Trying to conceive/Planned parenthood/Assisted Reproduction Chat thread.

ap110

Hi girls, new to the forum and looking for advice, support and a place to vent my frustration!

We're TTC for the past 4 years. Attended Tallaght hospital without success then referred to the Coombe, with the Coombe for about 2 years now. Tallaght gave me Clomid (50mg & 100mg) but then the Coombe took me off it because of my age (30 now) and also my weight. The Coombe wanted to see if I would ovulate on my own without medication and by loosing weight.
My husband had a couple of semen analysis done and he has a low sperm count but good motility and it's normal. I had a HyCoSy in February of this year and all ok. I'm currently on Metformin for the last couple of years to help loose weight. The Coombe also said I probably have PCOS.
The Coombe wanted me to loose 2 stone before they would consider giving me Clomid. In one year I actually lost 4 stone and in May and got the Clomid (50mg) and started it in May. Got my period in June so am taking Clomid at he moment so fingers crossed!! I'm back in the Coombe in August.

My husband was referred to St. James's Urology and also Endocrinology so investigate the low sperm count. After the investigations it's not clear why the sperm is low, he has Crohn's so perhaps that's connected to it. The Urologist gave him Clomid also. It didn't really agree with him, mood swings, acne, increased hunger etc. but he still takes it to try and increase his sperm count.

Looking for anybody else who is in the same position or similar situation. Stressed out now and feel like no one understands what I'm going through. 4 years trying is too long, it feels like it's never going to happen :mad:
People say try not to stress out but it's hard not to when it's on your mind 24/7.

Thanks for reading and apologies for the lengthly post

pennyloves

I totally understand where you're coming from. I have been trying for a year now and it is impossible to switch off and forger about it especially as each month goes by. You begin to feel like it's never going to happen. Please try and take some positives out of your experiences though. You and your husband are doing everything possible to make this happen and you will succeed. When your precious bundle finally arrives you will cherish it even more. I keep telling myself that anyway!!!!

pennyloves

I went to the Femplus clinic and I had the usual smear, std and blood tests done. My husband had a sperm analysis and that came back clear. I am having the hycosy done in a week and a half. I was just wondering if anyone could tell me, if that comes back clear, what will the next step be. I really can't wait around anymore as I feel the months are passing me by. I would be grateful to hear about your experiences.

ap110

pennyloves wrote: »

I totally understand where you're coming from. I have been trying for a year now and it is impossible to switch off and forger about it especially as each month goes by. You begin to feel like it's never going to happen. Please try and take some positives out of your experiences though. You and your husband are doing everything possible to make this happen and you will succeed. When your precious bundle finally arrives you will cherish it even more. I keep telling myself that anyway!!!!

Thanks for your reply. It's hard to think positive when everyone around you is falling pregnant. I'm just panicking the clomid doesn't work, I was on it before and it didn't.

pennyloves

I know how u feel, I've just spent the night with three pregnant women!! It took everything in me to keep it together. You really do have to believe it will happen though. I tried the whole healthy eating thing and low alcohol and it made no difference so I have decided to try and let it go and enjoy myself as it's going to happen when it's going to happen. I really do believe when u really do surrender it, it will happen. I'm still working on it but hopefully I'll master the art of not giving a hoot soon!!! In the meantime we have this forum to help us keep our sanity:o

stickybean

For as long as I live, I swear I will never again tell a woman who is trying to concieve to relax and let nature take it course. It is just TOO hard to do, we are taking a break from ovulation kits and timed sex for 2 months, we have been so stressed and are losing the passion and the fun.

