Conference moira::parenting_v3

Lori & SO

I wish you success in your adventure.

As the father of an IVF son, Alexander (2yrs) and his natural brother Jeremy
(5months), I can appreciate your excitement. Having met many other IVF children 
I can vouch that they are just as much trouble as non-IVF ones, and just as
lovable. 

All the best,
		Martin

    Well ... my IVF cycle starts in May.  I have one more month of IUI now
    in April (my 5th try at CLOMID/IUI) and then on to IVF.
    I hope it works for you, Lori.  I hope it will work for me too. 
    
    Good luck and let us know ...  your cycle will be one month ahead of
    mine!!
    
    Debby
    

    How many appointments a month will you be having (blood tests, 
    ultra-sounds etc)? Where is your "IVF team" located?
    
    Cyn

    I'm glad to see someone started up another note on infertility.
    I started a couple last year but there hasn't been much activ-
    ity lately.
    
    I too am in my 2nd cycle of IUI with Clomid/Metrodin/Progestrone.
    The hospital I go to will do 3 IUI cycles and then probably
    IVF.
    
    The place I go to is New England Memorial Fertility Ctr. in
    Stoneham.  My Dr. is Dr. Vito Cardone.  So far I have been
    very pleased with him and all his nurses.
    
    I go alot for blood/ultra-sounds.  They have me take Clomid
    on days 2-6.  Then I go for bld. and u-snd. on day 6, they measure
    the follicles and start me on Metrodin (preganol) and I have
    to go for bld. every day for almost 2 wks.  When I get near
    the IUI they do u-snds. to untill the follicles are mature
    enough.  When they are they give me Profasi to triggar ovulation.
    Then they do 2 consecutive days of the insiminations.  Then
    I am on Progestrone shots for 2 wks. they do one bld. test to
    test the Progestrone level after 1 week and then a pregnancy 
    test 14 days after the insiminations.  My Dr. even has you
    stay on the Progestrone for 3 months if you do get pregnant.
    
    Well, enough about me....
    
    Deb

    
    My doctor is part of the Brigham and Women's hospital fertility group.
    His name is Mark Hornstein;  I really have been very happy about the
    treatment and him.
    
    I had mild endometriosis which was cleaned up during a laparoscopy. 
    The rest is *very* normal.  I am taking CLOMID from days 5-9 of my
    cycle and have insemination on the day and the day after my LH surges. 
    I test for the LH surge at home with QTEST - very reliable.   My
    endometrial biopsy during a CLOMID cycle was right on; therefore, no
    need for progesterone for me.   My ovulation and LH surge is very
    predictable; therefore, there has not been a need for US (ultrasound).
    Blood work is done when you take Pergonal to check on hyper-stimulation 
    of the ovaries.
    
    Although I will not start the IVF cycle till May 6 or so, I understand
    there are many trips to the hospital in the morning for blood and US
    work.
    
    I'm also glad this note has got some momentum ...
    
    Good luck to all of us!
    
    Deb
    

    Just had to say how great this notesfile is....and this note!
    
    What a gift to have such a wonderful support system right at our finger
    tips.  
    
    When I first started this note I thought I was in the reply mode to
    Note 105.  I wrote the moderator asking her to move it, but now it
    seems like its a good idea to get a "New" note started on infertility.
    So Moderator...please don't move 828 to 105!  Thx.
                                             
    Getting kinda nervous/excited about starting our IVF Cycle on the 24th,
    but then living on an emotional roller coaster is not a new thing in
    the life of infertility.
    
    Will keep all of you posted while I go thru my cycle and let you know
    all the wonderful things my body is experiencing...and the not to
    wonderful things!
   
    Success of the "Biggest" Kind wished for All of Us!!!
    
    ..Lori

    I've got a question for you IVF folks.  I have heard before
    that when you do IVF you are on "bed rest" for the 2 weeks
    after the embrio transfer.  Do all Dr.'s require that?
    
    For IUI I was told just to do my normal activities after the
    insiminations, no restrictions.
    
