@khbear117 I've been stalking FF pregnancy charts to see what the earliest acceptable day to test is. I've seen a very small number of ladies who test at 8 DPO and got a positive but the majority seem to start around 9-10. It will take all my strength not to start peeing on things tomorrow at 8 DPO!
Me: 32 & DH: 37
Married: November 2014
TTC #1 Since: October 2015
BFP #1: 11/18/15 - CP BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16 IT'S A BOY!!!! DS Born 10/16/16
Though it will be too early... Prob Thursday and Friday. I have a an annual trip planned with my sisters that will involve a beer bus tour and copious amounts of alcohol. I'll test to make my self feel better about it. FF recommends testing early next week.
R/R/CS:
Trying not to get too excited this cycle. I got waaaay ahead of myself last cycle and it didn't end well.
If we miss this one I need to think about whether or not we have to TTA yet because of a wedding I am in in November.
Also... Little sis is getting engaged this weekend (her BF is surprising her on our trip). I am excited for her (a little apprehensive about the idea of her getting married because she will always be 12 to me) but also wondering what their wedding plans will do to our TTC efforts. I am hoping they are planning a long engagement... Woo Hoo... In the running for Sister of the year over here.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
Not gonna lie... I'd probably spend a few days binge watching everything on Netflix. Then I'd likely develop my photography business some more and make more time for diy projects (and be able to afford the right tools to do them!)
CD/DPO: 9 or 10 DPO... Unreliable temping this cycle.. Depending on OPKS and cm (eek!)
Timing: eod almost all cycle long plus perceived o day
Testing Plans: not unless af is late...
R/R/CS: I've been snowboarding back country here... Thoughts on if this is safe for tww? It won't cause something to not implant right? I try very hard not to live like I'm pregnant... And while I'm not running to get a season pass, I don't want to miss out on some of the best snow we've seen in a while.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? I'd buy more camera lenses. Id cook extravagantly, foods we can't always afford to make. I'd travel like crazy. I'd build my dream log home in the mountains and hire help to do all the grunt work a mountain lifestyle requires.
@furbabymom what kind of photography are you into? I love wildlife and landscape and nature photography and bummed it doesn't pay... So I'll do families from time to time and have done a couple newborn shoots. I would love to be a photographer full time but we move for hubby's work a lot so it's hard to get it going
Married May 2014 TTC Nov 2014-Aug 2016 Aug 2015 Dx: Thyroid Cancer and Hashimotos Total Thyroidectomy October 2015 Ovarian Cystectomy Nov 2015 CANCER FREE and resumed TTC Dec 2015.
@gardeniagirlknits I mostly do people... Families, newborns and 1 year olds (love cake smashes!). I also do a couple of weddings on my own each year and second shoot for another wedding photographer (she also send works my way when she is busy). It's enough that I always have a backlog but not so much that my full time job gets in the way (much ).
Oddly enough, I have no eye or patience for landscapes lol. My dad, on the other hand, is great at it... I have just given up and accepted that unless I have plans to blow it up and hang it on my wall... An iPhone pic will suffice. Otherwise I will never edit it!
Timing: Awful: according to FF, -5, +3; see rant below
Testing Plans: None
R/R/CS: I hope this doesn't come off as BSC, but I am having lots of feels right now and have to rage to someone other than DH.
I am furious with my body this cycle. I have somewhat irregular cycles that average 38 days long and often go over 40 days. I have not seen a cycle under 30 days for well over a year. Last cycle was my first with an OPK, and I started testing on CD19 to be conservative -- I ended up ovulating on CD30. Today was supposed to be the beginning of my estimated fertile week, but instead I am apparently 4 DPO. I am LIVID. My long cycles makes waiting for the O a fun game of nerves because messing it up usually means waiting *more* than a month for the next O. So here I am, woefully looking at high temps way earlier than I expected with the added paranoia that the next cycle will be weirdly short or will be the longest I have ever had (over 50 days). I am so glad to add one more thing to worry that could go wrong with this process.
Though we have been officially trying only since September, I have been baby crazy for years. I have already become a pro at pretending to not be unusually delighted in other people's children, but now I am afraid that I am starting to loathe people with children. Last month, my unattached sister had an unplanned baby, and I feel so much jealousy that someone so uninterested in children is now experiencing what I have longed for.
Two questions:
1.) I just received my first batch of Wondfos. I used the Clearblue advanced OPK last cycle and generally liked it, aside from the price. Is it worth doing both? The cost of the Clearblue and the fact that *only* 10 strips are included -- which are entirely too few for the average length of my follicular phase -- makes me cautious about using them, but I am getting neurotic enough to feel like I need as many signs as possible. Do people who use both feel like it's worth it?
2.) Are there any stories on here of people who have undergone professional counseling or therapy for the TTC phase? The depth and range of negative emotions (anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, grief, helplessness, etc.) I have felt for the past few months has worried me. I know that the TTC process is not exactly a picnic for most people, but what level of sadness is normal?
Thanks for letting me unload, and sorry for the long rant.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? Travel!
Edit: Removed a stray "not," changed "ham" to "am"
Testing Plans: what's the earliest "real" acceptable testing day?
I second this question. On here it seems like once people get a bfn at 12dpo they say they're out. FF is still suggesting Friday (15 dpo) for me, but the calculator on countdowntopregnancy.com says tomorrow (12 dpo - seems like they're assuming average LP is 12 days...).
Just interested in hearing others' perspectives / advice / experiences!!!
