Intro - Hello

sarahbeth27 · June 2013

Hi Ladies - I'm sorry you all are here, and I'm sorry to be joining you.

A little about me:

I will be turning dirty-thirty in August. I have one little boy who will be two next month. We conceived him w/in two cycles of trying, after being on BCP for nearly a decade. We started TTC#2 in June of 2012. After 6 months, we got pregnant and I had a m/c followed by a D&C in January. We are now nearly 6 months post loss.

I've recently seen my OB due to concerns I've noticed in tracking my cycle. My LP has consistently been 8-9 days. After blood work and progesterone testing, my doctor has diagnosed me with mild PCOS and LP defect.

I am currently 8 DPO and had a huge dip today, AF should arrive tomorrow.

My OB has recommended we do Clomid starting on CD3 of this cycle.

I'm nervous about this new reality. I know Clomid is a very common drug and based on my internet research, this course of action she is recommending is also common. Still, my husband and I will be discussing the potential this weekend to make the final decision on if we move to that step.

Can anyone provide their similar experience?

ErinSays · June 2013

It's very important to be monitored on Clomid - some of the ladies on this board have some real horror stories. Will your OB be doing ultrasounds and blood work while you're on Clomid?

Have you had an HSG? If you have blocked tubes, all the Clomid in the world will not help!

But most o f all, good luck. I hope your stay is short.

sarahbeth27 · June 2013

Thank you.

Yes, my OB mentioned taking Clomid from CD3-10 with an ultrasound on CD14 and additional bloodwork.

I have not had HSG at this point. Is that necessary prior to starting Clomid?

sarahbeth27 · June 2013

I'm currently seeing an OB.

Bhale88 · June 2013

I'm currently taking clomid and I did not have an HSG first. However my doctor seems to be very thorough and knowledgable. I also did not do blood work this cycle, but I did have an u/s today. The clomid worked, but I ovulated too early. Good luck and best wishes! Also I'm sorry for your loss.

Durham1008 · June 2013

Please post a siggy warning for the picture and ticker for your child. The majority of the women on this board are trying for their first. Also, secondary IF might be a better fit for you. Third, do not do any medications without proper testing first. Check out the newbie link at the top of the board.

Durham1008 · June 2013

Bhale88:
I'm currently taking clomid and I did not have an HSG first. However my doctor seems to be very thorough and knowledgable. I also did not do blood work this cycle, but I did have an u/s today. The clomid worked, but I ovulated too early. Good luck and best wishes! Also I'm sorry for your loss.

Confused Please do not recommend that other people not get proper testing just because you can't be bothered to do so.

sueann911 · June 2013

Bhale88:
I'm currently taking clomid and I did not have an HSG first. However my doctor seems to be very thorough and knowledgable. I also did not do blood work this cycle, but I did have an u/s today. The clomid worked, but I ovulated too early. Good luck and best wishes! Also I'm sorry for your loss.

Just because your doctor and you are ignorant, please don't spread craptastic information on here.

Both you and the OP need HSGs before taking Clomid. Why would you take a drug when it won't even work if your tubes are blocked? It could induce perfect Ovulation for you but the egg would never get to the sperm because you both trusted your ignorant doctors.

Just because he seems knowledgable, it doesn't mean that he is. I recommend seeing an RE. I am sure there are a couple competent OBs out there, but from all the ones that we ever hear about, they miss completely necessary steps in this process.

And, FYI, BHale88, if you were being properly monitored, you would know when you were going to O and could have caught your O. But since your Dr seems thorough, I guess you didn't think about the fact that you wasted a cycle for nothing.

OP, please post a siggy warning or take your child's picture out of your siggy. Most of us are TTC #1 and don't like being surprised with toddler pictures when we open up a post. It's common courtesy and board etiquette here. I'm sorry you're having trouble TTC and about your loss. Please check out the 2IF board as well.

