New member and Confused w/fertility shots

permalink · #1 (**permalink**) 12-06-2004, 12:18 PM

Hi, I am soon to be 30 yrs old, my hubby is 27 yrs old. I have a six yr old daughter from previous marriage. My hubby and I have been ttc for almost 2 yrs now, and no luck. One miscarriage july 04, I have had endomitriosis twice, had surgery both times, left tube removed. Hubby had SA preformed, all is great there. But still no baby. I have taken 7 cycles of clomid (4-50 mg day 3-7, and 3-100 mg), one IUI w/ clomid, and now RE says that injectibles are the only chance we have at possible concieving. I am scared of needles, so this does not thrill me to hear this. Also, how can anyone afford these injections? My insurance of course covers nothing, so I am on my own with the meds. Do you know of any programs or angencies that offer assistance with the high prices?? Am I looking at 1 month of shots or 10 months??? I am scared of putting all of this energy and money into this and never achieving my ultimate goal, a precious healthy baby. Also, my tiny body has been thru so much, it can't handle more than one baby, isn't the chance of multiples, Huge with fertility shots??? I need some advice from someone who's been thru this, my RE is great, but he's a man and he's got 6 beautiful children, so he doesn't know that empty feeling and guilty feeling that you can't give your husband a child. Support needed, this is taking its toll on me physically and emotionally. All advice is welcomed and I look forward to getting to know you all better. Brandy

tfremon · #2 (**permalink**) 12-23-2004, 06:12 AM

Hi Brandy.

I usually don't post on this board, but I wanted to try to give you a little insight on my treatment.

I am starting on injectibles in January and the cost issue is fresh in my mind. The cost varies on what meds you are on. I will be taking Gonal F - and my health insurance will cover 50% - but I still have to pay around $800 a month. I have no idea how many cycles it will take. Other ladies say that their RE offers about 4 cycles.

For success rates. My RE said I had a 1-2% chance of conceiving on clomid because I became resistant to it. A normal couple has a 20% chance each month. He said w/injectibles I had about a 9% chance and injectibles w/an IUI I had a 19% - so I am right up there w/a normal couple. That is all anyone can hope for!

Multiples - my RE said I had about a 25% chance of twins, 6 % chance of triplets or higher. A normal couple has a 1-2% chance of having twins.

Other costs include the monitoring and IUI - I am being charged $250 per IUI and I am having 2 every month. The monitoring (u/s and BW) is covered by insurance so I just have to pay my co-pay.

With any type of treatment, the financial stress is huge. I am sure whatever you and your husband decide, it will be the best choice for you. I did have money saved, but I didn't expect to use it for this, but we decided whatever it takes, then that is what we will do.

Hope this helps...

Tracy

mama2miracles · #3 (**permalink**) 12-23-2004, 09:50 AM

Tracy, thanks for the info. I am also running out of chances with Clomid. I am going to be on 200 mg days 3-7 when i get my period. My dr said if it doesn't work then I will have to move on. I have mixed feelings about that. So glad I am not alone. I have beeen trying for almost 13 months now. I didn't know your body could get resistant to the clomid. With DS it worked first dose. The next cycle will be my 5th with it.
Brandy I know all about that empty feeling. I was so betrayed by my body when the dr said that this is my last chance. He doesn't go beyond clomid so if I decide to go with shots(if it comes to that) I will have to travel and not sure of what insurance pays. I feel for you hon. You have a tough decision to make. I am sure whatever you decide it will be the right thing for you and DS. Good luck