cycle buddy late Oct/Nov

[kbat]

OK here's the latest. I knew I was approved for the IVF cycle. Cycles 1,2, & 3, I had no ICSI. I got fertilization w/ the first two, none w/ the 3rd. So when I went to the new clinic, they wanted to try to do ICSI just to make sure I got fertilization. We never had a male factor. So, cycle #4, I did IVF w/ ICSI/AH. Got fertilization, but they didn't develop correctly. So I knew that I had IVF approval, but I assumed the ICSI/AH part was all part of the package, until I spoke with the nurses over the week-end who told me that part was "pending." I did call the center this morning just to follow up just in case the nurse doesn't get around to it quickly (not even my nurse with whom I spoke). I was told that it looked like something was faxed over to a doctor at the insurance company on Friday and that I should know something probably tomorrow. I was fine w/ that. I ended up getting 2 letters in the mail today from the insurance company--one saying that I was approved for IVF, but the other one I was denied the ICSI/AH. This denial letter was dated before the date that the financial person said they faxed over something to the insurance. I am wondering if I got denied and then they sent over stuff to the doctor on the bottom of the denial letter to see if they could get approved. I was tempted to call the financial people back today to see if this was the deal, but I decided that if they try to put in more back up there was nothing I could do today, so I decided that I will wait until tomorrow because there's probably no new information at this time. I was a little surprised that they gave me ICSI for cycle #4 and now not for cycle #5. Why not deny it for cycle #4?
I hope it doesn't affect the protocol that I am on now. All the nurses seem to say that it shouldn't affect the stimulating part of the IVF and that the ICSI is just how eggs get fertilized.
I did leave a message for my nurse, however, just to make sure that if the insurance doesn't give the green light on the ICSI part that the IVF part and the stimulating drugs are not affected. I don't think it should be because they are separate.... ARRRGGGHH!!! This is the first issue I've really had w/ insurance. But at least they aren't denying the IVF part. I can deal w/ that. Before I went to this clinic 2 out of 3 times I got fertilization. The only reason they wanted to do ICSI was to eliminate the possibility of no fertilization again.

Cindy--that stinks about the u/s. I wouldn't be too happy... I was almost in a similar situation yesterday--had to drive 2 hours round trip for u/s for a nurse to tell me I hadn't been approved yet (but I really was approved). I was ready to take someone's head off and it was my husband. After going to 2 different clinics, I have decided that these people are so used to doing this stuff and maybe they are bored w/ their jobs, or maybe they are just used to this, that it gives them the right to be unprofessional. I am not saying that this is how I feel--just trying to understand why they would be like this.... Maybe they are just

LadyB--the drugs definately do make you more emotional. The last clinic I went to actually had a class about the different drugs,how to take them, etc. and the lady did say that the drugs will make you have emotional swings and that it would be like having pms or worse....

Grace--those are good numbers. I know what you mean about feeling less optimistic. You just want things to work out so bad.... I am a worry wart type and sometimes I am a little afraid to be optimistic because I am just afraid that I will be disappointed again. On #4, I was so optimistic because the fact they hadn't called was me was a good sign. But then I found out that they just forgot to call me to tell me no egg transfer. But try to keep your head up

[LadyB]

To Grace35: Thanks for sharing your experience. I was pretty upset yesterday morning/yesterday afternoon. I guess now I'll just have to sit back and wait for Wednesday to be a lot better.

Kbat: Well, that's good about the emotions (I think). Because this is making me feel...restless. I'm crying, I'm not liking something, and I'm fine- all within a 5 second time span!

Cindy: I hope things continue to get better with your nurse. Maybe it did take this morning for things to work out ok!

Insurance issues- Last week, I found out from a Benefit rep that my sonograms (u/s) and labs should be paid for, because this is what they told me. So, I called my doctor's office and they told me- we called and we have in writing that it is NOT covered. So, I call the insurance company again. Again, I am assured that it is covered. *sigh* Can you see where this is going? Tomorrow, I am requesting a phone conference. Period.

Hugs and good luck to everyone! -LadyB

[kbat]

LadyB--GOOD LUCK w/ the phone conference and dealing w/ the insurance.

