Infertility

What can I expect with specialist?

Hi everyone, I am going to meet with a specialist for the first time,on 9/14 and I'm just wondering what to expect in regards to this whole process. I have had 3 miscarriages, so will a specialist really be able to help me?!?! I know at that meeting she is going to do speculum exam and ultrasound, but unsure of blood work. How long does it take to hear results of testing if something is wrong? Should my husband come with me to this appointment? I'm anxious, unsure, skeptical and so much more about the specialist appointment. Any answers, advice, and personal experience with fertility specialists, especially in regards to recurrent miscarriage successes, would be so helpful. Thank you!

Re: What can I expect with specialist?

  • I don't have any experience with recurrent miscarriages, but the specialist should be able to help. I would have tour husband go to your consultation as they will likely also ask him questions and ot would be good to have him there for moral support and maybe remind you of any questions you had but didn't ask. The specialist will likely run several tests and will likely have some in mind to determine possible causes of your recurrent miscarriages. He/she will definitely do blood work at certain time(s) of your cycle. Regarding results of tests, I believe this depends on your particular clinic. I usually find out my results very quickly sometimes before I even leave the office but usually about an hour or two after my appointment. I do get the impression my RE is a little faster than others, though.
    Married to DH 10/6/12
    TTC since 5/14
    Unexplained with (controlled) hypothyroidism and suspected ovulatory dysfunction (but, I do ovulate on my own)
    Clomid 50 mg 3/15 (unmonitored) - BFN
    Clomid 50 mg + metformin 4/15 (unmonitored) - BFN 
    First RE appt. 5/15; Natural cycle 5/15 monitored with 2 mature follicles and Pregnyl Trigger (full dose) + prometrium - BFN
    6/15 HSG - clear tubes & normal uterus; great PCT test results
    TI - 100 mg Clomid + prometrium (AM & PM) + vaginal estrace (AM & PM) 6-7/15 (monitored) --> no additional response and thinned lining - BFN
    TI - Injectables (follistim + Gonal-F, Ganirelix, & 1/2 dose Pregnyl) + prometrium (AM & PM) 9/15 --> 3-7 mature follicles (3 definites and 4+ that could have matured due to trigger) @ O -->BFN + 5 large cysts
    BC for 2 weeks due to cysts
    TI - Injectables (Gonal-F, Ganirelix & full dose Pregnyl) + prometrium (AM & PM) 10/15 --> 1 mature follicle --> BFN 
    TI - Last attempt at injectables (Gonal-F, Ganirelix & 1/2 dose Pregnyl) + crinone (AM only) + vaginal estrace (AM & PM) 11/15 --> 3-4 mature follicles --> BFP!! 11/27/15 @ 13dpo (shockingly, actually waited until then to test)

    Beta #1 @ 16dpo (11/30/15) = 1,075
    Beta #2 @ 19dpo (12/3/15) = 3,150
    One baby: Saw heartbeat @ 5w5d (114 bpm; baby measuring 2.3mm)

    "Great Things are Happening"
  • Yes, they will do bloodwork as well.  I assume the specialist is an RE (not a MFM).  I would think they want to test your hubby and see if there is something there causing miscarriage .  I wouldn't stress if he couldn't come to the first appointment though.  It depends on if/when you get answers depending on what the problem is (assuming there is a diagnosable problem).  They may do multiple rounds of blood work.  They may check for common stuff first and if all those are negative, they may ask for more blood for more tests.  Hope you get some answers soon. 
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  • My advice: While you will be anxious up to the appointment, you may feel better during/after as you feel you are getting the help you need. Take your DH if he can make it. Often times we become the translator filling them in on things and doctors directions after the fact. 1:) Approach it as a pair when you can. 2:) know what you want at this appointment. (Do you have an idea of when you want to start trying or a timeframe? Things that would preclude ART?) and plan extra time for follow up appointments to meet with insurance and financial support if needed to talk through your options. 3:) allow several days for BW results and prepare for follow up diagnostics (a semen analysis, HSG are likely).

    I'm really sorry to hear about your miscarriages and hope you have a positive experience with your RE! GL!
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