https://www.wikimum.co.uk/api.php?action=feedcontributions&feedformat=atom&user=Pinky 2026-05-10T10:46:20Z User contributions MediaWiki 1.29.2 https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Eczema&diff=1498 2013-05-31T23:17:32Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>==Background==<br /> <br /> Eczema certainly seems to be on the increase. An estimated 1 in 5 children under 3 are reported to suffer from this, often debilitating, condition. Having first hand experience of this I thought I would try to collate some relevant information. The main point that I have learnt over time is that each child is different. You may hear of the most wonderful cream that everyone swears by. You run to town and spend £20 on a tiny pot of cream, just to discover that your child appears to be allergic to one of the key ingredients. You have now just made your babies skin twenty times worse. It's very much a trial and error process.<br /> Eczema can be mild, moderate or severe. I would say that Pickle appeared to develop Eczema when she was around four months old. It was definitely pre- weaning. She began scratching her arms a lot but we did notice that she would absent-mindedley reach out and scratch us aswell which made me wonder if it had become a habit. Interestingly, I read of a report that had noted there was a higher number of children in an Eczema group who were clingy and irritable. So, does having Eczema make you irritable? Or does being irritable make you more likely to have Eczema? possibly a combination of both. One thing is for sure, my little lamb remains quite clingy and is often irritable with a noticeable improvement when her skin is under control.<br /> <br /> ===Characteristics===<br /> <br /> Eczema can start in a child's early years and can come and go. It is characterized by red, itchy and dry skin often in skin creases such as elbows, backs of the legs, face and under the chin. It can be prone to bleeding where the child scratches constantly and it can be extremely distressing and quite soul destroying to watch your child in such discomfort, endlessly clawing at her skin until she is red raw. Scratching the skin leads to abrasions which feel itchier, hence the 'itch scratch' cycle. There can be different types of Eczema. Pickle had some very nasty thick and stubborn circular areas of Eczema on her back which the dermatologist told me was 'Disc Eczema'. Complications of Eczema can include, secondary skin infections such as Impetigo ,which would require antibiotics, poor sleep and possible stunted growth (as a result of the growth hormone being disrupted due to the unsettled nights) Obviously a lack of sleep can lead to irritability and poor concentration and for older children, Eczema can bring about feelings of stigma and isolation. <br /> <br /> ====Possible triggers====<br /> <br /> There is a lot of ideas around about why children develop it and I'm sure, like myself, if you have a child with Eczema you will have spent a great deal of time down at the doctors and trawling the internet to try to find answers. <br /> Hereditary factors come in to play, if one or both parents have Eczema, hayfever or Asthma, chances are higher that your child will develop Eczema, and unfortunately are also more likely to develop the other allergy-type conditions.<br /> Dietary causes/ food allergies are sometimes found to be the trigger (although there is not very strong evidence to support this) and many people swear by avoiding dairy and switching to Goats milk. I did omit dairy completely for a three month period when Pickle was around 16 months old but there was very little improvement. If this is something you want to try I would advise to exercise great caution here as young children need the calcium and essential fats from dairy. I was advised by my health visit to switch to Soya milk that was fortified with vitamins and calcium which can be bought in most supermarkets. Difficult to deprive your little ones of ice-cream, rice puddings etc though 'Alpro soya' do some decent (ish) puds.<br /> Environmental factors include things such as central heating (A child with eczema has a limited moisture content in his skin and therefore the dry air caused by central heating can aggravate the condition). Some people report that their child's Eczema improves in the winter, but my child's definitely becomes worse. washing powders, pet dander, dust mites, woolen clothing, over heating, perfumed products, soaps, bubble baths etc.<br /> <br /> =====Treatments=====<br /> <br /> I think the sooner you come to terms with the fact that there is no cure for Eczema, the better. It has actually taken a very long time to sink in with me and, as I previously mentioned, I have literally spent hours trawling the net and pestering people to find the elusive 'magic cure'. All that can be done is manage the symptoms and hope to Goodness that your child will 'Grow out of it'. This will, undoubtedly, be what you are told by your GP or health visitor. I know they are trying to make you feel better but, really, it's not terribly helpful is it?<br /> The following are things that have helped MY child (and, in turn, me) this may or may not help you. I hope it does, but if it doesn't please click the links to some of the websites that I will add at the bottom. Someone out there may be able to offer you that chink of light that you so desperately need. Please remember, this isn't your fault. It isn't because you bottle fed your baby. My twins were formula fed (another story for another time) and I did self-flagellate for a little while but it really gets you nowhere so stop right now! (I command it) In any case, according to the 'Journal of Epidemiology and community health' ''The protective role of breast-feeding is also the subject of debate. Some studies show beneficial effect, others show none, some show negative effects''. So there. Sorry, I digress.<br /> Stop using washing powder. If you can buy it (and it's not terribly expensive) use 'Surcare' which is completely free of any perfumes or colors and cleans your clothes perfectly well. Don't use fabric conditioner. Ideally you should aim to do a hot wash (60 degrees) but it's not very environmentally sound. If the clothes are covered in sick, wee, poo or mud then I will. But otherwise 40 degrees. <br /> It used to be thought that fewer baths were better as water dries the skin out, however, current guidelines advise ,at least, daily baths in tepid water for short periods. products such as Oilatum should be added to the bath</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Eczema&diff=1497 2013-05-31T23:14:24Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>==Background==<br /> <br /> Eczema certainly seems to be on the increase. An estimated 1 in 5 children under 3 are reported to suffer from this, often debilitating, condition. Having first hand experience of this I thought I would try to collate some relevant information. The main point that I have learnt over time is that each child is different. You may hear of the most wonderful cream that everyone swears by. You run to town and spend £20 on a tiny pot of cream, just to discover that your child appears to be allergic to one of the key ingredients. You have now just made your babies skin twenty times worse. It's very much a trial and error process.<br /> Eczema can be mild, moderate or severe. I would say that Pickle appeared to develop Eczema when she was around four months old. It was definitely pre- weaning. She began scratching her arms a lot but we did notice that she would absent-mindedley reach out and scratch us aswell which made me wonder if it had become a habit. Interestingly, I read of a report that had noted there was a higher number of children in an Eczema group who were clingy and irritable. So, does having Eczema make you irritable? Or does being irritable make you more likely to have Eczema? possibly a combination of both. One thing is for sure, my little lamb remains quite clingy and is often irritable with a noticeable improvement when her skin is under control.<br /> <br /> ===Characteristics===<br /> <br /> Eczema can start in a child's early years and can come and go. It is characterized by red, itchy and dry skin often in skin creases such as elbows, backs of the legs, face and under the chin. It can be prone to bleeding where the child scratches constantly and it can be extremely distressing and quite soul destroying to watch your child in such discomfort, endlessly clawing at her skin until she is red raw. Scratching the skin leads to abrasions which feel itchier, hence the 'itch scratch' cycle. There can be different types of Eczema. Pickle had some very nasty thick and stubborn circular areas of Eczema on her back which the dermatologist told me was 'Disc Eczema'.<br /> Complications of Eczema can include, secondary skin infections such as Impetigo ,which would require antibiotics, poor sleep and possible stunted growth (as a result of the growth hormone being disrupted due to the unsettled nights) Obviously a lack of sleep can lead to irritability and poor concentration and for older children, Eczema can bring about feelings of stigma and isolation. <br /> <br /> ====Possible triggers====<br /> <br /> There is a lot of ideas around about why children develop it and I'm sure, like myself, if you have a child with Eczema you will have spent a great deal of time down at the doctors and trawling the internet to try to find answers. <br /> Hereditary factors come in to play, if one or both parents have Eczema, hayfever or Asthma, chances are higher that your child will develop Eczema, and unfortunately are also more likely to develop the other allergy-type conditions.<br /> Dietary causes/ food allergies are sometimes found to be the trigger (although there is not very strong evidence to support this) and many people swear by avoiding dairy and switching to Goats milk. I did omit dairy completely for a three month period when Pickle was around 16 months old but there was very little improvement. If this is something you want to try I would advise to exercise great caution here as young children need the calcium and essential fats from dairy. I was advised by my health visit to switch to Soya milk that was fortified with vitamins and calcium which can be bought in most supermarkets. Difficult to deprive your little ones of ice-cream, rice puddings etc though 'Alpro soya' do some decent (ish) puds.<br /> Environmental factors include things such as central heating (A child with eczema has a limited moisture content in his skin and therefore the dry air caused by central heating can aggravate the condition). Some people report that their child's Eczema improves in the winter, but my child's definitely becomes worse. washing powders, pet dander, dust mites, woolen clothing, over heating, perfumed products, soaps, bubble baths etc.<br /> <br /> =====Treatments=====<br /> <br /> I think the sooner you come to terms with the fact that there is no cure for Eczema, the better. It has actually taken a very long time to sink in with me and, as I previously mentioned, I have literally spent hours trawling the net and pestering people to find the elusive 'magic cure'. All that can be done is manage the symptoms and hope to Goodness that your child will 'Grow out of it'. This will, undoubtedly, be what you are told by your GP or health visitor. I know they are trying to make you feel better but, really, it's not terribly helpful is it?