I think I love my doctor: Appointment and Ali news.

Having a doctor you trust is so important, whether you're ill, trying to conceive, or just have questions and concerns. I'm fortunate in that my PCP is amazing. He's very attentive. He spends time chatting with me. He gives me a say when deciding on treatment. And he listens.

Anytime I've gone to see him, he's let me explain what's wrong and why I think it's wrong. He's learned that, more often than not, I'm right. I knew when I dislocated my hip. I knew when we needed to adjust my meds. I knew what happened to cause a problem with my foot. And I know what the hell I'm talking about when I say that SS and I need to see the RE for infertility testing and treatment.

When he came into the room this morning, the first thing my doctor said was, "The first thing I'm going to do is order a semen analysis for your husband. 50% of the time, infertility is caused by problems with the man. It's easier and cheaper to test him first and then start testing you."

I wanted to throw my arms around his neck and kiss him soundly for not being an idiot. I knew he wouldn't be, but it was a huge relief to have him confirm what we tried to tell SS's doctor a few weeks ago. Infertility is NOT “mostly a woman’s problem”.  I’m glad my doctor knows that. I really am.

So... we chatted about the REs in the area, and he recommended one that he thinks I’ll like. He sent over the referral for the SA and wants me to set up my appointment at the same time so we can get the ball rolling.

And then we talked about all the issues we're going to be facing. Like my medications. We're definitely going to have to change or stop them altogether before I get pregnant because the risk of harm is too high for either of us to be comfortable with me continuing them while pregnant. We discussed what that’s going to mean for me, and how closely I’ll have to be monitored to make sure the neuro issues stay under control.

But he didn't tell me that, no, I can't try to get pregnant in whichever way I feel is best for me. He told me that he understands what infertility is like because his wife had eight miscarriages while they were trying to conceive, and he would never dream of telling me I can’t try when SS and I are clearly ready to be parents and aren’t going into this blind.

I wanted to cry when he said that. Every other doctor has told me no, I can't do IVF. Or no, I can't do this. Or no, I can't try that. I’ve heard a lot of No’s in the last nine years.

Today, I didn't hear a single one. He told me the decision was up to me, SS, and the RE, and that he'd support it. He'll let me come off my migraine medications while we're trying to conceive. And he'll let me and SS decide what sort of treatment we think is best. And he'll do what he can to help us.

So the plan is for us to talk with the RE to do all the testing. Once we know what we’re facing and what our treatment options are, my doctor will begin weaning me off my medication and will monitor to make sure that things are going well on that front.

He didn’t veto IVF either. He said if we decide that’s an option we want to pursue, we’ll have another talk then about what that’s going to mean for us and whether or not I can handle it safely.

As I mentioned previously, SS and I are pretty certain we don't want to do IVF. At least not at the clinic here. The success rate is simply too low and the risk is too high. But if we do decide we want to give it a try, it’s nice to know that he’s willing to discuss it further.

I went in terrified of being told no today, because that’s all we’ve been told for so long.
 
I cannot even begin to describe how much peace of mind my doctor gave me today. It feels so good to know that he trusts me to know what is best for me, and will support my choices. It feels so good to know that we weren't told no today. It feels so good to know that we're finally making progress after all these years. And it feels so good to know that my doctor is willing to advocate, not only for me, but for SS too. Even if that means telling SS's doctor what's what.

I know we haven't won the war. We aren't pregnant yet. We may not be able to get pregnant at all. But I feel like we did win a battle today. And that feels pretty freaking awesome.

So does the fact that I'm about 95% certain that I've ovulated this cycle! :)

And for those wondering… Ali went to the vet today. He fixed up Ali's war wounds, but the vet is concerned he may have an immune disorder because he gets such bad infections so fast. This is the second time since November that he’s been fine one day, and had a blood infection the next. Despite having a very obvious infection, his temp was about 5 degrees below normal, which isn't a great thing. So, he gave him two big shots today and is going to do some tests on him when he’s sedated for surgery on the 24^th. He wanted to do some testing today, but Ali wasn't having it. Vet just decided to wait until the 24th instead of sedating him today too. I’m worried about the poor guy. I say he’s a jerk (because he is), but he’s my little jerk, and I love him. I am praying the vet is concerned over nothing and he’s just fine. But until we know for sure… I will worry.

xoxo,
Ayden