~~TTCAL newbie check in 10/7/14~~

rslh10

Welcome to TTC After Loss. I'm so sorry for your loss but am happy you have found us. ((hugs)) This board is full of brilliant and kind women who have experienced the hardship of losing that which is most precious, and I hope you find great comfort and support here in your journey!

For those of you so new that you don't know the routine, this is a check-in for newer members of the TTCAL Board. Please feel free to use this space to ask those "newbie" questions that feel intimidating to ask on the main board and I will try my best to get you an answer.

**Please don't feel that you have to provide individual feedback to all of the posters ahead of you. Many do and it's great, but it's most definitely not required to be a part of this check-in. I'd just hate to think people might feel intimidated and not post because of this. All posts and responses are welcomed!**

Please take the time to read the TTCAL blog to answer any questions you may have regarding our board etiquette, TTC, miscarriage & loss, and much more: https://ttcalblog.wordpress.com/ If you are a check-in regular and get a BFP, please PM me so that I can add it to the weekly check-in with a warning for other members. If I don't get a PM, I will not mention your BFP on the check-in.

Finally, if you haven't done so, please post your introduction on the main board including your story.

***If you do not see your name, it’s because you didn’t check in last week, just join in this week and I’ll add you!***

Weekly Update:  How are you doing?  Post an update including any news, thoughts, or questions - let me know how things are going for you! If you don’t see your name, it’s only because you didn’t check in last week. Feel free to join in this week! 

Sorry Ladies, no individual updates this week! I had a busy weekend, and my computer decided not let me into pages to work on this! Fill us in! Whats up, what’s new, how are you?

Individual Updates:

@negritosmami

@LDubHawksFan

@Cheetara2

@natalie115

@jms627

@Pickles4Prez

@readinglove

@PowerOfBacon

@mkfish31

@ctk181

@matiekae

@belle0720

@26summer

@SWMcFarland

@allwehave

@EricaD777

@saritacw

@smagglebit

@britjonathan

QOTW - Do you have any Halloween plans? If so, will you be dressing up? Maybe take it old school?  

rslh10

@crimpgirl Welcome to the check in I'm so happy to hear that you're feeling better this week. It can sometimes be a struggle. Some days I feel good and I'm so positive about my future, and some days I'm really sad. I hope you stick around here and feel the support that these wonderful ladies have to offer. ((hugs))

rslh10

@powerofbacon Im so glad to hear your dogs surgery went well. I'm sorry that he is up so much and keeping you up. Being exhausted is never fun! I think your halloween sounds lovely (either way!). 

Belle0720

Morning Ladies.

Well I tested this morning and of course, BFN. Sleepy me didn't temp the past few days but finally remembered this morning and once I entered my temp into FF it moved my crosshairs to a day later (which was when I initially thought I 'O'd). So I'm actually 10DPO, not 11. I'm going to try to wait until Friday to test again if AF hasn't arrived yet. The 2WW is getting more annoying every day.

 

@rslh10 love the vintage Halloween pics!

H and I are going to Disneyland the weekend before Halloween and will probably stay home and hand out candy for Halloween night. If I'm not pregnant by then maybe we'll go out to a bar or something for a bit. I wanted to host a little Halloween dinner or lunch since our kitchen will be all new and shiny but we'll see. Maybe a brunch that Sunday would be fun. H and I are going to be a PanAm stewardess and pilot. All I have so far is a vintage PanAm bag so I need to get a move on my costume!

Belle0720

@powerofbacon My sister was a Minion for Halloween last year. The trick-or-treaters loved her!

@crimpgirl Glad you are feeling better and are comfortable sharing your news with people. For me it's a very hard subject to bring up and I still haven't told many people, so it sounds to me like you are being strong.

Also, American Gladiators is an awesome costume idea!

@ldubhawksfan Fingers crossed that O shows up quickly and that your doctor really takes into account the fact that you chart and will have you do labs again after you O.

renegadewhit

@Belle0720‌ I Hope the rest of your tww flies by!

