FA appointment

When we had ours, our specialist got me to get a CD 2/3 test done for FSH and LH, and he had pretty recent results for the CD23ish test, so didn't need to do that. DH had to repeat his fertility test as well. The specialist did a scan to have a look at my uterus, and make sure that everything looked ok there ... and otherwise it was just as you expect - a social history, cycles, how long TTC, medical history etc etc. We were there from memory for about an hour or so?

We're back there again in 2 weeks to discuss our treatment plan.

Sorry! CD = cycle day. 2/3 means they get you to do it on either the 2nd or 3rd day of your cycle. I get so used to shrt-handing everything, I forgot that I'm more used to this than a lot of people

To be really honest, they're probably going to send you away to do the sample. They'll get your history etc, but they need that sample before they can plan your next move. I do remember your thread now about the testing ...I'll go and have another look.

Do you mind me asking, what the issue with getting the sample is? I remember that DH is on meds, but does that mean he doesn't ejaculate, or struggles to get an erection ...?

When I went to the FA seminar, they said that the majority of their patients are self-referrals, so good on you for jumping the queue. Oh, and if it's any help to you budget-wise - our appointment included the cost of seeing the specialist and an internal scan for me and was $175, and DH's semen analysis which tested for count, motility, morphology, antibodies (I'm pretty sure!) and life of the sperm once ejaculated, was $90.

Thanks for that - it makes more sense now. My last blood test would have been day three of my cycle - that was taken last month, but no doubt more tests will be required.
Problem with getting DH's sample is that antidepressants cause some libido issues, but more importantly difficulties ejaculating, so sometimes he does, sometimes he doesnt and there is no control over it. So I guess the chances of conception for us are a bit lower again, as we dont always manage our timing around ovulation TMI I know!!
I cant believe I went today, I'm 99% sure I read the appt date and time back to the receptionist but she says that he doesnt work on Fridays. Anyway now my appointment is also the 14th I'm there at 10am. thanks also for the costing info, it is not quite as bad as I thought it would be, and you had a scan also included, i'm impressed. So frustrated at waiting another two weeks, going through that faze where everyone is pregnant around me, three sisters-in-laws have all had babies since we started trying.   Been very down but trying to keep up.

Mine is at 11.10am ...shall we both wear a red carnation so we know who we are (actually, I'm not much of a surprise ...I'll be the Ginger) ooorrrr ... Ooo! I know! We can both strap pregnancy tests to our foreheads

I must admit that I was impressed with the scan too. I'd had a scan done by itself about 12 months before hand, and that alone was $200!

All the best ...at the moment 2 weeks seems ages, but if you think that this weekend is a long weekend, and by Tuesday when you're back at work (assuming you work Mon-Fri) it'll be less than 10 days to go - and plan something nice for yourself for next weekend to make that go quicker as well (DH and I are going to a musical on Sun afternoon).

That is an immense b*gger about the ADs ...but having been on them, I do know about the libido issues (after TTC about 6 months I hit a terrible dark patch - around the time I realised that there was going to be a big ol' journey for us here). I normally poo poo these sorts of things, but I am about to start trying with a chinese herbalist who is apparently (expensive but) very good. She is based in P Nth, but has a web page and will treat over the internet with enough information ...might be worth a go for his depression if it can help!

I do understand what you mean about people being pg around you - I have a SIL due in September with a big ol' surprise baby (she is 46) and another SIL due with twins in December. At this point, honestly, I feel like I've braced myself for the Armageddon! I really don't know how we'll go ...but it's a big motivation for doing an IVF cycle later in the year, simply because it's so heartbreaking to sit back and see everything happen for everyone else. And we've had 2 drop out of the IF threads pg too recently ... it makes you wonder what you did in a former life to deserve it!

Thanks so much noodle ...I've really lost touch with some of my fellow IF OBers of late! I've been so busy, and hiding a little I have to admit ...

ha ha ha do you know what is funny! I too am a ginger!!!!    (although not as ginger as i use to be, its getting darker with age!!!)

Edited by noodle

Aint that the truth!!!

How are you feeling about tomorrow topcat? I'm a bit tense adn a bit scared to be honest ... it doesn't help that the lead up to these things is so long!

It'll be nice to get it over with anyway. You're probably feeling much the same!

Hey guys thanks for all the support... appointment went fine... sort of...
Hey Ginger, missed you there, we were out by 10.40, how did you get on??

Had the scan and all seems to look normal, and being sent for bloods, but that means to get day 1/2, I have to wait four weeks now, but whats another four weeks right??   Also he suggests we try and get semen analysis done in that time, he is aware of the difficulties we face, says no pressure and the lab is pretty flexible.   BUT I rang the lab and they said they only open 8-5 and you have to book the day before for the test!!!!!!!!!! what happened to no pressure, so have to look into this one and see what we can do. And tough luck you work 9-5, I already told him DH is NOT a morning person. So mixed emotions again, like the approach, plan is to get odds of falling pregnant by whatever means, talking about options etc, but of course hinges on the semen testing again.   But he says is not an uncommon problem.   DH had blood test today too so about time the needles fell on his side!!

I think that its ok if you go through medlab you can do it any where anytime so to speak and they open longer hours, but Fert Assoc lab runs from 8-4, kinda hard when you work full time, and given DH's already difficulties with medication we cant "book" ahead. Plus we have to use a special condom as the good old fashioned way doesnt work for us and they cost us $45 for one!!! So if we try and nothing happens then we need to go buy another kit... Going to contact FA today and see what they say

Thanks much appreciated. Sent email to FA, will see what they say