Well, since I'm not in the IVF category and there doesn't appear to be a thread yet.....I figured I'd start one on IUI.

I hope someone else it out there, but if not....then I'll just keep updating myself.:lol:

I head to the RE's office today for my base line ultrasound. If all is okay, I'll start Gonal-F within the next few days.

Hi Kerrif :)

I am not doing IUI this cycle but I did do IUI with Gonal f in the past and was lucky enough to conceive my little Gwendolyn :) ....I wish you luck and will pop in to cheer you on!!!

Thanks, Kim - Glad to hear it worked.:supergrin

The previous IUI was with Pergonal (?) in 2001 and it was not successful. Then, we took a break and got pregnant on our own...resulted in a beautiful little girl named Jessica.

Now we're ready for Jessica to have a baby brother or sister.
____

Just got back from my doctor's visit. Ultrasound was good...as long as my bloodwork comes back okay this afternoon, we'll start injections tonight (2 amps). I go back in Friday morning to check status!

I'm so excited, nervous, anxious, etc. I know it's just going to get worse with the drugs....poor DH.:supergrin

Kerri, I will be starting my IVF cycle soon (with drigs to follow in June) and you can bet that I will be here for you! :agree: GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks, Suzi - I'll be following your journey as well. I'm crossing every finger, toe, leg, arm, hair, etc. for both of us.:biggrin:

Well, I guess I should probably just start a journal instead of updating myself here.:lol:

DH gave me 2 amps of Gonal-f yesterday evening....so things are moving.:yippee:

Things didn't go as smoothly as I would have hoped...DH had to administer 2 shots because the needles the stupid pharmacy gave me wouldn't hold all the medication. I'm about to post another thread in the general infertility section related to this.

But I must admit that subcutaneous is much better than intramuscular. These shots are nothing compared to those nasty progesterone injections.:)

Two amps of Gonal F shouldn't take hardly any more room in a syringe than one amp...did you double the sterile water also? If so, you don't need to.

:yippee: Kerri, you are on your way!

Suzi – You're probably sorry you asked now that you see how long my response is.:lol: I apologize in advance for the long response but the anger has been building and last night I exploded.:complain:

Unfortunately, I used my local pharmacy (Eckerd’s) to fill the prescription vs the one I typically use (specialize in fertility meds). I wasn’t sure if my insurance was going to pay for the meds so I went through a pharmacy that I knew was in-network. Well, that is the last time I will ever use Eckerds for this purpose….the pharmacists at my Eckerd’s are complete idiots.:crazy:


Reasons why I think they are incompetent pharmacists:

They didn’t order the entire Rx because the medication costs too much and they didn’t know how it came in
They charged me the full amount for 1/3 of my Rx and then tried to charge me the full amount again when the remaining 2/3 of Rx came in
They looked at me like I’d grown two heads when I asked for needles. I had to tell them it was an injectable medication.
Then they gave me 1 ½ needles to mix but said she did not have any “filtered needles”. I asked, “what the heck is filtered needles.” She said when you break the glass, the glass pieces fall into the vile, and you need a filtered needle so you don’t inject yourself with glass. What the heck?
I told her the medication was NOT intramuscular and could be taken subcutaneous. She then gave me insulin needles and said they should work. I’ve always had injections intramuscular so subcutaneous is new to me. I figured she knew what she was talking about.
After I realized that insulin needles would not work, I called and talked to the pharmist, AGAIN! I asked her is she had any ½ inch subcutaneous needles that unscrewed from the syringe. She said, “No, I only have an inch and 5/8 inch.” I asked her if the 5/8 inch could be used subcutaneous and she’s like, “well, I’m not sure….I guess you could….there’s not that much difference….it should work.”
Maybe I’m expecting too much out of a pharmacy, but the previous pharmacy I went to knew exactly what they were talking about. I never questioned them and they always had the answers.

:blahblah: Now that I ranted on and on…..to summarize….I only used one of the waters for the two amps, but the insulin needles were too small to hold the medication and too flimsy to draw back even ¾ of the liquid. Also, the syringe/needle will not fit into the vile.


Can I blame my page long of madness on the hormones, yet?:blush1:

Can I join? We will be doing our third IUI with clomid next cycle.

Yea, Yea - I have a buddy! I'm heading over to your journal now!

Kerri, I TOTALLY understand your "drug problems" and I really hope your pharmacy can get things straightened out - QUICK! IF is difficult enough without having to give your pharmacist a lesson in IF drugs!

Suzi - I look at the needle for the Gonal-f and then look at the needle used for PIO and WOW.....that is one huge needle. :eek: I'm SOOOO not looking forward to those, but of course will do what's needed!

