Hey Ladies,
Are your Ultrasounds and bloodwork covered through the study? Just received a bill for $404 for ultrasound and bloodwork and I could have sworn that this was covered! Is this just another screw up?
Anybody IVF progesterone ring study in Texas?
All my pre-screening ultrasounds I had to pay for but the ultrasound for CD1 and after while on my meds is covered under the study. Also labwork I am responsible for which is 500.00 flat that covers all bloodwork over the course of the IVF.
What about you other girls???
What about you other girls???
Karen (33)
http:/www.jackson1995.blopspot.com
IVF#1 ~ BFN
Male Factor & Poor Eggs.
http:/www.jackson1995.blopspot.com
IVF#1 ~ BFN
Male Factor & Poor Eggs.
I pay a flat 3500 for the study, that includes all my work at the office except the testing my husband had to do (B/W and SA). Meds are not included either, but they told me that to begin with. My insurance also covers diagnostic testing up to the point of CD1, so again....they could have billed it to that too but they haven't.
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
ER
Hi ladies.
At my clinic we paid 1200.00 to the clinic and the medications were separate (3100 for me). I haven't paid anything else since.
Well, the Egg retrieval was a breeze in one sense. I arrived at 7:15, was started on an IV, moved back to my surgery room around 8:15, and the last thing I remember is legs in stirrups, a slighty uncomfortable "saline wash"- only because of the speculum, the anesthesiologist said I'm going to start some medicine now, and next thing I know I'm in recovery room. It wasn't even 9:00. Someone immediately said we got 6 eggs. I was upset and said asked what happened and a nurse said sometimes there are more than the original count because 2 go up at once.
Long story short they did get 9, but other bad news from the embryologist before we left. My husband's sperm is really bad and the fresh sample was horrrible, 1 vial of frozen, just as bad when it thawed, and 2nd vial of frozen did show some life. We are waiting to find out this morning what fertilized- if any. I know y'all know understand devestating it would be for us- we were not prepared for this because doctor all along seemd to belive the frozen sperm (taken after months on medication) would be fine. Our normal doctor is out on maternity leave- she had the baby Thursday, so we didn't get to talk to her at all. The good news is that this will not happen to you- I promise- my husband has a very rare case of no sperm. Don't worry!
The rest was easy- breakfast, light housework, resting on the couch, shopping...moderate cramping by late afternoon and pretty bad evening when I wasn't laying down. I took Tylenol and no problems.
I go this morning for progesterone and to find out if I have any fertilized eggs.
I do belive God is in control and I refuse to give up hope or faith.
Have a great day all.
At my clinic we paid 1200.00 to the clinic and the medications were separate (3100 for me). I haven't paid anything else since.
Well, the Egg retrieval was a breeze in one sense. I arrived at 7:15, was started on an IV, moved back to my surgery room around 8:15, and the last thing I remember is legs in stirrups, a slighty uncomfortable "saline wash"- only because of the speculum, the anesthesiologist said I'm going to start some medicine now, and next thing I know I'm in recovery room. It wasn't even 9:00. Someone immediately said we got 6 eggs. I was upset and said asked what happened and a nurse said sometimes there are more than the original count because 2 go up at once.
Long story short they did get 9, but other bad news from the embryologist before we left. My husband's sperm is really bad and the fresh sample was horrrible, 1 vial of frozen, just as bad when it thawed, and 2nd vial of frozen did show some life. We are waiting to find out this morning what fertilized- if any. I know y'all know understand devestating it would be for us- we were not prepared for this because doctor all along seemd to belive the frozen sperm (taken after months on medication) would be fine. Our normal doctor is out on maternity leave- she had the baby Thursday, so we didn't get to talk to her at all. The good news is that this will not happen to you- I promise- my husband has a very rare case of no sperm. Don't worry!
The rest was easy- breakfast, light housework, resting on the couch, shopping...moderate cramping by late afternoon and pretty bad evening when I wasn't laying down. I took Tylenol and no problems.
I go this morning for progesterone and to find out if I have any fertilized eggs.
I do belive God is in control and I refuse to give up hope or faith.
Have a great day all.
Glad that the ER went so well I remember being sick after having it done, but then any anesthesia makes me sick. I'm sorry about the sperm issues though, if they say that nothing is working will you be able to utilize a donor, or is that out of the question? I can't believe they wouldn't have frozen more, or done something differently to not get to this point and not have any sperm to use....that's crud!
Well, praying that you are surprised and they all fertilize And let us know what progesterone you get So glad someone has made it to that point!!! YAY!
