Advice for first RE appointment?

[Mrs Pecan]

I have my first RE appointment in a few days. Any advice? Suggestions on what I should ask? Or just share your experience? I'd love any helpful info from you ladies who've already done this! We're hoping to get started with IUIs as soon as possible.

Just a little background on us, I've had basic testing such as CD 3 labs, CD 21 (7dpo) progesterone tested and there hasn't been any issues. My charts all look perfect. I've had one chemical pregnancy. My DH has mild male factor issues (motility) and his count is on the lower end of normal (although still technically normal). It appears his issue is the result of an injury to one of his testicles -- ouch! He's had a full urology work up already including bloodwork, an exam, and ultrasound. I haven't had an HSG yet, which I'm expecting they will suggest I have one, even though I've had one chemical pregnancy. My DH has also been on vitamins for the past few months recommended by the urologist to hopefully give his swimmers a bit of a boost.

I already sent over all our records and new patient paperwork as well as my charts. I know the first appointment is going to be about 2 hours and will be very thorough. I'm worried I might get overwhelmed and not ask the right questions, so I'd like to be prepared ahead of time. Seriously, any advice will be appreciated!!

 

[TTCsince626]

I think if you have a good re it's not so overwhelming. They break things down and are very helpful. I was surprised on my consultation she did a vaginal ultrasound and a mock IUi. Your dh should come with because it is a lot of info.

 

[1nceUponATime]

Your first appointment will mostly be the doctor going through your history with you, identifying any more tests that you may need, and will probably give you a background on how the reproductive process works and any obstacles that might be interrupting your reproductive process. It is kind of formal. If you are lucky and they have enough results, they might recommend a treatment path. Even though I had some testing done before my first appointment, my RE did all new tests...bloodwork, HSG, SA for DH, etc. I think it is just to cover the bases.

I would write down any questions you have beforehand, because the appointment was quite long and there was so much information on IUI and IVF, that frankly, I didn't really know where to ask a question! Overall, the appointment made me feel good like "yay we are finally going to figure out my issues!"....My appointment was after 2 rounds of clomid and 12 months of trying with my regular obgyn. Good luck!

 

[Mrs Pecan]

Thanks ladies!! The appointment went really well. We reviewed all our previous test results with the Dr's resident, then met with our doctor. He did an internal exam, a pap & cultures, and a vaginal ultrasound. After that we went to his office and discussed things further and reviewed all my charts. Since I had already had CD 3 labs, 7dpo progesterone test, and my thyroid checked, he just wanted to order a few more tests (HIV, Hepatitis, Blood typing, Syphilis, CBC) for both DH and I. We had already done a SA and met with a urologist for DH, so we were all set on his end. The only other test I haven't had is an HSG, which I'll have in a few days. He isn't expecting any issues though since I've already had a chemical pregnancy.

I'm starting clomid in a few days, 50mg cd 3-7, to hopefully produce 2 follicles, and will be doing our first IUI this cycle as long as everything goes well with the HSG! Our doctor feels that we're just dealing with mild male factor as a result of a previous injury my husband had and that there are no issues with me. I came out of the appointment feeling really good & ready to get started with our first IUI!