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Thursday, May 5, 2016

Living the life of TTC (Trying To Conceive)


There is a whole world out there, with its own language to decipher, composed of women trying to conceive, or TTC.

As you try to navigate it, all the acronyms being used can be so confusing! Some common terms seen on the TTC support scene are:


  • AF- aunt flow,  
  • BFN- big fat negative, 
  • and MC- miscarriage. 

I am among these women who are TTC, and one of the ways I deal with it is connecting with others in a similar situation, seeing their stories as they choose to share, celebrating pregnancies (sometimes grudgingly), and crying over others.

This has been a hard journey, and I'm still on it. Maybe someday I can do a follow up post about morning sickness, and odd cravings.

I've always wanted to have kids, two of them. I grew up with a single mom taking care my  younger brother and me, and I envisioned the same life for me. That may seem sad, not having a partner to raise my children with. To me though, it was a sign of a strong woman to be the role of mother and father, and to be there for the ups and downs.

However, I have been with my honey for 11 years, married for almost 9, and now I couldn't imagine doing anything without him.



He has two boys, a 15 year old, and a 19 year old. I have seen the boys grow for over 10 years, and seen how my husband has raised them. Even when neither lived with us, he was 100% there for them. His love for them, and commitment to be present in their lives was one of the first things I loved about him.

My husband and I talked often about having kids, even when we were dating.  I decided one would be fine, as he has two kids already. He wanted none. I thought we would just date for a little while.

Then he proposed, so we talked kids again. Some day, he said.

A few years after being married, I had my first confirmed miscarriage, which prompted more conversations about the right time for us to try for a baby. We decided to wait a few more years before stopping birth control.

In preparation for wanting to get pregnant, I talked to my doctor. I mentioned to her that previous to my confirmed miscarriage, I believe I had another years before, in my early 20’s. Back then, I was going to a free clinic, and was just another girl. I was too scared and embarrassed to call them, until a few days later.

I was told it was too late to confirm a miscarriage, so they said it probably wasn't. No appointment was offered - this was all discussion over the phone. It's haunted me though, I remember so much pain, and lots of blood.

After explaining this to her, my doctor told me that if everything is not perfect, the pregnancy will not be viable, and that miscarriages are much more common than most people know.

To have a healthy pregnancy, my doctor suggested I lose 34 pounds, from 174 to 140. She gave me a list of foods to try to avoid and suggested a few days of exercise each week. This would help get my body in a healthy place, and possibly get rid of my mild sleep apnea, and fairly consistent migraines.

I was all about this idea. If this will give me a baby, let's do it.

I learned about Herbalife, drank two shakes a day, ate healthier, and started doing boot-camp like workouts 3 days a week. The weight melted off! I started to look and feel so much better, I was sleeping through the night, and noticed a huge decreases in migraines too!

Then it happened. I got pregnant!

I took the test when my period was late, and it told me what I have waited and waited to see: big, bold PREGNANT.

This was two years ago.

I knew I was pregnant for about a week before I started spotting, and cramping. I miscarried. This is now two, maybe 3 lost babies.

I worked so hard, lost weight, got healthy, and cried. And cried.

A few months later we started trying again.

I get an ovulation tracking app Glow, log way too much info daily, lay still for at least 15 minutes after having sex, even grab some ovulation tests to pee on daily.

Month after month is a disappointment.  I start questioning everything.

I wonder if Herbalife had a negative effect? So I see a nutritionist, bring all my products and go over them one by one. She scours the labels, talks to me about how many shakes I drink, and my other eating habits. She declared Herbalife shakes safe for pregnancy, and nursing later.

Phew, I love my shakes!

Then I started looking into some infertility sites, starting with Kaiser, and clicking each link Google gave me.

Until I went through this, I always thought infertility was the inability to get pregnant. For me, it takes forever, like, a year,  to get pregnant,  but I do get pregnant. Infertility is also the inability to remain pregnant.  Ok. That's me.

There are tons of sites one can go to for information, but almost more helpful are the sites to go to for support. I mentioned before reading others' stories. They can be so heart-wrenching. For some, after multiple miscarriages these women report they are finally pregnant. I can do that, right?

9 months ago, my period was late again, and my breasts were really sore. For a month, sore.  I took a test and there it is, digital read out says PREGNANT.



I wait a few days and tell my mom on her birthday, July 21st.

I know how things may turn out, but I felt different this time. My breasts never hurt for so long, nor had I been so exhausted. These are great signs! I don't tell people, just my husband, mom, and a cousin who was a few months pregnant with her second child.

My cousin tells me that her sister is pregnant, too. My other cousin told her mom on her birthday, July 18th, like I did. We each conceived within a week of each other. I thought to myself that God, if there is one, wouldn't make me lose my baby and watch my cousin be pregnant, and have a happy, healthy baby.

It's not about being competitive, which I know I can be. It’s about knowing trimester by trimester where I would have been, and watching this new person grow, knowing I would have a child the same age.

Horrible, negative thoughts, I know.

