Bajingo Juice Doesn't Scare Us! TTC #1 in our 30s October 2012 - Page 3

[lilacvioletiris]

CvilleC, welcome to the Bajingo thread!  I hope your stay here is short and you get a BFP really soon.  I added your information to our roster at the beginning of the thread.  Could you be more specific with your age so I can update that?

dakipode, my class last night was a lot of fun!  I sat next to two elementary teachers, one who was really "beginning tech learning" so it gave me something to do teaching her how to do things as we waited for time to pass.  We had to be there from 4:15 to 7:30 in order to get the credit, even though I finished the tasks by about 6:30.  I was trying to work ahead, but the computer I was on didn't have sound enabled (it was a school and I guess I couldn't turn it on as a guest).  I was supposed to watch videos so that put a crinkle in the plan.  Looking forward to doing more with it over the next few months.  I get 70 hours of continuing ed credit so I am stoked!

AFM, retaining water for no apparent reason the last two days- I don't think I have had that much extra salt lately, but I guess I should pay attention to that today.

[lilacvioletiris]

Well, the weekend has flown by.  I hung out with a special speaker for church yesterday.  He was an excellent speaker.  He had great stories to connect with spiritual ideas.

Today I spent the day grading and recording a bunch of papers.  This week is testing week so kids won't be doing much new learning, just testing what they remembered.

What is everyone else doing this week?

[doularebekah]

CvilleC - Welcome! MDC definitely is a great community and I'm sure you're going to love this group. Good luck with figuring out all the acronyms and TTC ins and outs, I still have to double check the meaning of things sometimes! Fingers crossed your stay here will be short :)

dakipode & lilac - Thanks for the OPK info! I was thinking of trying the digital ones because of the guess work maybe being stressful and that's what I'm trying to get away from. I think I'm too late to order online, my spotting turning into a period has put me further into my cycle than I realised, but I'll have a look around. The ones at our pharmacy were $90!!

I've started taking the Metformin and been feeling pretty off. Just nauseous, tired, moody....pre-menstrual really. I'm hoping that it's just going to be this initial week and that it will pass soon! Aside from that, a friend of ours got married yesterday and it was so much fun. It was really nice to not worry about anything else, have a few too many wines and hang out with friends :)

[lilacvioletiris]

doula, I think if I had used a digital one, I probably would have had a better experience with the OPKs.  The guess work was pretty annoying.  Hopefully you can find one online that is not too crazy expensive.  Now, I have always been curious about this device that the makers of FertilAid sell, called OvaCue http://www.fairhavenhealth.com/ovacue.html  It may be something to consider as well.  It looks at the change in saliva and vaginal secretions from estrogen to progesterone dominance. I hope you start feeling better with the Metformin.

AFM, off to a day of standardized testing for students at school.  Yippee!

[Happygal]

I am 33. 

For the digital ovulation kits--I thought about using the cheap strip ones, but I decided to cough it up and use the digital ones. I ordered through Amazon, which is significantly cheaper than buying in stores around town.

I received my first OPK smiley face on Saturday. Temp drop and then a rise let me know that was probably going to happen. I felt relieved to know that after being on birth control for so long and having irregular periods, my body is returning to normal! 

Lilac--we have teaching in common, although math and high schoolers are both out of my comfort zone; I've never been good with either!

Thanks for the warm welcome.

[lilacvioletiris]

CvilleC - I updated your age. What do you teach? I have been teaching for 12 years and math has only bee part of it.

AFM, finally my insurance company has covered my DH's blood tests from back in June. The lab had sent it my DH's insurance company but they don't cover infertility diagnosis but mine does.  So annoying.  Thankfully things have gotten fixed.

[dakipode]

Lilac: does testing happen at the same time around the nation? I know kids here were off today because the juniors and seniors are testing.

Good to hear about your insurance reimbursement! I just got a $25 bill in the mail for DH as well. I haven't told DH our total spending for all this testing, he was so resistant to it in the first place, good thing I pay the bills...

doularebekah: are you feeling any better?

CvilleC: are the digital ones supposed to be more accurate than just the cheap test strips? I haven't had any issues with the cheapies but then I haven't gotten pregnant yet either...

AFM: didn't O this weekend, called the clinic but the girl was super unhelpful. She asked when I usually ovulate, I said between CD20 and 28, she replied: "You shouldn't see a surge (LH) that late, that's almost when you're supposed to start your period." DUH, that's why I wanted the Clomid... Didn't seem to speed things up though so who knows what's going on. I think next time I call I want to speak to the doctor, or at least my usual nurse.

We did go see a movie on Sunday, that was fun. This week no plans so far. I'll be using a crock pot for the first time ever tomorrow, picked one up at Sears for $10!

How's everyone else? JustJenny, Tickletoes, TeamViddy?

[TickleToes]

I've been pretty busy this last week - every day I had appointments, meetings, and events that I had to attend. I'm doing pretty well though. I'm 8 DPIUI and trying to patiently wait for any sign that it worked or not. And trying not to obsess!

