appointment with nurse practitioner

redsoxbono

Hi ladies-

Just wondering if you had this experience.  My doctor told me to TTC for a little while and if it didn't work after a couple of months to call her.  (I have DES exposure and I'm almost 40).

I called hoping to make an appointment with an RE, but instead they set up an appointment with a nurse practitioner in their office. 

Is that what happened with you?  I asked if she would do some tests and the receptionist said that she would (didn't get specific).

 I'm sure this is normal, I'm just anxious!

 Thanks!

MAH123

My first visit was a face to face with the RE, so we could meet, discuss the type of testing he would recommend and make sure we were all on the same page. The next visit was with the lab for testing. Maybe your re likes to get some baseline testing done before he meets with you?

panda246

I've seen a nurse practitioner in my Ob's office.  She was quite knowledgable.

Now please educate me...what is DES?

redsoxbono

Ah, DES. 

It is a drug that doctors used to give pregnant women to prevent miscarriage.  It caused damage the unborn fetus' reproductive organs.  They took it off the market in 1969.  I was born in 1970, so I am the last of that generation.

 For me, it caused me to have a shortened cervix.  My cervix is super short, so it will be hard for me to carry a child to term (if I can get pregnant).  It also puts me at a higher risk for cervical cancer.  I have to go in every year and have my cervix dilated so they take a sample of cells.  (They have to knock me out, it is not fun)

 There is also the chance that my cervix would make it harder for the sperm to get through.  It is not totally closed, but that is something they will have to check.

It is something I have known about since I was 14.

 Sorry if this is long, tried to give you the short version!

panda246

Aahhh...I see.  Thanks for the info.

Sorry that you have to deal with all that.

CharBart

hhhmmm...maybe they have you see the nurse first to get background and run tests so that when you do meet with the RE he knows what he is dealing with???

Good luck! I know what you mean about being anxious!!

Jilliesmomma

I always saw my RE.  BUT, I have been to lots and lots of doctors and a few specialists.  The specialists tend to have me see the PA for followups because they are always busy.  Sometimes, I've been shuffled off to other docs in the practice and I have never liked that because, 1) they are not specialists and 2) I hate having to repeat myself over and over again about what I have and how I've been treated. 

If I were you, I would just tell them that you'd feel more comfortable in seeing the RE or maybe, if you can, find another one who is more proactive.  

Jilliesmomma

Also, I'm sorry about your condition.  I guess it's a bittersweet thing.  In one hand you may not have been born without the drug and on the other hand, it's causing you grief in the ttc area. 

Kristiep1971

My RE had told us this back in Nov at our first visit. Basically if after all the RPL test they didn't find anything to be concerned about that she would have us try for a few additional months on our own and if I don't get KU to come back and discuss what next step we should take. Her recommendation is to go straight to IVF due to my age and the fact we will be paying OOP for all treatments. We had our f/u appt last week and she said exactly the same thing. Try Jan & Feb is I don't get KU come in to discuss IVF in March.