https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 19 May 2026 03:04:51 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1289269 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:29:32 +0000 littlek 1289269@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: That's a long time. I'd be annoyed. Can you call your OB? I would talk to him/her over the nurses. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1289267 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:28:17 +0000 regberadaisy 1289267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@littlek: Friday! I don't know if the nurses are just looking in the wrong spot in the computer??? I called twice. Grr. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1289265 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:27:55 +0000 littlek 1289265@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My doctor said there was no need for SA since we already have a child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1289263 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:27:10 +0000 littlek 1289263@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: When did you take your test? I got my results less than 24 hours after test. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1289256 Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:22:34 +0000 regberadaisy 1289256@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm probably overly anxious but...still no test results! The lab said "early" this week. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1280161 Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:13:11 +0000 pui 1280161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: Great to see the update! Sounds like you have some great options! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1280139 Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:04:50 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1280139@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: Great update! Hope the bloodwork comes back normal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1280096 Fri, 13 Dec 2013 13:49:55 +0000 buffalove 1280096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: that's a great update! like @LovelyPlum: said, hopefully you dont even need that referral :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1280035 Fri, 13 Dec 2013 13:25:07 +0000 LovelyPlum 1280035@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: I'm glad that it went well! It sounds like you have a good plan in place. Hoping you don't need that referral! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1279992 Fri, 13 Dec 2013 13:14:47 +0000 regberadaisy 1279992@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all,<br /> Had my OB appointment this morning and we talked about TTC. We talked about my weird cycles, sometimes getting 2 positive OPKs a month, how my BFing can be hindering the process. She didn't push either which way re: BFing and for that I'm glad.<br /> She sent me for bloodwork to test for thyroid, estrogen, testosterone and one other...I forget. Should get results early next week.</p> <p>She also gave me a card of a IVF specialist (@buffalove: your office) and said if still no BFP In a few months I can give them a call myself for their assistance to speed things along.</p> <p>I'm currently in my TWW so I think I'll wait till this cycle ends and another before giving them a call. Trying to wait till after the NY for that deductible ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1269739 Mon, 09 Dec 2013 15:07:07 +0000 pui 1269739@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: I think semen quality does/can change over time?</p> <p>Also, it's such a simple test, why not? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1269661 Mon, 09 Dec 2013 14:35:22 +0000 regberadaisy 1269661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@septca: you get no insurance discount?! </p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: I'm curious too. Can their semen change like our reproductive organs? </p> <p>My appt is Friday morning. I'm a little nervous! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1237394 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 19:43:55 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1237394@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just curious. Why would you do a SA if you know you already have a LO? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1236582 Fri, 22 Nov 2013 14:09:15 +0000 septca 1236582@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: Definitely talk to your insurance company. My plan covers all testing and diagnosis, regardless of whether it's with a Gyn or RE. But they cover ZERO treatment, so all IUI/IVF + associated drugs would be 100% out of pocket. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1234864 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 22:00:39 +0000 swedishfish 1234864@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: I would expect the blood work and an SA for your husband as PPs have mentioned. I would think that pills and injections would definitely be a last resort. I was hesitant to do any medications and injections without the guidance of an RE. It doesn't hurt to call your insurance company and ask about fertility coverage so you know what's available in case you ever need it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1234817 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 21:44:16 +0000 regberadaisy 1234817@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Someone: whew! That sounds a lot better. </p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: I am generally not a pills kind of person and we are still breastfeeding. So my choice would be to do testing first and any kind of medications / injections as a last resort. </p> <p>Speaking of which.... did anyone get blown off or did their OB try to get you to wean if you were still bfing?</p> <p>@Leialou: I was surprised too. They are usually booked months in advance. I called to schedule a annual pap smear and asked them to allot more time for this talk. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1234712 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 21:07:56 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 1234712@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm gal you were able to get an appointment so quickly. I started by speaking to my gynecologist. She had me do cd3 bloodwork and had DH do a SA. After we got those results back she referred us to specialists. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1234661 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:47:45 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1234661@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: my ob was really reluctant to do this testing and I really had to push. He doesn't think any of this is an issue because I have had one successful pregnancy and gotten pregnant two other times (that ended in mc). I think like you I just couldn't sit around or go through another loss just to start thinking about testing. </p> <p>Do you have an idea of what you want them to do (test or medications?) