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Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The latest news

Here's the scoop on the IVF money issue.

They have a money back program which includes two rounds for about a bazillion dollars. Honestly I don't remember what the cost was because as soon as she told me I knew we wouldn't be able to swing that. It was basically pay so much...a whole bunch...up front and if neither round worked then you'd get back half or something like that.

Here's the breakdown for one single cycle of IVF:

$9,000 - 1 IVF cycle
$400 - Anesthesia
$1,000 - Cryopreservation of any leftover embyros
$60 - Monthly storage fee for cryo
$3000-$5000 - For meds
$500 - Swimmers

$14,000-$16,000 - TOTAL

Let me just say AGAIN we do NOT have this kind of money. And also AGAIN I know having a child isn't cheap but to come up with all this at once is kinda out of the question for us. Well actually we would have to come up with $4,500 of the IVF cycle costs plus the rest of the stuff and then they would allow us to make payments on the remaining $4,500. That's all fine and good but we're still looking at having to come up with $10,000-$12,000 up front.

So....

We're going to ask about doing an injectable round or so before we hit the bank up for a loan. I haven't had a chance to do much research on this so any info would be SO appreciated. I know it costs alot too but I'm praying it's no where near the IVF cost.

Friday was my hysteroscopy and I must say there wasn't much to it. No pain. Well, none other than my heart breaking all over again when they called it a hysteroscopy/D&C. The D&C I had back in November '07 was something I certainly prayed I would never have to go thru again. Sure they weren't scraping out our babies this time but just having to be on that gurney, having an IV (which took 3 chicks and 3 sticks to find a decent vein...I'm sporting a pretty good bruise on my forearm now), having to be knocked out, having to be wheeled in that cold OR and see those lights hanging over me again, waking up feeling all weird and crap, finding out that I had an oral airway put in (which totally irritated my hangy down tonsil thing) plus a catheter (also another irritate only in the lower region this time) . All that sucked! Plus, I went to sleep crying and woke up crying. What horrible memories! HORRIBLE!! I remember waking up saying over and over again "This feels so weird". Oh and the nurse said they had a bit of a time knocking me out. That's great...I wonder what I did or said during that no memory part.

But besides all that...everything went fine. They let me go after I went pee. Dr O said they did remove a little scar tissue but everything else looked fine. We've got a follow up appointment on June 24.

Whatever route we decide for this next round will begin no earlier than late August. I'm in the process of switching jobs....well, I'll still be dispatching but just with a new department and we have our awesome Canadian vacation planned for early August. I don't wanna try with the stress of the new job or be stressed out about every little feeling I have while on vacation.

That's where we're at now....

35 comments:

Teaberry said...

wow... that is a lot upfront. but, maybe the loan is the answer.

sorry to hear about your surgical experience-- that doesn't sound too fun! :(

Liz said...

that IS a lot of money... i wish i were loaded bc i'd give you the money to do it! argh! how frustrating. sounds like you have a plan, though..and plans are good!

wishing you and m the best- good luck with the job thing and enjoy the vacation in august! thinking of you guys- xo

Unknown said...

The first option you mentioned sounded like integramed or something similar. It is very expensive, but it nice for the assurance of getting to try IVF for a few times.

Did they mention any capital one medical loans to you during all of this? I know back when I did my IVF this was available and they had excellent interest rates. I know with the economy all these things have probably tightened up a bit, but still maybe there is something similar.

As far as the injectible's go... I did two superovulation cycles before my IVF (assuming this is what you are referring to) and they are pretty expensive (due to the meds) but not near as expensive as the IVF. However, obviously the success rates aren't as good as IVF, but maybe it would be something to look into.

I am wishing you the best of luck and keep you guys in my thoughts.

Sorry about the tramatic DNC/Hysteroscopy experience :(

Anonymous said...

I am wishing you ever bit of luck.

Loralou said...

Oh hun, it breaks my heart to read your blog! I do hope you find a way to raise the money.

Two Mamas said...

Hey girls,

It sounds like you have a plan. We went to CNY fertility center in Syracuse and their rates are $5,500 per cycle, $4,500 (if you need a second), and $3,500 (if you need a 3rd etc). That includes everything but meds and the docs are great.

It might be worth the traveling!

The website is cnyfertility.com. I think they also have offices in Albany and Rochester too.

We ended up doing the shared risk program which is $20,000 + meds upfront and they guarantee you a baby or you get 100% of the money back.

Good luck!

Carrie said...

Can I just have a baby for you guys? Seriously. I will.

Inlocoparentis said...

Our R.E. told us that an injectable cycle would be around $3,000-$4,000 (everything included). So it's quite a bit cheaper. We would have gone that route had we not gotten insurance approval for IVF. Good luck and enjoy your vacation!

Sparroweye said...

