REACH in Charlotte NC

Discussion forum for those particularly interested in IVF and embryo transfer including frozen embryo transfer.
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REACH-AEJ
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Joined: Wed Nov 29, 2006 12:16 am
Location: CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Post by REACH-AEJ »

Saralee ~ They did increase my meds to get more eggs and hopefully good quality...! I was a slow responder the first time and so the increased meds pumps things up - a lot!
The progesterone comes in sepositories or injection. REACH makes you do the injections after ET. They are the IM shots in oil....somewhat painful as the day goes on. Don't feel bad, I could never give myself an IM shot - my dh has to do it!

Hi girls ~ hope you guys are doing well!
As for lunch - we have guests in town this w/e, but if you guys set it up let me know and if I can get away, I'll try!

Talk soon!
AEJ
ME- 35 DH - 41
March '07 - IVF/ICSI - no transfer
NOV '06 - IVF/ICSI - BFN
JUNE '06 - IVF/ICSI - No Fertilization
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sokru8
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Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:26 am
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Post by sokru8 »

Hey ladies!
Tomorrow is the last day of bcp's!!!!!! Wooo hooo.
So I have b/w and u/s on Monday. Will anyone else be there on Monday?

CKL: How are you doing sweetie? When is your pg test?

Love to all
Sonya
Sonya
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saralee
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Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:52 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Post by saralee »

DH went for SA today, ALONE. Funny, but I am actually proud of him. He called me right after arriving on the 3rd floor and asked just a little bit hysterically, "I have to have blood work?" And I heard several female voices laugh at him and embarassed, he hung up the phone. He has small veins, it's always a difficult task and ultimately three different people tried before the got his lab work done. He did wonder why I didn't tell him there was a DVD player. I didn't know!

I also called and left a message today telling them I need my varicella tithers results immediately. If I need the vaccine, it has to be delivered twice, a month apart. I don't want unecessarily delays but my discussion visit with Dr. Whelan is not until March 28. So, I'd like to get this started ASAP.

CKL, we're rooting for you. Look forward to seeing your update.

Hugs,

saralee
sokru8
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Posts: 347
Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:26 am
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Post by sokru8 »

Your poor DH!! He is probably scared of the Reach clinic! I am the same way when they put IV's in it is always a problem and they usually have to stick me a couple of times!

Sonya
Sonya
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REACH-AEJ
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Location: CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Post by REACH-AEJ »

Hey girls,

Saralee - so glad that's finally over with for your dh! whew! That's funny about the phone call...poor fella!
DVD player, hmmm...did not know that either! Good to know! ha ha.

Sonya
- you are getting so close that's exciting! I may be in Monday morning - i'll find out tomorrow...I'll definitely let you know!

CKL - how was ET? I guess you're on 2WW!!

Court - So, are you stimming now? How's it going so far??

As for me, I am waiting on pins and needles because my u/s and b/w were not great yesterday. I was at Day 5 of stims and follies were not over 10MM. Estrogen level was 86 - very low. I go back tomorrow to see if things have improved (quickly!)..if not, I have to stop the cycle. I'm VERY bummed out.
Jenny did say that some people start to grow quickly all of a sudden...but I've never been quick to respond... :cry:
Say some prayers for me!
AEJ
ME- 35 DH - 41
March '07 - IVF/ICSI - no transfer
NOV '06 - IVF/ICSI - BFN
JUNE '06 - IVF/ICSI - No Fertilization
saralee
Member
Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:52 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

I'm frustrated

Post by saralee »

Selina called yesterday to say that I would definitely need the chicken pox vaccine in order to proceed with treatment. And of course, the vaccine is administered in two dosages, 30 days apart and treatment cannot begin for at least 30 days after the last dosage because it is a live virus.

So, I immediately went back to my primary doctor who promptly said she could not give me the vaccine, as it is only available for children at her office. She directed me to the Union County Health Department. Keep in mind, she is well aware of why this has come up now. She actually received treatment at REACH to conceive her son.

I visited the UCHD today and they also don't administer the vaccine to adults but referred me to four clinics they said could help.

I called Monroe Urgent Care, Franklin Street Medical Center, Monroe Community Clinic and First Care Clinic and none of them will administed the vaccine to adults. The Franklin Street Medical Center was very apologetic and said they wanted to help me but the vaccines actually belong to the hospital and the administration will not allow them to offer it to adults, keep in mind that I'm not looking to get it for free, I made it known right away that I was looking to pay cash for the vaccine.

What does a person do in this situation? I left a message for Selina asking them to refer me somewhere. I'm trying not to be too upset but I am. I also called my primary doctor and left a message asking if an exception can be made considering the circumstances.

