Questions for the TTC ladies!

I actually have 2 separate questions, so bear with me because I really would like your advice:
This is our first month TTC. I went in April to my gyno just to check things out and she gave me the go-ahead. I then started charting my temps, CM and using OPKs to get to know my body. Charting over the last 3 cycles, I've noticed that my temps don't ever go more than .5 above the coverline post-ovulation, but they do the usual up and down pattern. Is this normal? For the girls who chart, how many tenths of a degree do YOUR temps go above the coverline each month?

Now, I was a little worried about this and so I called my gyno to ask if I could do CD20 testing to see if my levels are ok post-o. I had a weird feeling before I called (as if she wasn't going to be receptive to it) and I was right. Not only was she not receptive to the idea (since she said this only my first cycle TTC) she actually said "I can't believe you're temping, no one temps anymore!" I explained that I wanted to get to know my body and I was also trying for a baby sometime from April-August. She then proceeded to tell me that I was very controlling and that I needed to just let things happen. Now I can't believe I felt the need to explain myself, but I did. I said that I was a teacher and that if I had a baby in April, I would get 5 MONTHS with my child, but if I had a baby in June I only got the usual 2 months off for the summer, and so on. This is a huge difference to a new mommy! She repeated that I was a controlling person and that I needed to wait more to see how things go. What would you do if your gyno said this to you? Would you stay with her or seek out a new gyno? Keep in mind my mom hates her and switched away from her 2 years ago because of this "personality" she has.

If you've read this far, thank you and I'll take any advice on the 2 questions that I can get. You ladies always have great answers!

Re: Questions for the TTC ladies!

Personally, I woud switch. I do not like a doctor who doesn't take your questions and concerns seriously. I also think it was very unprofessional for her to tell you you are "controlling."

Re: Questions for the TTC ladies!

i would switch - regardless of any history you have with this doctor, you are NOT being treated with respect.

a doctor may not agree with the choices you make, but they should still support you....and listen to your needs/wants.

i'm sorry that you are going through this- it's very important that you time it right, because you are a teacher!!!!

Re: Questions for the TTC ladies!

to answer your first temping question, for me it has depended on the month when it comes to the how many degrees my temp has gone up. This month there is a HUGE difference, but last month not so much, and like you, it does concern me a little, but Fertilityfriend says I ovulated so i go with it.

As for you doctor, I personally would never go back to her. First of all, telling you that no one temps is just plain silly. Every doctor I have seen, which has been many, has told me that it is great that I temp and they wished more women did it. There are so many benefits to temping, and for me being that I am a control freak, it gives me a sense of control. There is NOTHING wrong with wanting to feel in control over something that you have very little control over.

Then for her to speak to in such a manner as to tell you you are controlling and for you to feel the need to justify your actions rubs me the wrong way. So much so I want to call her and yell at her. Do not feel the need to explain yourself. Your decisions are your own.

So I would be with your mother, and change doctors. I am sure the women on this board can recommend someone in your area if this is what you decide to do.

Message edited 7/16/2008 12:26:38 PM.

Re: Questions for the TTC ladies!

First off, I would definitely switch doctors. You don't want someone who is making judgments on your personality just because you have a set time in mind when you'd like to conceive/give birth.

I only charted one month (last month was my first) and I haven't O'd this month yet, but I can try to post my chart from last month. Let me see if this works. You can clearly see a shift after ovulation on mine.

Message edited 7/16/2008 12:25:45 PM.

Re: Questions for the TTC ladies!

Thanks ladies I think I knew the answer to my second question but wanted confirmation from outside opinions. I think I know I need to switch. I'm so not a confrontational person so the thought of even having to call and ask for my charts intimidates me!

As for my first question, I guess I should have specified, I always ovulate. It is confirmed by OPKs, CM and a consistent rise in temp. My question I guess is whether or not only a .5 rise in temperature is enough to carry a pregnancy in the early stages. I think it indicates a low progesterone level, but I'm not really sure. Maybeamommy, your rise is A LOT more than mine, so I'm thinking that mine really is low. When I go to my new obgyn (whoever that is), I'll bring my charts and hopefully they'll be more open minded.

I wish I had done Fertilityfriend because then I could chart-stalk with you guys and see for myself what other charts look like!

Re: Questions for the TTC ladies!