Me: 36 | DH 35, Married 2007
TTC #1 June 2015 April 2016 - AMH, FSH, Progesterone normal June 2016 - HSG clear *TW* BFP - Aug16, demise confirmed Sep16, incomplete m/c, D&C Nov16 BFP 3/27/17, edd 12/7/17 DS - 12/9/17 TTC #2 December 2018 BFP 2/22/19, edd 11/4/19 DD - 11/1/19 My Chart
@MRSCORKER FX your chart looks great! (sorry to feed the
crazy)
@mamadomino you could to see if your temps are what they
are usually at post-O
@PoodleDoodleOoo Congratulations and happy and health 9 months
to you!
@khbear119 It depends some test as early as 7, but you
most likely won’t see anything. I think most start around 10 or so
@nooniesinlove I don’t think there is a “normal” level of
sadness for everyone. If you are feeling overwhelmed I would suggest seeking
out professional help.
@whiska
I think that just depends on how long people’s LP is… My LP is around
11-12 days, so if I’m getting BFNs I will probably stop testing at 12DPO, but
if your LP is normally longer then defiantly test the length of your LP
Month/Cycle:
4/4 (1 NTNP)
CD/DPO: 23/5
Timing: -5, -2, 0
Testing Plans: January 18th
R/R/CS: **TW** Today would have been
my first U/S appointment and of course the doctor office wanted to remind me
even though I had canceled it already. I’m going to try and keep myself busy
today to not think about it.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness
right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? I think I
would probably quit my job, but then come back as a volunteer. That way I would
be able to still do what I love, but not have to worry about taking time off to
travel or spend time with family.
ETA: Spacing and to add cute animal GIF to be less depressing
@gardeniagirlknits Backcountry, woohoo! I. Can't speak to implantation per se, but when I was pregnant with my DS I was told that I could do "everything except SCUBA diving" by my doctor during first tri. In my case that included a ski trip at about 8 weeks. I was cautious and didn't go backcountry but I'm sure it would be fine for the TWW! #notadoctor
@MRSCORKER@whiska I look at charts but then I symptom spot... Ugh. Thanks for the input, y'all. I didn't want to test until expected AF day buuuut I'm a crazy person and I might buy some 88 cent tests from Walmart and start in a day or so.
Testing Plans: what's the earliest "real" acceptable testing day?
I second this question. On here it seems like once people get a bfn at 12dpo they say they're out. FF is still suggesting Friday (15 dpo) for me, but the calculator on countdowntopregnancy.com says tomorrow (12 dpo - seems like they're assuming average LP is 12 days...).
Just interested in hearing others' perspectives / advice / experiences!!!
I can definitely relate to this. It seems to me, after participating in TWW for awhile, that if you don't get a BFP by around 13DPO (not including ladies who didn't test at all until later), then you're pretty much out. I know I definitely feel 98% out this cycle since I woke up to a BFN this morning at 14DPO. I just sat there thinking "I mean who really gets a BFN at 14DPO and ends up being pregnant. What kind of spechual snowflake would I have to be to think I'm anything but out at this point?" But FertilityFriend is still saying I should wait 2 days to test.
ETA: I haven't really checked on FF to see the earliest reasonable test date. However, I've been looking a lot of the last 2 cycles to see the latest reasonable test date. Ya know the "if it isn't positive by x day you might as well just wait for AF because it's almost certainly going to be negative and a waste of a test" day. It seems based off my FF chart stalking that most BFPs after 14DPO are: 1.) people who didn't test till AF was late soo 15DPO or so. 2.) People who probably have the wrong O date marked on their chart and were probably really only 14DPO or less (often only 10-12 from what I can tell) or 3.) people who tested around 10DPO and then not again till AF was late.
There don't seem to be many ladies who were testing everyday getting BFNs, with a clear O date that definitely puts them at ≥15DPO who go on to get a BFP. But perhaps I've been searching wrong and I'm accidentally excluding a lot of charts or something so it's more common that it has appeared so far to me.
Also, on a somewhat unrelated note, @PoodleDoodleOoo Congratulations!
Me: 28 Husband: 31 TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016 Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
@SLou24 and @itsmehere1212 I agree that the TWW is less
stressful. But for me the few days
leading up to ovulation are equally bad as the days when I’m getting ready to
test. I freak out about missing my LH
surge or having really crappy timing (and throwing out my ENTIRE month) or
going BSC with wanting to test early and get BFNs or worse an evap line on
those stupid FRER.
@HeyBooHey congrats on the temp spike! That’s
a nice one
Testing Plans:
Hopefully I’ll be able to hold out until AF is due. I have a feeling the testing beast will be
strong this cycle. The problem is that I’ve
bought too many tests over the past few months.
Stocking up on those things was a bad idea. Then I have a short LP so I haven’t been able
to use them up. I think I have about 20+
Wondfos, about 5 FRER, and 10 of the flat First Responses.
R/R/CS: See above.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money
wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
Oh
gosh…there’s so many things that I would love to do. I would probably still work but not in my
current field. DH and I were talking
about how it might be nice to start a business, we could travel, do volunteer
work. I would be happy spending more
time on all the hobbies that I don’t have enough time for now (reading,
re-learning to play the piano, and painting).
@nooniesinlove This is my answer from the recent OPK discussion: Seconding this [that you'll learn what your "normal" is with time]. My first cycle I used like 20 sticks (Wondfos) because I wasn't sure what I was looking for. After a while I also found that my positives are usually strongest in the afternoon so that eliminated the morning tests. Now I can get through a cycle only using 5-6. When I get a really dark line that I think I can record as positive, I also use a digital Clear Blue Easy to confirm. That's like $35/box of 20! so I only use one per cycle. The first time it starts getting darker you'll wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you, but just keep them so you can compare from day to day.
