indie - my RE gave me a prescription for folic
bebe - 10 weeks... YAY!!!!!
Chrissy - Happy Birthday 
indie - my RE gave me a prescription for folic
bebe - 10 weeks... YAY!!!!!
Chrissy - Happy Birthday 

SKJ - Yay for + opk!!
Indie - I'm also on 4 mg folic acid. I get it over the counter. I also take b6 and b12 to help the folic absorb.
Bebe - Wow 10 weeks already. Hard to believe. Are you going to find out the sex when the time comes?
Tooth - Update?
Gtree - How are you and the twins?!
Sherry, Ms. D, Greenmum - How are y'all?
Afm - Thanks for the birthday wishes. Dh treated us to IHOP and I bought him Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 for the Xbox. He's such a kid. lol I have so much going on these days it's unreal. We're taking a break which may lead to just not ttc'ing anymore. I've been getting some pretty bad headaches and seem to have one all the time so I'm now on some old time blood pressure medicine to try and control them. I also have a migraine med that made me sick when I took it today. I'm only on cd11 and figure I can take things from month to month. We shall see. Outside of that, I have nothing really new. Crafting with kiddo for the holidays.
Indie -
Elevated homocysteine levels can be lowered. We know that folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 are all involved in breaking down homocysteine in the blood. Therefore, increasing your intake of folic acid and B vitamins may lower your homocysteine level. A good source of folate can be found in fruits and vegetables (especially green leafy vegetables). Other good sources of folate include fortified breads and cereals, lentils, chickpeas, asparagus, spinach, and most beans.
If adjusting your diet does not lower your homocysteine to the desired level, specific vitamins are often effective. Over-the-counter multivitamins that contain at least 250 μg (0.25 mg) of folic acid, as well as vitamins B6 and B12 (usually 2 to 25 mg for B6 and 5 to 100 μg for B12) may be effective. However, they may not be sufficient, because they only contain relatively low amounts of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12. A better option is to purchase folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 supplements separately. This involves taking several different tablets a day, but it is a relatively inexpensive method. The dosing of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12 can be confusing. Table 3 helps shed some light on the appropriate doses. Last, your doctor can prescribe medications that contain higher levels of folic acid and B vitamins. These are convenient combination pills (Table 4) that make the confusing search in the drug store for tablets with the right doses obsolete. High amounts of these vitamins are not known to pose any health hazards.
Found here: http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/111/19/e289.full
SKJ--- Better late than never on the OPK! Enjoy the BDing. As for the woman that just gives you bad feelings, hopefully it is normal because it happens to me. No particular person but moments. I love what you and indie said about the zen feeling being more of a non-judgement than a relaxed, positive feeling. That I can work with. I appreciate your input so much, especially with the emotional aspect of all of this. You ladies really are the best.
gtree- what were their grounds? Can they even do that, had you told them you were pregnant?? If you had I think you can fight it. Though I don't know how much you want to really work for people who treat you that way. Enjoy ANTM though, haven't seen that one in years! I currently love Revolution but would love to have a week to watch all of Scandal, Homeland, and Once Upon a Time!
bebe- 10 freekin weeks!! When the heck did that happen. When do we get to see an amazing incognito belly pic of you??
indie- cleaning?! come on over! My hubby is almost never home and cleaning is not my top priority (though admittedly, my house never gets that dirty). I'm so interested in your results from your thyroid... Makes me curious if they tested me for MTHFR ( I LOVE this acronym by the way, I always say it like it sounds- appropriately). Do you know, does it hurt to take the folic acid supplement just in case?
Chrissy- sounds like you had a nice birthday. IHOP love over here. Years ago they had corncake pancakes that I loved. To this day I've tried to replicate them with no luck. Now I do the harvest grain & nut when we have the opportunity to go there (closest one is about 40 mins away). Good luck with the headaches, thats the worst.
long awaited AFM- No BFP today. I'm just using Wondfo cheapies. I will use a FRER if AF is late but it feels like she is coming. Actually I feel like I did before surgery. The cramps are worse today & I'm spotting a little, my back hurts, my left ovary hurts. Please pray for no/reduced size of cysts at my ultrasound. It probably has to do with being off the letrazole so my hormones are wacky and stopping my naltrexone (no more endorphin boost--- he said after 6 mos they recommend a break) but I feel so moody. I actually yelled at God at church today (in my head of course) but I just feel so angry and betrayed. I have put all my faith in God my whole life and I feel like even having to make the decision to pursue IVF is a slap in my face for being trusting and faithful. Like the joke is on me, God doesn't give a caca about me or have a hand in anything. Someday I know it will feel different but after a BFN this morning and the hormones, I just felt mad to even be in church, like why should I put my trust and faith in him if he doesn't answer my biggest prayer. Also I got short with my husband and my mom last night (didn't help that we were installing a faucet in the kitchen and a new toilet and neither were going as planned) and I'm not typically short fused. Usually when I'm emotional I feel sad and clingy, not angry and isolated. Stupid hormones, stupid AF, stupid endometriosis.
