Child-free, but not by choice?

[DznyLvr2005]

I'll chime in with DVC...
We were so close to purchasing it on our honeymoon in 2005... But we realized that everytime we go to DW we always manage to get really really good discounts... We weighed out the costs and figured it would cost US less in the long run, if we didn't buy DVC.
The price of DVC is no less than $15,000 right? Well multiply that by the fees and after 49 years, you've doubled if not tripled the price because of the fees. I know DVC works for some people, but it won't work for us... Especially when we're going in Sept for 7 nights, with hoppers, with dining at AKL savanah view for $2000!!!! WOOHOO I love discounts!!
If you're interested in DVC I would suggest DVC By Resale...

 

[hematite153]

Very odd...I wrote a long post along the same lines as what will follow a few hours ago. But, it doesn't seem to be here. I don't think I said anything forbidden and I didn't get any pms from a moderator. I wonder what happened...if this turns into a double post, I apologize in advance.

So I pulled the trigger, called DVC Member Services, and shortened our trip in September.

Woohoo! Going to wdw and saving time! The best of both worlds.

Suzanne, I also love DVC and consider it to have been a great investment even with the costs of trying to get pregnant and my being a full-time student. I'd be happy to answer any questions and share my decision-making process with you, if you wish, but I think others have covered the basics pretty well.

Hematite -- I'm sorry your last cycle didn't do the trick. How many IUIs have you done? Have you had decent follicles? The only reason I ask is b/c your RE seems to want to stick with the IUIs, but I couldn't remember how many you've already done. One of these days we will be at WDW at the same time, as I'm always there in Jan and Sept too!

I've done 5 IUIs (over 9 months, after a 6 month work-up) but it feels like more because my DW did 5 (over 1.5 years, after a 1 year work-up) before I started. With my DW we think that only 2 of the 5 were actually properly timed, and she got pregnant one of those times. (There were two occasions when they inseminated but she didn't ovulate!) We decided to switch to me because she developed a serophene resistance. My IUIs have involved much more regular treatment changes becuase the clinic has moved and has more space and thus better services.
IUI1: au naturel, with ovulation sticks at home.
IUI2: au naturel, with daily bloodwork.
Cancelled cycle: au naturel, with daily bloodwork, but I surged late and they were closed for 2 days for christmas--argh!
IUI3: au naturel, with daily bloodwork and ultrasounds every 2-3 days starting on day 10. It took until day 21 for me to surge but I had 3 follicles at 13mm early and one grew (very slowly) to 19mm.
IUI4: serophene and ovidrel, with daily bloodwork and ultrasounds every 2-3 days starting on day 10. I ended up inseminating on day 16 with a good follicle on each ovary (21 and 24 mm).
IUI5: serophene and ovidrel, with daily bloodwork and ultrasounds every 2-3 days starting on day 10. I ended up inseminating on day 15 with a good follicle on each ovary (22 and 25 mm).

So, it looks like I ought to be able to get pregnant. The irony is that if our HSG had turned up blocked tubes, our provincial health insurance would pay for IVF so I've found myself wishing for more obvious problems--despite being thankful that everything seems to be working.

Since we have better medical coverage than most in the US, IVF will ONLY cost $6000. But, it's still a lot of money to try to come up with. There's also some new law coming into effect next Dec. that will make it harder for use to get donor sperm so I'm worring about needing to find money to bank some of that for the future.

Okay, enough about me...if anyone has advice, feel free to share.

 

[utahkennedys]

To everyone out there -- do not give up!

We had tried for 5 years before we adopted our beautiful dd, now 5. After 9 years (!) of marriage and trying, we got pregnant without doing any infertility stuff! We had done everything except IVF way back...we were about to start it when we adopted dd.

I had thyroid cancer, dh had an almost zero sperm count, so we were doomed when you added in endometriosis, blocked tubes, etc. BUT, we now have 2 daughters that mean the world to us and both came in such miraculous ways. I know God blessed us, and we often don't feel like we deserved such miracles. I know that not everyone can have this happen, but do not give up!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Thanks for all the DVC info, now if I could just find the money to do it. I am hoping my mom might give me some cash when she gets her part of the money from the estate, but I won't hold my breath. I think it would allow us to go to WDW once a year instead of every two years. know you say every two years, but we were not supposed to be going at all this year, but I am so addicted I had to figure out a way to go. After we go in August, we won't be going until December 2008 and man does it hurt to type those words.

Now for a dumb question, We do have to purchase park tickets seperately, right? Do you have AP's or do you just buy what you need for your trip? Do any of you get the Dining Plan now that it is available to DVC members?Seems like that is where we save money, but we don't get it if we are only going for a couple of days.


