Apparently, my body agrees with Clomid. Or Clomid agrees with my body. Either way, it is good. I was a bit worried because I had no side effects from the drug nor did I feel like anything was really happening in that area. No twinges or cramping. So, I was kind of thinking I may have bad news at my ultrasound this morning. I was happily surprised.
The tech said everything look beautiful and that my body responded exactly how it was supposed to. My lining was "perfect" at 8.1?? I honestly can't remember if that is right or not because I was sooooo concentrating on whether or not I would have follicles. Then she looked on my right side and I had one follicle at 14mm. Not so great and I started to cringe but then she looked at the left side and said, "Wow, look at these beauties." I had two! One at 22mm and one at (almost) 18mm. Yay!
I trigger tonight and our IUI is scheduled for Friday morning at 9:30am.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Today, I am a little less in debt.
I just got off the phone with the "financial" woman at my RE's office and guess what? They are eating the cost of that disasterous ultrasound appointment from last cycle and crediting me back $260! I am so relieved and happy. I mean, truly? I should NOT have to pay for their horrible miscommunication which ultimately lead me to cancel that cycle. The head nurse herself told me that the nurse that I had that day was new and obviously was "misinformed" which, to me, means that she didn't know what the hell she was talking about and therefore should not be offering advice and information to patients.
So, I am happy. It was the right move on the clinic's part and I must say that I am very surprised that they stepped up to the plate. I was expecting a heated discussion but instead I received (another) apology and was told to watch for the credit on my next statement. Yay!
In other news...five days of Clomid and I felt nothing. Is this normal? I just pray it is working and helps to make this cycle a success. I have my first ((and hopefully only) monitoring ultrasound on Wednesday. During this appointment I hope that I do not get the "new" nurse again and I also hope that I am told that everything looks wonderful and we'll be ready to trigger.
DH left for a flight this morning but will luckily be back tomorrow. I told him not to schedule ANY flights Thursday - Saturday so that there is nothing standing in the way for our IUI. I have a meeting Friday morning and I am already thinking of excuses of why I won't be able to make it. Of course, if things don't look ready on Wednesday there will be no conflict but boy, I sure hope I am not at that meeting!
So, I am happy. It was the right move on the clinic's part and I must say that I am very surprised that they stepped up to the plate. I was expecting a heated discussion but instead I received (another) apology and was told to watch for the credit on my next statement. Yay!
In other news...five days of Clomid and I felt nothing. Is this normal? I just pray it is working and helps to make this cycle a success. I have my first ((and hopefully only) monitoring ultrasound on Wednesday. During this appointment I hope that I do not get the "new" nurse again and I also hope that I am told that everything looks wonderful and we'll be ready to trigger.
DH left for a flight this morning but will luckily be back tomorrow. I told him not to schedule ANY flights Thursday - Saturday so that there is nothing standing in the way for our IUI. I have a meeting Friday morning and I am already thinking of excuses of why I won't be able to make it. Of course, if things don't look ready on Wednesday there will be no conflict but boy, I sure hope I am not at that meeting!
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Questions answered
First, thanks for all the advice and personal stories. It is so intresting how much doctors differ in their protocol!
Well, I talked to a nurse on Friday who was super nice (I never know what I am going to get at this clinic...). She said that I am stuck with Ovidrel because the generic form is completely unavailable in Minnesota right now. She said they would have prescribed it to me in the first place because it is a $20 shot versus a $80-$90 shot BUT there is some "whack job" (her words) doing an infomercial out there right now about how if you take all these vitamin supplements and a low dose of HSG everyday that you'll lose weight. Nice, huh? So, the demand is waaaaaay up and the manufacturer cannot keep up and therefore, it is back ordered at every pharmacy in the state. I seriously cannot beleive my luck. Of course this would happen now - when I am wanting the generic form. (And yes, it is all about me. lol) Anyway, the nurse apologized and said there was nothing they could do and that the fertility clinics are trying to get the manufacturer to release a supply only to the clinics but she has no idea if or when that will happen. Certainly not by next Wednesday so for me, Ovidrel it is. There goes $80.
Also, the progesterone. It seems that my doctor does not budge on this and that it is strictly standard for all IUIs that he does. Which actually, the nurse does not him. But that is another story. the nurse said that even though I have not history of a luteal phase problem, miscarriage or pre-term labor, the doctor is adament about taking it. So, progesterone it is. There goes $100.
