Fit For Future Families - September 2011

So ya, Operation: Flawless Fertility is underway!!!!

fingers crossed for you. it sounds like you have a good plan. by the way, have i mentioned how much i love lists?

Haha, I know right, lists are the BEST! If only I could ever finish a list. I feel like a make a lot of them but rarely cross things off them.

ok....question.....i have pcos...so that usually means that you don't ovulate and that your follicle turns into a cyst because it doesn't drop...so....if i get a positive OPK does that mean that i am going to ovulate or that it is just going to turn into a cyst? never thought about it before but...i have never had 2 lines show up before either so it got me thinking? anybody have a clue?

Sorry Hun, a +OPK just means that your body is giving you a luteal hormone surge, which means ovulation is normally a 18-36 hours away. It doesn't mean that you actually WILL ovulate. In fact, some ladies will have their bodies gear up to O, get a +OPK and then it won't so it will happen again the following week.
From what I've hear from other ladies with PCOS, OPKs aren't always reliable for that condition.

that's what i figured...i just can't figure out why the dr. keeps asking if i use opk's and if they have ever been positve? who knows.....i don't think i am going to use them because they aren't really gonna tell me anything...o well..:/

Hi everyone! I've been reading through the posts on here and I'm happy to find such a supportive group. I hope you'll have me!

Age: 32
Where you live: Michigan
Job: Librarian
Length of time on the board: just now!
Marital Status: Committed relationship
Length of time you've been with SO: Five years
Do you have kids: Nope, just a kitty we treat like a spoiled child.
Length of time TTC: Just this past month.
Diagnosis: Not really a diagnosis, but a little background info: I've never had a regular period, and I just went off bc in April. It took almost eighty days to get my period back, which is a lot sooner that I thought it would be come back. Since then, though, I had another period after forty-nine days and then just this past week I started a really light period after twenty-three days. I also went in for another PAP after a slightly abnormal one in June. Still waiting on the results. I'm pretty sure that will turn out ok, but I'm nervous that I have issues with ovulation.
Do you chart your BBT: Just started this weekend, but I already forgot this morning. >:(
Do you use OPKs: Nope.
Are you on any meds for TTC: Nope.
Height: 5'3
Weight: 145
Goal Weight: 125
Strange fact about yourself: I have extremely large feet for being so short. Size nine.

Looking forward to reading more posts and contributing some as well.

Hello Everyone! I skimmed what you all wrote so I apologize for not responding to everyone but i wanted to pop on and say hey and give a little update. Thank you all for the encouragment, and hugs back to you all!

Karen- Welcom back! We missed you! I'm glad you had a good vacation. I skimmed your soap box and you are so right, thanks for the reminder! my therapist likes to say "don't should yourself." A while ago I did an experiment and if something came up that I "should" do I asked myself "do I WANT or NEED to do that?" If i couldn't replace the word should with want or need then I didn't do it, it was very freeing.

Karen- the doctor said I can do tylenol and it KINDA works but not real great. I'm going to talk to my doctor about it tomorrow. Insurance wont cover a chiropractor but I'm going to ask hubby if he minds if we pay out of pocket. My sister seems to think it would help, I have bone spurs in my shoulder which are compressing a nerve. not fun! Also, good luck with the OPKs and everything!


AFM: Things are going better. Friday night the hubby and I went mountain biking which was a blast (minus all the DISGUSTING spiders) then Saturday we got free ring side tickets to a world championship boxing match! That actual fight for the championship was kinda lame because it ended early due to an accidental head butt, however, the other 7 or so fights were awesome and fun to watch. i would go into details but I'm sure some of you really don't want them.

I finally told my hubby about the miscarriage and he pretty much had no response. He just asked if I would ovulate this month. :-/ but hey, I guess we all feel things a different way and he was not feeling what was going on in my body. I have an appt for a pap tomorrow so that will help me know everything is healthy. i think I might have a yeast infection (another thing that makes me think it was an actual pregnancy because I have NEVER had one before) so I'll be able to find out for sure tomorrow and get that taken care of. I'm thinking about finally picking up some OPK's I know that temping is the only way to know IF you ovulated, but this will at least make me a little more aware of my cycle. It will also help me give my husband more informed information. His thought is, if we don't know WHEN you're going to ovulate then we should just do the BD every other day so as to make sure we don't miss it. I'm not too opposed to that, but with working different shifts, it leaves me very tired at work which I do not need!

