Questions, Concerns, & Updates

It's been awhile since I've posted and there has been some new developments that require some advice from you lovely ladies (and Atomic! I've missed you [emoji182]!)

My DH told me today that he is open to trying for a fourth child. I'm not sure if he's cancelled his appointment for his vasectomy or not. That will be the true test of his sincerity. I'm not getting my hopes up, but he did this when he finally came around to trying for my DS3.

Any hoo, should I take Clomid again this next cycle if I don't end up pregnant or skip a month? I've taken Clomid for two cycles, 1 50mg from days 3-7 and this one where I took 100mg from days 1-5 (per recommendation from my RE based on my bloodwork). I have 15 more pills left with my current prescription.

I also have an appointment with my RE on the 5th of December and could set up more detailed bloodwork (This time FSH, estrogen, amh, and progesterone). He already mentioned switching me over to Femara, which would mean I would have to wean my DS3 [emoji20]. I'm not to keen on that idea. The information from the bloodwork would be nice, but I'm not interested in other interventions besides Clomid (maybe HCG trigger shot since I gear up to ovulate and finally do much later).

I also need to buckle down on the diet again. The only thing I have going for me besides attempts and Clomid is no snacking and limited meat. I've put on a few pounds by eating more calories and not being able to exercise. I am reeling things in ASAP, since my DH may be fully in board.

What are your thoughts on taking more Clomid or skipping a cycle of it?

Thanks so much [emoji8]

Not sure why my signature didn't show up, but I posted again so my chart can be included.


[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, &[emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]

My Ovulation Chart

No advice xx, just happy to have u back and thrilled to hear hubby has had a change of heart ��

What is your thinking with skipping a month?? What is your rationale for one vs the other? Just to give your body a break?

I think 100% the trigger is indicated for you. I completely agree your body "wants" to ovulate and then doesn't.

I am not convinced that Femara for fertility (taken only 5 days) is any issue with breastfeeding. Remember that what it is really used for is breast cancer treatment and endometriosis where women are given it for longer times.

Sorry I don't have any advice about the medication as it's not something I know anything about. But wanted to say am delighted that your husband is open to a fourth, I will keep everything crossed for you, you have certainly been on a roller-coaster with your ttc journey, good luck and I will follow your posts with interest x o

Quote:

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Originally Posted by atomic sagebrush

What is your thinking with skipping a month?? What is your rationale for one vs the other? Just to give your body a break?

I think 100% the trigger is indicated for you. I completely agree your body "wants" to ovulate and then doesn't.

I am not convinced that Femara for fertility (taken only 5 days) is any issue with breastfeeding. Remember that what it is really used for is breast cancer treatment and endometriosis where women are given it for longer times.

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I was thinking of giving my body a break, because I can only take it for 3 more cycles before reaching the 6 cycle maximum.

Good to know your thoughts on the trigger shot! Hopefully that will come up.

Dr. Hale says it's contraindicated and Clomid is preferred due to Femara showing up in high amounts in the milk. Clomid shows up in negligible amounts.

We will just have to see how this plays out. One thing I've learned is things often don't work how you think/expect them too.

I'll keep you all posted! Thank you!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, &[emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

XX have you had any scans on clomid to see what your follicles look like prior to ovulation? Like is it working.

For what it's worth I did one round of clomid, didn't get pregnant. Took second cycle off while I waited for day 3 blood work and ultrasound results and that was the cycle I got prego. I believe the clomid was still in my system and helped though because I ovulated earlier that cycle than ever before.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GirlieCat

XX have you had any scans on clomid to see what your follicles look like prior to ovulation? Like is it working.

For what it's worth I did one round of clomid, didn't get pregnant. Took second cycle off while I waited for day 3 blood work and ultrasound results and that was the cycle I got prego. I believe the clomid was still in my system and helped though because I ovulated earlier that cycle than ever before.

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My doctor may order an US, but he hasn't yet. I'm thinking of waiting until the following cycle to take more Clomid to see what my bloodwork shows. I kind of feel like I need something different. I think the trigger shot might be what I need, because I gear up to ovulate to only actually ovulate much later on.

Thanks for sharing you experience! If only I could be so lucky!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, &[emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

I ovulated early the cycle after one clomid cycle but I wasn't breastfeeding so I think that could be why your cycle on clomid before was a bit wacky. I would probably do another clomid after this one and then you could consider a cycle off then.

I had the hcg trigger with my first clomid cycle this year but not the 2nd as I didn't need it. It is worth giving it a try as it would probably help in your case. They can also give you a couple of hcg (pregnyl) shots in the tww to support a longer LP. It added 2 days to mine the cycle I did it.

Trigger can also help with better BD timing so that is another advantage :)

I'm happy for you, XX! I don't know enough about clomid to have any good advice, but whatever you decide I hope your BFP and sticky bean are coming up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by purple

I ovulated early the cycle after one clomid cycle but I wasn't breastfeeding so I think that could be why your cycle on clomid before was a bit wacky. I would probably do another clomid after this one and then you could consider a cycle off then.

