Today was my post op appointment with Dr S, and my new broadband card came just in time to blog about it :)
First I have to say thank you to everyone that said a prayer for me (us) during my surgery and recovery period.
I feel really good...I'd say I'm about 98% back to normal. Other than a little tenderness around my belly button - I feel great.
On to how my appointment went with Dr S today. I'd say it went well. First of all, I have to tell you all this. Since about 25 weeks pregnant with Lilly, every time I've been to the doctor - my blood pressure has been high. Clif says it's "white coat syndrome", but sometimes I wonder.
For example, last Monday at my post op appointment, my blood pressure was 138/93 (it was actually higher than that the first time they took it). It was equally high the morning of surgery.
This morning I was really nervous about my appointment. Nervous about what Dr S might have to say, and nervous about the potential cost of the shots that he had suggested. I just *knew* my bp would be high when we arrived. It was 126/88. How awesome is that?? I mean...for the first time in over a year, it was normal! :)
First, I met with my nurse - and then Dr S came in to examine my incisions. He said that everything looks really well, and that I can resume normal activities ;) Including baby making.
We then met with him and a resident that assisted with my surgery to discuss our options. Dr S told us that he had two suggestions. One being trying Clomid again, and two being the shots that we had discussed a few months back. I told him that we would like to try Clomid one more month before going with the shots. That will at least give us some time to start saving for the shots, if need be.
Clif and I both have really good feelings about this surgery. Of course, we don't want to get our hopes up... but it's hard not to at least be hopeful. Please join us in praying that the surgery will be a success and that we will be able to conceive without having to go the shot route.
I am really praying that due to the surgery, that AF will start without the provera. That's what happened the month before I got pregnant with Lilly. We (Clif & me) want a baby more than anything in this world... and we are anxiously awaiting what God has in store for us.
Thank you in advance for everyone who says a prayer for us, and the future of our family.
ps - it's good to be back! :)
Showing posts with label Ovarian Drilling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ovarian Drilling. Show all posts
Monday, November 8, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
hubby's are so cute.
So we got to the hospital yesterday, I checked in...and Clif and I found a seat in the PACKED waiting room. We waited for them to call my name, and I had to go back to the "room" by myself.
Dr S told me on Monday that when I came out of surgery, that he would call and tell Clif how everything went.
I had asked my mom that if she happened to be around when Dr S came to talk to Clif, for her to listen in. :) Dr S said the husbands normally get everything mixed up. ha!
Clif was slightly offended when I told him that I was afraid that he wouldn't remember what the doctor said. :) So I asked him if he even knew what what kind of surgery I was having. Of course he said, you're having an ovarian drilling. I then asked him to explain to my parents what the surgery was supposed to do. He proceeded to tell them that they were going to drill holes in my ovaries so that my eggs would be able to "pop" out. REALLY? I couldn't help but laugh. How cute.
Well... I now know that everyone wasn't lying when they said that this type of surgery was one of the most painful things they've been through. All the floating gas/air in there is killing me. :( Mostly my shoulders and under my ribs on the right side.
I was hoping that the medicine would knock me out, but it actually makes me stay awake.
Clif had to work this morning, and had to get up at five. I thought that I'd be able to get out of bed on my own...but once I started shifting, I had Clif get me out of bed before he left. I couldn't even sit up. My stomach is finally sore... and a little bruised.
So now I'm all bundled up in Clif's recliner...stuck her for the day. I did manage to get up and get my laptop...and I guess I'll venture into the kitchen this afternoon and fix some lunch so that I can take another pain killer. Fun stuff.
My post op appointment is scheduled for Monday at nine o'clock. :) Looking forward to what the doctor has to say. I'm also looking forward to getting back to work next week, for Tuesday & Wednesday...and then off to the beach on Thursday morning! :) Thanks (again) to all who were and are continuing to pray...
Dr S told me on Monday that when I came out of surgery, that he would call and tell Clif how everything went.
I had asked my mom that if she happened to be around when Dr S came to talk to Clif, for her to listen in. :) Dr S said the husbands normally get everything mixed up. ha!
