*UPDATE* Seeing a New RE Tomorrow.

[renbee]

Mar 31, 2015 16:07:42 GMT -5 zombiesquad said:

I'm confused as to why she would suggest unmonitored clomid cycles but monitored Letrozole cycles given that she's aware that Letrozole tends to have less uterine lining issues than clomid. Wouldn't she want to stress monitored cycles on clomid as well? That just seems backwards.

With something as serious and expensive as medications and procedures, you should absolutely be comfortable with your doctor and the protocol. I know it's time consuming, but it may be worth seeing another doctor just to have additional options.

She said that they monitored letrozole cycles because they want to make sure you aren't pregnant while taking it because of the risk of birth defects. And also because she would combine with a trigger shot and IUI.

I agree that It doesn't make any sense to not monitor the more risky medication. I wanted to ask her if she would ever do a monitored clomid cycpe but at that point we had moved on to discussing letrizole so I never got to it.

Also, a monitored and medicated cycle with IUI is like $1,500. That seems like an awful lot, and I think it's more than what the other RE I saw over a year ago charges.

[BrewGirl]

Sorry it didn't go as well as you would've hoped. But don't feel like you need to rush into a Dr. that you are not happy with. I know when seeing an RE, you really want things to start happening right away. At least, that was what I went into mine wanting. If you are doubting anything she said or feeling like she didn't take the time to really listen, I would consider trying someone else. You deserve it. And at least your got some blood work to take with you.

[lilsneezy]

Mar 31, 2015 17:52:11 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 16:07:42 GMT -5 zombiesquad said:

I'm confused as to why she would suggest unmonitored clomid cycles but monitored Letrozole cycles given that she's aware that Letrozole tends to have less uterine lining issues than clomid. Wouldn't she want to stress monitored cycles on clomid as well? That just seems backwards.

With something as serious and expensive as medications and procedures, you should absolutely be comfortable with your doctor and the protocol. I know it's time consuming, but it may be worth seeing another doctor just to have additional options.

She said that they monitored letrozole cycles because they want to make sure you aren't pregnant while taking it because of the risk of birth defects. And also because she would combine with a trigger shot and IUI.

I agree that It doesn't make any sense to not monitor the more risky medication. I wanted to ask her if she would ever do a monitored clomid cycpe but at that point we had moved on to discussing letrizole so I never got to it.

Also, a monitored and medicated cycle with IUI is like $1,500. That seems like an awful lot, and I think it's more than what the other RE I saw over a year ago charges.

Your RE sounds like mine. She offered me clomid without monitoring and said that it's not really necessary unless you're adding injectables (her words, not mine. And no, I didn't take it). A medicated and monitored cycle would cost me $900 and to add the IUI would be another $400.

[ghostmonkey]

Mar 31, 2015 17:52:11 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 16:07:42 GMT -5 zombiesquad said:

I'm confused as to why she would suggest unmonitored clomid cycles but monitored Letrozole cycles given that she's aware that Letrozole tends to have less uterine lining issues than clomid. Wouldn't she want to stress monitored cycles on clomid as well? That just seems backwards.

With something as serious and expensive as medications and procedures, you should absolutely be comfortable with your doctor and the protocol. I know it's time consuming, but it may be worth seeing another doctor just to have additional options.

She said that they monitored letrozole cycles because they want to make sure you aren't pregnant while taking it because of the risk of birth defects. And also because she would combine with a trigger shot and IUI.

I agree that It doesn't make any sense to not monitor the more risky medication. I wanted to ask her if she would ever do a monitored clomid cycpe but at that point we had moved on to discussing letrizole so I never got to it.

Also, a monitored and medicated cycle with IUI is like $1,500. That seems like an awful lot, and I think it's more than what the other RE I saw over a year ago charges.

Each ultrasound is around $200-250. You will have a minimum of 2, possibly 3. At least 2 rounds of bloodwork, figure another $150 for that. So $650-900 there. IUI (including the sperm wash and SA that goes with it) was $550, so that's $1,200-1,450. Add in Clomid and trigger costs- around $150. I'm in a low COL area, so your number isn't unreasonable if your insurance covers absolutely nothing. 

[renbee]

Mar 31, 2015 19:45:23 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Mar 31, 2015 17:52:11 GMT -5 renbee said:

She said that they monitored letrozole cycles because they want to make sure you aren't pregnant while taking it because of the risk of birth defects. And also because she would combine with a trigger shot and IUI.

I agree that It doesn't make any sense to not monitor the more risky medication. I wanted to ask her if she would ever do a monitored clomid cycpe but at that point we had moved on to discussing letrizole so I never got to it.

Also, a monitored and medicated cycle with IUI is like $1,500. That seems like an awful lot, and I think it's more than what the other RE I saw over a year ago charges.

