Last month of trying by natural means...any suggestions? (losses mentioned)

jilligan14 · March 2015

Hi ladies!

I brought this up in the weekly check-in thread but it seems to warrant its own thread.

I've been ttc #1 for 2+ years now (really trying hard in the past few months). Went to a fertility specialist (maybe he was an RE?) back in December, 2013. We thought it was covered by our insurance (that's what they told us) but then found out it wasn't and were left with a huge bill after only 2 visits (took us a year to pay off). They diagnosed me with PCOS but everything else seemed fine (can't remember all they tested for but I was told my egg count was high). Hubby's sperm was phenomenal (close to 1 billion per ejaculate, fast & furious swimmers - even the doc was jealous). But due to our insurance, we can't afford any fertility doctors, at least not at the present moment. Have been seeing my OBGYN and she's tested my progesterone at 7dpo (it was very low). During this past weekly check-in, @kindershlitz suggested doing an HSG. Does anyone know if I can get that done through my OBGYN? Does it help with ovulation or just conception?

As far as the things I am doing, I've been exercising regularly, eating a low-carb diet, taking Vitex (for several months now), flaxseed oil, prenatals, Vitamin E, Inositol supplements (suggested by my OBGYN), pre-conception tea and just started CoQ10. I feel like some of these things are working because I got pregnant twice last year by natural means (amazingly enough, the first time we weren't trying due to travel and had only slept together ONCE that whole cycle! I was literally blown away). Sadly, both ended in M/C, which the OBGYN thinks could have been due to my low progesterone levels (I now have a very expensive progesterone prescription to take next time I O). I'm also using OPK's and temping. It looks like I'm not ovulating every month, so that seems to be the main problem.

I'm currently on CD6 and we're going to ride this one out and continue doing all the natural methods. We're discussing doing Clomid next cycle if I don't O this month. I'm a bit nervous about drugs because I've always been super sensitive to *traditional* medicine and usually get some (or all) of the side effects when I go that route. But am also tired of sitting around and waiting to O every single month.

I'm open to ALL suggestions - both natural and traditional. I know a lot of this is a big mystery and that something that works for one person might not work for another person. I also know we're all struggling to find our way here and that I'm not alone (which is why I find a lot of comfort in being part of this group!) But I figure I might as well keep trying everything I can. Also trying to find affordable ways because our insurance isn't the best at the moment (obviously working on that and trying to find a better option). And of course, I'll pay the big bucks for something if it's absolutely necessary...

Please feel free to share you thoughts, experiences, ideas, wisdom and support. Best of luck to everyone else this cycle!!

2pupsnokids · March 2015

My HSG was covered by insurance. I was given a script by my obgyn and made an appointment at the xray place. My obgyn gave me strict instructions not to mention to the techs that I was having it done because we were having trouble conceiving. When asked directly, I told them I was having discomfort in my abdomen and my doctor thought this may reveal any abnormalities. I realize this was dishonest, but it allowed the tech to fill in the proper code for my insurance company, so it would be covered. My obgyn would not put me on clomid before getting an HSG, because he said if there was a problem, with a tube being blocked for instance, clomid, letrozole or anything else he could prescribe wouldn't make a difference. An HSG is also one of the first things (other than blood work) that an obgyn will do when trying to ascertain an issue. Any RE you go to will ask to see the films and results anyway, so it's an initial step. The procedure itself didn't hurt in my experience, and the tech said that often it 'clears' out any obstruction, so women often get pregnant within three months of the procedure.
Good luck!

hooligans4 · March 2015

I want to say first that a HSG does not help ovulation or conception. It checks to make sure your tubes are open. Some people get pregnant the cycle after but I'm sure that is more coincidence as most people it does not happen.
Please, please, please do not take clomid unless your gyn monitors you properly. Most do not.
Have HSG first, if tubes are not blocked and they do prescribe clomid you need mid cycle sonos to check how many mature follicles you have and to check the thickness of your uterine lining.
Clomid can cause high order multiples and permanently damage your lining, making it too thin to sustain pregnancy.
You can only take clomid for six cycles for your entire life.
I'm not even sure if that is the right drug to take with PCOS. I have heard of woman taking medformin( not sure of the spelling) and a few other meds.

I have never taken any fertility drugs and I'm just going by my years of being here and hearing all the stories of other ladies here. I do have PCOS but because I have two older children I have chosen not to do fertility treatments.
I feel your pain and wish you well.

emsmama15 · March 2015

I agree with @hooligans4. Please don't take clomid without proper monitoring. You can end up with higher order multiples, cysts, or a really thin uterine lining. Even WITH monitoring, my lining was so thin on clomid I was worried I wouldn't be able to sustain a pregnancy.

