Showing posts with label 2WW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2WW. Show all posts

4.23.2007

CD 27 - 7 DPO (7d past ovulation) - Acpuncture #1

My acu session went really well! The practitioner is about 30 minutes from my job. She took my medical history and asked me about all sorts of bodily functions and symptoms, even down to what my stool looks like. She also looked at my tongue to determine if I am “warm” or “cool.” I forgot to ask her what she saw, but I gathered from all her questions and from the reading I’ve done that I have a “cooler constitution” rather than a warmer one. She said my “qi” (pro. “chi”) or energy is a little low, and basically needs a slight boost to come back into balance where my body needs it. She also checked my pulse on each wrist, and asked about my menstrual history and what my cycles are like. I provided her copies of my last four charts.

She likes to see fertility clients about every two weeks, around my period and when I should “textbook” ovulate (day 14 or so). I would be her fifth fertility client. She saw one through the second trimester, and I believe she said she now has one active client who got pregnant while going to her. Another one she is working with to achieve pregnancy, and another wasn’t consistent with her appointments and stopped coming, and she assumes did not get pregnant. She has been practicing for 3 years, so I feel those odds sound good!

So, the question and answer session went on for almost an hour. Then to the needles. She said it would not hurt more than like a bee sting. Well that got me slightly nervous, because bees can really hurt! I tried to remain calm though, and got on the bed. The needles were shorter than I imagined. I guess I pictured Charlotte from Sex and the City with those really long ones sticking out of her when she was trying to get pregnant. (Note to self: look up that episode watch it at home this week for further inspiration.) The needles didn’t hurt too badly—more like a tiny prick, and then it went away. She asked if I was cold, and I told her my feet definitely were. She brought over a warming lamp and positioned it right over my feet. It was awesome! It took me a few minutes to relax, and then I enjoyed it. I think she left me in there about ten minutes and then took my pulse again, and took out the needles. She asked me to sit up and see if I felt dizzy. I told her that I didn’t, and went back over to sit in the chair. We went over a couple of other things, and she asked if I felt OK to drive. (?) I said I thought so, but that I did feel more relaxed. Initially I wasn’t sure if that was from lying there for ten minutes or if the acupuncture had anything to do with it. Well then I drove back to work and realized I was a little more relaxed that I still should have been. Back at the office, about 40 minutes later, I answered the phone and actually got tongue tied. This is not unusual! But it’s hard to explain. I definitely felt different. Still relaxed… and slightly loopy! Hehehe. Overall, it was a good experience though. I think I will keep going.

I asked her if she would recommend herbs for me, and she said not for right now. She was worried I might not be able to digest them yet, given my other symptoms I indicated to her.

Oh, and the other major thing that she said was that she recommends I stop “trying” for a couple of months until my body gets into balance. I mentioned how this past cycle we were able to have a lot more “fun” than in past cycles, and she affirmed that that was a good sign that I wasn’t putting quite as much stress on myself as in the past. I told her I wasn’t comfortable not “trying” at all, because if I do the HSG test in a couple of weeks, it is supposed to help the pregnancy odds within 3 months of the test. So, we agreed that we would not try as “hard,” maybe more like every other day instead of every day.

I searched for someone closer but the only one I see in the national certified directory who is closer to home is a male. I think I will stick with the female practitioner, at least for now. Maybe I will see if he will respond to some email questions.

4.18.2007

CD 22 - 2 DPO (cycle day 22 - 2d past ovulation)

Pretty sure O finally happened on CD 20. Will wait for chart software to confirm... Finally, the dreaded two week wait! I've 99% decided that if AF shows this cycle, I'm getting a pedicure! Last time for one was before my wedding! I deserve it.

Testing date: April 29.

3.19.2007

CD 20 - 3 DPO (3d past ovulation)

Geez we technically "took a break" this cycle but still ended up making love around ovulation day. However, FertilityFriend once again changed O day after my temps took another rise. Originally I O'd on CD 15, but then it changed it to CD 17. It makes me want to throw away all the charts and thermometers! But I know how important the charts can be for historical purposes so I want to continue charting. And, of course, I'll need them if we need to see an R.E. (reproductive endocrinologist). I'm also very interested in using the Fertility Awareness Method for birth control in the future (which of course requires taking my basal temperature every day).

