Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE 2

I just got some really bad news at the doctors' office, so please help me sort this out. Today is CD3, so I went in for usual stuff. Last month, we did our first IUI, without meds, because we were planning on one last natural cycle, but my FSH was up, and we decided with Dr. Cain that it was as good a time as any. My FSH was at 19, and when I got the result, I freaked, but after talking to Dr. Cain she said that it was borderline, and that we should move on and get more aggressive before it becomes more difficult for meds to work. So the plan was to do the IUI, and if it didn't take, then move on to IUI with meds. I even spoke to Dr. Cain about moving straight to IVF, because I was thinking that if my FSH is bad now, what will it be a year from now if an IUI does work, and let's say we wanted to try for more than one kid, at least maybe I would have some frosties. Dr. Cain felt I was getting too far ahead, and that we should try IUI. So, to get back to today, I went in for typical CD3 stuff, and met with Dr. Halfen, as Dr. Cain wasn't there. I was assuming I would be starting Clomid, but he said that because my FSH is high, that medication would be contraindicated. If my FSH is lower with today's bloodwork, he might reconsider, but basically my option would be IUI without meds. We discussed other options, and he said egg donation! ***!!!! THIS WAS NOT WHAT I WAS EXPECTING TO HEAR. When I left off last month with Dr. Cain, I did not get ANY impression that my options were so limited. Is what I am being told accurate?? That because my last FSH was 19, that I will not be able to use any of the IF procedures, other than IUI with no meds??? I thought we were just beginning this journey, and now am I at the end???? And on top of it all, my grandmother is basically dying, so I have been dealing with that, and today I hear this!!!! I have set up an appointment with Dr. Cain, but please sound off and let me know what you think. I can't believe that this might be it for us.

Update: My FSH today was 22! Not good, I am only 37! I will be talking to Dr. Cain tomorrow...will let you know how it goes.

10/21/09 UPDATE: I spoke to Dr. Cain and she is putting my on Clomid. She said she has patients with higher FSH levels that do respond, and it is worth trying. At least now we are moving forward. I have a consult booked with her next week, so I will be grilling her on my situation more then. I will also be exploring other professionals who may be more experienced with my issue. Any other docs that work with high FSH, other than the ones already mentioned? Anyone at East Coast Fertility? They are in my network. I will also be looking into acupuncture. Thanks all again for the help, and I will keep you posted.

Message edited 10/21/2009 1:21:59 PM.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

I am so sorry you had this news. Last May I was in the same spot. North Shore told me sorry but go to DE.

The clinic declined to treat me with my own eggs.

I cried for 3 days. Then these wonderful women on here convinced me to look elsewhere.

I ended up at Cornell where high FSH doesn't scare them. The clinic you went to does not deal with your diagnosis. They know they can't treat you but there are places that can.

Look elsewhere, get some more advice here as I'm sure others will be along soon to give you hugs and ideas.

This is not the end.

You might also want to try some alternative treatments for high FSH like acupuncture and wheatgrass,

My first FSH was 18.2. After about 6 weeks of acupuncture and wheatgrass it was at 8.7. I don't know for sure if this stuff helps but I did it anyway.

FSH fluctuates every month too.

Good luck and don't give up!

Message edited 10/20/2009 10:16:05 AM.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

I don't have any knowledge on high FSH, but I do go to the same practice as you and want to give you my opinion on Dr. Halfen. I have considered leaving the practice because of him and his lack of knowledge, dare I say he is completely clueless. If I would have taken his advice I would have missed ovulation for my IUI. Please make an appointment with Dr. Cain again. She is the director of the egg donor program, and would know better.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Thanks ladies! Keep the info coming!

Message edited 10/20/2009 10:32:25 AM.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

hi!

i go to NSUH Center for Human Reproduction and my doctor is dr hershlag - he's amazing.

i had high FSH also - i am 29 and my FSH was 10. i have been taking wheatgrass pills from Vitamin Shoppe everyday and hopefully it will make a difference - i definitely recommend taking them!

Also, you're not out. your numbers aren't insanely high - i would talk to Dr Cain and see if you can do IVF. i would try to move on to that bc FSH does increase with time, and i think IVF might be the fastest way to get pregs

good luck!!

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

I would without a doubt get a second opinion at a different facility.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Message edited 10/20/2009 11:42:12 AM.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Although I don't have experience w/ high FSH, my advice would be to go get different opinions from at least a few other doctors. Different doctors have different experience with certain areas and I'm sure that there are doctors who specialize in this sort of thnig.

I HATE when doctors say things without knowing the patient's full history. They toss around scary words without cause at times and don't think about the effect that their actons can have on the couple who is involved.

I'm sorry u r having such a rough time!

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.

I started at RSofNY and they did the same with me. They only know one direction and are not aggressive with those who are older and have high FSH. And they didn't even care what I wanted. My highest when doing clomid/iui was around 14. I was 39 at the time. Had I gone straight to Cornell, they would not have wasted my time. However, RMA did the same thing, though with injectibles for 2 more cycles. I do admit on paper it looks like I react well with the meds but I really wasted a year on IUI's. But, they do work for some. But, if you have high FSH, that means your time is running out. Not that you can't get pg. And it does cost around 2 months to switch RE's. I would recommend Cornell and Davis for high FSH.

Good luck.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE

I am so sorry you are going through this!! We had a similar experience with Halfen... he totally dropped the ball on my last IVF cycle, leaving me hopeless and in tears. Please get another opinion and know that you will find the support and doctors that are right for you!!!

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE 2

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE 2

Cornell accepts Oxford and United Healthcare.

Sorry for your friend. It sucks.

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE 2

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE 2

You should read Inconcievable.....it is an interesting read!

HIGH FSH can be treated using wheatgrass. I think it is important to use real wheatgrass shots (not pills) You can get these at your local juice bar or health food store. It works wonders on high FSH.

I worked with Dr. Peter Chang at Beth Israel in NYC. I had multiple factors and I gave birth to twins in 9/07.

There is hope, you just have to find the right dr to work with you!

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE 2

Re: Is this IT for us??? Advice desperately needed.UPDATE 2

Good luck! I hope the clomid leads to a BFP for you!