Haven't been real great with my goals so here is too a new week!
Water and streching goals were mostly met
Fast food and deep fried food were met until this weekend, just going to continue with the same goals and really commit to doign better this week!
also my goal is to get a flyer up to sell my scuba gear and my computer

Welcome newbies Corrine (sweetness623), Heather (bookworm03), Melissa (melissaforster07), Mel (meljones), mrsmccullen07 & renothegirl!!

Destiny (thedestar) - I say keep on your weight loss plan while trying. As long as you're not starving yourself or overdoing it on the working out, being healthier cannot hurt. Plus, I'm finding that I have more energy for BD'ing too! :blushing:

Luki - Hope you got a great group of student this year!

Mandy (imarunner8908) - Choosing a doctor isn't as straight forward as it seems. I had at least 2 or 3 different OB-GYNs before I found one I was comfortable with. And my decision had nothing to do with the exam part. It was all about how I felt they treated me when we discussed options. I think honesty and respect are the most important things. Good luck!

Dawn (godbless...) - I totally need to do your reduce paper clutter goal. It's just so overwhelming!

EmilyRanae - Just lots and lots of *HUGS*

Alisa - Welcome back! It was so fun to read about your reunion (even unplanned) and I'm so glad you had a wonderful time. I've got fingers and toes crossed for you.

Amanda (batgirlrox) - *HUGS* to you too. This journey is such an emotional roller coaster. Just take it one day at a time. And glad your hubby can make you laugh.

kittyfeliz - Great goals and great name for your journey!

Karen (kah78) - What good perspective, especially out of an emotional moment. Thinking thoughts of strength for you!

Jalara - Hmm... about telling people. I haven't told my parents outright for the last 4 years, but I'm thinking about it. Mostly because if we go the next step, I kind of want someone besides my husband to know I'm in and out of doctors' offices in case anything goes wrong. My closest friends know and also know not to keep asking about it. And I told my brother for the same reason. He's good at running interference with my folks. I don't just tell acquaintances though, it's really none of their business.

Miranda (cupcake0325) - I have PCOS and use OPK's and I don't know if I'm actually ovulating or not, but it's way less stressful than temping for me. I didn't have any luck with Clomid or Femara, so I'm in a holding pattern with natural trying until we decide if we're going to do IUI or IVF. I like the OPK's because they at least give me the right window, so if I actually do ovulate (and not just get another damn cyst), than I have a better chance of success. Oddly, the healthier I've gotten, the more regular I've gotten and the more I feel that I am actually ovulating. Now I'm at the point of trying to figure out why they're not sticking.

Nancy (panteralgirl) - Big *HUGS* to you too! Whatever you decide to do, good luck. I always think talking it out with someone who either can relate, or professionally knows how to relate is a good thing.

----

AFM, Rough week. I was mostly on track with my calorie intake, but there was so much other life stuff going on, I really didn't have the chance to get in much exercise. I'm really missing the gym! Only down a little bit, but at least it is down!

MFP SW (March 2011): 211
Calendar week 33: 175.4 (-1.6)
Calendar week 34: 173.8 (-1.6)
Calendar week 35: 172.6 (-1.2)
Calendar week 36: 172.2 (-0.4)
Calendar week 37: 172.0 (-0.2)

Unfortunately, this week isn't going to be any better. Sad news, my grandma died over the weekend so Tuesday we're headed to South Dakota for the funeral then Montana for the burial. I'm at peace with her passing, but I think it has been really rough on my mom. I'm anxious to get there so I can be there for her.

My goals are to try to get at least some exercise in this week while I'm away so I don't let all the emotion of the week drain me and to stay within maintenance calories as much as possible.

Thanks as always for being such great support!
Stephanie

Happy Monday ladies!! Quick responses to (hopefully) everyone!

Jalara - my family knows (it was easier than dealing with the continual questions of when we were going to have more kids) and my close friends know. A lot of my friends are TTC or have recently gotten preggo so it's a very popular topic and again to keep from having questions asked we decided to be open w it so that people know to be a little more sensitive.

Emily - I'm sorry that your hubs had a less than desirable response. The silver lining would be that he's ready get back in the saddle. I know it is very emotional for you (obv) but boys are dumb and don't realize the instant connection we have with situations like this.

Cupcake - I started out using OPK's thn decided not to waste my $$ bc u can have am LH surge wo ovulating. So temping and bloodwork are really the only ways for someone w PCOS to determine ovulation. Jalara was right on w her answer

Karen - I think it's funny that ur son likes broccoli bc that is the ONLY veggie my son WON'T eat!!

