What to talk about with GP after one year of trying?

[MerryBe]

I have an appointment with my GP tomorrow (who was my CNM during my first pregnancy and c-section delivery) which is scheduled as a general check-up, but this time last year I was in her office for the go-ahead to start TTC again. It's been a long, rough year of disappointment on that front -- I've had some really wild weight swings (was trying to lose my baby weight from the first pregnancy -- managed to lose 20 lbs and gain 30 back in the past year), and my cycle has been crazy. It goes back and forth between long cycles and short cycles, from 36ish days to 29ish days, topped with this last one which is currently 46 days with lots of bfns and no sign of showing up soon.
I remember that during my first pregnancy, my GP casually mentioned that my thyroid levels were a little weird and they re-tested them and thought it was just a fluke, but I'm really wondering if I have a thyroid thing going on. I really, really want to find a plan that will work with me long-term as a lifestyle for getting my weight off and keeping it off, and I'm super worried about my crazy cycles (even though my husband thinks that that's not a problem -- I sure do! I can't even use opks reliably because I'd pretty much have to use them ALL the time).

What typically happens at the first appointment you go to when you want to talk with your GP about possible infertility issues (or secondary infertility in my case)? Is there anything I should be thinking about beforehand, questions that are typically asked? I've been waiting for this appointment for a month, and I'm SO SO SO ready and desperate to get any answers or help she can provide... I just want my body to be somewhat predictable again.

Could anybody describe for me how that first appointment went for you, or send some tips about what to be prepared for? Maybe I won't be up all night wondering and worrying

Thanks

 

[jenniferttc1]

With my first we tired for 19 months to get pregnant before I finally went to my OB/GYN. She ordered a HSG test to see in my tubes had any blockage and said that sometimes it can "dust" out the tubes and have known to help women get pregnant. After the tubes, once my period restarted I was to start clomid to see if that would help since there was no blockage. I got my prescription and waiting for my period and it never came after the HSG test.

 

[BlueWater]

Bump this thread.
I'm thinking of visiting doctors - first time regarding possible infertility.
Anyone from UK give any advice please?

 

[Lues]

I'm not from the UK, and I realize this poster's appointment is over, but in case anyone else comes by this thread.

(I'm from US, it may be totally different somewhere else)

I do not suggest getting into a big conversation with your GP (or even OBGYN) about fertility. They usually don't know as much as one would think and can lead you down a direction that may not be right for you. So my biggest suggestion is to keep the conversation with them short, and just a a referral, if you need one, for an RE (reproductive endocrinologist)

But... here are a few things to be prepared about in any initial fertility conversation (especially with an RE)

1) Have as much of an idea of your cycle as possible. Know when in your cycle you ovulate. (remember, you can have normal length cycles and still ovulate late!) Do you spot before you get your period? How many days does it last? Is it heavy for all of those days? Is it the same number of days in length every month or does it vary? etc...

2) Have clear dates of anything that has happened (eg: We started casually trying in June, temping or using OPKs so we know we've been hitting our window since October... etc)

3) Be ready for (potentially) lots of blood tests, ultrasounds, and more invasive tests. This will depend on the office. Remember these are all OPTIONAL. No one can or should push you to do anything you aren't comfortable with.

4) On the other hand, be ready for someone to shrug you off. (especially a GP or OBGYN). Find someone else. Immediately. Do NO testing with an office who doesn't support you. It's a waste of energy and the new office may want to re-do it anyway.

5) Be prepared that it's a process, and it can be slow. Many REs will want to "follow your cycle" before doing anything (this involves a few blood tests and ultrasounds over the course of a month) so they can get as clear a picture of what's going on as possible. Then they may make SMALL changes (and continue to follow you) to see if it helps. This can take months. It's not always like that, but I think it can be helpful to know beforehand that it CAN be like that. (and it has benefits that way too!)

There are offices who will send you off with a prescription after an initial appointment. But it depends on your situation and the style office etc. Neither is bad, they're just different. It can also depend on how comfortable you are with the medication they're offering.

My biggest suggestion is don't be afraid to get help. I get SO angry when I hear people chastise folks who want to get help in what THEY think is "too soon". Who are they to say? I waited years and wish i had gotten help sooner. (I mean, I'm not talking after 5 or 6 months, but you know, a reasonable amount of time, and when the person just feels something may not be right)

It's difficult and brave to take that step and any medical person who makes a woman feel otherwise is not going to be helpful in the process. Leave immediately. Go somewhere else.

Even aside from that, it can take a few tries to find an RE office who is on the same page as you (just different vibes or thought processes or mindsets of how to handle things). Do not be afraid to switch, even though it can be overwhelming. These people are on your team, it's important that you feel a part of the decisions, respected, listened to, HEARD and supported (not necessarily emotionally, but your decisions, because they are YOUR decisions, not your doctor's)

My final thought is don't let anyone tell you not to use Doctor Google. Information is on your side here. There IS a line of course. Never trust any medical information in a thread that you can't find backup for. But women who have been through it are smart, and I believe it's possible I wouldn't be pregnant myself now (three years TTC and now 6 months pregnant, yay!) if it weren't for their knowledge. But they're not doctors. Always verify it and double check it with actual medical resources. (and obviously, Googling about all the bad things that "can" happen is just silly and would cause anyone in any situation nightmares!)

Google Intelligently, but Google Often. When they "tisk-tisk" you for your degree in Google-ology, just smile and laugh... and then keep doing it anyway. ;-)

Good luck to anyone. It can be a difficult journey, but no matter what happens at that first appointment, remind yourself that it is another step in your personal journey towards becoming a Mom.