Have you considered acupuncture? I love love love getting acupuncture. It relaxes me and relieves my anxiety. It hasn't gotten me pregnant yet but I'm hopeful. And it makes me feel better (calmer) so it's worth it even for that.

.

Good luck!

kindershlitz · March 2015

My HSG was majority covered even though it was billed under an infertility treatment. Mine was ordered through the OB. My dr said rates are increased three months following this procedure because although tubes may not be blocked debris can be in there and it clears a path for sperm. So really it's a conception thing vs ovulation.

I agree with acupuncture. However since we are oop and going through fertility treatments, we chose not to continue. I've read on here there are co-op type groups (and groupons) to help with costs.

Some people drink raspberry tea, maybe that's the tea you're drinking.

I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimotos which is related to my thyroid. This was discovered by a couple blood tests and simply treated. I now see an endocrinologist, non-TTC related but could have been contributing to my issues.

I remember another person on here who had bacterial vaginosis that could have been contributing to her problems and put is here as a psa.

Sounds like you're going in a good direction with progesterone supplements if your levels are really low.

Next time you see your OB I would be very frank about your concerns and see if she can run as many tests as possible for you. My monitoring on Clomid at the OB was covered and I responded to it ok. Now working with my RE he prefers Femara and stated it comes with less side effects (although I was emotional on both personally) I did not have any true side effects on either. I dislike taking medication very much but have become used to it. But I get your feelings there.

I ovulate regularly, have taken the above prescriptions, and had two iuis. I have not been able to get pregnant in 21 cycles. I'm thinking my egg quality is the issue and there isn't a great test for that until a retrieval from what I understand.

URMySunshine77 · March 2015

I'm sorry to hear that you are in a difficult place. It sounds like you have been taking care of yourself really well. YH's SA results are fantastic!

We have been trying for almost a year now and have decided not to proceed with medical interventions. DH and I just don't feel very comfortable with Clomid; it's just our personal choice. I don't think ours is the right choice for everyone. The RE said that he wouldn't even suggest doing an IUI without using fertility meds in conjunction.

I am doing acupuncture, vitamins, and trying to improve my diet. The only missing piece of information that I wish we had is DH's SA. My TSH is *slightly* elevated, but I don't seem to have hypothyroidism.

I hope that you find the right pathway for you. I agree with the others' advice. Definitely get an HSG. Clomid users should be monitored--and even then it still thins some users' lining. Good luck to you. XO

jilligan14 · March 2015

Hey all,

Thanks for your input, ideas and support. I spoke with my OBGYN and she said she can't do the HSG, I'd have to go back to the fertility clinic. It's not covered by insurance and would cost $1,000. She seems to think it's a good idea to get it done but wow, everything is just so pricey!!

Yes, the tea I'm taking has raspberry leaf in it. I have tried acupuncture in the past, for other issues, and always enjoyed the relaxation it brings. Don't know for certain if it really helped with other problems in the past but it did seem to help with balancing my moods, etc. So I'll look into that again.

I'm now feeling super nervous about Clomid! I've had my doubts from the beginning and am now even more hesitant to take it. So not sure what our next step will be...Guess I'll see what this cycle brings and keep searching for answers.

Thanks again for taking the time to share your ideas! I really appreciate it.

2pupsnokids · March 2015

I'm sorry insurance won't cover it. Sometimes I wonder what insurance actually does, because it doesn't really seem to cover much. It totally sucks. Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I took clomid for three months, and only 50mg.

Teenie16 · March 2015

I agree with the others about the hsg. Felicity treatments are not covered at all under my insurance. So my RE have the name of a couple hospitals and told me to call for their price. One was $800 the other was $370 but was an hour away. I tried others around town and they ranged in price up to $2500. Since we too were all oop we took the hour drive. I don't know where you're at but calling different hospitals may save you a bunch of money.
I also tried Clomid with my iui's and was very worried about the side effects but my body responded well to it, other than the severe mood swings I didn't really experience any.
Everybody is different so your experience will probably be different than others. But if you decide to go that route please make sure you dr monitors you.
I also go to acupuncture. I LOVE it! It definitely helps with stress. I used to go for general wellness then found one that specializes in female reproduction and she is amazing! I know I get more out of seeing her than I did with my old one. What I have noticed is that I don't notice that it's working I notice that it stops working if I don't go for a while.
This journey is hard on everyone that has to go through it. It sounds like you're on a good path with the progesterone and your ob. I wish you the best of luck on your journey

emsmama15 · March 2015

I agree with @Teenie16. I noticed a change when I first started acupuncture in October, but I really notice now when I skip a week!! I also think you should call around and see where else you may be able to get the HSG done. I got mine done at a hospital that my RE refers patients to. There may be other cheaper options near you.

