*****TTCAL weekly check in 9/26******

DungeonTrollMel

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new):

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

3. Rants/raves:

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week?

chloe97

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new):I am Chloe. I have had 2 MC- first in November at 10 weeks, 2nd in May at 13 weeks. 

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): WTO cd3

3. Rants/raves: I have a lot today- all health-related, so I apologized in advance for Debbie Downer-ness. So Friday, I had a scary migraine. I used to get these in college, but I probably hadn't had one in 5 years. It started out with severe dizziness, led to left side numbness, and the headache showed up about 6 hours after the dizziness started. It coincided perfectly with the drop in progesterone and the start of AF. Awesome. My right side is still not normal and typing is hard for me today. Then, I feel like my thyroid is out of control. My normally dry skin has become oily overnight, I'm breaking out like crazy, and my anxiety is horrible for this stage in cycle, and I can't sleep. I got 4 hours last night. I think that my Dr went a bit overboard in her synthroid prescribing and I need to go back down to 50 mcg. Also, for some reason- my AF was only 2 days long this cycle, making me freaked out about scarring again. I have the saline sonogram next week, but I am going to be a mess until then.

I'm concerned that if I bring all these concerns to my Dr's attention that she is going to bench me and make me start working with a neurologist about my headaches. I'm pretty sure that my synthroid medication is off and that is what is causing all this craziness. I am also concerned that the issue with body chemistry is going to produce a bad egg and I am going to have another MC. I am so mad at myself for once again choosing the shitty Dr. I always end up with the shitty Dr!  I am 37, I can't afford to get benched and i am so MAD at myself for letting myself get my thyroid treated when it's like barely off. It's far more likely that I am going to have issues from this Dr messing up my thyroid then I would from having a TSH level of 3.1.

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? Ugh. No I wish I was that organized. I work from home Mondays so that makes it easier to Bump and do laundry?

fivetimesnoluck

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): Not new, but for those who can't read signature on mobile, I am TTC #1 after five losses. Started working with an RPL specialist and now having trouble TTC! Joy. Just started Letrozole for my 3rd IUI, planned for first week in October.

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): CD 4. Letrozole rx CD 3 - CD 7, then Menopur 75 on CD 9 and 10, then follicular monitoring ultrasound on CD 11 to determine trigger date.

3. Rants/raves: One of my EDDs is this week. I usually do alright with them, mostly they blend in the background even though I have noted them all on my calendar. But seeing as how this current cycle is almost aligned with my last loss (BFP on 10/24/15) - and it's our 6th cycle with the specialist - and it's our last shot before exploring IVF - I feel the pressure to succeed more than ever before. And that's pretty silly, because clearly most of this is far beyond my control.

10/21/13 was my very first due date and it's the one that always stings the most. My niece (whom I adore!) will turn three on November 1 and I can never help but think we should be hosting their birthdays together.

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? HA! No. I am not a planner or an organizer. I'm definitely a fly by the seat of your pants kinda girl.

ETA: Mondays are hard.

MimoCa

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): I'm Mimi, I had a loss last month at 8 weeks.

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): TWW but AF is suppose to either come by now or in the next few days!

3. Rants/raves: I have a few things happening this week. I'm worried that the restaurant we are trying to get up and running won't open on time or will face some hitches again! Tomorrow is our licensing hearing so hopefully that and all the health and building inspections go well! 

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? I'm also a spontaneous kind of girl. I buy my meals to cook, one meal at a time, which frustrates DH because if he gets hungry or wants a snack, there's rarely anything at home to eat. Which interestingly hasn't stopped my weight from skyrocketing these past few months lol!

Edited for typos, tried my best sitting on the back of a food truck lol.

NewMommyCoop

Ugh @chloe97, migranes suck. I'm sorry you are having to deal with the thyroid issue now.

@fivetimesnoluck Sorry about the upcoming EDD. FX this is your cycle.

@MimoCa That is exciting. What kind of restaurant? Hopefully it opens without a hitch.

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): Not new, but I'm Renae. I miscarried last week, which was our third loss.

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): Benched until AF.

3. Rants/raves: Rant - I really want my body to get back on track quickly so we can try again soon.
Rave - DH and I are going to Colorado Springs in two weeks for a long weekend. I am looking forward to getting away with him after all this stress and disappointment.

