10 replies to this topic

[babylamb1122]

Hi all!

I'm not on here that much, but do like to come by and read what's happenng in everyone's lives

My husband and I have been TTC activetly for just over a year, but I haven't been on BC for over 4 years. We found out that he has a fairly rare condition; Anti-Sperm Antibodies (that are not there due to a VR...).

Anyway, we've been referred to the fertility clinic in Edmonton, and I'm just wondering what to expect!?

If anyone has any stories of their first appointment, I'd love to hear them

Baby Dust to everyone!

XO

Babylamb

[KiwiGal]

Hi and welcome!! I've learned a lot in the 2 months I've been on this board and everyone is super supportive.

I'm not in Edmonton, but at my first appointment they ask a lot of questions and get a full medical history from you and your DH. If you haven't had a pap recently, they will do that and a brief exam of your DH, if necessary. After that, you will lieky be sent for testing - including bloodwork and ultrasounds, but only if you haven't been tested previously or if those tests are more than a year old. After this you will have another appointment with your Dr. to discuss your results and treatment options.

Hope that helps!

[me'n'B]

Welcome! We are in Ontario and just had our first consult a couple of weeks ago. Basically, it consisted of answering a bunch of question about medical history before we met the dr. She then went over our questionnaire and asked for a few specifics about why we were referred. (1 year TTC and no results) She did a quick pelvic exam since my last pap was only about 6 months ago. Afterwards, we got requisitions for basic disease blood work up for both of us, thyroid, cholesterol, glucose and genetic testing for me, and finally CD3 hormone level testing. DH also has to provide a semen assessment. I go this week for a sonohysterogram and pelvic ultrasound on CD 10 to see how things are developing. We are supposed to go back in a couple of weeks to go over results, but I will probably have to delay the follow up because I can't get away from work until the end of June.

Lots of good luck and well wishes to you! I've heard the waits in Alberta are very long.

[Proud_IVF_Mommy]

we're in Ont. and pretty much the same as PP have mentioned. I was also sent for a dye test to check for tubal blockages and DH was ordered a S/A then the infectious disease blood test and CD3 hormone check. The orientation meetings that come after your DX and chosen plan (IUI/IVF) has a lot more info to absorb.

Wishing you much luck in your journey!

[runnerchick]

Hi Babylamb,

We are in Edmonton as well, but got into the Foothills clinic faster, so we're going there for treatment. They required that I had a pap in the last year, and both DH and I had to go for blood tests for a variety of stuff (including the CD3 and CD17 test). Calgary does their initial appointment in 2 days- the first is an info session with about 40 couples where they detail what IVF is, how it works, costs, meds, emotional response and so on. The next day, hubby did a sperm analysis (SA), and I had ultrasounds- both external and internal (it doesn't hurt!). I also had to have an HSG, which is where they push dye into your uterus and fallopian tubes to check for blockages. If you've done one of these in the past year, they won't have you repeat it. Then you meet with the doctor to decide on a course of action. The whole thing moves pretty quickly once you're in the door. It's the waiting to get the referral that took the longest.

Good luck and babydust- keep us posted.

RC

[elephantshoes]

I guess I got off easy...prior to our first appointment we had to fill out about 9 pages of questions (each) and then during our first appointment the RE basically re-asked the most pertanent questions. I had to do a very simple physical where he looked in at my throat, felt glands, reflexes, and a breast exam (for discharge), but no pap. Then DH and I were both sent for bloodwork (he had 9 vials, I had 12!)

Based on our issues he then booked us for further tests - I was sent for a sonohysteogram and DH for a SA.

Good luck - hope your appointment goes well!

[highhopes]

Hello All,

I am new to this forum & community. i have got an appointment with Edmonton clinic for next month. Wondering how much do they charge on the first visit - consulting charges etc..or is that covered under health care benefits. We been TTC for last 3 years have done all sorts of possible tests & 2 fail IVFs (outside Canada). And the infertility reason still remains unexplained. Any input/advise appreciated.

Thanks

[wonderstars]

I have my appointment on Wednesday so hopefully I'll remember to come back and update this thread!

I would hope the clinic would have told us about the consulting charges. I don't think there is because it's not solely an IVF/IUI clinic (which is where the money comes in). I was referred by my Gyne who passed the appointment on to me and I pre-registered with the Clinic and they didn't mention anything either.

I downloaded a questionnaire from one of the other clinic websites and filled that out so I'm ready for all the questions that they'll need. I found it to be quite helpful.

[Highest hopes]

Welcome Highhopes, I like your name

Good luck with your upcoming appointment in Edmonton.

[runnerchick]

Hmmm.... since my last post, we got into Edmonton as well. Edmonton charged us nothing, took my info, and ordered a bunch of bloodwork and an ultrasound. Calgary charged us $300 for the initial appointment (I think) and basically did the same as Edmonton, but in a much more deliberate and organized fashion.

[wonderstars]

Just for anyone asking about first consults. It was pretty typical. Sign in. They give you a questionnaire for both yourself and your spouse. You fill that out in the waiting room. We actually had an appointment at 9:15am and only waited about 1/2 hour.

The nurse then did the general, take weight, height, BP and a brief history. Come prepared with a calendar of your last 2 periods. Dr.Motan is our RE. He went over history then came up with a plan. For us, another round of bloodwork, another SA and a sonohysterogram + AFC for me.

The only unreal thing was that the next followup appt available isn't until November 6th!!!! More waiting games. Sigh. We have decided on IVF so hopefully we can get things moving quickly after that.

BTW, I found their questionnaire similar to the questionnaire on the Ottawa Centre Site:
http://www.conceive....alquestionnaire