Also, cause I go overboard on stuff like this, for the first cycle I recommend using one during a point in your cycle when you're pretty sure you're not ovulating like CD4 so you have a baseline. It will always be a little bit pink.
That's an interesting question on the counseling. It couldn't hurt to talk to someone and maybe come up with strategies for how to deal with the pain. I don't know if it helps, but I think I was most despairing/hopeless around months 4-6. After that point I realized that I had to accept that this wasn't going to happen on my timeline, that it really could take a whole year and nothing be wrong (though statistics told me the closer we got to a year likely something was wrong), and that we might have to ask for help. It might also help you to plan out a calendar, like, if you get to month 10 or 11 with no progress, you are then allowed to call for an appointment with your ob/gyn. Set a date even. Knowing I had that timeline definitely got me through the last few months. It sucked making the appointment but now I have it and it feels like more of a plan and like I have more control, if that makes sense? Creepy internet hugs to you.
Me: 36 | DH 35, Married 2007
TTC #1 June 2015 April 2016 - AMH, FSH, Progesterone normal June 2016 - HSG clear *TW* BFP - Aug16, demise confirmed Sep16, incomplete m/c, D&C Nov16 BFP 3/27/17, edd 12/7/17 DS - 12/9/17 TTC #2 December 2018 BFP 2/22/19, edd 11/4/19 DD - 11/1/19 My Chart
@AmMcc12 - Sorry your doctor's office called you. Mine did that to me twice last week after I had already canceled the week before. I broke down in a fit of tears and yelling, right in my office. That is a tough situation, and they should really be more cautious/sensitive to it!
CD/DPO: 25/5 but I'm not positive of when I o'd, although I've been using period apps to track.
Timing: -5, 0
Testing Plans: maybe Saturday if I can't hold out until AF due.
R/R/CS: not really sure what this section means. It's been a while since I've been on the bump. My DD is going to be 2 in April. If it's rants or raves. I'm definitely happy to be getting over this awful cold. I'm not happy to be retaking statistics this semester so I can be admitted into grad school.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
I would pay off all my student debts for sure. I would do some traveling but I would still go back for grad school to become an NP.
R/R/CS: No symtoms at all and AF is due a week from today, so I'm pretty sure I'm out.
Why would you consider yourself out when AF is still a week away? I feel like you're getting a little ahead of yourself.
I spotted this too, but that would mean an 18 day luteal phase? Maybe it was a typo?
Lurking from WTO btw
I think she said she was 9 DPO today. If AF is due in one week I guess that would be a 16 day LP? I know I usually get AF symptoms at least a week before but if I didn't get them I wouldn't count myself out. I would just assume my body was being a weirdo, nothing new there!
Me: 32 & DH: 37
Married: November 2014
TTC #1 Since: October 2015
BFP #1: 11/18/15 - CP BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16 IT'S A BOY!!!! DS Born 10/16/16
R/R/CS: No symtoms at all and AF is due a week from today, so I'm pretty sure I'm out.
Why would you consider yourself out when AF is still a week away? I feel like you're getting a little ahead of yourself.
I spotted this too, but that would mean an 18 day luteal phase? Maybe it was a typo?
Lurking from WTO btw
I think she said she was 9 DPO today. If AF is due in one week I guess that would be a 16 day LP? I know I usually get AF symptoms at least a week before but if I didn't get them I wouldn't count myself out. I would just assume my body was being a weirdo, nothing new there!
@nooniesinlove I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time this cycle. I'm a therapist, and I would definitely recommend that you seek professional help for your experience TTC. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from therapy, and there's no particular threshold for how bad things get before you go talk to someone. It can be really powerful to just talk to someone neutral about all of this, and a therapist can help you find ways to relax and distract as much as possible during this challenging time. And if you don't like the first person you meet with, try someone else! Every therapist is different and you should find one you can connect with.
Testing Plans: Still trying to hold out until Thursday.
R/R/CS: The symptom spotting and BSC is real! I never thought I'd be thankful to have a stressful day at work but at least it's kept my mind off things. Now that I'm home, all bets are off. Maybe I'll channel the crazy into working on the bathroom renovation.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? After paying off debts and taking care of family...travel, volunteer, and try to keep living a somewhat boring (if not less stressful) life!
Testing Plans: Thursday my bulk strips come in. But probably I won't test. Basically waiting to see if AF arrives or not. Pregnancy is not even on my mind.
R/R/CS: Sunday morning was weird. I didn't go to sleep until 2am, and I woke up at 4 to take my temp like normal but I was so tired I didn't write it down. So I lost it at 7 when I got up to pee. It disappeared faster than I could record it. So I took it then and it was really high, of course. Today it's below the coverline. I'm just watching it dance around still, wondering if I o'd or not.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
What would I do all day? Oh, man. So much. I would have a house, so I would have a sewing room and a garden to mess around with. And I'd have a game room where I'd host a weekly D&D session. And I'd have a room with a nice computer system set up for my husband and I so we could game together. I'd cook all kinds of fantastic things in my awesome kitchen. And I would see all the shows that came through our theater. I mean. Man, yeah. Those are things I'm working towards now but I'd get them all at once, it would be fantastic.
Husband & I married May 26th, 2012
Me 28 Him 28
TTC #1 since January 1st 2016
Anovulatory with PCOS Clomid 50;100;150;200: No O TSH 3.75 Put on 50mg levothyroxine 1500 MG Metformin 7.5 MG Letrozole: No Follicles 9 MG Letrozole: 21mm Follicle no pregnancy 4 cycles at 9 MG Letrozole, No pregnancy
2.) Are there any stories on here of people who have undergone professional counseling or therapy for the TTC phase? The depth and range of negative emotions (anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, grief, helplessness, etc.) I have felt for the past few months has worried me. I know that the TTC process is not exactly a picnic for most people, but what level of sadness is normal?
