We found out that Kaiser doesn't cover IVF. It was all a bit misleading because I was told that my insurance covers 50% of infertility treatments, but when it came time to ask about IVF, the most expensive infertility treatment, I was told that IVF was the only thing not covered. I think they should have told me that from the get go. Maybe something like, "Your insurance covers 50% of infertility treatments, excluding IVF." Yes, that would have been nice, but in the big picture, it doesn't really matter. All of the experiences I've had up to this point have led me to exactly where I was meant to be. It is all unfolding perfectly.
We ended up not ever meeting with our infertility doctor at Kaiser to talk about IVF. Instead, due to many signs from the Universe, like people coming across our path unexpectedly that had similar experiences or that had heard of the place we ended up choosing,we were led to HRC in Rancho Cucamonga. We had our first consultation visit with Dr. Norion, the doctor at HRC Rancho, yesterday. He was exactly as people had described to me - caring, compassionate, kind, intelligent, and a bit quirky. I fell in love with him the first minute I met him, and I knew right away that I had come to a place that was the perfect fit for Brad and I.
Let me back up - before I even met Dr. Norion, I had wonderful experiences with HRC. The ladies I spoke with on the phone were authentically caring and nice. The email that I received regarding my first consultation was detailed and it said something comforting - "HRC Fertility loves children. However, the presence of children can be very difficult for those struggling with infertility. Please try to make child care arrangements before bringing your children to appointments." Wow! How considerate of people going through infertility! When we got to HRC for our appointment, the ladies were just as nice in person as they were on the phone. I didn't have to knock on a door and cross my fingers that someone would let me in, like I had to with infertility department at Kaiser. I simply walked in and they were expecting Brad and I! The lady at the front said that they had just received our medical records from Kaiser that morning - another sign (to me, at least). After filling out paperwork, which was no biggie at all, a nurse called me back to take my blood pressure and heart rate. She had to redo my heart rate because my pulse was really high - I was a little nervous - not nervous in a bad way - nervous in a this-new-journey-is-about-to-really-happen way. Then, someone came out and gave us a folder of information. The first page included a quote that gave me chills, "Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen." That was the only thing on the page. I had just bought a framed quote from Home Goods two weeks prior that had spoken to me...guess what the quote was? Yes, it was the same quote!
After all that, Dr. Norion came out to the lobby to greet Brad and I and to bring us back to his office. Wow! The doctor came out to get us?!?! He walked us back to his office and we spilled our guts to him. I tried to include every detail. I was actually calmer than I had expected. At the first consultation with Kaiser, I remember crying as I told the infertility doctor about our struggle. With Dr. Norion, I felt calm and collected. I felt like he was a long lost friend that really cared about our journey. When he spoke, it didn't sound like a script, although I know that it was. How could it not be? But I didn't feel like it was, and that's what mattered.
Dr. Norion had already taken the time to review our medical records sent over from Kaiser before we had met with him. He asked me if anyone has every mentioned PCOS to me before. I shook my head no. After doing an ultrasound with him, he confirmed that he thought I was borderline PCOS and had more follicles than normal on one of my ovaries. Since I didn't have any of the other symptoms of PCOS (irregular ovulation and/or period, etc.), it wasn't something that had been suggested. Interesting!
Back in his office, Dr. Norion said we could try a medicated IUI, but that IVF would have a higher percent of success. Brad and I had already discussed before seeing Dr. Norion, that we'd do whatever he thought was best. Therefore, that means we're going to do IVF. No more IUIs. No more Kaiser.
We then met with a lady that explained the lab work and tests that I'd need to complete before moving forward with IVF. We ended our consult talking about the cost of IVF.
There sure is a lot to IVF, but I honestly feel like Brad and I are going to have a wonderful experience doing it. Always believe that something wonderful is about to happen, right??
