Really, though. No one warned me just how drastically different taking shots look when you’re in your 30s, especially when trying to have a baby alone. I swapped vodka shots for IVF shots. And I don’t regret it a second, even now. Last week I had to pay the $15,000 upfront. YIKES. If it weren’t for my amazing parents, this would have been a struggle. The past 12 months in this world have been a dumpster fire, personal and business. I could not be more thankful for them. The $15,0000 covers all the items below:
It does not however cover medications and genetic testing. I’ll go into that more. Monday I went in for my baseline appointment where they do bloodwork and ultrasound to check on how things are looking at the start of my cycle. After, I got the go ahead to move forward with IVF. WOOP!
Monday I started taking pill meds with shots starting Wednesday. So this is what this week looks like:
- 1 Doxycycline 2x a day (to prevent infection during retrieval)
- 3 Clomid 1x a day (stimulates an increase in hormones to produce the best mature eggs)
- 150 units of Gonal F 2x a day (a naturally occurring hormone used to stimulate a follicle to develop and mature)
- 150 units of Menopur 2x a day starting Friday (stimulate healthy ovaries to make as many eggs as possible)
Holy fucking shots, amiright?! The pills were the cheapest of the meds. The pharmacist applied a discount card so I only paid about $90 for both when 1 alone was over $130 before the discount. The shots were the fucking expensive part. They came from Alto Pharmacy here which I love because the process is so damn easy. Pay for the prescription right in the app, set up delivery, and they deliver it for free that day. The total for both injectable meds at $4400. Yup, you read that right.
There’s a few more coming. One I know stops me from ovulating because we want all the eggs to stay in my ovaries. And the other, I’ll have to get back to you on that. I’ll also have to pay for the genetic testing, which I personally think would be stupid not to do as long as we have plenty of embryos. It tests for things like chromosomal mutations, downs, cystic fibrosis, and other things. The Preimplantation Genetic Screening: (PGS) Up to 4 embryos @ $3.500.00 and Up to 8 embryos @ $5,500.00.
So for now, shots on shots. I go back Friday morning for an ultrasound to check on how things are progressing with the meds. I’m working on some items for Metal Marvels that will donate to my IVF. Per the request of friends, I started a GoFundMe, even though I HATE asking for help. I’ve also provided Venmo or PayPal if you’d rather go that route. You can find it here: GoFundMe. If you want to donate directly I also have Venmo or Paypal. Thank you to everyone who has helped so far, and thank you in advance to anyone who is going to. You have no idea how much this means to me!
✨ Let’s make a fucking baby! ✨
