Hello!

My progress has been somewhat similar to yours. I joined this site in mid September this year and have had some success. In the begining, I had three very short lucids within a couple of weeks. The first two I immideately lost control after becoming lucid and the third was a little longer with a little better control.

Then nothing. Even my dream recall was lousy for two months. I would recal one dream and then go up to a week or so without remembering anything. I was getting frustrated as well. Then this month I had two lucids that were pretty lengthy and well controlled.

This success was a direct result of getting more sleep. Normally, I sleep only five to six hours. Both the successful lucids happened during morning naps. I rarely ever take naps.

The only things I practice are reality checks, (mostly studying my hands and pinching my nose) and lucid living. Lucid living is described in detail somewhere in these forums, sorry I don't know where. For me, lucid living is pausing during the course of the day and really paying attention to your surroundings. Use all your senses and let the scene in. Consider closing your eyes and visualising your surroundings. Then imagine how your current state may differ from or liken to a dream state. After a few minutes of this I always do my reality checks.

I don't know if this helps at all but at least you know you can go lucid! Also, you may take some solace in the fact that others, like me, are experiencing the same difficulties. Just keep at it ok? It is so worth the effort.

Take care
Joe