Sunday, September 27, 2015

CCRM Consultation


Friday was my consultation with Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, or CCRM.  If you guys are familiar with Giuliana Rancic then you may have heard of CCRM and Dr. Schoolcraft.  This is the same clinic where she and her husband Bill sought treatment for the infertility and were ultimately told, due to her breast cancer diagnosis, that she would be best using a gestational carrier (which she did and she ended up with the cutest boy, Duke).  

After I posted about our WTF consultation with Dr. LdM and the fact that he thought we needed to move forward with donor eggs, many people suggested looking into CCRM.  At first I really just brushed it off thinking, there is no way in hell that we would be able to consider doing a treatment out of state.  After doing some research of my own I realized that at least the free phone consultation was probably worth it.  Just to at least hear an opinion from a doctor that practices at the number one fertility center in the country was enough for me to make an appointment.  

I knew that I probably wasn't going to want to wait for an appointment with Dr. Schoolcraft because I believe he is probably the most sought-after fertility specialist in this country so I decided that I would just take the next available appointment that fit into my schedule.  I had my appointment with Dr. Laxmi Kondapalli and she was amazing!  First off, she called me 15 minutes early which I think is practically unheard of in the world of medicine.  She was so sweet right off the bat and wanted to walk through all of my cycles first.  

After reviewing everything together she told me she didn't really feel much of a concern about my egg quality, especially based on the fact that I ended up with 7 day-5 blastocysts.  She said that is actually a pretty good indication that my quality is probably OK because if it weren't I wouldn't have nearly as many, if any, day-5 blastocysts.  This really made me feel a lot better and kind of confirmed what I was already thinking on my own.  She said that I can certainly continue the supplements that I am on.  

She also suggested that if we were to do a fresh cycle with them (or if we wanted to have our frosties transferred to their clinic) that she highly recommends Comprehensive Chromosome Screening or CCS testing, similar to PGS testing.  I told her that I was very adamant about wanting that testing done no matter where we would do another fresh cycle and she agreed that should be at the top of my list of wants.  

She was definitely eager to get us out there as soon as possible, but we are going to continue with our frozen transfer at this time which she understands.  Her nurse has already called and given me the information about what we would need to do if we did decided to pursue treatment with them.  It would be a full day of labs in Colorado which would include an ultrasound, hysteroscopy, AMH testing, semen analysis and DNA fragmentation test, infectious disease tests, resting follicle test and more.  We would then have to have testing done back at home and the labs would be shipped to them. They do all of their lab work in their own labs including the CCS testing.

I should be hearing from their business center soon about the costs and what insurance will cover since they are out of state.  I'm not sure that this will ever be an option for us, but I am really happy that I decided to consult with them.  We all hope that our next frozen cycle will work and we won't need to pursue further treatment, but I am glad that we are taking the necessary steps in the right direction to move forward if we need to.  



13 comments:

  1. When I read this I felt so excited because it feels like the clinic I'm going to now. Although it is out of your state is there any way possible that you can get meds with your insurance or at least the lab tests? I'm praying for you and I really feel you won't have the need to go to any other state. I feel like your FET will work but all in Gods Glory. I'll be praying for you. xoxo

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  2. I'm so glad you got good news. It's nice to have your thoughts and feelings affirmed.

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  3. Glad to hear the consult went well and the dr thinks your egg quality is good! Hopefully when you hear back from them it's an option you guys can consider although I know out of state treatment can be stressful itself. Good luck girl!
    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  4. I loved that you shared this will us. This sounds like something I would, and now can do. A free consult? yes please! I'm reading the book "it starts with the egg" now too based on your recommendation. I had just finished reading the beginning part about BPA and the some of the studies done. And the one by Schoolcraft about the chromosomal testing. I will FOR SURE being pushing for this as well. I also echo the above comments, its good to always get another opinion, and from the best clinic around - good for you!

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  5. So glad this went well. I know I have said this before, but I LOVE how you advocate! Just looking at your notes and all the questions you asked, I just think it's so awesome! So many people just walk in and just do exactly what the doctor says without asking questions or anything!

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  6. This kind of reaffirms that we know our bodies best, right? So glad you are continuing to listen to your heart! Best of luck for this cycle, lots of positive vibing your way!

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  7. How drive & devotion to become a mother is amazing. I love how you are exploring every option! Can't wait to see you reach the end of your journey!

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  8. Im hoping your next cycle works. Its good to know of the options in case it doesnt but Im holding out hope for ya.

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  9. I am so happy you are following your gut and researching your options. I sure hope that your insurance carrier is kind to you!

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  10. Love this and so excited for you! You are such an inspiration to anyone in the trenches of infertility! Shine bright girl! xo

    waitingforbabybird.com

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  11. glad the consult went well! i hope it's good news when you hear back from them, girl.

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  12. This is great news!! I think it's awesome that you're doing your research and are so informed about your options. You have to be your own advocate when it comes to infertility and you totally are. Positive thoughts!!

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  13. Glad you decided to get the consult even though I hope you won't need to go out there. Hoping your frosties do the trick! Hugs.

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