Seems like along w/ support for dealing w/ our cycle, we have found support and "gripe" session w/ what's going wrong w/ nurses, clinis, insurance, etc. It's helpful to have all you to vent too. It's got to only get better, right, not worse. Seems like outside forces are worse to deal w/ than the actual cycle.

Good luck w/ everything

[stephanievt97]

Insurance stinks...no matter what the situation, you always hear 2 different stories! Maybe I should be thankful I'm not covered! At least I don't have to deal with insurance issues! Because extra stress is what you all need!

I would be on FIRE if they sent me to another location at the last second- like I wouldn't have a job to go to!

I wouldn't worry about the med dose- I'm sure it'll all be fine.

I'm on day 4 of Lupron.

[cindy71268]

Girls. I'm glad we have found each other -- it's a GOOD THING. We have to rememeber to try to focus on positive things as well. And we are going to get through it, one way or another!

Remember a couple key things when speaking to your insurance companies: write down who you have talked to and when, also if you are not satisfied with the "front line representative" ask for a manager. Make sure you save all you EOB (eligibility of benefit) statements too. These are things that my DH has drilled into my brain -- he underwrites insurance. That can be a good thing and bad.... Also you can speak to your human resources representative, they might be able to guide you as well.

One positive thought: we're in this together!

Have a good night all.

[LadyB]

This morning's call did not go as hoped. I'm in such a quandry. I've had 75% of my insurance CS people tell me that we are 100% covered on certain aspects of the IVF- regardless that it's for an IVF. Another 25% assure me that I am not covered. With new information this morning, I would guess that the billing dept. for my doctor is also getting conflicting information. My DH and I are trying to figure out what to do. We made financial decisions based on the information of the 75%, who also happened to be the first people we talked to.

But, you know what, this morning I woke up and everything felt better. I think tomorrow's appointment will go great. So, I find myself in a much better place today. Thus, I want to thank Cindy, Kbat, Grace35, and everyone else. Your words, support, and responses have definitely helped me. Thank you.

I'll let everyone know how tomorrow goes!

Hugs and Good luck! -LadyB

[kbat]

LadyB I know that's it's so very fustrating.... Part of what you decide to do is based on what other people tell you and you rely on the info that they give you. Personally, whatever it is, it is, but I like to go in w/ my eyes wide open. If you are like me, you will probably deal w/ whatever it is, it's just that you want to know what it is, so there won't be any big surprises later. Is there "someone in charge" who can just give you a straight answer on this or is there something in your insurance policy that they can send you that tells you exactly what's covered and what's not so you have something in writing? I know when my insurance denied the ICSI only part of this cycle, they included a whole booklet--about 35 pages-- on their IVF procedures, etc. (like I am the who figures out the plan I will do).

I did not get denied for IVF. I got denied for the ICSI part of it. I think that the financial office heard this before I did because when I spoke w/ the financial people yesterday morning, they did say that they faxed something over to the insurance on Friday. The letter I got denying me of the ICSI part later on in the day was dated 10/24. I did call my nurse last night to make sure that even if I don't get approve for the ICSI part, that it wouldn't affect the protocol that I just started on Sunday. I don't like surprises at the last minute. I didn't want to go through this to find out at the last minute that it would be different for IVF/ICSI. But I was assured today that the protocal will be the same, regardless on what the insurance does. There are 2 types of pills I would have to take if it ends up being ICSI that I won't need to take if it's just IVF--but wouldn't take those pills until egg retreival night anyway. I already paid for them, but in the grand scheme of things it's not a huge deal (why the insurance put through those drugs if they denied ICSI is beyond me). My nurse did say that my insurance company is getting more strict and picky. Frankly, I was a little surprised they approved the ICSI part last time. Even my nurse said we aren't doing ICSI due to a male factor--after #3 I got no fertilization and doing ICSI was just to make sure that we at least got fertilization.

LadyB--I am glad that you are feeling better this morning. Sometimes, you just need a good night's sleep. I'm sorry that you are going through this. I know how stressful it can be, but try to find something that will relax you--exercise, hot shower, a nice cup of tea, or whatever. I went for my acupuncture this morning, and it's very calming!

