Don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Club
If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here!
1.30.2010
3 DPO!!!!!!!!!
It's true! FF finally put up my crosshairs - and they are on cd20 (just like last cycle!) - yay! I'm so relieved. And it's snowing to beat the band outside! It's so beautiful and relaxing. And now I can chill about my body. Just 13 more days (my LP has been 16 days each Clomid Cycle)... until testing!
Don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Club
If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here!
Don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Club
If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here!
1.29.2010
This is SO confusing!
I'm so confused! (what else is new, right?)
I have an overlay of my last 3 cycles below. Green is my 1st Clomid Cycle, Purple is my 2nd Clomid Cycle & Teal is my 3rd and current Cycle on Clomid.
You'll notice that during the green (1st) cycle I ovulated on cd16 (noted by the green box) & during the purple (2nd) cycle, I ovulated on cd20 (noted by the purple box). Currently I am cd22 on the teal cycle and trying to decide if and when I have ovulated.
When looking at my teal cycle alone, it is a MESS. But when overlayed with my last 2 cycles, you can see some similarities. Note for example, the 3 gold circles. Those were the high temps just after ovulation. My teal temp is right there with them. And if you look at the purple box, you'll see that my low point temp (at ovulation) just before that spike is just .1 of a degree lower than my low point on the teal cycle!
Of course FF won't put a crosshair on the chart for a few more days and with my 0.1 degree drop this morning, it'll make it even more confusing.
But I'm thinking that I probably ovulated yesterday comparing it to my prior cycle temps around ovulation. Maybe I'm just trying to make myself feel better but that's what it looks like to me ... *shrug*
Hopefully I'll show some crosshairs in the next couple of days. Apparently my OPKs are no help this cycle. Although I had a dream last night that I got a positive and was confused as to whether ot not it was an OPK or HPT! I knew in my dream I didn't know when I ovulated so I was hoping it was an HPT! lol...
I just turned on Good Morning America and the first story headline I hear is "Women lose 90% of their eggs by the time they are 30; find out how this affects women who are waiting to start a family. Are your best childbearing years behind you, at the age of 30?" OH THANKS A LOT! Just what I want to hear first thing this morning. Of course the first commercial they play shows a pregnant woman and then one with a child's birthday party. Is the world out to get my today?!?!?!
We're under a winter storm warning for the weekend; bring on the snow. I need some peacefulness.
Read More......
1.25.2010
cd18 Already?
So DH & I tried PreSeed for the first time last night. I've heard really good things about it and so I wanted to try it; I scored 2 free samples and wanted to save them for when I was getting closer to o'ing. Since I believe it's just around the corner, we busted out the instructions and gave it a shot try!
I liked how it felt ... apparently he did not. He said it reduced friction and lowered sensation for him. That's not good. So, I guess we won't be using that 2nd free sample. -poo-
Is it really cd18 already?
My temp had to be taken about an hour early today b/c I just couldn't go back to sleep after DH left for work. I tried but no luck. I expected to see a slightly lower temp but not this low. I'm hoping this gradual drop in temp is just gearing me up for that nice rise in the next couple of days!!
Question for ya'll: Tomorrow I will be getting out of bed around 3 a.m. My MIL is having surgery and we're all going to the hospital for the day. I plan to go to bed early this evening so I should get the normal 8 hrs of sleep before waking. So do I trust the temp I take in the morning when I normally temp at 7?
Oh, don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Club! If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here!
Grab the badge for your blog!
I liked how it felt ... apparently he did not. He said it reduced friction and lowered sensation for him. That's not good. So, I guess we won't be using that 2nd free sample. -poo-
Is it really cd18 already?
Question for ya'll: Tomorrow I will be getting out of bed around 3 a.m. My MIL is having surgery and we're all going to the hospital for the day. I plan to go to bed early this evening so I should get the normal 8 hrs of sleep before waking. So do I trust the temp I take in the morning when I normally temp at 7?
Oh, don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Club! If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here!
Grab the badge for your blog!
Read More......
1.24.2010
Hurry up and wait...
I'm still waiting to 'o'... I have to say it's much easier than the 2ww but not knowing exactly when it's going to happen makes it difficult since I don't really have a date to count down to. Two cycles ago (my first Clomid cycle), I ovulated on cd16. Last cycle I didn't ovulate until cd20. I'm cd17 today and still getting -OPKs.
And the fun part? As soon as I'm done waiting - I get to wait some more (2ww)!!! wahoo!
Oh, don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Club! If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here!
And the fun part? As soon as I'm done waiting - I get to wait some more (2ww)!!! wahoo!
Oh, don't forget to sign up for my Birthday Club! If you don't know what I'm talking about, click here!
