Officially on 4th Year of TTC

Hmmmm...I see that I have not posted for so long here. I have been waiting for AF to come but until now no AF yet. Yesterday, I celebrated my 33rd birthday and our 4th wedding anniversary. Look, I have something from DH:

my birthday and anniversary gift

We are now officially on our FOURTH YEAR of TTC. I tested on CD37 but sad to say the PT shows only one line (I will post the PT here next year coz Im now on holiday mode). It's just sad that AF is still no where to be found. Maybe its my fault also because I'm using Fertilaid for women since last month but for this cycle I took Fertilaid for 2 times a day instead of the usual 3 times a day. I also have Zumba almost everyday for 30 minutes. Am I stressed out or because I have taken the Fertilaid in a wrong way? Oooh, I just hope AF will show anytime soon so I can start a new cycle again. Better if AF will take its leave for 9 months, it really doesn't matter to me, for as long as when I take another PT the 2 lines will show up.

Another depressing thing this cycle is my BBT chart in fertility friend. Unusual, really, because my temperatures are very low even in my fertile days. At first also, FF detected that I ovulated on CD14 then towards the end, it says no ovulation detected. I'm blaming it on my thermometer, a digital thermometer that is. I'm just wishing I can have that basal body temperature thermometer but to no avail its not offered here in the Philippines. It's only available abroad. I asked my sister to buy me one in Dubai but no still in transit. Oh well, I am not happy with my BBT chart for this cycle (see below) hope next cycle will be a better one. The chart also is not good because according to Dr. Google, my chart is an example of an anovulatory chart and period.

my unexplained BBT chart

Anyway, I just hope AF will come but as of now I'm now on holiday mode and will be right back next year,2013, for more updates on our TTC ordeal.

My DHs Birthday

DH just turned 33 yesterday (November 28, 2012). We started our TTC both at the age of 29. In all our birthdays that had passed, our birthday wish will always be "the gift of parenthood", and only through conceiving our first child can our prayers and wishes be granted. Based on experience, not all birthday wishes is granted in an instant but it has never been a hindrance to keep on believing and waiting that in God's mercy, He will provide the desire of our hearts no matter how long it may take. As the saying goes "the longer you wait for something, the more you'll appreciate it when you get it, cause anything worth having, is definitely worth waiting for." In God's most perfect precious time, DH and my birthday wish for so long now will be handed over to us in our doorway by surprise. No one knows when, but believe us, it will be a big party celebration of gratitude to our Dear Father God. What is important is we are one in dealing with our birthday wish to make it happen.

What did we do on DH birthday. Simple as always. First, a very first greeting and a kiss from wifey, of course, on his 33rd birthday. Second, I made a collage of DH photos when he was still a baby to the present (sorry, I cannot post it here) with a message attached to it, as follows: "We’ve been through a lot together, you and I, after all these years. I love that you just turned THIRTY-THREE today, and we’ve been together over ten years already, because it means we’ve become a part of each others lives for a decade now and will have more in the coming years. I wish that God will grant the desire of your heart and I earnestly pray He will provide because together we are both waiting and praying for our most precious little angel. For now, let’s enjoy each and everyday as one, through thick and thin, in sickness or in health... HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LABSKO. I love you always and forever."... and posted the same to DH facebook account. (giggling). Third, we had dinner at home with the following menu: fries, pizza, chicken and a cake, sponsored by Shakey's and Goldilocks.

Happy Birthday DH

Fourth, picture every moment of the simple birthday celebration and everything is posted in facebook and in our hearts. Lastly, your guest is as good as mine. (wink, wink, wink) 

Thank you Father God for giving DH and me more days, months and years of embracing and battling our TTC ordeal together as one. As DH turned a year older, we are looking forward to another year of TTC battle, and so will we both be on December as we celebrate my birthday and our 4th wedding anniversary. Hoping and praying for a successful TTC battle on Year 2013. Thy will be done Oh Lord according to Your will.

30 Minute Workout is a Must

Since we started our TTC ordeal in April 2009, I became bigger every month, every year. Then I finally understand why I gain those pounds. It is because of the fertility drugs and/or supplements that I have taken during our TTC battle.....and because of my hormonal imbalance. I was 47 kgs. when I got married then I gain weight up to 58 kgs., my biggest weight so far, and that was only last month. 

I remember during our visit to my 2nd OB RE. I was put on clomid that time. During our first visit, I'm at 50 kgs., then the following visit I became 52 kgs. My OB RE reminded me that I was not suppose to add additional weight because I am PCOS. I have to watch my diet and so on and so forth, huh. Imagine the ordeal of undergoing TTC. Blame it on my stubborn hormones.

Currently, I am now 55 kgs.  For months now, I have been doing this after six program plus I only eat half rice a day during lunch only. I have also been working out almost everyday for 30 minutes. Beyond 30 minutes is a no, no because it will eventually result to having more infertility issues.  For TTCs, too much exercise is a stress factor, thus, a 30 minutes work out is just enough.  I am doing Zumba which I have learned to love so much especially because I really love dancing. Much better than exercising using my elliptical bike. I am doing my Zumba at home with my DVD.

the zumba fever...

