~Newbie Check in~~~

ct103 · July 2012

Hi ladies! I hope Monday has treated you well! I feel like I've seen a lot of intros in the last week, which makes me feel so sad as this means that you've all experienced loss. I am so sorry and my heart is with you. I truly hope you all start using the check-in as a safe place to ask questions and share your feelings.

Welcome to TTC After Loss.

I'm so sorry for your loss but am happy you have found us. 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 to your rainbow baby.

For those of you so new 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, I will try my best to get you an answer.

Please take the time to read the TTCAL blog to answer any questions you may have regarding our board etiquette, TTC, miscarriages & loss, and much more: https://www.ttcalblog.blogspot.com/

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

weaselwam- I see that you are CD1 today. Does this mean that you're crossing over to TTC status? I sure hope it is, so long as that is what you want.

annarussell- Congrats on the OPK+! Hopefully you get a nice little temp rise in the next couple days. Onwards and upwards!

Fuzzy21- Did you have your post m/c appointment yet? If so, how did it go?

centralperk- I would like to say welcome to the check in and I'm so sorry for your loss. To answer your question, post-mc AF can do whatever she wants! Has your AF arrived yet? Personally, I had very few symptoms that she was coming; she just kind of showed up. I have heard many other stories from women who have had horrible symptoms or an irregular flow or pretty much anything odd that you can think of!

ravenclaw1- Hello and welcome to the check in! I am so sorry for your loss, but I'm glad you have found us. Did you have your appointment today? How did it go?

kread8- Glad to hear you and your DH are able to enjoy your intimacy again. centralperk covered most of the acronyms, but I would also like to add my personal favorite "DTD" (do the deed). Enjoy!

larivierek- Welcome to the check-in! I am so sorry for your loss. I agree with the others who already answered you that temping during the day will not give you accurate results. The best time to get reliable temps is when you've been sleeping 3-5 hours at least and usually early in the morning. Temps during every other time can be irratic. Do you work night shifts, or do you just wake up a lot?

dmalone102- Yay for AF! How did the HSG and pelvic u/s go? I think I remember you posting a few days ago that you are in fact TTC again. I can only imagine your tests went well then!

Tip of the week:

This is not so much a tip, as rather an educational article. I love knowing this stuff, so I wanted to share!

How the Brain Dictates Your Monthly Reproductive Health

!

Consider this: your reproductive cycle is one elegant system of communication loops. Like the intricate steps in the tango, every single event leads to another event, which leads to another event. The first event each month for our reproductive cycle actually happens in the brain. And it is hormones that are passed between the hypothalamus and the pituitary.

The Hypothalamus

A word about these small yet very powerful glands in the middle of our brains. First, the hypothalamus. Think of the hypothalamus as the peace-maker, or the referee. The hypothalamus regulates homeostasis in our body ? from sensing body temperature, hunger and thirst, to stress and reproduction. It takes information from all parts of our bodies, and then sends data to help provide balance. In more technical terms it links the nervous system with the endocrine system. Whether it is telling us to eat, increasing our body temperature, or activating our flight-or-fight response ? it helps to provide the activity required by our bodies to stay healthy, out of harms way, and to get our bodies ready for reproduction. The name of the game for the hypothalamus is balance.

Also, isn?t it interesting to note that this gland ? the size of an almond and located in the middle of the brain, behind our nose ? is not only responsible for our reproductive health BUT also regulates stress? What do you think takes precedence in the brain ? responding to danger or ovulation to procreate? What if the stress is always there ? or chronic? But I?ll leave that for another post.

The Pituitary

Part and parcel with the hypothalamus is the pituitary, which falls right below the hypothalamus. Even though it is called the ?master endocrine gland? in the body, the pituitary is the worker bee and is directly controlled by the hypothalamus (the other endocrine glands are the thyroid and the adrenal glands). The pituitary gland secretes hormones regulating homeostasis, including hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands. The hypothalamus instructs the pituitary through the release of Gonadotropin Release Hormone (GnRH) to release hormones to the ovaries. The hormones that the pituitary gland secrets to the ovaries includes Lutenizing Hormone (?LH?) and Follicular Stimulating Hormone (?FSH?).

