TTC thread take 2

[ckret01]

What over the counter prenatal vitamins do you guys take? I have been taking the gummy vitafusion ones but I am getting tired of them and want to try something different. I have a hard time swallowing the large horse pill ones.

I never heard of gummy vitafusion, I will have to look for them. I have been taking regular Flintstone/Disney gummys for vitamins because like you I cannot swallow pills very well. My Dr said they were fine to take. But I may have to look into the ones you mentioned.

Opps Just saw your update. 15 is great!!!! I went to work the next day, I had to:< but I agree that I felt crampy and awful. Luckily I had the weekend to sit around.

This is bad, but I am not 100% sure even though I did PIO for 6 IUIs and my IVF. But I am sure you use the bigger needle to get the med out and then use the smaller one for the shot. DH did all mine and he agrees, but it's been Oct since my last shot. They are killer, but I prefer to the other stuff.

I'm glad that it's behind you--I totally understand your nerves, as I would've been nervous too! Here's to a successful IVF!

15 eggs is great!!!!! Can't wait to hear what they say this morning.

That sounds right. The bigger the gauge (#) the smaller the actual needle. I withdrew with 18 or 19 and then used the 22 to do the shot. fun fun stuff

What great news! 15 eggs is awesome! As for teh progesterone shots you use the 18 gage to withdraw the oil and the 22 gage to inject it. I am going on my 7th week of taking them and I have to tell you yes they are uncomfortable, but afterwards! Make sure you rub your butt for about a minute before you get your injection adn then a minute after. It helps with absorptions. Also get a heating pad and use it when you go to bed at night. Again it will help with absorprtion into your muscles. Remember you can do everything right but you are still going to have discomfort. Mike told me yesterday that he thought I only had 2 more weeks of taking them! Hell, to be honest, what ever keeps these babies where they are supposed to be Im in!

xo
E

Thank you all so very much for the positive thoughts and help with all this stuff. I truly appreciate everything. When I did the PIO this morning I used the 18 needle to withdrawal the meds and the 22g 1 and a half inch needle to inject. I called the Dr’s office just now and asked the nurse said I could use the 25g 1inch needle to inject instead. I was happy about that since it is a bit smaller.
E….thank you for the tips on the heating pad and massaging…because it definitely helped big time. I did bleed a little after the shot so hopefully that is normal.

Update: I also got a call this morning from the embryologist this morning and they told me out of the 15 eggs retrieved, 14 matured and 10 fertilized normally. So now I have the big wait to see how many divide and what the quality is for the next few days.

how long do your acu sessions last?? Are you doing another post-transfer?

:

The Acupuncture sessions last about 20 minutes. The Dr puts needles spread out all over my body. I have 2 in my forehead, 1 on each arm, 1 on each hand, about 4 on each leg and about 5 or 6 on my stomach. Then he uses these electrode things on two of the needles on my legs and two on my stomach. Now that I had the egg retrieval he will switch up some of the needles and not use the electrode things on my stomach any more (sorry I have no idea what they are called) but will probably still put the needles there just not use the electrode thing.
I have no idea if this works but I am so willing to try anything right now. I too was very scared of needles, believe it or not even someone just talking about needles would make me want to pass out…no joke. For some reason with all of this IUI / IVF stuff I have gotten a little bit better. Plus knowing the acupuncture needles aren’t really going too far into the skin helps. Some of them I don’t even feel when he puts them in and others I feel a slight pinch and then it goes away after 2 seconds.

 

[D&DDisney]

Ladies, I have a Clomid question for you.

This is my first month taking it, and I'm curious what it's likely to do to my irregular cycle. Am I more likely to ovulate on CD14 rather than later like I used to? Will AF be more likely to arrive on CD28 than my usual CD36-41-ish? I say "usual" for those months when I actually have AF, lol.

Obviously DH and I intend to cover as many days as possible that I'm likely to be most fertile, but I'm curious if Clomid will make me more like clockwork than I normally am.

It really didn't change my cycle at all. But then again, I was always like clockwork (not that this made a difference) so I still O'd on 14 and AF on 28.

