Feb/Mar 08 Cycle Buddies

[itsgottawork]

jenjen220- We are really lucky with our insurance. It covers pretty much everything. We just have a few co-payments with the appointments and around all the medication. This time, DH is going to have to bank sperm a couple times and right now they are saying we will have to pay for that out of pocket but he is looking into that more.
My RE says that it varies state to state and that 6 states have great coverage, MA being one of them. I am not sure if we could have jumped into the second cycle like this if we didn't live here.
My heart goes out to anyone that has to pay for all of this. It just isn't right.

[JustJenis]

We are also lucky. Our insurance covers 90% of it and the medication they said it mostly covered as well. I do know we have to pay for freezing and storing which will run us $1k. But we can't complain that's better than 15k each cycle. I'll know more exact numbers when we're done with cycle one and I'll post.

BTW.. we live in NJ

[indie_rad]

My insurance covers 70% with some lifetime limits, the only bad part is that they restrict where you can go for treatment. There are only a few clinics in-network, for out-of-network they pay zilch. So I have decided to first try my luck with an in-network clinic, will think of moving to different dr. if this doesn't work out.

It'sGottawork - my DH has already told his boss that he will be in and out for appts. With IUIs this wasn't bad for me at work, but for ivf I am thinking of giving my boss a heads up just so he knows. I have told 1 close friend but thats it.. My mom will drive me nuts with all sorts of advice if I let her in on the details! During the first pregnancy we were so overjoyed that we called family when the HPT turned positive -- this ended up as ectopic and then we had to deal with telling everyone that. This time they would have to wait 3m after BFP!

How do you guys deal with all the waiting? The 2 weeks waiting after IUI was enough to drive me nuts, specially the last few days before AF was due!

[cathann]

Jill-n-Mark ~ Where in Alabama do you live? Which clinic are you going to? We had snow (about 1 inch) on Saturday. Did you get any?

Everyone ~ wow! You girls were busy this weekend! I'll have to start checking in over the weekends. I just came from my baseline b/w & u/s. As long as the b/w was ok, then I guess I'll start my BCP. I'm a tad nervous b/c it seems like we're actually DOING something now. But, of course I'm excited too!

DH & I talked over the weekend about the whole process. I told him he would have to tie my hands down to keep me from poas during the TWW. He (being ever so knowledgeable!) said that I shouldn't do that because it would be way too early and I would just get myself upset. LOL. I thought it was too funny!

I hope you all are doing well!
Cathann

[kbat]

Hiya!!! I hope you don't mind that I jump into this thread.

You can see a little bit of my history below. I was pretty much going to give up after cycle #5--not because of my lack of success but because of the stress I've had w/ the clinics.

On Dec. 7, I had to have methotraxite shot (sp?) because it finally worked, but then the pregnancy was etopic--I have to wait about 6 weeks from that date before even considering starting another cycle. I had a phone follow-up w/ my doctor today. I didn't get into the issues about how disappointed I was in the clinic (which would be the main reason I wasn't going to do another one), but in the end we decided to do one more. My doctor really tried to get me to say that we would use donor eggs, but both my husband and I really want our last try to be my eggs and his sperm. My DH and I aren't keen on the idea of donor eggs and my DH isn't interested in doing adoption either. As I told my RE whatever happens w/ this cycle, we are ready to move on w/ our lives--regardess of the outcome.

Right now, we have insurance out of Massachusetts. It's great because it basically covers 100%--except for some co-pays of $20. My husband is in the process of looking for another job, so it's possible that we will have new insurance out of RI, which means that we would have to come up w/ 20%--and probably get reapproved if we haven't started our cycle yet. However, I didn't mention this part to the doctor. I figured that I won't worry about something that hasn't happened yet. My DH went on a second interview today and it looks really good for him, but I just don't know how long the process will take to leave one job to go to another job--I am hoping that it's either after I do this next cycle or before I do it so I don't get into any issue of being in the middle of the cycle and then trying to figure out the insurance issue--I would even consider paying for our current insurance premium out of pocket for one month b/c it would probably be cheaper that way in the end. I will get my next period around Feb. 10, but I am not sure if I will start treatment w/ my next period or in March. First the doc. said that it would be w/ next period and then she said in March. I guess when I get my period in Feb, I will call to see what the deal is.