My younger brother had the chicken pox, I had cousins and friends who caught it too. I was not isolated from them but for some reason I didn't get it and I always assumed I had a natural immunity.

I'm so agitated that it is an issue now and if it's so dang important for all women of child bearing age to have this dang immunization (as I keep being told), why am I having a difficult time finding someone to administer the vaccine to me? And why is it just now being made an issue, for cripes sake I'm 30 now! It just seems to me that this would have come up years ago possibly even when I was active duty military (the military gave me megadoses of everything else while I was in basic training).

Also, interestingly, our primary doctor called me a few days ago to tell me both of my boys needed to be brought in for the varicella booster shot. They both received the initial vaccine at a year old but since January the CDC is recommending that a booster be delivered at 4. My boys are almost 9 and 13 but, apparently pediatric offices are playing catch up with anyone over the age of 4. I told her I would have to consider whether or not I wanted them to receive the booster, as we are not anti-vaccine but very selective considering my oldest's considerable cognitive impairments (of unknown origin), developmental delays and Aspie-like behaviors.

Think REACH would refuse me treatment if I don't get the vaccine? How would they handle someone who was anti-vaccine? I don't work with children, my boys are homeschooled and they've both been vaccinated ... I think my risk of contracting chicken pox is minimal.

Trying not to crash and burn before we've even begun.

saralee
ckl
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Posts: 30
Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:54 pm
Location: Charlotte, NC

Post by ckl »

Ladies I am back!!! I had my E/T on wednesday so i have been out of commission for the last couple of days. Thank you all so much for your prayers and well wishes, it is really nice to have you all rooting for me! For those of you who wanted the details, I had 21 eggs, 12 mature, 11 fertalized. we had 2 transferred so the rest are frozen. the transfer was pretty amazing to watch i must say....and really i have had very little discomfort aside from a very sore back the first day/night, but I think that had more to do with the bedrest than anything. so yes, now i am in the horrible 2ww....it is a bit strange now because for the last few weeks we have had so much involvement in the process and now nothing....just the IM shots. Those are actually getting better too, i tell ya freezing the area for a good 5 min before is a lifesaver!

Courtney, i hope that all went well for you on your next U/S. That is exactly what happened to me on my first attempt on stims. which was a huge dissapointment. But for me they just changed my protocol and everthing went great. it is a fine balance of what meds work with what bodies and finding that balance apparently is sometimes half the battle. it is afrustrating, and expensive trial and error though...I KNOW!

Saralee...that seems so crazy to me, I always thought that chicken pox in adults was a big deal to get, so why wouldn' t they offer a vaccine? there has to be someone who will do it for you, keep us posted on what Selina says!

CKL
CMSAllen
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Joined: Wed Feb 28, 2007 1:58 pm

Post by CMSAllen »

AEJ~ YES!!! I am on day 5 of stims. I'm a little perplexed however.


Were you at the clinic this morning?????I went in this morning for my bw and u/s. I have 13 follies all together, and only one of them is over 10 (it's 11). Dr. Crain and my IVF nurse both said that my bw and follies are exactly where they need to be and that I should continue the meds as I have been. My protocol calls for 150IU of follistem in the morning and 150 IU of Bravelle at night. (I had several of boxes left over from an IUI cycle so they said I should use it)
I go back in on Sunday morning and they said I will more than likely start the Ganirelix then. **** Ugggh ... I just feel like I should have MORE follicles. I really wish that I was on a higher dosage of meds. I have to leave for VA at 5AM tomorrow .....then leave VA at 11PM to make it to REACH in time for my u/s on Sun morning. I'm a little frustrated ...with myself .....for not planning things better.

Sara ..... are you absolutely 100% POSITIVE that you haven't already been vaccinated?? Wouldn't it be something if you found out that the military gave you the vaccination??? You would think that they would make sure that your shots were "up to date, little girlie!" lol (joking)

Looking forward to meeting all of you.
XOXO
Courtney
saralee
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Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:52 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Post by saralee »

ckl wrote:Ladies I am back!!! I had my E/T on wednesday so i have been out of commission for the last couple of days. Thank you all so much for your prayers and well wishes, it is really nice to have you all rooting for me! For those of you who wanted the details, I had 21 eggs, 12 mature, 11 fertalized. we had 2 transferred so the rest are frozen. the transfer was pretty amazing to watch i must say....and really i have had very little discomfort aside from a very sore back the first day/night, but I think that had more to do with the bedrest than anything. so yes, now i am in the horrible 2ww....it is a bit strange now because for the last few weeks we have had so much involvement in the process and now nothing....just the IM shots. Those are actually getting better too, i tell ya freezing the area for a good 5 min before is a lifesaver!