I am sure it will be really hard to not think about dates and cervical mucus, but as much as possible I am not going to think about it (I hope) xxx

yellow hen

pennyloves wrote: »

I tried the whole healthy eating thing and low alcohol and it made no difference so I have decided to try and let it go and enjoy myself as it's going to happen when it's going to happen.:o

I did this too. I conceived around the time of a weeks drinking binge in Galway when I even started smoking again. I think you need to take the stress out if it and just try to enjoy being you again. X

Neyite

stickybean wrote: »

For as long as I live, I swear I will never again tell a woman who is trying to concieve to relax and let nature take it course. It is just TOO hard to do, we are taking a break from ovulation kits and timed sex for 2 months, we have been so stressed and are losing the passion and the fun.

I am sure it will be really hard to not think about dates and cervical mucus, but as much as possible I am not going to think about it (I hope) xxx

I know lol. I love the way that you would see that lightbulb go on over their heads when they suggest it, and how triumphiant they are that they found a solution to your infertilty in the space of 5 mins where you, your partner and possibly any number of medical professionals have failed. And unwittingly sending your "relaxation" levels to critical as you mentally strangle them in your head.

I would suggest that maybe you do think about it, because you will anyway, just dont dwell on it and just say to yourself "well, in Sept I'll look into X when we start trying again properly" Its mad how technical and stressful it can get when its all timed. You are right to put it to the side and concentrate on connecting with each other.

Lucuma

Another thing that people say to you that I find unhelpful is when well-meaning friends/family say 'I just know you're going to be a Mammy' and one close friend lately telling me that she didn't think there was any point in us planning an event in September as she said 'I'm fully sure you'll be in sprogsville by then'. I didn't mind the sprogsville word, she's just trying to be funny it's the assumption that they somehow know something that I don't - they KNOW I'm going to be pregnant. How can they know that? I think it's quite an arrogant thing to say to me, and stupid - I mean what if there is something wrong and I won't get to be a Mammy? They'll have to eat their words then. Anyway the last time my best friend (who is pregnant) told me that she 'just knows' that it will happen for me, I told her I found it patronising so needless to say, it hasn't been mentioned since. I may have over-reacted...but I find it frustrating that people assume to know something that they can't possibly know!

pennyloves

It's so funny though because even though I didn't buy a O kit this month I find myself checking the calendar and all all the other signs on the sly. You can never truly switch off but at least the pressure around those O days is not as intense, well so my husband thinks anyway, bless him!!

bobskii

Wellive had the week from hell,the tablets they put me on lowered my white blood count so in turn my immune system shut down so I get infection after infection.finally coming out the other side now.im sick of taking tablets so I've just stopped taking everythin even my folic acid,I think my body just needs a break,as do I!

pennyloves

My period is 7 days late...used about 4 tests throughout the past few days and they've all shown a negative result. Don't know what to do as it's on my mind constantly. I have no symptoms of pregnancy but I can't help but hold onto a tiny flicker of hope.

Lucuma

pennyloves wrote: »

My period is 7 days late...used about 4 tests throughout the past few days and they've all shown a negative result. Don't know what to do as it's on my mind constantly. I have no symptoms of pregnancy but I can't help but hold onto a tiny flicker of hope.

That was posted on Saturday....Tuesday now. Any news pennyloves!?

Lucuma

pennyloves wrote: »

It's so funny though because even though I didn't buy a O kit this month I find myself checking the calendar and all all the other signs on the sly. You can never truly switch off but at least the pressure around those O days is not as intense, well so my husband thinks anyway, bless him!!

Do you know, I think there's a lot to be said for this. Track your days yourself if you want but don't tell the husband.....let him just think that you're being spontaneously affectionate :-) At least that way, it takes the pressure off them at least. After all pressure affects them way more than it does us in dtd department!

pennyloves

After 8 pregnancy tests and a glimmer of hope that things might actually be happening my period came today. I have had my tears and now I am ready for my hycosi this Friday. I hope I can get some answers and actually start to feel like I'm being proactive instead of praying and hoping things will turn out. Thank you for your message, hopefully I will have some good news to post soon:)


Does anyone know if there's a support group in Dublin for people who are trying to conceive? I'd love to sit and have a coffee with someone who actually understands what this is like. It would make things a lot easier and it would definitely help to have other people to share this with instead of my husband all the time.

