Advice needed - are all these u/s necessary?

Cleo421

Hi Ladies,

I have been on Clomid for about 6 months now. Every month, when I get my period, my doc wants me to come in and do an u/s before day 5 "just to make sure" everything looks okay before he gives me more Clomid. Then, at d14, he has me do another u/s to ensure there's an acceptable number of eggs (and we're not dealing with multiples). This is two internal u/s per month at $50 a pop. Not to sound cynical, but is this typical? I'm confused b/c they initially told me the d14 u/s's were to help us know what dose of Clomid I needed. Well, it's been 6 months and it's always the same. My doc says he's "very conservative." He was out last month and his partner wrote me a Rx for 3 months of Clomid. I just got my period last night and am dreading calling the office to take more time off work and go in for another u/s. Tempted to just take the Clomid.

 Thoughts?? I really appreciate it!

deelopi9

To answer your question - YES all of these monitoring appointments are needed. They are needed to make sure you do not develop cysts the size of a softball or large enough to rupture your ovaries and to make sure you do not diminish your uterine lining. Now let me ask you a question - have you had a HSG completed and SA for your DH. Without checking for blocked tubes or sperm analysis you are wasting your lifetime max cycles on Clomid.

jfb29

deelopi9:

To answer your question - YES all of these monitoring appointments are needed. They are needed to make sure you do not develop cysts the size of a softball or large enough to rupture your ovaries and to make sure you do not diminish your uterine lining. Now let me ask you a question - have you had a HSG completed and SA for your DH. Without checking for blocked tubes or sperm analysis you are wasting your lifetime max cycles on Clomid.

All of this - are your monitoring appts only $50?  Mine are like triple that...

MrsSmith414

Are you kidding me? Have you not done ANY frigging research on the medication you are taking?

READ THIS

https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/70677210.aspx

Unknown

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Cara1024

Mrs. Smith you beat me to it. I was just about to post the same link.

Yes OP they are completely necessary!

twistsandturnsto2

::sigh::

Ok, so I am just guessing here but you are still under the care of your OB/GYN, right?

Clomid is supposed to have a LIFETIME max of 6 cycles, ever. OB's are notorious for handing it out like candy without doing the proper testing first, but kudos for him monitoring you. And yes, you need all those ultrasounds. And count yourself lucky- mine are a whopping $225 a pop.

 Secondly, if you have not had a HSG test to see if your tubes are clear, bloodwork to check all your hormone levels throughout your cycle, and your DH have a SA to see if he might have an issues, you are wasting time and money for nothing. 

I do wish you all the best, but for starters read the newbie link at the top of the forum page and educate yourself before you pop any more Clomid. Besides, if it hasn't worked in 6 months, what makes you think it will ever work?? 

Cleo421

This is so, so helpful, ladies, thank you. (And Mrs. Smith, no need to be douchey! Just because we're on the interwebs and anoymous and I obviously am so ill informed that I'm desparately reaching out to strangers doesn't mean you have to be nasty!) And apologizes for not knowing my way around these boards - I used to get so annoyed when I was a hardcore knottie and newbies would do this stuff and now here I am ...

Totally did not know this: "Clomid is supposed to have a LIFETIME max of 6 cycles, ever. OB's are notorious for handing it out like candy without doing the proper testing first" - Well, mine never did a baseline u/s to see if I was producing eggs at all w/out the clomid, just started me on 50 mg after I told him we'd been trying for a couple of months. I produced five eggs, so he cut me back to 25mg. One egg on 25mg for the past 4 months.

 He has not recommended SA for DH yet, and I have not had my tubes tested yet to see if there's a blockage. I brought this up to him the past two months and he kindly smiles, says I'm worrying about nothing, and I *will* get pregnant. He is such a renouned OBGYN and is the guy in town that "everyone" uses to get pg that I never thought of questioning him. As a well-educated healthcare professional, I'm slightly ashamed of myself, and I appreciate being set straight.

 Okay, will call clinic, schedule u/s for tomorrow, and say that this is last month of clomid before other testing gets done. And I'm now very appreciative that my insurance is so comparatively good - will not being bitching about cost again! (Two words: government job).

