We have a decision to make...soonish

So...we are about to embark on our 3rd Clomid IUI cycle (6th Clomid cycle overall, however-we never did more than 1 pill on any given cycle). We met with our dr. today to talk about our game plan should this not succeed. He suggested either doing 1-2 injectable cycles (therefore my lining is not thinned out as is a risk on Clomid) or going to IVF. He explained the protocol and I know it's involved.

DH is leaning towards IVF if this doesn't work (would start in Sept.) and I am with him for the most part but VERY anxious about it. I can't put my finger on why..I am worried about pain during retrieval/implantation and the water sono and the fact that he wants to biopsy my uterus at some point as well.

We have been trying for over 2 years and I don't want to say that I'm "over this," but I just feel like I'm trying to stay low stress throughout all of this and I really want to have a baby...I can't put into words exactly what I'm feeling so I hope this is coming across the correct way...thanks for any advice/insight/stories you might have ...

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

I was anxious to when we decided to move forward with an ivf. It wasn't so much all of the medication that freaked me out, but the retrieval. I was terrified of being put out. I lucked out and got a great anesteciologist who put my mind at ease. It is a lot to take in, but if you take it one day at a time it all comes together. I also did accupuncture, not because I thought it would get me pregnant but because it took my mind off things and really helped me with the stress. The water sono was nothing too! Not sure if you ever had to a hsg but a water sono is a thousand times easier. I am not sure if I helped at all but, I am on my 2nd ivf so if you have any questions, feel free to fm. Good Luck with what you and DH decide!

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

Thank you! I am pretty sure we are moving forward, but it helps to have other voices out there! DH is very, "it's your body, I'm respecting what you want" which I like...I had an HSG and it was NOT a good experience (and I'm usually a decent patient) so knowing the water sono is less intense helps...thanks for being available, I might take you up on your offer!

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

yeah my HSG was no walk in the park either...lol. I was terrified of the water sono and when I told the dr office why they were oh no, it's nothing like that. I did the hsg at the hospital with some random dr, the water sono was done in the office with my RE so starting off it was already better. Plus it only took like maybe 5 minutes once everything was in place. I'm available anytime you need to talk

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

i prob would skip the clomid cycle now and do an injectable cycle.
at this point i understand being tired of it, so if you are prepared for IVF then good luck!!!
however i you dont need to think about next cycle!!

Message edited 8/10/2010 10:48:13 PM.

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

I was anxious too. But in the end the most aggressive route usually gets you there sooner.

Just hold on tight and go for it. At the end, you will have your treasure.

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

I was definitely anxious about jumping to IVF, its a big decision & obviously not what anyone expects there TTC experience to be like.

the actual process is really not bad at all. Other then the progesterone needles, they are super small & you can barely feel them.
ER is really quick as well so i wouldnt sweat that too much.

Good Luck with whatever you decide

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

I was scared to come to the decision to move on to IVF as well, but I really didn't want to beat around the bush any longer. I want my baby and I want it now! DH and I have been trying for 2 years now with no luck... I did 3 cycles of IUI, one with Femara and 2 with injectables I wish I had jumped straight into IVF and not have wasted our time but I was hoping that I would get away with it.... Well, here I am now, I have already started off with my IVF meds and trying to take it day by day and stay calm The best thing you can do is to have a consultation with your RE about IVF. We did and it really helped answer most of our questions. We didn't want to just jump into it without knowing where we are going.... Plus, your RE is the one that will help you determine what is the best choice for you, taking into consideration your issues and your age. What helped me finally come to this desicion was turning my focus of the little gift that I will be recieving at the end of it all! (fingers, toes, arms and legs crossed!!!)
Good Luck!

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

I agree with all the PPs, I think it's completely normal to be nervous/anxious/worried when you are making the decision to go on to IVF.

I also had a terrible time with the HSG, by far it was the worst procedure I have gone through to date. The water sono was a walk in the park compared to the HSG, and the retrieval and transfer were really fine too.

I think that in general IVF seems worse than it really is when you are going through it. I was terrified of all the meds, injections, appointments, etc., but really it was much less overwhelming once the process got started.

Good luck to you with whatever you decide!!

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

I was in the same boat a few months ago.. I decided to try injectibles since " preparing" for IVF was going to be a while anyway with the testing and waiting to start the pill etc... I also started accupuncture. In the end I am glad I gave it a try.. we actually gave it two! FM if you have questions!

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

I had to decide between a third injectible cycle and IVF and it was definitely a hard decision. DH was all for IVF since the success rate is drastically higher. We went for IVF and I was lucky enough to get pregnant on my first cycle. IVF can be very overwhelming. There are all the medications and procedures, as well as lots of monitoring. However, looking back, it wasn't much better/worse than my Clomid cycles. It goes really fast and as long as you take it one step at a time, its completely doable. As far as being afraid of the pain... Once you do the shots a few times, you get used to it. It'll pinch for a second then its over and done with. The water sonogram was just uncomfortable for me, not painful at all and done really quickly. The retrieval was my favorite part actually! They knocked me out and there wasn't anything for me to do. I felt great when I woke up and just slept all day. My embies were under the care of the embryologists for a few days so I felt like I had a break - as weird as this sounds!! The transfer was the equivalent of an IUI. The uterine biopsy, however, is the one thing that I found to be very painful. It was over quickly and didn't hurt at all afterwards, but it was definitely the worst part. It's contoversial over whether or not this actually increases your chance of getting pregnant. I did end up with a BFP so who knows what would have happened if I hadn't had the biopsy. To sum it up, it's a very personal choice and you have to do what you and DH are comfortable with. My RE left me with the decision and although he was leaning towards an injectible cycle, he told me to think about whether or not I could emotionally handle another cancelled cycle (my second injectible cycle was cancelled) and would I kick myself if I ended up having to do IVF anyway. The answer for me was that I was at a point where I didn't care how I got pregnant, I just wanted to be pregnant and I did not want to wait. IVF gave me the best odds and my insurance did cover alot so I went for it. Consider all your options and the decision will come to you! Best of luck with whatever you decide!

Re: We have a decision to make...soonish

Thank you all for your thoughtful responses! I came to the conclusion today that we will tell the dr. we are going to try IVF next cycle and let him start setting things up...best case scenario, this IUI works! I will be sure to ask more specific questions as things come up, but I feel put at ease about the water sono, at the very least...step by step is the best way! Thanks again and my hope for everyone is