Can I please join you?

[TTC1985]

Hi,

Hope you don't mind me joining you ladies. I have been TTC since July 2014 and looking for some support. I have been on the forum for a while but not really posted that often.

AF arrived today putting an end to our hopes for a Christmas baby. We agreed in the summer that we would head to the Doctors in the new year if nothing happened by the end of the year and despite our best efforts we have been unsuccessful.

So I have been thinking about our Doctors appointment (I intend to book tomorrow) and wondered how you ladies got the ball rolling - what can I expect from a first appointment and how quickly do tests get underway. I guess after waiting this long to seek help I would like to see things move quickly although I realise that these things don't tend to move too quick and compared to some others we haven't been trying that long.

I look forward to hearing your stories and good luck to all of you xx

 

[phonixgirl]

Hi and welcome

It depends on the GP and area really. Your GP can do some basic tests (ours did) but I know not all do. Some areas have long waiting lists for referrals to the fertility clinic, others (such as mine) have no waiting list at all so it's just a matter of being referred and getting an appointment.

Also, I know some GPs are quite unhelpful and will want you to have been trying 2 years (we were told at first to go away and try for six months longer!). So just get ready to push just in case.

Good luck xxx

 

[snowbee]

Hiya, I went to my GP after just over a year. She sent me for bloods the next day and I also had an ultrasound within 8 weeks of going to see her. After those results came back we were sent to the fertility clinic. That is when the waiting started for us! I know other people who went and didn't have to wait anywhere near as long as we did for some tests, I think we were just unlucky and everyone seemed to get ill or go away and our tests were rearranged loads.

 

[fairyprincess]

Hi, good luck, hope you get a referral quickly x

 

[Clare80]

Hi, I'd definitely go to your GP now and not wait longer. They will arrange your blood tests and partners sperm test very quickly (well mine did). Our referral to the specialist didn't take long at all and we had all the tests and procedures done within 4 months - some are cycle time specific and I had a 11 week gap, so the wait was longer.

 

[TTC1985]

Thank you so much for your responses ladies. I am tempted to say we have been trying for 2 years so we don't get turned away but I don't want to be deceitful.

Fingers crossed we get to the bottom of things sooner rather than later. I have already had a vaginal ultrasound following a Wierd cycle I had back in Jan 15 and I got into a bit of state about everything so they sent me for reassurance. All was okay everything looked 'normal' so we kept trying. I just think the next step is bloods and sperm test for hubby.

I have an inkling that my luteal phase is too short having been using CBFM for the last 8/9 months as it only seems to be around 7/8 days long? To confuse matters further my cycles the last 2 months have been shorter than normal - this month 25 days, last month 24 with a couple of days of spotting which I have never normally had and my cycles are normally 28 days. I just don't understand how our bodies work sometimes ?!

Thanks once again for your responses and I'll keep you updated with how I get on. Xx

 

[phonixgirl]

Oh, tell me about it! I have 24 day cycles and spotting until I got a diagnosis of PCOS and started supplements (and then metformin). It's good your ultrasound was all clear and from that, I don't think your issues are the same as mine so please don't worry! Maybe low progesterone? Your GP can test your hormone levels so that could show up something. And there are things you can take to extend the luteal phase if you think it is too short.

I'd be honest with the dr but go now. They can refer after 1 year so they should do it. Mention your concerns about your recent cycle length and spotting too - it should make them do the basic tests and refer you if they are umming and ahhing. Xxx

 

[TTC1985]

Yes I think your right, honesty is the best policy! We registered at our new doctors last night so we are both now at the same surgery. It's going to be easier if we go for tests etc to have one Doctor. I feel like we have made a start on things.

I think it may be low progesterone based on my extensive Google searching lol. I've also looked at symptoms for PCOS none of them seem relevant to me but I really don't know. Whatever it is I just want to find out and work towards getting this sorted. Feeling apprehensive about the Doctors but I know it's the next natural step, guess I'm just scared about what they will say.

Thanks once again for your advice xx

 

[phonixgirl]

I didn't have any typical PCOS symptoms (no excess body hair, I'm actually underweight not overweight, don't really have a problem with acne, even have regular periods) so was quite surprised when they did a scan and told me I have polycystic looking ovaries! So you just never know until you have the tests. Like I say, I would have thought they would have said something when you had your scan previously if it was PCOS and I do seem to be a bit of an odd case too! Xx

 

[TTC1985]

Yes I know - your completely right and I'm trying hard not to go with any preconceived ideas of what I think is wrong.

How are you doing following your diagnosis, what treatment have you been given and do you feel it is helping? Xx

 

[phonixgirl]

It took me years to get a proper diagnosis. After going to the GP a number of times and a gynaecologist referral, I was finally referred to the fertility clinic where they found the cysts. Even they said it shouldn't be a problem to start with! They refused to treat it as well as I had no other real symptoms.

Soo, in June I reached the end of my tether and asked to see a doctor at the clinic. They diagnosed full on PCOS after looking at my hormones results and gave me metformin. I was sooo happy to finally get a diagnosis and medication. I must say, my cycles seem a lot better now and I have actually lost all the fat I had on my thighs. When I got my diagnosis, I started to think that maybe it could actually happen and I'd not felt that optimistic in years. Yes, my IVF failed but I am hoping now I've got things sorted (ish) it may happen at some point, somehow. xxx

 

[TTC1985]

Wow it sounds like you have been through the mill. I admire your resilience and positivity. I find it really hard to stay positive and this year has been really tough but I'm trying to take a more positive attitude now as getting upset isn't doing me any good nor does it achieve anything!!

I wish you the very best of luck with your journey and hope to see your bfp very soon �� xx

 

[Clare80]

I have pcos and none of the 'normal' symptoms other than irregular periods

 

[phonixgirl]

I found it really difficult tbh and was actually off work with depression earlier this year as it all got too much. However, once I got the diagnosis suddenly things began to look a whole lot brighter and I started to think that maybe it could happen. After all, I'd spent all this time trying with an undiagnosed condition, possibly not ovulating at all (despite what they told me tests suggested), and completely messed up hormones. Xxx

 

[TTC1985]

That's it, sometimes just feels better knowing what your up against! X