Where is everyone else on the calendar? I just refilled my Iron yesterday, so continuing with that and then BCP's at the end of the month
I remember being sick after having it done, but then any anesthesia makes me sick. I'm sorry about the sperm issues though, if they say that nothing is working will you be able to utilize a donor, or is that out of the question? I can't believe they wouldn't have frozen more, or done something differently to not get to this point and not have any sperm to use....that's crud!Well, praying that you are surprised and they all fertilize
And let us know what progesterone you get So glad someone has made it to that point!!! YAY!Where is everyone else on the calendar? I just refilled my Iron yesterday, so continuing with that and then BCP's at the end of the month
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
duramed study in SC
Hi All,
I hope it is ok if I join in. I've been lurking but have been scared to join. I had an irrational fear that something would happen before we could get in this study. I'm sure many of you are with us in that this is our last chance... we can't afford regular IVF and have done almost everything we can...
I was accepted in the study in early march and had my retrieval yesterday. All went ok except that they found a polyp last friday... even though they checked before the study and all was clear. I had a polyp in the same place last year and had a polypectomy at the time, but was worried about how this one would affect us in the study and our outcome. They operated the next day (twice... once unsuccessfully in the clinic and then we had to go right to the hospital b/c they didn't have the right tool... I had an unusual polyp embedded in the uterine wall)... but it went well in the end and they got it out on the second try.
For those of you still waiting, I underestimated the amount of hours I would spend away from work. It got pretty difficult to make up excuses, especially when this polyp thing popped up. But the stims were pretty easy.
I had 10-12 follicles (wish I had more), and they retrieved 10 eggs yesterday. Today they told me 6 fertilized. I am hoping they all live... it took me 3 yrs of working two jobs just to afford this study. While I'm at it, I hope it works and that we have some to freeze, if only for some backup for someday. This is alot to hope for, so I'll try to be happy if we just make it to transfer with one good looking embryo. I wish I could talk to my poor little embryos in their dish.
I was assigned the ring today, which is ok by me. I know this is a phase three study and other studies have been completed in other countries, and success rates are equal (slightly higher with the ring, but not statistically significant). Nursing mothers have used this ring in the past and it delivers the correct amount of hormone, and other studies done on egg donors are positive, too. My only concern is that it is slightly uncomfortable. It may be because retrieval was yesterday, but I can feel slight cramping. It wasn't all that easy to get in, either. But it may be more convenient than gel in the long run.
Thought you would all like to know the skinny on the ring. It is much thicker than I thought! I'm not squeamish about inserting tampons without applicators, etc. but I just don't feel like I can get this thing high enough. They say if you feel it, it is probably not in far enough... but I can't go any higher, even if I squat! Anyone else using this ring yet?
I hope it is ok if I join in. I've been lurking but have been scared to join. I had an irrational fear that something would happen before we could get in this study. I'm sure many of you are with us in that this is our last chance... we can't afford regular IVF and have done almost everything we can...
I was accepted in the study in early march and had my retrieval yesterday. All went ok except that they found a polyp last friday... even though they checked before the study and all was clear. I had a polyp in the same place last year and had a polypectomy at the time, but was worried about how this one would affect us in the study and our outcome. They operated the next day (twice... once unsuccessfully in the clinic and then we had to go right to the hospital b/c they didn't have the right tool... I had an unusual polyp embedded in the uterine wall)... but it went well in the end and they got it out on the second try.
For those of you still waiting, I underestimated the amount of hours I would spend away from work. It got pretty difficult to make up excuses, especially when this polyp thing popped up. But the stims were pretty easy.
I had 10-12 follicles (wish I had more), and they retrieved 10 eggs yesterday. Today they told me 6 fertilized. I am hoping they all live... it took me 3 yrs of working two jobs just to afford this study. While I'm at it, I hope it works and that we have some to freeze, if only for some backup for someday. This is alot to hope for, so I'll try to be happy if we just make it to transfer with one good looking embryo. I wish I could talk to my poor little embryos in their dish.
I was assigned the ring today, which is ok by me. I know this is a phase three study and other studies have been completed in other countries, and success rates are equal (slightly higher with the ring, but not statistically significant). Nursing mothers have used this ring in the past and it delivers the correct amount of hormone, and other studies done on egg donors are positive, too. My only concern is that it is slightly uncomfortable. It may be because retrieval was yesterday, but I can feel slight cramping. It wasn't all that easy to get in, either. But it may be more convenient than gel in the long run.
Thought you would all like to know the skinny on the ring. It is much thicker than I thought! I'm not squeamish about inserting tampons without applicators, etc. but I just don't feel like I can get this thing high enough. They say if you feel it, it is probably not in far enough... but I can't go any higher, even if I squat! Anyone else using this ring yet?
