Newbie Playdate - 3/9

[anonymouseliza]

Mar 10, 2015 15:11:26 GMT -5 squeakyduck said:

I have a question about MTHFR. I've seen that acronym here a few times, and someone posted a thing on Facebook about it mentioning that it can cause many things, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, and ibs, all of which I have, as do several other family members. It also mentions infertility. Will they test for this if I go in after a year? Or should I make an appointment specifically for this? I've read up on it a bit, and I think I fit the criteria to be tested, but with my anxiety, I'm not always sure if I'm reasonably concerned, or if I'm overreacting.

I've never read that about MTHFR, though I have heterzygous MTHFR and depression and anxiety - but the last two are likely inherited.

As for testing, it was discovered in RPL testing after my son died.  Clotting disorders were important for us to test because of bleeding issues during Gabe's pregnancy (serious, serious issues) and a clot on the placenta.  There was some thought initially that there had been a placental abruption causing delivery, but I didn't think so and my new OB didn't either and she was right - it was IC.

Anyway, you could discuss with your doc about testing for it - it's just a blood test.  No idea if they'll do it or not.  It hasn't made a significant difference in ttc or pregnancy for me because I'm heterozygous.  The RE told me to take baby aspirin as a precaution while ttc and the MFM told me it was unnecessary to continue while pregnant.  However, I will continue next pregnancy because studies have shown it could be beneficial to women with high risk of pre-e, which I am having developed it last pregnancy.

[anonymouseliza]

We have very little money saved this time and we destroyed most of our savings last time because our budget post-baby was thrown off badly because I was promised a raise that didn't actually come through. We finally corrected for that, but are still climbing out of the hole that created.

On the bright side, a new baby doesn't add significantly to our current budget, because there is no change in daycare costs or insurance, which were the two big changes previously. But regardless, I'll be 35 next month and it took 2 years to conceive my dd after losing my son, so time is not on our side. We'll figure it all out.

[joy]

Mar 10, 2015 17:49:09 GMT -5 @emilie818 said:

Mar 10, 2015 15:55:54 GMT -5 joy said:

Ugh, thank you.  I just want to sleep.  All the time.  And not lose hair just by looking at my head.

I asked my doctor today for a full thyroid panel at my next blood draw and I want my blood draw now (not in a few weeks).  I don't want to rely on TSH only because something just feels very off with me.

I'm scheduling an endocrinology appointment, too.  I can't effing think straight some days.

Sorry, joy.  That sucks.  Have they tested you for Hashi's antibodies?

Back in October, my antibodies were in the 300s

My TSH six weeks ago was 2.3. Previously it was 13. But my dosage is low and it's not surprising if I'm drifting hypo again.

[marajadeskywalker]

Could I get a chart stalk.... I'm guessing this means I'm a mouth breather?

Hopefully the link works

My Ovulation Chart

[mugster]

Mar 10, 2015 21:02:10 GMT -5 marajadeskywalker said:

Could I get a chart stalk.... I'm guessing this means I'm a mouth breather?

Hopefully the link works

My Ovulation Chart

Your chart is fine. Just keep going. It will look less wonky once you ovulate. The scale is compressed right now.

[anonymouseliza]

Mar 10, 2015 21:02:10 GMT -5 marajadeskywalker said:

Could I get a chart stalk.... I'm guessing this means I'm a mouth breather?

Hopefully the link works

My Ovulation Chart

Um.  It looks perfectly normal to me.  What is your concern?

You can take a look at my chart, which is pretty ugly this month, but still totally normal and will probably feature a visible shift (I'm still a week away from ovulation, at the  minimum).

[marajadeskywalker]

Thanks! This is my first month temping. I guess I'm just a bit unsure about how much jumping around is normal

[anonymouseliza]

Mar 10, 2015 21:13:23 GMT -5 marajadeskywalker said:

Thanks! This is my first month temping. I guess I'm just a bit unsure about how much jumping around is normal

Gotcha.  You're looking at pretty small movement, actually.  If your temps were really rocky, with really mountainous peaks and valleys, that might be more concerning, but what you've got is pretty even-keeled at this point.

