(long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

Hi Ladies - This is a repost from the TTC board -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 ......DH and were planning to start actively TTC in January ......- Well, that kind of went out the window b/c I haven't gotten my period in almost 4 months -

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' - (not a big deal to not ovulate or get a period for almost 3 months?) 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 ......

The OBGYN says my bloods are totally normal, hypothyroid is regulated, sono shows no sign of cystic ovaries etc......
He doesn't see a 'reason' for me being off -

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, expecially b/c I didn't even get a 'change' to TTC naturally - 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 ?? - Am I overreacting? Or is this just the normal process?

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 - I know all doctors are different - but 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. -
Shewouldn't automatically 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 -

So - 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 - I am JUST beginning the TTC process officially (Of COURSE this is when my periods are completely 'off'....figures right??) - I don't have any experience with any of this obviously, so am I being unreasonable?

Anyway - I'm sorry this is SO long ! -

Any recommendations for OBGYNs and REs are GREATLY appreciated

I'm not really comfortable with the current guy - Thanks again !!

Re: (long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

I don't think you are being unreasonable at all. I agree with everything you just said about finding out the "why" before just putting a Clomid bandaid on it. I think you should absolutely see an RE for a full diagnostic workup - get your records from your current ob/gyn and bring them with you.

As far as recommendations, I see Dr. Flisser at RMANY. He is in Garden City but the main office is in NY on Madison and 60th. If you need monitoring on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday you'd have to go to that office. I really love the practice - all the doctors are great.

Good luck to you!

Re: (long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

You are doing the right thing. My ob/gyn wouldn't prescribe me clomid - like your cousin she sent me to an RE.

I go to RSofNY and my main doctor there is Dr. San Roman (although I've seen most of them). I go to the Stony Brook office but their main office is in Mineola. They also have an office in West Islip.
I definitely think its a good idea for you to see an RE - they specialize in these things.

Good luck!

Re: (long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

Thank You very much -

I work on 27th and Madison, so I think that might work .........- I can easily hop a train from Garden City too ........

My cousin's practice is in Stornybrook, I'll have to ask her if she knows the other doctor ........the only problem with that is that Mineola would be fine, but if I had to do anything early morning in W Islip or Stonybrook, I'd never make it into the city for work at a decent hour. -

Re: (long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

You are doing the right thing. That doctor sounds like a quack - "here just take this." Ridiculous.

How about RMA of NY? They have an office on 59th & Madison & an office in Garden City. I think they are pretty great.

Re: (long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

Re: (long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

I would definately go with your gut and see a specialist before taking Clomid- Quite a few of us on this board (myself included) have had the unfortuante experience of being prescribed Clomid improperly by OBGYN's...I am a pt. at RSOFNY and they do have a practice in Mineola, however if you work in the Manhattan area, finding one closer to there may end up being more convenient for you, being as most of the appointments are in the AM (depending on your work schedule of course) Maybe just schedule a consult or 2 with RE's and see what they would advise....Best of luck to you !!!

Re: (long) Your experience/advice/opinions appreciated

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond - I feel a bit better knowing I'm not being a completely beyotch or unrealistic about this ..... -

I'm going to consult with a RE and another OBGYN and get their opinions and go from there .........I really should be seeing an endo anyway due to my hypoactive thyroid -

Thanks again ladies - I appreciate your help!