Not Moving Forward

Well, looks like we won't be cycling with SIRM in February. We were presented with the option to take part in SIRM's 3 IVF package. It was a discounted package that included unlimited FETs. There was also a cashback option if you didn't get pregnant. Mark and I made the first payment for this package, and the following week, we were told that we didn't qualify. Apparently, because we were a 50% dq alpha match, and have previous ivf failures under our belts, we couldn't get the package.

Ok, I was pissed. The office had all of our information prior to being offered this package. They had knowledge of our past medical history. If we were never going to qualify for this special 3 ivf package, we should have NEVER been presented with the option. This was one of the reasons why we had decided to cycle at SIRM instead of Cornell or CCRM. I responded to this upsetting news by saying that fine, we won't do the cashback option, and was told that the management company couldn't alter the contract, so we were SOL. Ok, I am an attorney, and I know that if both parties agree to modify the contract, it can be done.

So, I was forced to cancel the upcoming cycle in the hopes that we could work something out with SIRM. To be honest, I'm just not sure that they will be willing to work with us. As it stands, we aren't cycling with SIRM in February, and currently have NO backup plan. 2009 has seriously been one of my worst years : (

Test Results are In...

So, we had our follow up phone appointment with Dr. Peters this afternoon. As previously posted, I had an immunological work up, and Mark had a sperm dna fragmentation test done. I'll tell you about Mark's results first. His fragmentation came back normal. Anything under 15% is normal, and Mark came in at 12%. Yay for Mark.

My results came back with some issues. It appears that I do have elevated natural killer cells. I believe that when your NKs are activated and elevated, they "attack" the embryo and therefore no pregnancy results. If anyone reading this blog has experience with this issue, let me know! I have no autoimmune issues, which was a relief. Apparently, those are harder to treat. I did test positive for anti thyroid antibodies. Again, anyone with experience with this, drop a line. The doctor added baby aspirin to my protocol as a way to treat this issue. He also doesn't think that at this point, it's necessary to do CGH genetic testing on the embryos...unless we decide we want to do it.

I was very relieved to "have a problem." I feel like maybe this was our problem all along. Regardless, we are set for the February IVF cycle. I'm hoping that within 2 ivf cycles with SIRM, I'll be pregnant.

I probably won't post again until after the New Year. Happy Holidays to everyone, and have a wonderful New Year. May we all get those bfps in 2010!!!

Going on Vacay!!

I did it…I booked a trip for Mark and I in January. Since we aren't cycling again until February, we thought it would be a good idea to take a vacation right beforehand. Mark has had a sucky few months with business, health issues, and too many failed ivfs, so this should be a way to reinvigorate him. We are heading to Jamaica the second week in January, and staying at the Gran Bahia Principe. It's an all inclusive, so we can drink, eat and play all day long. We can even have sex for fun!! Have you heard of such a thing ; - )

The only downer to this trip is that I have to wear a bathing suit. As those of you who have been keeping up with the blog, I've gained about 10 lbs since we started with treatments almost 2 years ago. I've started a work out routine again, so hopefully, I'll be able to lose a few lbs before the trip. And if not, I'll just have to drink more!!

As an update on our cycling…I have already received my February IVF calendar. The office is so amazingly organized, that I love it. We have a phone appt. with Dr. Peters next Friday to go over our test results from a couple of weeks ago. I really hope that I have an immune issue. I know it's strange to hope that I have an issue, but at least, from what I understand, these issues are treatable.

So, that's it for now. If anyone reading this has been to the Gran Bahia Principe, leave me a message.

Holding Pattern

Mark and I drove up to Bedminster today for some testing. It's going to be a pain in the butt getting up there (1 lane highways most of the trip...and lots of traffic), but you have to do what you have to do. I had an immunological panel done. Mark had some bloodwork and a dna fragmentation test done. We will get our results in about 2 weeks (another phone consultation) and figure out what to do from there.

What we did decide is that we are not ready, emotionally, to jump back into IVF in January. So, we will take about 2 months off, and look to start again in February. SIRM is probably the most expensive of all the clinics that we have been to, and we agreed that if after 3 more cycles (they have a 3 ivf package), I am not pregnant, then we are done with IVF. It's too emotionally and financially draining with no positive outcome. However, if I or Mark were ever to get jobs that had IF coverage, we would certainly reconsider. So, I guess the end of our IF treatment journey finally has an end...much like LOST finally ending (which, by the way, upsets me to no end). It makes me very sad (if it comes to that), but also gives me the closure that I need.

In the meantime, I will be enjoying a treatment free couple of months. As always, thanks to everyone for your support. I'll be needing those good vibes again come 2010.