Each ultrasound is around $200-250. You will have a minimum of 2, possibly 3. At least 2 rounds of bloodwork, figure another $150 for that. So $650-900 there. IUI (including the sperm wash and SA that goes with it) was $550, so that's $1,200-1,450. Add in Clomid and trigger costs- around $150. I'm in a low COL area, so your number isn't unreasonable if your insurance covers absolutely nothing. 

Welp. Damnit. So frustrating that some people can do this for FREE!

[lovegrilledcheese]

I paid $1000 for my IUI cycle plus another $100 for the trigger shot. My insurance doesn't cover any treatment.

[ghostmonkey]

Mar 31, 2015 19:46:45 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 19:45:23 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Each ultrasound is around $200-250. You will have a minimum of 2, possibly 3. At least 2 rounds of bloodwork, figure another $150 for that. So $650-900 there. IUI (including the sperm wash and SA that goes with it) was $550, so that's $1,200-1,450. Add in Clomid and trigger costs- around $150. I'm in a low COL area, so your number isn't unreasonable if your insurance covers absolutely nothing. 

Welp. Damnit. So frustrating that some people can do this for FREE!

Huh. I've never seen anyone that gets it for free.

[tippytop]

Mar 31, 2015 20:01:58 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Mar 31, 2015 19:46:45 GMT -5 renbee said:

Welp. Damnit. So frustrating that some people can do this for FREE!

Huh. I've never seen anyone that gets it for free.

My insurance covers IUI for "free", but I also pay $825 a month in insurance premiums, so there's that...

[renbee]

Mar 31, 2015 20:24:02 GMT -5 tippytop said:

Mar 31, 2015 20:01:58 GMT -5 ghostmonkey said:

Huh. I've never seen anyone that gets it for free.

My insurance covers IUI for "free", but I also pay $825 a month in insurance premiums, so there's that...

I was talking about people who are able to get pregnant spontaneously, without treatment.

[tippytop]

Mar 31, 2015 20:41:35 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 20:24:02 GMT -5 tippytop said:

My insurance covers IUI for "free", but I also pay $825 a month in insurance premiums, so there's that...

I was talking about people who are able to get pregnant spontaneously, without treatment.

Oooh, my bad. That makes much more sense.

[renbee]

Mar 31, 2015 20:47:51 GMT -5 @wineandcupcakes said:

Mar 31, 2015 20:24:02 GMT -5 tippytop said:

My insurance covers IUI for "free", but I also pay $825 a month in insurance premiums, so there's that...

I think she meant people get this for "free" meaning that people get pregnant without needing this costly intervention.

OP, I would side-eye the unmonitored clomid. Also, are they planning to do your CD3 bloodwork as well? Additionally, I have no idea about this other procedure that hurts less than the HSG. With 600mg of Motrin taken 45min before the procedure, it wasn't bad for me. I guess I've heard it both ways.

As far as the temping v OPK stance - my RE didn't look at my charts (I didn't bring them). He listened to the info I provided him about them (mainly that I was O'ing every month and had 13-14 day LPs and that was it. He could see the O side of things with the vag cam. I mentioned that I temped, which he was fine with, but mentioned that OPKs were really important as well because temping won't show O until it's already happened. From what I've read, some REs aren't big fans of temping because so many variables can influence your temp.

In any event, I would feel a bit weird about this RE. What are her reviews like? I researched my RE high and low after I met with him! Ultimately, you need to feel comfortable with what is going on. Good luck!

That's interesting that so many other REs have the same stance on temping vs OPKs. I guess since I've been here so long I just thought temping was the end all, be all of GKU!

I've looked but can't find many reviews on her. She is pretty young and has only been practicing for 3 years.

[madamewaffles]

I +25 everyone else's hesitation about your new RE. I think their costs are pretty on par with most clinics - I think mine was about $1,500. I'd also check with 3T about FemVue - I think a couple gals over there have had that procedure.

[icaughtfire]

Hmm. I feel like my red flag is raised, but I also have no experience with an RE so I don't know what's considered the "norm." Any doctor that advocates unmonitored Clomid would have me running for the hills.

I know you feel like your options are running out, but ask yourself -- did you truly feel comfortable with this doctor? Did you feel she had your best interest at heart? Do you feel 100% comfortable with the treatment plan she suggests? If the answer is no, search elsewhere.

I know this is frustrating for you. I'm sorry you're even dealing with this. If you decide to stick with this center, is there another doctor you could see?

I really just don't want you to feel pressured to go along with something you're uncomfortable with. I wish you the absolute best with whichever route you choose.

[renbee]

Mar 31, 2015 21:23:53 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

Hmm. I feel like my red flag is raised, but I also have no experience with an RE so I don't know what's considered the "norm." Any doctor that advocates unmonitored Clomid would have me running for the hills.