Well, I visited the pharmacy I use to go to and got the right needles. Last night's shot went well but the gauge of the needle is bigger. Oh well...at least I don't have to be stuck twice.

The only problem I have now is adjusting to the glucophage(?). It's made my system run a little *loose* and I'm constantly nauseous. The nurse said to expect this for a week or so and then my body will adjust. Just Great!!! I'm in back-to-back meetings the rest of this week and I can picture myself saying in the middle of a meeting, "excuse me, my butt is calling." :disbelief

:rotflmao:

Just a quick update...

Went in today for another check and the follicles are going slowly but surely...2 that are 11, 1 that is 8, 1 is 7, and 3 that are 5. My RE is a little concerned that they are growing slowly so he's waiting to see how my bloodwork comes back this afternoon. He may bump up the amount of Gonal-f and we probably won't do the IUI until early next week. Only problem with that is my DH heads to TN on Tuesday. I kind of need him here for the process to work.:lol:

Kerri, I am glad things are moving along for you! Let us know how your bloodwork comes back!

Thanks for sticking with me, Suzi!!!!:) I thought these threads would have more action...who knows!

Well, latest update.....

Just got back from RE and things are progressing: 1 that's 15, 1 that's 12, and 1 that's 11. He wants to continue to let "them" grow and hopefully get the 12 up some more. If everything continues the way it is....then we'll do the IUI on Tuesday.

Emotionally, I am drained. The stress from having to leave work (which my work does not know what's going on) during the day for appointments to trying to make sure everything happens before DH leaves town.

Physically, my back is *killing* me. Has anyone else had intense lower back pain from either the glucophage or gonal-f? It's either the medication or sore from this past weekend.....hmmmm.

That's the latest....will update again on Friday.

Kerri, I am hanging in here! I know there will be more "action" in these IUI and IVF threads once more people here at OUAL are having to take these steps. In the neantime, I will be here to follow your progress!

The lower back pain *could* be from the growing follicles. Whatever it's from, I hope it gets better soon! I will check back with you Friday - everything is crossed for you!

Good luck, Kerri. I'm sorry the pharmacy is being so stupid about all of this.

I hear you on the Glucophage craziness...I was in the bathroom for months on end because of that medication--luckily once I got PG everything balanced out. :nod:

Hi Kerri, I'll be joining you too, if you don't mind. I'm going to have my baseline u/s tomorrow morning and probably be starting injectibles tomorrow or Sunday.

JUst wanted to cheer everyone on!! I was in the IUI Buddy group over at UB and after 5 IUIs am pg! We were getting ready to start Gonal F when I found out. Good luck!!! :cheer:

~Kerrie

Woohoo!!!!! :banana: Hi, everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :wavey:

Well, we had a change of plans yesterday afternoon. My RE office called and said they wanted me to take the HCG injection that afternoon and come in on Friday for the IUI.

Boy, I didn't miss those intramuscular injections at all. OUCH!!!!!

Anyway, we went in today and DH "did his thing". He was so proud because his results were all above 50%. He wanted to ask for a copy of the results.:rolleyes: I said, "what for...are you going to frame it and hang it on your wall at work?":lol:

3 good size follicles....17, 15, 14. Everything went well...so now we wait. RE wants to see me in two weeks for a blood test. In the meantime, I have to start on progesterone suppositories 2x day on Mon. Only problem now is that my hormones are raging!!!!!!!:complain: I'm a freakin' basketcase.

Oh well, thanks everyone for the support and I'll post more later. SCREAMING and I mean *SCREAMING* baby in the other room. I think my hormones are rubbing off on her.

Three follicles?! That's great!! :crossfing

That's great!!! Good sizes too. I'll keep my fingers crossed that everything works out. I hated the progesterone. I was on it for the 1st 12 weeks of my pg. I was so thrilled the day I was told I didn't have to take it anymore!

~Kerrie

Kerri, that's TERRIFIC (and I don't mean about Jessica screaming!)!! I hope this time is it for you!! :crossfing

I'm anxiously waiting to test.....

Just wondering, how long until you can test without getting a false positive and worry about a false negative? I took the HCG shot on 5/27 and the doctor wants to see me on 6/14 for a blood test. I'd like to take a home pregnancy test soon, but don't want to be disappointed with the results. Anyone has ideas????

You came to the right place....hCG can stay in your system for up to 15 days from injection. With that said, it is *usually* gone in a week. The only way you can test and KNOW that you aren't getting a false positive is to test about 8 days after hCG and get a negative (and THEN test for your positive) OR....I counted and you could test on the 11th and be sure..

