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?)
Just Stop Trying and It Will Happen... 
That is so awesome! I hope you get accepted. I also hope you get to try the Menopur, since you’ve already tried the others. The shots aren’t bad at all (not sure if you’re worried about that part or not). The Menopur would require the most visits, though, as they have to monitor you to adjust the dosage… but totally worth it if it gets you pregnant!
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Good luck!! Winning either way sounds great 😉
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Wow, what an awesome opportunity!
I must say though that 8 visits per cycle sounds about right. I think that was the case for me. An u/s at the beginning of a cycle to check there are no unhatched eggs left behind. They put you on femara. Then from about day 9 they start prforming daily u/s and blood tests to catch ovulation or the moment your follicle reaches the right size. This can go on from day 9 for a few days. Then back for progesterone test and supposito prescription if needed. Then back for the pregnancy test…
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That is awesome! I hope you get accepted into the study. You deserve some extra assistance.
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Sending prayers and wishing you the best!!!
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This sounds awesome! Best of luck!
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THis sounds amazing!! Free IUI!!
When do you find out if you have been accepted? Is the study through a university??
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PS I love you blog name. If I had a dollar for everytime someone told us to ‘stop trying.’
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LOL. If I had a dollar for every time someone said that to me, I wouldn’t need free IUI! 😉
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