Holistic appointment update *loss mentioned*

BKBABY3

I went to see the acupuncturist/Chinese medicine/soft-spoken-over-new-age-music-healer-lady this afternoon, and I'm reeling just a bit. As you might have noticed, I have a healthy dose of skepticism when it comes to this kind of thing. BUT, she really got me thinking.

In total, I've done 9 medicated cycles (including current one) with my RE over the course of a year and 8 months. Only 5 of them have been in a row, but I still knew it was more than typical. But I figured the fact that it worked on IUI#1, despite my loss, gave cause to keep trying. As soon as I told her how many times I've done oral meds she almost dropped her herbal tea right on the floor. She felt quite strongly that after this cycle (already started Letrozole), I seriously need a break. (She was also surprised I had not already been moved to on injectibles.)

So I made an appointment to try acupuncture in combo with the meds and IUI this month, and then possibly see what she can do for me sans meds over the next few months if this one doesn't work. I find myself quite surprised that I've landed here.

My question, does the 9 seem excessive to you ladies as well, or was I being charmed by her aromatherapy and dimly lit room? It WAS really relaxing...

Pintobean39

I think 9 medicated cycles on oral meds are a lot myself. I read where lots of women on here say after 3 your chances aren't that great if it didn't work. Has your RE even mentioned moving on to injectibles?

ronniesgirl1981

From what I've seen, it does seem like a lot. But, I think when you are treating an ovulatory disorder, there is reason to try more than 3.

BunnyBerry

I'm sorry, that sounds like a really tough decision.

Have you ovulated each cycle? I'd be tempted only to count cycles where I ovulated successfully. But I would not want to try more than 3-4 IUIs altogether, certainly not more than 6, given success rates. Then again, if you experienced a BFP with IUI the first month, no wonder it feels right to try again!

Could you schedule a consult with your RE? Ask for him to check the research, for a women who had an early MC after an IUI, whether there are good chances for a higher number of subsequent IUIs, or whether you've passed that number? And injects sounds like a smart move. Because they're so expensive and invasive, I've already done the "math" and think that I would only do one IUI with injectibles before moving to IVF, but perhaps that's another bridge to cross if you come to it.

I hope your RE gives you some good, solid advice and a smart plan. Good luck!

BKBABY3

Thanks, ladies.

@Pintobean39, he has mentioned it, but in a "you might want look at that down the line" sort of way. But honestly, he pretty much leaves it up to me. I'm sure I could tell him I'm going to do injectibles next time and he'd say okay.

@BunnyBerry, yep, ovulated every time. I even O'd on my own during a break month (maybe the Metformin?). It is a particularly tough call for me, because my insurance has great coverage for IUI cycles (injectibles or oral meds), but nothing at all for IVF. So it puts even more pressure on the IUIs, and I think that's also why he's let me do so many. I'll definitely be sitting out September seeking a consult appointment if this month is a bust.

BunnyBerry

Oh, it really does make sense with the insurance coverage. But still, IUIs are tough. I also wanted to add that I think it's not healthy to have so many Clomid cycles. Has your RE mentioned anything about that?

BKBABY3

Yes, I'm beginning to think 8 was too many as well. I specifically asked him about the max of 6 one day and he said that wasn't a hard and fast thing for him, particularly since it had worked once before.

And IUIs do suck with my cervix that likes to play hide and seek.

I now feel really motivated for the come to jesus talk with him, this has been a good motivator. I appreciate the input!

Pintobean39

Did you do all of them on clomid?

catlover790

I'm glad you had a relaxing acupuncture appointment!

As far as the cycles go it does seem like more than usual to me. However, because of the first one I can see where the motivation to keep trying them is. I think the way your RE sounds very easy going could be a good and bad thing. It's nice that he wants you to do what you're comfortable with and go at your pace. Yet, it does seem like at this point something different might be more helpful.'

You said your insurance covers IUI with injects and I would definitely see if that might be a possibility for the next time. I do think that's a lot of clomid cycles and I'd want a change personally. If it were me I would plan out the next few months and kind of have an idea of what I wanted to do, then schedule an appointment to talk with the RE and get a better idea of what to do. I'm sorry you're in this position, it sounds frustrating. Good luck!

BKBABY3

@pintobean 39, yes all 8 with Clomid. (I did have an 8 month break between Clomid round 2 & 3.) Just started #9 with Letrozole. I'm really starting to wonder if my problem goes beyond just not ovulating.

@catlover790, thanks. Yes, sometimes I wish he gave me more concrete direction. Will do a consult for sure with him and also thinking of just paying OOP for a second opinion. Either way, I'm taking September off. I need an effing break.

lebradford

I would definitely move onto at least IUI with injects. My only problem was anovulation too, and I moved on after 2 oral med/IUI cycles. If I would have had a better response, I might have tried 3-4 total, but I would never do more than 4 of the same thing. With injects you are supposed to get higher quality eggs, possibly more eggs (this wasn't true for me) and you typically ovulate sooner. I have seen several people get pregnant as soon as they move onto injects. Hopefully it works for you too if that's what you decide to do. :-)