My husband refuses to celebrate Halloween "because he's Mexican" (his words, not mine) so my big plans involve dressing up my pets. I have one bumblebee, a shark, and my cat is a very grumpy dinosaur.

ctk181

@rslh10 - Thanks for the check-in lady! How are you doing??

@crimpgirl - Glad you are feeling better and that telling people about your loss has been helpful for you!

@PowerofBacon - So happy your pup's surgery went well! That has to be a relief! FX that you O soon!

@LDubHawksFan - Sorry that you have to get your lab work done when you know you haven't Oed yet! How frustrating! FX for you that you O soon!

@Belle0720- Sorry about your BFN, but it is still early, so I have FX for you!

AFM, I got CHs at CD14 and a +OPKs at CD 13 & 14,  this month, so I'm really happy because I feel like I'm getting back to normal. Now I just hope I don't get AF until at least 12 DPO, because last month I had a short LP which makes me nervous. That was my first post-loss cycle, so if this month is good, I will chalk last month up to a wonky post-loss cycle and not get paranoid. 

matiekae

@crimpgirl welcome to the check-in. I'm so sorry for your loss but am glad you have found this place.  It has gotten me through some pretty rough days over the past 7 weeks. I'm glad you find you are feeling better, and it's ok to still feel a bit off. I have also told many people, It makes me feel better if they know why.

@rslh10 Thank you for the check-in, and happy belated birthday! I just chart stalked you... my FX for you still!

AFM, still worried that short LP from last cycle will come bite me in the @ss Friday, and I'm not sure when to test.... I keep changing my mind. I guess that's how I keep my mind busy during this TWW. I have typically had a 28 day cycle so I should wait till later, but I just don't know how long I will be able to hold out. I know a BFP is an amazing thing all around, but it would be super special  this cycle as my DH's birthday is next week Trying so hard not to get my hopes up... and failing miserably at it.

QOTW We have dressed up in the past and had a lot of fun. I just don't really want to spend the money this year. We usually piece our outfits together from thrift stores, but it always seems to add up!

matiekae

@PowerOfBacon I'm so glad to hear your dog's surgery went well! Hope your WTO goes by quickly!

imakeeff0rts

I'm a n00b here. Intro'ed yesterday.

Today has been the first good day for me since last Monday when I started spotting. I've gotten some stuff done aroundthe house, spent time with family, and we're going out tonight.

My Halloween plans consist of wine.

matiekae

@ctk181when I read your post I thought it was me who posted it! My +OPKs were on CD12 and 13, but everything else is the same including the short LP last month on my first post MC cycle. FX for both of us that our bodies were just sorting themselves out!

ctk181

@matiekae - I guess our bodies start doing crazy things after MC. I never temped or charted before my loss, so I have no idea if I've always had a short LP or if it was just that one time. I always had a very consistent 28 day cycle before my BFP so I'm hoping that is a good indication. Time will tell, I suppose. FX for both of us that AF doesn't show her face until we've had a decent length LP.

ETA: I just noticed our loss dates are only 1 day apart too. So weird!

rslh10

LDubHawksFan said:

Hi all. I'm not so patiently still waiting to O. Of course I would get a long cycle thrown in when i need post ovulation bloodwork done, so here I am at cd 20 with no o and my dr still wants me to go in tomorrow. I will just have to insist on getting another lab slip so he doesn't think I'm annovulatory....or at least I hope I'm Not this cycle! So I'm just anxious to be able to do something and churning through my bag o' OPKs. QOTW: no plans yet. Hope to get trick or treaters at our new house.

BODY! GET IT TOGETHER! I hope your blood work shows all the answers, lady! Good Luck

rslh10

Belle0720 said:

Morning Ladies.

Well I tested this morning and of course, BFN. Sleepy me didn't temp the past few days but finally remembered this morning and once I entered my temp into FF it moved my crosshairs to a day later (which was when I initially thought I 'O'd). So I'm actually 10DPO, not 11. I'm going to try to wait until Friday to test again if AF hasn't arrived yet. The 2WW is getting more annoying every day.

 

@rslh10 love the vintage Halloween pics!