But it's whatever. If it works, it'll all be worth it. And if it doesn't...well, then, I guess it doesn't.
Today is CD 8 and my fourth day of taking Clomid - one more day to go. I feel completely normal with surprisingly no side effects. I am so surprised by this because normally I do not do well with any sort of medication. I thought I would feel something - what? I do not know. But nope, nothing. I just hope it is working it's magic and that by next Wednesday I will have nice big follicle(s) and be ready to trigger.
I'm not holding my breath but hey - a girl can dream, right?
Well, I talked to a nurse on Friday who was super nice (I never know what I am going to get at this clinic...). She said that I am stuck with Ovidrel because the generic form is completely unavailable in Minnesota right now. She said they would have prescribed it to me in the first place because it is a $20 shot versus a $80-$90 shot BUT there is some "whack job" (her words) doing an infomercial out there right now about how if you take all these vitamin supplements and a low dose of HSG everyday that you'll lose weight. Nice, huh? So, the demand is waaaaaay up and the manufacturer cannot keep up and therefore, it is back ordered at every pharmacy in the state. I seriously cannot beleive my luck. Of course this would happen now - when I am wanting the generic form. (And yes, it is all about me. lol) Anyway, the nurse apologized and said there was nothing they could do and that the fertility clinics are trying to get the manufacturer to release a supply only to the clinics but she has no idea if or when that will happen. Certainly not by next Wednesday so for me, Ovidrel it is. There goes $80.
Also, the progesterone. It seems that my doctor does not budge on this and that it is strictly standard for all IUIs that he does. Which actually, the nurse does not him. But that is another story. the nurse said that even though I have not history of a luteal phase problem, miscarriage or pre-term labor, the doctor is adament about taking it. So, progesterone it is. There goes $100.
But it's whatever. If it works, it'll all be worth it. And if it doesn't...well, then, I guess it doesn't.
Today is CD 8 and my fourth day of taking Clomid - one more day to go. I feel completely normal with surprisingly no side effects. I am so surprised by this because normally I do not do well with any sort of medication. I thought I would feel something - what? I do not know. But nope, nothing. I just hope it is working it's magic and that by next Wednesday I will have nice big follicle(s) and be ready to trigger.
I'm not holding my breath but hey - a girl can dream, right?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Questions
I hate to always sound like it is about money (because it really isn't) but I do want to spend our money wisely and without any insurance coverage, every little bit ends up adding up SO fast. That being said, I found out today that with clomid, Ovidrel and progesterone supplements I will be paying over $200 for this cycle in prescription drugs. I did fill the generic form of clomid which ended up only being $25. I do have some questions about the other two though.
First - what is the difference or is there a difference between Ovidrel and a generic form of HCG? I do have a call into my RE's office to ask this but I'm not holding my breath on a call back. I'm just wondering...if I can save $50 by getting the generic form, is that okay? Are they the same?
Second - progesterone suppositories. The nurse(s) said that taking these was standard procedure when doing a medicated IUI cycle. Is this true?? I have already sustained a healthy pregnancy and have no history of miscarriage or pre-term labor. I also have never been told there is a progesterone concern. For those of you who have had IUI, were you told it is standard also? This would save me $100 and if it is necessary, I am totally fine with spending the money but if there is no real reason for me to take them - I'd rather not. Not to mention, they sound disgusting! But seriously, do I need progesterone? I am also thinking of calling my regular gyno to get her opinion because I love and trust her.
Any thoughts would be so very appreciated!!
I start Clomid in about an hour. Keep your fingers crossed for me...
First - what is the difference or is there a difference between Ovidrel and a generic form of HCG? I do have a call into my RE's office to ask this but I'm not holding my breath on a call back. I'm just wondering...if I can save $50 by getting the generic form, is that okay? Are they the same?
Second - progesterone suppositories. The nurse(s) said that taking these was standard procedure when doing a medicated IUI cycle. Is this true?? I have already sustained a healthy pregnancy and have no history of miscarriage or pre-term labor. I also have never been told there is a progesterone concern. For those of you who have had IUI, were you told it is standard also? This would save me $100 and if it is necessary, I am totally fine with spending the money but if there is no real reason for me to take them - I'd rather not. Not to mention, they sound disgusting! But seriously, do I need progesterone? I am also thinking of calling my regular gyno to get her opinion because I love and trust her.
Any thoughts would be so very appreciated!!
I start Clomid in about an hour. Keep your fingers crossed for me...
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Introducing...cycle 19.
