new RE visit yesterday...questions

curve31 · August 2014

We switched to a new doctor and our first consult was yesterday. The comparison with the old RE was like night and day. So much more friendly and helpful and knowledgeable. We are using donor sperm since my husband produces none. I'm 34 and overweight with PCOS. Other than that, there is no reason to think I can't get pregnant. I had one failed IUI with the old RE. I decided to switch because after that they informed they only do IUI's every other month when using injectables. No thanks. And also because I just didn't like them.

So new RE wants to do AMH and other blood work. Also an HSG and a saline ultrasound. She said its smarter to know IUIs can work before you do them. You may need to do IVF from the get go. Makes sense to me.

Questions...

Does this seem right to you or is it unnecessary testing when our infertility is male factor?

She said I could do the SIS and the HSG on the same day. Would you?

Is an HSG as bad as they say?

She mentioned doing a natural killer cell test? What are your opinions on that?

BethKate2 · August 2014

I'm only on my testing cycle myself, so my knowledge is limited, but I'll answer what I can.

Does this seem right to you or is it unnecessary testing when our infertility is male factor? If you haven't had an HSG or the typical CD 3 blood work (like AMH) yet, how do you know that your IF is only male factor? I'd definitely do the testing to be sure.

She said I could do the SIS and the HSG on the same day. Would you? I was under the impression that these two tests look for the same things. Is there a reason they want to do both right away? (this may be my ignorance talking...)

Is an HSG as bad as they say? Some people have no problem with it. Mine was painful. It wasn't unbearable, but it was like bad period cramps that were really intense all of a sudden. The whole thing only lasted maybe 10 minutes, though.

curve31 · August 2014

Thank you guy. I'm glad I got away from that old place too. I decided on the new one after reading about her on ratemds.com. I encourage everyone to do their research before taking a referral from their current doctor!

I think I may ask to do the SIS later. She said it was mostly to see if I had polyps in my uterus but since my flow isn't heavy at all, its unlikely I do.

I'm glad to hear your HSGs weren't to awful. I plan on taking lots of motrin and a xanax.

The natural killer cell test is for the antibodies that help embryos implant but can overract and actually kill the embryo. That's how I understood her anyway.

curve31 · August 2014

I've had one IUI and I didn't feel the catheter or anything then. I've also had colposcopies and a LEEP. So in one hand I'm prepared but in the other hand I know what pain down there is like, so I'm nervous.

Thank you for affirming that I'm in good hands with the new RE.

curve31 · August 2014

I'm not sure I did an intro here. I started out on the third party board but its kinda slow over there. I should put my info in my signature at least huh?

The only reason I was unsure about doing them in the same day is I don't want to make the HSG more uncomfortable. She said the SIS is painless and I could do it first. But I don't want to be all stressed from it and then have to do the HSG. But I have to travel an hour to their office and getting it all over with in one trip sounds great.

We have great insurance and everything has been covered except the purchasing of the donor sperm. We are very grateful for that. So if we have a few OOP expenses its not big deal.

Thank you for the welcome and your input.

curve31 · August 2014

I might just bite the bullet and get them both done at once. No sense being a pansy about it. We're all looking to go through childbirth and parenthood anyway right!

Best of luck to you as well.

I think I got my signature going...

BunnyBerry · August 2014

The testing sounds perfect. I didn't know people get the NKC test before they have a "reason," but sounds great to avoid any issues!

The HSG was abysmal for me, but it turns out that my cervix is to twisty and stenotic (closing) that I'm having a lovely surgery to correct it before I can get an IUI...so hopefully you will have a much better experience!

MBJune · August 2014

The testing sounds right to me. My OB did all of my testing before going to the RE, but I had to redo the SIS because the HSG was done over a year before. My HSG was really bad and there was no reason for it. Maybe I just had s really crappy Dr doing the test. I hope your experience is much more pleasant!

curve31 · August 2014

Thanks girls! I've heard that about after the HSG. I have good feeling about all of this!

rella22 · August 2014

The testing definitely sounds right! I agree with PP's. I've had both the HSG and SIS but at different times. The HSG is way more uncomfortable than a SIS...the SIS is a breeze compared to it. If it's an hour away I would definitely just get them over with but just plan to relax the rest of the day!
The SIS is typically not ordered unless there is some sort of complaint (mine was spotting days and days before my period, which has actually now subsided). It may even be possible that they do the HSG and decide the SIS is not necessary!
Good luck and welcome!

dancerspose · August 2014

I'm still in the testing phase as well so don't have a lot of experiene or knowledge, but I can tell you what my doctor and I decided for now.

We are starting with just the various blood drawers and pelvic ultrasound and SA for my husband and holding off on the more invasive tests for now. I had no diagnosis going on, and we had only been trying for about 7 months. But, my period became very infrequent. The thought was we'd do the initial tests, see if anything, such as PCOS showed up, then evaluate starting some treatment versus further testing. I'm hoping to FINALLY get my CD 3 bloodwork this week to finish up the testing then meet with the doc again.

For me it was more of a personal decision of just one step at a time since I'm so new to the whole process. However, when/if I do get the HSG and saline ultrasound my doctor does do them both the same day.

Good luck!

Radiantly · August 2014

HSG and saline couldn't be done on the same day, my RE said. They both should be done between day 5-10 though( or in my case day 8 and 13 bc I had a long follicular phase) The HSG I took 2 Advil 30min before the appt. he tried to unblock my R but couldn't. Said L was fine. I was shocked to learn. But happy I know. I had to take antibiotics for 3 days after and had mild cramping and my pee-spot (what's it called again? Urethra?) felt kind of irritates for a few days.). I had to take Advil before going to sleep for a few days bc I could feel the cramping.

The saline was nothing. Felt like a pap. Good luck!

curve31 · August 2014

Thank you girls! I feel better about the HSG. Now if I could just get it over with!

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new RE visit yesterday...questions

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