Thursday 23 May 2013

Mo' money, mo' problems

Last year, when I took my slightly battered car for its annual service, the mechanic cheerfully informed me that I needed four new tyres. He kindly explained that standard tyres would be acceptable but extra special non-slip tyres would be so much better. He thought that regular tyres were okay, of course, but, if it was his car, the better tyres would be fitted without a doubt. Towards the end of our discussion, just as I was leaning towards the fancy tyres, he dropped in that the better tyres also had a mightily spectacular price. Hum, decision made, I was pretty sure my little car will be alright with the basic tyres. 

Haven't we all enjoyed similar conversations with garages, or car salesmen, or even kitchen fitters? However, I was knocked-off-my-feet surprised when I had the same experience with my IVF clinic. Yes, I am not joking, it really did happen.


Yesterday I went for scan number two of my current IVF cycle. There were the usual dilemmas: Is it acceptable to make small talk whilst the doctor is lubing up a condom? Can I shriek "Youch" when he presses too hard on my left ovary? Is it okay to ask why my doctor decided on a career where he spends most of the time looking into ladies' private parts? You know, the usual stuff. But on this occasion, during our familiar wind down pleasantries, Mr T looked down at his hands and started to mumble. There was clearly something on his very thoughtful mind. Huh, he's got something awkward to say, I thought, wonder what it is? I hope I haven't got a large growth hiding in my uterus. The doctor shuffled in his chair, frantically tapped away at his keyboard and finally brought up the subject of two "optional" treatments. What?! There's more stuff they can do to me? Well, as it transpired, not me exactly.


The first addition up for discussion was Early Embryo Viability Assessment (Eeva). If you think it sounds fancy, that's because it seriously is. Eeva is a method of continuously monitoring embryos during their first moments and days of development. The very scientific theory goes that by scrupulously watching their every move and division you can tell which embryos are the good ones. And, based on a complicated mathematical algorithm the embryologist can, potentially, choose that elusive embryo capable of yielding a golden pregnancy. Good, huh?




Source


The second super-dooper IVF improvement is called EmbryoGlue. Yes, the marketing bods really have named the "optional" treatment EmbryoGlue. Who is going to turn down the opportunity to glue their embryo to their uterus? The science is a bit, but not much, more complicated than just gluing one thing to another; it involves adhesion molecules and carbohydrates but, in a biological sense, sticking things together is exactly what it does. A-ma-zing! Just look at the title of their movie clip. Who wouldn't want that?



Source


What's the catch? Well, there really isn't a lot of evidence that either of these things will definitely make me a pregnant lady. And, not surprisingly, they come with some pretty yikes-inducing price tags.
 

As I listened to Mr T enthusing over the benefits of these two IVF advancements, I couldn't hide my scepticism; I was the same with the mechanic. As my eyes grew wider and wider, my lovely fertility specialist finally cracked and said "Well, it certainly won't hurt". Losing control of myself for a moment, I let out an involuntary snort - always attractive - and Mr T conceded that it would most definitely hurt my pocket.


So it has come to this. I am forced to make decisions about whether I take the gamble and pay the money for experimental treatments that might - Mr T says probably - improve my chance of a pregnancy. I can't help feeling that this shouldn't be my decision. Surely this is either the best treatment, in which case sign me up, or no-one really knows, in which case, do the bloody trials.


The cost for both treatments would be £1200 (approximately $1800 USD) and, if I choose both, could increase my pregnancy rate from 50% up to a staggering 80% (possibly).


If I turn it down and I don't get pregnant will I beat myself up and think I should have done more, spent more, tried harder? Of course, the lovely fertility specialist was very careful to say my current plan, without the bells and whistles, is perfectly good - nothing wrong with it - but, in his opinion, the extras would make it better.


I don't know, I really don't. Any advice? What would you do?


11 comments:

  1. Is the extra $ do-able? It's a lot on top of what you're already paying, I'm sure. I guess If it's do-able then I'd probably do it.

    If the extras are so fantastic, why don't they just include them in the cycle price, do it for everyone, and increase their success rates?

    My clinic has become SO commercial since I first went there.

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    1. I totally agree, my clinic also seems to be becoming more commerical by the second. We have put our IVF on a brand new creadit card with a limit that would allow us to do these treatments. It is just a question of how much debt we want to live with afterwards. So, yeah, it is do-able.

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  2. I lost my comments. In my attempts to understand GooglePlus (I still don't get it) I lost most of my comments. I still have them in my account but I can't link them to my blog. Thank you so much if you left a comment - I did read them all and they are really very helpful in helping me come to a decision (I'm still not there yet).

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  3. Sheesh, sounds like you've got some serious decisions to make, and i hope Dr.T gave you every bit of information you may have needed to help make your decision. I am really hoping that whatever option you choose, it works out for you! Good Luck!

    -Jenn, from ICLW

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    1. Thanks Jenn, yep, there really is a lot to think about.

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  4. 1) Whatever you've done with your comments is better, I think. I tried to comment a couple days ago, but couldn't without using my Google+ account (which is not exactly anonymous...)

    2) I appreciate the attached videos. Very interesting.

    3) How frustrating to feel like your RE is using the same tactics as your mechanic. Not exactly a fair business strategy, when you're deciding about something so precious and personal... Do oncologists treat cancer patients this way? (Here's the bargain chemo, but for an extra fee, we'll give you the stuff that really works...) Yuck!

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    1. 1) I am not computer literate enough to manage a blog and had no idea what I was doing. It wasn't my intention to restrict comments but hopefully I am getting it figured out now.

      2) Thanks

      3) Yeah, it sucks. It is almost impossible to say no.

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  5. Hi, you have a nice blog, and I like the videos for the EEVA and embryo glue. I recently read EEVA but I just learnt about the embryo glue from your post. I'm always interested in research on IVF, having gone through a few rounds myself. With regard to the experimental treatments, I would say go for it. I myself took a 'leap of faith' and tried something far pricier than these 2 treatments, and now I'm due in a few weeks' time. It is a gamble. By the way, you are lucky to even have these options where you are.

    I also admire your positive attitude, after what happened to the twins (couldn't help crying when I read about them). That was bad luck and I'm sure it won't happen again. Wishing you all the best for your upcoming IVF cycle.

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    1. You are right, we are kind of lucky. I am not sure how I would feel if I didn't get the choice to try everything available. What was your leap of faith? - I will read your blog.

      Thanks for the comments and well wishes.

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  6. Mine was immune treatment, I'm sure you've heard of it. It cost a bomb for me, but again you have cheaper options where you are. I don't regret spending the money, though. By the way, it's okay if you don't read my blog, it's embarrassing. I'm a newbie and am trying to learn how to make it look nicer... I love your drawings!

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    1. Hey there, I read your blog. It's not embarrasing. It has some pretty useful info on it.

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