So if I go with FF's change, I am currently just 3 days past ovulation instead of 5. I'm still trying to be relaxed about this. I was so happy to see my chart looking more "normal" and not so erratic this cycle. I also attribute that to my extra B6 boost that I started about a month ago.

2.26.2007

10 DPO (10d past ovulation)

Not feeling very hopeful for that BFP (big fat positive)... But I also think that that's when it happens--when we are least expecting it. My breasts are sore and today I started spotting. Both are good signs of pregnancy or menses. My PMS this cycle was much worse than in the past. I haven't felt it so extreme since before the pill. I stopped it over a year ago! Also I have not noticed breast tenderness before menses since before going on the pill. So if menses appears, I am hopeful that my hormones are finally "regulating" and are getting back to my "normal" range, whatever that may be. It could be the B6 and evening primrose oil that I started this cycle, or just plain my body doing its womanly thing it needs to do.

If menses doesn't show up by Thursday, I'm testing that morning!

2.23.2007

7 DPO (7d past ovulation)

Ugh so another learning curve in the journey to motherhood. On one of my online groups (that I had actually considered leaving), I learned that the man should not sit in a hot tub (knew that one) OR a hot bath while trying to get conceive (ttc)! Just 10 minutes in a hot bath can kill sperm for 90 days!!!! They are constantly being reproduced but it takes that long for the swimmers to mature! DUH! I can't believe I never thought of this. Well, I can. I guess I assumed they reproduce in a few days and you're fine again. J loves his hot baths... *sigh* Oh well at least we know now! It's frustrating but a relief in a way if that's really been our problem all along since it's easily reversible. I'm glad I didn't leave that group! The woman who told me said her husband's urologist is insistent that they should be able to get pregnant soon after 90 days from the time he stopped his hot baths! So if that's true for us, too, that puts us at conceiving after May 23. Maybe it's a sign--we conceived in May of 2006 the first time!

Our other problem that we discovered a few months back was using lubrication. Little did we know it kills the swimmers before they ever reach my cervix! That should be a warning on the tube! But then it would be used as a contraceptive and they would get sued by somebody who got pregnant by accident. So, we stopped using that right away.

The hot bath thing just makes me wonder again about the miscarriage... maybe, just maybe, a sperm that wasn't fully matured was somehow able to fertilize the egg, which caused a genetic abnormality (very common cause of miscarriages).

I am feeling no different than in past months at this time in the cycle... Not feeling very hopeful for a BFP (big fat positive) this month. If menses doesn't show and temperature stays up, I plan to test on March 1.

2.21.2007

5 DPO - 3 Steps Back!

OK so Fertility Friend has changed my ovulation date grrrr! This is so frustrating! And it still has dashed crosshairs meaning another fertility sign (microscope ferning) is conflicting with my temperature rise (again) indicating ovulation on CD (cycle day) 18 instead of 15! Ugh! So I am pushing back my test date to March 1 if my menses doesn't appear. That is the end of my assumed average luteal phase length of 13 days... So, in line with the ttc journey--more waiting!

Thinking positive++++++++++++++ thoughts!

2.20.2007

7 DPO (7d past ovulation) - I Want to Become A Mother Because

Thinking positive++++++++++ thoughts! ;-)

(See entry 2.19.07) I want to become a mother because...
  • I feel deep down that I still have tons and tons of hugs and love to give to a child of my own.
  • I would be so grateful to allow the presence of my own flesh share my body with me to grow healthy and strong.
  • Did I mention I have a lot of love to give?
  • I have prayed and asked God to bless us with a baby of our own to hold. I do feel He wants this for us too, at the right time.
  • Our house is too big for two!
  • Children are such joys!
  • Raising me and my brother have been my mother's proudest accomplishments. I want to follow in those steps.

2.19.2007

6 DPO (6 days past ovulation)

Given that my menses stays away long enough, I plan to start testing at 14 or 15 DPO. I believe that's next Wednesday already! I pray this week(+) will go quickly!

