Happy Thanksgiving

Things I am thankful for:
- my husband D, with all of his annoying optimism in regards to IF.
- D for putting up with all of the pets (and barking...and litter boxes)
- Our families for their care and concern. They don't always 'get it', but they're concerned and helpful in every way possible.
- my little ratties for the snort-snorts, kisses, and general admiration. Sometimes a gal just needs it.
- medical science for providing the technology that makes it even thinkable for us to have children.
- good insurance
- a flexible PT job
- heat, air conditioning, and a roof over my head each and every night.
- my friends for listening and comiserating

less than 3 weeks away!

The flights are booked, car rented, dogs taken care of, cats taken care of...

We're going to Denver!

The nurse sent us the itinerary for the Day. We are seriously booked from 8am to 5pm for the entire day!
Tests, blood draws, samples, Xrays, sonographs, counselling session, Dr. consults... almost one stop infertility shopping.
(can I have a discount please?) Coupon code anyone?

One step forward

December 10, 2007

That's the date of my (our) day-of-testing at the new Clinic in Colorado.

Very exciting.

Must...book...airfare...

CCRM update!

This morning we had our CCRM phone consult w/ Dr Surrey. It went well. He had lots of ideas of what could be going wrong, and how to test / look for the problems. He also suggested a couple of different protocols to try if we cycle again. (still on the fence about that) Regardless, he said he wanted some tests done to see if we could narrow down the problems w/ my eggs (genetic abnormalities? poor quality? low ovarian reserve?). He didn't think D was an issue b/c the early m/c problems are usually egg related. SO, I need to wait and talk to one of the nurses in the morning to see when we could schedule the next step. That means I'd be going out to Denver either the 1st or last week of December or the 3rd week of January for testing.
He also recommended the Clomid challenge test, I'd be interested to see how I handle that, too...

I've never been to Colorado... it should be fun*

*as much fun as one can have when being poked and prodded...

Anywho, the Dr. was chock full of 'next steps', we just need some testing and then make a decision.
Could there be hope in Colorado?

Infertility Holiday Cheer

This is a *REAL* email I got yesterday... I just had to post it (identifying details have been omitted), because it was just too funny.
***********
Dear Annie,
 
*XYZ fertility* is determined to help you in your journey to have a family, and wants to assist you in the best way possible. We know the process can be exhausting, both financially and emotionally. That is why, financially, we would like to offer you a 10% discount from our customary fees, starting November 15th through December 15th.
*snip* 

With kindest regards,
The Staff of XYZ Fertility

***********

I wonder what you get with 'inventory reduction' or 'buy one get one' specials?

The cost of Infertility: twelve and a half fight back

This my first foray into blogtivism, compliments of Bri over at unwellness. Organized by Mel at Stirrup Queens. Infertility effects 12.5% of the TTC population. Beyond that, the stats get a little fuzzy. Most treatments are not covered under insurance policies because it is not deemed a "medical condition". Leaving many out in the cold, with 2nd mortgages, penniless, and with empty arms hoping for a miracle that will bring them a baby of their own.

The costs of infertility treatments vary by clinic, region, and state. There is no mandated coverage in Ohio, where I live. We do have insurance* that does cover some of our expenses. *We pay ALOT for insurance, over $700 a month through dh's company, which is self insured. That's $8400 a year for our premiums alone. For that cost, they should cover something!
All prescriptions have been covered. We just have a copay that varies based on the type of medication. My last IVF cycle totaled $14000 for the meds ONLY. We paid $500 (two $250 copays, because I needed refills!)
$8200 per IVF cycle. Insurance covered only monitoring- $1100. not ER and ET, and no lab fees (ICSI, AH)
Oh, and we did that twice in 2007.
$8800 for drugs for my first IVF cycle, we paid $250 copay.
$300 for a 2nd opinion (next week!) at another clinic. IVF there runs $20,000.

This year alone, our total for medical expenses above and beyond the $8400 insurance premium comes to $17,700. I'm sure I'm forgetting to include some things in that amount. Like the 2x weekly accupuncture for the 2nd IVF cycle. That was $650.
Or the mileage and copays for all of the dr. appts and blood draws. $500, easily. That brings the amount to $18,850.


There is A LOT of money in the infertility 'business'. Donor eggs and sperm are costly, and mostly unregulated with regards to donor compensation. We are looking at some other options right now. All are expensive. Adopt from Russia= $30,000. Donor Egg IVF= $30,000. Adopt domestically=$20,000. Regular IVF at Big Clinic= $20,000.

There are no guarantees with anything. There is no 'cure'. There is no solution. And there is no mandated infertility coverage. Something has to change.

What I'm Reading

I've been reading The Infertility Cure by Randine Lewis this week.

It's interesting.

Have any of you have any experience with her methods? Has anyone gone on one of the 'retreats'?

Just curious to see what the word is on it.

It's not like it could be any more unsuccessful than IVF...