Bhale88 · June 2013

sueann911:
Bhale88:
I'm currently taking clomid and I did not have an HSG first. However my doctor seems to be very thorough and knowledgable. I also did not do blood work this cycle, but I did have an u/s today. The clomid worked, but I ovulated too early. Good luck and best wishes! Also I'm sorry for your loss.
 Just because your doctor and you are ignorant, please don't spread craptastic information on here.
Both you and the OP need HSGs before taking Clomid. Why would you take a drug when it won't even work if your tubes are blocked? It could induce perfect Ovulation for you but the egg would never get to the sperm because you both trusted your ignorant doctors.
Just because he seems knowledgable, it doesn't mean that he is. I recommend seeing an RE. I am sure there are a couple competent OBs out there, but from all the ones that we ever hear about, they miss completely necessary steps in this process.
And, FYI, BHale88, if you were being properly monitored, you would know when you were going to O and could have caught your O. But since your Dr seems thorough, I guess you didn't think about the fact that you wasted a cycle for nothing.
OP, please post a siggy warning or take your child's picture out of your siggy. Most of us are TTC #1 and don't like being surprised with toddler pictures when we open up a post. It's common courtesy and board etiquette here. I'm sorry you're having trouble TTC and about your loss. Please check out the 2IF board as well.

Durham1008, I was certainly not recommending she did not get proper testing. I was not aware that was even the protocol and I googled it after I saw it on here. Maybe I am "ignorant" bc I am new to all of this. However I do trust my doctor 100 percent. He did do an u/s and bloodwork before I started the clomid. There were other circumstances this cycle that caused me to O early that maybe I should have went in to. I feel so hurt that you both have attacked me. I thought this was a wonderful place to come to for support and answers. However I will not be posting here anymore because I don't feel welcomed. I have been trying to educate myself on how this process works. Before I started the clomid I did not find any information that you need an HSG first. I would never recommend anyone not have a test their doctor is ordering. I was simply saying this was not my experience. But as for being properly monitored I am not sure if I am or not. If you all thought I was not then there was a tactful way to go about it. I have been going through the same pain you all have. Your posts were very insensitive to me and OP.

sueann911 · June 2013

Bhale88:
Durham1008, I was certainly not recommending she did not get proper testing. I was not aware that was even the protocol and I googled it after I saw it on here. Maybe I am "ignorant" bc I am new to all of this. However I do trust my doctor 100 percent. He did do an u/s and bloodwork before I started the clomid. There were other circumstances this cycle that caused me to O early that maybe I should have went in to. I feel so hurt that you both have attacked me. I thought this was a wonderful place to come to for support and answers. However I will not be posting here anymore because I don't feel welcomed. I have been trying to educate myself on how this process works. Before I started the clomid I did not find any information that you need an HSG first. I would never recommend anyone not have a test their doctor is ordering. I was simply saying this was not my experience. But as for being properly monitored I am not sure if I am or not. If you all thought I was not then there was a tactful way to go about it. I have been going through the same pain you all have. Your posts were very insensitive to me and OP.

Telling you the truth is not attacking you. I didn't call you stupid. I called you ignorant, meaning that you aren't educated in this process enough. Take some responsibility for your own fertility and be an advocate for yourself with your doctor.

I should use a different term for your doctor. Your doctor is stupid. He should know better. He is stupid for risking your health and future fertility. I am not saying this to upset you. I am saying this to educate you about the risks of the drug that you are taking. There are serious side effects with it that you need to be aware of. You admitted yourself that you don't know if you are being properly monitored. Maybe you should find out? Stick around here and learn what proper monitoring is.

But I can definitely tell you that you haven't had all the proper testing done yet before taking Clomid. You need an HSG. If you're tubes are blocked, then you are wasting these cycles by taking Clomid. You're wasting this time getting your hopes up of getting pregnant month after month, all because your doctor didn't do the proper testing. And, yes, you did give your experience to OP which makes it seem like it is OK to not get an HSG. Your information is wrong and I am correcting you.

If it was me, I would find another doctor. Now. I wouldn't wait another month or two. I would find a doctor that does all the necessary tests and then proceed with treatment. We all want to be pregnant RIGHT NOW. I understand that feeling. But I also don't want you to understand the feeling of feeling like you've been lied to by a stupid doctor because you get cysts, cause permanent damage to your uterine lining or get higher order multiples, all because you and your doctor didn't want to take a few weeks to do proper testing.

