Stupid cycle.

adunkin · February 2013

Just when you think you've got your body figured out it goes and throws a curve ball. *sigh*

Last month was a bit of a weird cycle. Super light (even lighter than usual - and usual only requires panty liners for several days) and the AF bloating never went away. I tested several times (as late as 19dpo) so am pretty confident I didn't get KTFU.

This month I O'd on CD 19 - typical. Had some O spotting that lasted about 1.5 days - nothing too heavy but noticeable for sure and the first time it's happened. Then on 5dpo I started spotting again. I was hopeful it would last a day or two and be this infamous IB spotting that always seems to come up. But I'm now on day 5 of spotting (9dpo) and it definitely isn't going away. It's actually as heavy if not heavier that my last several AF.

Relevant deets: I do not temp (doesn't work for me - there's no way I sleep 3+ hours at a time ever). I do use the CBFM and OPKs. I have had blood work to confirm ovulation. I usually O between CD19-22. My LP is on the shorter side at 9-10 days. Assuming this is AF, it is my 12th cycle since stopping BC (NuvaRing).

I'm guessing this will just end up being chalked up as a weird cycle with a 5 day LP. If I do schedule an appt with the doctor about it, any ideas/suggestions as to what might be causing it? In what direction might we be looking? (Google was completely unhelpful.)

Stupid cycle. I totally wasn't prepared for a 5 day LP this month. We were supposed to start Clomid this month. However, I'm doing Day 3-7 so it seems I've missed the window for this month.

(Where we live, you have to do 3 rounds of low dose unmonitored Clomid before doing any additional fertility testing. We've already had SA, initial blood work and ultrasound. No HSG or other testing until 3 months of unsuccessful low dose Clomid. I know, I know - it isn't the way it works in the States, but I've asked around, I've double checked and it's still the way it seems to work here.)

TIA for any thoughts/ideas/suggestions! (And for letting me rant!)

sueann911 · February 2013

Have you tried temping? You say it won't work for you, but have you tried it?

Where do you live that unmonitored medicated cycles are standard?

peanutmuse · February 2013

1) I think you should try temping, despite your sleep problems. There are many people who deal with insomnia, infants who do not STTN, shift work, etc., but they are still able to figure out a way to temp.

2) Just because that's the way it's done there with Clomid doesn't mean that you should just shrug your shoulders and put your head in the sand. Have you read this girl's story about one, single low dose of unmonitored Clomid? (Link) ETA: It was her second month, but this is still extremely relevant.

3) It's hard for me, personally, to visualize all the details without a chart to look at (even without temps it would be helpful to see everything laid out). But I have a comment -- if your spotting now is heavier than when you consider you had your period last, then it's definitely your period.

Bottom line, with such light cycles and not really knowing what's going on with your body due to not temping, unmonitored Clomid seems like pretty much the worst choice you could make right now. ETA: Why don't you at least try temping for a few cycles before jumping into more serious stuff?

Good lord, my brain is apparently not awake yet. Edited to fix my words that made no sense.

Milagros315 · February 2013

peanut+muse:
1) I think you should try temping, despite your sleep problems. There are many people who deal with insomnia, infants who do not STTN, shift work, etc., but they are still able to figure out a way to temp.
2) Just because that's the way it's done there with Clomid doesn't mean that you should just shrug your shoulders and put your head in the sand. Have you read this girl's story about one, single low dose of unmonitored Clomid? (Link) ETA: It was her second month, but this is still extremely relevant.
3) It's hard for me, personally, to visual all the details without a chart to look at (even without temps it would be helpful to see everything laid out). But I have a question -- if your spotting now is heavier than when you consider you had your period last, then it's definitely your period.
Bottom line, with such light cycles and not really knowing what's going on with your body due to not temping, unmonitored Clomid seems like pretty much the worst choice you could make right now. ETA: Why don't you at least try temping for a few cycles before jumping into more serious stuff?

I agree with this. It makes so much sense to at least try temping for a few months. It's free and harmless, but it has the potential to provide you with so much information. Personally, the risks and expenses involved with IF testing and treatment (especially unmonitored) are great enough that I won't consider starting them until I felt 100% confident that I needed it.

peanutmuse · February 2013

jforsythia:
No advice really, other than telling you to just wait it out. I had had a couple of really strange cycles. I was convinced I was pregnant both times, but sure enough, I wasn't. And I tested starting 9DPO so I know I was never pregnant and it was just my body doing strange things. Just wait it out and good luck.

