Dr. BloSun said that he would let us do IVF again on the condition that I would have polar body testing. I remember talking to my previous RE about polar body testing, and they did not do it. He said that the research was not conclusive, and it is another impact to the embryo. I was convinced back then that I never wanted to do polar body testing, but I know that BigShotFertilityClinic is big on it. Apparently, so big on it that they now want me to do it.
A polar body is a cell that is cast off by the egg when it fertilizes. It only gives you information about the egg. Some say that it is not a reliable test since a polar body cell is degenerating. I have also hear that the sperm can help correct problems with the egg. The statistics on polar body testing is that IF you get a normal egg, your chance of pregnancy is 20%. The embryos would be frozen on Day 1. You wait 6 weeks for your results. Then, if I had any normals, they would thaw the 1 day embryos and transfer then on Day 2. Dr. BloSun doesn't think my embryos would make it to Day 3.
I have a lot of issues with the whole polar body testing. It's kinda like "why bother" testing to me. If he really thinks my egg quality is that poor, then why not just transfer the embryos on Day 3 and let the embryos and my body sort it out? Why go to the extra expense and torture waiting 6 weeks for your test results? Why put your embryo through freezing and thawing? Though BigShotClinic says that their vitrification has a 95% thaw success, it's still another impact to the embryo. I don't like the idea of my embryos being messed with any more than they have to. He did mention that some women do not get pregnant with the high amount of stims in their body, but that is not my problem. I got pregnant after a day 5 transfer after being on max stims. If I was going to blast, I would insist on CGH testing, but that's out of the question now. I would really be happy with a Day 3 transfer without polar body testing at this point. Now I need to become an expert on polar body testing before I present my case to Dr. BloSun.
In the parking lot, I talked with Magic. I asked him, "what are you going to let me do?" The statistics we were just given for success with another IVF cycle were grim. At this point, Magic was the one holding me back from donor eggs. This wasn't going to be decided in the parking lot right then and there.
That night when I got home. Magic said to me, "I've been thinking..." I waited. The end of the thought did not come. Finally, I asked, holding my breath, "you've been thinking?" I closed my eyes. I didn't want to hear the bad news. I didn't want to hear that Magic was going to say that he just couldn't do to donor eggs. I didn't push him, because I wasn't sure I wanted to hear the answer...
To be continued...
1013th Friday Blog Roundup
1 day ago
14 comments:
I don't get why they want to do the polar body test thing? Why? You've already agreed that this is the last cycle with your eggs(didn't you - or am I applying me to you..). Why would they do any test at all, any procedure that could even slightly harm the embryo? This would really upset me, and sorta makes me wonder how much is a big ol money grab.
Geez Phoebe don't leave us in suspense!!!
Seriously, I kind of agree with you on the PBB. I don't really see any huge advantage to it, vs. a day 3 transfer and, like you said, letting your body sort it out. Why is he so sure your embryos won't go to day 3? I think that's kind of being a naysayer without really knowing--he doesn't have a crystal ball does he?
On the whole DE thing, it's tough. I know. I've contemplated it, weighed it, tossed it around, tried it on (mentally anyway), made lists, made more lists, slept on it, agonized over it, and still can't come up with any good answers.
Anxiously awaiting more posts....!
PS You should come to Austin and visit!
That's a lot to take in. I don't think I've heard about polar body testing before. Sounds interesting, but I agree with you that if quality is already suspected to be low, why bother with the testing?
We're thinking seriously about going the donor egg route. It's a little intimidating and expensive, but if it means a child at the end, I'm willing to try it. Can't wait to hear what Magic had to say.
I'm with you on not doing the polar body testing. I don't feel the success rates are very good nor accurate so why put your fragile embryo through a biospy, freeze and thaw. I would just transfer the best of what I had on day 3 and attempt to grow the rest to day 5. Do you have to do PBB in order to do an IVF there?
I'm not sure what Magic's response was to donor egg, but I would put it this way, are you willing to spend the money on my eggs and still be willing to spend additional money on donor if my eggs don't pan out?
Best of luck to you, I really hope everything works out for you!
PLEASE let me know when I can breathe again.
What did he say??
ACK! A cliff hanger!
I hope you can get VERY educated on polar testing and have a nice talk with your doctor. Information/knowledge is your best weapon, so to speak.
*HUGS*
I don't know what to say that might bring hope and comfort...but know that I am here reading, that I am here holding your story, that I am here hoping...
I am hanging on the edge of my...keyboard! Can't wait to find out what happens next.
you are killing me with the suspense!!! :D
I agree with you, why do this polar testing? just let your body sort it out if you're going to try this again.
Boston IVF basically said, make as many as you can, put them all back, and let your body and the embryos sort themselves out-- if you don't have much to work with, don't raise the potential of wrecking the only good one(s). I just wanted to share since it was just a data point you might be interested in.
Whatever you decide, I'm totally behind you!
warmly,
Kate
On the edge of my keyboard for the next post. Hoping for a happy ending today and in the months to come.
Don't tease us! What did he say?? What was he thinking?!
I'm stumped on why they insist on PBB. What additional info is it going to get you? They don't think your embryos will make it to day 3 and that there likely won't be too many of them so I agree that you should just transfer the best and hope for the best without all the torturous testing and waiting.
Speaking of waiting......can we get back to this Magic thing now? (-;
what did Magic say!!
because sounds like Dr. BloMe isn't giving you a choice. he will only use your eggs if he gets to do his useless Polar bear test (grrr).
What I dont get is this is YOUR money. YOU should have a say in what gets done. Sounds like he just wants to cover his ass and prevent having a failed IVF so his success stats don't get affected.
you said it, if the egg/embryo won't make it, the body will know and deal with it. fresh not frozen all the way if you can.
and then what did M say!!??
Post a Comment