Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[Grey Eyes]

OMG.. can I just say that today has been a bitch?
I got yelled at by a client that was totally out of line. He told me I didn't understand statistics (when I quoted him exactly how our system works, and provided examples as to why his queries were flawed) then had the gall to tell me the customer is always right! While I always err on the side of caution in issues like this, he was very much in the wrong! I even gave him proof! Anyway, it was not a fun situation! My boss backed me up and said he would deal with the Arse!
All the while I felt like I was going to hurl my cookies!
Now I'm trying to corral my 3 dachshunds.. anyone ever had to discipline dachshunds? It is not easy! I have 2 that are my own, and a third that is a foster! Keegan, the foster is a sweet little boy who my rescue org rescued from a kill shelter in Miami.. but until a fur ever home is found he is living with me! That means 2 dachshunds under 1 yr old in my house! Plus Zoe who is almost 10! I feel like I'm being outnumbered by dachshunds!

Alas, it is the weekend, and just a few more days before I can test!!!

That is if I can keep food in my stomach!
Between the extra stress and my topsy turvy tummy.. I am feeling really crappy

Def sound prego! lol. No seriously- I have had clients such as you have described...one even threw his cell phone at me! Hard too, not some little toss, I had to duck for cover Aw heck, some people, huh?

Hope you have a better day tomorrow- got Saturday off? As for the dachsunds...toss them each a rawhide bone and coral them! Then get something cold to sip on (if tummy can handle it- no alcohol though lol) and relax the day away! After last weeks working in the house painting, etc, you need a proper day off! De-stress!

 

[FirstTry]

Would you post a photo of Keegan, please? I want a dog, but DH is not convinced yet. Dachshunds are super cute!

 

[alicatt]

Here are some pictures of Keegan. He is a really handsome little guy. Hard to believe he was in a kill shelter. I got Zach that way too. I was fostering him and just fell in love! They call it a failed foster when you end up adopting the dog. I wish I could keep Keegan, but 3 dogs is a lot to handle and with the possibility of being pregnant too, its a little much for a single gal!

BTW.. I think I got a this morning! It is sooooo faint it is almost not there. Now I don't know what to think, was yesterday'y HPT still faintly positive and I didn't see it? Or is this the start of a real ? The weird thing is that I feel like AF is about to start, and its a week early! So strange.

 

[alicatt]

OMG.. can I just say that today has been a bitch?
I got yelled at by a client that was totally out of line. He told me I didn't understand statistics (when I quoted him exactly how our system works, and provided examples as to why his queries were flawed) then had the gall to tell me the customer is always right! While I always err on the side of caution in issues like this, he was very much in the wrong! I even gave him proof! Anyway, it was not a fun situation! My boss backed me up and said he would deal with the Arse!
All the while I felt like I was going to hurl my cookies!
Now I'm trying to corral my 3 dachshunds.. anyone ever had to discipline dachshunds? It is not easy! I have 2 that are my own, and a third that is a foster! Keegan, the foster is a sweet little boy who my rescue org rescued from a kill shelter in Miami.. but until a fur ever home is found he is living with me! That means 2 dachshunds under 1 yr old in my house! Plus Zoe who is almost 10! I feel like I'm being outnumbered by dachshunds!

Alas, it is the weekend, and just a few more days before I can test!!!

That is if I can keep food in my stomach!
Between the extra stress and my topsy turvy tummy.. I am feeling really crappy

Def sound prego! lol. No seriously- I have had clients such as you have described...one even threw his cell phone at me! Hard too, not some little toss, I had to duck for cover Aw heck, some people, huh?

Hope you have a better day tomorrow- got Saturday off? As for the dachsunds...toss them each a rawhide bone and coral them! Then get something cold to sip on (if tummy can handle it- no alcohol though lol) and relax the day away! After last weeks working in the house painting, etc, you need a proper day off! De-stress!

I do have today off, but am on call tomorrow. I need to run some errands, but that is about all I have to do today. Groceries, dog stuff, UPS Store, dry cleaners. That kinda thing! Being on call isn't too terrible, just can't really go too far from home. That is fine with me, I am going to clean out my closets tomorrrow. They are jammed with clothes and things that I will never wear again. Then I'll take them to goodwill and be done with them!

 

[alin3boys]

ali do you have a pic of yesterdays and todays test,feeling like af going to turn up is a symptom to lol,hope this is it for you

 

[alicatt]

ali do you have a pic of yesterdays and todays test,feeling like af going to turn up is a symptom to lol,hope this is it for you

I do have today's test. I can't find yesterday's. I must have thrown it out. I'm not even sure I should bother to post, it is barely visible to the eye. I took a picture of it but I can't see the line on the picture.

