Welcome to 'Trying To Conceive Over 35'

[alicatt]

https://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o289/skooter942000/turkey_dancing.gif

(Ali- I had to find an icon- lol!).........

THANK YOU Coy!!! I love it

 

[alicatt]

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Alicat Thank-you so much for sharing your journey. Yes we did ICSI and assisted hatching both times. I have been doing weekly acupuncture for over a year. During ivf cycle I went several times during ivf week. I take primrose oil, CoQ10 and baby aspirin, pre-natal and DHA. Acupuncturist recommended chinese herbs which I have been taking for a year 1/2 women's treasure (Ba Zhen Wan) Lots of little pills lol. Hubbyt was not consistent taking his. I am gluten free because I have celiac disease. At first Shady grove said it was the sperm's fault so I have my hubby taking Pycnogenol, (which improves sperm morphology) fertilaid, CoQ10, Omega 3 and vit C. he also does acupuncture. Interesting what your FS told you. They told me after the 2 unsuccessful cycles that it must be my eggs since the embryos started dying off at day 3. Out of 6 that fertilized only 1 was left which was worse because on first cycle where there were 3.

First thing this morning I did an ept but got a BFN ...but no spotting since Monday and no sign that Af is showing tomorrow ( no temp drop, no headache , burning in the uterus etc) If temp drops to 97.6 tomorrow then I know it's over for this month though.

Here is to hoping that your temp doesn't dip!!!

 

[Philomena]

Hi Ladies,
Well, my pedicure got cancelled (my friend is a chicken when it comes to driving on snowy streets) - I didn't think it was that bad, but I have snow tires on my car this year, and wow! it does make a difference!!

I did find another place that does pedicures, and so I ended up booking a spa day for Dec 20th which is my exact 38 weeks mark! I'm getting a pedicure, massage, facial and for the first time- Eyelash Extentions!! I told her if I could get eyelashes like Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer that would be awesome! When I asked how much more it would be to get them fuller, she said I was getting so many services that day that she would just discount them for me and so I pay the same price as a regular eyelash extension..... very nice!!
I did also book my DD#1 in for a facial and pedicure as well, and my mom, too.... so that's lots of $$ for them that day. (Early Christmas Presents!)
It's a lot of money spent on 'me' right before baby comes, but today I threw caution to the wind and decided since DH won't be getting me anything for Christmas, that this can be my own gift to myself.... I'm getting some waxing done on dec 7th (eyebrows, legs, underarms) by a girl I know who comes to the house... she'll do me and DD#1 and my mom for dirt cheap! I also get her to dye my eyebrows and eyelashes.... she does the best job on my eyebrows than anyone I've ever had do them.... I refuse to let anyone else touch them!!

So, I will be all blissed out and gorgeous looking for my Blessingway Ceremony on Dec 21 and ready for Christmas and the baby.... I know it's a huge extravagance but I figure that I deserve to feel lovely and beautiful this Christmas after all I've been through this year.... not too selfish, is it??

Well, that's me for now.... how's everyone doing after Turkey Day?? Sounds like you all had a good time.....
I guess they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.K, do they? Here in Canada we celebrate it in October, and it's more a Harvest thing, than a pilgrim thing..... and it's definitely not bigger than Christmas!

I've never understood the rush to shop on Black Friday.... when it's that dangerous, then are the deals really worth it?? I have loads of friends who seriously go across the border for the weekend to shop on Black Friday.... every year!!

 

[alicatt]

Happy thanksgiving everybody!

I'm sorry for the selfish post but I am shattered after today and need to go . But I did say I would update you all. I'll catch up with everybody tomorrow as I'll be at home


I'll try and keep this brief . Hysteroscopy day!!

After a confused debate between doctors and the anaesthetist I got the procedure done under local. I had called at the beginning of the week to check as I wasnt given any nil by mouth instructions and I was told I was getting it done via a local. So I duly arrived this morning and at every part of the pre-assessment the general was discussed, leading me to relay my telephone instructions and that I had drank a glass of orange juice 2 hours earlier!