Stephanie - sorry to hear about ur grandmother. Losing a family member is never easy

AFM - we shipping the last of the family out today. My parents left yesterday and my MIL left this morning. They are all amazing house guests but I will be glad to have my house back. Hubs goes in today for his surgery consult to schedule his surgery etc...that will determine the rest of the week. We're hoping for Friday so that I can be home w him during the weekend. Plus we have his SA scheduled for Thursday morning haha
I'm going in for CD21 bloodwork and the results will be back next week. I am resisting the urge to start peeing on this bc based on symptoms I should be 8-10DPO....I promised my friend I would wait until I get my progesterone results back to do a HPT.....hubs and I are going to sit down w a calandrr and go over our timing options incase it doesn't happen this month.
W hubs getting ready to have surgery our diet is getting ready to change drastically which is good bc I'm still hovering at 148 Nd hubs has put on a few pounds since he's been able to drink beer regularly again haha

Oh Emily I'm sorry about everything. I'm glad you let it out though!

Stephanie, sorry about your grandpa.

Jalara, I've told people. A few close friends, one who had infertility problems herself. The only people I'm more hesitant to tell is my own family strangely enough. I mentioned something about it to my mom a week or so ago. But to me the decision whether or not to tell isn't HUGE. I mean, I'm pretty much an open book already so if people ask about our baby status I'd rather give them a little info than pretend like everything is fine. I usually just say that we've found out we're up against some obsticles and leave it at that. It satisfies their curiosity, but without going into all the details. The bottom line for me is that I NEED an outlet to vent. So someone HAS to know. So I have my group of friends that goes out for girls night once a month and that's my main support group. Of course they're all supportive, I can't imagine what some people are going through with unsupportive friends/family. That would be terrible and my heart goes out to you all.

Newleaf good luck with the car situation. Cars suck. We put so much money into them and then poof, that's it. Hope it gets worked out!

Alisa, tell your husband good luck with the surgery and I've got my BDing fingers crossed for you!

AFM: just got back with my first appointment with my new OBGYN. She was SUPER nice. Which was great. She felt like something might be a little enlarged in there so I'm going in on Wed for a pelvic ultrasound. Yay. (please take note of sarcasm). She thinks I might not be ovulating since my cylces are so long and sort of all over the place. That stung. I need to keep busy here at work or I might not make it through the day. She said she could prescribe me clomid, but since we've already met with a fertility specialist who already was recommending IVF, I should go back to him so he can see us through the whole process that way since their clinic doesn't do those types of procedures anymore. So there. I'm glad I went and that she seems to really care. I hope I can go back to see her soon (with good news!).

Renothegirl- Welcome to our group....these ladies are awesome.

Jalara- As for telling your family...Its a hard thing to think about....I cannot relate as I only started TTC so am choosing to keep it a secret with the exception of a few close friends......Do you think by telling your family you will have to be their support system rather than them be yours??? If so are you prepared to deal with that? However, some people could surprise you and be more supportive than you think. Its a tough situation you are in....I wish I could give you more input. By the way that receipt was friggin halarious!! I have such a dirty mind cuz I looked at receipt before I read your comment....naughty naughty me!!! LOL

Thedestar- I hate when I 'm down for no reason and all I feel like doing is moping around!! I hope your week gets better and you are able to cheer up *hugs*

Kittyfelize- Go and get your wisdom teeth out.....Trust me....I just went through the same thing....only mine weren't bothering me...all they were doing is shifting my teeth....and I thought to myself if I don't get them out now...I never will....and will spend thousands on braces to correct my teeth if I got pregnant and they kept shifting....then who wants to get their teeth out with a new born to care for?? It will be that much harder for you to get them out later.....Do it...do it if you're bad I'm bad!! LOL

Everyone else....I'm still trying to catch up.....bare with me.....work has been hectic today!!! xo

Melissa, Mel, Mrs.McCullen, Reno- WELCOME

Emily- ( I’m sorry! I felt the same way when the Dr. confirmed that I have probably had 4+ early miscarriages at my last appointment. I mean I had thought they were early miscarriages all along, but it is different hearing it from a Dr. And in some ways it is harder not to be able to confirm it. And EWWW I hate spiders!

Alissa- Welcome back! Finger crossed!!!

Jalara- We have shared most of our journey with people especially everything with the adoption. I think pretty much everyone knows we have been TTC for 3 years and counting. For some reason I have had a hard time telling people about the low progesterone diagnosis that just happened- it feels a bit personal. Again not sure why since we’ve been so open up to this point, but its weird to tell people about the fact that I’m ovulating late

Pantera- ( So sorry!

