Tuesday, May 31, 2011

IVF in Malaysia: Metro IVF

i sent a couple of emails to well-known IVF centers in asia to know how much it would cost to have ivf treatment. im posting their answers here so you will know.

First is Metro IVF. it is situated in Klang, Selangor, which is approximately 50km away (an hour drive) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Website is: http://www.metro.com.my

1. Success Rate: Our successful rates are 45% to 65%, depending on the patients' health condition.

2. Maximum Number of ET/Chances of multiples: Normally we will transfer a maximum of 3 embryos, which means that if you are pregnant, you will have a chance of 1% to get triplets, 20% to get twins and 79% with singleton.

3. Pre-procedure must do: Prior to the procedure, you will have to pay a visit to our clinic for a basic medical check-up which includes ultrasound scan for pelvis, hormonal tests and semen analysis.

4. Cost: The cost for a normal IVF cycle is about RM13500 (Php194070.67 / Usd4467.97) , which includes routine consultations, medications and procedures from ovarian stimulation until luteal support. You can pay by cash or credit card. Payment can be made in a few payments and the full payment have to be paid on the day of egg aspiration.

5. Target number of eggs to extract: Normally we expect 10 to 15 eggs per patient.

6. Cryopresevation / FET : We charge RM1800 (Php25876.09 / Usd595.73) for cryopreservation for every 3 embryos and the annual storage fee will be RM600 (Php8625.36 / USD 198.58). The cost for frozen embryo transfer is about RM5000.

7. Length of stay: You will have to stay in Malaysia for about 6 weeks for the whole IVF procedure. There are a few budget hotels nearby our hospital which are
within walking distance.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Exploring IVF Costs

im a long-term planner. while we awaits a matured follicle to develop on my left ovary, we are also saving up for ivf treatment in case my IUI fails. don't get me wrong, we're very hopeful it will succeed. but then again, we got nothing to lose if we start saving. well, except for our weekly lunch/dinner and movie dates but we're willing to give it up so we can have our baby. we made the decision this weekend and P asked me how much it would cost us. i actually have more questions. of course, one at a time. first things first. how much do we need?

i emailed a number of ivf centers that performs ivf in the philippines and other asian countries. some of them already replied. i'm sharing them so some TTC couples have an idea.

in the philippines, there are three known ivf centers: CRM in ortigas, Victory ART in makati and repro-optima in cebu.

CRM in ortigas is the same facility where P and i go to for SA and blood work. doc m also performs ivf there. i already asked him about the costs and he said i should prepare around 300k. i told him i don't want a lot of eggs to be fertilized. i would want only 5 blastocysts (fertilized eggs). during the initial transfer, i would ask 3 of them to be implanted. the 2 will have to wait until for 4-6 years, in case my pregnancy will be successful. doc m wanted 8 blastocysts. the good thing about having more blastocysts is that in case you get dont pregnant, succeeding embryo transfer will only cost around Php45K or so. the con is that you are responsible for the rest of the blastocysts. you have to pay storage fees until such time you are ready to have them implanted. they are your babies after all. you have to pay for freezing your embryo and of course the storage.

in repro-optima cebu, they have a more friendly payment scheme. rough estimate is Php 250,000.00 to Php 300,000.00 depending on the result of hormone assay and sperm analysis. they offer payment schemes such as 0% installment for 6 months, reduced factor rate for 12 to 24 months.

i wasn't able to receive any response from victory art. but i see a lot of girltalkers who had their ivf treatment there. i will try to know more and share the info to you.

Friday, May 27, 2011

Cycle 5 Day 5: It's a Rollercoaster Ride

we're hopeful again. hahaha, i don't know but im starting to feel like a lunatic. one day im sad, the next day is a burst of happiness.

so i went to see doc m today. i showed him the plates of my hsg. he said that there's seem a problem on my right tube. the dye was able to flow but it did not outline my right ovary. basically, its inconclusive. he's not sure if there's an adhesion. the recommendation is to have another hsg or better yet have a laparoscopy. although, laparoscopy is more accurate, it's also an invasive procedure. basically, i will have a cut where the cam will go through. he's not keen on performing that unless i want it. the end result is it will just confirm if my tubes are fine or not. my left tube looks fine though. in summary, he doesn't want me to go through iui if i ovulate on my right side. as for P's sa result, he said its fine as long as the sperm washing will result to more than 1M healthy sperms.

where do we go from here? i can go thru another round of fsh injections so i can produce more eggs on both the ovaries. but doc m says its already too late and i need to wait for another cycle as the injections will have to start on day 2. our best chance for iui THIS cycle is if i ovulate on my left ovary. i had one follicle before during cycle 2 so we're both praying we'll get another mature follicle on my left ovary.

