Wednesday, September 22, 2010

IUI #3 – Cleared to Go!

Had my CD3 bloodwork & ultrasound this morning, and we’re officially a go for IUI #3! Here are the results of my bloodwork – everything looks good for CD3.

Progesterone: 1.45
LH: 6.97
FSH: 5.40
Estradiol: 77.5

No cysts, lining looks good for now, so I’m supposed to start meds tomorrow – 75 of Gonal-F. They didn’t want me to start today, because then I would need to go in for monitoring on Friday, and they wouldn’t see anything. So they asked me to start meds tomorrow, and then my first monitoring appointment is on Monday. They really don’t like to work on the weekends…

Got all the meds yesterday. Phew, that was almost hard. But the amazing thing is I now have a medication that is paid for by insurance – Lovenox. I get all my meds from Freedom Fertility, and they quoted me $1,082 for 30 days of Lovenox. Oh my goodness – that’s a lot. Especially considering if this IUI actually works, I would stay on this med until after delivery! So I called my insurance company, found out they covered it because it’s not an actual fertility med – just a regular old blood thinner. So I asked Freedom Fertility to use my insurance on that med. Turns out the insurance company wouldn’t pay Freedom Fertility because of the word “Fertility” in the name, so we transferred the script to my local grocery store pharmacy. Then the insurance company agreed to pay it. Guess how much my copay is - $7! So excited about this!!! Finally I like my insurance again. We’ve had a bad relationship considering how much I’ve been paying for fertility meds and treatments this year…

Between the meds yesterday and paying for the IUI including monitoring today, I’ve spent $4,000 in two days. Ugh. Hate this part.

Will be an interesting cycle. Just mapped it out on my handy calendar. I go to Austin this weekend (watching a UT game!), so I’ll need to keep the drugs cool in a cooler during the day while it’s left in the car, and will be shooting up in a hotel. Then during the IUI, the hubs will be in California for work, so we won’t be working with fresh spermies – have to freeze them next week. (We’re having an argument as to who has to drop off his two samples. The office where the IUI is done is an hour away. I don’t want to make the trip – during work hours – 4 times. I already have to do 2 for the IUI’s – don’t you think he should have to do the sperm drop-offs??? I wonder who will win this argument…I think it will be him. grumble grumble…) And after the IUI’s, during the 2ww, we’re going to Maryland for a friend’s wedding. I’ll be on Lovenox at that point, so I’ll need to fly with needles – need to get a doctor’s note for that one. Hopefully with everything that is going on, the time will go by fast.

This is my third IUI, and I’m not nervous about any of it. Until the end. The shots, the ultrasounds, the bloodwork, the IUI’s, no big deal. I can handle all of that. A BFN? I could probably handle that as well, although it would really suck – really suck. What I’m really scared of is a BFP. Because that starts the worry, the fear, all of the anxiety. If all this results in a BFP, I’ll be so afraid of losing another baby. But I need to not focus on that right now. Just worry about the everyday stuff – the shots, the monitoring, figuring out the next steps. The rest I’ll worry about later.

23 comments:

  1. goodluck on this cycle alex!!! let #3 be the charm for you :o) xoxoxoxo.

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  2. Don't you just love how either way we are all screwed. I really, really hope for a BFP!!!!! And a healthy pregnancy and baby!!! Nice work with the insurance company, think of all the money you just saved :) (its like when you find a random $10 in your jacket pocket)

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  3. LOVE the $7. And the idea of you 'shooting up' in a hotel room!!! :)

    But wow, $4000. Damn.

    I know what you mean about dreading the bfp. And then even when you do get it (hopefully this cycle!), it is very very scary, like opening the envelope with your SAT scores in it, x1,000,000! Ooohhh-- I am so excited and anxious for you.

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  4. Awesome! Woot! 7 buckaroos!