WhyNotUs: YAY, another study buddy and you're a step ahead of us That was my worry about the ring too, is that it would be uncomfortable and hard to get in and out. I always use applicator tampons, so again...it'll be different. Too bad they don't make some sort of applicator for it, wonder if you could flatten it and put it in a cardboard tampon applicator and use that? Although, you said it was thicker than you thought....was it the same one they showed on the video?
Staying Positive: I just checked my insurance page and it has 2 claims for me from LabCorps of America for some labwork done during the visits....so again, I guess they are filing it with my insurance. My insurance will cover diagnostic, but my luck one of these labs will be seen as something else. I know they don't cover mens diagnostics though, so I'm waiting on the EOB for that and I'll pay for his test. Even with this study...I'm finding that cost keep popping up here and there, praying that those stop soon LOL As once I start BCP's everything is under the study.
That was my worry about the ring too, is that it would be uncomfortable and hard to get in and out. I always use applicator tampons, so again...it'll be different. Too bad they don't make some sort of applicator for it, wonder if you could flatten it and put it in a cardboard tampon applicator and use that? Although, you said it was thicker than you thought....was it the same one they showed on the video?Staying Positive: I just checked my insurance page and it has 2 claims for me from LabCorps of America for some labwork done during the visits....so again, I guess they are filing it with my insurance. My insurance will cover diagnostic, but my luck one of these labs will be seen as something else. I know they don't cover mens diagnostics though, so I'm waiting on the EOB for that and I'll pay for his test. Even with this study...I'm finding that cost keep popping up here and there, praying that those stop soon LOL As once I start BCP's everything is under the study.
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Fertilized and got the ring!
4 of the 9 fertilized, so now, like WHYNOTUS, we wait and hope that all of them make it to day 5.
The ring is not bad- Goes in pretty easy, but getting it out's another trick! I did it, but found myself in a pretty odd contortion- thank goodness she left me alone in the room- it was pretty comical. I really can't feel it- like whynot us, I think my slight cramping is from yesterday's ER.
I'm excited for everyone to get to these milestones on their way to a positive test result!
The ring is not bad- Goes in pretty easy, but getting it out's another trick! I did it, but found myself in a pretty odd contortion- thank goodness she left me alone in the room- it was pretty comical. I really can't feel it- like whynot us, I think my slight cramping is from yesterday's ER.
I'm excited for everyone to get to these milestones on their way to a positive test result!
Hi Indieblue,
I was shown a video for the ring today, and it was the same one they showed on there. I guess I expected something like the nuvaring (sp?)... smaller and thinner. I still can't tell if I am slightly uncomfortable from that or cramping from yesterday, but I guess we'll figure it out tomorrow. All in all, though, I agree with beccatx.. it's not bad.
To respond to the discussions on $$, I also ran out of follistim. I was on 3 days of 250u and the next 10 were 300 u. I reordered several vials ($900 extra!). Don't forget, though, that there is an extra 100u in each vial beyond what the box says. So if it is a 900u box, there is 1000 u in there. My last two doses were several shots finishing up each vial... so that saved us some cash. I know it is stressful when things pop up financially.
I hope you all get in there soon. I have to say, after 7 years of infertility, I've never felt so calm and in control. It is actually nice to have something to do it each day, and to get results back almost every day. It feels like progress... hopefully we will all have some luck in the end!
I was shown a video for the ring today, and it was the same one they showed on there. I guess I expected something like the nuvaring (sp?)... smaller and thinner. I still can't tell if I am slightly uncomfortable from that or cramping from yesterday, but I guess we'll figure it out tomorrow. All in all, though, I agree with beccatx.. it's not bad.
To respond to the discussions on $$, I also ran out of follistim. I was on 3 days of 250u and the next 10 were 300 u. I reordered several vials ($900 extra!). Don't forget, though, that there is an extra 100u in each vial beyond what the box says. So if it is a 900u box, there is 1000 u in there. My last two doses were several shots finishing up each vial... so that saved us some cash. I know it is stressful when things pop up financially.
I hope you all get in there soon. I have to say, after 7 years of infertility, I've never felt so calm and in control. It is actually nice to have something to do it each day, and to get results back almost every day. It feels like progress... hopefully we will all have some luck in the end!
