor yesterday and my oral exams are scheduled for two weeks from today and graduation is December 15 @ 2pm!

On the TTC front, I have my HSG today at 3:15. I am a little nervous. I hope everything comes back ok. The bad news is that the doctor told us on Tuesday to abstain until after the procedure. I think I will ovulate sometime today (if I haven't already) which means we missed it for this month.
But if i get pregnant next month, I will be due sometime around my BF's birthday!

Ok...well, time for me to get back to work. If anyone has had an HSG, please tell me about your experience.

Hi Jess! good to hear from you!
I had the HSG procedure done when we were trying to figure out what was up with us, and I didn't find it too much more uncomfortable than a regular pelvic with a speculum etc.... the difference is that you are like that for awhile, instead of just a couple of minutes. I did like that I could watch the procedure on the screen, and see the dye contrast and the Dr. who did the procedure told me right away what he saw and what his evaluation was....
The reason they ask you to abstain is because if you were to impregnate the dye contrast they use can cause birth defects.... I asked how soon after could we get busy and was told 2-3 days... which for you doesn't help much, but if by some miracle you don't ovulate today, there may still be a chance!!

AFM: I had an appointment with the midwives today, and I am feeling pretty good about the situation now. I have to totally give up any hope whatsoever of delivering at home, but my midwife today was very optimistic that we should be able to maintain most of my original birth plan since I've been able to get myself off of the insulin injections during the day and only have the overnight one now. I'm feeling even more motivated to keep up with my eating plan and will be incorporating more exercise into my regime over the next couple of weeks....
I am going in for another ultrasound on Tuesday to check on how healthy my placenta is, blood flow etc and to see how big Babes is.... she has been spot on for growth all the pregnancy and if she remains in the average category, and on for her dates, then that eliminates one of the criteria for inducing labour early. The other criteria is placental health, and if they can monitor and things look good, I might be able to wait until AFTER Christmas to have this baby!!

I hope this finds you all well,

Phil.

 

[TerriLou]

Hey Ladies,

Phil, thanks for that, this is how I'm trying to eat, its similar to the Atkins diet, but sensible, no processed foods, few carbs etc. I keep fruit quite low too due to the sugars in it, but I love my veggies. I don't have much dairy though either, but I like fish and meat. My problem is that I crave carbs, such as crisps and chocolate. I try not to have them, but as you know, keep getting the binges.

I've had a few days on the FertiliTea now, the only thing I notice is about 30 minutes after drinking it, I get a headache, but that tends to go after about 15 minutes. I've been busy with work, so I just kind of plough through the pain. I get quite a lot of headaches, so I'm used to it. That is how the first doctor found the PCOS originally 20 years ago, I had gone in to see different doctors over 8 months about these headaches, then one, quite newly qualified asked me if I was having regular periods etc. Turns out they were caused by the hormones!

Coy, Aeryn looks gorgeous in that pic, like butter wouldn't melt! I love the idea of taking the same pic of each child.

We have a few ladies here ready to show us a bfp, come on ladies, it gets painful crossing everything for so long. Please show them to us. xx

Jess, good to hear from you, hopefully the time you have left will go quickly and you'll be graduated and pregnant before you know it.

Ali, how are you? You're very quiet today.

 

[alicatt]

Hey All,

I'm here, actually went into the office today. UGH. I like to hide at home. I get more work done there. It is nice

I'm just waiting and waiting and waiting.. 1 week now!!!


Jess - good to hear from you! I have had a few HSG's but different types, it was strange. They are mildly uncomfortable, but can clear the cobwebs and help you conveive if perhaps your tubes were a little dirty. Think of getting the ducts cleaned in the house and how much better the air flows. Well an HSG does that for your tubes! Please let us know how it all goes! I understand your BF's concerns about you having something wrong, but if you get the tests and he does the SA, and nothing is wrong it will be a relief and you can keep trying. If something is indeed wrong, then you can hopefully work to resolve that issue!

Phil - it sounds like things are moving along and you are doing all the right things! I too struggle with my weight. So I hope that you can continue on your birth plan!!

Coy - awesome pictures, loved them both, your kids are adorable!

Sorry this is such a quick post but I have loads of work to do.

At least it is Friday afternoon!!!

 

[TerriLou]

I had to go in to the office today too, I usually go in on Tuesdays and Fridays. It takes about 90 minutes, so not much fun, 30 minutes are on a tram, which is horrible. On the way home, someone sat next to me, who was really smelly and I don't mean just a bit whiffy, I actually had to get up and stand up for the majority of the journey because I was struggling to breathe comfortably. I did notice that the person who took my seat didn't last long either. Yuck!