Read More......
Spread the Love!!!!!
As a member of the IF family, I know what it feels like to need some love and encouragement from others who are going through the same. Since I am new to this online community, I wanted to help show my love for everyone.
So I was racking my brain, trying to think of a way we could each spread the love to one another, something different than was already out there. Then it just hit me! Everyone has a birthday each year and it's always been important to me to make sure that everyone I love has a special birthday, that they realize just how important they are to me. So why not start a birthday club for members of the IF community so that we can be sure nobody is forgotten on their special day!
All I need is for each of you to click the button below & fill out the form to be added to the list. I will announce upcoming birthdays at the beginning of each week. You are encouraged to visit each birthday girl on her special day to send her lots of loving birthday wishes! Easy enough, right?
I also ask that everyone help spread the word! Please click here to get the code needed for the Birthday Club Button so you can add it to your page!
Read More......
So I was racking my brain, trying to think of a way we could each spread the love to one another, something different than was already out there. Then it just hit me! Everyone has a birthday each year and it's always been important to me to make sure that everyone I love has a special birthday, that they realize just how important they are to me. So why not start a birthday club for members of the IF community so that we can be sure nobody is forgotten on their special day!
All I need is for each of you to click the button below & fill out the form to be added to the list. I will announce upcoming birthdays at the beginning of each week. You are encouraged to visit each birthday girl on her special day to send her lots of loving birthday wishes! Easy enough, right?
I also ask that everyone help spread the word! Please click here to get the code needed for the Birthday Club Button so you can add it to your page!
Read More......
1.23.2010
Busted Libs!
How fun! Here's a fun new way to play Mad Libs (kudos to Kate @ "Busted Plubming" for starting this!).
Here is my list of words:
1. Article of clothing: socks
2. Article of clothing: bra
3. Body part: toes
4. Body part: butt
5. Emotion: fear
6. Action verb: BD
7. Emotion: happy
8. Emotion: excited
9. Adverb: eagerly
10. Adverb: quickly
11. Body part: ear
12. Body part: belly button
To participate, click here.
Unless you've done yours already or don't plan to participate, STOP HERE! Otherwise, read on for for my completed masterpiece!
Step 1: Consider wearing a hooded [socks] or [bra] with the hood pulled over your head. When people can't really see your [toes], they are more wary of approaching you. With your hood up and your [toes] down, you become and unknown quantity on the streets.
Step 2: Look people in the [butt] if they approach you. Looking away is always viewed as a sign of [fear]. Feeling safe is a matter of displaying confidence.
Step 3: Talk to yourself as you [BD]. When people think that you are mentally unstable, they have a tendency to leave you alone. This may sound funny, but making people [happy] before you allow them to make you [excited] is a valuable weapon when you have no other defense.
Step 4: Walk [eagerly] and [quickly] without smiling. Walk tall with your [ear] back and [belly button] out, exuding confidence that you may not feel. Even if you are lost, look and walk like you know where you are and where you are going. Confidence is the most intimidating thing that you possess under these circumstances.
Here is my list of words:
1. Article of clothing: socks
2. Article of clothing: bra
3. Body part: toes
4. Body part: butt
5. Emotion: fear
6. Action verb: BD
7. Emotion: happy
8. Emotion: excited
9. Adverb: eagerly
10. Adverb: quickly
11. Body part: ear
12. Body part: belly button
To participate, click here.
Unless you've done yours already or don't plan to participate, STOP HERE! Otherwise, read on for for my completed masterpiece!
Step 1: Consider wearing a hooded [socks] or [bra] with the hood pulled over your head. When people can't really see your [toes], they are more wary of approaching you. With your hood up and your [toes] down, you become and unknown quantity on the streets.
Step 2: Look people in the [butt] if they approach you. Looking away is always viewed as a sign of [fear]. Feeling safe is a matter of displaying confidence.
Step 3: Talk to yourself as you [BD]. When people think that you are mentally unstable, they have a tendency to leave you alone. This may sound funny, but making people [happy] before you allow them to make you [excited] is a valuable weapon when you have no other defense.
Step 4: Walk [eagerly] and [quickly] without smiling. Walk tall with your [ear] back and [belly button] out, exuding confidence that you may not feel. Even if you are lost, look and walk like you know where you are and where you are going. Confidence is the most intimidating thing that you possess under these circumstances.
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.22.2010
Sock It To Me!
Calling all Strong & Brave Women of IF!
You've got only until Sunday, January 24th to sign up for the Winter 2010 Round of Sock It To Me, sponsored by Kimberli over at "I'm A Smart One"!! This is such a cool way to share your love with other women battling IF by swapping socks! So far there are over 70 who have signed up! The more the merrier so please check it out by clicking on the Sock It To Me banner above!