I had the hcg trigger with my first clomid cycle this year but not the 2nd as I didn't need it. It is worth giving it a try as it would probably help in your case. They can also give you a couple of hcg (pregnyl) shots in the tww to support a longer LP. It added 2 days to mine the cycle I did it.

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Than you so much for the information Purple! I think I'll do one more Clomid cycle and then wait and see what my doctor recommends.





[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, &[emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

Does anyone know if Clomid causes FSH and estrogen bloodwork to be inaccurate if you took it the cycle before the bloodwork? I won't take it until after having my day 3 blood work done, but I didn't know if taking Clomid the cycle before would cause the results to be off.

Thanks!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, &[emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

FSH can be elevated. Estrogen shouldn't be (but shouldn't and are, are sometimes very far apart!!)

Yeah, I know what Hale says about it but 99 times out of 100 (at least prior to the last 2 years when it's started to catch on as a fertility treatment) it was used exclusively as breast cancer and endo treatment and not as a 5 day run for fertility. I totally understand and would not wish to push anyone to take/not take it, just that this is one of those things I have some doubt about in terms of what I've read.

Clomid does still seem to sway pink that month coming off it, so taking a month off, TTC that month, and then resuming can be a way to extend the length of time you get benefits from it.

I second what Purple says in terms of trigger shot helping to pin down when to BD. Your charts have been so unusual with the second and third temp rises and it may be that the shot even if for no other reason than you'll know when to have the best chance of conceiving, would really help.

So, tell me how bad is it for TTC a girl while having to take vitamin d? My results came back at 22.8 and the normal range is 30-100. My doctor wants me to take 2000IU twice daily until I reach 30, then I can do 2000IU once a day. I know my odds of being able to conceive will be low if I don't fix this and that could be why I had a chemical last cycle.

Please tell me this isn't bad. I just feel like I won't be able to give my DH a DD no matter what I do.



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

Also, does Clomid cause weight gain? I mean, I know I have been depressed lately, and so have been over in calories. I just don't think it could be 10lbs worth though! I know I'm not overstimulated on the Clomid dose, and my thyroid is fine.

I guess I need to cut my calories down to 1500-1700. I'm not able to do the cardio anymore, and I'm afraid of doing my workout DVDs because they are only 25-35min. I just know I can't do 60min even 4 days a week so I'm opting to go couch potato and be strict with the diet.

I just feel so damn defeated and that if I am lucky enough to conceive another baby it will be another boy. I'm not in a good place right now.



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

If you're deficient, you need to take it. I (strongly) believe that it is people who aren't deficient, taking supplements in addition to their body stores that are swaying blue. If you don't have enough, your body doesn't want to take a chance on pregnancy. Lowered condition can be too much of a good thing and when that happens we need to correct for it.

We have definitely had many ladies taking Vit. D for deficiency who got girls. Especially those of us who live in the north in the winter. :agree:

Yes, it can!! Just like BCP or anything that affects hormone levels.

I don't think it "counts" as much as "legit" weight gain does.

Remember, you have SO much going for you already, XX. You have months of diet and exercise and nursing going for you (and this really, really matters A LOT, I see this scenario alllll the time where people have gone on and on not getting pregnant, gained weight back and stopped exercising, and then end up getting girls despite that) and the Clomid.

Please do not feel despaired, this can still happen!! (and it WILL, I have decreed it. :))

Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease! My mind has been racing since my DH told me that he is committed to trying for baby #4. All I could focus on were these aspects and not able to see the big picture [emoji6].

I'm back on track diet wise. I'm adding a salad back into my meals, and subbing fruits and homemade fruit smoothies with almond milk and yogurt for sweets. I still have 2 small pieces of milk chocolate to keep me sane! I am going to eat 1500-1700 calories daily and this should help me shed some of the weight. Now that my DS3 is 12mo, I'm adding in fiber twice a day after I've taken my folic acid and vitamin d. This will help me to feel full quicker at meal times and help me reduce my calories.

It's good to know about the Clomid, because my weight is in my lower abdomen like when I was on the combination pill in my mid-twenties. Drove me nuts because it wouldn't go anywhere until I stopped taking it!

As always, Thank you so much [emoji182]!!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

:cheer: :cheer: :cheer:!!!!!!

CD1 for me today making last cycle 25 days!!!! My first normal cycle in a year!!!

Two things that I think can be attributed to this: Vitamin D- I started taking it 10 days before I ovulated. Clomid- I took it days 1-5, which was recommended by my RE. I'm not sure I will continue to take it on those days, however.

I'll update once I have my appointment today.



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

I go back in in February for insurance to pay for a fertility work-up. I need to have my Vitamin D levels rechecked by then anyway. I guess my insurance pays for fertility treatments, regardless of age, after TTCing for a year. They even wanted a copy of my charts! I'll gladly play by the rules!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

Excellent!!!!

