Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Back on Track!

Nurses and staff members calling/e-mailing to get everything set up and on track. So Dr. S finally called today. He totally apologized and agreed that no one deserves to have gone through all the stuff we have with them. He said there was no excuse and that we had a right to wonder about things due to what we have experieinced with them the last few months since the move. I guess our "fit" got their attention - maybe they will shape up for everyone's benefit!

We also discussed what he thought was best for us this next cycle and we agreed. So, we forgive them - I mean they are "the best", so I will give it all another try for a chance at a baby!!!

We are on the schedule for a July fresh IVF with no PDG! Here we go again!!! We need some blessings and luck!!!

We are off to Toronto for our friends baby's baptism - B is the god-father. It should be a fun holiday weekend!!!

Sunday, May 18, 2008

PGD consult and other gripes

So, B and I went on Friday for a consult at the Palace with genetic counselor. Consult went fine, no big realization that this will make my odds any better which I expected. The interesting part of the whole visit was our continued horrible customer service and bad business at the palace. Too many times with screwed up appointments, charges to our account that are not ours, lack of insurance filing, nurses switching, no one knowing what they are doing at all! I thought I was blowing it up a little, but when B saw it in full force he lost it! Dr. S was not there, but needless to say he got their attention. We have had several calls from staff and were told Dr. S would call on Monday when he returned. It is rediculous since they moved - I mean get you *&$# together people! I would be interested to see their stats since they moved. Our biggest concern is we have had this much trouble with them since they moved, what is going to happen with my cycle and our embryos? Losing the confidence here? I am sure all the staff hates us there now!

So, B and I have decided to do the IVF in July with no PDG. We are on the books - all depending on how the conversation with Dr.S goes - who knows?

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

What? Why?

So, I get a call from my nurse giving me the update calender and telling me that Dr. S wants me to meet with a genetic counselor to discuss genetic testing of my embryos. WTF? I have had an ectopic with IVF#1 and a failed FET, with no other fertility issues other than blocked tubes (now only one blocked tube) and am 33 years old. I only had 13 eggs last time which is what they expected and 11 fertilized with ICSI.

Why is there this urgency to discuss genetics when IVF went "SO WELL" and that I had "just bad luck with ectopic and the FET". He even went so far at our regroup to say "I am not worried - IVF will work for you". I called to ask Dr. S about this and he said (through the nurse) he just recommends this after 2-3 failed fresh IVFs - ok well that is not me yet, so why are you recommending it (another discussion with nurse). Dr. S (through nurse) says to have the genetics consult then regroup prior to IVF cycle in July and we can discuss and decide from there. He thinks the genetic testing will increase my odds and will tell us more about my IVf cycles.

Ok, 1st off - PICK up the frigging phone and call your patient and discuss these things - don't have nurse call numerous times and have to relay info they don't know. 2nd off - I still don't have the answer to why - is there something wrong or is this another attempt to make money (more consults and the very expensive genetic testing)? Keep in mind, the "palace" is doing the very new 23 chromosome testing - it is a freeze all cycle and a frozen transfer of genetically normal embryos (if any) @ 3months later (because it takes that long for the results and to recycle the body). Supposedly, it increases your odds but ok how much would it increase it for me? And if it is so new, how can you have relavant data to say it increases it?

I was all excited and positive for the next IVf and now they have freaking stressed me out and worried me about it even working at all. Anyone out there have any advise? Anyone do numerous IVF and a later one work without doing or being suggested to do genetic testing? Anyone have numerous failed IVF and then do a genetic testing IVF and it work? Any input, help, and/or hope would be appreciated!

Saturday, May 10, 2008

Back in the Saddle Soon? and other updates

Well, it has been a few months and I have taken a needed break from blogging myself. Thanks to those who so kindly checked in on me - oh I have been checking in on each of you, but did not have much to say myself or the time to write on myself. So, here is a long awaited update on me and our lives.

1. After FET failed - it hit me hard emotionaly. I think it was the combo of it failing and also flashing back to the ectopic and loss in December. My meds and subsequent hormones were way worse with the FET and that probably did not help with my coping.
2. Endometrial biopsy - after 3 weeks of waiting and me having to call to freaking get the results - Positive for integrin - thus no Lupron depot prior to next fresh IVF. This means that I have plenty of "stick um" for the little embies.

The "palace" and its move has really ticked me off - many screw ups with appointments, money, and call-backs are not making me that excited for mapying and doing another round with them - but I keep thinking about them being the best - so I guess I will at least tolerate it for another cycle at least.
3. So, when is the next fresh IVF you ask? Well probably this July if nature cooperates. We have some vacations scheduled at long last after deciding to finally do something we wanted and not put it on hold another day. Also, the main reason is.....
4. I have given my notice at my group practice and open my own practice June 1st!!!!! This is an awesome opportunity and move and I am thrilled!!!! I will be putting in a little more time in the beginning but in the long run hopefully work less and make more!!! So the last 2 months, have not been focusing on IVF (probably a good break) but focus on building, marketing, and getting a new business ready to open. For those who have been wondering - I am a periodontist. What is that you ask. Well, I do bone and gum surgery in the mouth for health, disease and esthetics. I also remove teeth, place dental implants, and treat oral medicine patients (people who have lesions in mouth, dry mouth from radiation, biopsies, etc).

Obviously, the next few weeks will be very hectic to get ready for the opening. So the vacation in June and the IVF in July when things settle down sounded good to us!

So, all is good here. Lots of positive other things in our lives that we have been trying to focus on for a little while since we have neglected them lately. I feel I am in a much better place emotionally and physically now, and will be when we do the next Fresh IVF.

More to come soon......