$Ch*rleen
Read More......My Photography Blog
I started a 2010 Project 365 to get more exposure for my photography, please stop by and check it out; feel free to leave comments and critiques, I can only grow further!
http://photos-by-c.blogspot.com/
http://photos-by-c.blogspot.com/
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.21.2010
Welcome ICLW'ers!
This is my 2nd month doing IComLeavWe; I really enjoyed my first time around back in Dec 2009. In fact, I earned the Iron Commenter Award by visiting & commenting on every blog on the list. I enjoyed meeting other brave women who are going through similar battles as I. I made new connections and got some amazing support and advice. I look forward to the Jan 2010 edition of ICLW!
To get to know me just a little, try reading my One Hundred Things [a list of 100 things about me].
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.20.2010
U/S & Bloodwork...
I had my mid-cycle u/s yesterday (cd12).
Endo thickness: 9.2mm
Right Ovary: 11.0mm follie
Left Ovary: 14.3mm follie
Last month, on cd14 the largest follie was only 12mm and I ovulated on cd20. I'm thinking I might ovulate sooner than last month which is to be expected since I'm on a higher dose of Clomid this cycle.
Now, for the Clomid Challenge Bloodwork ...
CD4
Estradiol 36.0
FSH: 5.5
LH: 3.1
CD10
Estradiol 60.1
FSH: 8.4
Apparently my FSH should have decreased and my estradiol should have been much, much higher. The doctor said this "challenge" basically shows that Clomid isn't working for me. I'm confused b/c since I've been taking it, I've been having periods again (no provera used) and I know I ovulated last month b/c of +OPK and temp rise.
He told me he was referring me to a an RE and that our next option is injectibles. For some, this may not be such terrible news but for my husband and I, it feels like the end of the world because we can't afford to send me to an RE nor can we afford the $1500-$3000 per cycle for injections on top of the cost of IUI or IVF. Timed intercourse would be risky considering the cost of the injectibles. We are both pretty devastated at this point. Today is cd13 and we need to start thinking about possibly ovulating. It's not going to be easy with this weighing heavy on our minds.
Endo thickness: 9.2mm
Right Ovary: 11.0mm follie
Left Ovary: 14.3mm follie
Last month, on cd14 the largest follie was only 12mm and I ovulated on cd20. I'm thinking I might ovulate sooner than last month which is to be expected since I'm on a higher dose of Clomid this cycle.
Now, for the Clomid Challenge Bloodwork ...
CD4
Estradiol 36.0
FSH: 5.5
LH: 3.1
CD10
Estradiol 60.1
FSH: 8.4
Apparently my FSH should have decreased and my estradiol should have been much, much higher. The doctor said this "challenge" basically shows that Clomid isn't working for me. I'm confused b/c since I've been taking it, I've been having periods again (no provera used) and I know I ovulated last month b/c of +OPK and temp rise.
He told me he was referring me to a an RE and that our next option is injectibles. For some, this may not be such terrible news but for my husband and I, it feels like the end of the world because we can't afford to send me to an RE nor can we afford the $1500-$3000 per cycle for injections on top of the cost of IUI or IVF. Timed intercourse would be risky considering the cost of the injectibles. We are both pretty devastated at this point. Today is cd13 and we need to start thinking about possibly ovulating. It's not going to be easy with this weighing heavy on our minds.
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.14.2010
Another Year Older...
A few things have happened since I last posted, but most importantly, I turned 29! Crazy how much that scares me. I've put this crazy deadline on myself, to become a mom by the time my DH is 30 I'm 30. I know I'm just setting myself up for complete and utter disappointment but I can't help but think that there's no way I'm going to leave the 20s behind childless. It's mid-January already, I'm cd7 today and *hopeful*. If I conceive this month, I'll be due mid-late October. That only leaves 2 more cycles to conceive and have a baby before my impending 30th birthday (Jan 13 2011). That really puts a sense of urgency on the task at hand.
And in other news...
I had my baseline b/w & u/s on Monday (cd4). Everything on the u/s looked really good, the Dr. even mentioned that the pattern and size of what cysts I do have are not what you typically expect to see in a PCOS patient. He said I don't have a bad case of it. That's really good news. I'm looking forward to what the b/w will tell us. I go back for more b/w this Sun (cd10) and will have another u/s on Tues (cd12). Hopefully we will see some growing follies with some potential!He increased my Clomid to 100mg from the 50mg I took the first two rounds. I started taking them cd5 in the evening as I have done before. That seems to help, I don't really get any side effects from the Clomid. The 100mg may be a different story but let's hope not!
