https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:36:59 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-235495 Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:14:12 +0000 Modern Daisy 235495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: Thanks for the feedback, I keep hearing great things about Accupuncture. I know it's probably not covered by my insurance, but I'm definitely going to schedule an appointment once I know what's going on with my treatment. I figure it's a small investment in the long run so definitely worth a try. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-235486 Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:12:24 +0000 Modern Daisy 235486@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Tidybee: Thanks for the info! Glad to hear a good review of NYU, I was also considering that center, but CWRC is a lot more convenient for me as far as the location. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-235480 Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:11:23 +0000 Modern Daisy 235480@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: That sounds a lot like what I'm about to go through. I'm sorry about your insurance not covering some of it, that stinks. Right now I know I have infertility benefits and I only had a $33 copay today, but there are several tests that are up in the air as to whether or not they will be covered, but I have a feeling they will since they're necessary and routine. If I get pregnant using Clomid I shouldn't (knock wood) have to pay anything other than the $33 copays for office visits. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-235461 Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:06:41 +0000 Modern Daisy 235461@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Trailmix: Yes I do, Hooray for the UWS!! And I would love to meet up for a vino or three - maybe we can get some other UWS'ers to join in! I don't go to Acupunture yet, but at my company's health fair a couple of months ago someone from Dr. Chen's Acupunture in Midtown was there - if you google it the website will come up. She's Harvard trained and has a PH.D from NYU so I will totally try her out. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-235449 Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:03:34 +0000 Modern Daisy 235449@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm back! Okay first of all thanks to everyone who posted on this thread and gave me feedback, it was extremely helpful. My experience was similar to a lot of yours. I met with the doctor for probably 20 minutes after filling out a ton of paperwork and we went over my history in detail. He answered all of my questions and described what my treatment will be going forward which started this morning with several blood tests (no joke, they took about 5 vials of blood). I spoke to another medical assistant who slowly and thoroughly went over everything me and DH will need to do before starting Clomid and answered every single one of my questions. Everyone there was super nice, it was a huge center that occupied many floors of the building and there was even a class going on next to the waiting room with probably 15 couples attending!</p> <p>I get the feeling that I'm going to have to do a lot of following up with my doctor and the nurses since there were obviously a ton of patients and they even said a couple of times that I would need to be proactive. But the first of the test results I'll get today and if I'm not about to get a natural period and I'm not preganant then I start taking Provera tomorrow. Once I get a period from Provera I go in for more blood tests on the second day, then an ultrasound a few days later. Meanwhile DH has to come in and do bloodwork/semen sample. Two weeks after my period I will most likely start Clomid.</p> <p>My head is swirling right now with all of the information they gave me and the steps I need to take. They gave me so many handouts and booklets to take home and look at including thorough details with notes of what we spoke about. Overall, I am SO GLAD I scheduled this appointment right away instead of waiting since it could take a while to start treatment depending on how the tests come back. Plus, if Clomid doesn't end up being successful I won't feel so rushed/desparate to begin the next phase. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-235186 Thu, 26 Jul 2012 09:24:24 +0000 Trailmix 235186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@moderndaisy Girl, do you live on the UWS?? Cuz that's where we live and if so, we should totally meet up for a glass (or bottle) of vino! Also, if you do acupuncture, will you let me know where you go? I want to start it but am at a complete loss for how to find a proper one in this crazy city, ya know?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234770 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:36:52 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 234770@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: I have PCOS, too, and got pregnant through seeing a fertility specialist.</p> <p>Let's see if I can remember all the details... It was a few years ago when we started the process.</p> <p>- First appointment was to gather medical history, family history, and review testing options (genetics, etc).<br /> - Second appointment was my sono hystogram, where I was officially diagnosed as having PCOS<br /> - I was sent for a 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test, then met to review the results, treatment options and come up with a fertility plan. They waited for a natural cycle to start, then put me on Clomid<br /> - I had to take an ovulation predictor kit while taking clomid<br /> - One week after I started Clomid, I'd go back in for a blood test, for them to check my progesterone levels<br /> - We met in between failed cycles to discuss options</p> <p>It was a long, slow and drawn out process for us. We were told our insurance covered the treatments 100%, but they didn't. We were pretty surprised to get a HUGE bill from my sonohystogram, and our RE's policy was to not see patients until their balance was $0. It took us nearly six months to pay that bill, too! