Thursday, May 30, 2013

Obstacles




Hello!

The last week or so has been plagued by nothing but obstacles and travesties over on our side of town. I was in a car accident earlier last week, and thankfully no one was badly hurt.
Other than some soreness in my head and upper body, I’m fine.

 My car on the other hand is a mess. The accident wasn’t my fault, but that didn’t seem to make the situation any less stressful. In between arguing with insurance companies, J and I had our “second opinion consult” with a new doctor.


I don’t like her.

She looks like Barbie and I she gives off a very judgmental vibe.
That being said,
I don’t NOT trust her.
 (If you need to read that line again, it’s OK; I know it’s a double negative).

She seems capable and I’m confidant we will get the same outcome with her as we would with my original doctor, whom I love.

I just don’t think I’m going to enjoy the process. The only reason I’m working with her is she is about $3,000 cheaper, and at this point, every dollar counts.

The next step has been to track down and get all of our files sent over to the new doctor, so we can finish any pre-cycle testing that hasn’t happened yet.

That has been a complete F*#King nightmare!!! My old doctor’s office sent over J’s entire file EXCEPT his semen analysis.
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!

What the hell else is he good for if not those astounding semen analysis results?!?!


Then my old OB/GYN office (who I hate!!)
  Lost the request form for my Pap smear results and after calling four times, they have yet to send it to my doctor.

 My doctor stressed that this is the most important thing that we need right now, because if there are any issues and I need to get a new one done, it can take up to a month to get an appointment. That would throw off the entire cycle timeline.


The last wonderful place of business is my primary care physician. They took over two full days just to e-mail me a release form.
Again….

Are you kidding me?!?!??!

And even once it was confirmed that everyone has received the appropriate documents and consent forms, none of them have actually sent the appropriate paperwork to my new doctor!!!!


I mean I could send my 2 year old that I nanny over there, and I guarantee he would get it done quicker. Not to mention he is brilliant and a little OCD, which would make him even more efficient.

I’m exhausted and stressed and ready to be done but guess what…

The real work is just beginning!


Monday, May 6, 2013

Book of the month for May!


Hello
It’s that time again;
BOOK OF THE MONTH!!!

This month the book I am featuring is;

The Infertility Cure
By: Dr.Randine Lewis


This book focuses on curing infertility through Chinese medicine and acupuncture.
Now before you stop reading, let me just say that I know this will not cure everyone’s infertility.
I certainly don’t expect it to even cure mine.
I have tubal factor infertility and only one working ovary. My problems are not going to be fixed by a few needles in my head and some Chinese tea.
HOWEVER
This book has showed me some simple ways to deal with my infertility-induced stress and how to better treat my body in preparation for IVF.
I had heard about this book previously,
 But only recently picked it up when a friend of mine who has struggled with infertility and multiple pregnancy loss told me that she has taken some of the supplements recommended,
 And strongly feels that it helped her most current pregnancy.

I am also taking these supplements in hopes that my body will be in the best state possible to accept the embryos after transfer.
I am taking two different prenatal vitamins.
The first is the one a day prenatal from Rainbow Light.
 The second is another all natural pre-natal with added benefits such as fish oil.
I am also taking additional supplements including vitamin D, Coq 10, and something called Royal Jelly.


This last one is very interesting; it is the certain type of honey
That is saved for the queen bee of every hive.
 She is the only one allowed to eat it,
 Since she bares all the children.
It is said to be helpful for a women’s eggs.
I take it 2-3 times a day, by popping a teaspoon in my mouth.
It tastes like normal honey and I look forward to it as a little treat.

I’m also cutting out gluten from my diet
 And trying to minimalize dairy, caffeine, and alcohol.
All of which I hope to cut out before my cycle starts,
 But cold turkey on so many things is just difficult.


I went to acupuncture for the first time yesterday and have mixed feelings about it.
 I have always had a hard time sitting still,
That theory was reiterated yesterday
As I kept hitting the needles sticking out of my head and arms while fidgeting.

I do however like the idea of a consistent practice that forces me to relax and meditate. I’ll most likely go back.

I have a second opinion consult next week with a new doctor.
She used to work with my old doctor and is slightly cheaper.
I figure even a small discount is worth the move and
I have had a pleasant experience with her nurse coordinator so far.

If you read the book or have any questions,
Please comment below.
It would be nice to get at least one comment…
From anyone…
Don’t even care who…

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Closed doors and opened windows


Hello, so a lot has happened since the last time I posted.
 (Actually nothing has happened at all.)
I found out that the clinical study I was hoping to participate in is closed and therefor is no longer an option. I would talk about it more and how difficult my reaction was, but I don’t think I have the strength.
It’s a closed door and I think I’m going to leave it at that.

Next on the agenda, I have found a clinic in Georgia that charges around $7,000. They are only a few hours away and even though they are new, I feel like I need to give them a try. I have an appointment scheduled for the beginning of June and
 I hope to start a cycle of IVF that month.
Here’s my dilemma:
 My insurance will not pay for monitoring at a home doctor’s office. Which means, I will have to drive 3 hours, several times, for something as silly as blood work.
OR;
 I pay out of pocket.
Shitty Right?


I can’t work with the RE in town because I can’t afford them.
 I am taking a risk by working with a doctor who has only had their clinic open for a year. I have never felt comfortable with working with people I don’t know or trust.
Not to mention, I have no idea what I’m going to do about work!
 But at a price like that, I have to at least give them a shot.
 To be fair they are not new doctors.
They have practiced for over 25 years and the doctor that I would be working with was the first doctor to perform IVF in Georgia.
He just moved back to Georgia from a clinic in NY and has opened this new facility.
I hope the appointment goes well and we and get the ball rolling quickly.


I need this phase of my life to end.
 I need to do IVF and either it will work or it won’t but at least
 I won’t have to talk about it anymore.
I’m not sleeping very well and I am extremely on edge.
 Not to mention I am so tired of hearing myself talk about infertility,
It’s disgusting!


At this point I am going to try and prepare as best I can for my June appointment,
Pray the doctor and I mesh well and can start a cycle. 
I will keep you updated as info comes my way.


On another note;
 The drug company EMD Sereno has a program to help reduce the costs of IVF medication.
It’s called The Compassionate Care Program
They accept people who do not have infertility coverage and who
Meet the income requirements.
The forms are easy and we were accepted that day.
 As long as my doctor prescribes their brand of meds,
I will be receiving a 50% discount on the drugs that company makes!
Exciting!!

I will attach a link to the company website where the enrollment forms are,
I hope that at least someone out there will benefit!

Lena