What a crazy day!

JillAly

I went for my introduction lecture on IVF that my doctor requires before doing IVF (even though I already did IVF to have ds).  Well, they heard it was day 2 of my cycle and pulled me out of the room to start!!!!  I wasn't supposed to get my period for a few more days but it's the first time I've been happy to get my period.  Usually, I'm totally bummed because I know I'm not pregnant.

So I have officially started the IVF cycle!  I start the drugs today and I'll get the info on the retrieval date soon.  I can't believe we've really finally started.

Now I just have to deal with the insurance company.  It's such a headache because they want me to use the mail order drugs and I can't do that for today's drugs which have to be taken tonight.  They're giving me such a hard time and denied my claim- yeah right- I have $1200 for one dose.  Sure.....needless to say, I'm trying to work that part out!!   I've been on hold for 20 minutes and no one seems to know how to handle this problem!! 

I get 3 chances lifetime and this is my last chance.  When the company called the prescription in, that was my 3rd chance.  It was denied because it was the wrong pharmacy.  But they don't know how to un-do it and get it done right.  So I'm stuck in the middle of the insurance companies!  I really don't know what will happen if they can't get insurance to cover the drugs- I would probably have to cancel the IVF until they fix the problem. 

NowDNAtoo

Yay for starting your IVF cycle.  I'm really sorry to hear that you're having problems with your insurance company though!

MDBeachbride

Good luck.  Question though: how is today CD2 when you haven't gotten your period yet?

GymDogFran

Wow!  Glad to hear you are on your way!  Are you on a Flare protocol?  I'm thinking there aren't many protocols you can start once you get your period.

Good luck with insurance!  

JillAly

They start us on day 2 of our cycle.  That means I got my period yesterday and I start the drugs today.  Isn't that the way IVF always works?  It's my 3 time and that is the way they always did it - at Cornell and at my prior doctor.  I don't know any other way they do it- are you saying they start in the middle of your cycle?  Don't they build up the follies first? That's what I'm doing now with the Gonal F and the menopur.

My insurance company won't cover some of the drugs.  They said I refilled it too many times (3 is the limit).  I did 2 prior IVF's but we must have re-ordered extra Gonal F at some point.  So it's all out of pocket- it is going to cost me $1000 for 3 days and then I'm going to talk to the doctor about what else I can take.  I'm so upset that they limit the drugs.  I understand 3 times for IVF but limiting refills on prescriptions?  These drugs are necessary for the IVF!!!!

joyfulnature

Glad to hear you're getting started!

Don't get me started on the hell of insurance! I hope you escape from yours soon.

 It's great that you have 3 IVFs covered, though. Hang on to that when these folks are driving you bats!

 

taratru

Wow, that IS a crazy day!  I'm so happy for you to start!

GymDogFran

Hmmm . . well, I think that a Long Lupron is the most common - you start in the middle of your cycle with Lupron, have your period, then start stims and Lupron for Egg retrieval at ovulation.  And the Estrogen priming is similar with estrogen given after ovulation to suppress for the next cycle.

But I could be way off!!  I'm sure your docs have it covered!

sadie sadie

GL with the IVF and the insurance company.

FrannyS

The insurance stuff should work itself out.  You are smart not to wait, you can always appeal the claim denial or get reimbursed. 

You are lucky just to have coverage!

MrsPLW71

Good luck!!!  I hope that everything works out with your insurance and the third time will be the one that sticks!

Medtwin

Awesome to start.. we just finished! I had to pay 50% of the insurance cost..which wouldve been $3,000.+.. Call your doctor's office & ask for FREE Samples.. I got most of the meds for free.. had to pay a few at the end.. but it's worth the call.. they have a pharmacy rep that gives them free samples.. do yourself a favor & ask for them..

 Good Luck!!

bklynbridecesh

JillAly-  Good Luck!!!!  Sounds like I have the same insurance coverage you do.  I just finished IUI #1.  I had only 150 mg. left of my Gonal F, so I refilled the prescription thinking I would need to be on the meds for at least 2 more nights.  Turns out they told me to trigger at day 8.  I called the pharmacy (which is mail order... PITA) to cancel since I know insurance only covers 3 times.  They refused...said if I canceled it would still show up as ordering it twice! You would figure it would be 3 IUI's/IVF's not 3 refills....Very frustrating.  If I wasn't in the 2 WW and had a BFP already, I'd say you could have mine.  Otherwise, I'll need the Gonal F for IUI #2.  Good Luck and hope this insurance situation works out. 

shyntrue

Good Luck!!!

smilee

Ugh.

I hope they get this worked out so you are on your way!!!! 

MrsKario

Best of luck with this IVF!

JillAly

Thanks everyone!  I appreciate all the good vibes.  And thanks especially to BklynBride - I can't even believe you would think to offer the Gonal F if you didn't need it- you're so kind!

The insurance is a mess but I just decided to pay it for now and try to fight them later.  If it doesn't work this IVF round, I'm probably done- there won't be any additional money since a lot apparently won't be covered this time plus I'm 42.  So I have a lot of odds against me already.  But at least I'll know I tried- even if I have to eat peanut butter and jelly for a long time!

CharBart

Hey...I'm a little late to the party, but I wanted to wish you good luck!!!

I was on the Lupron protocal like Fran, so I did Lupron for about 4 weeks before starting stims...I actually took Menopur and Follistim and if it makes you feel any better my insurance only covered them to $3500 because they are brand and not generic...so I feel your pain!!

GL! I hope this all ends very well for you!!!