follicle monitoring will be on may 3 or 4 as advised by doc m. if its on the left, we will go back to him for a pregnyl shot and go through with iui.

i also discussed ivf options with doc m. he said my chances are high since im still young. it will costs around 300K depending on the meds. he performs ivf at crm. we're seriously taking that option into consideration. but the big issue is if we can generate that amount within the year. the sub-project "oplan ivf funding". we'll be looking into ways to fund our ivf treatment. its unfortunate that its is not covered by health insurances. im not sure if there's such an institution who would be willing to loan us amount for IVF. if i win the lotto, i will create an institution that will provide ivf loans to those who need it! TTC couples deserve such service.

talking nonsense again... anyway, baby dust to all of us!

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Cycle 5 day 4: SA results

we got P's sa result today and it gotten worse. morphology is now down to 2%. he's no longer hyperzoospermia but viscousity is high. it failed to liquidate in 2 hours even after assisted liquefaction. its a big blow to him after all the supplements he took since february. we certainly didnt expect this. P's feeling worst than ever and felt hopeless. i insisted we continue iui this month but he said it might fail. i told him maybe because he was feeling sick this morning. his stomach is aching bad like he needed to go. im not sure though. so tomorrow im going to see doc m to know our next steps. P doesnt want to come with me anymore. he doesnt want to see a urologist either. i know he wants a baby badly but he doesnt want an operation. one relative of his friend had an a operation, for i think variceole not sure though. the surgery will not guarantee that it will work. until now, they still cant get pregnant.

we are desperate, getting impatient every day. if only we have the money to have ivf, we've already taken it. but for now, we only have each other to rely and give strength and hope... as you know its a sensitive issue too personal to share especially to our families who are overeager for our firstborn.

for now, i just hope doc m can uplift our spirits. we need to hear good news!

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Cycle 5 Day 3: Big Day

my cramps has lessen. yesterday was worst and i had to take pain killer so i can drive to the office. weird thing is my bbt rose to 97.72. but then i woke up late today, so i guess that doesn't count. im still taking fertility blend, 3x a day. P's taking FB for men, 2x a day since he wants to pass his exam... his SA is tomorrow morning.

oh speaking of P... today is his birthday. so no worries for now. we'll just enjoy the day together. it's also St Pio's birthday. unfortunately we can't visit the chapel today. we'll be out of the office as late as 7pm. im not even sure if P's up for a dinner at some resto. even if i wasn't able to wrap a positive pregnancy test kit...i would try to deliver soon. as the saying goes, better late than never.

happy birthday, P!!! i may have not given you the gift that you wanted, but don't worry... we'll work on it, right? enjoy your day! btw, your "invoke-my-birthday rights" is in effect until sunday only ok? no extensions so use it wisely!

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

C5D2: A Small World

yesterday, P and i decided to have another consultation for this cycle. essentially, we wanted to know what went wrong. so we both see doc m at cardinal santos. i showed him my day 14 follicle monitoring results he says everything is perfect. perfect in the sense that both my endometrium and follicles were ready for pregnancy. i ovulated without any meds at all, no clomid, no puregon. only hcg shot just to time the ovulation day. we did BD for 5 consecutive days starting from the day i had my shot, every other day before the shot. blood tests showed my hormone levels are ok, well at least on day 3. im going crazy as to why. so doc m told me to bring my hsg plates, my hysteroscopy pathology report, and P's sa. he wanted to see for himself that everything is ok. he also requested P to take another test to ensure that the SA results he would refer to is up-to-date.

as you know, P's previous SA shows terato-hyperzoospermia which means he has overproduction of soldiers (high sperm count) and most of them are abnormal forms (low morphology). doc m, basically wants to know if P would still yield the same results. if its the same, then he suggests iui. that way, he can wash the sperm, separate the good from the bad which will increase our chances of conceiving. so it all depends now on SA's result which he would take this thursday (2-3 days abstinence).

off-topic, geez since i changed to doc m there have been a lot of off-topic. P liked him because he's all-smiles and show concern. the best part is made us hopeful again. he's also the first doctor i had who calls back his patients. you can reach him anytime. then i saw his full name and it looks familiar. he's a relative of my ex, he's my ex's uncle! i know my ex's family and they've been in contact even after we broke up. all is well though. what's P's reaction all of this? he doesn't care, hahaha. since P feels doc m is much better than my old ob-gyn. plus he performs iui and ivf at crm! hope he can help us to conceive our first baby.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Cycle 5 Day 1: The Trying Times

i was right. my bbt dropped to a low 97.05 today and then the usual morning diarrhea started. i knew for sure right then and there that we failed. the feeling of disappointment washed through me and P. we were both quiet as we knowing that it's another unsuccessful Chloe/Mattie version ???. we stopped counting already but we're determine not to stop.