Wow, 2 of you already on the ring. Ugghh, I forgot about having to do it in the office...LOL That will be awkward. Not trying to ask for too much information LOL but can you not push it a little (like your pushing through your pelvic area) and get it to move down a little so you can grab it? I know I've had tampons that get kind of wedged up there before along with the string and I've had to kind of push to get it to where I could reach it.....just wondering if the ring sits up further than that? Awwww, now I'm really hoping for the Crinone LOL
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Trying to figure out how my cycle will go....I've got an idea of how the BCP's and Lupron will go based on the 2 cycles listed (thanks ladies) but when do you add in the GonalF or Follistim? A week or so after the Lupron or 2 weeks?
Thanks!!!
Thanks!!!
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
I finally find other people in the study!!!!!
I am in Ohio but I know they are doing the same prog ring/Crinone study in TX too. I think this is the one you're talking about.
So I have my embryo transfer tomorrow!!! YAY! But I am also getting a little concerned. I was told by one nurse that my P4/E2 levels would not be checked b/c I am in the study and they cannot alter the dose! WTF! I was clearly told when I signed up that I could and would be w/drawn from the study if anything was wrong. Having low levels is a concern and can cause m/c.
AND.....how are they going to know if the ring is as effective as Crinone is we aren't monitored regularly?
I am not going through the nurse/study coordinator b/c I don't think they know what they're talking about. I am the 2nd person at my office to start the cycle so I am obviously the farthest along and they are still working out the quirks. I am meeting my RE tomorrow and want exact date and answers. I will let everyone know what I learn tomorrow.
Anyone know what happens if we w/drawl b/c we want to? Are we responsible for any of the money we were credited?
I am in the ring group which makes me even more nervous beings the Crinone is already on the market.
I don't care...I just want EVERYTING done correctly, as if I were a regular patient....my goal is a healthy baby...nothing less!
Also---is estrogen in the prog ring? It started off great! Now I am getting concerned if they aren't taking advantage of us. I hope the nurse doesn't know what she's talking about....
Glad to find you all....sorry for the long post!
So I have my embryo transfer tomorrow!!! YAY! But I am also getting a little concerned. I was told by one nurse that my P4/E2 levels would not be checked b/c I am in the study and they cannot alter the dose! WTF! I was clearly told when I signed up that I could and would be w/drawn from the study if anything was wrong. Having low levels is a concern and can cause m/c.
AND.....how are they going to know if the ring is as effective as Crinone is we aren't monitored regularly?
I am not going through the nurse/study coordinator b/c I don't think they know what they're talking about. I am the 2nd person at my office to start the cycle so I am obviously the farthest along and they are still working out the quirks. I am meeting my RE tomorrow and want exact date and answers. I will let everyone know what I learn tomorrow.
Anyone know what happens if we w/drawl b/c we want to? Are we responsible for any of the money we were credited?
I am in the ring group which makes me even more nervous beings the Crinone is already on the market.
I don't care...I just want EVERYTING done correctly, as if I were a regular patient....my goal is a healthy baby...nothing less!
Also---is estrogen in the prog ring? It started off great! Now I am getting concerned if they aren't taking advantage of us. I hope the nurse doesn't know what she's talking about....
Glad to find you all....sorry for the long post!
WhenI was assigned the ring yesterday, I asked..." so what happens if I start beeding as an indictaor I could lose the pregnancy". The study assisstant who is nice, but new said in a very vague, round about way- "Oh, we would address an issue like that or assess it at the time". She did mention that there have not been any problems with the ring or with bleeding like that at our clinic so far. To be honest, not to scare anyone, I felt like that was NOT the answer we all want of, "no way would we EV ER risk you losing a pregnancy".
I just can't focus on that- thank goodness for each of us there are so many "steps" to take- just focus on the one at hand. Starting meds, taking shots, follicles growing, blood levels ok, sonograms- check, ER a go, etc!
I just can't focus on that- thank goodness for each of us there are so many "steps" to take- just focus on the one at hand. Starting meds, taking shots, follicles growing, blood levels ok, sonograms- check, ER a go, etc!
Hmmm, are there any foods that naturally increase progesterone? I know we can't take herbal remedies while on this that would alter the Progesterone but maybe eating some foods that would help with that would be okay? Then again....is there a risk with high progesterone? I don't think there is...or I've not read about it.
I have erased the links I posted here for foods that increase or balance progesterone as well as a PMS lotion I used to use.....I don't want to be a bad influence on anyone and give anyone ideas on how to alter your progesterone levels. The study is what it is....I don't think we'll have a problem, and for reasons why...check out WhyNotUs's post below
Eat healthier, fruits and veggies, cut back on caffeine (or cut it out completely) and take things a day at a time.
PMA!!!