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week?
I plan, shop, and prep meals for the week on Sunday. It makes dinners easy during the week because everything is already cut and ready to cook. We don't impulsively eat out when we already have a meal planned.

szwill86

@fivetimesnoluck thinking of you this wk with your EDD 

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): Re-intro- complete MC at 17+4 in May due to undiagnosed placental hemorrhage. 

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): CD 5, WTO. Have a ways to go till O. 

3. Rants/raves: Rant- I'm having more negative days the closer I get to my EDD mid-October. It doesn't help that my bday is right before then and it's a "milestone" one. Rave- my DH got us tickets to the Jets game this coming weekend as a surprise!

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? Not on Monday, but on Sundays I meal prep for the week for my husband and I and I vacuum/semi clean the house so I feel prepared for the week- helps me feel less overwhelmed. 

brooklyngirl18

@chloe97 I'm sorry you're having so much anxiety. I hope your dr get their act together and doesn't bench you again. I hope you feel better.
@fivetimesnoluck  I'm sorry about the due date, it's so hard. Mine is coming up next week and I'm dreading it. DH said 'don't worry about it, just try not to think about it'. sure, ok (insert eyeroll here).
@MimoCa i used to be the same way with going to the grocery store multiple times a week and buying each meal ingredients separately. I try to plan a bit better now but I never know what I'll want to eat on Thursday when it's only Sunday. so frustrating.
@newmommycoop I've heard colorado springs is amazing, I've never been but I hope you have a great time.

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): not new but re-intro. TTC #2, ectopic discovered in February, ttcal since May. 

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): on the border of wto/tww. I got a +opk yesterday so O should be today or tomorrow. Actually my +opk was exactly positive but it's the darkest it was over the past week so I'm going to call it positive unless I don't get a temp shift in the next few days.

3. Rants/raves: I am raving our timing so far this cycle, definitely the best yet assuming O is today or tomorrow. Also we are going to visit my bil and his family on Sunday in Charleston for 4 days so I'm so excited about that and it should be the end of my tww and hopefully help keep the bsc at bay. or totally ruin the trip. either one.

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? I wish I was organized enough but no, not really. I have been trying to make mason jar salads for lunch for the week recently and I'll make a batch on sunday but that's a newish thing.

amberruka

@brooklyngirl18 I've been wanting to try mason jar salads, let us know how that goes.
@chloe97 sorry about your migraine. From my understanding TSH isn't as important at free circulating T3, T4--my TSH is now just able to be detected and endo thinks that could be forever, but not especially concerned about it. 

1. Hello, I'm Amber. I was benched for 7 months due to Graves from my MC, released 2 months ago. Paranoid at any time I could be benched again since I've lowered my meds over the last month. Next blood draw tomorrow, appt on Friday.
2. WTO, CD2.
3. R/R: I cannot wait for our annual NOLA trip next Wed. for our anniversary and visit my MIL. I'm grateful to have ILs I really adore. They know about our MC and been totally understanding. 
4. When I'm not OOT working for the weekend I'm a total planner for the week-Tues/Wed/Thurs we are both gone ~14 hours so i LOVE getting home and pulling a pan from the fridge and *poof!*. 

brooklyngirl18

@amberruka i love mason jar salads but I struggle with eating the exact same thing every day (especially salad lol). one trick I've learned is to use a different dressing in each salad so even though it's the same ingredients it's got a little different flavor each day. one day I'll have ranch, another balsamic, another russian etc. I also only make 4 at a time, I find I'm more likely to eat 4 than 5 and the ingredients lend themselves better to 4 ways than 5. 

SoonToBeMommaHowe

Hi Everyone,
  Just a quick update as I'm currently babysitting.

2)WTO, CD2 so I have a cpl weeks before anything happens

3)I seriously cannot take one more pregnancy announcement! And at this point people try dancing around it to try to break it to me more gently which makes me feel like a complete ass. The most recent announcement came from a cpl that struggled for three years so I know I should be happy but the husband is such a jerk, verbally abusive, etc to the wife that I still feel bitter 

4)I'm a planner big time but don't really have to worry about meal prep since I stay home. I grocery shop Friday AM and then just make big dinners throughout the week and DH takes leftovers for lunch 

JDW0325

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): not new but here is my intro. 
TTC #2 for over a year. Unexplained secondary infertility. Got pregnant following first IUI and had MMC at 11 weeks. Benched until first period....which I got after about 5ish weeks.