Thanks again, and happy holidays!

Cleo421

No, no, we'd been trying for close to a year. Just started seeing this OBGYN over the summer (maybe 11 months after we'd starting trying) and he recommended starting clomid. My point was that he Rx'ed it before doing baseline u/s to see how many eggs I was producing on my own.

twistsandturnsto2

katyj25:

Cleo421:

This is so, so helpful, ladies, thank you. (And Mrs. Smith, no need to be douchey! Just because we're on the interwebs and anoymous and I obviously am so ill informed that I'm desparately reaching out to strangers doesn't mean you have to be nasty!) And apologizes for not knowing my way around these boards - I used to get so annoyed when I was a hardcore knottie and newbies would do this stuff and now here I am ...

Totally did not know this: "Clomid is supposed to have a LIFETIME max of 6 cycles, ever. OB's are notorious for handing it out like candy without doing the proper testing first" - Well, mine never did a baseline u/s to see if I was producing eggs at all w/out the clomid, just started me on 50 mg after I told him we'd been trying for a couple of months. I produced five eggs, so he cut me back to 25mg. One egg on 25mg for the past 4 months.

 He has not recommended SA for DH yet, and I have not had my tubes tested yet to see if there's a blockage. I brought this up to him the past two months and he kindly smiles, says I'm worrying about nothing, and I *will* get pregnant. He is such a renouned OBGYN and is the guy in town that "everyone" uses to get pg that I never thought of questioning him. As a well-educated healthcare professional, I'm slightly ashamed of myself, and I appreciate being set straight.

 Okay, will call clinic, schedule u/s for tomorrow, and say that this is last month of clomid before other testing gets done. And I'm now very appreciative that my insurance is so comparatively good - will not being bitching about cost again! (Two words: government job).

Thanks again, and happy holidays!

So you tried for 2 months, got impatient and went on Clomid for 6 months? It can take a healthy couple up to a year to get pregnant (6 months if over 35). You need to step away from the meds all together. No testing is needed yet. Go check out the TTGP board, sign up for Fertility Friend (you can click on my ticker) and learn how to chart to see if and when you are ovulating. IF you hit the year mark, then make an appointment with an RE. Impatience is not a fertility issue.

This, and WOW! Way to early to be taking meds!! OP back away from the Clomid and realize that getting pregnant can take some time!!! Temp, chart your cycles, educate yourself. No need to jump to medical intervention yet. Just WOW!

ETA: Still too early to be taking meds. You don't even know what's wrong yet! Find a RE and get those tests done before any more meds!

asilwhite

CLECyclist:

Cleo421:

 Mrs. Smith, no need to be douchey!

^ ^ ^ That's completely uncalled for. You're trying to stir a pot that doesn't exist.

Not only was your call out of Mrs. Smith out of line, we're trying to provide advice here and we get these posts all the time about people taking Clomid like candy and not doing any research what-so-ever, hence our annoyance that you didn't read the newbie link or lurk before posting.

You should NEVER just take a medication without doing some sort of due diligence - you're your biggest advocate. Also, there are huge side effects and complications to Clomid if you're not monitored properly, like being John and Kate +8 or losing an ovary due to a large cyst, etc. And like all the PPs have stated you HAVE TO HAVE proper testing prior to taking Clomid - take it with a RE NOT a OBGYN.

Impatience is NOT a fertility issue, like these wise women before me have said. Run from your OB, start charting your cycles and if after a year you still aren't PG - go see a RE.   

Cleo421

CLECyclist, yeah, in my world, saying "Are you kidding me? Have you not done ANY frigging research on the medication you are taking? " is a just lil douchey. I'm sure she's a nice person, but that wasn't a necessary response.

I just I'm just a little sensitive about how snarky people can be on these boards - I saw it all the time on the Knot, and I just don't get it. Anonymity, I guess. Women should be empowering and supporting each other, not trying to belittle each other. It's like people are waiting to jump all over someone (e.g., accusing me of being "diagnosed with impatience"?? Huh?) Of course, I turned around and called her douchey so that's just making it worse. I'm done w/ fighting with strangers on the internet, but I sincerely appreciate all of the helpful information.

asilwhite

Cleo421:

CLECyclist, yeah, in my world, saying "Are you kidding me? Have you not done ANY frigging research on the medication you are taking? " is a just lil douchey. I'm sure she's a nice person, but that wasn't a necessary response.

