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grapefruit / 4045 posts
@Amorini: I think the reason I ended up not going with WinFertilty was because (a) I got a 50% coupon for follistim, and (b) I needed a shit ton of menopur. As for the mock cycle, my RE makes it pretty standard with FET. I didn't feel like I had the option of saying "nope, don't want it." But he also made the FET as opposed to fresh cycle seem standard and I did say "nope, please go ahead with fresh." Although, a lot of good that did me. So when the fresh didn't work out, I decided to stick with the RE's recommendation and get the pesky $1,000+ mock cycle. Hope that it wasn't all for naught!
pomegranate / 3764 posts
Scan clear and healthy uterus. Back to square one on the 'where is the hcg coming from?' question....
pear / 1986 posts
@jaguar: Oh no, do they have any ideas about the HCG? Really glad the scan came back clear though - that has to be a good thing.
@NorthStar:
AFM: I ended up applying for the Compassionate Care discount yesterday for the Centrotide and Gonal-F and ended up qualifying for 25% off. And additionally, some meds were covered by insurance (estrogen and progesterone, steroid, antibiotics) so we are looking at less than $3000 for meds. I'm happy with that and not shopping around any more. I also had a mammogram yesterday. My mom has had breast cancer twice (she was lucky and had good treatment both times), but because of the family history and all the additional hormones, my REs have recommended me getting a check before starting my fresh cycles (I had one back in 2012, too). Hopefully that is all clear - they would call today if they saw anything - and that will be the last medical hurdle.
pear / 1881 posts
@GreenThumb: Negative on a FRER this morning. I just got back from my beta, so perhaps I'll have a miracle, but I'm not counting on it. I'm so upset that I have to do this driving again, and in the winter, and during my tax/busy season. or, do I wait until April / after tax season when I would be less stressed? I'm so sick of waiting and the kids would already be 4 years apart, so it would make it more like 4.5..sick to my stomach.
@jaguar: I'm so sorry! this just plain sucks...
@agold: Any idea where you got that 50% off follistim coupon?
pear / 1986 posts
@NorthStar: Oh no, I'm sorry that the FRER didn't come through for you this morning. When will you expect to hear from the REs office? Don't worry about the next cycle until you need to.
pear / 1881 posts
@GreenThumb: Thank you I would expect sometime early this afternoon. I believe that they are closing early for the Thanksgiving holiday..
persimmon / 1132 posts
@jaguar: How strange that you still have elevated HCG. Could the lab tests be faulty? I have heard about that before, but the false positive numbers were in the 100s. Hoping you are getting the very best care.
@GreenThumb: Yay for a decent price on your meds. Hope all comes back clear on your mammogram. Good for you for taking all of the precautions!
@NorthStar:
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@jaguar: That's good about the clear scan. But so sorry about being back at square one with the WTF questions.
@GreenThumb: Less than $3000 for meds is great! I really hope your mammogram results come back clear. I'm so glad your mom pulled through both times (!!) with great treatment.
@NorthStar: I'm so sorry you got another negative. I'm hoping for a miracle beta result this afternoon for you! But like you, I'm also looking ahead, anticipating needing another fresh IVF egg retrieval. I have a really busy February/March, so it would be extremely unwise for me to plan any IVF during that time. I hate the idea of waiting until late April/early May, but that's what I might have to do. However, if my FET is negative (which I will know by the 19th), I'm strongly contemplating paying for the next IVF up front right away so that I can get the tax benefits from it by lumping it in with all the other IVF-related stuff I've paid for in 2015. I don't anticipating spending enough next year to get me any tax benefits. As for the follistim coupon, it was a 50% rebate that was limited by a specific time period. The financial lady at my RE's office told me she was signing me up for it. It was delivered to me with my box of meds and all filled out for me by the pharmacy. MDR Pharmacy is who I used. Call them and ask. Or do a google search. I've seen coupons from googling.
persimmon / 1132 posts
If you live in the U.S., Happy Thanksgiving! And even if you don't, I'm grateful for you all!
Some humor to combat any insensitive IF advice that may come your way this holiday season...
nectarine / 2192 posts
@Amorini: LOL. I was coming on here to say how grateful I am for all of you. This is such a hard road, and having your understanding and knowledge make it easier.
