Hope, Faith, and Generosity

Rich was approved for a trial study of HCG injections a few months ago. We did not think that we would be able to try this treatment because the HCG injections cost approximately $500/month, but thankfully his endocrinologist was able to get the trial approved. The purpose of the HCG is to raise his testosterone levels to a normal level and then hope that translates into an increase in sperm count. After one month, Rich's bloodwork showed that his testosterone levels had risen to the low end of normal. We had to wait four months to find out whether or not this would translate into an increased count. Since none of our fertility related bills are covered by insurance, we decided to make use of the semen analyis and do an IUI. We had high hopes that his count would increase dramatically from the 1.9 million that was transfered during our last IUI in August 2008. Unfortunately, the count was only up to 4.5 million, better yes, but clearly not where we wanted to be.

We returned to Dr. Bateman's office today for an ovary check because the IUI was unsuccessful. Dr. Williams saw us and talked us into to trying one more IUI, this will be our 7th, with a slightly different protocol for me. The first four attempts were with Clomid and the last two with an increased dose of Letrozole and Bravelle injections. This month I will be taking 5 mg of Letrozole on days 4-8 as well as two vials of Bravelle on days 8 and 9, and one vial on day 10. I will return for an ultrasound on June 6th. Hopefully I will have an increased number of follicles with this medication. Dr. Williams said that increasing the injections could double and possibly triple our odds.

So, why didn't we go with this protocol in previous attempts? The answer is simple, injections are much more costly. We were totally prepared to go in today have a discussion and then move on. However, Dr. Williams was able to give us all five vials of Bravelle without charge. Often couples donate their unused medications once they become pregnant so that others can continue their treatment. We are extremely thankful for the opportunity that we have been given by someone that we don't even know.

We were hoping to have good news to share today, but instead we have a story of generosity and another month of faith in God's plan.