Just three more days!!!! :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee:

Oh yeah...and if you get a negative on the 11th, you couldn't put a lot of stock in it. That's pretty early and levels might not be high enough to detect yet.

Suzi - Thanks for the info (and quick response):)

Just to confirm....I should be able to test in 3 days (on Friday). If I get a positive, then more than likely I'm pregnant (NOT the HCG injection).

Yes. If you get a positive on Friday, it is a REAL positive!!

I can't wait - is it FRIDAY YET????? :rotflmao:

Thanks, Suzi!

I possibly have some depressing news.....I think I *might* have started today. I noticed some spotting this morning but am trying to stay (and think) positive. I'll post an update later in the day.

Kerri.... :bighug: I am holding out hope, if that's okay. Let me know!

Kerri, I'm holding out hope, too. :crossfing

Just checking in Kerri! :bighug: to you!

Suzi, Sarah - Thanks for the support.:)

Unfortunately, AF is here in full force. I doing okay....I think this time around is different and I'm not nearly as emotional as last time (before Jessica). I *know* I can get pregnant and I already have a beautiful baby girl. I know this is a little premature, but if one child is all we're meant to have then we'll accept that. I know so many people are trying to just get pregnant that I feel blessed God gave us Jessica.

All that said....we are running a little tight on finances. My insurance does not cover infertility treatments (only the medication...which I'm thankful for). Therefore, we're out of pocket about $2,500. I'm going in today for my baseline ultrasound and discuss options with my RE. My RE prefers the follicles in my right ovary since my left tube did not flow as freely during the HSG. This past cycle was my right, so I'm thinking this time around will be the left ovary. Therefore, I'm going to ask the RE if we should hold off on this cycle and then catch the next month. If not, can we eliminate the IUI? Something to cut costs.

I HATE that we have to go through so some much (stress, physical discomfort, hormones, etc.), plus worry about money because insurance doesn't want to pay for what I view as a medical disability. Just venting a bit.:furious:

Thanks for listening (if you made it through all that).:blush1:

I'll update after my appointment at 8am.

First off: AMEN, SISTA!!!! :rotflmao:

Next, I am sorry to hear AF did show up. :bighug: I know that's hard to take, no matter how beautiful Jessica is. Just because you have one child already doesn't mean you want another one any less (and it doesn't make you greedy, either!).

I think you are right on the ovaries - sounds like you have a good plan there. I SURELY understand the need to maximize your chance while minimizing the cost!

Thanks, Suzi!

My doctor's appointment went well. We discussed the money situation and he agreed to help by offering a 20% discount. He also will not charge us for any ultrasounds after the 5th scan. That will help some but sure doesn't eliminate the costs. I wanted to ask him if he'd give me 20% back from our previous cycle.:lol:

We are going to try another cycle so I will start Gonal-F tomorrow. My RE is not too concerned about the left ovary situation since the medication should make both ovaries produce. The only concern is that my left ovary has a *little* blockage but not completely closed. If this cycle doesn't take, he wants to do the laproscopy (?). I had one done about 3 years ago so I know what to expect. Hopefully we won't have to worry about it and this next cycle will take. I just hope my hormones can take it!:lol:

How are things with you, Suzi? I haven't noticed any update in the IVF thread. I continue to look.;)

Yippee, Kerri! I am glad the appointment went well and it's great that your RE feels confident enough to do another cycle. I am already crossing my fingers!

As for me, I expect AF in a few days now (today is CD21 and I have 23/24 day cycles). I expect that I will be calling my center on MOnday with news that AF has arrived and we will move forward right away! Be sure to check for an update in the IVF thread on Monday!

Woohoo!!!!! I will be waiting for the update in the IVF thread today. :supergrin I'm so excited for you!!!!

No new updates....just started the Gonal-f on Saturday. Hormones are staying at a normal level (for the moment).:awink:

I had my 2nd scan today. I'm a little concerned because my left ovary is not reacting at all. Last round...my left ovary had nothing! This time is appears the same. My right had 5 small follicles so they bumped me up to 3 amps of Gonal-f. I go back on Monday at 8am and I hope to visit with my RE regarding my concerns.

Good news....after 2 hours on the phone with my healthcare provider, patient account person at RE's, and my friend (the plan administrator for our benefits)....the scans and office visits are covered.:yippee: :yippee: :yippee: :yippee: Apparently the patient account person was wrong and assumed my insurance was the same as all others.:order: The scan and office visit is $260 a pop which means we'll save a *bunch* of money. Now we're only out $20 plus the cost of the IUI (which insurance doesn't cover). WOOHOO!!!!!!!

