Best Advice for IVF'ers

[Hopeful at 40]

I just wanted to share my story -- hoping that it could help just one person. First of all, after 2 years of trying I'm finally pregnant! 27 weeks, with a baby boy! I didn't think it was going to happen, but it's honestly true. I'm hoping that if I share my story, others may benefit. I first went to my OBGYN at 39, expressing our desire to get pregnant. We hadn't been actively trying, but I told him that we wanted to be agressive, with hopes of having 2 in 2 years. He assured me not to worry, and let nature take it's course. He tested my blood levels, and said everything looks fine, you'll get pregnant. After 8 months of trying, he put me on Clomid (waste of time for someone who is 39!), and told me to try for 6 months. I tried it for 2 months, and INSISTED on being referred to a fertility specialist (which in hind sight i wish i would have done right away, and NOT listened to the OBGYN). I went to a fertility clinic in Chicago, where they discovered I had a polyp in my uterus, which would have prevented any pregnancy. I had surgery to remove it. They also told me I had high FSH (which somehow jumped in 8 months!), and didn't seem to be producing many eggs, and the doctor was asking me to start thinking about donor eggs. I cried myself to sleep for months it seemed. Everything was so bleak. At the Chicago clinic, I did 3 inseminations, and 1 round of IVF (resulted in 1 egg only). 1 round of IVF was canceled due to poor response. During this entire experience, I was on the internet all the time, researching, learning as much as I could. I was getting accupunture, watching my diet, everything. What I discovered was the importance of a really good lab and clinic when doing IVF. I researched all the success rates, and discovered that my Chicago clinic really didn't have that great of success rates for my age group (about 20%). I was also discouraged by the "cattle call" approach, and shear volume of clients this clinic had.... the medicine prodical was only adjusted slightly for each patient. After my failed IVF, I decided to stop messing around, and go to the best clinic I could find. After much research, I learned that CCRM (Colo Center for Reproductive Medicine) in Colorado is the best, not only in the nation, but the world. I contacted them immediately, and made a phone appt, and soon there after traveled to Denver to discuss my case with an MD. He did a series of tests, and developed a different plan than my Chicago MDs. The drugs they used were different, including a month of estrogen priming for "poor responders". I took a deep breath, and trusted them completely, as this was my last hope. I started the drugs in Chicago, and then traveled to Denver for 10 days, and did the IVF transfer there.... which resulted in 9, yes 9, fertililized eggs. We transfered 5 at day 3, and I am now 7 months pregnant with a little boy. I guess I just want to share my story, hoping that someone (like me) could benefit from my experience. I would highly recommend to anyone, esp over 39, to seek the best treatment you can find. The right doc, and LAB, is extremely important. CCRM is a leader in IVF -- and do much of the research on drugs, and lab conditions. I couldn't say enough about them, and the doctors. Our insurance did not pay for out of state services, but it was worth every penny, $14,000. We were pregnant the first time. I don't want to mislead anyone to think that you'll get pregnant there without doubt. Our thinking was that, if someone you loved had cancer, wouldn't you take them to the best possible clinic you could find? Well, why not go the best possible clinic you can find for IVF. We did, and now were're expecting in Feb 08. I don't attibute our success to luck, I honestly attribute it to having access to the best possible Mds in fertility I could find. I honestly believe I would have gotten pregnant much sooner, had I found CCRM right away. I'm also not suggesting that everyone needs to go to a clinic such as this, as many patients will be successful with there one clinic. But for those who have tried everything, and for those who's clock is truly ticking, I would recommend doing research on CCRM in Colorado. They have a great website, too. I truly wish the best for all of you. I was on this site so much during my whole experience, and I never made a post. It has taken me months to finally write this. Thank you to all. This is a wonderful forum. I hope this helps someone out there.

[Anie]

Hi.
I'm from UK.
Just want to say thank you for sharing your story with us

Good luck to you
Anie

[kbat]

That was very inspiring story!!!! Congratulations!!!! Wish I could travel out of state to Colorado to do this and that I could pay out of pocket or else I would definately give it one final shot!!!!

Thanks for your story.

[laglenik]

C O N G R T U L A T I O N S!!!!!!!!!

[cornybaby]

Hopefulat40, Thank you for this story of encouragement. I am 34 and just finished my first unsuccessful round of IVF. I too was a poor responder...only 5 eggs after 15 days of stims and only 3 fertilized with ICSI. I wish I could say that my insurance covers some or all of treatment, but it is 100% out of pocket for us, so we can go anywhere. I shared your story with DH and although we are hopeful our next round will work for us, if it doesn't, we may just contact CCRM. Our current clinic, although we like it, is very much a "factory". I couldn't believe how many people they get through there. I have heard of CCRM before, and now that I know it can be done from out of state makes it much more of a consideration for us. Congratulations on your success and thank you for your story.

[nicoleslp99]

Congratulations! Which Doctor did you go to and at which branch? I was reading their website and they have four different branches. I am going to start my 3rd IVF beginning of Feb and if it doesn't work- my husband and I are considering CCRM.
Nicole

[nicaliw]

I just wanted to add that I'm a CCRM patient. I'm lucky enough that I live in Denver. This was our first attempt. They were very thorough. I don't know what other clinics do but I waited several months to get all the necesary testing done before proceeding. Dr Schoolcraft left no stones unturnned. I don't mind having waited, I would rather have had this wait than repeated failed cycles. I had multiple blood tests, a hytserosocpy, a hystersalpingogram, an operative hysteroscopy to remove a tiny fibroid and a repeat hysteroscopy. Maybe be this is standard, I don't know.

