For those who have had fertility testing

Patriciamomofboys · #1 October 22nd, 2009, 11:18 AM

I thought my cramps were gone but actually they just started later and got more painful.

(backstory: http://www.justmommies.com/forums/f2...to-answer.html (Question for anyone who might be able to answer) and http://www.justmommies.com/forums/f2...my-cramps.html (Update on my cramps) )

I found out yesterday that I won't be getting a phone call from the obgyn until Jan or Feb never mind an appointment, that probably wouldn't happen until later next summer. I found a fertility clinic earlier this year and I emailed them when my doctor told me that the obgyn's are too busy but I never got a response back. I emailed them again yesterday and got a response almost right away. Good news: I got an appointment for Nov 23rd

and bad news: it's an hour drive and I have to pay for it out of pocket (nope not all Canadian health care is free) I wouldn't have to pay for my first appointment if I had a doctor referral but I don't have one because my doctor is a moron.

So what should I expect? The website calles the first appointment an 'initial fertility assessment'. So that means what? They'll take my history? Will they do any testing? I wonder if I'll have to pay for the tests too?

Admin-pattyandthemoos · #2 October 22nd, 2009, 11:34 AM

I just started seeing a fertility specialist myself. I have to drive an hour as well (but I live in the sticks so drive that far to get anywhere anyway).

I did not have much done as far as fertility testing because of my history. I did have an HSG done (an xray to check your tubes and uterus for blockage/defects) but that is about it.

I don't know how it goes for everyone but for me they went over my history and came up with a plan. I won't be surprised if you walk out with a plan to get your bfp right at your first appt. They may run tests first but I know they started me on Clomid on my first visit and I wasn't expecting that at all.

You should ask this question on the medical assistance board as well.

*tacii · #3 October 22nd, 2009, 11:34 AM

I haven't gone to a fertility clinic yet.. waiting for a referral from my ob/gyn. May I ask what clinic you got into without a referral? They'll do a bunch of blood work to test for FSH, thyroid, etc. and they'll probably doing an HSG where they check for blockage in the tubes. Your hubby will most likely have to do a semen analysis as well. Those are generally the basics. From there they'll come up with a treatment plan.

jenine · #4 October 22nd, 2009, 11:37 AM

Great news that you can get in for an appointment, Patricia! I think the first appointment will probably be as you said, history and looking over your charts. Make sure you take all your charts and documentation of your reproductive history (age at 1st period, any pregnancies, etc.)

My understanding about bloodwork for hormone tests is that they have to be timed at certain times in your cycle, so they may not be able to do those on that day.

As for other tests to look into your cramping, I am not too sure about those.

I imagine if you don't have a referral the tests and everything would not be covered...but I'm not sure how the health care system works in Canada. I actually grew up in BC but I left Canada when I was 18 so I never really handled my own health care!

I hope you get some answers and someone to help you. Good luck & Big hugs!!!

Patriciamomofboys · #5 October 22nd, 2009, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *tacii

I haven't gone to a fertility clinic yet.. waiting for a referral from my ob/gyn. May I ask what clinic you got into without a referral? They'll do a bunch of blood work to test for FSH, thyroid, etc. and they'll probably doing an HSG where they check for blockage in the tubes. Your hubby will most likely have to do a semen analysis as well. Those are generally the basics. From there they'll come up with a treatment plan.

It's the Kelowna Regional Fertility Centre Kelowna Regional Fertility Centre | Kelowna Regional Fertility Centre

Thanks ladies! I really hope we get a plan right away. I'll just be finishing up a cycle when I go so we could start fresh on cycle 10 (hopefully). I never would have thought about them needing to know how old I was when I got my first period... I don't even remember. I guess I'll have to figure it out!

*tacii · #6 October 22nd, 2009, 12:10 PM

Good luck! I've taken a look at their website, even at some in Ontario lol Let me know how you find them, I guess I could put up with the drive if they're good.

Patriciamomofboys · #7 October 22nd, 2009, 12:25 PM

I'll let you know.

forest · #8 October 22nd, 2009, 03:32 PM

I have an hour drive to mt RE too. Such a pain. Ditto what the other ladies said. At my first appointment most of the time was spent going over my history. The dr also did and exam and a ultrasound. I left with the paperwork to get a ton of blood work. That was back in September and I am finally going back tomorrow to find out what the plan is.