<br /> The following are things that have helped MY child (and, in turn, me) this may or may not help you. I hope it does, but if it doesn't please click the links to some of the websites that I will add at the bottom. Someone out there may be able to offer you that chink of light that you so desperately need. Please remember, this isn't your fault. It isn't because you bottle fed your baby. My twins were formula fed (another story for another time) and I did self-flagellate for a little while but it really gets you nowhere so stop right now! (I command it) In any case, according to the 'Journal of Epidemiology and community health' ''The protective role of breast-feeding is also the subject of debate. Some studies show beneficial effect, others show none, some show negative effects''. So there. Sorry, I digress.<br /> Stop using washing powder. If you can buy it (and it's not terribly expensive) use 'Surcare' which is completely free of any perfumes or colors and cleans your clothes perfectly well. Don't use fabric conditioner. Ideally you should aim to do a hot wash (60 degrees) but it's not very environmentally sound. If the clothes are covered in sick, wee, poo or mud then I will. But otherwise 40 degrees. <br /> It used to be thought that fewer baths were better as water dries the skin out, however, current guidelines advise ,at least, daily baths in tepid water for short periods. products such as Oilatum should be added to the bath</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Eczema&diff=1477 2013-05-22T15:19:10Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>==Background==<br /> <br /> Eczema certainly seems to be on the increase. An estimated 1 in 5 children under 3 are reported to suffer from this, often debilitating, condition. Having first hand experience of this I thought I would try to collate some relevant information. The main point that I have learnt over time is that each child is different. You may hear of the most wonderful cream that everyone swears by. You run to town and spend £20 on a tiny pot of cream, just to discover that your child appears to be allergic to one of the key ingredients. You have now just made your babies skin twenty times worse. It's very much a trial and error process.<br /> Eczema can be mild, moderate or severe. I would say that Pickle appeared to develop Eczema when she was around four months old. It was definitely pre- weaning. She began scratching her arms a lot but we did notice that she would absent-mindedley reach out and scratch us aswell which made me wonder if it had become a habit. Interestingly, I read of a report that had noted there was a higher number of children in an Eczema group who were clingy and irritable. So, does having Eczema make you irritable? Or does being irritable make you more likely to have Eczema? possibly a combination of both. One thing is for sure, my little lamb remains quite clingy and is often irritable with a noticeable improvement when her skin is under control.<br /> <br /> ===Characteristics===<br /> <br /> Eczema can start in a child's early years and can come and go. It is characterized by red, itchy and dry skin often in skin creases such as elbows, backs of the legs, face and under the chin. It can be prone to bleeding where the child scratches constantly and it can be extremely distressing and quite soul destroying to watch your child in such discomfort, endlessly clawing at her skin until she is red raw. Scratching the skin leads to abrasions which feel itchier, hence the 'itch scratch' cycle. There can be different types of Eczema. Pickle had some very nasty thick and stubborn circular areas of Eczema on her back which the dermatologist told me was 'Disc Eczema'<br /> Complications of Eczema can include, secondary skin infections such as Impetigo ,which would require antibiotics, poor sleep and possible stunted growth (as a result of the growth hormone being disrupted due to the unsettled nights) Obviously a lack of sleep can lead to irritability and poor concentration and for older children, Eczema can bring about feelings of stigma and isolation. <br /> <br /> ====Possible triggers====<br /> <br /> There is a lot of ideas around about why children develop it and I'm sure, like myself, if you have a child with Eczema you will have spent a great deal of time down at the doctors and trawling the internet to try to find answers. <br /> Hereditary factors come in to play, if one or both parents have Eczema, hayfever or Asthma, chances are higher that your child will develop Eczema, and unfortunately are also more likely to develop the other allergy-type conditions.<br /> Dietary causes/ food allergies are sometimes found to be the trigger (although there is not very strong evidence to support this) and many people swear by avoiding dairy and switching to Goats milk. I did omit dairy completely for a three month period when Pickle was around 16 months old but there was very little improvement. If this is something you want to try I would advise to exercise great caution here as young children need the calcium and essential fats from dairy. I was advised by my health visit to switch to Soya milk that was fortified with vitamins and calcium which can be bought in most supermarkets. Difficult to deprive your little ones of ice-cream, rice puddings etc though 'Alpro soya' do some decent (ish) puds.<br /> Environmental factors include things such as central heating (A child with eczema has a limited moisture content in his skin and therefore the dry air caused by central heating can aggravate the condition). Some people report that their child's Eczema improves in the winter, but my child's definitely becomes worse. washing powders, pet dander, dust mites, woolen clothing, over heating, perfumed products, soaps, bubble baths etc.<br /> <br /> =====Treatments=====<br /> <br /> I think the sooner you come to terms with the fact that there is no cure for Eczema, the better. It has actually taken a very long time to sink in with me and, as I previously mentioned, I have literally spent hours trawling the net and pestering people to find the elusive 'magic cure'. All that can be done is manage the symptoms and hope to Goodness that your child will 'Grow out of it'. This will, undoubtedly, be what you are told by your GP or health visitor. I know they are trying to make you feel better but, really, it's not terribly helpful is it?<br /> The following are things that have helped MY child (and, in turn, me) this may or may not help you. I hope it does, but if it doesn't please click the links to some of the websites that I will add at the bottom. Someone out there may be able to offer you that chink of light that you so desperately need. Please remember, this isn't your fault. It isn't because you bottle fed your baby. My twins were formula fed (another story for another time) and I did self-flagellate for a little while but it really gets you nowhere so stop right now! (I command it) In any case, according to the 'Journal of Epidemiology and community health' ''The protective role of breast-feeding is also the subject of debate. Some studies show beneficial effect, others show none, some show negative effects''. So there. Sorry, I digress.<br /> Stop using washing powder. If you can buy it (and it's not terribly expensive) use 'Surcare' which is completely free of any perfumes or colors and cleans your clothes perfectly well. Don't use fabric conditioner. Ideally you should aim to do a hot wash (60 degrees) but it's not very environmentally sound. If the clothes are covered in sick, wee, poo or mud then I will. But otherwise 40 degrees. <br /> It used to be thought that fewer baths were better as water dries the skin out, however, current guidelines advise '''at least<br /> ''' daily baths in tepid water for short periods. products such as Oilatum should be added to the bath</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Eczema&diff=1476 2013-05-21T23:27:44Z

<p>Pinky: Created page with &quot;==Background== Eczema certainly seems to be on the increase. An estimated 1 in 5 children under 3 are reported to suffer from this, often debilitating, condition. Having firs...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>==Background==<br /> <br /> Eczema certainly seems to be on the increase. An estimated 1 in 5 children under 3 are reported to suffer from this, often debilitating, condition. Having first hand experience of this I thought I would try to collate some relevant information. The main point that I have learnt over time is that each child is different. You may hear of the most wonderful cream that everyone swears by. You run to town and spend £20 on a tiny pot of cream, just to discover that your child appears to be allergic to one of the key ingredients. You have now just made your babies skin twenty times worse. It's very much a trial and error process.<br /> Eczema can be mild, moderate or severe. I would say that Pickle appeared to develop Eczema when she was around four months old. It was definitely pre- weaning. She began scratching her arms a lot but we did notice that she would absent-mindedley reach out and scratch us aswell which made me wonder if it had become a habit. Interestingly, I read of a report that had noted there was a higher number of children in an Eczema group who were clingy and irritable. So, does having Eczema make you irritable? Or does being irritable make you more likely to have Eczema? possibly a combination of both.<br /> <br /> ===Characteristics===<br /> <br /> Eczema is characterized by red, itchy and dry skin. It can be prone to bleeding where the child scratches constantly and it can be extremely distressing and quite soul destroying to watch your child in such discomfort, endlessly clawing at her skin until she is red raw. Complications of Eczema include, secondary skin infections such as Impetigo, poor sleep and possible stunted growth (as a result of the growth hormone being disrupted due to the unsettled nights) Obviously a lack of sleep can lead to irritability and poor concentration and for older children, Eczema can bring about feelings of stigma and isolation. <br /> <br /> ====Possible triggers====<br /> <br /> There is a lot of ideas around about why children develop it and I'm sure, like myself, if you have a chold with Eczema you will have spent a great deal of time down at the doctors and trawling the internet to try to find answers.