CKL
Awesome numbers! I am so glad to see your update. WOW, the elusive 2ww. I feel good about this, on the edge of my seat. Thanks for allowing us to share this with you. You're almost there.

Hugs,

saralee
saralee
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Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:52 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Post by saralee »

ckl wrote:
Saralee...that seems so crazy to me, I always thought that chicken pox in adults was a big deal to get, so why wouldn' t they offer a vaccine? there has to be someone who will do it for you, keep us posted on what Selina says!

CKL
Perhaps there is someone, haven't found that person yet. Selina called back and left a message saying, "Go to your primary care doctor or the health department" even though I clearly stated in my message that both had turned me away!

I did call my primary doctor back though and insist that she needed to help me with this issue. After all, it seems simple enough to me and definitely like a role she should be able to fulfill. Her nurse left me a message saying they were going to see what they could do about it.

I find it absolutely absurd that I should have such difficulty locating someone to administer a vaccine that is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. HA! Come Monday, I need to find out how hard REACH is going to push the issue (is this a suggestion or a demand?). They are likely not going to want to discuss until our consultation but I don't have enough patience for that. Ultimately, I know it becomes an issue of liability and REACH is likely most interested in CYA. I would be more than happy to release them of any liability toward me.

My brother, a nurse, doesn't think I should even consider the vaccine since I was exposed in the past and didn't contract it and I generally have little contact with children. He also added that he doesn't think my boys should go for the booster, and said that this particular vaccine is one of the more unnecessary ones and even the CDC guidelines frame it as a matter of convenience (in other words, children who get chicken pox usually miss time from school, which means their parents miss time from work, which results in adverse financial implications, etc).

I absolutley hate dealing with all of this on a Friday. Times like these Monday doesn't come soon enough.

saralee
saralee
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Posts: 71
Joined: Sun Feb 04, 2007 1:52 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Post by saralee »

CMSAllen wrote:AEJ~ YES!!! I am on day 5 of stims. I'm a little perplexed however.


Were you at the clinic this morning?????I went in this morning for my bw and u/s. I have 13 follies all together, and only one of them is over 10 (it's 11). Dr. Crain and my IVF nurse both said that my bw and follies are exactly where they need to be and that I should continue the meds as I have been. My protocol calls for 150IU of follistem in the morning and 150 IU of Bravelle at night. (I had several of boxes left over from an IUI cycle so they said I should use it)
I go back in on Sunday morning and they said I will more than likely start the Ganirelix then. **** Ugggh ... I just feel like I should have MORE follicles. I really wish that I was on a higher dosage of meds. I have to leave for VA at 5AM tomorrow .....then leave VA at 11PM to make it to REACH in time for my u/s on Sun morning. I'm a little frustrated ...with myself .....for not planning things better.

Looking forward to meeting all of you.
XOXO
Courtney
Courtney,

I'm keeping my fingers crossed and hoping that Sunday brings wonderful news. Hang in there, and please be encouraged by Dr. Crain's remarks.

And try to enjoy VA. Be safe on your journey back home.

Hugs,

saralee
sokru8
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Joined: Tue Oct 17, 2006 2:26 am
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Post by sokru8 »

Hey Ladies!

Great numbers CKL! When is your test date? Fingers crossed for you sweetie!

Courtney: I know that my numbers where somewhat low at first and then overnight I had a bunch. So when will be your EC date? I hope you had a great trip!

Sara: This is the most absurd thing I have ever heard! There are millions of people that never get the chicken pox! Plus if your brother had it you may have a had a really mild case and not even have known! Getting the vaccine now seems crazy. Maybe reach has had this problem with another patient and dont want to risk your health or the babies. I hope you work it out!

Ashley: I'm praying for you sweetie. Stay positive and like Jenny said sometimes things move along quickly!

Love to all
Sonya

Sonya
Sonya
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REACH-AEJ
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Location: CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Post by REACH-AEJ »

CKL - congrats on being in the 2WW! I know its exciting and frustrating all in the same breath!! Did they transfer Day 3 embies or Day 5? Hang in there...want to hear updates on how you're feeling!


Saralee
- one thing that sticks in my mind is what you said about people who are anti-vaccines...what do they do? I can't believe no one gives the vaccine for adults...how the heck are you supposed to get it then? REACH needs to have some answers and they should be helping you! You should demand that!!!!