This is where we get to talk about the feedback loop system. It?s best to explain this in terms of what happens before and through ovulation, and then what happens post ovulation.

Leading Up To Ovulation

GnRH is sent from the hypothalamus to the pituitiary ?releasing? (the ?R? in GnRH stands for releasing hormone) more specific fertility hormones to the ovaries. The ovaries bind with these hormones, which are instructing the ovaries to stimulate one or more follicles to grow for that month?s cycle. In response to this activity, the ovaries release estrogen which binds with the pituitary to tell it to increase the FSH and LH in a feedback loop. This builds until the LH surge, and one of the ovaries releases a fully formed egg into the fallopian tube.

After Ovulation

Independent on whether or not the egg becomes fertilized, the follicle that released the egg (at this point called the corpus luteum) begins to emit progesterone, which tells the uterus to build nutrients and blood to accept the fertilized egg. The egg actually stays in the fallopian tube for a few days and then floats around in the uterus for a while until it finally either implants in the walls of the uterus in pregnancy. If no pregnancy, the uterus sheds the lining during menstruation.

Quote of the week:

"Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true." -Leon J. Suenes

QOTD:

If you could go one place in the world right now, where would it be?

weaslewam · July 2012

Hey!! Yeah we are officially ttc but I was really weirded out getting cd1 after only a 20 day cycle. I hope that my body gets normal this cycle!!!!

If I could go anywhere right now I would go to an all inclusive island resort with a marg in hand and the sun in my face

ct103 · July 2012

annarussell05:

annarussell- Congrats on the OPK+! Hopefully you get a nice little temp rise in the next couple days. Onwards and upwards!

I hope you are right! I've never temped before this cycle, so I am hoping to see that temp rise soon! It is very frustrating watching that +OPK pass me by, knowing DH and I are still TTA, but I know it's for the good of the cause

QOTD:

If you could go one place in the world right now, where would it be?

Right now, I would go to London and watch the Olympics!!

I can imagine how hard it must have been to not make use of that OPK+. But everyday gets you closer!

I would totally go to the Olympics with you! That is where I would be right now.

Loveniz · July 2012

Hi ladies, hope everyone had a good day. I'm currently in the 2WW about 8 or 9 DPO......FF keeps changing my Ovulation day. I really like charting so far, but not sure if my chart looks good or not. If I could go anywhere it would be Tahiti!

HoolahZinger · July 2012

I'm newer. I thought I'd be a quick in and out with a BFP after trying when we were cleared. But I lost the baby less than a week after finding out. So here I am. Again

SopranoMama · July 2012

Hi There!

I tried to check in last week (I think... maybe it was the week before) but I think that I was too late in the day. Hopefully I caught you this time!

We had a natural m/c on June 19 at about 6 1/2 weeks. It was our first try at our first pregnancy and we went from being completely elated by getting pregnant on the first cycle to being completely devastated to lose the baby.

Our Dr. gave us the all clear to start trying as soon as we felt ready and while we're still dealing with a whole pile of pain... we want to be parents enough that it's worth it to try again. According to FF (Just based on cycle length and CM since I'm not temping or using OPK) I should be coming up on fertile territory right about now. So we're hoping for the best (and having fun trying in the mean time)

As for the QOTD: Right now I would LOVE to be back where DH and I had our honeymoon. A super crazy all inclusive in Cancun where anything you wanted you just had to ask for and every request was greeted with "it would be my pleasure". Crystal clear turquoise blue water, an infinity pool, and everything smelled slightly of flowers. *Sigh* Yup... would love love love to be there right now.

*Edited because I apparently can't type tonight*

starrkitten89 · July 2012

Hi! I just posted an intro today.

I'm currently on CD10. No +OPK yet,but I've had some EWCM and we're planning on EOD this week (CD9-16).

QOTD: I'd go to Disney World.

larivierek · July 2012

After last week's check in, I took your advice and did some more research. I have decided that once AF comes, I will start temping regularly 1/2 hour before I'm supposed to get up--same time every day. My wake up times have been variable, mostly because of DD, but I think if I make this commitment, it will be easier.