Lingua Franca

Hello, all.

I'm not TCC but I read this article with interest as one of my friends may be considering IVF soon and I thought this may also be of interest to this forum.

IVF as cheap as £170, doctors claim

The cost of IVF can be cut dramatically from thousands of pounds to around £170 to start a "new era" in IVF, fertility doctors from Belgium claim.

Twelve children have been born through the technique, which replaces expensive medical equipment with "kitchen cupboard" ingredients.

Data, presented at fertility conference in London, suggests the success rate is similar to conventional IVF.

Experts said there was big potential to open up IVF to the developing world.

Cut price
Fertility treatment is expensive. In the UK, it costs around £5,000 per cycle.


High levels of the gas carbon dioxide are needed when growing embryos in an IVF clinic in order to control the acidity levels. This is maintained using carbon dioxide incubators, medical grade gas and air purification.

Instead, the team at the Genk Institute for Fertility Technology mixed inexpensive citric acid and bicarbonate of soda to produce carbon dioxide.

Lead researcher Prof Willem Ombelet said: "We succeeded with an almost Alka-Selzer like technique. Our first results suggest it is at least as good as normal IVF and we now have 12 healthy babies born."

The results, presented to the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference, showed a pregnancy rate of 30% - approximately the same as IVF.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-23223752

Penny Dreadful

Things have been quiet around these parts of late. There must be lots of baby making efforts going on!:D

Last time I checked in here I'd decided to take a step back from the OPKs, knicker watch and all the rest of the checks and balances and just let nature (hopefully) take its course.
I've been on holidays and returned and got my period so the sun and sea didn't work wonders but I am much more chilled out about things.
I've been attending my acupuncturist for a shoulder injury and mentioned to him that we were trying for a baby as we were having a catch up as it had been some time since I'd last required his services!
It was really nice to talk it out with someone, let them know how long I'd been on the Pill, how long off it, signs and symptoms of ovulation, type of period, etc.
He assured me that it was early days (only 6 months off the Pill after 15 years on), things seemed to have returned to normal, period a little lighter than he'd like but next time I'm back he'll use a few needles to boost fertility.
So who knows I could have a baby by the Chinese new year yet!.


How are all the rest of you getting on? Well I hope.

pennyloves

Hello again,

I know I just asked this in my last post but does anyone know if there is a support group out there for women who are having difficulty trying to conceive. I have been told that I have PCOS, an abnormality in my womb which is being investigated, I'm praying it's a septum so that it can be removed easily. Now my doctor has told me that I might have a low egg reserve and IF my womb can be sorted out I may have to go through IVF.


As I've said I would love to meet up with people who are in a similar situation so that we can support each other and not feel so alone.

carlyam2

pennyloves. i dont know of a support group in dublin but i work in the city centre if ya ever wanted to meet up and chat.
i also have pcos and am on a wait list for the rotunda which isnt till may next year but i keep hoping i wont need it.
now i know deep down myself and my hubby will but its nice to dream.
the offer for the coffee and chat so you know your not alone stands.
it def helps to talk to people in the same situation as those not in it dont quite understand.
hope everyone else is well

pennyloves

Thanks a million Carly, I can't believe there isn't anything out there and so many people have to go through this alone. It is fantastic that you are so positive. I hope I will be hearing some good news from you in the coming months. I really do believe stress plays a huge factor in not conceiving. If you and your husband can enjoy yourselves, go out and not think about cycles etc. for the next few months things will happen. Thanks again for your lovely message, I might take you up on that offer over the coming months. I will get through the next few weeks first - trying to take a leaf out of your book and stay positive:)

carlyam2

oh trust me pennyloves im not always positive i try i think it in a weird way helped relieve the stress for the doctor to tell us that it was unlikely to happen naturally for us and that we are now waiting an apt for the rotunda cause it means i dont have to think cycles not that mine have ever been predictable but its a nice break.
we all have our why cant this be me moments but at the present time im loving just being married and stuff and good luck to you hun and if ya ever need to chat im here.
even if its just to vent i know ive had to a few times the pregnant bellies or the comments oh your nearly a year married any babies on the way comments get to me.

