Doc's Appt - What happens, Options???

[Incy Wincy]

Hi All,

We've been trying to conceive #2 for over a year. I have been using MayBe Baby and it looks as if I'm ovulating.

Number one (now aged 4) was conceived within a few months of laid back trying. I am now in my mid thirties and I'm getting worried about a big age gap between children, planning finances, etc.

I have booked a doc's appointment to discuss my options & have some initial tests. Can someone tell me what I am likely to be asked. What tests are done. If I need referring to a fertility specialist how long does that take and any other useful info.

I do have private med ins which will cover me and have nearly had it for a year.

Thank you
Ince x

[bobby]

Making the doctors appointment is the first step. They will send you for BTs and see if there is any abnormalities and BT after so many days after ovulation according to your cycle length to see if you did actually ovulate. The will also send DH off to have semen test. That is as far as the doc goes before referring you to a FS. Don’t put off making the appointment as there can be big waiting lists.
I was sent off to have more BT’s, dye test. They tell you the costs along the way and because it is spread out it is manageable. The biggest cost for me was the laparoscopy as it is an upfront cost but a lot claimable on medicare. Make sure you apply for the medicare safety net as the refund is more once you have incurred over $1000 in out of pocket expenses. Hospital fees should be covered by medical insurance. I didn’t think there was anything wrong with me but the laparoscopy showed I had endometriosis and left tube stuck down (to something) so is recommended to get a proper diagnosis if nothing else shows up.
Don’t worry about the age gap, 4 years is not much at all, mine will be 18years. DH just looked at me and I fell pregnant. When my DS was 9 we starting TTC properly but the pressure of work and TTC caused me to have a breakdown which took be a while to get over then in 2003 started again and took me 2 years before going to docs to get assistance as DH has ED and thought just was bad timing. Its now a further 2 years with FS and I’m seriously going mad again tho. I thought IUI’s were the way to go as the wigglers put in the right spot at the right time and scans show eggs there and trigger shot to release egg, but now after 5 still nothing. Can only have one more IUI before IVF is only option or give up.
So what I am trying to say is don’t worry about the cost, it is manageable and will be worth it, don’t worry about age gap, 4 years is not much.
I wish you all the best and hope you a short TTC journey and have #2 in your arms in no time.

[EcstaticEm]

:wave: there. Bobby has outlined the First GP steps and possible further steps very very well!!

Have you been temping/or using OPK's? I found my GP was uncomfortable sending me for even BT's before I had charted for at least 3 months. (he said the saliva microscopes are not very accurate so my maybe baby charting was out:thumbsdown: )

Ditto what Bobby said about short journey, and holding No 2 soon. :hugs: 's

Em

[emma2938]

hey guys,
my doc said when my blood tests come back next week I will probably be sent for a Laparoscopy. does anyone know how much this costs roughly? and how much medicare will give back?

I have private health insurance, but it just started like 2 months ago, so I doubt id be able to use that......

[bobby]

I suppose depends on which hospital it is done at.
my costs
theatre fees $2675
Anaesthetist $570
Surgeon $815.00
Biopsy $150
Assistant $170

It would vary depending on who does the surgury. Had the option to go public but that is an 8-12 month waiting list.

[Incy Wincy]

Thanks Ladies.

That's very helpful information Bobby. I have just printed off some charts that I can take to the Doc's with me. Good luck to you hope something wonderful happens soon!

Anxious Em. I was temping but got fed up with it as I found it dificult to take my temps at the same time. A couple of my charts detail temps and show ovulation mid way in my cycle of usually 28 days. This coincides with the saliva testing kit.

For the last few months I have been relying on MayBe Baby and not temping so it's interesting to hear what you've said about it.

Do you think that OPK's maybe the way for me to go? I've not used them before. What are the best sort to buy?