Some people like me work to live. If I can live without working, why not. My job keeps me from things I would rather do: read great books, oil paint, exercise, garden, cook, etc. Also, if your spouse's income is high enough, your income goes directly to taxes.

If I had to start all over again, I would definitely do the shared risk. When I first started, all my tests came back normal and I didn't get a diagnose. After 5 failed IUIs, I moved onto IVF. The doctor quoted a 45% success rate for us. I responded differently in the 1st & 2nd cycles but responded the same in the 2nd & 3rd cycles. No fertilization in the 1st & 2nd cycles but transferred 3 grade AA and AB embryos in the 3rd cycle, which resulted in BFN. Now, we have a $7K balance and the clinic won't see us until that's paid off (we're making monthly payments). The clinic got paid regardless .. if I had to do again, I'll put some of the risk onto the clinic, instead of taking the $35K risk ourselves.

Since this clinic won't see us, we made an appointment with Shady Grove and is looking into the shared program. For those of you who has or is in the program, can you let me know what the requirements are? Their website only list under age 39, which I meet. Thanks!