Monday, June 15, 2015

IVF Cycle 5 – Going “Home” - Consultation with Dr. McKinney

Thursday, June 4, 2015
We met with Dr. McKinney yesterday.  It was a little strange walking into their office.  I told Todd that I felt like I was going home, but to an abusive home.  They aren’t abusive people, but IVF is starting to feel a bit sadistic.

Dr. McKinney spent an hour with us.  At some point during our visit, both of her nurses found us to hug our necks.  It was nice to feel love.  I did tell Todd that I felt famous in a place I didn’t want to be famous, though.

We had to break the news that we had cheated on her with Dr. Ahlering.  Of course, she understood.  She said that if we wanted to look at other REs, she wanted us to consider Dr. Bill Schoolcraft in Colorado.  Anyone follow Giuliana Rancic?  (By the way, I love this article about her and her struggles.)  I had actually looked into Dr. Schoolcraft before we really got into IVF.  He has some of the best success rates in America, so I wanted to know if he would be an option.  At the time, I thought his prices were too high; throw in the cost to travel to Colorado last-minute, and we ruled him out.  I used to think that I wouldn’t be able to quit IVF without trying Dr. Schoolcraft.  When I learned about Dr. Ahlering last year, I changed my opinion to be that I wouldn’t be able to quit IVF without trying Dr. Ahlering.  Maybe this is God taking us full circle.  Regardless, Todd and I will do our research and discuss this option.

Dr. McKinney also suggested that if we are ready to consider moving onto donors, she would suggest we pick an egg donor and fertilize half of her eggs with Todd’s sperm and half with donor sperm.  Truthfully, our hearts are not ready to move onto donors.  If you have ever seriously faced that decision, you’ll understand how it’s not an easy one.

All in all, it was really good to see Dr. McKinney and her staff.  As much as I may joke about feeling too comfortable there, it really is nice to feel like we’re home, again.  If I had to do IVF anywhere, I would want it to be with Dr. McKinney.

4 comments:

  1. Going with donor is such a hard decision and not one to be taken lightly at all. Totally agree with you on that one. And it's really not a decision to be made until you have peace about it. So girl...you are making the right decision and taking the right steps. Hang in there! God isn't finished writing your story so don't finish turning those pages. xoxo

    waitingforbabybird.com

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    1. The most comforting part of this journey is talking to friends that truly get it. I'm so very glad I have you for that! Again, thank you for your love and support. *Hugs*

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  2. Hi Laura,

    I've been following your blog for a while, but never commented until now. I am very sorry to hear about your last cycle. Do look up CCRM - they have the best success rates in the country. They offer Family Building Program (FBP) which is 3 banking cycles at a reduced rate. There's also a very helpful Facebook group - search for it on Facebook and request to be added. Ladies there are extremely supportive and very helpful. And if you have any hesitation, you can post questions - there are all kinds of cases there.

    All the best to you! And don't give up!

    Aspen

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    1. Hi, Aspen.

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I can't tell you how excited I am that you chose to share this information.

      I did find the CCRM Open Group after you told me about it, so I hope that's the one you're talking about. So excited to be on there! I don't think you can ever get too much support on this journey.

      Thanks, again, for your help and encouragement.

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