You can get offended and leave or you can stick around and learn about how this board really works. I will never blow smoke up your ars and lie to you. If you want truth and want to know all about IF and how to deal with it, then don't leave. But I will not apologize for telling the truth to you and OP.

Bhale88 · June 2013

sueann911:
Bhale88:

Durham1008, I was certainly not recommending she did not get proper testing. I was not aware that was even the protocol and I googled it after I saw it on here. Maybe I am "ignorant" bc I am new to all of this. However I do trust my doctor 100 percent. He did do an u/s and bloodwork before I started the clomid. There were other circumstances this cycle that caused me to O early that maybe I should have went in to. I feel so hurt that you both have attacked me. I thought this was a wonderful place to come to for support and answers. However I will not be posting here anymore because I don't feel welcomed. I have been trying to educate myself on how this process works. Before I started the clomid I did not find any information that you need an HSG first. I would never recommend anyone not have a test their doctor is ordering. I was simply saying this was not my experience. But as for being properly monitored I am not sure if I am or not. If you all thought I was not then there was a tactful way to go about it. I have been going through the same pain you all have. Your posts were very insensitive to me and OP.
Telling you the truth is not attacking you. I didn't call you stupid. I called you ignorant, meaning that you aren't educated in this process enough. Take some responsibility for your own fertility and be an advocate for yourself with your doctor.
I should use a different term for your doctor. Your doctor is stupid. He should know better. He is stupid for risking your health and future fertility. I am not saying this to upset you. I am saying this to educate you about the risks of the drug that you are taking. There are serious side effects with it that you need to be aware of. You admitted yourself that you don't know if you are being properly monitored. Maybe you should find out? Stick around here and learn what proper monitoring is.
But I can definitely tell you that you haven't had all the proper testing done yet before taking Clomid. You need an HSG. If you're tubes are blocked, then you are wasting these cycles by taking Clomid. You're wasting this time getting your hopes up of getting pregnant month after month, all because your doctor didn't do the proper testing. And, yes, you did give your experience to OP which makes it seem like it is OK to not get an HSG. Your information is wrong and I am correcting you.
If it was me, I would find another doctor. Now. I wouldn't wait another month or two. I would find a doctor that does all the necessary tests and then proceed with treatment. We all want to be pregnant RIGHT NOW. I understand that feeling. But I also don't want you to understand the feeling of feeling like you've been lied to by a stupid doctor because you get cysts, cause permanent damage to your uterine lining or get higher order multiples, all because you and your doctor didn't want to take a few weeks to do proper testing.
You can get offended and leave or you can stick around and learn about how this board really works. I will never blow smoke up your ars and lie to you. If you want truth and want to know all about IF and how to deal with it, then don't leave. But I will not apologize for telling the truth to you and OP.

I wish someone would please tell me what the proper testing is before and during clomid. I am so depressed and upset right now that I cannot stand to be alone with my thoughts. All I can do is cry since I left the doctor yesterday. They found a polyp in my uterus yesterday during my u/s and I will likely have to have surgery to have it removed if it does not go away in a month. I currently am not seeing an RE. However I was referred to this obgyn bc of his "experience with fertility". After lurking on this board for the past week I realize I should properly seek the opinion of an RE. However I will have to follow up with my current doctor regarding this polyp. This is all new and scary to me. I'm just super emotional right now as this process has been extremely taxing both mentally and physically.

Also, it might be helpful to understand that my bloodwork before starting clomid indicated I was not ovulating on my own. My FSH and LH were not the proper ratio. I'm not sure if he stopped there feeling like he got his answer or not. Now that I realize he should be doing more I will talk to my husband about going elsewhere.

I would also like to know if most insurances cover the kinds of tests you all have had before starting clomid.

I also have no problem admitting my ignorance to fertility testing and treatment. I only began seeking medical advice for infertility after having other symptoms, such as irregular bleeding and extremely heavy bleeding at times. My first appointment with this doctor was in April. He put me on 2 months of birth control to regulate my hormones and this was my first round of clomid.

