CA country girl, you will need to click on "Sharing" and then under "Charting Home Page" click "setup" to make a publically viewable FF page. Once you have set it up you can include a link that is in the form
http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/WhatEverNameYouChoose
Hope you can get it figured out.
Carla
Trying again to most my charts from the last two months. Thanks Lilac for all your help. By the way, I am also a teacher. But I teach Literature and Writing to college students.
Yep, the chart worked this time.
I am bummed my temp dropped to hovering over the coverline. I will probably get AF tomorrow or Wednesday. I was so hoping that the absence of tender breasts this cycle meant I was pregnant. I have cut out most all soy products this month and I think that has helped my overall temperature be higher. As a vegetarian, no soy has been tough. I have still had a little, but definitely not the quantity I would usually eat.
Welcome, CA Country girl!
Hi lilacvioletiris. I had that same non symptom in my breasts last month and, sadly, AF showed. But, you may be onto something with the soy! Maybe it is doing something, like reducing any hormonal issues, even if for the moment it is just for AF to come without too much discomfort.
I've also cut out soy, except for what was in some thai food the other day, and I can tell the difference. There are other sources of protein, although granted many are not as fun and flexible as soy.
Still waiting for a positive opk....
Hello! I am 30 and just started TTC this month. I am not closely monitoring my temperature, etc but have been tracking my cycles (and temp when I remember to do it) on a phone app for several years and as far as I know everything is like clockwork (I feel SO lucky- both of my sisters have PCOS). If we take more than 4 months conceiving I will start taking care with temps and be able to share them with everyone. Hope to join you ladies and talk about the process :)
Hey gals! Just checking in... I'm back in school today too, and feeling totally drained at 11 in the morning! First day jitters disrupted my normally peaceful sleep and I had nightmares about showing up and my classroom having been moved. Thankfully all is well!
Welcome new members! This is a fabulous group of women and Lilac is doing a wonderful job as threadkeeper. :)
Lilac, I'm right with you cycle-wise. I'm also probably going to be starting AF this week and it's been so awful these past few months. The timing could not have been worse. I have to take motrin/ibuprofin every 3 hours or I'm on the floor with these cramps. What do you do for cramps? Any suggestions for controlling the pain?
Caly, how's your school year going? I love that there are so many teachers here.
Jessie, let us know how you're doing girl! I've been thinking about you and lurking every day to check on you.
Everyone else---hi! :)
AFM, this is 12 DPO and I'm feeling ambivalent. My CP is low and hard so I think I'm out for the month. Should start AF in a day or two. Sigh.
Thank you for welcoming me into the community!
I am on day 28 of my cycle so AF should show up any minute if I did not get pregnant. No signs of AF yet, but no signs of pregnancy either-- I know how unlikely it is that it would happen on the very first try, but wouldn't that be amazing? If AF doesn't show I'll wait a week or so, no need to hurry up and get a test. I already am taking vitamins, stopped drinking, curbed my coffee consumption, etc. and if it happens it happens, if it doesn't my life is full of joy and good friends, lots of work and volunteering, etc., no need to stress about it.
So glad to have a place to talk about this-- I am concerned about talking to all but one or two friends and family. I know how likely it is that this will take a while and I don't want people (esp. my sister with a newborn who has been bugging me about joining the mama club for a few years now, or my mom- oh the pressure!) asking me constantly how it's going. I am especially terrified of miscarrying and how often it happens.
Hi everyone, and welcome to the new women joining our thread!
Looks like I'm also in the 'waiting for AF this week' group these days. I'm on CD 24 of a normally 27-day cycle, but I ovulated 'early' this time (CD 13 instead of CD 15 or 16) which puts me at 11dpo. My luteal phase is normally 11 or 12 days I should expect AF tomorrow. But this month I've been taking vitamin B complex every day which could lengthen the LP so I wouldn't be surprised if it's longer this cycle. Which means I might get to experience all the excitement of a 'late' period and having FF tell me to test, even though I really don't think I'm pregnant.