    I think my insiminations this month will be right around the
    25th, so next week should be kinda interesting for a couple
    of us.
    
    I'm with you guys...here's wishing us all SUCCESS!
    
    Deb

    Re: .7
    
    My doctor told me that 48 hours rest is the prescription after embryo
    transfer.  I can't imagine what you would need two weeks for.  The
    procedure is painless and the 2 days rest is to give the embryo's the
    best possible chance of implanting.
    
    Hope that helps!
    
    ..Lori

    Re:.7
    
    I was also told to rest for 48 hours after IVF for the same reason as 
    Lori.
    I was also told to rest for 24 hours after egg retrieval for recovery.
    After my IUI inseminations I go home and rest for the day, although it
    is not prescribed by my doctor.  According to my doctor, after
    insemination you can exercise.
    
    Deb

For a general discussion of fertility/infertility, see note 105.

    Well I had my first appointment yesterday for the start of my IVF
    cycle.  Just did an ultrasound and blood work, the doctor wanted to
    make sure that I had ovulated before he starts me on the Lupron.  I
    had so I started my injections last night.
    
    For those of you who have anticipated the worse about having shots
    (like me!), let me tell you first hand that the Lupron is a piece of
    cake.  I prepared the shot and let my husband stick me and it really
    is painless.  The needle is so sharp and tiny that you hardly feel it
    go in.  My hubby was very relaxed about doing this and that helped me
    stay calm.
    
    Next appointment is on Saturday, May 4th...for another ultrasound and
    blood test, prior to starting the pergonal shots.
    
    I will keep you posted!
          
    ..Lori

re .11:

>           Just did an ultrasound and blood work, the doctor wanted to
>   make sure that I had ovulated before he starts me on the Lupron.  I
>   had so I started my injections last night.
    
>   Next appointment is on Saturday, May 4th...for another ultrasound and
>   blood test, prior to starting the pergonal shots.

I don't understand.  Pergonal brings on or increases ovulation.  Why start
it after ovulation?       

    With IVF the cycle goes like this:
    
    Day 1 - You phone the doctor to let him know that you have started
    Day 20- You go in for an ultrasound and blood to ensure you have
            ovulated
    Day 20- If you have ovulated you start on Lupron for approx. 10 days.
            The Lupron shuts down your ovaries so the Doctor will be able
            to control your cycle.
    Day 28-->32  Will have a period during this timeframe
    Day 2 or 3 of your period you will start on the Pergonal
    
    For the timeframe that you are on the pergonal (somwhere from 8-10
    days, could be more if you haven't stimulated properly... cycle can
    be canceled do to under/over stimulation)
    
    Doctor monitors follicle growth by ultrasound.  When eggs have matured
    he gives you a shot to trigger ovulation..on to egg retrieval...embryo
    transfer...progesterone shots.
    
    You actually go thru two periods before you start your Pergonal.
    
    Did I answer your question?
    
    ...Lori
           

Thanks.  Is Lupron always used in the previous cycle?  Is this standard
procedure for IVF, or is it only done when there's some hormonal problem?

    Pergonal can stimulate ovulation.  Usually people need the HCG to
    trigger ovulation, but part of the reason we are put on Lupron is so
    that we won't surge ourselves.  In IVF they time ovulation to the
    minute, which is 36 hours after the shot of HCG is given.
    
    My doctor didn't want to start me on the Lupron until he knew that I
    had ovulated because he saw a cyst during my ultrasound, which he said
    could be just this kind of cyst that is normal to see after ovulation;
    but if I hadn't ovulated and he started me on the Lupron that it could
    make the cyst grow...so thats why he ran a blood test to make sure.
    
    I have another friend here at work that goes to the same infertility
    specialist I do and she has an ovarian cyst; she is on Lupron (not sure
    if it is the same exact med/dose I am on) to shrink her cyst.  She
    doesn't take daily injections, I think just one or two shots a month.
    