I got an ultrasound, all looked fine, I saw my little cheerio, and of course blood tests were done, too.



I got a call a few days later from a nurse, letting me know my thyroid levels were within the normal range, but higher than they wanted. I was advised to get a prescription to moderate my hypothyroidism. I even talked to a specialist who explained that the thyroid is like a thermostat for the body, and having the wrong levels could affect pregnancy in a big way.  Good thing I got my prescription.

Another blood test showed that my hCG levels were not rising as much as they should. I look online and to see what this meant.

So many stories, those who had slow rising levels and still had a healthy baby, some that miscarried shortly after, and horrifically, some that miscarried in their 2nd and 3rd trimesters. I just couldn't imagine that.

I had hope though, even though the doctors were letting me know I had a good chance of miscarrying again. No, that can't happen, I think.

Then I start spotting. Then light cramping. Then more.

I couldn't believe this was happening again. How? Why?

A few days later I pass what was my baby. I froze. What was I supposed to do, flush? I couldn't.

My husband comes back to the bathroom when I don't come to the living room after a long time. I broke down. I couldn't go back in the restroom. He flushed. It was the size of my thumb.

I couldn't handle the loss.

I cried, but wouldn't allow myself to really cry. We had both boys home, but we didn't tell them. I hid how I felt. My mom, who lives in Oklahoma came to California to give me hugs and support.

I don't think I've really let myself go, and really, really cry, even still. I watch TV,  look at Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest. I listened to audiobook after audiobook so I wouldn't, and don't have to think.

My husband and I have since gone to see an infertility specialist. I have lost vial after vial of blood to numerous tests. All is normal, including a genetics test. I am genetically normal, I never thought I would be happy to hear I was normal. I had a very thorough ultrasound to determine if I had any abnormalities, nope, again, normal. My husband, having two children is also good to go.

Diagnosis: bad luck. Really? Four miscarriages, and I'm unlucky.

When I do become pregnant again, I will need to take progesterone for 12 weeks, and I have continued to take my thyroid medicine. I will be considered a high risk pregnancy.

I was not able to go to my cousin's birthday party where she told the family she and her husband were expecting, to her gender reveal party, or her baby shower. Two were because I was not ready to be around her, one because of work. I haven't yet told her I was due the same time as her, but lost my baby. I didn’t want to take away from her joy of pregnancy, it didn't seem right.

My cousin had her daughter a few weeks ago. She is precious. I have seen pictures. I know when I see them in person, I will cry, and tell her. Again, I don't want to take away from her joy of motherhood.

Every month I still hold my breath that my period won't come. I take my prenatal, and I log everything on my Glow app. I was inconsistent with logging and taking my prenatal, but I am getting back on track.

I was inconsistent because I was mad.

I have read that green veggies should be eaten in abundance to increase fertility, cool, I like green things.

I heard that consuming Royal Jelly, the uber distasteful honey/wax that is fed to Queen bees would help with fertility. You only take a tiny bit at a time.  I am already through the jar.

I read witches would braid their hair, wear shoes with laces, and clothing with ties, and as tying each item think thoughts of holding in a baby would help negate miscarriage. I braid all the time.

All the time.

I don't drink, smoke, or do drugs. I've lost weight, gained some back due to emotional eating, and am losing it again.

I know when I'm ovulating, even without the tracking.

Someday, someday when the time is right, I will have my child.

In the meantime, I braid, draw, and try not to be stressed out, or think about not being pregnant.



I drew my mom a tattoo idea years ago, two teddy bears leaning against each other, one with my piercings, one with my brothers. I've redrawn this with bubbles, symbolizing the babies lost.

Someday I can draw a tiny teddy bear, without a bubble. Someday.

I am hoping that in sharing my story, I will help others, if anything to show they are not alone. If you would like to share your story, please do. I know reading all the stories I did helped me cope. Some of the support sites I read from were the Glow app forums, babyandbump.momtastic.com, and thebump.com.

Thank you for reading, and letting me get this all out.



20 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Sending my love and prayers and looking forward to the day a baby bear can be added to the tattoo.

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  3. I am so sorry you are going through this pain. I don't know if this will help but don't give up. My cousin had eight miscarriages, then she had a beautiful daughter. She had 3 more and then had another daughter. It was an awful journey to go on but in the end she was lucky enough to get her two daughters.
    Good luck!

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  4. Oh dolly!!!! I sat here and read this remembering all of it with my own struggles. Same story almost to the T. It is a painful and intense journey. We went with a naturopath, her name is Sara Thyr in Petaluma. Willowbend natural medicine, I swear by her. She helped end our 4 year story similar to yours. I won't offer advice besides that or any sympathy, I didn't want it. But I will say if you can take anytime to offer yourself grace and breathe you should. I felt like I couldn't breathe all the time. So breathe and breathe deep.