My RE was nice and asked if I wanted her to set up another appointment w/ another doctor to get another opinion. But considering that this is the 2nd RE/clinic I've been to, I said let's just go for it. I will be 41 in February and I am not sure if seeing another RE will really make much of a difference at this stage of the game---I already know that I am a poor responder and even though I wouldn't mind seeing another doctor, I am not sure if it would make much of a difference.

I am starting back on acupuncture this week. I figure that the best results I had was #5, and as part of the course I did do acupuncture...

I am sure that things will work out for me w/ insurance, etc. I am going to try not to worry about it at this point.

Sorry for the long post.

[tryingforanother]

Hi Ladies,

I was hoping I could join you all...I just found out today that we will be starting our first round of IVF sooner than I thought-- I start my BCP today so I'm not really sure when I'll get to all the "fun" stuff : ) I'm new to all of this but I've been reading and doing alot of research, I hope I'll be able to learn form all you as well as get support! Brief history -- conceived my daughter in 2004 naturally after trying for about 10 months...was initially concerned there was a problem but when I got pregnant I thought that everything was fine. Then we stated trying for #2 and here we are two years later starting IVF...it's been an emotional two years. I know everyone here has experienced how terrible it is to not get pregnant month after month after month when everyone around you gets pregnant on the first try! Turns out my husband has severe male factor -- his issues are his count - 6 mil. and morphology is 1-2% (strict kruger). The urologist thinks he has always been this way and somehow we conceived my daughter??!! I'm convinced that his sperm must have been at least a little better at that time since we've been trying for the last 2 years unsuccessfully. We've decided to do IVF b/c right now our insurance covers it @ 100% and we really, really want another baby and a sibling for our daughter. Because of the severe male factor we will also be doing ICSI. I'm a little concerned about the increased birth defect rates asssociated with this procedure, is anyone else? I just found an acticle today that helped calm my fears a little. I'll post it below for anyone who is interested.

http://www.infertilitydoctor.com/fertil ... issue1.htm

Anyways, I'm looking forward to this journey and hoping these message boards will be a source of support for me!!
Thanks!!

[IrishHope]

I'm new to the board and new to IVF...

I am pretty sure we start lupron on 1/31...
I am anxious to receive all our meds...I think the thought of it is more scary than actually "doing it"...at least that is waht I've heard...

RE prescribed Gonal F RFF pen 150iu's twice a day - lucky me so w/ the Lupron it will be 3 shots a day - good thing that is my lucky number.

Endometriosis /34/all tests are normal/laparoscopy in Nov 2007 showed zero...has anyone heard endo sufferers stimulate less quanity/quality eggs?

Wishing you all good luck these next few months!!!

[Neffi211]

Sorry to impose on this thread, I just wanted to respond to the post about birth defect and ICSI....My DH and I are currently doing IVF w/ ICSI. We saw 3 different Re's and I have read many articles....There is no solid research that there are any more birth defect with icsi than ivf or natural conception, for that matter. There have been many studies done on the issue, all that have ended with the same result. We also have severe male factor--1% normal morphology. I wont be worried about birth defects....just google it, there is tons to read about it.

[kbat]

Looks like we are going to be in March. Goofy nurse (that I don't particularly like) said that I need to do a day 3 test every 6 months. She said that since I had it in Sept, that I would need to do it again before starting my next cycle. I tried to explain to her that 6 months from Sept is March. If I get approved through the insurance before March, then I don't think it would be an issue. But she thinks that if I get approved then when I actually start my cycle then there would be a problem. But there's usually an "expiration date" as to when I need to complete the cycle. For example for cycle #5, I needed to complete it by April, which is after March. Additionally, I was just told today that every year they need new physical info. Just had my last one done in Dec. 2007, so it's not too bad, but it's just a hassle. Just think they want the extra money. Then I get a call from a pharmacy that I never used before saying they got my order for meds (if I am not approved yet, don't know why she sent it in). I told this pharmacy that I've used another pharmacy for the last 5 IVF cycles so I wanted to check w/ my clinic to see why they would switch pharmacy for the final one. The other pharmacy I know for sure is approved by my insurance and it's like 15 minutes from my house in the event that I need to get some meds at the last minute.