I just I'm just a little sensitive about how snarky people can be on these boards - I saw it all the time on the Knot, and I just don't get it. Anonymity, I guess. Women should be empowering and supporting each other, not trying to belittle each other. It's like people are waiting to jump all over someone (e.g., accusing me of being "diagnosed with impatience"?? Huh?) Of course, I turned around and called her douchey so that's just making it worse. I'm done w/ fighting with strangers on the internet, but I sincerely appreciate all of the helpful information.

Ok, we're honestly trying to help you and tell you that you shouldn't be taking this medication from an OBGYN without having proper testing done (HSG, S/A among a few), proper monitoring and notifying you of the lifetime max and risks associated. If you lurked on this board you would see that we empower and support each other EVERY day. We're not going to be all rainbows and butterflies when someone is risking their reproductive system because they're impatient to get pregnant.

Also - you're the one doing the name calling... 

Cleo421

Just went back and read all of the latest posts - lol, where are people getting that I was only trying for two months and am being impatient? After 1 year of trying is the norm, I thought!

conradtn

So DH hasn't had a SA yet? I'd really look into seeing if that could be done.  When I told my OB after a year of trying that we had no success, she looked at my year worth of charts and had me do bloodwork while DH had to do a SA.  That is when we learned we were dealing with MFI.

I'd hate for you to be going through all this time/$$/Clomid to find out it could possibly be your DH. 

I was under the care of my RE for a couple months before I got a script for clomid. And before that I had done a lot of bloodwork, HSG, Endometrial Biopsy, u/s....

 

But to answer your question - yes those u/s are necessary

conradtn

Cleo421:

Totally did not know this: "Clomid is supposed to have a LIFETIME max of 6 cycles, ever. OB's are notorious for handing it out like candy without doing the proper testing first" - Well, mine never did a baseline u/s to see if I was producing eggs at all w/out the clomid, just started me on 50 mg after I told him we'd been trying for a couple of months. I produced five eggs, so he cut me back to 25mg. One egg on 25mg for the past 4 months.

here

Cleo421

Ohhhhh, yeah, no I was using that too colloquially, sorry. I see where the confusion is now. Ouch, yeah, no way. We started trying about Thanksgiving of 2011 and I had my first appt. with him in August.

And your post hits the nail on the head about why I thought something was fishy:

So DH hasn't had a SA yet? No, OBGYN has said twice don't get concerned about that, but I am having DH call now and request testing. looked at my year worth of charts and had me do bloodwork while DH had to do a SA.  That is when we learned we were dealing with MFI. - No, nothing like that for me. Just the Clomid Rx.

I'd hate for you to be going through all this time/$$/Clomid to find out it could possibly be your DH.  - Me too! Or a blocked tube...

I was under the care of my RE for a couple months before I got a script for clomid. And before that I had done a lot of bloodwork, HSG, Endometrial Biopsy, u/s.... I have had a progesterone test, which was "excellent," but nothing else. I'm also doing weekly acupuncture (insurance obviously doesn't cover) and taking these Chinese medicinal herbs - crazy, I know, but I know women who swear it helps.

But to answer your question - yes those u/s are necessary Dammit. Calling now.

Cleo421

"When someone pops on here telling us they've received the Clomid Pez dispenser from their OB, up go the red flags." - Girl, my flags and your flags both. I thought something wasn't right but was blindly trusting. My suspicions were misplaced (as I thought they were trying to make $$ off of me), and I regret not coming on here sooner. I guess popping pills and listening blindly to my doc makes it seem like it's all just business as usual and things are fine, but coming on here and digging around for research/answers is like admitting that something is likely amiss.  

Cleo421

About 10 months, Thanksgiving of 2011. I was speaking (typing?) casually, like "a little while." I also didn't go to this doc requesting help; I was just transferring docs and in the intake it came out that we'd been officially "trying" for awhile (and just not being careful before that). The doc recommended it and it sounded like a smashing idea at the time.