If you feel unsure, FF's chart gallery is good to skim through, just to get a sense of what a variety of charts look like.

[marajadeskywalker]

Mar 10, 2015 21:16:16 GMT -5 anonymouseliza said:

Mar 10, 2015 21:13:23 GMT -5 marajadeskywalker said:

Thanks! This is my first month temping. I guess I'm just a bit unsure about how much jumping around is normal

Gotcha.  You're looking at pretty small movement, actually.  If your temps were really rocky, with really mountainous peaks and valleys, that might be more concerning, but what you've got is pretty even-keeled at this point.

If you feel unsure, FF's chart gallery is good to skim through, just to get a sense of what a variety of charts look like.

Thanks! **off to check out charts**

[westisleflower]

I know I have seen this question posed a few times, but for whatever reason haven't retained the information.

Is saliva bad for TTC? H and I really enjoy oral, but is it anti-sperm? Will it increase our chances if we stop?

[anonymouseliza]

Mar 10, 2015 21:52:40 GMT -5 westisleflower said:

I know I have seen this question posed a few times, but for whatever reason haven't retained the information.

Is saliva bad for TTC? H and I really enjoy oral, but is it anti-sperm? Will it increase our chances if we stop?

Saliva should not be used as a lubricant.  Enjoying oral sex as foreplay isn't generally an issue.

[marajadeskywalker]

@usherrr I'm sorry, I don't have any advice, but **hugs**

[anonymouseliza]

Mar 10, 2015 21:52:43 GMT -5 @usherrr said:

I feel like my body is really messed up. I've been off BC since Oct '14 and I've only had 2 light bleeds; based on that, my first cycle was 70 days. I'm not sure if I'm doing this right but I only started temping this cycle and I've had two "false" crosshairs. They just a disappeared this morning when I took my temp and I'm so bummed.
Also, I told my H about this and he's pushing me to see my doctor to find out if I need to make improvements, if I'm on the right track or if anything is wrong at all.

I'm so upset about my chart (this really got to me) and I just want my period to happen already! Or something! Sorry guys for the essay but I'm just feeling really down and looking for your advice if you're happy to share. I'm 22 if that gives you any insight. I don't drink/smoke but I'm overweight and have mild PCOS.

ETA: where are my manners?! TIA!

It can take several months for your body to regulate when coming off of hormonal birth control.  If you are concerned, call your doctor and ask what their suggested guidelines/timeframes are.  But realistically, there isn't much they will do at this point given your age and history.  Long cycles can be related to being overweight, and can be related to PCOS, and can be a result of regulating after hormonal bc.  

Generally making improvements in health is never a bad thing.  If you aren't exercising, do - walking is a great low-impact, full-body exercise that does good things for you.  Cut back refined sugars and complex carbs in favor of whole fruits and veggies.  That sometimes helps women with PCOS.  Losing even 5% of your bodyweight has been shown to help fertility, so healthy lifestyle is a great idea no matter what.

[westisleflower]

Mar 10, 2015 22:07:11 GMT -5 anonymouseliza said:

Mar 10, 2015 21:52:40 GMT -5 westisleflower said:

I know I have seen this question posed a few times, but for whatever reason haven't retained the information.

Is saliva bad for TTC? H and I really enjoy oral, but is it anti-sperm? Will it increase our chances if we stop?

Saliva should not be used as a lubricant.  Enjoying oral sex as foreplay isn't generally an issue.

Thank you. We just do for more fun

[wanderingheart]

Mar 10, 2015 21:52:43 GMT -5 @usherrr said:

I feel like my body is really messed up. I've been off BC since Oct '14 and I've only had 2 light bleeds; based on that, my first cycle was 70 days. I'm not sure if I'm doing this right but I only started temping this cycle and I've had two "false" crosshairs. They just a disappeared this morning when I took my temp and I'm so bummed.
Also, I told my H about this and he's pushing me to see my doctor to find out if I need to make improvements, if I'm on the right track or if anything is wrong at all.

