[Lesan]

Hi all! New here, just signed up this week and its so nice to know others have the same feelings and frustrations!

I thought it interesting that among all these topics, no one has mentioned their experiences with RE (reproductive endocrinologists) and the steps taken to determine how they were going to help you get pregnant.

I'm 40, our first TTC. I went off the pill two years ago and have been using a fertility monitor for the past year. I'm on a 28-day cycle. I didn't know that being in my late 30s, I should have consulted a RE after 6 months of no BFP.

Just started seeing a really great RE one month ago and it just so happens my appointment turned out to be on Day 1 of my cycle, which is perfect timing in the RE world. Doc explained that most testing and hormone-taking begins between Days 3-5. At that time, he went ahead and did a vaginal ultrasound in the office just to take a quick look at my uterus and ovaries to check for any obvious abnormalities. I was OK in that department. (who knew they could do that during AF's visit??)

Since I have some back problems, I have been on a prescription NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, i.e., ibuprofen, naproxen) as needed. Doc said that NSAIDs can prevent ovulation and/or prevent a fertilized egg from implanting! I had NO idea, and I'm one who gets tension headaches all the time! So, that meant Tylenol and heating pads until I get a pregnancy well underway. (Having a good massage therapist has helped, too.)

I found that I had three hurdles to clear before beginning fertility treatments.

(1) First step was to do a "clomiphene (Clomid) citrate challenge test" to determine whether I would be a good candidate for fertility treatments. On Day 3, I would return for bloodwork to check my FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) level. Then I would take Clomid Days 5-9. On Day 10, I would return to have the FSH level checked again. If either FSH level was above 14, it would be considered abnormal and there would be no treatments. Anything from 10.0-13.9 is considered a "gray area".
Well, my initial FSH was very good, at 7.3. The second was at 10.6, so I was in the "light gray" area and, as doc explained, we would be aggressive in treatments.
(2) Second step was to have a hysteroscopy to make a visual inspection of the uterus (no fibroids, no scarring, etc) to make certain I could carry a pregnancy to term.
Passed that one with flying colors, although it wasn't exactly the most comfortable feeling to have a hysteroscope (a probe with a camera) and lots of saline solution squirted into the uterus! The bloating and cramping hit with a vengence about 4 hours after the procedure! It was kinda cool to see my insides on a 24" color monitor! DH had a ringside seat! lol
(3) Third step was to have a hysterosalpingogram (HSG - and don't even try to pronouce that word! lol) to make certain the fallopian tubes are open - no adhesions, etc. This is similar to #2, but the liquid fluoresces under x-ray.
I have this test coming up on Tuesday. Needless to say, I'm taking the day off of work!

What's also interesting is that doc said that for his IVF patients, he recommends that they get acupuncture in conjuction with the IVF treatments. I figured what the heck, it couldn't hurt and besides, maybe it would help my back. Well, I've had 3 treatments so far. If the reproduction points are getting as much help as my back has been getting, then it's a good thing! I had an appointment on the day AF hit and the next morning the cramps were gone. She also taught me some abdominal massages to do every night. The whole point of the acupuncture is to get the uterus to relax and to stimulate good blood flow, uterine fluids and the appropriate hormones.

Of course, DH has to have his swimmers analyzed this month. That's our final hurdle.

Anticipating that I also pass the HSG with flying colors, the "aggressive treatment" means that we go straight to injectable hormones and artificial insemination in June. (BTW, I am doc's first AI patient to try acupuncture. *crossing fingers*) Which will mean that I can jot my experience and feelings on those AI threads!

This was just a quick overview, so if anyone wants more detail in any area, I'll be happy to provide it.

I do feel lucky though, that I have such great providers. Both RE and acupuncturist have had personal experiences in their respective areas of their expertise. Sure makes it a little easier knowing they know exactly what you're going through.

Baby dust to all of you TTC's!

WOW sounds like you have been through a fair bit.

Baby dust to you and good luck!

Sorry I couldn't offer any further comments I am not at the medical stage yet

[Flossy]

Wow good luck and

I'm very lucky that I haven't had to have any medical intervention, although it did take 3 years to conceive my first son (that was with a different partner) so I can't comment on the treatment you are going through but I can empathise with the heartbreak of how long TTC can take.