    For the most part from what I know (which is pretty much in the
    learning stage of IVF), the Lupron shuts down the ovaries..puts the
    doc in control so he can time your ovulation in order to make egg
    retrieval a success.
    
    ..Lori

    Well todays the day.  My IUI is this afternoon, and again tomorrow.
    
    I also may have a cyst.  Last week when the DR. did an ultra-sound
    on day 12 he saw 4 follicles that measured 10-13 on the u/s machine
    and one that measured 23.  He told me the one that measured 23 was
    realy out of wack with the others and suspected that it may be a 
    cystic follicle.  (I've been on Clomid and Metrodin and those
    meds can cause cysts)  He gave me another u/s on day 16 and
    the 4 follicles had grown to 14-17 and the one that he suspects
    is a cyst was 30.  I'm not sure what the measurment is cm or mm?
    Those are the numbers he keeps using, he told me that anything 
    over 15 is usualy good for fertilization they like to see it
    around 19-25 by the time you ovulate.
    
    I was'nt sure if he would still be able to do the insiminations
    this month with the cyst.  But he said it's ok.  He told me
    it may even be a realy big follicle, maybe even left over from
    last month.
    
    So I took the Profasi (HCG) yesterday afternoon and I'm off
    this afternoon for the first IUI.
    
    Gotta run,
    
    Deb

Hi

I am interested in the egg retrieval and embryo transfer process.
Will one of you brave people who has experienced (or will soon 
experience) this describe the process?

Thanks,  Margaret

    Hi Margaret,
    
    I'm brave, but have not gone thru the procedure yet, but hopefully will
    if I stimulate properly to the Pergonal and make it to egg retrieval.
    
    For egg retrieval you can have it performed two ways.  I will explain
    the way I am having it done.  It is thru ultrasound guided needle
    aspiration.  The doctor will put you in a twilight sleep, you will not
    be under general.  The doctor uses the ultrasound probe to locate the
    ovaries and guide the needle to them.  You are suppose to experience
    no pain.  The needle is guided along side of the probe and the eggs
    are aspirated from the ovaries.  You will be groggy afterwards, but
    nothing like if you were under general.  
    
    With embryo transfer its a very quick and easy procedure from what I
    have heard.  You are under no meds, some people will request something
    to help them relax and minimize the cramping (valium, etc.).  The
    doctor threads a small cathetar past your cervix into your uterus and
    deposits the embryo's.  You will probably experience cramping similar
    to the tube dye test, strong period cramps...more uncomfortable then
    painful.  Alot of doctors, including mine will take a test run first,
    which I have been told is called a "sounding", to make sure everything
    goes smooth during the actual procedure.
    
    Hope that helps!
    
    Lori

I think egg retrieval used to be done by laparoscopy, but it's now usually
done as described in .-1.

	Thanks for the description, Lori.  And good luck.
	I hope the procedure works.

	Regards,  Margaret

    Re: .14
    
    	Gerald,
    
    	Unlike Lori, my Lupron starts the day I have flow (not spotting!).
    	I forget the reason why some women are given Lupron starting in the
    	previous  cycle and some (like me) are given at the start of the period.
    
    	Also, for the egg retrieval I will be getting a spinal anesthesia.	
    	For the embryo(s) transfer, there is not need for any pain
    	medication - they use a catheter, just like in IUI.
    
    	I'll look in my folder from my IVF class to see if they explained
    	in there why Lupron for some women are started during the previous
    	cycle.
    
    	Debby

    I just had my retrieval done this past Sat. and my transfer two days
    ago on Monday.  I am at IVF Australia, and I know that all the programs
    are different.
    
    Lupron will have a different affect depending on what point it is taken in
    the cycle.  Towards the end of the cycle, after ovulation, it will
    down-regulate you which in effect turns your ovaries off.  Then they 
    can have more control over your cycle and the pergonal
    dosage.  When it is taken during the
    beginning of the cycle, it causes your ovaries to flare and your
    hormones to surge, and it is coupled with Metrodin to create alot of
    follicular growth.  Lupron can also be taken at the begining of the
    cycle to down-regulate, but it can take a little longer since the
    ovaries flare first before they are suppressed.
    