I currently take some that were prescribed by my RE -- large horse pill ones.

The first bottle I had bought on my own was at Walmart and I could never find them again, but they actually didn't taste nasty b/c they had some sort of coating. And they weren't quite so 'horsey' if I remember.

I've used the ones from Walmart. They are small and coated so no taste at all. No belching vitamin taste either.

This month I decided to try Geritol Liquid as my daily vitamin. Rumor has it that it gets into the bloodstream faster and the extra iron and B vites in it are supposed to be good for fertility. We shall see. Can't hurt, except for the nasty taste.

 

[cherbear]

It really didn't change my cycle at all. But then again, I was always like clockwork (not that this made a difference) so I still O'd on 14 and AF on 28.


I've used the ones from Walmart. They are small and coated so no taste at all. No belching vitamin taste either.

This month I decided to try Geritol Liquid as my daily vitamin. Rumor has it that it gets into the bloodstream faster and the extra iron and B vites in it are supposed to be good for fertility. We shall see. Can't hurt, except for the nasty taste.

I think I just gagged a little


Which brand at Walmart?? I just googled and I think "OneSource" was the non-nasty tasting ones I tried--which I can no longer find at my Walmart.

 

[joanne312]

Ladies, I have a Clomid question for you.

This is my first month taking it, and I'm curious what it's likely to do to my irregular cycle. Am I more likely to ovulate on CD14 rather than later like I used to? Will AF be more likely to arrive on CD28 than my usual CD36-41-ish? I say "usual" for those months when I actually have AF, lol.

Obviously DH and I intend to cover as many days as possible that I'm likely to be most fertile, but I'm curious if Clomid will make me more like clockwork than I normally am.

It did normalize my cycles somewhat. They were anywhere from 29-47 days prior to meds. On Clomid I have O'd CD17, CD12, and CD14. My RE has you start doing OPKs on CD11 (but he only wants you using one brand, OvuQuick), and to come in for an u/s on CD13 if you haven't gotten a + yet. My periods still come late since I'm on progesterone until the beta, and progesterone can delay your period.

 

[D&DDisney]

I think I just gagged a little
Which brand at Walmart?? I just googled and I think "OneSource" was the non-nasty tasting ones I tried--which I can no longer find at my Walmart.

Spring Valley Prenatal. Our Walmart has them right next to the brand named vites.

 

[cherbear]

Spring Valley Prenatal. Our Walmart has them right next to the brand named vites.

I thought/think that's the ones I took after I couldn't find the OneSource anymore...but they were very horsey to me

I think I may still stick with the prescriptions b/c at least I can write those off for the 2011 tax year -- since freaking Obama changed things, no more OTC tax write-offs for anything purchased this year (AND the minimum medical expense went up, too. Oh how he must HATE us infertiles )

 

[shruley]

Fingers crossed for the eggs! There are a lot of very sound studies showing increased success with IVF while using accupuncture!! I think with the studies it's becoming a pretty accepted treatment for fertility, here's hoping it works for you.

[/QUOTE]
Update: I also got a call this morning from the embryologist this morning and they told me out of the 15 eggs retrieved, 14 matured and 10 fertilized normally. So now I have the big wait to see how many divide and what the quality is for the next few days.

The Acupuncture sessions last about 20 minutes. The Dr puts needles spread out all over my body. I have 2 in my forehead, 1 on each arm, 1 on each hand, about 4 on each leg and about 5 or 6 on my stomach. Then he uses these electrode things on two of the needles on my legs and two on my stomach. Now that I had the egg retrieval he will switch up some of the needles and not use the electrode things on my stomach any more (sorry I have no idea what they are called) but will probably still put the needles there just not use the electrode thing.
I have no idea if this works but I am so willing to try anything right now. I too was very scared of needles, believe it or not even someone just talking about needles would make me want to pass out…no joke. For some reason with all of this IUI / IVF stuff I have gotten a little bit better. Plus knowing the acupuncture needles aren’t really going too far into the skin helps. Some of them I don’t even feel when he puts them in and others I feel a slight pinch and then it goes away after 2 seconds.[/QUOTE]

 

[DisneyElite4]

I would like to join this thread! I have actually been following for awhile, and I have been praying for all of you for a long time. Since so many people are graduating, I thought now would be a good time for me to join.

