First appointment with an RS (rambling)

ankhwearer04

After reading all the comments on my last post (thank you!), I made sure I was clear with my new RS about my expectations for monitoring. So, DH and I had our first visit to the RS today.  I didn't particularly care for her attitude toward me, but that could be a whole different thread of me complaining, which I won't bore you all with.  But I DO really like all of the options and monitoring I will be getting over the next month to see what is really going on.  First, she said that I def. have PCOS, which I thought before, but hadn't had any sort of exact diagnosis.  She told me to keep up with my exercise routines, but not to overdo anything, which is contrary to some of the posts I have read on here?!  She wants me to do another month of Clomid...  yay for more acne!  I am now scheduled to go in on day 3 for bloodwork to check all the hormone levels and to get a Prolactin (? anyone?) blood test as well. Between day 5 and 10, I have to get a Sonohysterogram.  I am pretty nervous about that part, she said they will inject saline up into my uterus?!  Has anyone had this and want to share how it was?  Then I have to do an OPK at home starting on day 11 and whenever I get a + I have to go in that day to get more bloodwork and an ultrasound. So now I will at least know if my tubes are blocked or if my eggs are just not getting matured or what.  *rant* It is so frustrating since DH keeps reminding me that his sperm is... SUPER.  Thanks, I know.  I am glad to be getting to this stage of treatment, but felt very judged by the RS when she asked why we didn't just keep trying on our own until it had been a year.  I know we jumped the gun and got clomid earlier than normal, but when my cycle was so off and my period was never coming, I got fed up.  *end rant*

Thanks for listening ladies. I am not the most vocal on here, because I feel weird typing, and don't know why anyone would want to read!  But it's nice to read all your posts and have someone out there to *talk* to!!

Lillovebug79

CaterinaC said:

I glad that you are getting some answers. Prolactin is the hormone that stimulates breast milk. Elevated levels can impact fertility - like when you are breast feeding. It doesn't sound like you will find out if your tubes are blocked. An HSG checks you tubes and involves having iodine injected into your uterus while getting an x-Ray at the same time. An SHG is an ultrasound with saline injected in your uterus. It is better at locating uterine fibroids but you won't be able to see the saline run through your tubes. If an SHG is anything like an HSG it shouldn't be too painful.

All of this. I had both an HSG and an SHG and they are different. An SHG only checks your uterus, not your tubes. I would definitely recommend having the HSG done to check your tubes. All the Clomid in the world won't help if your tubes are blocked. Both tests were painful for me but the HSG was the worst. I'm glad that you will have monitoring this cycle, it's so important not only to check for mature follicles but also to measure your uterine lining as clomid sometimes thins it. Good luck with your testing and SHG!

BunnyBerry

Glad you are feeling good about getting some answers!! Sorry about the PCOS diagnosis, but  I guess it's good that your doctor is more clear with that you're dealing with.

The prolactin levels - they can be a little high related to PCOS, and they can be quite high if you have pituitary problems (waiting to find out my exact results on high prolactin Monday, so I have been looking into it!).

And everything I've read says that if you chart and notice anovulation (or extra long cycles, or short luteal phases) for 3-6 months then you should definitely go ahead and help. What's the point of "trying" to conceive if you couldn't possibly anyways?? Your RE is weird to bother you about that.

Well, looking at it on the bright side - congrats on having "super" sperm to help in this fertility journey, LOL! Do you think he'd ease up on the bragging if you pointed out that it was a little insensitive?

Haha, sometimes I wonder why we want to read all this about each other! But it really is like getting to know friends, and you start to really care about each woman's journey, especially because you have some idea about what it's like for them. I'm glad you're here!

MissEm15

I just wanted to say I'm sorry you're feeling some stress right now.. but you are on a great path it sounds like. My RE doesn't explain things as much as I would like, but I trust him so it's worth it.  I agree w/ the PP that you should get the HSG. Just bc you get a + opk doesn't mean you are actually ovulating. I've never had the SHG, only the HSG. It was painful for me, but I am big baby.

Don't worry about your DH, boys can be insensitive but its not intentional. Just don't let him continue if it really does hurt your feelings. This process is tough, you need all the support you can get.

ankhwearer04

Thanks ladies.  I will ask about the other test.  I know she offers both, but maybe she just wanted to start with one and see what happens?!  I don't know, but I will ask.  I have to go in friday for bloodwork anyways.  Thanks for the support!

tifga

I had a sono to check my tubes, it hurt, I was crampy for about 24 hrs but it wasn't so bad. 

rella22

The sono is pretty simple...and I'm surprised you haven't had an HSG yet? For the sono..they'll insert a cath and inject a saline. It's a little crampy but very tolerable and nothing to be worried about! I was so exhausted after mine because I had myself so worked up over what it was going to be!
Your plan sounds great and right on with everyone else. Good luck!