AFM- Still up 2 pounds for the month, but I’m going to blame it on the progesterone and hope it comes off…or am pregnant ) I had my first pregnancy dream in almost 2 years Saturday night. I was very strange to wake up and think, WOW that was a pregnancy dream. I’m hoping it means good things and not just wishful thinking. If I wasn’t on progesterone yesterday would have been CD1 and my body seems to be fighting the hormones- I had stabbing cramps on and off all day yesterday and light spotting today…but I’m trying not to give up on this cycle until it is actually over. On a positive note I have been nauseous the past four mornings (but that could be because I moved my vitamins to the morning so I don’t take them at the same time as the hormones) I laugh when I think that being nauseous is a positive, but I’m soooooooo looking forward to the possibility of morning sickness considering the payoff. I test on Saturday morning and then will know…

I love when people tell me how impressed they are with me as a military wife to spend months away from my hubs with limited communication etc etc....tonight I would just like to say how impressed with YOU ALL I am that you have ur hub's 24/7 and you have successful marriages etc etc....while I love my husband w all my heart and he is my best friend he is driving me CRAZY already and we have barely been home a week!!
The evening started well - we sat down and made a game plan for the next few cycles, just in case - then had leftovers for dinner (which apparently he hates but I told him he had to suck it up once a week bc I cant stand the idea of wasting food) then we took P to soccer practice...he fussed at P a lot (which bothers me a little bc I feel like he expects too much of him...but maybe I don't expect enough....) bc he was NOT listening.....then we get home and we got in a STUPID fight over FACEBOOK!! He says he doesn't like every minute of his life updated on Facebook....news flash buddy - I've posted 1 status a day for the past 4 days and NONE of them had to do w you....and I proved it - well then it turned into "you're on Facebook to much" and I told him he needed to pick his argument before he tried to fight w me about it bc now it seemed like he was just picking at me to pick.
After a heroic kitchen cleaning on my part (had a HUGE ant infestation and had to rapidly unload/reload the DW and spray down the counters) he had cooled down and I guess realized I wasn't always on Facebook? (obviously bc if I was always on Facebook I wouldnt have noticed the ants and rescued the kitchen *insert snarky tone here*) so I cut myself a HUGE piece of chocolate birthday cake (P turned 6 this weeken and we celebrated all weekend so we have candy, krabby patty cupcakes and chocolate cAke for DAYS) and I sit down and tell him that if he gets football 100% of the time Saturday-Monday I get it Tuesday-Thursday and we can share Friday....and I get complete disgression. Which means real housewives of every state and county I want! His response: I change my mind, I don't want you to take the Meds anymore.

Hopefully he will learn but for now - I'd like to start today over!

Fingrs crossed for you Luki!

Emily, I'm so sorry for what you're going through (and all those in a similar osition). I can completely understand how horrible it must be.

Alisa, I had the exact thing when my OH came back from each deployment. I would be so happy to see him and then found that it was really hard to adjust to him being back in what had become 'my space' and disrupting my routines. Once it even came close to splitting us (he had only been home for about three weeks of a whole year that time and it felt so strange living with him again). We did work through it though and things got back to normal as we both adjusted. I think your plan of small compromises like the TV is definitely the way to go. I'm sure you'll be fine, just give yourselves small breaks if/when you need it!

AFM- Don't really know where to begin. I've been feeling down this weekend, for no apparent reason. Except that the team I was on for the September Tribal Challenge disbanded so I feel kind of abandoned! I'm so weird sometimes, LOL! I've decided to give up on group challenges for the time being and just focus on doing things on my own.

if you want to join something low key for support, here is my group:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/336352-new-year-s-resolutions-lose-5-15-pounds-by-thanksgiving

no pressure.

Miranda (cupcake0325) - I have PCOS and use OPK's and I don't know if I'm actually ovulating or not, but it's way less stressful than temping for me. I didn't have any luck with Clomid or Femara, so I'm in a holding pattern with natural trying until we decide if we're going to do IUI or IVF. I like the OPK's because they at least give me the right window, so if I actually do ovulate (and not just get another damn cyst), than I have a better chance of success. Oddly, the healthier I've gotten, the more regular I've gotten and the more I feel that I am actually ovulating.

that is how i feel about opk's. they are actually comforting to me.

And then I signed myself up for Weight Watchers Online yesterday morning. Nice side effect, I discovered that my little guy like broccoli! Who would have guessed...

good luck using weight watchers! my boys love broccoli and asparagus and brussel sprouts.