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): WTO. should be tomorrow. 

3. Rants/raves:First cycle I have temped! Hopefully the last

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week?

Sunday- Meal plan and grocery shop for dinners for the week. I do a lot of crock pot dinners since I don't get home from work til about 5:30. We eat out once a week (something fun to look forward to every week). I do laundry on Sundays too. 

Wednesday- 1 medium sized load of laundry after work so Sunday isn't too bad. 

JDW0325

@fivetimesnoluck
FX this is your cycle!

@brooklyngirl18
my husband would definitely say the same. Like it is just that easy, right?! 

dpjennifer

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): CD 16 WTO. Should be this weekend sometime. 3. Rants/raves: I tried to seek counselling for my depression/anxiety following my second MC and since the first place I went to ended up being such a sh*tshow, I am trying a new place tomorrow. Excited/nervous about that and really hoping it helps. Also, got to go to a black tie gala with my husband’s work this past weekend and it was super fun to get all decked out and dressed up for the evening! 4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? I’m a planner and scheduler so I tend to have similar routines daily/weekly. @fivetimesnoluck Good luck with keeping your spirits up this week.

TScalei

1.) 1 mmc in March 2016 and a 2nd one in August 2016.

2.  Benched until my first AF but I had obvious EWCM over the wknd. Its so funny when I am obsessively trying to look for signs that I am ready to O I can't find anything but when Im not thinking about it happens. DH and I did BD without using protection but I seriously doubt anything will happen. Not even entirely sure that I Oed since I haven't started temping yet or using my opks. Mostly I was just happy that it might be a sign my body is getting back to normal.

3.) I'm feeling hopeful and less bitter lately and Im really hoping it continues.  This is the best I've felt in a long time. My first EDD is Saturday and right now Im just feeling kind of calm about it.

4.) Usually like to make a crockpot meal on Sundays in the fall/winter and we made broccoli cheese soup last night. On Mondays I go to my a barre cardio class at my barre studio- its a little more intense than the regular classes and I usually feel good for starting my week that way.

Im sorry for your migraines @chloe97. Hopefully you can get a better dr and get everything straightened out soon!

Im sorry for the upcoming EDDs @fivetimesnoluck and @szwill86 My first EDD is this Saturday and it sucks to have another reminder of what could have been.

@mimoca - good luck with the restaurant opening - sounds exciting (and stressful)!

Have fun on your upcoming trips @newmommycoop and @amberruka !

2fitBees

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): TWW- 7DPO. Add some amazing nausea/food aversions, more than normal oily skin/breaking out, warmer temp, and an insatiable  need for sleep.... let's just say I can't wait to test this weekend.

3. Rants/raves: RAVE!!! This article that @Chloe97 originally shared: https://nymag.com/thecut/2016/09/ask-polly-why-do-women-obsess-about-babies-and-fertility.html

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? Meal prep helps me so much. I try to get groceries on the weekend, enough for all week. I prep everything I need for my protein smoothie for breakfast, and also prepare lunch for the following day. Doing this helps me eat better, feel better, and feel a little more in control of my life

MimoCa

@NewMommyCoop
 But in terms of the restaurant, of course there's a hich already! Just got an email saying the licensing hearing for it is pushed back to next week which means our opening date is pushed back to. It is a Thai & Bangladeshi restaurant based off our food truck. 

@brooklyngirl18 probably worst part of planning for food is that I cook all day and I really don't want to look at food again lol

@TScalei thanks! Yes it's stressful especially since our money has early run out lol!

kidria

@chloe97, that's so tough to have more health issues to juggle! Hopefully, a dosage adjustment will sort the headaches and anxiety out. 

@NewMommyCoop and @amberruka I'm so jealous of your trips! 

@MimoCa good luck with the restaurant opening! That's a massive job!! 

@fivetimesnoluck, @szwill86, @TScalei I do not envy your approaching EDD's. I hope you're able to find a calming and kind way to mark the day. 

