Being referred to an RE - what to expect?

[Anonymous]

Husband and I have been TTC for a year. My OB/GYN and Oncologist (I was treated for cervical cancer 2 years ago) have said they will give me a referral to an RE at my September appointment, since we have been unable to get pregnant. I'm trying to do some research as to what to expect, but can you give me any hints, advice, etc. I'd like to be able to help my husband understand what comes next, but since neither of us have been through this before, I could use some good info from people who have actually taken this route.

Thanks!

And by the way - yes, my doctors both say everything is working properly, looking normal, and we should being having no problems. (I get lots of questions about the cancer treatment, but we've cleared all those hurdles.)

[Anonymous]

Someone asked the same question on this forum within the past two months or so and there were some good responses. I can't find the thread but you might try searching through the past 2-3 months. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

I went to Dominion Fertility - here's what I experienced. We had a meeting with our RE in his office. We reviewed my medical history (miscarriages, cycles, etc...). He then started us on a series of tests - blood work to check hormone levels, a test using dye to see whether my filopian tube were in good shape, to check my ovulation they put me on Clomid for a cycle (called Clomid) challenge and had me come in for ultrasounds to see how many folicles I produced. They also tested my husbands sperm - count and strength.

If you were born in the mid to late 60's you may have to get a German Measles shot and be very careful not to get pregnant for 4 weeks. Many of us born in that time period got faulty shots and are not immune to the desease. They can tell by the blood tests. Its a rare desease but had terrible affects on unborn babies.

At the time, it felt like a lot of tests and exams and it took a few weeks to complete all the test because everything is timed around the 1st day of your period, but looking back I'm glad they were so thorough. It would have been fruitless to try to "treat" my infertility without knowing the cause. I ended up trying a couple of rounds of IUI and then ended up doing IVF.

Just be sure to be your own best advocate. Ask questions. Don't be shy or timid. If you don't understand something don't let them brush you off.

I'm glad to hear you recovered from your bout of cancer and I wish you luck.

[Anonymous]

I know you didn't ask for RE recommendations, but I love Dr Widra at Shady Grove and he has done a lot of work with cancer patients. It sounds like your (possible) issues are not related to your cancer treatments, but if you are looking for someone who often deals with the concerns of cancer patients and survivors, I highly recommend checking him out. I have been very impressed with him -- he's been very aggressive about changing our drug protocol when I haven't responded well and he has been very good about scheduling conference calls with me and my husband to discuss how an IVF cycle is going. A webcast he did about cancer patients and fertility is available here http://www.shadygrovefertility.com/doctor/widra Just my two cents... Good luck to you!!!!

I also second the PP, the first appointment will likely mainly be about your medical history and what kinds of tests you will need before they can make a diagnosis.

[Anonymous]

Dealing with cancer is tough, and infertility can be challenging as well. I went to Dr. Gordon at Dominion Fertility and he was very thorough and he had a good understanding of our total health issues not just the issue of getting pregnant. He followed us through the entire pregnancy even though we weren't under his care once I hit 8 weeks pregnant. He is an amazing doctor and I have never met anyone like him, and I have had a lot of interaction with doctors being a cancer survivor....4 yrs 3 months post non hodgekins lymphoma tx and still cancer free Everyday is a gift

[Anonymous]

Thank you so much for your posts. And for the Dr. recommendations. I didn't even think to ask for them, but knowing there are particular doctors out there that work with cancer patients is such a relief. I think I'm already scared of having docs turn me away because I am too high risk. But that is just my fear talking!

Again, thank you for your help!!!!

[Anonymous]

Be prepared for numerous blood tests for both you and your husband.
You will have to be tested for everything, prepare for several vials of blood to be drawn and sent to a lab.
Your husband will have to undergo not only blood draws but semen analysis. He will be expected to provide a semen sample for analysis.

Once basic blood test and semen analysis are completed.
You will be asked to have dye test to see if your fallopian tubes are open. This is somewhat painful, cramping mostly and slight bleeding.
You should also be prepared for blood work and sonograms every couple of days if you choose the IVF route. You will be visiting the dr. every couple of days once you start treatment. Prepare yourself for injectables, needles, shots in the butt, stomach, thigh, etc if you choose IVF again. There are also some practices that make you take oral, pill medications, baby asprin ,etc. One of my friends even had to take Viagra. (I know crazy). Each clinic may be different.

It can be a long journey to motherhood, I don't mean to sound negative from the time I tried to conceive naturally on my own until I actually gave birth was 2 years. I did several rounds of Clomid. And IUI and then an IVF before I became preganant. I had unexplained infertility, meaning they never found anything wrong with myself or
my husband. Just be preapared for anything that can throw you off course. It can be a very rocky journey with emotions running high. You can do it though, try to stay positive and find others like yourself. I found a great network of people going through the same situation through RESOLVE. www.resolve.org. It
s an organization dedicated to infertility and education about infertility. THey were a life saver to me.
Good luck to you.