Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[alicatt]

Babywhisperer- you made me laugh on "I call bs" bit hahha! I got SOME belly fat, just about a handful...I hate it lol!

It's ok to prepare your mind for IVF but don't be surprised if you ge a bfp! fx'd

OK.. I hope you weren't offended. I didn't mean to say you have a belly. But I know you were complaining that you had one! AFM - I have enough belly fat to look multiple months pregnant if I squish it just so. So I hope you didn't think I was implying that you were fat. Only that you had mentioned your frustration over that pinch that was still left!! Personally I think you should wear that pinch as a badge of honor after having 3 children and looking like a rockstar!!! However if you are hoping to get rid of it, I'm telling you protein, oatmeal in the morning, and lighter meals through the day until 8pm then nothing but water. Oh and if you eat fruits eat them early in the day too, having them in the late afternoon can be bad for weight loss. Or so I've been told.

 

[Grey Eyes]

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[Grey Eyes]

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[alicatt]

I don't get it, when I lived in Utah a decade ago I lived on rice and beans and was a stupid size 0.....now I even smell carbs and my butt grows Ah, age, maturity, and children

IDK.. My Mom is a pretty spry woman at 71. She eats oatmeal with fruit for breakfast, or an omelette with bacon (on Saturday), and her lunch consists of several items in this list: yogurt, canned tuna/salmon, cheese, lettuce, veggies, fruit, or leftover pork/beef/chicken (always lean) and maybe a piece of bread or a few crackers. Then she has a handful of munchies like pretzels, or potato chips with her glass of wine around 5:30. Then dinner around 7 that consists of lean meat, vegetables and a starch, and sometimes a magnum ice cream bar for desert. She is fairly active, with stretch class, golfing (without a cart) 2-3 times a week, and her nightly walk that is probably 3/4 of a mile. She has always weighed 125 and will always weigh 125 and she is 5'7. She wears a size 6 but has broad shoulders (probably from golf) so she wears a M or sometimes even a L on top. If they go on vacation and she feels like she's gained a few lbs, she'll cut out the bread for 1-2 weeks and that is all it takes. The oatmeal is a staple for her though, she feels that if she doesn't eat it she doesn't have the energy to get around the golf course. I tend to agree with her, I eat oatmeal in the morning and I feel satisfied and full and not interested in food until lunch. Plus I don't feel like I have to eat a lot at lunch when I've had that for breakfast

 

[Grey Eyes]

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[Samsfan]

Alicatt- Your funny. You are a wealth of information! Baby clothes are so much fun... wish I had a baby to dress one!

Chantal- I think you should just be natural and let it be. Don't worry about it. Just have fun until your donor egg. Death in a dream means life. So expect life. Its not good to see a bride in your dream, that means death.

Coy- I wish I had your belly fat! I know about the self image. My mom was awful. I look at photos of myself when I was a teenager and in my 20s I was gorg! I wish I looked like that and all she every said is look at that it's so big.. stop working out your going to get too muscular! It was awful.. she still does it, but now I'm bigger Sorry about your dh.... Does he drink enough water? or do you have to babysit him to do the right thing?

Babywhisperer- whats the good word?

It took me days to read all the posts to catch up

AFM- I just came back from the FS for my WTF appointment. He said what my second opinion said. He wouldn't change a thing and its just my eggs. Looks like that my eggs are more abnormal than the average person So this is going to be a long haul for me. Sorry guys your stuck with me. I'm very sad.. I can't believe this is my state at 38. So I'm going to go for a second round the end of May. I mentioned the metaphormin and it gave him the idea and he gave me a prescription also. He didn't even check my bloods, but gave me the prescription. He also suggested DHEA... Now that I am thinking about it he said they close down the lab for a week June 4th. I guess that means he can't do me during that week?

I don't get it, when I lived in Utah a decade ago I lived on rice and beans and was a stupid size 0.....now I even smell carbs and my butt grows Ah, age, maturity, and children

 

[Samsfan]

Oh by the way... I ate well all day... between work... the stress.... the traffic and the news. I had a number 2 from McD's and somehow the endorphins made me feel much better

 

[Grey Eyes]

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[Samsfan]

Coy---- Hahahahaha I guess I can technically say he is!