H and I are going to Disneyland the weekend before Halloween and will probably stay home and hand out candy for Halloween night. If I'm not pregnant by then maybe we'll go out to a bar or something for a bit. I wanted to host a little Halloween dinner or lunch since our kitchen will be all new and shiny but we'll see. Maybe a brunch that Sunday would be fun. H and I are going to be a PanAm stewardess and pilot. All I have so far is a vintage PanAm bag so I need to get a move on my costume!

I agree with you 100%! I have been chart stalking you, and it's hard to say because of all the missing temps, but still, FX for you!

rslh10

whitneyandconcep said:

*SNIP*

 My husband refuses to celebrate Halloween "because he's Mexican" (his words, not mine) so my big plans involve dressing up my pets. I have one bumblebee, a shark, and my cat is a very grumpy dinosaur.

Oh I laughed pretty hard at that. 

rslh10

readinglove said:

*snip*

Hi @rslh10. How are you? How was the birthday?

AFM...I'm 4DPO, so yay for waiting. My test date, according to FF, is next Tuesday. *gulp* This is the first cycle we actually DTD on O day, so I'm feeling hopeful. I went public on 10/1 with our miscarriage on Facebook. Holy cow. I was absolutely floored by the people that shared their stories, offered support, and were just...amazing. I was inundated all day with messages of sympathy, hope and thanks for sharing our story. There was a part of me that was worried about how it would go over, and I was more than pleasantly surprised by the reaction. 

Hi lady! Thanks for asking about me. My birthday was great. I got to see my mom so that is always good. I'm doing okay. I'm kind of bummed right now, but I hope it's a false sense of being bummed and the next few days will turn around for me!

I'm glad you felt comfort from sharing your story on FB. That's how I'm feeling towards the october 15th Awareness Campaign. I'm nervous, but ready for people to know why I've been such a downer lately. 

((hugs))

rslh10

ctk181 said:

*snip*

AFM, I got CHs at CD14 and a +OPKs at CD 13 & 14,  this month, so I'm really happy because I feel like I'm getting back to normal. Now I just hope I don't get AF until at least 12 DPO, because last month I had a short LP which makes me nervous. That was my first post-loss cycle, so if this month is good, I will chalk last month up to a wonky post-loss cycle and not get paranoid. 

I'm glad you're feeling better! It always made me feel some sort of comfort (? maybe ?) when my body decided it wanted to go back to "normal". Are you and DH ttc this cycle? I cannot remember if you're benched right now. I'm sorry!

rslh10

matiekae said:

*snip*

AFM, still worried that short LP from last cycle will come bite me in the @ss Friday, and I'm not sure when to test.... I keep changing my mind. I guess that's how I keep my mind busy during this TWW. I have typically had a 28 day cycle so I should wait till later, but I just don't know how long I will be able to hold out. I know a BFP is an amazing thing all around, but it would be super special  this cycle as my DH's birthday is next week Trying so hard not to get my hopes up... and failing miserably at it.

QOTW We have dressed up in the past and had a lot of fun. I just don't really want to spend the money this year. We usually piece our outfits together from thrift stores, but it always seems to add up!

Hold out! BFN's are just awful. Hold out lady!!! Give it at least a few more days  12dpo is friday? Hopefully the short LP is a thing of the past. Fx for you

rslh10

cavewmn said:

Today is my one week check up since surgery. I also would have been 8 weeks today. I actually slept more than 4 hours which hasn't happened since surgery. 

I really hope today I get restrictions taken off. I want to be able to put Vitamin E on my incision to help it be more stretchy. Lift what ever I want. Take a bath. Not worry about blood in my abdomen. So overall I can't wait for my appointment at 2 and see what happens. At least yesterday and hopefully today I have spent it out of bed!!!

We decided after I am done healing we are spending a night at a hotel with a big bath and indoor pool!!! 

QOTW: We usually either have a party here or at a friends house. But this year we are going to just spend time with each other, cuddle, Watch movies, and pig out on candy. 

