What to expect at very first ISIS appt?
#1
Posted 26 April 2011 - 12:50 PM
I'm just wondering what to expect at the very fist appointment. Will it be a full exam or is it more of a consultation and future appointments will be made for testing and exams? Just wondering if I can go any time during my cycle or if I have to make sure it is scheduled for a day that a full exam is possible?
Also: How does the rotating doctor schedule work? For my initial appointment, does it depend on what day of the week I go, who my main doctor will be? I see some of them have better reviews than others
Thank you!
Me: 36 (DOR) DH: 38
May 2011: High FSH (13) and Low AFC (6)
August 2011: FSH (8) but lower AFC (only 3!)
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps
April 2012: IUI #1 FSH 9.1, AFC 8 = BFN
September 2012: IVF #1 Short cycle, natural start = IUI #2 as only had 2 follicles
#2
Posted 26 April 2011 - 01:14 PM
1) consulted with RE (Dr. Cheng)
2) we all ready had a semen analysis done by our family doc so we reviewed the results
3) discussed testing that would be done: cycle monitoring, HSG, salin sono (in that order)... get reults then consult again about next steps
4) then we met with the nurse who gave us all the instruction on how to set up for cycle monitoring and book our HSG appointment
For cycle monitoring:
-call in on CD1 to book a CD3 u/s appointment
-CD3 they will do a transvaginal ultrasound to measure your AFC (antral follicle count = dormant follicles) on the ovaries and measure your uterine lining
-CD3 they will do bloodwork to determine your FSH, E2, LH, progesterone levels
-I can't remember if I returned on CD10 to monitor for ovulation or not, I'm thinking no
-CD21 bloodwork only to check progesterone levels to confirm ovulation
For HSG:
-my doctor does them at Brampton hospital and has limited access (1-2 times per month) so it's touch and go whether you get in on any given cycle becuase I think they like to do it at a certain time - again this one is a little foggy
-they inject dye into your uterus and take an xray to see if your tubes are open - some girls have said it didn't hurt but mine HURT LIKE A SOB!
For Saline Sono:
-they do this at the clinic and can book you when you call in your CD1
-they pass a catheter past your cervix into your uterus and inflate it using saline to take a look at the uterine walls for fibroids/polyps/abnormalities. I had no discomfort at all with this one
Good luck to you!
#3
Posted 26 April 2011 - 01:20 PM
I know I'm not looking forward to all the testing, but in the end if it results in a baby, it will be worth it.
I edited my question late, but I was wondering (if my doctor did not specify a particular doctor), will the day of the week I go for my first appointment determine who my main doctor is? I've looked up reviews and some have better reviews than others. There is one particular doctor that I would prefer not to see, but not sure how I can arrange that without sounding obvious. I don't know if they have a set schedule or if it changes weekly. If each doctor does one day a week or a few days in a row, etc.
Thanks again!
Me: 36 (DOR) DH: 38
May 2011: High FSH (13) and Low AFC (6)
August 2011: FSH (8) but lower AFC (only 3!)
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps
April 2012: IUI #1 FSH 9.1, AFC 8 = BFN
September 2012: IVF #1 Short cycle, natural start = IUI #2 as only had 2 follicles
#4
Posted 26 April 2011 - 01:28 PM
You will hear good and bad things about every clinic so it's hard to sort through all of it. One of my biggest issues with the clinic was the "doc-of-the-day" approach and the fact that I felt like I was getting the "standard protocol" without much room to vary and it just wasn't working for my particular case. Dr. Cheng is great and knows his studies and research and "proven" facts but wasn't really keen on venturing outside the box without proven scientific data and unfortunately I didn't fit in the "box". lol
#5
Posted 26 April 2011 - 01:40 PM
I guess you never know as there are good and bad reviews about all clinics as you say, but I'm just a little concerned after reading the reviews about this one particular doctor compared to the others at the clinic. I only booked the appointment at the end of last week, so I could still change it.
Me: 36 (DOR) DH: 38
May 2011: High FSH (13) and Low AFC (6)
August 2011: FSH (8) but lower AFC (only 3!)
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps
April 2012: IUI #1 FSH 9.1, AFC 8 = BFN
September 2012: IVF #1 Short cycle, natural start = IUI #2 as only had 2 follicles
#6
Posted 11 May 2011 - 02:47 PM
Canagirl - how did you find the first appointment? Where did you find the reviews of the clinic?