bobskii

Girls don't give up hope because of pcos,my friend has it and she is expecting her first baby at christmas!she suffered two miscarriages and was just distraugt at the thoughts of the road ahead,she had an appointment for next year in ivf clinic and then fell pregnant,she had other problems too but her pregnancy is going fine for her,i've lost the only friend who really understood tho but i'm just delighted for her!
WE have an appointment again for the hari,not until november so nothing happening until then,my period is late by a day or two but i know i'm not pregnant,it's gotten to the stage now where i know it's not happening the direct route,so scenic route it has to be!

cathy01

ag1975 wrote: »

Anyone else feeling frustrated by the monthly disappointment??
Also, is it just me or when you're ttc does every woman you meet seem to become pregnant?

You can sing that.. I've had at least 4 good friends who are pregnant in the last few months. I've been off the pill since oct/nov. I bought the Ovulation kit off ebay the dip stick one and a load of early pregnancy tests (patience is not one of my virtues). I try not to get disspointed when I get the negatives but its hard. I have only really been trying hard the last 2 months but I just don't get that if you have intercourse everyday around the time you are ovulating why it doesn't happen. Silly me thought it was that cut and dry! I know if I was trying to avoid it i'd get caught!! This is a great thread by the way...[/QUOTE]

To my knowledge you should not have ic three days before ovulation as it weakens the spirm.

stickybean

cathy01 wrote: »

To my knowledge you should not have ic three days before ovulation as it weakens the spirm.

Never heard that last bit, my GP and the 2 fertility specialist I have been to recommended IC every second day from day 10 until day 20 of your cycle (every second day gives time the sperm time to replenish). Sperm can last up to 5 days, so having IC 3 days before ovulation would increase your chances if anything

cathy01

Ill try and find a link to that info.

stickybean

Here are some articles suggesting either everyday or every second day around ovulation:

http://www.babyhopes.com/articles/howfrequently.html

http://infertility.about.com/od/tryingtoconceive101/f/how_often_sex.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/how-to-get-pregnant/PR00103

cathy01

No what I mean is day of olvulation is say day. 14 have sex day 12,13,14,15,16 then that's it.

I have four kids and had a miscarry .it very nearly distoryed me.to be honest even now Mu husband I will never really be the same about it .
Keep trying. , look onto egg donation. .a girl I used to work with was looking into it .

stargirl.gra

My gyne says have sex day 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 for good measure. To be honest that always makes me laugh coz you could get yourself up in knots about it if you were to be taking it too seriously. Sure if you're in bed and it's 1 am does that count as the day before or the day after hahahaha so i just try my best Around my "fertile" week.

bobskii

stargirl.gra wrote: »

My gyne says have sex day 9, 11, 13, 15 and 17 for good measure. To be honest that always makes me laugh coz you could get yourself up in knots about it if you were to be taking it too seriously. Sure if you're in bed and it's 1 am does that count as the day before or the day after hahahaha so i just try my best Around my "fertile" week.[/QUOT
I used to think anything past day 18 was a waste of time,turns out I hit peak day 20 and 21,you really need ta learn about your own body in time!

pwurple

Ditto on that, my fertile days, when there are some... Are somewhere in days 21-35.

Can I just mention follicle tracking here guys. We tried it this time, it was recommended by a friend who was attending napro, there is no napro in cork. Euromedic do it here in cork.

Worked for us on cycle two... It's just another way of spotting when you are ovulating. If OPKs work then you don't need it probably. Very handy for those of us with irregular cycles.