Sams- please don't say "he can't do me" in regard to your FS! lol! heheh...I kill me...anyways- abnormal eggs? How so? didn't they fertilize okay? I mean did he give details? I have heard good stuff re:metformin Fx'd this cycle!

Oh, sometimes I gotta babysit. Then sometimes I shrug and say do what you will?in regard to dh drinking etc. He drinks tons of water! I think dehydration from the high glucose.

 

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[alicatt]

BabyWhisperer - it ain't over until the fat lady sings. A woman on the IVF boards at 40 just got a BFP, she goes in for her second BETA tomorrow. Granted she did IVF, but she could have sworn she wasn't pregnant. The surprise of her life! So just don't count yourself out until the BETA. Or you've done a HPT at 14-16DPO. With all the hormones you are taking it is impossible to tell the difference between pregnancy symptoms and AF and the hormones. There are a few subtle differences that I have been told, but have never witnessed myself. Things like different twinges in the uterus, and veins popping out on the BBs. Beyond that, everything is the same. The fatigue could be due to the increase in HCG or it could be due to the progesterone. The 2WW in a medicated cycle is just nuts You can't even chart because your progesterone will keep your BBT elevated, and your CM will be different too. So that isn't even reliable. So I just gave up and POAS and cried a lot. The way I figured it, I was going to cry either way, so why did it matter if I cried for 3 days between 12-15DPO or 14-17DPO? Plus I gathered intel about my body by testing early. I knew with 99% certainty I was never pregnant and had an early loss. I think they call it a chemical. Knowing that helped my FS diagnose the NK cell/implantation issue sooner. Not saying you should test early, but its going to hurt whether you test today or on OTD and see that BFN. Or you could find out sooner than you'd figured that you are pregnant! I know, it is a crazy thing to have to go through. I'm FX'd that you get your BFP!!!!!

Sams - I'm sorry you got the news you got. It is so frustrating to hear that you are somehow responsible for not getting pregnant. There are things you can do like the metformin, and you will be happy to hear, the metformin will help with the weight loss too! DHEA is another supplement (Rx only) that has been shown to help women improve their egg quality. As well as the 2-3 other supplements I recommended in the past: royal jelly, maca root and CoQ10. Not only do they help your eggs, but they help balance your hormones in a more natural way. I also felt that doing the gluten free diet helped not necessarily because of the lack of gluten but the lower carb intake. I've also been reading about PGD, and how this is increasing a woman's chances of being pregnant with poor quality eggs. They test the embryos on day 3 and pick out the ones that are chromosomally correct, and only implant 1 of those. It has shown to increase a woman's odds of getting pregnant by 60%. It is expensive though, it is almsot $5K at my FS office. I wish it were cheaper but alas, it is what it is!

Don't be discouraged, my second attempt was much improved, we moved from straight stims to doing the long lupron protocol. Did they do the lupron flare protocol with you? I can't remember? That is what they use when you don't produce many eggs, or if the quality is not so great.

One of the things that kept me focused during my last IVF was the cost. I was spending a butt load of money on IVF and if I didn't eat properly, and didn't take my supplements and didn't get enough sleep then I would have been better of just having a big bonfire in the back yard and setting my money on fire! I still didn't get pregnant but at least I still have 4 high quality blast waiting for me. All it takes is some will power and determination and the right combination of medications, supplements and your wonderful acupuncturist!!! You can do it!!

 

[never_give_up]

Sam I am sorry and I know how you feel. When my RE blamed my eggs the second ivf I felt bad too. May I ask how they were able to determine that it was your eggs? Like Ali said there are so many supplements that help improve egg quality. Don't forget tapioca. I got my bfp a month after starting to eat it. Maybe dh's swimmers just need a little more maca..