Clif was slightly offended when I told him that I was afraid that he wouldn't remember what the doctor said. :) So I asked him if he even knew what what kind of surgery I was having. Of course he said, you're having an ovarian drilling. I then asked him to explain to my parents what the surgery was supposed to do. He proceeded to tell them that they were going to drill holes in my ovaries so that my eggs would be able to "pop" out. REALLY? I couldn't help but laugh. How cute.
Well... I now know that everyone wasn't lying when they said that this type of surgery was one of the most painful things they've been through. All the floating gas/air in there is killing me. :( Mostly my shoulders and under my ribs on the right side.
I was hoping that the medicine would knock me out, but it actually makes me stay awake.
Clif had to work this morning, and had to get up at five. I thought that I'd be able to get out of bed on my own...but once I started shifting, I had Clif get me out of bed before he left. I couldn't even sit up. My stomach is finally sore... and a little bruised.
So now I'm all bundled up in Clif's recliner...stuck her for the day. I did manage to get up and get my laptop...and I guess I'll venture into the kitchen this afternoon and fix some lunch so that I can take another pain killer. Fun stuff.
My post op appointment is scheduled for Monday at nine o'clock. :) Looking forward to what the doctor has to say. I'm also looking forward to getting back to work next week, for Tuesday & Wednesday...and then off to the beach on Thursday morning! :) Thanks (again) to all who were and are continuing to pray...
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
:) thought you'd get rid of me?
Okay so maybe I am back sooner than I thought. As I type, my shoulders and neck are killing me...but really, those are my only complaints (at the moment). Check in again tomorrow...it may be a different story.
When we got to the hospital, I was really nervous. I can't even tell you how nervous. A lot of it had to do with Clif not being able to be with me the whole time. They took me back to prep me, and Clif had to stay in the waiting room. Once they took all my vitals, did a pregnancy test, and got my IV in... they called for Clif.
Speaking of pregnancy tests...a nurse came in and said, that since I hadn't had a hysterectomy and I was of the child bearing age that they had to do a urine pregnancy test. You want to know what they said the child bearing age is?? 9-95 years of age. Nine years old? Are you serious? That turned my stomach a little.
I was able to have Clif, my parents & my mother in law in the room with me until I went back for surgery.
Now, let me tell you a little bit about my nurse (before I went into surgery). I seriously feel like I was just another number to her. She stopped several times during prepping me to open another patients chart (in my presence) before she "forgot" things. Really??
She asked if Clif was my husband and if he would be there the whole time... I told her yes. Right after that, she asked if I had children. What do you say? I said no...simply because I didn't want to get into that conversation to a "cold" stand offish nurse. Later, while reviewing my medical history - she saw that I had a c-section. She asked again, and I had to explain that my daughter was stillborn *almost* a year ago. She apologized and went on to prep me. Later, she was putting stockings on me (really tight sock-like things to prevent blood clots) and she saw my tattoo. She went on to say that it was one of the prettiest tattoos she'd ever seen. :) Then she saw the "LJS" at the bottom, and asked what it stood for. I told her it was our daughters initials. She then asked all those "touchy" questions...were you full term, what was her name, what happened??
*sigh* I thought I'd be able to get by without having to put all of that out there on the table. But it wasn't too bad. I'm proud of my little girl.
I met with the anesthesiologist, saw Dr S, and then headed back for surgery. They wheeled me in the operating room, and surprisingly enough - I remained pretty calm. They had me move to the operating table, and then introduced me to the O.R nurse, Lily. At first, I was like...really?? But then after the initial thought, it was kind of cool. The anesthesiologist told me that he had already started me on some feel goods in my IV, and that's the last thing I remember.
I was out of the hospital by three...and home by four. :) Clif went by Wendy's on the way home to get me a baked potato...and now I'm home wrapped up in his recliner. He has been super good to me...he's a good nurse.
Anyways... about the surgery. I won't get to talk to Dr S until Monday at my appointment, but Clif said that Dr S called and talked to him. He said that the surgery went "really well" and that my tubes looked great.
Oh, did I mention that when I got to the OR that Lily was holding a big vile of dye? Yeah they pumped me full of dye to check my tubes....and... I'm peeing blue. HA!