I know you feel like your options are running out, but ask yourself -- did you truly feel comfortable with this doctor? Did you feel she had your best interest at heart? Do you feel 100% comfortable with the treatment plan she suggests? If the answer is no, search elsewhere.

I know this is frustrating for you. I'm sorry you're even dealing with this. If you decide to stick with this center, is there another doctor you could see?

I really just don't want you to feel pressured to go along with something you're uncomfortable with. I wish you the absolute best with whichever route you choose.

Thank you

It's hard. This is the second RE I've seen, and there's really only one more practice in my city. There are two other doctors in the practice I went to today, but I would think they would all have generally the same protocols, right? I felt comfortable with her on a personal level, despite her hurrying through the information with me. She was very friendly and didn't talk down to me like I experienced with the other RE. But I'm just not sure I feel comfortable with her knowledge and experience level.

I also hate feeling like I'm "shopping for a doctor". Just feels like something you are not supposed to do. But at this point I might have to check out the other practice in town.

[URMySunshine77]

Mar 31, 2015 22:03:00 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 21:23:53 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

Hmm. I feel like my red flag is raised, but I also have no experience with an RE so I don't know what's considered the "norm." Any doctor that advocates unmonitored Clomid would have me running for the hills.

I know you feel like your options are running out, but ask yourself -- did you truly feel comfortable with this doctor? Did you feel she had your best interest at heart? Do you feel 100% comfortable with the treatment plan she suggests? If the answer is no, search elsewhere.

I know this is frustrating for you. I'm sorry you're even dealing with this. If you decide to stick with this center, is there another doctor you could see?

I really just don't want you to feel pressured to go along with something you're uncomfortable with. I wish you the absolute best with whichever route you choose.

Thank you

It's hard. This is the second RE I've seen, and there's really only one more practice in my city. There are two other doctors in the practice I went to today, but I would think they would all have generally the same protocols, right? I felt comfortable with her on a personal level, despite her hurrying through the information with me. She was very friendly and didn't talk down to me like I experienced with the other RE. But I'm just not sure I feel comfortable with her knowledge and experience level.

I also hate feeling like I'm "shopping for a doctor". Just feels like something you are not supposed to do. But at this point I might have to check out the other practice in town.

renbee--I'd say totally go with your gut instinct on this one. 

[Deleted]

Mar 31, 2015 22:03:00 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 21:23:53 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

Hmm. I feel like my red flag is raised, but I also have no experience with an RE so I don't know what's considered the "norm." Any doctor that advocates unmonitored Clomid would have me running for the hills.

I know you feel like your options are running out, but ask yourself -- did you truly feel comfortable with this doctor? Did you feel she had your best interest at heart? Do you feel 100% comfortable with the treatment plan she suggests? If the answer is no, search elsewhere.

I know this is frustrating for you. I'm sorry you're even dealing with this. If you decide to stick with this center, is there another doctor you could see?

I really just don't want you to feel pressured to go along with something you're uncomfortable with. I wish you the absolute best with whichever route you choose.

Thank you

It's hard. This is the second RE I've seen, and there's really only one more practice in my city. There are two other doctors in the practice I went to today, but I would think they would all have generally the same protocols, right? I felt comfortable with her on a personal level, despite her hurrying through the information with me. She was very friendly and didn't talk down to me like I experienced with the other RE. But I'm just not sure I feel comfortable with her knowledge and experience level.

I also hate feeling like I'm "shopping for a doctor". Just feels like something you are not supposed to do. But at this point I might have to check out the other practice in town.

It would probably be worth looking at the other doctors in the practice. They might not all have the same outlook on things. Good luck. I hope you find a good fit soon.

[WVaRN]

I have never been to a RE yet, so I have no idea what is norm and what is not but +1 go with your instincts.

[Stringy]

Hi just wanted to jump in and say that the femvue sounds like an SHG. Which is salinehysterogram (I think). My RE described it as an office version of the HSG. They put saline into your ute and inject air bubbles that they can see in an ultrasound to see if your tubes are clear. Maybe femvue is another term for it? Does that sound like what she described? It was completely painless for me- but I think I was warned that there could be some cramping. Hope that helps!

[ghostmonkey]

Mar 31, 2015 22:03:00 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 21:23:53 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

Hmm. I feel like my red flag is raised, but I also have no experience with an RE so I don't know what's considered the "norm." Any doctor that advocates unmonitored Clomid would have me running for the hills.

I know you feel like your options are running out, but ask yourself -- did you truly feel comfortable with this doctor? Did you feel she had your best interest at heart? Do you feel 100% comfortable with the treatment plan she suggests? If the answer is no, search elsewhere.

I know this is frustrating for you. I'm sorry you're even dealing with this. If you decide to stick with this center, is there another doctor you could see?

