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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley - update
This is our first cycle TTC. I've been off BCP for 3 cycles (since August). So September and October cycles I tried OPKs, but I used the 2-line ones. The first OPK (September) I never got a true positive. The test line got darker for a couple of days (like CD12-CD14) and then it went away on CD15. Then October, I think I got a true positive OPK on CD14, and I showed to DH and he agreed. So now it's CD14 of my November cycle and I did a CBE OPK since CD10 and no smiley yet. I really expected to see the smiley this morning. It was 7 AM. I am going to repeat the test at 4 PM just to be sure. And I'll repeat it again tomorrow morning if I still don't get a smiley this afternoon.
This is making me so  I don't know why I have this fear (and have had it for a while) that I don't ovulate. I guess the obvious reason is because I really want to have children. But I have no reason to think I have a problem. I have no health issues or history of issues. I know my fear is irrational.
I really want to see the smiley this afternoon, and I know I very well might not see the smiley today. Then I start thinking what if I don't see it tomorrow either? What if I don't see it at all this cycle?
UPDATE CD15 - still no smiley. I'm not hysterical or depressed, but I'm a bit concerned despite the helpful advice I was given yesterday. My past 3 cycles have been 28 or 29 days. So assuming that pattern is going to continue (which I know is a big assumption), I should have O'd already. So maybe my cycle is going to get longer. Or something. I don't know. But this BD every other day stuff is a lot with our busy schedules and I was enjoying it but now I feel like it's pointless. Last time we BD'd was Saturday. Should we BD tonight? I get home very late on Mondays and DH is usually asleep. He will oblige if I tell him to, but I feel like maybe we should just conserve our energy. lol. Advice?
I saw the smiley on CD17.
Message edited 11/21/2012 2:22:07 PM.
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Posted 11/18/12 10:37 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley
It took me more than 3 cycles to start Oing after I went off BCPs. Plus, CD14 could still be early. Just be patient. You got a + last month so you likely will again this month. I'd give it at least 3 more months before you even start to think about worrying.
Good luck! 
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| Posted 11/18/12 11:17 AM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley
thank you. that is helpful!... even though i hope i dont have to go a few cycles without ovulating, i appreciate your honesty and also it's a good reminder that things can still be fine even if i dont see a smiley. i guess i tend to think that if i dont see my smiley right now today then that means the worst. i've never been the best with patience. i tend to PANIC!!!
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| Posted 11/18/12 11:29 AM |
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FlowerWife
Positive Vibrations...
Member since 1/08 8423 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley
theres no guarantee you will see a smiley at the same exact time each month.
furthermore if you did have any type of ovulatory dysfunction, it is fairly easily treated with meds. for most anovulation doesn't result in never being able to have children.
you are jumping to conclusions way early in the game. give yourself some time to regulate. if you are getting AF regularly chances are great that you are ovulating. if you want to be sure, temp. OPKs don't guarantee anything but temping will confirm that ovulation has actually occurred. good luck!
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| Posted 11/18/12 12:54 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley
thanks, flowerwife. the problem is that i didnt pay enough attention in sex ed in high school. i'm learning all this stuff for the first time and my neurosis gets the best of me. i appreciate your reminder that it may not come the same time as last cycle. some of my friends have used medication to help with ovulation. if i dont ovulate for a few cycles, then i'll visit my doctor. my obgyn said it takes about 3 cycles to get regular after bcp. is that what you have heard also?
not to sound like a total nutjob, but i guess the fears are just a little bit of insecurity -- paranoia that i'm going to discover that "something is wrong with me."
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| Posted 11/18/12 1:06 PM |
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FlowerWife
Positive Vibrations...
Member since 1/08 8423 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley
Posted by junecookie
thanks, flowerwife. the problem is that i didnt pay enough attention in sex ed in high school. i'm learning all this stuff for the first time and my neurosis gets the best of me. i appreciate your reminder that it may not come the same time as last cycle. some of my friends have used medication to help with ovulation. if i dont ovulate for a few cycles, then i'll visit my doctor. my obgyn said it takes about 3 cycles to get regular after bcp. is that what you have heard also?
not to sound like a total nutjob, but i guess the fears are just a little bit of insecurity -- paranoia that i'm going to discover that "something is wrong with me."
the time it takes to regulate after BCP is different for everyone. three months is just an average.