This response really isn't relevant to the OP's post. Did you actually read it?

adunkin · February 2013

jforsythia:
No advice really, other than telling you to just wait it out. I had had a couple of really strange cycles. I was convinced I was pregnant both times, but sure enough, I wasn't. And I tested starting 9DPO so I know I was never pregnant and it was just my body doing strange things. Just wait it out and good luck.

Thanks. I do appreciate the response. Sometimes commiseration is a comfort, for sure!

ETA: Quote fail

adunkin · February 2013

sueann911:
Have you tried temping? You say it won't work for you, but have you tried it? Where do you live that unmonitored medicated cycles are standard?

Temping does not work for me - for a variety of reasons. I have tried and I have decided that it is not part of an effective fertility plan for me. This standard is quite common outside of the US, just FYI.

Milagros315:
peanut+muse:
1) I think you should try temping, despite your sleep problems. There are many people who deal with insomnia, infants who do not STTN, shift work, etc., but they are still able to figure out a way to temp.
2) Just because that's the way it's done there with Clomid doesn't mean that you should just shrug your shoulders and put your head in the sand. Have you read this girl's story about one, single low dose of unmonitored Clomid? (Link) ETA: It was her second month, but this is still extremely relevant.
3) It's hard for me, personally, to visual all the details without a chart to look at (even without temps it would be helpful to see everything laid out). But I have a question -- if your spotting now is heavier than when you consider you had your period last, then it's definitely your period.
Bottom line, with such light cycles and not really knowing what's going on with your body due to not temping, unmonitored Clomid seems like pretty much the worst choice you could make right now. ETA: Why don't you at least try temping for a few cycles before jumping into more serious stuff?
I agree with this. It makes so much sense to at least try temping for a few months. It's free and harmless, but it has the potential to provide you with so much information. Personally, the risks and expenses involved with IF testing and treatment (especially unmonitored) are great enough that I won't consider starting them until I felt 100% confident that I needed it.

Milagros - I agree with this. (And if you've seen many of my other posts, you'll remember me as the one who researches a lot with a bit of a medical background.) This would be why I decided not to take the Clomid when first prescribed a few months ago. I've waited, given it more time and done a good amount of research - both online and in-country. No medication - herbal or pharmaceutical - should be taken lightly.

peanut+muse - Thanks to blood work, ultrasounds and CBFM I think I (and my specialist) have a pretty good idea of what's going on with my body. I know when my estrogen dips and surges, as well as when my LH surges. I know that I have a short LP (9-10 days) even on good cycles. And I know that I do not have PCOS, which has been proven to cause more complications with Clomid use.

The story/experience you quote is scary and very real. Being aware and taking care of your health is very important. That said, it is important to remember that serious complications can and do happen with both birth control and pregnancy.

And for the record, I decided to go ahead and call my doc about this. We spoke and I didn't rely on internet strangers to solve my medical frustrations. Stick out tongue

adunkin · February 2013

krptcmschfmkr128:
adunkin:
jforsythia:
No advice really, other than telling you to just wait it out. I had had a couple of really strange cycles. I was convinced I was pregnant both times, but sure enough, I wasn't. And I tested starting 9DPO so I know I was never pregnant and it was just my body doing strange things. Just wait it out and good luck.
Thanks. I do appreciate the response. Sometimes commiseration is a comfort, for sure!
ETA: Quote fail
So you're going to ignore everyone telling you that you shouldn't do it for the one person who told you what you want to read?

Take a deep breath and relax a bit. A long and thoughtful reply takes a bit of time to write!

peanutmuse · February 2013

IMO, the excuse about BCP and pregnancies causing complications is a cop out so that you don't have to acknowledge that you are making a less than intelligent choice. It's your right to make whatever choice you want, but you won't find much support for unmonitored Clomid here. No matter how you spin it.

adunkin · February 2013

peanut+muse:
IMO, the excuse about BCP and pregnancies causing complications is a cop out so that you don't have to acknowledge that you are making a less than intelligent choice. It's your right to make whatever choice you want, but you won't find much support for unmonitored Clomid here. No matter how you spin it.