The surgeon said she rarely did the procedure under local but if I was willing we could give it a go, and if it became too painful they would stop and rearrange a date . So yeah that did start to get me nervous lol. But it turned out that I couldnt stop swooning at the anaesthetist as he was pretty hot and had one of those take me to bed voices , and he agreed to give me a concoction, a painkiller prop something and then a mild sedative if need be.

Well it turned out it for me it was a piece of **** to cope with (I appreciate everybody is different so I hope I dont offend anybody saying that). It was over in like 10 minutes and I actually said to the surgeon is that it? . The anaesthetist (swoon) only had to give me one shot of the painkiller at the start.

It was well cool, I got to see inside my uterus on the tv screen and the surgeon explained everything. There was like this white floaty stuff which she said is common, and I really did not realise your uterus is so small, how daft is that? Like it was only the size of perhaps an orange.

So there is good and perhaps not so good news so as usual I'm in that brain tossing stage trying to figure things out. Overall the womb looks normal but she did find and show me what looks like a partial uterine septum. She said it would probably need more investigation to see exactly what size it is exactly and if my RMC will want to take action on it. They can resect it but she said she didnt know if my RMC would want to do this. I also googled it and the jury is out whether resecting partial ones is of any benefit or not .

I did ask, as I have read before about possible cause of RMCs , if it could affect my pregnancies and she played it safe and said maybe, maybe not. I know septums can be a cause if the egg implants on it and not the uterine wall because the septum tissue doesnt receive the same blood supply etc and this is the reason you end up miscarrying. I just need to explore further such as when miscarrying can occur with septums.

Does anybody have any experience with them? And what treatment did you have?

So I now have to wait for my follow up appointment with my RMC, probably another 6-8 weeks, and then discuss the results. If he wants to do a MRI and then decides to operate on it I could be WTT for another 3+ months so I could be looking at another break of about 5-6 months . I'm trying to be positive but of course everything is going through my head, like what if he doesnt think it is significant enough to resect but it is my cause? Or what if I do have to wait that long (I know I'll have to but you all know this is a bitter pill to swallow sometimes). Or could it be a combination of the septum and sticky blood when pregnant?


Ho hum.......

I'd be interested to hear if anybody has had a similar experience.

xoxo

Aww.. Angel.. I don't have any experience with this at all. I have an arcuate shaped uterus but apparently it is not very pronounced. So I remember reading about a septate uterus. That is where you have a fibrous wall in the middle and depending on how large it is, I have read that it can cause miscarriages. It just depends on how big it is, if it is small, then I bet that it is not a huge issue. I'm sure your RMC will have suggestions as to whether you need to have surgery to remove it or whether you can continue on your own. I hope that it is really tiny and nothing to worry about at all
I hope you are feeling a little better now that you've had time to digest things.

 

[alicatt]

Hi Ladies,
Well, my pedicure got cancelled (my friend is a chicken when it comes to driving on snowy streets) - I didn't think it was that bad, but I have snow tires on my car this year, and wow! it does make a difference!!

I did find another place that does pedicures, and so I ended up booking a spa day for Dec 20th which is my exact 38 weeks mark! I'm getting a pedicure, massage, facial and for the first time- Eyelash Extentions!! I told her if I could get eyelashes like Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer that would be awesome! When I asked how much more it would be to get them fuller, she said I was getting so many services that day that she would just discount them for me and so I pay the same price as a regular eyelash extension..... very nice!!
I did also book my DD#1 in for a facial and pedicure as well, and my mom, too.... so that's lots of $$ for them that day. (Early Christmas Presents!)
It's a lot of money spent on 'me' right before baby comes, but today I threw caution to the wind and decided since DH won't be getting me anything for Christmas, that this can be my own gift to myself.... I'm getting some waxing done on dec 7th (eyebrows, legs, underarms) by a girl I know who comes to the house... she'll do me and DD#1 and my mom for dirt cheap! I also get her to dye my eyebrows and eyelashes.... she does the best job on my eyebrows than anyone I've ever had do them.... I refuse to let anyone else touch them!!

So, I will be all blissed out and gorgeous looking for my Blessingway Ceremony on Dec 21 and ready for Christmas and the baby.... I know it's a huge extravagance but I figure that I deserve to feel lovely and beautiful this Christmas after all I've been through this year.... not too selfish, is it??