Suzanne

 

[R Dog Walt]

Suzanne-

As for tickets, we've done a couple of things. We have bought 10 MYW PH with no expiration. We try to buy these every time we hear the price is going to go up (if we have the money).

This year we did buy the annual pass since we have 3 (now 4 possibly) trips planned in one year. The annual pass is $100 off if you are a DVC member. I think it cost $355 including tax.

As for the dining plan, you can purchase it $38.99 per day as a DVC member. You don't have to though. We did do it in March and it was a good deal since after tabulating all of what we "spent" on the dining plan we made $300! We used our Disney Visa dollars to pay for this (we lots of dollars after paying for IVF on the credit card). This June we didn't do it (it's too hot to eat that much). I would definitely do it in the future especially if we are going on a shorter trip like 2-3 days. You never qualify for "free dining" if you're using DVC points though.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Wow that is great to know. Looks like a AP would be a better choice. We love the DDP, it really does save money, especially because we love to do the character meals. We actually had 6 CS meals left in December, shame that you can't trade them in on something else like maybe 2 CS for 1 cheaper TS. Now we didn't do the DDP last week because mom and I shared alot of meals because it really is too hot to eat that much. My DH and I won't use it in August either.

I have almost convinced mom to get the Saturn Minivan when she goes to buy a car this fall, so then maybe I will start working on trying to get her to look into DVC. I have a way of reaching her telepathicly. Well actually she has realized that she is going to have to have a minivan to put her ECV on the back of and also so that we don't have to rent a minivan when we got to WDW, that can get expensive.

Well, I have to go the Daytime Emmy's are on CBS right now. I will check back later.

Suzanne

 

[WeLuvDCL]

Hi everyone,
I just found this thread and had to post. My DH and I have been married 10 years (11 in August!) and we dealt with infertility for 7 years. What really gets me is all the family and friends that keep asking "When are you going to have kids???". It drove me crazy!!! I'm not one that tells everyone something so personal. My close family knew but that was it. It took me a long time to deal with the infertility (emotionally) but we have successfully put it behind us and are adopting a baby (DUE in October!!!!).

I just wanted to say that I know how you all feel and I wish you all the BEST!! YOU WILL BE PARENTS!! Don't give up! God has a plan for everything and if you are not meant to have a child naturally it just means that he knows you have a big enough heart to give a needy child a happy and loving life.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

PrincessSuzanne...I sent you a PM a few days ago.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

PrincessSuzanne...I sent you a PM a few days ago.

I'm sorry, I feel terrible, because Ihave been thinking about you and the rest of the girls here. I haven't been around much, can't type well, I burned my right hand and have been struggling at work and too tired when I get home, but I will PM you this weekend.

Suzanne

 

[R Dog Walt]

OMG! I had my beta today and it came back at 65 (8dp5dt)! I'm so thrilled!!! I can't believe this finally happened! After all the failed cycles, I can't believe these donor embies took! Thanks ladies, for all of your support.

Suzanne- OMG how on earth did you burn your hand? Take it easy sweety!

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

OMG! I had my beta today and it came back at 65 (8dp5dt)! I'm so thrilled!!! I can't believe this finally happened! After all the failed cycles, I can't believe these donor embies took! Thanks ladies, for all of your support.

Suzanne- OMG how on earth did you burn your hand? Take it easy sweety!

Let me be the first to congratulate you , I am so happy for you . I was thinking about you yesterday. Now some baby dust(or pixie dust) for a sticky baby.

Now for me,(Thank you for asking) I was trying out a recipe mom got from watching Paula's Party (Paula Deen). I was a form of chicken cordon blue. I was using a new skillet, which goes from browning the chicken on the stove top right into the oven. Well I had taken the skillet out of the oven and turned around to do something else, then turned around to move the skillet and grabbed the hot, hot, hot handle and started to pick it up before I remembered it was hot. I have 1st and 2nd degree burns, they really didn't look that bad to me, but that is what the ER doc said. It is getting better each day, and now it really only looks bad on my palm and ring finger, but I have had to keep it slathered in silverdine cream and wrapped in gauze all week. Starting last night, I have only covered the areas that still look bad. No more cooking for me for awhile (I wish). Mom has been having to take care of me all week. Do you know how embarrassing it is to be 34 and have your mother give you a shower and wash your hair but . My DH hasn't helped much. Iwould like to kick his butt to the curb sometimes, but I really do love him, everybody asks me why, but I just do. My 16 year old cousin offered to find me a new one. I said only if it was Bobby Deen (Paula's son)

Well, I have to go for now, I haev to go to the bank and cash my DH's paycheck. I would have gone earlier, but I had to take my ew furbaby to the vet and I have to get someone help me write out my deposit slip and write things in my checkbook.

Talk at cha later.