    Not sure if you follow Hannah from Life Happens, but she's been blogging about taking Loven.ox lately. You should check her out.

    http://ngowhitcombfamily.blogspot.com

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  5. YES! So glad you got the green light for IUI#3. I hope this is it for you. You know what they say about the 3rd time being the charm. :)

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  6. Wow, $7! What a bargain! So excited for you for the third time, hopefully the charm for a stick babe!!! It is nice to have distractions. Best of luck this cycle!!

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  7. What a relief that your insurance covered that script! I had no idea how much an injectible IUI cycle cost - that is a lot! You will do great when you see that BFP and I am certain it will be this cycle!!

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  8. Good luck to you! Glad to hear that all systems are go! :)

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  9. Good luck!!! And, that is WAY awesome about the Lovenox prescription.

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  10. Awesome news about your insurance! That feels really good, I'm sure. One step at a time is right. And remember that you'll be in a different place medically with this cycle, so there's no reason to worry about a miscarriage!

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  11. Finally some good insurance news! Yeah on the $7!

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  12. WooHoo for $7 for the Lovenox!! Best of luck this cycle!!

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  13. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Isn't it great that Lovenox is covered under your regular prescription plan??! I don't pay anything for it right now since I've met all my deductibles and maximum out of pocket. If I stay on it into January, then it will cost me $1K a month!

    I haven't had any side affects of the Lovenox. At first my hubby was shooting me up with it and it causes A LOT of bruising! But then I had to learn to do it myself because he was going out of town and since then, I hardly bruise at all! Such a difference from when he did it.

    While I don't have any known blood clotting disorders, my perinatologist is recommending that I go off of it. I'm still thinking and praying about that. But in your case, since you have been diagnosed with MTHFR, then the Lovenox should help out a lot.

    I'm sorry for all your previous losses, but I hope and pray that the next BFP will stick around for 9 months!! Good luck on your journey!

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  14. Good news on getting started again and GREAT news about the savings you were able to make. I know the hole IF drugs, treatments and exams can make in your finances but like they say when it all goes well.. it's the best investment you'll ever make! Yeah that's true but still.. I just wish our insurances would realise we are not doing this for fun or for "cosmetic" purposes and actually pay up for this!!

    Anyhow... I am keeping everything crossed for you and praying for one healthy pregnancy!! Sending you lots of positive energy!!!

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  15. Oh Alex, I am already keeping everything crossed. Of course the outcome is going to be scary no matter what actually...when we have been through so much already celebration seems to be much further than it was the first time around.

    On the sperm: yep I agree, it's his job!

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  16. Alex - that's great about the Lovenox! I love Freedom Fertility. They're actually really good, I think. They always ask me if my insurance doesn't cover something with them do I want my prescription transferred to someplace that does have a contract with my insurance. Anyhow, I'm really hopeful for this IUI for you! I'll be following along and keeping all fingers and toes crossed for a BFP and a successful pregnancy!

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  17. Sounds like you are starting with a beautiful slate. And I think it's actually great that you have so much going on this month, to keep your mind off of things. We did an IUI cycle with frozen swimmers. And we just shook our heads at the marvels of science in this modern age:)

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  18. Good luck Alex!
    I'd also say that sperm is his job. You'll have to go for almost everything else already.

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  19. So happy you're only paying $7 for the one drug - although that 4k still stings like a bitch....

    Hope the hubs steps up - it's is job to deliver the sperm in my opinion :-)

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  20. Great day three results! Good luck. Everything crossed.

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  21. Good luck! Sending you prayers and blessings! I've been through 2 IUIs myself! maybe no 3 is the lucky one...

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  22. Great news all around! Wonderful that the Lovenox is almost fully covered. I know how hard it is to want that BFP yet know it will start you on an anxiety trip-so just take it one day at a time. Still here for you and glad you are back!

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  23. good news on the meds :) And yes, the pouring out of money just stings doesnt it?

    i am the same as you now. I dread a BFP as much as a BFN. Because oh the waiting and oh the heartbreak...I really, truly, honestly, deeply hope that you get a BFP and a smooth, smooth 9 months and a lovely baby at the end :)

    xxx

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