Any input will be appreciated.

sueann911 · June 2013

Bhale88:
I wish someone would please tell me what the proper testing is before and during clomid. I am so depressed and upset right now that I cannot stand to be alone with my thoughts. All I can do is cry since I left the doctor yesterday. They found a polyp in my uterus yesterday during my u/s and I will likely have to have surgery to have it removed if it does not go away in a month. I currently am not seeing an RE. However I was referred to this obgyn bc of his "experience with fertility". After lurking on this board for the past week I realize I should properly seek the opinion of an RE. However I will have to follow up with my current doctor regarding this polyp. This is all new and scary to me. I'm just super emotional right now as this process has been extremely taxing both mentally and physically. Also, it might be helpful to understand that my bloodwork before starting clomid indicated I was not ovulating on my own. My FSH and LH were not the proper ratio. I'm not sure if he stopped there feeling like he got his answer or not. Now that I realize he should be doing more I will talk to my husband about going elsewhere. I would also like to know if most insurances cover the kinds of tests you all have had before starting clomid. I also have no problem admitting my ignorance to fertility testing and treatment. I only began seeking medical advice for infertility after having other symptoms, such as irregular bleeding and extremely heavy bleeding at times. My first appointment with this doctor was in April. He put me on 2 months of birth control to regulate my hormones and this was my first round of clomid. Any input will be appreciated.

That's the thing. We don't mind helping people when they ask properly. But, when you start giving out information that an HSG wasn't necessary for you, then it bothers me because I don't like false information being spread around.

I saw your uterine polyp post yesterday. The ladies gave you some great advice there. You do need to speak with your doctor about how he is going to remove that, whether it be done surgically by a Lap or another way. If he does a lap, he can check and clear your tubes at the same time.

I highly, highly, highly recommend you see an RE. If you have problems such as abnormal hormone levels, you need to see an RE. Just because your OB is supposedly trained in fertility, he may be misdiagnosing you. REs are for getting your pregnant. OBs are to help once you get pregnant. There is a huge difference in the level of care and expertise.

I know it is upsetting because it may mean taking more time to get proper testing done, but it is well worth it to get someone who knows how to diagnose correctly and provide adequate treatment. Many OBs who say they specialize in fertility will only go as far as prescribing Clomid, which means that soon after that you would need to see an RE who would probably rerun all of your tests again, or at least most of the tests.

You need to check your specific insurance plan to learn about your coverage. Every person is different. I have no IF treatment and med coverage. Mine did cover testing. Some ladies have coverage for a number of treatments including IUI or portions of them.

We all know the taxing feeling of IF. It is an emotional roller coaster and we are a great group of ladies here. Feel free to stick around longer and don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all newbies once when it came to IF. We're all self taught and learn from each other.

rox825 · June 2013

Bhale, it sounds like you need a new dr. I'm not sure why a dr would prescribe 2 months of birth control to regulate hormones of someone who is TTC, I've never heard of that before unless there's a cyst present. If you have a hormone imbalance then the underlying cause should be addressed, not covered up with BC. That sounds a little strange to me, but I suppose there could be a reason? Seems questionable.

Also the fact that he or she is prescribing clomid without proper testing and monitoring is a red flag. A proper protocol would be ultrasound on CD3 to rule out cysts, clomid days 3 to 7 or 5 to 9, and bloodwork and ultrasound beginning 3 days after your last clomid pill. If you ovulated sooner than 3 days after your last clomid dose this time, then you could request to do clomid days 3 to 7 with monitoring beginning on day 9 to make sure you don't miss it. Then the same protocol each cycle that you take clomid. Most REs also use trigger shots to better time intercourse or IUI, and check progesterone 7 days after ovulation too. I would definitely recommend finding an RE, reproductive endocrinologist, so that you can start getting all of your diagnostic testing done while you're waiting to see what happens with the polyp. That way you'll be ready to go. REs are the only real fertility experts, they go through a specialized fellowship program with several additional years of training specifically in the management of infertility. Good luck to you.

