My Respected RE

     The Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE for short) specializes in exactly what it says reproduction.  In terms you and I can understand they help and try to figure out why you aren't getting pregnant.  For most people the name alone is intimidating, but for those who are actually struggling to get pregnant it can be even scarier.  
     On November 15, 2014, I went to see my RE for the first time.  My ob. was releasing me to a specialist, basically saying we don't know what's wrong with you but they might.  Their office called over to the RE's office and gave them my name and information.  So, here Chase and I go over to St. Louis to Washington University Hospital.  By this time I had talked to the receptionist to make the initial appointment, I learned that my doctors name was Dr. Kenan Omurtag.  My first thought was I hope that I can understand what he is saying to me, after all with a last name like Omurtag, he had to be a foreign doctor.  Now, don't think I'm against foreign doctors, I'm not, I just want to be able to understand what is going on with me. 
     We arrive at our appointment a little late, and I'm a nervous wreck because I HATE being late to things plus it didn't help that the GPS didn't take us to the right place the first time.  We find the floor and ride the elevator up and walk in.  We waited for what seemed like hours to be called back.  Then finally Kendra Hyde gets called back (insert eye roll, stand, smile and follow the nurse).  She takes me to this little room and gets my weight (ugh), height, and finally blood pressure.  Mind you, in this same room is where they draw blood; I'm terrified of needles (not anymore they broke me of my fear).  She takes my blood pressure and tells me it's high.  Honestly, when they take it and tell me what it is, I always nod like I have a clue what a "good" blood pressure is.  She asks if everything is ok, and I look over at the needles and muster that I am nervous about the appointment.  She quickly tells me to relax and we talk about something mindless and this time its back to "normal" whatever that is. 
     Now, it's time to meet the doc.  My palms are sweating and I can't breathe when in walks this white Doogie Howser.  I am somewhat shocked and wasn't expecting someone so young let alone an American with such a last name.  We soon begin talking and he starts mapping out our plan his action.  When we finally close he looks at me and says we will make this happen for you. 
     Since that first nerve wracking day, I have come to trust not only Dr. O (for short) but his staff as well.  Every time I call with a question they always get right back to me.  At each visit I felt like a queen.  Dr. O takes time and answers any questions we had.  I  have never felt like I'm just another patient or number that he has to see that day.  When going to one of our countless procedures one of the female doctors in practice with him did the IUIs.  To be honest I am very grateful for that, not only are the procedures incredibly awkward but it's a little embarrassing.  The last IUI that we had, it seems like it was yesterday, we met briefly with Dr. O and I remember listening but not mentally being there.  It was like I was already willing my body to catch the egg.  Right before we left he looked me right in the eye and grabbed my hand in a firm hand shake and said, "Kenda, we will make this happen."  At that moment I wanted to cry and hug him at the same time, even if it would have been awkward. 
     When we found out we were expecting our first I called to schedule an appointment for labs and an ultrasound.  After successful labs and seeing our peanut for the first time we went in for a short follow up talk.  He said that peanut and I looked healthy and released us back to my ob.  However, right before we left, I will never for get this, he told me to call if I needed anything that we would ALWAYS be his patients even if he didn't initially aid in getting me pregnant (which I believe isn't true without his knowledge and medication choices I don't think I would have conceived at all).  He said to keep him posted and definitely send him a picture of peanut when he came.  Then when we had our miscarriage I called to let Dr. O know and ask what we should do now.  The FIRST thing the nurse said was we are so sorry the doctor wants to see you soon to discuss what should happen next. 
     I've read and heard from so many women who have had horrible experiences with their RE's.  I just wanted in to go on record here that I have the best RE around.   Infertility is a nasty road, but with the right people in your corner it makes all the difference in the world.  Until next time, always Chasing Hope.