*** previous pregnancy mentioned ***

My intent was not to scare you away from Clomid. Just to encourage you to advocate for yourself to have some monitoring. Being cost conscious, the bare minimum you should have is a baseline ultrasound to check for cysts (usually done on CD 2-3) and a mid-cycle ultrasound prior to O to make sure you're not making 6 follies and that your lining isn't too thin. I actually did get pregnant using Clomid the first time, my lining was at 5mm if I remember correctly, and I carried my baby girl to term (did progesterone suppositories for first 13 weeks). So, believe me, I think Clomid is a god-send. If it didn't thin my lining all to hell, I'd have taken it again in a heartbeat. Side effect wise - I swear I felt the follicles growing and my ovulation was painful - I knew which side I'd ovulated on. Basically had cramping from about CD5 through O. And I was a bit ragey and had a headache while taking the med - that went away when I stopped taking it. I hope things get better and you get your BFP soon.

(sorry for the novel!)

jilligan14 · March 2015

Thanks for the suggestion @Teenie16 and @emsmama15 about looking into different hospitals and prices for the HSG. I'll call around and see if I can find a cheaper price.

I'm not sure my OB could monitor me on Clomid like suggested. I'll ask her about it. When I've had ultrasounds before they were super pricey (even when covered partially by insurance). Having a couple in one cycle seems quite expensive for us. But I'll look into it and see what OB says. I go back and forth with the whole Clomid thing. Sometimes I just feel so impatient and want to take the drugs so I can ovulate, and then I feel like I should just wait and my body will ovulate again naturally (eventually). Ugh, it's all so exhausting trying to figure out what to do!

One more question: My OB wrote me this prescription for progesterone (the kind you insert into you every day). She says to take it right after ovulation until AF shows, or until 10th week of pregnancy (if I get pregnant). But when I called CVS pharmacy, it looks like it's not covered by insurance and costs $315 for a 15-day supply. Does this seem normal or is this crazy expensive? I haven't had time to call around and see if it's cheaper elsewhere. My OB says there isn't a cheaper option (like a non-brand name, etc.). I just wish more of these things were covered by insurance...

emsmama15 · March 2015

That seems really expensive. Is it prometrium?

kindershlitz · March 2015

Ouch! I had an oral progesterone rx. It wasn't very much and mine was covered. Maybe that's helpful, maybe not. However when I purchased my trigger and Femara I went through a mail order fertility pharmacy that offered some discount. Maybe that could help? It was called Mandell's out of NJ.

I can see why you're hesitant about this stuff. I agree though you'll need u/s to make sure clomid is helping you ovulate and not thinning your lining.

There are some financial help companies for fertility. My RE works with ARC (Advance Reproductive Care). I don't know if you have any desire to go there but you could check out.

jilligan14 · March 2015

The OB prescribed a crionone gel/cream, which you insert internally. She says this is the best form of it. I asked her for alternatives and she said there are none. I wonder if I should get a second opinion? I mean, it sounds like other people have used other things, such as an oral pill. I'll also check out those places @kindershlitz suggested. Thanks for all the input!

emsmama15 · March 2015

Ask for vaginal prometrium. That's what my RE prescribes and I think it's relatively cheap.

Teenie16 · March 2015

I would say look into another pharmacy. I get the same thing it sounds like and mine is half that price. And my insurance doesn't cover it at all

jilligan14 · March 2015

@Teenie16 what pharmacy do you use? I've been calling around and the price seems pretty similar (give or take a few dollars). Are you still taking progesterone now? Thanks.

CTinNV · March 2015

I'm sorry for what you've been through, especially with insurance. It is so hard to have "coverage" that actually covers so little! My thoughts mirror most of what is already posted here so just know I am thinking of you and hope you get the treatment and monitoring you need.

Teenie16 · March 2015

https://www.mdrusa.com/

There are 2 locations in Los Angeles. They use some manufacturer coupon so they are about $10 each.

Yes I'm back on them now...

I hope they have a location near your OR ask your other pharmacy if they can use the same type of coupon. Good luck. I'm so sorry that you are going through this

jilligan14 · March 2015

@Teenie16 - thanks for the reference to MDR! They are able to ship the prescription at an affordable price and the whole order is half price of what it is at any other pharmacy. The only thing is that they only let you use the coupon 4 times. But my husband found a company in Canada that sells crinone for half the price here so we're looking into that also. Boy, it sure takes a lot of work to find an affordable way to deal with all these things!

Teenie16 · March 2015

@jilligan14 I am so glad that it worked out for you!!!

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Last month of trying by natural means...any suggestions? (losses mentioned)

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