Infertility Inferschmility

SO, I had my first appointment with the fertility specialist.  I like him.  He's a tiny skinny Indian man named Dr. Patel.  Ironically all of my current doctors with the exception of my OB/GYN are now named Dr. Patel.  I'm guessing it's India's version of Smith?  Anyway...

Obviously true infertility isn't our particular problem.  We appear to be the polar opposite of infertile and I'd venture to say much MORE than fertile.  Boy oh boy can I get myself pregnant.  As I handed my ten thousand pages of paperwork to the nice lady at the front desk, I asked if they needed the four or five pages on Matt.  She batted her eyelashes, smiled and said in the cutest French accent

"Weeel, eef ou ant to get pregnant, yes we dooo."

"Well, ma'am that does not appear to be our particular problem.  I can get pregnant like it's my 9-5 job.  I just can't seem to convince those little suckers to stick around long enough to say hello."

Yeah, turns out they didn't need Matt's paperwork so much.

So, the first appointment was really just a consultation.  He went through my history in a lot of detail.  How many years did I use birth control?  Which kinds?  How long have I been off of it?  Cramps?  Regular periods?  Heavy?  Light?  On and on and on. 

Then we got to the babies.  Did we see a heartbeat every time?  How far along was each one?  How did I feel during the pregnancies?  What procedures did I have after the miscarriages? We discussed the ultrasound that revealed my possible bicornuate uterus, the D&E, all that stuff.

He then took a bunch of time explaining different kinds of miscarriages and how they sort of group them.  Before 7 weeks is usually considered a chemical pregnancy but mine was not because we saw a heartbeat - but these are the most common.  Before 12 weeks is usually caused by incorrect genetic make-up, but not all the time - and again, very common.  After 12 weeks becomes concerning and not nearly as common.

Next we walked through his thoughts on me.  He thinks my issue is the uterus shape.  In some cases it's fixable, in others, it's not.  It depends on whether the septum is part of the actual uterus make-up or if it's tissue inside.  It's interesting because my OB thought my uterus shape wasn't the problem and that I maybe had a clotting disorder.  Dr. Patel said he has never seen a clotting disorder AND a bicornuate uterus in the same patient.  I might be the rarity, but he doesn't think so.  Apparently uterus shape is the first thing they look to in cases of multiple miscarriage and we already know that's what I've got going on.  I used to think a heart shape was a good thing...not so much.

Finally, he presented the plan.  And I like the plan because it covers every possible scenario of what could be wrong.  I want to attack this thing like it's cancer.  Dr. Patel takes the aggressive approach which the intense side of me LOVES.

The first thing to do is genetic testing.  Matt and I are going to a lab tomorrow morning for what I assume will be either a q-tip DNA swab or a blood draw and they will do all the chromosomal, DNA, genetic testy thingies (technical term) they do.  This takes about three weeks.

Next, after two menstrual cycles we go through the next list.  So far I'm right on schedule so this should take place mid-June.  We start with inserting dye into my uterus and doing an intense ultrasound so we can get a really clear picture of the shape and possible issues.  During that same appointment he'll do a complete set of blood work to determine if I have a clotting disorder, some sort of baby attacking lupus or any hormonal imbalances which might play a part.  I'll also be tested for thyroid disorders which can cause early aging of my eggs.  Finally, he's putting Matt and I on a heavy 10 day dose of antibiotics to kill any possible infections we might have lingering that could harm a growing fetus.  We should have some sort of answer and possible next steps within about a week after all these tests are complete.

Are you lost yet?  Me too.  Basically it goes like this
Test
Test
Test
Test
Test some more
Look at results
Test

If, in the end they can't find anything wrong, they'll send me for a second opinion and I'll start all over.

I've told Matt to stay far away from me until we get some answers because if I get pregnant again before we get some answers, he'll have some 'splaining to do.  Because it is naturally all his fault.