last sunday, we went to St Pio chapel for a usual Sunday mass and shed just a tear or two during the anointing of oil. i prayed so hard but i knew since we have chosen this path, we should never give up. pray and don't worry is what St Pio said. well, then we just need to try harder, pray harder, and hope all the more.

this week is P's birthday, same day as St. Pio. i have nothing to give him but our efforts and continued belief that the time will come for us to meet our little bundle of joy. for now, its back to the drawing board.

thanks jc and gamzi for lending words of encouragement and support. baby dust to all of us.

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Cycle 4 Day 26: Another day lower

bbt down to 97.59. im 100% sure now that we failed yet again. today we will celebrate P's week-long birthday. but for me, its just like disappointing a little boy who's been good all year on christmas eve. i cant give him what he asked. he didn't ask for a new laptop to replace his old and beaten one even if i insists. i think he's still hopeful. a baby is all i want right now, its what he says. and by God, its what we really truly want. are we asking too much? we even have baby names: chloe francesca if its a girl or matteo asher luis if its a boy. sigh. P talks to them thru my belly during LP days saying they should hold on for nine months and they would get a very, very warm and grand welcome once they get out. oh the feeling i have and joy in his eyes.

this month its not our time and i have to this of nothing but P's birthday. we will continue next cycle to see doc m. P's going to get an updated SA. maybe a couple of blood work. we wont take fertility meds, just FB. and we'll see what would happen. if it isnt successful then we will go for iui.

i thank God for all the blessings we have as we already received a lot. may He also give us strength and patience. our little angel will be here in due time.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Cycle 4 Day 25: Losing Hope

im nearing the end of 2ww. my bbt dropped to 97.73. i was sad but not as much as P. last night we talked about it and i felt his sadness. one of his friends is having a baby and the couple is not yet married. its overwhelming and i need to stay strong to prevent myself from crying. but this morning, i cant help it. i wanted to give him a baby on his birthday. is that asking too much? we have waited, prayed and done what we could. what else do we have to do for it to happen? its unfair! i cant let P see me crying this early, it will sure ruin the whole day. The pain just burst out of me.

tomorrow, my bbt will drop even lower and another cycle will start. how long do we have to go through all of this?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Cycle 4 D24: Feeling down and low

not sure what's happening but i feel so down. i think we're not successful. over the weekend, i had diarrhea that i need to go 4x in a day. it lasted until monday. i didn't know if i ate something bad or what but P wasn't experiencing it. it was just me. i was scared that i would be getting my period early. i still dont have AF but i feel i might which make me feel so sad.

my bbt was up to 97.93 this morning. it usually goes down 2 days before i get AF and i feel like this cycle is not any different. there's a on-off cramping like that i need to go but couldn't. same feeling i have if prior to AF.

frustrating! honestly, i'm getting really really mad and frustrated. why can't i get pregnant!!! and to think that its coupled with the RH bill war over the radio, tv and even on the internet. its crazy how other people can't control their urges to not get pregnant while us on the other hand if spending good money on meds to get pregnant. its a crazy, cruel, cruel world! and they said the rh bill will help alleviate poverty which by the way, is nothing but bull**** to me. my aunt lives in the province and she has around 7 or more (i stopped counting) kids. she said it's all good so that they could help with the farm. that's the tradition before in the provinces... way back when PH is focusing on agriculture. but people started to move away from the province and insist on coming to crowded cities living on government (and sometimes even private) properties. they should relocate them and give them farms for livelihood! its not about catholic opposing the bill... its all about the strategy. what we need to responsible parenting. educate the parents and soon-to-be parents! not just those who are about to marry.

the government is willing to give free condoms but not provide infertility treatments. truth be heard, if it isn't obvious... GETTING PREGNANT IS NOT A SICKNESS, INFERTILITY IS! if you don't want to get pregnant, my gosh, don't do the deed. if you do the deed, then you took the risk of getting yourself a baby bump. deal with it because it's effin' normal! we want to get pregnant, and we do it every single day and end up with nothing! that is not normal! the government won't cover infertility treatment but they're willing to give condoms out from taxpayers money! geez, and to think we are paying for health coverage. it should not be called reproductive bill! deal with the sickness if you want to call it reproductive health bill. otherwise, call it an effin' POPULATION CONTROL BILL!

if you look at it... the best scenario they want is for the rich to reproduce and for the poor to limit their count. those who can afford bring their children in private schools at no cost from the government. they pay for everything, not to mention annual income tax and even higher commodity taxes(VAT). the poor will send their kids to public schools. graduates from the private schools would have higher probability of getting into better jobs than those from public schools. so the rich will go on to be rich and the poor would have a shot on getting rich. where's the equality there?

what we need: responsible parenthood, better education, alternative career outside the city, and infertility treatments for those those couples who can afford to have children. oh wait, the last one was what "I" need, hahaha.

gosh! im talking nonsense! argh, see what the 2ww can make out of me. am sure to cry if ever i get my af! sigh!

