Is it time for.a new RE?

Hollowvic

I've posted recently about my first IUI on Monday with only 1.7 million post wash. I called my RE to discuss possibly moving right to IVF, she kind of discouraged me. She told me that there is a chance with such low numbers, and she has seen success with his numbers. Well I've done a lot of searching over the past couple of days and it doesn't look promising at all. I don't know if she's just trying to keep me from being too stressed or if I should believe her. I'm actually starting to think I need to find a new RE, but the thought of that kinda stresses me as well. Why would she not encourage IVF? Am I crazy to feel that this month is most likely not going to be a success? I'm so upset over this whole thing, I'm totally obsessing about it. Just wondering if it's time for a new RE?

Pintobean39

I'm not familiar with counts or anything like that, so I can't advise you on that end. I just wanted to let you know my RE in the beginning did not recommend IVF either. It wasn't until my second cycle ended in a cp he mentioned IVF. I think most RE's, or in my experience, usually start off with the least invasive procedures.

Don't count yourself out just yet. Good luck!

ronniesgirl1981

I can tell you that my clinic looks for a minimum of 3 million sperm (post wash). 

If you feel that she is sugar-coating things and--especially--since you are AMA, I'd start looking.  It will be stressful, but it might also make a world of difference. 

LindseyM2012

It could be that the RE is trying to be less aggressive right now.  I also don't know anything about numbers, so I can't advise on that specific part.  Is this your first IUI?  I see your siggy says it is IUI #2, but that you cancelled IUI #1.  Maybe she wants to see how this goes before approaching the idea of more aggressive treatments?

However, if you have voiced your concerns and feel like she is sweeping those concerns under a rug, I'd at least set up a consult with another RE.  As a rule, I say getting a 2nd opinion with medical issues definitely cannot hurt.

Good luck!!

Hollowvic

The first IUI I didn't do because I got a positive OPK the day before July 4th and the office was closed. I felt doing it 48 hours after the start of my surge was too late. Low and behold this cycle I got the positive on Sat. and they're closed on Sunday so I was in the same boat, I was furious. They assured me that they bring people in for IUI the 2nd day after the surge all the time. So I reluctantly went on Monday morning. Then I was totally taken back and caught off guard when I found out his numbers were so low, I almost cancelled the whole thing. She told me that it's still possible but I'm not stupid, I know my chances are slim to none. So this is my first IUI and my second medicated cycle. She did say they start with the least invasive approach and get more aggressive, which I totally understand. I cannot wait to see what the Urologist says on Monday. Honestly, I'm also sick of the RE being closed. My friend said her RE is open 7 days a week. When I expressed my concerns to the RE about them being "closed" she said, we we don't do IUIs on those days. Another words they're open for people doing IVF but not IUIs, I'm starting to look into another RE, it can't hurt. Sorry so long......

LindseyM2012

It definitely can't hurt to consult.  You should feel comfortable and confident in the RE's decisions and the office in general. 

I'm sorry there has been so much back and forth with your IUIs.  I can imagine how frustrating that is!  UGH! 

Pintobean39

Ok now I remember your whole story, I'm mobile and I have a hard time remembering people. Based on the experiences you have had so far I'd prob look for a second opinion. You have to trust you RE, you have to feel confident in what they are doing.

That's crazy for them to not be open. My RE's office is only open m-f but I can drive 45 min to their other office for weekend treatments or monitoring if needed.

Hollowvic

I'm already starting to look into a new RE, my friend who lives too far away or I would use the same one as her, said she went in on Christmas morning, so being closed on a random Sunday just seem unacceptable. I'll probably just chill the next cycle anyway while trying to figure out my Hs issues.

tweetyknicks

**c/p warning**

I'm in a similar situation except that my RE's clinic is open 7 days/week for IUI. My husbands motile sperm count for the insemination has been around 2 million both times (up to 2.9 million total). IUI#1 was a c/p, IUI#2 was a BFN. Based on some research I've done (not completely Dr. Google--I'm looking at fertility clinic websites and peer-reviewed journal publications), the chance does not look good for an ongoing pregnancy from IUI. My best guess has been 12% per cycle at the high end, or a quarter of that at the low end, but I just queried my RE to check on his estimate given my and my husband's medical situations. I don't want to rely completely on my research since this is outside of my specialty.

You are not crazy. I'd definitely consider a second opinion. This shit's personally and financially draining.

Besides that, it's crap to not do IUIs two days out of every seven. Sorry, bodies don't cooperate with the Gregorian calendar (or any calendar, for that matter).

catlover790

From what you have described I don't think it's a bad idea to consult with other REs if there are ones available near you. I understand both sides of the perspective: not wanting to "jump" to IVF but also not wanting to spend time and money on treatments that aren't going to give you the best chances. Both paths seem like possibilities to me but I would want my RE to support and inform me of the options.

The fact that they're closed on the weekends would bother me too, that would be very stressful. Good luck with whatever you decide!

ronniesgirl1981

I also agree with PP that my clinic is open 365.  And, I don't tell them when my surge is/was, they tell me.  This process is so stressful, I can't imagine having to still try to decode OPKs. 

Chasity08

Pintobean39 said:

Ok now I remember your whole story, I'm mobile and I have a hard time remembering people. Based on the experiences you have had so far I'd prob look for a second opinion. You have to trust you RE, you have to feel confident in what they are doing. That's crazy for them to not be open. My RE's office is only open m-f but I can drive 45 min to their other office for weekend treatments or monitoring if needed.

Mine as well. They have a nurse line open for 1 hour on Saturdays, Sundays & Holidays (for generic questions) and a 24 hr nurse line open so if you need to schedule a last minute appt in the office they will bring the RE in that next morning for you.  I'm surprised that this wouldn't be the norm knowing how time sensitive everything is in our situations.

Hollowvic

My H thinks I should stick with our current RE as he feels it would stress me out more to switch. He did say if you really want to then definitely look into it. That being said, I think being as though I'm considering IVF now would be the time. I want an office that is going to give me the best chance, being closed on Sundays is not. So I have made the decision to look into another RE. Thanks for all the advice!

BunnyBerry

Wow. I would not even wonder about the choice to do IUI with those numbers (our RE requires 10 mil at SA, although they'll go with less after wash if that's what you end up with) because otherwise it's just not worth the cost. What I would not accept is screwing up 2 of your cycles because they can't keep the office open for IUI's 365/year! It's ridiculous to do IUI after the best window, and to waste your cycles. 

I would immediately look for an RE who would give me straight numbers/stats for MH's sperm counts, and would have excellent availability.

curve31

I just switched REs and I couldn't be happier about it. Not stressful at all. A relief actually. Sometimes it takes a while to get in for an initial consult so I would make the appointment. Don't let anyone waste your time!