BabyWhisperer you are only on 9 dpo. I still have my fingers crossed for you

I love you ladies! You are all so positive and offer great advice! I asked dh to read your comments and he said ok they are right we can try but also still go for DE consultation! Yay! Oh and Sam and Coy you both made me with the "do me" comment. Your reply Sam cracked me up

 

[never_give_up]

Ali you are right. I have not had any alcohol for a while. Tonight I had a glass of and Friday night I had a beer and dh's friend was looking at me funny and he said he has never seen me put a beer bottle to my lips in the 5 years he has known me lol

Sam good to know about the bride in a dream. I haven't dreamt about any brides so that is a good thing. Bad things only seem to happen when I dream of cats or snakes.

 

[alicatt]

I need to cut up my credit cards! I have spent WAY too much money this month I went to Michael's after work and got my print framed and I got 50% off + and additional 30% off the framing and it was still $256!
Then I went to Kohl's and took back some things, and then found another piece of 'art' I couldn't live without, and spent a few other $$ on minor things, then came home and found that my favorite clothing store was having a 50% off sale today only! UGH, all of that on top of the hardwood flooring I just purchased, I have spent way too much!

 

[AngelSerenity]

I was looking forward to ttcing again while we wait for donor egg consult. Dh is paranoid that we will keep having miscarriages. So he doesnt want to ttc anymore I don't know what will happen in 2 weeks. I guess birth control? I just cannot wrap my mind around that one.

Chantal, I agree with the other girls, NTNP would be a good plan of action. If it's to be naturally it will . I'm not sure if this will help your DH or not but remember that they class 1-2 miscarriages as 'normal' and your chances of carrying after 2MCs are basically the same as if it were your first. It is only when you get to 3+ that doctors suspect something may be up, like me. In addition, remember that in reality your 2 IVFs were in fact 2 TTC cycles, it can take a normal healthy couple over a year to conceive so perhaps it could be down to mother nature more than any minor complications


Ali... PUT DOWN THOSE CREDIT CARDS!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a sucker for sales too


Sams... I kwow it's difficult when everything seems stacked against you, trust me I've had 15 months from hell between MCs, redundancy, dealing with DH's drink issues and our money issues. Keep positive, I think Ali and Chantal have mentioned about supplements that could help with egg quality? Never listen to your FS you can have a baby and God willing you will


BW... hoping and praying for you as well.


Coy... you are superwoman! How is your DH now? I think you are right, your only vice is ice cream and wine at the moment although please do not fret about that baby bulge. You know it will shift and its the hardest bit to do. Are you doing plenty of ab exercises as well? I would reckon you are getting enough aerobic exercise running about doing all your chores in the house


AFM... ladies I am having a fabulous day for a change!!!!! My scan went perfectly this morning, I am measuring 9 wks 3 days which is perfect against ovulation date. Mr RMC knows that this is my crunch time so he is going to do another scan next week to help reassure me.

Plus I have just had a phone call that I got the job for the interview I attended yesterday!

I have another interview this afternoon for the same organisation and I had to have the awkward conversation 'I want the job but do you mind if I see how I perform in this other interview?' I dont know how it's seen in reality? Both positions play to my strengths and I really cannot tell what one I prefer at this stage. If by some miracle I perform well today what a lovely predicament to be in! The advantages for the role I have been offered is that it is slightly closer to home so less traffic and it would be a great challenge, the other role I'm going for today is in the city centre and while it plays on my strengths it is more a research/strategic planning role. The job I have just got is more an operational type role. Loads to think about.

Have a good day ladies, isnt it amazing how your life can change in a day??? I pray this is the end of my bad phase and things are now looking up

 

[Babywhisperer]

I was looking forward to ttcing again while we wait for donor egg consult. Dh is paranoid that we will keep having miscarriages. So he doesnt want to ttc anymore I don't know what will happen in 2 weeks. I guess birth control? I just cannot wrap my mind around that one.

Chantal, I agree with the other girls, NTNP would be a good plan of action. If it's to be naturally it will . I'm not sure if this will help your DH or not but remember that they class 1-2 miscarriages as 'normal' and your chances of carrying after 2MCs are basically the same as if it were your first. It is only when you get to 3+ that doctors suspect something may be up, like me. In addition, remember that in reality your 2 IVFs were in fact 2 TTC cycles, it can take a normal healthy couple over a year to conceive so perhaps it could be down to mother nature more than any minor complications


Ali... PUT DOWN THOSE CREDIT CARDS!!!!!!!!!!! I'm a sucker for sales too


Sams... I kwow it's difficult when everything seems stacked against you, trust me I've had 15 months from hell between MCs, redundancy, dealing with DH's drink issues and our money issues. Keep positive, I think Ali and Chantal have mentioned about supplements that could help with egg quality? Never listen to your FS you can have a baby and God willing you will


BW... hoping and praying for you as well.