Wishing you the very best!

[moonpiesb]

All I can say is WHEW!!!!!!!!!!!!! Sounds like you have been through the "ringer". I was thinking that I had been through quite a bit, but it sounds like you have me beat!!! Good luck TTC and welcome to the board.

BABY DUST TO US ALL!!!!!!!!!!!

[Lesan]

It's a lot to go through, but I guess as an older TTC, doc is trying to be thorough! Would be pointless to go through fertility treatments if I have any physical problems.

Hopefully, this thread will come in handy for anyone having to go through similar steps.

Tomorrow is the last hurdle to pass, so here's hoping the fallopian tubes are O-P-E-N!

[mandiol]

I also have been going to a RE on and off for two years, I changed doctors in February of this year. I have had an HSG twice, I had one in 2002 which was all clear and then a year later I had an ectopic pregnancy so last July I had another one done and it was also clear. My advice is to take about 800 mg of Ibuprofen about a half an hour before the test, that really helps with the pain (I didn't do that with my first HSG and I was in pain in bed for hours after).
I currently am doing ultrasounds on day 3 and 14, taking clomid on days 5-9 and have an HCG injection two days before an insemination. As far as this cycle goes I had an ultrasound on Saturday and I have two cysts (one on each side although the right side doesn't matter as I no longer have a right tube) but the cyst on the left was large so my RE put me on birth control pills this month. It is very depressing and difficult to take these pills when I am trying so hard to get a BFP, so this month will not be my month. Hopefully the cysts will go away and I can resume treatments next month. I am very depressed by the whole thing! Good luck to the rest of you though!
Mandi.

[Lesan]

Whew! The HSG is over! My tubes are open, thankfully, so onward ho next month with AI. Yippeee!

The procedure only made me cramp when the dye was being injected. Didn't have any other cramping or bloating until 2 hours later. Doc had me take 800mg of ibuprofen an hour ahead of time, so I'm OK.

Was reading an interesting article in an old Sep. 04 Newsweek that talked about the relationship between stress and infertility, that women who underwent some kind of mind/body training (yoga, psychotherapy, biofeedback, etc) increased their chances of getting pregnant. Ok, so we're supposed to "get on with our lives" and think positive thoughts, but there are just some days that are harder than others!

My mom is into new-age stuff, so she suggested I burn BLUE CANDLES to promote "healing". I have a blue candle in every room! hee hee I can say this much: I have no idea if it's working, but it does remind me to think positively and have good vibes. At the least, it's making my house smell good! So, ladies, shall we corner the market on blue candles!??!

Baby dust and good vibes to all.

[moonpiesb]

Blue candles???? I don't know if they will work or not, but like you said at the very least my house will smell good!!!!!!! I can use all the extra help I can get. I used to do yoga a while back and it made me fell better all over. I am not sure why I quit doing it other than the fact that I got lazy and just stopped! Well, to be honest, there is another reason.....I was doing it by myself (watching a DVD) and there was one instructor on my DVD that was trying to KILL ME!!!!! I swear she had it out for me!!!! The other ones (instructors) weren't so bad, but every time it came to the part where she was I thought I would die...I was under the impression that yoga was supposed to make you feel good and by the time I got through with her part I was feeling like I was going to fall out....I suppose looking back now, that I should have just skipped her part, but I was determined to do the whole thing. Now I just can't seem to get myself motivated. But if it is supposed to help with fertility then I am determined to start back.....guess I should get off here and get to it!!!

[Lesan]

For those interested, I found the book from which that Nov. 04 "Newsweek" article was based. It's "Six Steps to Increased Fertility". (more info on the Harvard/Newsweek website: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newswe...ity_Factor.htm).

Also, I was in RE's office the other day and read a great magazine for all of us TTCs: "Conceive" (which further proves we're not alone!). I think they've only had 3 issues so far but it's full of good info. So far, I love it! http://www.conceivemagazine.com/

Baby dust to all!

I know how you feel. I have been seeing a fertility dr for 3 years. I have gone thru your steps 1 & 2. Good luck & best wishes!
~Shonda