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Monday, April 4, 2011

Follow-Up on Acupunture

I decided I'd look into it. The "other clinic" has helped me find a fertility acupunturist in my area, as in less than 20 minutes from my house. We've been communicating via Twitter. They didn't know anyone in the immediate area but they got some recommendations for me-how sweet! I called this morning to get info and they were busy. They caught me a little off-guard when they called but here goes our convo: I answer the phone with the generic "Place of Employment, this is A." Acu Place (AP): Where is this? I repeat it. AP: Well, that sounds like a fun place to work! This is Dr. AP's office. So you want to have a baby? Me (totally off guard): Um...yes. AP: How long have you been trying? Me: About a year and a half. (First time I've verbally said this aloud, its so much harder than typing or reading that and I could feel the tears coming) AP: Oh, so you've done all the tests and it's you, not him? Me (whispering bc both my bosses are in the cube next to me): No, we have male factor. AP: Oh, like low count? Me: Umm...yes (in my mind I was thinking VERY LOW) and yes, we've done all the "tests" and actually already done a fresh cycle of IVF. We plan on doing a frozen transfer in the fall. AP: Okay, let me check with the doctor real quick. She then starts talking to the doctor AND I CAN HEAR THE WHOLE CONVERSATION!!! Basically, she told him I sounded like a "young girl" (what am I 12???) and his response was, "Well I can increase his count but it'll take some time!" She gets back on the phone: Okay, yes we can work with that. The doctor would like to meet with you. Me: Umm...I heard your whole conversation and it's not for my husband but for me. We already have the embryos so he's not really, uh...participating this time around. AP: Oh, ok. My daughter is about to be a surrogate so I kind of understand the whole IVF thing. (in my head I'm thinking, yeah...I hope someone does there since that's supposed to be like your specialty). Me: Ha, ha-yeah. (That's my response when I got nothing). Okay, well as I asked previously, do you know if you accept my insurance? AP: You'll have to talk to your insurance company and call us back. We hung up and I called the insurance company. After being on hold for 5 minutes, I found out that-SHOCKER-they don't cover it! Like what did I really expect? So all in all, after a really crappy weekend, a busy and not fabulous Monday, this conversation just kind of sent me over the edge and I spent my last half hour at work fighting tears. It sucks to say out loud how long we've been trying to think it may never work and then the doctor sounded irritated in the background and the nurse/secretary (or whoever it was that called) sounded like a dingbat! Think that sounds bad, just wait for my next post about the dentist!

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

UGH, that does not sound like a good convo!!! =( Hope your week gets a hell of a lot better!

Anonymous said...

Yikes....usually acupuncturists are more laid back. Have you looked into different acupuncture practices yourself? Even if they don't specialize in fertility, the stress reduction, blood building aspect is pretty generic. They can easily find the sites needed, at least you'd be with someone nice and caring!

Nink said...

I'm so sorry for that awful experience. My acupuncturist's office was somewhat similar. Even though they specialized in acupuncture for infertile couples, they seemed really unprofessional. And, to top it off, my insurance didn't cover them either. Well, I'd take it as a sign to maybe look elsewhere? I know it's such a pain to constantly have to look, but if acupuncture is something you want to look into, you definitely want to go into an office that makes you feel welcome from the very beginning (on the first phone call). I'm getting very excited for your FET in the Fall because I really, truly believe it'll work. :)

SLES75 said...

the receptionist at my acupuncturist's office was hilarious...slightly unprofessional, but entertaining none the less. But it turned out to be a good thing. She really doesn't really know much about the actual procedure, but the TCM guy does and he's the one needling me!

I hope it works out. I absolutely love it!!! My hubs thinks it's helped keep me even keeled for this whole process.

Miss Mac said...

I go to a very small office with one acupuncturist (he IS the receptionist) and it's never stressful. If you didn't get a good first impression, you could always check around... you sure don't want it to be added stress! Hope it works out!

Kim said...

That is so frustrating, the insurance thing is a kicker. I am sorry it didnt end up being a viable solution, I hope the perfect solution/opportunity lands on your lap soon. Dont give up, your making progress even when you dont feel like it. xoxoxox

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear about that conversation (so weird!) and about the lack of coverage . . . I will say, even though I am not pregnant yet,that even if my insurance didnt' cover acu I would find a way to keep going. I have seen huge strides in my own health and cycle as well as my emotional well-being! Good luck. Gosh I hope tomorrow is a better day for you :)