I'm off swimming again in an hour, we're going later than normal as someone who goes with us is taking her kids to a Firework demonstration. There's fireworks going off all over the place this evening, its going to be a noisy weekend. Thankfully our cats don't seem to be bothered with all the bangs and whistles.

 

[babydust2me]

The b*tch came, I mean witch... I'm fine. In the light of recent events and all the devastation here, It seems incredibly selfish to be feeling sorry for myself. Glass of poured...hoping to watch a movie with dh tonight

 

[Babywhisperer]

The b*tch came, I mean witch... I'm fine. In the light of recent events and all the devastation here, It seems incredibly selfish to be feeling sorry for myself. Glass of poured...hoping to watch a movie with dh tonight

Oh babe. I am so sorry. What a stressful week right? I keep checking to see if she's coming b/c it feels like it. I am bloated, boobs look like 2 huge flotation devices (might be good for the Nor'easter coming Wed/Thurs), I am crampy, sweaty, and keep getting bfn's on internet cheapies. And my temps have dropped today. So I guess she's on her way. I am 13dpo by countdowntopregnancy and 15dpo by FF. My LPs are 13 days so I might start to spot soon.

 

[alicatt]

The b*tch came, I mean witch... I'm fine. In the light of recent events and all the devastation here, It seems incredibly selfish to be feeling sorry for myself. Glass of poured...hoping to watch a movie with dh tonight

Oh babe. I am so sorry. What a stressful week right? I keep checking to see if she's coming b/c it feels like it. I am bloated, boobs look like 2 huge flotation devices (might be good for the Nor'easter coming Wed/Thurs), I am crampy, sweaty, and keep getting bfn's on internet cheapies. And my temps have dropped today. So I guess she's on her way. I am 13dpo by countdowntopregnancy and 15dpo by FF. My LPs are 13 days so I might start to spot soon.

AWW.. sorry to you both. BabyDust.. enjoy your wine and movie!!! Maybe next month will be better.

 

[jm1355]

Ok...so I just got home from the radiologist. My HSG is done!

First, let me say that I felt absolutely nothing. It didn't hurt at all...no twenge, no cramps, no nothing. Not even when she inserted the catheter into my uterus.

I have a normal shaped uterus with NO SCAR tissue! I was afraid there might be blockage from scar tissue because I "cramped out" three IUDs and I thought there might be some sort of damage from that. But nope, there is absolutely no blockage! My fallopian tubes are clear and my uterus is perfect!

So, I am a little confused as to why I am not pregnant yet. Radiologist said it could be either the male factor OR it could be that my fallopian tubes had an excessive amount of thick mucus and the dye from the HSG pushed the mucus out.

For the last two years I have experienced a mild gluten allergy. My joints get achy and I have developed an excessive amount of mucus in my chest. So the radiologist was saying that if it builds up in my chest it can build up in other areas as well...including my cervix and fallopian tubes. I started taking Mucinex about two weeks ago. (And evening primrose as well) And I cut out gluten products. So hopefully with everything I am doing to cut down this thick mucus in my body along with the HSG, I will get my BFP soon!

The radiologist also told me I would be most fertile for the next three cycles. I feel very excited! Oh, and there are no restrictions on now...(I had to abstain for the last four days.) So maybe I haven't ovulated and will get pregnant THIS cycle! That would be so terrific!!

Ok, well, that's all I have for now. Happy Friday!!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Babydust- wow, I am so glad your church has stepped up and is helping where they can, I am sure everything helps out! And I am surprised you have power this early- YAY! So you can heat and cook? Was it you that said you had gas heat though? NUTS for AF showing up

Phil- it is tough when you have to manage your sugar so strictly but I am proud of you for stepping up and handling it right! I am cutting back on carbs now too just trying to kick the pregnancy weight. I have been checking my glucose too and wonder what the heck sometimes...Yesterday my fasting glucose was 92 which I thought was a bit high but doc says it is normal...

Jess- fx'd for great results! Thanks for checking in btw, I know you are busy with everything but we are all worried about you!! I just read your results and WOW! Talk about Fabulous news!! I am so ecited for oyu I love your approach to the wheat and gluten, etc, it makes a lot of sense, so am glad you are tackling it head-on...is there any other way ? I am a head-on attacker too so I understand the totality of it How's your BF- happy?

Babywhisperer- Fx'd!

TwoToGo-

Alin- How are ya?