Well, that's me for now.... how's everyone doing after Turkey Day?? Sounds like you all had a good time.....
I guess they don't celebrate Thanksgiving in the U.K, do they? Here in Canada we celebrate it in October, and it's more a Harvest thing, than a pilgrim thing..... and it's definitely not bigger than Christmas!

I've never understood the rush to shop on Black Friday.... when it's that dangerous, then are the deals really worth it?? I have loads of friends who seriously go across the border for the weekend to shop on Black Friday.... every year!!

Sounds like an awesome plan! Can I come? I try to pamper myself, but also I feel its important to keep up with the waxing, and my toes (since I live in FL they are in open toed shoes all year long). So to me it is more like I'm just keeping my self in good shape.

I get 2 thanksgivings!!! I celebrate Canadian and American.. 2 turkeys, whew! It is fun! I have no intention of going shopping tomorrow, that is for the birds! I kill myself sometimes! I did do some shopping online today, and will do some more tomorrow I think. I managed to get my brother his video games and my Mom a new awesome camera, all from my desk! Tomorrow I'm seeking yoga pants from Lululemon and these really cute blankets that are more like sleeping bags for dogs. Dachshunds love to burrow under things and in things, and so I want to get one to see if Zoe or Zach like them, but they are designer and they start at $60! Yes, I said $60 for a pet bed. I have heard from other dachshund mom's that they all love them, but really? Not sure I want to spend $60 so that is why I am hoping that they are on sale tomorrow! So once I finish with my shopping and a few minor things around the house I plan on taking a nice large glass of lemonade, my iPhone, and a book up to the pool to catch some rays. It is supposed to be 76 degrees and sunny tomorrow. That is perfect weather for hanging by the pool (I hate it when it gets too hot). Then on Sat/Sun I need to take Zach to the spa.. his fur is out of control and he needs a trim. Plus he was out being a dog today and came in covered in twigs and leaves! I thought he was a tree! So he is definitely due for a spa day. I may save Zoe from the spa (she hates it) and just bathe her here at home. I haven't decided her fate yet.
Oh, and on a funny note.. I was blow drying my hair to go to the party earlier, and Zach comes running into the bathroom and starts trying to get under the hair dryer, pushing my hand to get it to blow on him. What a nut bar he is! Have you ever seen a dog run TO a hair dryer?

Best to all of you! Sorry if I was rambling, I'm in a good mood. Happy and relaxed! Time for , night ladies!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Phil= def not being selfish! I think you deserve to treat yourself after the year you'v had! And wow, I know Jennifer Love-Hewitt has awesome lashes!

Ali- Zach sounds adorable

Wow, I'd love to try "pampering" myself...no nerve for it I'm afraid...the one time I went to salon the lady nipped my thigh length hair at the nape!

 

[alicatt]

Morning Ladies!

I'm not sure I will make it to the pool, it is pretty windy and not so warm out there yet. My thermometer barely reads 70. I really want to get out and enjoy the fresh air though. Maybe I'll take my doggies for a walk. Right now I think I'm going to go back to bed, I have a bit of a headache, that is the beauty of having 4 days off I can relax, and just enjoy. I do have things I HAVE to do, but none of it has to be done today. Got the rest of my online black Friday shopping done. I do need to try to get a few more things bought, but I'm going to wait until Cyber Monday. I think the sales will be better for some stores.
What are you all up to? Hopefully a lot of relaxing and enjoying the holiday!!

 

[Grey Eyes]

Morning Ladies!

I'm not sure I will make it to the pool, it is pretty windy and not so warm out there yet. My thermometer barely reads 70. I really want to get out and enjoy the fresh air though. Maybe I'll take my doggies for a walk. Right now I think I'm going to go back to bed, I have a bit of a headache, that is the beauty of having 4 days off I can relax, and just enjoy. I do have things I HAVE to do, but none of it has to be done today. Got the rest of my online black Friday shopping done. I do need to try to get a few more things bought, but I'm going to wait until Cyber Monday. I think the sales will be better for some stores.
What are you all up to? Hopefully a lot of relaxing and enjoying the holiday!!