*Lurker *MC briefly mentioned** @nooniesinloveI saw a counselor for TTC. I started getting depressed with the process after trying for 4 months. I was frustrated it was taking longer than I anticipated (my mom, MIL, and sister all got KU first tries). Around 6 months I started wondering if something was wrong with either of us. I know it can take up to a year for a healthy, normal couple but I just had this feeling I couldn't explain. I was/am very jealous of all the ladies who get pregnant fast/before me. All the emotions you listed I feel at times. My counselor gave me relaxation techniques. I only saw her twice as I didn't feel much support from her. That's not to say you shouldn't see one. Just because I didn't get much help doesn't mean it's not for you. It's worth a shot. Feel free to PM me if you want more details.
As far as my "feeling" that something was wrong...I had my gallbladder removed early October. While digging around inside my surgeon found and removed endometriosis. The end of November I had a BFP. No medical proof that the surgery was the answer, but I feel it was. Unfortunately I had a MC middle of December.
@AmyNinSD yes there are a few equally stressful times!! it doesn't help that people keep telling me to "just stop trying!" Also, I wish I had your stock of tests!! I only have a couple at home, but maybe that'll keep me from going too crazy when the time comes.
@SLou24 - I like TWW better too. It has some occasional good news sprinkled in! @DumbledoresArmy -Yay for some good news! @MRSCORKER/@Marley629 - Was your ClearBlue Digital test the one that you need to use several days in a row? Mine measures the increase in hormones over the day before. That could explain why you got a negative when you were clearly ovulating? If not, then...sorry... @PoodleDoodleOoo - Congrats!! H&H 9 months @nooniesinlove - sorry about your frustrations. Long cycles suck. I haven't tried Wondfos - they seem like a lot of work/guessing (is the line the right shade, having to test multiple times a day). I've only used Clearblue for a month, and I liked it. I was able to buy a 2 month pack, which made it a bit easier on the wallet.
Month/Cycle: 2/2
CD/DPO: umm 36/16
Timing: -3, -1, +2
Testing Plans: Tomorrow
R/R/CS: I might start temping, because I hate not knowing if/when I O'ed in combo with longer cycles. I said I would test today if AF hadn't shown, but this morning I realized I was out of tests. So I picked up a box and will test in the morning. Although I really feel like I'm out for whatever reason this month. Just waiting on AF.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
After I pay off my student loans, my house, my parent's house.... I'd probably stay at my job. I like it and I like my coworkers. I'd just travel to more exotic places. And sell my house and buy a pretty new one with pretty upgrades!
** December BMB Siggy Challenge - Animals in Pools **
Me: 31+ H: 32 TTC Since 11/2015 #1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17
R/R/CS: SA for DH in the morning!! I will appreciate any good thoughts that you want to send our way!!! He is nervous, of course. And I'm pretty anxious to get those results.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? I would be traveling everywhere, so I would be exploring new places!!! Or most likely, sipping an umbrella drink in a beach chair.
Married 2011
TTC #1 since April 2015
Fur child: One awesome Golden Retriever IUI August 2016 : Cancelled due to polyp September 2016: Polyp removal/hysteroscopy October 2016: IUI #1- BFN November 2016: IUI #2- BFN December 2016: IUI #3 - BFN January/February 2017 - IVF + ICSI + PGD March 2017 - FET
@Tennis11785 I am not 100% sure now that you mention it- I'll have to take a look at the box again! Thank you!
I do know that the peak smiley stays In the window for 48 hours straight once it appears on the version I used. On 12/28 it showed a low reading - I never get the blinky smiley - the peak smiley showed up on 12/29 and went away on 12/31 - as soon as it cleared, I used again and that's when I received another low reading. The wondfo opk was not positive on 12/31 either but was getting darker than previous days. Clear positives on those on 1/1 & 1/2 though. I took away the positive CB reading on FF today and it changed my CH to 1/2.
This is all new to me so definitely a learning curve. Grateful for all of the knowledge and support I see on this board!
@furbabymom2007 I started out doing landscapes bc we backpack Wilderness A LOT when we first got the camera I wanted to perfectly capture What I was seeing after hiking ten miles in bc I would be likely to mushy brained to remember and would Def nor be returning to the spot. Ever. I love cake smashes!!! I've done some senior portraits but older "kids" are no fun. Weddings are quite a big deal!! I'd be scrrrd. Lol.
@Paturkey so sorry for CD1 womp womp. We actually decided to go backcountry BECAUSE the snow is so fluffy on the groomed slopes things get icy and dh was so hysterical "but... What if you fall and knock it out of your uturus." not. How. Any. Of. This. Works. But whateves. Lol. I like backcountry anyway, plus it's much better workout and it's fun to build ramps and have the creative room to pick different lines. Last year... I didn't ride ONCE bc of TTC... What a waste. Glad to hear I can do it all through the first Tri if I happen to get ku this ski season. No scuba diving. Done.
Married May 2014 TTC Nov 2014-Aug 2016 Aug 2015 Dx: Thyroid Cancer and Hashimotos Total Thyroidectomy October 2015 Ovarian Cystectomy Nov 2015 CANCER FREE and resumed TTC Dec 2015.
