just had our 1st RE visit!

sarah_beth2005 · March 2013

Hubby and I had our 1st RE visit today - I can't even begin to express how good it felt to sit down and talk to someone who obviously knows what he's talking about, who answered all our questions, and gave us a game plan moving forward. I left the appointment feeling 10 pounds lighter, since I feel so much less stress about our infertility struggles already!

Since I'm already 7 days into my current cycle, I just had bloodwork done today to check testosterone and other hormone levels, and to find out if I'm a carrier for cystic fibrosis. When I start my next period, I'll call to schedule a day 3 ultrasound, and if that checks out, then I'll start on Menopur and Femara for our first IUI. His office will have me come in again around day 7, and possibly a third time if needed, before the IUI. His PA was super nice and said that when I come in for my ultrasound, she'll teach me how to mix and inject the medication. I'll have a trigger shot as well, with the IUI within 24-36 hours afterwards. From what I've read on this board, this sounds like a pretty typical protocol, so I'm happy with this plan. The RE said we'll try it for 2 IUIs, and possibly change the medication mix for 1 or 2 more IUIs, and then re-group and discuss other options (probably IVF). In the meantime, it just feels really good to have a plan. I feel more hopeful today than I have in months. The RE said with this protocol, we have a 25-29% chance our first IUI attempt, and approx. 20-25% chance for the second and third. I really appreciated his approach to IUIs - his office doesn't cancel the IUI if too many follicles (more than 3) are present; instead, they'll do a minor procedure to remove the extra follicles with a needle so that I can still go forward with the IUI and not waste a cycle (or waste the expense of the injectables).

I called yesterday and spoke with my insurance company, and apparently I'm covered for up to 4 IUIs (lifetime max), and injectables are covered. So - definitely keeping our fingers crossed that the IUIs will work, since that's just minimal out of pocket expenses for us.

All in all, it was a really good visit. I feel like we're in good hands!

twistsandturnsto2 · March 2013

Can I ask why you are moving straight to injects without trying Clomid or Femara first? Also, Without a siggy, we can't see your history or dx.

sarah_beth2005 · March 2013

Sorry - I don't know how to create a siggy yet.

I did an intro a week or two ago that has my background. I've already done Clomid. Hubby had a good SA, and my HSG came back fine.

sarah_beth2005 · March 2013

Thanks!

JennyS86 · March 2013

Good luck with your new plan! I also had my first RE visit this week. I am a little bit behind you in terms of testing, so I will have the hsg and shg next cycle. I was surprised, even after learning so much on this board, by the shee