Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Our New Plan


Today was our first appointment at SIU School of Medicine.  We met with Dr. Loret de Mola's PA Lisa Greenacre.  First we went over all of our medical history with a nurse, she took my vitals and discussed our past treatment.  Once Lisa was available we met with her to discuss our next plan of attack.  She had questions about why we moved from Clomid so quickly to injectables, why we have only transferred one embryo, if I was ovulating on my own, etc.  

After a lengthy discussion, her initial recommendation was that we continue treatment with our normal doctor, doing another FET and using the embryos we already had, but considering transferring 2 embryos.  I have to admit I was a little discouraged by what she was saying.  She had started out the consultation by explaining to us the SART charts and what their success rates are (56% success live birth/fresh cycle) vs. our current doctor (22% success live birth/fresh cycle).  She had me so convinced, based on their success rates, that we needed to consider switching doctors, that I was pretty much sold on using their clinic for any further treatment.  In my mind, why would we continue to do something that isn't working?  Joe could tell that I wanted to move on from them and told Lisa that we've already decided to switch doctor's and that they were the ones we've chosen.

In order to start treatment with our new doctor we would have to do a fresh cycle.  Lisa told us that many clinics will not accept embryos from other clinics because their laboratory protocols can differ so much. If we want to move forward with Dr. Loret de Mola we would have to do fresh transfer, which I am totally fine with.  Their next concern was that, although 34 eggs is a great number, it's not necessary at all to have that many follicles retrieved.  They would like to see 10-15 follicles so my protocol will definitely be adjusted.  Our next step in this new process is meeting with Dr. Loret de Mola on February 9th for our first IVF consultation.  We will go over the treatment protocol, schedule a mock transfer, and hopefully get our plan for an April retrieval.  Although that is still a few months away, such is the way of infertility treatment.  It's always a waiting game, and I'm used to it by this point.

Once our consultation was done we met with an SIU photographer and the public affairs officer of SIU.  They wanted to interview us for a piece on us for Fertility Awareness Week in April.  They are interested in sharing a patient story, doing interviews, taking photos and video, and following us along as we take this new path on our journey.  It was awesome and I had a blast doing it.  Of course I talked way too much, but like I told Lauren, the public affairs officer, I love to talk about and share my journey and I know our timeline like the back of my hand, I know the details, I know the protocols, I know the procedures, I know my story and every single date and every single detail, so I had to apologize for being so thorough when she asked how my journey started, I basically went through our entire TTC timeline without even flinching.  I am so honored to be asked to be a part of their initiative and their project.  As soon as I get some photos and footage, I will gladly share with you all.  This is huge for me, and more than I could've ever dreamed would happen for BRB.  

We are excited to start this new journey.  Although we were left with a "definite" diagnosis of unexplained fertility, I'm hoping that this clinic and their renowned lab will be able to give us the result we are looking for.  At this point we will move forward with a fresh cycle and a single embryo transfer.  We are not planning to do any other testing on our embryos (like PGS/CGH) at this point due to my age and the fact that we don't have any genetic concerns.  I am very hopeful that this new chapter in our journey will be the answer to our prayers!

26 comments:

  1. You're such an inspiration, Elena! And how cool that you get to share your story with the world. I read your guest post on Elise's blog yesterday. Your passion and love for infertility awareness amazes me. And you do it all with such a smile on your face. I know there have to be hard days, but you seem to never let any of that get you down. You're constantly in my thoughts and prayers, friend. I can't wait for the day you get your heart's desire!

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  2. Wow that is a lot of stuff going on. I do agree with you not needing to have so many follicles and from research done, the less usually the better quality. But, always do what you feel comfortable with and don't be persuaded into anything else.

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  3. Girl! Excited to hear your update!! When will the next round start? I love that you are sharing your story! What a neat opportunity - so glad they chose you to hear from! I hope we get to hear/see it!!

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  4. Lots of prayers for this next cycle! Each cyle is a new opportunity; remember, comparison is the joy thief! Also, how wonderful that you are being apart of their project. I'm sure many others will be touched by your story!

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  5. This all sounds so exciting!!! Wishing you the best of luck and prayers to you!!

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  6. I'm not sure I understand why Lisa was encouraging yall to continue with your precious dr. You've got a wonderful man there by your side to step up for you and also to the interviews and such :) so excited for the new beginnings in 2015!

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  7. A fresh new start sounds amazing! And how cool to share your story even beyond the blogosphere. Hoping 2015 shapes up to be YOUR year <3 <3

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  8. So glad you are headed in a direction you want. It always exciting to feel like things are progressing, and how awesome to be able to share your journey with even more people. There's definitely a need for more of that! Best of luck with your new doctor.

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  9. So encouraged to hear about this new chapter. Will be praying, sweet friend. LOVE your heart and how open it is to share, advocate, and just be real, raw, and authentic. So inspired by you!!! xx

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  10. This sounds like a very exciting fresh start. I'm continuing to pray for your and your family during this journey!

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  11. I'm so happy for you that you have a new plan going this year and it sounds like a really positive one! I can't wait to follow along with you on this new path and see all the great things that are bound to come your way this year girl! and how exciting you got interviewed! I know a celebrity now ;)

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  12. so happy that you were able to switch doctors - it sounds really awesome and positive, and i'm hoping it all works out for you! and i am sure that people going through the same thing will love your detailed answers in the interview! :)

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  13. Glad things went well at ur appointment and ur Hub made it clear u guys to switch doctors. Its also amazing that they are going to adjust ur protocol so they don't overstimulate u. Says a lot about the way their process. Can't wait to follow ur new path in this journey.

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  14. So excited for you & a new plan!! And what a great hubby you have! LOVE that you are sharing your story, you are such an inspiration!! :)

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  15. Glad hubby spoke up for you two and that you are switching doctors! I hope this new plan brings good things!

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  16. YAY! So excited! You have a plan!! And a good one! Love, love that you are sharing your story. You're an inspiration to all of us, so I can only imagine what kind of inspiration your story will be to others!!

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  17. So glad things make you so comfortable with the new Dr.! I'm so proud that you sways stay so positive even if it is hard! Praying for you tons! I want to see this interview!!!

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  18. I am glad things went well for you and you enjoy your new doctor! This plan sounds like a great plan! Thank you for sharing your story with the world!

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  19. I'm so glad you have a plan that you feel good about. April will be here before you know it. Congrats on your infertility awareness piece….I want to see it so be sure to send it to me. ;)

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  20. so good to hear an update from you! I'm praying these next steps forward bring home a baby for ya sugars :) xo

    waitingforbabybird.com

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  21. Excited that you have a new plan and I hope it works out for you really soon :)

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  22. Hello! I found your blog through Sydney's Infertility Journey series. I am so excited that you found a new doctor that you are comfortable with, and that you have a new plan of action. We are going to be cycling in April as well. It will be our second IVF after a sucessful first round and a canceled FET. I'll be following along through your journey and praying for a successful cycle.

    Our Little Miracles

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  23. So excited y'all have a great plan in place! I think I've already mentioned this to you before, but a couple of things that helped us (in my opinion) were: 1) taking vitamin D supplements, 2) using only fragrance-free products, 3) no caffeine or alcohol, and 4) tons of prayer! God has big plans for you!

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  24. So awesome that you're able to share your story on this new platform!! Post videos/photos once they are released, please!!

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  25. How awesome that you have been interviewed and able to share your story! That is great! Can't wait to see/hear more about it! Glad to hear that your moving forward with the new Dr. and a new plan! Even though April seems far away, it will be here before we know it! :)

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