I really had no idea what I was getting into.
We went to the doctor for our first consult today. Honestly, I am scared I can't do it. I am trying to be upbeat and lend some humor to the situation, but the appointment today really made me feel overwhelmed. Here's what happens (sorry if some of it is a repeat of earlier writing):
Charlie has a procedure to "harvest" from him. This is a surgery and he will be out.
I go in for extensive blood testing and a "trial run" where they insert the catheter that will be used to implant the embryos in my uterus, to make sure that there is no obstruction and to..wait for it....I'm not kidding...MAP MY VAGINA!!!! Seriously, people. I thought people went to medical school so they didn't need a map to find a uterus!!!!
Then, I take birth control pills for 3 weeks to suppress ovulation. Then I give myself 2 different hormone shots a day for 2 weeks to slam my body into ovulation overdrive (which should be loads of fun for me emotionally). During the hormone therapy, I have to go to the doctor's office every other day, then later, every day for a blood draw and an ultrasound to check out my ovaries. When they determine that the ovaries are ready, they "harvest" me. 3-5 days later I get the embryos implanted. They give me bedpan so that my below mentioned concerns about peeing are taken care of (yes, I asked). THEN, Charlie has to get training on how to administer intramuscular injections of progesterone (my spelling sucks on a good day, but this medical stuff makes it seem even worse. I swear to God, I passed 3rd grade). My doctor said these are the shots that hurt most, but I have to get them so that my body doesn't reject the pregnancy.
The best part about all of this is that the price tag is in the neighborhood of $16,000.00. You read that correctly. The doctor's fees for the procedure is about $9,000.00. Charlie's procedure is $2500.00 and the medications/ hormones for me are $3,000-$4,000.00. Those of you who know us (and if you re bothering to read this nonsense, you probably do) know that we're not millionaires. We have two teenagers in our house, who, with luck and lots of grounding, will go on to college in a few years. Hopefully, we'll have their brother or sister out of lay-away by then.
So, after all of that, how soul crushing would a miscarriage or failure to conceive be?
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
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I never had any idea what all went into IVF.
ReplyDeleteI am keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed for you-and throwing up a prayer as well!
Keep us posted!