believe me i understand the paranoia. i went off BCP after 12 years and thought id get pregnant right away. i never got AF. never ovulated. my Ob said i "may" have PCOS. 6 months later i was formally diagnosed by a reproductive specialist and started meds. i was totally blindsided that there was "something wrong with me." was i upset? of course. that was november of 2009. today i have an 18m old daughter. was it a rough journey? yes, infertility is very rough and i wish i had known prior that i was going to have a tough time because it caught me totally off guard. however the journey has helped me become the person that i am, and my daughter wouldn't be here without the help of a few great people ive met along the way. so as someone who has been on both sides, i can tell you that there is little to fear. if you have a problem, it can usually be solved. a vast majority of woman deemed "infertile" for one reason or another go on to have babies one way or another. with todays science and technology there are so many options. there are some that never have their own babies and they build there families in other ways, or learn a level of acceptance that i can't even imagine. but they are now the minority of infertile women.
for now try not to even think about that stuff - it will unnecessarily stress you out. just track your cycle, relax and have fun. if within six months to a year, your cycle isn't regular or you show no consistent ovulatory pattern, then talk to your doctor about your options and consider seeing a specialist. but chances are you will be pregnant before you have to worry about any of that. good luck!
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| Posted 11/18/12 1:56 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley
Posted by FlowerWife
Posted by junecookie
thanks, flowerwife. the problem is that i didnt pay enough attention in sex ed in high school. i'm learning all this stuff for the first time and my neurosis gets the best of me. i appreciate your reminder that it may not come the same time as last cycle. some of my friends have used medication to help with ovulation. if i dont ovulate for a few cycles, then i'll visit my doctor. my obgyn said it takes about 3 cycles to get regular after bcp. is that what you have heard also?
not to sound like a total nutjob, but i guess the fears are just a little bit of insecurity -- paranoia that i'm going to discover that "something is wrong with me."
the time it takes to regulate after BCP is different for everyone. three months is just an average.
believe me i understand the paranoia. i went off BCP after 12 years and thought id get pregnant right away. i never got AF. never ovulated. my Ob said i "may" have PCOS. 6 months later i was formally diagnosed by a reproductive specialist and started meds. i was totally blindsided that there was "something wrong with me." was i upset? of course. that was november of 2009. today i have an 18m old daughter. was it a rough journey? yes, infertility is very rough and i wish i had known prior that i was going to have a tough time because it caught me totally off guard. however the journey has helped me become the person that i am, and my daughter wouldn't be here without the help of a few great people ive met along the way. so as someone who has been on both sides, i can tell you that there is little to fear. if you have a problem, it can usually be solved. a vast majority of woman deemed "infertile" for one reason or another go on to have babies one way or another. with todays science and technology there are so many options. there are some that never have their own babies and they build there families in other ways, or learn a level of acceptance that i can't even imagine. but they are now the minority of infertile women.
for now try not to even think about that stuff - it will unnecessarily stress you out. just track your cycle, relax and have fun. if within six months to a year, your cycle isn't regular or you show no consistent ovulatory pattern, then talk to your doctor about your options and consider seeing a specialist. but chances are you will be pregnant before you have to worry about any of that. good luck!
thank you for sharing your story. you are right. it's like when my sister in law who is in her 20s still talks about "ending up alone" and im thinking.... arent you getting a bit ahead of yourself? lol. now i'm the one thinking far into the future in a worst case scenario. thank you for helping me see that. now when i test this afternoon, i wont commit hari kari if its just a circle with no eyes and mouth. 
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| Posted 11/18/12 2:06 PM |
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Melmel821
Love being a mom!
Member since 5/08 2776 total posts
Name:
Melanie
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Re: Waiting for smiley
I found the tests with the lines difficult to interprit. The test line never got exactly as dark as the control line. Only one side of it. So I tested with those until it got close then I used the smiley tests because CBEOPKs are expensive. Good luck!
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| Posted 11/18/12 2:09 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley
Posted by Melmel821
I found the tests with the lines difficult to interprit. The test line never got exactly as dark as the control line. Only one side of it. So I tested with those until it got close then I used the smiley tests because CBEOPKs are expensive. Good luck!
That's a good tip! Right now I don't trust the 2-liners at all! I agree that the CBEOPKs are expensive but I feel like the others are a total waste of money (for me). Maybe when I have more time off BCP they will be easier for me to read.
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| Posted 11/18/12 2:40 PM |
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Melmel821
Love being a mom!
Member since 5/08 2776 total posts
Name:
Melanie
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Re: Waiting for smiley
Posted by junecookie
Posted by Melmel821
I found the tests with the lines difficult to interprit. The test line never got exactly as dark as the control line. Only one side of it. So I tested with those until it got close then I used the smiley tests because CBEOPKs are expensive. Good luck!