I am 27, my DH is 31 and we have been TTC for roughly 15 months. I say roughly because the first few months we did not chart, temp or use OPKs at all, then we stopped trying for the entire summer, then picked back up in August 2010. I have been doing all of the charting and other fun things since then, with no BFP. I know in the grand scheme of things that is not a long time at all, so I am trying to be patient and wait for my miracle.

We started preliminary testing in November to try to figure out what is wrong. So far everything has come back "normal." Normal SA, normal HSG, normal blood work, normal ultrasound. I did have one fibroid in the ultrasound, but my doctor swears that is also "normal." I am currently waiting for my doctor's office to send the entire medical record to me so I can Dr. Google all of our results to see if they really are "normal." We are thinking we will make an appointment with an RE in March or April if we are still in the same place.

Until then, we are trying naturally using the Making Babies program. (If you want more information about this I'll be happy to give details, but I know some people are put off by these types of regimens. It's basically just a diet, vitamin and lifestyle regimen. If nothing else, it is helping me to be healthier and stress-free!)

 

[cherbear]

I would like to join this thread! I have actually been following for awhile, and I have been praying for all of you for a long time. Since so many people are graduating, I thought now would be a good time for me to join.

I am 27, my DH is 31 and we have been TTC for roughly 15 months. I say roughly because the first few months we did not chart, temp or use OPKs at all, then we stopped trying for the entire summer, then picked back up in August 2010. I have been doing all of the charting and other fun things since then, with no BFP. I know in the grand scheme of things that is not a long time at all, so I am trying to be patient and wait for my miracle.

We started preliminary testing in November to try to figure out what is wrong. So far everything has come back "normal." Normal SA, normal HSG, normal blood work, normal ultrasound. I did have one fibroid in the ultrasound, but my doctor swears that is also "normal." I am currently waiting for my doctor's office to send the entire medical record to me so I can Dr. Google all of our results to see if they really are "normal." We are thinking we will make an appointment with an RE in March or April if we are still in the same place.

Until then, we are trying naturally using the Making Babies program. (If you want more information about this I'll be happy to give details, but I know some people are put off by these types of regimens. It's basically just a diet, vitamin and lifestyle regimen. If nothing else, it is helping me to be healthier and stress-free!)

welcome to our thread!! I'm glad that you've decided to come out of lurkdom. Definitely not happy that you have to struggle with this too, but we are here for support when you need it.

I think the worst thing is when they say everything is "normal". Having no explanation makes things that much harder.

Also I really appreciate your prayers, I'm sure that everyone here can say the same.

 

[D&DDisney]

I thought/think that's the ones I took after I couldn't find the OneSource anymore...but they were very horsey to me
I think I may still stick with the prescriptions b/c at least I can write those off for the 2011 tax year -- since freaking Obama changed things, no more OTC tax write-offs for anything purchased this year (AND the minimum medical expense went up, too. Oh how he must HATE us infertiles )

I think you're thinking of different ones. Nothing horsey about these. These are skinnier than my Centrum mulitvites I usually take. And these are coated. They go down very easy.

I would like to join this thread! I have actually been following for awhile, and I have been praying for all of you for a long time. Since so many people are graduating, I thought now would be a good time for me to join.

I am 27, my DH is 31 and we have been TTC for roughly 15 months. I say roughly because the first few months we did not chart, temp or use OPKs at all, then we stopped trying for the entire summer, then picked back up in August 2010. I have been doing all of the charting and other fun things since then, with no BFP. I know in the grand scheme of things that is not a long time at all, so I am trying to be patient and wait for my miracle.

We started preliminary testing in November to try to figure out what is wrong. So far everything has come back "normal." Normal SA, normal HSG, normal blood work, normal ultrasound. I did have one fibroid in the ultrasound, but my doctor swears that is also "normal." I am currently waiting for my doctor's office to send the entire medical record to me so I can Dr. Google all of our results to see if they really are "normal." We are thinking we will make an appointment with an RE in March or April if we are still in the same place.

