
What would you do??
#1
Posted 06 July 2008 - 08:32 PM
I posted this in a different forum and then I found this one. Thought I might get a different perspective from other who are over 35 and might have experienced similar cycles.
I am doing my 5th medicated cycle at the moment and am on day 7 of a really high dose of gonal-f (450 units). The reason for this is my poor response to ovarian stimulation in the past.
I had an ultrasound on Friday and was told that I had only 1 large follicle (12) and the others would likely not grow (3.5, 4, 5, and 6). They said to come back on Saturday. I did go yesterday and at that time the follicles were now at 13mm, 9, 5.5, 5.5, can see the 5th one). Here's where my question comes in...
Would you stop and switch to an IUI? I have done IUI's in the past with no luck and have 1 blocked tube so my odds are pretty bad. I need to get to 3 follicles for an ER.
The doctor also said that my lining was thin at only 3 and my Estrodial level is only about 520.
Hard to summarize everything in an post, but the doctor also said based on my history and she thinks that I could be premenopausal...and that no amount of drugs is going to help my body create enough estrogen to create multiple follicles.
I have another u/s & bloodwork on Tuesday, but need to question...am I throwing my money away on false hopes?
Any thoughts you have I would be very greatful.
Thank you
kdl
me=41 dh=44
Jan 07 - HSG - Right tube blocked
Feb 07 - Tubal Canalization perform to unblock tube - unsuccessful
Apr & May 07 - Clomid BFN x 2
July 07 - cancelled IUI - FSH too high to start
Aug 07 - 1st IUI - 2 follicles on left, 1 on right - BFN
Oct 07 - 2nd IUI - 1 med follicle on left, 1 lge on right - BFN
Dec 07 - HSG - now both tubes open???
Jan 08 - 3rd IUI - 5 large follicles - BFN
Apr 08 - 1st IVF cycle started and then cancelled due to poor response.
Jul 08 - 2nd IVF cycle cancelled again due to poor response. Converted to IUI - BFN
Oct 14 - 3rd IVF ER Oct 27, ET Oct 30 (only one 5 cell grade 1 transfered)
Nov 13 - BFN
Apr 09 - IVF #4 - BFN
#2
Posted 06 July 2008 - 08:52 PM
TTC 9 years
Unexplained infertility / mild male factor
6 Cycles Clomid - BFN
1 Laproscopy
2 IUI's- BFN
1st IVF - April 2008 - M/C @ 6 wks - OFC
1st Beta 25, 2nd Beta 87, 3rd Beta 257 BFP
2nd IVF - January 2y009 - No transfer - OFC
ER 23 eggs, 20 mature, 17 fertilized - TOTAL EPIC FAILURE - ALL 17 Embies arrested in development by Day 5
3rd IVF - June 2009 - This is it! - New Clinic - Montreal Fertility Centre
ER: June 8th - 16 fertilized eggs (no frosties)
ET: June 11th (2 excellent 8cell) & 13th (1 perfect blast)
HPT++++
June 24 1st Beta: 312 BFP
June 26 2nd Beta: 682
July 13 US: Singleton HB 130
July 25 US: HB 175 saw fetus moving
Aug 8 US: HB 165 all perfect
Aug 17 US: HB 157 all perfect
Oct 5 US: It's a BOY!!!!
Born March 3, 2010 - Julien Tristan
May 2011 - Natural BFP - Ectopic
Now trying the old fashion way - Bust
4th IVF - Dec 2011 - Back to OFC
Jan 16 - ER 11 eggs - 3 mature, 2 fertilized (OFC f**ked up again - triggered me too soon)
Jan 18 - Emergency Day 2 ET - 2 4 cell embryo's transferred
Feb 2 - Beta - BFN
5th & Final IVF - July 2012 - 3rd opinion - Hannam Fertility
Satelitte monitoring at OFC
ER - July 24
ET - July 27
Beta - Aug 10
Transferred 3 perfect embryos - 1 blast frozen
Aug 6 - HPT ++++++
Aug 8th Beta - 225 BFP
Aug 10th Beta - 445
Aug 27th US ~ 1 perfect little bean HB 120
Sept 10th US - all good HB 162
Due Date: April 16th, 2013 It's a GIRL!!!
Born April 9th, 2013 - Amelia Danica
#3
Posted 06 July 2008 - 11:26 PM
I have no particular opinion on your current situation, but I wondered if you've thought of trying DHEA? I was a poor responder too when we tried our first IVF cycle, and since then I've read about DHEA helping poor responders make more follicles. It's only available in the U.S., but I got someone to pick some up for me at a pharmacy when they were in the States.
My clinic has suggested the Flare protocol as our next step. I wondered if your clinc has had you try a different protocol?
By the way, a friend of mine had only 5 follicles when she did IVF the first and only time and she ended up having healthy twins, so you never know (although I think clinics hesitate to even try with a small number unless you insist; they don't want to mess up their stats)- just sayin'...
Good luck!
TTC since Sept 2004
Unexplained
2 x IUI w/ Clomid BFN
IVF May 2007 Cancelled (poor response)
Surprise natural preg. June 2007
M/C July 2007
Took a break after m/c
Repeat HSG June 2008 found large polyp
Operative Hysteroscopy and D&C Aug 2008
IVF #2 Nov 2008 Converted to IUI (4 follies)
Beta Dec. 1st. BFN