Indie, I know, right? It's just becoming a more awful place to work by the minute. I can't believe I got myself locked into a loan repayment contract with this awful place. I'm literally stuck for the next year and a half. What have I done? Awe well, I'm trying to count my blessings, of which I have many! I always feel the same way when DH is out of town or out for a night. Although I usually get nothing done because I pop in a chick flick and enjoy wine and whatever I want for dinner! :)
SKJ, so the new blood test comes from two biotech companies: Harmony and MaterniT21. They have a 99% accuracy rate of detecting trisomies 13, 18 and 21, without the miscarriage risk of CVS or amnio. Not all OBs know about the test (which seriously surprises me). My new OB mentioned it to me before I even asked and they had the kit to give me to bring to the lab and everything. They use the Harmony test. MaterniT21 would have actually been my preference though because as an added bonus it can tell you the sex of the baby (it looks for circulating Y chromosomes in the blood). It's seriously as simple as that! Not all insurance companies cover the cost, but my understand is that MaterniT21 will only charge the patient $235 (or something close to that) and attempt to bill insurance for the rest (you are not charged more if they don't get anything). That's just what I've read though -- I don't know how much is official. Before I get Harmony done this week I am going to call the biotech company and just be sure that there is no way I can get that test done (my OBs office wasn't sure how to arrange getting it done since they are all set up for Harmony), because I'd love to know the sex earlier than the 16 week scan. Either way, super happy these tests can be done at 10 weeks!! Yay for good EWCM and +OPK!! -- keep BDing, girl! :)
Chrissy, definitely going to find out the baby's sex! :) Can't wait (see post about MaterniT21 above). We both think it's a boy and my acupuncturist thinks so, too. We'll see! I really, really hope you get a happy surprise in the next couple months without any stress of trying! Sorry you've been feeling a bit unwell . . . hormones are such troublemakers!
AFM, so besides hating my job, which I'm sure you are all tired of hearing about (but that's because it seems to only be getting worse and worse for me all the time and I just can't figure out what to do!), DH finally uploaded my 9 week U/S. Why is baby triangular at one end?! Funny baby.
I hope you all have a great short work week and a terrific Thanksgiving!! xoxo
TF, we cross-posted! I'm so sorry about things . . . I really understand being angry at God. I think God understands, too. I so believe he has a plan for each of us, but remember a while back when I was so freaking mad at God and I just completely lost it? God knows our feelings, and he knows your faithfulness. I know you will get your baby. I really think you are entitled to these feelings so just have 'em, but I'm sorry you have to feel this way right now. I wish I could take it away. IF is just such an emotional ride full of ups and downs, hope and desperation, faith and doubt. It's enough to make a person feel crazy. Just promise you'll do some nice things for yourself, and continue to talk (or yell) to God. I'm sending you lots of love and support! I'll post a belly pic soon . . . right now I think it's more bloating than anything!!
hello lovely ladies,
skj - WOOHOO for +opk!! ahh, that moment of relief when your body does what it is supposed to do... enjoy!
bebe - love the u/s! crazy triangular baby of yours! thanks for all that info on harmony vs. maternit21... will definitely remember that. how awesome if you can figure out the sex so soon! a year and a half seems so long for staying with that awful job but does that time also include maternity leave? or do you have to work a solid year and a half before getting the loan repayment? i have to admit, i would be thrilled to have an option of getting loans repaid and that would motivate me to stay at the worst of jobs. looking at how much dh and i have between us with no option other than to pay it off ourselves... so depressing. like, REALLY depressing. i'm gonna go cry now...
chrissy - thanks for that information on lowering homocystein levels! reading through it, i'm thinking maybe that's why my levels are low now... i've been taking mad amounts of b6 and b12 for a very long time... i'm guessing if i hadn't they would probably be very elevated. sounds like your birthday weekend was a success! enjoy crafting with your ds. hope you start feeling better soon and a sticky bfp sneaks up on you over the holidays.
