Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[jm1355]

Wow is it ever windy here! Up to 60 mph. And since the farmers have just harvested their fields, the wind is blowing dirt and making it look like the Dust Bowl. It's so bad that I can taste the dirt inside the house - and oh the smell of the dust and dirt is so thick. Visiblilty is down to almost zero in many places. Glad I'm not going out today.

Coy, I had been wondering the same thing - why hasn't babes just popped on out if she is so far down? Hopefully she will very soon.

Jess - your temps look fabulous!

Ali - how are you feeling today?

AFM - It looks like I should O on Sunday. I've decided no matter how close the due date may be to our trip, we will go ahead and try. So, we are sending the kids to the park tomorrow and Saturday. Hopefully it won't be so windy. I'd like to try for Sunday as well, but hubby's usually exhausted after church, so we will see.

Awh! Thanks! Let's just hope and pray they stay high!!!
How are you doing? Sending the kids to the park, aye?
I understand about being exhausted after church. I never realized how draining it can be until I preached a sermon one Sunday a few years ago. Afterwards I think I went to sleep around 6pm and slept 'til the next morning!
BTW, How did your kids ever make out on the grocery budgeting?

 

[Grey Eyes]

I was wondering about the grocery budgeting too! Funny, I thought about TwoToGo the other day at the grocery store...how nice to hand your kids the money and say "take over" ahhh...time to relax. But I would worry they'd come home with Twinkies and Soda Remember on the movie "Dumb and Dumber" when he said "just the necessities- we're almost out of cash" and they bought beer and those whirly-gigs and a TenGallon hat? MY KIDS

 

[Grey Eyes]

Well ladies, I think I am going to take my dd's for a walk in the sun while we have it, then....I have no clue! lol! See ya'll in a few

Oh yeah, T's tooth popped out this morning, she is all excited about it

 

[twotogo]

The kids did very well. I was very proud of them. They know better than to get twinkies and soda, but if I left shopping to my DH there wouldn't be one healthy thing in the house.

I have made quite a few veggie stir fry, and they all love it - thankfully. Thank you to whomever gave me that tip. We have been able to use a few of the peppers from the garden.
My tomatoes have just now ripened. I've had them on my kitchen table for about 3 weeks. Had to pick them all green because of the snow. So, today I am canning ketchup and tomato juice. I love the smell of tomatoes!

Tim just came in and told me that several roads have closed due to high winds and low visibility, and Hwy 80 toward the Wyoming boarder has been shut down as well. Yep, I'm definitely staying in today!

 

[Patriotgirl]

Hi I'm a newbie! I'm in the over 40 age group and wondering if there is a group for that or just go with the over 35 group? I'm find either way besides we have been ttc for 2 years now and had 2 mc's 1 in 2010 at 6 weeks and 1 in 2011 at 9 weeks with an RE but it was a BO had a Dnc and hysterascopy. We are not rich just moved to Tennessee. And staying at a hotel until we get settled. No insurance. I don't work. He works in the restaurant business so I will just be nice to have some ladies to talk to. PS just got my AF today

 

[Philomena]

Hi ladies!

Lol, nope, no baby YET! I wake up in extreme discomfort every hour on the hour and think hopefully "Maybe this is it?!" Then the pains subside and go away Anywho dh is doing, um, every thing he can to induce me , lol! Hence I am exhausted today and got up late-ish My body feels like it's not my own anymore becaus eof this huge hard tummy and cramping legs, and just all of it at this point......I also have to admit something slightly embarassing...I bought elastic waistband jeans lol! Aaargh! Because to get jeans that fit is impossible at this point. With my other pregnancies I fit a size 10-12 around the lower belly just fine so I toughed it with those jeans. Now the damned things won't even zip and I have had to pack them away. I am sitting here stubbornly in a pair of stretchy jeans with one button straining!

