What to expect?

[mscorduroy]

Hi. This is my first post in LTTTC.

I have found these forums to be massively helpful as a resource, although I haven't contributed much to them - have been trying not to obsess too much and I find some of the relentless peeing on sticks in the TTC forum a bit terrifying!

Anyway; I was diagnosed with PCOS in my late teens. I got my diagnosis, then pretty much just got on with things, and forgot about it, except for never knowing when my period would come.

I started paying more attention to my cycle in Jan 08, as we were thinking about starting a family. I have not been on the contraceptive pill since my teens. In 2008 I had 8 periods. My cycles varied from 36 to 56 days. So far this year I have had 3 periods, with cycles varying from 53 to 81 days, although I am currently on cycle day 83...

We have been actively trying to conceive since Jan 09. During that time as well as recording my cycles, I have paid attention to my cervical fluid and at times used ovulation tests. I think I have ovulated once this year, in June.

I have an appointment later today to see my GP (I am in the UK). This is my first appointment since we started trying to get pregnant. I am quite nervous, as I really don't know what to expect. Should I expect to be sent away to have more sex for a further 3 months, so I've been trying for a year? Will we be sent for tests? Or might I walk away with a prescription for Clomid or similar?

I'd really appreciate hearing your thoughts and experiences.

Thanks.

 

[tansey]

How old are you? It's just that it can be a factor in the docs action. Also I would say it is a year already (a white lie).
If you have PCSO and irregular cycles you should get some assistance anyway!
Good luck!

 

[MillieMoo]

Hi mscorduroy. Welcome to the LTTCers! Hopefully it will be a short stay for you.

Really sorry about your long cycles and non existent ovulation. Its so hard to achieve anything when you have no idea when your going to ov or if your going to ov. I had the same thing for 2 years before i was diagnosed so its quite a good thing really that you found out in your teens. At least now you can get something done about it earlier.

As i'm not a dr i don't know what they will do but i think as you know you have PCOS and you don't have regular periods and ovulation they should help you straight away by giving you some sort of drugs. I was first given metformin which is suppoed to help balance your hormones in the effort to make you have regular cycles. It didn't work that well for me so after 3 months they gave me clomid.

Let us know how you get on. Good luck.

 

[mscorduroy]

Thanks for the replies.

In answer to your question - I'm 31yrs.

I just hope I get an understanding doctor. We only recently moved to the area, so I haven't met her before. Having said that, the surgery gave a good first impression by having evening appointments. Mine is at 1850hrs tonight.

It feels quite confusing, cos I have done loads of research online, so am aware of the options available. At the same time, I appreciate that the internet is not a doctor, and don't want to go there demanding anything specific. But I also don't want to be passive and sent away with the brush-off.

 

[Crypto1976]

I think most want to see natural attempts for a year, however you might find a gp who is sympathetic and wont.

I would also mention that some gps wont precribe clomid in primary care and insist on referring you to hospital. I have a gp with an interst in fertility so she is happy to prescribe herself.

As with everything in the nhs its a lottery! Good luck and let us know how you get on..XXX

 

[mscorduroy]

Well, the GP was nice, which was a relief.

She said that she needed to send me for day 21 bloods, but then she decided to send me for them immediately, as I am currently on cycle day 84... Also my husband is having his sperm tested.

She said she has to do the bloods before I can be referred. It was really straightforward. I feel good that we were taken seriously and not fobbed off.

Going to hospital tomorrow to get the bloods taken.

 

[Crypto1976]

Thats good news. Its always such a relief to be taken seriously. XXX

 

[brumbar]

Good luck hun! Hope your stay here is short. X