toothfairy - i just want to give you a big hug. you have been very faithful and it does seem ridiculously unfair that you are still waiting to get your baby. in some strange way i feel it's even more unfair for you than it is for me. but i do think that ivf is your answer to prayer. i know it's hard to see it that way when there is a lot of resistance to it within your church community but seriously, without it women like us with stupid endometriosis would just be shit out of luck. and that is hugely unfair. when we are finally holding our little miracle i think this will all make some measure of sense... of course, you will be holding two little miracles :)
afm - so i complained to dh yesterday that i was peeing nonstop when i had very little to drink and he brought up that the day before i complained of what felt like the beginning of a sore throat (it's gone now) and he said that i must be pregnant. and i thought, i guess it's nice that at least one of us still believes it's possible. unfortunately, i came across a left over frer (had no plans of testing this month) and tested this morning and of course... bfn. i KNOW i'm not pregnant. i KNOW it's just not going to happen with out big, costly interventions... and yet i can't help but to still pay super close attention to every little freaking thing when i hit 8/9 dpo. it's a sickness. really it is.
tonight we are driving to south carolina (leaving at 1am!) to make it to parris island by 7am for family day. the day after is my baby brother's graduation. he called my parents yesterday (first phone call in 13 weeks) and said he had made it through the crucible and is now officially a marine. i can't wait to see him. hoping i don't kill the rest of my family in the process. i love my family dearly, but ohmygod they are driving me nuts right now.
anyway, the next few days are going to be crazy. i'm sure i will still be checking in on my phone though... just can't stay away from you girls!
I'm so glad that DH still has faith. I think my DH is similar. The two times I got pregnant this year, he was not surprised at all. He just knew it would happen. Helps to have someone keep the faith. That so exciting that your brother is a Marine! Congratulations to him. That is a huge deal!! So glad you get to see him. Ahh family, never a dull moment, eh?
And thanks for the info on the tests. I hope you can get the one where you find out the gender.
Indie, cutest photo ever! LOVE. I know, my funny triangle baby. I think SKJ might be right though and we're looking at baby's back? The year and a half is unfortunately working time, so maternity leave will be added to the top. Bah. I've never felt so trapped, and the worst part is, I did it to myself! Although I didn't really feel like I had a choice. Who on Earth would pass up $60,000 in tax-free loan repayment for a two-year committment. But like most things that are too good to be true, there is a reason they give so much money. Let me assure you. ;) I hear you though . . . student loans are really depressing. Enjoy the roadtrip and brother's graduation! What an accomplishment! Good luck with family too -- I know how it goes. Happy Thanksgiving! Keep the faith -- you will be pregnant sooner than you think. Just putting it out there.
SKJ, thanks for pointing out that that's probably the back of the baby! Can you believe that hadn't occurred to me? Duh! Makes a lot more sense now. You're so smart. :) Thanks so much for prego/baby enthusiasm! I'll never get tired of hearing it! It doesn't look like I'll be getting the one where I can find out the gender . . . aww well. Just gonna have to wait and do it the old-fashioned way at 16-18 weeks! Keep up that good BDing - legs in the air, girl! ;)


Hi Ladies
I have missed u guys!!!
SKJ: I really believe that all you need to do is give yourself some peace (easier said...I know), but then again I know it works wonders for the human body because most times our bodies react to our state of mind. I sincerely think that you could get the BFP Mother Nature's way, but most times we dont give her a chance. You can do this girlfriend, dont see it as a chore or something you must do, try to relax and enjoy the moment
Chrissy: sorry I just got to post after a long while, what with the poor network in my area. Happy belated Birthday dear!
Sherry, TF, Bebe, Gtree: 
AFM: I believe that something is happening to me. Havent confirmed yet, but when I do I will let the house know.
Indie hi! Sorry I did not forget you, I have to do this during work hours and i am doing it in quite a rush. have a big big hug 
Gtree: How HORRIBLE that they fired you!! and so close to the holidays also :-( I hope you get to relax and enjoy being pregnant with TWINS :-) haha I can't wait to be in your shoes!! any more sono pics?
Indie : super cute picture!! Congrats to your baby brother!! what a awesome acomplishment ... when my DD #1 graduated from navy basic I was so proud!! and now I am just excited that she will get to be home for the Christmas , Your DH sounds a lot like mine... He thinks its still possible for me to get pregnant before IVF... even though we are WELL into the process..I got sick the other morning and he was like "that was odd"? maybe you should test LOL so I did and of course BFN ... i am still hopeing you get a BFP before February :-)
Sherry: So good to hear from you!! Sorry about you and DH being so far apart during O ... UGH How frusterating for you... makes you want to freeze his sperm in the fridge and use a turkey baster doesnt it ? LOL (oh my what a visual) ...I bet having that baby around is just pur joy!! I'm sorry DD is struggling... that is hard to watch :-(
Bebe: Sorry your work situation hasn't gotten any easier :-( ... but wow that pay is great!! it sucks it has to have consiquences (sp) I pay only 100 a month on my student loan .. LOL I will be repaying that thing for ever!! we are paying 2000.00 a month for IVF payments , so after that I am thinking paying that twords my loan. I LOVE your sono pic!! I can't wait to share my own!! I still think girl LOL I don't know why !!