    I have never heard of doing a spinal for the retrieval.  I was
    put into a twilight sleep which worked fine for me.  I didn't have
    the same side effects of general anesthesia.
    
    Lisa     

    Lisa,
    
    How many eggs did they retrieve?  Did they tell you what size
    they were?  And how many fertilized embryo's did they transfer?
    
    Will they take a preg. test in a couple of weeks?  Or do you 
    just wait and see if your late?  Also do they have you on any
    med. now?
    
    Sorry for all the ???'s.  One more IUI and then on to IVF
    for me.
    
    Good luck to you!!!
    
    Deb 

    They retreived 17 eggs, but all but 5 were immature.  Those 5
    fertilized, and they were all excellent quality.  They put back 3 then
    froze 2.
    
    I am on Progesterone suppositories now.  I have to take a pregnancy
    test even if I start my period.... Some people start a cycle even
    if they're pregnant.
    
    Lisa

    I'm taking Progesterone shots right now.  My Dr. has me 
    on them even just for my IUI cycles cause my progesterone
    levels are a bit low.  Right now I am on 1 and 1/4 CC,
    tomorrow I will go for blood test to see how my
    level is and see if my dosage changes.  Then I will
    have my preg. test at the end of next week.
    
    Keep on write'n....
    Deb

    Just a little encouraging news for any of you starting the IVF
    procedure.  My sister and her husband have been trying for years
    to get pregnant.  They have been through all the testing and fertility
    drugs.  A month or so ago they had their first IVF procedure and it was
    successful!  She is now 8 weeks pregnant with twins!  She had an
    ultrasound on Monday and everything looks fine.  Heartbeats were 149
    and 148.  She is using the IVF Australia program in Waltham, Ma I 
    believe.  
    
    So, think positive.  It does work sometimes.
    
    joan

    Joan,
    
    I'm so glad to hear another success story with IVF Australia.  I have
    just recently sent in my application and am waiting to hear from them
    on my consultation.  I have been trying to have a 2nd child for almost
    5 years and have just recently completed 7 cycles of
    Pergenol/Lupron/IUI, etc with no success. 
    
    How long did it take your sister from the time of her consultation to
    the point of beginning treatment?  I figure I won't be able to start a
    cycle until September, if then.  I don't really mind though, because at
    this point of going non stop for almost 5 years, I need a break.  
    
    Cheryl
    

    Hi Ladies!
    
    I just finished my first IVF cycle, unfortunately it was not a success.
    
    The good news was that we had 10 eggs and all of them were mature. 
    Also all 10 fertilized, so atleast we made it to embryo transfer which
    was a very good sign.  It was also good to make it thru a whole cycle
    because it relieved a lot of anxiety I had over what each step would
    be like.  For me it was a piece of cake...speaking of the physical
    procedures.  The shots were okay...my husband got to be an expert with
    the needle, the egg retrieval was a piece of cake (I was asleep!); and
    embryo transfer was painless.
    
    The emotional roller coaster down after receiving the news of a
    negative pregnancy test was not fun...but when is it.  I think with
    IVF you just are a little more aware of things becuase of the 5 weeks
    of heavy participation the cycle demands.
    
    We are starting our next cycle at the end of July and I am really
    looking forward to it.  Having a rest month in June has been kinda
    tough, but I think the time did my body and brain good.
    
    I live in Laguna Hills, California and go to the Hoag Fertility Center
    in Newport Beach.
    
    ...Lori

Of the ten embryos, how many did they implant?  Did they freeze the others?

    Out of the 10, four were implanted.
    
    We lost four due to "Polyspermia" (more then one sperm entered the
    egg).  My husband has a very high count and also scored extremely
    high on the SPT, so next time the doctor is going to put less sperm
    with each egg.
    
    Two were frozen and when we get our frozen bank built up we will
    attempt a "Thaw Cycle" probably after a fresh cycle.
    