That's a good tip! Right now I don't trust the 2-liners at all! I agree that the CBEOPKs are expensive but I feel like the others are a total waste of money (for me). Maybe when I have more time off BCP they will be easier for me to read.
I see your point too. But after I also learned what I though was negative but close was actually positive. The line kinda faded and I misread it. Hopefully you won't need either for long. Good Luck!
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| Posted 11/18/12 5:26 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley - update
i added a question to my original post, if anyone can provide info or support, i appreciate it.
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| Posted 11/19/12 2:03 PM |
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phoenix913
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 3034 total posts
Name:
V
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
I would keep testing. I never got smileys in the morning, only the afternoon. This cycle I didn't get my smiley til evening of day 16 and my cycles are usually 26 days. But I got a BFP this cycle. So don't lose hope yet.
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| Posted 11/19/12 3:09 PM |
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by junecookie
UPDATE CD15 - still no smiley. I'm not hysterical or depressed, but I'm a bit concerned despite the helpful advice I was given yesterday. My past 3 cycles have been 28 or 29 days. So assuming that pattern is going to continue (which I know is a big assumption), I should have O'd already. So maybe my cycle is going to get longer. Or something. I don't know. But this BD every other day stuff is a lot with our busy schedules and I was enjoying it but now I feel like it's pointless. Last time we BD'd was Saturday. Should we BD tonight? I get home very late on Mondays and DH is usually asleep. He will oblige if I tell him to, but I feel like maybe we should just conserve our energy. lol. Advice?
Personally? If this is your first cycle TTC then stop thinking about things so much and just enjoy the ride. You're putting too much pressure on yourself with OPKs and timing.
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| Posted 11/19/12 3:11 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by phoenix913
I would keep testing. I never got smileys in the morning, only the afternoon. This cycle I didn't get my smiley til evening of day 16 and my cycles are usually 26 days. But I got a BFP this cycle. So don't lose hope yet.
That's helpful to know. I started testing twice a day now, just in case - 7 AM and 4 PM. That's awesome you got a BFP. I definitely haven't lost hope, just very tired. I have kind of a crazy schedule/lifestyle, and I don't know anything about this TTC stuff! I'll keep testing as you suggested. Thanks for the support.
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| Posted 11/19/12 4:53 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by NYCGirl80
Posted by junecookie
UPDATE CD15 - still no smiley. I'm not hysterical or depressed, but I'm a bit concerned despite the helpful advice I was given yesterday. My past 3 cycles have been 28 or 29 days. So assuming that pattern is going to continue (which I know is a big assumption), I should have O'd already. So maybe my cycle is going to get longer. Or something. I don't know. But this BD every other day stuff is a lot with our busy schedules and I was enjoying it but now I feel like it's pointless. Last time we BD'd was Saturday. Should we BD tonight? I get home very late on Mondays and DH is usually asleep. He will oblige if I tell him to, but I feel like maybe we should just conserve our energy. lol. Advice?
Personally? If this is your first cycle TTC then stop thinking about things so much and just enjoy the ride. You're putting too much pressure on yourself with OPKs and timing.
Can you give me some tips on how to stop thinking about things so much and enjoy the ride? If I was ovulating, I think I could enjoy TTC a bit more, but it's a bit hard to enjoy making a baby when you aren't ovulating. Personally I assume that because this is a TTC forum, it's a place to discuss questions related to TTC, get things off my chest, etc. Also, not everyone has a ton of time to conceive.
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| Posted 11/19/12 4:57 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley - update
I emailed my doctor my concerns about not ovulating and she suggested I come in for a hormone test and an exam. I feel good about that. I think it will be helpful to know where I stand as much as possible. My appointment is 12/3. I'll continue testing and see how it goes. I feel like I'm not gonna push the BD thing tonight. If I see a smiley face tomorrow, I'll BD tomorrow and the next couple of days.
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| Posted 11/19/12 5:00 PM |
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gina409
TWINS!
Member since 12/09 27635 total posts
Name:
g
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by NYCGirl80
Posted by junecookie
UPDATE CD15 - still no smiley. I'm not hysterical or depressed, but I'm a bit concerned despite the helpful advice I was given yesterday. My past 3 cycles have been 28 or 29 days. So assuming that pattern is going to continue (which I know is a big assumption), I should have O'd already. So maybe my cycle is going to get longer. Or something. I don't know. But this BD every other day stuff is a lot with our busy schedules and I was enjoying it but now I feel like it's pointless. Last time we BD'd was Saturday. Should we BD tonight? I get home very late on Mondays and DH is usually asleep. He will oblige if I tell him to, but I feel like maybe we should just conserve our energy. lol. Advice?
