First timer....What should I expect at my appt with an RE on 3/11/10? (pg mentioned)

[Cel2]

Hi winklehawk! I'm glad your appt went well! I think it's great that they took so much time to go over everything, even though the doctor was busy that day. You seem to feel like you understand the next steps. Having a plan helps you feel a little more in control of this crazy IF experience. So are they planning to do an HSG (hysterosalpingogram)? I've had two and while everyone's experience is different, mine weren't bad. I did them on my lunch hour and went back to work. Plan to bring a sanitary pad for after the procedure due to dye leakage. Check with your doctor, however most ladies take ibuprofen an hour or two before the test. You will have some menstrual like cramping afterwards. You can also read our sticky on the board about IF Tests and Procedures.

So, winklehawk, since you live in Kansas and have "hawk" in your name, can I assume you are a Jayhawk fan? If so, I should warn you I went to Univ of Missouri Columbia for grad school! Go Tigers! LOL!

Lilly, that DH of yours better take you out for a nice dinner and give you a lovely back rub afterwards when he gets back!!

[Lilly523]

Oooo, Winklehawk if that is true, my late grandmother went to KU! She grew up in Coffeeville, Kansas.
BC-Cel - that is relieving to hear that the dye procedure isn't terribly painful. I have had concerns about it as well.
And yes, my DH is taking me someplace out of town for my b-day next weekend but he won't give me any details - it's a surprise! <3 I have certainly been pampering myself in his absence though! I have had 2 spa treatments this week (1 today) and am meeting my girlfriends out tonight for dinner and drinks - I even bought a new shirt for the occasion!
I hope you all are having a nice weekend! Busy week ahead for me with house hunting and my RE appt. Can't wait to tell you all about it!

[Cel2]

You go girl! Glad you've been pampering yourself this week!

They dye test is definitely a subjective thing. Many people do ok with it, but some people find it very uncomfortable. Also, if you have a blockage I've been told that can be painful. But we're keeping good thoughts for clear tubes for both of you!

[lmkc]

hi ladies...im new as well and stumbled upon this thread. im in KS also winklehawk. have been to two consults already and now on to donor consult on the 11th. we know its the route for us. its been a bit overwhelming but are staying positive and being as aggressive as we can. were excited to start looking for a donor. i am finishing my 3 week of BCP but thats as far as weve gotten. apparently after this next consult we can see the donor database, keeping fingers crossed there is a good fit for us. im 41 and husband is almost 30. we have issues on both sides. hes seeing a urologist monday. wishing you all the best in this journey! im glad i found you all.

[Cel2]

Hi lmkc! Welcome! I'm surrounded by Jayhawks, LOL!

You'll find lots of support and information at FT. We have some other boards that could also be helpful for you as you start this journey.

Over 35 - Fertile Thoughts

Donor Issues (Egg & Sperm) - Fertile Thoughts

You didn't mention all of the issues that you are facing, but FT has so many boards there may be some others that can meet your needs too.

I was dealing with IF over 35 too and, on top of everything else you have to deal with, you have to deal with the pressure of fighting time as well. If you have any questions or just want to vent, post away! Let us now how the appt goes tomorrow!

[winklehawk]

Welcome, lmkc! I hope you find a fantastic donor.

Lilly - Have fun house hunting! I love shopping for houses but hate unpacking. We moved over a year and a half ago and I'm still not completely unpacked, sad but true.

Cel - I am a Jayhawk, but my username is not connected.

Work has asked me to see if I can reschedule my Dr's appt on Thurs for Fri. I said I would try but I don't know if I can change it at this date. I don't want to tell my coworkers why I need to be at the Dr on certain days. I just don't think it is any of their business. I don't know how long I can get by with an unexplained illness though.

[Lilly523]

Welcome lmkc!

Winklehawk, I can see where you are coming from with wanting to keep your personal life personal! I am really close to my co-workers and they all know that I am trying for a baby and are super supportive. I am lucky to have that level of personal understanding with all of them. I know it woudn't be that way other places. So, it is nice to be able to go to whatever appts are necessary during this time and not only have the flexibility, but also the undying support.

On another note though, I do NOT have anyone else in my life who is trying for a baby. All my friends are either pregnant (5 of them!) or are already moms. So I am so glad that I decided to join this support group! I finally feel like I am not alone and you all are wonderful. I can't wait to rejoice when your time comes but also to know that I have people to share this journey with. Many thanks!

I am looking forward to the week ahead. Please keep me posted on everything going on with you all! I will write as soon as I can after my appt on Thursday. DH took the day off to be there too which is wonderful.

Have an amazing week all!!!

[Cel2]

You're right that it's none of their business but it does get harder as time goes on to keep it private because people start wondering. You may have to look at whether you can trust your manager at some point if getting time off gets harder. I also kept it private as long as I could. That was hard because my tests and procedures were done at the hospital where I work, and I was doing my tx with a doctor in the professional building. I think they eventually figured it out! If anyone asks you about it, thank them for their concern and interest, and then tell them you're not comfortable discussing it right now and you appreciate their respect for that.

[winklehawk]

I can't tell my manager. He is a blabber mouth and it would be all over the office in about 5 minutes. I'm wondering if I can get by with a non-life threatening illness that is turning out to be difficult to diagnose and treat. It wouldn't be such a problem if I didn't have to travel so much. I have no idea how I'm going to make this work.

I'm going to be very upset if I can't come up with a way to make my personal life work with my work life. If I have to wait to try and get treatment until I'm less busy in October I am going to be one angry person.

[Lilly523]

I'm so sorry winklehawk - that really stinks about your predicament. I think the entire planet knows about my RE appt on Thursday! That's fine with me though, all of my co-workers, friends and family have been showering us with support and prayers.
I am having some weird pinching around my ovaries. I am going to talk to Dr. P about it. I don't know what that could be indicative of.
Well all, I can't wait to tell you what my RE's plan of attack is! I certainly am ready to have a plan of action. I'll feel like progress is actually being made instead of simply spinning our wheels with no results.