Jess- that is an awesome article! I know most of it must be true because when I used to work out hard(ish) I lost my period altogether. I was cutting too much fat and burning too much energy. I used to ski constantly (cross country because of the added effort) plus all the weights, etc. Nothing psycho but I wanted to be fit, have a six-pack, etc....Anyways I lost my cycle It didn't come back until my MW scolded me and told me to "gain a few pounds". It was hard as hell for me to gain weight! I mean it was easy but mentally a real challenge, I struggled with myself over it. After my mc in November my doctor told me sternly if I wanted to conceive again to "forget any ideas about losing any weight". So I stayed at my pregnancy weight (at that time). And the good thing is after babes is born I can concentrate on getting super fit again but not go crazy And you have an excellent body, I think the toughest challenge for you might be to wrap your mind around not working out all the time

Ali- tmi!tmi! No, JK! There is no such thing as tmi on bnb How's the flu? Kickin' it's butt yet? I am glad your boss is letting you work from home (util tomorrow at least) so you can be more relaxed..

Phil- BV- my definition (ahem, clearing my throat) I believe this is where they swab you from one end to the other in a very uncomfortable setting with a hard Q-Tip Lol, they have to check for bacteria in your vaginal area so that it can be treated before babes slides his or her way down the chute, IYKWIM? That way babes doesn't contract anything en route to freedom! Am I right? I this the same as the strep test or am I confused??

Hi Coy! good to see you! Uh, I was the one getting them mixed up... BV is something to watch for, but it's not the one that will need IV during labour if I am positive for it. They will swab me at 37 weeks for the STREP B and if that one IS positive that's when they recommend the IV during labour. Of all the midwives I have, I still haven't met one of them, and the one I got today is the one who is a little more judgy than the other I've met.... She says there is no other treatment protocol, and there's nothing I can do to really prevent it if I get it.... it's just a normal thing yada yada yada.... I have the choice to refuse the IV, but now that I have the right name (baby brain!) I can do some research on my own to find out what exactly the risks to baby are if I have strep B and choose to not get the IV antibiotics..... etc etc etc.... *sigh*

So my iron is a little low, but long term stores are still good. AND I sort of failed my Gestational Diabetes Glucose test.... when they do this test, you fast, then they take blood, then give you a super sugary drink and take blood one hour after and then two hours after and watch if your body handles the high sugar well. So my fasting blood was good, my one hour blood draw was normal, but at the two hour mark it hadn't come down fast enough. The numbers were close, but not close enough to have 'passed'.....
I'm not overly worried about it, though. I recognize that stress plays a part in it and I've been overly stressed the last few months.... and overall what I eat hasn't changed significantly.... so it just is what it is... there are things I can do, and was on my way to changing some things anyway. Reading that book "Wheat Belly" has me a little turned off of bread and pasta at the moment, and I've been moving a little more towards a Paleo type eating style.... I've been pretty proactive, and other than moving and exercising a little more, I'm not going to freak out about it. This midwife felt obligated to go over all the possible complications and said if I couldn't get it under control then I would have to give birth in the hospital. Hrmph! It IS under control, chickie!!! I'm not worried, I will exercise a little more and watch my carbs, but relax, Lady!!!
*grin*
I had my moment when she measured my belly though.... I'm sure she was expecting that my belly would be massively huge as a result of my Positive GD test results..... joke's on her! My belly measured at 29.5 weeks, which is 50th percentile.... HA! Baby is exactly the right size!
I've only gained 4.5lbs, and actually, I'm looking really good.... so I say.... "whatever..... ".....

As for the delayed cord clamping, they do that anyway.... so good on that front!

looks like I have a little bit of reading to catch up on now!! more pages to read! you lot are a chatty bunch today!

 

[Philomena]

Welcome, Patriotgirl!
I'm 41 and was diagnosed with unexplained infertility.... I did all the rounds of checking and looking and poking etc.... my dh and I went in for IUI and were lucky enough to get our BFP the first go 'round.

the ladies here are lovely and you will find you are in exactly the right place! Glad to have you here!!

 

[jm1355]

Hi I'm a newbie! I'm in the over 40 age group and wondering if there is a group for that or just go with the over 35 group? I'm find either way besides we have been ttc for 2 years now and had 2 mc's 1 in 2010 at 6 weeks and 1 in 2011 at 9 weeks with an RE but it was a BO had a Dnc and hysterascopy. We are not rich just moved to Tennessee. And staying at a hotel until we get settled. No insurance. I don't work. He works in the restaurant business so I will just be nice to have some ladies to talk to. PS just got my AF today

Hi Patriotgirl. My name is Jess. Welcome to our wonderful world of TTC over 35! I am a little partial to our group of ladies so I personally would not recommend any other thread.
Sorry about AF making her appearance today. Good luck with getting settled in Tennessee. And even more luck and plenty of prayers for your TTC journey. Do you have any other children?

