Calling all RMA Ladies (1st page updates)

[Poms Mom]

POMsMom, I'm so sorry you are going through this. I forget - are you at RMA NY or NJ?

I have found you need to be super assertive in your own care. I ended up switching from RMA NY to RMA NJ, because I didn't love my doctor at RMA NY and felt much more comfortable with my current doctor at RMA NJ. Initially I wasn't happy with my nurse, but I complained about the issue I was unhappy about, and it's never happened again, and now I love my nurse. For monitoring, there are multiple office locations in NJ, and I go to the locations where my favorite doctors are monitoring, and when I check in, I will request to see the specific doctor that I like and am familiar with.

As a general rule, most doctors keep conversations very short during monitoring hours, but I'm usually able to get my most pressing questions/concerns addressed. My nurse is also great at passing my questions along to my doctor and getting them answered for me. My doctor has also called me a few times, once from her cell phone, to address my questions directly. So if you are unhappy with your care and/or have questions/concerns, you have to be aggressive about getting the care you DESERVE (we are paying enough for it).

Update on me - FET cycle starting August 3rd! It's 2 weeks away. Transfer will be the week of August 20th.

I go to RMANJ. in northern NJ. The RE i saw today is at my primary location, so i may run into him in some other time. i voiced my concern with my nurse---she stated he is not a man of many words (watever) - the only consolation i have is that my E2 level went up to 160 so thats a good sign even though we didnt see a growth on the scan.(atlesat the way he did it-not thorough enough in my opinion.) I go back Sunday morning before i head to mini vacation. Like you said we are paying a lot for this to happen and i would atleast like some kind of support from whiever doctor is there.

I am still learning the acronyms---but i wish nothing but the best on your FET cycle! do you still have to do estrogen shots and what not to prepare. I have no clue how it works?

 

[DaisyQ]

Thanks lady! FET = frozen embryo transfer. I will be taking estrogen pills, and then progesterone shots, which are brutal from what I hear. And that's it!

 

[Kins]

I go to RMANJ. in northern NJ. The RE i saw today is at my primary location, so i may run into him in some other time. i voiced my concern with my nurse---she stated he is not a man of many words (watever) - the only consolation i have is that my E2 level went up to 160 so thats a good sign even though we didnt see a growth on the scan.(atlesat the way he did it-not thorough enough in my opinion.) I go back Sunday morning before i head to mini vacation. Like you said we are paying a lot for this to happen and i would atleast like some kind of support from whiever doctor is there.

I am still learning the acronyms---but i wish nothing but the best on your FET cycle! do you still have to do estrogen shots and what not to prepare. I have no clue how it works?

Hey Poms 160 is great. With me they said you will see the number go up first then the follie will pop up. They said each follie should be worth 250 what dose are they giving you will sunday.

O ya and so I checked I for my three cycles so far my first two were 20days and canceled this 3rd cycle she went extremely slow. It was 30days. I had my IUI and now am in a 2ww. So maybe this slow cycle will do the trick for you! Im hoping it does for me.

 

[Poms Mom]

I am 262.5 iu of gonal f..i went today for a yhree day check up before vacay...great start!. Got 1 folllie at 11 mm and 2 at 14mm!!!! Im so happy its working hopefuly it goes fine. Im on my way to va now and it made me so excited. Hope i dont ohss while i am away. May have to go to a local clinic in va before i fet back but i dont care i will go anywher to make it work good luck On ur cycle Kins!..babydust ur way! Hopefully when i come back from va, i can just trigger

 

[ing13949]

Hi friends,

I am done with all B/W,U/S and HSG all normal and DH SA kruger was abnormal with low morphology. So doctor decided and suggested to go for IUI with clomid.

I have any question for you looks like everyone had experience with IUI. How many U/S and B/W required for typical IUI cycle in RMA NJ.

I insurance don't cover anything so i have to pay out of pocket and bit worried about the number of U/S and B/W required for each IUI cycle to monitor the progress.

Your suggestions will help me to reduce my stress with out of pocket expenses.

 

[DaisyQ]

Hi friends,

I am done with all B/W,U/S and HSG all normal and DH SA kruger was abnormal with low morphology. So doctor decided and suggested to go for IUI with clomid.