I've been on the board for 3 months so I definitely don't expect support for unmonitored Clomid from TTGP. (If this post seemed like I was fishing, it wasn't meant to be. Just frustrated - all the best laid plans and all that.) I was hoping to hear from others who have had random 5 day LPs, especially if ultimately it ended up being caused by something other than just a wonky cycle.

peanutmuse · February 2013

adunkin:
peanut+muse:
IMO, the excuse about BCP and pregnancies causing complications is a cop out so that you don't have to acknowledge that you are making a less than intelligent choice. It's your right to make whatever choice you want, but you won't find much support for unmonitored Clomid here. No matter how you spin it.
I've been on the board for 3 months so I definitely don't expect support for unmonitored Clomid from TTGP. (If this post seemed like I was fishing, it wasn't meant to be. Just frustrated - all the best laid plans and all that.) I was hoping to hear from others who have had random 5 day LPs, especially if ultimately it ended up being caused by something other than just a wonky cycle.

I didn't think it sounded like fishing at all. I really just question not temping, given your specific set of circumstances. You haven't really elaborated on why it doesn't work for you. Let me tell you, I am the worst sleeper. I never get 3 hrs straight either. I toss & turn for hours in the morning in this weird half-sleep thing. When I finally come to the realization that I'm awake & not falling back asleep, that's when I temp. No matter what time it is. And I am able to see shifts that correspond with OPKs and CM, even with my weird sleep thing.

peanutmuse · February 2013

krptcmschfmkr128:
adunkin:
I've been on the board for 3 months so I definitely don't expect support for unmonitored Clomid from TTGP.
Whether you've been here for 3 months or 3 years, I don't think you'd find any support for unmonitored Clomid cycles.

I don't think she meant it that way. I think she meant that she's been around enough to know that it wouldn't be supported.

adunkin · February 2013

peanut+muse:
krptcmschfmkr128:
adunkin:
I've been on the board for 3 months so I definitely don't expect support for unmonitored Clomid from TTGP.
Whether you've been here for 3 months or 3 years, I don't think you'd find any support for unmonitored Clomid cycles.
I don't think she meant it that way. I think she meant that she's been around enough to know that it wouldn't be supported.

Indeed. Yes - that's what I was trying to say, though obviously not very clearly!

adunkin · February 2013

peanut+muse:
adunkin:
peanut+muse:
IMO, the excuse about BCP and pregnancies causing complications is a cop out so that you don't have to acknowledge that you are making a less than intelligent choice. It's your right to make whatever choice you want, but you won't find much support for unmonitored Clomid here. No matter how you spin it.
I've been on the board for 3 months so I definitely don't expect support for unmonitored Clomid from TTGP. (If this post seemed like I was fishing, it wasn't meant to be. Just frustrated - all the best laid plans and all that.) I was hoping to hear from others who have had random 5 day LPs, especially if ultimately it ended up being caused by something other than just a wonky cycle.
I didn't think it sounded like fishing at all. I really just question not temping, given your specific set of circumstances. You haven't really elaborated on why it doesn't work for you. Let me tell you, I am the worst sleeper. I never get 3 hrs straight either. I toss & turn for hours in the morning in this weird half-sleep thing. When I finally come to the realization that I'm awake & not falling back asleep, that's when I temp. No matter what time it is. And I am able to see shifts that correspond with OPKs and CM, even with my weird sleep thing.

The problem is that my chart/temp is literally all over the place. I "see" much more with the CBFM, because the only thing I really have to do is not pee for several hours.

A few years back I had a severe bacterial infection in my brain. It left me with some permanent damage that includes near constant neurological pain. I've gone off the meds that help keep the pain in check as they aren't recommended in TTC. The pain often causes my temp to increase, especially at night when I'm laying flat and trying to sleep. I also have semi-frequent hot flashes that interrupt what little sleep I do get.

In addition to that, my primary source of pain management these days is physical and massage therapy. Unfortunately, I almost always run a fever (an unfortunate and uncomfortable side affect) for 1-2 days following therapy. I have therapy 1-2 times a week. So on a good week I have a guaranteed fever for 2-4 days, that's in addition to the temp spikes due to nervous system stress.

I know all of this makes for a less than ideal situation. It's the main reason we're working so closely with several specialists already. The plan is for me to stay off the meds for 18 months. If we haven't had any luck by then, we'll be looking into adoption. There is literally no way I could survive being pain medication free for several consecutive years while we attempt to procreate. Sometimes life sucks and then you make the best of it. *shrug*

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