A couple of weeks ago, I decided that if it was going to take us a long time to get pregnant again, I might as well just buy a bunch of ICs. ICs is TTC (trying to conceive) lingo for low cost hCG tests purchased online (Internet Cheapies). They were having a special: 50 test strips for $20. And I thought, That cost less than two boxes from the store! I didn’t realize just how many tests I purchased until I got the package, removed the plastic wrap that held them together, then spread them out on our coffee table.
A couple thoughts came to mind. First, How am I even going to use all of these tests? Second, I hope I don’t have to use all of these tests before I get pregnant. So, instead of focusing on the thought of 50 cycles of disappointment (despair? devastation?), I decided that I would just turn into a project, a sort of observational scientific experiment. Because even the illusion of some sort of control is enough to keep a person going.
So today, I started Project Pee-a-thon
Although most TTC’ers start their testing at 8dpo (days past ovulation), I’ve decided to start testing as soon as Fertility Friend gave me crosshairs (aka determined ovulation). This happens at about 3dpo at the earliest. For those of you who’ve been lucky enough to not have to learn much about baby-making besides doing the deed (and who’ve actually read this far!), after ovulation happens, the two-week wait (2ww) begins, which is also known as the luteal phase (LP; the time between ovulation and menstruation, which is an average length of 14 days). I don’t think my marathon of taking pregnancy tests will last 14 days, because my LP is usually 11 days. Though, after starting acupuncture, my Clomid cycle had a 13-day LP and my “break from meds” cycle had a 12-day LP.
So everyday until AF (Aunt Flo aka the Witch aka my period) shows or until the tests come out positive enough times that I am sure that we’ve conceived I’ll POAS (pee on a stick) and post a picture the next day. Well, since these are test strips, I’m not actually peeing on a stick so much as dipping a stick in my pee. I’ll save you further details on the process. And yes, I said the next day. So that means that I tested today. I’m sure the result is obvious enough, but you’ll have to come back tomorrow to see it for yourself.
And if you’re wondering why I have a flower in my photos… Well, I thought it broke up the sea of white packets with small blue text and images. Plus it’s a spider mum. And, just maybe, it might bring me some good luck in becoming a mum to an earth baby.
So what do you think?
Will this approach make this cycle a little easier to get through? Do you think it’s super odd of me to do this? Or are you down with Project Pee-a-thon and possibly going to join me and do your own?
See my results:
- Day 1: 3dpo
- Day 2: 4dpo
- Day 3: 5dpo
- Day 4: 6dpo
- Day 5: 7dpo
- Day 6: 8dpo
- Day 7: 9dpo
- Day 8: 10dpo
- Day 9: 11dpo
- Day 10: 12dpo
- Days 11 & 12: 13 & 14dpo
i think sometimes routines like this help make sense of things that can easily overwhelm us in thought. This is a good idea. me likes.
Thank you brother. At least I get to use the camera right? I’m hoping that this routine brings me some clarity… even if I’m not so sure what it is I’m exactly looking for, yet.
Pee a way my dear. I will live vicariously through you. Besides, I love the thought of watching that BFP appear with you, almost like I was there (except when you actually PIAC, I don’t want to be there for that).
Love ya sweetie,
Well, let’s just hope that Project Pee-a-thon part two does *not* happen in Florida, shall we
? Have I told you lately how thankful I am to have you as a friend? And I am still hoping for your pot of hold.
Yes I do think it’s odd! lol but also a fun idea and you might as well have some fun with this tedious task. Good luck, I’m hoping you don’t use even close to the 50 sticks!
I’ve heard that repetition makes one an expert. But then maybe I will just become an expert at peeing in cup and dipping test strips, as opposed to becoming an expert in making babies. I’m glad you appreciate my oddness.
If I end up using all 50 of them… oh let’s not go there just yet!
Crystal, you are such an amazing lady! I cannot wait to see that test that gives you the BFP you deserve..much good luck and love to you:)
Thank you, Melissa. I’m wishing for you, too, my friend!
I think it’s a good idea if it gives you some sort of sense of control or focus that will be helpful. I’ve gone through all sorts of opinions on testing. I started off being fine to test early, then got to a point of prefering to test as late as “possible.” (I would love to just wait and see if AF shows up, but on progesterone it never will unless I stop the meds.) Now I’m totally sick of the 8-11dpo area where I can’t not wonder about symptoms, and I found that it probably helps me to just start testing at 8dpo every day (I got 25 ICs for $10 a few months ago, so I have plenty) and if a line isn’t showing up after a few days, I can come to terms with it and stop my progesterone. I’ve only done this for this month so far, and it helped me ease into the disappointment better I guess.
That’s hard about having to know to stop progesterone or not, I feel like it’s added pressure. I am starting to feel sick of testing, and technically it’s not over yet. Maybe test + temping is not so good. Here’s hoping to easing into disappointment if this cycle isn’t it.
I will travel your journey with you & pray you don’t have to use all those sticks to get a positive. xoxo
Thank you, Sarita ♥
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