TTCAL check-in 3/21

beff12

@NamelessAria, I'm sorry about the CP I 100% agree on the curved FRERs. I had to look at them wayyyy too hard last TWW and it's too easy to see a line that (in my case anyways) wasn't there. I wish the old flat ones were still available.


2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.) WTO

*TW DD mentioned
3. Rants/raves: I have no particular rants this week. I do have a rave! DH is an associate pastor and often gets asked to drive the seniors on their various day trips. I'm going to go along with them on Thursday - they're visiting a museum or something and then headed to a big mall! I think DD may go spend the night and that day with my parents so that DH and I can enjoy the trip without strollers/bags/tantrums. He and I rarely get time alone and things have been so busy lately...even if we are going to be "alone" with the old folks, I'm excited!

4. GTKY: what do you like to do to relax/de-stress? EAT. Just kidding. Kind of. Not really. But for real, I like to crochet to relax. Also watching funny shows, like the Gilmore Girls binge-watching I've been doing recently!

NamelessAria

@beff12 I know right? The old flat ones were amazing. These new ones are kinda terrible. It's weird though because I've used them before and have gotten some very clear BFNs. And then of course when I finally really need a clear answer and I'm not just testing because I'm impatient and ran out of Wondfos or something I get some questionable nonsense.

Had I known they were going to redesign the FRERs to this ridiculous curved design I would have stocked up on the flat ones. I never had any trouble with the flat ones at all.

fivetimesnoluck

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.) Benched until at least the next cycle complete, then we will evaluate. I am currently on CD 21, so AF should come next week.

3. Rants/raves: I took a mini-sping break this weekend (took Friday and Monday off) and it was fantastic! I needed it. DH took off yesterday with me and we took our pack (three dogs) to a nearby beach/state park where they allow dogs on the beach and we had an awesome 3.5 mile walk. My sweet girl, Lucy (10.5 yo Husky mutt) was EXHAUSTED from the trip, but didn't show it until we got home. We may have overdone it a bit with her, but she was so happy while we were out! It is sad/scary to see her affected by age. I will never forget the (now bittersweet) remark that DH made the first time I told him we were expecting... He was so happy that Lucy was going to know our baby. Now, I am not so sure..... (and cue the watery eyes... why do I do that to myself!?)

4. GTKY: what do you like to do to relax/de-stress? TV, reading, yoga, and acupuncture have helped me get through a lot of the crap I have gone through over the past couple of years. I added coloring to that list last winter and I don't care that it's trendy. It is amazing for zoning out. DH and I also love puzzles when we are both seeking a distraction.

megsbrock

@Kay6519 my go-to when I really need to relax is simple Orange Pekoe with milk, brand is Tetley. I grew up on it and where I'm from a cup of Tetley tea is a tradition and part of every meal or get together. It's why I find it so comforting.

Each Christmas I buy a tea taster advent calendar from David's Tea (not sure if you have that store where you live), and I get to try tons of different teas of varying flavours and caffeine levels. They also have some nice organic ones, which have turned out to be my favorites. My fav herbal/relaxing one is a peppermint and chamomile blend. My fav black tea is an organic creamy earl grey.

DinosaurJumper

@reneeannemm I wish I was your neighbor! I can't bake worth a damn, but I loooove baking goods! @Spartanrd4 That is truly a feat, to make it through a social event like that and think only of your friend! Kudos! I have such a hard time with it sometimes.
@SnobunnieMel The announcements are always hard. Personally, I just cry it out, am depressed for a day or so, and then have some positive "Me Time". A yoga class, buy some new clothes, take the pups on a river day, something that gets me back into the world with a good mood.
@klauerinaking Snuggly furbabies are the best! My two pups are always looking for cuddles, and it is so great to unwind at the end of the day with a puppy in my arms. What kind of fur baby do you have?

2. TWW, DPO 12. Not bsc...yet, trying to keep focused on the busy spring season at the nursery (60 hour work weeks should do the trick ;D)

3. Rant - Our youngest pup, who we've had for a year and who has always been a vacuum, has decided he would rather go hungry then eat the same dog food anymore. We had to give him special wet food just to get him through to when we could go out and get 'Roland Approved' kibble.

Rave - There is this beautiful river preserve by my house that I discovered with my pups last week. Absolutely gorgeous! You have to pay to get in, and it is very well maintained and peaceful.