I have any question for you looks like everyone had experience with IUI. How many U/S and B/W required for typical IUI cycle in RMA NJ.

I insurance don't cover anything so i have to pay out of pocket and bit worried about the number of U/S and B/W required for each IUI cycle to monitor the progress.

Your suggestions will help me to reduce my stress with out of pocket expenses.

Hey there...

The only time I've done a IUI cycle at RMA NJ, it was supposed to be for IVF, so I was using injectable meds, and I had an ultrasound and blood work every other day.

I did two clomid IUI cycles at RMA NY, and I went in for baseline US and blood work on day 3, and then another one on day 12. Usually, I was ready by then to trigger that day, or the following day, so that was the end of US and blood work - just 2 times.

Are you 100% sure US and blood work aren't covered? Even if you have no fertility benefit, often times, the ultrasounds and blood work are still covered, at least somewhat... as it's not a fertility treatment per se. I'd look into that. I have a very limited fertility benefit that covers the actual IUI procedures or IVF procedures (retrieval, ICSI, culturing the embryos, transfer) up to 10K, and once I've reached 10K, I am out of pocket for any future fertility procedures. My my US and blood work should still be covered.

How low was DH's morph? Sometimes if it's low enough, they will recommend going straight to IVF. Who is your doctor at RMA NJ? If you need to go to IVF, there are packages you can buy (ARC) that will help with the costs somewhat. Good luck!

 

[Kins]

So I'm supposed to go in tomorrow for bloodwork for preg test. But I have been feeling like AF should be coming anyhow I took an EPT today and it was a BFN.
My suprised but still bummed.

Now should I cancel my blwrk for tomorow? The RE told me to call if AF comes. What did you all do? I haven't got AF yet but I'm sure she will appear soon

 

[DaisyQ]

It's really up to you, but I think a hpt at 14 DPO is pretty accurate. And it's not like you are taking progesterone right? I would probably skip the blood work and wait for AF.

I'm sorry to hear it was a BFN.

 

[Kins]

It's really up to you, but I think a hpt at 14 DPO is pretty accurate. And it's not like you are taking progesterone right? I would probably skip the blood work and wait for AF.

I'm sorry to hear it was a BFN.

Yup I am on crinone %8 it's a progesterone gel that you use everyone day. Does that make a difference w/AF? Apparently it as supposed to bulk up my lining to help implanting--clears it was no help. Boohoo

IuI was 7/12

 

[Poms Mom]

hello,

well i just came back from vacation. I had a very stressful vacation, aside from the drama, i had to find a doctor in VA. the morning i left, i had a few follicles growing, they recommeneded i see a dR while on vacay. Went through craziness to get montiored. Was told by the doctors there that i was almost readdy to trigger. my bloodwork however showed high levels of e2, too high for what the ultrasound showed. I came back today to RMA and low and behold...way too many follies ranging 11-21mm (possible 7-9 in total). What a complete bummer! spent my whole vacay worryign about going to doctors to not miss the trigger stage, only to come back home to now having to cancel the cycle due to too many follies. i still beleve that last thurs, i was not monitored properly. the majority of big folies was on my right ovary, but on thurs, i had no follies more than 10mm. and this was the RE that i felt was not thorough. I understand sometimes this happens with taking too many hormones, but how can you go from all follies less than 10 to about 6 over 15mm each?! the biggest one was on the right at 21mm! something doesnt seem right to me. I am hopeful since it did work to make the follies grow.

what happens now when they cancel the cycle? do i need meds, no intercourse? RE mentioned that there was mucus in the cervix. DH googled it and said that it could mean i am close to ovulating. Can you still ovulate after canceling a cycle? and if so how many?