    ..Lori
          

    Cheryl,
    
    I just spoke with my sister.  They sent their application to IVF in
    January and had their first appointment in April.  She said you have to
    wait for the cycle to be right.  She in now 9 weeks along and
    officially through with the IVF program.  Now she will see a regular ob/gyn
    for the rest of the pregnancy.
    
    joan
    

    Just a short update on my second IVF cycle.  I'm in the middle of the
    stimulation piece (Pergonal shots) and responding very well.  Have
    about 20 eggs right now that are split between the two ovaries.  Looks
    like egg retrieval will be sometime next week.
    
    Feeling a little bit more on solid ground this second time around, but
    it never gets easy from the time of embryo transfer until you take the
    pregnancy test.  Atleast having gone thru one cycle, I'm a lot less
    anxious about all the procedures and that helps.
    
    Anybody out there?!?
    
    ..Lori

    Well I'm still floating on that pink cloud pinching myself trying to 
    determine if I am dreaming or not.... I'M PREGNANT!!
    
    This second cycle of IVF was a tough one and I practically gave up all
    hope.  Egg retrieval was twice as much work and recovery due to lots of
    eggs...all 19 were mature and top grade!  Embryo transfer went smooth,
    but the 72 hours that followed were of intense pain; due to ovaries
    with many follicle sacs filled with fluid...and if that wasn't enough I
    got kidney stones!  I figured no way could any of these four embryo's
    implant under so much pain and stress....once again I find out that I 
    don't know everything.
    
    We took our pregnancy test on "Labor Day"...seemed appropriate.  The
    doctor and I kept missing during the day cuz we were both at family
    barbecues, but we finally connected at 8:00pm.
    
    As of today I am 6 weeks pregnant and High Risk for the first
    trimester, so were not out of the woods yet....but its a real blessing
    to know that I can get pregnant, something we wern't sure of.
    
    IVF is an experience you can't really describe unless you've lived it.
    It's a ride on an emotional rollercoaster that takes your feelings to
    places you never thought they would go.  But every second is worth it
    to pursue your dream of being blessed with a child.
    
    In my lifetime I have experienced hysterical anger..hysterical sadness,
    but this is the first time I can say that I've experienced hysterical
    joy...and its the best feeling in the world!
    
    Thanks for all your support!
    
    ...Lori

    Lori,
    
    Congratulations and good wishes on your pregnancy.
    
    
    Bernie
    

    
    congrats for sure, Lori;
    seems like we will be doing this uphill climb together!
    
    Marvelous!
    
    Monica

I was just thinking about you, Lori.  Congratulations!!!

       Carol

    
    Congratulations Lori!  I'll be thinking of you.
    
    (and still smiling with Monica's good news!)
    
    Chris
    
    

    Add mine to the warm wishes.  Congratulations, Lori.

Lori, that's wonderful news.  We went through three unsuccessful IVF 
cycles, so Pat and I can identify with what you said about it.  Our story 
ended happily since we have an adopted son who is the light of 
our lives!  Good luck with your pregnancy -- keep thinking positive!

Steve

    Congratulations, Lori!  That's wonderful news -- and gives some hope to
    the rest of us.
    
    I was curious, though, about something.  You said there were 19
    follicles, but then only 4 fertilized.  Do they try to fertilize all 19
    or just take a few?  Do they insert more fertilized eggs than they
    expect to actually "make it" (i.e, could you be carrying quadruplets?).
    Just wondered how it all works...
    
    Best wishes!
    
    Janet

    Hi Janet,
    
    There were 19 follicles and all 19 fertilized.  We lost 6 this time to
    "Polyspermia" which is when more then one sperm enters the egg.  They
    transfered 4 and froze 9 for future thaw cycles.  At the Fertility
    Center I go to they transfer 4 embryos for IVF and that gives about a
    30% chance of implantation.  78% of the time only one implants and 22%
    is multiples with the highest of that ration being twins.  Triplets and
    Quads are not the norm but they do happen and thats the chance you have
    to take.  Some doctors due selective abortion, but this is not
    something that we even considered.  I have a saying that goes like
    this, "God never gives you more then you can handle so if He gives you
    a lot take it as a compliment!"
    
