[msshamis23]

When we first started trying, I never thought it would be nearly two years later, with no baby. I know a lot of this think this. I mean, they rack your heads in school that IF you have sex you are gonna get pregnant. (Sometimes they say maybe, when they do the talk--but the way they always say it is that it WILL happen) Then the real world kicks you right in the rear end. It's like every time I look at a neg pee stick, or get AF--a little jingle sounds in my head with the words 'Sorry try again'.

I know we ALL feel this way. Then you add in the loss. Which opens up a whole new bag. (Or I guess the same bag, with MAJOR differences)

Now, my body has been very very mean to me lately. The past two cycles I've had have been 50 days +! This current one, was 58 days. (and I do realize that it could have a lot to do with everything that happened in Dec) So, yesterday I called my doc, and they ordered a blood test to check my progesterone, and a yes/no hcg (I wanted the other type, but there were problems with the paperwork at the lab, and I didn't want to wait around there for forever.) I called for the results today, and they told me that I did not ovulate because my progesterone levels were 1.1. Well, yesterday (naturally) I also started spotting after the blood draw. Today AF is in full gear. They were originally going to prescribe prometrium to bring on AF, but after I told her I was bleeding--they changed their minds. I asked them that if I did not ovulate, then why am I bleeding? The doc explained why (I can't remember his exact wording, it was either I just ovulated, or it was so long ago that it was a new cycle restarting....I dunno) And the doc decided to prescribe clomid. (I didn't have to ask. I didn't have to go in to see him. Which was good) They told me about it, and when to take it, and called it in. (21.88 dollars later--which was pretty good)

I don't know how to feel. I mean i'm excited to be finally doing something that feels productive (I mean the soy was good, but clomid is even better) But at the same time, I never at the beginning thought that it would come to this.

Anyone who's taken clomid--how is it? Side effects? Best way to take it? Any advice?

Anyone who's taken clomid and soy (not together of course) what are the differences in how you feel when you take it?

Thanks girls.

[ohnicole]

Amy, I'm sorry that this is part of your journey But so glad that you can move forward with this now and hopefully get a quick BFP! I completely understand the conflicting emotions that come with starting treatment. It is really hard.

My guess on the progesterone is that you did ovulate about 2 weeks ago, but progesterone drops before AF, so the test yesterday came back low. Ideally the test should be at 7 dpo.

As for the Clomid, I didn't have really any side effects (maybe moodiness, but that could just be my personality ). Actually I felt worse on the soy (but I had a really uncommon experience with the soy- it just wasn't right for me). A lot of people do have side effects with Clomid, so I would recommend taking it before bed to sleep through any potential side effects. Are they monitoring you at all? If not, I would use OPKs because it will be hard to predict when you might O.

[msshamis23]

They decided to do an unmonitored cycle for the first one. As for OPK's, start taking them at CD 10 right? I'll pick some up on Friday

Thanks Nicole for your info!

As for the OPK's as well, is there a better brand to get? (At the store, I don't wanna get em online this late since i'll have to wait til Friday to get em) Or is store brand ok?

[ohnicole]

Yeah I usually start CD10 or CD11... I'm so excited for you!!

[LindseyE117]

I was going to ask my doctor about this next month. I wanted to bump up my chances at getting pregnant.

[msshamis23]

Also, if I take geritol this cycle, will that effect it?

[ohnicole]

I don't know about store brand OPKs, I have always gotten mine online. I hope someone has some advice about that!

I took Clomid for 2 cycles with a prenatal, then switched to Geritol to the 3rd Clomid cycle and there wasn't really any difference in O date or 7 dpo progesterone level. I say go for it!

[j&jmom]

I don't have any advice since I haven't taken it, but I wanted to say good luck! I hope this works for you!

[missy123]

I would suggest the clearblue easy OPK's. They have always worked the best for me. If you have the money the smiley face ones are the bestest! I loved seeing the smiley faces and there was no guesswork with the lines. I would see the smiley face and BD!

I was the creature from the blue lagoon with a hint of Freddy Kruger on clomid. It was horrible! I was moody, would cry and scream, terrible hot flashes, bloated up, got cysts... But I did ovulate so that was good! I am an extreme case so I hope you do not experience any of it.

You will probably ovulate earlier when on clomid so I would start with CD10. You can buy some cheap ones from early pregnancy tests and still get them in time to supplement the store bought ones.

[missy123]

Here is a buy it now auction on ebay for a good price on the smiley face OPK's. 20 should be a good amount.

CLEARBLUE EASY DIGITAL OVULATION TEST ONE MONTH SUPPLY - eBay (item 120669037593 end time Jan-17-11 21:17:12 PST)

[msshamis23]

THANK YOU MISSY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I've been searching ebay, but just found some regular so far. I'll order them Thursday, and hopefully they'll be here on time. (I think i should start around Jan 20-21st so here's to hoping!

[missy123]

Most welcome. Oh, take the clomid at night just before you go to bed. This way it will help minimize any side effects you may have. Many girls have gotten pregnant taking it, I hope you are one of them!!

[Celena]

Amy I'm glad its a step taken in the direction to bring you closer to your rainbow baby

[Halfbaked]

Oh, I'm no help, I just wanted to say I'm excited for you. I also loved the smiley face opks. I hope this is all you needed and you'll get your bfp soon.

[Joanna1127]

I'm going to ask my doctor about Clomid for myself on Friday. Sending you lots of luck!!

[shen7]

Amy I just wanted to drop by with some baby dust for you:

[.:Shortcake:.]

Okay I figured I would give you my expirience with both Clomid and Soy

Clomid side effects SUCKED for me. I had horrible headaches that turned into migraines, very strong O pains to the point it was painful and it even hurt to BD (I was producing 3-4 eggs even at 50mg) and it pushed back my O date 3-4 days.

Soy side effects were ... well none lol.

I took both right before I went to bed because I didn't get the hot flashes that way (guess I slept though them).

I hope clomid is just what you need but I would recommend them monitoring you because it can cause your lining of your uterus to be thin. Oh and you also might want to get some preseed or use mucinex around O time because Clomid can dry up your CM. Any questions feel free to PM me. Total I have done 9 (ugh) rounds of Clomid. Varying doses and trying different things.

[luvmykids623]

I have no experience with it, but I hope that Clomid is your ticket to a sticky bfp very soon!