I think I need to wait until tomorrow or Monday!

 

[FirstTry]

ali do you have a pic of yesterdays and todays test,feeling like af going to turn up is a symptom to lol,hope this is it for you

I do have today's test. I can't find yesterday's. I must have thrown it out. I'm not even sure I should bother to post, it is barely visible to the eye. I took a picture of it but I can't see the line on the picture.

I think I need to wait until tomorrow or Monday!

YAY! Okay, I shouldn't get too excited for you, but YAY! Now, I'll go back to being patient for both of us

I resisted the urge to test this morning because 8dpo has a low probability of coming out positive. We'll see if I can wait until Monday or Tuesday (the original plan).

P.S. - My temp is up today, but it got this high for a day or two last cycle.

 

[FirstTry]

Here are some pictures of Keegan. He is a really handsome little guy. Hard to believe he was in a kill shelter. I got Zach that way too. I was fostering him and just fell in love! They call it a failed foster when you end up adopting the dog. I wish I could keep Keegan, but 3 dogs is a lot to handle and with the possibility of being pregnant too, its a little much for a single gal!

BTW.. I think I got a this morning! It is sooooo faint it is almost not there. Now I don't know what to think, was yesterday'y HPT still faintly positive and I didn't see it? Or is this the start of a real ? The weird thing is that I feel like AF is about to start, and its a week early! So strange.

I showed DH the photos. He thinks Keegan is cute, but is not convinced that we need a dog. Hmmm. What part of the country do you live in?

Edit: I just noticed that it says you live in West Palm Beach. Not a quick trip from DC. Hmmm. Not to make this a pet adoption thread, but can you tell me a little about Keegan? Neither DH nor I has ever had a dog, but I want one (he likes cats, but I'm allergic). While I eventually want a big dog, a little one might be a good start. I imagine they are easier to care for...shorter walks and more friends willing to dogsit when you travel, right?

 

[GeorgiaBelle]

Ali,

Congratulations on all your good news! I often think about you and how you're doing.

I was waiting to post until I saw our RE on Wednesday morning, but I had to vent a little beforehand. It can't bode well when the office calls to confirm your appointment and tells you it is at 9:00 am yet when I called to reschedule my appointment from June 8th, the lady gave me June 6th at 8:50 am. I read it back to her and twice more before we hung up confirmed that it was June 6th at 8:50 am. When I just called to confirm, the girl I talked to was a little huffy about it. "Well, I have you down for 9:00 in my book, but if you want to come at 8:50 you can."

At least the day is correct and it's only 10 minutes later, but his front end staff need an attitude adjustment. He goes through staff like tissue at times.

I'm nervous enough about my appointment already. I pray I can get him to schedule the ultrasound he talked about back in December. Again, he is a wonderful doctor but once he makes his mind up about something, he only wants to go in that direction and right now, I believe he is only interested in doing IUI for us. It will be a while longer before we can afford the procedure, so can't we please keep trying naturally and be given every opportunity to succeed?

Sorry, ladies, I'm frustrated.

AWW.. GeorgiaBelle I'm sorry that he is so frustrating, and his office staff so unfriendly. That doesn't make for a good combination. My guy was much nicer to me today. Last week he was mean and I almost cried, but this week he was much nicer. His staff is really nice too, and that helps. I think they often think they are 'God-like' and often talk down to me. That really annoys me. I'm sure he is just trying to get you the best possible plan, and that may mean doing the IUI. I am sorry I can't remember your situation (terrible memory). What are you currently trying? Maybe we can help suggest other options?

Wishing you , and thanks for thinking of me. Right now I'm just praying for some further development of the 2 follicles on my left ovary!

Ali,

Understand what you mean about doctors thinking they are God-like. The college library where I work is on a medical university campus.

Since October 2007, I've been taking daily injections of Growth Hormone for Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency. I've also been diagnosed with PCOS. The RE my DH and I are seeing now is the doctor who diagnosed me with AGHD. He is also said that I have a touch of PCOS. Other REs I have seen in years past have just diagnosed me with PCOS.

Hope you are doing well!

God Bless,
Shannon

 

[Grey Eyes]

Here are some pictures of Keegan. He is a really handsome little guy. Hard to believe he was in a kill shelter. I got Zach that way too. I was fostering him and just fell in love! They call it a failed foster when you end up adopting the dog. I wish I could keep Keegan, but 3 dogs is a lot to handle and with the possibility of being pregnant too, its a little much for a single gal!