I'm so upset about my chart (this really got to me) and I just want my period to happen already! Or something! Sorry guys for the essay but I'm just feeling really down and looking for your advice if you're happy to share. I'm 22 if that gives you any insight. I don't drink/smoke but I'm overweight and have mild PCOS.

ETA: where are my manners?! TIA!

Couple of things: first, coming off BCP is going to screw with your natural cycles. It happens, and it sucks.

Second, if you have PCOS, long or irregular cycles shouldn't be too abnormal for you. I have suspected PCOS and also have long cycles (70+ days). If you go more than 60 days without a period, you can call your OB and get some Provera to jump start your cycle. I wouldn't think you would need to see a doctor since it sounds like you are getting periods, even if they're far apart. Keep temping though to see if you ovulate.



As far as FF, I totally understand. This cycle alone, I've gotten 4 CHs that were taken away after my temps didn't stay up. It's frustrating, but just keep temping. Personally, I would give it a few months to see if you're ovulating. If not, then it would be time to seek the help of a doctor.

[diamondsndaisies]

Alright ladies. This is my first cycle using opks. Roughly when should I start and how many times a day? FMU or SMU?

[anonymouseliza]

Mar 10, 2015 22:19:36 GMT -5 diamondsndaisies said:

Alright ladies. This is my first cycle using opks. Roughly when should I start and how many times a day? FMU or SMU?

The package insert should have a guideline or timetable for recommended window.  If you have any idea about when you normally ovulate, start 5-7 days before that. 

I start with once a day until the line is getting darker, then twice a day.

Ideally SMU, and here is why:  lh is a hormone that metabolizes later in the day and will be at a peak between 10:00 and 2:00, generally.  You may not get a peak if you only use FMU.  That said, your urine does need to be concentrated enough to test, so if you can't hold your urine or are dehydrating yourself to try and keep from peeing in the middle of the day, use FMU.

[diamondsndaisies]

Mar 10, 2015 22:30:33 GMT -5 anonymouseliza said:

Mar 10, 2015 22:19:36 GMT -5 diamondsndaisies said:

Alright ladies. This is my first cycle using opks. Roughly when should I start and how many times a day? FMU or SMU?

The package insert should have a guideline or timetable for recommended window.  If you have any idea about when you normally ovulate, start 5-7 days before that. 

I start with once a day until the line is getting darker, then twice a day.

Ideally SMU, and here is why:  lh is a hormone that metabolizes later in the day and will be at a peak between 10:00 and 2:00, generally.  You may not get a peak if you only use FMU.  That said, your urine does need to be concentrated enough to test, so if you can't hold your urine or are dehydrating yourself to try and keep from peeing in the middle of the day, use FMU.

Thank you!

[anonymouseliza]

Nah, newbie playdate is a (generally) flame-free zone. And it's not flameworthy to ask the question, y'know? Totally valid question, and while I don't expect your docs would do anything at this point, I don't think there is harm is asking them for advice if you want to run it by them (and I think it's fine to wait as well). Now, if you said you were insisting on taking unmonitored Clomid at this point with your history . . .

[URMySunshine77]

I hope that you start to feel better soon, joy. Also, I love that you graphed your coverline trends!

[Deleted]

Mar 10, 2015 15:55:54 GMT -5 joy said:

Mar 10, 2015 15:52:21 GMT -5 daisy818 said:

Also, sorry to hear that you are not feeling well again, Joy

Ugh, thank you.  I just want to sleep.  All the time.  And not lose hair just by looking at my head.

I asked my doctor today for a full thyroid panel at my next blood draw and I want my blood draw now (not in a few weeks).  I don't want to rely on TSH only because something just feels very off with me.

I'm scheduling an endocrinology appointment, too.  I can't effing think straight some days.

Do you take a Vitamin D supplement or have a deficiency? I dont have any known thyroid issues but my hair was shedding out of control. When I started the vitamin there was an almost immediate difference.

[Ray]

Mar 11, 2015 2:21:10 GMT -5 @usherrr said:

Here comes another newbie question!!! Lol sorry guys but all my questions so far have been answered superbly. The more you know...