4. Well, work mostly, hiking, and yardwork are always great to keep relaxed

queenklau

@DinosaurJumper he is a cocker-poodle (cock-a-poo, such a silly name). He is a very sweet dog, just turned 1! Cycle buddy, I am 12DPO, temps are still up, possible trip basic-will test in two days. You are so good, I am trying to keep busy at work too but  going a little BSC.

lilyaster

@klauerinaking your dog is precious!  He doesn't look like he loves the lei though!!

2. I am still benched.  Almost 2 weeks post D&C and I'm still bleeding like a light-moderate period.  This has been much more bleeding than with my previous D&C and I'm really ready for it to end.  Tomorrow is my post-op with the OB and I am really looking forward to seeing what he says.  I hope to get some basic RPL testing and I want to ask about using progesterone and baby aspirin with the next pregnancy.

3.  No rants or raves today.

4. To stay relaxed, getting enough sleep is important for me.  I enjoy getting outside, walking or riding bikes, reading, and hot showers. 

DinosaurJumper

@lilyaster I second the sleep!! It is one of my favorite past times.   
@klauerinaking Such a cutie, though, yeah doesn't look like he's enjoying himself atm! And that is a good plan cycle buddy. I told my husband to stop me from buying a test until friday (I haven't had an LP last past 13 dpo, so if I make it to friday either way I'll be happy) FX for both of us!

brooklyngirl18

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new)- Hi ladies, i'm new here. long story short, i had an ectopic pregnancy 4 weeks ago and was treated with methotrexate. sucks.

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.)- benched. currently waiting for the ectopic process to be completed and to find out how long the dr wants us to wait.

3. Rants/raves: i initially wanted to rant about my situation but instead i will be positive and rave about the weather. it's been gorgeous and i'm loving it. i also am loving the time change and the fact it allows me to go for walks after work again   

4. GTKY: what do you like to do to relax/de-stress? i love to cook, making an old family recipe helps me relax and reconnect with myself.

penelope4612

@brooklyngirl18 - welcome.  I'm sorry about your loss.  I had an ectopic in Sept, treated with methotrexate.  Didn't need surgery.  My Dr benched me for 3 months following the shot due to the potential of teratogenic effects if the methotrexate wasn't cleared and to give time for my body to build back up on folate (methotrexate depletes it).  While I was benched I found out I had subclinical hypothyroidism (unrelated to the ectopic) and then my Dr wanted me benched for longer to get started on thyroid meds.  This is our first cycle back and trying again.

Anyway, I just wanted to say hi because there aren't tons of ladies around here who had an ectopic so I thought it might be nice to know there is someone!  

brooklyngirl18

@penelope4612 thank you and I'm sorry for your loss as well. i've done quite a few searches and you're right, there aren't many other ectopic ladies around. good luck ttc! i'm not too sure where I stand with a timeline. my beta was 71 last week so i'm hoping for a 0 tomorrow and then i'm meeting with my dr to go over a game plan. from what i've read most women are told to wait 2 full cycles so assuming i get my period in the next few weeks, that should put me in the june timeframe. we'll see. 

queenklau

@lilyaster and @DinosaurJumper, he did not like the lei at all, haha! But I took it off and now he want to grab it and chew it all the time! I try to put it away but he finds it...

shae86

@Kay6519 I am so relieved to hear about your pup! And congratulations on your upcoming move!

Status: Benched. This weekend will be 4 weeks since I miscarried naturally, so I'm hoping AF is right around the corner.

Rant: I interviewed for a new job 2.5 weeks ago, and it went really well. Lasted almost an hour, and I walked out feeling great. But I've since sent a thank-you note and a brief email to check in, and the HR rep hasn't responded to either. I'm fine if I don't get the job (I'm quite content with my current job), but I wish she'd at least respond so I know where I stand. Whether or not I get this job will determine when I'll start trying again. 

Rave: I got my blood results back, and my thyroid is finally normal! It's in the ideal range to TTC. I'm hypo, and my TSH was elevated throughout my pregnancy. It's caused me some guilt, but I'm happy to know that the meds I'm on will allow me to start off on the right foot next time. 

I've kept a journal since I was 12, and writing through my feelings and thoughts is like therapy to me. It helps me relax and see things with more clarity. If I just want to veg out, I read or watch a series on Netflix. Just finished Mad Men (loved it!), and I'm on season 3 of Downton Abbey now. 

cooaladoll

1. Introduce yourself: It's been a couple weeks since I checked in so I'll reintroduce. Just turned 38, DF is 31. Diagnosed with MMC on 2/3 when baby would have been 7 weeks.

