The One in Which We Waste A Lot of Money

After meeting with our new doctor, we realized that we probably didn't ever have a good chance of conceiving naturally on our own. We were apparently part of the 20% of infertile couples who both contribute to the problem. Yay! I've always wanted to feel like I was part of a group! This wasn't good news for us, but it wasn't unexpected either. I think we were both ready to move on and do what we needed to do in order to conceive. I think I probably had less of an issue with our diagnosis than Brett. I tend to accept things and move on. He tends to dwell on them and analyze them for awhile. At times we have a hard time seeing where the other is coming from, but we keep an open line of communication and I have to say that I think we handle situations well together.

In September 2007 we decided to try our first IUI cycle using clomid. This was a relatively easy and cheap way to try to become pregnant and we hoped it was all that would be needed. During the first cycle, I produced 2 eggs and the hopes were that somehow Brett's sperm would find 1 of those eggs. Two weeks later, we found out that didn't happen. We decided to try another IUI cycle, doubling the dose of clomid. This time I reacted so well that there was a high chance of many multiples. We discussed this with our doctor and felt that we were okay with proceeding with the procedure. Two weeks later, still no dice. It was apparent at this point that we needed to get more aggressive.

It was coming up on the holidays and some travel where we would be separated, so we decided to take a break from fertility treatments for a short time. In January 2008, we met back up with the fertility specialist and decided to move another step forward and try an IUI with injectible medications. This was a dream come true for Brett who has always secretly dreamed of stabbing me in the stomach with multiple needles!

Our first round with Repronex went okay and even having Brett poking me with needles wasn't too bad. If I remember correctly, I was reacting well to the medications and the doctor actually cut back on the amount of HCG (causes ovulation) that I was to receive so I wouldn't release more than 2 or 3 eggs. Well, 2 long weeks later and, again, we did not get pregnant. We decided to try IUI with injectibles one more time. This time we insisted that we be even more aggressive. After 5 or 6 days of injecting medications, the doctor told me that I had 8 eggs maturing at the same time and that unless we wanted our own TV show, we weren't going to be able to proceed with the procedure. He also suggested that we consider IVF as an alternative because it was likely that I would always react this way to the medication.

I was at my appointment alone that day and I didn't take the news well. I don't remember saying much, I just remember leaving the office and trying to make it to my car before bursting into tears. I immediately called Brett and told him the news. I think deep down we both knew this was coming and that we had a decision to make. We didn't want to proceed with another IUI and risk the chance of wasting so much money on nothing. Our only options at this point were adoption and IVF and we had a decision to make.

To be continued...