First consultation outcome

Yesterday was our first appointment with the Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE). I wasn't too sure what to expect besides completing a questionnaire and sitting with the RE to discuss an investigation plan.

The first thing that was recommended to me was taking additional supplements in addition to prenatal vitamins:
-1,000 mg Omega 3 fatty acid
-500 mg vitamin C
-1,000 mg Vitamin D
-150 mg Ubiquinol (coQ10)

As it turns out, Aunt Flo actually showed up yesterday morning and it was perfect timing since we were able to start cycle monitoring right then and there. No time wastage necessary here!  Besides, I already had to give blood for the AMH test (ovarian reserve) so what's a little more, right?

I now have to go back to the clinic at least 4 more times for ultrasounds and blood over the next couple of weeks. Let's just say I'm thankful I'm not afraid of needles... I'm also booked for a sonohysterography and an endometrial biopsy later this month. Most of my tests are covered by provincial health insurance and I'm only $155 out of pocket.

My partner has it easier than me test-wise (men are lucky). He also had his blood work taken yesterday. He now has to give two semen samples for a standard semen analysis (concentration, motility, morphology, volume, anti-sperm antibodies), another one for sperm chromatin assay (DNA fragmentation), and a urine sample. Only the SCA test is not covered and this costs $200.

We should be done with the tests by the first week of December, at which time we will meet with the RE again to get our results and discuss a treatment plan.

I must admit we both felt overwhelmed with the number of times we'll have to go the clinic for either testing or sample drop off. We were given a whole lot of information to absorb and the fact that my period started on the same day means that we got started earlier than we thought.

I'm now looking forward to knowing what's wrong with us, if anything, and figure out what the next steps will be.

At this point, my partner and I agree that if the solution is a complicated one, then we don't know for sure that we'll want to proceed. For us, IVF is included in that category right now. I'm sincerely hoping our issue is one of timing or I have something that can be quickly resolved (blocked tube).

In any case, we shall see.. For the moment, I'm extremely thankful for having a partner that is so supportive and willing to get to the bottom of this. It took him years to be ready to try for a baby and he finally went in with a "if I'd doesn't work it's just not meant to be" attitude so I know what going through all of this means to him.

If anyone that is reading this is also TTC and having a hard time, I'm wishing you luck in your journey. Get help if you feel like you need it and most of all, keep fostering that hope that you WILL be blessed with a baby sooner or later.

Much love

Got an appointment!

Just when I finally accepted I'd have to wait at least another month and a half before I got my initial consult with the fertility clinic, I got a phone call from them and I'm finally booked for tomorrow! I'm feeling nervous but at the same relieved that the ball is rolling. I guess it will be a while before the tests are done and I get the results from those, but I'm happy something is happening.

Also super thankful my job offers me the flexibility I need to be able to leave midday for appointments and whatnot. The same goes for my partner too.

In other news... Interestingly, my usually regular cycles of 32 days with ovulation occurring between CD17 has been whacky this month. First of all, I had EWCM on CD7-8 which never happens. I figured it's not anormal to have more than one patch of fertile CM in a month and didn't make anything out of it. We did not. BD during those two days either as my partner was sick. My clearblue fertility monitor didn't request OPK sticks before CD10 and given the fact that I ran out of Wondfo, I didn't test at all before CD10. I've had high readings from CD10 to CD21 when I had some bleeding (about maybe 5ml of blood). No peak this month... I'm thinking I ovulated 10 days earlier than normal and missed my fertile window. Damn it, I regret purchasing the CBFM so much right now!
In any case, I've had brown spotting  today  and I've been experiencing my usual pre-AF symptoms like headache, slightly tender breasts, mild cramping, super tired. I'm sure AF will show up tomorrow.

It sucks but at least we'll be getting help soon.