Hi Girls,
well today's appointment went fine but we're both so tired. We had to wait around etc so we were there 3 hours all-up ! The best part was getting the ultrasound done, which in my mind was the "next step". The ultrasound doc was really nice. He even laughed at my "OK, as long as that's a magic wand" joke, which I think now was a bit gross, but I meant it like a fairy godmother, .
The ultrasound, thankfully, was a normal result. Definately ovulated, no abnormalities, size/lining/internal bits all looked fine. DH was fine too. Doc even looked at kidneys, liver etc with an abdom u/s so was very thorough and we were both given a clean bill of health.
The next bit, wasn't so fantastic, but maybe by that time I was just a bit "over it". We waited for about 45 minutes to see our specialist, and we were obviously the last appt of the day because she (the doc) made a comment to the nurse about being tired and "are these the last ones" etc. She asked me questions which I had ALREADY written in our "new patient" forms, tapping the answers into the computer (while i'm thinking, this is costing us a bomb for the initial and you're just going through the info in front of you!!!). She asked me the same question twice, which annoyed me, becuase I thought she wasn't paying attention. I asked her if she wanted to see my charts, but she didn't seem particularly interested, saying "we're going to look at all the hormones and work that out for you" so I didn't push it... I asked her a few questions but felt a little silly... she's definately a "medical model" type doctor.. she didn't even ask me if I knew anything already about my cycle / reproduction, she just started drawing pictures and explaining fallopian tubes etc. ... I also had to have an internal, which i wasn't really expecting, after I had the U/S, but it was OK i guess. Before the internal, I asked to use the toilet, so i was sent to the staff toilet, and I noticed the sink didn't even have any soap !!!! I told them about that when I got out. I really think that little things like that can really form an impression of a place... I also had to really concentrate to understand her, as she had a thick accent (I guess that doesn't mean anything bad, just made the whole process a bit more tiring).
When I read baback on what I wrote it sounds pretty terrible, but the day wasn't too bad - the FS did try to be nice, I think maybe i was just tired and a bit fed up with all the waiting by the time I got to see her. I probably wouldn't recommend her though, though the clinic itself seemed very organised (just very busy that day).
The nurse then went through the next lot of tests I need to do, ie wait for CD1 (and I'm hoping, hope I can CANCEL coz I get a BFP this cycle), then ring and make an appt for a CD2 bloodtest. I'll also need to do one of those tests where they put fluid through your fallopian tubes, and a possibly a post-coital test to check for CM fertility / "hostility" (another thing I've been a bit curious about... my CM has seemed cloudy while stretchy during O so I wondered if it was more acidic coz FF mentioned that cloudy CM is acidic)... I didn't share that thought with the FS for fear she might think I had overloaded myself with incorrect internet info or something.
Honestly, I reckon I've learnt so much in the last 6 months (and therefore felt much better about this process) because of you girls at Bellybelly !! I felt SOOO much more prepared for this appointment than I would have, otherwise. That's the reason I didn't ask too many questions, I felt I already had a bit of an understanding of the process.
The whole thing today though made me think about making another appt with my natropath, tho. She was SO sweet and seemed genuinely interested in finding out all about what I knew of my cycle.
Guess it can't hurt to cover all basis, medical and "natural", as well as do my own charts on BB. It will be interesting to see if the FS tests pinpoint O the same day that my own temping does.
So to sum up .... this process IS going to be expensive, but well worth it even just to put our minds at rest that nothing is wrong. And if there IS something found, then we're in a much better position to fix it and realise our dream of a little bubbie!!
Anyway, I should look at the positives: I got the test done I wanted, it was normal, both DH and I are healthy. There is a clear plan for the next lot of investigations, looking at hormone levels, fallopian tubes and CM environment. Doesn't matter so much if I'm not thrilled about my doctor, as long as she does all the tests that we need ! Maybe it'll take me a little while to warm to her.
Your first FS appointment sounds so similar to what ours was...almost identical, right down to the FS asking the questions twice...not being interested in my charts...and the 'medical' model...
We went through a whole lot of tests too...stacks of blood tests, ultrasounds, HSG, etc. He was incredibly thorough...which we were really happy about...
Anyway...after all the tests...he put me on clomid and I was so fortunate to fall pregnant on our first cycle...my first BFP in 3 years!
I hope you have a wonderful good news story too...
Wow, it sounds like you had a huge afternoon. I agree, it gives you some piece of mind to know that you are doing all you can to make sure that your chances of success are increased. I think your Dr does sound very thorough.
Hope you get your BFP so you dont have to have any more invasive tests, but if not, we can compare notes on the dye in the tubes test next month (i have to have mine early next cycle).
Hey Sharon,
Sorry I can't compare FS's, mine was much more relaxed and interactive. But, the tests are the good part, they rule out heaps of issues and gives you peace of mind along the way.
Sorry it was so draining but really glad you are on the way to realising your dream with renewed vigour.
NP appt is a great idea, I find its nice to have someone human to get excited and positive with, makes a difference emotionally which I think supports bfp chances.
A great start to the next phase of the journey, here's hoping the bfp is next, and if not, at least you have a plan hun.
Thanks girls ! I feel better about my FS and clinic today. They do seem very thorough. This morning I took my temp and said to DH "I probably dont need to worry about doing this but it's kinda fun" and he said "dont worry I'll look at your charts" - in reference to FS not being interested.
Ruf best of luck for your test too !! They'll be quite close together probably as I'm not too many dpo behind you.
My first FS appt De-brief (excuse the pun)
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