What's IVF like? Anyone have success? Scared...

RipleyLV426

So, if this 3rd cycle of IUI and injectables doesn't work (7th IUI total), I'm thinking it'll be my last. That means IVF...And that terrifies me. We've almost saved up enough money for two, but having to choose a clinic is so hard. We could stay with my smaller one that I've been at for a year, but is really expensive. Or we could try this other clinic CNY, which does IVF for like $2,000 cheaper, AND they offer grants which could lower the price even more! I'm just scared about the whole situation. Will it work? Will we be able to pay for all of it? Are we making the right choice by staying at our clinic? Should we try somewhere new? I feel so damn lost. I just want this to work, and for me to have a baby...Why is all of this so hard?

riveridgional

I don't have experience with IVF but many women currently active on the pregnant after IF board do. Maybe try posting there too to get some additional responses. From my time on the bump, I've seen many success stories with IVF.

mechelita44

Welcome to IVF @RipleyLV426 it's a crazy journey but I must say it's worth it. After failed timed intercourse and Clomid cycles, my RE suggested we skip IUI all together and go straight to IVF. We were nervous and scared about it but trusted our doctor and decided to move forward. There are lots of meds and lots of needles... but in all honesty, I didn't find that part to be so bad. In late October I had my egg retrieval (can't lie, that was a painful recovery) and early November I had a day 5 fresh embryo transfer... now I'm 11 weeks

Not sure how much you know about the process (I was clueless) so watching these videos helped me tremendously. I think I watched them at least 10 times each. They are IVF class videos given by nurses at Brigham and Womens Hospital.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=y1JeHHFnTg0

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pcii4LDH3uY

I know the costs of IVF can be more terrifying than the actual process, but there are lots of payment plan option out there too, especially for the medication. We were really lucky to have our insurance cover the majority of the costs.

Feel free to message me any time if you go through the process, especially during the stimulation meds and retrieval. It's all a crazy science experiment that eventually leads to a little itty bitty baby I wish you so much luck during your journey!

mechelita44

Not sure why that first link is broken, can't edit it either... Hopefully this works:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=y1JeHHFnTg0&feature=youtu.be

Gr8te

We have MFI and went straight to IVF. I'd pick a clinic that you trust with good stats for your Dx even if they are more expensive. I know the money seems like a big deal but I think you have to give it the best shot you can afford. It's a mentally and physically tough process. We went with an out of state clinic that was way more costly than staying local but my son is a result of our first transfer and worth every extra penny. Follow your instincts. GL

RipleyLV426

@mechelita44 thank you so much for taking the time to post those videos! That's so thoughtful of you  And thanks for the encouragement @Gr8te. I'm so scared to even talk to my doctor about starting the whole process, but I know we can't keep doing IUIs. It's too much, both mentally and physically. There aren't many women who've gone through as many as I've done (at least that's how it feels) and gotten pregnant. I will definitely take you up on the private messaging @mechelita44, cause I know nobody who's gone through IVF! I feel like a freak lol. None of my friends have gone through any kind of treatments...SUCKS! 

mechelita44

@RipleyLV426 message me any time! I am MORE than happy to help!