Questions for the doc

In preparation for my visit to see the fertility specialist on Tuesday (9/7) I generated a list of questions.  Not sure I captured everything I need to ask, but it's a start. 

Process
• What procedures are performed during the prescreening? How long does the prescreening test take?
• Does it occur in a single visit or over a series of visits?
• When should I have the prescreening done? That is, how far in advance?
• Day 3 blood work, is that day 3 of the start of my cycle or start of heavy bleeding?
• How far in advance do I need to call to come in to have blood work done?
• Once the prescreening is done how often will I need to come in?
• How will you determine when I am ovulating? Will you do an ultrasound? If so, what is the process and what is the cost?
• Do you recommend me tracking my ovulation? If yes, what is the best way to do so (i.e., basal temp, ovulation kit)? How long should I track?
• Will you prescribe drugs to stimulate ovulation? If so, what kind?

Costs
• How much does it cost?
• Can I get a written cost estimate?
• Are there other costs associated with a recommended procedure not mentioned in the price of treatment?
• Is the cost for an IUI the same each time?
• How can I minimize cost?
• Is there anything I can have done by my regular OBGYN that would be covered by my insurance?

Success Rates
• What are my chances of getting pregnant ? Based on my age?
• What can I do to increase my chances that I will get pregnant (i.e., certain foods, exercise, etc.)?
• What is the typical number of attempts for IUI before it is successful?

Sperm Donor
• What aspects should I consider when looking at a sperm donor?
• Is there a sperm bank you recommend?
• Once I identify a donor what should I do?
• How many vials should I order?

General Questions
• Can/should I wait till I lose more weight to start? If yes, how much would you recommend I weight before starting the process?
• What medications do I need to stop taking and how far in advance should I stop taking them?
• What do I need to do to prepare to get pregnant (i.e., prenatal vitamins, vaccinations)?
• Do you recommend any alternative therapies like acupuncture?
• Is there a person I can talk to/email if I have questions between appointments?
• What are your hours?

My journey

Welcome to my blog.  My intent with this blog is to share my journey to motherhood.  How I will get there is anyones guess right now, but my hope is that I can use artificial insemination to get pregnant.  How did I get here?  In order to understand that I need to tell you a little bit about me....

I dated this one guy on and off for years hoping that it would lead to marriage.  Well, last year he did indeed get married, but it wasn't to me.  When it happened, I can say without shame, that my world fell apart.  I am just now getting my life back together.  Along the way came the realization that I am 39 and no closer to having the life I always dreamed about.  You know, the one with a husband and at least 2 kids.  I know that marriage and kids is no picnic, but not having them is no picnic either, especially when that's all you've ever dreamed of your whole life.  Skip to early July and a conversation I had with a friend.  We were at dinner and she jokingly suggested I use a sperm donor.  Who knew that one innocent comment could change the path I was currently on, certainly not me that's for sure.

The idea of not having to wait for Mr. Right and taking my future into my own hands really resonated with me.  I had considered adoption a few months previous, but never got much further than just a consideration.  There is something about having a baby growing inside of me, one who is a part of me that appeals to me.  So I did what I do best; I researched.  I did google searches on "donor insemination," "artificial insemination," "sperm bank," "IUI" you name it I researched it.  I found a lot of good stuff.  I felt prepared enough to talk to my OBGYN so I made an appointment.  Armed with a list of questions I spoke to my OBGYN who said I needed to talk to a fertility specialist since they don't perform any of the procedures in their office.  That was back in early August.  I made the appointment with the fertility specialist right away, but my appointment isn't until this coming Tuesday.  Once again I am armed with questions.  I fear the doctor is going to hate me for it, but I really need to know the facts before I make a decision about whether or not I should do this. At my age what are my chances? 

So, why a blog you ask?  Well, in my research I found some great blogs from women following my same path.  Some further along than others, but all interested in becoming a single mom by choice just like me.  Reading those blogs has been so encouraging.  It has shown me I'm not alone despite the fact that I have shared my desire with only a handful of people in my life.  I want to join the ranks of my fellow single mom by choice bloggers and share my experience in hopes of helping someone else.  I'm still in the thinking stage, but let's face it - I know in the end I will try because I don't want to live with the regret of knowing that I had a chance and I didn't take it.  Having said that, first I need to figure out if I can afford it, what all is involved with the process, and what are my chances.  I'm hoping that my appointment with the RE will shed some light on my questions.  Wish me luck.