How did your appt go today? I hope that it went well, and you are able to take a nice long bath tonight. Sending you big giant hugs. We're all here for you. 

rslh10

imakeeff0rts said:

I'm a n00b here. Intro'ed yesterday. Today has been the first good day for me since last Monday when I started spotting. I've gotten some stuff done aroundthe house, spent time with family, and we're going out tonight. My Halloween plans consist of wine.

I'm so glad to hear today was a "good" day for you. At first, for me, they were few and far between. As time has gone on though I do feel happy more often than sad. Also, I knew I was gonna like you...your halloween plans sound great! haha! Welcome to the check in , I'll add you for next week! 

rslh10

LDubHawksFan said:

Quick update. My afternoon office OPK looks the darkest yet, so hopefully I haven't jinxed myself and we are getting this show on the road!!

matiekae

rslh10 said:

matiekae said:

*snip*

AFM, still worried that short LP from last cycle will come bite me in the @ss Friday, and I'm not sure when to test.... I keep changing my mind. I guess that's how I keep my mind busy during this TWW. I have typically had a 28 day cycle so I should wait till later, but I just don't know how long I will be able to hold out. I know a BFP is an amazing thing all around, but it would be super special  this cycle as my DH's birthday is next week Trying so hard not to get my hopes up... and failing miserably at it.

QOTW We have dressed up in the past and had a lot of fun. I just don't really want to spend the money this year. We usually piece our outfits together from thrift stores, but it always seems to add up!

Hold out! BFN's are just awful. Hold out lady!!! Give it at least a few more days  12dpo is friday? Hopefully the short LP is a thing of the past. Fx for you

12 dpo is Sunday, and I'm going to give everything I have to wait until then!

ctk181

@rslh10‌ -we are benched this cycle but are cleared to TTC next cycle. So while I am anxious for AF so that I can move on to TTC, I also want her to hold off til I have a decent LP!

[Deleted User]

I'm doing better emotionally and physically this week.   I'm getting blood work done again tomorrow to see if my beta is back down to 0.   It was in the 30's last week so it was close.  I'm just ready to get AF and move on to my next cycle.

natalie115

Hey ladies! Don't have time for individual check ins, but ((hugs)) to those who need them!
AFM my OPKs are actually a bit darker today and I'm hoping tomorrow brings a positive! Until then lots of sex!

blovemama

I just love reading everyone's checkin and then seeing the support they get. This is such a great community. 

So my check in: I forced fertilityfriend to mark ovulation on 9/29 based on cm because my thermometer was messed up (and I didn't realize it). That puts me at 8 dpo. I've already taken like 4 pregnancy tests. All bfn, obviously. I know it's stupid to test this early, but I also had ewcm and cramps about 2wks ago so it's possible I ovulated way back then. I've had cramps and sore boobs today. I am not reading into it at all because I've noticed I've had random cramps and sore boobs a lot this cycle. I think my body is just still figuring itself out. Did anyone have a similar experience in the first cycle after their miscarriage? 

I've been taking levothyroxine (hypothyroid medicine) for about a week now. I am really hoping that it will shorten my cycle (currently 45-60 days) in the coming months. 

Halloween plans: Last week, I impulsively bought a plane ticket to visit my best friend over Halloween weekend!

rslh10

26summer said:

I'm doing better emotionally and physically this week.   I'm getting blood work done again tomorrow to see if my beta is back down to 0.   It was in the 30's last week so it was close.  I'm just ready to get AF and move on to my next cycle.

I am so glad you're feeling better this week. Please let us know what your beta comes back at! Big hugs lady.

rslh10

natalie115 said:

Hey ladies! Don't have time for individual check ins, but ((hugs)) to those who need them!
AFM my OPKs are actually a bit darker today and I'm hoping tomorrow brings a positive! Until then lots of sex!

Get at it girl!

rslh10

BritJonathan said:

I just love reading everyone's checkin and then seeing the support they get. This is such a great community. 

So my check in: I forced fertilityfriend to mark ovulation on 9/29 based on cm because my thermometer was messed up (and I didn't realize it). That puts me at 8 dpo. I've already taken like 4 pregnancy tests. All bfn, obviously. I know it's stupid to test this early, but I also had ewcm and cramps about 2wks ago so it's possible I ovulated way back then. I've had cramps and sore boobs today. I am not reading into it at all because I've noticed I've had random cramps and sore boobs a lot this cycle. I think my body is just still figuring itself out. Did anyone have a similar experience in the first cycle after their miscarriage? 