It's not the process that I get stressed out about--it's these people who just have major brain farts all the time!!!!

[joanie74]

Kbat

I hear you on the brain fart situation. Sometimes I get a little frustrated with the lab and pharmacy and the clinic, but it is so hard to know who to get frustrated with because in my case they all blame each other. No one takes the blame.
Last cycle of IVF I was frustrated because I had to do a lot of extra ultrasounds. Well, each extra ultrasound is $275. I know you sign the papers saying that there will be extra costs, but I feel like I should have been verbally warned right before the first extra ultrasound. Instead the nurse said, "The front desk would like to see you before you leave." I go to the front desk and it's an extra $750 and then I have to go to the front desk day after day and $275 is added each day. I wanted to cry. Now I am more prepared. I have even saved extra money for the wallet jacking.

On top of that, the phlebotomist kept saying, "I am so glad that I was able to have my children the normal way. I just don't know if I could go through this." She said it on two different occasion. I really wanted to pop her but the hormones just made me want to burst in to tears. Thank God she doesn't work there anymore.

I guess all that I can do is ignore them, meditate, and pray. My first IVF I was a wreck and this time I am calmer because I know what to expect.

[Jill_n_Mark]

Cathann---I live in Smiths Station, AL...about 30 minutes south of Auburn, AL and I go to Dr T in Columbus, GA.

Ok, so I started this thread and I think I'm going to be the last one too go thru the ER/ET I guess I will not find out until around April 7th if I have a BFP

Welcome kbat, tryingforanother, irishhope and neffi!!!

IrishHope---I too had Endometriosis and lap to remove it. I went thru 3 IUI's with BFN and then took about a year off to TTC on our own. We did our first IVF in August 07 and had lots of eggs but ended up being poor quality. Just thought I'd reply to your question on that...not sure if the endo is a factor or not. Last time, I was on 10 units of Lupron, 300 units of Gonal-F and near end, added on 75 units of Repronex.

On the insurance note...mine only covers 50% with a Lifetime max of $5000...let's just say after the 1st IVF and IUIs, I am very close to my max. I know it seems like I should be maxed out already, but with dr/insurance contracted rates, the dr has some to write-off...so that helps me out too

Take care everyone,
Jill

[jenjen220]

I'm really suprised at how many people have insurance coverage for IVF. Ours pays nothing. So our little boy ended up costing about 15K (worth every penny) and we're into a sibling for him about 10K already with no results. Sounds like we need to move away for a couple years to help finance our family.
I've been waiting patiently for AF since my miscarriage in November, so they finally agreed to prescribe me Provera to force it to come. I really want to do my cylce in March so I can have the doctor I want. If I miss March I'd have to wait until May until I'd be on his schedule again. So I'm glad I was able to talk them into it.
Anyway it looks like we got a good little group going here. It's so nice to know we're not alone.

[JustJenis]

Is anyone else going for ER/ET the end of Feb????

Also, I forgot to add.. Our insurance does have a 30k lifetime max per insured. My husband and I both have issues but we're currently on my 30k. SOOO Lets hope we can have atleast one baby this year... and not use it all up. We're hoping for a total of 3 children.. but we don't have much time left either LOL

*HUGS*
Jenis

Goooooooood Morning Ladies!! It's freezing here in NYC.. to dang cold for me! I think if it's going to be 12 degrees out.. I should atleast get snow.

[kbat]

I hear you on the cold!!! Rhode Island isn't much better. As for the insurance, don't think I would have even tried w/o it. Even if my husband's job changes before I get in the next cycle--will probably "only" pay 20%, which is still several thousand dollars, but better than what it costs normally. There are about 10 states out there that are either mandated or mandated to offer coverage for IVF. Some have dollar limits, age limits, etc. I've been very lucky. I'll find the link, and post it here next time. It's pretty interesting.

[cathann]

Good morning girls. How are we today? I feel like I'm officially on my way now that I've started my bc. I have a counselling session with the nurse on Monday (hopefully, she's going to fill in the blanks with this whole process).

My baseline b/w results (on pre-cycle day 4) were - estrogen 44; fsh 19.8. Is that good/bad/average?? I have no idea.

Anyway, hope you're all doing well.

Jill ~ You live SO close to me! I live in Montgomery.

Cathann