Prior to the appointment, the Institute of Reproductive Health patient coordinator sent an email with forms to be filled out and sent back.

They really aren’t messing around, these forms had to be completely and returned within two business days. The confirmation of your appointment relied on them receiving your paperwork in a timely manner.

I’m pretty sure I filled out 10+ pages of information on not only myself, but David as well. You know how you haven’t written anything in a long time – you get that hand cramp? Ugh, yep, I had one of those hand cramps. But I did what Taylor Swift recommends and I shook it off.

On March 30 (2017) we went to our first appointment with the infertility specialist. It was a later in the day appointment. I can’t say that I’m a fan, just because you wait around alllllllll day!

Speaking of waiting…I sometimes pretend to have patience but in reality – I have zero, zilch, nada, nothing. I have a feeling “patience” is one of those life long lessons that Heavenly Father is trying to teach me. WHHHHYYYYY am I such a slow learner with this? Anyone else like that? Anyone? Please tell me I’m not alone on this!

President Uchtdorf, in a 2010 conference talk, spoke on patience. – If you aren’t a member or are a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, give it a read! I think I’ve read it twice while typing this up! I love this in particular:

There is an important concept here: patience is not passive resignation, nor is it failing to act because of our fears. Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!

Our appointment was at 3:30, we arrived at 3 – I like to be early! – Yes, I’m one of those people – you know, early to everything! – We were the only people in the lobby, was that a good or bad sign?

They finally called our name and we were on our way. First stop, weight and blood pressure.

Raise your hand if you aren’t a fan of stepping on that scale! (Yes, I’m overweight, I won’t lie… I kind of can’t since it’s obvious. BUUUUUT – I’m doing something about it – Hooray? All in the name of baby!)

Once they had all my info we walked back this long hall to his office. It was kind of intimidating walking back and seeing him sitting at his desk. Especially since I knew he was reviewing our paperwork. I was ready for the “you should consider loosing some weight speech“.

We sat down, and while looking through the paperwork he asked, “What can we do for you?“

I nervously replied, “Have babies?” Not sure why I replied with a question, but I did. I get nervous and forget…EVERYTHING! He repeated what I said with an emphasis on “babies” – more than one.

Honestly, I’d prefer twins – triplets – I’d even go crazy and be ok with quadruplets! Stop that eye roll and saying “Oh no she didn’t” ———-    Oh YES I did! Bring on those babies!

Just think, one pregnancy and done. I’m thinking about my body, the CES, and I will be a high risk pregnancy more than likely. The list goes on and on and on.

He reviewed my medical history. Asked a ton of questions regarding my cycle – which I’m proud to say that I answered quickly and accurately because I am an excellent note keeper!  – See, I forget everything, therefore I have to write it down. Just ask to look at my calendar that I keep in my purse. You’ll laugh – I do. It’s FULL of appointments, lunch dates with friends, goals, temple trips, Relief Society Presidency meetings, church activities, food menus, etc. If I ever lose it, I’ll probably cry – no joke.

If you could see David’s face while the doctor and I talked about my period – bless his heart. He was so uncomfortable that I apologized to him. Or said something effect of, “you enjoy hearing about this stuff, right?”

The doctor then asked about medications that I had tried with my gynecologist. That led to questions about David and his history – didn’t want to leave him out! He’s apart of this process too!

I’m a fairly healthy overweight gal. It’s impressive – not what you’d think with a heavier person. He said that losing 25 pounds would be beneficial. Even though my heart was broken to hear this – it’s always about my stupid weight – I knew he was right. It would be better for me, my back, my knees, and for future baby.

Soooooo…I’m starting a low carb diet starting tomorrow and fingers crossed that it won’t bring out Cruella! She will more than likely make an appearance, but I’ll just avoid everyone. If I don’t talk to you or see you – don’t take it personally! I’m saving you – saving you from crazy Leah.  —– Oh my word, someone come rescue David!!

It was interesting when the doctor started talking about medication. He wasn’t a fan of Clomid and thought that it was disadvantageous. He didn’t want me to take it anymore and prescribed Femera instead. Femera or Letrozole is prescribed to assist in ovulation. This was to be taken day 3 – 7 of my cycle.

He didn’t like the low dose of Metformin that I was on, so he doubled it. He said the lower dose wasn’t really doing anything, and that this should assist with our efforts.

He prescribed a new medicine, Ovidrel, that is a shot to be given on a certain day of the cycle to be determined at a later date.

Shot…did you say? Ahhhhhhhhh – I have to give myself a shot?!? Oh man. Breathe…all in the name of baby!

He reviewed the medication, and asked if we had any questions. He was pretty helpful and explained things thoroughly so we didn’t. We were ready to check out and be on our way.

At the check out, the helpful gal told me to call back on cycle day 1 and handed me an information sheet. Can I just say how much I LOVE getting helpful sheets that has directions to follow?

My nerdy side is making an appearance. Seriously though, nothing better than everything typed out for you, I didn’t have to write anything down, and I could pull it out quickly for reference.

David and I were both feeling pretty positive about the appointment. The doctor was positive, and anytime a doctor is positive about something – you are too!

Our next post will be about filling the prescriptions and our thoughts on insurance coverage and out-of-pocket expenses.

Until then,

Leah