Honorable mentions: Biggest IF support sister, sweetest bumpie, most genuine, LFAFer you'd most like to visit, great things come in small packages, pocket sized babe
@MRSCORKER - I guess I shouldn't count myself out yet. I just figured there would be symptoms by now- sore boobs, at least. My mind played tricks on me last month. I had all kinds of symptoms, but that ended in a BFN. This month, I've tried really hard to keep in touch with reality, so definitely no symptoms.
To answer the timing confusion: I have pretty short cycles. Usually 25 or 26 days. I consistently ovulate between day 9 and 11, which, as I understand, is early, but that's just me.
Married May 2014 TTC Nov 2014-Aug 2016 Aug 2015 Dx: Thyroid Cancer and Hashimotos Total Thyroidectomy October 2015 Ovarian Cystectomy Nov 2015 CANCER FREE and resumed TTC Dec 2015.
Re: TWW Monday
Me: 32 & DH: 37
BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16
IT'S A BOY!!!!
DS Born 10/16/16
Month/Cycle: 5
CD/DPO: 21/3
Timing: -2, O, O+1
Testing Plans:
Though it will be too early... Prob Thursday and Friday. I have a an annual trip planned with my sisters that will involve a beer bus tour and copious amounts of alcohol. I'll test to make my self feel better about it. FF recommends testing early next week.
R/R/CS:
Trying not to get too excited this cycle. I got waaaay ahead of myself last cycle and it didn't end well.
If we miss this one I need to think about whether or not we have to TTA yet because of a wedding I am in in November.
Also... Little sis is getting engaged this weekend (her BF is surprising her on our trip). I am excited for her (a little apprehensive about the idea of her getting married because she will always be 12 to me) but also wondering what their wedding plans will do to our TTC efforts. I am hoping they are planning a long engagement... Woo Hoo... In the running for Sister of the year over here.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
Not gonna lie... I'd probably spend a few days binge watching everything on Netflix. Then I'd likely develop my photography business some more and make more time for diy projects (and be able to afford the right tools to do them!)
CD/DPO: 9 or 10 DPO... Unreliable temping this cycle.. Depending on OPKS and cm (eek!)
Timing: eod almost all cycle long plus perceived o day
Testing Plans: not unless af is late...
R/R/CS: I've been snowboarding back country here... Thoughts on if this is safe for tww? It won't cause something to not implant right? I try very hard not to live like I'm pregnant... And while I'm not running to get a season pass, I don't want to miss out on some of the best snow we've seen in a while.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? I'd buy more camera lenses. Id cook extravagantly, foods we can't always afford to make. I'd travel like crazy. I'd build my dream log home in the mountains and hire help to do all the grunt work a mountain lifestyle requires.
@furbabymom what kind of photography are you into? I love wildlife and landscape and nature photography and bummed it doesn't pay... So I'll do families from time to time and have done a couple newborn shoots. I would love to be a photographer full time but we move for hubby's work a lot so it's hard to get it going
Married May 2014
TTC Nov 2014-Aug 2016
Aug 2015 Dx: Thyroid Cancer and Hashimotos
Total Thyroidectomy October 2015
Ovarian Cystectomy Nov 2015
CANCER FREE and resumed TTC Dec 2015.
Oddly enough, I have no eye or patience for landscapes lol. My dad, on the other hand, is great at it... I have just given up and accepted that unless I have plans to blow it up and hang it on my wall... An iPhone pic will suffice. Otherwise I will never edit it!
Month/Cycle: 4/3
CD/DPO: 20/4
Timing: Awful: according to FF, -5, +3; see rant below
Testing Plans: None
R/R/CS: I hope this doesn't come off as BSC, but I am having lots of feels right now and have to rage to someone other than DH.
I am furious with my body this cycle. I have somewhat irregular cycles that average 38 days long and often go over 40 days. I have not seen a cycle under 30 days for well over a year. Last cycle was my first with an OPK, and I started testing on CD19 to be conservative -- I ended up ovulating on CD30. Today was supposed to be the beginning of my estimated fertile week, but instead I am apparently 4 DPO. I am LIVID. My long cycles makes waiting for the O a fun game of nerves because messing it up usually means waiting *more* than a month for the next O. So here I am, woefully looking at high temps way earlier than I expected with the added paranoia that the next cycle will be weirdly short or will be the longest I have ever had (over 50 days). I am so glad to add one more thing to worry that could go wrong with this process.
Though we have been officially trying only since September, I have been baby crazy for years. I have already become a pro at pretending to not be unusually delighted in other people's children, but now I am afraid that I am starting to loathe people with children. Last month, my unattached sister had an unplanned baby, and I feel so much jealousy that someone so uninterested in children is now experiencing what I have longed for.
Two questions:
1.) I just received my first batch of Wondfos. I used the Clearblue advanced OPK last cycle and generally liked it, aside from the price. Is it worth doing both? The cost of the Clearblue and the fact that *only* 10 strips are included -- which are entirely too few for the average length of my follicular phase -- makes me cautious about using them, but I am getting neurotic enough to feel like I need as many signs as possible. Do people who use both feel like it's worth it?
2.) Are there any stories on here of people who have undergone professional counseling or therapy for the TTC phase? The depth and range of negative emotions (anger, frustration, jealousy, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, grief, helplessness, etc.) I have felt for the past few months has worried me. I know that the TTC process is not exactly a picnic for most people, but what level of sadness is normal?
Thanks for letting me unload, and sorry for the long rant.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? Travel!
Edit: Removed a stray "not," changed "ham" to "am"
Just interested in hearing others' perspectives / advice / experiences!!!