1) Pretty new to posting though a long-time lurker. I miscarried at 9 weeks in late July. 

2) Benched for this cycle as our sperm donor isn't available. 

3) Rant: I've been having a hard time with one of my partners good friends. I finally decided, for my sanity, I won't spend time with this friend anymore. She is too selfish, inconsiderate, and thoughtless. Now, I don't get to spend as much time with other friends because of it! Of course, it's my choice but I can't find another solution. Argh. 

4) My only Monday routine is hitting the snooze button 3 times instead of 1! 

TScalei

@mimoca- Omg yum that sounds delish! I love Thai food- not as familiar with Bangladesh but I would imagine they are similar? Good luck and fx it's a huge success!

MimoCa

@TScalei similar to Thai a bit yes but more similar to Indian food as well. 

yolandamunoz

1) not new but: hi this is Yoly. I had 2 MC this year, one in feb (MMC) and one in May (CP). I was benched to do tests and just have been off the bench for one cycle

2) TWW 

3) Rant. It's my First EDD these days... I have been ok, but generally sad. I have a choir friend who got pregnant at the same time as me and is about to deliver... I am avoiding every bit of news about her to not think about it...

4) I don't meal prep much as I don't like eating the same thing every day (us Peruvians are like that) but I managed to bring a salad to work, and my many different snacks to follow my diet. As for Monday's routines, I'm with @kidria LOL

NewMommyCoop

@MimoCa Ugh, so frustrating! I hope the licensing gets worked out soon. And yum, I too love Thai food. Thai curry is amazing! Best of luck!

MimoCa

@yolandamunoz that's probably why I don't meal prep either because I get sick of the same food haha!
@NewMommyCoop thanks! Yes Thai food is good but when you've had it your whole life sometimes you just want to eat pizza for weeks on end lol

laeberge3

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): Not new, but re-intro.  TTC #1, MC in February 16.

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): TWW, 4DPO

3. Rants/raves: This is my first really defined TWW since the MC.  I'm confident I ovulated, and I'm now just trying to keep the SS at bay, which is already difficult.  It's going to be a long week!

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? I always intend to meal plan, and it never happens.  I too do not like eating the same thing each day, but my husband could eat grilled chicken for every meal, so it's sometimes a battle in our house.

@chloe97 So sorry to hear about your thyroid issues.  I also have a slightly elevated TSH level (2.78) and my doctor just prescribed a low, 25mg dose of Synthroid.  I'm also nervous it's going to cause issue instead of fix them!  Good luck getting yours regulated. 

bktosf78

@fivetimesnoluck FX this cycle is the one!

@szwill86 Sorry to hear about the EDD coming up.

@chloe97 Bummer about the migraines. I really hope it's just the meds and it'll all straighten itself out this week.

1. MC in August. It's been very rollercoastery since, and this is the end of the last cycle before taking a break for the rest of the year.

2. Technically still TWW, although AF is four days late. BFN on Friday, so will retest tomorrow morning. Been spotting lightly since the weekend, so really not sure what is happening. Will update over in TWW thread as things develop.

3. Trying to keep things positive/as even as possible, so rave: The weather in Vancouver has been relatively dry and nice. Heading back to the States for a couple weeks and am excited about that. 

Also, @2fitBees and @chloe97, a dear friend fwd'd me that Dear Polly and YES, it was so good. Raving. Recommending.

Ooh ooh! Also, DH surprised me with tix to Louie CK in Dec. Super excited. Rave for Louie and DH.

4. No rhythm to my weeks these days, though I do wish there were. I used to use Friday afternoons to prep for the next week: assign all my tasks/projects to be completed during specific times for the next week. I found that helped me kinda go on autopilot on Monday. Far less decision fatigue as I tried to jumpstart the week.

roxgibbons

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): Not new but here we go- MMC in February 2016 at 10+2 TTCAL since April/May after hysteroscopy, in process of medicated cycles

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): TWW 7 dpiui- one more week to go

3. Rants/raves: Rant: I've been feeling really down about this process and my journey. The aricle @chloe97 shared really resonated with me. Especially the part about trying to do something over and over again and you keep failing. That's exacty what how feel. I do everything to make this happen and I get my hopes up and eat all the things I'm supposed to, take my meds, and it's like the world's biggest bitch slap when I get the BFN. It's like groundhog's day every month. Rave: It's not a rave kind of day. 