    I have had three ultrasounds since my pregnancy was confirmed and the
    last one indicated only one baby, the doctor seems 100% sure that there
    are no hidden surprises!
    
    I got to see the baby's heart beat yesterday!  I still can't wipe the
    smile off my face.  At 7 weeks I can now see the yolk sac with the
    Fetus growing off the left side of it.  The baby double in size from
    last week and my Progesterone count looks great...so far so good.  Only
    five more weeks to go and I get released to my OB and am no longer 
    considered High Risk....yahoo!
    
    If I can answer any other questions on IVF for you please feel free to
    ask away!
    
    ..Lori

    How do you survive the time between transfer and the pregnancy test?
    I'm going nuts.  I just had my transfer done on Sat. Oct. 26th.  I
    rested for the entire weekend by laying on the couch and only getting
    up to go to the bathroom and to eat.  At work I'm trying to take it
    easy, and my husband calls me several times a day to see if I'm
    relaxing and not doing to much.  
    
    This is our firsts IVF cycle and I guess we figure if we take it easy,
    it betters our chances of achieving pregnancy.  
    
    Please, advise needed on how to survive these days.
    
    Cheryl
    

    Well, I went crazy for the 2 weeks between the GIFT procedure and
    finding out if it was successful.  I kept finding things to do just to
    keep busy and keep my mind occupied.  I started a few sewing projects,
    and we went to the mall a couple of times.  I found that just getting
    out of the house helped the time to pass.  And towards the end of the 2
    weeks, I was positive that it hadn't worked because I got the usual
    cramps, so we were kind of down in the dumps toward the end, but it
    turned out that the cramps were the babies implanting.
    
    I wish you luck with the wait.  It can be very frustrating. If you want
    someone to talk to, feel free to give me a call.  Sometimes that helps,
    too, so you don't feel like you're the only one in the world who's had
    to wait all that time.
    
    Best of luck,
    Cathy

    Well its been a long month for me.  I had quite a scare with bleeding
    which started on October 4th.  Went to the doctors and he took me off
    work for a month to do strictly bedrest.  He felt I was overdoing it
    at work..actually I thought I had been taking it pretty easy!  I guess
    with IVF being high risk the first trimester they really want you to
    do close to nothing.  So I glued my bottom to the couch and caught up
    on soaps and Oprah and more naps then I can remember ever taking.  
    
    Its great to be back at work.  Its a little hard after going thru a 
    scare like that to let go of some of the worry and fear, but each day
    I get a little bit better.  I've been dreaming forever about getting
    pregnant and figured that when I did the whole time would be full of
    joyful bliss...(and a lot of the time it is); but on the other side
    when the bleeding, or first time aches and pains creep up and your not
    sure if everything is going to be okay...it sure takes a toll on your
    heart.  I guess this is just the beginning class of becoming a parent!
    
    Re: 42  ... After embryo transfer I stayed home for 7 days bedrest.  I
    know that a lot of doctors recommend 48 hours, but mine wanted atleast
    5 and said 7 would be better.  For the following week prior to the
    pregnancy test I would try and keep myself busy with things that were
    not to stressful on mind or body.  Although after my second cycle I
    experienced mild hyperstimulation (from 19 follicles) and had an attack
    of the killer kidney stones (7!)... and one of those babies managed to
    hang on, so I guess when the time is right its going to happen!
    
    ...Lori

    Here it is Monday, and I still can't believe it.  I'M PREGNANT!!!
    Had my pregnancy test done on Friday and all day I kept saying, your
    not pregnant because I didn't feel it and when ever I heard the news I
    couldn't stop crying and shaking.  I guess I can't believe that it
    worked on the first cycle.  Hard to believe.  
    
    I find myself now sitting here wondering how many implanted.  I guess
    I'll find out in about 3 weeks when I have my first ultrasound.
    