My sympathies to those who suffer from bad AF cramps (pitch, andaluza lilac?) - have you tried taking raw ginger? I used this when I was having some major muscle pains a while back and it really seemed to help, apparently it it is a powerful anti-inflammatory. I haven't tried it for menstrual cramps as I don't usually get them very bad, but I don't see why it wouldn't help.
sbwesty - I think you'll find this is a very supportive community and I agree that it's sometimes much more comfortable to share with others who are going through the exact same thing. I can sympathize about the pressure from family members, my parents try to be cool about it but don't do a very good job. Last time I spoke with my dad on the phone (I live in Australia and my family is in California), he asked me to make sure to update them on any 'important developments' and I said we would (knowing that he was referring to our ttc situation) and I guess he thought I didn't get it because he felt the need to make baby crying noises as a not-so-subtle hint. I know he meant well but it was really annoying.
Thankfully I have a very open relationship with my parents so I replied right away that we didn't need that kind of pressure and they would just have to be patient, like we are trying to be! It's like the parents (I have four of them) think that because they all got pregnant accidentally in their 20s (or teens, in my stepmom's case) that it is this effortless thing and should be easy - never mind that DH and I are in our 30s and it took our similar-aged friends 10-14 months to get pregnant with their first!
Sorry about my little rant there, I didn't realize I still had so much of an emotional charge on the parental pressure issue! Hopefully it won't be too much of an issue when DH and I go to California to visit next month.
One more thing I wanted to share, which is sort of funny and sort of sad - I recently became facebook friends with someone I haven't seen for years and in his message to me he congratulated me for becoming a mother and asked how old the baby was! I guess he saw a picture of me holding my nephew (DH's sister got married just before us and had 2 kids in 3 years)... I had to write back to him and explain that actually I'm not a mom yet, but really, really want to be. 
I know it was an honest mistake but it still hurt a bit. In any case he's a really nice guy and someone I am glad to have reconnected with.
So many new faces now! Welcome :)
I think I'm back... that is to say that I think I'm emotionally ready to be back here, but it just happens that I'm swamped again with work and school work so I don't have a lot of time. I spent a great deal of time this summer just allowing myself to be sad. I think that was good for me, but its reached a point where I can't let myself do that anymore as its not healthy. So its good that I'm busy right now - I'll have less time to obsess over TTC and the risk of a third miscarriage.
I am doing a few little lifestyle changes to improve my overall health. I read an article a few months ago about how gum disease can affect fertility. So I bought Sonicare's new Airflosser. My dentist will be so proud of me - flossing daily now!
I also bought a bicycle! Haven't had one since I was a kid. I'm gaining some confidence with it and working my way up to commuting to work whenever the weather is nice. Regular exercise is now in my future. I've been dancing less since going back to school, so I've needed something to fill that space. While most people will roll their eyes and comment on how thin I look, I've noticed some rapid changes in my body over the last six months and I want to keep it in check. I'm realizing that I've reached that age where I actually have to work to have the body I want rather than rely on my high metabolism to do it for me. I don't think I would mind a belly pooch if I had a baby to blame it on. So more exercise must happen. I hate exercise... but riding my bike is fun. Eventually I'll manage to get up these hills around me without killing myself in the process. Hills are evil.
I bought myself a lunchbox to take to work. The kids were thrilled that I am no longer eating random leftover food from a plastic shopping bag. My lunchbox is one of those bento box sets that I picked up from the local health food store. Its been great because I've actually been eating balanced meals at work... mostly because I feel compelled to fill those little containers with good foods. I'm a dork, but the pictures of fruit and veggies on the lids actually help me remember that I need to eat those things more than once a day.
That's where I'm at. AF is due today. I've resigned myself to seeing her. Classes start back tomorrow night and the school year starts on the 25th. I think I have a great bunch of kids so I'm looking forward to it. Just have to get past the crazy set-up stuff this week and next.
Hope everyone is well. I've missed you guys.
