Went to the doctors today after 12 months ttc

[Katie Mc]

So after 12 months of trying, being disappointed and many many tears today I went to my GP! I found this much harder than I ever imagined, going to my GP felt like such a huge step. I think saying out loud to a stranger that I just can't seem to get pregnant made it all incredibly real! After the appointment I was really emotional but have some how got to the end of the day feeling slightly more positive!

I was referred for a blood test (which I went straight to the hospital and got done today) and also got referred for an internal scan of my ovaries.

Anyone else been through these tests or been referred for any others that I should ask for? Any tips on how to keep going and stay positive at this stage would be greatly appreciated!

 

[MrsS15]

Hi Katie,

I remember going to the GP for the first time and totally crying my eyes out to the poor doctor. I got bloods and scan of ovaries etc, these are the basic tests they'll look into first to check that you ovulate and that everything internally looks as it should. Next they'll probably want your OH to get a sperm analysis done and go from there. It's really daunting but these are the first steps you need to take and hopefully your baby is just around the corner!

Lots of luck xx

 

[Katie Mc]

My OH has an appointment next week so hopefully they will get the ball rolling for him to! It's such a big step going to the GP but there is going to be a lot of waiting for results and appointments so kind of feels like a huge step to start another long journey!
Thank you for taking the time to reply to thread xxx

 

[MrsS15]

I honestly felt the same hun, as I'm sure so many of the long term girls on here did. But I'm now 19 weeks pregnant and although I remember the journey and how it felt, it's so worth it to be here now with my precious cargo. Take each appointment as it comes and try and stay positive. As hard as that is! Yes by going to the gp you're signing up for a whole new journey but this one will feel better because you're now getting help, not feeling like each month is just a long dark tunnel. You should go to the fertility issues thread hun xx

 

[liz85]

Its scary but it helps talking to someone and stating to get tests. I didn't want to go to the gp but glad I did as I have a huge cyst. I fought to get an ultrasound and glad I didn't back down. It can be a big weigh off your shoulders. Hope you get good news soon x

 

[Katie Mc]

Thank you both for your words of support. Feeling quite emotional still but at least I have got things going x

 

[MoominGirl]

It's such a big step to seek help but for me it was much better to feel like I was getting somewhere even if it has been a bumpy ride. They can pick up things that you would never have known about and hopefully that means they can do something about it. I have an endometrial polyp which has caused me no trouble at all and I wouldn't have known about it if it hadn't been for the ultrasound. Is it affecting our chances? Who knows but I'm getting rid of it soon so we'll find out!!

I think the most important pieces of advice I would have given my past self would be:

Be prepared for things to take a bit longer than you think if you're NHS especially as tests may need to be repeated or done at specific times. It's amazing how easy it is for things to take another month. Just to give you an idea - I saw my GP to get the ball rolling in January and in that time I've had all the blood tests and had 2 ultrasounds (repeated to confirm the polyp). OH has had 3 sperm analyses. 1st showed low motility so was repeated the following month - still the same. Then we found out that these should be done at least 3 months apart He's just done another one a few weeks ago. I've only recently had an HSG done after being seen twice by gynaecology (had to go twice due to a disastrous appointment at the fertility clinic). Now I'm finally going to get rid of the polyp in a couple of weeks 6 months after it was first found. Phew!!

Also don't allow yourself to be fobbed off and be prepared to fight for the tests you know you need. I've really had to fight my corner and although I would never wish some of the problems I've had on anyone, I wish I was more prepared. Although I truly hope that my experience was far from normal!!

Happy to help with any other questions if I can. I've found this forum so helpful in getting through it all. Just nice to know you're not alone.

 

[Katie Mc]

Thanks moomingirl.
Just an update. I had a blood test which on the form said infertility screen - that came back normal. The GP then called me and said she should've sent me for a different blood test first to check my sex hormone and thyroid levels. This has come back and my thyroid is borderline low the GP is starting me on thyroxine for a few months to give my thyroid a boost to see if this helps. Having done some reading on low thyroid I have a lot of the symptoms so fingers crossed the thyroxine will help. Im having my internal scan tomorrow and have an appointment with the fertility clinic at the end of September. The letter from the fertility clinic has a list of tests that I need to have had before the appointment so have to book a couple more blood tests and a cervical smear.
I'm feeling more positive as so far appointments have been made quite quickly and I'm starting to feel like getting pregnant isn't a million miles away. We are continuing to ttc whilst all this is going on and my husband has an appointment for his sperm analysis in 2 weeks time.

Thanks for the support ladies! Really helpful to talk about it to people who understand where I am coming from and don't just say 'it will happen' I will update again when I have more news.

 

[MoominGirl]

That's good that you're getting appointments fairly quickly. I found that the time from referral to an actual appointment wasn't too long but for our clinic the GP wasn't even able to submit a referral until we'd actually done all the tests and results confirmed. It's good they've managed to get the ball rolling a bit more quickly.