4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week? I used to be really good about meal prepping but lately I just really suck at it. Motivation is a huge factor. I will get back on that horse soon.

chloe97

Thanks @laeberge3 My Dr keeps increasing my dose and I think the actual issue was that I wasn't taking it correctly. Now that I'm actually drinking a full glass of water, it's made my hormones go kablooey.

@yolandamunoz So sorry about our EDD!

@kidria I'm so sorry that you've had to cut out a friend. I had to do the same this year because a friend was just becoming too much (and made some insensitive comments about my loss). I know I'm better off without her, but yeah the ding to the social life hits hard!

@fivetimesnoluck, @TScalei @szwill86 I'm so sorry for the EDDs this week/month. @fivetimesnoluck having 2 in one month seems particularly cruel. Thinking of you.

@dpjennifer I'm glad you're getting counseling after your MC. I hope it goes well. I'm starting with a new therapist tomorrow. In the General Rants thread last night, someone had posted that the same hormonal  reactions that happen with Postpartum Depeessuon happen after an MC. It actually is very helpful to know there's a biochemical reason I feel like I'm cracking up and it's not just the pressure.

@amberruka Enjoy NOLA! That's what on my list with DH. Is the Zika situation ok down there? Maybe we will plan a Fall trip. 

@SoonToBeMommaHowe I hear you on the pregnancy announcements, Last night an old colleague posted a FB picture of her 9 month belly like "surprise!" Ugh why do people do these things?

@2fitBees I'm glad you liked the Polly post. I should've put a shout out to @BornReady-since I stole it from her. So many good things mentioned there. I want to post it in FB, but I probably won't. 

RiverSong15

1. Not new, but here are the Cliff Notes. 33 yo. 1st MC Dec '15 at 7 wks. 2nd MC in April '16 at 10 wks (BO). 

2. Benched Until Nov/Dec for life and emotional health reasons. 

3. My most recent bloodwork came back. Anticardiolipin antibodies dropped down to 11, which is just below the upper limit of normal. My OB says I do not have APS and no further testing is necessary. My TSH came back and now things are trending the opposite direction - TSH was 0.5 and now I have to cut back on my dose. I'm so sick and tired of this back and forth with doses. Re-check will happen in 4-6 weeks, although I'd like to call my Endo and ask what the risks are if we TTC with an over treated thyroid. 

I reacted badly to getting my bloodwork results back. H was happy I didn't have APS (and I am too...I swear). But I just got hit with this dread - If there's nothing to *fix*, then how can I expect a different outcome next time? And since my levels were still close to the top of the range, I'm worried I'm in a gray area medically where it may cause a problem but no one will treat it. Irrational a bit, I know. How do I find the faith to try again when past experience tells me I will fail? Not a good weekend in the Riversong Household. Bless H and his infinite patience though. I don't know how I'd make it through this crap without him. 

4. We meal-prep on the weekend (typically Sundays). We batch-cook two meals and typically eat one for lunches and the other for dinners. We usually save a meal or two for other things though - eating the same thing 4x in a week seems to be my limit. Laundry and errands happen the same day we meal prep. That gives us one day for fun and the other for "adulting". 

ETA: Sorry for the post and ghost. I'll return to respond to others when work gets a little less crazy!

chloe97

Ugh @RiverSong15 I'm sorry for your thyroid issues and high negative regarding APS. I would be thinking the same way that you are. I've had the same thoughts about PCOS since my numbers are testosterone and androgen are higher (and my AMH is sky-high).

 Did you have pathology done? Chromosomal abnormalities are a crap shoot and the cause of most miscarriages. Unfortunately, there's no "fix", but chances are good that won't happen 3 times in a row. I have to tell myself this everyday. It's not easy!

RiverSong15

@chloe97 We didn't have pathology done on the products of conception. The first MC happened on a Saturday the day after Christmas, and I went from spotting to a complete MC in less than 12 hours. It was my first and I was in shock, so I didn't think to save anything. Our second was a blighted ovum, so not really enough there to test. H and I were karyotyped, so that's some peace of mind that we don't have any obvious chromosomal problems that we're passing on, but certainly doesn't exclude chromosomal causes of MC.