sueann911 · June 2013

rox825:
Bhale, it sounds like you need a new dr. I'm not sure why a dr would prescribe 2 months of birth control to regulate hormones of someone who is TTC, I've never heard of that before unless there's a cyst present. If you have a hormone imbalance then the underlying cause should be addressed, not covered up with BC. That sounds a little strange to me, but I suppose there could be a reason? Seems questionable. Also the fact that he or she is prescribing clomid without proper testing and monitoring is a red flag. A proper protocol would be ultrasound on CD3 to rule out cysts, clomid days 3 to 7 or 5 to 9, and bloodwork and ultrasound beginning 3 days after your last clomid pill. If you ovulated sooner than 3 days after your last clomid dose this time, then you could request to do clomid days 3 to 7 with monitoring beginning on day 9 to make sure you don't miss it. Then the same protocol each cycle that you take clomid. Most REs also use trigger shots to better time intercourse or IUI, and check progesterone 7 days after ovulation too. I would definitely recommend finding an RE, reproductive endocrinologist, so that you can start getting all of your diagnostic testing done while you're waiting to see what happens with the polyp. That way you'll be ready to go. REs are the only real fertility experts, they go through a specialized fellowship program with several additional years of training specifically in the management of infertility. Good luck to you.

Thanks Rox. I completely blanked on telling her the protocol even after she asked for it. Apologies!

Bhale88 · June 2013

sueann911:
Bhale88:
I wish someone would please tell me what the proper testing is before and during clomid. I am so depressed and upset right now that I cannot stand to be alone with my thoughts. All I can do is cry since I left the doctor yesterday. They found a polyp in my uterus yesterday during my u/s and I will likely have to have surgery to have it removed if it does not go away in a month. I currently am not seeing an RE. However I was referred to this obgyn bc of his "experience with fertility". After lurking on this board for the past week I realize I should properly seek the opinion of an RE. However I will have to follow up with my current doctor regarding this polyp. This is all new and scary to me. I'm just super emotional right now as this process has been extremely taxing both mentally and physically. Also, it might be helpful to understand that my bloodwork before starting clomid indicated I was not ovulating on my own. My FSH and LH were not the proper ratio. I'm not sure if he stopped there feeling like he got his answer or not. Now that I realize he should be doing more I will talk to my husband about going elsewhere. I would also like to know if most insurances cover the kinds of tests you all have had before starting clomid. I also have no problem admitting my ignorance to fertility testing and treatment. I only began seeking medical advice for infertility after having other symptoms, such as irregular bleeding and extremely heavy bleeding at times. My first appointment with this doctor was in April. He put me on 2 months of birth control to regulate my hormones and this was my first round of clomid. Any input will be appreciated.

 That's the thing. We don't mind helping people when they ask properly. But, when you start giving out information that an HSG wasn't necessary for you, then it bothers me because I don't like false information being spread around.

 I saw your uterine polyp post yesterday. The ladies gave you some great advice there. You do need to speak with your doctor about how he is going to remove that, whether it be done surgically by a Lap or another way. If he does a lap, he can check and clear your tubes at the same time.

I highly, highly, highly recommend you see an RE. If you have problems such as abnormal hormone levels, you need to see an RE. Just because your OB is supposedly trained in fertility, he may be misdiagnosing you. REs are for getting your pregnant. OBs are to help once you get pregnant. There is a huge difference in the level of care and expertise.

I know it is upsetting because it may mean taking more time to get proper testing done, but it is well worth it to get someone who knows how to diagnose correctly and provide adequate treatment. Many OBs who say they specialize in fertility will only go as far as prescribing Clomid, which means that soon after that you would need to see an RE who would probably rerun all of your tests again, or at least most of the tests.

You need to check your specific insurance plan to learn about your coverage. Every person is different. I have no IF treatment and med coverage. Mine did cover testing. Some ladies have coverage for a number of treatments including IUI or portions of them.

We all know the taxing feeling of IF. It is an emotional roller coaster and we are a great group of ladies here. Feel free to stick around longer and don't be afraid to ask questions. We were all newbies once when it came to IF. We're all self taught and learn from each other.

I appreciate the information. However I would like to make it clear I did not say an HSG was not necessary for me or OP. I did not even know what it was until I googled it yesterday. It was never my intention to misguide anyone.

My doctor did talk to me about the hysteroscopy yesterday. He said some polyps can go away on their own which is why he said we would repeat the u/s on my next period. If it is still there next month he said we would have to schedule the surgery before I could proceed with trying to conceive bc of the risk of miscarriage.