Tickle!! Welcome back! I've missed you. It's good to hear that you are feeling well and staying active. Going back to school is a huge distraction and that is helping me as well. It does take the mind off TTC. Biking sounds great... DH and I would like to try cycling (we live in an area full of bike trails around the river) but I'm worried we would fork out tons of $$ on equipment and then decide we hate it. Keep telling me how wonderful it is and maybe I can convince myself to try it. ;) Also, just putting this out there----my husband was conceived after my MIL had 2 miscarriages. They chose to stop trying after he was born, so he's an only child, but they are very open about the other miscarriages. *hugs*
Chap, that does sting when people assume you are pregnant or have had a baby. It's an honest mistake but it doesn't take the pain away. Sometimes I hate facebook for that very reason.
AF is due any second now. My temp tanked this a.m. down to 96-point-something. I woke up, temped, and burst into tears. DH panicked and then the dogs started going crazy and chaos ensued. Lovely start to the morning.
Don't know if any of you read NieNie (nieniedialogues.blogspot.com) but she was burned over 83% of her body in a terrible airplane crash 3 years ago. Today on her blog, she announced she is pregnant again. It gave me a tiny sense of hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Also made me grateful for my healthy body and skin.
Love to you all........and happy Tuesday :)
Welcome sbwesty, I added your information to the front page.
Glad to see some of the regulars back to check in at least - Tickle, Pitch, Chap - Looks like we are all in the AF will show up any moment! My temp had dropped yesterday to just above the coverline but today it bottomed out in the 96 range again. Pitch I think I will be with you in the "ibuprofen every 3 hours". If I wait 4 hours, I am curled up in pain. I unfortunately have no words of wisdom on what to do to make the period more bearable. I had started taking BC in my 20s to control the pain before I got out of college. Before that it was sleeping it off, and taking hot showers to make the pain less pronounced. I can hardly skip work or take a hot shower at school to deal with the pain. Freaked my DH out last month with my reaction to the pain but he was sort of like, well at least we know your body is back to the way it was before you started taking birth control. Ugh as if that is reassurance with a hot prod is being seared through my mid section. Maybe it will come tomorrow, rather than Thursday (first day of school). I have been taking vitamin B complex this cycle so maybe the luteal phase will longer. I have been taking it for energy, not fertility.
Well off to create lesson plans and figure out what I will do on the second day of school. The first day of school is orientation to "Responsibility" with all the handbook rules and such.
AF is due today or tomorrow. Temps are still high, I woke up to pee a few times last night (I almost never wake up), and my boobs grew- um- overnight? Also woke up from a nightmare last night.
I think it's very possible that I am psyching myself out since if I did get pregnant, it was from just one BD the first cycle we attempted. I am not tired at all, I am really excited and on edge about the possibility, which may explain the frequent bathroom trips and bad dream. Trying to brainstorm strategies for pulling my mental energy into work or other activities that I have some influence over- this one will just happen if it happens! This is all very new to me and it is hard to get it out of my head.
chapluqa- thank you for that thoughtful reply-- it is good to know that other people are careful to talk about this with their folks. I kept my mouth shut about my wedding plans too and ended up avoiding all kinds of unsolicited advice and prying questions. So that should work for the babymaking till it actually happens and I pass the 1st trimester. I also joined a website for wedding planning where I could talk with other people who were going through the same thing and avoided all the judgmental comments while enjoying the support of a community.
tickletoes- Bike commuting is amazing! It takes a little building up, IMHO. You have to get into the swing of preparing everything, figuring out the best clothes to wear, getting the right equipment, etc. but after you figure it out it is like anything else in life.... I have always been kind of heavy/curvy and also muscular and when I began bike commuting the sense of independence and freedom combined with the cardio work caused me to drop 20 lbs within a few months. Definitely easy, happy, healthy weight loss.
lilacvioletiris- Thank you for the welcome, happy to be here!
sbwesty, my family knew I wanted to be married for a year before trying. I was married July 2010 so on our anniversary there were all sorts of "now you can start working on that niece or nephew" comments from my sisters. I am the oldest of 7 and 35 years old so I am feeling the pressure. My mom had her last baby at 35 and since two of her kids are married now she has been saying how many grandchildren she is behind based on her experience having babies - I should has 7 kids, my other married sister 6 kids = so she is 13 grand children behind. Mercy, I am not having 7 kids, 2 maybe 3, if I can get pregnant. It used to be that she was proud none of her kids had gotten pregnant before getting their education but now I think she is getting antsy to be a grandma.