Another surprise natural BFP Feb 2009.
Mar 09: 9-week u/s- foetus stopped developing.
Mar 09: D&C

Aug 09: IVF "conversion cycle" cancelled. Worst response ever- 2 follicles. Last chance at ART, so we're done.
#4
Posted 06 July 2008 - 11:42 PM
I had to face a similar choice and chose IUI in the hopes I'd get more eggs next cycle. This is because I only had 4 mature follicles and then 2 tiny ones. It's a personal choice, though, and I found it a very hard decision. I hope your RE has more promising news at your next ultrasound. Good luck with your decision and cycle.
#5
Posted 07 July 2008 - 12:31 AM

#6
Posted 07 July 2008 - 10:34 AM
Sandibeach - you're right, my lining is thin - they didn't mention anything as far as it correcting itself. Hopeful by tomorrow it will have thickened.
Sweetredpepper - I haven't heard of DHEA - I am definitely going to do some research. I have always done a flare protocol - I wonder if a long protocol with BCP would work for me. I never thought of the stats...perhaps that is the reason they were pushing me to cancel - I don't think that was the only reason, but maybe some of it.
Stillhoping - You're right the follicles that they said would not grow did grow. I am thinking that I will probably lose the lead follicle, but I would rather that than losing all of them.
Nitzerette - I agree with you about the accuracy of u/s. The RE even said that part of my bowel was covering the ovary. On Friday they say 6 -7 and on Saturday it was only 5. When I asked what happened to the other ones, she said "did you see them". She was kind of short with me. Prior to this cycle I did one other canceled IVF with this clinic and then I did 3 medicated IUI's with a different clinic. I don't know if changing clinics is the answer.
Thanks again everyone - I'll post tomorrow and let you know what the outcome is.
me=41 dh=44
Jan 07 - HSG - Right tube blocked
Feb 07 - Tubal Canalization perform to unblock tube - unsuccessful
Apr & May 07 - Clomid BFN x 2
July 07 - cancelled IUI - FSH too high to start
Aug 07 - 1st IUI - 2 follicles on left, 1 on right - BFN
Oct 07 - 2nd IUI - 1 med follicle on left, 1 lge on right - BFN
Dec 07 - HSG - now both tubes open???
Jan 08 - 3rd IUI - 5 large follicles - BFN
Apr 08 - 1st IVF cycle started and then cancelled due to poor response.
Jul 08 - 2nd IVF cycle cancelled again due to poor response. Converted to IUI - BFN
Oct 14 - 3rd IVF ER Oct 27, ET Oct 30 (only one 5 cell grade 1 transfered)
Nov 13 - BFN
Apr 09 - IVF #4 - BFN
#7
Posted 07 July 2008 - 05:21 PM

m/c - September 2004 & October 2005 (both natural) / furbaby - December 2005
HSC to 'have a look' - January 2006 / HSC to remove uterine polyp - November 2007
BFN after IUI - April 2008 (puregon & ovidrel) / BFN after IUI - June 2008 (puregon & ovidrel)
Cancelled proposed IVF for August 2008. Have decided not to pursue aggressive means of conception.
--------------------