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1234624 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:33:05 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1234624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: that was a total per plan year, not visit! My visits were each around $100, which is on the high side. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1234572 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 20:20:09 +0000 regberadaisy 1234572@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: hmm I kinda sound similar. </p> <p>@septca: I'm hoping my OB can order some preliminary blood work. I'm hoping that means there's more of a chance insurance will cover it? I can hope?! </p> <p>@Sprite: yup, I always like going into a situation informed and armed with questions. I've never been down this road which is why I'm here turning to others whom have. </p> <p>@buffalove: yes, DH will definitely come. In fact he will probably come with to this appointment. </p> <p>@Mrs.Someone: wow. I had no clue an acupuncturist was that expensive! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1233310 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:48:24 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1233310@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: The bloodwork at that point was basic hormone levels. FSH, AMH, prolactin etc. A progesterone test on 7dpo is a good idea too. </p> <p>I found the acupuncturist on Yelp, then looked at websites. Her company name was very clear that she does mainly fertility work, so that was helpful. And she was on my city's top doctors list. My insurance covered up to $750, but most do more I've heard. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1233195 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:26:57 +0000 Mrs. Jump Rope 1233195@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: I'm under 30. I was 24 when I addressed concerns with my OB. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1233165 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:20:48 +0000 buffalove 1233165@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sprite: right on! that is exactly why I skipped right over my OB. she's wonderful and the only person I wanted to deliver my child, but her laid back attitude would not have been helpful to me in regards to fertility. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1233156 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:19:23 +0000 buffalove 1233156@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Good luck! I hope that your OB helps you to come up with the plan that is best for you.</p> <p>I went to a practice that specialized in infertility, but my doctor wasn't an actual RE. I skipped over the step of discussing it with my regular OB.</p> <p>My first appt was a consultation where I told him my issues (super light periods after m/c...like 1.5 day periods when I used to have 5 days). He immediately did a transvaginal ultrasound just to rule out any obvious issues (there were none) and he gave me some different options - medication, wait and see, etc. I did the HSG, ruled out any blockages, and ultimately chose to go on fertility drugs (femera) to increase my chances of getting pregnant. I really liked how my doctor worked with me to educate me on my situation, my options, and never pressured me into going on drugs immediately. I had another m/c before starting fertility drugs, but ultimately got pregnant on my first round of femera. </p> <p>If you do end up with a specialist, I'd highly recommend bringing your SO - it was so much information to take in at once and I regretted going to the first appointment alone. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1233150 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:19:09 +0000 Sprite 1233150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Be prepared to ask for what you want your doctor to do. At least in my experience, ob/gyns aren't always super proactive when it comes to fertility issues. Do some research before your appointment and come ready to ask questions about their thoughts on your issues and make suggestions on what kinds of testing you want to have done. Like @septca: said, you might want to start with some simple blood work like Day 3 testing (FSH, E2, LH) and having your progesterone tested at 7DPO, just to get a picture of what your hormones are doing and confirm you are ovulating. You don't have PCOS do you? I only ask because I know long cycles can be an indicator. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1233047 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:02:37 +0000 septca 1233047@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I had been having pain and spotting before AF started, so I went to see my Gyn. She ordered an u/s first to check for fibroids, cysts, etc. Did not find anything. Next ordered an SA and CD3 and CD21 bloodwork (if you are charting, you should do these tests at CD3 and 7 DPO). Everything was normal. I finally had a laparscopy to check for endometriosis (they did an HSG while I was in surgery). Sure enough, endo and two blocked tubes. </p> <p>In the end, I was glad I went to my Gyn first - she was able to order a bunch of tests and check for all the obvious things without me having to see an RE. If your Gyn can't give you answers, I absolutely recommend seeing an RE, but for me it was nice to continue to work with someone who already knew me and my circumstances for as long as possible. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1232985 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:52:31 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1232985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just had bloodwork done to look for autoimmune and clotting issues due to two losses. They don't think they will find anything though because I have had a successful pregnancy. I am concerned about an increased TSH that apparently can cause cycle length to vary and can impact other things. Here is what was ordered. </p> [attach=1506/13/mwmn3j.600x108.image.jpg] https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1232954 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:49:12 +0000 regberadaisy 1232954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs.Someone: what was that blood work for? How did you find a fertility acupuncturist? Was that covered by insurance? If not, could you use FSA or HSA money?</p> <p>@Mrs. Jump Rope: Hm. I guess I might want to call my insurance! I don't remember are you under/over 30? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1232941 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:47:19 +0000 regberadaisy 1232941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: my LP is usually 11-13 days lately.<br /> My OPK results have been... tricky.... lately. Two cycles now I have gotten what I thought were positive OPKs twice in one cycle. The first time indicative of a 28 day cycle. The second time more in line of my regular 40-45 day cycles. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/seeking-help-what-were-the-first-steps#post-1232915 Thu, 21 Nov 2013 13:44:00 +0000 T.H.O.U. 1232915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@locavore_mama: what do you know so far? Do you know if you are ovulating? Do you know how long your average LP is? </p>