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.08.2010
A New Beginning
I'm ok with it though; it allows my mind to relax and I can give my poor fingers a break from obsessively searching google for early pregnancy symptoms. Sure, I'm bummed but I'm not freaking out.
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.06.2010
Now what?
Last night my body played a cruel, cruel joke on me. After taking my 2 1/2 hr nap yesterday and feeling kinda yucky for the rest of the day then getting a mild yet aggravating headache last night I had to run to the bathroom and throw up (in the sink b/c DH was peeing)!!! It's like heartburn hit me all of a sudden, I coughed up some nasty acid like something and then it hit me... I made it to the sink just in time. So am I coming down with the flu or am I pregnant? This morning my stomach feels empty (to be expected since I haven't eaten since before getting sick last night) but my stomach muscles feel like I did a thousand sit ups overnight. I have another mild headache this morning too. And let's not forget the extremely painful bbs. No raised Montgomery glands (I don't think ... not really sure what I'm looking for but didn't have this when I was pregnant before).
I didn't test this morning (15dpo). I plan to retest in a few days if AF doesn't rear her ugly head. I won't be getting b/w done for a quant or qual because my dr is 2 1/2 hrs away. I'll wait a little longer and retest. If still bfn, then I will make an appt for the b/w.
I didn't test this morning (15dpo). I plan to retest in a few days if AF doesn't rear her ugly head. I won't be getting b/w done for a quant or qual because my dr is 2 1/2 hrs away. I'll wait a little longer and retest. If still bfn, then I will make an appt for the b/w.
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.05.2010
14dpo and...
...still BFN. STILL. No sign at all of AF. I actually took a nap this morning. I woke up at 7 a.m. and by 9 I was passed out on the sofa and didn't wake for 2 1/2 hours. I'm full of hope but it's beginning to shrink some...
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.04.2010
BFN again...
I took my temp this morning and one thermometer gave me 97.0 and the other gave me 98.3; what's that all about? I charted the 98.3 because it sounds more accurate and of course it looks a little more promising...
The intense pressure in my lower abdomen is gone but my bbs are still tender to the touch. I will be testing again in the morning; if it's negative I will just sit and wait.
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.03.2010
No News Is Good News?
I was away for the weekend visiting grandparents and the room I was sleeping in was rather cold so I didn't bother temping the two mornings I was there; I did however, start taking HPTs (the $ store kind) and they were both of course, negative. But I took them on cd11 & cd12 (yesterday & today). I'm really hoping tomorrow (cd13) will be my day because 13 is my lucky number!
The HPTs I bought are sensitive to 25mIU/ml so they are more sensitive than say your typical drugstore $19 brands. I bought five and the checkout girl was cute, she told me "you only need one, they work just as well as the others do." I had to laugh, I explained to her that I wanted to start testing early, that I've been trying for ten years off and on and so I needed several. She looked at me like I was crazy. *shrug* She was maybe 18. She told the bagger that she didn't have to worry about that because she didn't want children. Gee, thanks for that bit of info.
Symptoms, in bulleted form:
I will start temping again first thing tomorrow morning.
Symptoms, in bulleted form:
- Beginning about 5dpo, my bbs began feeling a little sore.
- 7dpo and ever day since, I have been very bloated
- I've had heartburn off/on
- Also since 7dpo, I've been a little more gassy than normal
I will start temping again first thing tomorrow morning.
$Ch*rleen
Read More......1.01.2010
Starting 2010 off right...
Implantation Dip!
So today is cd30 or 10dpo. I am pretty positive what my temp did yesterday was the infamous Implantation Dip (click the link to learn more)!! How exciting is that? At 10dpo, I'm getting more and more anxious to test. In fact, we're going to see a load of family from my dad's side this weekend, we leave this afternoon to drive down. It would be such an amazing thing to be able to test Sunday morning (@12dpo) and give everyone the good news in person. But then again, I'd hate to be a crying mess in front of all those folks if it's a BFN. So, maybe I can wait it out. Where we are going is out in the middle of nowhere and it would be really difficult to just run out and buy a test so hopefully that will help curb any sudden desire to test. Tues is 14dpo, that's my goal at this point.
So - happy new year everyone! It's really hard to believe '09 is already gone. Hell, it's almost noon and I can't believe the first 12 hrs of the new year are already behind us. I can tell already that this year is going to fly by fast, too. I hope everyone had a safe and exciting New Year's Eve! I did - with my glass of Fre (alcohol-removed Wine). It was yummy, tasted just like grape juice! lol... but at least I fit in with all the others who were drinking. I did have a few sips of champagne at midnight...