I've had one D and C for getting biopsy's and it was awful. And they shoved that airway thing down my throat too and I had the worst sore throat for weeks. I feel for you. Medical costs in this country are insane. Even the ones insurance covers. My daily radiation was 1,000 dollars per day. Insane. Please Obama, do something.

loony said...

happy to hear you are not ending your journey, sorry that the road has to be sooo rough~! I am with Carrie...if I could have a baby for you...I would happily volunteer! maybe some of the fresh northern air and hugs in Canada will give you a little extra luck come August! awesome vacation planned? I CAN'T WAIT!!!! xoxox

Sarah said...

I've been following your journey for a very long time and I just wanted to say that I really think it stinks that people as wanting of a kid as much as you two are have such a hard time.
I hope you can find some way to fund it so you can have the baby of your dreams.
sending baby dust. and lots of it.

Christine said...

Have you checked if any part of the IVF or injectable meds are covered by your insurance? We did one injectable cycle (negative) and it didn't cost much more than our previous cycles. An IVF attempt would have had the meds covered, but nothing else.

Denise said...

Hi,
I haven't read your blog in a long time. I don't mean this to sound insensitive in any way but.... Have you thought of a surrogate?

Two Mamas said...

Girls,

I know you've received many posts about surrogates, etc...BUT...you figure you've tried less than 12 attempts at getting pregnant.

It can take "straight couples" an average of 6-12 months to conceive!


It took me 4+ years to conceive because we didn't go every month and since each IUI and IVF was so expensive we'd take 3-6 months to save up each time.

For many couples it's about the process of being pregnant, feeling the baby, and knowing that you created life. I'm guessing if you didn't want that experience you might have looked towards adoption in the first place!

Hang in there...it's going to happen.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Gpawilli said...

Hey Ladies -

Just getting around to reading some blogs....

Sounds like you continue to go through headaches and heartaches on your quest... just remember there are many people out there rooting for you!

My best to both os you,

XOXOXOXOXO

katherine said...

Take the next couple of months to just relax and try not to think about it-just enjoy your summer and vacation. Easier said than done, I know. Much love ya'll's way.

Anonymous said...

That is a lot, it will work out though, yea I know easier said right?

I think of you guys a lot!

Denise said...

Hangy down thingy! Hahaha too funny. I only know it's called a uvula because my youngest had a sub mucous cleft palet and his was way small! Thanx for making me laugh. You write like I talk.

jessica matson said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jessica matson said...

I am so sad for you both and truly wish your country was as compassionate as Australia, where ivf is heavily subsidised. Many many of our friends and my own sister and cousin have successfully gone down the ivf track without having to take out a second mortgage. I wish you both the best of luck should you decide to go down this path.

Carrie said...

Thinking of you gals. Shit that's a lot of money. I just wrote a check for $11k for IVF, plus spent a few thousand on meds and what-not. it is so damn expensive. In other countries, you can do IVF for like $2800. America is the most expensive place to do IVF. ugh.

if this try doesnt work for us, im out of options. there's no way we could come up with another $15k.

I really hope you can find success with another injectable round! i wish i had tons of money so i could just sponsor your IVF cycle. :)

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McLipp said...

I just found your blog today when googleing cabbage leaves and sulfur allergies. My heart aches for you both. Your story is one that is so sad and yet so inspiring. I know how hard it was when my husband and I started trying to get pregnant and it only took us 3 months. I become obsessed, same as you, I noticed every baby and every pregnant woman. Every name I heard was a potential baby name! I can't imagine how incredibly difficult your road has been and I wish with everything I am that you get your happy ending. It is truly unfair that Virginia has so many same sex restrictions on adoption and surrogates. Although I am a straight woman I am a huge advocate for gay rights and felt so ashamed of California (where I grew up) when they voted no on legalizing same sex marriages.

I will continue to follow your emotional roller coaster and hope to hear you writing soon about your awful morning sickness and your ultrasound appointments.

Keep on writing!
Sarah

Teaberry said...

hey how are you guys doing?

Heidi said...

Hi!!!! Miss you!!!

Carrie said...

been thinking about you gals. how's it going over there?

Liz said...

just stopping by to say hello! xo

Hope said...

Kim where are you girls? Come back to us! I am sure I am not the only one missing you all.

Anonymous said...

Your blog has really touched my heart. My partner and I TTC for 2 years before we adopted our 2 beautiful children. Please don't eliminate adoption as an option. We live in a very conservative state, don't make very much money, and adopted with no problem. I hope you update soon, and that all is well.

Caroline said...

Thinking of you guys. Hope all is well.

tiff said...

wondering how you guys are doing!

Stacey said...

its been so long, we are always checking, wondering how you are???

Mimi said...

Hello are you guys ok? long time no see!

Anonymous said...

update please!!!!