Is IVF my only option--have only tried naturally?

CanadianGirl, it sounds like you received so tough information to process! It is completely understandable to be upset to get it. I was in your shoes a few months ago getting the 'IVF spiel' and it took all my strength not to cry right there in from of my RE. At that point I had only started seeing them and went through all the testing and everything was normal (although my CD 3 values have been getting up to a higher end of normal recently). I am 36, so my RE went straight into the IVF talk. I had to beg them to let me do Injectables and IUI. The Dr. later agreed that it was a reasonable course of action. So you can go back and ask for different options for you. I would strongly recommend to at least try 2 rounds of IUI and Gonal F/other injectable (provided your CD 3 values go down to normal) where you can have 2-4 mature eggs which gives you a good shot. I think CD3 Estrogen values need to be in the "normal" range whether you're doing an IVF or Injectable cycle anyway. I am in canada too so I understand your numbers (E2 values in US and Canada are measured differently, so 500 in Canada would be 136 in US). My RE always said they want E2 to be under 200 on CD3 to start a medicated cycle...Perhaps your numbers this month were a "fluke" and you can try again next month, and hopefully everything is under control. Can you ask your Doc why would there be such a difference in CD 3 values just in one month? Is it possible they may have missed a cyst? Have you taken an HPT just in case?

In any case, I think there are options, and hopefully your Dr. will be open to discuss them with you. As for IVF, it is a big step, but so many women do get great results with it (Remember Cor?) Btw, did you hear ART procedures are now covered in Quebec, and I think Ontario is heading that way too...FX for that!

Good luck to you and sending you big HUGS!!!

Sorry about the 'Book'. Bumping it up for Dr's opinion!

I wd see and get another opinion. That is not that high. U can try taking some DHEA to try n lower it but if ur fsh is so high he won't let u try femera why would he let u go with ivf? U cd try injections and iui or injections and home BDing. Just sounds to me like he isn't being very helpful. There r other options. I wd pop onto the threads that talk about being over 40 or high fsh and see what their doc have offered them. Ivf may be ur best fastest option but it doesn't need to be ur only one.

Thank you soooo much girls for responding so quickly and with such good advice.

I'm going to push for at least trying something for a couple of cycles before going to IVF. If she won't work with me then I'll get a second opinion. I'm not opposed to it completely it's just that we haven't tried anything at all yet so I just feel it shouldn't be our first option. Not to mention I have a fridge full of Gonal-F they sent me home with that I already paid for when my u/s came back clear and they thought I'd be going forward this round.

It is wonderful to get your perspectives....I went to bed last night just exhausted with a crying headache but now reading this gives me something more positive to consider. I'm going to the clinic now to do my fasting bloodwork and I'm going to ask about alternatives. They wanted me to wait until Dec 22 to talk to the doctor about my options but I want to make it clear that I want them to give me other options so at least it's my decision.

Silver....hopefully the Ontario gov't will get to that coverage before I need it but I'm doubtful....right now they cover nothing. But we can write off medical stuff against our taxes so I'm saving my receipts.

Thanks again...big huuuugs!

Just a quick update....went to the clinic for fasting bloodwork and told them about my cycle day concern. I had what I thought was AF but then last night I REALLY got AF.

They will count today as day 1 and I'll go for more bloodwork tomorrow...if the levels are more reasonable they'll start me on femara. I'll keep the appointment for Dec 22 just in case...but I did tell them I want more options before I try IVF so I'd like them to consider that for the discussion we'll have on the 22nd.

Thanks to you girls and a friend of mine last night helping me work through this I went in and knew what to ask and what to be very firm about.

I am so glad you talked to them CanadianGirl! And turns out your CD3 values were not CD3 at all - that makes a lot of sense!! You must have just been spotting till now! Hopefully, the real values will be good tomorrow and you can start the meds, this cycle!!! Good luck!! yea, I think I read somewhere that Quebec will be covering up to 2 IVF cycles from January 2010, and that Ontario gov. is discussing the same bill...I might just have to move across the country, LOL!!!

Hi there

yes, I definitely would try other routes before IVF. I am currently reading his book called, making babies by sami david and jill blakeway.. it has some GREAT suggestions not too mention, many of the women listed in the book have had dilemas such as yours with high fsh levels and or cysts and other problems keeping them from getting pregnant. it's worth a read. Also, I belong to this other website called fertileover40

now you aren't 40 but there are women on there who are also in their 30s. some have tried IVF and others , naturally (such as myself) the moderator who started the site did so because of all the misinformation out there with regard to FSH levels and a myriad of other things. it's worth a look. also, the woman whose book I recommended has also gone thru fertility issues..

keep hopeful, because there is definitely hope... oh and fsh levels can very for so many reasons... not just age.. and some doctors will lead you to think.. albeit, can be a reason... just not the SOLE reason..

blessings to you..

P.s.

the fertileover40 website. many of the women are also out of Canada. .so you might have some local support up there.

Thanks again Silver!! Fingers crossed for good news tomorrow. I'll post an update once I know. You could "temporarily" move to Ontario for treatment if the coverage bill goes through. ;) Hopefully they follow quickly after Quebec.

Lolo...thank you for the information...I'm still going to look at all of the information out there because this cycle could still be a bust and I need to go in very educated for my appointment on Dec 22.

I really appreciate all the support ladies. You're keeping me sane!

hi canadiangirl..

i'm also from canada and i really would like to know which clinic you are going to...whether or not u are happy with ur RE and would u recommend him?

baby dust