#8
Posted 07 July 2008 - 06:31 PM
Hey tryingforever,
I have no particular opinion on your current situation, but I wondered if you've thought of trying DHEA? I was a poor responder too when we tried our first IVF cycle, and since then I've read about DHEA helping poor responders make more follicles. It's only available in the U.S., but I got someone to pick some up for me at a pharmacy when they were in the States.
My clinic has suggested the Flare protocol as our next step. I wondered if your clinc has had you try a different protocol?
By the way, a friend of mine had only 5 follicles when she did IVF the first and only time and she ended up having healthy twins, so you never know (although I think clinics hesitate to even try with a small number unless you insist; they don't want to mess up their stats)- just sayin'...
Good luck!
Hi,
What is DHEA? It is so frustrating that I have been through two IVF procedures and my clinic doesn't seem to share a lot of information with me. I have had to be very demanding in order to get information. I also agree that they discourage patients if they have 5 or less follicles b/c they don't want their stats. to drop, but I think that their long wait lists are also affecting their stats!! It took me 12 months from the time I saw my GP to the time I was offered 1 cycle in Calgary!!!! This definitely affected my ovarian reserve!!
My first protocol produced 5 follicles, and we were advised to cancel the procedure. Now, looking back, I think that we should have proceeded b/c all follicles were close in size, which is what matters. The next protocol-the "flare" is the most aggressive protocol they have, but the drugs are very expensive! ($6,000). It is also very long b/c you have to go on birth control for 1-2 months before they start you on 450 IU gonal-f and usually 150 IU menopur-depending on your chemical analysis. This protocol produced more follicles, but the follicles were more separated, so they didn't mature together. The leading two follicles were much larger than the others. Much research on medline has shown that some older patients respond better to natural IVF procedures rather than more aggressive stimulated IVF procedure. However, in Canada, not many clinics do the natural IVF procedure-too time consuming. Wait lists toooooo long already.
If you doctors recommend the "flare" protocol, I hope that this has helped give you some info. about it.
Take care,
Winsett
#9
Posted 07 July 2008 - 09:29 PM
I'm at Foothills as well. I didn't realize that the drugs were that much more for the Flare. Oddly enough, I produced the same number of follicles on Clomid as I did on the IVF stims.
Anyway, DHEA is dehydroepiandrosterone (are you impressed that I remembered that?

SRP
TTC since Sept 2004
Unexplained
2 x IUI w/ Clomid BFN
IVF May 2007 Cancelled (poor response)
Surprise natural preg. June 2007
M/C July 2007
Took a break after m/c
Repeat HSG June 2008 found large polyp
Operative Hysteroscopy and D&C Aug 2008
IVF #2 Nov 2008 Converted to IUI (4 follies)
Beta Dec. 1st. BFN

Another surprise natural BFP Feb 2009.
Mar 09: 9-week u/s- foetus stopped developing.
Mar 09: D&C

Aug 09: IVF "conversion cycle" cancelled. Worst response ever- 2 follicles. Last chance at ART, so we're done.
#10
Posted 07 July 2008 - 10:18 PM
SweetRedPepper - I have thought about DHEA as well but am nervous about effects. If you have an RE you feel comfortable with, you could try asking them about it to make sure it is a good idea for you. Then again, many RE's won't recommend things that aren't along the norm.... Here's what Dr. Tom Hannam on this forum said...
DHEA for example, if taken too long or at too high a dose, can be associated with androgenic side effects like acne or hair loss. (Such changes are generally reversible, but nonetheless, supplements are not to be taken lightly and you should ask your clinical team if they are right for you).
So I guess it can be helpful but you have to be careful about dosage... I'm still wondering about it but scared to try something else new after last messed-up cycle.
Good luck everyone, wherever you are at.
#11
Posted 08 July 2008 - 09:32 AM
Good luck trying forever!
SweetRedPepper - I have thought about DHEA as well but am nervous about effects. If you have an RE you feel comfortable with, you could try asking them about it to make sure it is a good idea for you. Then again, many RE's won't recommend things that aren't along the norm.... Here's what Dr. Tom Hannam on this forum said...
DHEA for example, if taken too long or at too high a dose, can be associated with androgenic side effects like acne or hair loss. (Such changes are generally reversible, but nonetheless, supplements are not to be taken lightly and you should ask your clinical team if they are right for you).
So I guess it can be helpful but you have to be careful about dosage... I'm still wondering about it but scared to try something else new after last messed-up cycle.
Good luck everyone, wherever you are at.
Stillhoping, You're too right- DHEA does have some scary side effects. However, I do think it's worth exploring; some women in the U.S. and Europe seem to take it regularly at a low enough dose that they don't suffer from side effects. My acupuncturist recommends during the folicular phase of the cycle only, which I imagine would giv you the support needed and would mitigate the negative effects at the same time. Like so many of the other decisions we're called on to make in this journey, it's not easy. I will still plan to talk to my clinic about it if they ever call...
TTC since Sept 2004
Unexplained
2 x IUI w/ Clomid BFN
IVF May 2007 Cancelled (poor response)
Surprise natural preg. June 2007
M/C July 2007
Took a break after m/c
Repeat HSG June 2008 found large polyp
Operative Hysteroscopy and D&C Aug 2008
IVF #2 Nov 2008 Converted to IUI (4 follies)
Beta Dec. 1st. BFN

