RE Follow up today - lots to consider

FrannyS

Today DH & I went for follow up with the RE.  He is highly suggesting IVF with Donor eggs.  We were totally against a donor (DH's SA is normal so his swimmers would be used) but after some thought we are seriously considering it.  RE doesn't think we should do IUI at all.  No need really, our issue is my old eggs (I'm 39).

I posted last week that my FSH was 18 (up from 10.7 last September).  I am having it tested next CD3 again because RE said it could lower next time and that (for some reasons I didn't understand) I have an unusual results which isn't as bad as we may think and swings in our favor (have to do more research on that one).

Also, I definitely have a thyroid problem.  That has too be taken care of before we do anything.  I also to have a laparoscopy before IVF because I have either a uterine septum or bicornate uterus (and fibroids).  Uggh.

RE said there is a chance that we could get pregnant naturally but the quality of my eggs would make for a high risk.  Same with doing the IVF with my eggs.  Of course we have been trying naturally since 3/08 and I still haven't gotten a BFP even though we BD at the right time and I am ovulating very regularly.

Wouldn't you know my insurance covers everything except for IVF (even IUIs)?  The IF clinic has an option where you get 6 IVF tries and only pay if you leave the hospital with a baby. If not, at any time, you get your money back.  That could work!

Just wanted to share my experience.

smilee

WOW.... that is a lot to digest. 

You know... your FSH is not that crazy high.  

I can see your RE wanting to move to IVF for a variety of factors, but I am surprised he is suggesting donor eggs so soon, w/o even giving an IVF with your eggs a shot.  That would give me  a little pause.

Given our history, Donor eggs are certainly on the table, but at that point, we will have tried a few fresh and frozen FETs ( info in siggie).

I have similar insurance to yours and I believe the program you are talking about for IVFs is a shared risk program.   That is awesome that your clinic does that, 

Good luck to you... I know it is a lot to think about!  

DMD1029

I hate to put something else on your table, but you might want to ask your RE about Natural Cycle IVF.  Not all clinics do it, in fact, I think that my clinic in N. VA may be one of the few that does it.  Coming from NYC isn't too bad of a trip though!  It's basically IVF without the daily shots.  Take a look at dominionfertility.com.  I'm doing a regular IVF cycle - my first - but a good friend of mine with a FSH of 25 got pregnant using Natural Cycle with this clinic and is now at 32 weeks.  Good luck!

lilacfritz

It's a lot to process. I agree with Smilee, though - might be jumping the gun a bit to suggest DE.  Esp. if you've only had the one FSH level, which, again, could still result in success. I feel your pain on the cost - we have the same situation.  GL sorting through everything and with whatever you decide to do. 

panda246

I'm not really informed enough to have an opinion on the donor egg issue, but I want to wish you luck with what ever path you choose.

Our insurance coverage stops at IVF as well, so I feel your pain.

gymnst1013

panda246:

I'm not really informed enough to have an opinion on the donor egg issue, but I want to wish you luck with what ever path you choose.

Our insurance coverage stops at IVF as well, so I feel your pain.

The same goes for me - I don't have a lot of knowledge on IVF and donor eggs but wanted to wish you luck all the same!

hollymichael

That is a lot to process.  Like the other posters, I think it seems like a quick jump to donor eggs. If it was me, I would do the lap & get your thyroid under control first.  Then, give your own eggs a chance before moving on to donor eggs. I think a lot of the RE's want to keep their IVF success rates high so it seems as if they want to jump to donor eggs right away sometimes.

panda246

hollymichael:

 I think a lot of the RE's want to keep their IVF success rates high so it seems as if they want to jump to donor eggs right away sometimes.

Interesting perspective...definitely makes me think.

joyfulnature

Hi, Franny.

That is a whole lot to think about. I think you're doing the right thing by taking care of the thyroid and other issues that you can fix. No matter what your next step is, you need to do those things. And while you're doing those things, you will have time to think about everything else - and to question your doctor thoroughly about his/her reasoning and info you're still missing - such as why the FSH might lower.

I'm not far enough along to offer any concrete advice. But I do have a lot of empathy:

 I'm 39.

My CD3 FSH was 17. I'm waiting on the results of my 10 day. 

Earlier this week, during my hysteroscopy (sp?) the doc found I had a uterine septum, which he removed.

Also like you, there are steps that I thought I wasn't interested in taking that now seem like worthy ideas.  

I'm in southern pa, too - south east. 

I'm going to have to look into this shared-risk IVF stuff.

If you want to "talk" about the uterine septum thing, send me a PM and I'll fill you in and answer any questions I can.

 

 

FrannyS

Thanks for the support ladies! It is interesting how your perspective changes as this goes on and on.  Just a couple years ago DH and I said we would never do IVF and now here we are.  RE made a good point, we might regret it if we didn't try.

About the eggs - I really want to try with my eggs first and RE said if my FSH is between 12-15 he is willing to try with mine. 

The shared risk is great, now my concern is getting a loan for the IVF, uggh.

 

 

QE2

Wow, that's a lot to consider Franny. I was also told to consider donor eggs. I'll be 39 in 2 weeks, have an elevated FSH, had surgery for polyps, and I'm hypothyroid. It's a lot to take in and sort through. For me...I know DE are an option, but I'll try with my eggs as long as I'm making them. I'm also going for a 2nd opinion for peace of mind. Donor eggs will always be there for when I decide the time is right. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for you, good luck. (I hope this didn't sound too preachy, that wasn't my intent