Terri- love your attitude toward getting in shape! Me too, I am trying hard right now Protein is an awesome way to go and I am eating lots of fresh vegetables...

Ali- hi lady! I know you are stalking on here but probably very busy Yay for Friday, and hope you geta restful weekend!!

My apologies for the following "AFM" ladies, maybe I am hormonal.....

 

[Grey Eyes]

Sorry ladies, I have some peeves I gotta get off my chest You can just ignore this post...

I think I am either getting a bit rundown or something, not sure at this point, but everything is getting on my nerves. I think because I am very driven person dh thinks I am infallible or something...I mean, when I had my mc in November I had to be rushed through to emergency surgery because of the hemorrhaging. When I got home that night dh expected me to cook dinner for everyone. That kinda hurt my feelings a bit as I thought he should have stepped up and done that. I know I put on the facade of "it's all okay" but that's for the benefit of the dd's....it's not really all okay, iykwim. Anyway, then I go through labor and I always push myself. I refuse the pain meds because they can be bad for baby but also because they slow progression...so I bite the bullet and push through hard and fast. Well, it is exhausting. We decided to spend the night in the hospital so I could rest but my youngest dd got homesick so dh said we should go home. Ends up 6 a.m. before I get to sleep. And because they chowed through all of the pre-made meals that I had set aside for after labor I had to get up early and cook for everyone- can't dh scramble an egg?! Aaargh! Anyways, that aside, I finally tell dh "you know, you have to change a diaper once in a while" as I have been doing all of it. So he tells me he is nervous as she is so tiny and will start changing diapers when she's bigger! So I'm doing it all. He does burp her once in a while and he watches her while she's sleeping. But I am doing all of the housecleaning, cooking, schooling of the dd's, doing my own school, I am doing ALL of the shopping, etc...he doesn't help me with any of it. He did go out and cut wood that one day but then I have to pack it all in the house and maintain the fire. I am getting pissed. I did finally come out and tell him that I can't do all of it and he needs to step up and do his share.

I know I can handle hard fast labor, I can handle surgery and I don't complain very often. I am not weak, I am strong. When I broke my ribs I kept doing hard labor too with no complaint although I was p'd that dh made me drive myself to the hospital! But that doesn't mean I'll take the world on for everyone just so they can sit back and watch movies all day. Sometimes I get sad because I feel like I do everything for the people I love and nothing is reciprocated.

Just like on Halloween- dh agreed he would take the dd's trick-or-treating so I could rest at home with babes- well he backed out last minute and he decided it'd be best if I go and he rest at home with babes Thanks for nothing, right?

I mean, I love my dh very much and I know he loves me and generally he is very supportive and encouraging in most things but when it comes to my physical stuff, well, he thinks I can split three ways and that I'm like superhuman or something....I know he has his own stuff to deal with but I get tired of thinking of everyone else all the time and putting myself out there literally and he doesn't do the same for me very often at all, especially when I really need it.
Ok, rant over, sorry

 

[alicatt]

Ok...so I just got home from the radiologist. My HSG is done!

First, let me say that I felt absolutely nothing. It didn't hurt at all...no twenge, no cramps, no nothing. Not even when she inserted the catheter into my uterus.

I have a normal shaped uterus with NO SCAR tissue! I was afraid there might be blockage from scar tissue because I "cramped out" three IUDs and I thought there might be some sort of damage from that. But nope, there is absolutely no blockage! My fallopian tubes are clear and my uterus is perfect!

So, I am a little confused as to why I am not pregnant yet. Radiologist said it could be either the male factor OR it could be that my fallopian tubes had an excessive amount of thick mucus and the dye from the HSG pushed the mucus out.

For the last two years I have experienced a mild gluten allergy. My joints get achy and I have developed an excessive amount of mucus in my chest. So the radiologist was saying that if it builds up in my chest it can build up in other areas as well...including my cervix and fallopian tubes. I started taking Mucinex about two weeks ago. (And evening primrose as well) And I cut out gluten products. So hopefully with everything I am doing to cut down this thick mucus in my body along with the HSG, I will get my BFP soon!

The radiologist also told me I would be most fertile for the next three cycles. I feel very excited! Oh, and there are no restrictions on now...(I had to abstain for the last four days.) So maybe I haven't ovulated and will get pregnant THIS cycle! That would be so terrific!!

Ok, well, that's all I have for now. Happy Friday!!