I'm feeling pretty good right now...other than the shoulder thing, which has gotten a lot better (because of the pain killers). They've got me on Demerol, so I haven't even started to feel pain in my belly.
Dr S says that I'm probably going to have a lot of bruising on my belly...apparently he has to grab it pretty hard during surgery. No bruises on the belly, but a few around the incision...he said that the other bruises will probably show up in a few days.
Oh, and I think I have super glue in my belly button. Weird.
Thank you all so much for all the thoughts and prayer. :) Clif and I both have a really good feeling about this surgery. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us. And I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am to Him for getting me through this. My blood pressure was even normal before surgery!!! Praise the Lord!
When we got to the hospital, I was really nervous. I can't even tell you how nervous. A lot of it had to do with Clif not being able to be with me the whole time. They took me back to prep me, and Clif had to stay in the waiting room. Once they took all my vitals, did a pregnancy test, and got my IV in... they called for Clif.
Speaking of pregnancy tests...a nurse came in and said, that since I hadn't had a hysterectomy and I was of the child bearing age that they had to do a urine pregnancy test. You want to know what they said the child bearing age is?? 9-95 years of age. Nine years old? Are you serious? That turned my stomach a little.
I was able to have Clif, my parents & my mother in law in the room with me until I went back for surgery.
Now, let me tell you a little bit about my nurse (before I went into surgery). I seriously feel like I was just another number to her. She stopped several times during prepping me to open another patients chart (in my presence) before she "forgot" things. Really??
She asked if Clif was my husband and if he would be there the whole time... I told her yes. Right after that, she asked if I had children. What do you say? I said no...simply because I didn't want to get into that conversation to a "cold" stand offish nurse. Later, while reviewing my medical history - she saw that I had a c-section. She asked again, and I had to explain that my daughter was stillborn *almost* a year ago. She apologized and went on to prep me. Later, she was putting stockings on me (really tight sock-like things to prevent blood clots) and she saw my tattoo. She went on to say that it was one of the prettiest tattoos she'd ever seen. :) Then she saw the "LJS" at the bottom, and asked what it stood for. I told her it was our daughters initials. She then asked all those "touchy" questions...were you full term, what was her name, what happened??
*sigh* I thought I'd be able to get by without having to put all of that out there on the table. But it wasn't too bad. I'm proud of my little girl.
I met with the anesthesiologist, saw Dr S, and then headed back for surgery. They wheeled me in the operating room, and surprisingly enough - I remained pretty calm. They had me move to the operating table, and then introduced me to the O.R nurse, Lily. At first, I was like...really?? But then after the initial thought, it was kind of cool. The anesthesiologist told me that he had already started me on some feel goods in my IV, and that's the last thing I remember.
I was out of the hospital by three...and home by four. :) Clif went by Wendy's on the way home to get me a baked potato...and now I'm home wrapped up in his recliner. He has been super good to me...he's a good nurse.
Anyways... about the surgery. I won't get to talk to Dr S until Monday at my appointment, but Clif said that Dr S called and talked to him. He said that the surgery went "really well" and that my tubes looked great.
Oh, did I mention that when I got to the OR that Lily was holding a big vile of dye? Yeah they pumped me full of dye to check my tubes....and... I'm peeing blue. HA!
I'm feeling pretty good right now...other than the shoulder thing, which has gotten a lot better (because of the pain killers). They've got me on Demerol, so I haven't even started to feel pain in my belly.
Dr S says that I'm probably going to have a lot of bruising on my belly...apparently he has to grab it pretty hard during surgery. No bruises on the belly, but a few around the incision...he said that the other bruises will probably show up in a few days.
Oh, and I think I have super glue in my belly button. Weird.
Thank you all so much for all the thoughts and prayer. :) Clif and I both have a really good feeling about this surgery. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for us. And I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am to Him for getting me through this. My blood pressure was even normal before surgery!!! Praise the Lord!
M.I.A? brb :)
Well, here we are...the morning of surgery. And I'm freaking out just a tiny bit. :) Of course.
