Your Advice, Recommedations Needed - LONG

Hi Ladies - I would REALLY appreciate your help, experiences, opinions and advice. -

I am looking for a RE - I live in Massapequa and work in NYC -

Here's my story - If you have ANY advice I'd greatly appreciate it !

I have always (since 4th grade) had regular periods, regular cycles, etc. - I started BC in 1/01 and stopped in 4/07 - I never had a problem, never an irregular pap - nothing ......

After stopping the BC last April, I had 3 completely normal cycles, then started getting 'off' - 50 days, 62 days, 53 days ....My last period was 1/12 ......

I went to a new OBGYN last month (b/c mine actually passed away) and told him the problem re: my off period and how it was completely unusual for me - I told him I was really uneasy about it b/c I have always been completely regular -

He gave me a full exam, full bloodwork and a sono. - Told me this is not uncommon and not a 'big deal' - My cycle could have been 'tripped up' somewhere and now it's snowballed - I could either go back on BC or take provera every so often to get my Period if I did not want to TTC right away, or he'd give me 'something to make me ovulate' if I do want to TTC now ......

My bloods are totally normal, hypothyroid is regulated, sono shows no sign of cystic ovaries etc...... in a nutshell, there's nothing at all 'wrong' with me -

He gives me provera for 5 days, and clomid. - I call him today b/c it's day 6 after finishing the provera and no Period ....he tells me 'ok, start the Clomid tonight anyway' .......'

Ummm, I'm NOT entirely comfortable with the fact that you just gave me this drug as the 1st course of 'treatment' to begin with, but now, I STILL have not gotten a Period (which was my main cause for concern to begin with) and you're telling me to take it anyway ??? HOW about diagnosing whatever the problem is and then deciding on a course of treatment ??

So I spoke to my cousin who is also an OBGYN and she said she almost NEVER gives Clomid - she leaves that to the REs - She said she also normally goes with 10 days of provera, so she can't say if I"m not bleeding b/c I didn't take enough, or if there is an issue. -
She doesn't think I would have PCOS (??) b/c I have never until this past Sept. had an irregular cycle - She thinks it could be stress related or my thyroid - Even though he says my levels are fine -

Soooooo - I discussed with DH and i'm not taking the Clomid yet- I have NO problem whatsoever taking any course of medical treatment I may need - but I want to know WHY I'm doing it - I want to know what the problem is ....If I need the Clomid, that's fine - But I want to KNOW I need it, and why I need it - and seriously, I am JUST beginning the TTC process (Of COURSE this is when my periods are completely 'off'....figures right??)

Anyway - Sorry SOOO long ! -

Any recommendations for OBGYNs and REs are GREATLY appreciated

I'm not at all comfortable with this guy -

Thanks again !!

Re: Your Advice, Recommedations Needed - LONG

Your decision to seek a 2nd opinion from a family member was smart. I really don't know anything about Clomind except for what I've read here, and it sounds pretty intense.

I would seek out a new OBGYN, or anohter opinion, and maybe follow up with regular bloodowrk through a primary care dr.

Re: Your Advice, Recommedations Needed - LONG

I would find myself another doctor if you feel that yours isn't explaining things to you. That said, I'm not sure another doctor can do much about your situation. Sometimes our bodies just do weird things and there is no explanation for it. If you don't wnat to take drugs another doctor might tell you to just wait it out and that your cycle will likely settle on its own - apparently it could take up to a year.

Good luck.

Re: Your Advice, Recommedations Needed - LONG

I don't really know anything about Clomid either, but like a PP poster have heard it is a serious step.

You may want to X-post this to the Infertility board, the ladies over there could probably give you more answers.

Good Luck!

Re: Your Advice, Recommedations Needed - LONG

You're right to not want to jump into taking Clomid. Too many GYN's prescribe it right off the bat because they don't know how to diagnose what is really causing an irregular cycle or fertility problem. I was seeing an RE before I got pregnant so I HIGHLY recommend you do the same before taking the Clomid. Clomid is a drug that can help you get pregnant depending on your situtation but it's not without its cause for concern. You're limited to a LIFETIME usage of only 12 cycles just so you know. Anyway, the RE I used is out by me in Stony Brook but they have an office in both Mineola and Islip if you're interested. They were absolutely wonderful and I was pregnant in 3 months. I saw Dr. San Roman at Reproductive Specialists of New York. It can't hurt to meet with an RE. It will save you valuable time and effort and hopefully help to get you pregnant quicker too. It was the BEST thing I EVER did!! Good luck!!

Re: Your Advice, Recommedations Needed - LONG

Thank You very much -

I'll ask my cousin if she knows about the Stonybrook practice, hers is in Stonybrook as well - Mineola would be fine to hop a train to the city if I have to do any early morning stuff - but Stonybrook or W Islip wouldn't work -