...if you are still pregnant, then I do think it's inappropriate to ask at all. I can definitely see it being uncomfortable while you are still vulnerable (sorry, I didn't know you were still pregnant, OP).

My hope for all of you is that this Thanksgiving you find comfort in the love you currently have around you, and that nosey relatives stay away!

For us, I'm dreading hearing my MIL gab on and on about my (amazingly perfect) SIL who is pregnant (in fact, she's so wonderful she never manages to spend any holidays with her mom - isn't that always the case!). My SIL knows we have to do IVF because, against my wishes, my DH told her - "she's a doctor!". Her response was, "who is going to give her the shots". So F her. But I know it's coming and I'm just going to curse her in my head. And have some wine/dessert.

I would never phrase it, "are they natural?" but as someone who is new to the TTC world, I have a friend pregnant with twins and I do want to know solely because I'm interested in hearing other people's story. I won't ask, but do keep in mind that there are some of us who could use the info from someone with fertility stories.

My cousin just has twins, and he's pretty open that they were IVF. I think if you're a success story, it really shouldn't be something to be ashamed of because the more people know about "us" (male infertility included), maybe the more support we'll have for IVF coverage in insurance and whatnot.

Just a thought!

My husband talks about how excited he is to become an uncle, while I research and try to bite my to the that his 'male issues' are why we need IVF. It is insanely insensitive and when I bring it up, he says stuff li,e why are you so worried it won't work. Besides that I don't like his sister, who he to.d we are doing ivf ("she's a doctor!" but her response to the info was, 'who will give her the shots'), I find it a little rough that he seems to be more excited about his siter giving birth to a kid he'll likely see once a year than he is about 1) trying to TTC naturally still before we start ivf or 2) learning about ivf - we have friends that went through it, and the guy would talk to my husband about what to expect, and he knows more that a first year attending ER doc.....
Sigh
I vent because many men really don't seem to get how taxing this is -emotionally, physically, (and mine financially - he assumes it'll work, who it won't be too expensive). I don't think there really is a way for them to know, so I have sort of given up. He shows up to appointments when I tell him to. As long as they aren't intentionally making I worse, what can ya do?

I currently have Aetna, switching to md ipa and GW takes both do I tried to get an appointment with a PCP for December to start a cycle ASAP in January and the first appointment I could get with anyone at GW was January 14, hence the recommendation to call as soon as you know your plans. I'm sure other docs can see you sooner if you don't care where you go, but for me, GW is easy because of the docs system and it's a few stops away from work.

One question for veterans: if I want to change OBs (again, going to GW because it's convenient), should I do that sooner too? I am a patient at Foxhall but it was a major schlep and if (when?!) I get pregnant, it would be a huge time waster driving there. I've never had an OB in DC (my PCP did all that) so I don't know the waits for new patients.

Mazel tov! Hope all news is good news from now on, and happy/healthy 7 mo (that you have left!)

I would think it is a good time to stay busy (though relatives can be nosey). Good luck! Hope you get good news

14:49: which nurse do you have?

I guess I was assigned Melissa, whoI've read on here is great, but I haven't heard back from her about two things (my Rx and a question about the procotol).

I'm not in a rush, but it is unlike them, to me, since I've always had great service. If I don't hear back by the time I'm back from Thanksgiving, I'll call, because I need the Rx for BCPs.

Eta: all set, she was helpful as they always seem to be! They definitely have ha jobs, and it seems like this is the start of their busy season, so it is nice to know even when I haven't started, they are responsive. Trying to remain positive!

Thanks, 17:31 (why don't people register names here...hard to keep track of threads!)

I would love to know more about your cycle at GW if you feel like posting about it as it goes along.

Which nurse do you have?

Best of luck!

Hi there:
I'm an Aetna customer and am leaving them for MD IPA so we can start our first cycle, hopefully in January (with everyone else!)

My recommendation would be to find a doc ASAP.

The first PCP appointment I could get was January 14th.

Since I'm doing IVF with GW, I figured I'd go to a GW doc since they all take the same insurances. The internal medicine department only takes new people at the G Street location or where ever it is.

So even before you have the insurance, make the appointment.

I had the ivf class at GW today and it was helpful. The nurse was friendly and informative and the class was packed.

Later Dr G went overly blood work and I was cleared to start a cycle with lower doses of meds because my FSHand everything is normal.

So, will start bcp at my final cycle of 2012 and hope to start in January once I switch to md ipa.

I have been very impressed with GW so far am trying to remaine positive as we go on with them.

I have switched almost all to decaf, sadly. I miss my real coffee but when I brew at home, I just make it strong.

I am in the club of trying to lose lbs too.....would like to get ten down prior to starting (I lost 75 then my husband got back from Afghanistan and I gained a little back, so I am hopeful that my original loss and still being very active is a positive)

Its best to give up the deliciousness earlier than later, sadly...sigh...

I have nothing to add other than a hug, and my hopes for you that with each day, things get easier.
Sending love

Thanks for your reply 13:32....have you started your protocol with them?

I've been impressed, too - I think I've been emailing with Katherine - and she's very responsive. I haven't started anything yet, just waiting for the class and blood test consultation (which I'm not trying not to worry about) since our issues are currently only male factor.

I saw their stats, and which the latest (2010) were pretty bad, it does seem that they don't turn anyone away which is why. I'm trying to stay positive and keep telling myself that if it's only male factor, we should be OK and give ourselves one or two attempts before we freak out.

Does anyone have updated views on GW? We were supposed to have our IVF class, but then the hurricane happened so we're scheduled for the upcoming Tuesday. Just looking for experiences.

We have to do IVF w/ ICSI (I'm 31, and just had my day-3 blood test on Wed with a follow up for Tuesday after our class).

Anyone else attending or just starting there?