CD4: Pushing Papers

Had to fax in a buttload of medical tests and stuff to the clinic today. I'm missing few things and am feeling frustrated over the pencil pushers who come up with these standardized lists for ALL patients:

Mock embryo transfer: I'm on IVF cycle 9. Can't we just use previous notes? Seriously, does the depth of ones uterus change all that much? Also, I'm not sure that I will transfer anything. My plan is to freeze everything and do a FET to get a prime lining/environment OR to use a gestational carrier.

ABO blood group: Hope they'll take the 2005 test result. I can guarantee it hasn't changed.

CF status: Same as above. That ain't changed.

Counseling from high risk ob/gyn (mandatory for over 45): I've done 4 IVF cycles after my 45th birthday. Do I really need to be counseled at this late date?

Clearance from family physician to do IVF: See above. I just did 4 since my 45th birthday (I turn 46 in November). Also, I have PPO insurance...I see specialists when I'm sick. I don't even have a primary care doctor. Help?

I faxed off a massive stack of tests to the clinic tonight and added a long note about each of the outstanding ones. Hopefully I can update my bloodwork on Friday.

Last on the list, once I have the green light, is to order my sperm to be delivered next week. I'm hoping that I can pick up the canister in person and then drive it to my clinic the same day (or the next morning). I think that the dry ice (or whatever they use) is supposed to be good for something like 3 to 5 days. Hopefully that is true! All I know is that priority shipping for these things can be pricey, but I'll have to weigh out the cost versus the headache of dealing with NYC traffic, parking in the Financial District (sheer hell on a business day), and the overall stress of it all.

Shipping may win out. :-)

And I had a great call with Aetna today. I had to get a pre-auth code from them for my cycle, and the lady on the line said that I could actually transfer into a gestational carrier! A few months ago they said that if I used a carrier that my cycle would not be covered at all. I pleaded with my company that it was discriminatory to bar women with screwed uteruses from cycling or having children.

They agreed.

And now women at my company can use a gestational surrogate. I can't tell you how fabulous a victory that was.

(grinning wildly!)