April IVF #1 - BFN
FET #1 - July
Praying for a miracle with my day 6 blasts
#7
Posted 11 May 2011 - 04:54 PM
I've just had my first appointment and thought it went fine. I do find it stressful now thinking of all the testing and all the appointments that are upcoming - I don't know if that or the 'not knowing' is worse. Based on the basic initial testing done by our family doctors, nothing yet has been found with my husband or I so I guess we'll see if they can pinpoint a specific problem at the clinic. I have to call in on CD1 which will probably be next week.
As for reviews of the clinic, although it seems to be a busy clinic, I didn't find any reviews specifically about the clinic, but on ratemds there are reviews for a lot of the doctors.
How do you find the clinic now that you've been there for a few months? For the cycle monitoring, how long are you usually there for each appointment?
Good luck to you!
Me: 36 (DOR) DH: 38
May 2011: High FSH (13) and Low AFC (6)
August 2011: FSH (8) but lower AFC (only 3!)
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps
April 2012: IUI #1 FSH 9.1, AFC 8 = BFN
September 2012: IVF #1 Short cycle, natural start = IUI #2 as only had 2 follicles
#8
Posted 11 May 2011 - 07:27 PM
TTC since July 2008
Oct. '09 IUI
Nov. '09 IUI
Jan. '10 IVF #1
Feb. 16/10 BFN
May 7/10 Laporoscopy
IVF #2
June 11/10 Day 3 u/s
June 29/10 Began Suprefact
July 17/10 Began 225iui of Gonal F
July 21/10 u/s 6 eggs
July 22/10 u/s 11 eggs
July 25/10 u/s 18 eggs (10 already mature)
July 27/10 ER - 8 eggs retrieved, 7 mature and ICSI'd
July 28/10 5 eggs fertilized
July 29/10 5 embies developing!
July 30/10 ET
Aug. 12/10 BNF
IVF #3
Nov. 8/10 Began Suprefact
Nov. 23/10 Began Stims (300 Gonal F, 150 Luveris)
Dec. 5/10 ER - retrieved 26 eggs, 16 mature
Dec. 6/10 11 eggs fertilized
Dec. 7/10 6 embryos left
Dec. 8/10 ET - 2 gr 2 8-cell, 4 being cultured to blast for freezing
Dec. 11/10 3 frosties!!
Dec. 22/10 Beta - BFP (over 700, I stopped listening when I heard that it was over 700, so I don't know the exact number).
<div><a target=_blank href=http://www.pregnology.com/pregnancy/08/30/2011><img border=0 width=450 height=185 src='http://www.pregnolog.../08/30/2011.png' alt='Pregnancy%20ticker'></a><br><a style=font-size:9pt;color:#444444 target=_blank href=http://www.pregnology.com>Make a pregnancy ticker</a></div>
#9
Posted 12 May 2011 - 07:30 AM
As for wait times I have tried to book my u/s for first thing in the morning so when I have those appointments (between 7 and 8am) there is virtually no waiting. They are very efficient with the u/s and getting you in and out. Sometimes there is a bit of a wait for the "doctor of the day" to see you but for the most part I am in and out in under an hour. Now if you have to move to IUI that's a different story ..... my first month for IUI my wait times were reasonable - about 45 min or an hour which is fine, however, last month I was there over an hour and a half! The second day I specifically said that I needed to be back to work for a meeting and even then it was a good hour long process.
I don't know who your Dr is but I have now seen and dealt with most of them. My Dr is only at the clinic once maybe twice a month and I came to ISIS through his office. Of the Dr I have seen Dr. Goodrow was by far my favorite. She never makes me feel rushed and is very nice and down to earth. I have not had any "bad" experiences with any of the doctors but some definitely take more time than others to talk to you and let you ask questions.
Jennymarie - I notice that you have had a laparoscopy done, I'm scheduled for one in July how is the procedure and the recovery time?
