Hi Melis81,
My dh and i started TTC after having a pg scare - i was on the pill at the time and after that went off it. My cycles were not so great - anywhere between 30-38 days. I charted for approx 8 months and based on that info thought that something was up as we had not fallen pg. I went to my GP, explained the situation and she refered me to a gyno, did some prelim blood work and she also had dh sperm tested at the same time (so be prepared for that). We did not wait the 12 months, and my gp was very understanding about my concerns.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that it is your body, and if you think something is wrong then your GP should listen and should take resonable steps to help you work out if things are or are not, ok. Rather than ask to go to a fert specialist straight off, maybe a gyno referal is more appropriate - they can then refer you onto a fertility specialist if needed - as happened with us (in the end we had sperm issues, rather than my cycle being the primary issue). If you are unhappy with your current GP, try getting a second opinion (i know in some areas that is difficult). You have to be comfortable with the advice you are getting, irrispective of your families history with the doctor.
I'm not sure if you always need a referal to see a gyno - i think you might be able to see one without a referal, but medicare will not cover any of the cost...something like that. but you might find that most gyno's are pretty flat out so will only see patients with a referal.
I really think your best bet is to get a second opinion from a gp and take it from there.
Thank you for sharing your story Farmgirl. I think I will take your advice and get a second opinion from another GP.
I have another question about the referral (sorry, I know I'm painful at times!). Does the GP refer me to one they know of, or can i ask for one that I want to see?
Not sure specifically for gynos, but I would've thought if you have a specialist in mind that you'd like to see, just ask your GP for a referral to that specialist. GL!
I came of the BCP, and my cycles were irregular for about 8 months. We saw our GP, and we pushed for tests to be done. I had the basic blood tests, and internal ultrasound, DH had the basic sperm tests done. They mentioned PCOS, but didn't tell me anything about it, just refered me to a GP, where I only got an appointment like 4 months later (that was in the UK) I called the GP in tears asking them for more information, wondering why I had to wait 4 months to find out what was wrong with me. It was so frustrating.
You should definately be able to get the tests done now , even though it can take a while for the BCP to clear from your system. If there are other issues, better to start working on them now.
if you have someone in mind then ask to be refered to that specialist. unless the gp has a really good reason why you should not see that person, then you should have a say in where you go. if you dont have a preference or dont know anyone, then your gp should be able to provide advice BUT always ask your gp WHY they are sending you to that particular specialist so you know the rational eg is it because they are geographically close, or are they associated with a particular provider such as an IVF clinic, or is it because the gp has had success with sending previous patients there.
Reply With Quote
and 
to all!
Bookmarks