IUI # 1 is a go

Today is CD 1. I knew this cycle was a bust. Now, I am not sure if I am upset because I got my period, or happy that I did.

Let me explain. Of course I am disappointed that I am not pregnant - so this is where I would be upset for my period. But, I DID get my period.

Why I am happy I got my period:

1 - Ovulating in itself is a great thing for me.
2 - Getting my period means I do not need meds to force a period
3 - This is my second period with a 31/32 day cycle - which is SOOOO much better than 110 days
4 - My Luteal Phase (LP) was the normal range (13 days)
5 - I am now moving on with a plan.

So, as you can see, getting my period is not the end of the world. I will go on with my plan and try to stay positive.

So, here is my plan for this cycle:

Today = CD1
Friday = CD3; bloodwork and U/S & CD3-CD7 = Clomid 100 mg
Feb 1st = CD 10; HSG (not happy about this timing because it means no sex until then)
Feb 2nd = CD 11; bloodwork and U/S to check lining and follies (I hope there is enough)
Feb 3rd or Feb 4th = CD 12/13; possible trigger with Ovidrel
Feb 5th??? = CD14; possible IUI

Now, since in the past I did not do well with the Clomid, I am hoping that since now my cycles seem to be a little more in check I will respond better this time.

I do not want too many follies because I would hate to cancel the IUI. So, for now, the trigger and IUI dates are just tenative.

Of course, I will keep this blog posted with updates

I'm sure this cycle is a bust

I am 12 dpo and it still is a BFN. I have been cramping since I got the postive OPK so I doubt this cycle is going to work. I just don't feel it. I know, I know, you are not out until you get your period, but I am counting this cycle as a bust.

Next cycle will be my first IUI. So, if this cycle is busted, at least we are moving foward with treatments.

Speaking of which. First a disclaimer - yes, I know it is great to have IF insurance...I am very greatful for that. There are so many woman that have to pay our of pocket...which is going to make the following complaint seem petty. But, it is still a frustration that I am dealing with. I KNOW others who have to pay out of pocket have to deal with so much more.

Only part of my meds are available through my local pharmacy. All injectables are only covered by a "mail-order" pharmacy. And only one.

So, in the past two weeks I have been dealing with crappy customer service reps. I have gotten mis-information, call disconnects, flat out rudeness, etc. Thank God I decided to fill the meds right away instead of waiting for the actual IUI cycle. It has taken 10 days to finally receive confirmation that the meds are covered and will be shipped to me. If I waited until CD1 or CD2 to order the meds, (and based on the same turn-around time) my meds would only get here on the day that I would need to start them (approx day 12/13). So, frustrating.

Plus, don't these people know that IF makes people (well me at least) total biotches?!?!?! I just can't deal with crappy customer service at this time.

I do have to say that once I got a hold of the IF customer Service area - well, all was well. She calmed me down. When over some mis-information. You can tell that only the nice people work in the IF area.

So, at least the meds are on their way.

Yeah I tested....whatever

Did you really think I would hold out until Sunday. Nah....I knew I would get a BFN - I mean it is only 9 dpo. I guess another reason why I like to test early is a negative test doesn't seem too upsetting. It's like...duh, I knew it would be negative. So, when I do get my BFP...it really will seem like a shock.



On another note, I am so excited to be meeting some ladies from theNest. We are meeting in the city for lunch. I have done this locally with just NJ nesties and I love that I can have a regular conversation and not have to explain terminology or anything. I am EXCITED!!!!

Accuracy of Early Pregnancy Tests

I know you can test as early as 10 DPO and get a possible +HPT. I love to test early. In 15 months I have only gotten negative results. Of course I get disappointed, but I guess if the result was postive I would be glad that I knew so early.

So, here is a list of the accuracy of early HPTs

HPT Accuracy Results Percentages: (Based on a 25mIU sensitive test)
10 dpo : 35%
11 dpo : 51%
12 dpo : 62%
13 dpo : 68%
14 dpo : 74%
15 dpo : 80%
16 dpo : 88%
17 dpo : 92%

I am only 8DPO so I still have a few days before I can possibly test. But, I will probably only use the internet cheapies for a few days and then use the FRER later on and only if I get a positive on the cheapies.