On Sunday there was a Walk to Remember event in memory of pregnancy and infant loss. I went with a friend and it was really sweet. There were a few couples from my grief and loss support group who were there, holding their new rainbow babies. It was good to see them and be reminded that someday, I will be there too.

I don't think I have anything exciting to add... my brain is on vacation at the moment.

[JustJenny]

Originally Posted by dakipode 

CvilleC: are the digital ones supposed to be more accurate than just the cheap test strips? I haven't had any issues with the cheapies but then I haven't gotten pregnant yet either...

AFM: didn't O this weekend, called the clinic but the girl was super unhelpful. She asked when I usually ovulate, I said between CD20 and 28, she replied: "You shouldn't see a surge (LH) that late, that's almost when you're supposed to start your period." DUH, that's why I wanted the Clomid... Didn't seem to speed things up though so who knows what's going on. I think next time I call I want to speak to the doctor, or at least my usual nurse.

We did go see a movie on Sunday, that was fun. This week no plans so far. I'll be using a crock pot for the first time ever tomorrow, picked one up at Sears for $10!

How's everyone else? JustJenny, Tickletoes, TeamViddy?

Dakipode-  what a helpful staff...What movie did you see?

Question re: test strips....This is the 3rd month trying opks and so far its added confusion, lol. The first 2 months I used equate brand- the first month I never got a positive at all, the second I had so many dud tests I ran out before I o'd. I was soooo mad! This month I tried  the cheap ovulation dip strips from amazon and they are easy to read. BUT Aren't you supposed to O after you get a positive? All my fertile signs say I o'd on cd16. But I didn't get a positive until cd17. Anyone want to look at my chart for a guess?? I was so sure I was reading my chart right but now I don't know!  I usually get a big temp dip before o and I didn't this cycle for some reason. Maybe that's why I'm confused?

[TeamViddy]

Hi everyone... Welcome CvilleC!

It's looking like AF is starting today at CD 24, which is pretty much unheard of for me. I haven't been taking my temp but based on cervical fluid I probably ovulated super early this cycle, for what it's worth. I am starting on an elimination diet this week (was preparing for it and waiting till after I found out of I got pregnant this month). We'll see if gluten or some other food is causing me problems... I already know I have a dairy sensitivity. I also contacted a holistic health person who specializes in fertility. I was always super regular, never had any reproductive issues, and never even took hormonal birth control in my life. I never thought it would take this long.
 

ETA: I looked again and I totally counted wrong. I am on CD 29, which is right track for a normal cycle. . There go my stupid fantasies about implantation spotting.

Edited by TeamViddy - 10/24/12 at 11:03am

[TeamViddy]

Blech, I can't believe how many months I've been getting hopeful and then the day AF comes I get really sad for days. Then during my 2WW I get really optimistic. Over and over and over again... It's not healthy.
 

[Happygal]

JustJenny -- what time of day do you take your OPK? I took mine Sat. morning as directed by the kit, and had a negative. Tested again at 3 and it was positive. I only tested once. There is a big range when you test as to when you will ovulate, so I'm wondering if your timing had something to do with it. I read this on FertilityFriend and hope it helps: http://www.fertilityfriend.com/Faqs/Positive-OPK-the-same-day-as-ovulation.html

Dakipode -- I don't know if the digital ones are more accurate, although the box says it is 99% accurate. I do know they are really easy, and with everything else involved with TTC, I thought I'd take the easy route! I have a sister who loved using the strips and comparing, but that's not for me.

Lilac -- I've taught many subjects and ages, but I consider myself an elementary teacher. I love ESL, but have never taught it full time. I most recently taught reading. Now I'm doing consulting work, but want to do some tutoring so I can keep working with kids.

TeamViddy -- Sorry your spirits are low. I hope your holistic health person can offer some new direction/ideas for you.

[iixivboots]

TT, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and the babies you lost. I am so hopeful for you! I hope it's this cycle but I'm so glad you have a good plan in place with your RE.

Lilac, hope you had a good dinner with your DH. I cannot believe that the aesthetics of your classroom was noted on your evaluation (in writing?) Grrrrrrrrr. I could go off, you know how burnt out I am right now, but really, seriously, that is stupid.

[JustJenny]

Originally Posted by TeamViddy 

Hi everyone... Welcome CvilleC!

It's looking like AF is starting today at CD 24, which is pretty much unheard of for me. I haven't been taking my temp but based on cervical fluid I probably ovulated super early this cycle, for what it's worth. I am starting on an elimination diet this week (was preparing for it and waiting till after I found out of I got pregnant this month). We'll see if gluten or some other food is causing me problems... I already know I have a dairy sensitivity. I also contacted a holistic health person who specializes in fertility. I was always super regular, never had any reproductive issues, and never even took hormonal birth control in my life. I never thought it would take this long.
 

