So we've officially started our IVF journey. The appointment
at the fertility center yesterday went well. Everyone was very nice and
helpful. We got to talk to our doctor about our issues and what we've already
tried and tests that were done. We learned a couple different things from the
visit. First the remaining tube that is blocked is most likely the result of a
cyst I had removed from it during the ectopic removal surgery a few years ago.
We also learned that I have PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome), which
essentially means I have a bunch of little cysts covering my ovaries because I
haven’t been ovulating and my hormones are all out of whack. Which would explain
why I've felt more “crazy”, my cycle has been irregular, plus the weight gain
and difficulty to lose weight since the surgery. So as much as that all kind of
sucks, it’s nice to know there is a reason for them. So today I started two different meds. One to
help start regulating my periods and another to help balance out my hormones.
I have an
appointment scheduled for next Wednesday to do a uterine water ultrasound to
make sure my uterus is healthy and normal and then another appointment on June
8 with our IVF coordinator to go over a care plan. Brandon got his blood drawn
yesterday to run some tests and he will have to have a semen analysis done. But
we've got the ball rolling.
The
biggest obstacle will continue to be the cost. We got a break down of the costs
yesterday at the appointment. Our insurance will help cover some of the
diagnostic stuff but nothing for the actual infertility treatment. The Cycle
fee is $7,900 but then you have to pay for all the meds separately which ranges
anywhere from $3,000-$6,000 plus the cost of the Anesthesia ($350) when they do
the egg retrieval. Then there is the cost of freezing the eggs for future use
($750) and the cost of storing them ($500) per year. And the money all has to
be paid up front before you start your first cycle. So we’ll have to figure
that out. But we are really excited to finally have some answers and a plan. It feels good to be doing something instead of just waiting.
Thank you again so much for all your love and support! We really appreciate it!