BTW.. I think I got a this morning! It is sooooo faint it is almost not there. Now I don't know what to think, was yesterday'y HPT still faintly positive and I didn't see it? Or is this the start of a real ? The weird thing is that I feel like AF is about to start, and its a week early! So strange.

Possible and no pics? :madgrowl:

 

[alin3boys]

grey eyes my sentiments exactly who can resist to post a possible bfp pic lol

ali you better get posting them pics lol

 

[alicatt]

Here are some pictures of Keegan. He is a really handsome little guy. Hard to believe he was in a kill shelter. I got Zach that way too. I was fostering him and just fell in love! They call it a failed foster when you end up adopting the dog. I wish I could keep Keegan, but 3 dogs is a lot to handle and with the possibility of being pregnant too, its a little much for a single gal!

BTW.. I think I got a this morning! It is sooooo faint it is almost not there. Now I don't know what to think, was yesterday'y HPT still faintly positive and I didn't see it? Or is this the start of a real ? The weird thing is that I feel like AF is about to start, and its a week early! So strange.

Possible and no pics? :madgrowl:

It doesn't show as positive in the pic. It is soooo faint. I promise to post tomorrow if it darkens any! Really, it just looks like a faint outline of where the line should be. Or maybe it is my eyes playing tricks?

I don't feel like AF is coming or not coming. No more cramps, no more nausea, just heartburn and a headache. Strange I say!

 

[alicatt]

grey eyes my sentiments exactly who can resist to post a possible bfp pic lol

ali you better get posting them pics lol

HAHA! OK! OK! OK! You are all going to think I'm insane for even thinking this is a but it is there, I can see it! Well at least I could when I initially took the test, now I am having trouble seeing it. ARGH! I really think I need to wait until tomorrow or Monday.

 

[alicatt]

I showed DH the photos. He thinks Keegan is cute, but is not convinced that we need a dog. Hmmm. What part of the country do you live in?

Edit: I just noticed that it says you live in West Palm Beach. Not a quick trip from DC. Hmmm. Not to make this a pet adoption thread, but can you tell me a little about Keegan? Neither DH nor I has ever had a dog, but I want one (he likes cats, but I'm allergic). While I eventually want a big dog, a little one might be a good start. I imagine they are easier to care for...shorter walks and more friends willing to dogsit when you travel, right?

Dogs are great! I specifically went with dachshunds because of their outgoing personality, and the ease of having a smaller dog. You don't need to take a dachshund for a 5 mile walk a day, in fact I doubt he would survive it! They do typically need walking, or some sort of exercise, like play time or backyard time. Dachshunds can be quite stubborn and need to have rules, or they will end up ruling you! They are also known to be barkers, and can be a pain if you have neighbors that don't like barking dogs!

More about Keegan specifically, he is probably between 7-9 months old, and was an owner surrender at the Miami-Dade shelter. I have had him for almost 2 weeks now, and love him! He is so friendly, and loves to be in your lap getting belly rubs or giving kisses. He has a few undesirable habits, but most of them will go away as he ages. He has chewed some of my baseboards at the corners, but I think this is because his teeth are still coming in and he is teething! He as proven me right by dragging sticks in through the doggie door and chewing those too! Messy, but at least I can sweep it up and there is no lasting damage! He is also still in the potty training stage, and getting much better! I praise him everytime he does it outdoors and that has helped a lot! We have only had 2 number 2 oops's in the past 3 days, and no number 1, so YAY! Of course these are things you will be dealing with if you were to get any puppy.

As for adopting him, I think the cost is just shy of $300 and goes to the Dachshund Rescue South Florida non profit organization. They use the money to save other dachshunds in need. You can check our their website, www.dachshundrescuesouthflorida.com I think there is more information about how to adopt doggies on there. I think there is even a pet transport system for adopting rescued dogs, and perhaps that would be a way to get him up to you?

Keegan is truly an awesome dog, and he deserves to have a happy forever home!!!

 

[GeorgiaBelle]

Happy Saturday, Ladies! I’m working at the Library today, but things are really slow, so I’m grabbing the chance to talk with you.

The last time I had an opportunity to visit, I had a couple of days before my June 6th appointment with our RE. I had hoped to post later the same day as my appointment or at least the day after. Sorry, I haven’t posted until now. To be honest, I didn’t know I would have any progress to report when I did post.