Another surprise natural BFP Feb 2009.
Mar 09: 9-week u/s- foetus stopped developing.
Mar 09: D&C

Aug 09: IVF "conversion cycle" cancelled. Worst response ever- 2 follicles. Last chance at ART, so we're done.
#12
Posted 08 July 2008 - 10:21 AM
The flare protocol (450IU Gonal F), 150 Luveris worked well on me though I was a slow responder and they had to up my meds to 600 Gonal F for a few extra days to mature as much as possible. It did work out between $5500-$6000 just for the drugs so super expensive though, amazingly, I did produce 12 follies and 9 eggs. But, I agree with winsett, two of my leading follies were much, much bigger than the others and overmatured. But, from my ovarian count, we had only expected about 5-6 follies so I was delighted with the response.
Good luck and hope you soon get more info on which to base your decision!
ds: 10; ttc: 3,5 yrs
Me: highish FSH levels, LOR
IVF 1
ER - April 9; ET - April 12: 3 embryos
Beta: April 25: BFP 355!!
U/S 1: May 9 - healthy singleton, 125bpm!
We win our own Oscar on January 5, 2009! He weighs in at 9lb 3oz.

#13
Posted 08 July 2008 - 10:22 AM
Hi there,
I posted this in a different forum and then I found this one. Thought I might get a different perspective from other who are over 35 and might have experienced similar cycles.
I am doing my 5th medicated cycle at the moment and am on day 7 of a really high dose of gonal-f (450 units). The reason for this is my poor response to ovarian stimulation in the past.
I had an ultrasound on Friday and was told that I had only 1 large follicle (12) and the others would likely not grow (3.5, 4, 5, and 6). They said to come back on Saturday. I did go yesterday and at that time the follicles were now at 13mm, 9, 5.5, 5.5, can see the 5th one). Here's where my question comes in...
Would you stop and switch to an IUI? I have done IUI's in the past with no luck and have 1 blocked tube so my odds are pretty bad. I need to get to 3 follicles for an ER.
The doctor also said that my lining was thin at only 3 and my Estrodial level is only about 520.
Hard to summarize everything in an post, but the doctor also said based on my history and she thinks that I could be premenopausal...and that no amount of drugs is going to help my body create enough estrogen to create multiple follicles.
I have another u/s & bloodwork on Tuesday, but need to question...am I throwing my money away on false hopes?
Hi, I just completed two IVF cycles. I was told that I was a poor responder to stimulated IVF. I only produced 5 follicles both times. Remember only 70% of the follicles will have eggs, which is what happened to me. My first cycle was cancelled prematurely I feel. The second cycle, the two leading follicles didn't have eggs, so I was left with three eggs. I just found out today that they didn't mature, so we are looking into egg donation. We have spent 15,000 already and just can't afford to spend more on attempts with my eggs. I personally wouldn't do IUI. I didn't have that option b/c I have tubal issues. The chances of having successful IUI transfers with tubal issues are just not good. I would try the IVF. At least then you gave it your best try. That is what I did. In my case, IVF didn't work, so now we are doing egg donor.
Good luck,
Winsett
Any thoughts you have I would be very greatful.
Thank you
kdl
#14
Posted 08 July 2008 - 12:43 PM
Egg donor was also mention at my appointment, but I don't feel that I can get into that head space at the moment.
Sooooooooooo disappointed!
kdl

