Clomid Challenge complications - advice needed! (long)

pillowass

So, I am supposed to take the Clomid Challenge this month (lucky me!). For those unfamiliar with the test, it involves having FSH measured on cd3, taking 100mg Clomid from cd 5-9, and then another FSH test on cd 10. They want to see FSH values below 10 on both days, and the cd 10 measurement should not be higher than the cd 3 measurement.

Well, today is CD 1, although I had heavy spotting yesterday. The problem is that I am leaving town at 6am on CD 10, so I won't be able to go in for blood work that day. I had a feeling this would happen, and so I spoke to the nurse earlier in the week. I asked her if I could take Clomid on days 4-8 instead, and have my blood drawn on CD 9 instead of 10. She said no, I'd have to wait until next month to do the challenge.

Because the thought of losing another month makes me want to die, I am thinking about lying to them and saying that today is CD 2. But I don't want to mess up the results of the test, particularly if going in on CD 9 would make me more likely to fail. I can't find any info online about this.

My other option would be to see if there is a 24-hour lab somewhere in town where I could go in a 4am on my way to the airport and have them send my sample over to my RE when his lab opens. I'm totally willing to do this, but not sure if a 24-hr lab exists.

Any advice would be appreciated!

Country Girl in the City

I don't have any advice but I am in the same situation as you.  I am waiting for CD-1 to start.  If it starts today then CD-11 (when they want to do my next US and BW) would be Christmas day.  I am assuming that they would do it either on day 10 or 12 instead but I don't know.  I am scheduled to be out of town from the 23rd - 26.  On the 26th I am cooking dinner for my dad's family at my parents house (30 people total).  I don't know what to do.  I will just not go home for Christmas if that is what is required.  My family understands since they want a grandchild from me more than they want a meal.  However, DH's family doesn't know that we are trying again.

For you, I really hope that your RE says that you can do the bloodwork on CD-9.

Good luck.

KZ2010

You might want to check to see if there is a Quest Diagnostics - I had to go there once for a HCG level while I was in Miami on vacation.  They're all over the country.  GL to you

mtlaurel

KZ2010:

You might want to check to see if there is a Quest Diagnostics - I had to go there once for a HCG level while I was in Miami on vacation.  They're all over the country.  GL to you

This. I'd look for a lab wherever you are traveling to, and make sure your doctor will accept results from that lab.

My CCT got delayed a month because I was running a fever, and I was SO bummed. But, I knew it would be better for everyone to have accurate information. Good luck! 

pillowass

mtlaurel:

KZ2010:

You might want to check to see if there is a Quest Diagnostics - I had to go there once for a HCG level while I was in Miami on vacation.  They're all over the country.  GL to you

This. I'd look for a lab wherever you are traveling to, and make sure your doctor will accept results from that lab.

My CCT got delayed a month because I was running a fever, and I was SO bummed. But, I knew it would be better for everyone to have accurate information. Good luck! 

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately, my RE will not accept results processed in another lab, so if I were to have my blood drawn while I was out of town  I would have to send the blood back to him. That's why I would rather go somewhere in town the morning I leave.

The other thing is that I am going to Mexico, so I really don't want to deal with navigating a different country's healthcare system.

MelleTX

I would call back and ask to speak to the doctor about the days you take the Clomid and not the nurse. Just call and ask for a callback sometime today. Don't even try to explain to her what you need.

My RE tests my FSH anytime CD1-4 and counts it as CD3 results. And I typically took my Clomid on days 3-7 not 5-9. I don't think it makes a difference as long as you test after 5 days.

And if you started spotting yesterday before 4:00 PM, my RE would call that day 1. 

Just a thought! 

annalisel

If today is CD1, I don't think a true CCT will work for you this month - there are variations between labs and you'll need clomid on CD5-9 and bloodwork on CD10 to meet the medical criteria for a true CCT. That said, CD1 can be quite subjective and plenty of people would say today is CD2.

happywifemomofone

Is your Re, and/or your OB/GYN, affiliated with any local hospitals.  If so, would ask them to put the orders in the hospital network system.   Many labs in convenient care centers and/or hospitals are open 24 hours a day-so you could go early before leaving town.  Would think that if this is possible it might be your best option.  Because an in network lab, would have results available on the REs computer.