 

[Kins]

hello,

well i just came back from vacation. I had a very stressful vacation, aside from the drama, i had to find a doctor in VA. the morning i left, i had a few follicles growing, they recommeneded i see a dR while on vacay. Went through craziness to get montiored. Was told by the doctors there that i was almost readdy to trigger. my bloodwork however showed high levels of e2, too high for what the ultrasound showed. I came back today to RMA and low and behold...way too many follies ranging 11-21mm (possible 7-9 in total). What a complete bummer! spent my whole vacay worryign about going to doctors to not miss the trigger stage, only to come back home to now having to cancel the cycle due to too many follies. i still beleve that last thurs, i was not monitored properly. the majority of big folies was on my right ovary, but on thurs, i had no follies more than 10mm. and this was the RE that i felt was not thorough. I understand sometimes this happens with taking too many hormones, but how can you go from all follies less than 10 to about 6 over 15mm each?! the biggest one was on the right at 21mm! something doesnt seem right to me. I am hopeful since it did work to make the follies grow.

what happens now when they cancel the cycle? do i need meds, no intercourse? RE mentioned that there was mucus in the cervix. DH googled it and said that it could mean i am close to ovulating. Can you still ovulate after canceling a cycle? and if so how many?

Hey Poms same thing happened to me. They used too high of a dose on you for too long. Next cycle they will know to go lower at the end.

What they did for me was said to use condoms, the second cycle they put me on birth control.

We will get this slow and steady. It's sucks that we have to start over

 

[Poms Mom]

hello,

well i just came back from vacation. I had a very stressful vacation, aside from the drama, i had to find a doctor in VA. the morning i left, i had a few follicles growing, they recommeneded i see a dR while on vacay. Went through craziness to get montiored. Was told by the doctors there that i was almost readdy to trigger. my bloodwork however showed high levels of e2, too high for what the ultrasound showed. I came back today to RMA and low and behold...way too many follies ranging 11-21mm (possible 7-9 in total). What a complete bummer! spent my whole vacay worryign about going to doctors to not miss the trigger stage, only to come back home to now having to cancel the cycle due to too many follies. i still beleve that last thurs, i was not monitored properly. the majority of big folies was on my right ovary, but on thurs, i had no follies more than 10mm. and this was the RE that i felt was not thorough. I understand sometimes this happens with taking too many hormones, but how can you go from all follies less than 10 to about 6 over 15mm each?! the biggest one was on the right at 21mm! something doesnt seem right to me. I am hopeful since it did work to make the follies grow.

what happens now when they cancel the cycle? do i need meds, no intercourse? RE mentioned that there was mucus in the cervix. DH googled it and said that it could mean i am close to ovulating. Can you still ovulate after canceling a cycle? and if so how many?

Hey Poms same thing happened to me. They used too high of a dose on you for too long. Next cycle they will know to go lower at the end.

What they did for me was said to use condoms, the second cycle they put me on birth control.

We will get this slow and steady. It's sucks that we have to start over

so you still have a risk of ovulating more than one egg? i figured avoid intercourse or use protection. How come they put you on BC? I had a feeling the dose was a bit high. I was on 262.5 of gonal for about a week. I started getting a response at that dose. and it took 3 weeks to get a response. I asked the RE if 262.5 was high, but he said it was low. so confused

 

[Kins]

so you still have a risk of ovulating more than one egg? i figured avoid intercourse or use protection. How come they put you on BC? I had a feeling the dose was a bit high. I was on 262.5 of gonal for about a week. I started getting a response at that dose. and it took 3 weeks to get a response. I asked the RE if 262.5 was high, but he said it was low. so confused

Ya I guess you must if they make you protect.
I think bc helps calm the follies. I may be wrong ur

 

[DaisyQ]

It's really up to you, but I think a hpt at 14 DPO is pretty accurate. And it's not like you are taking progesterone right? I would probably skip the blood work and wait for AF.

I'm sorry to hear it was a BFN.

Yup I am on crinone %8 it's a progesterone gel that you use everyone day. Does that make a difference w/AF? Apparently it as supposed to bulk up my lining to help implanting--clears it was no help. Boohoo

IuI was 7/12

Since you are taking progesterone, you probably won't get AF until you stop the crinone...

If the IUI was 7/12, then you should probably wait to test (HPT or beta) until 7/26 (tomorrow) or 7/27 before stopping the crinone.

 

[DaisyQ]

You will still ovulate naturally more than 1 egg - probably from any follicle 15mm or bigger. So if there are 4 or more that are over 15mm, they usually advise using protection because the risk of trips or higher order multiples are too high.