Suzanne

 

[Tiggerlover91]

I'm sorry, I feel terrible, because Ihave been thinking about you and the rest of the girls here. I haven't been around much, can't type well, I burned my right hand and have been struggling at work and too tired when I get home, but I will PM you this weekend.

Suzanne

Oh! I'm sorry about your hand. Now that I know, take your time. Good to hear from you.

Denise

 

[brenda clarke]

with all the women on this topic.My story is kinda different.We'd been pregnant 5 times before we had our now 61/2 yr daughter.I have no problem getting pregnant.My problem is holding on to the baby,I don't know which is worse,we could discuss it back and forth look at the pros and cons but the underlining fact is we still hadn't got a baby.

Finally the docs come up with a solution,I must inject myself twice a day every day during the pregnacy with Heprin(blood thining) and take asprin.So finally on my 6th pregnancy it works.Believe me we were sooo overjoyed to have our little girl.We tried 1 more time when she was 2 yrs old and sadly it didn't work.I felt at that stage I couldn't take any more I was nearly hitting 40 and I was soo grateful to have our daughter.

Prior to her birth we had been to Disney 4 times and have bought our daughter 4 times and are going back again next year.Of course we have the advantage of having a child with us,but I know if we never had had her we'd still be going to disney,because as you all know Disney rocks!!!

Good luck to you all out there and beleive me miracles do happen,look at me

 

[want2bamommy]

OMG! I had my beta today and it came back at 65 (8dp5dt)! I'm so thrilled!!! I can't believe this finally happened! After all the failed cycles, I can't believe these donor embies took! Thanks ladies, for all of your support.

Suzanne- OMG how on earth did you burn your hand? Take it easy sweety!

YAY That is awesome!!!! I am so thrilled for you! How are you feeling? I hope all goes well and I will send you tons of sticky vibes I can!

Missie

 

[want2bamommy]

So I finally after a few years of TTC on our own made the first step and went to a Civilian OB/GYN yesterday. I have always in the past seen a Physician's Assistant on the Army base for my GYN appointments (and see the same man for all other appointments- asthma, cold's, etc).

I was completely terrified knowing that I was going to ask for Clomid. My BP which is never high was a bit high at 140/10. That is only the 3rd time I can recall my BP being high. The Intern asked if I was nervous and I told her that I was terrified and she said that the Dr. was wonderful and to try and relax.

I printed off my last 12 BBT charts and bound them at work so she could see my cycles. I have 31-34 day cycles and ovulate on CD 21 or 22 with a shorter luteal phase of 10-11 days. The intern looked through them and went to speak to the doctor.

When the doctor finally came in the room she was very impressed that I brought the charts and she hadn't seen them done through fertility friend before and took note of that site. She said that it looked (based on my temps) that I release my egg on CD 18 with the temp drop and that it usually takes 3-4 days to get my temp spike. She says that means I am ovulating earlier than I think and therefore having a normal luteal phase. However the egg is taking 3-4 days to go on its journey and that should be a 24 hour job.

She prescribed Clomid (and my eyes started welling with happy tears). She also said that after my next cycle starts to call the office and we'll schedule an HSG. I now fear that there may be some blockage. Why else would the eggy take so long to go through my system?

Needless to say I was still very happy and got into my car and cried. For the first time in a LONG time I felt like this really will happen for me and DH. Unfortunately hubby couldn't go to the appointment but I called him right away.

Thanks for listening!

Missie

 

[R Dog Walt]

YAY That is awesome!!!! I am so thrilled for you! How are you feeling? I hope all goes well and I will send you tons of sticky vibes I can!

Missie

Missie- I'm feeling great. I have some periods of cramping a couple of times a day. My 2nd beta was yesterday and was 215! Now for the long wait- my ultrasound isn't until July 18th! Uggh! Thanks for your wishes!

I'm so glad your appointment went so well. I'm glad you brought your charts. I'm sure that this saved months of diagnostic time. I'm hoping that the HSG comes back okay, but no matter what you are going to have more information! I'm excited for you two!

 

[Mickey'sMainMami]

