Questions about tests

Dink2D · #1 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 11:47 AM

I apologize for the lack of introduction, I'm a longtime lurker, first time poster. I'm at my wits end with all of this though.

My hubby and I were diagnosed with male infertility issues, and we're moving straight to IVF/ICSI. Because we live small town America, the closest Infertility doctor is an hour away. So I'm trying to coordinate what tests I can do where. Unfortunately, I am absolutely confused about what tests I need.

My understanding is that I need a test on the 2nd or 3rd day of my period. I called the doc's office today and she's in China till next week, but the nurse I talked to said that I also needed a test on my 10th day of my menstrual cycle. Which would be fine except for me being on vacation in Mexico. We get back on my 14th day, would that not work? I hadn't been told this before so I'm bit peeved, because she says well that just moves everything back for you is all. Which normally I wouldn't have a problem with except for the fact that my husband is gone from October to February, so we would like to get this done before he leaves, otherwise we're looking at having to wait till next year.

Can anyone tell me what tests you had to do? also, when is it exactly that everything starts? I know I'm impatient, but it'd be easier for me if I knew what the heck was going on and I'm not getting any answers. Supposedly our "orientation to IVF" that we have on the 7th will help us, but what I can't figure out is why nobody can give me an answer now.

anyone help?

Dana30 · #2 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 11:50 AM

You really need to call your RE's office and get a schedule from them. It really depends. I wish I could give you a black and white answer.

But, WELCOME! I hope your stay here is very short! These ladies have a HUGE amount of knowledge ad are just the best!

Dink2D · #3 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 11:58 AM

I asked for a schedule and she said they didn't have one. I'm all about schedules/planning, that was my first question. They just went back to the whole "orientation will tell you things" reply.

I guess I'm wondering if I will be able to start all the meds, etc if I don't have this day 10 test. And when exactly is it I start doing whatever it is that I need to do. It's so frustrating.

Dana30 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 12:02 PM

When you do an IVF cycle, your RE does a bunch of women at the same time. So, usually they use BCP to get everyone on the same cycle. So, your cycle may not start when you expect it to. I went on bcp 1/5/06, I went off them after 6 weeks, then I started Lurpon on 2/9 and I started to stim on 2/23 my retrieval was 3/5. So, it is super hard to give a schedule, as 5 other women will have done it 5 other ways. KWIM? It sucks, which is one of many reasons why IVF issuch a roller coaster.

Justine · #5 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 12:02 PM

What is the 10 day test??? I don't recall ever having one. Possibly you could have a script and get bw in Mexico. The conceriege would be able to recommend a good hospital or lab.

Every RE is different so it really is tough to tell what one needs and requires. GL to you! KUP!

bookitty · #6 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 12:34 PM

Dink- If i remember correctly I also needed a day 10 test. Actually I needed so may tests it was unreal My RE does a very long list of tests on every single patient, no matter what your problem is. I am alot like you and really wanted to get thinks moved along. But they are very strict about their tests and protocol. I had to complete all the test then take BCP for at least 6 weeks prior to IVF. But before that my RE want ed me to have a hysterscopy "just to be safe" !! The whole process took almost 6 months before the actual transfer. But after reading differnet boards I realize that all RE's are different. But I am actually happy that my RE was so thorough!

georgia-gal · #7 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 12:43 PM

If i remember correctly, i did a baseline a 1st day to check for abnormalties in the uterus, 3rd day for clomid challenge test and 10th day we did the die test to check for blocked tubes.

Dink2D · #8 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 01:12 PM

Thanks I've been doing searches for IVF Orientation, trying to figure out what that's going to tell me that it's so secretive they can't tell me now.

tilly3709 · #9 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 02:18 PM

Dink-Good luck and Welcome to the board. I personally did not have a 10 day test nor did I have to take BCP. I think every RE has their own protocalls. Best of Luck and keep us posted.

Michele

kirsten62975 · #10 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 03:27 PM

Being me, I can't ever do anything the way everyone else does... I've been spreading this out over the past 5 months! My RE had them do the following on the third day of my cycle.

Blood Type/RH
All the Hepatitis'
HIV/AIDS
Chicken Pox (by request)
German Measles
and then I think there was the FSH. That's the hormone that tells them how close you are to menopause.

There were a whole bunch of other tests on the sheet that he didn't check off, so I think it depends on the patient...

Sometimes if I am having a hard time getting someone's attention, I just straight out ask them to humor me. That usually gets their attention! Good Luck!

Staciewi · #11 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 04:56 PM

Its pretty much what everyone else said, EVERY RE is different!! I drove 2.5 hours to my Re and they did offer some of the tests done by a satellite office.

Hang in there, this is only the beginning

ainara · #12 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 05:17 PM

Welcome and Good luck, like everybody said every doc is different, the 10 day test I think is the one to check your tubes (Hysterosalpingogram), it took us about three cycles to start BCP, then three months to do the transfer. You should look into having DH sperm frozen, then you could do the retrieval and transfer without him being here, if that's OK with you.

NicoleY · #13 (**permalink**) 07-07-2008, 05:33 PM

that everyone's RE is different. for me day 3 was a baseline and then i started BCP, the 10th day was my mock transfer, they were particular when i had that done. i had the same prenatal panel that kirsten listed and that was done sometime after day 3. my HSG was months earlier and i had previous FSH tests on file, so no need to repeat those. so the short version is that everyone is different.