You and I seem to be in the same boat, bloodwork-wise. My testosterone was high normal, DHEA was one point above upper limit of normal, high AMH (8), intransigent thyroid. I asked one of the radiologists during one of my many ultrasounds if my ovaries looked polycystic and she said no, though. I'm also heterozygous MTHFR. I wish things would either be thoroughly normal, or definitely not normal so that I could either fix it or not be worried about it. 

I I think I need to make that appointment with the RPL-specialist RE to discuss all this. I feel like I'd trust her opinion more than my OB's (as much as I love her). H is willing, although I think it's only because he wants to calm down my anxiety. He tries to counterbalance my pessimism with optimism, which just makes me feel like he's invalidating my fears when I'm already anxious. Blargh. It's hard to accept that we were just exceptionally unlucky and that there isn't an underlying problem.

Anyways, regarding your thyroid, when was your last dose increase? It takes 4-6 weeks for a dose increase to really have an effect. And FWIW, my Endo said taking the meds with a full glad of water wasn't all that important. She was more concerned about interactions around meals, calcium or iron rich foods, etc. 

roxgibbons

Finally get to respond to everyone:

@fivetimesnoluck  GL for the upcoming cycle! I'm sorry about the upcoming ED@szhaines
@szwill86 Sorry for EDD-it's so hard

@brooklyngirl18 have fun on your trip and GL with this cycle
@kidria welcome!!
@SFtoBKtoYVR what a great surprise from DH.
@RiverSong15 I understand about the whole if there is nothing to fix- how is can you expect a different outcome. I recently went through a whole slew of blood tests and as my RE said- everything looks normal- so what the hell?? I'm sorry. Hang in there.

@2fitBees sounds promising!

@chloe97 sorry you are having a hard time with the meds and health stuff. Maybe suggest to the dr that you're not feeling well on the higher dose without going into too much detail. 

Aera11

Wow, a lot has happened already!

@chloe97 that is so scary.  My sister gets migraines like that and they are horrible. I hope your doctor can find a better treatment for you.

@fivetimesnoluck EDD are always hard and I hope you take extra good care of yourself!  

@NewMommyCoop I am in agreement with you on if there is a meal planned, we don't spontaneously go out to eat.  So true!

@TScalei so glad you're feeling great!  I feel like even though I have had more anxiety of late, my bitterness is less and that makes me feel better.  Less angsty and ready to be happy for others (hopefully, haha).

@SFtoBKtoYVR let us know how your test goes tomorrow!

@roxgibbons I'm so sorry you're feeling down this whole process can be so draining.  It literally takes an emotional, physical and mental toll on every one of us.  Sending good vibes your way girl.



2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.):  TWW, I am 13DPO and don't know if I will test or just wait to see if AF comes and if not, blood draw on Friday morning.  I looked at my last cycle where I got my BFP and I didn't test oil CD38 (I am CD32 right now), so I am going to try to hold off.  I don't remember feeling this testing anxiety back in November but maybe all that has happened since then has made me forget.  

3. Rants/raves:  Mostly doing okay right now.  My anxiety has been at bay because I've been out of town and busy, but we'll see if it resumes tomorrow when I get back into a routine.  I am a little nervous about blood work Friday and getting a BFN because we are throwing my mom a surprise 60th that night and then I have a surprise 30th on Saturday for a very close friend.  I don't want to be depressed and a debbie-downer but I feel like this past cycle was draining in so many ways, that I will be an emotional wreck Friday when I need to pull my shit together and get things done.  Not to mention socialize with friends of my parents who are sure to ask about babies.  DH said I should call my RE and if AF hasn't started by Thursday, so ask if I can just wait till Sunday or Monday to come in so I don't ruin my weekend.  I feel like it will be anxiety all around either way.