April 2016 - AMH, FSH, Progesterone normal
June 2016 - HSG clear
*TW* BFP - Aug16, demise confirmed Sep16, incomplete m/c, D&C Nov16
BFP 3/27/17, edd 12/7/17
DS - 12/9/17
TTC #2 December 2018
BFP 2/22/19, edd 11/4/19
DD - 11/1/19
My Chart
@SLou24 I’m with you an liking TWW more than WTO
@Paturkey Sorry about CD1!!
@MRSCORKER FX your chart looks great! (sorry to feed the crazy)
@mamadomino you could to see if your temps are what they are usually at post-O
@PoodleDoodleOoo Congratulations and happy and health 9 months to you!
@khbear119 It depends some test as early as 7, but you most likely won’t see anything. I think most start around 10 or so
@nooniesinlove I don’t think there is a “normal” level of sadness for everyone. If you are feeling overwhelmed I would suggest seeking out professional help.
@whiska I think that just depends on how long people’s LP is… My LP is around 11-12 days, so if I’m getting BFNs I will probably stop testing at 12DPO, but if your LP is normally longer then defiantly test the length of your LP
Month/Cycle: 4/4 (1 NTNP)
CD/DPO: 23/5
Timing: -5, -2, 0
Testing Plans: January 18th
R/R/CS: **TW** Today would have been my first U/S appointment and of course the doctor office wanted to remind me even though I had canceled it already. I’m going to try and keep myself busy today to not think about it.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? I think I would probably quit my job, but then come back as a volunteer. That way I would be able to still do what I love, but not have to worry about taking time off to travel or spend time with family.
ETA: Spacing and to add cute animal GIF to be less depressing
DS1 -- 9/30/2016
@gardeniagirlknits Backcountry, woohoo! I. Can't speak to implantation per se, but when I was pregnant with my DS I was told that I could do "everything except SCUBA diving" by my doctor during first tri. In my case that included a ski trip at about 8 weeks. I was cautious and didn't go backcountry but I'm sure it would be fine for the TWW! #notadoctor
ETA: Congratulations @PoodleDoodleOoo !!!
Month/Cycle: 6/5
CD/DPO: 20/4
Timing: -2, -1, +1
Testing Plans: two weeks from now
R/R/CS: Yay for CH this morning! I didn't temp yesterday due to a drunk night of fun Saturday and slept way over my temping time.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
I like the idea of being a stay at home mom and spending all my time with DD. Also I've always wanted to open my own daycare.
ETA: the Congrats up top.
DH: 35 | Me: 29
BFP #1- 07.25.12, EDD: 03.24.13, DD born 03.26.13
Surprised BFP #2- 02.25.15, EDD: 10/29/15 |*m/c 7w4d, D&C 04.02.2015
BFP #3- 01.21.16, EDD: 09.29.26 |*m/c-blighted ovum 2.19.16 8w1d, D&C 03.04.16
BFP #4- 05.24.16, EDD: 02.04.17 |*natural m/c- 07.08.16, 9w1d
BFP #5- 09/25/16, EDD: 06.07.17 GROW, BABY, GROW!
TEAM: PINK!!
ETA: I haven't really checked on FF to see the earliest reasonable test date. However, I've been looking a lot of the last 2 cycles to see the latest reasonable test date. Ya know the "if it isn't positive by x day you might as well just wait for AF because it's almost certainly going to be negative and a waste of a test" day. It seems based off my FF chart stalking that most BFPs after 14DPO are: 1.) people who didn't test till AF was late soo 15DPO or so. 2.) People who probably have the wrong O date marked on their chart and were probably really only 14DPO or less (often only 10-12 from what I can tell) or 3.) people who tested around 10DPO and then not again till AF was late.
There don't seem to be many ladies who were testing everyday getting BFNs, with a clear O date that definitely puts them at ≥15DPO who go on to get a BFP. But perhaps I've been searching wrong and I'm accidentally excluding a lot of charts or something so it's more common that it has appeared so far to me.
Also, on a somewhat unrelated note, @PoodleDoodleOoo Congratulations!
TTC#1: January 2015- September 2016
Infertility, Recurrent Pregnancy Loss
Rainbow baby born June 6, 2017 ❤️
Baby #2 due June 12, 2018
@Paturkey sorry about CD 1
@SLou24 and @itsmehere1212 I agree that the TWW is less stressful. But for me the few days leading up to ovulation are equally bad as the days when I’m getting ready to test. I freak out about missing my LH surge or having really crappy timing (and throwing out my ENTIRE month) or going BSC with wanting to test early and get BFNs or worse an evap line on those stupid FRER.
@HeyBooHey congrats on the temp spike! That’s a nice one
@DCHokiemom and @PrettyPalomino sorry about the BFNs
Congrats! @PoodleDoodleOoo H&H 9 months
Month/Cycle: 7
CD/DPO: 20/3
Timing: -3, -2, -1, 0, 1
Testing Plans: Hopefully I’ll be able to hold out until AF is due. I have a feeling the testing beast will be strong this cycle. The problem is that I’ve bought too many tests over the past few months. Stocking up on those things was a bad idea. Then I have a short LP so I haven’t been able to use them up. I think I have about 20+ Wondfos, about 5 FRER, and 10 of the flat First Responses.
R/R/CS: See above.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
Oh gosh…there’s so many things that I would love to do. I would probably still work but not in my current field. DH and I were talking about how it might be nice to start a business, we could travel, do volunteer work. I would be happy spending more time on all the hobbies that I don’t have enough time for now (reading, re-learning to play the piano, and painting).