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Education&diff=1458 2013-05-17T20:13:09Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>* [[Childcare]]<br /> * [[Primary]]<br /> * [[Secondary]]<br /> * [[Bullying]]<br /> * [[Home schooling]]</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=User:Pinky&diff=1451 2013-05-17T00:27:17Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Example.jpg]][[file:Pinky.jpg|450px|left|Pinky<br /> <br /> '''Then and now... all mixed together<br /> '''<br /> <br /> <br /> At 21, and desperate for excitement, I moved to the big smoke of London to commence my nurse training. Three years later, fuelled by parties, unsuitable boyfriends and more beer than you could shake a stick at, I qualified as a staff nurse and rather than apply for jobs, I ditched the uniform and took off on an Asian adventure with yet another boyfriend. (This one would become a fiance but not the man I actually married.. I just like collecting engagement rings) After a romp through the islands and highlands of Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal, we settled into a kind of dullness which inevitabley ended a few years later. <br /> <br /> <br /> A few boyfriends later (some worse than others) and a lot of parties and bottles of wine later, I finally found myself in a new flat in Brighton nursing a broken heart,. (Another boyfriend had bitten the dust) I had always wanted children but I couldn't seem to find my Mr Right, someone who 'got' me and who also wanted to have children with me.<br /> <br /> <br /> One particular night, I was at a night club in Brighton where I got chatting to a drunken buffoon. The buffoon and I ended up in a hotel linen cupboard that night. A long story but it's not what you think(!) Our strange experience ensured a repeat date was on the cards, despite him living in a different county about 150 miles away, That was 10 years ago and, since then, we have travelled some more, Europe, New Zealand, China and Lyme Regis :) Never one to rush into anything he finally (10 months after the twinnies were born), dropped down on one knee in a field in Somerset and popped the question. We were married last year on an idyllic Greek island with our two beautiful pumpkins as bridesmaids...<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Of course our journey was not easy. 'TTC' or 'trying to conceive' took me over as a person for many years.. Hours and hours were spent on the internet searching for the answers. I was one of the lucky ones in that I did find a few answers and it seems like what I was putting into my body contributed heavily in my inability to conceive (I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and now follow a strict Gluten-free diet).<br /> <br /> <br /> I was lucky to be able to take the first year off with the girls and now I am back at work, just two days a week but I love it. I work in a Genito-urinary medicine clinic, or to the layman, the 'Clap' clinic. This has been terrific for me to 'keep my hand in'' (Sometimes literally!) and the girls have really benefited from spending a couple of days a week at nursery. <br /> When I get the chance (rarely) I ponder ''what on earth did I do with my time before I had children?'' and hand on heart, I have no idea. I guess I sat around and thought a lot, perhaps read books and painted my toenails, drank whole cups of tea and used the toilet in peace, had lazy lie-ins, recovered from hangovers and flicked through trashy mags, long dog walks and Jenga in the pub...... ah! I remember now! Would I go back to those days? Not on your life! I love being a mum. It's hard work and stressful, it's the relentless work of a headless chicken. I find my belongings stuffed down the toilet and pushed through the letterbox, but the rewards are immeasurable. The innocent wonder that lights up their faces when they are discovering the big wide world, the kisses and cuddles, the singing and giggles.... I feel like the luckiest woman alive. simples.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=User:Pinky&diff=1450 2013-05-17T00:23:29Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[file:Pinky.jpg|450px|left|Pinky<br /> <br /> '''Then and now... all mixed together<br /> '''<br /> <br /> <br /> At 21, and desperate for excitement, I moved to the big smoke of London to commence my nurse training. Three years later, fuelled by parties, unsuitable boyfriends and more beer than you could shake a stick at, I qualified as a staff nurse and rather than apply for jobs, I ditched the uniform and took off on an Asian adventure with yet another boyfriend. (This one would become a fiance but not the man I actually married.. I just like collecting engagement rings) After a romp through the islands and highlands of Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal, we settled into a kind of dullness which inevitabley ended a few years later. <br /> <br /> <br /> A few boyfriends later (some worse than others) and a lot of parties and bottles of wine later, I finally found myself in a new flat in Brighton nursing a broken heart,. (Another boyfriend had bitten the dust) I had always wanted children but I couldn't seem to find my Mr Right, someone who 'got' me and who also wanted to have children with me.<br /> <br /> <br /> One particular night, I was at a night club in Brighton where I got chatting to a drunken buffoon. The buffoon and I ended up in a hotel linen cupboard that night. A long story but it's not what you think(!) Our strange experience ensured a repeat date was on the cards, despite him living in a different county about 150 miles away, That was 10 years ago and, since then, we have travelled some more, Europe, New Zealand, China and Lyme Regis :) Never one to rush into anything he finally (10 months after the twinnies were born), dropped down on one knee in a field in Somerset and popped the question. We were married last year on an idyllic Greek island with our two beautiful pumpkins as bridesmaids...<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Of course our journey was not easy. 'TTC' or 'trying to conceive' took me over as a person for many years.. Hours and hours were spent on the internet searching for the answers. I was one of the lucky ones in that I did find a few answers and it seems like what I was putting into my body contributed heavily in my inability to conceive (I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and now follow a strict Gluten-free diet).<br /> <br /> <br /> I was lucky to be able to take the first year off with the girls and now I am back at work, just two days a week but I love it. I work in a Genito-urinary medicine clinic, or to the layman, the 'Clap' clinic. This has been terrific for me to 'keep my hand in'' (Sometimes literally!) and the girls have really benefited from spending a couple of days a week at nursery. <br /> When I get the chance (rarely) I ponder ''what on earth did I do with my time before I had children?'' and hand on heart, I have no idea. I guess I sat around and thought a lot, perhaps read books and painted my toenails, drank whole cups of tea and used the toilet in peace, had lazy lie-ins, recovered from hangovers and flicked through trashy mags, long dog walks and Jenga in the pub...... ah! I remember now! Would I go back to those days? Not on your life! I love being a mum. It's hard work and stressful, it's the relentless work of a headless chicken. I find my belongings stuffed down the toilet and pushed through the letterbox, but the rewards are immeasurable. The innocent wonder that lights up their faces when they are discovering the big wide world, the kisses and cuddles, the singing and giggles.... I feel like the luckiest woman alive. simples.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=User:Pinky&diff=1449 2013-05-17T00:22:02Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[file:Pinky.jpg|450px|left|Pinky<br /> <br /> '''Then and now... all mixed together<br /> '''<br /> <br /> <br /> At 21, and desperate for excitement, I moved to the big smoke of London to commence my nurse training. Three years later, fuelled by parties, unsuitable boyfriends and more beer than you could shake a stick at, I qualified as a staff nurse and rather than apply for jobs, I ditched the uniform and took off on an Asian adventure with yet another boyfriend. (This one would become a fiance but not the man I actually married.. I just like collecting engagement rings) After a romp through the islands and highlands of Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal, we settled into a kind of dullness which inevitabley ended a few years later. <br /> <br /> <br /> A few boyfriends later (some worse than others) and a lot of parties and bottles of wine later, I finally found myself in a new flat in Brighton nursing a broken heart,. (Another boyfriend had bitten the dust) I had always wanted children but I couldn't seem to find my Mr Right, someone who 'got' me and who also wanted to have children with me.<br /> <br /> <br /> One particular night, I was at a night club in Brighton where I got chatting to a drunken buffoon. The buffoon and I ended up in a hotel linen cupboard that night. A long story but it's not what you think(!) Our strange experience ensured a repeat date was on the cards, despite him living in a different county about 150 miles away, That was 10 years ago and, since then, we have travelled some more, Europe, New Zealand, China and Lyme Regis :) Never one to rush into anything he finally (10 months after the twinnies were born), dropped down on one knee in a field in Somerset and popped the question. We were married last year on an idyllic Greek island with our two beautiful pumpkins as bridesmaids... <br /> <br /> Of course our journey was not easy. 'TTC' or 'trying to conceive' took me over as a person for many years.. Hours and hours were spent on the internet searching for the answers. I was one of the lucky ones in that I did find a few answers and it seems like what I was putting into my body contributed heavily in my inability to conceive (I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and now follow a strict Gluten-free diet).<br /> <br /> I was lucky to be able to take the first year off with the girls and now I am back at work, just two days a week but I love it. I work in a Genito-urinary medicine clinic, or to the layman, the 'Clap' clinic. This has been terrific for me to 'keep my hand in'' (Sometimes literally!) and the girls have really benefited from spending a couple of days a week at nursery. <br /> <br /> When I get the chance (rarely) I ponder ''what on earth did I do with my time before I had children?'' and hand on heart, I have no idea. I guess I sat around and thought a lot, perhaps read books and painted my toenails, drank whole cups of tea and used the toilet in peace, had lazy lie-ins, recovered from hangovers and flicked through trashy mags, long dog walks and Jenga in the pub...... ah! I remember now! Would I go back to those days? Not on your life! I love being a mum. It's hard work and stressful, it's the relentless work of a headless chicken. I find my belongings stuffed down the toilet and pushed through the letterbox, but the rewards are immeasurable. The innocent wonder that lights up their faces when they are discovering the big wide world, the kisses and cuddles, the singing and giggles.... I feel like the luckiest woman alive. simples.