Courtney - I know you wish you had more...but 13 is good! That is how many I have as well!!! I'll take it - but more definitely would make the odds better!
I was at the clinic Thurs morning and this morning - Saturday. We are missing each other by a day! I think I'll start Ganerelix tonight...more lovely shots! He thinks my ER will be on Friday - I go for about 13 days usually. I also need a lot more meds. I take 300 Gonal F morning and night for now! Yikes :shock: ! The 150 did not stimulate me enough my first time around. Good Luck on your scan tomorrow and drive safely tonight!

Sonya - Thanks for your prayers - I think it worked! I had a much better u/s today! I find out today if I'll be in Monday morning. We'll have to keep an eye out for each other if we are there at the same time! Are you ready to get started???

My u/s was much better today - 12-14 follies and 6-7 over 10MM. Much more improved from Thurs! Still waiting on b/w....so not completely relieved until I get the call, but much more positive. He projected my ER to be on Friday. So, one more week of shots!

HAPPY ST. PATTY'S DAY!!!! :D :D :D
AEJ
ME- 35 DH - 41
March '07 - IVF/ICSI - no transfer
NOV '06 - IVF/ICSI - BFN
JUNE '06 - IVF/ICSI - No Fertilization
Jane0166
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Joined: Wed Aug 30, 2006 1:05 am
Location: North Carolina

Post by Jane0166 »

Hello Ladies,
Is it too late to join here? I've read a lot of your posts. I just contacted REACH a few weeks ago. I'm in the Winston area. I've had 2 IVF's with WF, but neither of them worked. I only had 1 egg fertilized with each IVF. (Talk about putting all your eggs (or egg) in one basket!) Anyhow, I was about 90% sure that I was finished with trying after IVF#2 didn't work. My DH doesn't want to try donor eggs or adoption, even though at this point I'd try either. However, I got an email from someone who was in a fertility support group I was in last Nov. She had her 2nd IVF done in REACH in Charlotte and it worked. She's pregnant after trying for 9 years. This made me think that maybe I should try it one more time with another clinic, so I contacted REACH. We are paying out of our pocket too. I'm going to have my tests and U/S in Greensboro. Dr. T will be my Dr. and I'll just have to come to Charlotte for ER and ET. By the way, my last IVF was in early February and my hips are still sore from the progesterone shots. They really hurt when I go jogging. My visit with Dr. T will be in April, so the IVF may be a few months off. Any tips you all have about the clinic? I'm not 100% sure that I'm going to try IVF one more time, but it deserves further investigation. It's just a really hard thing to accept knowing that you may not become a Mother, when you've always taken it for granted that you would be one day. My options are winding down to this one last shot!!!
Thanks,
Mary
ckl
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Joined: Mon Feb 26, 2007 6:54 pm
Location: Charlotte, NC

Post by ckl »

Welcome Mary, of course it isn't too late to join! I am sorry to hear about your past attempts, did the doctor try different stim protocols with you? what is WF? I think that it is definitely worth talking with REACH to get a second opinion. Also I am not sure if you have read through all of our posts, but there is a clinic in huntersvilled called affordable IVF that is definitely worth a phone call. apparently they are considerably cheaper and claim to have good success rates. As for tips on REACH, i would say that you just need to accept that it is a large busy clinic and you will sometimes feel like a number there. I have found it much easier to deal with once i just accepted that and tried to look at the whole expereince a bit differently. They are there to do a specific job for me, and holding my hand through it isn't one of them! I think that is one thing that most of the ladies would agree on. I also see Dr.Teaff (that is what you meant by Dr.T right?) and really like her. Keep us posted though...April is just around the corner.

Courtney how did it go today?

Ashley those numbers sound really good! i know that even the day of my E/T the Doc said that from the u/s that there should be about 17 eggs and I had 21, so i would assume that there is some discrepancy on what they can see on that fuzzy screen and what is actually there...that would make sense to me.

Sonya do you start stims tomorrow? you must just be ready to get a move on already! well the good thing is once they start the stims, the whole thing seems to go fast. i found that i felt much better just doing something rather than waiting....you know like i am right now! I am very excitied to hear your progress.

as for me ladies...i am feeling quite normal (well as normal as can be exected wth progeterone being pumped into my butt). i am doing my very very very best to not even try to look for symptoms because i know that will drive me crazy! For me right now the most important thing is to stay positive...sounds corny but for me that is exactly what i need to do.

Saralee...thanks for you good "vibe" I hope that you are right! are you supposed to hear from your nurse tomorrow?

Well have a geat sunday ladies, it looks pretty out but yikes...it is chilly. i think that i might have to go shopping to take my mind of things! on top of the outrageous expense of IVF, we also have to deal with my theraputic shopping problem....wonderful!
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