First fertility appointment at st helier hospital, UK- what to expect?

[Sizzles]

No idea. They wouldn't consider IVF until we'd been ttc for 3 years, which is why she's put down as us ttc from when I came off the pill, even though it was actually 4 months later that we were actively ttc. She seemed to think by the time I had my next appointment, on those time scales they'd be happy to put me forward. I still can't help thinking that a doc might look at it all and start withthe other tests, but I'll just wait and see. We don't pursue it any sooner by paying: I know OH wouldn't consider it.

 

[jcaow]

Wow, three years is a long time to wait Sizzles but I guess they're hoping you might still conceive naturally? And glad (in one way) that its now not too far away. Glad too you felt it went ok although I am a bit surprised they didn't want to check your tubes are clear. I had thought that was a standard thing but I'm guessing everywhere does it differently. You sound quite happy with how things going or are you just being incredibly patient?!

We're hoping to go straight to IVF but who knows what will happen at our next appt. I know we've been moved into the Assisted Conception clinic rather than the normal Fertility clinic since I had a diagnosis of Diminished Ovarian Reserve (showed up on an AMH test as my FSH was only borderline and apparently AMH is a better test for this). In the meantime, I'm rattling with supplements (Royal Jelly, Co-Enzyme 10, Boots conception support and herbs from the acupuncturist) and having weekly acupuncture and eating more protein. My acupuncturist thinks I can get pregnant naturally after another 3-6 months but I'm going to be taking all the help I can get! She's definitely (tmi) helped my periods get a bit heavier just in the first month - mine were light which i think was connected to my enometrium being a bit thin when I had an ultrasound. Anyway, I'm going for the try everything and something will work approach!

When's your appt MK? Mine's on 19th and I think the next two weeks will be one of the longest 2WW!

 

[Sizzles]

As you say, 3 years is a long time, but at least we're now in that final year.
I guess I am happier that things are progressing, but a lot of it is also being patient! I really don't want to have to go down the IVF route, so I hope and pray it happens naturally in the next few months.

I have incredibly light periods also, which I do worry about (once again, GP didn't seem concerned). Sorry if TMI, but I only use 5 or 6 tampons over 2 days and only the first couple have anything substantial in them. It's the darned spotting that gets me: up to 11 days of it per-af, then a few days after aswell. It makes for almost a 2 week period! (at least in the BD stakes as I don't feel very attractive with pantyliners or stained knickers!)

Good luck for your up-coming appointments!

 

[jcaow]

Hey Sizzles, I really admire your patience; working out how to get on with life with this all going on is one of the things I'm finding hardest. Fingers crossed for the natural BFP soon though!

As for periods, I take it you haven't been told anything about what's causing them to be light or spotting? I was only using regular tampons for a couple of days but since having acupuncture and eating more protein I've needed to use super for a couple of days instead. I'd understood that your periods tell you something about your endometrial lining so if they're light then you might have a thin lining (and if its too thin then the little eggie can find it hard to attach). At an open evening recently at a private clinic the doctor said that they can manipulate the thickness of lining during IVF. I don't know about spotting though. Doesn't sound much fun

 

[mk8]

hi girls

how are you doing today?

jcaow- how long have you been doing acupuncture for? i have tried it 3 times now. going for a 4th tomorrow. havent really noticed much change but i did find the second session v relaxing.

 

[jcaow]

Hey MK, I'm good today - good day at work and I also had acupuncture today - my 7th session. She gives me herbs too as she says the acupuncture effect only lasts 1-3 days whereas I take the herbs everyday. How are you getting on with it?

 

[mk8]

Not bad. Had two sessions last cycle which didn't work. Made me o 2 days later but that was the only diff. Had one on cd3 and 10 thus cycle so here's hoping. I think I have slight bacterial vaginosis though. Diagnosed 8 yrs ago with a mild bv (started dating dh) and they said it would clear up itself. Since TTC I have found lots of unprotective bd makes me have a slight odour which suggests bv. Told acupuncturist snd she said she would "do something". Had std checks at start of relationship w hubby and last yr and all ok.

 

[mk8]

Hi peeps

Wanted to update this with my experience at St Helier today. Went well. Doctor and nurses were lovely. I was there for about an hr. This is what happened:
- Got weighed and height measured. Blood pressure level taken.
- Met doc who asked me usual routine questions (length of cycle, smoke/drink, history of pid at all, ever had an op, what my AF bleed was like, ever any cramps etc. Asked hubby a few qs too).
- She had my results of previous bloodwork and scan completed by my GP. She went through DH's SA too.
- Did a swab to test for STDs. Gave me a pelvic exam (hand in my wotsit and pressed tummy).

Next steps:
- More bloods - day 21 progesterone again. LH and FSH to be completed. Thyroid check.
- Internal ultrasound scan.
- HSG.
Wait list for HSG averages 3 months. Here's hoping it can be sooner.

 

[Sizzles]

Glad to hear the appointment went well. Here's to whizzing through those other tests and making progress. I have my scan a week on Tuesday and have had both lots of bloods re-done now. Just the scan and OH's SA to go before my September appointment.

 

[mk8]

Hi sizzles, thanks. Except i started to spot on fri, called the hospital to book in an appointment for the end of next week (i tend to spot 2 days then full flow arrives). They told me spotting is day 1. I always thought full day of flow is day1. The hospital also told me that they only do hsg scans on tues! So i def cant do one this cycle even if they had space. But this really confuses me because i spot 2 days, bleed 3 then spot 2. Given i have to do my hsg in the first 10 days with no bleeding, i have a v small window. So i may have to go private. . What is day 1 for the hsg girls?