YAY! That is awesome news Jess! That is what I meant by clearing out the cobwebs. Even if there isn't anything structural blocking the tubes, but doing the HSG, it clears any mucus, or perhaps blood clots that may have been blocking the tubes and yes, a lot of women get their BFP after the HSG. So let's hope that this is what you needed to get pregnant!! Did you say you had already done a hormone workup and everything looked good? Or is this something you still need to do? 3 cheers for the HSG!!!

Miss you when you are working on your thesis, you need to pop in and say

 

[jm1355]

From... https://www.easy-immune-health.com/Symptoms-of-Gluten-Intolerance.html

Gluten Intolerance and Infertility

Another crazy idea is that gluten sensitivity could be one of the Causes of Infertility in Men and women both!! Now, I’m not talking about people who have obvious anatomical or other medically explained reasons why they can’t have children. I’m talking about those who have unexplained infertility. Some studies have found that women with unexplained infertility or who have lost more than one pregnancy have celiac disease in numbers up to ten times the rest of the population.

Interestingly, many of these infertile people had no other symptoms and were otherwise ‘healthy’. Fortunately or unfortunately, this fact is somewhat well known to infertility doctors and therefore, they are beginning to test for celiac disease in these women who can’t get pregnant. But, unfortunately, as we mentioned in the Diagnosing Gluten Allergypage, Gluten Sensitivity and Infertility is frequently missed even when using the most up to date scientific testing techniques. So many of these people are told that they are ‘fine’ and sent on their gluten eating way.

A better idea would be for anyone with unexplained fertility to be put on a Gluten Intolerance Diet while attempting to get pregnant and all during the pregnancy. A gluten free diet has been shown to both allow some women to get pregnant and to Increase Male Fertility when undiagnosed Celiac Disease is the problem.


Read more: https://www.easy-immune-health.com/Symptoms-of-Gluten-Intolerance.html#ixzz2B6jsnxl7

 

[jm1355]

Coy,

I don't even know how yo respond to your rant. I am so sorry it is like that for you. Even though I have never met you in person, I know as I have gotten to know you over the past few months you have demonstrated an incredible amount of kindness, caring, consideration, and been a much needed source of encouragement to not only me, but everyone on this thread. And we all know, that takes a lot of work! If you are that for us, I can only imagine what you are for your family.

So to hear that you don't seem to get even half of the support that I know you offer...well, it is insane!! You are amazing and I know this doesn't help, but if I lived close to you I would help out as much as you would allow.
So just let me say thank you for all that you do.

Hmmmm...maybe you should go on strike!! It worked on my BF when he was expecting me to write my thesis, workout twice a day, work a full time job, take care of my son, AND do the cooking, cleaning, etc. I went on strike and him and my son had to do EVERYTHING!! Of course "on strike" meant that I told them I had to go to the library for research. I went often and stayed late, leaving them with no dinner, and they had to do their own laundry too! Let's just say things are a little different around here now.

Hang in there! We will find a solution for you...

 

[Grey Eyes]

Jess-

Lol! Go on strike...Hmmm That's an idea! lol! I feel better after ,y rant. I did have a talk with dh and told him that even though he sees me exersizing and doing all this stuff it is because I am driving myself forward to get back to normal and trying to kick my metabolism up a notch- NOT because I have loads of energy or feel great. In fact (I told him) I feel like crap and am always ALWAYS exhausted. he said he understood that and currently...he is doing the "walk" with babes She is going to get spoiled and have to be held and walked aorund but that's his job, so lol!

I understand you going on strike, I know know men seem to see us doing things and they adapt really fast to that and pretty soon- they do very little, just their self-stuff IYKWIM...Soon I know he will bring babes in to me. He has learned that if he nuzzles her face she starts looking instinctively for a nipple to suck on...then he brings her to me

Yep! OMG- he actually brought her to me in middle of that post and says she is hungry Tht's okay, we are growing MACHINES atm so I don't mind.

Dinner may be late tho lol

 

[Grey Eyes]

Re:gluten...hmm, I wonder ....even tho I have no allergy to it I wonder if I would benefit (e.g.- lose weight ) from cutting it out? Couldn't hurt. And I had no clue it's attachment to iunexplained infertility! Awesome tips Jess, thanks!

I am going to go throw some steaks on and take another walk...Babes has eaten so should be good for a few gives me a few minutes. After next feeding--I take a long HOT shower

I feel bad ranting, lol! There is so much crap in the world and I know I have a great dh just men are insensitive sometimes

Jess- I am really happy about your HSG- after all that stress such great news! I am watching your chart too - see what this month brings!

