Big problems TTC #2 - just got gynae referral - support and advice please

[TheHappyCamper]

Hi,
DH and I have been TTC #2 for 22 cycles now with no hint of a BFP in that time. I've had day 21 blood tests done twice which were fine and DH's semen analysis was also fine. My GP has now referred me to a gynae and my appointment is booked for next Wednesday.

I'm suddenly a bit nervous and scared and don't really know what to expect or what is the next step. I'd apreciate it if there is anyone who is a bit further down this road who might be able to offer any advice or just reassure me a bit.

Thanks in advance.

Both of you should attend this appt. Such appts can and do cause considerable nerves and moral support is always helpful. Your DH can also ask questions!.

The first appt is usually a detailed chat about your llifestyles, medical histories and your previous pregnancy.

Write down anything you want to ask them ahead of time, you do not want to leave there thinking, "oh I should have asked about xyz". No question is daft. Take notes as well.

They will likely repeat the tests you have already had done; any test result done over six months ago should be discounted. Both of you need up to date and more thorough test results. If tests are at that time suggested, ensure you know exactly why they are being done and what results should be expected.

You need a diagnosis first and foremost.

It is vitally important that the three of you can effectively communicate with each other.

Good luck next week!.

Thank you very much. I was just going to go by myself but maybe I will take DH with me - I wasn't sure if it was the done thing

I was expecting the gynae to ask lots of questions tbh but I will make a list of what I want to ask him. Interestingly it is the same guy who delivered dd by EMCS 3 years ago (small town!) so that should be easier in some ways.

I will admit I have scared myself silly googling lap and dye, and hysteroscopy etc. Perhaps I should stop, or maybe these procedures aren't as scary as they sound?

Thanks again

Yes take your DH. It IS the done thing :)
The Dr will want to see him too, they might want him to do further tests like Attila said.

A lap and dye isn't even a quarter as scary as giving birth (or a Csection). Which I guess you're hoping to do again soon one day!

I've had all the tests and IVF and none of it was really that scary honestly, am I'm wimpish

The scary bit is the emotional bit of repeatedly failing to conceive, which I guess you already know a bit about. At least if you're getting tested you know you are doing everything you can and being proactive about it.

Thanks Lance, I did tell DH I was a bit scared but he said "but it's a bit exciting too isn't it" so yes, you're right Maybe something might happen now!

The EMCS was very scary but I'd got to that point where they could have done just about anything to me you know, this time I'll be fully aware, not off my head on gas and air and yes, the end result will hopefully be another baby won't it (planned CS this time I hope).

Thanks to you both - we went together to the appointment. It went very well I thought. The consultant explained things really clearly and the nurse went over the main things again before we left just i case!

I'm booked in for a day 2 test, a pelvic scan and a HSG all for this month! I'm quite pleasantly surprised that it's all happening so quickly now after almost 2 years of waiting and waiting.

Anyone with experience of HSG would be great.....

Hi HappyCamper I'm in a similar situation to you - we tried for 22 months then finally got a BFP in October but sadly miscarried early on. So back on the TTC wagon and into month 3 now. Even though I ovulate I've been prescribed Clomid to try and boost things along.

We've had tests done and I had a HSG a few months ago which thankfully was all clear. I went alone but would recommend taking your DH with you if you can as it was quite lonely/scary sitting in the corridor in a hospital dressing gown on my own. I took a couple of pain killers beforehand as recommended by the hospital, and it was all over with quite quickly.

I can't believe I've been TTC for 2 years now - I can't wait for this horrible part of my life to be over with and to finally have a successful pregnancy, as I'm sure you can appreciate. I just try to focus on the end result and keep positive that one day (soon) I'll achieve that.

It's good things have got going for you now, good luck x

Hi pink custard. 2 years seems such a long time doesn't it . Sorry about your mc - that's rubbish after trying all that time isn't it. People always used to say "Oh any plans for another?" and now nobody hardly asks any more, it's been so long.

Is this your second child too?

I think DH will come with me for the HSG but I'm not sure if they'll let him in the actual room will they? Thanks for the advice about the painkillers beforehand as well. I'll definitely do that. I'm trying to stay away from Dr Google as I keep scaring myself witless about various proceures and IVF stats etc.

Good luck to us both hey x

Do you think

Yes I've got DS who is 3.5yrs so my 'perfect' age gap has long been and gone, although I care less and less about things like that as time goes on.

It seems doubly unfair to have tried for so long and then to have a m/c too, but I know others have experienced even worse, and I know I'll 100% appreciate being pregnant when it does eventually happen.

Not sure if they'll let him in, I don't see why not though, and he can at least sit and wait with you, and drive you home afterwards.

Hi, attilla or lance if you are around I could do with some more advice...sorry.

I need to book in for my day 2 test but my period has just arrived tonight (Fri) - will they still do it on Monday morning? That would be day 4 (just). Is that ok?

Hi HappyCamper

I'm currently TTC DC1 and we start IVF next month.

When I've had to ring for any tests they've always defined day 1 as being if you have full flow before 10am, so if AF didn't arrive til tonight you should get away with Monday morning as it would be day 3 if tomorrow was your true day 1. I know I had my blood test on day 3 as I was told it should be done on day 2-4

HTH

Oh that's exactly what needed to hear - many thanks fatima . I'll phone first thing on Monday.

(I can't believe I didn't know it had to arrive before 10am!)

Good luck with your IVF next month ... exciting times!

I didn't either, I rang up my clinic to sort out treatment as AF started at 4pm and that's what they asked

Thanks for the good luck
Good luck with your TTC

THC,

Yes should be okay re the blood test; it won't make any real difference to the overall result if you had this done on day 4.

I've had a HSG and in my case the fear was far worse than the reality. Was given a couple of painkillers beforehand prior to this, it should not hurt particularly if the dye (about a teaspoonful is used) is injected slowly and carefully. It is a useful test to have done as this tubal x-ray can given information not easily accessible via laparoscopy. Defects INSIDE the tube can only be seen on such an x-ray. Wear some sanitary protection post procedure as that dye will come out.

Do keep us posted.

Hi, I had the HSG this week. I was so scared but they were really nice and explained everything. I did take 2 neurofen an hour before and I didn't feel a thing.

The good news is that my tubes are absolutely fine. I could see them clearly on the xray myself - although now I guess they're running out of ideas as to the cause of our infertility now.

I have the ultrasound next week which I think is checking the uterus lining more?