[lwalker25]

Hey ladies! So I started my stims on Saturday (Bravelle 225iu) and after a panic attack from the needle and a horrible headache that did not go away until Monday morning, I feel great. I went for blood work this morning and the nurse called and said my Estrogen level was 241. Just wanted to ask you ladies that are a little ahead if this level is good? I go Thrusday for u/s and more bloodwork. I do have a little tenderness on my right side almost like ovulation cramping and I assume this is from the Bravelle, hope it's a good sign. Good luck to all!!!!!



L

[LadyB]

Kbat: We've talked to someone different every time. Although, we have now been apparently put in an "urgent" classification and were told to expect some formal answers in 72 hours (business). *shrug* You're right- it is what it is. I, too, don't like surprises, but I can't really change anything.

I did have my u/s this morning. There were 2 more follicles, but I still think things went very badly. You know how you get those looks from the nurses? Well, I got one of them. I wasn't told anything formally because my doctor wasn't there yet, but I was assured that I WILL be getting a phone call from the doctor this afternoon. Unfortunately, I think they're going to cancel....which means that I am absolutely heartbroken. I'm trying to keep my chin up, but it's really tough right now.

I'll let you know more as soon as I know more. Again, I want to thank each and every one of you: Stephanie, Cindy, Kbat, Grace35, and everyone else. I'm so thankful that I have people to discuss this with that understand.

I hope you all have a better day than I am thus far...Hugs, LadyB.

[kbat]

Hope things aren't as bad as you think they might be.... My last cycle (#4) was my first w/ the clinic I am at now, but certainly not my 1st cycle. I am generally a poor responder (usually about 3-4 mature eggs), but knock on wood, none of my cycles have been cancelled.

Anyway, cycle #4, I got a call after about Day #9 since I had begun my period, which was like day 7 or 8 of me taking the stim. drugs. They wanted to convert to an IUI. I did have a few concerns since one of my tubes is removed. My first 3 cycles I went at least 11 days on the stim. up to about 14 days. So I did ask them why for the first 3 (w/ another clinic) I went for at least 11 days and after only 8 days they were already deciding to convert? Basically, they kept me on IVF protocol, and I was able to get enough eggs (only about 3 mature ones) I didn't work out, but at least it was because it was cancelled.

Maybe you could write down a few questions to ask the dr when he calls.

I will keep my fingers crossed for you and say a little prayer that all goes well for you, and that you get the answers from the RE that you are hoping for.

Hugs.
Kara

[Grace35]

Hi everyone,

Well I am rather freaked out right now. I also had an u/s this morning and I have about 20 follicles between 11 and 18. My E2 was 4,110. I would've thought this was a good sign, but they think I will get OHSS. I am to stop the stims and hit the Ganirelix. I have another u/s tomorrow.

I noticed I was feeling really crazy and upset (worse than cycle 1), but figured that was the usual. I am scared as I never worried about this before - quite the opposite!

Lady B, please let us know what your doctor says this afternoon. I'm thinking of you and hoping for good news. This group of women is wonderful and I don't know how I'd get through this round without you all.

Grace

[kbat]

Grace35--
I will be thinking of you--hoping that things turn out o.k. I have never been through OHSS, but I hope it turns out o.k.

[stephanievt97]

Grace and LadyB- hope it turns out okay and they don't have to cancel.

I aggree LadyB- sometimes the only thing that gets me through is having message boards where I can "talk" to people who truly know what I'm going through!

Did any of you who took Lupron ever feel crappy? Not physically, but I just feel like I'm in a funk...don't know if it's the meds or just life right now.

[kbat]

this is pretty much the first cycle I had w/ NO lupron. I remember kind of feeling crampy. If I remember correctly, when I was at the 1st clinic, they said w/ lupron, you may feel like you are having PMS symptoms....

[LadyB]

Grace35: Lots of postive thinking for you!!! I hope everything is ok.

Stephanie: I felt awful on just the Lupron. I was absolutely exhausted and I'd have awful hot flashes.

Well, my IVf is over, just as I expected. I wasn't stimulating at all despite taking 450 units of Gonal F. My E2 levels were below 10. Nice, eh? The worst part is that they have NO idea why. Our issue was supposedly male infertility factor, not female. I was thought to be perfectly fine. Apparently, that is not the case.

I have two options open to me. I have no idea which one we'll take, as I feel like I have been blindsided.

I wish ALL of you the very BEST. Lots of baby wishes to everyone! Hugs, LadyB