Until then, we are trying naturally using the Making Babies program. (If you want more information about this I'll be happy to give details, but I know some people are put off by these types of regimens. It's basically just a diet, vitamin and lifestyle regimen. If nothing else, it is helping me to be healthier and stress-free!)

Welcome to the thread.

So glad you came out of lurking.

 

[Kennywife]

Hiya!!!! DE!!!! As one fibroid sufferer to another, welcome!

I can chew today! (dentist hit a nerve during dental work) My nerves are still on fire and I'm having trouble holding stuff.

Uggghhh...I had to cancel our RE appointemtn till I get back up on my feet. And I'm ovulating! Dang!!!!

This month sux. On the good side, I may be surprising dad with a daddy/daughter trip to WDW this year! He will be shocked! (He's never been and has always wanted to go!)

Gabbie

 

[cherbear]

Hiya!!!! DE!!!! As one fibroid sufferer to another, welcome!

I can chew today! (dentist hit a nerve during dental work) My nerves are still on fire and I'm having trouble holding stuff.

Uggghhh...I had to cancel our RE appointemtn till I get back up on my feet. And I'm ovulating! Dang!!!!

This month sux. On the good side, I may be surprising dad with a daddy/daughter trip to WDW this year! He will be shocked! (He's never been and has always wanted to go!)

Gabbie

OMG you had to cancel your appt?!!! I think I really would sue that dang dentist who messed you up!!!

If it's not one thing, it's another.

 

[ead79]

I would like to join this thread! I have actually been following for awhile, and I have been praying for all of you for a long time. Since so many people are graduating, I thought now would be a good time for me to join.

I am 27, my DH is 31 and we have been TTC for roughly 15 months. I say roughly because the first few months we did not chart, temp or use OPKs at all, then we stopped trying for the entire summer, then picked back up in August 2010. I have been doing all of the charting and other fun things since then, with no BFP. I know in the grand scheme of things that is not a long time at all, so I am trying to be patient and wait for my miracle.

We started preliminary testing in November to try to figure out what is wrong. So far everything has come back "normal." Normal SA, normal HSG, normal blood work, normal ultrasound. I did have one fibroid in the ultrasound, but my doctor swears that is also "normal." I am currently waiting for my doctor's office to send the entire medical record to me so I can Dr. Google all of our results to see if they really are "normal." We are thinking we will make an appointment with an RE in March or April if we are still in the same place.

Until then, we are trying naturally using the Making Babies program. (If you want more information about this I'll be happy to give details, but I know some people are put off by these types of regimens. It's basically just a diet, vitamin and lifestyle regimen. If nothing else, it is helping me to be healthier and stress-free!)

Welcome! We're glad to have you join us

Hiya!!!! DE!!!! As one fibroid sufferer to another, welcome!

I can chew today! (dentist hit a nerve during dental work) My nerves are still on fire and I'm having trouble holding stuff.

Uggghhh...I had to cancel our RE appointemtn till I get back up on my feet. And I'm ovulating! Dang!!!!

This month sux. On the good side, I may be surprising dad with a daddy/daughter trip to WDW this year! He will be shocked! (He's never been and has always wanted to go!)

Gabbie

I'm glad you're on the mend, but I'm sorry you're having to deal with this. I'm glad you've got a fun surprise trip to look forward to though!

 

[cc1013]

i'm sorry that your iui didn't work, but it sounds like your doctor is very optimistic about ivf. That seems very positive to me.

oh man i'm so sorry

It does sound like your re has a great outlook for you. If it's the endo preventing fertilization, then ivf will get that part done for ya. Then we can pray hard that it sticks!!!

i have a friend who just started accupuncture (she's doing ivf.) she said she loves it, but i'm just not sure if i could do it. I hate needles. I did have it done once, i actually used it to induce labor with my last child. I hated it and at the time swore i'd never do it again. However, it worked, i went into labor 8 hours later, and i keep reading it could really help regulate my hormones. Like you, i just can't decide if it's worth the cost and the trauma of those darn needles.

the whole thought of ivf is much scarier than it actually was i think. I was just terrifed of my er, but they put me to sleep and it was over. The worst part is all the waiting and waiting.
I agree you get used to the shots. I will be on double the shots next time since we are adding 2 more meds:<

i didn't so acupuncture. I reallly wanted to, but in the end i think that it was going to stress me out more than it would do good. My insurance pays for 3, but the place that "works" with my re wanted me to pay cash and get it back from the insurance.

