[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!