I really just don't want you to feel pressured to go along with something you're uncomfortable with. I wish you the absolute best with whichever route you choose.

Thank you

It's hard. This is the second RE I've seen, and there's really only one more practice in my city. There are two other doctors in the practice I went to today, but I would think they would all have generally the same protocols, right? I felt comfortable with her on a personal level, despite her hurrying through the information with me. She was very friendly and didn't talk down to me like I experienced with the other RE. But I'm just not sure I feel comfortable with her knowledge and experience level.

I also hate feeling like I'm "shopping for a doctor". Just feels like something you are not supposed to do. But at this point I might have to check out the other practice in town.

It's absolutely something you should do. I'm glad you are doing it for good reasons and not just trying to find someone that will throw random pills at you whenever you ask.

Medicine is a service industry. There is no reason to stick with someone that is providing services that you feel are subpar. If you had a mechanic that was screwing up your car or plumber that wasn't getting your drain fixed, you'd have no issues firing them and finding someone competent to provide what you are looking for. A doctor should not be any different. It feels a little weird because a lot of what they are working with is personal and intimate information. But you shouldn't stick with someone out of loyalty or because you don't want to upset them if they aren't providing what you are asking of them.

[kellybenelly83]

I agree that you should try either the other Dr in the practice, or another practice entirely. You need to be 100% comfortable with everything for A. such a big cost and B. the risks that are inherent with unmonitored treatment.
I would also start calling your insurance company and find out exactly what is covered.

[anonymouseliza]

Mar 31, 2015 22:03:00 GMT -5 renbee said:

Mar 31, 2015 21:23:53 GMT -5 icaughtfire said:

Hmm. I feel like my red flag is raised, but I also have no experience with an RE so I don't know what's considered the "norm." Any doctor that advocates unmonitored Clomid would have me running for the hills.

I know you feel like your options are running out, but ask yourself -- did you truly feel comfortable with this doctor? Did you feel she had your best interest at heart? Do you feel 100% comfortable with the treatment plan she suggests? If the answer is no, search elsewhere.

I know this is frustrating for you. I'm sorry you're even dealing with this. If you decide to stick with this center, is there another doctor you could see?

I really just don't want you to feel pressured to go along with something you're uncomfortable with. I wish you the absolute best with whichever route you choose.

Thank you

It's hard. This is the second RE I've seen, and there's really only one more practice in my city. There are two other doctors in the practice I went to today, but I would think they would all have generally the same protocols, right? I felt comfortable with her on a personal level, despite her hurrying through the information with me. She was very friendly and didn't talk down to me like I experienced with the other RE. But I'm just not sure I feel comfortable with her knowledge and experience level.

I also hate feeling like I'm "shopping for a doctor". Just feels like something you are not supposed to do. But at this point I might have to check out the other practice in town.

Actually, no!  My OB practice is ENORMOUS, and they have a wide range of opinions on treatments.  The doctors I interacted most closely with (my beloved OB moved out of state, sob) were right in the middle and exactly what I needed coming from a less-invasive treatment mindset and being in the midst of high-risk.  I saw several in the practice during my pregnancy, including one who admitted me to the hospital for pre-e and then sent me home.  My delivering doctor was actually pretty angry about that; when I saw her before she sent me to the hospital, she told me flat out that if I had seen her the week before, I'd have had a baby already.

The point being that it might be worth seeing the other docs in the practice first because while they may broadly agree on treatment plans or protocols, there is a lot of room for individual decisions and interpretations.  You may find they do agree, but then you *know*.

And do shop around. It's important to do.  I don't like it either - hate doing it with therapists - but your health is important.  You need to feel listened to and valued, particularly when you are staring down the IF road.  Your opinions and feelings and thoughts matter.  This is a partnership.  They are lending their expertise to it, but it's your life.  I'm sorry this is so much more difficult than it should be.  But you've got a gut feeling.  Go with it.

[anustart]

Good luck to you! I hope you get all the answers and help that you're seeking.

[mainewifey]

You got a lot of excellent answers already but my 2 cents:

My RE doesn't really care much about temping either. That doesn't stop me from sending him my charts though.

IUI for us is about $2-3,500.

I would personally find a different RE. I hate feeling rushed through a what is a very important appointment that I'm paying good freaking money for. And to me, the non monitored clomis is a huge red flag and would make me walk away. They shouldn't be monitoring just for pregnancy, they need to be looking at your lining and making sure you aren't over stimulating.

I would certainly give a different RE in the same practice a shot, and just make sure you voice your concerns about what kind of care you are looking for.

[renbee]

Thank you guys so much. I feel a lot better about this after reading your responses. I am going to set up a consultation with another RE's office. Hopefully third time is the charm??