However, the depressing part of this TTC journey, especially on my part, is doing all the above routines just to shed off those pounds I gained but my weight just went on plateau or sometimes I still will add up additional weight instead of losing it. Imagine eating less and doing exercises and yet I am still big, huh. Nevertheless, I know that part of my TTC ordeal is to lose weight and maintain it for me to help in conceiving. Thus, whatever it takes, I am really serious in battling that extra pounds I gained so back off fats, cholesterol and hormonal imbalance. Diet and a 30 minutes workout is a must all for the purpose of conceiving our child.

First Month of Fertilaid

Done with our first month of using fertilaid for men and women. The great news are: First, DH took another laboratory test to check if the fertilaid for men and the rogin-e works for him. Thank God it does worked on him as shown by his new SA taken last November 8, 2012. The SA will show a rise in his semen count and motility, even an improved liquefaction. Here's DH new SA:

DHs latest semenalysis

Secondly, on my part and while a first time user of fertilaid for women, I only had 33 days for this cycle compared to my past 2 cycles with a 45 and 54 days cycle. A shorter days cycle will of course show that my PCOS is somehow improving. The only problem I met, based on my BBT charts, is that fertility friend did not detect my ovulation and my lutheal phase this cycle. I bet, though, that I ovulated on the 22nd day of October. Still, another anovulatory cycle but nevertheless, I excused myself this month because of a family problem I encountered during the follicular phase of my cycle. I am still overwhelmed because my cycle is back to CD33. Here's my BBT chart showing no ovulation on my 33 days cycle. I have blank BBT temperatures due the reason I indicated above:

FF shows no ovulation

Lastly, as we bought another round of fertilaid supplements, DH and I are very positive for the next days, weeks, or months of our TTC journey because of the improvements we had. Come year 2013, we will be starting our work ups again with a new hospital and OB and eventually undergo for the IUI procedure. Thy will be done Oh, Lord, according to Your will and we thank you so much for helping us in our TTC journey.

DH's Improved SA

Since the start of our TTC on 2009 to 2010, DH's sperm count will range from 300,000 to 3.6 Million; motility is from 10% up to 25% then to 50% and once for 80%; and morphology at its passing rate of 65% to 94%. In year 2011, no serious work ups were done because of some intervening event but DH and I started to use fertility supplements from healthy options. DH took the following supplements from healthy options: zinc, vitamin c, vitamin e with selenium and a month or two of bee polen, flaxseed oil, folic acid and pro creation for men. This 2012, as we become serious again on our TTC, DH undertake two laboratory tests, both of which showed an improved and best quality results of his seminalysis especially on his sperm count. Take note that DH has varicocele and he did not endure the process of surgery, varicocelectomy. Nevertheless, God is really good on healing us day by day....one day at a time. Below is the latest result of DH's SA:

DHs improved semenalysis

This cycle, DH and I started to use fertilaid for men and women. In a month or so, when my AF comes (wishing it will not), DH will have another round of seminalysis and we are praying earnestly that his SA will get better with fertilaid, rogin e, zinc, folic acid, vitamin c and vitamin e with selenium. We will surely post the result soon.

BBT Shows Late Ovulation

Fertility friend site says I ovulated late that explains why I was delayed for more than 2 months. Another anovulatory cycle because of my PCOS and my ovulation dysfunction.

FF shows a late ovulation

2 Months Delayed and a BFN

My 3 HPTs for the past months of this year...all BFN!!!

August 10, 2012 is my LMP. I have been waiting for AF to come for us to start our new found friend to our TTC....Fertilaid. Unfortunately, September came and still no signs of AF. I took duphaston twice a day for 5 days starting on September 17. I have done 2 HPTs but both came out BFN. After 8 days and still no AF, we went to OB-RE for check up. She told us to wait for duphaston to take effect because, according to her, regardless of how many days I took the duphaston it will still have the same waiting period. Ten days while on duphaston intake and another seven days for me to get the result. If AF did not show on October 3, OB-RE wanted me to go through with my TVU to see if I have an early pregnancy to which the HPT did not detect or another infertility issue. Came October 3 in the afternoon, AF showed up. Sad, I even asked permission to go on leave the next day for my scheduled TVU but then again a failed cycle for us. New cycle, new hope.

Our Fertility Supplements

After having my AF last October 3, DH and I started also to use Fertilaid for men and women which we bought a month ago. According to my research on google, FertilAid was developed by leading fertility expert, Dr. Amos Grunebaum, ObGyn, to help optimize fertility safely and naturally while delivering all of the essential nutrients that both women and men need to ensure the best chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy and baby. Using scientifically-validated herbal ingredients, FertilAid includes Dr.Grunebaum's "Just Right" formula of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for optimal preconception and prenatal health.

Fertilaid products

For Women, FertilAid contains critical components such as folic acid and chasteberry (vitex agnus castus) to help regulate hormonal balance and improve reproductive health. Along with Fertilaid, women can also take FertileCM. FertileCM for Women is a balanced dietary supplement to promote the healthy production of fertile cervical mucus – the bodily fluid central to fertility and conception. The ingredients in FertileCM have also been shown to support female arousal and sexual sensitivity and strengthen the uterine lining, both of which can increase chances for successful conception.

For men, Fertilaid is designed to help optimize male reproductive health, increase low sperm count, and improve both sperm quality and motility. The men's formula includes the amino acid l-carnitine, zinc and selenium to help increase low sperm count and motility.

There goes some insights on our new found fertility supplement. Aside from the above-mentioned Fertilaid products, we are also taking other supplements as follows: (a) DH: rogin-e, zinc, folic acid, vitamin c, and vitamin e with selenium; and (b) ME: folic acid.