What amazes me is that doctor's charge a fortune for their services. If insurance doesn't cover, we're out the entire cost. However, if insurance does cover the service then they only pay the negotiated rate. For example, I pay $195 for the scan....my insurance's rate is only $49. :wtf: That's not fair!!!!!

Oh well.....it's all worth it in the end. By the way, I'm beginning to think of this as my journal. :lol:

Back for a quick update....

We did the IUI today....follicles looked good 1 = 18.5, 2 = 17.5, 2 = 15.5, and some smaller ones. Hopefully there's a little magic going on in my belly right now. The only problem is I'm having severe cramps today....not sure what the heck is going on.

I'll be back to post in two weeks........

Kerri, I remember you from UB, I think (you're Mina's SIL, right?) - just wanted to wish you luck with the IUI! :bighug: If I remember correctly, my doc told me I might have some cramping after my IUI (although it's been over two years ago, so I could be remembering wrong). Whatever the cramps are, I hope you can figure it out, and I'm thinking ++++ thoughts for you!

Kerri, I have everything crossed for you!!! :crossfing:

:awink: Yep, Lisa - it's me....thanks for the +++ thoughts.

Thanks, Suzi - As I mentioned before...hopefully we are pregnant together (again) :thumbsup:

Back for a quick update....

We did the IUI today....follicles looked good 1 = 18.5, 2 = 17.5, 2 = 15.5, and some smaller ones. Hopefully there's a little magic going on in my belly right now. The only problem is I'm having severe cramps today....not sure what the heck is going on.

I'll be back to post in two weeks........
Hey Kerri, just popping in to wish you luck this cycle!

I didn't have an IUI, but the number of follicles you have and the gonal F causes your ovaries to swell up, so you'll cramp for a while. I was pretty miserable the closer I got to my trigger shot and right after it. It could also be the IUI, but I'm not sure about that. Those numbers look good! :aok:


Kerri, I remember you from UB, I think (you're Mina's SIL, right?) - Lisa, yup, that's my SIL! :)

Kerri, your follicle sizes sound great!!

I had really severe cramping after the second IUI in my second cycle (the one we got PG on! ;) ) and the RE said that it might have been protein or something left in my husband's sample after it was spun...or he might have scraped something. At any rate, it really hurt a lot that day, but was better by the next day.

Hi, Mina!!!!! I didn't know you were here.:yippee: :yippee: :yippee:
I was going to update you elsewhere:awink: yesterday, but didn't get a chance. We were also planning to call y'all last night, but I went to bed early.

Hi, Sarah! :wavey: Thanks for sharing. I'm feeling much better today and actually do not resemble a hunchback when I walk (like yesterday). Hopefully, I will follow the same path as you and will be able to share some positive news in 2 weeks.

Thanks again, everyone for the positive thoughts. It makes this whole process so much easier.

Hi, Mina!!!!! I didn't know you were here.:yippee: :yippee: :yippee:
Shoot, I'm everywhere! :lol: I'm here, at awesomebabies.com and BOLU Got to keep up with all my friends and, of course, you! :)

Kerri, so glad that you are back to normal today! How many more days left??? :lol:

Suzi - Yea, the waiting part really stinks! :lol: I don't want to get my hopes up too much, but everything looked sooo good. It is easier this time around because I don't have much time to think about it....between work and Jessica.

Kerri, waiting does stink! How are you holding up? :hug99:

I talked to Kerri a few days ago and apparently, their computer is down b/c of a storm. If she's not able to post, I'll ask if she wants me to come and post for her. :)

Lisa - thanks for checking in.

Mina - Jolyon was able to *fix* the computer...still needs some work. Thanks!

Update...

AF showed up yesterday (and in *full* force). I was pretty bummed since everything looked so good....timing, size of follicles, sperm count, levels, etc. But I guess it wasn't meant to be. The let down this time has been a little harder but I've got Jessica to keep me busy.

DH and I decided to go ahead with the laproscopy(?) and then just try on our own until Jan (then start on IUI's again in Jan) In the meantime, I'm going to try and lose some significant weight. We figured that we got pregnant on our own with Jessica (and it was a complete surprise)....that maybe we can again.