At the beginning of the week, I thought AF had shown up, but it was just more spotting. I had more today too. I thought it was AF (first since m/c) because all of a sudden the blood was bright red again. But, alas...more spotting.

Thank you for posting the article!

ct103 · July 2012

weaslewam:
Hey!! Yeah we are officially ttc but I was really weirded out getting cd1 after only a 20 day cycle. I hope that my body gets normal this cycle!!!!
If I could go anywhere right now I would go to an all inclusive island resort with a marg in hand and the sun in my face

Yeah, I saw that 20 day cycle. I'm so sorry. Just know that you're not the only one who had wonky cycles post mc. I truly hope this one brings you closer to normalcy.

ct103 · July 2012

Fayga:
I don't remember if I have done this or not yet so here I am! Anyway I think I just got done with first AF after losing my son it was light and kinda spotty and funky but had all the tall tell signs of AF cramps and braking out like a 15 y/o boy you know the fun stuff... Oh well...3 cycles more and *hopefully* DH and I can retire the condoms again...if my A1C's all come back good during that time.
QOTD:

If you could go one place in the world right now, where would it be?
Scotland! My family has a castle there and I would love to see it!

Hello and welcome. I am so sorry for your loss of your dear son. I can't even imagine. I hope your body bounces back ASAP!

The castle in Scotland sounds amazing. I've been there, but I stayed in a hotel, lol.

ct103 · July 2012

Loveniz:
Hi ladies, hope everyone had a good day. I'm currently in the 2WW about 8 or 9 DPO......FF keeps changing my Ovulation day. I really like charting so far, but not sure if my chart looks good or not. If I could go anywhere it would be Tahiti!

Hey lady! Your chart looks gorgeous! FX for you. Just a couple more days and you can start testing...

ct103 · July 2012

HoolahZinger:
I'm newer. I thought I'd be a quick in and out with a BFP after trying when we were cleared. But I lost the baby less than a week after finding out. So here I am. Again

I'm so sorry my dear. I saw your BFP and your loss, and my heart aches for you. Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

ct103 · July 2012

sctiger52408:
I posted an intro today after finding out about our loss last Wednesday and having a D&E on Thursday. My post-op appointment is August 10 and we're going to discuss the next steps, which will be the same protocol as the one we used to get the BFP. We need to figure out when to start Provera since I have hypothalamic amenorrhea and don't ovulate on my own and to make sure my body has recovered from the D&E.
If I could be anywhere right now it would be on a tour of the British Isles. I've always wanted to visit there!

I saw your intro today and I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you found your way to the check-in, but I'm sorry you have to be here. Please keep us posted about all of your appointments and updates.

ct103 · July 2012

SopranoMama:
Hi There!
I tried to check in last week (I think... maybe it was the week before) but I think that I was too late in the day. Hopefully I caught you this time!
We had a natural m/c on June 19 at about 6 1/2 weeks. It was our first try at our first pregnancy and we went from being completely elated by getting pregnant on the first cycle to being completely devastated to lose the baby.
Our Dr. gave us the all clear to start trying as soon as we felt ready and while we're still dealing with a whole pile of pain... we want to be parents enough that it's worth it to try again. According to FF (Just based on cycle length and CM since I'm not temping or using OPK) I should be coming up on fertile territory right about now. So we're hoping for the best (and having fun trying in the mean time)
As for the QOTD: Right now I would LOVE to be back where DH and I had our honeymoon. A super crazy all inclusive in Cancun where anything you wanted you just had to ask for and every request was greeted with "it would be my pleasure". Crystal clear turquoise blue water, an infinity pool, and everything smelled slightly of flowers. *Sigh* Yup... would love love love to be there right now.

*Edited because I apparently can't type tonight*

Hi lady. I'm so sorry for your loss. You had your loss just a couple days before my EDD. Sigh. It's so sad how we have to live with these memories.

Good luck with charting and with TTC! We'll all be here to cheer you on.