me=41 dh=44
Jan 07 - HSG - Right tube blocked
Feb 07 - Tubal Canalization perform to unblock tube - unsuccessful
Apr & May 07 - Clomid BFN x 2
July 07 - cancelled IUI - FSH too high to start
Aug 07 - 1st IUI - 2 follicles on left, 1 on right - BFN
Oct 07 - 2nd IUI - 1 med follicle on left, 1 lge on right - BFN
Dec 07 - HSG - now both tubes open???
Jan 08 - 3rd IUI - 5 large follicles - BFN
Apr 08 - 1st IVF cycle started and then cancelled due to poor response.
Jul 08 - 2nd IVF cycle cancelled again due to poor response. Converted to IUI - BFN
Oct 14 - 3rd IVF ER Oct 27, ET Oct 30 (only one 5 cell grade 1 transfered)
Nov 13 - BFN
Apr 09 - IVF #4 - BFN
#15
Posted 08 July 2008 - 12:53 PM
m/c - September 2004 & October 2005 (both natural) / furbaby - December 2005
HSC to 'have a look' - January 2006 / HSC to remove uterine polyp - November 2007
BFN after IUI - April 2008 (puregon & ovidrel) / BFN after IUI - June 2008 (puregon & ovidrel)
Cancelled proposed IVF for August 2008. Have decided not to pursue aggressive means of conception.
--------------------

#16
Posted 08 July 2008 - 05:57 PM

TTC 9 years
Unexplained infertility / mild male factor
6 Cycles Clomid - BFN
1 Laproscopy
2 IUI's- BFN
1st IVF - April 2008 - M/C @ 6 wks - OFC
1st Beta 25, 2nd Beta 87, 3rd Beta 257 BFP
2nd IVF - January 2y009 - No transfer - OFC
ER 23 eggs, 20 mature, 17 fertilized - TOTAL EPIC FAILURE - ALL 17 Embies arrested in development by Day 5
3rd IVF - June 2009 - This is it! - New Clinic - Montreal Fertility Centre
ER: June 8th - 16 fertilized eggs (no frosties)
ET: June 11th (2 excellent 8cell) & 13th (1 perfect blast)
HPT++++
June 24 1st Beta: 312 BFP
June 26 2nd Beta: 682
July 13 US: Singleton HB 130
July 25 US: HB 175 saw fetus moving
Aug 8 US: HB 165 all perfect
Aug 17 US: HB 157 all perfect
Oct 5 US: It's a BOY!!!!
Born March 3, 2010 - Julien Tristan
May 2011 - Natural BFP - Ectopic
Now trying the old fashion way - Bust
4th IVF - Dec 2011 - Back to OFC
Jan 16 - ER 11 eggs - 3 mature, 2 fertilized (OFC f**ked up again - triggered me too soon)
Jan 18 - Emergency Day 2 ET - 2 4 cell embryo's transferred
Feb 2 - Beta - BFN
5th & Final IVF - July 2012 - 3rd opinion - Hannam Fertility
Satelitte monitoring at OFC
ER - July 24
ET - July 27
Beta - Aug 10
Transferred 3 perfect embryos - 1 blast frozen
Aug 6 - HPT ++++++
Aug 8th Beta - 225 BFP
Aug 10th Beta - 445
Aug 27th US ~ 1 perfect little bean HB 120
Sept 10th US - all good HB 162
Due Date: April 16th, 2013 It's a GIRL!!!
Born April 9th, 2013 - Amelia Danica
#17
Posted 08 July 2008 - 07:23 PM
TTC 3 years
Uterine polyps, high prolactin levels and tested positive for anti-cardio lipin
5 failed IUI's
IVF #1 July 2007, 32 eggs retrieved (many immature), 12 fertilzed, 9 made it to day 3, transferred 3 embbies, BFN
FET #1 - 3 embryos Oct 07, beta Nov 2nd, another BFN
IVF #2 - Nov 2007, on Lupron and birth control pill, 11 days of stims 225 Gonal F plus 75 Repronex and 150 Gonal F at night, retrieved 18 eggs Dec 11th, 8 fertilized through ICSI and 4 naturally
Transfer - 3, 8 cell embryos Dec 14th, BETA Dec 28th, BFN
7 frozen
FET #2 - June 5/08, BFN
hysteroscopy and polypectomy on Sept 25/08, removed 1 polyp
FET #3 - used up my last 4 frosties Oct 27/08
Beta Nov 9/08 125 BFP 13dp3dt
Beta Nov 11/08 315 15dp3dt
Beta Nov 15/08 over 2000 19dp3dt
Beta Nov 18/08 7365 22dp3dt
U/S date Nov 29/08, a singleton, heart beat 131 beats per minute
U/S date Dec 7/08, heart beat 160 beats per minute, growth good 8 w 2 days
U/S date Dec 13/08, heart beat 157 beats per minute, growth good at 9 w 1 day, baby moving around
U/S date Dec 27/08, heart beat 165 beats per minute, growth good at 11 weeks 1 day, baby moving around, now has arms and legs and was kicking
nuchal test US Jan 2/08 TEXTBOOK NORMAL Thank you God!
IPS pregnancy test results NORMAL, risk is 1/800 of Down's Syndrome and 1/1,100 for spina bifida
anatomical u/s NORMAL, it's a girl!
Due date July 18, 2009 in the home stretch
Sophia Anne born July 22, 2009 at 12:41 AM via emergency C-Section.
Fell down the stairs Aug 4, 2010, fractured C7, T1, T3 and 4 ribs (neck and upper spine). Still healing and hoping bones fuse on their own.
#18
Posted 08 July 2008 - 07:34 PM