So, first cycle, I had 24 eggs at retrieval. 20 fertilizied and 16 became embryos. because of the high numbers they waited to do a 5 day transfer because the 5 day embryos have a much better chance. A lot of 2/3 day embryos never make it even to this stage. I am proof of this; Out of 16 embryos, only 6 made it to blastocycts. Thats a pretty normal rate as far as I understand from what I have researched. We transfered 2 and froze 4. I got a BFP! not bad for a first cycle.

I think some of the fees are slightly higher than some other clinics but you get what you pay for, they are the leaders in IVF and their embryologists are the best. We decided to go with the shared risk programe and paid upfront for 3 fresh cycles and 3 frozen cycles with a guaranteed refund of I think 70% if we don't take home a baby. The cost of this was about the same as 2 fresh cycles, so totally worth it.

Unfortunately I've had some bleeding so I'm a little worried but I don't think that has anything to do with CCRM, just one of those things. Its reassuring to know I have 4 frozen embryos and to know that CCRM are able to get my body to produce lots of follicles.

I wish everyone luck and lotsf of BFPs!!!!!!

Nicolesp....I chose to see Dr Schoolcraft who is based in Englewood but they are moving to the Sky Ridge Medical Center in January. I live much closer to other branches but decided the drive was worth it for Dr Schoolcraft cause he is the most experienced and the founder of CCRM.

[boonie]

One of my coworker's sister went here a few years ago, although I don't know her exact age but she was in her late 30's. She had a little boy. Than when she wanted to get preg. again, she went back and this time had triplets. My coworker knows about my infertility so she's told me this story a few times and has offered to ask her sister for more information. I just wish I had the finances to travel to another state.

[samandaw1]

I live in Colorado and am familar with Schoolcraft. I have actually opted to go with another clinic and had a fabulous experience. I got pregnant first time around and now on my second cycle. It is actually Schoolcraaft's old partner at Conceptions and they really are incredible with stats just as high as Schoolcrafts. I have heard some negative things about Schoolcraft but I can not deny he is world known. Good luck with all of you who are trying!!!

[nicoleslp99]

Samandaw1- what were the neg things about schoolcraft? Is the place you went to the same price as CCRM?

[samandaw1]

Do not get me wrong....CCRM has excellent stats and I know many people who go there are happy. This is what I heard on the flip side and also from peopel going there....he has awful bedside manner. I am sure not with everyone but his ego is a bit high and is just not that nurturing kind of person. I also heard he is very obsessed with his stats (who would not be) but pushes people to egg donar and sperm donar prematurely as he does not want to take many risks on having a BFN. He also is very generous with how many eggs he puts in, again for BFP's. That may sound great but having triplets can be a very high risk pregancy to the babies and mother. Frequent complications with possible long term affects. I do not want ANYONE to misunderstand me as that might be okay with people but I just want people to be informed. With that said, if I did not love my clinic as much I do, I would have gone to CCRM.

I am not sure how much my clinic is as I have amazing insurance. I do know it is expensive. Anyhow, this is just some info.......I do encourage anyone to travel as going to a great clinic is worth it.

[HopefulMe]

Hi Ladies!

I am from Alberta, Canada. DH and i have been TTC for 4 1/2 years. In December we had our ist IVF which ended in BFN. I am currently on meds for a FET on Feb.13.

For those of you familiar with CCRM, i have just a few questions. If this FET does not work DH and i will be going with CCRM, our decision is not final but we are pretty sure.

Out of the 3 locations, have any of you heard of one that may be 'better' than the others?

Does anyone have an opinion about any specific Doctor, good or bad?

Thanks so much for any advice you all can give. We appreciate it!

[HopefulMe]

Hi Ladies!

I am from Alberta, Canada. DH and i have been TTC for 4 1/2 years. In December we had our ist IVF which ended in BFN. I am currently on meds for a FET on Feb.13.

For those of you familiar with CCRM, i have just a few questions. If this FET does not work DH and i will be going with CCRM, our decision is not final but we are pretty sure.

Out of the 3 locations, have any of you heard of one that may be 'better' than the others?

Does anyone have an opinion about any specific Doctor, good or bad?

Thanks so much for any advice you all can give. We appreciate it!

[goosemis]

Hopeful at 40 and nicaliw -
Would you mind sharing what your protocol was at CCRM? Just wondering how "close" my clinic is. Thanks!

[PK]

Thanks for your story Hopeful at 40. I am also a poor responder, last two ER resulted in only 2 eggs.

First protocol with oral contraceptives x 3 weeks, gonal f (375) and menopur (150) plus lupron microdose flare, extended stim for 14 days
Results:ER 2 eggs, only 1 fertilized, 3 day ET with one embryo -- BFN

Second protocol: no oral contraceptives, gonal f (375) plus menopur (150) plus clomid(200mg) plus antagon once leading follicle size 13.
Results:ER 2 eggs, both fertilized,3 day ET with 2 embryos--currently in 2ww with PT on 1 Feb, HPT so far Negative...

I've been considering getting another opinion b/c my doc says now I am a good candidate for donor eggs, if this cycle fails. Given that we are successful getting eggs fertilized, I think I just need more eggs for the ET. I am wondering if there is another protocol I could be placed on to gain more eggs at ER. Any thoughts anyone??

ME 34 DH 39
nearly 5 years TTC
clomid x 6 months (IUI one of those months) - BFN
gonal f x 4 cycles with all IUI - BFN
1st IVF Nov 07 - BFN
2nd IVF Jan 08 - 2ww right now