2. Status: TWW, CD7. Timing was good this month so FX.

3. Rants/Raves: Strangely I can't think of one of either right now, though perhaps that makes sense, since this last week my mood about everything has been entirely ambivalent. I suppose that in itself could be a rant...

4. GTKY: In the winter, I especially love to be able to relax in a comfortable nook with a good book. I crochet more in the winter too, I assume because of the greater motivation for warm snuggly things. In the spring and summer it's been all about the gardening ever since we bought our house a few years ago. We also have a pool so it's wonderful to be able to lay back on a float, with a beer or two, listening to good music to unwind after a day of digging

I wish I could respond to everyone personally but I always end up jumping into threads too late. Welcome to all new members and I'm sorry for your loss, but glad that it has led you here.

fafa1111

@brooklyngirl18 @penelope4612 - I also had a recent ectopic mid-February. Was treated with methotrexate and then it ruptured anyway so they removed my left tube via laparascopic surgery. It seems like every doctor says different things with time to wait and that research is slowly developing for these and the effects of methotrexate. My dr said we could start TTC after 1 cycle and the FDA's write up on methotrexate says the same thing. Please let me know what your dr says @brooklyngirl18. If either of you wants to talk feel free to DM me too

brooklyngirl18

I'm sorry for your loss @pambtoro. I would be really happy with waiting 1 cycle but don't want to get my hopes up. my dr said she will perform an hsg once i hit 0, that might need to wait until my first period though, she was unclear. i should have more information tomorrow and will let you know! it is so frustrating how different doctors have different recommendations. I plan to start taking tons of folic acid asap to build up my reserves since it was destroyed with the MTX. 

penelope4612

brooklyngirl18 said:

I'm sorry for your loss @pambtoro. I would be really happy with waiting 1 cycle but don't want to get my hopes up. my dr said she will perform an hsg once i hit 0, that might need to wait until my first period though, she was unclear. i should have more information tomorrow and will let you know! it is so frustrating how different doctors have different recommendations. I plan to start taking tons of folic acid asap to build up my reserves since it was destroyed with the MTX. 

I'm jealous that your doctor is doing an hsg. My doctor basically said there's no indication after only one.  I'm terrified my tube is partially blocked (if it wasn't before it might be now due to scarring) and I'll have another ectopic.

Kay6519

@shae86 FX they get back to you quickly about the position. Waiting to hear back if you will be declined or get the job is always so nerve wracking.

NamelessAria

@shae86 Yay for normal thyroid tests! It has to be a nice feelings to know that all that is finally as it should be. 

fafa1111

@brooklyngirl18 I guess my situation was a little different because I didn't have to wait for the methotrexate to bring my #s down to 0 so my timing was almost sped up through surgery because the pregnancy was immediately removed From reading online it sounds like your body will only absorb a certain amount of folic acid per day but I've noticed that with the prenatal and my food choices I've pretty much been doubling/tripling intake because it's in so much (cereals, bread, oatmeal, nutrition bars, spinach). That's also somehow a good thing I think because it's water soluble so you have to have it daily to keep it up? Like with so much of this, I can't find a reliable resource to explain how your body stores folic acid and how long it takes to build it back up... ugh. I will say, though, that I feel so much better since I started back with my prenatal and healthy diet. The methotrexate really kicked my ass- I'd never felt so bad. It sounds like you're in great hands with your doctor and I hope your appointment goes well tomorrow! Like @penelope4612 said, it's great they're doing the hsg. It's better to know if you have a higher likelihood of another so you can be proactive. 

@penelope4612 I agree that it's so terrifying thinking about the possibility of having another. I didn't have any of the conditions that typically correlate with an ectopic and apparently it was a total freak thing so I feel super out of control. Did your dr at least say they'd do a super early ultrasound next time? Maybe you can call and ask for the hsg. 

redheeler

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new)

hi everyone, can't say I'm happy to be able
to participate in this board but loving all the supporting women here! I think I posted in another thread the other day but I can't remember.
I have a 2yr old DS, DH and I decided to start TTC #2 in January, we were elated at the BFP 2 weeks ago, until I received bad news about HCG levels from my doctor and found out it was a chemical pregnancy. So now here I am.

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.) benched at the moment. By choice, to get myself in a better place mentally.