I think I'm going to stick with my current RE. I think he's better for IVF, which is what we'll do next. I'm even more scared after the second opinion was so doom and gloom, but I'm trying to remember that my RE who has seen how I respond thinks I'll have 10-15 eggs. He says the quality is "a mixed bag" for women in their 30s. So many people in the rest of my life comment that I look young, and I wish my eggs followed suit! I have my progesterone draw tomorrow, and I am going to get the details on IVF cost- yikes! I am also really nervous about the suppression since I get migraines with estrogen. I am going to try to get more info on that as well.
I've been dwelling on IF a lot more since the second opinion. I've been trying to distract myself by looking at dogs. I've been wanting a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel for years (we had one growing up), but our lifestyle hasn't worked for that. They usually won't let rescues go to families with kids under 5. We're moving soon, and I'm contemplating getting one if IVF is not successful. Maybe that will soften the blow.
nectarine / 2192 posts
I had my progesterone drawn this morning- 35.9, which is slightly lower than the first two cycles. Hopefully I still ovulated 2-3 eggs. I also talked to the nurse about protocols and the financial person. I could probably do a natural cycle and then estrace for 3-4 days- she said an antagonist protocol which they often use for low AMH. This was reassuring because I get migraines with estrogen and 3-4 days is probably the most I could do. I'd also be off work that week which would make it easier. Cost is 8500, plus 650 for anesthesia, 1500 for ICSI, and 1000 if there are extra embryos to freeze. They give a 10% discount for anyone who works in public service (I got a 20% discount for this in the IUIs) and $500 off since I had bought an IUI package. Total should come to about $10000 plus meds. They told me sometimes they have a waiting list so I put down $1000 deposit, which is fully refundable. I would have been so irritated if I finally got the guts and money up to do it, but had to wait an extra cycle.
persimmon / 1132 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: Wow, big step to put a down payment on some possible IVF. Hopefully you won't need it, but it's good to have a back-up plan if you do.
About the idea of a puppy, of course, I'm all for it! What a great and adorable distraction from IF! We weren't planning on our puppy coming to us during IVF but it's worked out fine. As we have all said, it's good to fulfill other dreams in life while the baby-making is out of our control. Our pup is definitely in her "toddler months" and has been a bit more headstrong than our older boy, but I know she came to us during this crazy period of our lives for a reason. Practically-speaking it's a good time to get the puppy house-broken and trained so that once you have a LO, the pup will have chilled out a bit but still be very adaptable to having a new sibling!
cherry / 120 posts
Hi ladies, I'm driving myself crazy. My beta isn't until this Friday and already convinced myself that I'm not pregnant. Did anyone have early true pregnancy symptoms??
pear / 1986 posts
@Mrs. Pinky: No way, don't count yourself out this early! Even though everyone always tries to symptom spot, I feel like the general consensus is that there are few if any signs before the beta anyway. Progesterone gives us phantom symptoms just to drive us crazier ! Are you going to test at home? Wishing you all the best!!
cherry / 120 posts
@greenthumb: totally right, it's still early...I need to breathe I hope your mammogram went well!
@fotolori1 and @northstar: how did betas go?
@agold: do you have the fet soon then? Eta: looked back it's the 4th! So soon!
@ameliabedilia: good luck!
@jaguar:
@amorini: Hope T-day was kind
Sorry! I've been following along as I can but I'm sure I've missed important stuff. Let's keep on trucking, ladies. We need some great news on this thread!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@Amorini: That someecard is hilarious! Thanks for sharing.
@AmeliaBedilia: Its good you made a decision about which RE to proceed with. I think sticking with your current RE will, at the very least, save you time and maybe a little money. And its great to have something to look forward to during this process, like adopting a new little puppy. I'm starting to plan a trip or two for my own distraction.
@Mrs. Pinky: Yes, my FET is the same day at your BETA! Don't go crazy! You can hold out for this last week. Stay strong and don't symptom spot!
pear / 1881 posts
I'll try to catch up with everyone later today or tomorrow, but had to post that my clinic can't get me in for my next fresh cycle until end of Feb/beginning of March. I'm just going to do it and will have to deal with driving 2+ hours in the snow. Wish we could start sooner..
nectarine / 2192 posts
@NorthStar: Ugh! Why the delay? Is there a waiting list? I was surprised that the nurse told me there were a few people who wanted to do the last cycle but there weren't enough spots.
