Alone and lost

21tdd

I just need to talk to someone about my experience as I am totally alone in this. I am a single 39 year old female with no known fertility issues. I started all the regular testing almost three years ago now. My fist IUI attempt on Sep 2 of this year was unsuccessful. I have been going to my OBGYN from day one but when it came to my IUI, I fell on a weekend so my Dr referred me to a reproductive center here in the area.

Since I was a BFN with my first attempt, my Dr suggested doing Clomid. I was out of town and could not start till CD 5 so that is what I did. I am now on CD12 and am so very lost and confused!!!

After reading everything I could possible find on the web about clomid and IUI, it looked as though I was missing a couple of key players, Ultrasound and Trigger. After posting about this, it was advised that the cost was worth the potential BFP.

I called the Reproductive center and this is what I was told. Ultrasound is $300, trigger $100. OK!! I'll use my savings for my next vial purchase for this process instead so that I may possibly not have to buy more vials. The IUI is $220 and the vial prep is $50. So...$670 for a better chance at BFP. The cost of my next vial purchase.

And now today, when the nurse called to check on my status...more $$$!!

I was told that because I am not a patient at the Reproductive center, in order to do the U/S and the trigger, I need to go through a new patient protocol. $275 for the initial new patient meeting, required blood work (unknown costs), initial U/S $300, $100 trigger, blood work after 2ww, and potential additional U/S if first one is not sufficient.

I feel like I am being suckered and taken for every dime I have now. After hearing about all these additional costs if I want to have an U/S and Trigger, I am frustrated and angry and not sure what to do. I feel like if it is meant to be since I have no known fertility issues, it will happen regardless of U/S and trigger. But on the flip side, I only have two vials left and each attempt is $270. Which in the whole scheme of things is not that bad but when you consider wasted swimmers.... it leaves me wondering... WHAT DIRECTION DO I GO!???

And, lastly.... since today was friday, no chance for new patient appointment before my expected "O" date. I work tomorrow and am contemplating calling in sick to see if I can get a new patient appointment for tomorrow and hopefully get everything achieved before "O".

What do I do?????

Thanks for listening. It helps to sometimes vent a little... :)

21tdd

http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/24/5/1080.full

Very interesting study on ultrasound for IUI and natural no ultrasound IUI......

austingurl

Every dr is a little different. Have you considered going back to your OB/GYN instead of the reproductive center? Maybe the cost is a little different. I have PCOS. My dr billed a lot of my ultrasounds and such under my diagnosis of PCOS. My insurance paid for them that way. My dr also offers a cash discount. If you pay upfront, then he gives a discount of 10% or 20%. I always had the ultrasound and trigger shot, but if you use OPK then the ultrasound might not be needed. I would highly recommend the trigger shot because it helps getting the timing of the IUI done correctly. Really, it just comes down to timing and finding the right mix for your body. Even with 12 day ultrasounds, trigger shots, and femara, it took me 5 tries to get pregnant and then I had a miscarriage. It worked right away on try 6 again and now I am pregnant with twins. I am only 35. On the other hand, I know people in their 40s who used an OPK at home and got pregnant on their first IUI with no ultrasounds or trigger shots. Sadly, there is no guarantee on any of this. Just keep up your spirits and do what works for you. For me, I asked my dr to get more aggressive with injectibles and such after 4 tries because I knew 6 was my limit and I didn't want to have any regrets. I wanted to be as aggressive as possible. But really, it's about what works for you and what you need to do to know you tried everything in your power. Good luck!!!

eeh876

So sorry to hear all of that, hon! If you haven't put to much money into this cycle, maybe skip it and regroup? I know that it is hard to miss a cycle once you get geared up for it, but it will let you approach the next one more on your own terms.
If you have already put a lot of money into this cycle, you can technically do it without monitoring and trigger. The biggest issue with that is that during the ultrasound they count your follicles and measure the size. Depending on your perspective and budget, the biggest concern to me would be if you have a bunch of mature follicles, as that will up your chance of conceiving multiples. I had two large follicles when I got pregnant, and I had to resolve myself with the possibility of multiples. Both dropped, but only one fertilized so it worked out ok.
So basically the U/S and trigger just gives you more control and information, but they aren't absolutely necessary.
I hope this helped a little bit. Good luck on whatever path you choose. I'll be cheering you on from the sidelines!

eeh876

Not that there is anything wrong with twins or triplets, but that wouldn't be optimal for everyone. It is just one of the potential concerns for some people. ;-)

21tdd

Austingurl: My OB/GYN is not really set up for such details when it comes to IUI and such. She has the equipment to do IUI, but does not have the proper machine to do the U/S which shows the follicles (I'm lost with all that since I have not gone through any of it yet). I also would need to have the vial prepped at the Reproductive clinic, pick it up and then carry to my OB for the IUI. Not a big deal really, but maybe safer just having the procedure done at the RC since the vial is so precious.? I do not think that my insurance will cover a cent of any of this. I work for an airline and they don't seem to be too keen on having a family...interferes with the flight attendant lifestyle, I guess. ;P

I am just going to go for it this month and keep my fingers crossed. I am so happy to hear that it finally happened for you!! To know that this is not as easy as I had thought it would be and we all somehow go through a little struggle of our own, but some how it eventually happens.....i'll keep trying! THANK YOU!!!

eeh876: The only money I have put into this cycle is the $9.99 for the clomid. I just had a time limit on when I wanted to have a child by and almost an entire year has slipped away due to an unexpected surgery that put everything on hold. I guess this process requires patience which I currently seem to have non of. I think I am just going to go through with the IUI at the RC without all the additional bells and whistles. I took the clomid and am still waiting for the OPK to say "GO!" I'm now on day 13 and am starting to worry that something has gone wrong. It feels like it is taking forever! I have already told myself that I would not mind multiples if that were to happen. I know it is a chance but I rather have 4 than none. CONGRATULATIONS to you and when are you due?? :)

I'm so tired and dizzy I can't think straight anymore! So overwhelming but thank you both so much for taking the time with me. It means a lot to know that we have support, even if by means of a keyboard... :)

BABY DUST!!

eeh876

21tdd, I'm due really soon- October 30th. I'm getting ready for her arrival now; I've got one more week of break. After next week she can come whenever she wants. ;-)

Glad to be of service, hon. It's what we're here for. Just keep us posted. ;-) Baby dust to you!!!

Bandit

eeh876 good luck. Mine came 2 months earlier and I was not ready for him at all. He will be staying in the hospital for a while so I have plenty of time to get ready for his arrival at my house. Take deep breaths and enjoy it, I did not have time and hope to leave the hospital soon and go home and enjoy it.

21tdd

A little Halloween treat for you! My favorite holiday. So very happy for you!! :) I wish you the best with delivery and can't wait to find out all the beautiful details!