    Wishing all the people going through IVF and or GIFT all the luck and
    success in the world.  It does work.
    
    Cheryl
      

    That's wonderful Cheryl!
    8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 8-) 
    
    Monica
    

    I'm so very happy for you and your hubby!
    
    I know what you mean about shaking and crying.  On my second cycle I
    had convinced myself that it didn't work.  My doctor had the test
    results at 10:00 and we didn't connect until 8:00pm (due to my stubborn
    streak which insisted I didn't want to know the results cuz I already
    new it didn't work...ha!..fooled me!)  When the doctor called and told
    me I just sank to the floor crying hysterical tears of joy, they were
    the deepest heart felt sobs I have ever experienced...they were the
    best!
    
    I was a little nervous about wondering how many implanted, but I
    figured what ever God gave us would be exactly what He knew we could
    handle.
    
    Take it easy this first trimester and give that baby(s) the good
    healthy start on the wonderful journey that is ahead.
    
    Again my sincere congrats to you Cheryl!
    
    ..Lori
          

    Does anyone know the cost of such procedures as In Vitro or GIFT?  My
    current health policy does not pay for those, so I'm wondering what the
    out of pocket costs might be if our doctor recommends either of those
    procedures.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Janet
    

    I just completed an IVF cycle (with success) and I figure it cost
    approximately $10,000 - $13,000.  Luckily I have insurance to cover
    this because if I didn't I'm not sure if I would of gone through it.
    
    Best of Luck!!
    
    Cheryl
    

    My GIFT cycle cost last October cost around $8000 including the
    Pergonal.  I imagine your cost would depend on the drugs that you need. 
    During one of my GIFT cycles that got cancelled at the last minute and
    changed to an IUI, I was on Pergonal, Metradin, Lupron, HCG trigger
    shot, and Progesterone.  The Pergonal and Metradin are around $50 per
    vial, and I used about 40 vials for the cycle so that was $2000 just in
    medication.  It can get very expensive fast.
    
    Best of luck.
    Cathy

The Digital Medical Plans cover up to 5 IVF and/or GIFT cycles per lifetime.

    During 1991 we completed two IVF cycles, the first one in April and the
    second (positive!) one in August.  Our total out-of-pocket costs for
    1991 was $1,500.00.  All other expenses related to the pregnancy or any
    other medical claim have been picked up at 100%, being that we
    satisfied our out-of-pocket maxium.
    
    ..Lori

This note is being entered for a member of our community who wishes
to remain anonymous.  If you wish to reply by EMAIL, instead of in
the notesfile, feel free to send me your mail and I will forward it
on to the author.

      Carol duBois, PARENTING co-moderator

*********************************************************************

	Well, I just finished my first IVF attempt and was excited
	to hear that I was successful. Until the other day I was
	on cloud nine. My third blood test indicates that my HCG levels 
	have dropped and now my doctor is telling me that I have a chemical 
	pregnancy. Needless to say, I'm totally confused and very disappointed.
	My body still feels like it's pregnant, but the doctor says it's 
	going to take time for it to realize what's happened.

	Has anyone else experienced this type of pregnancy when doing
	an IVF or GIFT procedure? If so, did you finally achieve a 
	successful pregnancy with other attempts? I'm anxious to get 
	on with my next attempt but I'm afraid history is going to repeat 
	itself.  

			Thanks!

    My friend (from the note for Good thoughts for the MKO person) just
    found out that the last time it was unsuccessful, it was also a
    chemical pregnancy... the way she explained it.... the egg divided, and
    the part that becomes the placenta had done it's part, but the part
    that becomes the baby did not do it's part...  she still went on the
    hormone roller-coaster, as her body thought it was pregnant.  It took a
    few days, after her period started, for her to feel "normal" again!

    She will be going back in either the end of the month, or the first
    week in March for the "harvesting".....  last time they did not harvest
    all they could have... this time she was told they would!

    I am sending you both (rather... ALL of you who are going through this)
    my best thoughts, and hopes for success!!!

    M-L