Hi Ali Grr! How come you get to go back to bed? lol! I want to go back to bed too Aaargh, my children will not let me I tried snoozing on the couch with Aeryn in her little co-sleeper next to me and as soon as I closed my eyes Kat (of course!) came slapping my face to wake me up and shout "I think Aeryn is going to sleep!" At which Aeryn began to scream and I had to get up. *sigh* I have those post-turkey day drags right now....lol!

Mmmm warm sunshine and a pool sounds awesome! If only I knew how to swim

I am going to do a bit of online shopping too. Are things really cheaper this next Monday?

Now I have to decide what to wear. Pants are a nightmare, I may just break down and go buy a pair today Nothing hits my confidence like a pair of tight waisted pants Then I get that annoying "muffin top" effect with this crazy poochy belly of mine I gotta lose this thing I have been doing squats and lunges but last night got these terrible very sharp pains in my round ligament right down through, ahem, yes.....Anyway dh said I was pushing things too fast (guess I'll have to work out in secret.....) So cheers for buying new jeans

 

[FirstTry]

Hi everyone :wave:

I have a question. My FRERs are still showing a line every morning, definitely lighter than the control line, but they're not really getting darker. Should I be worried?

 

[Grey Eyes]

Hi everyone :wave:

I have a question. My FRERs are still showing a line every morning, definitely lighter than the control line, but they're not really getting darker. Should I be worried?

No, def do not worry! I have read that each test is different and that the linegetting darker is comforting but not a reliable method for guaging hcg levels. Best to just relax and wait for your bloodwork--when is that scheduled btw?

Pics? Did you save your tests? I love pics lol!

 

[alicatt]

Morning Ladies!

I'm not sure I will make it to the pool, it is pretty windy and not so warm out there yet. My thermometer barely reads 70. I really want to get out and enjoy the fresh air though. Maybe I'll take my doggies for a walk. Right now I think I'm going to go back to bed, I have a bit of a headache, that is the beauty of having 4 days off I can relax, and just enjoy. I do have things I HAVE to do, but none of it has to be done today. Got the rest of my online black Friday shopping done. I do need to try to get a few more things bought, but I'm going to wait until Cyber Monday. I think the sales will be better for some stores.
What are you all up to? Hopefully a lot of relaxing and enjoying the holiday!!

Hi Ali Grr! How come you get to go back to bed? lol! I want to go back to bed too Aaargh, my children will not let me I tried snoozing on the couch with Aeryn in her little co-sleeper next to me and as soon as I closed my eyes Kat (of course!) came slapping my face to wake me up and shout "I think Aeryn is going to sleep!" At which Aeryn began to scream and I had to get up. *sigh* I have those post-turkey day drags right now....lol!

Mmmm warm sunshine and a pool sounds awesome! If only I knew how to swim

I am going to do a bit of online shopping too. Are things really cheaper this next Monday?

Now I have to decide what to wear. Pants are a nightmare, I may just break down and go buy a pair today Nothing hits my confidence like a pair of tight waisted pants Then I get that annoying "muffin top" effect with this crazy poochy belly of mine I gotta lose this thing I have been doing squats and lunges but last night got these terrible very sharp pains in my round ligament right down through, ahem, yes.....Anyway dh said I was pushing things too fast (guess I'll have to work out in secret.....) So cheers for buying new jeans

I'm trying tp nap but my doggies are like Kat! They see I'm home and want attention too! I figure it is my time to rest because I will hopefully have a baby before too long and then I'll never sleep again!

Traditionally Black Friday was an in store sale and you had to wait until Monday for the online sales. Seems like they are opening up the online sales for longer this year. I buy a lot of clothes from old navy, they have cheap and comfortable clothes. I was not impressed with the sale today online, but they do have jeans, fleeces and coats on sale so you might just want to check it out! I really like the cords o bought from there last week, and wil get another pair when the sale is right! Like 40% off! Still $15 for fleeces and $25 for jeans (adult) plus their kids clothes are cheaper! They also have great sales! Also Kohls has inexpensive and trendy clothes, and great sales too! Check them out online too! Right not that is where I get most of my clothes.

 

[alicatt]

Hi everyone :wave:

I have a question. My FRERs are still showing a line every morning, definitely lighter than the control line, but they're not really getting darker. Should I be worried?