Hi everyone,
Remember me? Sorry I haven't posted on here lately. I was just too depressed to write, I have been coming and reading all your posts and praying for all of you. I am slowly feeling better, and good news is, we are going back to Disney! Yay! Well, anyway, I just talked to my friend on the phone and got depressed all over again. She told me a woman at her job just did IVF and it cost her $30,000. Is that how much it is???? I don't want to try anymore, not unless the doctors tell me for sure that a cerclage would help me. Anyway, I have 2 friends that said they would carry the baby for us, now we just have to come up with the money to do it, I thought it was around $10,000. I didn't know it costs $30,000. I don't have the money for that, so does that mean that Iwon't be able to have a child ever???? I don't own property, so I can't borrow, and there isn't enough equity in my Dad's house thanks to all his bills to borrow from his. Can anyone please tell me if that's what it cost? Please, everyone, I really need a light at the end of my tunnel right now. I hope you are all doing well and keeping your head up.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Hi everyone,
Remember me? Sorry I haven't posted on here lately. I was just too depressed to write, I have been coming and reading all your posts and praying for all of you. I am slowly feeling better, and good news is, we are going back to Disney! Yay! Well, anyway, I just talked to my friend on the phone and got depressed all over again. She told me a woman at her job just did IVF and it cost her $30,000. Is that how much it is???? I don't want to try anymore, not unless the doctors tell me for sure that a cerclage would help me. Anyway, I have 2 friends that said they would carry the baby for us, now we just have to come up with the money to do it, I thought it was around $10,000. I didn't know it costs $30,000. I don't have the money for that, so does that mean that Iwon't be able to have a child ever???? I don't own property, so I can't borrow, and there isn't enough equity in my Dad's house thanks to all his bills to borrow from his. Can anyone please tell me if that's what it cost? Please, everyone, I really need a light at the end of my tunnel right now. I hope you are all doing well and keeping your head up.

Hey sweetie, I am so glad to hear from you. I have worried about you, but thought you needed some time to heal, and then I was going to PM you, that is when I burned my hand. I am so glad that you are feeling better, but I know it is still going to take a long time to get over your loss. Take all the time you need and make sure are well healed before you make any more decisions.

Unfortunately, IVF is very expensive, but some clinics will offer discounts if you are paying cash. Some offer shared risk programs, where you pay one amount for most of the procedure and if after a certain number of treatments you aren't successful, they will refund at leat most of your money. The doctor in my town charges $10,000 for one IVF cycle, but we can't afford that. He felt pretty sure it would work, but there is no way I can come up with that amount of money. I expect in your area IVF is alot more expensive. Search the internet, there is alot of information out there.

If you just need a shoulder, Please PM me. Have a good evening.

Suzanne

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

Missie- I'm feeling great. I have some periods of cramping a couple of times a day. My 2nd beta was yesterday and was 215! Now for the long wait- my ultrasound isn't until July 18th! Uggh! Thanks for your wishes!

I'm so glad your appointment went so well. I'm glad you brought your charts. I'm sure that this saved months of diagnostic time. I'm hoping that the HSG comes back okay, but no matter what you are going to have more information! I'm excited for you two!

Okay, I am officially insulted, I don't think you even read my post. LOL. I am so glad things are looking up for you, you deserve this so much. Please keep us posted.

Suzanne

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

So I finally after a few years of TTC on our own made the first step and went to a Civilian OB/GYN yesterday. I have always in the past seen a Physician's Assistant on the Army base for my GYN appointments (and see the same man for all other appointments- asthma, cold's, etc).

I was completely terrified knowing that I was going to ask for Clomid. My BP which is never high was a bit high at 140/10. That is only the 3rd time I can recall my BP being high. The Intern asked if I was nervous and I told her that I was terrified and she said that the Dr. was wonderful and to try and relax.

I printed off my last 12 BBT charts and bound them at work so she could see my cycles. I have 31-34 day cycles and ovulate on CD 21 or 22 with a shorter luteal phase of 10-11 days. The intern looked through them and went to speak to the doctor.

When the doctor finally came in the room she was very impressed that I brought the charts and she hadn't seen them done through fertility friend before and took note of that site. She said that it looked (based on my temps) that I release my egg on CD 18 with the temp drop and that it usually takes 3-4 days to get my temp spike. She says that means I am ovulating earlier than I think and therefore having a normal luteal phase. However the egg is taking 3-4 days to go on its journey and that should be a 24 hour job.

She prescribed Clomid (and my eyes started welling with happy tears). She also said that after my next cycle starts to call the office and we'll schedule an HSG. I now fear that there may be some blockage. Why else would the eggy take so long to go through my system?

Needless to say I was still very happy and got into my car and cried. For the first time in a LONG time I felt like this really will happen for me and DH. Unfortunately hubby couldn't go to the appointment but I called him right away.

Thanks for listening!

Missie

Hi Missie, good to hear from you. I know you are excited to have DH home. I am so glad things are looking up for you too. I know you are relieved. Don't worry about the HSG, it is a breeze. All you do is lay there while the doctor puts a catheter in your uterus and pushes dye through it, I didn't feel a thing and the doctor let me watch on the big TV. I have a blockage of my left tube and that is the ovary that works for me, lucky huh. My right ovary worked when I took the Repronex injections, but didn't work with Clomid.

You are in my thoughts, keep us posted, I feel another BFP soon.

Suzanne