Your honeymoon getaway sounds amazing!

ct103 · July 2012

starrkitten89:
Hi! I just posted an intro today.

I'm currently on CD10. No +OPK yet,but I've had some EWCM and we're planning on EOD this week (CD9-16).

QOTD: I'd go to Disney World.

Hello and welcome. I am so sorry for your loss, but I'm happy you've made your way over to TTCAL and to the check in. That EWCM sounds promising, hopefully you get that OPK+ soon. Good luck with the EOD!

ct103 · July 2012

larivierek:
After last week's check in, I took your advice and did some more research. I have decided that once AF comes, I will start temping regularly 1/2 hour before I'm supposed to get up--same time every day. My wake up times have been variable, mostly because of DD, but I think if I make this commitment, it will be easier.
At the beginning of the week, I thought AF had shown up, but it was just more spotting. I had more today too. I thought it was AF (first since m/c) because all of a sudden the blood was bright red again. But, alas...more spotting.
Thank you for posting the article!

Good luck with the temping! Your plan sounds good, although I imagine it could be hard with your DD.

I'm sorry about your confusing AF/spotting. I wish I had more answers for you.

ct103 · July 2012

dmalone1024:
Hi everyone! My HSG and pelvic u/s were both normal. We're TTC again, which is crazy since it's taken us three cycles to get to this point. DH was so excited about the normal results, he surprised me with a yellow orchid and a date night I'm spoiled sometimes lol.

QOTD: The ocean. I went this past weekend and forgot how much I love floating in the water. Ahhh...

That's wonderful news! Congrats on TTC again, good luck! Your DH sounds like a very sweet guy.

Oh man, I would SO much rather go to the beach than go to work right now!

LLPtobe · July 2012

So, I think I missed the Newbie check in last week. I don't really have any 'newbie' questions right now, but appreciate that you do this check in for the newer members of the board. Right now I'm still waiting for my first AF post-D&C so that we can start TTC.

QOTD: Santorini, Greece

kread8 · July 2012

Hi All!

I am currently just waiting for my first AF to show her face... I've had off and on weird "phantom" period cramps and sore boobs so hopefully she is on her way...

QOTD:

If you could go one place in the world right now, where would it be?

I would go to the Mexican Resort we went to for our honeymoon! I could use a vacation right now!!!

ct103 · July 2012

LLPtobe:

So, I think I missed the Newbie check in last week. I don't really have any 'newbie' questions right now, but appreciate that you do this check in for the newer members of the board. Right now I'm still waiting for my first AF post-D&C so that we can start TTC.

QOTD: Santorini, Greece

Hello and welcome. I hope your AF arrives before you know it and you can move forward!

Greece is amazing. I would love to be there right now too!

ct103 · July 2012

kread8:

Hi All!

I am currently just waiting for my first AF to show her face... I've had off and on weird "phantom" period cramps and sore boobs so hopefully she is on her way...

QOTD:

If you could go one place in the world right now, where would it be?

I would go to the Mexican Resort we went to for our honeymoon! I could use a vacation right now!!!

I'll send you some AF dust as well! Hopefully your phantom symptoms are real and she's right around the corner.

centralperk · August 2012

Sorry this is a little late as I wasn't on the computer much yesterday. Thanks for the warm welcome

I got AF last weekend. I had some really bad headaches and some spotting for a couple to days to let me know it was on the way. I am now on cd 6 though I am not sure we are try trying this cycle. I am still really nervous to jump right in even though my dr gave me the green light to try right off the bat. My sister sent me a picture of her growing belly and even though it stings at first I am so excited that I get to become an aunt that the sadness goes away a little bit and the joy comes out.

OOTD: I would like to be on a cruise with my whole family right now. It could be nice someplace warm like the caribbean but also Alaska has always been a dream so that would be fine too.

ohh I love all the info yo provide. It is really interesting to read. Thanks for making this check in.

hellotarra · August 2012

I'm late to the party. I had a show open today and then got food poisoning.

I have my post mc apt on Thursday.

I'd really love to be in France right now.

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~Newbie Check in~~~