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week?  I am a planner by nature and for work, so I try to keep to a (flexible) schedule.  I usually do my grocery shopping Monday mornings with the old people...it's great and peaceful.  I cannot and will not do Sundays because it's loaded with people in a hurry and screaming kids, and that chaos has made me often forget getting something which drives me batty.  I try to cook M, T, W, TH leftovers (at least for DH, I don't usually like them) and then I'll cook again Friday or Sunday.  It's super rare for me to cook on a Saturday, that's usually our night out or we get take out.  I wash or switch out the sheets on Mondays and Fridays.  

rainbowturtles

@chloe97 that REALLY sucks about all your health concerns and shitty doctors are the worst How long before they test your thyroid again or is there any end in sight as far as synthroid if you think it's just making things worse? You mentioned that you think you're now taking it properly so are you able to manipulate the dosage a bit on your own and see if that helps or is that a bad idea for you? I hope you can get some better assistance  

@fivetimesnoluck I'm so sorry about your EDD and the added pressure this cycle brings

@MimoCa GL with the restaurant and maybe some other good news ...aw man just read your update about the delay...BOOOO!

@NewMommyCoop I hope you have a great long weekend when the time comes and that your body is back on track ASAP 

@szwill86 sorry about your approaching EDD, too. Looks like there's a few of us with upcoming EDDs Mine is around Halloween

@brooklyngirl18 my DH's advice was similar, to "not think like that". They make it sound so easy... And yay for good timing; fx for you

@amberruka I hope your bw comes back okay

@SoonToBeMommaHowe I'm sorry about the recent announcements. I'd have a hard time being happy for them, too, if I knew the husband was like that poor kid  

@JDW0325 yay for temping and hopefully O!

@dpjennifer I hope the new counsellor is a better fit and yay to dressing up! 

@TScalei hopefully it does mean your body is getting back to normal and happy to hear you're feeling better than you have in a while

@2fitBees fx for you!

@kidria sorry your donor is unavailable this cycle. That must be hard about your partner's friend but you have to do what's best for you

@yolandamunoz so sorry about your EDD, too, and about your friend ready to give birth All the hugs 

@laeberge3 GL in your TWW. The first one can be really hard

@SFtoBKtoYVR glad you enjoyed your stay in Van Ooo I love Louis CK!!!

@roxgibbons it's SUCH a hard hard process we are all incredibly strong to keep going

@RiverSong15 I understand your feelings about your bw. I find it so hard to trust medicine/doctors sometimes

1. Introduce yourself (if you're new): not new but MC in February, TTC since June/July (with one previous MC ten years ago)

2. Status (WTO, TWW, Benched, etc.): WTO, CD12 but all signs are pointing to soon

3. Rants/raves: lots of EWCM today and near positive OPK. Just hoping we can catch it when DH gets back -supposedly Wednesday night, now- because a wasted cycle right before my EDD will be pretty upsetting. Trying hard to stay positive and relaxed. On the rave side: I had really hurt my lower back but I think it's starting to feel better and my incision is doing well

4. GTKY: Does anybody have any routines for the week (like meal prepping, day specific activities) or special things you do on Monday to help you make it through the week?
It's been so hard to plan anything with DH's schedule lately. I like to menu plan and then shop accordingly about once per week. These last two weeks have been brutal for me health-wise so hoping to get back on track soon!

Redpuma119

I have a few questions regarding meds and conditions that some of the pp's mentioned. Hopefully this is the right place to ask.
as far as testosterone and thyroid issues- were these things you guys had before pregnancy or did they come about after? And can you tell a difference (good or bad) with taking medications for them?

we just did a round of blood work to test for like 30 different things and I'm trying to wrap my brain around them. 
Thanks ladies!

RiverSong15

@RedPuma119 Testing can absolutely be overwhelming, so you're not alone!

For my thyroid, my PCP checked it during an annual physical because I mentioned we were thinking of TTC. My TSH came back high, even after rechecking it 3 months later, so we started treating it. It's taken a long time for it to be in goal range. My numbers have been bouncing around a lot, but since we were managing it appropriately during my pregnancies, none of my doctors think it's related to my losses. Hypothyroidism CAN cause miscarriages though, so it's a good thing to check. It's pretty easy to treat. I have subclinical hypothyroidism, which means that my thyroid was just starting to fail when they caught it. I did not have very many symptoms before or after. I'm exhausted all the time, but that hasn't gone away, so it must be related to something else. I've done a lot of research on thyroid issues, and I know other women on the board have thyroid issues too, so let us know if you have any other questions. 