I'm getting ready to hop in the shower and wash with some nasty soap they told me to use...and then we are headed for check in. I have to be there at ten thirty, and surgery is twelve o'clock.
Depending on my state of mind, I may be M.I.A for a few days. Dr S gave me some pretty hefty pain meds for after surgery...and I imagine I'll be in LaLa Land for a while.
If you think of it, please say a prayer for me today. Pray that the surgery will go smoothly, and that if it be His will - that this may cause my body to start doing things naturally and that I won't need those expensive shots!! :) Also, pray for Clif...I'm sure I'll be a pain in the butt for the next few days.
Take care, everyone! I'll brb...
I'm getting ready to hop in the shower and wash with some nasty soap they told me to use...and then we are headed for check in. I have to be there at ten thirty, and surgery is twelve o'clock.
Depending on my state of mind, I may be M.I.A for a few days. Dr S gave me some pretty hefty pain meds for after surgery...and I imagine I'll be in LaLa Land for a while.
If you think of it, please say a prayer for me today. Pray that the surgery will go smoothly, and that if it be His will - that this may cause my body to start doing things naturally and that I won't need those expensive shots!! :) Also, pray for Clif...I'm sure I'll be a pain in the butt for the next few days.
Take care, everyone! I'll brb...
Thursday, October 28, 2010
short...but VERY sweet.
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has been praying for me, and concerning my upcoming surgery. :) Especially with the day drawing closer, and me getting more nervous. I mentioned in an earlier post that I was concerned that my insurance may not pay for my pre & post op appointments with Dr S.
My awesome hubby called and talked to my nurse yesterday, and found out not only will those appointments be covered with the surgery, I won't even have to pay my co pay for those visits! How awesome is that??
Thank you Lord, for answering my prayers...and for always taking care of me. Even when I'm a little bit
psycho.
My awesome hubby called and talked to my nurse yesterday, and found out not only will those appointments be covered with the surgery, I won't even have to pay my co pay for those visits! How awesome is that??
Thank you Lord, for answering my prayers...and for always taking care of me. Even when I'm a little bit
psycho.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Ok Anthem, maybe I like you...a little.
Praise the Lord! I received a phone call from my nurse "C" this afternoon to let me know that my insurance has approved the surgery. :)
I go in November 1st for pre op at Dr S office, and then I have to go somewhere for them to do my blood work, to meet with the anesthesiologist and a few other things. Surgery is scheduled for November 2nd at 12:00. Clif and I have to be at the hospital at 10am.
I cannot even begin to tell you how relived I am. When she said that they had approved it, I wanted to cry. It was like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders, my heart.
What an amazing blessing God has given to Clif and I today.
I'm sure that after the surgery the bills will roll in - but for now, we're happy.
Thank you God...
I go in November 1st for pre op at Dr S office, and then I have to go somewhere for them to do my blood work, to meet with the anesthesiologist and a few other things. Surgery is scheduled for November 2nd at 12:00. Clif and I have to be at the hospital at 10am.
I cannot even begin to tell you how relived I am. When she said that they had approved it, I wanted to cry. It was like a huge weight was lifted off of my shoulders, my heart.
What an amazing blessing God has given to Clif and I today.
I'm sure that after the surgery the bills will roll in - but for now, we're happy.
Thank you God...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
I'm gonna keep runnin', try not to worry, and concentrate on NOT fainting.
Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Sometimes, we have to hurry up and wait for God to reveal His greatness! In time, the strength you thought you lost will be restored if you don't give up on your goal beforehand. In fact, your goal will become easier to obtain when you realize that if you don't finish it, it will only continue to bother you. Today, don't faint, stay strong!
**Well, a little update on the insurance issue at hand. I've got nothing. HA! I never heard anything yesterday. I called around 9:00 this morning to leave the nurse a voicemail - and she answered. I asked her if she had heard anything, and she was like... "Well, I had to send off to booking for the hospital yesterday - and got that back yesterday afternoon. So this morning I sent everything to insurance - so I should be able to let you know something by this afternoon." I'm pretty much worried sick. I know that even with the insurance covering the surgery that I'll have to shell out thousands of dollars in the long run. We're prepared for whatever we might face - if only we could get this surgery approved!