What DPO were you and what was your BETA? I think you said it was just over 100 and you were about 13 DPO? I wouldn't worry about the FRER, it could be that you just don't expel that much HCG in your urine, or maybe you drink so much water that even first thing in the morning it is still dilute?

Here is a chart that shows min/max and median HCG levels by DPO. Yours was higher than the median if your test was indeed on 13 DPO. I wouldn't worry, just try to stay calm and wait for your next one!

https://www.betabase.info/showBasicChart.php?type=Single

 

[FirstTry]

Hi everyone :wave:

I have a question. My FRERs are still showing a line every morning, definitely lighter than the control line, but they're not really getting darker. Should I be worried?

No, def do not worry! I have read that each test is different and that the linegetting darker is comforting but not a reliable method for guaging hcg levels. Best to just relax and wait for your bloodwork--when is that scheduled btw?

Pics? Did you save your tests? I love pics lol!

I really hope you're right, Coy! I can't post a pic from my phone for some reason.

So, we're on our way to my MIL's house now. We're planning to give her a birthday gift, a bracelet box with this morning's FRER inside! Then, we're going to ask her to drive us to the nearest LabCorp location so I can get my first beta today!

 

[FirstTry]

Hi everyone :wave:

I have a question. My FRERs are still showing a line every morning, definitely lighter than the control line, but they're not really getting darker. Should I be worried?

What DPO were you and what was your BETA? I think you said it was just over 100 and you were about 13 DPO? I wouldn't worry about the FRER, it could be that you just don't expel that much HCG in your urine, or maybe you drink so much water that even first thing in the morning it is still dilute?

Here is a chart that shows min/max and median HCG levels by DPO. Yours was higher than the median if your test was indeed on 13 DPO. I wouldn't worry, just try to stay calm and wait for your next one!

https://www.betabase.info/showBasicChart.php?type=Single

My a**h**e doctor wouldn't let me get a beta until today, 16dpo. I'm out of town, so am looking for a lab to do it. So, I don't know my HCG level

 

[alicatt]

Hi everyone :wave:

I have a question. My FRERs are still showing a line every morning, definitely lighter than the control line, but they're not really getting darker. Should I be worried?

What DPO were you and what was your BETA? I think you said it was just over 100 and you were about 13 DPO? I wouldn't worry about the FRER, it could be that you just don't expel that much HCG in your urine, or maybe you drink so much water that even first thing in the morning it is still dilute?

Here is a chart that shows min/max and median HCG levels by DPO. Yours was higher than the median if your test was indeed on 13 DPO. I wouldn't worry, just try to stay calm and wait for your next one!

https://www.betabase.info/showBasicChart.php?type=Single

My a**h**e doctor wouldn't let me get a beta until today, 16dpo. I'm out of town, so am looking for a lab to do it. So, I don't know my HCG level

ARGH.. silly Doctors! Well I hope it is nice and high! I must be confusing you with one of the other ladies on the IVF thread. Sorry! Still the link will help you with your numbers. I don't know how badly you want to know, but you could go to the ER, say you think you are pregnant and having bad cramps and are worried you are losing it, and they'll do a BETA in their labs and you'll have an answer today! I am a devious one.. but sometimes you just have to know! If not, there are labcorp's all over the place, I think you can even look them up online! I use Qwest and I was able to find locations that were open on strange days, and even book my appt online. So maybe you can do the same with labcorp?

 

[Babywhisperer]

Hi everyone :wave:

I have a question. My FRERs are still showing a line every morning, definitely lighter than the control line, but they're not really getting darker. Should I be worried?

What DPO were you and what was your BETA? I think you said it was just over 100 and you were about 13 DPO? I wouldn't worry about the FRER, it could be that you just don't expel that much HCG in your urine, or maybe you drink so much water that even first thing in the morning it is still dilute?