 

[Philomena]

Sending good thoughts your way, Coy.... the post Jess wrote is how I feel about it, too! Thanks for writing it, Jess! I was thinking about how to respond but when I read what Jess wrote, I just think it's perfect... I love the idea of you being on strike!! Take care of you and Babes, and leave the rest of them to their own devices!! You need to rest as well as everything you are doing!

 

[alicatt]

Coy!!!

I ditto what Jess said, all of it! You have no idea how many times you have helped me or picked me up when I've been down, or needed help or encouragement. So don't think for one minute that we aren't here for you too!
Sounds like you need a and a 'day off'.

You can't do it all, and you shouldn't be expected to do it all. A marriage is a union, and should be equal parts husband and wife. Each relationship splits the 'chores' up differently but at the end of the day, both people need to have contributed.

So I say go on strike, just like Jess suggested. Take off for a few hours with Aeryn in tow (you can't leave her yet since you have to feed her every 2 hours). Still, just take off and leave the DH to handle the DD's and their wants and needs. I wouldn't stay away for too long, but just long enough that your DH gets the picture, its not easy doing it all alone, and that if you both work together it will be a lot easier!

We all love you!

 

[alicatt]

Coy.. looks like it is unanimous! Go on strike!

Even if it is only in jest, but maybe Mom needs to have a 'Mom' day where she just lazes around and naps and looks after Aeryn. Have a bath, give yourself a facial, do your nails, take a nap, read a book, watch a movie, just have a 'Mom' day!

 

[Babywhisperer]

From... https://www.easy-immune-health.com/Symptoms-of-Gluten-Intolerance.html

Gluten Intolerance and Infertility

Another crazy idea is that gluten sensitivity could be one of the Causes of Infertility in Men and women both!! Now, I’m not talking about people who have obvious anatomical or other medically explained reasons why they can’t have children. I’m talking about those who have unexplained infertility. Some studies have found that women with unexplained infertility or who have lost more than one pregnancy have celiac disease in numbers up to ten times the rest of the population.

Interestingly, many of these infertile people had no other symptoms and were otherwise ‘healthy’. Fortunately or unfortunately, this fact is somewhat well known to infertility doctors and therefore, they are beginning to test for celiac disease in these women who can’t get pregnant. But, unfortunately, as we mentioned in the Diagnosing Gluten Allergypage, Gluten Sensitivity and Infertility is frequently missed even when using the most up to date scientific testing techniques. So many of these people are told that they are ‘fine’ and sent on their gluten eating way.

A better idea would be for anyone with unexplained fertility to be put on a Gluten Intolerance Diet while attempting to get pregnant and all during the pregnancy. A gluten free diet has been shown to both allow some women to get pregnant and to Increase Male Fertility when undiagnosed Celiac Disease is the problem.


Read more: https://www.easy-immune-health.com/Symptoms-of-Gluten-Intolerance.html#ixzz2B6jsnxl7

Thank you, I tested positive for one of the celiac genes!!!

 

[alicatt]

From... https://www.easy-immune-health.com/Symptoms-of-Gluten-Intolerance.html

Gluten Intolerance and Infertility

Another crazy idea is that gluten sensitivity could be one of the Causes of Infertility in Men and women both!! Now, I’m not talking about people who have obvious anatomical or other medically explained reasons why they can’t have children. I’m talking about those who have unexplained infertility. Some studies have found that women with unexplained infertility or who have lost more than one pregnancy have celiac disease in numbers up to ten times the rest of the population.

Interestingly, many of these infertile people had no other symptoms and were otherwise ‘healthy’. Fortunately or unfortunately, this fact is somewhat well known to infertility doctors and therefore, they are beginning to test for celiac disease in these women who can’t get pregnant. But, unfortunately, as we mentioned in the Diagnosing Gluten Allergypage, Gluten Sensitivity and Infertility is frequently missed even when using the most up to date scientific testing techniques. So many of these people are told that they are ‘fine’ and sent on their gluten eating way.

A better idea would be for anyone with unexplained fertility to be put on a Gluten Intolerance Diet while attempting to get pregnant and all during the pregnancy. A gluten free diet has been shown to both allow some women to get pregnant and to Increase Male Fertility when undiagnosed Celiac Disease is the problem.


Read more: https://www.easy-immune-health.com/Symptoms-of-Gluten-Intolerance.html#ixzz2B6jsnxl7

Thank you, I tested positive for one of the celiac genes!!!

Thanks Jess, I meant to mention that before, but got sidetracked with Coy and her bad day. I was tested for celiac's disease but it came back negative. When you mentioned it, I thought it might be a good idea for me to stop eating gluten too. Maybe we should all go Gluten Free!!!