Sunday, May 15, 2011

Cycle 4 Day 20: Start of the 2ww

Ah the 3rd part of the cycle is the most painful, yes much worst than PMS as P always say. i do agree with him completely. we have done our part and now we pray, hope and wait. 14 days of waiting. it usually makes me crazy not knowing if we will get pregnant or what. for me, taking a pt is like buying a lotto scratch card, hoping desperately to see those 2 lines.

oh well. today is the start of my 2 week wait. i should have taken my 3rd follicle monitoring but was too lazy to get up. i knew that i have ovulated since my bbt increased from 97.2x to 97.7x. according to fertilityfriend.com, estimated ovulation date is day 14. im assumming its either day 15 or day 16 since d14 was my hcg shot. bd every night till friday. its all up to Him now. please give us good news on st. pio's and P's birthday.

baby dust to all.

Monday, May 9, 2011

Cycle 4 Day 14: New Things Learned

did you know that you dont only have to have the right size of a follicle to conceive, you also need the "ripe" endometrium.  thats what i found out from my new male ob-gyn, doc m.

thats right, all the while i thought that just having the size of 1.8cm is enough. apparently, the figure should be an average of the size. you see, since the follicles are not perfect cicles, you have to get the estimated size of it my getting the average.  my previous follicle monitoring result shows a size of 1.83cm by 0.94cm.  the average is around 0.9cm. it was not yet mature.  i had another ultrasound just now to reveal that it has grown bigger, 2.04cm x 1.63cm x 2.07cm. average size is now est. 1.91cm. which is good.

as for the endometrium, it should be triple line. there should be a thin black/gray line according to my doctor. if it isn't then we need to skip this cycle and wait for the next one.  i would be a candidate for hormone injectables.

but lo and behold! my endometrium is still triple line with 1.29cm thickness. he gave me the go signal to have my pregnyl shot today.  baby dance all the way on the 3rd day.  then i have to report back to him, if i got pregnant or not.

you might me wondering how i came across with this new ob-gyn.  and to think he's a he.  why him? well, dra v. wasn't available. she's on leave until thursday.  dra. s. i can't afford her right now since we just decided to buy a parking slot for our condo unit. since i still want to push through with this cycle, i search the intellicare website for affiliated doctors.  then i cross reference it to the psrei members. and found out that cardinal santos is just walking distance from my office.  that's how i picked doc m.  he's super nice.  he even gave me his mobile number so i can text him the result of my ultrasound. im not much of a texter so i called him to tell the results. he was no nice and told me that everything's good.  all i have to do is to go to crm (yup the same crm where i got my blood test and P's sperm analysis) to get my pregnyl shot.

i got there, shamelessly (i know, am sooo desperate for make this cycle a success) called him again because the nurse wanted confirmation that i did have prescription.  doc m didn't give me one. he gave instructions to the nurse. now, i got my two ampules (i think) of pregnyl
 for php5000 (php2500 each). the nurse injected it into my right butt cheek.  hurts a lot worst than on my tummy.

funny off-topic, my sonologist saw my doc advise and she asked if my ob was "the handsome doctor she knew" and "if he's already married?".  i cracked a smile. i didnt know the answers. honestly, i can't even remember how he look.  but am sure he's definitely not bad looking.  all is well afterwards. more hopeful than ever! he advised me to go see him after two weeks. maybe i will! he exudes positive aura to me that i feel like everything is going to be ok.

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Saturday, May 7, 2011

Cycle 4 Day 12: Surprise! DF without meds

sorry if i havent posted anything. i did havemy follicle monitoring at megaclinic for php2200 for 3 sessions. we were surprised, the result says that i have one dominant follicle with a size 1.83cm. i dont know if it was caused by parlodel or fertility blend. but it was indeed good news. i didnt need clomid and puregon to produce follicles. and at day 11, its already mature. before, at day 14, my biggest follicle is just around 1.5cm. tomorrow, i will have another tvu and if it still didnt burst, i will have a checkup with any available ob. but hopefully, i should ovulate at day 14 this cycle. needless to say, the baby dance already started. ;-) everything is so good, no stress on meds, checkups, etc. high positive energy.

baby dust to all of us.