What should I expect. TTC#2 for 18 months, got my first hospital appointment next week

[Ahhhtetley]

Hi, my doctor has been a bit rubbish explaining things (my old one has just retired) and I was wondering if you MN could let me know what to expect.

My DD is 4 now and we've been TTC#2 for about 18 months now. I have blood tests on day 21 of my cycle this month, I presume to see if I'm ovulating but I've also just had an appointement at the hospital to see a gyno.

But, I have no idea what to expect. Is this the point where they'll do an ultrasound etc. Will I be examined? I actually don't know what they are going to do with me :S

Hi Ahhhtetley,
Most people on here have found themselves in your position, where you're puzzled about what's next and anxious about making sure you're doing all the right things at the right time.
Your first hospital consultation will usually be with the consultants registrar, who will talk through your results and propose the more detailed tests they recommend you take, if any. You don't usually have tests on the day so don't worry about that. But do try to prepare yourself with all your questions beforehand, as it'll probably be the first time you're able to speak to a specialist, and if it's like most NHS hospitals, it may be a few weeks or even months before you get in front of them again to discuss your results.

The tests...
Usually the main focus is the female and the male, unfortunately, only has their semen analysed. It is anticipated that most consultants want to make sure that all of your reproductive organs are ok and working without issues, so they'll more than likely send you for an ultrasound, the most common type is a HyCoSy (Hystero Contrast Salpingogram), where dye is flushed through your tubes and watched on a screen as it comes out the other end, indicating that there isn't any obstructions or damage. They may even check your ovaries at this stage too, to see if there are any cysts or maybe count the number of follicles visible. You may have further blood tests, to check your hormone levels, and some hospitals will also check your partners.
This stage will be investigative and the results will not only be discussed at your follow up appointment but will also dictate your next steps.

I hope this helps.
I have a blog that summarises the steps towards IVF, that I have gone through, which may help [[http://ouricsidiary.blogspot.com/ ICSI]

Good luck x

Ooops, the link is:

ICSI

Thank you AngelFairy, this site never ceases to amaze me that people are so willing to help complete strangers.

Just a quick question, my blood test is due in a few weeks time but my hospital appointment is next week (so first), Does this sound right? I was thinking that it would have been the other way around.

No problem, we all need help along this process x

Re your blood test, I think it'll be fine, as usually your first hospital appointment will be with the registrar who will refer you (both hopefully) for extra tests and then call you back to discuss all of your results, by which time your blood tests will be back too.
If you are having any tests through your GP, it would be worthwhile always taking a note of the results and taking them with you to your hospital appointments, as sometimes they take a while to reach the consultant and it's better to have them to hand than not at all.

Good luck with the hospital, and ask as many questions as you can think of x