I've been taking levothyroxine (hypothyroid medicine) for about a week now. I am really hoping that it will shorten my cycle (currently 45-60 days) in the coming months. 

Halloween plans: Last week, I impulsively bought a plane ticket to visit my best friend over Halloween weekend!

The first few cycles after a miscarriage can be wonky. I know my first one was normal, then my second one was CRAZY. There are a lot of women here who can give their advice on that too. Also, there are probably a few threads on the main board about it. You could try searching around and seeing what you could find Just know that it could be a few cycles, or one, until your see your "normal" return. Good luck! Enjoy the trip to your Friends house!

negritosmami

Hey everyone..thanks as always @rslh10‌ for posting. I'm just wto .nothing exciting. I have a question tho for anyone who is willong to help. WhatOr point me in the direction of where is it discussed here on the board but What does luteal phase mean in plain english. I googled and I sadly don't quite get it..how does it impact ttc?

Qotw: no plans just yet

rslh10

@negritosmami  Your Luteal Phase is the time from when you Ovulate (when your body releases your egg) to the time you get your period. During that time is when your implantation would occur if you were to get pregnant. Your lining is getting thicker during this time as well (then you get your Period because your body sheds it's lining if you're not pregnant). If your LP is too short, your body won't have time for everything to happen and could cause you to not get pregnant. The average LP is 14 days (it can last 10-16 days). 

Is that what you needed to know? I hope I described it well (or right LOL) enough for you

negritosmami

Thannkkkkk youuu. Sheesh google. Was that so hard lol..makes total sense!!! Thanks so much..although now that I know. Ill add that to the list of things to drive myself worrying about I'm sure lmao ignorance truly is bliss

Flurison

@LDubHawksFan I can relate. I have 2 weeks of OPK sticks on my dresser and they all look negative and not headed anywhere.  May be I just won’t O this cycle or maybe this cycle is nowhere near over, I don’t know.  I hope your OPKs are headed in the right direction, Fx.

@cavewmn I love Jacuzzi suites! I hope you are you are able to relax in good health soon.

@rslh10 Thank you for describing the Luteal Phase!  I felt like an idiot for not knowing what that had to do with TTC. The only thing I knew about LP is that my progesterone was supposed to be in a specific range for that phase but I had no idea what a long or short LP meant.  And thank you @negritosmami for asking.

I’m ready to get AF and get this cycle over with.  If this cycle is anywhere near normal AF isn’t coming for another week.  I don’t know if I Oed this cycle as all my OPKs look the same, negative.  I just started looking into temping, brand new to me.  I took my temp this morning and it was 96.8.  That seems low and maybe I need to get a new thermometer.  I have zilch planned for Halloween this year but if there is clear weather I am guessing we will get 200+ trick-or-treaters at our door like we usually do.  This year a part of me wants to pretend we aren't home, or even better: go out to eat and not be home.

edited for grammer 

 

ctk181

negritosmami said:

Thannkkkkk youuu. Sheesh google. Was that so hard lol..makes total sense!!! Thanks so much..although now that I know. Ill add that to the list of things to drive myself worrying about I'm sure lmao ignorance truly is bliss

This exactly! I never knew what LP was before my loss and was blissfully ignorant, thinking all I needed to know was that my cycle was average 28 days. Now that I know about LPs and their significance I'm obsessively worried. Of course, my first cycle post-loss I had a pretty short LP and am super paranoid about it now! LOL

matiekae

ctk181 said:

negritosmami said:

Thannkkkkk youuu. Sheesh google. Was that so hard lol..makes total sense!!! Thanks so much..although now that I know. Ill add that to the list of things to drive myself worrying about I'm sure lmao ignorance truly is bliss

This exactly! I never knew what LP was before my loss and was blissfully ignorant, thinking all I needed to know was that my cycle was average 28 days. Now that I know about LPs and their significance I'm obsessively worried. Of course, my first cycle post-loss I had a pretty short LP and am super paranoid about it now! LOL