April IVF #1 - BFN
FET #1 - July
Praying for a miracle with my day 6 blasts
#10
Posted 12 May 2011 - 01:04 PM
Adry
DSD 14 DSD 7 1 FURBABY-PEANUT
hsg- clear
sono- clear slight heart shape uterus
IVF July 2010
9 follies r ovary decided not to work
3 eggs, only 1 viable, other one had 3 pro nuclei
d3t 8cell grade 2
BFN
IVF #2 Jan 2011 with ICSI
Nov 18 0.2 Suprefact
Af due Dec 5 bw/ Dec 6 cycle cancelled E2 over 1000
U/S Dec 7- two cyst RO, E2 127 all clear to start suprefact
Dec 24 0.2 Suprefact
Jan 7 CD-0 E2 162, LH 9.5 WOO HOO START GONAL 225IU
Jan 12 u/s RO 5 follies, LO 7 possibly 8
Jan 17 ER- 13 total, 11 icsi 6 fer
Jan 18- 1 grade 1 5 grade 2
Jan 22- ET 1 2bb blastocyst 1 grade 2 compacting morula none to freeze
Jan 28-6dp5dtLIGHT LIGHT BFP
Jan 30-Brown spotting, cramping- oh no is it over
Feb 1-10p5dt HPT BFP!!!!
Feb 4- BETA 314
FEB 6- BETA 519
FEB 7- BETA 738
FEB 8- BETA 800
FEB 10-BETA 1945!!!
FEB 10- U/S SAW GES SAC!!
FEB 18-U/S SAW BABY, HR OF 115 BPM
FEB 19-BETA 27300 EDD Oct 8, day after DH!!
FEB 21-U/S BABY, YOLK SAC HR 136 BPM STILL SPOTTING
FEB 28- BLEEDING, U/S BABY MEAS 8 W HB 160 CHOR BLEED
DR SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE
MAR-10 U/S
May 8 2011 IT'S A GIRL!!!!!
#11
Posted 12 May 2011 - 01:06 PM
I have found the staff to be very friendly and for the most part efficient. The blood work staff are very fast and I have had almost all of them and most are great. It is very hard to find my veins and to get blood so a few are better at it than others, and a few are better with me than others as I have a horrible fear of needles and some are more comforting and empathetic than others.
As for wait times I have tried to book my u/s for first thing in the morning so when I have those appointments (between 7 and 8am) there is virtually no waiting. They are very efficient with the u/s and getting you in and out. Sometimes there is a bit of a wait for the "doctor of the day" to see you but for the most part I am in and out in under an hour. Now if you have to move to IUI that's a different story ..... my first month for IUI my wait times were reasonable - about 45 min or an hour which is fine, however, last month I was there over an hour and a half! The second day I specifically said that I needed to be back to work for a meeting and even then it was a good hour long process.
I don't know who your Dr is but I have now seen and dealt with most of them. My Dr is only at the clinic once maybe twice a month and I came to ISIS through his office. Of the Dr I have seen Dr. Goodrow was by far my favorite. She never makes me feel rushed and is very nice and down to earth. I have not had any "bad" experiences with any of the doctors but some definitely take more time than others to talk to you and let you ask questions.
Jennymarie - I notice that you have had a laparoscopy done, I'm scheduled for one in July how is the procedure and the recovery time?
Hi,
I had a Lap done 2 years ago, it wasn't bad at all, I was up and around the day after. They put me to sleep and when I woke up they gave me more drugs I went home and slept. I was a bit sore but I felt totally fine after a few days.
Adry
DSD 14 DSD 7 1 FURBABY-PEANUT
hsg- clear
sono- clear slight heart shape uterus
IVF July 2010
9 follies r ovary decided not to work
3 eggs, only 1 viable, other one had 3 pro nuclei
d3t 8cell grade 2
BFN
IVF #2 Jan 2011 with ICSI
Nov 18 0.2 Suprefact
Af due Dec 5 bw/ Dec 6 cycle cancelled E2 over 1000
U/S Dec 7- two cyst RO, E2 127 all clear to start suprefact
Dec 24 0.2 Suprefact
Jan 7 CD-0 E2 162, LH 9.5 WOO HOO START GONAL 225IU
Jan 12 u/s RO 5 follies, LO 7 possibly 8
Jan 17 ER- 13 total, 11 icsi 6 fer
Jan 18- 1 grade 1 5 grade 2
Jan 22- ET 1 2bb blastocyst 1 grade 2 compacting morula none to freeze
Jan 28-6dp5dtLIGHT LIGHT BFP
Jan 30-Brown spotting, cramping- oh no is it over
Feb 1-10p5dt HPT BFP!!!!
Feb 4- BETA 314
FEB 6- BETA 519
FEB 7- BETA 738
FEB 8- BETA 800
FEB 10-BETA 1945!!!