I totally hate the 'it will happen' comments usually from people who have no experience of what you're going through, feel uncomfortable and feel the need to fill an awkward silence with a 'supportive' comment We haven't told many people about our difficulties but since I was having more invasive procedures, I decided to bite the bullet and tell my mum. After I'd finished rambling, she defaulted to 'don't worry, your time will come...' I basically stopped her (not in a rude way) and said 'actually you don't know that' and then after she'd thought for a minute she said 'ok, fair enough, I don't'. But it was like she realised that we all believe it will happen easily but for a lot of people it's a struggle. I'm glad I did make that point early as she now knows what sort of support I actually need. I think it's such a taboo subject and people can be so insensitive in their comments without realising. Forums like this are so good for support.

Good luck with your scan tomorrow!

 

[Katie Mc]

It's been over a month since I posted so thought I would post an update.
Since my last post I have had my internal scan which was fine, all came back normal, no sign of PCOS.

I have also had another 3 blood tests which were a requirement for the fertility clinic appointment. One for Rubella immunity, day 21 progesterone level and day 2 fsh, lh and estradiol.

The Rubella immunity test showed I am immune so don't need a top up jab... Phew one less needle!

The 2nd blood test was to check my progesterone level, this was the "day 21" blood test however my GP advised me to go and have it 7 days after getting a positive ovulation test stick as I have a longer cycle. I actually got my positive ovulation test on day 21 so had the blood test on day 28. This came back consistent with ovulation having occurred! Yay

The third blood test "day 2" i had to have on day 4 because Af is an awkward cow and came on a Friday and there is no blood clinic over the weekend. Doctor said the test can be done between day 2-4. This test also came back normal.

My husbands sperm analysis came back normal too.

I have been taking Levothyroxine for 4 weeks now apparently it can take up to 6 weeks to improve your thyroid so fingers crossed this will help.

As I mentioned Af arrived and I think my husband was shocked as I was not devastated as I have been the previous cycles. Of course I was disappointed but I think since we have got the ball rolling with trying to get some answers and some help I feel more positive.

With all our results coming back normal we are of course relieved but there is also a slight frustration that if everything is fine then why haven't we managed to get our BFP yet! We can only assume that our baby is going to be so awesome that it takes a lot of time to make it

We have our appointment with the fertility clinic tomorrow I'm not expecting much I'm guessing they may advise some other tests but I have a feeling that they will just tell us to keep trying and review it in 6 months.

We have now told family and a few close friends that we have been having these tests etc. This has stopped people asking when are we going to have a baby. There were a few strange/stupid comments such as someone offering to be a surrogate.... I mean F***ing really?!? And another person saying "maybe you can be one of those couples who gets to go on nice holidays instead of having kids". I am am considering dropping this moron as a friend altogether!
Mostly people have been supportive and we know that they are there if we need them.

Anyone considering taking the step of going to the GP.... Do it! There's a lot of tests, it's by no means a quick fix but after the initial upset of admitting we needed to get some sort of help with ttc I can honestly say that I feel like a weight has been lifted.

Thanks
Katie

 

[Pinkz]

Positive news!

I have one of those friends too... well, a few if I'm honest... they have absolutely no idea how hard it is. Each failing month is met with "at least you can have a drink" .... yay

I never know if it's been a blessing or a curse but we did get pregnant and had a MC. So my wait now is either another 6 months to not get pregnant OR a 3rd MC to get tests.

Hopefully you will get some good news soon. Looks like you are making progress

 

[Alexis2017]

I had my day 3 bloods checked and hubbie was checked. I then went back and they refered me for internal scan and was td its 1 year waiting list for the scan alone. Pretty annoyed so booking the scan private as don't want to wait 1 year for that scan. Your lucky you got all that done so quickly. I really need some clarification on everything is normal...I am really emotional about it all

 

[Katie Mc]

Hi ladies. Thanks for taking the time to reply to this thread it's nice to know there are people out there who "get it".

Sorry to hear about your mc Pinkz. It's so frustrating how the system works sometimes. Fingers crossed that you can get that bfp again without having to wait for the system. Sending lots of baby dust your way!

Alexia 2017 - a year waiting for a scan is just madness! Have you been referred for any other bloods? If they expect you to wait that long for a scan surely they can be looking at some of the other tests in the mean time. I can imagine how hard it must be when you've worked yourself up to go and get help to be told it's a year wait!

It's such an emotional roller-coaster and I'm sure like me you will feel more positive if you can get some answers. I was prepared for finding all sorts of issues as I had convinced myself via Google that I had every fertility problem going!
On the days I feel really crap about it all I try and occupy myself and stay off of social media. I know occupying yourself isn't easy as you can't stop thinking about it. Failing that I grab a large bar of chocolate and watch some rubbish TV! I have accepted that I will feel emotional about it and sometimes a good cry is needed. The tests have given me some sanity back and I feel more focused than before. Baby dust to you

 

[Alexis2017]

Hi ladies. Thanks for taking the time to reply to this thread it's nice to know there are people out there who "get it".

