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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Let me know if you have any questions! It can be a stressful, but rewarding (so I hear...) experience!

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Wow Jen! I'm so glad you posted everything. We'll all be sure to check in on your progress. Loads of baby dust!!

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http://rchiprean.abmp.com/index.html

Thanks ladies!

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Holy moly Jen - I can't believe you are here already! Please don't dissappear on us, keep us posted.

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Jen ~ I'm glad to hear from you; we are very interested in your progress. I'm in San Antonio, perhaps we can grab some Starbucks the weekend you are here. Good luck, and I'll update your info in the 'IVF/IUI Stats' thread.

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Jen-Thanks for posting all the information. Good luck and sending you lots of positive vibes your way. Second what betsy said and don't disappear on us and keep us posted!

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Thanks for the support ladies! Ya'll are the best!

Steph - I'd love to grab coffee. I should know what time my appts are before I get done there. & I'll have to find something to occupy DH.

I got my meds today. A very large box full of stuff that the nurse did not discuss with me. I decided to store everything in a large gift bag - trying to make the thought of it more cheerful. I only recognized a few names & there was an unusually large number of syringes - yikes! I'll post about the different meds as I have to take them.

Today was my first shot of Lupron. I am happy to say it was even easier than the Gonal-F. The directions were easy to follow & the shot was quick and painless. This is a good start!

I scheduled my (3) Austin sonos as well. Nothing left to do but wait until my next shot in the AM.

I hope everyone had a great day!

PS - I must say it is pretty great not having to temp daily.

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Jen, I think Lauren kept her supplies in a basket (?) or something like that that was less 'medicinal' looking. Little things count sometimes...shoot, you could go to the dollar store and buy a pack of little gift bags -- each day open your 'surprise'. LOL!

I'll wait to hear about your schedule and we'll figure something out.

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Thanks Steph. The bag I used is really pretty, with flowers & pink ribbon trim. It makes me smile when I see it, which is all I can ask for when looking a t a big bag of needles.

Shot this AM went ok, but a little more sting than yesterday.

I am playing phone tag with the nurse, but on my vmail, she said DH's sample was "perfect". So now hopefully I can live up to my part of this.

Yesterday, I decided to start accupunture. Its been a long time & I've never done it for fertility, just for stress. But I read a study that said success rates doubled with it, so I am open to trying it again. My first appt is tomorrow with the lady I used to see. She said she's worked with people for IVF before & will come to my house before & after the procedures to treat me, if I want. & She said she has a high success rate, so we'll see.

I am still in the excited phase! I hope I stay that way!

Hope everyone has a good day!

Jen

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I'm glad your excited; that sounds great with your bag that makes you smile.

And, of course, blinkies for you:

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Jen, good luck with everything. My sister did accupuncture on her second IVF and she had twins last month!!!

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Jen- Thanks for sharing your journey with us. I went back and read Sarah's thread and was so inspired. I think you have tremendous courage and wish you much success!! We are so fortunate that you are allowing us to join you in this experience. Good luck and God bless! ~B

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Kedney - I hope I am as lucky as your sister!

B- Thanks for the good wishes!

Yesterday (2/7) was my first accupunture appt. It went well. I was nervous about the treatment b/c it has been so long, but they didn't hurt. I think I fell asleep b/c I looked down & she had already taken a bunch of needles out & I had no idea. I felt great afterwards - very calm. I know this can only help.

I am going to see her once next week, and at least once the week after. She has also offered to come to our house for a treatment before we drive down to SA on the day of the transfer & then come back over when we get home later that day - no matter what time of day or night. She is aware of a German study that with exponetially higher success rates when this was done.

I think the Lupron is making me tired. I have felt worn out & had no interest in going to the gym. But, I made myself go to day & I feel better.
Note to self - GO to the GYM b/c you feel better afterwards!!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

Jen

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Jen - There have been tons of studies about the effects of acupuncture and ivf. If you remember Jend, she went to acupuncture during her ivf cycles and she's now into her second trimester with twins.... Anything that can reduce the stress hormones is a good thing. Keep at it!

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http://rchiprean.abmp.com/index.html

Coincidently, I just found an article about that! I put it in the Articles section.

Jen~ This is so exciting! Thanks so much for starting this thread and keeping us posted. I'd be so nervous to try accupuncture.....I'm glad it will help you out in your process, but the thought of someone sticking a bunch of needles into me just makes me go . Good luck to you! I'm thinking of you. Can't wait for the next update.

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