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=User:Pinky&diff=1448 2013-05-17T00:12:38Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[file:Pinky.jpg|450px|left|Pinky<br /> <br /> '''Then and now... all mixed together<br /> '''<br /> <br /> <br /> At 21, and desperate for excitement, I moved to the big smoke of London to commence my nurse training. Three years later, fuelled by parties, unsuitable boyfriends and more beer than you could shake a stick at, I qualified as a staff nurse and rather than apply for jobs, I ditched the uniform and took off on an Asian adventure with yet another boyfriend. (This one would become a fiance but not the man I actually married.. I just like collecting engagement rings) After a romp through the islands and highlands of Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal, we settled into a kind of dullness which inevitabley ended a few years later. <br /> <br /> <br /> A few boyfriends later (some worse than others) and a lot of parties and bottles of wine later, I finally found myself in a new flat in Brighton nursing a broken heart,. (Another boyfriend had bitten the dust) I had always wanted children but I couldn't seem to find my Mr Right, someone who 'got' me and who also wanted to have children with me.<br /> One particular night, I was at a night club in Brighton where I got chatting to a drunken buffoon. The buffoon and I ended up in a hotel linen cupboard that night. A long story but it's not what you think(!) Our strange experience ensured a repeat date was on the cards, despite him living in a different county about 150 miles away, That was 10 years ago and, since then, we have travelled some more, Europe, New Zealand, China and Lyme Regis :) Never one to rush into anything he finally (10 months after the twinnies were born), dropped down on one knee in a field in Somerset and popped the question. We were married last year on an idyllic Greek island with our two beautiful pumpkins as bridesmaids... <br /> <br /> Of course our journey was not easy. 'TTC' or 'trying to conceive' took me over as a person for many years.. Hours and hours were spent on the internet searching for the answers. I was one of the lucky ones in that I did find a few answers and it seems like what I was putting into my body contributed heavily in my inability to conceive (I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and now follow a strict Gluten-free diet).<br /> <br /> I was lucky to be able to take the first year off with the girls and now I am back at work, just two days a week but I love it. I work in a Genito-urinary medicine clinic, or to the layman, the 'Clap' clinic. This has been terrific for me to 'keep my hand in'' (Sometimes literally!) and the girls have really benefited from spending a couple of days a week at nursery. <br /> <br /> When I get the chance (rarely) I ponder ''what on earth did I do with my time before I had children?'' and hand on heart, I have no idea. I guess I sat around and thought a lot, perhaps read books and painted my toenails, drank whole cups of tea and used the toilet in peace, had lazy lie-ins, recovered from hangovers and flicked through trashy mags, long dog walks and Jenga in the pub...... ah! I remember now! Would I go back to those days? Not on your life! I love being a mum. It's hard work and stressful, it's the relentless work of a headless chicken. I find my belongings stuffed down the toilet and pushed through the letterbox, but the rewards are immeasurable. The innocent wonder that lights up their faces when they are discovering the big wide world, the kisses and cuddles, the singing and giggles.... I feel like the luckiest woman alive. simples.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=User:Pinky&diff=1447 2013-05-17T00:09:10Z

<p>Pinky: /* Then */</p> <hr /> <div>[[file:Pinky.jpg|450px|left|Pinky]]<br /> <br /> <br /> == '''<br /> == Then and Now.....all blended into one.<br /> ==<br /> <br /> At 21, and desperate for excitement, I moved to the big smoke of London to commence my nurse training. Three years later, fuelled by parties, unsuitable boyfriends and more beer than you could shake a stick at, I qualified as a staff nurse and rather than apply for jobs, I ditched the uniform and took off on an Asian adventure with yet another boyfriend. (This one would become a fiance but not the man I actually married.. I just like collecting engagement rings) After a romp through the islands and highlands of Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal, we settled into a kind of dullness which inevitabley ended a few years later. <br /> <br /> <br /> A few boyfriends later (some worse than others) and a lot of parties and bottles of wine later, I finally found myself in a new flat in Brighton nursing a broken heart,. (Another boyfriend had bitten the dust) I had always wanted children but I couldn't seem to find my Mr Right, someone who 'got' me and who also wanted to have children with me.<br /> <br /> One particular night, I was at a night club in Brighton where I got chatting to a drunken buffoon. The buffoon and I ended up in a hotel linen cupboard that night. A long story but it's not what you think(!) Our strange experience ensured a repeat date was on the cards, despite him living in a different county about 150 miles away, That was 10 years ago and, since then, we have travelled some more, Europe, New Zealand, China and Lyme Regis :) Never one to rush into anything he finally (10 months after the twinnies were born), dropped down on one knee in a field in Somerset and popped the question. We were married last year on an idyllic Greek island with our two beautiful pumpkins as bridesmaids... <br /> <br /> Of course our journey was not easy. 'TTC' or 'trying to conceive' took me over as a person for many years.. Hours and hours were spent on the internet searching for the answers. I was one of the lucky ones in that I did find a few answers and it seems like what I was putting into my body contributed heavily in my inability to conceive (I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and now follow a strict Gluten-free diet).<br /> <br /> I was lucky to be able to take the first year off with the girls and now I am back at work, just two days a week but I love it. I work in a Genito-urinary medicine clinic, or to the layman, the 'Clap' clinic. This has been terrific for me to 'keep my hand in'' (Sometimes literally!) and the girls have really benefited from spending a couple of days a week at nursery. <br /> <br /> When I get the chance (rarely) I ponder ''what on earth did I do with my time before I had children?'' and hand on heart, I have no idea. I guess I sat around and thought a lot, perhaps read books and painted my toenails, drank whole cups of tea and used the toilet in peace, had lazy lie-ins, recovered from hangovers and flicked through trashy mags, long dog walks and Jenga in the pub...... ah! I remember now! Would I go back to those days? Not on your life! I love being a mum. It's hard work and stressful, it's the relentless work of a headless chicken. I find my belongings stuffed down the toilet and pushed through the letterbox, but the rewards are immeasurable. The innocent wonder that lights up their faces when they are discovering the big wide world, the kisses and cuddles, the singing and giggles.... I feel like the luckiest woman alive. simples.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=User:Pinky&diff=1446 2013-05-17T00:06:01Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[file:Pinky.jpg|450px|left|Pinky]]<br /> <br /> <br /> == '''Then''' ==<br /> <br /> At 21, and desperate for excitement, I moved to the big smoke of London to commence my nurse training. Three years later, fuelled by parties, unsuitable boyfriends and more beer than you could shake a stick at, I qualified as a staff nurse and rather than apply for jobs, I ditched the uniform and took off on an Asian adventure with yet another boyfriend. (This one would become a fiance but not the man I actually married.. I just like collecting engagement rings) After a romp through the islands and highlands of Thailand, Malaysia and Nepal, we settled into a kind of dullness which inevitabley ended a few years later. <br /> <br /> <br /> A few boyfriends later (some worse than others) and a lot of parties and bottles of wine later, I finally found myself in a new flat in Brighton nursing a broken heart,. (Another boyfriend had bitten the dust) I had always wanted children but I couldn't seem to find my Mr Right, someone who 'got' me and who also wanted to have children with me.<br /> <br /> One particular night, I was at a night club in Brighton where I got chatting to a drunken buffoon. The buffoon and I ended up in a hotel linen cupboard that night. A long story but it's not what you think(!) Our strange experience ensured a repeat date was on the cards, despite him living in a different county about 150 miles away, That was 10 years ago and, since then, we have travelled some more, Europe, New Zealand, China and Lyme Regis :) Never one to rush into anything he finally (10 months after the twinnies were born), dropped down on one knee in a field in Somerset and popped the question. We were married last year on an idyllic Greek island with our two beautiful pumpkins as bridesmaids... <br /> <br /> Of course our journey was not easy. 'TTC' or 'trying to conceive' took me over as a person for many years.. Hours and hours were spent on the internet searching for the answers. I was one of the lucky ones in that I did find a few answers and it seems like what I was putting into my body contributed heavily in my inability to conceive (I was diagnosed with coeliac disease and now follow a strict Gluten-free diet).<br /> <br /> I was lucky to be able to take the first year off with the girls and now I am back at work, just two days a week but I love it. I work in a Genito-urinary medicine clinic, or to the layman, the 'Clap' clinic. This has been terrific for me to 'keep my hand in'' (Sometimes literally!) and the girls have really benefited from spending a couple of days a week at nursery. <br /> <br /> When I get the chance (rarely) I ponder ''what on earth did I do with my time before I had children?'' and hand on heart, I have no idea. I guess I sat around and thought a lot, perhaps read books and painted my toenails, drank whole cups of tea and used the toilet in peace, had lazy lie-ins, recovered from hangovers and flicked through trashy mags, long dog walks and Jenga in the pub...... ah! I remember now! Would I go back to those days? Not on your life! I love being a mum. It's hard work and stressful, it's the relentless work of a headless chicken. I find my belongings stuffed down the toilet and pushed through the letterbox, but the rewards are immeasurable. The innocent wonder that lights up their faces when they are discovering the big wide world, the kisses and cuddles, the singing and giggles.... I feel like the luckiest woman alive. simples.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Yummy_Gluten_Free_choccy_cake&diff=1249 2013-05-11T23:17:03Z

