FA appointment
Printed From: OHbaby!
Category: Support
Forum Name: Coping with infertility
Forum Description: Have you been trying to conceive unsuccessfully? Dealing with primary or secondary infertility? Get support, advice, and help coping here.
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=7934
Printed Date: 05 July 2025 at 8:23am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.05 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: FA appointment
Posted By: topcat
Subject: FA appointment
Date Posted: 01 June 2007 at 11:33am
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Man, what a dill, I am sure I had my appointment today but apparently its in two weeks time, got all worked up for nothing.
So new to all this - been TTC for about 18months, GP finally suggested see fertility spesh, but I want to know what to expect at first appointment?? I have had basic bloods done by GP, guess a social history, dates etc will be discussed but what else??? |
Replies:
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 01 June 2007 at 12:24pm
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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. ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 01 June 2007 at 1:51pm
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I had a blood test which looked at FSH and LH what does CD 2/3 test mean?
DH still hasnt had his test done (see my thread in TTC column under semen testing) but we bypassed waiting for that to happen for GP test and then go to public system queue by making appt directly with FA, I know we still have to get him to do the test somehow, but at least this way we can get seen and start talking about the whys and wherefores - the other way I wasnt even going to make the list to be seen until we had done it and it is taking forever to get the sample. Fingers crossed the doc has some ideas. |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 01 June 2007 at 2:24pm
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. ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 01 June 2007 at 2:35pm
So, turns out I've just repeated myself ... The only thing to add is that FA require the sample that they order to be processed in their lab. What day are you going in for your appointment? I'm in on the 14th 
------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 01 June 2007 at 6:03pm
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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. 
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Posted By: noodle
Date Posted: 01 June 2007 at 9:37pm
 Topcat! This TTC journey is one tough rollercoaster ride! I hope you appointment at FA goes well! 
And yours too Ginger!
How funny your appointments are on the same day!! What a small world!!! ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 02 June 2007 at 8:56am
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 ... ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 02 June 2007 at 12:13pm
Thanks noodle and thanks ginger. we wont need the red carnation then, as Im a ginger too!!! You are right of course, it will go quickly enough and its a short time to wait considering TTC after all. I'll be sure and say hello if I see you there! 
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Posted By: noodle
Date Posted: 02 June 2007 at 2:47pm
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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!!!) ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 02 June 2007 at 2:53pm
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Gingers rock ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 04 June 2007 at 11:02am
Aint that the truth!!!
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Posted By: noodle
Date Posted: 13 June 2007 at 12:46pm
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Topcat and Ginger good luck for your appointments tomorrow, let us know how ya's get on! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 13 June 2007 at 4:04pm
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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! ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: Lulu
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 1:11pm
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Oh good luck ginger and topcat! ------------- Lou http://www.babysfirstsite.com"> 
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Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 4:16pm
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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!! |
Posted By: kirtsyg
Date Posted: 14 June 2007 at 6:28pm
| Hey Topcat, I have never heard of having to book in for semen analysis tests. When we had hubby checked (and why do they act as though it is the end of the world to do it?) The GP gave me the sample pots and forms. We got the sample at home, he toddled off to work I popped the sample in my bra and drove (fairly quickly) to the lab and dropped it off. As long as we got the sample and took it straight down it was fine... Took a bit of pressure of hubby as he HATED the thought of doing it at the lab! |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 15 June 2007 at 7:09am
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 
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Posted By: kirtsyg
Date Posted: 15 June 2007 at 8:57am
| Oh Topcat, what a pain in the proverbial!! Yeah ours were done through medlab... Keeping my fingers crossed for you that it all works out!! |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 15 June 2007 at 8:59am
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Thanks much appreciated. Sent email to FA, will see what they say
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Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 06 July 2007 at 6:30pm
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Good news, we finally got the sample, now just have to do my test on the day 1/2 of cycle and play the waiting game til appt in three weeks. The tension in our house has lifted Even if the news isnt want we want to hear at least we will have an idea of where we stand
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Posted By: pikelets
Date Posted: 06 July 2007 at 9:31pm
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Thats great news!
All the very best Topcat!
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Posted By: noodle
Date Posted: 06 July 2007 at 10:09pm
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Fantastic news topcat!! good luck hun! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 07 July 2007 at 4:18pm
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Thanks guys will keep you posted
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Posted By: ginger
Date Posted: 07 July 2007 at 6:40pm
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Woohoo topcat! Yay! All the best ------------- Cuinn Lachlan 23.1.09 - 22:00 Antonia Helene 4.8.11 - 09:41 |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 1:10am
I'm back...  and no wmore confused than ever. went to FA today and were told in no uncertain terms that Dh's sample contained NO sperm at all. Not what we were expecting to hear and of course he is gutted, so am I. They are suggesting he has a biopsy done and see if any sperm can be retrieved at all, but we are not sure if that is worth while, they said if they find any they could freeze it and keep it for possible IVF treatment. We are not sure what to do, just say it wasnt meant to be and get on with life, or forge ahead, we cant afford to pay for IVF privately and with the waiting list maybe we are just pushing it, I am already 33ys6mo and hubby is almost 36... what to do??
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Posted By: catie
Date Posted: 25 July 2007 at 10:30am
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Oh Topcat, you poor thing! We're in a sort-of similar situation, so I can empathise. I know at the moment it must feel a bit like you're staring into a black hole, but remember you do still have some options. Firstly, impartial experts say that a series of sperm tests should be done, as they can be impacted by lots of things - stress, time elapsed since last ejaculation, diet etc - so maybe another test would provide better news (although i can understand your DH might not want to do that, or at least for a while). and there are things that can be done to increase sperm a little - although unlikely to bring things up to normal, it might be enough to give you a chance. A year ago my DH's count was around 100,000 motile sperm, now it's 1 million - enough for IUI to be considred - which at around $500 is a lot more affordable. and you arerelatively young. So may be all is not lost. On the other hand, you don't want to torture yourself and DH. If I was you, I'd try to get a second opinion (preferably including a second test) - I've heard F+ are good because the staff are part of the med school so are really up to date on the latest research and have a different funding arrangement (i.e. maybe less concerned with profits).
Thinking of you.
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Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 10 August 2007 at 1:29am
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Now had biopsy done, and even with tissue samples removed and tested there were still no sperm. A biopsy has now confirmed that there is definitely no sperm and will never be, we are both absolutely gutted
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Posted By: catie
Date Posted: 10 August 2007 at 4:07pm
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Topcat, I don't know what to say other than that my toughts are with you and your DH.
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Posted By: noodle
Date Posted: 10 August 2007 at 5:33pm
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so sorry topcat big hun! ------------- http://lilypie.com">
http://lilypie.com">
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Posted By: Bumble
Date Posted: 10 August 2007 at 5:35pm
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------------- formerly known as "Bee" Ethan ~ March 2003 Big 6 year old school boy! Micah ~ Aug 2008 ~ Smiley pants who loves telephones! |
Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 10 August 2007 at 10:01pm
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Thanks guys... still so not what we were thinking, cant even begin to get head around yet
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Posted By: topcat
Date Posted: 11 August 2007 at 6:47pm
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Hello again,
yup the scan looks at the shape, position etc of the uterus, and also to see if the ovaries appear normal. Quite interesting really, can also even see what appears like eggs depending on where you are in your cycle. Not a major to have done either, similar experience to having a pap smear |
Posted By: mellybelly
Date Posted: 12 August 2007 at 11:06am
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big topcat.
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Posted By: pikelets
Date Posted: 13 August 2007 at 9:11am
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Thinking of you hun! |