Hopeful

I am so hoping that this is it for us. We have an IUI with Met/Clomid/trigger scheduled for next cycle if this cycle is a bust. As much as I would be OK with an IUI, a huge part of me still wants to get pregnant without any assistance.

It does feel good to have an actual plan after 15 months, and I am glad that I made the RE appointment.

When the RE flat out said, "yup, you definately ovuluated on your right side" it really gave me hope that it would work this cycle. Our timing was perfect, but I really think that the stress kind of gave my husband some "performance anxiety" so we will have to wait and see.

I like to test early, but I have a GTG with some T-TTC nesties on 10 DPO......so, I will probably not test that day. So the earliest I will test will be 11dpo on Sunday.

It is nice to be under the care of an RE. If I do get pregnant this cycle, he will monitor me until I am released to an OB. So, I will probaby still have betas and a possible early U/S. That was one of the main questions I asked at my first appointment.

1st RE Visit

I think the first RE appointment could have been VERY overwhelming if I did not have a lot of knowledge beforehand.

First - I liked the doctor and the office staff are great. The nurses really seemed like the cared and answered all my questions.I met with Dr. Darder first to go over my history. He looked at the bloodwork that was done at my OBGYN and answered some general questions.

After the little Q&A session, it was off to the internal U/S where he verified that I did in fact ovualte on my right side.

Then, he printed an u/s sound picture to show me the classic "ring of pearls" around both of my ovaries. Yup, PCOS. And I guess based on my bloodwork, he is thinking insulin resistant PCOS.

He is also concerned that I probably have scar tissue from when my appendix was removed (only 2 months prior to TTC). My appendix was badly infected and was cryptic (full of holes).

He was also concerned that I may have scar tissue on my cervix from when I had abnormal cells removed or that the cervix might not be producing enough CM because of the damage to the cervix. So, after all that, he is recommending IUI from the start.

That said, if I am lucky enough to get pregnant this cycle, then we will not have to worry about any thing.

But, if I am not pregnant, here is the plan:

Starting today- Metformin 1000mg 2x a day
CD 3: Bloodwork and U/S
CD 3-7: Clomid 100mg
CD 5-10 HSG
CD 11: Follie Check & bloodwork
trigger with Ovidrel
IUI

It is a lot to take in all at once. The IUI was kind of what I was expecting....but I really did not think pcos or the other stuff. So, I guess it is good to have a plan now.

Oh - I also asked them about the 2 year thing. They said that all stuff leading upto IVF do not need approval. Only IVF is considered "treatment" so if we get to that point, it will probably be close to 2 years. So, basically everything is covered. There are a few IVF things that are not covered, but I guess we will have to make some decisions if we have to go that route.

First RE Appointment is tomorrow

I am not nervous about it , I guess. But, I called my health insurance yesterday just to be certain that I do not need a referral...I don't. BUT, when I was talking to them, they imformed me that their definition of IF is 2 YEARS of trying.....not the one year that I was originally told and totally not what the medical term of IF means.

I asked them how they know if has been two years....expecially since we have only had this insurance company since Aug 1, 2007.

The woman on the phone said that the inital consultation is covered, it just would be the treatment that would fall under the "trying for two years" crap. And after the consultation, the doctor sends the insurance company a letter about what the problem may be, the types of tests needed, the course of action to be taken, etc. The insurance company bases it's answer on what the doctor tells them regarding how long we have been trying. They also said that they are not able to verify things that occur in your personal life - just what the doctor says.

So, now I am thinking that since they have no access to my payment records (from the payment of BCP) since this is a new insurance company maybe I can swing it.

Plus, I have been trying since 2006, so this is actually the 3rd calendar year that we are trying (2006, 2007, 2008) - maybe the doctor could be slick in the wording so that it is up to interpretation. I am in my second year of tying, so maybe 2 years is that interpretation.

Plus I found out that even if it is approved, it could take 30-45 days for that approval. Which means it could be another 2 months to start any type of testing and/or treatment.

I am so wishing that I get pregnant this cycle (positive OPK yesterday) and I do not have to go through this crap with the insurance.

Yes, I know we can pay out of pocket....and I know a lot of women do. But, as many of you know, it is really expensive and if the insurance will pay for it, I guess I will just have to wait.