Surprisingly during my June 6th appointment, our RE ordered blood work and discussed plans with me for an ultrasound soon. Coy, GreyEyes, I owe you a huge thank you for it all. Here’s what happened.

I went to my appointment nervous but determined that I was going to convince him to go through with the ultrasound he mentioned in December. One of my biggest problems is that I know what I need to say and that I need to be assertive, but I’m used to being soft spoken and following orders. I sat there practicing what I wanted to say and praying that I would be able to say it when the time came.

After he came in and been in the room for a couple of minutes, I decided I should start telling him what was on my mind. Suddenly, flashing through my mind was my post mentioning my often having brown blood periods in recent years and Coy’s answer asking me if I had ever mentioned this to my doctor. I realized that this was something I did very much want to tell him about and had almost forgotten it.

Right then, I brought it up. He was interested. It was then that he ordered blood work and a pregnancy test. He said that if he determined that I wasn’t ovulating, we would begin medication. Then he went on to ask when my next period would start because he would order a sonogram done a week after my period starts.

WOW! All this only because Coy prompted me to tell him about the brown blood, and I had never thought too much about it.

He wanted to see me in a week. I made an appointment for June 15th. He wanted me to have blood work done on June 8th.

On June 8th, after my hubby’s graduation program and reception for his internship, I went to have my blood drawn.

I was still using the ovulation strips for a few more days. I finally saw the second line and it stayed there for a couple more days of testing but never darkened.

I went back yesterday, June 15th, for my follow-up appointment. I was still anxious because I wasn’t sure if our RE was going to change his mind about what we had talked about the week before. Thankfully, he hadn’t.

My DH was with me for yesterday’s appointment. (He was working at his internship last week.)

Our RE came in and told us my results which still have us shook up and really worried my DH. I felt so bad for my hubby.

Our RE said that I’m not ovulating and my DHEA-S and Prolactin was high. (Although later as my hubby and I were looking back over my test results, we noticed that my Prolactin level was listed as in range. I’m going to post my lab results for you to see.) He was prescribing 3 medications for me. One was Decadron or Dexamethasone 0.5 MG tablet to lower my DHEA-S level. The second medicine was Parlodel or Bromocriptine to lower the Prolactin level. I can’t remember how many milligrams he prescribed. I think it was 2.5? The pharmacy wouldn’t have it available for me until Monday afternoon after 4:00. Of course the third pill was Clomid. I’m supposed to start taking it on the 5th day of my period and take it for 5 days.

The day I start my period, I’m to call our RE as soon as possible, so he can set up an appointment for me to have the ultrasound to check my tubes. I should start my period either today or someday through the 19th if it stays on schedule.

Here are my blood work results –

DHEA-S 334.3 High Ref. Range 45.0-270.0
BHCG-Serum Ql Negative Ref. Range Negative
Prolactin 17.41 Ref. Range 2.8-29.90
Progesterone 0.45
Interpretive Data: Normal menstruating females:
Mid-Follicular phase 0.31-1.52
Mid-Luteal phase 5.16-18.56
Testosterone, Total 64.7 High Ref. Range 11.0-56.0
Testosterone, Free 15.4 High Ref. Range 1.3-9.2
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin 19.7 Low Ref. Range 30.0-135.0

I talked to our RE about my adrenal level. I told him that when I was seeing another RE, she was very concerned about my DHEA-S level. Concerned enough to have me take a CAT Scan to check for tumors. The test was negative.

So far, I don’t have another appointment with our RE. Waiting until my period begins to get the ultrasound set up.

Our RE did bring up that he would probably want to do an insemination once we get things under control. I keep praying that we can still conceive naturally.

I took my first Decadron or Dexamethasone last night with supper.

I don’t get to talk with you all as much as I would love to, but at least this time, I have a lot of news to share. Still trying to believe it all.

 

[alicatt]

GeorgiaBelle!

WOW! That is quite a story, and a good one you stood up for yourself and got the Dr to do some tests. YAY! Did he do other blood work? I don't see FSH, LH or Estradol? It is funny, he did different tests than my FS did. Maybe he is planning on having you go in and do blood work again on Day 3? If not, you should ask him about that. Apparently they use Day 3 of your menstrual cycle as a reference point, and they can pretty much diagnose issues based on your levels that day. The test to check your tubes is not fun, but worth it! Oh, if you are going to continue to try naturally, I would suggest using something to help with your CM, my CM dried up with Clomid. Since I was doing IUIs I didn't really care, but if you are going to continue to try naturally, then I would suggest adding Mucinex or primrose oil. Of course discuss this with your Dr first

 

[Grey Eyes]

Our RE did bring up that he would probably want to do an insemination once we get things under control. I keep praying that we can still conceive naturally.