I'll keep everyone posted on how things are progressing. I'll probably be visiting the doctor on Monday or Tuesday. Thanks again for everyone's support!!!!:bighug:

Aw, Kerri, I am so sorry! It sounds like you have a good plan though. If there were one thing I could change about this IVF cycle, it'd be that I didn't weigh so much. So taking a time out for a laporoscopy and losing weight sounds like a great idea! I wish you all the luck you need for your next baby! :bighug:

:( I'm sorry hon.... :sadhug: :sadhug:

Well, crap, Kerri. I'm so sorry. :bighug: :bighug: :bighug: Good luck with the doc's appointment and the weight loss efforts. I'll be hoping for an unexpected surprise for y'all! :justahug:

:hug99: I'm sorry, Kerri.

Just wanted to check in.

Our 3rd IUI with clomid was unsuccessful. We are moving on to injectibles at the end of August. We are going to do a few cycles without IUI for insurance purposes, then add the IUI if necessary, although at that point we will have to pay $1500-3000 out of pocket.

Suzi, Mina, Lisa, Sarah - Thanks! Things have been too busy for me to dwell on what didn't happen but I have an appointment scheduled with my RE on Friday. I also started my diet on Sunday and have dropped 5lbs so far. I'm really motivated to lose weight and helpfully shedding a few pounds will help our situation.

Becky - I'm sorry the 3rd cycle was unsuccessful. I'm sending tons of positive thoughts your way. Good luck and keep us posted!!!!

Yay for the 5lb weight loss! You go girl! Are you doing that diet you did when you were pregnant w/ Jessica?

Hello, I am new to the infertility board. My doc put me on Clomid (serophene) and I start tomorrow Aug 10, then I have 2 u/s on 15 and 17 of Aug and then he is going straight to IUI. What exactly is that? Does it hurt? Can I go to work afterwards?

Hi Bev, Just poked in to answer your question.

IUI is artificial insemination.

Basically they take your husbands sperm, wash it, and put it into your uterus via your cervix. It's a small catheter, and shouldn't hurt at all. You probably won't feel a thing, but you may get some cramping afterwards. You'll lay on a table for 15 minutes afterwards.. then it's business as usual. You can certainly go back to work afterwards.

Thanks Bren. I had the procedure on Tuesday. It didn't hurt at all. Nearly didn't happen, but that's another story. Thanks for you answer. :)

Bev, are they doing a beta or will you HPT?? WHEN??

The Doc ordered a beta for 17 days after the procedure, so that is Sept 5th. I may or may not do an hpt on the 1st or 2nd. I think the Clomid lengthened my cycle so I'm not sure when I should test. I really really hope it worked. DH said, I've already gotten you pregnant twice; I think it'll work. I hope he's right. :)

Bev - Hi! I'm sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

Update: So much has been going on that I'm not sure where to start (or if this update shoud be in this thread). First, I'm on day 51 of my cycle with no AF. I've taken 2 tests and both have come back negative. I have NEVER been this late. I figure I'm just skipping a cycle.:dunno: Second, I go in today for my pre-op (?) appointment. I'm scheduled next Tuesday for the laproscopy. I'm going to ask my RE for a blood test to confirm I'm not pregnant (just to be sure).

After all this is over, I'm hoping to start back with IUI's. I'm not sure how long after the procedure I have to wait.

Anyway....that's my update!

Good luck to you Kerri. :)

I am not feeling too positive. I am already planning on renewing my Clomid and buying some more EPO and Robi and making DH take Zinc and Folic Acid and doing the Red Bull energy drink thing. I don't care how crazy any of these things are I'll try anything until I get pg or my referral to the fertility clinic.

Good luck to you Kerri. :)

I am not feeling too positive. I am already planning on renewing my Clomid and buying some more EPO and Robi and making DH take Zinc and Folic Acid and doing the Red Bull energy drink thing. I don't care how crazy any of these things are I'll try anything until I get pg or my referral to the fertility clinic.
So it didn't work; AF arrived at her usual 26 days. I don't know why my cycles are so short, and esp. with Clomid, but whatever. Anyway, I am on to my "old wive's tale" plan until my appt. with the clinic. Who knows when that will be. Sooner rather than later, I hope. I also hope the appt isn't too early or too late in the day, as I have to drive 2 hours to get to the city, and then find the place.

Bev, sorry this cycle didn't work out for you. I hope your appointment comes soon!

BTW, don't fret too much over 26 day cycles. If your leuteal phase were a problem, they would've had you on progesterone by now. I have 23/24 day cycles and there's not a THING wrong with my cycles! :nod:

Thanks Suzi. It's just that I only had the one blood test ever for progesterone, on CD 23 and he thinks I O'd that cycle, but not the cycle after because of the CD3 FSH test. I O'd on or about CD 14 with the Clomid.

I'm taking Clomid again and trying the old fashioned way until my appt. :)