 

[Poms Mom]

You will still ovulate naturally more than 1 egg - probably from any follicle 15mm or bigger. So if there are 4 or more that are over 15mm, they usually advise using protection because the risk of trips or higher order multiples are too high.

Yes that is what i figured. Like i said i have my hopes up still since it did work just a bit too much. DH wants me to start a new cycle asap, but i feel like taking a work. its exhausting!

 

[Poms Mom]

well i think today will be my last post for a while. yesterday i spoke with my RE nurse and RE decided to cancel my cycle. according to my RE i have 1 strong mature follie, 3 mature follies, and afew more behind. them. So they think its too risky moving forward with the trigger and TTC. Believe me i am tempted to try to BD anyway since it seems likde there are only 4 mature follies and have read other stories of people going against RE advise. But i am really scared to do that and end up with multiples. i am ok with 2 or 3 ..but 4 or more is way scary. plus i am sure i won't hear the end of it if i do get BFP after RE advised not to BD by RMA. RE nurse stressed to avoid all intercourse and if i must to use protection.

I think i will skip next cycle. It was too stressful and time consuming this time to do it back to back. and i slowly started to dig myself into a financail hole with the meds and copays. took 35CD to get a cancelled cycle, i can't bring myself to do it back to back. I would like to enjoy my summer as i spend the first half of it on shots and going to doctors on my vacation. and cancelling plans due to $. MY RE nurse mentioned IVF but that is an absolute NO! do any of your doctors try to push you into IVF? i almost feel like thats what they want me to do.

Anyway im completely drained. trying to come back and relax the rest of the summer. hope you all have a great summer and babydust for those trying!

 

[BlueStorm]

well i think today will be my last post for a while. yesterday i spoke with my RE nurse and RE decided to cancel my cycle. according to my RE i have 1 strong mature follie, 3 mature follies, and afew more behind. them. So they think its too risky moving forward with the trigger and TTC. Believe me i am tempted to try to BD anyway since it seems likde there are only 4 mature follies and have read other stories of people going against RE advise. But i am really scared to do that and end up with multiples. i am ok with 2 or 3 ..but 4 or more is way scary. plus i am sure i won't hear the end of it if i do get BFP after RE advised not to BD by RMA. RE nurse stressed to avoid all intercourse and if i must to use protection.

I think i will skip next cycle. It was too stressful and time consuming this time to do it back to back. and i slowly started to dig myself into a financail hole with the meds and copays. took 35CD to get a cancelled cycle, i can't bring myself to do it back to back. I would like to enjoy my summer as i spend the first half of it on shots and going to doctors on my vacation. and cancelling plans due to $. MY RE nurse mentioned IVF but that is an absolute NO! do any of your doctors try to push you into IVF? i almost feel like thats what they want me to do.

Anyway im completely drained. trying to come back and relax the rest of the summer. hope you all have a great summer and babydust for those trying!

Sorry that you had to cancel your cycle. Many women do still BD but that is a decision you have to make on your own. Sometimes they ask if you want to convert to IVF if you have a lot of mature follicles so that the whole cycle was not a waste. I never felt that I was pushed into IVF. I was the one who wanted to do it, if it was up to my doctor we probably would have done one more IUI before IVF but I didn't want to waste anymore time or money. I understand how draining it all is and I hope you can rest and enjoy the rest of your summer. Good luck!

 

[marie44]

Pops mom - this is probably horrible advice but i would bd anyway. The chances of high multiples is less than 5% i believe & there are ways to reduce the # of fetuses if you somehow get 4. You are young though and have time on your side to wait for an optimal time. I just think statistically, you are not at much risk. Your decision in the end though

 

[DaisyQ]

I think the only reason they are pushing IVF is due to the length of time you've ttc, and the fact that an IVF cycle is probably easier for them to stimulate you for. With pcos, stimming for iui is tricky - they want 2-3 follicles, no more, but it can take a LONG time to get you there without over stimulating. IVF is easier in a way because they want a lot of eggs. And if course, the success rates are much higher.

The chance of higher order births may be higher than 5%, considering your age. If you were over 35, I'd say maybe go for it. But under 30.... I don't know. I wouldn't do it. Selective reduction is an option, yes, but one that is pretty traumatic and comes with risk of complications.