Hi,
Myself and DH have been for our appointment with FS this morning, so I thought I'd share what happened in case anyone else is at the same stage and curious. I'm sure many of you will know about the tests, but thought I'd explain what they are in case anyone doesn't as I didn't.
Basically the FS just asked us some Qs about whether we'd had any previous pregnancies (no), how much I drank, whether I smoked (no) and about my cycles (i.e. if they are regular - yes, usually, and whether or not they were painful, which they aren't usually too bad). She also asked how long we'd been TTC and then said how many months that was, which I'd stopped counting, but she reminded us it was 16 (thanks FS).
She then told us that there are 3 stages to looking into fertility. First is the blood tests to check I'm ovulating which I've already had and which have confirmed OV. Second is SA which DH has had and which came back good. Third is to check why the sperm and eggs aren't meeting.
So, I've got to go back for a transvaginal ultrasound which will look to see if I have any abnormal cycts or lumps and any other abnormalities in the womb/ ovary area. I'm going for this next week.
The test will involve someone inserting a probe into the vagina and seeing the womb/ ovaries on a screen.
I've also got to go for a HSG (this has to be done within the first 10 days of the cycle, but after bleeding has stopped, so its a bit difficult working out when to book it).
This test is an X-ray to check that the fallopian tubes are open and to look at the shape of the uterus. They do the test by inserting a speculum into the vagina and then putting a small tube into the neck of the womb. They then inject a small amount of liquid into the womb and x-ray pictures are then taken of the womb and fallopian tubes. This shows where the liquid is going and whether it is getting stuck anywhere. The FS said she wouldn't try to pretend that this was painless, as it can be quite uncomfortable apparently.
After having both tests I have to go back and see FS for a follow up to discuss results but they can't get me in until January
growlmad
which is ridiculous. They reckon if we phone up after I've had both the tests then we'll probably get a cancellation but we've actually mentioned going private after the tests (although dont know much about that so not sure whether its practical or not). But will see how I get on with the tests, and see what they say about getting a cancellation and take it from there.
My AF arrived this morningcry but they couldn't fit me in for the xray this cycle, so I have to go next cycle. They've worked it out based on my AF arriving in 28 days, and got me in for the week after that, so I just have to hope AF doesn't come early (which I don't think it will). In fact AF was almost two days late this month, which of course got my hopes up a little, but I think in the back of my mind I just knew it was coming. Am kind of at the point now where each month I just think 'why would it happen this month when it hasn't happened before'? So am feeling pretty stressed at the moment and to be honest its getting me down.
So, on another note, I've decided that other than the scan I'm 'taking this month off'. Because I know I have my tests scheduled in I know things are moving forwards, and the fact that I have the tests to think about is enough for me to have on my mind at the moment, so I've decided I'm not going to look what cycle day I'm on and just try to relax this month. My body doesn't seem to cope with stress and worry all that much (I tend to get ill if I've got stuff on my mind) so I am going away with DH for a much needed holiday and am going to try my best to be happy and relaxed this next cycle. I'm going to take EPO and folic acid and obviously we'll still be BDing but I'm not going to come on here if I can help it and not going to read up on stuff that I've already read a thousand times.
Sorry for the immensely long post, but I thought that describing the tests might be helpful for some people. Pity the NHS can't get us back in until next year!! But hopefully after my month of relaxing then having my tests sorted, things might be progressing in the right direction.
to all. xxx
Myself and DH have been for our appointment with FS this morning, so I thought I'd share what happened in case anyone else is at the same stage and curious. I'm sure many of you will know about the tests, but thought I'd explain what they are in case anyone doesn't as I didn't.
Basically the FS just asked us some Qs about whether we'd had any previous pregnancies (no), how much I drank, whether I smoked (no) and about my cycles (i.e. if they are regular - yes, usually, and whether or not they were painful, which they aren't usually too bad). She also asked how long we'd been TTC and then said how many months that was, which I'd stopped counting, but she reminded us it was 16 (thanks FS).
She then told us that there are 3 stages to looking into fertility. First is the blood tests to check I'm ovulating which I've already had and which have confirmed OV. Second is SA which DH has had and which came back good. Third is to check why the sperm and eggs aren't meeting.
So, I've got to go back for a transvaginal ultrasound which will look to see if I have any abnormal cycts or lumps and any other abnormalities in the womb/ ovary area. I'm going for this next week.
The test will involve someone inserting a probe into the vagina and seeing the womb/ ovaries on a screen.
I've also got to go for a HSG (this has to be done within the first 10 days of the cycle, but after bleeding has stopped, so its a bit difficult working out when to book it).
This test is an X-ray to check that the fallopian tubes are open and to look at the shape of the uterus. They do the test by inserting a speculum into the vagina and then putting a small tube into the neck of the womb. They then inject a small amount of liquid into the womb and x-ray pictures are then taken of the womb and fallopian tubes. This shows where the liquid is going and whether it is getting stuck anywhere. The FS said she wouldn't try to pretend that this was painless, as it can be quite uncomfortable apparently.
After having both tests I have to go back and see FS for a follow up to discuss results but they can't get me in until January
growlmad which is ridiculous. They reckon if we phone up after I've had both the tests then we'll probably get a cancellation but we've actually mentioned going private after the tests (although dont know much about that so not sure whether its practical or not). But will see how I get on with the tests, and see what they say about getting a cancellation and take it from there. My AF arrived this morning
cry but they couldn't fit me in for the xray this cycle, so I have to go next cycle. They've worked it out based on my AF arriving in 28 days, and got me in for the week after that, so I just have to hope AF doesn't come early (which I don't think it will). In fact AF was almost two days late this month, which of course got my hopes up a little, but I think in the back of my mind I just knew it was coming. Am kind of at the point now where each month I just think 'why would it happen this month when it hasn't happened before'? So am feeling pretty stressed at the moment and to be honest its getting me down. So, on another note, I've decided that other than the scan I'm 'taking this month off'. Because I know I have my tests scheduled in I know things are moving forwards, and the fact that I have the tests to think about is enough for me to have on my mind at the moment, so I've decided I'm not going to look what cycle day I'm on and just try to relax this month. My body doesn't seem to cope with stress and worry all that much (I tend to get ill if I've got stuff on my mind) so I am going away with DH for a much needed holiday and am going to try my best to be happy and relaxed this next cycle. I'm going to take EPO and folic acid and obviously we'll still be BDing but I'm not going to come on here if I can help it and not going to read up on stuff that I've already read a thousand times.
Sorry for the immensely long post, but I thought that describing the tests might be helpful for some people. Pity the NHS can't get us back in until next year!! But hopefully after my month of relaxing then having my tests sorted, things might be progressing in the right direction.
to all. xxx