 

[twotogo]

Hi I'm a newbie! I'm in the over 40 age group and wondering if there is a group for that or just go with the over 35 group? I'm find either way besides we have been ttc for 2 years now and had 2 mc's 1 in 2010 at 6 weeks and 1 in 2011 at 9 weeks with an RE but it was a BO had a Dnc and hysterascopy. We are not rich just moved to Tennessee. And staying at a hotel until we get settled. No insurance. I don't work. He works in the restaurant business so I will just be nice to have some ladies to talk to. PS just got my AF today

Hi Patriotgirl! Welcome! Glad you have joined us. I'm also 40 and ttc. My husband and I have 14 year old twins, and this past year have decided to try for more children. I love Tennessee! We almost moved there about 3 years ago, but came to Nebraska instead. I think my husband wants to retire there, though.

 

[Grey Eyes]

Hi I'm a newbie! I'm in the over 40 age group and wondering if there is a group for that or just go with the over 35 group? I'm find either way besides we have been ttc for 2 years now and had 2 mc's 1 in 2010 at 6 weeks and 1 in 2011 at 9 weeks with an RE but it was a BO had a Dnc and hysterascopy. We are not rich just moved to Tennessee. And staying at a hotel until we get settled. No insurance. I don't work. He works in the restaurant business so I will just be nice to have some ladies to talk to. PS just got my AF today

Hi Patriotgirl!

I am 37 and due to give birth any second now My doctor told me that age really doesn't play AS big a factor in egg quality as does your over-all health...My dh and I went through a mc and d and c in November 2011 and started ttc right away again. We got pregnant the first month trying (skipped one month).

There are a few factors that we considered while ttc. 1) we were concerned what caused the mc and in my research I found that we ladies over 35 often fail to produce sufficient progesterone to hold a baby over until the placenta is producing it. Our progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum until week 12 or so. Often in over-35 women the corpus luteum dies prematurely causing an mc....So I asked doc to put me on progesterone supplement until week 12-13 and so far so good! Have you talked to your doctor about anything like that? Also we ladies have been discussing the detriments of caffeine on conception....it paralyzes the fallopian tube which prevents the fertilized egg traveling to the uterus Anyway enough of my monologue!

So glad to have you here this is an awesome thread full of witty, caring, funny, and supportive ladies!

 

[alicatt]

Hi I'm a newbie! I'm in the over 40 age group and wondering if there is a group for that or just go with the over 35 group? I'm find either way besides we have been ttc for 2 years now and had 2 mc's 1 in 2010 at 6 weeks and 1 in 2011 at 9 weeks with an RE but it was a BO had a Dnc and hysterascopy. We are not rich just moved to Tennessee. And staying at a hotel until we get settled. No insurance. I don't work. He works in the restaurant business so I will just be nice to have some ladies to talk to. PS just got my AF today

Welcome Patriotgirl!!

I'm Ali, and I'm 40 (just turned 40 a few weeks ago). I'm single and doing this on my own with a sperm donor. I tried for a few months this summer with no luck, graduated to IVF and that didn't work either. I have one last attempt in December with IVF and hopefully that one sticks.

The best thing you can do for yourself right now is to keep trying. Sounds like you can do it, but that it isn't sticking around. That could be natures way of dealing with an embryo that wasn't able to keep growing, or it could be what Coy mentioned and maybe your corupus luteum isn't producing enough progesterone. When you get pregnant again and go in for your first checkup, I would suggest getting them to run some blood work to see what your progesterone level is at that time. If it is a little low they can get you on a supplement. That is what I would recommend!

