Want to see a RE but have some questions

Hope&Faith07

Hello All,  I am Cyn and 30 years old, married for 3 years now.  A little over two years ago I stopped taking birth control, had a positive preg test late September '09 in which I miscarried esitmated 5 weeks.  Doc said give it three months and we can start again.  So we have been trying since Jan '10 with no success.

I would like to see a RE but I have some questions that I hope you can help me with. 1) For the first appointment, does my husband come with me? 2) What can I expect in the first appoinment, is it just a consulation or does actual testing begin? I did the whole chart my temp and observe cervical mucus and I did record it but... short version I was frustrated and just threw it out.  3) Will the doctor ask for this as proof that I was really trying since Jan 2010?

Basically what can I expect for the first visit?

Thanks!

c&n06

Hi Cyn, welcome! I hope your stay is short and sweet. My DH came with me to the first appointment. He does not have to but it is helpful to have him their for support and to review history with the RE. I do not have any testing done at my first appt, I came prepared with all previous tests and my charts. It is not requirement to have your charts, I would just tell your RE what happened when you charts and if your temps confirmed ovulation.

We reviewed both mine and DH's history and after that he set a plan of action to start testing and based on test results a treatment plan.

Good luck, it is overwhelming but I felt so much better after I had a plan.

halo_tx

Hi and welcome! I'll try to answer some of your questions...

1) My DH did not come to 1st appt. It was mostly tests being ordered. He came to the 2nd appt. where we got results and planned treatment.

2) At my 1st, my dr. mostly talked about our history and ordered tests. She did do an u/s in the office that day as well.

3) I charted some cycles, but did not bring my charts. My dr. did not ask for them- I just told her my cycle length and that I never had temp shifts or a positive OPK. She just asked how long we'd been trying.

Good luck with your appt!

Aime32

Hi and Welcome.  To answer your first question, YH doesn't have to go with you.  It's just personal preference, mine couldn't go b/c of work and I actually got in 1 week later from scheduling.  At your first appt expect it to be a "get to know you" session.  Your RE will review both YH and your health hx, social hx, etc.  Mine also did a internal exam and breast exam.  We also set up the HSG, u/s appt, and blwk.  I was referred to be RE by my OB/GYN only b/c I was there for a check up from an infection I had.  You can call your OB to see if they recommend anyone in particular.  It's also a good idea to call you insurance to see what is/isn't covered.  When I called mine, they said I needed was an auth (which I got) but was never told that I was capped with my u/s and blwk.  I should have grilled my ins company.  Thankfully I have a better one now.

GL to you!

MBfromBMC

Welcome!  For my first RE appointment, my husband did come with me.  For the most part, we sat in her office and discussed the series of tests that we should have.  She explained the cycle days and when each test would need to happen.  Because I just happened to be in the right range of cycle days, the RE did my ultrasound right then and there.  My doctor definitely did not ask for proof of any kind - it was just a conversation about our cycles, our habits and how long we have been trying.

You can pretty much expect to need an ultrasound, bloodwork, an HSG (hysterosalpingogram), and a semen analysis.  All of the tests are easy and relatively painless, although the HSG was somewhat uncomfortable.  Most of the tests I was able to schedule on work days and return to work within an hour or hour and a half. 

Good luck to you!

punkymama

I wanted to say welcome! 

All of the PPs covered my experience with my 1st RE appnt so I don't have anything else to add

lckcdc3

Welcome!  I agree with all the previous posters.  I just wanted to add one thing.  Ask the RE if they can mail or fax you all the paperwork before your actual appointment. Usually there is a ton to fill out and I found it a lot easier to fill out at home since it goes into Family history. DH did come to the first appointment but honestly he really didnt need to.  If YH can't make the first appointment make sure he goes to the appointment after when they go through all the results and plan of action.  Good luck to you!

OCW2010

My H came with me, but he wasn't necessary, really. I think it's nice for you though if you want his support.  I was totally ok with him not coming!

Every initial consult is different among REs.  Mine sat with us and went through our ttc history, lifestyle, ages, medical, etc.  He looked at my charts but not too closely.  He went over what initial steps would be done, like testing.  We told him we'd rather be more aggressive with treatment given my age (33).  Therefore, just plain Clomid wasn't good enough for me, I wanted to jump right in with clomid + trigger + iui.  Based on that, he told us what tests he would order.

Then we did an ultrasound and he took a look at my ovaries and follicles.  They did draw my blood for TSH and prolactin levels at that time.

Where you are in your cycle will determine how soon you can get all your other tests done.  (Day 3 tests, HSG test is done days 7 to 11, 7dpo test...).  We scheduled H's SA right away, and our infectious disease tests too.  

All of our testing was pretty much done within 1 cycle.  So first visit to RE was September 21st, and by November, we started my Clomid _+ trigger + IUI cycle.

GL! 

Hope&Faith07

I know that it's been awhile since I have been on.  I read everyone's responses and then did my research for picking a RE.  My insurance company doesn't give me many options in my area but at least I found one.  My first appointment is this Friday, not sure if DH will come but I will leave that up to him.

Thank you for all information!