Chart stalk/ questions November

b_1029 · November 2018

chichiphin · November 2018

@mamanbebe I’ll respond here: I wondered the same thing. What does it all mean!!! I plan on bringing all lab results to my RE as well as mentioning that my OB did EVERY test on 7DPO. I bet I have to redo some on CD3

ETA:
my estradoil level chart from my portal is below
REFERENCE RANGE
Mid-Follicular Phase 24-114 pg/mL
Mid-Cycle Peak 62-534 pg/mL
Mid-Luteal Phase 80-273 pg/mL
Postmenopausal 20-80 pg/mL

mamanbebe · November 2018

@chichiphin That is super interesting that our reference ranges are different.

I am probably going to see my fertility np in the next week or so to go over all blood tests, if she has any insight, I'll post it here. If AF comes, my CD3 testing may be next week sometime.

It's weird that this all seems like a less stressful part of this process because it's enlightening. Do you feel that way at all?

chichiphin · November 2018

@mamanbebe I think it has given me clarity, but I’m now realizing how little MH understands the implications of what is happening so that’s beginning to stress me out. I’ve decided to stop trying to explain anything and let the RE do it. He thinks I’m being overly negative (maybe I am?) so i gotta back off for a bit

mamanbebe · November 2018

@chichiphin I get that, and I think you are taking the right approach. In my situation, MH figured we were healthy people and it should happen right away. Instead, it became readily apparent that I have my own fertility stuff going on and that he could too. I have started to put my foot down with how he treats his body in relation to his fertility and I can see it stressing him out. Perhaps less-so what he is having to change, but rather that I'm taking some control of HIS fertility and also it could seem like a question to his virility.

I really hope things go well with your upcoming appt and that your DH feels less stressed, and even perhaps empowered, by what is discovered.

lcking82 · November 2018

@mamanbebe and @chichiphin : each individual lab has to set their own reference ranges, based on their equipment, reagents, test method, and even patient population. They test a large number of “normal” and then select +\- 2SD around the mean, or the middle 97% of results. So it’s not unusual to see different ranges lab to lab, sometimes even quite different.

Tests like hematocrit, kidney function, and tests that are +\- are generally less variable between labs, but hormone tests (done by a method called immunoassay) can vary quite a bit based on the test itself (thus, the requirement that each lab sets its OWN reference range).

chichiphin · November 2018

How interesting! Thank you for that info @lcking82

grangerhp37 · November 2018

Hi ladies!
I was diagnosed with PCOS 6 months ago and have irregular cycles so my OB wanted me to come back in to discuss Clomid if we were unsuccessful getting KU. I’ve read a lot of suggestions from you lovely ladies to make sure that you are being properly monitored, and I just want to make sure that I ask all the right questions when I meet with my OB on Tuesday before we try to start anything.

Should I be requesting regular ultrasounds, or at least one in the middle of my cycle? I’ve read that they should be checking my follicles but I honestly don’t know anything about all that.
Should they be monitoring my bloodwork as well? I had BW done back in April and all was normal except my testosterone level was higher than normal (confirmed the PCOS diagnosis...)
Should my H have a SA done? Does he need to go to his own doctor or can my OB give him a referral for that?
Anything else that is important to bring up? I’m in the middle of a potentially an-O cycle so we might not even be able to start for several more weeks if/when AF ever shows.

lcking82 · November 2018

@dogmomma096: I’m going to allow folks with more experience chime in, but wanted to applaud you for being proactive. Many years ago my OB put me on clomid without monitoring, and I didn’t even realize that was potentially concerning! No bad outcomes, but it was also not successful. Good job on taking charge and wanting to approach with all the details!

emmasemm · November 2018

@lcking82 thanks for explaining the lab reference range with respect to hormones as this is a question I’ve seen come up quite regularly!

@mamanbebe @chichiphin what you should also know is not just what is a “normal” range but what is the ideal range for TTGP- for example if you look at normal TSH reference ranges they can be quite wide, however most REs or OBs will want your TSH in a much narrower band than that.

@dogmomma096
As you already have a diagnosis, and although some people might have a different opinion, I would say yes your DH should have an SA before you use clomid. This is because there is a limit to the number of clomid cycles you can do and if you take it when you also have a MFI issue then you waste those attempts.