It must be the low D levels, because this period is KILLING me! My CBC is normal and hemoglobin is high end of normal. I just feel so weak and depleted. I'm not cramping so much as the flow is heavy [emoji12].

I've only been able to manage to eat 2 slices of banana bread and 2 small squares of milk chocolate today with my coffee/creamer. I'll eat a small dinner, but I just feel so nauseous! Ugh!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

That can happen sometimes on Clomid. Just try to stay hydrated and take it easy. if you're in pain please only paracetemol/tylenol and NOT ibuprofen and especially not aspirin.

Have you been eating a lot of spicy foods or garlicky stuff? I have to totally avoid them on my period some months because it makes things get out of control. o.O (everyone is like gee thanks for the TMI atomic)

I think I have a virus. I'm on the mend, but I'm still weak. I hope to be better by Friday. I've been able to eat a banana and a small sandwich so far today.

I had to stop taking the Clomid. I took one dose, but I didn't think I could keep it down last night so I didn't take it.



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

Oh no I'm sorry, being sick is the worst. We were all sick yesterday too. I would just pick it up with Clomid when you think you can and take the remaining 4 days. (as long as not past CD 5, that is)

My DH cancelled his vasectomy appointment!!! We will try for a year and then re-evaluate!!

I'm so excited!!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...i'm excited...

Woohoo!

I did take clomid past cd 5 one cycle, it was cd6 to 10. It worked for me and I even ovulated a day earlier than other clomid cycles but it was the most painful cycle ever so I wouldn't recommend it!! I think because I ovulate late on my own it was ok to take (I did check with the FS) but for other women it is probably too late.

Anyway, I'm excited you get a whole year to try! Good luck!!

So I'm back strict on the diet and have swapped some junkie foods with fruit and veggies. Since I made the swap, I've lost 4lbs! I am making sure I have a fruit smoothie in the morning with yogurt and almond milk and either a salad or rice with some veggies each day. I still allow myself to have a few squares of dove milk chocolate and fruit candies (Skittles and red licorice are my weaknesses!) occasionally. These changes makes it easier for me to not have a snack between lunch and dinner. Three meals a day and that's it! Oh and I've added fiber back before dinner and alcohol every other day (I have to work back up to every day!). I can't take fiber more than that due to having to take Vitamin D. I want to be sure that the fiber won't prevent its absorption.

That's about it! I'm hoping that all of this helps! I need all of the pink dust and sticky bean vibes I can get!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

Sounds like a brilliant plan xxforhubby!

I might have to emulate this as a fresh start for myself!

Amen to the red licorice. Yum :highfive:

Perfect!!! Huge congrats!!!

Do you think taking fiber just once a day before my largest meal is ok swaying wise? Or is it best to take it more often than that? If there is really no point, then I can leave it out.

Thanks!

SN- I'm not pregnant yet! Your comment of HUGE congrats made me think that! I'm working on it still!!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

I would have you leave it out now. I want to be sure you have enough raw materials to make hormones with.

So I have been having blood-tinged CM off and on since 5dpo. It comes and goes and never amounts to much- I don't even need to change my panty liner. I had a bit of cramping on 9dpo, which made me think AF was coming. Today at 10dpo, it is more brownish in nature.

Is this bad? My temps have been nice and high but is my progesterone low causing this to happen? I'm just perplexed by this and feeling like I'm out this month [emoji20]. It doesn't help that AF is due either on Christmas or the next two days after.

Thanks



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

The spotting you are describing makes me wonder if your estrogen is low... have you had bloodwork done? I had spotting like that in may, it was hardly a period but enough of one it caused me to skip ovulation in June but then I ovulated in July and got that egg. I had a feeling I was low on estrogen though with that spotting so I used a little bit of estrace since DD3 was self weaning and refusing breast... I won't come right out and recommend it or anything I know the dangers of that and I was lucky my intuition was right I am sure but I would say maybe you should get the blood work done With your RE!

ETA I also had lots of extremely light periods and cyclic spotting (I'm sure there is a better term but oh well) the months before conceiving DD3 when he said that was a sign to him I wasn't ovulating then clomid and boom DD3.

I have been on Clomid for last 3 cycles now so my if anything my estrogen should be fine. If anything I'm wondering if I should give the Clomid a break until my RE appointment in February, because my lining may to thin causing the break through bleeding. Clomid is notorious for causing thin uterine lining.

Thanks for your input [emoji8]! You always make feel better!



[emoji170][emoji1379]DS1, [emoji577]DS2, & [emoji602]DS3[emoji170]
[emoji166]One Last Pink Sway[emoji166]
My Ovulation Chart

It happens sometimes. I've had that a few times even without swaying or anything.

If your temps are high then prog is good. I suspect it may be from cervix.