How do you count CD 1? Clomid round 1

[Skyler]

I am taking Clomid 50 mg for the first time this cycle and my doc said to take it CD 3-7.  I know CD 1 is supposed to be the first day of "true bleeding" but for me that isn't so clear cut!  My cycle has about 2 days of spotting, followed by 4 days of heavier spotting/light bleeding, then cramps and the heavy bleeding for about 2 days.  And my temp doesn't drop until after the heavy flow starts.  Right now I am on the 4th day of light bleeding and haven't taken the first pill yet.  I am thinking maybe I will take it on the first day of the heavy bleeding and call it good.  But I didn't want to take it yesterday as it feels like my period hasn't even really started yet.  Is very light bleeding "true bleeding?"

We've been TTC since Jan 2010, I can't figure out how to put that info in a signature.

Thanks! 

[GaleTX]

I had the same issues as you with the variations in bleeding.  My doctor told me to count CD1 when I had bright red, heavy bleeding.  The spotting/light bleeding I had tended to be darker in color (old blood), so I disregarded it until it was bright red.  I had ultrasounds done during two of the rounds of Clomid and my eggs measured fine and I had a good number, so I was pretty certain I took the Clomid on the correct days.

[Sourire]

I had the same issue as you and my Dr also told me to start counting on the first day of heavy bleeding (even though I sometimes have light red bleeding up to 2 days before the first heavy day).

[Skyler]

Thanks!!  That is what I did, so hopefully it will do the trick.  I'm feeling doubtful, though, cause my OPKs are almost positive and I have zero CM where I usually have a ton.  We'll see...

[GaleTX]

Do you use the digital OPKs?  I found it super hard to use the ones with just the lines when I started the clomid, so I switched to the digitals.  That way there's no guessing as to whether or not it's positive.  More expensive, but definitely worth it to know for sure.  Also, Clomid can dry up the CM, so it's hard to go by that. 

[Skyler]

I've been using the non-digital ones, and i am realizing that they turn out differently this clomid cycle that my non-medicated cycles.  I thought I was "almost positive" three days ago, following my old pattern, but I have yet to have a clear positive.  I think the one today would probably be considered positive, but for me the positive is usually a little darker than this one, so I'm not sure how to count them.  My CM has made an appearance, so that is a relief, but not the amount I am used to.  Plus I have been ill and had a low-grade fever, so my temps are not helpful either!  I've been having sex dreams the past few nights, so that is a good sign, right ;)  I guess we'll just keep DTD every day for a while, and see if anything becomes clear.  It's crazy trying to re-learn your body's signs while taking meds!  If I never get a clear + I will definitely check out a digital monitor - Thanks Gale!