ETA: fixed spacing issues
DD 10/4/02
DS due 9/28/16
Seconding this [that you'll learn what your "normal" is with time]. My first cycle I used like 20 sticks (Wondfos) because I wasn't sure what I was looking for. After a while I also found that my positives are usually strongest in the afternoon so that eliminated the morning tests. Now I can get through a cycle only using 5-6. When I get a really dark line that I think I can record as positive, I also use a digital Clear Blue Easy to confirm. That's like $35/box of 20! so I only use one per cycle. The first time it starts getting darker you'll wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you, but just keep them so you can compare from day to day.
Also, cause I go overboard on stuff like this, for the first cycle I recommend using one during a point in your cycle when you're pretty sure you're not ovulating like CD4 so you have a baseline. It will always be a little bit pink.
That's an interesting question on the counseling. It couldn't hurt to talk to someone and maybe come up with strategies for how to deal with the pain. I don't know if it helps, but I think I was most despairing/hopeless around months 4-6. After that point I realized that I had to accept that this wasn't going to happen on my timeline, that it really could take a whole year and nothing be wrong (though statistics told me the closer we got to a year likely something was wrong), and that we might have to ask for help. It might also help you to plan out a calendar, like, if you get to month 10 or 11 with no progress, you are then allowed to call for an appointment with your ob/gyn. Set a date even. Knowing I had that timeline definitely got me through the last few months. It sucked making the appointment but now I have it and it feels like more of a plan and like I have more control, if that makes sense? Creepy internet hugs to you.
April 2016 - AMH, FSH, Progesterone normal
June 2016 - HSG clear
*TW* BFP - Aug16, demise confirmed Sep16, incomplete m/c, D&C Nov16
BFP 3/27/17, edd 12/7/17
DS - 12/9/17
TTC #2 December 2018
BFP 2/22/19, edd 11/4/19
DD - 11/1/19
My Chart
**Lurker from WTO**
Congratulations @poodledoodleooo! H&H 9 months to you!
@AmMcc12 - Sorry your doctor's office called you. Mine did that to me twice last week after I had already canceled the week before. I broke down in a fit of tears and yelling, right in my office.
That is a tough situation, and they should really be more cautious/sensitive to it!
CD/DPO: 25/5 but I'm not positive of when I o'd, although I've been using period apps to track.
Timing: -5, 0
Testing Plans: maybe Saturday if I can't hold out until AF due.
R/R/CS: not really sure what this section means. It's been a while since I've been on the bump. My DD is going to be 2 in April. If it's rants or raves. I'm definitely happy to be getting over this awful cold. I'm not happy to be retaking statistics this semester so I can be admitted into grad school.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
I would pay off all my student debts for sure. I would do some traveling but I would still go back for grad school to become an NP.
Congrats @PoodleDoodleOoo!
Have a great Monday.
Edit: congrats and spelling lol
Baby #2: Grayson EDD 10/22/16
BFP on 7/2/2013
CD/DPO: 23/3
Timing: every other day until fertile period-then every day
Testing Plans: 10 dpo
R/R/CS:
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? plan the most epic family vacation
Me: 32 & DH: 37
BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16
IT'S A BOY!!!!
DS Born 10/16/16
Lurking from WTO btw
TEAM: PINK!!
Me: 32 & DH: 37
BFP #2: 2/8/16 - EDD 10/20/16
IT'S A BOY!!!!
DS Born 10/16/16
TEAM: PINK!!
TEAM: PINK!!
It's a boy!
@PoodleDoodleOoo Congratulations!! H&H 9 months!
Month/Cycle: 8/6
CD/DPO: 30/10
Timing: -2, 0
Testing Plans: Still trying to hold out until Thursday.
R/R/CS: The symptom spotting and BSC is real! I never thought I'd be thankful to have a stressful day at work but at least it's kept my mind off things. Now that I'm home, all bets are off. Maybe I'll channel the crazy into working on the bathroom renovation.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day? After paying off debts and taking care of family...travel, volunteer, and try to keep living a somewhat boring (if not less stressful) life!
CD/DPO: 40/11
Timing: -3
Testing Plans: Thursday my bulk strips come in. But probably I won't test. Basically waiting to see if AF arrives or not. Pregnancy is not even on my mind.
R/R/CS: Sunday morning was weird. I didn't go to sleep until 2am, and I woke up at 4 to take my temp like normal but I was so tired I didn't write it down. So I lost it at 7 when I got up to pee. It disappeared faster than I could record it.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
What would I do all day? Oh, man. So much. I would have a house, so I would have a sewing room and a garden to mess around with. And I'd have a game room where I'd host a weekly D&D session. And I'd have a room with a nice computer system set up for my husband and I so we could game together. I'd cook all kinds of fantastic things in my awesome kitchen. And I would see all the shows that came through our theater. I mean. Man, yeah. Those are things I'm working towards now but I'd get them all at once, it would be fantastic.
Clomid 50;100;150;200: No O
TSH 3.75 Put on 50mg levothyroxine
1500 MG Metformin
7.5 MG Letrozole: No Follicles
9 MG Letrozole: 21mm Follicle no pregnancy
4 cycles at 9 MG Letrozole, No pregnancy
DH: 36⎹ Me: 36
@nooniesinloveI saw a counselor for TTC. I started getting depressed with the process after trying for 4 months. I was frustrated it was taking longer than I anticipated (my mom, MIL, and sister all got KU first tries). Around 6 months I started wondering if something was wrong with either of us. I know it can take up to a year for a healthy, normal couple but I just had this feeling I couldn't explain. I was/am very jealous of all the ladies who get pregnant fast/before me. All the emotions you listed I feel at times. My counselor gave me relaxation techniques. I only saw her twice as I didn't feel much support from her. That's not to say you shouldn't see one. Just because I didn't get much help doesn't mean it's not for you. It's worth a shot. Feel free to PM me if you want more details.
