Hi everyone,

I decided to start a thread on my IVF experience, in hopes that it will help others who are thinking about it, and help me deal emotionally. And hopefully, it will end up a success story!Sarah's thread was sooooo helpful to me as I prepared for my first consultation. So, here goes!

My History -
ttc for 22 months
PCOS, high prolactin levels
3 IUI with CLomid
3 IUI with Gonal F (injectible)

2/4/08 - Initial consultation with Dr. Martin at the Fertility Center of San Antonio.
I felt very prepared for the meeting, with all the paperwork, medical records, and DH. I had done a bunch of research & talked to a good friends' sister, who was successful with IVF. The inital nurse visit was easy & then we met with teh Dr. He talked to us briefly & then took us back for my exam. This was the first one where DH was in the room, but it was no big deal. He walked through all the anatomy stuff while doing the sono, which was good for DH to hear. Then, he talked through the protocol & procedures with us for 20 minutes or so. After that, we met the nurse who talked to us about the timeframes & protocol. Did our respective blood test, and DH's sample. Spoke with the financial person about the fees. Finished up with the nurse explaining the injection, schedule for treatment & what I need to do with my Dr in Austin (since I don't live in SA).
Good news - I had called a few weeks ago before AF came to find out what type of BC to take, I did my "pre" month already. So we don't have to wait another month. I actually start meds tomorrow!!
We spent about 3.5 hours there & felt really good about it. The people were so nice & knowledgeable & really made us feel comfortable.

So, here is my protocol:
2/5 - start Lupron - 10units daily, 7-7:30 AM
2/9 - stop BC
2/13 - sono & blood test
2/16 - start stim meds
2/19 & 2/21 - sono & blood test
2/23 - sono & blood test in San Antonio (plan to be there for the weekend)
2/24 -2/29 - week for egg retrievel & transfer

I have a laundry list of meds enroute to me, but I haven't been given any instructions on anything else yet.

The not fun part:
-IVF fees - $8630.00 (includes all services for one cycle, no insurance)
-meds - $1500.00 (insurance covered a small part for this time only)
-Austin Dr fees - est. $1500.00 (we have to pay for all services outside of the SA clinic. If there is any $ left of the $8600, then they will refund it to us).


I can't believe it is all happening so fast! I am super excited to get things going.

I'll post tomorrow after my first Lupron shot.
Jen

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