AF arrival - RE advice

Driggers8982 · August 2014

1 year, 5 months and counting... Menstrual flow arrived once again after a 34 day cycle (shortest in months!)

Husband and I both finally feel ready (we think) for the physical, emotional and financial commitment of seeing a RE. We've been so committed to TTC and have done everything in our control to be successful, yet month after month disappointment prevails over optimism.

I have to admit the financial aspect has been the one of the primary reasons we have waited; no insurance thanks to this new health care law.

I am open to any advice any of you may have that have taken the leap to see a RE.

We're looking into Center for Reproductive Medicine in Florida. Website: https://www.ivforlando.com/index.asp

What specifics should I be looking for when choosing a RE? First appointment expectations, etc? Are there certain REs that may be more reasonable than others? Maybe small practice vs bigger?

When is the best time to see a RE for the initial visit (right after menstrual cycle, after ovulation, during?)

Any advice is much appreciated - thank you!

catlover790 · August 2014

I'm sorry that you've haven't had success at this point, but I'm glad you're going to see a RE! I felt much better once I decided to call.

When I chose my RE I went based on my OB's recommendation. Also, we are in a smaller area so there were only a couple to choose from anyway. I looked at their website, reviews, and I went in with the idea that if I didn't like them I could always switch.

The first appointment can vary too, but most involve talking about your history with regard to cycles, TTC, health habits etc. Our RE went over how conception happens etc (I knew this part already!), and what treatments they do. All of this was kind of general. Then I had an ultrasound and they took blood. I would definitely start making a list of questions that you have to ask the RE. If you're unexplained you may have different questions. I was anovulatory so I kind of knew what they would recommend to do first.

I think prices do vary and can vary based on the COL in your area. In looking (briefly) at the site it looks like the doctors are well-educated, and you can check/compare their success rates. It does look like they do procedures on the weekends which is a good thing too.

If I think of more I will add soon!

Driggers8982 · August 2014

@catlover790, thanks for your input!

You stated, "I was anovulatory so I kind of knew what they would recommend to do first." - What did they reccomend? Medication to enhance/force ovulation?

Last month I was anovulatory and several months within this past year, but I've never had consecutive anovulatory months. Just random here and there.

jencity9 · August 2014

Hi @Driggers8982‌ .. That's where I go!! I see Dr. Riggall there but really have had procedures with all the doctors. I, personally, love it there. I recently heard from someone who said she didn't like them but she didn't tell me why. I just feel like they all work well together as a team and know what they're doing. They've received recognition for their work. There are some nurses I like less than others there, but really they are all nice. I just finished my first IVF and I cannot say enough about how great the nurses on that side of it were (and the doctors too). I feel they are hopeful and positive but also realistic.

It's been a while since my first consult with them and it's the only office I've been to so I may not have the answers you are looking for, but feel free to send me a PM if you have any questions about them!

catlover790 · August 2014

Driggers8982 said:

@catlover790, thanks for your input!

You stated, "I was anovulatory so I kind of knew what they would recommend to do first." - What did they reccomend? Medication to enhance/force ovulation?

Last month I was anovulatory and several months within this past year, but I've never had consecutive anovulatory months. Just random here and there.

Well, I still had to have Cd3 bloodwork an SA for H, and HSG test to check the tubes and uterus but I guess I meant I knew we would need to induce ovulation somehow. I didn't know how the SA or HSG would impact things and I did think maybe we would have to do IUI or ivf if things were not good with the SA or HSG.

After the tests came back, they needed to try to get me to ovulate. My RE did say at my first appointment, "based on your history, barring any complications seen in the HSG/SA they would probably recommend femara to start with".

Anyway, I would definitely mention that you have had anovulatory cycles in the past and they will take it into consideration with all the other tests. Sorry if that comment didn't come out right!

BunnyBerry · August 2014

I'm sorry for your struggles, but seeing an RE sounds like the perfect next step. As we found out, all the effort in the world on our part wouldn't avail a pregnancy after all, due to the issues that we found when testing!

Personally, I would want a smaller practice where I knew I would get individualized attention and the doctor and nurses would know who I was. But I would balance that against them having availability every single day for bloodwork or IUI, because I find it so messed up when women lose a cycle just because the office was closed the wrong day.

You may be pleasantly surprised to find out that insurance may cover the testing aspect and some medications. Some apparently do nothing whatsoever, but many have at least some limited coverage.

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