Im really sorry.
Bilaterally blocked tubes discovered Dec 2007
IVF#1 June, 2008 agonist protocol
300IU gonal f, 13 days of stims. Nothing to transfer.
EPIC FAIL
IVF#2 Started BCP for Antagonist protocol Oct 9, 2008 (menopur and centrotide)
Last BCP, Nov 2, 2008
First U/S Nov 2, start 300iu Menopur Nov 7, 2008
Back for daily scans and bloods starting Nov 11, 2008
U/S showed 5 follies between 1.1 and 1.25 start Centrotide today.
Nov 13 U/S showed 7 follies between 1.2 and 1.5
Next U/S Nov 14 10 follies
Trigger Nov 15
ER date, Nov 17th
6 retrieved.
4 mature and ICSI'd, 3 dividing on day 1.
3 still alive on day 2
ET Nov 20, 2008. All 3 going back!
8 cell grade 2, 6 cell grade 2, 7 cell grade 3 put back.
8dp3dt Brown spotting
AF arrived Nov 28, WAY early, thanks a lot...*sigh*
Beta Dec 1, 2008 (what is the point? NONE)
RE appointment April 27, 2009 to discuss IVF#2, and then I think we are done. Oh well, was a fun ride? *snicker*
I swear by my life and my love of it that I will not live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for the sake of mine. -Atlas Shrugged
“Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”- Einstein.

Blinkie Maker
#19
Posted 08 July 2008 - 08:22 PM
#20
Posted 08 July 2008 - 11:06 PM
Sorry to hear about your news. I know how hard it is to hear that you can't do something. I end up in tears when they tell me I have to take a month off in between! Best of luck with the IUI - still hope.

#21
Posted 08 July 2008 - 11:07 PM
TTC since Sept 2004
Unexplained
2 x IUI w/ Clomid BFN
IVF May 2007 Cancelled (poor response)
Surprise natural preg. June 2007
M/C July 2007
Took a break after m/c
Repeat HSG June 2008 found large polyp
Operative Hysteroscopy and D&C Aug 2008
IVF #2 Nov 2008 Converted to IUI (4 follies)
Beta Dec. 1st. BFN

Another surprise natural BFP Feb 2009.
Mar 09: 9-week u/s- foetus stopped developing.
Mar 09: D&C