Sorry to hear about your mc Pinkz. It's so frustrating how the system works sometimes. Fingers crossed that you can get that bfp again without having to wait for the system. Sending lots of baby dust your way!

Alexia 2017 - a year waiting for a scan is just madness! Have you been referred for any other bloods? If they expect you to wait that long for a scan surely they can be looking at some of the other tests in the mean time. I can imagine how hard it must be when you've worked yourself up to go and get help to be told it's a year wait!

It's such an emotional roller-coaster and I'm sure like me you will feel more positive if you can get some answers. I was prepared for finding all sorts of issues as I had convinced myself via Google that I had every fertility problem going!
On the days I feel really crap about it all I try and occupy myself and stay off of social media. I know occupying yourself isn't easy as you can't stop thinking about it. Failing that I grab a large bar of chocolate and watch some rubbish TV! I have accepted that I will feel emotional about it and sometimes a good cry is needed. The tests have given me some sanity back and I feel more focused than before. Baby dust to you

I just got day 21 bloods done which came back really high and doc said it was around 50 so suggests 2 eggs (I am a twin) and DH got his swimmers checked. Then I went back again and she said I will refer you to fertility clinic but its a year wait for the internal scan then they take it from there. I am not waiting a year so did over time at my work last wknd to pay for the scan privately but need to wait this cycle out to see if by some miracle it has happened then try book in for around day 15 for next cycle. I will feel so much better getting this scan. Must be a huge relief when you kbow eveverything s normal. I am just constantly worrying about it. My mum keeps saying it only took her 2 months each time which isnt helping. Got our housr warming party tmrw so will see how many ppl ask us the baby question! Ahhh

 

[Katie Mc]

So to update since my last post.

We had our appointment with the fertility clinic a few weeks ago and as I suspected there wasn't alot they could really do with all our tests having come back normal. However the consultant we saw was fantastic she went through all our tests and reassured us that all our results are good. She explained how the system works and what the next steps are. She has referred me for a hycosy which is where they put dye through my fallopian tubes and then scan to check the dye flows through with no problems to ensure I have no blockages stopping my eggs getting through. She then told us that if this scan shows no problems then we will have to continue trying for another year before we qualify for Ivf but if the scan shows a problem then we will be referred for ivf after the scan.

I was really hoping that we would get pregnant this month so I would not need yet another and more intrusive scan! Last week I was symptom spotting like crazy and began to feel quite hopeful but it seems it may have all been in my head as AF is due in a couple of days and I've been having a bit of cramping and a bit of spotting today! So all in all feeling quite deflated today. I think I put extra pressure on for this month as we can't try in the cycle I have the hycosy.
It's good to know what the next steps are but i have no idea how long the waiting list would be for ivf so having a little trouble staying positive some days.

 

[LuckyLaura]

I have just read the entire thread and it's been very informative! Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us all and I wish you all the best of luck xx

 

[Katie Mc]

I just wanted to finish off this thread with the final update from all my tests.

So as I expected last time I wrote on here af was on her way so once she arrived I booked an appointment for my hycosy. They only had one appointment left for this cycle and after a bit of stress getting the time off work it was booked. I was feeling really nervous about it as I had stupidly Googled it and lots of women online had said it was very painful!

I had the hycosy earlier this week, it really wasn't bad at all! Anyone going for one please don't stress. It was quick and no more uncomfortable than a smear test. I had taken some painkillers half an hour before like they advised and I really didn't feel anything during the appointment. It was quite interesting, the sonographer was really informative and kept me really relaxed. They measured my uterus, the lining of my uterus and put the dye through my fallopian tubes, all of which I could see on the screen. Luckily everything was normal, no blockages or cycts etc. They were even able to tell me that I will ovulate from my left ovary this cycle. A few hours after the appointment I started getting some cramps but nothing major, I just took a couple of painkillers and was fine. I was a little achey with very slight cramps the next day but again a few painkillers and went about my day.

You are not allowed to ttc in the lead up to the appointment so we thought we were out this cycle however at the appointment we were told that we could start trying again this cycle now the hycosy was out of the way. So back to work... Doing the deed every other day!

This was the last test/investigation we needed. Everything has come back normal which is reassuring but also a little frustrating! We now have to continue trying for another year before going back to the fertility clinic to discuss Ivf.
I'm feeling hopeful that's its just a matter of time before we get our bfp!

Thanks for reading!
Katie x

 

[MoominGirl]

Glad the hycosy went well Katie. I had an HSG recently and like you, it wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. Really shouldn't Google these things!! We also continued to dtd afterwards so didn't miss a month.

We're now in a similar position so I get how frustrating it is to be told things are normal but you're still not pregnant! Everything with me is normal now so IVF is really our only next step other than keep trying. We meet the criteria to be referred but I just don't feel ready I think as we've had so many issues which have each been resolved, a small part of me keeps hanging on to the belief that we could still fall naturally Hopefully having that year will mean that you'll be ready to go for it. Good luck!!