I have just joined this forum today after having my first appointment with a fertility specialist this week. I thought I might come on here and get some advice from women who have been through all of this because, to be honest, it seems a little overwhelming at times.
To start, a little about my situation. (apologies for the longhand, I dont know the abbreviations for everything yet!!)
I am 39 (today in fact!) so the clock is well and truly ticking. I am very blessed to have one daughter (aged 8) but I re-partnered 6 years ago and my "new" partner has no biological children (he does consider my little girl his as well though
Anyhoo, I was diagnosed with PCOS in my mid-20s and with Adenomyosis about two years ago. I have a brilliant gyno (Professor Michael Quinn at the RWH) who also monitors me for high CA125 levels (a tumour marker for Ovarian Cancer). I have really irregular and extremely painful periods with lots of clotting. The most recent ultrasound (of a couple of months ago) showed my uterus is enlarged and my adeno diffuse. I also have slight hypothyroidism and I am 106kg Although I have lost 15kg in the past 18 months so my weight is better than it used to be.
Apart from that I am really healthy. My blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and everything else, etc is perfect (surprisingly!!!!)
I was referred to Dr Catharyn Stern at MIVF because I have not used contraception for the past six years and not conceived. I guess it has been about two years that we have been actively trying.
That said, this is a new world to me. I am not that well versed in what goes on, what works, what doesnt, etc, etc. So any and all advice and/or information would be gratefully received.
I had an appointment with the specialist this week and she sent me to have the bloodtest to end all bloodtests (six vials of blood!!!). I also have to have an ultrasound with a dye to check for blockage of the fallopian tubes (has anyone had one of these?). She also wants my partner to have a bloodtest (it looks like it is for STDs???) and to have his sperm tested.
She said she thinks I may have endometriosis as well and is contemplating a laproscopy for me. She is a little reluctant because of the associated risks though.
She also mentioned Metformin and a drug called Serophene. (Has anyone here taken that?) but I think she wants to discuss that further after the test results, at my next appointment in August.
She also said, given my age, we need to start thinking about IVF.
I guess the main reason I am posting is everything seems like a bit of a blur. I took in what she said but, at the same time, it didnt sink in properly (not sure if that makes sense!)
Anyway...Like I said, any and all advice and info would be most welcome!
Hi nothing2lose. Welcome to BB and Happy birthday too!
You have certainly got a lot to take in and you are looking for a lot of information. I hope the members here can jump in and help you.
I hate to say it but get used to having a whole lot of blood tests done! Relatively painless, and they may offer some clues to the Drs about what course to take.
Your ultrasound with dye is a very common procedure. If a blockage is found it could be a nice quick 'answer' to your infertility. You'll find many people here have had them.
Bloodtests and sperm samples for your partner is vital. Infertility is often a combination of reduced fertility in both partners. Not just testing for STIs but all sorts of fertility related factors.
I am not sure about the laparoscopy risks in your case (weight?). It is the only definitive way of diagnosing endometriosis, but you should do all the less invasive tests first.
There is a chat thread for women who take Metformin and or Clomid (Serophene) here.
There is also a chat thread for women who are older and TTC (Trying to conceive) here.
Here is a link to the main chat thread for members who are LTTTC (Long Term TTC) with the help of AC (assisted conception i.e. IVF) here.
I hope you can find lots of information and advice/support in your journey to become a parent.
I'm new and looking for some advice/information!!
Although I have lost 15kg in the past 18 months so my weight is better than it used to be.
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