I think I'm going to ask the nurse (if the insurance approves the surgery) if Dr S will call me some provera in, so I can take it and have regular periods while I'm waiting for surgery. If he'll do that - I am going to give this natural progesterone cream a shot. I keep hearing good things about it. It's worth a try, right?
Please continue to pray for Clif and I as we wait to hear back from the doctors office. Pray that the Lord will prepare our hearts for whatever may happen.
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Sometimes, we have to hurry up and wait for God to reveal His greatness! In time, the strength you thought you lost will be restored if you don't give up on your goal beforehand. In fact, your goal will become easier to obtain when you realize that if you don't finish it, it will only continue to bother you. Today, don't faint, stay strong!
**********************
**Well, a little update on the insurance issue at hand. I've got nothing. HA! I never heard anything yesterday. I called around 9:00 this morning to leave the nurse a voicemail - and she answered. I asked her if she had heard anything, and she was like... "Well, I had to send off to booking for the hospital yesterday - and got that back yesterday afternoon. So this morning I sent everything to insurance - so I should be able to let you know something by this afternoon." I'm pretty much worried sick. I know that even with the insurance covering the surgery that I'll have to shell out thousands of dollars in the long run. We're prepared for whatever we might face - if only we could get this surgery approved!
I think I'm going to ask the nurse (if the insurance approves the surgery) if Dr S will call me some provera in, so I can take it and have regular periods while I'm waiting for surgery. If he'll do that - I am going to give this natural progesterone cream a shot. I keep hearing good things about it. It's worth a try, right?
Please continue to pray for Clif and I as we wait to hear back from the doctors office. Pray that the Lord will prepare our hearts for whatever may happen.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
ovarian drilling
Currently I am waiting to hear back from my nurse. My surgery is already scheduled for November 2nd. No time yet. Of course, if insurance decides not to approve the surgery... I'll have to cancel. My nurse, "C" did say that she has never seen this surgery rejected by insurance. I asked her to stress that this is not just for infertility issues - that it's also beneficial to my health.
I read a pamphlet that I got from their office yesterday about PCOS - and it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and ovarian cancer (if not treated).
So technically, if they cover the surgery now - and it works, and I start to ovulate on my own...then I will be saving them money in the long run.
*sigh* Please join me in praying that this surgery will be covered under insurance, and that we will get the green light today.
Thanks!
I read a pamphlet that I got from their office yesterday about PCOS - and it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and ovarian cancer (if not treated).
So technically, if they cover the surgery now - and it works, and I start to ovulate on my own...then I will be saving them money in the long run.
*sigh* Please join me in praying that this surgery will be covered under insurance, and that we will get the green light today.
Thanks!
Monday, August 30, 2010
when life gives you turnips...make limeade.
I'm starting this post off on a comical note, but I must warn you... it takes a turn for the worse...maybe worst. *sigh*
First off - we had a blast on our camping trip. Caught a lot of fish, froze our butts off at night...hiked, went on a two - three hour float... cooked hot dogs over a campfire, grilled...and ate smores. Of course there were some bug bites in there too. :) But all in all, it was a good trip. We played tons of games, and learned a few new ones too. Clif taught us dominoes and "A" & "B" (
When playing Taboo - we paired up as couples, since we know each other the best. I got the word "Lemonade". The timer started and I said "when life gives you ___" and Clif answered, "turnips". Really? Then I said it again, and we replied with "lemons", I said - "make?" which he replied with "Limeade!" HAHAHA! I about peed my pants. So - that's where the title comes from today. When life gives you turnips, make limeade. :)
Now for that sharp turn. It's a painful one...and I'm trying my hardest not let it get to me down. Let's just say it's easier said than done. It's definitely a challenge. :) But my God is greater than any of this stuff that's going on. I serve Him, and He is on my side.
I went to see Dr S this morning. Amazing how *literally* forty five seconds of ultrasound cost me right around $80.00. Seriously? I got there - he poked me with the "wand", looked for a few seconds - said that my ovaries look the same as they did last week - and that my progesterone came back "not consistent with ovulation". So I was told to get dressed and to come to his office to discuss our "game plan".
