Very first appointment - advice needed

[Starbright]

Hi all

Well it's been a while since I posted as we've had a busy few months. Hope everyone on here is well xxx

My hubby and me have been ttc for about 16 months without success. Plus I've got a history of endo, only one ovary and that ovary has had cysts on it so it's functioning at about 90%

A few years ago I was seen by a fertilty doc who was looking at conserving my fertility. But at the time we didn't go ahead with things - on the consultants advice. He told us that when we decided to start ttc, try for a year and then seek help if we weren't successful.

So...
We've finally admitted that we need some help. I guess I always knew this was coming but I had been living in hope!!

We are going to make an appointment to see our GP to ask for tests/help. But I really don't know what to ask!

Can anyone give me a few tips on what to expect at the very first appointment? Will they do anything there and then like an internal exam? Or is it just a talk to start with and ordering for tests at later dates?
And what sort of tests do they do? I know they'll check to see if I'm ovulating, but how is this done?

I suppose I'm just after some moral support and stories about other people's experiences.

Any advice or stories would be most welcome

Thank you!!
SB xxxxx

 

[a_missy]

its scary isnt it? i was a mess when i had my first appointment, not knowing what to expect.

its different for everyone though because it depends what issues you have or have had. i had been seeing a gynaecolgist privately for pelvic pain and spotting so i'd already had blood tests which showed i wasnt ovulating and an ultra sound scan which showed i had some cysts on my ovaries.

when we'd been ttc for a year i saw my GP and she referred us to a FS. she told me the whole process would be quicker if i could get my other halfs sperm sample done before hand and make sure all my notes were forwarded and ready for the appointment.

we did that and on my first appointment with the FS she looked through all my notes and suggested i went for a hycosy to see if my tubes were clear (one was blocked). then on my second appointment 3 months later she suggested clomid for 3 months and thats what i'm doing at the moment.

with your history i'm not sure what your FS will want to do first but make sure all your notes are avaliable because that kind of thing could mean waiting for another appointment and it drives you insane waiting! haha maybe if you havent already done it you could get your other halfs sperm tested too which would save time. other than that i cant give you any more advice.... let us know how you get on!

 

[a_missy]

And what sort of tests do they do? I know they'll check to see if I'm ovulating, but how is this done?

SB xxxxx

i forgot to say sorry! they send you for a blood test on day 21 of your cycle (a week after you would normally ovulate) and measure the progesterone levels in your blood to see if you ovulated or not.

when i first had mine done it was 3.3 which meant i hadnt ovulated. i got mine done this month (first month on clomid) and it was 139! the nurse told me anything above 30 would suggest ovulation. i knew nothing about any of this stuff until this week btw i've learnt so much from the women on this board

 

[MissMonty]

Hello

If possible I would take DH with you, my GP fobbed me off a couple of times and it wasn't until DH came with me to the appointment that GP started to take me seriously. GP then requested a SA and it went from there, GP also offered some blood tests for me and made a referral to the fertility clinic at the local hosptial. I think that's all the GP can do really.

Wishing you lots of luck

 

[Starbright]

Thank you very much for your replies

Hubby is definitely coming with me!! I wouldn't be able to go on my own - I'd be too nervous to ask anything.

I did try the home ov kits, but never got a positive result. But, I did get the temp did and spike when I tried charting my temps. So I'm not sure if I'm even ovulating.

I really appreciate your replies - it's a huge relief to talk to other people who know what I'm going through!!

Love SB xx

 

[a_missy]

you're welcome

yes take hubby with you absolutely! and dont be afriad to ask questions, i was a little intimidated i think and when i got home the first time i wished i'd asked a few different things.

i tried ovulation sticks and got positives and apparently i wasnt even ovulating so haha god only knows with those things. you could ask your dr if she could send you for a 21 day blood test before you go, then you'll have the information all ready

 

[CHILLbilly]

Hi there...I'm a newbie as well.......well newbie to LTTTC....
I had to tell my Dr to add a progesterone test to my blood work...and i have my referal to a fertility clinic!

I also have positive ovulation tests so hopefully my 21 day bloods will confirm i ovulate.

These boards have helped me understand my body and what to look for and I know the LTTTC forums will help me along with my now assisted journey!
sorry to highjack this thread but as soon as I saw another "lost" memeber about to start her "assisted" journey I couldn't help but join in!!!!!!

Take care.........and hope to chat soon!
Tammy

 

[DillyC]

Hi ...

I am also just embarking on testing and initial consultations ...

Just had 1st appt with ACU, didn't really do much, chat about mine and OH medical history, our GP had done my bloods and a SA for my OH, sadly his count is only 1 million which explains our trying for 18m with no luck...

I should just say I am a nurse working in General practice, but also worked in the field of fertility for 4 years 1997-2001, so know a bit about tests although I am sure it has changed a bit since then!

I would def ask for SA for your partner. Then you really need FSH/LH/Oestrogen/Prolactin/SHBG/TFTs/FBC on D1-4 of your cycle and Progesterone 7 days post ovulation, this is D21 for someone with a 28 day cycle, but if your cycle is longer or shorter you can calculate this accordingly. It might also be worth asking for a pelvic scan, just to make sure all ok.

If they do refer you for assisted conception then you will have done a lot of the tests they ask for.

GPs are great but we used to find they didn't have a clue about the timing of fertility bloods tests!
I'm sure they are better than they were....Good luck x