I'm using FF to chart and my VIP trial expires soon. I wanted to try out other charting websites and see how I go before I purchase a membership with FF. What other websites do you recommend? I think someone mentioned kindara on one of these threads and I just wanted to hear your thoughts.

PS. I value all of your responses and hope that one day I can be as helpful and supportive x

I have tried Glow, Kindara, and Ovia an so far I still find the free version of FF to be the best . Ovia and glow are especially crap - stay away from those, Kindara is alright if you're an experienced charter because you ID your own O date. Honestly Free FF still works perfectly fine!

[joy]

Mar 10, 2015 23:03:41 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

Mar 10, 2015 15:55:54 GMT -5 joy said:

Ugh, thank you.  I just want to sleep.  All the time.  And not lose hair just by looking at my head.

I asked my doctor today for a full thyroid panel at my next blood draw and I want my blood draw now (not in a few weeks).  I don't want to rely on TSH only because something just feels very off with me.

I'm scheduling an endocrinology appointment, too.  I can't effing think straight some days.

Do you take a Vitamin D supplement or have a deficiency? I dont have any known thyroid issues but my hair was shedding out of control. When I started the vitamin there was an almost immediate difference.

I do, yes. I felt better for a time after starting synthroid (more energy, clearer head) but all of that has started to increase again. They say you can get depressed because you don't have the energy to do things. I'm definitely not depressed - I'm frustrated as hell. I want to do things and can't!

[joy]

Mar 11, 2015 2:21:10 GMT -5 @usherrr said:

Here comes another newbie question!!! Lol sorry guys but all my questions so far have been answered superbly. The more you know...

I'm using FF to chart and my VIP trial expires soon. I wanted to try out other charting websites and see how I go before I purchase a membership with FF. What other websites do you recommend? I think someone mentioned kindara on one of these threads and I just wanted to hear your thoughts.

PS. I value all of your responses and hope that one day I can be as helpful and supportive x

We are putting together a review of other charting sites. I know very clearly what FF can do but not so much the others. I refused to post and recommend the others until we could give solid, factual information on all of them. Stat tuned for that info soon.

In the meantime, lazyreader can be very helpful here.

Please know, however, that not all apps will take your bbt and give you an ovulation day (like Ovia). This is the entire point of bbt so if the app doesn't do that, then it's worthless. Don't ve swayed by pretty colors - make sure any app you want to use is doing what you need.

[sko14]

Mar 11, 2015 7:25:30 GMT -5 joy said:

Mar 10, 2015 23:03:41 GMT -5 @wallflwr926 said:

Do you take a Vitamin D supplement or have a deficiency? I dont have any known thyroid issues but my hair was shedding out of control. When I started the vitamin there was an almost immediate difference.

I do, yes. I felt better for a time after starting synthroid (more energy, clearer head) but all of that has started to increase again. They say you can get depressed because you don't have the energy to do things. I'm definitely not depressed - I'm frustrated as hell. I want to do things and can't!

I didn't read through this whole thread but noticed you have thyroid issues joy.. what dosage of Synthroid are you on? How long has it been since you've been diagnosed with Hypo/Hashis? I've been battling the same issues (lucky us!) and I found the extreme exhaustion really hard to cope with.. almost worse than the weight gain. I've been getting my dose bumped continuously for years.. and my Doctor doesn't listen to my Endo about the acceptable 'ranges'

[joy]

Mar 11, 2015 7:33:28 GMT -5 sko14 said:

Mar 11, 2015 7:25:30 GMT -5 joy said:

I do, yes. I felt better for a time after starting synthroid (more energy, clearer head) but all of that has started to increase again. They say you can get depressed because you don't have the energy to do things. I'm definitely not depressed - I'm frustrated as hell. I want to do things and can't!

I didn't read through this whole thread but noticed you have thyroid issues joy.. what dosage of Synthroid are you on? How long has it been since you've been diagnosed with Hypo/Hashis? I've been battling the same issues (lucky us!) and I found the extreme exhaustion really hard to cope with.. almost worse than the weight gain. I've been getting my dose bumped continuously for years.. and my Doctor doesn't listen to my Endo about the acceptable 'ranges'

I was diagnosed in November. My TSH was 13, both T3 and T4 were below range low and my antibodies were in the 300s. So, y'know, very Hashimoto's

They immediately put me on 75 mcg levo. I immediately had terrible terrible migraines from it. I already get migraines so this just exacerbated them due to increased blood flow, etc. They dropped me back to 25 mcg synthroid with the intention of stepping it up slowly.