Lots of luck with your cycle.

i am so sorry. i have been doing acupuncture for about 3 months now. I have no idea if it is working, but it’s not as bad as i thought with the needles. It is actually quite relaxing while you are lying there and i do notice when i leave i am more relaxed.

Thanks so much for all of the encouragement and information! I started BCP on Monday and will be on those until mid-late March. Assuming everything goes well, the egg retrieval will occur sometime between April 12 through 22. I'm nervous, but optimistic. My cousin had a baby girl last night. She lives in Houston. Last Memorial Day Weekend, she and her husband along with DH and I met in New Orleans for vacation. After a fun night on Bourbon, her husband shouted, 'Okay! Let's make a baby!' lol Well, that was their first time trying from what she told me and 9 months later, baby girl was born. I love them all dearly and am so happy for them, but I'm amazed how easy it is for some people and then there are others like us. What I find amazing is how many years I tried so hard to not get pregnant. Who knew it would end up being like this?????

So....we have a break from the REs office for a few weeks as we are prepping for our first IVF cycle and I'm on BCP. DH and I decided to take full advantage of that and book a trip to Wine Country and San Francisco. I'm so excited and it's been great fun planning. Chicago weather has been rough this winter, so we are excited to leave for a bit. We've never been to Wine Country (he has been to San Fran, but not me) and it looks really nice. We have a timeshare and were able to trade our points for hotels in both places, so that brings down the cost a lot. We leave in about a week and a half and just got everything booked yesterday. We figured the next few months will likely be stressful and decided to really take the opportunity for some fun.

I've also inquired about acupuncture at my yoga studio (they have an acupunturist on site). As much as I hate needles, I would like to try it once as many studies show some fertility improvement because of it. We'll see what happens. I may completely change my mind as I tend to go back and forth on it......

Gabby - Hope you are feeling better! I can't believe what happened to you!

Ckret01 - 15 eggs sounds awesome and it seems like many of them are progressing nicely!

Hope everyone has a fantastic day!!!!

-Christine

 

[Kennywife]

Got out with hubby today. We went to Wolfgang Puck for lunch. It was fabuloius. I'm sorry if I can't spell right...teh ticks keep messing my brain up. (I have nerve pinhes on my right side and it looks like u I winking)

Anyhoo, I had fish and chips, he had a burger. I am making an appointment to see my neuro adn will go from there. My lovely boss have given me my check for the month so I can recuperate ad not need to come in.

My dentist advice? Get a massage.

Hope all is well with you guys. I will try to update you when I cna adn hopefully my writign ability will be better soon.

Gabbie

 

[shruley]

I just read the Making Babies book. It was good, and had some good ideas. I am doing really horrible at following it though! The TTC stresses me, and when I'm stressed, I eat! It's a horrible cycle. Every other day I keep telling myself I'm starting it again. I did actually start exercising this week, because the book told me not to exercise to long/hard/often (I'm Stuck and Tired.) That license to only do walking or something light and not feel guilty about it seem to actually move my butt of the couch! Right now I've been debating doing the baby Asprin???

I would like to join this thread! I have actually been following for awhile, and I have been praying for all of you for a long time. Since so many people are graduating, I thought now would be a good time for me to join.

I am 27, my DH is 31 and we have been TTC for roughly 15 months. I say roughly because the first few months we did not chart, temp or use OPKs at all, then we stopped trying for the entire summer, then picked back up in August 2010. I have been doing all of the charting and other fun things since then, with no BFP. I know in the grand scheme of things that is not a long time at all, so I am trying to be patient and wait for my miracle.