Bhale88 · June 2013

rox825:
Bhale, it sounds like you need a new dr. I'm not sure why a dr would prescribe 2 months of birth control to regulate hormones of someone who is TTC, I've never heard of that before unless there's a cyst present. If you have a hormone imbalance then the underlying cause should be addressed, not covered up with BC. That sounds a little strange to me, but I suppose there could be a reason? Seems questionable.

Also the fact that he or she is prescribing clomid without proper testing and monitoring is a red flag. A proper protocol would be ultrasound on CD3 to rule out cysts, clomid days 3 to 7 or 5 to 9, and bloodwork and ultrasound beginning 3 days after your last clomid pill. If you ovulated sooner than 3 days after your last clomid dose this time, then you could request to do clomid days 3 to 7 with monitoring beginning on day 9 to make sure you don't miss it. Then the same protocol each cycle that you take clomid. Most REs also use trigger shots to better time intercourse or IUI, and check progesterone 7 days after ovulation too. I would definitely recommend finding an RE, reproductive endocrinologist, so that you can start getting all of your diagnostic testing done while you're waiting to see what happens with the polyp. That way you'll be ready to go. REs are the only real fertility experts, they go through a specialized fellowship program with several additional years of training specifically in the management of infertility. Good luck to you.

Thank you! I will definitely ask him about this as well as discuss the HSG with him. I have been googling and I unfortunately do not have an RE in my area. The nearest one is a little over an hour away. However, I'm thinking it might be worth it if my current doctor is not performing the proper tests or properly monitoring me.

rox825 · June 2013

sueann911:
Thanks Rox. I completely blanked on telling her the protocol even after she asked for it. Apologies!

I think that we we're replying at the same time! Between your reply, mine, and tigger's, I think we covered everything, insert mobile thumbs up!

sarahbeth27 · June 2013

Durham1008:
Please post a siggy warning for the picture and ticker for your child. The majority of the women on this board are trying for their first. Also, secondary IF might be a better fit for you. Third, do not do any medications without proper testing first. Check out the newbie link at the top of the board.

My apologies. I read the newbie link before posting and didn't see anything about recommended siggy warnings. I participate in TTCAL also, so I do know this is common place there, but I didn't realize it carried to this board. I actually changed my siggy picture to one that was just toes for that reason. Sorry again.

STBMrsMiller · June 2013

Bhale88:
rox825:
Bhale, it sounds like you need a new dr. I'm not sure why a dr would prescribe 2 months of birth control to regulate hormones of someone who is TTC, I've never heard of that before unless there's a cyst present. If you have a hormone imbalance then the underlying cause should be addressed, not covered up with BC. That sounds a little strange to me, but I suppose there could be a reason? Seems questionable.

Also the fact that he or she is prescribing clomid without proper testing and monitoring is a red flag. A proper protocol would be ultrasound on CD3 to rule out cysts, clomid days 3 to 7 or 5 to 9, and bloodwork and ultrasound beginning 3 days after your last clomid pill. If you ovulated sooner than 3 days after your last clomid dose this time, then you could request to do clomid days 3 to 7 with monitoring beginning on day 9 to make sure you don't miss it. Then the same protocol each cycle that you take clomid. Most REs also use trigger shots to better time intercourse or IUI, and check progesterone 7 days after ovulation too. I would definitely recommend finding an RE, reproductive endocrinologist, so that you can start getting all of your diagnostic testing done while you're waiting to see what happens with the polyp. That way you'll be ready to go. REs are the only real fertility experts, they go through a specialized fellowship program with several additional years of training specifically in the management of infertility. Good luck to you.

Thank you! I will definitely ask him about this as well as discuss the HSG with him. I have been googling and I unfortunately do not have an RE in my area. The nearest one is a little over an hour away. However, I'm thinking it might be worth it if my current doctor is not performing the proper tests or properly monitoring me.

I ran screaming from the OB located five minutes from work to the RE an hour away because the OB wanted to prescribe me unmonitored Clomid without testing. It's going to make life more difficult, but I know it's the right thing for me to do.

Want a personalized experience?

Intro - Hello

Re: Intro - Hello

Choose Another Board

Search Boards