Recommendations for DC OB/GYN open to charting/FAM?

[Anonymous]

Hi all, Im 27, married, and have been TTC since March 2011. Had an m/c at 8 w in early July. My cycles since the m/c have varied greatly in length and the bleeding has been VERY light, and I'm starting to get upset and depressed. I chart both temperature and CM, and this helps me to maintain some level of control in an uncontrolable situation. I currently use Capital Womens Care, but my doc there "doesn't believe in" charting, she thinks its too confusing, She only recommends OPK's, which I have had little luck with (I either forget, or get varying lines throughout the day, it just seems like a waste of time and money). Before and after my m/c she took blood and informed me that all my levels are "fine" and my US after the m/c showed a healthy uterus and follicles.

I know I am probably being impatient, but my question is, does anyone have recommendations for Dr's. in downtown DC that respect charting and can use them to interpret my cycles? I really just feel like something is wrong with me hormonally, but I feel like my doc is brushing me off. I want to get my cycles back on track because after the m/c, getting pregnant is literally all I think about.

[Anonymous]

I don't have a rec. for a doc that believes in charting but I encourage you to try out a new doctor if yours isn't the right fit. My OB/gyn doesn't believe in OPK's or any of it. Have you considered seeing an RE? I'd shop around ifyou're not happy. There are plenty of doctor's in DC.

[Anonymous]

I see Dr. Dayal, an RE at GW fertility. I first went to her when i had only been trying for four months and I had one miscarriage ( this was trying for baby number 2). I had mentioned concerned to my obgyn who totally brushed me off. My friend urged me to see Dr. Dayal. I brought her my charts and expressed my concerns. She did not make me feel crazy at all and did some blood tests and a sonohysterogram. All the tests came back normal and she told me to give it six months. I felt much better talking with her and I encourage you to do so. She is wonderful. It ended up that I did have fertility problems and had two ruptured ectopic pregnancies during the next six months. I then pursued IVF and finally got pregnant on my third try. Dr. Dayal is still my doctor and I'm such a fan. I think sometimes intuition is stronger than test results! I really just felt like something was not right with me and i had no reason to think that since I got pregnant so easily the first time. It never hurts to make and appointment with her and talk it out.

[Anonymous]

I have my first appointment next week at the Teypeac Family Center in Fairfax. http://www.tepeyacfamilycenter.com/gynecology/fertility/infertility/

They are a catholic OB/GYN practice and don't do IVF or IUI, but do work extensively to address underlying issues of infertility and are very chart/FAM friendly. I haven't been yet, but can report back if you're interested.

[Anonymous]

Well, the fact is that OPKs will tell you directly what charts will tell you indirectly. I LOVE my OBs and they felt the same way re: charting as yours. If you are not getting a true positive on an OPK, then perhaps you are not ovulating regularly.

Are you using them twice a day (around 10:00 AM and then around 3:00 PM)? First morning urine is not ideal because the surge happens later in day for most women. I used the internet cheapie OPKs and they were very clear when positive. Charting can be affected by many things (room temperature, night waking, etc.) while OPKs are more objective since they measure hormone levels. What brand of OPKs have you been using? Are you using them between days 10 and 20? I thought something was wrong the first month and gave up testing around day 17, and it turns out the next month I ovulated on day 19 (and got pregnant!).

[Anonymous]

OP - do you mind sharing the name of your doctor at CWC? I've been seeing a doctor there for regular gyn care but haven't been in since TTC. Thanks!