We started preliminary testing in November to try to figure out what is wrong. So far everything has come back "normal." Normal SA, normal HSG, normal blood work, normal ultrasound. I did have one fibroid in the ultrasound, but my doctor swears that is also "normal." I am currently waiting for my doctor's office to send the entire medical record to me so I can Dr. Google all of our results to see if they really are "normal." We are thinking we will make an appointment with an RE in March or April if we are still in the same place.

Until then, we are trying naturally using the Making Babies program. (If you want more information about this I'll be happy to give details, but I know some people are put off by these types of regimens. It's basically just a diet, vitamin and lifestyle regimen. If nothing else, it is helping me to be healthier and stress-free!)

 

[shruley]

I would love to know the answer to that question...why it's so easy for some people. Despite me having some issues (like only 1 tube) I got pregnant with my first the first month trying. I'm a little older now, but not THAT old (33) and when you start looking at trying a year and nothing, you wonder how can that be??? Makes no sense! I already know I have Low Progesterone. I go next month to the Specialist, see what other tests I can do to see what else is wrong...

Your vacation sounds wonderful! Sounds like exactly the break you need, hope you have a wonderful trip!

Thanks so much for all of the encouragement and information! I started BCP on Monday and will be on those until mid-late March. Assuming everything goes well, the egg retrieval will occur sometime between April 12 through 22. I'm nervous, but optimistic. My cousin had a baby girl last night. She lives in Houston. Last Memorial Day Weekend, she and her husband along with DH and I met in New Orleans for vacation. After a fun night on Bourbon, her husband shouted, 'Okay! Let's make a baby!' lol Well, that was their first time trying from what she told me and 9 months later, baby girl was born. I love them all dearly and am so happy for them, but I'm amazed how easy it is for some people and then there are others like us. What I find amazing is how many years I tried so hard to not get pregnant. Who knew it would end up being like this?????

So....we have a break from the REs office for a few weeks as we are prepping for our first IVF cycle and I'm on BCP. DH and I decided to take full advantage of that and book a trip to Wine Country and San Francisco. I'm so excited and it's been great fun planning. Chicago weather has been rough this winter, so we are excited to leave for a bit. We've never been to Wine Country (he has been to San Fran, but not me) and it looks really nice. We have a timeshare and were able to trade our points for hotels in both places, so that brings down the cost a lot. We leave in about a week and a half and just got everything booked yesterday. We figured the next few months will likely be stressful and decided to really take the opportunity for some fun.


Hope everyone has a fantastic day!!!!

-Christine

 

[DisneyElite4]

I just read the Making Babies book. It was good, and had some good ideas. I am doing really horrible at following it though! The TTC stresses me, and when I'm stressed, I eat! It's a horrible cycle. Every other day I keep telling myself I'm starting it again. I did actually start exercising this week, because the book told me not to exercise to long/hard/often (I'm Stuck and Tired.) That license to only do walking or something light and not feel guilty about it seem to actually move my butt of the couch! Right now I've been debating doing the baby Asprin???

Hey there! I had a hard time following it at first, but then some of the girls I know who have been following it got pregnant after years of infertility, and that inspired me to try harder. I have been doing it since December - I try to exercise 4-5 times a week, eating mostly organic with lots of fruits, veggies, fiber and whole grains, and I am taking around 11-13 supplements a day depending on the time of the cycle. I have noticed an improvement in my overall health, but obviously I have not gotten pregnant on it yet. My favorite thing about the program is that it tells you not to worry about following it 100 percent - 80 percent is perfection! So when I cheat and have ice cream cake or forget to exercise I don't feel bad about it.

I am Stuck and Tired as well. I am taking almost all of the supplements recommended for both types, including the baby aspirin. Good luck, hopefully we can motivate each other to stick to it!

 

[DisneyElite4]

I wanted to add that the hardest part for me was cutting out caffeine and alcohol, but I did it! I haven't had a sip of coffee, even decaf or any carbonated beverage in quite awhile.

 

[cc1013]

My dentist advice? Get a massage.

Gabbie

Ugh! Are you kidding me? That must be so frustrating. I'm sorry you are going through this and wish you a quick recovery! It sounds like you have a great boss.