Yes to both of you! But I also feel that knowledge is power. Glad I know now that if my LP remains short I should do something about it (still doesn't keep me from worrying for hopefully no reason though haha)

negritosmami

yea i will have to read that @ldubhawsfan because i now have more questions but ummm i dont know if i WANT to know the answer cause i am a worry wart already..do i need to add anything else to worry about..not really but like you said @matiekae its also power and maybe i can avoid months of wasted time if i know things! so thanks guys for all the info. Ill do some more reading/research now

saritacw

I'm feeling much better this week. I did miscarry on my own without requiring drugs or anything else -- thank goodness. I have one more HCG test tomorrow to confirm it's all over but a week ago it was at 17 so I'm thiking it'll be 0 tomorrow.

i told my brother and parents this week, they didn't even know I was trying to get pregnant and had been trying for 2 years so it was a big story to tell. I'm glad they know. They were great and very respectful.

It's driving me nuts that my doc recommends not trying to get pregnant again for 3 periods. that seems so long. But I will follow her advice and it was her advice that helped me get pregnant to begin with.

I'm dressing as Waldo from Where's Waldo books. Lame, I know. But comfy!

 

rslh10

saritacw said:

I'm feeling much better this week. I did miscarry on my own without requiring drugs or anything else -- thank goodness. I have one more HCG test tomorrow to confirm it's all over but a week ago it was at 17 so I'm thiking it'll be 0 tomorrow.

i told my brother and parents this week, they didn't even know I was trying to get pregnant and had been trying for 2 years so it was a big story to tell. I'm glad they know. They were great and very respectful.

It's driving me nuts that my doc recommends not trying to get pregnant again for 3 periods. that seems so long. But I will follow her advice and it was her advice that helped me get pregnant to begin with.

I'm dressing as Waldo from Where's Waldo books. Lame, I know. But comfy!

 

I'm so glad you're taking your drs advice. ((Hugs)) I'm glad your family was understanding and respectful!

nikiswimr

@rslh10, thanks for the check-in.

I'm definitely a newbie, intro'd here yesterday.  Still really struggling.  Now I'm wishing we had told people we were pregnant because right now it's like my baby never happened.  No one knows.

I was getting set up for a D&C early next week but then my doctor convinced my to try Cytotec first (worried about scarring as we have had IF).  Picked up the Rx today to take tomorrow but started cramping and bleeding today after stopping progesterone last night.  So...  I guess that's that.

Halloween plans?  I'm with @lmkeeff0rts my plans involve wine, wine and more wine.  

rslh10

linkloveszelda26 said:

Hello,

I'm new and figured I would join the check in because I'm sure I'll start having temping questions and many others as I learn the board and members. I'm feeling pretty good, but I got some unsettling news today about the Pap smear I got when I was pregnant so I'm a little worried about that. Well looking forward to getting to know more about you ladies

No halloween plans just yet and no set costume ideas. I will probably just go to my work party.

Hi! Welcome to the check in. We look forward to getting to know you as well! I hope everything comes back ok with your pap. Keep us updated! ((Hugs))

rslh10

nikiswimr said:

@rslh10, thanks for the check-in.

I'm definitely a newbie, intro'd here yesterday.  Still really struggling.  Now I'm wishing we had told people we were pregnant because right now it's like my baby never happened.  No one knows.

I was getting set up for a D&C early next week but then my doctor convinced my to try Cytotec first (worried about scarring as we have had IF).  Picked up the Rx today to take tomorrow but started cramping and bleeding today after stopping progesterone last night.  So...  I guess that's that.

Halloween plans?  I'm with @lmkeeff0rts my plans involve wine, wine and more wine.  

Big giant ((hugs)). Not many people knew of my pregnancy but when I lost it, it seemed like more people knew than I had told (thanks mom/dad/inlaws). Don't ever feel like your baby never happened, because s/he did. It's the most hurtful thing to have to go through, and that's why we're here. We know why you're here, so let us be here for you! :x