 

[alicatt]

AFM - no news really. Just feeling miserable. I have been miserable all day. I finally took some meds an hour ago, and my head is no longer hurting. I called my Dr's office because I wasn't getting much better, and they wanted me to come back in. I just didn't have the time or the energy to go anywhere. So I just told the nurse I'd see an after hours clinic person on the weekend if it gets worse. Why they couldn't have called something in I do not know. What working woman has time to see a Dr 2 or more times in a week for the same issue? GEESH! Funny thing is that I feel a ton better now. So maybe it was just that last hurdle of feeling crappy before things turned around for the better?

I feel like I'm accomplishing things though, and I'm not so frustrated. My house is clean, my laundry is done, my work commitments are on track (finally caught up on those), I have an appt to see a podiatrist on Monday morning, my appt to see my OBGYN to deal with my funky cells on Halloween, and my IVF protocol appears to be all set too. I also managed to schedule both the podiatrist and the OBGYN for non-work hours. YAY!

I'm now focusing on the things I want to accomplish this weekend:

* buy some storage containers (the under the bed ones)
* organize my clothes into things I want to keep (but not wear currently), donate or toss, and put the clothes I want to keep but not wear into above chests, deliver the donations to goodwill and TOSS the rest
* re-vamp my old TV armoire into a chest with shelves, and use for clothing
* cull my shoe collection, it is out of control
* de-clutter my bedside table drawers

If I get through all of that:

* trim my mandevilla vine
* clip the palms way back
* figure out what is wrong with my hibiscus
* cut back the ferns
* rake and mulch the gardens
* feed the plants

Oh, and I'm on call on Sunday, so if I have to do any errands out of the house I have to do them on Saturday.

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali! Wow, your day sounds like mine a few weeks ago! Busy busy busy! Slow down girl, take a rest I have a lot of junk to do just not sure what all should come first. So maybe I should assume the "Thinker" pose and prioritize I would love to have all your plant life, it sounds awesome. And I am glad you are feeling better it must have been your flu just trying to hang in there...death throes of the flu Take it easy so you don't set yourself back with this flu

AFM: today I made the dd's rice crispy treats, we went for a walk, I am going to go shopping for milk and eggs, I did one school assignment, I have to do another just not in the mood for school but have it to do...I helped the dd's build a miniature graveyard in the front yard complete with skeleton, homemade wooden cross, and big rocks, made them a snack of fresh twisted rolls with butter and hot tea and honey...

Wait.

Oh no! I just described a "Mommy-Martha Stewart"

Nnnooooooo!!! I don't even like Martha Stewart I'm gonna have to try harder, lol! Anyway, what's left? Dinner. Bring in fireplace wood. Do my second load of laundry today.

 

[alicatt]

Ali! Wow, your day sounds like mine a few weeks ago! Busy busy busy! Slow down girl, take a rest I have a lot of junk to do just not sure what all should come first. So maybe I should assume the "Thinker" pose and prioritize I would love to have all your plant life, it sounds awesome. And I am glad you are feeling better it must have been your flu just trying to hang in there...death throes of the flu Take it easy so you don't set yourself back with this flu

AFM: today I made the dd's rice crispy treats, we went for a walk, I am going to go shopping for milk and eggs, I did one school assignment, I have to do another just not in the mood for school but have it to do...I helped the dd's build a miniature graveyard in the front yard complete with skeleton, homemade wooden cross, and big rocks, made them a snack of fresh twisted rolls with butter and hot tea and honey...

Wait.

Oh no! I just described a "Mommy-Martha Stewart"

Nnnooooooo!!! I don't even like Martha Stewart I'm gonna have to try harder, lol! Anyway, what's left? Dinner. Bring in fireplace wood. Do my second load of laundry today.

You are doing so much better than I am!! I just broke down and ordered PIZZA.. EEK! Had to be done, I'm not going out to get food, and I want something more than soup! So pizza it is.

You aren't Martha Stewart.. she is too crazy.. you are the modern Martha Stewart!!! A mother that lives in today's society!!

 

[alicatt]

I just found a really great article for IVF Patients:

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/fertility-center/ivf/ivf-step-by-step.cfm

Very informative, and I loved the pictures of what a good quality/bad quality embryo should look like. Now that I've seen this, I know my Dr's weren't pulling my leg when they said my Day 3 embryos were beautiful! They all looked just like the picture of the good one. YAY for me!