<p>Pinky: Created page with &quot;Being diagnosed with Coeliac disease put me in a foul frame of mind for a couple of months as I presumed I would never again be able to eat cake. As cake was a staple part of ...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>Being diagnosed with Coeliac disease put me in a foul frame of mind for a couple of months as I presumed I would never again be able to eat cake. As cake was a staple part of my diet, this prospect filled me with dread. Yes sure, you can get those gluten free chocolate brownies in high street coffee shops but have you ever tasted them? It's a poor substitute for a slab of real homemade cake! <br /> When I discovered that I could actually make decent cup cakes I was happier but I was still unable to turn out a decent sponge cake. This cake is moist and versatile</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Cakes&diff=1248 2013-05-11T23:11:14Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Brooklyn Blackout Chocolate Cake]]<br /> <br /> [[Red Velvet Cupcakes]]<br /> <br /> [[All in one Delicious Choc or Madeira Cake]]<br /> <br /> [[Yummy Gluten Free choccy cake]]</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Birth_Stories&diff=1155 2013-05-10T22:29:54Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>* [[Teresal's Birth Story]]<br /> * [[Kerry's Birth Stories]]<br /> * [[Mad Margaret's Birth Stories]]<br /> * [[Jules's Birth Story]]<br /> * [[Pinky' birth story ]]</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Acupuncture&diff=858 2013-05-02T20:48:19Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>When you are desperate to conceive, you will try anything, and I do mean anything. (I can tell you all about my fertility spell perfomed under the light of a silvery moon another time.) Many years ago (It's all a bit of a blur to be honest) I read an article in a woman's magazine which was about an amazing acupuncturist in Harley Street (I won't say his name) Lots of women in the article were saying that they felt different straight away and a lot claimed they became pregnant very quickly after a few treatments with him. Well, of course I had to see this man! My poor partner at the time was encouraged to part with his hard earned cash (The bill was nearly a thousand pounds for approximately eight-ten treatments)<br /> <br /> The treatment rooms were extremely plush and it all felt very pro-active but I found the treatment to be quite uncomfortable. Along the lines of clutching hold of an electric fence that was around a field of bulls. Of course, this experience is uncommon, and most people find acupuncture to be relaxing. Interestingly, I have had acupuncture prior to that time and also since which felt reasonably comfortable but not pleasant. <br /> <br /> I am no expert on TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) but the basic principles are that acupuncture is performed to restore our balance of Qi. (energy) Our bodies are a map of energy lines, rather like the London underground and, for whatever reason, these energy lines become blocked. Leaves on the track? No, more likely stress and poor diet. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into the energy points and they are left for a while to readdress the imbalances (hopefully) TCM is very interested in your pulses, the rythm and strength and can tell a lot from a thready or bounding pulse. I also had 'Moxa' burnt over my lower abdomen. This is like a giant Incense stick which encourages warmth in the reproductive organs. In other areas of TCM herb tinctures and teas may be drawn up for you. (I also tried a herb tea which was utterly foul and saw my partner boiling up a pot of what looked like snake skins at midnight one night. I couldn't even bring myself to drink one cup) <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, the treatments were not successful for me. That is just my experience of course and I know many people who swear by Acupuncture. If this is something you feel you would like to try I shall add a link to the bottom of this page for further reading. Good luck!--[[User:Pinky|Pinky]] ([[User talk:Pinky|talk]]) 20:48, 2 May 2013 (UTC)<br /> <br /> <br /> http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/public-content/public-pr-press-releases/acupuncture-proves-fertile-ground-for-a-healthy-conception-acupuncture-and-fertility.html</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Twins&diff=830 2013-05-02T00:26:22Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Twin Myths &amp; Facts]]<br /> <br /> [[Could I have twins? Twin Pregnancy Symptoms]]<br /> <br /> [[Twin Pregnancy]]<br /> <br /> [[TTTS - Twin to Twin Syndrome]]<br /> <br /> [[Loss of a Twin]]<br /> <br /> [[Caesarean or Natural?]]<br /> <br /> [[Financial Help Available for Parents of Twins]]<br /> <br /> [[What To Expect in Hospital]]<br /> <br /> [[Breastfeeding Twins]]<br /> <br /> [[Twins, The First Weeks]]<br /> <br /> [[Clothing Twins and Twin Identity]]<br /> <br /> [[Twin Sleep Issues]]<br /> <br /> [[Twin Food Issues]]<br /> <br /> [[Equipment for twins]]<br /> <br /> <br /> [[Twin Bonding]]<br /> <br /> [[Twin Development]]<br /> <br /> [[School - Together or Apart?]]<br /> <br /> [[Useful Links for Parents of Twins]]<br /> <br /> [[Should I Join Tamba?]]</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Acupuncture&diff=829 2013-05-02T00:17:18Z

<p>Pinky: Created page with &quot;When you are desperate to conceive, you will try anything, and I do mean anything. (I can tell you all about my fertility spell perfomed under the light of a silvery moon anot...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>When you are desperate to conceive, you will try anything, and I do mean anything. (I can tell you all about my fertility spell perfomed under the light of a silvery moon another time.) Many years ago (It's all a bit of a blur to be honest) I read an article in a woman's magazine which was about an amazing acupuncturist in Harley Street (I won't say his name) Lots of women in the article were saying that they felt different straight away and a lot claimed they became pregnant very quickly after a few treatments with him. Well, of course I had to see this man! My poor partner at the time was encouraged to part with his hard earned cash (The bill was nearly a thousand pounds for approximately eight-ten treatments)<br /> <br /> The treatment rooms were extremely plush and it all felt very pro-active but I found the treatment to be quite uncomfortable. Along the lines of clutching hold of an electric fence that was around a field of bulls. Of course, this experience is uncommon, and most people find acupuncture to be relaxing. Interestingly, I have had acupuncture prior to that time and also since which felt reasonably comfortable but not pleasant. <br /> <br /> I am no expert on TCM (Traditional Chinese medicine) but the basic principles are that acupuncture is performed to restore our balance of Qi. (energy) Our bodies are a map of energy lines, rather like the London underground and, for whatever reason, these energy lines become blocked. Leaves on the track? No, more likely stress and poor diet. Treatment involves the insertion of very fine sterile needles into the energy points and they are left for a while to readdress the imbalances (hopefully) TCM is very interested in your pulses, the rythm and strength and can tell a lot from a thready or bounding pulse. I also had 'Moxa' burnt over my lower abdomen. This is like a giant Incense stick which encourages warmth in the reproductive organs. In other areas of TCM herb tinctures and teas may be drawn up for you. (I also tried a herb tea which was utterly foul and saw my partner boiling up a pot of what looked like snake skins at midnight one night. I couldn't even bring myself to drink one cup) <br /> <br /> Unfortunately, the treatments were not successful for me. That is just my experience of course and I know many people who swear by Acupuncture. If this is something you feel you would like to try I shall add a link to the bottom of this page for further reading. Good luck!<br /> <br /> <br /> http://www.acupuncture.org.uk/public-content/public-pr-press-releases/acupuncture-proves-fertile-ground-for-a-healthy-conception-acupuncture-and-fertility.html</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Welcome_to_WikiMum&diff=584 2013-04-28T23:28:05Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Smallerwikimum.jpg|435px|right|A Typical WikiMum]] This wiki has been set up by a group of facebook friends, most of whom struggled with infertility for many years and found success with IVF. Our accounts are diverse and many are truly inspirational. If you are considering IVF then feel free to read our success stories (and the failures along the way) and we hope that you will find comfort or help in your journey. <br /> <br /> * [[Common Abbreviations]]<br /> * [[IVF Stories]]<br /> * [[Birth Stories]]<br /> * [[Mums' Stories]]<br /> * [[Recipes]]<br /> * [[Dads' Pages]]<br /> * [[Childcare]]<br /> * [[Alien Abduction]]<br /> * [[Reviews]]<br /> * [[Creative Play]]<br /> * [[Breastfeeding]]<br /> * [[Sleep]]<br /> * [[Potty Training]]<br /> * [[Night Terrors]]<br /> * [[Bump Pics]]<br /> * [[Great Apps for iPad and Android]]<br /> * [[Eczema]]<br /> * [[OHSS]]<br /> * [[Twins]]<br /> * [[Funny things kids say]]<br /> * [[Quotes]]<br /> * [[sex after children]]<br /> <br /> * [[Help with childhood illnesses]]<br /> <br /> As time goes by we hope to create a site that will possibly answer ALL your questions from conception to toddlerhood, teens to cupcakes and vampires back to Sudocrem. All lavishly illustrated and lovingly developed by the WikiMums!!!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> And just so you know, this is all written by normal human women (and some men, not necessarily normal). Don't come running to us if you decide that we have ruined your life with your appalling home-made play dough addiction. We've just put up our opinions and you can use your common sense as to whether they work for you or not. There's a link to our Disclaimer at the bottom of the page.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Chicken_Pox&diff=582 2013-04-28T23:09:51Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>Chicken Pox is one of those things that we all anticipate. Most of us will remember having it as children. I had it when I was about ten. I felt hideous and picked my scabs. Not ladylike at all! I believe that some people take their children to 'Chicken Pox' parties. Well, who am I to judge? But personally, I just don't think I could do it. That would be a party bag with a difference wouldn't it? <br /> <br /> A couple of weeks ago I brought my twins home from nursery, they were in good spirits as I bathed them that evening but I noticed a couple of suspicious looking spots on Pudding's back... ''Hmm, that's the Pox'' I thought. Sure enough, the next morning, she had developed multiple fluid filled blisters and had a mild fever. I thought I knew the drill, Calamine lotion and Calpol.. Easy! But Calamine is very out of vogue, it's too drying so dont waste your money. Oh, and it makes your sink smell like burnt tyres when you tip the whole bottle down it in disgust.