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  5. Big hugs for you! I struggled through the life of TTC/IF for over a decade in my first marriage (turned out, he had no sperm!) and then, when I remarried, my husband and I were in our 40s. We were blessed with a beautiful girl 3 years ago and then got pregnant again this past January, but then lost the baby at 10 weeks. Now, I can't help but zoom back to that place inside of me that can never forget what those IF years were like. Just today, I saw a friend who also got pregnant the same week as me this time. I think I spent the entire time just staring at her belly and thinking that would be me, if we hadn't experienced our loss just a couple weeks ago. It's rough. And it sucks. And nothing's going to help, but I hope you're blessed with a little miracle soon!

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  6. I am so sorry that you have gone through so many losses. I had my first miscarriage last year and it was devastating. I do know 3 women who have conceived after almost 10 years of trying though so I hope that your rainbow baby will arrive soon for you.

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  7. Thank you for sharing your Story, Jennifer* I'm very sorry for what you've experienced and I wish you all the best in what is to come for you and your family ~ blessings of life and happiness for you. xo

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  8. Praying and sending some positive vibes ad energy that one day you will add a lil teddy bear , your very own brought to term baby! Such pain, do you meditate? Would you liek to try it?

    Julie Syl - Pit stop Crew!

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  9. Oh my. I am so sorry you are going through all of this. You are clearly a very strong woman. I hope that everything works out for you. All the best and sending hugs

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  10. I am so sorry that you are dealing with this. Thanks so much for sharing your story with the Let's Get Real party.

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  11. This is very difficult for you. And being around all the moms-to-be and babies does not help either. Hang in there and keep sharing your story because you are encouraging other women who may not be handling it well and feel all alone.

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  12. I am so delighted that you shared your healthy, valuable insights about trying to conceive at the Healthy Happy Green Natural Party! I’m Pinning and sharing this!

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  13. Jennifer, I am so sorry. I wish I could take the pain and infertility issues away. I had several miscarriages in the past, so I have felt a bit of what you are feeling. I have said prayers for you, to me that God does exist. Keep on doing what makes you feel good, try to lessen your anxiety, if possible. Breathe deep and keep on from one moment til the next. This week another blogger posted about infertility, here's the link, perhaps this will help, if only a bit. Huge hugs. http://maybebabybrothers.com/voice-story-recurrent-miscarriage/

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  15. I was looking at some of fertility boost supplements and saw the title of this post! I had to read it. Although I have not had a miscarriage, my husband and I had fertility issues for about 2 years. Those years shaped me and grew us so much. We were not able to conceive and had the blessing through Dr Michael Casper and i have male child called Miles on December 6, who is now 3. am very happy to be a mother and my partner a father,we are a big family now all because of Dr Michael Casper pregnancy fertility medicine .if you are passing through pregnancy issue kindly contact my Doctor on email michaelcasper@dr.com

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  16. I was an awesome feeling when i found out that i am pregnant, i could not believe myself, after trying for years now, finally i have been able to be called a proud mother to my baby boy. my husband is glad too, by standing by me all the way with strong feeling we will achieve this together. i am giving this hint to couples who are struggling with infertility, your time as come as well, with the help of Iya Hindi remedy, which i myself use to get pregnant with few days of using it as directed by the doctor. you can also have a child to call your own. this is the doctor contact hindinative@yahoo.com . And WhatsApp messenger +1 (914) 530‑9510

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  17. I was married at 32 and immediately tried to get pregnant. When I was unable to conceive I had blood tests for fertility and was told that I had an FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) of 54 and would not be able to have children. Even though the doctors knew that I had been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis since age 25, no one bothered to check my thyroid levels. my TSH was measured at .001. My Synthroid dosage was lowered. a friend advise me to contact a spiritualist who help with fertility with his medicine, i collected his contact and explain my situation to him he prepared for me a herbal medicine which i took as describe by him. became pregnant very quickly, I had a successful pregnancy. I have my baby august 2017. to get pregnant at age 35 with my 2nd child in september 2019, thank you sir , this is his email contact if you require his help babaka.wolf@gmail.com or Facebook at priest.babaka

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  18. hello everyone on this page I want to us this opportunity to share my testimony to you all on how i was able to conceive with the help of a herbal medicine after 7 year of been married without having a child, Me and my husband have been to so many hospital to know what exactly is stopping me from getting pregnant and the result always show that I’m fine that nothing is wrong with me, And it gets to a time when i started getting frustrated with everything happening to me which almost lead to divorce because there was no happy moment in our married anymore, one day I was reading some review online that is when i come across some ladies sharing a similar situation and how they end up getting pregnant with the of using a herbal medicine they order from a man called Dr Nogopko healing temple, i immediately took the herbal Dr info from their testimony because i can’t wait to have a child of my own and to god be the glory i order mine and i also become pregnant with twins a boy and girl.

    i want to say thank you once again Dr nogokpo for you have bring back happiness to our home again with the help of your powerful herbal medication i will forever be grateful.

    The may reason i share my testimony here is to help some of you ladies that is also going through similar situation trying to conceive to have a fast solution to their problem. His email address is :( nogokposh@gmail.com ) his Whatapp ON ; +233 24 095 7817 .give him a try and thank me later.

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