Dr. C

December 23rd came and went. I am happy that I had my new consult appointment with Dr. C but I am disappointed that we still have a lot of work ahead of us before I can really start any treatment. These are things that I all knew were going to have to happen, I just wish that I could speed it up. Many of these test are really cycle day dependant, though. Again, this whole process is a huge test in patience.

Basically, my RE appointment consisted of a huge health history with the Endocrinology Nurse. Then a review of this history with Dr. C and then an appointment with the Financial Planner.

Dr. C would like to order some more labs, as well as labs that I have had previously drawn but would like them run on more cycle specific days (i.e. CD3). I will have another ultrasound and an HSG (Hysterosalpingogram). Ahhh, the dreaded HSG, where I will have radiographic dye injected through my cervix and into my abdominal cavity in order to assess the patency of my fallopian tubes.

We did go over some of my previous labs and I did feel like I was being assessed for my personal knowledge of the whole situation. I do know many of my lab values and I have made a point of insisting on knowing my results. I was told that from my first u/s that my ovaries did have polycystic qualities, specifically the string of pearls appearance. I was told that everything was normal with my uterus. You can imagine my shock and dismay when Dr. C shrieked, "Your lining was only 5 and this ultrasound was done on Cycle Day 54!" So now I have ANOTHER thing to worry about: My lackluster uterine lining.

Dr. C also had a nice little chat with me regarding lifestyle choices. Specifically the fact that I have not technically quit smoking if I indulge in even one cigarette. I know I needed her to yell at me, but I did feel like I was being verbally whipped for having 4 cigarettes this past month. I know any smoking is still smoking, but prior to this past month, my cigarette indulgences have been few and far in between. Usually while inebriated. But smoking is still smoking. Her words are still ringing in my ears...particularly the phrase, "You may have already damaged your eggs permanently." Yay.

I am also no longer allowed to run. She said that I cannot run and ABSOLUTELY no long distance running. She may or may not have pointed a finger at me at this point. Apparently I will not respond to her treatments if I put myself through that sort of exertion. So the half marathon that I was planning on doing in April is a no go. Yoga and Pilates it is!

I'm not so sure what my feelings are for Dr. C. On one hand, I can certainly get on board with the tough love approach if she gets me knocked up. On the other, if her abilities are sub par, I might find her attitude annoying and a waste of my time and money. I have a strong philosophy regarding physicians: I don't care how bat shit crazy, mean, or smelly you are; but you better be effin BRILLIANT. Now, if you're going to be a mediocre practitioner, then let's drop the God complex and treat your patients like actual people. I have yet to determine which category Dr. C falls in to. I hope she at least has an ounce of some sort of bedside manner during my HSG.

My meeting with the financial counselor was brief but a pleasant surprise. Apparently our insurance does cover 80% of diagnostics once our $2000 deductible is met. The HSG alone is $1998. I hope the ultrasounds are included in this "diagnostic" category. At $500 a pop and with at least 2 or 3 during a cycle, those babies will add up. Our insurance will not cover any procedure to actually get me pregnant, though. I guess I don't really care, the fact that diagnostics are somewhat covered was good news in this crappy situation.

The waiting game commences while I wait for my period to either show or be induced so we can get all of these tests done. Don't forget, The Bear has to have a repeat SA done, this time at the lab. The clinic is very nice, a little cold and sterile, but very private. It's not in The Palace, but in the hospital right next door. This would have been useful information to know before I started wandering around The Palace after working a night shift. After I wound up in the NICU, I admitted to myself that I was lost and enlisted the help of the sweetest elderly male volunteer (complete with burgundy blazer!) and he gladly escorted me there. What a gent.

In non-IF news, The Bear and I are headed off to Punta Cana in about 10 days for a destination wedding. This is a vacation that we both really need right now. When we get back, Trying to Conceive 2010 will begin!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone in the blogosphere!