Hmmm...some expensive game plan.
I was told that he wouldn't give me any more Clomid. Three pills a day is the most that's been approved - and I was given four pills a day last month. He said that if he gave me Clomid again - that he was sure my body would not respond. Poo.
He said I have two options.
Option #1 - Follistimaq injections. I would go in for an hour long appointment with my nurse, and she would teach me how to inject myself in the stomach with the shots. Oh goody. A "woman like me" would get a lower dose more often instead of high doses less often. He said that the Follistimaq injections *almost* guarantee matured eggs. There is a 20% chance that *if* we got pregnant with these injections that it would be a multiple pregnancy. Most of the cases that Dr S has seen have been twins, and he said that he's seen several triplets too. Sometimes the Follistimaq causes too many eggs to mature, and they advise you *not* to try to conceive that month. For fear of being the next octo-mom. Gee.
Option #2 - Ovarian drilling. Sound painful? According to someone I know (who has had three similar procedures) they are extremely painful. They would go in and burn small holes in my ovaries. He said that in some cases, after Ovarian drilling, you begin to ovulate on your own. Now that would be a sight to behold. There still would be a very good possibility that I would need the injections, even with the surgery. But then again - there is always that chance that my body would ovulate on it's own - and that I could get pregnant without help. I honestly believe that my God is that big - He can do anything.
Ready for the good part?? The Follistimaq is (of course) *not* covered by my insurance. Dr S told me that it'd be right at $1,000.00 for the meds. When I called the nurse this afternoon, she said that if it's not covered - it could cost anywhere from $800-2200. Great.
I know I've said this before, but I'm going to say it again. I feel as if every time I "fall" I just get kicked over and over again. As if losing my daughter isn't enough - lets throw infertility & PCOS in the mix. Why not, right?
So I called the nurse and told her that I wanted a little more information about the surgery. She told me that it's called Ovarian Drilling - and that it's out patient. I'd be out of work for a week. It looks like if we go this route that it will be November 2nd before I can have the surgery done. Isn't that lovely? If we decide to go through with it - I will be bed ridden up until my (would have been) due date (with Lilly). I'll be recovering from surgery at the same time THIS year as I was last year.
I wanted to know how the doctor would code the surgery - I was told it would be coded as "PCOS". I was given two codes (he wants to do the Ovarian Drilling and check my tubes) to call the insurance company with, just to see if they could tell me what my part of the surgery would be. I was told that the doctor has to call in for pre authorization, and that *if* it was approved under my insurance, my copay the morning of would be $250.00. Of course I would go the day before for pre-op and other equally fun stuff. I only have one more paid visit with Dr S - unless my insurance would be gracious enough to let me have a few more paid visits. Which means not only would I be paying for the surgery, and the injections (more than likely)... I would have to pay for office visits and anything he does at those visits (mainly ultrasounds).
If I understood my nurse correctly, since my insurance said that I had to have pre authorization for the surgery - the Dr will have to sign something saying that we will not be doing an insemination. Which makes it that much better. Let's pay thousands upon thousands of dollars for surgery and fertility treatments and then take a chance at doing things the "natural" way.How can they make me say that I WON'T have an insemination done when they aren't going to pay for the insemination in the first place?? *sigh* I feel like I'm screwed no matter which way I go.
Honestly... I'm beyond words right now. I'm at a loss, and I'm hurting beyond relief. The one thing that I want more than anything in this world seems to be slipping farther and farther out of my grasp...
First off - we had a blast on our camping trip. Caught a lot of fish, froze our butts off at night...hiked, went on a two - three hour float... cooked hot dogs over a campfire, grilled...and ate smores. Of course there were some bug bites in there too. :) But all in all, it was a good trip. We played tons of games, and learned a few new ones too. Clif taught us dominoes and "A" & "B" (
When playing Taboo - we paired up as couples, since we know each other the best. I got the word "Lemonade". The timer started and I said "when life gives you ___" and Clif answered, "turnips". Really? Then I said it again, and we replied with "lemons", I said - "make?" which he replied with "Limeade!" HAHAHA! I about peed my pants. So - that's where the title comes from today. When life gives you turnips, make limeade. :)
Now for that sharp turn. It's a painful one...and I'm trying my hardest not let it get to me down. Let's just say it's easier said than done. It's definitely a challenge. :) But my God is greater than any of this stuff that's going on. I serve Him, and He is on my side.