Here I am again although some changes are occuring this time around. Today is CD4 and I went in for my first baseline ultrasound yesterday. For once, I left my RE feeling postive. My lining and my ovaries looked great and I was given a perscription for clomid, ovadril and progesterone. I also made an appointment for CD12 to have an ultrasound and blood draw. We are pulling out all the stops this time. I was thinking of avoiding the blood work (checking E2 levels) but the nurse was pretty adament that it was important. Hopefully, that is true because it is not cheap.
Also, last Friday I called my clinic to discuss last cycle and argue my case that I should not have to pay for that ultrasound or office visit due to the horrible advice, disorganization and miscommunication on their end. I had to talk to a person in the financial office as well as the "head" nurse, Jill, and they were both very empathetic and easy to talk to. I had an especially long conversation with Jill, and among other things, she apologized over and over about me not getting call backs in a timely matter and that it would be an important discussion topic for her to have with the nursing staff. She also promised to have the financial person call me by Monday to let me know if they would eat the bill or not but um, it is Tuesday and still no call. How come I'm not surprised? I swear, this clinic pisses me off.
Speaking of finances and being pissed off, I was also told when I went in for my ultrasound on Monday that I would have to pre-pay $2,000 for this cycle. I just looked at her like, "Are you cracked, woman??" I told her that I would NOT be pre-paying for anything. If their staff handles another cycle like last, I certainly won't be spending any money with them, let alone thousands of dollars. Also, I'm not even sure that I'll need $2,000 for this cycle - to which she responded that in that case they would just roll it into the next cycle. I didn't tell her that I wouldn't be doing another cycle if this one doesn't work (I'll save that topic for another post). But seriously? The pre-pay is a no go.
So, I'll be filling my perscriptions tonight and will begin clomid tomorrow, CD5. I'm a little nervous and hope that I don't have too many side effects. Mostly, I just want my body to respond positively to the drug and hopefully, make an extra egg or two - with the goal of fertilizing one.
Also, last Friday I called my clinic to discuss last cycle and argue my case that I should not have to pay for that ultrasound or office visit due to the horrible advice, disorganization and miscommunication on their end. I had to talk to a person in the financial office as well as the "head" nurse, Jill, and they were both very empathetic and easy to talk to. I had an especially long conversation with Jill, and among other things, she apologized over and over about me not getting call backs in a timely matter and that it would be an important discussion topic for her to have with the nursing staff. She also promised to have the financial person call me by Monday to let me know if they would eat the bill or not but um, it is Tuesday and still no call. How come I'm not surprised? I swear, this clinic pisses me off.
Speaking of finances and being pissed off, I was also told when I went in for my ultrasound on Monday that I would have to pre-pay $2,000 for this cycle. I just looked at her like, "Are you cracked, woman??" I told her that I would NOT be pre-paying for anything. If their staff handles another cycle like last, I certainly won't be spending any money with them, let alone thousands of dollars. Also, I'm not even sure that I'll need $2,000 for this cycle - to which she responded that in that case they would just roll it into the next cycle. I didn't tell her that I wouldn't be doing another cycle if this one doesn't work (I'll save that topic for another post). But seriously? The pre-pay is a no go.
So, I'll be filling my perscriptions tonight and will begin clomid tomorrow, CD5. I'm a little nervous and hope that I don't have too many side effects. Mostly, I just want my body to respond positively to the drug and hopefully, make an extra egg or two - with the goal of fertilizing one.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Same story, different day
I have absolutely nothing to report. Temp was down .1 this morning so again, it could go either way. I could have temped just as my temp was officially heading south - or - it could just be down .1. My guess, it is on the downhill slide.
I haven't had any cramping or headaches yet which usually indicate that my period is on the horizon BUT yesterday I was sooooo crabby. I'm sure it was PMS. I went for a walk after work and it was like I was on a mission. I was walking as hard and as fast as I could and venting to myself (in my head) the whole time.
I feel like I am always in waiting - both with TTC/infertility and at work. I have been fighting for a promotion for over five months now and every time it is within site, it gets pushed down. And TTC, well, we all know how that is going. Five months ago, I would think that I only deserved one or the other - the baby or the promo. It was like I was scared to hope or pray for too much. So, I always defaulted to the baby. I want a baby more than anything, including a promotion but I still really, really want the promotion (and the money that goes along with it) Now, I think to myself - why don't I deserve both?? Why can't I have both? And if I can't have both then don't I deserve at least one of these good things?? So, that is basically the conversation/vent I was having in my head.