Personally? If this is your first cycle TTC then stop thinking about things so much and just enjoy the ride. You're putting too much pressure on yourself with OPKs and timing.
ita..it is still early in terms of cd day...also r u testing once or twice a day
plenty get a positive at cd 16 17 even cd 20
if u feel better going to get some test run that's fine but i would try not to worry until u have something def to worry about
some people it really takes a bit for their body to adjust to coming off the pill
u could also look into temping if u want confirmation of ovulation
trust me i have been down the road and it can be scary but until u know for sure try not to worry and have some fun ttc
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| Posted 11/19/12 10:15 PM |
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ohbaby08
Winter is Coming
Member since 10/07 1718 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Why are you jumping to the conclusion that you are not ovulating? If you've gotten AF every cycle since stopping the pill, then there is a good chance that you are.
Also, don't lose hope because you didn't get your smiley on CD 14, 15, etc. With my son, I didn't get my smiley until CD 21 and with my daughter I didn't get it until CD30! Our bodies do strange things sometimes and I think 3 months off BCP might just not be enough time for your body to regulate itself.
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| Posted 11/20/12 9:06 AM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley - update
the reason i get so worried is because a) i dont really understand all the ttc stuff so i tend to get confused and b) i had gyno issues in the past (cancer) that took years to get past, and it was an emotional struggle because i really didn't know how it would work out. it ended up getting resolved (thank god!) and the doctor said that theres no reason to think i'll have a problem in the future. but i guess i still have this anxiety when it comes to gyno stuff. like waiting for the other shoe to drop. it's not a great feeling. but i try to tell myself, that was a long painful battle and everything ended okay so if i can get past that, i can get past everything. so i have my moments on either side of that coin. thank you for all your help. i took the advice from some of you ladies and started the opk twice a day. also, i had emailed my dr asking my questions about ovulation and she said to come in for an exam and hormone test. i also had a lot of problems with thyroid in the past so she said we should check it. yesterday i was feeling much better about things bc i do trust my doctor, and then SURPRISE! at like 5 PM yesterday I got a smiley. I was so glad that I started the twice a day OPKs because before that I was just doing FMU and I would have missed it. i'm very relieved that i am ovulating, and I think I will still keep my appointment with the doctor because ever since the cancer I'm supposed to go twice a year for exams, and it's about that time anyway. Thank you for all your help, reassurance and also information because I did not know that you could ovulate on CD 17 or later. So since I got the smiley yesterday evening we BD'd last night and we will again tonight. I feel like I'm learning so much sciecne that I can be a doctor soon lol. But I still have a lot to learn.
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| Posted 11/21/12 8:37 AM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by junecookie
Posted by NYCGirl80
Personally? If this is your first cycle TTC then stop thinking about things so much and just enjoy the ride. You're putting too much pressure on yourself with OPKs and timing.
Can you give me some tips on how to stop thinking about things so much and enjoy the ride? If I was ovulating, I think I could enjoy TTC a bit more, but it's a bit hard to enjoy making a baby when you aren't ovulating. Personally I assume that because this is a TTC forum, it's a place to discuss questions related to TTC, get things off my chest, etc. Also, not everyone has a ton of time to conceive.
NYCGirl, I want to apologize if my response came off as snappy. I genuinely didn't mean it that way. I need to learn some skills as to how not to obsess over things and how to put things out of my mind. I don't know where to even begin with that. But a friend of mine on this forum told me that she read my response and she thought I was being facetious/nasty. I'm sorry for that! I responded very quickly and I think my tone came off the wrong way. I was just trying to say that I come to this forum to ask my questions even if they are crazy. I have real fears, but I do genuinely and sincerely want some tips as to how to put things out of my mind. Anyway, sorry for being snappy. I'll think before I click send next time.
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| Posted 11/21/12 8:42 AM |
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NYCGirl80
I love my kiddies!
Member since 5/11 10413 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by junecookie
Posted by junecookie
Posted by NYCGirl80
Personally? If this is your first cycle TTC then stop thinking about things so much and just enjoy the ride. You're putting too much pressure on yourself with OPKs and timing.
Can you give me some tips on how to stop thinking about things so much and enjoy the ride? If I was ovulating, I think I could enjoy TTC a bit more, but it's a bit hard to enjoy making a baby when you aren't ovulating. Personally I assume that because this is a TTC forum, it's a place to discuss questions related to TTC, get things off my chest, etc. Also, not everyone has a ton of time to conceive.