3. Rants/raves: none currently

4. GTKY: what do you like to do to relax/de-stress?  
I am big on going for long drives, or I spend hours sitting in the paddock with my horse, just watching him

DinosaurJumper

@Aphillips95 First of all, I'm very sorry for your loss. I hope you can find the comfort you seek here,and hopefully you won't need to be here long.
Very awesome, you have a horse! I bet it is soothing to watch such a majestic creature

brooklyngirl18

@penelope4612  i'm really worried about a repeat ectopic also, i wonder why your dr doesn't think it would be helpful for you. my dr told me all along i'd get one and then the other day she said 'we'll discuss next steps once you hit 0' so i'm not sure why she changed her tune. i went for a draw this morning, so hopefully i'll get some good news and clarity later today. 
@pambtoro  i can't seem to get a straight answer on folic acid either. i think that's part of the reason why they suggest waiting a few cycles ttc, to allow time to build up folic acid. this process is long and brutal. i hope for a quick recovery for all of us and ttc asap.

penelope4612

@brooklyngirl18 @pambtoro - I think my doctor's opinion about the hsg was basically that if my tube is blocked there's no intervention anyway, so no point in doing the study.  She also said if my tube is blocked I am obviously less likely to get pregnant on that side anyway.  I didn't have any known risk factors for an ectopic (although I can't shake the worry that maybe there is something structurally wrong or something and we just don't know it).  I still get cramping on both sides throughout my cycle and I don't know if it's worse now or I just notice it more but it freaks me out a little.  My doctor does have me on high watch for future pregnancies though - hcg every two days as soon as I have a positive pregnancy test to make sure they are doubling and then ultrasound as soon as she thinks she could see something.  I'm actually 12dpo tomorrow and testing specifically because if it's positive I can get my doctor to call in the lab order before the weekend so I don't have to wait until Monday if it's a BFP (I have a 14 day LP usually so I won't have actually missed my period yet by tomorrow).

brooklyngirl18

good luck @penelope4612 !! 

jatwal128

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new) : Hi everyone. I've been lurking and doing a small amount of posting over on the loss board, but I'm getting real anxious to start trying again so I figured i'd move over here! I'm 30, DH is 31. I had a natural MC this past weekend and while we're still processing and grieving, we're getting through it. 

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.) Benched until first AF shows up. Still waiting to stop bleeding from the MC, so it feels so far away at this point.

3. Rants/raves: After this weekend I can't stop raving about my DH. He's been wonderful throughout this whole process and has really been my greatest support. I don't know what I'd do without him!

I just need to rant about the OB office that I had been going to. I understand that I miscarried before I was ever able to get the first prenatal appointment, but throughout the entire process, I felt like no one was concerned when I was concerned. And even now after, I basically had to beg them to let me come in and speak with the Dr. to get ANY kind of advice going forward. They wanted to just say "ok, well i'm sure your body is doing what it's supposed to do, have a good day", and leave it at that! I'm over here like, uhhh I'm only relatively informed about what to do/what not to do because I have google. Should we be checking something? HCG levels, scan to make sure everything's out, anything?! Or could you please tell me when i can have sex again? Or try again? I got nothing. Lesson learned and I will be switching practices for the next time.

4. GTKY: what do you like to do to relax/de-stress? Lazy nights in with my pup and my H. We have a lot going on most nights so the few that we get to just do nothing and lay around are the best.

Edit to add my rant. So annoyed!

catiecatp

@jatwal128 - I'm sorry for your loss and less than helpful OB office - but yea on DH being awesome

DinosaurJumper

@jatwal128  I'm so sorry for your poor experience with your OB. That is so unacceptable, trying to sweep you under the rug like that! I had a similarly poor experience during my loss, and will be going to a midwife next time. We are people, not just a chart to dispose of!

jatwal128

thanks @catiecatp it's been frustrating, but DH deserves multiple gold stars for sure!

@dinosaurjumper I was so baffled! I couldn't believe that they weren't offering to do anything to make sure i was healing properly. I ended up demanding to come in for an HCG test and to sit down with the Dr to go over my questions. So sorry you had that experience too. Not at all what we need when we've just gone through something like this. I'm glad you've found a better place now!

fivetimesnoluck

@jatwal128 I am sorry for your loss and for your experience with your Doc's office. I also switched practices after my first when they were quite dismissive/not supportive. I am happy for you that H has been such a big help. You'll be in my thoughts.

jatwal128

Thank you @fivetimesnoluck I'm finding that it's not uncommon for people to switch after a loss. At least now we know what questions to ask and what to look for in a new practice. We live and learn i guess.

