Tuesday, August 26, 2008

The Best Laid Plans...

We met with our RE today. As you know, we expected that our conversation would be about IVF, and the logistics of scheduling it around Michael's travel schedule.

That's not the conversation we ended up having with the doctor at all.

He suggested that our next step is a laparoscopy and a hysteroscopy to see if I have endometriosis, or not. He said that my history of menstrual cramps and premenstrual spotting could be indicative of endometriosis. If I do have it, he'll use lasers to clean it up. If I don't, I'll be relieved that I don't, but bummed that I had to go through all that.

Anyway, I guess this is standard protocol for infertility patients before proceeding on to IVF, or even using injectible medications. He even told us that many of his patients succeed in getting pregnant naturally after this procedure.

One of our concerns about this is whether or not our insurance will cover the procedure. They usually only cover fifty percent of any diagnostic fertility treatments. We're hoping that the way the authorization is submitted with my history that insurance will cover everything like it did for Michael's embollization. We'd appreciate your prayers in that regard.

16 comments:

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

You got it. Good and positive thoughts for you always.

Michelle said...

As you know, I had four laparoscopies for endometriosis, ending with a hysterectomy. If you have a history of menstrual cramps(and your gynecologist has been aware of it), you should have no problem getting the procedure covered, if your GYN says you are having it done due to pain. Is your RE doing the surgery, or your GYN? Also, I had a hysteroscopy and I had the worst insurance in the world(it didn't even cover birth control pills!), and my insurance covered all of the expense of that too. I will say a prayer though that these procedures cost as little as possible for you guys. It is such a bummer that CA doesn't require insurance companies to cover infertility like some other states do. Good luck!

P.S. I knew several girls who got pregnant on their own after just having the hysteroscopy alone. Apparently it "lubricates" and opens up the fallopian tubes.

Paula said...

I agree with Michelle's comment. If you are having pain and it NEEDS to be done to correct that then the ins. should pay for it. I wish my infertility Dr. years ago would have done that when he untied my tubes. I think my chances would have been far greater at conceiving. But still I wouldn't change the plans God had for me because then I wouldn't have my little Hannah. I will be praying for you Joannah!

Tori said...

Oh my love... more procedures....
Thinking and praying for you...

I got my period today so tomorrow it's off to the doc tomorrow to start round 2...

Ding Ding

Shame - I was rather enjoying the fact that my ass did NOT look like it had been in a boxing ring!

M3 said...

Yeesh, sending good thoughts about the procedure and for insurance coverage.

fuzzandfuzzlet said...

If your insurance does not cover it FIGHT.

Endo is a HEALTH problem. Infertility is only one of its numerous side effects.

Ok stepping off my soap box now.

Good luck.

OH MY #6 said...

U got it my friend.

Lea
xo

Kayce said...

Hugs friend. I'll be thinking of you both and saying many a prayer.

As for your insurance....fight, fight, fight.

Jill said...

I had severe endo and my insurance had to cover it. It's a disease that can kill vital organs if not removed. Also, ask your doctor's office how they will code the surgery when filing it with insurance...that is what determines what insurance will pay. I have heard of a lot of people getting pregnant after having this surgery as well...I'll be praying you are one of them! :)

I was told that my hysteroscopy had to be filed under infertility though...it's really the only reason women have them done, so they might not pay as much on that one.

Good luck, girl! Keep us updated, k?

((HUGS))

Kate said...

Prayers for you, Michael...and your wallet.... :-)

Best of luck in the big kick off to what I hope is a great year for you!!

kitchu said...

I'm pretty certain if you word in a way that indicates you are having this procedure to treat pain and control menstrual bleeding and to diagnose why you have both problems, it will be covered.

I hope this is the issue. It's such a "simple" fix (I say simple because it's just this one surgery and that's it)...

I'll be thinking of you. I just went through this myself and did very well.

Shelley said...

I sure hope all goes well with that Joannah and that this procedure does the trick.

Remember, all it took for me was a good tube clearing and then ...voila ...Gillian.

Sometimes the least invasive procedures are all it takes. I sure hope that is the case for you.

URBAN BLONDE said...

Just coming out of lurkdom to ask..
Are they going to do an endometrial biopsy as well? They usually do that along with the other two to see if you are ovulating properly.

Another reason for severe menstrual cramps and spotting can be a tilted uterus.

Good Luck! Hope your insurance covers it!

Blondie

Joannah said...

Blondie,

I don't recall the doctor mentioning a biopsy. I do know that I ovulate because my FSH level is normal, and I respond well to stimulants.

Thanks for stopping by!

:-)

Homemaker Ang said...

of course I will be praying. I know of a woman who had severe endo and could not get preg and when she had the lasering she concev. 2 children (at least, could be more) very quickly!

either way, I am praying for a baby for you!

Anonymous said...

Oh sweetie, I hope it's good news. As someone with an infertility "condition" I've been through loads of these tests and procedures.

Hoping for good news

(((BIG HUGS)))