Here is a chart that shows min/max and median HCG levels by DPO. Yours was higher than the median if your test was indeed on 13 DPO. I wouldn't worry, just try to stay calm and wait for your next one!

https://www.betabase.info/showBasicChart.php?type=Single

My a**h**e doctor wouldn't let me get a beta until today, 16dpo. I'm out of town, so am looking for a lab to do it. So, I don't know my HCG level

ARGH.. silly Doctors! Well I hope it is nice and high! I must be confusing you with one of the other ladies on the IVF thread. Sorry! Still the link will help you with your numbers. I don't know how badly you want to know, but you could go to the ER, say you think you are pregnant and having bad cramps and are worried you are losing it, and they'll do a BETA in their labs and you'll have an answer today! I am a devious one.. but sometimes you just have to know! If not, there are labcorp's all over the place, I think you can even look them up online! I use Qwest and I was able to find locations that were open on strange days, and even book my appt online. So maybe you can do the same with labcorp?

Happy news about your Step-Dad! How was your Tday?

Firsttry I hope you get your beta done soon. I'm sure your #s will be high. It's not like you have stopped getting bfps. Stay positive and have faith.

Coy, Jess, philo, Twotogo, Angel, Jess I hope you all have great Tdays!

Afm, temps are up and down, feeling gassy, tired, and tear up easily. Maybe ovu from less dominant side makes for a rough cycle or a more hormonal one.

How's everyone else??

 

[AngelSerenity]

Ali.... fab news about your step dad and your other stuff (and yes I had a chuckle about the nipple thing)

Coy... have you managed to get any rest after earlier disturbed nap?

FirstTry... please keep positive. I know many people use HPT lines darkening as signs things are progressing, me included. But I mentioned this to my GP when I saw her a few months ago and she said not to as it is a totally crude and unreliable method. I hope you get your answers soon x


Baby.... sorry your having a weird one. I also get quite bloated and gassy for a few days some cycles so I can sympathise! Hopefully it'll pass in a couple of days.

 

[alicatt]

Ali.... fab news about your step dad and your other stuff (and yes I had a chuckle about the nipple thing)

Coy... have you managed to get any rest after earlier disturbed nap?

FirstTry... please keep positive. I know many people use HPT lines darkening as signs things are progressing, me included. But I mentioned this to my GP when I saw her a few months ago and she said not to as it is a totally crude and unreliable method. I hope you get your answers soon x


Baby.... sorry your having a weird one. I also get quite bloated and gassy for a few days some cycles so I can sympathise! Hopefully it'll pass in a couple of days.

How are you feeling today after sleeping on things? I am sure things will work out, just have to have faith and patience

 

[AngelSerenity]

Ali.... fab news about your step dad and your other stuff (and yes I had a chuckle about the nipple thing)

Coy... have you managed to get any rest after earlier disturbed nap?

FirstTry... please keep positive. I know many people use HPT lines darkening as signs things are progressing, me included. But I mentioned this to my GP when I saw her a few months ago and she said not to as it is a totally crude and unreliable method. I hope you get your answers soon x


Baby.... sorry your having a weird one. I also get quite bloated and gassy for a few days some cycles so I can sympathise! Hopefully it'll pass in a couple of days.

How are you feeling today after sleeping on things? I am sure things will work out, just have to have faith and patience

Hi Ali, I'm ok, I think. As we all do I've been cross examining the evidence and putting Google to use . The septum the surgeon found must be very minor as she wasn't even sure it was a septum if that makes sense? It looked like a bruised area about the size of a medium coin on the screen, and I couldn't see any raised edges to it as if it was formed like a wall or piece of definitive flesh. Now I've calmed down a bit I'm wondering if indeed it is fairly insignificant as it's strange that despite all my pregnancies and a laparoscopy in 2001 it wasn't discovered before? I suppose I'm just going to have to wait and see what my RMC says.

I'm hoping he will do a MRI and say it's not worth disturbing things in there if indeed it is small. But then on the other hand I wonder if even it's small size is affecting things? I was tallying up the time it could take to get the MRI, and then op and then recovery time and it could be 6-7 months so at the moment I have to think it will be insignificant because waiting that amount of time I will be nearly 39 before we can even TTC again. I know it's possible etc but we all know that clock is ticking...

How are you feeling on this new protocol? You certainly have been through the mill lately, I hope things are looking up for you now xo

 

[tiatammy]

hello ladies been mia for a while sorry just needed a break, as for me still trying on my 4th round of clomid 150mg cd 5-9, doc says I should ovulate around cd 17 well according to last month I ovulated cd 23 is this normal to ovulate that late?