Spartanrd4

I haven't been to my OB yet for my follow up after D&C...I go in a week or so. I'm really nervous because I have so many questions and I couldn't get in to see my regular doctor because she was booked up (probably because she is the best in the practice in my opinion) so I'm seeing someone I've never met before. My husband can't come either for support but I'm pretty pushy so I'm really hoping he won't blow me off. Will see how it goes! 

brooklyngirl18

@penelope4612 @pambtoro  just wanted to update you guys- my beta came back 5 so i need to go for another draw next week. still waiting to hear back about scheduling the HSG, i prefer asap but the dr said might be after my first period. 

fafa1111

@penelope4612 I can understand the reasoning from your doctor re the HSG. Whether you know you have a higher chance of another ectopic just from having a prior one or because of blockage in the tube, the next steps are likely the same. I'm such a control freak that I want to know everything but with fertility and pregnancy I feel like you can know too much at a point and then just become anxious about everything. It's great that your doctor will have you on early watch next time. I have my fingers crossed for you for a positive this cycle! Did you test this am?

@brooklyngirl18 Thanks for the update. It sounds like you're almost on the other side of this...

Hexie

Hi all, I'm so sorry for your losses.
This is my first post even though I've been lurking for awhile...

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new)
DH and I are 34.  TTC for 6 months after ectopic pregnancy in April. After the surgery we took about 6 month off to recover physically and mentally.

**TW**
The pregnancy was abdominal with embryo attached to my gut. It all started as a standard GI disorder, but at the end I needed ambulance ride, emergency laparoscopic surgery and blood transfusion.
**End TW**

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.)
Currently TWW, 11 DPO & BFN. Waiting for the AF now.

3. Rants/raves:
I finally did it, and transitioned from a lurker to a contributor.

4. GTKY: what do you like to do to relax/de-stress?
I feel I could have done more in this department. I watch sitcoms before bed to relax, and DH and I go hiking on weekends.

fafa1111

@Hexie I'm sorry for your loss but yay for contributing I'm glad you and your H have felt strong enough to TTC again after your experience. That must have been really scary. 

penelope4612

@Hexie - Welcome and I'm sorry for your loss.  That whole situation sounds incredibly difficult.  I'm glad you've decided to be a contributor!  The ladies around here are lots of fun and very supportive.

@brooklyngirl18 - HCG 5?  So close.  I don't know anything about HSGs, but I would think maybe after your first period makes sense.  It will give your tubes some time to maybe clear out any debris that's in there.  *Warning, TMI* - for me, I started spotting/bleeding before we ever confirmed it was ectopic (at first we thought it was an early miscarriage), then bled after methotrexate off and on for like 3 weeks until my HCG hit zero and THEN I got a period right after.  So I bled for like 4 weeks straight.  But my next cycle was pretty normal.

@pambtoro - I agree that my doctor's reasoning makes sense (I really like my doctor) but I have heard that sometimes HSGs can clear tubes or open blocked tubes (but of course it's not meant to be a medical intervention that does this).  So I was hopeful that I'd get one and maybe it might clear things up a bit... but that's not what they're meant for and I don't even know if my insurance would pay for it if it's not clinically indicated so I guess I'll wait and see.

penelope4612

** TW BFP **

So I got my BFP this morning.  I'm trying to be excited, but I'm totally terrified.  I called my doctor's office and I'm going to go get labwork tomorrow and again on Monday.  Then we will schedule more labwork and/or the ultrasound after that, depending upon what the HCG shows.  I keep having cramping everywhere and I'm afraid that it's another ectopic but I guess I will find out soon enough (hopefully not via the ER this time).  The line was pretty dark today at 12 dpo and last time I had a super squinter at 14 dpo.  I know the line darkness doesn't mean anything, but it's the only information I have right now so my fingers are crossed that it's a good sign and the embryo has implanted where it's supposed to be.

Thank you all for your support and company.  I hope hope hope I'll be heading over to PGAL soon and I very much hope I'll see you all there.

fafa1111

Congrats @penelope4612 !! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you and please keep us updated!

cooaladoll

Congratulations @penelope4612! It's great that you and your doctors are right on top of keeping an eye on it. Try to relax and put yourself in their care. Hoping for a healthy 8 more months for you!