2nd Opinion -- Thoughts on plan?

jszy10 · April 2014

Hey ladies!

So yesterday I went for my 2nd opinion appointment at another facility, just to really get a feel for what someone else may think about my history. The RE was AMAZING!! She took the time to really listen to my history and what we have gone through, and then took awhile to go through and explain the different treatment plan options and the different scenarios she could see for me.

She started by explaining that my case is an example of one of the hardest to diagnose, because on paper there is no reason why I shouldn't be conceiving. Ugh...right!?!

Her first talk was about oral medications and IUIs -- which I have had 5 cycles of so far. Even though I know DR Google has told me this already, it was still confirming to hear from a professional as well, that after 3 or 4 IUI's, the chance for conception really does diminish. She assured me that she would be comfortable doing a few more with me if that is what I wanted, but she wanted me to be informed before moving forward. She said that if she were at 5, she would most likely be done.

Her second talk was about injectables and IUIs -- which I thought would be my next move, but for some reason my RE seemed to have other plans. I now understand from her explanation of my numbers, that I have a VERY high chance of overstiming (My AMH is 5, can't remember my FSH off hand). She said if it is something I would want to try, then she would hesitantly agree, but she would not suggest it and foresees me having a canceled cycle.

Having said all of that, she finished with IVF. She explained that my chances of conceiving with IVF were MUCH higher, and that I had a good chance of producing lots of eggs that I can freeze for future use. Of course, IVF is where they make their money I'm sure, but she did seem very honest through the whole discussion.

SO...through all of that...here are my thoughts moving forward:

I have unlimited coverage for IUIs, oral meds and monitoring. I gave myself a limit of 6 IUI's, and I feel that I need to at least give myself 6 chances before moving on. CD1 started today, and I do plan on doing one last Clomid + Dexamethasone combo + IUI #6. After that, I plan to take 1 month break, which would take me to the end of the school year (I'm a teacher). During that break time, I plan on doing an IVF consult and preparing for IVF #1 in July. The clinic I plan to go to is almost 4 hours away, so I'm hoping to be able to do my monitoring here, and just go there for the procedural parts. The package includes frozen transfers for up to 1 year after my fresh, so I will at least be able to try 1 frozen transfer before heading back to school in early September.

I just wanted to share this plan with you ladies and get your take/opinions!?

Pintobean39 · April 2014

Sounds like a good plan. Good Luck!

gsancho · April 2014

Sounds good! Normally, I'd say to try injects after a number of IUIs, if IUIs are covered by insurance...but your AMH is pretty high, so your RE makes a good point. Good luck!

jszy10 · April 2014

Thanks @Pintobean39 and @gsancho. I kept wondering why my current RE wasn't moving me on to injects, which he brought in conversation as an option awhile back, but I feel like I understand a lot better now. I had 3 mature follies with my last clomid/dex combo, and she just thinks that if I can get 3 with oral medications, that I will get too many with injects -- even with a low dose.

I've been feeling for the last few months that I really wanted to try a few inject/iui cycles, but I guess it would suck more to pay for the injects and then have a canceled cycle.

BunnyBerry · April 2014

What a wonderful RE, and her explanations must really help take the pressure off of you! Too bad the drive is so long, but hopefully they will be able to arrange your monitoring closer to home.

I'm a teacher too, and it's such a relief to know we have a couple cycles of break coming up, isn't it??

Since IUIs are covered, it makes a lot of sense to do one more Clomid/IUI cycle, in keeping with your original plans - especially since you have a couple cycles before summer break.

Your RE's ideas sound right on. I think it would be frustrating to get a bunch of follies and then have them go to waste. Hopefully you won't even need to get to the IVF, but I am glad the timing works out great if you need it. Good luck!

jszy10 · April 2014

Thanks so much ladies!!

@snedge -- that is basically what I was told too. I would be paying OOP for injects, and she just didn't see the benefit in me paying for them with the likelihood of being canceled. What is your next plan!?

Sami14vb · April 2014

Having an RE that times the time to explain things to you is amazing! I haven't seen my personal RE in months (I go to Kaiser) but thankfully my nurse practitioner that I see most of the time is amazingly encouraging and supportive. Best wishes to you!

jszy10 · April 2014

@nariadreaming -- I was actually curious about the same thing...wondering how I would respond.

I was approved for 50% off through both First Steps and Compassionate Care programs, so that definitely helps. No insurance coverage though.

lebradford · April 2014

I think your plan sounds great!! Good luck!

nswain85 · April 2014

That sounds like a great plan!! It is encouraging to hear about such positive appointments with goals and a time line

good luck!

jszy10 · April 2014

Thanks so much for your support ladies! I feel very comfortable with where we are headed, and that says a lot for what I felt over 7 months ago when I started this whole process. I am thankful that my DH has been so supportive and saying we will make this happen financially and not to worry.

jencity9 · April 2014

The new RE sounds great!!

theholmanherd · April 2014

gsancho said:

Sounds good! Normally, I'd say to try injects after a number of IUIs, if IUIs are covered by insurance...but your AMH is pretty high, so your RE makes a good point. Good luck!

This. Good luck!

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2nd Opinion -- Thoughts on plan?

Re: 2nd Opinion -- Thoughts on plan?

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

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Want a personalized experience?

2nd Opinion -- Thoughts on plan?

Re: 2nd Opinion -- Thoughts on plan?

Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motilityIUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFNIVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!

Choose Another Board

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Me 33, DH 37 -- TTC since Jan'12 -- Low AMH (0.78) & endo, SA w/ low motility
IUI's 1-3 = BFN, IVF converted to IUI 4/13 = BFN
IVF 1.2: 8R 6M 4F -- 2 blastocysts frozen, FET 8/15 = BFP!!
Beta #s = 445;1,098; 9,545 -- EDD 5/2 -- Team Pink!