[richmond_girl]

Wow, where do I start? Well a week ago we got the really bad news that DH had zero sperm in his SA sample. Today at 1:30 we met with an RE to review all our tests, medical history, etc and develop our plan of action. Our appt was initially scheduled for 12/15/08, but by the luck of God there was a last minute cancellation and they were able to squeeze us in today, almost 2 months earlier than planned.

The appointment lasted a full two hours. The RE was amazing. We had gotten a referral from a friend which was the only way we were able to get into his practice. It's just one doctor and he keeps his practice very small and intimate (total staff of 4 - the doctor even answered the phone when I called the other day!) so that everyone gets very personalized attention. From the moment we walked in the door, I felt myself relax. The lady at the desk already was expecting us, and she warmly greeted us by name as soon as we entered. The waiting room was full of pictures and letters from former patients who conceived with MA through this RE. I loved reading everyone's stories and seeing the pictures of their miracle babies - it gave me hope.

The doctor came out promptly at 1:30. He had already reviewed all of our tests, medical histories, etc. We talked basic conception/fertiilty stuff for about 30 minutes, and then he went into all our test results. He didn't beat around the bush - he said based upon DH's SA results, our only options were donor sperm or IVF with ICSI or TESE. We made it clear that our preference with IVF so he said that's what we'll do. DH was already scheduled to get a second SA on Friday, so the RE actually called the clinic while we were there and ordered extra testing and freezing (cryogenics?) so if at all possible, we can use the sample from Friday to do the IVF. He said he will analyse the results on Friday and let us know by next week whether we'll have to do the ICSI or TESE.

Then we moved onto my physical exam. Doctor did a vaginal and also an ultrasound of my uterus and ovaries. He showed us exactly where I ovulated 2 days ago, it was amazing (albeit uncomfortable)! He said based upon the exam, my test results and all my medical records, I was a perfect candidate for IVF and our shot of success would be the full 50-60%.

After that, we walked us through the plan for the next couple weeks. We told him we wanted to be aggressive and of course me being super Type A-OCD-Impatient-Planner, asked if it was possible to do the IVF by early next year (ideally, in the next 3 months). He said that if all our tests turn out ok, he will get us on his calendar for December! A lot of it will depend on DH's SA results on Friday and whether we need to do ICSI or TESE. ICSI is doable in Dec; TESE (where they actually retrieve sperm directly through the testicles via a biopsy) might have to wait till January. But that is still a whole lot earlier than we were expecting, so we were ecstatic.

So our plan is: DH will keep his SA appt for Friday and the clinic will perform the additional services for the sample to be tested / used for IVF if necessary. He will also keep his urology appt for Tuesday just to verify the urologist agrees with the RE. When my period starts in 2 weeks, I will have the HSG test to validate everything is ok on my end. I will also start BCP so that we can manipulate the timing of our procedure based upon hormone levels, everyone's schedules etc. We will have in-depth consultation on 11/18 to walk us through everything, from medications to timing to what to expect in the actual procedure. After that, we schedule the procedure, start the medications and... God willing, we may be pregnant by Christmas (I am so scared to feel optimistic but I can't help but hope...)

The RE ended the appt by taking our "pre-baby" picture for his scrapbook. The fact that he was so optimistic made me feel great. He also gave us instructions on how to reach him directly if we end up having questions after office hours. After all we've been through, today was a true blessing and gift from above.

Sorry this is so long, but I promised everyone an update and I wanted to deliver on that promise. I will keep you all posted as we go through the next couple weeks and finalize our plan...

Juli

[~April04~]

great appointment! Good luck!

[spanisheyes06]

that sounds wonderful!! im so glad u found some great help:-) ur RE seems to be super organized and i cant believe u guys have a full out plan from him already!! thats great! hope everything goes ur way and GOOD LUCK!!

[Celry]

Great appointment. Sounds like you found an awesome doctor. Good luck.

[SavaAngel]

That sounds like a picture perfect appt. I am so glad that your RE seems so hopeful and positive for you. I am sure we will see a BFP from you guys very soon!

[TTCagain]

That sounds like a FANTASTIC appointment! Isn't it amazing how you can find a doctor that just "fits?" It sounds like this dr. is a PERFECT match for you and DH! I'm so happy to hear how optimistic he was, and how he put your mind at ease. It sounds like you have a great game plan in place.

I will keep everything crossed that you are able to get on the December schedule for IVF! And WHAT A CHRISTMAS PRESENT your BFP will be!

[Bakin8th]

That is Fantastic!!!

How wonderful you have such a amazing dr! What a blessing

[snsgirl336]

What a great appointment! It definitely seems like you have found a wonderful RE! That is awesome! I hope that everything works out and you'll be able to get your Christmas BFP!!!

[drewbears]

Sounds like an amazing doctor!!!!

[~Lynda~]

juli, i have tears in my eyes right now reading your post. i'm sooooo happy that you found someone so wonderful to help you conceive your little miracle!!!! it will happen. God is giving you the path to make it happen!!! big HUGS and don't worry about long posts. we love reading about "hope" cause that is what drives us all here!!!! we hope everyday!!!! HUGS and KUP, i hope DH's SA goes well!!!!

[richmond_girl]

Thank you all for your wonderful and encouraging replies. Lynda - you are so right. HOPE is what we all have in common, and what has brought us together. And I wouldn't even BE here sharing this news if it weren't for JM and all of you. I lost hope the minute my OBGYN told us we will never have biological children (I'm getting a new doctor by the way). Then all you ladies convinced me to get a second opinion and find a specialist before giving up. And you did it in a way that was kind and thoughtful, not intrusive and forceful. No matter what happens from this point on, I'll be grateful to all of you for restoring my HOPE. You guys are the best!!