SKJ: yaay for O'ing and bd'ing on time!! I have come to relize that temping is not as accurate as I thought is was... wasn't bebe's chart odd too?
Chrissy : HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! so sorry i am late on here !! but I still have the same BFP birthday wish for you !!
TF: I am praying that the Cyst are GONE!! and you get to startthis wonderful ivf process!! lol I really do think it's wonderful that science has allowed us to get pregnant when all else seemed hopeless..Good Luck on your huge party!! have a glass of wine and relax for the day:-)
Lucille: I hope you have a thanksgiving day BFP let us know!!!
Devilish, Dolphin, greenmum..??? who else am I forgetting? HI
AFM: I stopped all my pills today except the dexemthasone , and baby asprin and of course the pre nantal vitamins... I Go in Friday morning for my E2 sono ... So I am supposed to be starting AF soon... I start all my injections on the 25th , we are told to stop all caffeine, alcohol, and BD'ing for the next month.... So its all starting!!! :-) .... I really don't want to project fears to the world, but I have to say I am terrified!! I am not terrified of really anything other than it not working... BUT saying that I also have to say I would rather live with a OH WELL than a WHAT IF.... but it doesn't make this process any easier!!!! I am greatful and thankful for this awesome opportunity to bring another life to this world... My DH deserves to be a daddy, he is absolutley the best!! and i want this for him more than anything!! ... I am so excited, scared, happy and sad all rolled up into one huge big emotional ball.... how can I have so many emotions going on?? I really am trying to relax and remain calm... but hmmmm I am a chronic worrier so I don't really know how to do this!! I meditate (and my mind races) acupuncture stresses me out cause I worry that they may be messing up and sticking my wrong pressure points LOL SEE I AM A WORRY WART~~... Well Cleaning seems to calm me down the most... so I am going to go clean my house like crazy haha I am supposed to take it easy and not to over exert myself once I start the injectables... so i better get to all the hard stuff this weekend... HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE ![]()
Toothfairy, good luck today at your ultrasound! I'm hoping for a great result for you! I also hope the Thanksgiving chaos is more fun than you could imagine. :)
SKJ, it's funny because DH and I have always wanted a girl first, but we both think it's a boy and we are thrilled either way. Really I want both! So my view was always to keep going until FF confirmed my O (and then even a day or two after!). So glad you've had good BD timing!! Happy Thanksgiving (and hope that infection is gone -- I thought I was getting one, too!).
Sherry, 4:30am - yuck indeed! Haha, yes for now it's triangle baby! Looking forward to my next U/S on 12/4! Aww Sherry, I can't wait for you to get home to a done home and DH! When my DH was traveling as a consultant it was so hard to watch my O date come and go with him nowhere in sight. Bah. I'm sorry. Hopefully you get back home and start feeling more hopeful again. That also must be terrible to watch DD so exhausted and struggling. I think the new year is going to bring many good things!
Lucille, ahhh don't keep us hanging -- what's happening over there? ![]()
Shell, well my actual pay is actually not great at all for our area, but the loan repayment significantly helps (although wish I saw that money in my actual pocket!!). I was offered an amazing job in Santa Barbara paying so much more and I'd still be eligible for loan repayment! If only DH could get a job in DH. I'm trapped, trapped, trapped. Well, a girl would make me plenty happy!! We'll see!! Good luck, I'm so excited for you as you continue along this path towards your BFP!! I'm a worry wart too and I would be terrified as well. I think it would be sort of insane if you weren't?! This is a big deal! I have such a strong feeling for you that this is going to work, and may even get you twins!!! Allow yourself to be terrified, but make yourself keep the faith, too. Yay!! Happy Thanksgiving :)
AFM, nothing much happening . . . excited for the 4-day weekend. Also so looking forward to my next OB appt on 12/4! Maybe triangle baby will look more like human baby. ;) Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends! Sending you lots of love, happiness and blessings from California! xoxo
TF - Stop cooking and update us! :)
Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving and at our next Thanksgiving may we all have babies! xoxo
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