Coy... you are superwoman! How is your DH now? I think you are right, your only vice is ice cream and wine at the moment although please do not fret about that baby bulge. You know it will shift and its the hardest bit to do. Are you doing plenty of ab exercises as well? I would reckon you are getting enough aerobic exercise running about doing all your chores in the house


AFM... ladies I am having a fabulous day for a change!!!!! My scan went perfectly this morning, I am measuring 9 wks 3 days which is perfect against ovulation date. Mr RMC knows that this is my crunch time so he is going to do another scan next week to help reassure me.

Plus I have just had a phone call that I got the job for the interview I attended yesterday!

I have another interview this afternoon for the same organisation and I had to have the awkward conversation 'I want the job but do you mind if I see how I perform in this other interview?' I dont know how it's seen in reality? Both positions play to my strengths and I really cannot tell what one I prefer at this stage. If by some miracle I perform well today what a lovely predicament to be in! The advantages for the role I have been offered is that it is slightly closer to home so less traffic and it would be a great challenge, the other role I'm going for today is in the city centre and while it plays on my strengths it is more a research/strategic planning role. The job I have just got is more an operational type role. Loads to think about.

Have a good day ladies, isnt it amazing how your life can change in a day??? I pray this is the end of my bad phase and things are now looking up

I was thinking of you! So happy the scan went great and you are doing so well. And the job offer is just icing on the cake. Congrats all around and remember this great feeling when you start to have doubts or a bad day.

Coy, how is dh feeling now?? Any breaks in the tire slashing case?

Chantal that's great news. Sometimes our dh's need to hear what third parties think to open up their minds. Happy NTNP! Want to gain weight, margaritas and daiquiris.

Ali cease and desist from the shopping spree. You're going to need all the spare cash when babie(s) come!!!

Sams and all you ladies, thank you for the thoughts and positive comments. I checked my cervix this morning and it is low. Not a good sign. When it comes to my career, relationships, health, it has all been an uphill climb in mud. Getting a bfp on my first IUI would not be in keeping with that trend. Nothing comes easy and I have to fight for everything. It makes me appreciate what I have and not take anything for granted, and has made me a strong person. I will either test tomorrow or Saturday at 13dpiui but I'm not keeping my hopes up. The beta is Monday but I plan to call the nurse and ask if I test negative on Sat if I can go off the progesterone suppositories to get af faster. I want to move onto IVF ASAP.

Thanks for your thoughts, I'm just being practical. Ali and Sams maybe we will all be doing our cycles close to one another!!

 

[alicatt]

YAAAAA! That is fantastic news Angel!!!!! It is amazing how life can turn on a dime and you go from stressed to ecstatic! Great news about your US and excellent news about your job opportunities!

Gotta love good news!!! So you have another US next week and are you then out of the woods? Or when will you be able to breathe a little easier?

I'm so happy for you right now!!! Amazing news!!!!

BabyW.. it is a very difficult situation waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop. You are a strong woman, that is why God has put so many obsticals in your path. I often feel the same way? Why do I always have to struggle for everything? All I can say is there is still hope! If not, then we'll be cycling together!!! Or close to it! Depending on the protocol they choose for you. I am supposed to get AF this weekend but I think she will be delayed as I'm still on progesterone, then the lupron will delay things for us until my results are in. Lots of waiting!!!

 

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[JandK]

Well I ordered 2 vials of sperm today. There was a sale of sorts at the sperm bank. 25% off total price. Just thinking of a sperm sale would make me giggle if i was in the mood for laughter. My best friend of 30 years called last night and said she was pregnant after trying since her wedding in November. Needless to say last night included tons of crying and 2 desserts from Dairy Queen. Why do some people get to ride on the float while others drag along behind? Ugh..2 chances this month. Heres to hoping...