RE giving up

cacklemonsta · June 2013

So last week we went in for our WTF appointment after IVF#2 failed and my RE basically said that after 2 failed IVFs with poor response there's nothing more they can really do. He is referring us to another clinic that is 3 hours away from us because he thinks they MIGHT be able to help because they have been open much longer. I live in Alberta, Canada and we only have 2 clinics in Alberta, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary.

Do any of you know what might be causing the poor response to stims? I tried doing some research but the only things I could come up with were DOR or POA. But neither of those are indicated because my AFC was 17 and my last two FSH levels were 6 and 4.4. I'm just confused and frustrated as to why this doesn't seem to be working.

JennySC34 · June 2013

Don't give up b/c ur RE doesn't have the answers! I switched RE's and that was the best decision I ever made. Also, there is a shared risk program called Attain Fertility you might check into that you can pay back monthly. It is feasible to continue this process! I wish you good luck and I'm sending up thoughts and prayers that you will know the next best step! I don't have the answers but I wouldn't give up just yet. Get a second opinion first!

intheplanningstage · June 2013

My first RE was not my best experience-I'm so glad I changed. I know it sounds like you have limited options in your area, but some places work with out-of-town people. Shady Grove treats people from all over. They will do phone consults and work with places in your area to do preliminary testing, and then you'd just have to travel to the DC area for the actual procedure. I realize that may be far fetched but they are great at what they do. Maybe there's another place in the States that is closer to you that offers the same thing. Good luck!

jschwind22 · June 2013

I think that a RE recognizing his/her limitations and referring when necessary is the best and most ethical thing that could happen. You wouldn't want your RE to continue if he/she doesn't feel confident that they can help you. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes perhaps from a different perspective could come up with a new protocol that could make all the difference. I know that rrdiva just switched clinics and now is doing IVF #3 with a whole different protocol that her new doctor suspects will make a huge change for the better. After 2 failed cycles I think it is absolutely wise to be getting a second opinion. Good luck!

liz4paws · June 2013

I'm really sorry you're going through this. Have you had your AMH tested? If not, I would recommend you do so. If it's low, it could explain DOR/POF. I had a great AFC (14-16) and great FSH (around 6) yet my AMH was undetectable. And I am DOR and had no response to stims. It may be a piece of the puzzle that could help, and was the only indicative sign in my case.

I wish you loads of luck, this process is not easy at all. Hugs!

Lacyj67 · June 2013

I too am a poor responder and had 3 failed ivfs. Very discouraging. I had normal numbers besides my very low almost no exsistant AMH number.
My RE said it could be something so little in my hormones that some or most testing may not catch why I don't respond to max doses of stims. I decided to go donor and chose not to keep putting all the money towards my own eggs at this time but if I had the money I would of gone straight to c.crm. Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

Keephope2012 · June 2013

*ticker warning*

That is super frustrating! As you see in my ticker my first two IVF attempts were cancelled because of terrible response. My third try was with a microdose Lupron flare protocol and from what I'm reading in your siggy it does not look like you have tried that. Maybe ask your new RE about that? I would agree with AMH testing and if low ask about DHEA supplements. When I was in the phase of trying to figure our poor response to stims I know thyroid issues were a question. Also for what it's worth, my RE recommended a high protein low carb diet that I did prior to and during IVF#3. Don't know what worked for our last try but I certainly thought it was worth a try!

Good luck!

zazu13 · June 2013

My AFC was also 17 and my FSH ranged from 5-7 with an AMH above 2. These did not predict my poor response to stims. My first cycle was canceled with almost zero follicle growth after 7 days. On subsequent cycles I was able to get as many as 11 eggs. I agree with the above advice to find an RE who can find a better protocol for you respond to. Sorry you are going through this, but don't give up yet.

rrdiva1 · July 2013

jschwind22:
I think that a RE recognizing his/her limitations and referring when necessary is the best and most ethical thing that could happen. You wouldn't want your RE to continue if he/she doesn't feel confident that they can help you. Sometimes a fresh set of eyes perhaps from a different perspective could come up with a new protocol that could make all the difference. I know that rrdiva just switched clinics and now is doing IVF #3 with a whole different protocol that her new doctor suspects will make a huge change for the better. After 2 failed cycles I think it is absolutely wise to be getting a second opinion. Good luck!

ok I I love a good shout out thanks schwind

seriously op I could shake your dr. hand for referring you! I did see that you get about same amount of eggs as me, but your bloodwork seems stellar, so probably a protocol change is needed. I went through 3 fresh ivf and 1 fet before switching dr. I think it is smart of you to move on! So far I am responding well! Gl and if you ever want to talk pm me!

rosemary&thyme · July 2013

I know it's really far away but I've heard amazing things about Victoria Fertility. You can have a phone consult and just go stay there for the retrieval and transfer. I know saying "just" is obviously easier said than done but if you're already looking at a place that's 3 hours away, it could be something to consider. Good luck!!

cacklemonsta · July 2013

Thanks everyone! All of your responses have made me feel A LOT better about this. I'm pretty sure I have had my AMH tested, I just don't know the #. I will definitely ask that when I go to the new RE. I'm hoping that the change in REs will be what I need to get and stay pregnant.

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