As far as my "feeling" that something was wrong...I had my gallbladder removed early October. While digging around inside my surgeon found and removed endometriosis. The end of November I had a BFP. No medical proof that the surgery was the answer, but I feel it was. Unfortunately I had a MC middle of December.
~Formerly @dogmomwantinghuman ~
TTC #1 since January 2015
BFP #1: 11/30/15| MC 12/16/15BFP # 2: 6/2/16 | EDD 2/16/17
Congrats to @PoodleDoodleOoo!! So excited for you!!
@AmyNinSD yes there are a few equally stressful times!! it doesn't help that people keep telling me to "just stop trying!" Also, I wish I had your stock of tests!! I only have a couple at home, but maybe that'll keep me from going too crazy when the time comes.
@DumbledoresArmy -Yay for some good news!
@MRSCORKER/@Marley629 - Was your ClearBlue Digital test the one that you need to use several days in a row? Mine measures the increase in hormones over the day before. That could explain why you got a negative when you were clearly ovulating? If not, then...sorry...
@PoodleDoodleOoo - Congrats!! H&H 9 months
@nooniesinlove - sorry about your frustrations. Long cycles suck. I haven't tried Wondfos - they seem like a lot of work/guessing (is the line the right shade, having to test multiple times a day). I've only used Clearblue for a month, and I liked it. I was able to buy a 2 month pack, which made it a bit easier on the wallet.
Month/Cycle: 2/2
CD/DPO: umm 36/16
Timing: -3, -1, +2
Testing Plans: Tomorrow
R/R/CS: I might start temping, because I hate not knowing if/when I O'ed in combo with longer cycles. I said I would test today if AF hadn't shown, but this morning I realized I was out of tests. So I picked up a box and will test in the morning. Although I really feel like I'm out for whatever reason this month. Just waiting on AF.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
After I pay off my student loans, my house, my parent's house.... I'd probably stay at my job. I like it and I like my coworkers. I'd just travel to more exotic places. And sell my house and buy a pretty new one with pretty upgrades!
** December BMB Siggy Challenge - Animals in Pools **
Me: 31+ H: 32
TTC Since 11/2015
#1 - MMC 6.5 weeks (2/16); #2 - MC due to cystic hygroma at 20 weeks (10/16); #3 CP (2/17); #4 - Due 12.16.17
Congrats @PoodleDoodleOoo
Month/Cycle: 10
CD/DPO: 22/5
Timing: EOD
Testing Plans: 11dpo, maybe before
R/R/CS: SA for DH in the morning!! I will appreciate any good thoughts that you want to send our way!!! He is nervous, of course. And I'm pretty anxious to get those results.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
I would be traveling everywhere, so I would be exploring new places!!! Or most likely, sipping an umbrella drink in a beach chair.
IUI August 2016 : Cancelled due to polyp
September 2016: Polyp removal/hysteroscopy
October 2016: IUI #1- BFN
November 2016: IUI #2- BFN
December 2016: IUI #3 - BFN
January/February 2017 - IVF + ICSI + PGD
March 2017 - FET
I do know that the peak smiley stays In the window for 48 hours straight once it appears on the version I used. On 12/28 it showed a low reading - I never get the blinky smiley - the peak smiley showed up on 12/29 and went away on 12/31 - as soon as it cleared, I used again and that's when I received another low reading. The wondfo opk was not positive on 12/31 either but was getting darker than previous days. Clear positives on those on 1/1 & 1/2 though. I took away the positive CB reading on FF today and it changed my CH to 1/2.
This is all new to me so definitely a learning curve. Grateful for all of the knowledge and support I see on this board!
DX Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Factor V Leiden Mutation, Secondary Infertility
MFI (SA #1Count 11mill, Motility: 18%, Morphology: 1%)
AMH .328 | FSH 13.2
@PoodleDoodleOoo congrats!!!!!! Hh9
@Paturkey so sorry for CD1
Married May 2014
TTC Nov 2014-Aug 2016
Aug 2015 Dx: Thyroid Cancer and Hashimotos
Total Thyroidectomy October 2015
Ovarian Cystectomy Nov 2015
CANCER FREE and resumed TTC Dec 2015.
Month/Cycle: 10/6
CD/DPO: 30/16
Timing: -3, -1, 0
Testing Plans: Yesterday and this morning- BFNs. No more testing.
R/R/CS: It seems my LPs are on the long side. Annoying, but glad they aren't short.
GTKY: With all the powerball madness right now, if money wasn't an object, what would you do all day?
Cook/bake. And hire someone to clean up my mess.
3/2015: Start TTC
8/2015: PCOS Dx
4/2016: BFP, Loss (4+5)
2/2017: BFP
Honorable mentions: Biggest IF support sister, sweetest bumpie, most genuine, LFAFer you'd most like to visit, great things come in small packages, pocket sized babe
To answer the timing confusion: I have pretty short cycles. Usually 25 or 26 days. I consistently ovulate between day 9 and 11, which, as I understand, is early, but that's just me.
@Tennis11785 I definitely recommend temping! It will make you feel so much better about your O date.
@PoodleDoodleOoo Congrats to you!!!!!
@FrancesGrace630 I'm so sorry about CD1!! Take care of yourself.
Eta
@hunnybunny17
And @FrancesGrace630 sorry about af
Married May 2014
TTC Nov 2014-Aug 2016
Aug 2015 Dx: Thyroid Cancer and Hashimotos
Total Thyroidectomy October 2015
Ovarian Cystectomy Nov 2015
CANCER FREE and resumed TTC Dec 2015.