When to move on to a specialist

Eliz77

I normally frequent TTCAL board and posted a similar thread a couple weeks ago, but wanted to post over here given there seems to be more of you doing IUI, IVF procedues, and I am over 35.

Brief re-into: I am 36 years old (H is 33), 1st pregnancy was a result of 1st cycle trying, and ended in MMC and D&C at 12 weeks in January 2013. Two cycles TTA (Dr said one normal period, we waited two), got BFP 2nd cycle trying, resulted in ectopic pregnancy with a ruptured left tube at 5 weeks, discovered at 6 weeks. 3 weeks ago, had laparoscopic surgery to remove tube and also D&C for unexplained bleeding. We are now benched for two cycles and Dr said while in the "old days" they'd tell you to try again and be closely monitored, she recommended we see a specialist.

I am eager to go for the consult just to see what they have to recommend, or to get testing to see if we can try on our own. I was taken by surprised my Dr recommended it rigth away, since technically we can get pregnant. She just said that since there is so many advances in the medical field, it would be worthwhile to evaluate all options. I am very curious as to what this means.

I guess my point here is, anyone been in similar shoes? How are you going about your TTC after 35 journey? What led you to a RE and to IUI/IVF decisions? I think my Dr is more concerned about having only one tube and not as much my age. But I imagine it all goes hand in hand. Any shared stories or things to look into or ask is greatly appreciated!

This is such a roller coaster journey. Half the time I have no idea what I am feeling or even thinking. 

Jacque Sills

Hi Eliz,

First of all, I am so sorry for your losses and to lose a tube, as well... ugh...that is really tuff.  You have a positive outlook on this and I admire you for that. 

I think you are right about your doctor's concerns.....as, we all know, any normal couple only has a 20% chance each month to get prego, so with the loss of your tube, she or he is just wanting you and your husband to talk to a specialist to get the specific facts to what your  %'s will be now and make an educated decision based on that info. And, since you are over 35, maybe the doctor just wanted to give you a head-start on your situation.

 Just getting some extra help is maybe, what you will need or maybe not, but a specialist will be the one that can provide you with that specific info., after having you take some test to verify your situation. Everyone is different on this TTC journey, as mine was with age, I went straight to IVF....but, for you, it will probably be a different scenario or it might be the same, but under a different reason for it, but let the specialist help you in figuring out what you really need, in just taking some extra time to getting you back on track by trying to conceive naturally  or giving you some extra assistance with IUI/IVF in getting your BFP.....

I hope this helps a bit and best of luck to you and your hubby.....

Keep us posted on what the specialist recommends. 

Eliz77

Thanks for your reply! I am in contact with a new Dr right now, hoping to get an appointment in the next month and go from there. The receptionist gave me a brief over view of what to expect from the 1st appointment, so just trying to line up any questions I should ask, or firsthand experience of what to expect. Rather anxious to get that going just so we have a plan!

ksgsmu

So sorry for your losses. 

Your Dr. is great for referring you to someone who she believes will give you a better chance.  Make sure you see an Reproductive Endocronologist not just an OBGYN who is a "fertility specialist" there is a BIG difference! 

I just turned 36 so while we might not be the oldest on the board, your ovarian reserve and quality do drop off after 35.  Now some women in their 40's have NO problem conceiving so this is just statistically speaking.  With your tube issue and AMA (Advance Maternal Age.... yep hate that word but that is what we are classified) it makes sense to see a specialist to up your chances. My issues are different then yours however an RE will be able to guide you based on your history and help you get and stay pregnant.  Good luck!  Keep us posted!

Eliz77

To tell you the truth-I wasn't sure if there is a difference between "specialist" and "RE" but I looked up a couple online from the list I was given and they say "RE." My Dr made it sound like best case scenario,  they do some testing to see if all is good, we get to try on our own but be monitored by the "specialist" until deemed safe to go back to O/B. I was so taken off guard by the whole discussion that I didn't ask if this was an RE referral.

MarylandWed

Sorry you're having such a difficult time and had to undergo so much. I have a friend who is one year younger than you and she had a blocked tube and her h had some issues, and they were told to go straight to IVF. IVF bypasses the tubes entirely. I guess if I were you it would really depend on if an RE was covered. If it was I would go, otherwise I would try on my own for a little while.

Eliz77

Yeah, I don't see the harm in a consult and see what options are! Then we can see what our insurance will cover. At least we know we CAN get pregnant, I think that at least is in our favor. My Dr made it sound like the losses were most likely a fluke, bad luck thing, but why not get checked out before going forward? I'm not sure what our insurance will allow us to do, so we'll look into that before an appointment as well. 

Guennie

Ticker warning.

I'm sorry for what you've been through. I just wanted to tell you that even with just a consult it could possibly help you. I suffered many losses and my dr finally referred me to an RE. I got lucky and found out I was pregnant immediately after seeing the RE, before doing any testing. But the RE had a plan of action going forward in my pregnancy entirely different from what my OB/GYN would have done. I am now 16 weeks and doing great. If your dr has suggested you see a specialist it's because he knows you and he both could benefit from their expertise and help. I could tell when I was released back to my OB/GYN that he felt more confident having the input and new plan of action from the RE.

Best of luck to you, I hope this road will lead to your sticky bfp! Hugs.

Guennie

Sorry, I should have said she when referring to your doctor.