nadine, i too would suggest getting the ball rolling toward seeing an FS. there are some things that GP's can help with (like clomid etc) - even if you're ovulating, it can add to your chances of success by helping the egg to mature.
i guess i'd recommend moving forward to looking at options as it's a long-ish wait for appointments - you can always cancel an appointment when you get a BFP - can't always get an appointment quickly if you need it...
NP and AP are good suggestions too - hoping that they ccan help you with a BFP very soon
I got the name of a goo acupuncture place so I will give them a go. They are meant to be quite successful in resolving fertility problems. Can't hurt to try. I also got the number off a naturopath.
My other friend has recommended an FS to me (her friend and she used him). Apparently he is well known (been on channel 9 etc). I haven't phoned yet but I will be in the next couple of days. Being so well known I am guessing he may have a long wait.... I guess I will find out.
Another question, how much does an FS charge? I know the price would vary as to what you are going through (procedures etc) but what does an initial consultation approximately cost?
Mine was about $160, I think from memory - but you get some of it back on medicare (about 90-100ish).
Also you need to get a joint referral from your GP. That's how we found our FS.
nadine - our first FS appointment was around $160 - got about half of that pack. each subsequent appointment has been between $70 and $80 and get around $32 back from medicare (maybe a little less) - until you hit the safety net.
you'll possibly find that, even though your GP has done some testing, the FS will put you through a whole lot more testing - DH and I walked out with pathology request forms absolutely chockers with test requests - not sure if all FS' do it, but mine wrote on it that it was to be bulk billed. the only one we had to pay for was one that had to be sent to, i think, the royal children's hospital as it was a specialised test to see if my immune system was attacking and killing DH's little swimmers.
as tarkine said, you'll need a referral from a medico for your FS - if your OB/GYN writes it, it will last only three months - if your GP writes it, they can write a 12 month or "indefinite" referral. most will limit it to 12 months, but after they've had to write more than one, they might change that to indefinite.
Nadine - all the best sweetie. Apparently after another year of TTC naturally I think that you have a major chance of conceiving. Sounds like there's nothing majorly wrong at all, but perhaps a natural therapist could help?
I got an email from my friend who recommended the FS and she said he charges about $150 for the initial consultation, so about the same as what you girls have told me.
It says next to his name: Reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist. (he works for IVF australia) anyway I am guessing that is the same as an FS.
emstar- Not sure of the name (yet to get the actual name from SIL). But I know it is in dural though. Did you want me to let you know what it is called?
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