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234755 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 20:25:16 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 234755@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My first appointment was a surprise. The doctor himself spent about 45 minutes with us in an office, not a "room" and went over all of our history. It was so comforting to be listened to and validated. If your appointment is 90 minutes I would imagine you should get some good question time in.</p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234680 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 19:16:33 +0000 Tidybee 234680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: I went to NYU's fertility treatment center and they.were.awesome!!! I loved loved loved my doc and the way they ran things there. Our first appt. was just a conversation, overview of previous results, and talking about what course of action our doctor wanted to take and how quickly we wanted to pursue each option. He then did an ultrasound and pelvic exam. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234669 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:54:46 +0000 travelgirl1 234669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelingbrit: That's awesome! Mine covered some of it but I paid a lot for it too. I don't regret it at all but it was definitely an investment, and hard to convince my hubby about at the time since he didn't really believe it would work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234622 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 18:20:22 +0000 wheres_c 234622@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@travelgirl1: my insurance covered the acupuncture! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234587 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 17:45:12 +0000 travelgirl1 234587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have PCOS too and I went to a fertility clinic and an acupuncturist. At the fertility clinic my first few appointements were spent having tests, going through the results and coming up with a treatment plan, but if you have a diagnosis it sounds like you've already done that? My advice is don't be afraid to be vocal about what you do and don't want. I got pretty upset at one of my appointments because I felt out of control, but looking back I wish I'd been more vocal.</p> <p>What actually happened with me was I kept up with acupuncture (which got my cycles back from not at all to every 33 days) and then when I was ready to TTC, I had unmedicated cycle monitoring at the fertility clinic. It was tough because the doctors were CONVINCED I'd need meds to ovulate and I had to really persuade them to let me do it naturally, but it worked and I'm now 25 weeks pregnant.</p> <p>I know acupuncture's not for everyone and it can be a bit pricey, but it's 100 per cent why I got preggers.</p> <p>Good luck, let us know how you get on! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234506 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 16:37:01 +0000 GreenThumb 234506@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Modern Daisy: I don't have PCOS, but I have been to a fertility specialist. My regular GYN recommended tests for me (HSG - to check out my fallopian tubes) and DH (SA - to check for sperm issues) prior to our first consult with the RE. At our first RE appt (~1 hour) we discussed those test results and what his recommendations were for treatment. We were told about all of our options and different % chances of getting pregnant with those options. There was no physical tests for either of us during that first consultation.</p> <p>I would say that it is likely that the RE would recommend blood work for you (if you haven't had that already) and of course, discuss your treatment options.</p> <p>It can be hard for me to think of all my questions beforehand (or even during an appt), so check to see who you should contact for follow-up questions. A nurse from my RE's office will always get back to me same day to answer any questions. My DH went to all appts, too, and also took notes so we could compare later. </p> <p>I agree with the response about trying to be patient even though it is hard. And again, although I do not have PCOS, I have been going to acupuncture for fertility issues and I cannot say how helpful that has been. Best of luck with your visit! Let us know how it goes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234430 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:55:23 +0000 CarrieLouWho 234430@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ModernDaisy - I started doing Acupuncture in September and would highly recommend it!!! It got my cycles in order (from 60-70 days to 35 days in just one month of treatment). I wasn't all that into eastern medicine, but I had a friend with PCOS that had been trying to get pregnant for 10 years. She did accupuncture for several months and BAM - she got pregnant!<br /> It's also super relaxing, I love it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234428 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:54:36 +0000 Modern Daisy 234428@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hellobeeboston: I'm kind of in the same situation as your sister, I don't think I'm going to like the guy I'm seeing tomorrow but it's a group practice so I won't be stuck with him the entire time. Glad to hear about your sister, I hope she gets a BFP!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234420 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:50:52 +0000 Modern Daisy 234420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Leialou: That's good advice! I think the patience thing will be the hardest - even though we aren't in a hurry to get pregnant. It's hard to explain but I kind of just want instant gratification and I don't want to keep trying different things that don't work. </p> <p>@travelingbrit: My Gyno actually recommended accupuncture! I will definitley try it for sure once we start TTC. Congrats on your BFP!!