Cleo421

Thanks, Katy. I'm so sorry to hear about your cysts. You'll be in my thoughts and I hope all works out for you. Take good care.

Mochadoodle

These girls have given you some important advice. Welcome and GL!

sundowner85

CLECyclist:

^ ^ ^ That's completely uncalled for. You're trying to stir a pot that doesn't exist.

Edit: And you're doing Clomid because you were diagnosed with impatience? Yeah, no. TTGP might be a better fit for you.

I think that might actually be a medical diagnosis now  or maybe it should be. 

sundowner85

Cleo421:

About 10 months, Thanksgiving of 2011. I was speaking (typing?) casually, like "a little while." I also didn't go to this doc requesting help; I was just transferring docs and in the intake it came out that we'd been officially "trying" for awhile (and just not being careful before that). The doc recommended it and it sounded like a smashing idea at the time.

You're going to have to spell it out and stick to the same wording/same story from here on out. We are not mind readers.

Also, I think Mrs. Smith was NOT being douchey. She's just exasperated. (If you haven't said "I'm sorry" yet to her I think you might want to consider that, otherwise you probably p!ssed off enough people here to not get alot of support.) We're all exhausted from seeing the same story over and over and over. With how risky Clomid is, it really is passed out like candy and we see people like you here all the time. It's a shame, but I guess it sounds like you're figuring out that you were doing the wrong thing so I suppose I wish you the best from here on out.

That sucks you've pretty much used up all the Clomid that you're allowed in a lifetime. I hope you can get an RE and find something else that helps if you've truly been trying for a year. Do you temp/chart your cycles? I didn't see if you said that yet. 

Aurora1181

Good luck to you. I would love to have $50 ultrasounds! Mine are $250 each!

MrsSmith414

CLECyclist:

Cleo421:

 Mrs. Smith, no need to be douchey!

^ ^ ^ That's completely uncalled for. You're trying to stir a pot that doesn't exist.

My OB wanted me to do "3 or 4" Clomid cycles unmonitored, no HSG/SA before I even saw an RE or had monitoring. Turns out, the one and only tube was blocked. I still did one round of Clomid before I knew that, and then was informed about how bad that was to do (and didn't feel compelled to tell anyone who called me out a douche).

Edit: And you're doing Clomid because you were diagnosed with impatience? Yeah, no. TTGP might be a better fit for you.

Thanks CLE

MrsSmith414

Cleo421:

This is so, so helpful, ladies, thank you. (And Mrs. Smith, no need to be douchey! Just because we're on the interwebs and anoymous and I obviously am so ill informed that I'm desparately reaching out to strangers doesn't mean you have to be nasty!) And apologizes for not knowing my way around these boards - I used to get so annoyed when I was a hardcore knottie and newbies would do this stuff and now here I am ... Thank you so much for the kind words. By no means was I being "douchy" but rather being blunt which aparently needed to happen because your taking a serious medication without reading the risks or anything about it... expecially when it comes in tune with your reproductive organs.. Seriously .. and I am not even being snarky about that comment. IF is a serious thing and you HAVE to stand up for yourself and your body through this whole process. Not to mention you clearly state you were a oldie a while back, you should know the correct way to join a board. All of these ladies here are like a family, we stick up for each other.

Totally did not know this: "Clomid is supposed to have a LIFETIME max of 6 cycles, ever. OB's are notorious for handing it out like candy without doing the proper testing first" - Well, mine never did a baseline u/s to see if I was producing eggs at all w/out the clomid, just started me on 50 mg after I told him we'd been trying for a couple of months. I produced five eggs, so he cut me back to 25mg. One egg on 25mg for the past 4 months. Please STOP taking the clomid. This drug has serious affects when you have not had some testing and can even cause cancer.

 He has not recommended SA for DH yet, and I have not had my tubes tested yet to see if there's a blockage. I brought this up to him the past two months and he kindly smiles, says I'm worrying about nothing, and I *will* get pregnant. He is such a renouned OBGYN and is the guy in town that "everyone" uses to get pg that I never thought of questioning him. As a well-educated healthcare professional, I'm slightly ashamed of myself, and I appreciate being set straight. I highly suggest going to an RE, call your insurance and get a ref or whatever you need. Get the correct testing done HSG, SA, BW/US and then move on to the treatments that best suit you. Do not do anymore with the OB

 Okay, will call clinic, schedule u/s for tomorrow, and say that this is last month of clomid before other testing gets done. And I'm now very appreciative that my insurance is so comparatively good - will not being bitching about cost again! (Two words: government job).