My beta is Thursday and I'm trying to just expect it to be negative. I'm having a hard time worrying that it will never happen. Does anyone know what the success rates are after three cycles of IVF? I have seen rates from 50-90%. My doc estimated my success rate after one cycle of 40-50%. DH said this weekend that he doesn't know if he can be happy without a child and it's just weighing on me.
I'm signed up for stims starting 1/2, suppression slated for 12/28, ER 1/13-1/15. DH wants to go to Paris the week of Christmas. I emailed the nurse to ask if I would need to be I any meds or come into the office that week. If we go, I am contemplating buying meds there. I saw the prices at IVF meds in England, which are great, but worried about getting delayed in customs. I'm considering ordering them, shipping to her, then flying back with them. Has anyone gotten meds overseas?
pear / 1881 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: I'm not sure about the delay, but it is always crazy busy when I'm there, so I'm not super surprised.
I'm not sure about success rates, but I thought that I heard that after three IUI's the rates of success decrease. I've heard that meds are cheaper overseas as well, but I'm not sure about customs. Just be sure to have your prescription with you!! Hopefully, you won't even need it and will get your BFP! Will you test before your beta?
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@NorthStar: I'm so sorry about the delay. When did you ever hear back from your RE's office about your beta test results? At least you can now enjoy your holidays and new year without meds and tests and bed rest and whatever. So sorry you will have to drive through snow when you get back going. I don't have experience with that but can imagine it's horrible.
@AmeliaBedilia: I probably wouldn't do more than 3 IUIs unless my insurance covered it all AND I didn't have any concern for my age and quality of eggs. It's such a bummer what your husband said to you. What did he say after that? If no baby, then what? As for Paris during IVF cycle, I can't imagine doing that because I was monitored so much. But if you have swing it, then do it! As for overseas meds, my RE nurse mentioned that as an option after I moaned and complained about the price of regular US meds. They are a bit different, though, then US meds in some regards (exactly, I'm not sure what) and although they were lesser priced, I choose to stick with US meds. No specific reason, though!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@Mrs. Pinky: How did you hold up over the weekend? Any home testing? Only a few days left!
@fotolori1: Hi, dear. How are you? We are all thinking about you!
@GreenThumb: How are things going with you? Do you have a date for your FET?
@Amorini: How are you feeling? Did you ever make a decision about how to proceed with your FET?
@jaguar: Hi, lady. Just checking in! How are you?
How is everyone else doing? Where is everyone at with their IVF/IVF-related process? Is any of this going to "interfere" with your holiday plans or whatnot?
AFM - I went for my last check up before my Friday FET. Prep for the FET has been pretty low key, although I start twice-a-day shots on Wednesday which will suck. I plan to use Friday, Saturday and Sunday for full bed rest, but I'm a tiny bit bitter about missing some fun Christmas events with our friends this weekend. I should have scheduled this mid-week and interrupted work rather than my fun time!
nectarine / 2192 posts
@agold: thanks! I meant the success rates after three cycles of IVF, not IUI. I just wish I knew this would result in our baby!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: Oh gees. No, I don't know that info. But why are you looking ahead to three IVFs? Sorry if you already mentioned this and I missed it. Just try to focus on and be positive about what you have ahead of you. That's what helps me most. I go crazy thinking beyond Friday.
ETA: I totally also wish I knew that this would result in a baby. It would sure make these PIO shots feel a little better.
persimmon / 1132 posts
Haha! I started my update messages and just saw that @agold did the same run-through. We asked a lot of the same questions so forgive my repeats! Great minds...
@Mrs. Pinky: How are you doing? What are you doing to keep your mind off of you-know-what?!
@GreenThumb: Hope your mammogram results came back clear! When do you start stimming? It's got to be coming up here soon!
@NorthStar: Sorry that you are getting slowed down by the waiting list. My clinic never mentioned one but maybe because they are cramming in as many patients as they can .... which would be the upside of your clinic having a wait list ... more brain bandwidth directed to your care! I'm sorry that this means that you will be doing the cycle during snow and tax season. You are definitely earning your IF warrior stripes ... Hugs.
