Drug education appointment

Today we both took the day off work and did some shopping and had lunch in the city before our 2pm appointment at the clinic. As usual, we had to wait a little bit, but the waiting room is pleasant enough and there are always good magazines. Often we are by ourselves, but if there is another couple there I find myself wondering how far along the process they are. I like to think that the ones who are still looking bright and enthusiastic are just beginning. On our first few visits I remember assuming that everyone else was more experienced and knowledgeable than us, but now I know that it always feels strange and daunting no matter what stage you're at! I definitely feel much less excited and full of hope than I did before. I am tired of coming to this waiting room.

Ka-ching

Last evening I went to our bank's online facility and transferred $11,000 from our savings account to our current account, and then I went to the clinic's website and paid our invoice for $10,255. (The invoice for our medications will come later.) Paying such a large bill reinforces the monochromatic nature of this situation. It is no wonder that "you can't be half pregnant" has become a cliche. If we fail, the total cost of something over $13,000 will feel like such a waste. But if we succeed, having the chance to be parents will be priceless. For us, it feels worth it to have one more chance.

Appointment made

This afternoon a nurse from the clinic rang me to let me know the result of the blood test I had on Wednesday. It indicated that 20 August is a good day to start the series of blood tests required to pinpoint ovulation, so we have arranged a drug education appointment at the clinic on the same day. At this appointment we will be given all the medication we need for the various injections.

Letter

Dear A and D

You have now booked on for an IVF cycle. The actual week you commence stimulation injections will depend on the regularity of your menstrual cycle and our nursing team will advise you when you need to pick up your medications or for out of town patients, the date the medications will be couriered.

Here we go again...

Last week I called the clinic as instructed to arrange our next IVF cycle and spoke to Nurse R. She posted me some new consent forms to sign, a lab test form for a chlamydia swab (a new requirement) and a note asking me to call on day one of my period.

File note

Dear A and D

Diagnosis:
1. Second unsuccessful IVF cycle
2. Primary infertility secondary to azoospermia post vasectomy reversal
3. Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, treated cardiac septal ablation, 1998 and 1999, second procedure complicated by vascular injury requiring double bypass graft
4. Allergy to aspirin and ibuprofen
5. Dysmenorrhoea, possibly due to endometriosis
6. Short menstrual cycle

The winter's tuning up...

This morning we had our follow-up appointment at the clinic with Dr C. She was very considerate and sympathetic and spent a lot of time with us discussing our questions about the future. Our first question was whether the reason we hadn't had a successful outcome was because of a problem or simply because of seemingly random factors outside anyone's control.

Gutted

Having exhausted my patience, I rang the clinic back a few minutes ago to chase up the blood test result. Unfortunately it was negative. I am gutted. My hopes were so high. We have a follow-up appointment later this month at which we will discuss whether we try again. Of course I want to try again - but it is beginning to seem very pointless.

Being patient

First thing this morning I went to my local medical centre for a blood test to see whether I am pregnant. The test form was marked "urgent" and the result was supposed to be available this afternoon.

Letter

Dear A and D

We are writing to provide you with a summary of your last treatment cycle.