Would you Change Dr's?

Piper's Mama · #1 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 10:14 AM

Hi everyone! Here is a little history on me since I'm fairly new here:

DD born 10-02 (we weren't trying and weren't trying NOT to)
6-07 stopped using the Nuvaring.
10-07 started casually TTC#2. BFN
11-07 No AF, -OPK (had labs done, OB wanted me to keep testing with OPKs. Labs fine)
12-07 No AF, -OPK
1-08 ditto
2-08 AF finally showed up, and immediately started BCPs to give my ovaries a break.
3-08 AF again and was given Clomid 100mg to take on CD3-7, followed by Estrogen on CD8-12 and Prochieve 8% on CD17 thru 10 weeks after if I'm PG.

My question is she is just a regular OB/GYN who only uses Clomid for three cycles and then refers you to an RE if you don't conceive in that time frame. She's not doing any ultrasounds or labs to check for ANYTHING. Is that normal? Should she be doing more??

Also, since it looked like my OPKs were never truly positive, I didn't O, she told me if I don't get a BFP by 4-4 then I'm to start Provera to bring on AF. Then I'm to take a month of BCPs and THEN start 150mg of Clomid in May!! The nurse told me if you don't give yourself a break between Clomid cycles, then it will stop working. Have you all heard that?

Sorry this is so long, I'm just wondering if I should ditch her and find someone else a little more pro-active in the infertility dept. I don't have any type of attachment to her, so I could go either way. I do think I would need a referral to see an RE, don't you think?? Thanks gals!!

jewel_13 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 10:31 AM

As for changing DR's it sounds like you are leaning towards that and i say go with your gut

My RE did not need a referral but i got the name from my obgyn and they're in the same doctor's building so very familiar with eachother

My ob said the same thing - she only does 3 clomid cycles and then on to an RE (i have never heard back to back clomid being an issue - all I've heard is it doesn't have the effectiveness / cancer rates increase after 6 cycles

She (obgyn) did do an U/S when they suspected cysts but that was the only reason. But she was very assertive / go for it when i said i'd rather go to the RE mid 2nd cycle.

Offhand my RE's nurse is going to call tomorrow - i'll ask about the back to back clomid for you

Piper's Mama · #3 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 12:52 PM

haha, I guess my post did sound a little harsh towards this dr. didn't it?! haha

Thanks Julie for the info. This whole process is just exhausting & tedious. I appreciate all the support though. Thanks again!

jewel_13 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 01:27 PM

oh it didn't sound harsh - just seems like you're leaning towards that.............. i guess i'm lucky l like my current ob and RE but if i didn't i'd change.................. too much riding on it / stress and all to have second thoughts about the person in charge of your fertility options

PaulaC · #5 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 04:11 PM

Trinity,
Agree you should change if you are unsure, especially as it is such a big thing. You want someone who will do their best for you. If you have had no blood work, scans etc whilst taking the clomid how do they know what is happening in there. Need to know how you react to the clomid before moving on and making more decisions on your treatment. My first doc was useless, we were TTC for 18 months and he told me to give it another year and come back as couldn't see any probs! Got a new one who got the ball rolling straight away with RE referral and blood work/scan to confirm PCOS. RE does blood work and scan with each cycle now. All I have heard is the 6 month thing as well. RE has said can have a months break if want to just because of the physical/mental exhaustion of process.
P.

Leese · #6 (**permalink**) 03-26-2008, 05:23 PM

My OB did the same thing, 3 cycles of clomid and then you move to a RE. The only monitoring that he did was cd21 progesterone. The thing about skipping a cycle sounds weird to me, though.

I needed a referral to the RE for insurance purposes. If you are considering moving to a RE, you might want to investigate which one you want to go to and call and see if they need a referral. I had about a 7 week wait between the time I called and the time I finally got a consult. You could fit your last cycle with your OB in while you are waiting...