[CattyC]

Hi All,
I joined this forum almost 12 months ago when we started out TTC.
I am 28, DH is 29.
My history- have DD 11 years old, diagnosed with abnormal cervical cells 10 years ago, follow up test showed reduction in abnormal cells and no follow up was completed. Regular periods very close to every 28 days for 5 days long. I am overweight although not altogether larger than when I conceived DD.
We are regularly intimate and have for about 15 months used an ovulation calendar to time intimacy. During the calculated ovulation time we have attempted at least once every two days.
We have recently seen our GP who unfortunately was unable (or unwilling) to provide much information on the process when expressing concern about fertility. He made a referral to the local hospital which he says will run all the tests I need. Does anyone know how long a referral to a public hospital will take to get an appointment? If it is a long time do I have options to make an appointment with a private gynae or fertility specialist instead?
What are the tests that will be done? And what are the approximate time frames for results and further appointments. I guess I just want to know that a public specialist isn't going to send me an appointment time for 6 months down the track.
I am a bit of an emotional wreck at the moment because I guess I just expected conception to be as easy as the first time around. I avoid situations where I have to interact with friends or family who are pregnant or with babies and my poor hubby just doesn't know what to think.
Any advice anyone out there might have would be amazing.
Thanks

[Purelle]

I had similar situation. Turns out scarring from abnormal cell procedures had caused scarring and my cervix was almost completely sealed over!!! A very uncomfortable procedure where they do an X-ray after inserting a tube through my cervix with dye in it that is suppose to highlight blockages in the tubes found the problem. They couldn't get this tiny tube through my cervix!! It still took over twelve months though, don't loose faith though. Hubby and just got sick of the disappointment of constantly getting negative results so we gave up for a bit. Next thing we were preg. I went private referral to fertility clinic. All tests were complete within a month.

[roses99]

I'm so sorry that you're going through this, OP.

If I were you, I would make an appointment with a fertility specialist. I have no experience of going through this in the public system - I was a private patient.

I was 26 when we started trying. After 12 months, I was the first FS, who told me I was young and it'd just take time. A few months later I saw another FS. He did tests, put me on clomid, booked a laparocopy etc. He started the ball rolling, and within a couple of years, I conceived DS through IUI.

Just because you're young and just because you've already had a child...don't let them dismiss you!

I hope it all works out

[CattyC]

Just thought i would update ya all and vent some frustration.
So still no appointment letter from the hospital/specialist that I was referred to. So feeling extremely disappointed and disheartened at the moment. I know I should be patient and especially in the pre-Christmas wind down but I just want to get the ball rolling!
DH did his testing which has come back above average fertility. Which has made me experience mixed emotions. Soo happy that he is all good but now feeling more pressure to get myself checked out.
I have looked into the private fertility clinics but the whole process is so confusing. Can any one recommend a clinic that I can call to chat with about the whole thing. Preferrably melbourne west to CBD ?
Oh, one last thing, have an ovulation calculator on my phone and got really excited when it indicated AF was late, until I noticed that it had reset the settings to be a 26 day cycle, and sure enough 2 days later there it was mocking me...

Urgh seriously so depressing.

[Mo2k]

Hi sorry, this may be too late as I just checked the date of your post however Monash IVF have an office in Sunshine if that helps. Hopefully tou have had your appointment by now though. You need a Docotrs referral for them though. If your Dr won't give one en I rould recommend going to another Dr. Hope this helps.

[milliebaby]

Sorry I've seen this late. I'm guessing with the Christmas break you still haven't had your appointment as many specialist shut down for the 2 weeks. I've gone through as a private patient in Melbourne & unfortunately the wait isn't short. Been TTC 19 months now. I was referred to WOGS at Royal Womens which are private Gyno group. Check their website. You need a referral from GP though. It took 5 months to get in. Appointments were then about 4-8 weeks apart.
I'd be sent for a test & she'd ask to see me 5 weeks later. Then another set of test and another 5weeks. 6 months later & she has now referred me to the next step up to a Gyno at Melbourne IVF. It's the longest suckiest process.
Best of luck.

Sorry I've seen this late. I'm guessing with the Christmas break you still haven't had your appointment as many specialist shut down for the 2 weeks. I've gone through as a private patient in Melbourne & unfortunately the wait isn't short. Been TTC 19 months now. I was referred to WOGS at Royal Womens which are private Gyno group. Check their website. You need a referral from GP though. It took 5 months to get in. Appointments were then about 4-8 weeks apart.
I'd be sent for a test & she'd ask to see me 5 weeks later. Then another set of test and another 5weeks. 6 months later & she has now referred me to the next step up to a Gyno at Melbourne IVF. It's the longest suckiest process.
Best of luck.