But still- think about it...insemination can also mean IUI- which, in a nutshell, is still naturally...I mean, it's, um, his and yours, right? There are sometimes other issues (cm, hostile cm, etc) that prevent natural method from working. If your doc recommends IUI do you think you'd go through with it? According to Phil and Ali it's a cinch! And your hubby can be in there with you (the room I mean ).

Sounds all positive to me! At least you are on the patht o getting some answers, and found out that you haven't been getting preggo because of ovulation issues, that's good to know! At least now you know, right? And can tackle it head on

I am proud of you for talking to your doc straightforward...I have always been outspoken and feel that if I don't say it then maybe it's info doc could have used?

 

[GeorgiaBelle]

GeorgiaBelle!

WOW! That is quite a story, and a good one you stood up for yourself and got the Dr to do some tests. YAY! Did he do other blood work? I don't see FSH, LH or Estradol? It is funny, he did different tests than my FS did. Maybe he is planning on having you go in and do blood work again on Day 3? If not, you should ask him about that. Apparently they use Day 3 of your menstrual cycle as a reference point, and they can pretty much diagnose issues based on your levels that day. The test to check your tubes is not fun, but worth it! Oh, if you are going to continue to try naturally, I would suggest using something to help with your CM, my CM dried up with Clomid. Since I was doing IUIs I didn't really care, but if you are going to continue to try naturally, then I would suggest adding Mucinex or primrose oil. Of course discuss this with your Dr first

Ali,

Thanks!

No, the only blood work he did was what I posted and he didn't mention any more blood work. When I call him to let him know that my period started, I'll ask him if he wants me to get blood drawn on whatever date the 3rd day of my period falls on.

Thank you, too, for reminding me about Clomid drying up CM. I forgot about that. I do have some Wal-Mart brand cough syrup with just the Guaifenesin and some Wal-Mart brand Mucinex tablets.

Hubby and I have been using Pre, Conceive Plus, and Preseed. Not all at the same time.

How are you? Congratulations on your possible BFP!

 

[AngelSerenity]

Georgiebelle- what a story, and from the sounds of it quite positive. I'm glad things are moving for you.

Ali - not long to go now honey, not getting your hopes up but I do see a very faint line. I did an IC the other day and didnt even get that (curiosity was getting the better of me even though I'm having a month off lol).

I love dogs as well, all animals in fact. I was brought up in the country and there were always at least 4 dogs in our house, 6 normally, and all big breeds - Leonburgers, Bernese, St Bernard, Great Danes, German Shepards and Newfoundlands. It was bliss but also sometimes heartbreaking as they fought for pecking order sometimes for boss position

Jess, Coy, Marathongirl, hope you're all well? Jess, a new 2WW certainly you are having i hope you get a BFNJ (big fat new job lol).

I had been working like mad there for a couple of days, including today so hope I havent missed much. I had a positive appointment at my GPs yesterday and she is referring me to a RMC specialist as agrees I'm not seeing the right people (general Gynae). And to top it she's referring me to the consultant I was going to pay to see private so fingers crossed the waitng list isnt too long

Anybody up to anything nice this weekend?

xo

 

[GeorgiaBelle]

Our RE did bring up that he would probably want to do an insemination once we get things under control. I keep praying that we can still conceive naturally.

But still- think about it...insemination can also mean IUI- which, in a nutshell, is still naturally...I mean, it's, um, his and yours, right? There are sometimes other issues (cm, hostile cm, etc) that prevent natural method from working. If your doc recommends IUI do you think you'd go through with it? According to Phil and Ali it's a cinch! And your hubby can be in there with you (the room I mean ).

Sounds all positive to me! At least you are on the patht o getting some answers, and found out that you haven't been getting preggo because of ovulation issues, that's good to know! At least now you know, right? And can tackle it head on

I am proud of you for talking to your doc straightforward...I have always been outspoken and feel that if I don't say it then maybe it's info doc could have used?

Coy,

Thank you!

I would be willing to go through with IUI or any other procedure. Hubby and I can't afford the extra cost of the procedures right now, so we keep hoping that we might be blessed on our own.

I'm still laughing over what you said, "And your hubby can be in there with you (the room I mean )." I guess he'll still be in there with me other than just the room anyway. I would have to tease him about being in two places at one time.

How are you? Congratulations on another little girl!