Thanks again, and happy holidays!

You really should read the newbie link, apologize for the nasty word you called me and try and start over. Chart your temps, get an apt with an RE, update your siggy to include some information about yourself (see mine for an example) and after lurking for a bit try introducing yourself again. The ladies were correct, impatience is not an infertility issue. Good luck

YouMe&Bax

Just my 2 cents - I'm not at an RE - and probably one of the only ladies who isn't.  There are reasons behind it - but - if I'm not pregnant by spring/summer I will be making the change (time frees up at work).  Anyway - if you choose to stay with your OB (if there is an RE in your area I would suggest not doing this) then make sure you educate yourself A LOT about what your body needs i.e. monitoring, u/s, bloodwork, HSG etc.  They ALL need to be done and all have importance.  If you do not feel as though you have time to educate and advocate (be ready to get up and walk out if they will not do what you advocate for - I've had to have that mindset a few times with my OB - but I will not put my body in danger by not getting monitored or by not having an HSG done before starting Clomid) for yourself with an OB, then please wait until you see an RE.   

 MrsSmith - if I ever say something that requires you to be blunt - please don't hold back - I won't call you names - I need all the help I can get!! 

Also - sorry for the caps - my "bold" doesn't work on thebump for some reason... 

MrsSmith414

YouMe&Bax:

Just my 2 cents - I'm not at an RE - and probably one of the only ladies who isn't.  There are reasons behind it - but - if I'm not pregnant by spring/summer I will be making the change (time frees up at work).  Anyway - if you choose to stay with your OB (if there is an RE in your area I would suggest not doing this) then make sure you educate yourself A LOT about what your body needs i.e. monitoring, u/s, bloodwork, HSG etc.  They ALL need to be done and all have importance.  If you do not feel as though you have time to educate and advocate (be ready to get up and walk out if they will not do what you advocate for - I've had to have that mindset a few times with my OB - but I will not put my body in danger by not getting monitored or by not having an HSG done before starting Clomid) for yourself with an OB, then please wait until you see an RE.   

 MrsSmith - if I ever say something that requires you to be blunt - please don't hold back - I won't call you names - I need all the help I can get!! 

Also - sorry for the caps - my "bold" doesn't work on thebump for some reason... 

I would never darlin!! I will always have your back!

How do you think I learned??

Cleo421

Okay, okay - I apologize I still contend that you could've put that more nicely and that being straight up and polite aren't mutually exclusive, but I'm on your turf and didn't read anything or lurk before posting, so I suppose it's fair game. 

Because of this thread hubs has appt next week for SA and I have an appt. tmr with OBGYN to ask what the heck is going on and why was I put on clomid before testing if I only have a finite number of cycles on it. Someone posted awhile up "If it hasn't worked it six months, what makes you think it's going to work?" AMEN. I said the same thing to my doc last month when I asked for the 2nd time about the need for testing. He reassured me "It's not a perfect science and it takes time", that I'm only 31 and healthy, and that the chances of anything wrong are very slim. 

Grrrr.

Thank you all again. Best of luck on your journeys, and happy holidays to you and yours.  

YouMe&Bax

Cleo421:

Okay, okay - I apologize I still contend that you could've put that more nicely and that being straight up and polite aren't mutually exclusive, but I'm on your turf and didn't read anything or lurk before posting, so I suppose it's fair game. 

Because of this thread hubs has appt next week for SA and I have an appt. tmr with OBGYN to ask what the heck is going on and why was I put on clomid before testing if I only have a finite number of cycles on it. Someone posted awhile up "If it hasn't worked it six months, what makes you think it's going to work?" AMEN. I said the same thing to my doc last month when I asked for the 2nd time about the need for testing. He reassured me "It's not a perfect science and it takes time", that I'm only 31 and healthy, and that the chances of anything wrong are very slim. 