I was actually researching the sperm quality issue, and whether it really makes a difference in embryo quality between day 3 and day 5. I did find a few articules to support my Dr's conclusions. So that makes me feel better. I also found that there are more tests that can be run on sperm to determine its quality. I would like to know if the donor companies perform these tests. If only one does, then I think I will look to them for my next donor! Apparently they can test for DNA fragmentation?

It is amazing the things they can test for today! WOW!

 

[Babywhisperer]

Ali! Wow, your day sounds like mine a few weeks ago! Busy busy busy! Slow down girl, take a rest I have a lot of junk to do just not sure what all should come first. So maybe I should assume the "Thinker" pose and prioritize I would love to have all your plant life, it sounds awesome. And I am glad you are feeling better it must have been your flu just trying to hang in there...death throes of the flu Take it easy so you don't set yourself back with this flu

AFM: today I made the dd's rice crispy treats, we went for a walk, I am going to go shopping for milk and eggs, I did one school assignment, I have to do another just not in the mood for school but have it to do...I helped the dd's build a miniature graveyard in the front yard complete with skeleton, homemade wooden cross, and big rocks, made them a snack of fresh twisted rolls with butter and hot tea and honey...

Wait.

Oh no! I just described a "Mommy-Martha Stewart"

Nnnooooooo!!! I don't even like Martha Stewart I'm gonna have to try harder, lol! Anyway, what's left? Dinner. Bring in fireplace wood. Do my second load of laundry today.

I was just going to say that! Ali your day sounds like a typical Coy day! Happy to hear you're feeling better, but don't go too crazy and get a relapse. How are the doggies doing?

Coy, I was going to ask how you can bd with baby right there! The female body is an amazing thing. Get in all the bd you can b/c it will be like the Sahara for you and dh for a while . Have you had your other 2 dd's on the weekend? Dh's coworker's wife has had her 5th 3 months ago and she always delivers on the weekend! Maybe it's about relaxing? I'm sure you'll go naturally very very soon.

Jess, I love hearing about your guitar hero nights, I wish we had something like that to do w/ dh. He's not very musical I'm afraid.

Hi Patriotgirl! Wlcome to the most supportive thread ever. It's such a warm group of lovely ladies with great advice as many speak from experience. GL on your journey and feel comfortable to ask us anything...Coy usually has answers or does diligent research to help all of us out...she'd great like that.

Philo, what are the natural remedies for BV? Can you take probiotcs?

Twotogo, sorry about the dust and wind. Can you towel the doors to help? You and I might be ovu 2 days a part!!

Afm, we got in our bd...but dh needed some coaxing as he was eager to finish his book before bed...yes, I competed w/ a book I got another smiley on my opk and this time the lines on the test were equal to each other unlike last night when the test line was slightly lighter. I hope dh comes home soon so we can bd later. I don't know what is with him sometimes, the bd on command thing rubs him the wrong way...no pun intended. He's been in a funky mood now that the sun is setting so early...I told him I'm going to get him a light box and he tried hard not to smile, but come on...we live in NY, seasons change every year...deal with it and see the positive in it. We are closer to Summer now than we were 3 weeks ago. I'm lucky I love the Fall and the Holidays.

Best part of today...dh texted me that he got home early, went for a run AND cleaned the house...which means he organized things and vacuumed. He doesn't believe in cleaning bathroom though...he leaves that for me. Also, he just texted me that he's stopping at our favorite restaurant and picking up dinner after he visits w/ his Mom. He usually goes over there when he needs to talk...I'm guessing the topic this time was the ex gf since his Mom plays Scrabble online w/ her and they share books. Knowing my MIL, she will tell dh hat there is nothing wrong w/ him being friends w/ his ex gf, and that I should trust him She also thought he should have invited her to the wedding...ummm the first time I meet this girl was not going to be at my wedding. Idk what planet she's on sometimes, but she lets her sons do whatever they want no matter what.

Man, I just looked at my chart...temps are weird this month. I do have some ovu cramps but very light, and I have ewcm...must be the EPO and Mucinex working!! Hope dh gets in the mood tonight!