</p> <p>@CarrieLouWho: Thanks, that's a great idea to take notes. I will definitely do that esp since I have a bad memory and I know my DH will want a play-by-play of how it goes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234414 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:48:07 +0000 Modern Daisy 234414@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Trailmix: Hi! I'm actually going to the Columbia CWRC center. I haven't heard anything about any center, I just went through my health insurance and gyno recommendation. I will definitely report back and let you know how it goes! And if you have a positive experience at Cornell let me know because it would be nice to have a backup if I don't like CWRC. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234335 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:38:36 +0000 Trailmix 234335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have my first visit with an RE next Wed so I don't have any advice yet but I wanted to wish you luck, where are you going?? Mine's at the Cornell Reproductive Medicine and Infertility center, supposed to be excellent, so I am hopeful that the experience will be positive...Report back here after your apt and let us know how it went!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234332 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:35:58 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 234332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I never went to a fertility specialist, instead my husband and I went to different clinics for testing and then to a urologist. One thing we have experienced though is every time we leave an appointment we have a couple answers and more questions to be answered at the next appointment. We're 7 months into this infertility thing now and we may finally be at the finish line (starting IUI) after out next appointment on 9/24. My best advice is to be patient and try not to get frustrated (it's hard to do), and take notes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234321 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:30:14 +0000 wheres_c 234321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I also don't have any experience with a Fertility Specialist, but I also have PCOS and have been under the care of an endocrinologist.</p> <p>The typical starter treatment is Metformin/Glucophage which often regulates cycles.<br /> When first taking it, there can be a lot of upset stomach side effects. I found taking the extended release helped immensely - so if they prescribe that, ask your doc about extended release.<br /> Clomid is often prescribed too if actively TTC. Some docs like to get started with that right away, others like to see how the Metformin works before prescribing Clomid.</p> <p>Since I wasn't actively TTC (just trying to regulate my cycles and get healthy) I don't have experience with Clomid.</p> <p>My personal experience is that I spent about a year Not Trying Not To (no charting or anything) while on the Metformin. It was only after my first acupuncture session (for sore back and to regulate cycles), I got a BFP. I've heard various other stories about acupunture helping women with PCOS to TTC.</p> <p>Let us know how it goes! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234300 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 14:17:41 +0000 CarrieLouWho 234300@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would definitely bring your list of questions. When I went to see the specialist for the first time I had a notepad with me and jotted down notes while we talked and the answers to my questions.<br /> The first appointment was all in the doctor's office and he discussed a plan of action.<br /> If it's 90 minutes, you should have time to get in most of your questions. You may want to ask if he has any book recommendations on PCOS that you could read up on.<br /> My husband came with me to all of my appointments. They did most tests on me and when they couldn't find anything, they tested hubby. </p> <p>We were lucky and did one round of clomid and got pregnant (after 15 months of trying). </p> <p>BEST OF LUCK!!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234233 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:52:15 +0000 hellobeeboston 234233@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm semi-bumping this for you as I don't have personal experience but my sister is going through this now and we've talked a lot about it.</p> <p>She has had an EXCELLENT experience so far with her fertility specialist - she's not in the city - but in NY more upstate/ near the Berkshires sorta.</p> <p>Her first appointment she felt it was very thorough - lots of paperwork, lots of questions. She didn't necessarily love the head specialist, but she didn't think she'd see him much, and she felt everyone else was super nice and helpful and positive.</p> <p>They immediately set up a plan to start testing, and begin trying things - and actually she is in her TWW of her first IUI round right now! So they really moved quickly and she's been happy so far.</p> <p>I know she was nervous going in, but ended up being pleasantly surprised. I hope that helps - sorry I can't be more detailed, maybe someone else will see this thread...</p> <p>Good luck!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-234131 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 13:21:49 +0000 Modern Daisy 234131@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh wow, no one?? :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/fertility-specialist-what-to-expect#post-233998 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 12:32:15 +0000 Modern Daisy 233998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Since I was recently diagnosed with PCOS, I decided to set up an appointment with a fertility specialist. It's tomorrow and I'm kind of nervous about how it's going to go. Doctors in NYC are usually more rushed than average and don't tolerate a lot of questions and I have a ton. I know nothing about PCOS and what medications they might put me on or if I'm going to be physically examined.</p> <p>I want to prepare myself mentally for how the appointment will go. All I know is they checked about 20 times to see if my insurance will cover it (which it will) and they told me the appointment will last 90 minutes. They've also emailed me a fee consent form which I haven't signed since I don't even know what the fees are! </p> <p>How did your fertility specialts appointments go? Any advice? What should I expect to happen or not happen? </p>