@AmeliaBedilia: Wow, you have dates and everything! I understand from your message that you would be going to Paris just before stims ... that sounds reasonable although you might have to fit in a pre-stim u/s somewhere in there before 1/2. While I'm on BCPs for FET, I had a few tablespoons of wine over the holiday weekend. It was amazing so I hope you will be able to enjoy some aged cheeses, fine charcuterie and delicious wines if you should so choose!
About success rates and overseas meds, I don't know about those things. We went straight to IVF (no IUIs) due to severe MFI. And while my Euro MIL is an MD and could theoretically help with overseas meds but a.) she is extremely and overtly opposed to us doing IVF and b.) so is the Italian government. So basically, she's no help. Poor Italian IVF-ers have to go to Switzerland...
@agold: The big day is approaching! How are you feeling about it all?!?
AFM, I have a saline sono next Tuesday and then I'll do a pre-Lupron u/s on 12/18. Start E2 on 12/23 (Merry Christmas!) and ... can't remember what comes after but then a few monitoring appointments before the 1/14 FET. I scheduled it for a Thursday so I could have Friday plus the whole weekend to lie low.
I decided to not do an u/s with my local OB/GYN to check for any lingering cysts. Why? I may be wrong but my intuition just say I'm okay and they're all gone. We'll see how that goes! I'm continuing with tons of acupuncture which is an easy and quicker -- and heck, less invasive --appointment than the OB/GYN.
Generally, I'm really working on my mental state and have been doing some great meditations and exercise just to stay present, focused, super relaxed and positive.
ETA: Oops, I messed up the dates and meds listed above.
Pre-Lupron u/s - 12/18
Lupron start - 12/19
*Lupron period around Christmas Day!*
E2 start - 12/28
P start (supps) - 1/9
ET - 1/14
pear / 1986 posts
@NorthStar: I'm really sorry to hear about the delay in getting going with another fresh cycle. I hate the waiting part!
@Amorini: Awesome news about getting the FET scheduled and feeling good and healthy! I concur with the power of positive thinking!
@agold: Ack - so close now!! I'm keeping my fingers crossed so hard for you!! Funny about wishing you were missing work time instead of fun time, but it will be worth it!!
@AmeliaBedilia: I'm not sure of the statistics of # of cycles either, and of course a lot depends on how well your fresh cycle goes, whether you have frozen embryos or not (so no need for additional fresh cycles), etc. I'm sorry your DH is having a tough time with all of this, too. I know my DH did during our first cycle and still does now that having #2 has been even tougher than #1. Hopefully you can be there to support each other and build a stronger relationship.
AFM: Mammogram was good (They didn't call me, so no news is good news!). AF finally showed on Sunday so I started BCPs - a couple days late maybe due to the metformin. Got some prelim dates from my RE - end BCPs on 12/25, U/S 12/30 and start stims if everything looks good. So I'm guessing if all goes well, ER around 1/8 and transfer 1/13! Let's get this show on the road!
persimmon / 1132 posts
@GreenThumb: Sounds like our transfers will be around the same time!!!! Yay, we'll be quasi cycle buddies!
nectarine / 2192 posts
@GreenThumb: @Amorini: I'm around then too, so hopefully we will start the new year off right!
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@GreenThumb: I'm so glad your mammogram results came back clear. And woo hoo! You've got things scheduled and your ER/transfer will be here before you know it. I'm feeling pretty good about my upcoming FET. Responsible about missing the weekend instead of work work. I'm just so praying that both my frozen embryos survive the thaw and remain strong. This actually has me quite worried.
