[Missa_Mae]

I am 8DPO ... and I am have symptoms of AF

I am bloated & cranky, but yesterday for some reason I had left O pain for about an hour, very weird. I've also had some increased (not a ton) discharge the past few days but I'm trying not to get too excited.

No AF yet (she is expected on Friday or Saturday). I tested this morning and got a BFN. But, I ordered more pregnancy tests yesterday because the strips I'm using expired one year ago! Maybe they just don't work anymore?

I feel like such an idiot getting upset since this is only our 2nd cycle trying, technically our 1st because I was actually testing for O this month, thought we timed everything right. I know I shouldn't lose hope this early but I'm getting kind of down.

I am so scared that for some strange reason I will not be able to get pregnant. I don't know why I feel that way. I'm just used to bad luck ... I know there is nothing physically wrong, I even had a trans-v ultrasound back in Jan (when I was still on the pill) to make sure everything down there was ok and the results were flawless. I'm 29, in great health, not overweight, active ... I wish it would just happen.

ok-done venting-sorry

[blueeyes25s]

Just hang in there but remember AF and early pregnancy symptoms can be similar. No matter how long you have been trying it's something you want NOW and it's hard not to get discourage. Just try to remind yourself that for a heathly couple it can take up to a year of trying before getting pregnant. The best advice I have for you, is to continue charting and using opk's and try to relax (I know easier said than done) but that is the best thing you can do for yourself. I also recommend trying to avoid testing before your missed period because seeing those BFN can be even more disappointing.

I have been trying for 2 1/2 and honestly the last couple months have maybe been the easiest for me just because I have been a lot more relaxed about trying and am trying not to center my life around it which is hard but it helps emotionally.

Sending some and hopefully you will get your BFP soon.

[Missa_Mae]

Dawn: thank you for your kind words :-) Just coming on JM makes me feel better! My SO says the same thing but as you probably already know, I'm super impatient. I know everything has a plan and this must be mine so I know it'll be worth it in the end.

I ordered a BBT yesterday along with more pregnancy strips (that are not expired!) and will start temping on CD1 (IF it comes). I think I have at least 12-15 O strips left too ...

I know the basics are to temp at the same time every morning before you even get out of bed. I signed up for FF as well. What exactly should I be looking for temp wise?

[blueeyes25s]

It would sure be nice to know what our plan is supposed to be .

The basic pattern you want to look for is in the beginning of your cycles you will have lower temps the beginning of your cycle; first half. Around the time of ovulation you should get a rise in temp; the rise should be at least a rise in a .4 increase in temp and that should stay elevated for at least 3 days for FF to confirm O. The second half of your cycle is called the Luteral Phase and should last at least 12 days and your temps will continue to stayed elevated until either the end, it may drop indicating AF is coming or it can increase again showing a triphasic phase which may indicate pregnancy.

It will take a couple cycles for you to find your patterns and it isn't uncommon to have temps go up and down here and there but for the most part you are just looking for a general pattern.

[Missa_Mae]

I am slightly worried about my LP. I'm 8 DPO and I'm due for AF Fri-Sat (if I calculated right) which would make my LP only 10-11 days!

I did start B-6 this month though, 50 mgs. If AF does come it'll be my 3rd period off the pill so I know I can still be regulating.

[blueeyes25s]

I have the same issue. My LP tends to be 10 days so I started taking 100mg of B6 along with B12; I was told you want to take those together and my LP is now at 11-12 days. Hopefully the VitB works for you.

[Nicholle ttc]

Hi Missa, in the beginning one always worries about not getting pregnant right away. I thought that I would be pregnant by my third cycle and I'm on cycle 12. Don't feel badly about being upset that you are not pregnant, we all want this so badly. A 10-11 day LP is a little short, but again your body may still be trying to regulate from coming off the pill. Good luck to you and always feel free to vent, that is what we are here for!

[Jen@FirsAve]

I'm sorry you are having a difficult cycle, we've all been there at one point or another so we all definately share your frustration and impatience...you think right i've made the decision to have a baby..bam it should just happen..right?? yup not as easy as everyone makes it out to be. Dawn is right though, it can take a normal healthy couple upto a year to conceive naturally. I do know this can get old after a while though and where you are at the moment, there probably isnt much we can say to help. Just hang in there..we're all here for you to vent and its one of the best thigns about this board that everyone understands.

Regarding your LP, i'd say try to worry at this point, like you rightly said your body could still be regulating after coming of the BCP, even if you are having cramps now, AF may not show her face (if at all) until the weekend which would give you an 11/12 day LP which is ok. Charting will definately help you with that and also with the HPT addiction lol, i find that charting can tell you alot which your guessing at the moment.

One last thing..if your taking B6, I think you also should be taking B12 (or a complex B vitamin) to help it work

[Missa_Mae]

I didn't know you had to take B-6 & B-12 together ... I will start that right away! I might bump up the B6 to 100mgs if my LP stays short the next cycle.

I will be charting if AF shows her ugly head and I will be on here showing everyone my chart :-)

I really appreciate all your kind words. I can't really vent to anyone else because they are all like "oh, it'll happen when it happens." and sometimes that it too hard to hear.

You guys are great :-D

[Nicholle ttc]

Yep, you have to take B6 with B complex, which should include B12. I've been on it since October, however, it really has not increased my LP--as my LP is typically 9 days. I even tried 150mg of B6, but was having nerve issues while taking this amount! Though a lot of research states that you can safely take up to 200mg a day without side effects, B6 can cause nerve damage in amounts as low as 150mg. Remember your B complex and your prenatals all have low doses of b6 in them as well, so just make sure to read the labels. I hope this helps! Remember it will get better. Good luck sweetie! XOXO

[kbpeanut]

I just want to ditto what everyone else has already said. They are right. Some journeys are meant to be longer.

[Missa_Mae]

Thank you everyone for your replies! I'm in such a rush and I really should just sit back and enjoy the moment for what it is

I so badly wanted to be one of the *lucky* ones who get pregnant right away ... but, like Karin said, maybe my journey is meant to be a little longer. Hopefully not that long lol ...

No AF yet ... will test again on Fri at 10 DPO, that is around the time AF is due anyways ...

Will keep everyone updated

Thanks again for the positive thoughts, I def. feel better!

[KrissyS]

Hang in there I know how u fell af for me is due sun or m and I have symptoms but it's most Likley af it's nice to have the jm fourm I love all the girls! Hang in there and keep us posted