Aug 09: IVF "conversion cycle" cancelled. Worst response ever- 2 follicles. Last chance at ART, so we're done.
#22
Posted 09 July 2008 - 10:44 AM
Thank you for all your kind thoughts. I feel a little better today.
beauty66 - looks like we can be in the 2ww together.
Lots of baby dust to you all!
dkl
me=41 dh=44
Jan 07 - HSG - Right tube blocked
Feb 07 - Tubal Canalization perform to unblock tube - unsuccessful
Apr & May 07 - Clomid BFN x 2
July 07 - cancelled IUI - FSH too high to start
Aug 07 - 1st IUI - 2 follicles on left, 1 on right - BFN
Oct 07 - 2nd IUI - 1 med follicle on left, 1 lge on right - BFN
Dec 07 - HSG - now both tubes open???
Jan 08 - 3rd IUI - 5 large follicles - BFN
Apr 08 - 1st IVF cycle started and then cancelled due to poor response.
Jul 08 - 2nd IVF cycle cancelled again due to poor response. Converted to IUI - BFN
Oct 14 - 3rd IVF ER Oct 27, ET Oct 30 (only one 5 cell grade 1 transfered)
Nov 13 - BFN
Apr 09 - IVF #4 - BFN
#23
Posted 09 July 2008 - 12:41 PM

Sweet Red Pepper - I'll read up more on DHEA. I am just so scared to try anything new after my failed expensive experiement last time (changed diet, acupuncture). I am much too chicken. I hope your clinic calls you back soon -- that's rotten when you have to wait. I am figuring it must be a really good and a really busy clinic!
My heart is sinking a little as I hear about med costs... I just don't know where we will get an additional $2500-$4500... maybe I'll have to see if they'll try "cheaper" (hahaha -- still nearly $3000!) protocol again, or just have to accept, no more IVF. Clinic only gave me a prescription for around $3000 worth of meds but now I'm thinking this is just a starting point... maybe they don't want to scare you right off the bat with the big-ticket med prices.... Where there's a will, there's a way, maybe. On 225 IU Puregon and 75 Repronex, I produced 4 mature eggs and two "teenagers" so maybe I won't need that much?? I'm hoping I respond well to higher dosage and it doesn't run that high in cost, but of course you have to have the funds in place if it does. It is all worth it if it works but for us, it is really a case of having no additional resources. We spent it all on acupuncture. Feeling down... maybe will grab some of that disallowed caffeine to perk me up. (Always healthy to rely on stimulants....) (not!)
#24
Posted 09 July 2008 - 01:40 PM

Make sure they have run the full gambit of tests on you -- some women have posted that they went through several IUIs or IVFs before the doctors realized that there was something else going on (i.e. male factor, or polyps / cysts or whatever). You want all your money to go to what has the highest chance of working.
Good luck!

m/c - September 2004 & October 2005 (both natural) / furbaby - December 2005
HSC to 'have a look' - January 2006 / HSC to remove uterine polyp - November 2007
BFN after IUI - April 2008 (puregon & ovidrel) / BFN after IUI - June 2008 (puregon & ovidrel)
Cancelled proposed IVF for August 2008. Have decided not to pursue aggressive means of conception.
--------------------

#25
Posted 09 July 2008 - 04:11 PM
I agree with getting as many tests done prior to forking out the "dough". Have you by chance had an antral follicle count done. It is where they do an ultrasound (they same as when you are cycling) on a non stimulated cycle and then are able to look at your ovaries to see just how many follicles are waiting to be stimulated. In my case there were only 8 and for the most part not all of them will be stimulated - hence my situation.
The other test I did is the chlomid challenge test. You have blood work done on day 3 to see what your FSH and estrogen is at. They you take Clomid or 5 day. After the 5 days you get another blood test done to see where your FSH and Estrogen is at. I believe this along with your antral follicle count can be very helpful in predicting what the meds will do for you. And to boot, they are not expense tests and fairly quick to get done.
Best Wishes!
kdl
me=41 dh=44
Jan 07 - HSG - Right tube blocked
Feb 07 - Tubal Canalization perform to unblock tube - unsuccessful
Apr & May 07 - Clomid BFN x 2
July 07 - cancelled IUI - FSH too high to start
Aug 07 - 1st IUI - 2 follicles on left, 1 on right - BFN
Oct 07 - 2nd IUI - 1 med follicle on left, 1 lge on right - BFN
Dec 07 - HSG - now both tubes open???
Jan 08 - 3rd IUI - 5 large follicles - BFN
Apr 08 - 1st IVF cycle started and then cancelled due to poor response.
Jul 08 - 2nd IVF cycle cancelled again due to poor response. Converted to IUI - BFN
Oct 14 - 3rd IVF ER Oct 27, ET Oct 30 (only one 5 cell grade 1 transfered)
Nov 13 - BFN
Apr 09 - IVF #4 - BFN