A similar logic is also why I advise to have at least one ultrasound just prior to ovulating, and even better a baseline US before you start.
A baseline US will make sure you don’t have a cyst or any other reason to skip that cycle.
An US just before ovulation will check that your lining is not too thin (in which case you might want to switch to alternative like letrozole for the next cycle) and most importantly that you don’t have 10 follicles about to ovulate and end up in a situation nobody would want...

mamanbebe · November 2018

@emmasemm Thank you for saying that, it's really validating. My fertility np seems to feel that way as well, whereas she said that certain markers in my blood work could normally be considered somewhat acceptable but they usually signify a bigger issue that needs to be addressed in order to have a better chance ttc. I think that the low progesterone is now just the proof in the pudding, so to speak.

jennifer_louise · November 2018

Awesome info on here so far! I have a pretty tame question. Has anybody gone from oral temping to vaginally temping? I did this cycle and my temps are noticeably higher now. Used to be around 97.4-97.9 for the first half and 98-98.2 during LP. Now it's more like 98.2 before O and 98.5-98.8 after O.

Chart in spoiler.

cpiper39 · November 2018

@jennifer_louise I did a couple cycles ago, and it is weird to see such a hike, but it’s normal! My pre O are under 98, and post O are mid-high 98. I found that the temps we much more reliable though since your mouth temp can vary with different things, ie. Mouth breathing.

lulu1180 · November 2018

@jennifer_louise I've seen quite a few people switch from oral to vaginal temping on here; but it's recommended that you only do it at the beginning of a new cycle because of what you noted there; vaginal temps are higher than oral and it can mess up your chart

jennifer_louise · November 2018

@cpiper39 @lulu1180 Thanks ladies! I generally agree it's been more consistent lately, I switched two days before AF last cycle and needless to say I got way too excited to see a temp rise, but alas, it was just the new method.

cpiper39 · November 2018

Hi everyone, It’s been a rough few days, and due to spotting/temp drop this morning, I think AF is coming today or at least tomorrow. BFN on Saturday and yesterday. I’ve been in the TWW for over two weeks, and I’ve never had an LP over 14 days (today is Day 16 per FF). I want to try to be as accurate as possible, and I think based on my longer LP that I O’ed later (CD14). Thoughts on this? I was thinking of overriding it but wanted some feedback first. Thanks!

b_1029 · November 2018

@cpiper39 I could definitely see it being CD 14 since it’s right at coverline and given your CM. Hang in there!!

cpiper39 · November 2018

@b_1029 Thanks 😊

jennifer_louise · November 2018

@cpiper39 Agreed, CD14 seems likely based on CM and your +OPK. I'm sorry about your temp drop - be good to yourself today!

bluebonnet15 · November 2018

@cpiper39 I agree with others that CD14 seems correct as O date. So sorry you're seeing a temp drop today. Sending positive thoughts and creepy internet hugs!

Anyone have ovulation headaches? I thought I just had allergy headaches or dehydration but since I've been more diligent in tracking ALL THE THINGS in FF the past 3 cycles, I am seeing a headache a day before ovulation as a pattern... Dr. Google says changes in hormones can cause headaches, so it makes sense but it just never occurred to me before.

brookert615 · November 2018

@heml That is so strange because looking back I also have had a headache before O. I just had one last night that was awful and hoping I O today or tomorrow. I didn't even think to make the connection!

theearlymajority · November 2018

Hi everyone. I introduced myself on the newbies thread a few months back but have pretty much remained a lurker ever since. I never felt like I had much knowledge or experience to contribute, and it doesn't help that I bump on mobile 99% of the time. Anyways, the past couple cycles of TTC have raised a question and I was wondering if anyone has any insights to offer: I'm getting positive OPKS (and blood work has confirmed an LH surge) but don't have any distinct EWCM during any of the LH surge days (or really any other days for that matter). I thiiiiink that I am ovulating given that I get regular periods and a positive LH surge, but it just seems odd that there's no ewcm accompanying it. I thought EWCM was a major indicator. So I guess my question is, is it possible to ovulate without noticing ewcm? Can frequent sex decrease cervical fluid (we've been DTD basically every day since CD8)? Does anyone not have highly noticable/distinct ewcm? It's weird, I feel like I've noticed it before but the past couple months of actually tracking it I can't seem to find it... Thank you for any insights!

brookert615 · November 2018

@theearlymajority Hello! Do you temp? Usually that helps indicate that you have ovulated in conjunction with a positive OPK. Do you take anything that dries up mucus like cold medicine and/or allergy meds? That can mess with EWCM.

marebear15 · November 2018

@theearlymajority - Actually, it's not terribly uncommon to not have EWCM. Do you at least have wet CM? Some people have found that PreSeed will help their chances if they don't have any fertile CM because it mimics the properties of fertile CM.

b_1029 · November 2018

@theearlymajority to be a little gross, I never notice it outside my body. If I check, I find EWCM, but I never see it independently, if that makes sense. I have wondered if I don't produce enough and that's why it's taking a while to conceive...who knows.

inthewoods23 · November 2018

On a similar topic, can someone explain cervical positioning? Everything I read makes it sound like I should be able to insert a finger and feel it but I don't think I ever have so how in the world am I suppose to know if it's low or high?

brookert615 · November 2018

@inthewoods23 Not sure if this helps at all but checking regularly it becomes easier to know height and everything. I use the Ovia app and I think it’s helpful! Screenshot below!

