Male Infertility Factor

thistle8677 · November 2015

Does anyone know how to navigate this properly? I need support right now. My fiance's dr put in a referral to an endocrinologist for his thyroid/hashimotos and low testosterone, but the soonest appt in is April 2016.
I'm literally on the verge of a mental breakdown.

That will put us at 20mo of TTC.
I am not on his insurance until January and my current insurance won't cover infertility.
I've done all the preliminary blood work and exams/procedures to rule me out as the cause, however we've suffered 3 losses.

I don't understand why this is taking so long?
He's sick and obviously he is having issues why do we have to wait 5 effing months?!!!
I'm so goddamn upset I could scream for a month straight.

PattersRN · November 2015

Did he ask to be put on a wait list? I work for an orthopedic surgeon in his office, it can take a long time to get in with good doctors. My boss is routinely booked out 3+ months for new patients. I know it's frustrating. I feel horrible for our patients that have to wait, but my boss can only see so many people in a clinic. Does his PCP have any recommendations for an other endo that he might be able to get in with sooner? When I get to work tomorrow, I'll look into my resources. I can think of a couple endos I've worked with professionally that we're good, but I can't remember their names off the top of my head.

I'm sorry you're dealing with all this, so frustrating

happyktmom · November 2015

That is really frustrating. I would call every endo in the area and ask to be put on the waiting list. I'm so sorry!

Piperella · November 2015

Like others mentioned, i'd try calling and finding out which endo is good and has the closest appt time for you. My husband doesn't have the issues your fiance does, but has a very low sex drive and cannot perform (even with meds). I know some guys get put on clomid and other medications for various reasons, but our RE didn't want us to go that way since his SA was pretty good/normal. How was his SA? Has your RE talked to you all about the possibility of an IUI? I think he may want to look more into the reasons of your losses. I'm sorry I don't have a clearer answer for you, but don't give up hope and keep trying to work around these road blocks.

thistle8677 · November 2015

We need to find a different endo and ASAP.
He is sick. I'm so mad I can't even express how upset I am. I'm so angry and frustrated.
@PattersRN thank you, if you have an names that would be great. He put in a message to his PCP to see if there is another provider he can recommend.
I went ahead and found a fertility specialist and we will see her next Monday. I have no clue if she takes our insurance yet.
$110- for sperm analysis testing, so we'll start there I guess, and hope she can help us.
In the meantime we'll work on getting into an endo.
And yes. He's on a wait list, but even so...5 months out is completely unacceptable!

thistle8677 · November 2015

@Piperella we haven't gotten to see an RE yet.

PattersRN · November 2015

Another suggestion....don't go with the first endo that can get you in right away, unless you're certain they're squeezing you in. A good rule of thumb is that if they're busy and booked, it means they're good. I've known that for awhile and then let my guard down when my husband had his circumcision. He made an appt with the first doc he could get in with. She was young, recently out of residency and we weren't super impressed with multiple things when it came to the actual surgery. Just my two cents, you have to do what you feel is best for you both though.

thistle8677 · November 2015

I straight up hate Oregon right now. It has been nothing but bs with healthcare. I'm realizing it more and more. I've dealt with it with my kids and myself and now this...I'm just beyond words.

thistle8677 · November 2015

@PattersRN thank you, yea I agree to some extent, but he has an autoimmune disease that is rendering him unable to get off the couch some days. He needs care now. He needs someone to give him some direction and care. Too many things are not being addressed by waiting.

Piperella · November 2015

My RE is covered, (specialist co-pay), but everything else is not covered. Our SA was a bit higher than yours, so the price you got seems very reasonable. The IUI at cash price came out to be around $500, fyi.. I'm thinking the SA will help give you some answers (hopefully).

PattersRN · November 2015

The whole healthcare system sucks. I get frustrated with it daily, I have patients take it out on me.....I hear ya. One of the big issues I deal with is the Oregon Health Plan. MOST orthopedic practices have cut OHP patients and won't see them. It's us and one other practice in Portland. Makes it tough when we need to make referrals to a specialized ortho surgeon we don't have. With most insurances it might not be a problem, with OHP (who are some of our most vulnerable patients) that patient is basically screwed. I hate it.

I'm still thinking about you and your fiancé . I can't even imagine what you're going through.

jilligan14 · November 2015

Oh, so sorry to hear about all of this!! I hate it that every insurance plan is so different and it's always tough knowing what's covered and what's not. H and I spent hours searching for a new plan for me in August (we're both self-employed so use the marketplace insurance) and found one that covers basic infertility stuff (up to 3 IUI's, testing, etc.). I've been using it since August and it's been great but I just got a letter yesterday saying they aren't offering that plan anymore in 2016! Ugh. It's all such a nightmare figuring this stuff out!!

I would definitely call around and see if there's someone else who can see him sooner. Have you checked out acupuncture? Or a natrupath? I know all those options are expensive though. I wish there was an easy answer....

You can also check in about pricing with some fertility clinics. The one I go to offers a 50% discount on services if you're paying out of pocket. Check and see - it might not be as bad as you think. I really hope you guys find some answers/solutions soon.

emsmama15 · November 2015

I would agree with @PattersRN that the good ones are usually booked out. My endo is routinely booking out 4 months. Thankfully, I usually email him and he squeezes me in somewhere. However, I agree that for a first consult when you have an acute situation, 5 months is not acceptable. Try to get a referral from the PCP so you know you're at least going to a good one. I'm sorry you're dealing with all this. UGH!

Sporty1216 · November 2015

Just wanted to say I'm so sorry that this is all such a headache and that you're having a hard time finding a doctor who can help in a timely manner! I can only imagine how extremely frustrating that is!

I hope you get some answers soon. And that you can find a good outlet for the (completely understandable) anger you are experiencing....

Hugs to you....

thistle8677 · November 2015

@PattersRN ohp is awful. I am off it officially for myself in January. It's why I have been unable to see an RE. My man has great insurance, so I'm not worried about coverage, (although I do expect we will pay for any treatments.)
He called his Drs office today to get more referrals. The first one should not take 5mo.
And yes @jilligan14 we have other options with a naturopath and/or acupuncture, but right now we're trying to work with his PCP and get further testing and analysis out of the way.

Thanks to all of you. Xo
I was reeling yesterday.
I've been on the TTC journey too long. It has changed me.

Sporty1216 · November 2015

Glad you got some more referrals! I hope one of them has an opening for you soon!

Also--I like the new profile pic! Engagement photos? Super cute.

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