 

[alicatt]

Is it possible to get EWCM and be on the pill? I don't recall that happening when I was on the pill years ago. I swear I had EWCM earlier today. So strange! Plus I was looking at my cycle and I'm dead on for ovulating. Today would be CD 16, at least I'm regular (with or without BCP)!!!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Ali- which site did you read about DNA fragmentation> I found this article

https://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/7/1856.full
and it was pretty interesting. Some stuff on here I didn't know about before! Yeah, if I were you I would seriously research the sperm bank and their procedures and policies on quality sperm.

Babywhisperer...I am not actually sure how bd is possible with babes right there....something doc said about the cervix being moveable I have no clue ... It can be quite uncomfortable though depending. But as I am uncomfortable all the time now anyway and bd may assist in inducement-- bring it on, lol! Re: the ex-gf...hmm...why is your dh so troubled about her? Seems like she is getting really pushy. And your right on the MIL front...if she liked this girl she will be encouraging. Boy all I can say is I'd rip that bee-otch a new, um, face and then tell my dh wtf is up! lol! I am sorry you have to deal with it, are you sure there isn't a really blunt and brief end you can bring to this situation?? Re: your chart. Yeah temps seem a little crazy but that's normal too If you have EWCM right now then it's def time to start bd'ing

 

[Babywhisperer]

Ali- which site did you read about DNA fragmentation> I found this article

https://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/17/7/1856.full
and it was pretty interesting. Some stuff on here I didn't know about before! Yeah, if I were you I would seriously research the sperm bank and their procedures and policies on quality sperm.

Babywhisperer...I am not actually sure how bd is possible with babes right there....something doc said about the cervix being moveable I have no clue ... It can be quite uncomfortable though depending. But as I am uncomfortable all the time now anyway and bd may assist in inducement-- bring it on, lol! Re: the ex-gf...hmm...why is your dh so troubled about her? Seems like she is getting really pushy. And your right on the MIL front...if she liked this girl she will be encouraging. Boy all I can say is I'd rip that bee-otch a new, um, face and then tell my dh wtf is up! lol! I am sorry you have to deal with it, are you sure there isn't a really blunt and brief end you can bring to this situation?? Re: your chart. Yeah temps seem a little crazy but that's normal too If you have EWCM right now then it's def time to start bd'ing

I'm sure anything you do is uncomfortable...but if bding helps, then get it on!

I don't think dh is so troubled as he just feels like he's missing out on hanging out w/ her and stuff with friends when she's around. It doesn't help that she keeps texting him or posting pics of herself on FB but tags his friends. Its so bizarre as you will see tags of his friends, but it's all pics of just her. MIL liked her since she's fun, but she did think she was going nowhere in her life, she and dh fought all the time, and she was a little too wild and a big drinker. So MIL didn't really see her for him in the long run. I'm leaving it where it is for now, if he brings her up or if she ramps up the antics I will address it. For now I think it's troubling dh that she's posting all these pics of herself but tagging his friends so they will pop up in his feed. She's very immature and has a lot of free time, so I'm not surprised she's resorting to stuff like this. It's actually kind of sad.

Anyway, got our bd in...dh dragged me upstairs and said "Let's make a baby", laughing all giddy like. He's in a better mood since he got in his run.

How are you feeling? Does it feel like she will come soon? I know she's sitting low, but are you getting contractions yet?

 

[babydust2me]

Welcome Patriotgirl! This is a great group!!

There is so much to catch up on!! Busy day on bnb today ladies! I missed all the fun

Coy, how crazy that Babes head is right there!!! It's going to happen very soon, like tonight! Has to!!!! You are amazing doing all these awesome things for your kids I was a total bump on a log at 8 months + You are amazing!

Someone brought up c-section vs vaginal birth?? I had one of each and honestly...I would go c-section again...not that I really have a choice in the matter v-backs are very rare these days. It is nice to not have any pain and then voila, you have your baby in like 5 minutes...instead of being in labor for 13 hours and then pushing for an hour +...Honestly, my healing was not bad at all with my c-section. But I think everyone is different...

AFM, I am feeling much more energetic today. Not sure if that is a symptom of Ov or not?? Temp was up again today...so we will see if I get those crosshairs in the next day or two