I went to see Dr S this morning. Amazing how *literally* forty five seconds of ultrasound cost me right around $80.00. Seriously? I got there - he poked me with the "wand", looked for a few seconds - said that my ovaries look the same as they did last week - and that my progesterone came back "not consistent with ovulation". So I was told to get dressed and to come to his office to discuss our "game plan".
Hmmm...some expensive game plan.
I was told that he wouldn't give me any more Clomid. Three pills a day is the most that's been approved - and I was given four pills a day last month. He said that if he gave me Clomid again - that he was sure my body would not respond. Poo.
He said I have two options.
Option #1 - Follistimaq injections. I would go in for an hour long appointment with my nurse, and she would teach me how to inject myself in the stomach with the shots. Oh goody. A "woman like me" would get a lower dose more often instead of high doses less often. He said that the Follistimaq injections *almost* guarantee matured eggs. There is a 20% chance that *if* we got pregnant with these injections that it would be a multiple pregnancy. Most of the cases that Dr S has seen have been twins, and he said that he's seen several triplets too. Sometimes the Follistimaq causes too many eggs to mature, and they advise you *not* to try to conceive that month. For fear of being the next octo-mom. Gee.
Option #2 - Ovarian drilling. Sound painful? According to someone I know (who has had three similar procedures) they are extremely painful. They would go in and burn small holes in my ovaries. He said that in some cases, after Ovarian drilling, you begin to ovulate on your own. Now that would be a sight to behold. There still would be a very good possibility that I would need the injections, even with the surgery. But then again - there is always that chance that my body would ovulate on it's own - and that I could get pregnant without help. I honestly believe that my God is that big - He can do anything.
Ready for the good part?? The Follistimaq is (of course) *not* covered by my insurance. Dr S told me that it'd be right at $1,000.00 for the meds. When I called the nurse this afternoon, she said that if it's not covered - it could cost anywhere from $800-2200. Great.
I know I've said this before, but I'm going to say it again. I feel as if every time I "fall" I just get kicked over and over again. As if losing my daughter isn't enough - lets throw infertility & PCOS in the mix. Why not, right?
So I called the nurse and told her that I wanted a little more information about the surgery. She told me that it's called Ovarian Drilling - and that it's out patient. I'd be out of work for a week. It looks like if we go this route that it will be November 2nd before I can have the surgery done. Isn't that lovely? If we decide to go through with it - I will be bed ridden up until my (would have been) due date (with Lilly). I'll be recovering from surgery at the same time THIS year as I was last year.
I wanted to know how the doctor would code the surgery - I was told it would be coded as "PCOS". I was given two codes (he wants to do the Ovarian Drilling and check my tubes) to call the insurance company with, just to see if they could tell me what my part of the surgery would be. I was told that the doctor has to call in for pre authorization, and that *if* it was approved under my insurance, my copay the morning of would be $250.00. Of course I would go the day before for pre-op and other equally fun stuff. I only have one more paid visit with Dr S - unless my insurance would be gracious enough to let me have a few more paid visits. Which means not only would I be paying for the surgery, and the injections (more than likely)... I would have to pay for office visits and anything he does at those visits (mainly ultrasounds).
If I understood my nurse correctly, since my insurance said that I had to have pre authorization for the surgery - the Dr will have to sign something saying that we will not be doing an insemination. Which makes it that much better. Let's pay thousands upon thousands of dollars for surgery and fertility treatments and then take a chance at doing things the "natural" way.How can they make me say that I WON'T have an insemination done when they aren't going to pay for the insemination in the first place?? *sigh* I feel like I'm screwed no matter which way I go.
Honestly... I'm beyond words right now. I'm at a loss, and I'm hurting beyond relief. The one thing that I want more than anything in this world seems to be slipping farther and farther out of my grasp...
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