Answer Brand OPKs

For those of you that OPK, I want to share my experience with Answer's OPKs.  I have been using First Response (FR) 7 day OPKs loyally.  The results coincide with my temperature shifts and therefore, I feel confident about the accuracy of the OPK.  Because we are keeping our TTC a secret, I decided to purchase the OPKs and a box of pregnancy tests the last time we were out of town...it's just easier.  Of course this WalMart did not carry FR OPKs!  I couldn't believe it.  FR is such a popular and well-known brand!  Anyway, I looked through the different brands, deciding against Clear Blue because I did not have luck with their pregnancy tests and chose Answer brand because it looked exactly like FR...maybe this was the generic version.  Arrived home and found that they are exactly like FR except they do not have caps for the pee side of the stick...gross.

1. First test came back positive or maybe it was negative (it was really close).  I changed it to negative a few days later when I saw the other tests were giving a stronger positive.   
2. Second test came back positive.  
3. Third test came back positive.  (The Internet experts on baby making suggest that you stop taking OPK tests once you receive a positive, but I like to make sure we did the deed throughout the possible window of fertility.)  
4. Fourth test came back SUPER positive. 
5. Today, I took the fifth test and it came back like the first...too close to call, so I'm calling it negative because the days prior to this one were a much stronger result.  

Since this is the first cycle after the failed pregnancy, I'm ready for my body to be off.  After some research on the Internet again, I'm learning that some OPK tests are more sensitive than others; Answer being one of the most sensitive and FR being one of the least.  It seems that FR picks up on my LH surge on the highest days but Answer picks up on it on all of the days with higher LH levels...even slightly higher, but not surging.  I also learned that there are times when the egg doesn't quite let go and therefore the LH surge may stick around until that egg comes out of the tube.  (Again, this is all from the Internet and I try to search the reputable sources, but there's always a possibility they are incorrect.)  So you can see why I might be nervous about whether or not we have baby danced during the fertile window.  Husband and I have already set a new dancing record.  It's hard not to take it personally when he's not up for it again, but I'm sure he's tired and it's frustrating for him to deal with how long it takes me to get going after days and days of dancing.  My mind is not in a romantic place right now - it's in the "I want to be pregnant and move on to the next phase of our lives" mode.  (Sorry if TMI - hoping my story helps someone else.)

Anyway - I believe I ovulated on the 18th.  I lost the first pregnancy on what would have been 21 DPO, so I am waiting until 24 DPO before testing this time.  I also read that testing after the first day of a missed period can show a chemical pregnancy that is gone a week later, so they recommend waiting a week until testing.  Nice.

Anyway - I hope that this round works as always and I hope this little bit of information will help someone else who is charting!

Here we are waiting again...

Cycle day 21...first cycle after the failed pregnancy.  The doctor said they wouldn't even call it a miscarriage because it was so early.  I call it painful and I'm finding my feelings are swaying back and forth between fear and total calm.

One minute I'm feeling calm and I attribute that to the fact that I know I CAN get pregnant.  I just want to be pregnant now.  I know many women don't even know if they can get pregnant, so I should count my blessings.

On the other hand, if this cycle works, when can we celebrate?

Also, family is in town.  First golden grandchild and wonderful pregnant sister who shared her prediction that I would be the last to have children are here in all their glory and keep calling wanting me to come out to Mom's.  No.  I am in the midst of waiting on implantation and I need to be happy and calm.  I will see them tomorrow and Saturday for the baby's baptism.  I am the godmother and will be there to love and support my little god-daughter.  But, right now, I need time for me.  Sorry girls.

I'm proud of myself because normally I give in and do what is best for everyone else.  I'm learning it's ok to be selfish at times and I need to take care of myself if I want to start a family of our own.  It's not like we can pick up and try again next week.  We have to wait another grueling month.

Ok...those are my Thursday thoughts.  Hope all of you are happier and taking time for yourselves too.

I've never been so glad to be normal...

I knew the doctor would call after I posted and gave in and had a bowl of sugary cereal (a very small bowl).  Sugar levels came back normal!  Thank you God!  I have never...ever...been so happy to be normal.  :)  Still going to watch my sugars and carbs...just in case.

Game on...

Well, the doctor's office never called with my results.  I am following the no news is good news philosophy.  Husband wants me to call and confirm that all is normal, but I'm not making that call.  I told him to make that call.  I'm fine.  I know I am.  (I've started watching my sugars and carb intake just to be healthier.  I'm taking this as a wake up call.)

Soooo, back to waiting for ovulation and charting my heart out.  I have to confess, I love OPK time.  Looking forward to peeing on a stick this afternoon and watching for the little pink line that shows up every month to let me know it's time to get it on!  Based on my previous info, I should O over the weekend. Mom and I are having a garage sale, so my mind will be focused on other things - hoping that keeps my stress levels down.  Just the thought of getting rid of all our junk makes me feel amazing!  :)

Hope everyone that is reading this is having a great Tuesday!

Praying for a Second Chance

Just got back from my 2 hour glucose test.  The nurse said the results won't be in until late tomorrow or Thursday.  I feel kind of numb waiting for this answer.  Horrible thoughts about diabetes and life and diabetes and pregnancy keep entering my mind and I am pushing them out with everything I have.  I am not diabetic.  I'm not.  I know I am not.  Thyroid issues...ok.  Diabetes...no.

Please if you read this, pray for me that the results will be in the normal category and we can move on to pregnancy thoughts once more.  I will pray for you and all you are going through as well.

Here's a good one...

Just went to lunch with Husband.  Here's the conversation we had with our chatty (but nice) waitress:

"Oh you are so clever!"
(Microsoft ClipArt)

Waitress: I'm so ready for the 4th.

Us:  Yeah, we are too. Ready for a 3 day weekend.

Waitress:  Do you guys have kids?

Us:  No

Waitress:  It's so much more fun when you have kids.  (laugh)

Us:  (smile and nod)

Waitress:  You two should get to making babies.  (laugh)

Really!?  NOW have I hit my 3rd strike?

Follow-Up Visit and Friday

Today is my follow-up visit to make sure the pregnancy is ending.  I understand wanting to cover all the bases, but I don't want the follow-up phone call confirming what I already know.  I'm back at work today and I don't know how I will react.

On top of all of this, my blood work from the first visit also showed abnormal sugar levels, so they have asked that I take the glucose test that you always hear about pregnant women taking to check for gestational diabetes.  Diabetes.  That's such a scary word.  Bad behavior has run rampant in my daily schedule.  There has been no exercise for fear of screwing up my chances of an egg sticking and I have been consoling myself with donuts and whatever else my little taste buds desire.

Over a year ago, I lost 40 pounds with Weight Watchers and exercise, so I know how to stay in shape.  Even though I hadn't gained any weight, I have definitely become soft since we started TTC and need to get back into a routine...baby-making or not.  

They say bad news happens in 3's.  Have I hit my third strike yet??