Get a second opinion

I never anticipated posting an update to this blog so soon. I knew, when I "came out" with my infertility story several weeks ago, that I had an appointment scheduled for this past Monday with a new infertility specialist. My last treatment/procedure was nearly a year ago, in our old city, with the doctors we'd been seeing since beginning TTC. I found and began using the services of that fertility clinic on the recommendation of many other women I had connected with in the area. They had a stunning reputation in the state, and I felt confident in their skills and knowledge. After three and a half years of treatments under their guidance, we found ourselves thousands of dollars out of pocket and no stickies (see first post).

We moved last summer to a new state and city, and decided to wait a few more months before meeting with a new specialist. Again, on the recommendation of other women and my new OB/Gyn, I found a renowned infertility specialist and began to psych myself up for the appointment. My husband also (finally) shared with me his trepidation about this appointment, and our combined fears and anxiety led me to the state in which I first blogged about my history.

We had our appointment earlier this week and I could not be more shocked, angry, and hopeful. I had forgotten to have my previous files transferred to this new office, and so I expected this consultation appointment to be brief and with an outcome to attempt another IUI or IVF. Instead, the doctor asked a small handful of very specific questions, requested an immediate exam, and within ten seconds had diagnosed me with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome).

WHAT?! "Are you sure?" we both said. One by one, he counted the multiple cysts, the "string of pearls" that are so indicative of PCOS. Combined with my weight history, anovulation, and failed attempts with even the highest dosages of medications, he was confident. He immediately grabbed two bottles of metformin and prescribed a low/no-carb diet for us both. The diet and pills we can handle, but how did this go undiagnosed for over three years?? How, after month after month of internal ultrasounds JUST like the one he had just performed, had this so-obvious condition not been considered? He told us that many women with PCOS find conceiving much easier after taking metformin, though nothing is a guarantee, still. We are both still shell-shocked, but have already cleaned out our fridge and cupboards and are focused on getting healthy.

Even though we are eager to see if this helps, I'm still conflicted and hesitant and anxious about getting pregnant. I'm not a terribly religious person, but I spent some time in a chapel earlier this month, praying fervently for some kind of direction. All that kept repeating over and over in my mind was "You will have children. You will have children." It sounds crazy, I know, but I'm going to take all the chances I can and exhaust the options we can afford.

The moral of my unfinished story is that, no matter your diagnosis, seek other opinions. Whether you struggle with infertility or any other condition, do not settle on just one opinion. I'm not saying my first set of doctors was wrong or treated me incorrectly, but I certainly wish I had sought other counsel years ago.