<br /> <br /> My dear friends on Wiki Mums suggested 'Virasoothe' (Other brands are available) It is a bit pricey but its a nice clear and cooling gel and to be honest, she didn't scratch anywhere near as much as I did. Other tips I gleaned from the net were Sodium Bicarbonate baths (I never did figure out the exact quantities and whether it was soothing or not) <br /> <br /> During the course of the day Puds temperature was really very high (About 38.5-39) and I noticed that she had a very angry looking spot between her shoulder blades that was raised and very red. Later on that afternoon (It was a Friday) I thought I had better call the GP. To cut a long story short, the GP saw her and sent us off to the local hospital where she was admitted for intravenous antibiotics for four days. The area between her shoulders had become infected (Cellulitis) Poor little thing. She was very stoic but obviously it wasn't ideal. Luckily I was able to stay with her the whole time (in isolation) while her Dad looked after Pickle at home (Though she was able to visit) <br /> <br /> Fortunately she is absolutely fine. I even thought that Pickle would escape the dreaded Pox and I was really hoping that she could avoid it as she suffers with quite bad Eczema but, exactly a fortnight after Pudding was stricken with it, Pickle developed the same. Luckily, her Chicken Pox was of the straight forward variety. Pudding was just very unlucky, it seems that only 1-10,000 have a complicated Chicken Pox. In certain countries like the USA, children are routinely vaccinated for Chicken Pox. I'm not entirely sure why we don't here in the UK. The official line is that it's nearly always a mild illness (I suspect there is a financial reason) You are able to access the vaccination yourself through your GP or you could ask a pharmacist. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have had my two vaccinated Had I known how poorly Puds would become with it. But now it's out of the way so big sighs of relief all round! I am adding an link to the NHS website which gives more detail about the Chicken Pox vaccine (Varicella) --[[User:Pinky|Pinky]] ([[User talk:Pinky|talk]]) 23:00, 28 April 2013 (UTC)<br /> <br /> http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/chickenpox-vaccine.aspx</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Chicken_Pox&diff=581 2013-04-28T23:00:29Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>Chicken Pox is one of those things that we all anticipate. Most of us will remember having it as children. I had it when I was about ten. I felt hideous and picked my scabs. Not ladylike at all! I believe that some people take their children to 'Chicken Pox' parties. Well, who am I to judge? But personally, I just don't think I could do it. That would be a party bag with a difference wouldn't it? <br /> A couple of weeks ago I brought my twins home from nursery, they were in good spirits as I bathed them that evening but I noticed a couple of suspicious looking spots on Pudding's back... ''Hmm, that's the Pox'' I thought. Sure enough, the next morning, she had developed multiple fluid filled blisters and had a mild fever. I thought I knew the drill, Calamine lotion and Calpol.. Easy! But Calamine is very out of vogue, it's too drying so dont waste your money. Oh, and it makes your sink smell like burnt tyres when you tip the whole bottle down it in disgust.<br /> My dear friends on Wiki Mums suggested 'Virasoothe' (Other brands are available) It is a bit pricey but its a nice clear and cooling gel and to be honest, she didn't scratch anywhere near as much as I did. Other tips I gleaned from the net were Sodium Bicarbonate baths (I never did figure out the exact quantities and whether it was soothing or not) <br /> During the course of the day Puds temperature was really very high (About 38.5-39) and I noticed that she had a very angry looking spot between her shoulder blades that was raised and very red. Later on that afternoon (It was a Friday) I thought I had better call the GP. To cut a long story short, the GP saw her and sent us off to the local hospital where she was admitted for intravenous antibiotics for four days. The area between her shoulders had become infected (Cellulitis) Poor little thing. She was very stoic but obviously it wasn't ideal. Luckily I was able to stay with her the whole time (in isolation) while her Dad looked after Pickle at home (Though she was able to visit) <br /> Fortunately she is absolutely fine. I even thought that Pickle would escape the dreaded Pox and I was really hoping that she could avoid it as she suffers with quite bad Eczema but, exactly a fortnight after Pudding was stricken with it, Pickle developed the same. Luckily, her Chicken Pox was of the straight forward variety. Pudding was just very unlucky, it seems that only 1-10,000 have a complicated Chicken Pox. In certain countries like the USA, children are routinely vaccinated for Chicken Pox. I'm not entirely sure why we don't here in the UK. The official line is that it's nearly always a mild illness (I suspect there is a financial reason) You are able to access the vaccination yourself through your GP or you could ask a pharmacist. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have had my two vaccinated Had I known how poorly Puds would become with it. But now it's out of the way so big sighs of relief all round! I am adding an link to the NHS website which gives more detail about the Chicken Pox vaccine (Varicella) --[[User:Pinky|Pinky]] ([[User talk:Pinky|talk]]) 23:00, 28 April 2013 (UTC)<br /> <br /> http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/chickenpox-vaccine.aspx</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Chicken_Pox&diff=576 2013-04-28T22:15:59Z

<p>Pinky: Created page with &quot;Chicken Pox is one of those things that we all anticipate. Most of us will remember having it as children. I had it when I was about ten. I felt hideous and picked my scabs. N...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>Chicken Pox is one of those things that we all anticipate. Most of us will remember having it as children. I had it when I was about ten. I felt hideous and picked my scabs. Not ladylike at all! I believe that some people take their children to 'Chicken Pox' parties. Well, who am I to judge? But personally, I just don't think I could do it. That would be a party bag with a difference wouldn't it? <br /> A couple of weeks ago I brought my twins home from nursery, they were in good spirits as I bathed them that evening but I noticed a couple of suspicious looking spots on Pudding's back... ''Hmm, that's the Pox'' I thought. Sure enough, the next morning, she had developed multiple fluid filled blisters and had a mild fever. I thought I knew the drill, Calamine lotion and Calpol.. Easy! But Calamine is very out of vogue, it's too drying so dont waste your money. Oh, and it makes your sink smell like burnt tyres when you tip the whole bottle down it in disgust.<br /> My dear friends on Wiki Mums suggested 'Virasoothe' (Other brands are available) It is a bit pricey but its a nice clear and cooling gel and to be honest, she didn't scratch anywhere near as much as I did. Other tips I gleaned from the net were Sodium Bicarbonate baths (I never did figure out the exact quantities and whether it was soothing or not) <br /> During the course of the day Puds temperature was really very high (About 38.5-39) and I noticed that she had a very angry looking spot between her shoulder blades that was raised and very red. Later on that afternoon (It was a Friday) I thought I had better call the GP. To cut a long story short, the GP saw her and sent us off to the local hospital where she was admitted for intravenous antibiotics for four days. The area between her shoulders had become infected (Cellulitis) Poor little thing. She was very stoic but obviously it wasn't ideal. Luckily I was able to stay with her the whole time (in isolation) while her Dad looked after Pickle at home (Though she was able to visit) <br /> Fortunately she is absolutely fine. I even thought that Pickle would escape the dreaded Pox and I was really hoping that she could avoid it as she suffers with quite bad Eczema but, exactly a fortnight after Pudding was stricken with it, Pickle developed the same. Luckily, her Chicken Pox was of the straight forward variety. Pudding was just very unlucky, it seems that only 1-10,000 have a complicated Chicken Pox. In certain countries like the USA, children are routinely vaccinated for Chicken Pox. I'm not entirely sure why we don't here in the UK. The official line is that it's nearly always a mild illness (I suspect there is a financial reason) You are able to access the vaccination yourself through your GP or you could ask a pharmacist. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have had my two vaccinated Had I known how poorly Puds would become with it. But now it's out of the way so big sighs of relief all round! I am adding an link to the NHS website which gives more detail about the Chicken Pox vaccine (Varicella)<br /> <br /> http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/chickenpox-vaccine.aspx</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Help_with_childhood_illnesses&diff=568 2013-04-28T21:47:22Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Colic]]<br /> <br /> [[Chicken Pox]]</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Welcome_to_WikiMum&diff=284 2013-04-26T22:08:37Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:Smallerwikimum.jpg|435px|right|A Typical WikiMum]] This wiki has been set up by a group of facebook friends, most of whom struggled with infertility for many years and found success with IVF. Our accounts are diverse and many are truly inspirational. If you are considering IVF then feel free to read our success stories (and the failures along the way) and we hope that you will find comfort or help in your journey. <br /> <br /> * [[IVF Stories]]<br /> * [[Birth Stories]]<br /> * [[Mums' Stories]]<br /> * [[Recipes]]<br /> * [[Dads' Pages]]<br /> * [[Alien Abduction]]<br /> * [[Reviews]]<br /> * [[Creative Play]]<br /> * [[Breastfeeding]]<br /> * [[Sleep]]<br /> * [[Potty Training]]<br /> * [[Night Terrors]]<br /> * [[Bump Pics]]<br /> * [[Great Apps for iPad and Android<br /> * [[Eczema]]<br /> As time goes by we hope to create a site that will possibly answer ALL your questions from conception to toddlerhood, teens to cupcakes and vampires back to Sudocrem. All lavishly illustrated and lovingly developed by the WikiMums!!!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> And just so you know, this is all written by normal human women (and some men, not necessarily normal). Don't come running to us if you decide that we have ruined your life with your appalling home-made play dough addiction. We've just put up our opinions and you can use your common sense as to whether they work for you or not. There's a link to our Disclaimer at the bottom of the page.</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Pinky%27s_story&diff=177 2013-04-25T22:07:13Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> My fertility journey began so long ago that it almost feels like another lifetime. I feel as though I have done quite a good job of burying the pain of my infertility ( Having children has been an awfully good remedy for my own angst and naval gazing tendencies.) but I will never forget it , the creeping panic in the middle of the night when I would lie there thinking that somehow I was not worthy to be a mother, that it was the universe’s plan that it ‘’wasn’t meant to be’’. A sickening fear that dripped like a tap through my soul for the best part of ten years. But, as hideous as it was, I think there is very little that I would change now. All that heartache and disappointment I would relive in a heart beat if I knew that at the end I would be rewarded by my two beautiful daughters who have fulfilled my purpose in life.