I have erased the links I posted here for foods that increase or balance progesterone as well as a PMS lotion I used to use.....I don't want to be a bad influence on anyone and give anyone ideas on how to alter your progesterone levels. The study is what it is....I don't think we'll have a problem, and for reasons why...check out WhyNotUs's post below
Eat healthier, fruits and veggies, cut back on caffeine (or cut it out completely) and take things a day at a time.
PMA!!!
Last edited by IndieBlue on Sun Apr 13, 2008 2:05 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Me: 34 DH: 37
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
Tubal Factor IF
1st IVF cycle May/June 2008
Beta #1 6/18 BFN
2nd IVF cycle July 2009
Chemical Pregnancy at 7weeks
progesterone ring
czattau - I understand your frustration, and I think it is a valid point. I may be naive, but I am not worried about progesterone levels with the ring... here's why:
if you search "progesterone ring ivf", the first hit you will see is a paper on essentially the same study done in chile, columbia and brazil with 505 people, except they compared the ring to im progesterone injections. They cover previous studies comparing im progesterone and gel, and they are similar in effectiveness.
The paper discusses progesterone levels measured by blood tests from those with the ring and those with im progesterone injections, and I think the reason why they do not want to measure blood levels is in there. Vaginal administration affects the uterine lining just as much as im progesterone, but im travels through the blood, and the vaginal delivery system does so at a lesser degree. The vaginal delivery has a more direct route to the uterus, so progesterone blood levels might not be the best way to measure its effect.
Overall, the clinical pregnancy rate was the same in both groups. Implantation rate was almost identical (15.9 vs 16%). There were some significant differences in women with premature ovarian failure, where the ring was more effective.
Also, this ring has been used in nursing women as a form of contraceptive. If effectiveness was questionable, or side effects were horrible, it would not have been used for years so far.
So I think that the gel is more of a known factor in the US, but the ring is also very much tested. This study is only one, and there have been many others since then, several of which were in the US.
IndieBlue - I have not tried the muscle contraction technique
I don't want to take it in and out again until I have to on Mon or Wed, but I'll try it then and let you know how it goes. I had more trouble getting it up there far enough than getting it out.
Today I have no discomfort, so I guess I was just sore from the retrieval and it wasn't the ring.
Also, Beccatx- I don't think supplementation with higher progesterone levels could stop a miscarriage. I've been unfortunate enough to have two, and from what I've read and the doctors I've talked to, it would not stop the progression. I agree that having a normal level is essential, especially during IVF when we can't make progesterone ourselves, but that might be the reason for the assistant's vague answer?
Indieblue - I would be careful about herbals. You cannot control your dosage with that cream, and herbals are not regulated with regard to dosage, and uniformity. My center told me not to use herbals at all during the study.
if you search "progesterone ring ivf", the first hit you will see is a paper on essentially the same study done in chile, columbia and brazil with 505 people, except they compared the ring to im progesterone injections. They cover previous studies comparing im progesterone and gel, and they are similar in effectiveness.
The paper discusses progesterone levels measured by blood tests from those with the ring and those with im progesterone injections, and I think the reason why they do not want to measure blood levels is in there. Vaginal administration affects the uterine lining just as much as im progesterone, but im travels through the blood, and the vaginal delivery system does so at a lesser degree. The vaginal delivery has a more direct route to the uterus, so progesterone blood levels might not be the best way to measure its effect.
Overall, the clinical pregnancy rate was the same in both groups. Implantation rate was almost identical (15.9 vs 16%). There were some significant differences in women with premature ovarian failure, where the ring was more effective.
Also, this ring has been used in nursing women as a form of contraceptive. If effectiveness was questionable, or side effects were horrible, it would not have been used for years so far.
So I think that the gel is more of a known factor in the US, but the ring is also very much tested. This study is only one, and there have been many others since then, several of which were in the US.
IndieBlue - I have not tried the muscle contraction technique
I don't want to take it in and out again until I have to on Mon or Wed, but I'll try it then and let you know how it goes. I had more trouble getting it up there far enough than getting it out.
Today I have no discomfort, so I guess I was just sore from the retrieval and it wasn't the ring.
Also, Beccatx- I don't think supplementation with higher progesterone levels could stop a miscarriage. I've been unfortunate enough to have two, and from what I've read and the doctors I've talked to, it would not stop the progression. I agree that having a normal level is essential, especially during IVF when we can't make progesterone ourselves, but that might be the reason for the assistant's vague answer?
Indieblue - I would be careful about herbals. You cannot control your dosage with that cream, and herbals are not regulated with regard to dosage, and uniformity. My center told me not to use herbals at all during the study.