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/tz/fqom11m6uaz1.jpeg

bluebonnet15 · November 2018

@brookert615 Glad I'm not alone! I don't plan on using it as a way to predict ovulation, just found it interesting (and annoying!).

@theearlymajority I didn't notice that I had any EWCM and after reading TCOYF realized that daily zyrtec could be to blame. I stopped taking allergy meds and also started taking Evening Primrose oil caplets for the first 14 days of my cycle. Not sure what (if either?) helped, but I have noticed EWCM the past two cycles, but I typically only have it 1 or 2 days.

chichiphin · November 2018

@inthewoods23 I found descriptors lips, tip of nose, etc to be helpful, as well as gauging how far in a finger is (like which knuckle) to decide how high my cervix is. I agree with @brookert615 that it becomes easier to tell with time.

Also don’t check after a bowel movement, but do urinate first. Also check at the same time every day for consistency.

b_1029 · November 2018

@inthewoods23 there are some good resources in that pinned post at the top, I found “the cervix feels like a penis” to be very helpful

riff323 · November 2018

@heml I get migraines sometimes around ovulation, sometimes at the start of AF, sometimes during AF. They're definitely hormonal but I have yet to nail down a pattern.

lokibear89 · November 2018

@theearlymajority if it helps the last time i got pregnant looking back at FF i didn't actually log any EWCM that cycle, just watery.

littleredm · November 2018

@theearlymajority I tend to get mainly watery cm as opposed to EWCM. I've definitely noticed a difference though in how much water I drink, like when I check to start the day it can be not as much and then as I drink more water throughout the day and check again there's more. I'd highly recommend trying temping and charting your bbt though just to make sure that you are ovulating each cycle. It's the most sure way to tell IMO.

mrsoverthinker · November 2018

Hi ladies! I am new here and have been TTC since September without much luck yet ❤️

I am on CD 25. I had EWCM CD17 through CD22 then 99% sure I Oed on CD 23. (1% is because I don't temp).
Last cycle when I first started my OPKs I Oed on CD16 and had a 29 day cycle. Since getting off BC in January my cycles have been as low as 25 days and long as 34 days.
Back at this cycle...I just went the the bathroom and found REALLY sticky, clear CM like I found CD 17 to 22. I can't find any answers in my googGo search and didn't know if anyone else had this happen before.
What is going ON?! And Why?
I think I have a pretty low chance of being pregnant this month so I'm not sure what the deal is.
TYA for any help!

holly321 · November 2018

@mrsoverthinker there is really no way to be sure without temping. I have gotten ewcm when not ovulating before. I have had it after O many times. I had some today on cd8. While I have o’ed early before, I doubt that is what is going on.

but, when I had it many times throughout a cycle before, it was an non ovulating cycle.

holly321 · November 2018

So AFM, I was curious about Zyrtec and CM too. I normally take it every day for as long as I can remember, with occasional periods of non use because I am a lazy forgetful idiot. I need it to function, but worry it is an issue. if I were to try not to take it, any ideas how many days before O I should stop? My body generally likes to make a big production of it, so I generally have a few days notice.

chichiphin · November 2018

@mrsoverthinker thank you for posting to the correct board and introducing yourself.

Like holly said, you can have what seems to be EWCM after O. The one thing that sticks out though is you describe your EWCM as “sticky” when it is really just stretchy... nothing tacky. The egg white consistency is so unique. Perhaps you are also having more “watery” mucus now which I ALWAYS get after O.

Perhaps add in temping if you ever feel comfortable with it to confirm O!

kiki047 · November 2018

Does anyone have have experience with a really slow rise in BBT? The last two ovulatory cycles I've had I noticed a significant temp spike of ~.4 to .6 degrees, but this cycle has been a mystery so far. My temps are still on the rise in general, but with each day I put in a new temp, FF moves my O date, and if I play around with it and put another high temp in there between 97.6-98 it takes away my CH all together. I understand that it's not a normal pattern for FF to confidently recognize ovulation but if I look at other charts like mine I'm not the only one that has seen a slow rise like that.

I also disagree on my actual O day based on my other signs. The more I look at it the more confused I am.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5020794/uploads/editor/dv/muqen6ek7f7h.png

daisy0322 · November 2018

I have a possible TMI question about CM-
how to you y'all classify cm if it's the consistency of ewcm but it's white like the gluey looking kind and not stretchy? I'm always torn on how to label it, it happens later in my cycles.

marebear15 · November 2018

@daisy0322 - I call that creamy. That's what the majority of my CM is, before and after O.

daisy0322 · November 2018

@marebear15 thanks! I'm going to have to switch apps mine is really limited

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