One couple's journey through the art of ART.

Friday, February 24, 2012

the ups and downs are brutal

Just a warning to all potential IVF/ART couples. If having a baby or no baby could make or break your marriage/relationship, the pursuit of one may just do that.

The roughly $50K, three cycles (the third is ongoing currently - more on that later) a months into this, has strained our relationship at times and strengthened it in others.

That's all I will say about it right now. In short, finances are a big part for me. I was laid off midway down this path and have supported this latest run on credit cards ranging 6.9-9.99% APR. I had expected to find permanent employment by now (working temp FT positions since March 2011) assuming once things stabilized then we'd still be on-track. Now comes the possibility the money's gone and we haven't achieved success.

I do not say this as a "woe is me" but more as a warning note to others considering this path. Also, if offered, do seriously consider the "multi-plans" or rebate programs offered by your IVF/ART clinic. I/we could have received $20K or so back if our three cycles failed. I think we strongly believed our 1-in-4 chances (live birth) would tilt in our favor if we only believed strong enough. In a clear moment, I know with IVF/ART, much like gamblers in Vegas, they don't take the bus home broke (or not get a baby) because they didn't believe it strong enough.

As for what I mentioned about the ongoing cycle, we have found out it is possible to be "sort of" pregnant. Or at least, the HCG tests have been in the zone (except one, I believe the 2nd) but there is some persistent bleeding. What this means, we don't know yet. Brutal wait for ultrasound this coming Monday.

Stay tuned.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thank you for commenting on our posts!