FEB 10- U/S SAW GES SAC!!
FEB 18-U/S SAW BABY, HR OF 115 BPM
FEB 19-BETA 27300 EDD Oct 8, day after DH!!
FEB 21-U/S BABY, YOLK SAC HR 136 BPM STILL SPOTTING
FEB 28- BLEEDING, U/S BABY MEAS 8 W HB 160 CHOR BLEED
DR SAID EVERYTHING IS FINE
MAR-10 U/S
May 8 2011 IT'S A GIRL!!!!!
#12
Posted 12 May 2011 - 04:35 PM
Congratulations jennymarie and adlovesma! I'm very happy you both have had happy outcomes. Crossing my fingers that you have the same outcome soon springy!
springy - I understand what you mean about concern over needles. They've never been my favourite but I figure at this point I have no choice but to try to get past that. I am concerned about multiple blood draws. I usually get a massive bruise after after my blood is drawn and I've never had to have it done multiple days in a row, so this isn't going to be fun. Glad to hear the wait times aren't too long (and hopefully if you do another IUI, you get in and out more quickly). At this point I don't want to tell people at work what is going on, so if the wait times are long that will make it difficult as I can only come up with so many excuses.
Do you normally go in a little earlier than your ultrasound time to have your blood drawn before the ultrasound?
Me: 36 (DOR) DH: 38
May 2011: High FSH (13) and Low AFC (6)
August 2011: FSH (8) but lower AFC (only 3!)
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps
April 2012: IUI #1 FSH 9.1, AFC 8 = BFN
September 2012: IVF #1 Short cycle, natural start = IUI #2 as only had 2 follicles
#13
Posted 13 May 2011 - 07:20 AM
I'm glad to hear so many positive things about ISIS. I'm finding the whole thing pretty stressful right now. Strangely, I feel more stressed now than I did before I had the consultation but I think that is just because of all the upcoming tests, not knowing what to expect, the time commitment and not knowing what they will show or if there is anything that can be done for us.
Congratulations jennymarie and adlovesma! I'm very happy you both have had happy outcomes. Crossing my fingers that you have the same outcome soon springy!
springy - I understand what you mean about concern over needles. They've never been my favourite but I figure at this point I have no choice but to try to get past that. I am concerned about multiple blood draws. I usually get a massive bruise after after my blood is drawn and I've never had to have it done multiple days in a row, so this isn't going to be fun. Glad to hear the wait times aren't too long (and hopefully if you do another IUI, you get in and out more quickly). At this point I don't want to tell people at work what is going on, so if the wait times are long that will make it difficult as I can only come up with so many excuses.
Do you normally go in a little earlier than your ultrasound time to have your blood drawn before the ultrasound?
I bruise very easily and normally with the staff there I have not bruised or if I have it is after 4 or 5 days in a row. They are really good. I actually ask to lie down to have the blood taken because I sometimes get so worked up that I pass out but since going to ISIS I am totally fine and can even talk to the nurses now while they take the blood. I guess that's my silver lining in this infertility journey so far
I normally go about 10 to 15 min before my u/s appointment to have my blood taken. They are really efficient at moving you through so you get to your u/s appointment on time.
Try not to stress about it ... I know easier said than done!
April IVF #1 - BFN
FET #1 - July
Praying for a miracle with my day 6 blasts
#14
Posted 15 May 2011 - 01:50 AM
I bruise very easily and normally with the staff there I have not bruised or if I have it is after 4 or 5 days in a row. They are really good. I actually ask to lie down to have the blood taken because I sometimes get so worked up that I pass out but since going to ISIS I am totally fine and can even talk to the nurses now while they take the blood. I guess that's my silver lining in this infertility journey so far
I normally go about 10 to 15 min before my u/s appointment to have my blood taken. They are really efficient at moving you through so you get to your u/s appointment on time.
Try not to stress about it ... I know easier said than done!
Thanks for the info. I will be calling in CD1 soon, so I will see how it goes. I'm hoping I have the same luck with the blood work that you have had.
Thanks again and good luck!
Me: 36 (DOR) DH: 38
May 2011: High FSH (13) and Low AFC (6)
August 2011: FSH (8) but lower AFC (only 3!)
Hysteroscopy to remove polyps
April 2012: IUI #1 FSH 9.1, AFC 8 = BFN
September 2012: IVF #1 Short cycle, natural start = IUI #2 as only had 2 follicles