My OB checked androgens (testosterone and DHEA) after my first loss, but only because I was concerned about my hair loss/receding hairline. High androgens are commonly associated with PCOS, so that was one of my concerns. She does not think it was related to my loss. Statistically, women with PCOS have slightly higher rates of MC, but I've been unable to find any research studies that look at WHY. Since I ovulate regularly and only slightly later that "average" (CD18 is my average), no one is worried about it. My hair loss/hairline issue is something that I've had for years and is unrelated to my pregnancies.

Hopefully that was helpful! I just did all the RPL testing this summer, and I know it can be overwhelming!

JDW0325

Still no positive OPK here. Damn wild cycles after loss. 
Other signs point to O today so I am so confussseeeedddd

chloe97

Wow @RiverSong15 We do have very similar blood test results. I also have had noticeable hair loss for 5 years, though my hair started out abnormally thick and so Drs don't believe me! We
Has anyone said anything to you about Synthroid dose being too high causing fatigue? I've been fatigued ever since my dose was raised and so I'm starting to wonder if it's related.

Let me know what the RE tells you. Mine tells me everything looks normal except the TSH, which just isn't very helpful. I'm doing a saline sonogram next week so they will finally look at my ovaries so they can see whether there are multiple follicles or not. Drs have said that they were polycystic 9 years ago, but no one has mentioned it in my post-MC or pregnancy ultrasounds. 

RiverSong15

@fivetimesnoluck Hugs for the upcoming EDD and FX for this cycle. I really hope this is it for you!

@MimoCa Your restaurant and food truck food sounds so delicious. I hope you don't have any more setbacks.

@NewMommyCoop Colorado Springs sounds amazing. Have fun!

@szwill86 EDDs suck... hugs!

@brooklyngirl18 Have fun in Charleston!

@amberruka NOLA sounds fun! H wants to go there over the winter, but I'm worried about Zika. What's their situation like there?

@TScalei and @yolandamunoz Big hugs for the upcoming EDDs. 

@roxgibbons So many hugs. I constantly admire your perseverance every month. I hope this next cycle is it for you!

@Aera11 Good luck this cycle! FX for a BFP!

@kidria - Sorry for the benched cycle, but welcome to the board!

@dpjennifer Good luck with your new therapist! I've been feeling calmer and more even-keeled since going to my counselor, so I hope you find someone you can confide in. Hugs.

@rainbowturtles I hope O holds off for your DH to get back!

@chloe97 -Apparently fatigue is a symptom of both hyper- and hypothyroidism. Nothing like nice and generic symptoms to help a diagnosis... Hyperthyroidism can cause sleep problems too, and I imagine that would contribute to fatigue. I always sleep like crap though, so who knows?

Redpuma119

@riversong15 thank you!! That was super informative. I wish my dr could say it exactly like you did. I'm not an idiot- but dumb it down a bit, ya know?

amberruka

@chloe97 and @RiverSong15 I checked online and all documented cases of Zika in New Orleans were people who were infected somewhere else, but all the news ends in August. Honestly, I'm not worried. 

I never had my thyroid checked prior to MC, but all my symptoms started 2 weeks after my MC: weight loss, neck swelling, hair falling out and yes, I couldn't sleep more than 1-2 hours for a week because my heart was beating so fast. Endo thought was post-partum thyroiditis but changed to "T3-dependent Graves' Disease" (which is more fun to say, ha ha!) over the next months with all the bloodwork. I'll never know if I had subclinical hyperthyroid before getting KU, but what's done is done. 

yolandamunoz

thank you @Chloe97 @rainbowturtles and @RiverSong15 I've been good, and looking at this milestone with hope. I did have a freakout moment last week, during my FW. I hope that was the worst of it. One never knows.

laeberge3

@Redpuma119 - I first had my thyroid tested this summer because of unexplained mid-cycle bleeding that lasted ~6 weeks.  The nurse originally told me the TSH level was normal, but it was above 4, which is not ideal for TTC.  I had it retested two weeks ago and it was lower but still above 2.5, so she started me on Synthroid.  I've not noticed any real differences/side effects, but I'm only a few days in.  Unfortunately, I have no idea if it was high prior to my MC in February, but I do wonder about that now.