First RE appt.

cutemary007

I've been on the TTC board for a while but thought you ladies would possibly know best.

We have our first appointment with a reproductive endocrinologist on Monday. I'm  anxious but looking forward to it. Just want some answers and hope to get there.

What should I expect from the first appt? Should I bring my all my FF Charts?

JBDamonM

Hey There -

Yes, I think you've come to the right place!

Have you had any baseline testing yet to identify an issue? (Cd3, CD 23 b/w, S/A, HSG)??

My first appointment was a lot of talking about our medical histories (particularly mine more than dh's). Then they did an internal ultra sound on me....

Then we sat down with the dr to discuss next steps.

Our problem is DH's swimmers - so next steps were for me to finish my bloodwork and DH to do a repeat analysis. We also did our infectious disease bloodwork that day - but I know not all clinics do it right out of the gate.

I was a nervous wreck before our first appointment but left feeling SO encouraged...

Good luck!

amd1982

Going to an RE for the first time can be very overwhelming. I did not bring any type of FF or charting that I'd done. The RE's I've been to see have never asked for charting, etc. He/she will go over all of your family history, if your AF is regular, etc etc. I never had a temperature spike so I knew I wasn't ovulating, but we had to go through all of the initial testing before we could go on to a Clomid cycle.

Usually tests include: day 3 b/w, ultrasound. Mid-cycle ultrasound and bloodwork. Genetic panels on both you and DH. A SA for your husband so they can check volume, motility and morphology. Possible day 21 progesterone test to confirm ovulation. Based on that testing your RE should come up with a plan for you. Good luck! Just remember it's definitely going to take time....I know it sucks reminding yourself to be patient, but you'll get there soon! GL....

honeygirl500

Ours was maybe not typical being we are in Canada, and the dr was so-so.  It was really easy though.  I brought all my charts and they didn't look at them.  I think it depends on the dr, I have heard of some drs wanting to see them.  We just filled out paperwork, and went over my medical history.  There was no exam.  I had to wait for a specific day in my cycle to start testing.  If you already have a lot of the testing done, you might be able to start on a tx plan right away.  I would bring your charts, it doesn't hurt to have them.  Good luck!

jakraft837

i just had my first appointment a few weeks ago and asked this same questions.  Here is what my experience was...

~Discussed both DH and my medical history, mostly mine.
~I did bring my charts, figured if they weren't needed I would just throw them out.  My RE appreciated that i brought them, reviewed them and added them to my chart.  He said it supported his theory that my hormone levels are messed up based on other symptoms we discussed.  He did tell me there was no reason for me to continue to temp, just track what day of my cycle im on.
~He gave me a "to do" list of tests/documents I needed to do with his office and elsewhere. (i.e. CD3 bw/us, HSG, needed to get pap done/he ordered a mammogram and asked for medical clearance letter from my primary care doctor due to being on medication for high blood pressure).  I was able to do three other tests we wanted done that same day (blood draw to test Prolactin level, took sample of breast discharge i experience and took cervical pap)
~Disucssed tentative game plan and explained this could all change if results show something different than what he suspects to be the problem.  This cycle we are getting testing done and hope to start IUI next cycle.

Bring paper and pen to take notes! I was happy dr literally wrote out a To Do list and a game plan list but incase yours does not, write everythign down. 

Expect to walk out feeling overwhelmed.  This was the best advice i was given.

Make sure to ask who should contact if you have questions along the process and how to reach that person.  Ask how long it takes to typically get a response to so you know ahead of time.

Lastly, make sure the receptionists are nice.  You will be dealing with these people A LOT!

Good Luck!

cutemary007

jakraft837:

i just had my first appointment a few weeks ago and asked this same questions.  Here is what my experience was...

~Discussed both DH and my medical history, mostly mine.
~I did bring my charts, figured if they weren't needed I would just throw them out.  My RE appreciated that i brought them, reviewed them and added them to my chart.  He said it supported his theory that my hormone levels are messed up based on other symptoms we discussed.  He did tell me there was no reason for me to continue to temp, just track what day of my cycle im on.
~He gave me a "to do" list of tests/documents I needed to do with his office and elsewhere. (i.e. CD3 bw/us, HSG, needed to get pap done/he ordered a mammogram and asked for medical clearance letter from my primary care doctor due to being on medication for high blood pressure).  I was able to do three other tests we wanted done that same day (blood draw to test Prolactin level, took sample of breast discharge i experience and took cervical pap)
~Disucssed tentative game plan and explained this could all change if results show something different than what he suspects to be the problem.  This cycle we are getting testing done and hope to start IUI next cycle.

Bring paper and pen to take notes! I was happy dr literally wrote out a To Do list and a game plan list but incase yours does not, write everythign down. 

Expect to walk out feeling overwhelmed.  This was the best advice i was given.

Make sure to ask who should contact if you have questions along the process and how to reach that person.  Ask how long it takes to typically get a response to so you know ahead of time.

Lastly, make sure the receptionists are nice.  You will be dealing with these people A LOT!

Good Luck!

 

SO HELPFUL!!! Thank you ladies. I feel a little more prepared

alb245

So glad you posted this! Our first RE appt is tomorrow. GL on Monday!