Just once, I wish something good and much deserved one or both of these situations would happen to me. I am so lucky to have DH and Keegan. Keegan is a the best thing in my life and DH has changed so much lately and really has been unbelievably supportive. It's like he did a 360 after our fight and is saying and doing all the right things now. I couldn't ask for more when it comes to him. So, I know I have so many blessings. But when it comes to these two things - work and infertility - I just feel it is time that I deserve a break!! It would be so nice to say, "Well, I'm not pregnant but at least I got a promotion and am making a bunch of money!" or "Hey! So what if I didn't get the promo because I'm going to have a baby!!"
Is that too much to ask? I guess so.
Today is CD28. Like I said, if I'm not pregnant and my period has to show up, I just hope it shows on time. That would be tomorrow.
I haven't had any cramping or headaches yet which usually indicate that my period is on the horizon BUT yesterday I was sooooo crabby. I'm sure it was PMS. I went for a walk after work and it was like I was on a mission. I was walking as hard and as fast as I could and venting to myself (in my head) the whole time.
I feel like I am always in waiting - both with TTC/infertility and at work. I have been fighting for a promotion for over five months now and every time it is within site, it gets pushed down. And TTC, well, we all know how that is going. Five months ago, I would think that I only deserved one or the other - the baby or the promo. It was like I was scared to hope or pray for too much. So, I always defaulted to the baby. I want a baby more than anything, including a promotion but I still really, really want the promotion (and the money that goes along with it) Now, I think to myself - why don't I deserve both?? Why can't I have both? And if I can't have both then don't I deserve at least one of these good things?? So, that is basically the conversation/vent I was having in my head.
Just once, I wish something good and much deserved one or both of these situations would happen to me. I am so lucky to have DH and Keegan. Keegan is a the best thing in my life and DH has changed so much lately and really has been unbelievably supportive. It's like he did a 360 after our fight and is saying and doing all the right things now. I couldn't ask for more when it comes to him. So, I know I have so many blessings. But when it comes to these two things - work and infertility - I just feel it is time that I deserve a break!! It would be so nice to say, "Well, I'm not pregnant but at least I got a promotion and am making a bunch of money!" or "Hey! So what if I didn't get the promo because I'm going to have a baby!!"
Is that too much to ask? I guess so.
Today is CD28. Like I said, if I'm not pregnant and my period has to show up, I just hope it shows on time. That would be tomorrow.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
It could go either way
Today is CD27. I feel...the same as I always do at this time in my cycle. So, while it could go either way, I am pretty sure that I am nearing the end of cycle 18. The one that was supposed to be an IUI cycle, only it wasn't. The one that was supposed to be our lucky cycle, only I am pretty sure it wasn't.
What can a girl do? Nadda. Other than concentrate on the upcoming cycle and hope (and pray) that this one stays on track. That we are able to do a medicated IUI, with monitoring and that it is a success. That's not asking too much is it??
At least the 2ww flew by - and for that I am grateful. I took my temp this morning (it is still up btw, but not unusually so) and when I went to chart it, I was surprised that it was already CD27. So, at least I was not agonizing and counting every second. I have been there before, and it isn't fun.
So, if my period is to show - I hope she shows on time which would be Thursday. I have a meeting in Mpls on Friday and it would be so nice to piggyback a baseline ultrasound on to the trip since my clinic is about five minutes away from where my meeting is. That way I don't have to make a seperate trip and drive an hour out of my way the next day or day after. Of course, I will but it would just be so much easier this way.
That's all the excitement in my world right now.
What can a girl do? Nadda. Other than concentrate on the upcoming cycle and hope (and pray) that this one stays on track. That we are able to do a medicated IUI, with monitoring and that it is a success. That's not asking too much is it??
At least the 2ww flew by - and for that I am grateful. I took my temp this morning (it is still up btw, but not unusually so) and when I went to chart it, I was surprised that it was already CD27. So, at least I was not agonizing and counting every second. I have been there before, and it isn't fun.
So, if my period is to show - I hope she shows on time which would be Thursday. I have a meeting in Mpls on Friday and it would be so nice to piggyback a baseline ultrasound on to the trip since my clinic is about five minutes away from where my meeting is. That way I don't have to make a seperate trip and drive an hour out of my way the next day or day after. Of course, I will but it would just be so much easier this way.
That's all the excitement in my world right now.
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