First "proper" fertility specialist visit - what to expect?

[patienceiav]

Hey ladies

Hubby and I have officially hit our 1 year mark ttc and are lucky enough to be able to go to the Fertility specialist on 25th August.

I'm wondering if anyone could give me a little insight into what to expect? It doesn't matter if different countries do it different ways, I live in Sweden so noone can compare notes we went to see her at 10months and had SA and bloods, with the explanation "if you don't hear from us then nothing is wrong, only come back once you've hit 1year" and borderline offensive saying we're so young still (both 28) and having the nerve to ask about our employment status (because here it's seen as more important to have a good career before you bother with kids) - anyway!

I have a few issues suspected (thin lining and low progesterone) but I'm just nervous what to expect and was wondering if anyone would share their first experiences with me

Sorry for the mad rant! I know my time ttc pales in comparison to most but I have spent the past year being frustrated with my issues and snubbed any chance of help before 1 year despite evidence of problems

 

[Ilovetomatoes]

Hi there, I live in California. For us, we had to do all of the tests first (HSG, blood tests, and SA test). Then, we got to see the RE after that. Basically, she just discussed the results and what has been preventing us to get pregnant. She offered her opinion on which treatment would be the best way for us. But, also offered alternative treatment (IUI, medicated cycle, etc). Depending on which treatment, she'd explain further on details, etc. Nothing much going on actually on the first appointment for us. Hopefully, that will help you ease your mind. For me, it's pretty exciting since I get to find out what's wrong and a solution for it. So, good luck to you! Hopefully, it's nothing serious .

 

[k4th]

I live in the uk & have pcos. I think the typical tests include bloods & SA - followed by a lap and dye to check your tubes are all clear. Then treatment depends on all of those results combined. I've had clomid a few times for irregular cycles & lack of ovulation. I've a friend who had clomid with very regular cycles. I've known others who've skipped the lap & dye.

It seems all doctors have different preferences. Good luck - take a list of questions if you're likely to forget things while your there :flower :

 

[patienceiav]

Thanks very much for sharing your experiences ladies makes me a little hopeful she won't just turn us away again!

I've calculated I conceived all 3x on my left ovary so maybe she'll think it's worth doing a lap for my right

I'll have to arm myself with a list of questions like you say to make sure I don't forget anything important!

 

[Rainstorm]

I just wanted to say I cried a lot during my appointments (HSG showed partial blockage, suspected endo), and my doctor was very supportive and cool about it, so don't be ashamed if you get emotional. And I went for my HSG alone before work. I thought it was like an ultrasound. Turns out it was a bit more complex. Nothing terrible but I wish I had taken DH or someone to be there for me.

 

[Timetotry]

We had our first appointment last week. It was a year and a half off birth control and one year of actively trying.
I brought copies of all of our lab results (blood work and semen analysis), my ultrasound reports and copies of my temp charts. Turns out they had all the medical file already.
We went in to the office and the nurse can in and did general history. Then the medical resident came in and did a more thorough history. Finally our doctor came in. Within 5 minutes of meeting had made us laugh and feel comfortable and gave me my diagnosis, PCOS. She gave me a prescription for metformin to start immediately. Day 1 of my next cycle I have to call so they can book my HSG which will be done before day 12 (I think). She gave me requisitions for blood work for day 3 and day 26 (usually done on day 21 but my cycles are long and irregular.
So basically we are going to monitor forthis next cycle to see if the meds are working.
Honestly, I cried when she diagnosed me because I'm disappointed with my body, I feel let down. Our appointment was about an hour and a half. And i cried afterwards too. Almost a week later and I still cry when I tell my friends what is happening.
We were surprised how quickly they set up a plan for us. It might be for you too since they have done preliminary tests already.
Good luck! It might be emotional for you so be prepared for that, but it feels great to have an answer finally and someone helping us!

 

[patienceiav]

Thanks for the input, i really appreciate it i'm pretty sure I will break down at some point, luckily even this second appointment will be with my hubby and i'll try to always have further appts with him there to pick me up off the floor I really hope she takes me seriously, what's the point in having the 1year wait time if she tries to stall ? Just can't help feeling like she will brush us off

Not far from 25th now, never wanted the weekend to go by so much, weekends are always over 2x as fast as work days though will be interesting to see what her next course of action is, i've already decided if she does nothing this session i'm going to try acupuncture !

 

[Jasmine30]

Hi Ladies,

We have our first appointment as a couple on Friday. (I've been through it before with my ex). Not sure my boyfriend is very comfortable with the SA but then, none of this is supposed to be comfortable I suppose. Wondering whether they will scan me since last time I was already diagnosed with Poly cystic Ovaries and adenomyosis.

Do they ask you about whether you use OPKS? I have never had a positive OPK which of course is a good indicator that I don't O but was wondering if the hospital would just disregard that and use their own tests anyway.

Thanks xx

 

[Mrs Pidgey]

Hi everyone,
Reading through the answers on this has made me feel abit better because i've got my first appointment on wednesday with the specialist and wasn't sure myself on what would happen either.
Even if it is just talking about the next steps when i get there it will make me feel better knowing what the plan of action is instead of being in limbo like i've felt for a long time

 

[patienceiav]

Hey Jasmine, sorry I didn't see your response in time all she did was tell us hubbys SA was awesome (he was allowed to do it at home then take it to a nearby clinic as long as it was within 30mins or something like that) my bloods were fine and she pretty much refused to do anything else. She seemed almost confused that i'd had 3 chemicals and didn't think thin lining had anything to do with it. SIGH. She then considered sending me for a crazy blood test that was going to need some 20 of those little blood sample bottles but wanted to confer with her colleague on what might be best for me. All in all frustrating but this is sweden, noone else will have the same problems I bet

I tried so hard to get her to understand the 3 chemicals were all on one ovary and that i suspect maybe a blockage on the right but she misunderstood what i meant, will have to try again next month ! She gave me baby aspirin to take which was "highly unorthodox" but she supposedly couldn't help me with progesterone for chemical prevention due to not having registered 2 out of the 3 chemicals with the midwife

You'll have more luck than me i'm sure !

 

[sunnydee]

I was just looking for a thread about this! I just got an appointment for a fertility specialist and I'm so nervous. I guess I hoped it wouldn't take this long..