<br /> <br /> <br /> Infertility sucks, I doubt I have to tell you that as I guess if you are reading this, there is a possibility that you are experiencing something similar, or know someone who is experiencing it. All I can say is, knowledge is power. Read everything, join forums, (Most of us met through Fertility Friends which was my life saver for many years) Talk to people who truly understand and care. There is things you can say to your friends, family, partner, husband, wife or whatever but obsessive wittering about your menstrual cycle to anybody outside your infertile friends will, I’m afraid, be met with a luke warm reception. I learnt so much through ‘FF’ (Fertility Friends) and for a very long time I would trawl through different threads and topics, searching for answers to why I damn well couldn’t get pregnant. It was just a massive jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing but I was determined to find the answers. I had realized that I couldn’t find the answers through my doctors and so I would have to turn detective and do the work myself!<br /> <br /> <br /> To cut a really long story short , as you may be in a state of near coma by now, after seven iui’s (Intra-uterine inseminations) three IVF’s with my own eggs in this country, and a brief flirt with the idea of adoption, we headed over to a clinic in Greece for IVF using donor eggs. The first treatment resulted in a pregnancy (hurrah!!) but a week later it failed (Boo!) Undeterred, I tried again... nothing! Not even a sniff of a second line on a pregnancy test. This was getting scary as I had been told I had about a 75% chance of a successful pregnancy. In between the second and third time, I decided to badger my GP for a few basic immune tests. I casually asked him to test me for Coeliac disease. His response was ‘’you won’t have it my dear’’ But, I’m quite ‘persuasive’ and so I was tested. Of course, I found out that I had it at age 42. How long I had had this condition I will never know but it can affect fertility. Fast forward about 6 months, and I was well in the swing of a gluten free existence (which hasn’t been as horrific as I had anticipated, I may even share a GF choccy cake recipe with you another time!) I was primed and ready for my third ivf. This time it worked. I still can’t believe it really. From thinking I would never ever be a mother I, not only got pregnant, but got pregnant with twins! I gave birth to two amazing and fabulous daughters (whom for the purpose of Wikimums I will call Pickle and Pudding) they are now two years and three months, (I am now 45 by the way) They are so different to each other in every way that sometimes it’s hard to believe they are siblings, let alone twins! They run me ragged, drive me crazy, make me weep with exhaustion and pure joy and love! I can’t wait to chat more with you about the highs and lows and nuttiness of parenthood <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> [[File:Example.jpg]]</div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Pinky%27s_story&diff=176 2013-04-25T22:05:11Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> My fertility journey began so long ago that it almost feels like another lifetime. I feel as though I have done quite a good job of burying the pain of my infertility ( Having children has been an awfully good remedy for my own angst and naval gazing tendencies.) but I will never forget it , the creeping panic in the middle of the night when I would lie there thinking that somehow I was not worthy to be a mother, that it was the universe’s plan that it ‘’wasn’t meant to be’’. A sickening fear that dripped like a tap through my soul for the best part of ten years. But, as hideous as it was, I think there is very little that I would change now. All that heartache and disappointment I would relive in a heart beat if I knew that at the end I would be rewarded by my two beautiful daughters who have fulfilled my purpose in life.<br /> <br /> <br /> Infertility sucks, I doubt I have to tell you that as I guess if you are reading this, there is a possibility that you are experiencing something similar, or know someone who is experiencing it. All I can say is, knowledge is power. Read everything, join forums, (Most of us met through Fertility Friends which was my life saver for many years) Talk to people who truly understand and care. There is things you can say to your friends, family, partner, husband, wife or whatever but obsessive wittering about your menstrual cycle to anybody outside your infertile friends will, I’m afraid, be met with a luke warm reception. I learnt so much through ‘FF’ (Fertility Friends) and for a very long time I would trawl through different threads and topics, searching for answers to why I damn well couldn’t get pregnant. It was just a massive jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing but I was determined to find the answers. I had realized that I couldn’t find the answers through my doctors and so I would have to turn detective and do the work myself!<br /> <br /> <br /> To cut a really long story short , as you may be in a state of near coma by now, after seven iui’s (Intra-uterine inseminations) three IVF’s with my own eggs in this country, and a brief flirt with the idea of adoption, we headed over to a clinic in Greece for IVF using donor eggs. The first treatment resulted in a pregnancy (hurrah!!) but a week later it failed (Boo!) Undeterred, I tried again... nothing! Not even a sniff of a second line on a pregnancy test. This was getting scary as I had been told I had about a 75% chance of a successful pregnancy. In between the second and third time, I decided to badger my GP for a few basic immune tests. I casually asked him to test me for Coeliac disease. His response was ‘’you won’t have it my dear’’ But, I’m quite ‘persuasive’ and so I was tested. Of course, I found out that I had it at age 42. How long I had had this condition I will never know but it can affect fertility. Fast forward about 6 months, and I was well in the swing of a gluten free existence (which hasn’t been as horrific as I had anticipated, I may even share a GF choccy cake recipe with you another time!) I was primed and ready for my third ivf. This time it worked. I still can’t believe it really. From thinking I would never ever be a mother I, not only got pregnant, but got pregnant with twins! I gave birth to two amazing and fabulous daughters (whom for the purpose of Wikimums I will call Pickle and Pudding) they are now two years and three months, (I am now 45 by the way) They are so different to each other in every way that sometimes it’s hard to believe they are siblings, let alone twins! They run me ragged, drive me crazy, make me weep with exhaustion and pure joy and love! I can’t wait to chat more with you about the highs and lows and nuttiness of parenthood </div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Pinky%27s_story&diff=175 2013-04-25T22:04:50Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[File:[[Media:Example.jpg]]&lt;nowiki&gt;Insert non-formatted text here&lt;/nowiki&gt;]]<br /> My fertility journey began so long ago that it almost feels like another lifetime. I feel as though I have done quite a good job of burying the pain of my infertility ( Having children has been an awfully good remedy for my own angst and naval gazing tendencies.) but I will never forget it , the creeping panic in the middle of the night when I would lie there thinking that somehow I was not worthy to be a mother, that it was the universe’s plan that it ‘’wasn’t meant to be’’. A sickening fear that dripped like a tap through my soul for the best part of ten years. But, as hideous as it was, I think there is very little that I would change now. All that heartache and disappointment I would relive in a heart beat if I knew that at the end I would be rewarded by my two beautiful daughters who have fulfilled my purpose in life.<br /> <br /> <br /> Infertility sucks, I doubt I have to tell you that as I guess if you are reading this, there is a possibility that you are experiencing something similar, or know someone who is experiencing it. All I can say is, knowledge is power. Read everything, join forums, (Most of us met through Fertility Friends which was my life saver for many years) Talk to people who truly understand and care. There is things you can say to your friends, family, partner, husband, wife or whatever but obsessive wittering about your menstrual cycle to anybody outside your infertile friends will, I’m afraid, be met with a luke warm reception. I learnt so much through ‘FF’ (Fertility Friends) and for a very long time I would trawl through different threads and topics, searching for answers to why I damn well couldn’t get pregnant. It was just a massive jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing but I was determined to find the answers. I had realized that I couldn’t find the answers through my doctors and so I would have to turn detective and do the work myself!<br /> <br /> <br /> To cut a really long story short , as you may be in a state of near coma by now, after seven iui’s (Intra-uterine inseminations) three IVF’s with my own eggs in this country, and a brief flirt with the idea of adoption, we headed over to a clinic in Greece for IVF using donor eggs. The first treatment resulted in a pregnancy (hurrah!!) but a week later it failed (Boo!) Undeterred, I tried again... nothing! Not even a sniff of a second line on a pregnancy test. This was getting scary as I had been told I had about a 75% chance of a successful pregnancy. In between the second and third time, I decided to badger my GP for a few basic immune tests. I casually asked him to test me for Coeliac disease. His response was ‘’you won’t have it my dear’’ But, I’m quite ‘persuasive’ and so I was tested. Of course, I found out that I had it at age 42. How long I had had this condition I will never know but it can affect fertility. Fast forward about 6 months, and I was well in the swing of a gluten free existence (which hasn’t been as horrific as I had anticipated, I may even share a GF choccy cake recipe with you another time!) I was primed and ready for my third ivf. This time it worked. I still can’t believe it really. From thinking I would never ever be a mother I, not only got pregnant, but got pregnant with twins! I gave birth to two amazing and fabulous daughters (whom for the purpose of Wikimums I will call Pickle and Pudding) they are now two years and three months, (I am now 45 by the way) They are so different to each other in every way that sometimes it’s hard to believe they are siblings, let alone twins! They run me ragged, drive me crazy, make me weep with exhaustion and pure joy and love! I can’t wait to chat more with you about the highs and lows and nuttiness of parenthood </div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Pinky%27s_story&diff=173 2013-04-25T22:03:41Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> My fertility journey began so long ago that it almost feels like another lifetime. I feel as though I have done quite a good job of burying the pain of my infertility ( Having children has been an awfully good remedy for my own angst and naval gazing tendencies.) but I will never forget it , the creeping panic in the middle of the night when I would lie there thinking that somehow I was not worthy to be a mother, that it was the universe’s plan that it ‘’wasn’t meant to be’’. A sickening fear that dripped like a tap through my soul for the best part of ten years. But, as hideous as it was, I think there is very little that I would change now. All that heartache and disappointment I would relive in a heart beat if I knew that at the end I would be rewarded by my two beautiful daughters who have fulfilled my purpose in life.