[STL_Beth]

I thought starting a journal would be a good way for me to get everything off my chest and possibly get some feedback in the process. Sorry this first post will be a long one.

First of all, I'm 24 (almost 25) and married to my hubby for 2 years (been together for 6). I've been on the birth control pill since I was about 16. I was put on it to regulate my periods, which it worked. I had to switch pills several times and was even not taking any pills for a short time due to the hormonal swings the meds would give me. In Nov 2007, I switched to a new doctor (and so far, a really good doctor) and I told him about the emotional roller coaster I felt like I was on, plus my decreased sex drive. He suggested the Nuva ring, so I gave it a try. It did seem to help a little with the previous symptoms and I loved not having to take a pill every day.

In June 2008, my DH and I talked about going off the BC. We both wanted children and we weren't sure if now was the right time or not. We both loved being around other children, but we kept feeling like we could have more money built up, or establish our careers a little bit more. We were both worried that it would take us as long as it took my parents to get pregnant with me (which was about 8 years) and the fact that I was irregular before. So it was settled that after I was done with my 3 weeks in June, I was to take my ring out, get my period like I should have and then not put another one in.

At first, the plan was to use a condom so that we could be letting the meds get out of my system, but still not get pregnant. That went out the window after a few weeks. We just decided whatever God wanted to happen would happen and we would be happy with that. On July 18, I got my first period post-bc. It was 35 days since my last period and at the time, I wasn't charting, so I have no idea when or if I O'ed that cycle. I thought "ok, this is good, a little longer cycle, but at least i was getting a period".

I read some material that said most girls ovulate 2 weeks prior to their period. I also knew that my CM was more watery around that time. So 2 weeks prior to my expected period at 35 days, we did it like bunnies, even when we were in the same cabin at the lake with my parents!!!!! At that point, I knew we both wanted a baby. My hubby would come up and touch my belly and say cute things....

After 12 days or so, I started my POAS addiction. Negative. I never got the period I expected on CD 35. I started charting right around then. That's when I noticed that my temps seemed pretty low, like I never O'd at all. Sure enough, I didn't.

Around CD 47, FF gave me crosshairs and I got really excited, especially since we BD'ed right around then. A few days later, they were taken away.

Now, here I am.... CD 75 and NOTHING!!!!

Here's the somewhat good news in all of this. I called my doctor yesterday to make an appointment for my yearly exam in November. When I told the receptionist that I hadn't had my period since July 18, she had me talk to the doctor himself. He basically said it's normal to be irregular after birth control and he wouldn't start worrying too much until November. So I made my appt for Nov 19. He did say that if I got my period to call up and make an appt to have my progesterone levels checked and that would tell if I ovulated or not.

So far, I've had lots of ups and downs. We think we are pregnant and I get all excited and then it comes back BFN. I think I've ovulated and it turns out it was just a slight raise in temps. At this point, I'm just trying to keep myself calm and think about other things in my life. I do like charting, but it doesn't make me feel like I'm in "control". I'm still hoping that I ovulate soon and have my period before my doc's appt. If I don't, then I'm hoping my doctor will be able to give me something conclusive and a plan to work on. I really hate it when doctor's tell you that they don't know what's wrong and what to do.....then why the hell are they doctors?????

I'll keep you all posted....

[STL_Beth]

So nothing really has changed since my last post. My temps are still average, so I don't see any signs of ovulation. Although I have noticed some EWCM, so that could be a good sign. Just in case, hubby and I are DTD regularly. We've been talking about Cancun a lot lately - we are planning a trip there in November. It would be just my luck that I would ovulate before then and be on the period while I'm there (BOO). Ideally, I wouldn't mind ovulating that week, so we could conceive while we are on vacation.

Our friends were supposed to come with us on this vacation, but they have since backed out and it will be just him and I now, which isn't a bad thing. I think this will be like a 2nd honeymoon and I'm really excited for all the romantic loving time (this honeymoon will not have any BC involved, so the sex drive will be much higher - I know...TMI).

Oh and I realize I left this out of my "intro" post, but I work as a tax accountant, which I absolutely love. I'm in the process of getting my "CPA" license - which is a long and hard test. I'm very busy this time of year (extended due date of 10/15) and between Jan-April, but the company I work for is very flexible and I will probably be seasonal or reduced hours once I have my first child. My husband works for AT&T as an IT Anaylst. He loves his job, although it can be somewhat demanding. We have 2 furbabies. A cat named "kitty" that is actually at my parent's house. My mom has cancer and is home all the time, so she needs the extra friend more than we do. And a dog named "Buddy" who is a basset hound/black lab mix and is the best dog ever. I'll try to post a pic when I remember.

[meghini]

I would suggest buying opk tests online, and test 1 to 2 times a day after your next period. BD every other day until you get a positive and then bd a couple more times with and after the positive. That will give you the best shot with your long periods. I have irregular periods also, my positive was VERY faint and I just bought a digital, so if you think it might be, get a digital. Good luck!