I loved this passage from a fellow TTC group member to another member (edited for quick typing grammar mistakes):
One thing I know for sure is that we create a lot that is going on in our lives. God just allows us to create, and whenever we ask for help, it is truly provided. We have a responsibility to our own lives and if we want to have babies, we can have babies! A lot of times, our bodies are talking to us and we aren't listening. Here are some statements for you to write in your journal I got when I was reading this article on actually being ready to walk the path of motherhood and checking in with your soul on motherhood:
  • I want to become a mother because...
  • I'm not sure whether I want to become a mother because...
  • If I don't try to get pregnant now, then what? What are your concerns and fears? If you were not to enter the path of motherhood now at this time, what would that be like?
  • What are the best and worst things about entering motherhood now? What are the easiest and hardest things? How might this impact your relationship with yourself? With your partner? With your career? When you think about entering into a relationship with another, new being, how does it make you feel? What excites you about it? What scares you?
I love these questions because I was able to be in the moment of being a mother. Just in that moment, I was able to see my life changed and my everyday chores being different. So wonderful to feel this experience and know that all things are possible.

I say all of this to say, please let go of the envy, resentment, doubt, and all that "stuff" and be happy for those around you that have what you want because they are a mirror for you to see that you too have these things. (OK, it's easy for me to say this... trust me... I'm dealing with it too!)
I plan to address these questions in this blog in the days to come...

2.16.2007

CD 18 - 3 DPO! (cycle day 18 - 3 days past ovulation)

Wahoo! FertilityFriend confirmed ovulation on CD 15 (Tuesday), but the crosshairs on my chart are dashed, i.e., "a dashed crosshair means that your fertility signs are somehow in conflict." Ugh! I wish I could just know the exact day! At least I'm relatively certain that it's happened within the last three days... If you know about charting, please take a look at my chart and send me a comment if you have any insight for me!

So, I'm officially in the 2WW (2 week wait)! YAY! (On average a woman needs to wait two weeks after ovulation before obtaining a positive pregnancy test if conception has occurred.)

1.29.2007

11 DPO (11 days past ovulation)

Got so sad today. Probably partly hormonal since period is coming... But hugely disappointed. '-(

1.28.2007

10 DPO (10 days past ovulation)

Got a BFN (big fat negative) on the HPT (home pregnancy test)! Still spotting. Pretty sure it's my period. Big disappointment is looming ahead! Est. due date would have been 10/11/07... *sigh* Got a basal thermometer today that I'm borrowing from a dear friend at church. Hopefully it will be a bit more accurate than my current thermometer for my charting. Starting to look ahead to a new cycle and spending good quality time with hubby.

1.27.2007

9 DPO (9 days past ovulation)

Today I started spotting. It's either my period or implantation spotting. Of course, I'm really hoping for the latter. However I have no pregnancy symptoms at all. I know that's not much of an indication because some pregnancies never give you symptoms (my mother, for one, didn't have many symptoms). So, I'm still very hopeful... We'll see what tomorrow tells!

1.26.2007

First

Howdy, so here is my first post on this blog. I have felt the urge to write more about this part of my life journey but I'm not ready to shout it out to the world, so I decided to create this private blog. It's hard to tell the world that you're trying to conceive (TTC). I would dread hearing "are you pregnant?" every time I see somebody. And the advice... some of the advice that I hear can get old... but I welcome it too because I know you are trying to help, and I may just learn something, truly! Also, it's hard to know who to tell before that "safe" period before the miscarriage risk. I would want to surround myself with people who can support me if that happens again, but it would be hard to hear somebody I hadn't seen every day ask about the pregnancy after I had lost the baby.

But anyway, consider yourself privileged if you are reading this. ;-) And it goes without saying, but please keep the subject matter "private."

It has been quite a journey thus far. You likely know most of my story up to now. My husband, Jason, and I started TTC in May of '06, conceived right away, and had a miscarriage last July. I have blogged about my experiences of that ordeal on our family webblog (click here for those posts). Since then, we have tried off and on, but have given it a "good honest try" for only 4 months since losing our angel.

I started charting and temping, as they say in this TTC community. The link to my fertility chart is here. It's confusing if you know nothing about the subject but basically the vertical line shows when I ovulate, and I can keep track of all sorts of signs and symptoms throughout my womanly cycle. Our bodies are so confusing yet so amazing. I've found comfort in getting to know my body on this level. I never knew it had so much to tell me!

I hope you will enjoy this walk along with me to this destination only God is sure of!