<br /> <br /> <br /> Infertility sucks, I doubt I have to tell you that as I guess if you are reading this, there is a possibility that you are experiencing something similar, or know someone who is experiencing it. All I can say is, knowledge is power. Read everything, join forums, (Most of us met through Fertility Friends which was my life saver for many years) Talk to people who truly understand and care. There is things you can say to your friends, family, partner, husband, wife or whatever but obsessive wittering about your menstrual cycle to anybody outside your infertile friends will, I’m afraid, be met with a luke warm reception. I learnt so much through ‘FF’ (Fertility Friends) and for a very long time I would trawl through different threads and topics, searching for answers to why I damn well couldn’t get pregnant. It was just a massive jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing but I was determined to find the answers. I had realized that I couldn’t find the answers through my doctors and so I would have to turn detective and do the work myself!<br /> <br /> <br /> To cut a really long story short , as you may be in a state of near coma by now, after seven iui’s (Intra-uterine inseminations) three IVF’s with my own eggs in this country, and a brief flirt with the idea of adoption, we headed over to a clinic in Greece for IVF using donor eggs. The first treatment resulted in a pregnancy (hurrah!!) but a week later it failed (Boo!) Undeterred, I tried again... nothing! Not even a sniff of a second line on a pregnancy test. This was getting scary as I had been told I had about a 75% chance of a successful pregnancy. In between the second and third time, I decided to badger my GP for a few basic immune tests. I casually asked him to test me for Coeliac disease. His response was ‘’you won’t have it my dear’’ But, I’m quite ‘persuasive’ and so I was tested. Of course, I found out that I had it at age 42. How long I had had this condition I will never know but it can affect fertility. Fast forward about 6 months, and I was well in the swing of a gluten free existence (which hasn’t been as horrific as I had anticipated, I may even share a GF choccy cake recipe with you another time!) I was primed and ready for my third ivf. This time it worked. I still can’t believe it really. From thinking I would never ever be a mother I, not only got pregnant, but got pregnant with twins! I gave birth to two amazing and fabulous daughters (whom for the purpose of Wikimums I will call Pickle and Pudding) they are now two years and three months, (I am now 45 by the way) They are so different to each other in every way that sometimes it’s hard to believe they are siblings, let alone twins! They run me ragged, drive me crazy, make me weep with exhaustion and pure joy and love! I can’t wait to chat more with you about the highs and lows and nuttiness of parenthood </div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Pinky%27s_story&diff=168 2013-04-25T21:35:00Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div><br /> My fertility journey began so long ago that it almost feels like another lifetime. I feel as though I have done quite a good job of burying the pain of my infertility ( Having children has been an awfully good remedy for my own angst and naval gazing tendencies.) but I will never forget it , the creeping panic in the middle of the night when I would lie there thinking that somehow I was not worthy to be a mother, that it was the universe’s plan that it ‘’wasn’t meant to be’’. A sickening fear that dripped like a tap through my soul for the best part of ten years. But, as hideous as it was, I think there is very little that I would change now. All that heartache and disappointment I would relive in a heart beat if I knew that at the end I would be rewarded by my two beautiful daughters who have fulfilled my purpose in life.<br /> Infertility sucks, I doubt I have to tell you that as I guess if you are reading this, there is a possibility that you are experiencing something similar, or know someone who is experiencing it. All I can say is, knowledge is power. Read everything, join forums, (Most of us met through Fertility Friends which was my life saver for many years) Talk to people who truly understand and care. There is things you can say to your friends, family, partner, husband, wife or whatever but obsessive wittering about your menstrual cycle to anybody outside your infertile friends will, I’m afraid, be met with a luke warm reception. I learnt so much through ‘FF’ (Fertility Friends) and for a very long time I would trawl through different threads and topics, searching for answers to why I damn well couldn’t get pregnant. It was just a massive jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing but I was determined to find the answers. I had realized that I couldn’t find the answers through my doctors and so I would have to turn detective and do the work myself!<br /> To cut a really long story short , as you may be in a state of near coma by now, after seven iui’s (Intra-uterine inseminations) three IVF’s with my own eggs in this country, and a brief flirt with the idea of adoption, we headed over to a clinic in Greece for IVF using donor eggs. The first treatment resulted in a pregnancy (hurrah!!) but a week later it failed (Boo!) Undeterred, I tried again... nothing! Not even a sniff of a second line on a pregnancy test. This was getting scary as I had been told I had about a 75% chance of a successful pregnancy. In between the second and third time, I decided to badger my GP for a few basic immune tests. I casually asked him to test me for Coeliac disease. His response was ‘’you won’t have it my dear’’ But, I’m quite ‘persuasive’ and so I was tested. Of course, I found out that I had it at age 42. How long I had had this condition I will never know but it can affect fertility. Fast forward about 6 months, and I was well in the swing of a gluten free existence (which hasn’t been as horrific as I had anticipated, I may even share a GF choccy cake recipe with you another time!) I was primed and ready for my third ivf. This time it worked. I still can’t believe it really. From thinking I would never ever be a mother I, not only got pregnant, but got pregnant with twins! I gave birth to two amazing and fabulous daughters (whom for the purpose of Wikimums I will call Pickle and Pudding) they are now two years and three months, (I am now 45 by the way) They are so different to each other in every way that sometimes it’s hard to believe they are siblings, let alone twins! They run me ragged, drive me crazy, make me weep with exhaustion and pure joy and love! I can’t wait to chat more with you about the highs and lows and nuttiness of parenthood </div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=Pinky%27s_story&diff=167 2013-04-25T21:34:34Z

<p>Pinky: Created page with &quot;Pinky’s IVF story. My fertility journey began so long ago that it almost feels like another lifetime. I feel as though I have done quite a good job of burying the pain of...&quot;</p> <hr /> <div>Pinky’s IVF story.<br /> My fertility journey began so long ago that it almost feels like another lifetime. I feel as though I have done quite a good job of burying the pain of my infertility ( Having children has been an awfully good remedy for my own angst and naval gazing tendencies.) but I will never forget it , the creeping panic in the middle of the night when I would lie there thinking that somehow I was not worthy to be a mother, that it was the universe’s plan that it ‘’wasn’t meant to be’’. A sickening fear that dripped like a tap through my soul for the best part of ten years. But, as hideous as it was, I think there is very little that I would change now. All that heartache and disappointment I would relive in a heart beat if I knew that at the end I would be rewarded by my two beautiful daughters who have fulfilled my purpose in life.<br /> Infertility sucks, I doubt I have to tell you that as I guess if you are reading this, there is a possibility that you are experiencing something similar, or know someone who is experiencing it. All I can say is, knowledge is power. Read everything, join forums, (Most of us met through Fertility Friends which was my life saver for many years) Talk to people who truly understand and care. There is things you can say to your friends, family, partner, husband, wife or whatever but obsessive wittering about your menstrual cycle to anybody outside your infertile friends will, I’m afraid, be met with a luke warm reception. I learnt so much through ‘FF’ (Fertility Friends) and for a very long time I would trawl through different threads and topics, searching for answers to why I damn well couldn’t get pregnant. It was just a massive jigsaw puzzle with a few pieces missing but I was determined to find the answers. I had realized that I couldn’t find the answers through my doctors and so I would have to turn detective and do the work myself!<br /> To cut a really long story short , as you may be in a state of near coma by now, after seven iui’s (Intra-uterine inseminations) three IVF’s with my own eggs in this country, and a brief flirt with the idea of adoption, we headed over to a clinic in Greece for IVF using donor eggs. The first treatment resulted in a pregnancy (hurrah!!) but a week later it failed (Boo!) Undeterred, I tried again... nothing! Not even a sniff of a second line on a pregnancy test. This was getting scary as I had been told I had about a 75% chance of a successful pregnancy. In between the second and third time, I decided to badger my GP for a few basic immune tests. I casually asked him to test me for Coeliac disease. His response was ‘’you won’t have it my dear’’ But, I’m quite ‘persuasive’ and so I was tested. Of course, I found out that I had it at age 42. How long I had had this condition I will never know but it can affect fertility. Fast forward about 6 months, and I was well in the swing of a gluten free existence (which hasn’t been as horrific as I had anticipated, I may even share a GF choccy cake recipe with you another time!) I was primed and ready for my third ivf. This time it worked. I still can’t believe it really. From thinking I would never ever be a mother I, not only got pregnant, but got pregnant with twins! I gave birth to two amazing and fabulous daughters (whom for the purpose of Wikimums I will call Pickle and Pudding) they are now two years and three months, (I am now 45 by the way) They are so different to each other in every way that sometimes it’s hard to believe they are siblings, let alone twins! They run me ragged, drive me crazy, make me weep with exhaustion and pure joy and love! I can’t wait to chat more with you about the highs and lows and nuttiness of parenthood </div>

Pinky https://www.wikimum.co.uk/index.php?title=IVF_Stories&diff=166 2013-04-25T21:32:00Z

<p>Pinky: </p> <hr /> <div>[[Mad Margaret's Story]]<br /> <br /> [[Kerry's Story]]<br /> <br /> [[Pinky's story]]</div>

Pinky