Six weeks later, my TSH was 2.3 so they said "Yay! Come back in six weeks." I've felt mostly okay until the last few weeks. So, I want a full thyroid panel now, not just a TSH check. I'm also going to see an endocrinologist soon. I've suspected for awhile that something more is amiss due to the nature of my migraines and a kidney issue.

[mainewifey]

Mar 10, 2015 22:36:29 GMT -5 @usherrr said:

anonymouseliza & wanderingheart
Thanks for the advice (I thought my post was flame-worthy) I will definitely take it on board. I'm joining up with a gym tomorrow, hopefully that will motivate me! My MIL goes everyday so I'm just joining in with her.
I'll leave the doctor out of it for now - since I don't feel the need for one just yet - and hope that my H is ok with it.
Again, thank you so much!

Good luck, and good for you for taking the first steps! Once exercising becomes routine for you it will get easier and easier. Every little bit counts! When you do get pregnant, being healthier and used to physical activity will make pregnancy and recovery easier.

[sko14]

Mar 11, 2015 7:41:24 GMT -5 joy said:

Mar 11, 2015 7:33:28 GMT -5 sko14 said:

I didn't read through this whole thread but noticed you have thyroid issues joy.. what dosage of Synthroid are you on? How long has it been since you've been diagnosed with Hypo/Hashis? I've been battling the same issues (lucky us!) and I found the extreme exhaustion really hard to cope with.. almost worse than the weight gain. I've been getting my dose bumped continuously for years.. and my Doctor doesn't listen to my Endo about the acceptable 'ranges'

I was diagnosed in November. My TSH was 13, both T3 and T4 were below range low and my antibodies were in the 300s. So, y'know, very Hashimoto's

They immediately put me on 75 mcg levo. I immediately had terrible terrible migraines from it. I already get migraines so this just exacerbated them due to increased blood flow, etc. They dropped me back to 25 mcg synthroid with the intention of stepping it up slowly.

Six weeks later, my TSH was 2.3 so they said "Yay! Come back in six weeks." I've felt mostly okay until the last few weeks. So, I want a full thyroid panel now, not just a TSH check. I'm also going to see an endocrinologist soon. I've suspected for awhile that something more is amiss due to the nature of my migraines and a kidney issue.

Ugh, sorry for all of that! I totally get how you feel.. I also demanded a full thyroid panel (which is originally how they found the hashis) JSYK, my endo said that he wants my TSH between 1-1.5 and no higher.. for two years I was at 2.5 which is 'normal' but not feeling well at all, until I made my Endo write a letter to my Doctor telling her EXACTLY the levels/threshold I was supposed to be in.. Just saying, it might be that you need a higher dose! I'm on 150 mcg and really should be bumped up again even a small little bit. I also suffer from terrible migraines/anxiety and I am sure it has something to do with my thyroid. It really affects every bit of your body

[lazyreader]

Mar 11, 2015 2:21:10 GMT -5 @usherrr said:

Here comes another newbie question!!! Lol sorry guys but all my questions so far have been answered superbly. The more you know...

I'm using FF to chart and my VIP trial expires soon. I wanted to try out other charting websites and see how I go before I purchase a membership with FF. What other websites do you recommend? I think someone mentioned kindara on one of these threads and I just wanted to hear your thoughts.

PS. I value all of your responses and hope that one day I can be as helpful and supportive x

Other than Kindara, I'd say check out Clue. I'll be up in a couple hours for more response.

[daisy818]

marajadeskywalker Late to the game here and just wanted to say again that your chart looks totally fine. If you want to see an example of some rocky temps, you can see that my recent temps keep going up and down, which is making it harder to pinpoint an actual shift. Hope yours keeps looking good!

ETA link if you are mobile and can't see my siggy: www.fertilityfriend.com/home/55855a