Beyond frustrated...IVF might be next step

Snapdragon333

This is/was my first cycle trying IUI with injects.  I'm 10 DPO and I thought that by now I might have a sign that I am pregnant.  I don't even see a faint pink line when I POAS.  I'll have the first beta drawn on Saturday but I'm not feeling very confident that I will have a positive number.  The look that crossed dh's face when I told him just killed me. 

When I asked my doctor what the next plan was if this IUI doesn't work, he said that we would try the IUI with injects one more time.  That means, we would have to skip another month to get the meds ordered and give my ovaries a break.  It also means another $4000 out-of-pocket.  I haven't even received the bill yet for our last ultrasounds and IUI...I don't know how I'll pay that amount without digging into savings.  I'm mulling over whether or not we should just start planning on IVF.  Anyone have any advice?

Not to mention, it has now been two years since we have actively started TTC.  My 38th birthday is creeping up and I feel like we should take the final step to see if this will be possible.  At least we would have time to save some money specifically for the IVF.  Anyway, thanks for reading my rambling... 

jbelle

No advice, just *hugs*.

I hope your beta surprises you!

10-4LilBuddy

Did you get an estimate on the IVF?  I'd probably use that to help me make a decision.  Your IUIs are pretty expensive and if there isn't a huge price difference with that and a IVF, I'd go with IVF to increase your chance.

Good luck. 

robbensm

10-4LilBuddy:

Did you get an estimate on the IVF?  I'd probably use that to help me make a decision.  Your IUIs are pretty expensive and if there isn't a huge price difference with that and a IVF, I'd go with IVF to increase your chance.

Good luck. 

This!  Hugs and high beta vibes on the way.

Mayzie15

I'm sorry your frustrated and hope you get a good beta on Saturday. We were given an option to try IUI but cost OOP compared to IVF wasn't too far apart and the success rates was much higherand the success rates was much higher with IVF. We are completely OOP we used our savings for IVF 1 and the rest we will use for IVF 2 and a loan from my 401k. It's a struggle to pay for IVF but my suggestion would be to move on to IVF and increase your chances.

Snapdragon333

10-4LilBuddy:

Did you get an estimate on the IVF?  I'd probably use that to help me make a decision.  Your IUIs are pretty expensive and if there isn't a huge price difference with that and a IVF, I'd go with IVF to increase your chance.

Good luck. 

I asked for a price list last time I was in the office.  It looks like it will at least be $10,000 unless they have to do a trial transfer which will make it more.  But I guess it still looks better than paying another $4000 for something that might not work.  I need to talk to the doctor and see what additional tests that need to be done prior.  Thanks for the advice!

Snapdragon333

Mayzie15:

I'm sorry your frustrated and hope you get a good beta on Saturday. We were given an option to try IUI but cost OOP compared to IVF wasn't too far apart and the success rates was much higherand the success rates was much higher with IVF. We are completely OOP we used our savings for IVF 1 and the rest we will use for IVF 2 and a loan from my 401k. It's a struggle to pay for IVF but my suggestion would be to move on to IVF and increase your chances.

 I wonder how strict my doctor is about keeping on track with his plan to repeat IUI and injects.  Hopefully he'll be open to moving straight to IVF now.  From what you are all saying, it does sound better to just go for the IVF at this point.  Did you have to do a trial transfer?

Mrs.McIrish

A couple of things: 10dpo is too early for most to see a positive. You still may be surprised

 $4k for an IUI seems outrageous to me, especially when viewed with the success rate per cycle. I would definitely save for IVF versus dropping that sort of $$ on an IUI. I would talk to the doctor about skipping the IUI due to the expense. I don't see him saying no.

A trial transfer (sometimes called mock transfer) is no big deal. They are just sticking the catheter up there to see how to "travel" in there the day of the ET and taking a measurement. It's like a road map up your cervix. I would not think it would cost much. It took like 30 seconds for me. I know some have a more difficult cervix but it still should be fairly quick and not terribly costly. 

Mayzie15

Snapdragon333:

Mayzie15:

I'm sorry your frustrated and hope you get a good beta on Saturday. We were given an option to try IUI but cost OOP compared to IVF wasn't too far apart and the success rates was much higherand the success rates was much higher with IVF. We are completely OOP we used our savings for IVF 1 and the rest we will use for IVF 2 and a loan from my 401k. It's a struggle to pay for IVF but my suggestion would be to move on to IVF and increase your chances.

 I wonder how strict my doctor is about keeping on track with his plan to repeat IUI and injects.  Hopefully he'll be open to moving straight to IVF now.  From what you are all saying, it does sound better to just go for the IVF at this point.  Did you have to do a trial transfer?

My trial transfer was included in my IVF total price I paid for the cycle. As McIrish said 4,000 is a lot for IUI and trial transfer is easy to do and was helpful for my docs to have. I have a curved cervix lucky me and it makes it difficult to do the transfer but it was helpful to have this information when they did the real transfer.

jchow009

I agreed $4,000 is a lot.  I live in NYC and everything is expensive and I have no insurance coverage.  My IUI was quoted as 2,500.  And, somehow my insurance picked up my consulation and ultra sounds I ended up paying around $1,200.  But that with clomid.  And, I think my doctor told me if I want to do inject IUI, expect to add another $1,000 to it.

BootsOrHearts

Check with your insurance company before you sign up for the IVF - sometimes they have negotiated discount programs with certain clinics. It might mean switching clinics but it could save a bundle.

BabyVDM

ugh how frustrating!  

That is a lot of moolah either way !  I'm still crossing my fingers,and that you tested too soon.   But if this is notyou month, if it were me and I had the option I'd chhose IVF.  Like we always say. Go bigo go home.

goodluck