@Amorini: I was feeling pretty good and responsible until you said you only had a few TABLESPOONS of wine. Oh, Lord, I'm horrible. No more wine or whatever for me since yesterday. (But I slipped a bought a bottle of wine last night that will just have to sit and torture me - hopefully for nine months or more!) I have an engagement party to go to on the 19th, which is the day of my beta blood test. So I'll either be a sad/forced-cheerful drinker that night, or a very willing and happy designated driver! I pray its the latter. As for you, I'm so happy you have your FET scheduled! Its right near @GreenThumb: so you are in great company. Good luck, girls!!!!
persimmon / 1132 posts
@agold: Haha. I should've said I had MANY tablespoons of wine. I just did micro-pours! Just say no to guilt and stress! They'll do more harm than a few extra glasses of wine!
pomegranate / 3809 posts
I hope everyone had a nice holiday! I was off of work starting last Wed which was nice since it gave me a day to run around and do some errands. I did a glucose and insulin tolerance test Wednesday and just got the results back today. Zero issues there, my numbers are well below what they like to see, so despite what they are calling mild PCOS, there's no insulin resistance so no Metformin needed. I got another AMH level done. (First one came back at 13 and the second at 9, which is just borderline high) So 50 million tests with 4 diff doctors and still no one can pinpoint what the hell is wrong with me except for slightly high AMH and AFC. And just on the border of low Vit D (which I've not added that to my arsenal of supplements). Still waiting on the results of the MTHFR test.
pear / 1986 posts
@PurplePumps: Sorry that all these tests haven't narrowed down things for you. When will you get the MTHFR results? Any thoughts on your next steps? You've certainly done your due diligence in terms of seeking out all your options.
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@Amorini: Ha! Thank you for the clarification. Phew.
@PurplePumps: Its good to hear from you in here! I'm sorry your tests haven't gotten you anywhere further in the process. Your lowering AMH seems like a good result, though. Are you willing to accept a diagnosis of the dumb dreaded "unexplained infertility"? That's where I'm at and it sucks.
apricot / 365 posts
Lots to catch up on (Kid and I are both down with the plague brought home by the kid, so will try to catch up completely later when she naps)
@GreenThumb: @AmeliaBedilia: We are still debating whether to take a break until spring/summer, but in the meantime we are scheduled for 1/14 to hold our spot!
pear / 1986 posts
@endymion4: I know, it is really tough for me to keep up, too ! We also a have plague in the house - LO is on her second cold in three weeks, poor little thing! Luckily DH and I have skipped both so far. Hope you and your LO feel better soon. And keep us up to date on your schedule. When do you have to decide?
nectarine / 2192 posts
Has anyone been on estrace at the start of suppression? The nurse initially said I would probably be on estrace starting 12/28 for just a few days. I get terrible migraines where I cannot function and am completely miserable with estrogen. I have told my doc this as well as the nurse, so asked to be on estrogen no longer than absolutely necessary. DH wants to go to Paris 12/20-12/27. I just got an email that "the only med you will need to be on during your trip is the estrace." I'm really upset. I'm more upset about being miserable for two weeks and not being listened to than missing out on a trip to Paris. I emailed to confirm when I would need to start, dose and how long I'd need to be on it. I am off work during those two weeks, so at least there's no problem there. Does anyone know how long estrace is typically used and the benefits for being on it that long?
grapefruit / 4045 posts
@AmeliaBedilia: I'm so sorry you are dreading this medicine. I don't know if I was on estrace because I don't particularly pay attention to the names of my medicines. Is it estrogen? If so, I did take (and am still taking) intramuscular estrogen shots a couple times a week. (Per Dh, it makes me crazy, but I don't particularly notice anything. ) I think its just called "estradiol". I assume that if the doctor prescribed it to you, then it serves a valid function. Is there an alternative to that? I know some girls here on Hello Bee are allergic to progesterone in sesame oil so they were able to get a different alternative. Its so hard to fit IVF in with the demands of your normal life. I really had a hard time with this and my work. I finally needed to make IVF my first priority over everything else. I"m putting off trips, backing off of work projects, and so on. It sucks. But I feel good making my expensive attempts to get pregnant take priority above all else. I'm only going to be doing this for a short period of time in my life anyways. I really hope you can figure out how to do IVF and Paris, though. Because Paris at Christmastime sounds amazing.
grapefruit / 4045 posts
I have my FET on Friday and I'm starting to get nervous. Girls who have prepared for FET - did you so anything specific? I worked out before my fresh embryo transfer, so I'm thinking that I will skip the workout before the FET. I'm not doing acupuncture, but will contemplate it on my next go 'round if I get there. Ugh. This all feels awful.
This thread has been closed by the original poster.
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