Welcome and welcome back to so many of you, all new to me!
I love your low-key attitude, sbwesty. That's how I thought I would be. But somehow, after last month's phantom pregnancy symptoms and excitement, I've lost my cool a bit.
Chapluqa: my parents and in-laws are all-too aware of our recent attempts (we'll be the first on both sides if we have a child) and they are not always sensitive. A few weeks ago my mom was giving me the rundown about the symptoms I had confided in her in the 2ww, that she had discussed with everyone at work (?!). I had to tell her that while I want to tell her as soon as I get a BFP, I'm uncomfortable with her discussing me with everyone at work in case of a loss. She said: well, then don't tell me, I won't be able to wait three months. Frustrating!!!
Hi Tickle toes, I'm so glad you are enjoying the bicycle. I have found that I need to do some sort of physical activity every day, or else it affects my mood. I would run 5 miles a day if I could, I love running, but I want to be a little more gentle on my body, so I've been trying to walk more and do yoga. It frustrates me when I think I don't have time to be active.
Pitchounette, I can relate about bursting into tears after temping. I had bought a FRER and was going to use it the morning my temp tanked last month.
Lilacvioletiris, I'm with you on the ibuprofen. I find that it works even better when I'm off it for a few weeks while ttc and 2ww!
AFM, still waiting to O and my temp has been virtually the same for the past 3 days, not low enough that I think a jump will mean ovulation, though. I can't figure it out, but I do feel cramping in my ovary area...
OH WOW the pressure! Oh my! Hahah. I don't know about you, but when my mom says those kinds of things my sisters and I always call each other and laugh about it- makes it all better :)
I think about the fact that at my age, my mom had 3 kids- I was 9 years old and we were living in a nice suburban house and I'm getting started a full decade later. I'm totally satisfied with my choices. My mom has gotten less grandbaby-crazy about it since my sister had kids as well.
Pitch
Lilac:
sbwesty:
Andaluza:
I've obviously been in meetings too much this week.... my replies are all bulleted! 
TickleToes, I teach Pre-Algebra (8th), Algebra I (9th), Geometry (10th), Algebra II (11th), and a math review class (12th) and I am the guidance counselor at a small private high school. I think we have 42 high school students and 7 8th graders this year (as of registration but hopefully a few more come).
I might have to try those heat things.
Off to sleep.
hello all and welcome sbewesty,
tickletoes, good to see you and glad to hear you've been busy. i understand about your bike set-up. i like things to be all nice and dandy, too. i'm teaching Kindergarten this year and this week I got back in the swing of things. a parent volunteer friend who does help some, though.
sounds like you guys are all in a similar cycle....i am gearing up for O in a few days. in general, i'm getting really weary of ttc and looking towards serious intervention. so. not fun.
hope you all have a good rest of week.
Hello all,
I'm new to the forum and don't know all the handy acronyms yet, but loved the fact that you all are over 30 and there are so many teachers...so I just had to join in on the fun!
I had a MC 2 years ago, TTC via IUI last summer (unsuccesful three times), and am now trying again via Clomid, HCG, & IUI. (BTW I'm single and am using a sperm donor...39 years old and always wanted to be a mother.) I'm going in for my first IUI with a new doctor tomorrow...hoping the timing is correct (29 hours after HCG). I'd love to know if you ladies have any suggestions for diet, exercise, etc. when TTC over the age of 30.
Thanks!
Welcome, Amy, I added you to the list on the front page. You said you starting working on conceiving last summer. I put 06/10 but if you want another month just let me know.
Yes, there are several teachers and other professionals on here are well. Great group of ladies!
If you go to the first page, there is a link to acronyms to give you a heads up about what is being talked about.
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