ETA: I looked again and I totally counted wrong. I am on CD 29, which is right track for a normal cycle. . There go my stupid fantasies about implantation spotting.

Viddy- I can sympathize. I can't believe its taking this long either.  A year and a half has gone by with only one bfp that ended in loss. Its really getting to me too . I'm 4dpo and should be excited and filled with anticipation of maybe getting a bfp after this tww. Normally I am, but I feel quite the opposite.  Instead I'm anticipating a bfn. I'm just looking forward to getting all the testing done that we need next year...

   I hope you find out something with your elimination diet. I had a acupuncturist suggest it to me 6 years ago and I 'm so glad she did. Turns out I was gluten and dairy intolerant. My dh was dairy intolerant too. Even though at that time I wasn't ready ttc I was still charting bbt. I've always had a period regularly but learned my luteal was to short (8-9 days). After eliminating gluten and most dairy my luteal went to 13 within 3 months. Now its around 15! So it really can make a change hormonally. 

CvilleC- I was testing 2x a day, morning ( not 1st urine) and night (before bed). I had a negative all day on cd16 then got a positive first thing cd17. I just don't get it! Maybe I drink to much water or something?? I've been trying not to drink much before I test.  I thought maybe the last time I did opk's was timing because I was only testing one time a day and in the morning with first urine.I guess we'll see next month 

[TickleToes]

Originally Posted by bootsvalentine 

TT, just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and the babies you lost. I am so hopeful for you! I hope it's this cycle but I'm so glad you have a good plan in place with your RE.

Thanks, Boots

[lilacvioletiris]

dakipode, have fun with your crockpot!  I love mine. I have a recipe for cheesy potatoes that always disappear at get togethers.

tickletoes - can't wait to see what happens today :) or tomorrow.

JustJenny - I am not too familiar with opk test strips, but the surge of LH should come and then ovulation.

TeamViddy, I am sorry that AF has found you. Have you done any hormonal testing to see if there might me any underlying health issue that is causing your TTC journey to be longer than you hoped? Were the doctors able to give you any reason for your loss that may relate to your TTC journey?

AFM, I am going to spend from 3 p.m. today to 7 p.m. tomorrow sewing up some mosquito nets for an African mission project my Christian school is supporting and making the curtains for my classroom.  I will post pictures of the curtains hung up once they are done to make my classroom less institutional and more homey.

[TickleToes]

Ah, I need to break out my crock pot. Some kind of bean dish is really sounding appealing right now. Hmm...

Lilac - did they give you any other feedback to make your classroom look more homey? Sometimes a few plants and a well-placed table lamp can do a lot to add to a room. I'm sure I can think of more ideas if you need them. I'd love to see your curtains! I started to make some for my classroom a few years ago. They just need the bottom hem sewn and they are finished, but for some reason I just can't seem to finish the project. I hate sewing!

I'm waiting... and hating it... and really wanting to see something exciting happen with my chart in the next few days. The kiddos gave me a cold that I just can't seem to shake. I'm afraid that even if my temps rise more, that it will be a low-grade fever causing it. Blerg. I obviously need to practice more yoga/meditation.

I'll have a few distractions this weekend. My friend is coming over for cake o'clock - which is a brilliant idea that I came up with a few years ago. Random cake indulgences before dinner with friends on the porch. I highly recommend it. Tomorrow, my school is having our Halloween Harvest Hoe-down and Saturday a friend is having a baby shower. And... somehow, I need to carve an Obama'lantern. I did this four years ago and it was great. Now I feel pressure to top myself. Is that ridiculous or what?

[dakipode]

TickleToes: that's a pretty amazing lantern, I don't see how you could top that! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you that your IUI worked!

JustJenny: we went to Looper. It was good, though I was expecting better because all the reviews were so enthusiastic about it. Tomorrow I'm going to see The Perks of Being a Wallflower, haven't heard much about that one.

What sort of testing are you planning next year?

I looked at your chart a couple of days ago and temp wise it looked like CD16 but if your opk's say CD17 then go with that. My temps seem to be all over the place lately, I can only ever tell after O.

TeamViddy: I hope you find something with the elimination diet, then at least you feel like there is a reason, right?

Lilac: I made pork chops with gravy, they came out well. Now I'm excited to try a stew, never made one of those. Have fun with sprucing up your class room!

AFM: ordered another batch of OPKs, using the last one of my stash tomorrow though I got a half dark line today. I'm expecting darker tomorrow so it looks like O on CD22 again, nothing new. If I don't succeed this cycle I'm calling the other nurse to ask why Clomid didn't have any effect on earlier O.

[TickleToes]

Dakipode maybe your dosage isn't high enough? How much are you on?
 

[dakipode]

100mg, i.e. 50 mg twice a day, took them 12 hours apart like clockwork, from CD5 to CD9. Didn't feel any side effects like hot flashes etc. but I don't usually get side effects from any medication (e.g. allergy medication doesn't make me drowsy). Who knows, I'll ask if I'm not successful this cycle.