Fertility tests normal - IVF next step but not until I've lost weight

[skysparkle1]

I'm new to Mumsnet so 1st of all, apologies if this has been discussed elsewhere - I've not been able to find it.

H & I have been TTC for 2 years. In April last year, I had an unusual 2wk AF, followed by problems controlling my temperature (hot flushes, cold shivers through the day and night) and no AF for 3 months. Obviously went to GP who did various blood tests, which came back normal. When AF started, he referred us for Fertility Tests. No answer as to why 3 months of nothing.

H & I have done our tests and had the results yesterday. Dr said everything is fine apart from 1 test which came back around '1' but normal is '6' so I'm likely to go through menopause in my 40s... What?

He then said that the next step is IVF, but I'm obese so they won't do anything until I've lost 3 stone.

I've been on a calorie controlled diet with my GP since May. I go to the gym 6 times a week and my gym guys know my situation so are properly pushing me in the classes. I have lost no weight even though the GP is tweaking my calories depending on how much exercise I'm doing.

I told the Dr this and his mouth hit the floor - he thought I was lying. His response was eat less and come back in 3 months.

Naturally I left in tears with H fuming. Neither of us were prepared for that (we had expected normal results and fertility drugs (clomid) before IVF OR abnormal results and a plan to fix the problem) and neither of us were in the right frame of mind to ask questions.

I didn't have chance to tell him I have just had a 2 wk AF and experiencing hot flushes/cold shivers and 4 days late (like in April).

So I have several questions:

1 - what is this result that is 1, but normal is 6, so I'm going to go through the menopause early?
2 - what was wrong with me in April/May/June/July when I had no AF?
3 - why are they not trying drugs?
4 - is anyone else in this situation and did you get through it?
5 - why is a arse of a dr working in a fertility centre - did he leave his sensitivity at the door?

Who knew I had this many tears in me....

On a positive note - gym guy is doing a meal plan for me tomorrow to try and kick start the weight loss and get to IVF as quickly as possible.

Thank you
S

Oh, I probably should have said H & I turn 34 in a couple of months

S

Can't help you with the IVF bit, sorry, its outside my knowledge, might be able to help a bit with the weight loss.

I was told to lose 4 stone last year before getting pregnant.

I did weight watchers online and was extremely vigilant- I weighed everything and plotted everything I ate religiously on their app, I also did 5 gym classes a week (of one hour) but also ten hours walking a week- 2 a day monday-friday (I walked to work and got bus back, plus we have a dog which helps).

I lost the 4 stone in 4 months.

I found following weight watchers as tedious as hell, plus their attempts to flog all manner of chemically flavoured crap as good food as it is low in points to be astonishing, and their general utter delusion that the food is the problem (no its not, it is emotional attachment to food, how can you not understand this?) to be breathtakingly simplistic

BUT I did lose a lot of weight on that level of calories (the points I was on worked out that I was eating 1400 cals a day, and I did not use my exercise to gain 'extra points' as they suggest- so was doing a LOT of exercise on that 1400, but it did get results where sometimes in the past I haven't seen them on other weight loss attempts.

Good luck in your journey TTC

also, the dr sounds like he isn't good enough for you. Can you find a better one?

Right - I think you'll get good advice ere. But no substitute to talkin to the doctor re your questions

I would make another appointment and get everything clarified there and agree a plan of action.

I would also ask for a referral to an endocrinologist re the difficulties you are having losing weight.

Actually, maybe ask all the questions apart for question 5.

Thank you!

I did WW a few years ago and lost over 3 stone (3 in 1 year) but then got married and piled the weight back on. I mix up my gym classes (2 boxercise, 1 or 2 spin, 2 circuit training & 1 bootcamp) and try to go running once or twice a week, particularly when I know I can't get to the gym). I don't factor in my exercise when calorie counting (I've burnt 500 cals does not mean I can eat 500 cals). Gym guys think my body is in starvation mode. GP is not doing much more than weighing me.

4 stone in 4 months is amazing. I've been trying to increase my movement outside of the gym (I don't work but I'm doing an OU course so I'm sat at a desk studying a lot of the time). I bought myself a fancy pedometer before Christmas to try and increase my daily steps which has had mixed results. I've wanted a dog for years but we can't have one in our current house, but hoping to move in the next 6months. I do, though, try and get out of the house once a day, even if I just walk around the block.

I'm at the GP on Monday morning so I'm going to discuss things then, and get a copy of my notes. But H is away with work next week so I'll have to stay strong on my own (no family/friends is close enough to come with me).

I think I'll feel better after I've discussed the meal plan tomorrow and have the right information and right food in the house.

Thanks again
S

I'm not sure if the requirement for weight is only for nhs?
Although ny clinic did stress weight makes a difference to outcomes so worth doing anyway.
Have you got any pcos (irregular periods, hair, ) or thyroid symptoms ?
Did you have a pelvic scan for pcos and blood tests for fsh and lh and tsh.
You would have to ask maybe the unusual result is incompatible with Clomid?
Did they mention success rates for ivf as our clinic shows more success before 35. Just slightly lower each year after this. You can also look on hfea site.
I also found I lost weight walking. For an hour every lunchtime