January 31st, 2012. CD19.
This is gonna have to be quick, but I promise a full update later today or tomorrow for sure…
On my way home last Wednesday, I heard a radio ad recruiting for a research study of women trying to have babies. There were no details, just a name and a phone number. I was driving, and couldn’t take down the number, but I remembered the doc’s name (Diamond… girls’ best friend!), and Googled him when I got home…
Turns out, the research study is for unexplained infertility. More specifically, rates of multiples with IUI using three different medications: Clomid, Femara, and Menopur.
I called on Thursday morning, was put through a short screen, and was set up with an appointment and directions to have medical records sent over for previous treatments and procedures I’ve had done.
This has been a very quick, very unexpected thing. It’s also a huge blessing, and will continue to be if after my initial testing, I am fully accepted into the study.
With the research, comes the study benefits:
Free medications (it’s a blind study, so I won’t know if I’m taking Clomid or Femara, but I will know if I take Menopur, since it’s an injectable).
Free monitoring, both blood testing and ultrasounds.
And up to four fully funded IUI cycles!
I am ecstatic about all of this, and nervous at the same time. I’m mostly nervous about the commitment factor here… the research clinic is an hour and a half away, and they require a certain number of visits per cycle (up to eight, yikes!), and that means time away from work. My boss and coworkers are totally on board, but it’s still a lot to handle.
I’m also nervous that I won’t be accepted for one reason or another… but I keep telling myself that if I am disqualified from a study on unexplained infertility, it will be because they figured out why I am having fertility issues.
Either way I win, right?
Anyway, the first visit is today, and I’m leaving shortly to start my adventure. I can hardly wait to get this show on the road!
More updates later, I promise!
(If you’re the praying type, shoot a little word upwards for me, ‘kay?)