Grrrr.

Thank you all again. Best of luck on your journeys, and happy holidays to you and yours.  

 

Awesome to hear you have the S/A scheduled!!!!! Keep positive! I was a total wreck before DHs - I was so, so worried...it turned out okay, but it was hard to keep my head straight. 

htn1763

Good luck with the SA. I am so glad I went right to an RE and had two SAs done just to make sure the results were repeated...and we do have MFI. I am really glad I didn't waste my time with treatments before we had our dx.  GL! 

MrsSmith414

Cleo421:

Okay, okay - I apologize I still contend that you could've put that more nicely and that being straight up and polite aren't mutually exclusive, but I'm on your turf and didn't read anything or lurk before posting, so I suppose it's fair game. 

Because of this thread hubs has appt next week for SA and I have an appt. tmr with OBGYN to ask what the heck is going on and why was I put on clomid before testing if I only have a finite number of cycles on it. Someone posted awhile up "If it hasn't worked it six months, what makes you think it's going to work?" AMEN. I said the same thing to my doc last month when I asked for the 2nd time about the need for testing. He reassured me "It's not a perfect science and it takes time", that I'm only 31 and healthy, and that the chances of anything wrong are very slim. 

Grrrr.

Thank you all again. Best of luck on your journeys, and happy holidays to you and yours.  

Thank you for your apology. Please understand that I was not being a b*tch I was trying to make you understand how important this stuff is! You can't just pop pills like candy you have to know what they are about. It really is a serious drug your on. There is a max lifetime of 6 cycles where you should be taking Clomid. If you reached this please do not let your OB talk you into more.

Kudos to you for demanding the testing you deserve. Some docs are just idiots if you could actually believe that.  

Seriously, you should update your siggy with some info and join us. There really is a lot of valuable information on this group and you can learn a lot. Make sure you visit www.fertilityfriend.com also 

Good luck with your testing and have a wonderful holiday. 

brookelynpaisley

Cleo421:

This is so, so helpful, ladies, thank you. (And Mrs. Smith, no need to be douchey! Just because we're on the interwebs and anoymous and I obviously am so ill informed that I'm desparately reaching out to strangers doesn't mean you have to be nasty!) And apologizes for not knowing my way around these boards - I used to get so annoyed when I was a hardcore knottie and newbies would do this stuff and now here I am ...

Totally did not know this: "Clomid is supposed to have a LIFETIME max of 6 cycles, ever. OB's are notorious for handing it out like candy without doing the proper testing first" - Well, mine never did a baseline u/s to see if I was producing eggs at all w/out the clomid, just started me on 50 mg after I told him we'd been trying for a couple of months. I produced five eggs, so he cut me back to 25mg. One egg on 25mg for the past 4 months.

 He has not recommended SA for DH yet, and I have not had my tubes tested yet to see if there's a blockage. I brought this up to him the past two months and he kindly smiles, says I'm worrying about nothing, and I *will* get pregnant. He is such a renouned OBGYN and is the guy in town that "everyone" uses to get pg that I never thought of questioning him. As a well-educated healthcare professional, I'm slightly ashamed of myself, and I appreciate being set straight.

 Okay, will call clinic, schedule u/s for tomorrow, and say that this is last month of clomid before other testing gets done. And I'm now very appreciative that my insurance is so comparatively good - will not being bitching about cost again! (Two words: government job).

Thanks again, and happy holidays!

And this is where I stopped reading

brookelynpaisley

People. Where are your senses? She doesn't need testing or an RE. She needs a dose of patience and to try for a few months, preferably with temping. I agree she needs to really find out wtf her doctor was thinking, but I don't condone at all that she moves to an RE or on to testing.

buckeyebaby814

Yes they are necessary and an internal u/s at $50 each time is a steal.  My REs office charges something like $150-175 for each one.

buckeyebaby814

brookelynpaisley:

People. Where are your senses? She doesn't need testing or an RE. She needs a dose of patience and to try for a few months, preferably with temping. I agree she needs to really find out wtf her doctor was thinking, but I don't condone at all that she moves to an RE or on to testing.

Yikes!