Introduction - long time lurker....

PoeMasque

some of you may know me from the TTTC board. I'm 36, my SO is 33. We've been TTC since November 2015 and we have had 15 cycles with great timing, HSG, multiple SAs, bloodwork, US, and two non-medicated IUIs. Everything comes back normal and every month comes back BFN. We have been waiting for our RE appt to start the IVF process since October and I've lurked here since then as I waffle between IVF being our golden ticket and IVF being a huge waste of money we really don't have. 

I'm a nurse, but the IVF process still seems super complicated and scary, so I'm hoping to be able to have this board as a place for support and comfort as we continue this unexpected journey. 

Kp214

Welcome. The unknown is tough. I'm sorry that you are having difficulties.  This forum has been a very helpful, and I've gained lots of insight and knowledge from these ladies.  Good luck!

kangastein

I would imagine that IVF even though scary (I was too) will answer a few questions like how your ovaries respond, how the embryo develops and if it's normal, and how receptive your uterus is. It may be expensive but would possibly cut months off of repeated IUI's. Plus we are all here as cheerleaders.

rainbowwishes5

Welcome! I am scared but looking forward to Ivf!!! I think it's my best shot. Only 2 more IUIs to get through until I qualify under insurance. Good luck and fx for you!

PoeMasque

Thanks ladies and @rainbowwishes5 how nice that your insurance covers IVF! I would go through 10 IUIs for help paying for IVF. 

rainbowwishes5

@PoeMasque not 100% but I get something!!! It will only cost me about $10k I think 

bobby2016

PoeMasque - I'm in a similar boat, trying to decide whether to move onto IVF or continue with the less 'invasive' methods. 

Is there a reason why you haven't tried medicated IUI cycles? That seems to be standard course for my RE. Even if there's no known issue, thinking more targets/washing the sperm sample may help! 

lady_grey

hi @PoeMasque, welcome!  i can totally relate about the whole working in the medical field but being scared of IVF thing.  i'm a pediatrician... it is SO weird being the patient and going through this.  i am gearing up for ivf in january... maybe i will see you over there!   

PoeMasque

@bobby2016 we did two IUIs and my OB refused to put me on any meds other than progesterone for them because there are no issues with ovulation. I didn't push the issue because success rates with IUI either way are pretty dismal and I thought part of my issue was a narrow cervix, so medication shouldn't have been needed. 

The clinic we are going to for IVF does it in batches every two months, so it's possible the RE will have us try medicated IUI while we wait for the next batch. We will find out in three long weeks 

bobby2016

Makes sense @PoeMasque  - that's one of the reasons I'm thinking of stopping meds too, no known issues before. Although my follicles have improved every time... so, not really sure what that means! 

One thing a medicated cycle did for me was make me feel 100% better if IVF does end up being our path at the end. I've gotten comfortable with the appointments and injections/medication - so at least there's that  

It's definitely gonna be a LONG few days - if you feel like obsessing about your options and going back and forth, that seems to be my forte  

PoeMasque

@lady_grey i hope to see you over there in jan! FX I will be that far in by then (so ready to just be KU at this point!). 

@bobby2016 i am right there will you on the obsessing over everything! Three weeks feels like a year right now. I've already grilled everyone I know who has even been around someone who did IVF, haha!