First RE appointment - any advice?

[runner311]

I can't say that I am not the least bit scared/worried going into my first RE appointment. I have started a list of questions, I have all my test results from my endo and my obgyn and I have a supportive husband who will be by my side. I guess I just don't know what to expect.

Me and DH are both 33 y/o, no previous pregnancies or children. Both fairly healthy, other than the fact that I have hyperthryoidism/graves disease - but that is control via medication and has been for 6+ months. I have normal periods, every 29-32 days, with ovulation on either CD13/CD16 each and every month - confirmed by OPK and temping.

We have been trying to 2 full years this October. I have had an HSG (normal), transvaginal/transabdominal US (normal), thryoid scan (normal) and the normal blood work from my obgyn. The only thing that is showing slightly elevated is my FSH but its still within the normal limits. My obgyn doesn't seem overly worried about it but I have looked it up and not sure so I need to ask the RE. Last month I tested on CD3 at 5:30pm and the levels came back at at 7.4, she said she would have liked to see them closer to a 2-3. This has me worried.

Anyway, I am looking for you to share your story of what happened at your first RE appointment, to give me an idea of what to expect. I want to be able to go in as prepared as possible.

Thanks ladies!!!

 

[smurfy]

I can't say that I am not the least bit scared/worried going into my first RE appointment. I have started a list of questions, I have all my test results from my endo and my obgyn and I have a supportive husband who will be by my side. I guess I just don't know what to expect.

Me and DH are both 33 y/o, no previous pregnancies or children. Both fairly healthy, other than the fact that I have hyperthryoidism/graves disease - but that is control via medication and has been for 6+ months. I have normal periods, every 29-32 days, with ovulation on either CD13/CD16 each and every month - confirmed by OPK and temping.

We have been trying to 2 full years this October. I have had an HSG (normal), transvaginal/transabdominal US (normal), thryoid scan (normal) and the normal blood work from my obgyn. The only thing that is showing slightly elevated is my FSH but its still within the normal limits. My obgyn doesn't seem overly worried about it but I have looked it up and not sure so I need to ask the RE. Last month I tested on CD3 at 5:30pm and the levels came back at at 7.4, she said she would have liked to see them closer to a 2-3. This has me worried.

Anyway, I am looking for you to share your story of what happened at your first RE appointment, to give me an idea of what to expect. I want to be able to go in as prepared as possible.

Thanks ladies!!!

Hey there - so it sounds like you have had a number of basic tests would all look encourgaging and you have a regular cycle, was it your first test for FSH?

You do not mention if you husband has had a sperm test? if not you need to do that straight away. I had bloods test, scans and it appears to be his concentration is low and now we are on high dosages of vitamin c and e.

Good think is thought after our first FS appointment in late march, when we went back this week his concentration has really improved, so now only slightly under, we were told to keep up the vitamins as something is defo working, also reduced alchol etc has really helped, i was expecting them to say this week to start IVF right away, but they have said 6 more months to keep trying and i will have a scan to check all tubes are open and be put on clomid for 6 months to ensure i defo ovulated, even though all signs show i am.

We have also been trying for 2 yrs.

take care

 

[runner311]

No it wasnt my first test for FSH. It was 6.4, then 8.7 then 7.4, it jumps around a bit but still higher than what I think they would like to see?

My husband has had 2 sperm analysis, both came back good, just said its a little vicsious (sp? thick)

Like I mentioned, I do have thyroid disease but it appears to be controlled now with meds but I am wondering if that has played a big role is me not being able to get pregnant.

 

[smurfy]

No it wasnt my first test for FSH. It was 6.4, then 8.7 then 7.4, it jumps around a bit but still higher than what I think they would like to see?

My husband has had 2 sperm analysis, both came back good, just said its a little vicsious (sp? thick)

Like I mentioned, I do have thyroid disease but it appears to be controlled now with meds but I am wondering if that has played a big role is me not being able to get pregnant.

Good luck with your appointment let me know how you get on

 

[pbl_ge]

GL, Runner! The first page of my journal (in multiple posts) has the list of questions I took to the RE on my first appt. Sounds like you have a lot of the bases covered, so it will be interesting to see what the plan is. I think 90% of people get started out on clomid or femara, so expect that.

Your FSH sounds a teensy bit high, but definitely within normal limits:
https://www.advancedfertility.com/day3fsh.htm

Good luck, and let us know what they say!

 

[amy8686]

Don't be worried - you're finally getting specialized help! This is a good thing. I felt better after my first appointment than I had in a long time.

My first appointment was an hour and a half of talking to the doctor. He got to know us a bit and asked some basic information about where we were and where we wanted to go. He had previously looked at our medical records and paperwork that we'd mailed in and compiled a list of things he thought were noteworthy, so he then went through those things to address his possible concerns (actually, mostly he was noting things that I had indicated as a concern, and explaining why they weren't problems). After doing all of that and answering all of our questions, he outlined his proposed progression of treatment (Clomid/IUI, Injectables/IUI, IVF) and showed us success rates for each. It was so comforting to have a plan.

We ended by scheduling an HSG and discussing details for the first Clomid/IUI cycle. I was off and running with both things the following week.

Good luck!
Amy

 

[LoveCakes]

I think having a list of questions is important as my mind went completely blank when I went in. Also make sure you ask OH if he has any questions, because (with us) it was my health the Dr talked to me but it is our problem jointly.

My FSH is about 6/7 and both GP and 2 Fertility specialists haven't commented on it.

Good luck, when is it?