1st RE appt this week - what to expect?

[Anonymous]

I'm excited & a little nervous to be meeting with the RE for the first time later this week!

We are going to Shady Grove in Fair Oaks to see Dr Browne.

They told me to bring all the completed forms back and also to bring any test results I have (but I have none). I do fertility charting, so I'll bring my charts in case she wants to see them.

I know I eventually need day 3 bloodwork, but I will be 5dpo at this appt. Will they do a blood draw for anything else, maybe progesterone, at that point in my cycle? Will she do any kind of physical exam? Anything for Dh? (I know he's going to have to give a sample, but they don't do that at the very first appt, right?)

Sorry I am clueless - anything else I should know before I go?

Thanks ladies!

[Anonymous]

The first visit is mainly getting to know your medical history. Your doctor will go over your medical records and charts and start forming a plan for you in regards to what tests you will need. You will be able to ask a ton of questions. They won't do any tests that day, instead your nurse will meet with you to discuss how/where/when to schedule them (different insurance plans have different requirements for where the tests take place). Your husband definitely won't have to produce a sample that day. If IVF or IUI with injectibles is part of your plan you will also find out when the next available class is.

Be prepared to feel overwhelmed at all the tests they might want to schedule you for and even all the information you get. You might also feel frustrated that they can't start treating you "right this minute." I know I felt like we waited so long to meet with an RE that I wanted our problem "fixed" immediately, instead having to wait a month or so for all the testing and then waiting to begin treatment another cycle.

Good luck! Going to Shady Grove was one of the best decisions we ever made, I am now 26 weeks along with twins!

[Anonymous]

I too wanted them to start "fixing" stuff right away. It takes a while to time all the tests and stuff but they will work as fast as they can. Don't be affair to ask questions or call back later to get clarification. If they tell you to take motrin/tylenol before a test - do so. Good luck - i hope you visit this site as a veteran one day soon!

Hey PP - if you haven't done so yet, you should think about joining a parents of multiples club - great support and community for parents with two or three things in common (twin or triplets!).

[Anonymous]

Thank you both!

I hear ya on the "fix it right away" thing. I am already stressing b/c I think we'll be on vacation on cd3 of my next cycle and I want that b/w done!

I'm off to start filling out my forms!

[Anonymous]

They will go over your history, parents (mother's specially), and will order lots of tests - day 3 bloodwork and if you are going to start treatment immediately (like in a month or 2), lots of extra tests: karotype, rubella, HIV, HEP, etc. If you never took clomid they will do a clomid test and if you are put on metaformin they will have a liver test right before you start and one month later.

You will have to schedule a pap test with your ob before any treatment/cycle begins (can't be older than 1y.) and mammogram if you are older than 40.

[Anonymous]

Also, if you are Jewish they will require genetic testing before starting any treatment. Otherwise, I think they may ask for/recommend a test for CF. If you think you'll need genetic testing, it might be worth calling your insurer and your husband's insurer to see if it's covered. In my case, my insurer didn't cover it - but DH's did, so he got the tests (less bloodwork for me ) Also, I've found some RE's like to look at your temp charts and others don't. Good luck!!!

[Anonymous]

The genetic testing isn't just for Jewish people, they look over you and your partner's ethnic backgrounds and determine if the combination of your heritages put your future child at risk for certain genetic disorders. Generally, the closer you are ethnically, the more likely you are to be carriers of the same genetic markers. (My husband and I are from completely different ethnic backgrounds, so we ended up not needing any testing.)

They also will order STD/STI testing for both of you.

I swear I have never felt more safe in a doctor's office, knowing I couldn't possibly catch anything from anybody there-- since everyone had to be tested for almost everything under the sun!

[Anonymous]

My appt went great - thanks for the advice everyone!