NYCGirl, I want to apologize if my response came off as snappy. I genuinely didn't mean it that way. I need to learn some skills as to how not to obsess over things and how to put things out of my mind. I don't know where to even begin with that. But a friend of mine on this forum told me that she read my response and she thought I was being facetious/nasty. I'm sorry for that! I responded very quickly and I think my tone came off the wrong way. I was just trying to say that I come to this forum to ask my questions even if they are crazy. I have real fears, but I do genuinely and sincerely want some tips as to how to put things out of my mind. Anyway, sorry for being snappy. I'll think before I click send next time.
I totally get it. TTC can be frustrating but also really exciting. (It took me over a year to get pg and we had to see a fertility specialist, so I've been through the frustration myself!) My point was just that you're so early on you should try to enjoy it. That being said, I didn't know you had a history or other medical issues, so I understand now why you were a bit sensitive.
Good luck this month! And either way, it's a good idea to see your dr b/c she can help explain things to you so that you don't stress so much.
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| Posted 11/21/12 8:59 AM |
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Melmel821
Love being a mom!
Member since 5/08 2776 total posts
Name:
Melanie
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
It can take a few cycles to regulate and to start ovulating. So keep calm  Easier said than done I know!
I think what was meant was to enjoy the intimacy between you and DH. Once you become pregnant things change. And once you become a mom things definitely change!
Not everyone Os on CD14. The perfect 28 day cycle is textbook and for learning purposes. Just like some women have longer or shorter cycles some women O earlier or later than CD14. I think I used to o on CD 15-18. Yes, it can change each month.
At the top of the forum is a great post you should read if you want to jump right in to this. Good luck!!
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| Posted 11/21/12 12:06 PM |
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junecookie
LIF Infant
Member since 11/12 91 total posts
Name:
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Waiting for smiley - update
Yes, I think I understand now, and I checked out the first post and it was helpful. My sister in law gave me What to Expect When You're Expecting which has a chapter about TTC which helped too. Thanks for everything. This is a lesson in how just a little information can be dangerous!
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| Posted 11/21/12 2:20 PM |
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Melmel821
Love being a mom!
Member since 5/08 2776 total posts
Name:
Melanie
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by junecookie
Yes, I think I understand now, and I checked out the first post and it was helpful. My sister in law gave me What to Expect When You're Expecting which has a chapter about TTC which helped too. Thanks for everything. This is a lesson in how just a little information can be dangerous!
Good Luck!
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| Posted 11/21/12 4:47 PM |
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SLPlady1984
She's here!
Member since 6/12 1207 total posts
Name:
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Re: Waiting for smiley - update
Posted by junecookie
This is our first cycle TTC. I've been off BCP for 3 cycles (since August). So September and October cycles I tried OPKs, but I used the 2-line ones. The first OPK (September) I never got a true positive. The test line got darker for a couple of days (like CD12-CD14) and then it went away on CD15. Then October, I think I got a true positive OPK on CD14, and I showed to DH and he agreed. So now it's CD14 of my November cycle and I did a CBE OPK since CD10 and no smiley yet. I really expected to see the smiley this morning. It was 7 AM. I am going to repeat the test at 4 PM just to be sure. And I'll repeat it again tomorrow morning if I still don't get a smiley this afternoon.
This is making me so I don't know why I have this fear (and have had it for a while) that I don't ovulate. I guess the obvious reason is because I really want to have children. But I have no reason to think I have a problem. I have no health issues or history of issues. I know my fear is irrational.
I really want to see the smiley this afternoon, and I know I very well might not see the smiley today. Then I start thinking what if I don't see it tomorrow either? What if I don't see it at all this cycle?
UPDATE CD15 - still no smiley. I'm not hysterical or depressed, but I'm a bit concerned despite the helpful advice I was given yesterday. My past 3 cycles have been 28 or 29 days. So assuming that pattern is going to continue (which I know is a big assumption), I should have O'd already. So maybe my cycle is going to get longer. Or something. I don't know. But this BD every other day stuff is a lot with our busy schedules and I was enjoying it but now I feel like it's pointless. Last time we BD'd was Saturday. Should we BD tonight? I get home very late on Mondays and DH is usually asleep. He will oblige if I tell him to, but I feel like maybe we should just conserve our energy. lol. Advice?
I saw the smiley on CD17.
Yay on the update! I was in the same situation 29 day cycles but was o'Ing late...worked out fine for us! Sending baby dust ur way!
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| Posted 11/25/12 1:21 PM |
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