Shady Grove - How Much Information from Your Nurse?

[Anonymous]

I'm a new patient at SG and on my first cycle. Just curious in terms of how much information your nurse/doctor generally share without being asked after monitoring appointments. I feel like I'm being told things in general terms - "blood work is normal" "one dominant follicle" "everything looks ok but you need to come back Friday" - not specifics. Is that normal? Am I going to drive them crazy if I ask for specifics like actual bloodwork #s, what size the follies are, etc.? And if I get that information, is it going to help me to do anything other than obsess? I want to be sure to be a good advocate for myself, which is why all things being equal I'd prefer to know the full details, and I'm not sure if they don't tell you unless you ask because they find it to be quicker and easier or because in their experience it just makes people more crazed to know the exact numbers, etc. and doesn't make a difference in the end anyway. Obviously I CAN ask the questions and will when I feel like I NEED to, but am just trying to figure out what is normal.

[Anonymous]

I ask my nurse about every E2 level, LH level, and ask the ultrasound tech to print a copy of my measurements at each monitoring visit. I think its helpful to be informed, and it helps to see how your body responds to different cycles/drugs if it does take more than one cycle to see a result. My doctor is the one who told me about the printouts from the u/s tech, and my RN usually gives me the other information without me even asking, so I think SG is used to having patients make these requests.

[Anonymous]

PP - Thanks for such great information. What do the U/S print outs tell you???

I also understand where OP is coming from. They just tell you things are normal and when I ask for numbers I am told they are all in normal range and if there was a problem they will tell you. AFter seeing PPs post I am going to make sure I get actual numbers.

[Anonymous]

The u/s print out tells you the size of the follicles (largest ones) they are following, so you can see how they are growing day to day. Just gives me some piece of mind. My dr. told me that is what she would do if she were a patient, so I went with that!

[Anonymous]

In general, when I got the call from my "assigned" nurse, she knew I liked details and would give them to me. If someone else called, I would have to ask.

I say get all the info and advocate for yourself if that is what will make you feel better about the cycle.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I ask my nurse about every E2 level, LH level, and ask the ultrasound tech to print a copy of my measurements at each monitoring visit. I think its helpful to be informed, and it helps to see how your body responds to different cycles/drugs if it does take more than one cycle to see a result. My doctor is the one who told me about the printouts from the u/s tech, and my RN usually gives me the other information without me even asking, so I think SG is used to having patients make these requests.

Same here! I could care less if they thought I was asking too much info about my cycle, esp. after all the money that I forked out!

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for all of the feedback! I was actually near the phone yesterday when my assigned nurse called and although she talked really fast she did volunteer the #s from my bloodwork (and I asked her to repeat them). I had to ask re follie size but she told me and didn't seem annoyed. Good to know about the printouts, I will ask for them next time. And you're all right, it's my body, my medical care, and I deserve to know! It's a balance, though, because I do have the concern that knowing will just make me obsess, but that's not really the question here is it. Thanks again!

[Anonymous]

I actually get really overwelmed and stressed when I try to take every note and collect all data. I do write down stuff, but it helps me to relax about it. I've done enough cycles that I don't have time anymore to write all the ###'s down. That's just my take. And don't worry about the nurses. THe more we all read the more info they will need to give us. Educated patients will be respected.